March Forth! Marssige Edasi!

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF LEADS 'ELEVATION CELEBRATION' IN MOSCOW

'I wish everyone in The Salvation Army could be here today to witness this historic event,' said the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, at the 'Elevation Celebration' Congress in Moscow marking the change in status of the Eastern Europe Command to that of territory. 'The Salvation Army is in Eastern Europe by God's design and purpose,' he added. 'There have been long, hard days, but it has been worth it all.'

The Eastern Europe Command officially became a territory on 1 March. The Chief of the Staff, on behalf of General John Larsson, was in Moscow with Commissioner Eva Gaither to lead the congress.The atmosphere at the congress was warm and vibrant as delegates welcomed pioneers from the early days of The Salvation Army in Eastern Europe, greeted the new Chief Secretary and Secretary for Mission Development, Lieut-Colonels Bo and Birgitte Brekke, and looked forward to a new chapter in the history of The Salvation Army in Eastern Europe.

Songs of praise, drama items and dance from Salvationists representing the five countries of the territory – Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Russia and Ukraine – were a prominent and inspiring part of the weekend celebration.

So too were the awards, honours and certificates presented throughout, culminating with the Chief of the Staff admitting Sister Nina Sergeevna Davidovich to the Order of the Founder, the highest Salvation Army honour for distinguished service.

Commissioner Gaither conferred the honour on Nina, 'For compassionate Christ-inspired ministry that reaches and embraces the needs of the poor, the ill and the homeless in Russia through which she has displayed personal courage and sacrifice, perseverance and faith despite opposition, suffering and loss.'

'You have exhibited outstanding service to vulnerable and suffering people,' said the Chief, 'and have constantly displayed a spirit of compassion, faith and exceptional bravery.'

Nina humbly thanked all who had prayed for her over the years, particularly during the months she was held hostage in Chechnya.

Territorial Commander Colonel Barry Pobjie presented certificates of appreciation to Lieut-Colonels John and Bjorg Bjartveit, and Commissioner Reinder J. Schurink, pioneers during the re-opening of The Salvation Army's work in Russia from 1991 to 1994.

'We are here because they came, and so much of what we have here today is a result of their foundation-laying efforts,' Colonel Pobjie said.

The colonel also presented the Chief of the Staff with a plaque of appreciation for International Headquarters. 'We are here because you always have been there for us,' he said.

Commissioner Gaither thanked God for the visionaries of the past, for the foresight of General Eva Burrows in re-opening the work in Russia, and for the vigorous leadership of the Pobjies.

'The spirit of God is here, alive, and in his people,' he said. 'The official elevation is not the beginning or the end, it's a continuation of the journey, and we still have more battles to fight and achievements to attain.'

He encouraged Colonel Pobjie to 'never let the flag fall'. And he challenged the delegates to continue to announce the good news, to be active on behalf of God, and never to forget the gracious God they serve.

The Saturday evening concert was a night of music, dance, praise and celebration.

Colonel Barry Pobjie appointed Brother Yuri Gulanitsky as Territorial Sergeant-Major, Commissioner Eva D. Gaither enrolled four new junior soldiers, and Episcopal Bishop Sergei Ryahovski offered his congratulations to The Salvation Army and asked a special blessing on the Army's growth in Eastern Europe.

The congress concluded with the holiness meeting. Using the theme of the Moscow 2012 Olympic Bid Committee, 'Imagine It Now', the Chief of the Staff encouraged delegates to declare their belief in God and not to let anything stand between them and him.

'Just imagine what God can do with your life if you trust him with the challenges you face,' he said. 'Just imagine how Jesus can transform you in a way you've never known before. God can use you. Just imagine.'

His words were particularly encouraging to the senior soldiers who were enrolled earlier in the meeting.

Colonel Pobjie presented 'Others' awards to several people from across the territory who have shown exceptional faith and service to people in desperate need. He then concluded the meeting, thanking delegates for being there for God and The Salvation Army, despite the tough times they may go through.

'The power of God's love is with us,' he said. 'We have already received so many blessings. Don't shut the door, there are many more yet to come. Our future starts here!'