10
The War Cry | NOVEMBER 2014
O
n a whirlwind four-city tour of America's Midwest,
General Andr� and Commissioner Silvia Cox
inspired more than 5,800 Salvationists to live
out their faith with a sense of urgency, know
God's Word and confidently share the Gospel. Whether
at rallies or receptions, Central Salvationists responded
unabashedly to the international leaders' message but also
to their sense of humor, genuineness and approachability.
People lined the altars time
and again during the meetings
and 118 people made a public
declaration for officership.
After the meetings, throngs
lined up to have their Bibles
and Army flags signed and
to selfie with the General and
Commissioner Cox. "We're not
made of chocolate. We can be
man-handled a bit," quipped the
General, inviting people to freely
meet them. From shaking the
hand of Alexandria Eddy, who
was enrolled as a junior soldier
in Detroit, to kneeling to talk
with 106�year�old Rockford,
Illinois soldier Stella Lennox, the
General and Commissioner Silvia
Cox showed their interest in the
people of the Central Territory.
First on the itinerary, the
Cadets' Welcome and Soldiers'
Rally not only introduced the
22�member "Messengers of
Light" session but gave a taste
of the rich talent and cultures
in the Metropolitan Division
and featured the territory's own
Chicago Staff Band. Cadets
sat in rapt attention as they
received a charge replete with
wisdom from Commissioner
Silvia Cox, and later the large
audience gathered in small
groups at the General's urging
to seek God's blessing. "If
ever there was a need for The
Salvation Army in our world, it's
now," the General proclaimed.
In Kansas City, Missouri,
they met with the Metro Area
Advisory Board and participated
in a Soldiers' Rally full of
Midwestern flare. It brought
together three divisions and
featured personal testimonies, a
combined band and a massed
singing company of 100 children.
In the Northern Division the
General reached thousands
through an interview on the
premier Twin Cities Christian
International Leaders
Inspire Central Salvationists
Cadets in the USA
Central Territory
take selfies with
the General and
Commissioner
at the College for
Officer Training
on Chicago's
lakeshore.
Photo by David Moore
Chicago Staff Bandsman Alberto Rapley and his family
greet General Andr� and Commioner Sylvia Cox after
the Cadets' Welcome and Soldiers' Rally.
Photo by Andrew Grey
Photo by Andrew Grey
The General and Commissioner greet
106 year�old soldier Stella Cox.