Australian officers special guests as Northern India Territory hosts first soldiers' Brengle Institute
Australian officers special guests as Northern India Territory hosts first soldiers' Brengle Institute
5 January 2018
Staff and delegates at the first soldiers’ Brengle Institute held in the India Northern Territory. Staff (seated in front row from left) included Major Samir Patra (Legal Secretary and translator), Lieut-Colonel Daniel Raju Mathangi (Chief Secretary), Lieut-Colonel John Hodge, Lieut-Colonel Pamela Hodge, Major Philip Nayak (Spiritual Development Secretary and conference coordinator).
The first Brengle Institute for Salvation Army soldiers in the India Northern Territory took place at The Salvation Army College for Officer Training, located in the city of Bareilly, in November last year.
Eight women, many of whom are local officers, were among the group who attended. One young man travelled two days to attend.
With competent translation, The Salvation Army’s position and history as part of the holiness movement, the doctrine of holiness, prayer and holiness and current and local social justice issues were all canvassed during the conference through lectures, teaching, discussion and prayer sessions.
A final covenant service was conducted and all delegates signed their individual covenant cards in the presence of all the officers and soldiers who attended this special meeting.
The Australia Eastern Territory, in its role as a partner in mission with the India Northern Territory, provided funding so that Lieutenant-Colonels John and Pamela Hodge could travel to India to be the resource persons and guests at this significant conference for The Salvation Army in Northern India.
“It is always a privilege to encourage others towards spiritual maturity,” said John. “The 24 delegates were really keen to learn what holiness is about and its application to our everyday life. Their response reminded me that in every culture there are different responses to Christ and his teaching.
“For me in Australia, it is apathy and secularism. To our Indian brothers and sisters, it is often direct opposition and distinguishing Christian principles from tradition.”
Lieutenant-Colonel John Hodge is a retired officer from the Australia Eastern Territory.
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