Self-Denial Launch at Greymouth Corps
We had a wonderful time at Greymouth Corps (church) for the launch of Self-Denial 2024. Special guests for the morning were Lt-Colonels Alberth and Elsi Sarimin from the Indonesia Territory, currently in appointments in our territory, as assistant chief secretary and territorial secretary for Women’s Ministries respectively.
Elsi shared her testimony along with information and photos of their homeland. Indonesia is made up of many islands, and there is a thriving transformative work of mission and ministry through The Salvation Army, including hospitals, education centres as well as corps. Alberth brought the Bible message, reminding us of the power of Christ to transform lives.
The meeting’s focus was ‘My Father’s World’, including such songs and choruses as ‘Christ for the world’ and ‘All over the world, the Spirit is moving’. We featured the chorus, ‘This is the day that the Lord has made’ four times: in English, Indonesian, Filipino and Shona (Zimbabwe), with the text being read through first by those who spoke the languages, to give us an idea of pronunciation. We concluded with the reminder that as God’s soldiers, ‘We’re going to fill the world with glory’.
The Greymouth Filipino Fellowship, which includes an Indonesian friend, joined us for the meeting, adding to Kiwi attendees plus those who have lived in Zimbabwe, India and Singapore but currently make New Zealand home. After the meeting, we enjoyed fellowship over an international lunch, trying out dishes from various cultures.
With a couple of beautiful fine days, Majors Gavin and Bev Baxter of Greymouth Corps were able to show the Sarimins some local West Coast attractions, including Shantytown Heritage Park, the scenic coastal drive to, and then walk around, Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks), and the Tree Top Walk near Hokitika. An officers’ dinner evening with the Sarimins, Baxters and Captains Michael and Sharryn McAuliffe all added to the weekend’s fellowship. We were so blessed to be able to share this weekend together and expand our knowledge of God’s work around the world.
Article by Major Bev Baxter, Greymouth – Photos by Major Gavin Baxter (lunch) and Lt-Colonel Alberth Sarimin (Shantytown).
