• World leaders visit Indonesia
“We had an incredible experience at the revival meeting at ‘Bumi Kaktus Sports Hall’ in Indonesia, where 4658 young Salvationists gathered to worship,” said General Lyndon Buckingham.
“During the call to pray, it was a truly inspiring moment as 263 young people, deeply moved and committed, responded. Many of them expressed their heartfelt desire to serve as future Salvation Army officers.
“We praise God for the opportunity to witness this!”
International leaders General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries) arrived in Indonesia on 27 May for a week of celebrations in the territory. These included a corps inauguration, a thanksgiving meeting, a graduation evening, youth revival meeting and the ordination and commissioning of the Defenders of Justice session.
At the inauguration of Jonooge #1 Corps, the General encouraged the congregation to rejoice in God’s grace in rebuilding the corps, which was devastated by the massive 2018 earthquake. With the support of the local government, donors, and the hard work and self-reliance of a congregation mostly made up of farmers, the 1000-person-capacity building was completed in just over five years.
On the same day, officers’ councils were held in Palu. Officers from seven divisions and two regions – comprising 567 retired and active officers – attended the service.
Celebrating 130 years
A thanksgiving service celebrating 130 years of The Salvation Army’s ministry in Indonesia took place 30 May in Palu, with 11,676 Salvation Army soldiers attending.
The Deputy Governor of Central Sulawesi and the Head of Interfaith Communication Forum for Central Sulawesi, were also present.
That afternoon, Salvation Army youth held a revival meeting at the Bumi Kaktus sports hall. Despite the hot weather, the General and Commissioner Bronwyn enthusiastically participated in the energetic youth service. The General encouraged the 4658 young Salvationists to, like Peter, listen to God’s voice and not give up easily when facing challenges, committing their youth to God’s plan.
Striving for God’s justice
The culmination of the General’s visit was the ordination and commissioning weekend. The event, held in Jakarta on 1–2 June, began with the graduation night for the second-year cadets of the Defenders of Justice session, the promotion of 54 first-year cadets of the Champions of the Mission session, and the Silver Star Fellowship Night. Commissioner Bronwyn offered words of gratitude, appreciating the dedication of parents who had allowed their children to become Salvation Army officers.
The following day, more than 1000 people filled the Jakarta #1 Corps for the ordination and commissioning service. In his sermon, the General urged the lieutenants to live up to their session’s name and strive for God’s justice to be truly upheld.
The Indonesia Territory was blessed by the presence of the international leaders. Spiritual renewal has been declared by God through their ministry.
For the full story from Captain Febe Ambitan, Territorial Digital Communication Officer, Indonesia Territory, click here.
To view more photos from the Indonesia visit, click on the arrow below.
