World leaders encourage fledgling Lithuanian corps
World leaders encourage fledgling Lithuanian corps
15 September 2016
General Andre Cox connected with young and old during his recent visit to the Klaipeda Corps in Lithuania.
General André Cox and Commissioner Sylvia Cox have made their first trip to Lithuania, making a two-day visit to Klaipeda Corps in the country’s north-west.
The General and Commissioner Cox brought encouragement to leaders, corps members and young people at a series of weekend events. The General and Commissioner Cox were joined by Commissioner Marie Willermark, Territorial Commander for Germany, Lithuania and Poland Territory, and Major Susanne Kettler-Riutkenen, Officer-in-charge for Lithuania.
At a women’s meeting, led by Aux-Captain Annegret Gollmer (Klaipeda Corps Assistant Officer), participants spoke movingly about how God had saved them, changed their lives and rebuilt broken families. The corps was officially opened 15 years ago, recommencing the work of The Salvation Army in Lithuania which had ceased in 1944, due to the second world war.
Testimony to The Salvation Army’s influence in the city was given at a meeting of local churches and authorities, sponsors and other supporters of The Salvation Army in Lithuania, including partners of Klaipeda Corps. The General was told that The Salvation Army was a light in town and that people were happy there was a place where people could find help, love and hope for the future.
Many support The Salvation Army in Klaipeda in different ways – including in prayer, through financial assistance, and by providing New Testaments. The General prayed that these fruitful partnerships would continue so that, together, Salvationists and supporters can build a better world.
The General and Commissioner Cox were welcomed "into the family", adding their handprints to wall at a Klaipeda Corps youth event during their visit.
The General and Commissioner Cox attended an evening youth event where they were invited to put colourful handprints on the wall in the youth hall. This was a sign that they had become part of the Klaipeda Corps family.
The young people shared in fellowship with the international leaders, talking about their experiences and visions for the future. The General encouraged them to keep working for God’s Kingdom and to put all their faith in the Lord.
After the Sunday morning meeting, they joined in a families event, which brought together 30 children and their parents. The General and Commissioner Cox wore Lithuanian Salvation Army T-shirts, played with the children and spoke with the parents, most of whom were customers from the second-hand shop. One father personally thanked the General for the afternoon event and also that he could buy cheap, good-quality clothes for his family at The Salvation Army.
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