Breaking the chains at Freedom
General Andre Cox hugged a goat, literally, as he launched The Salvation Army’s International Development gift catalogue. (Photo by Shairon Paterson)
Hope, change and transformation was the message from General André Cox, world leader of The Salvation Army, and Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries, at the Freedom Celebration at Sydney Olympic Park last weekend.
“Jesus came to break the power of sin, and he has shown unbelievable grace to each one of us,” said General Cox.
“In this world of suffering, pain and injustice, we are called to respond, to be his witnesses and to be a positive agent of change and transformation in the world today.”
The General and Commissioner enjoyed the colour, energy and creativity of the Freedom Celebration, 7–8 September, beginning with the senior’s morning tea.
To launch the weekend, bands, timbrellists, flag bearers, soldiers and adherents marched, walked or were pushed in wheelchairs and strollers in the march of witness.
The world leaders toured displays of Salvo services at the venue, including Sydney’s Streetlevel and Humanitarian Mission Services, Oasis, Salvos Legal and Hope for Life. And they spent time at the main stage where multicultural performers entertained the crowd.
General and Commissioner Cox delighted the audience gathered for The Salvation Army Guarding And Legion Activities (SAGALA) event after lunch, presenting the General’s and Commissioner’s awards, as well as certificates for those completing 35 or more years of service.
“Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and one day it will be God, not the General, saying ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’,” said Commissioner Cox, who spoke at the presentation.
In the afternoon, General Cox launched the Australia Eastern Territory’s Salvos Gifts catalogue, featuring gifts such as goats, school sinks and business courses to assist those in developing nations.
The General demonstrated his passion for reaching out to the poor, picking up and hugging a goat and encouraging the crowd to buy one!
“One way we can make a difference in the lives of the poor is to purchase gifts through this catalogue,” he said. “So take it home, choose your gifts and change the lives of people.”
The Freedom Concert in the Dome Theatre that evening continued the theme of hope, purpose and transformation. Prayers in Russian, Creole, Korean and English opened the event to highlight the international flavour of The Salvation Army. Special guests included country music performer Tracey Faith, The Glebe Community Gospel Choir, tenor Mark Vincent, Colonel Janet Munn and singer Brittany Cairns.
Stories and personal testimonies of freedom from around the world were shown on two huge screens throughout the evening, and each one met with cheers and applause.
General Cox gave the message at the “freedom through Christ” meeting on Sunday morning.
“Our sins are wiped away when we come to Christ and accept the gift of his salvation,” he said. “We see reality in a different light and that should make us the happiest people in the world.”
Commissioner Cox spoke at the “freedom through salvation” afternoon meeting, emphasising that forgiveness, reconciliation and acceptance through Jesus is what freedom is all about.
“God wants to forgive you, transform you and set you free,” she said.
The Freedom Celebration concluded with many responding at the mercy seat, prayerful worship, and a surprise downpour of streamers.
“God has promised to be with us wherever we go, whatever our circumstances, and thathe will finish all that he has begun in us. Let that fill us with great joy,” the General said.
Check out more photos from the event...
The March of Witness, featuring bands, timbrellists, flag bearers, soldiers and adherents officially launched the Freedom Celebration. (Photo by Shairon Paterson)
General Andre Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox salute at the March of Witness passes them to launch the Freedom Celebration. (Photo by Shairon Paterson)
The Salvation Army Red Shield Defence Services were among the many service and mission displays open to everyone during Saturday’s festivities. (Photo by Shairon Paterson)
The Salvation Army youth waited on the seniors during a special morning tea. (Photo by Shairon Paterson)
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