Together Again
From 26 to 28 September, the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory (NZFTS) of The Salvation Army gathered in Kirikiriroa Hamilton for Together Congress 2025—a long-awaited reunion after six years apart. The weekend was a powerful celebration of unity, cultural richness and spiritual renewal, drawing delegates from across the four nations into a shared experience of worship and mission fellowship.
Throughout Together Congress, delegates from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa brought vibrant energy that enriched every moment, adding depth and authenticity to the gathering. From powerful songs to traditional attire and heartfelt testimonies, the presence of Pacific Island delegates reminded everyone present of the beauty and strength found in the territory’s diversity. These contributions were not just performances, but acts of worship, identity and unity.
A celebration of culture
Throughout Together Congress, delegates from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa brought vibrant energy that enriched every moment, adding depth and authenticity to the gathering. From powerful songs to traditional attire and heartfelt testimonies, the presence of Pacific Island delegates reminded everyone present of the beauty and strength found in the territory’s diversity. These contributions were not just performances, but acts of worship, identity and unity.
The General and Commissioner delivered stirring messages that reverberated across the gatherings, igniting hearts with renewed purpose.
Their call was unmistakable and urgent: we are commissioned to be salt and light in a world aching for healing and hungry for hope. What also shone through was their unmistakable joy as they stood among familiar faces and family in their home territory—a moment rich with warmth and connection.
A powerful sense of divine orchestration emerged as acknowledgement that both the NZFTS and UK territories named their congress gatherings Together 2025. This was seen by some as no mere coincidence, but a prophetic declaration of global alignment, spiritual unity and shared mission. It was a reminder that the work of transformation is not isolated, but collective; not temporal, but eternal.
1: Samoa is welcomed at Celebrate Together on Friday night; 2: Fijian group performance at Together Festival; 3: welcoming our Pacific nations to Together Congress; 4: Tongan group performance at Together Festival.
Faith in action
On Saturday afternoon, delegates stepped out into the community for ‘Love Kirikiriroa’, a city-wide initiative of outreach and service. From rubbish clean-ups to prayer walks and toy-making for the SPCA, delegates lived out the mission of being Christ’s hands and feet.
Saturday’s Together Festival added a celebratory dimension to the weekend. With food trucks, live music, pop-up markets and family-friendly activities, the festival welcomed the wider Hamilton community into the Congress experience. Territorial Commander Commissioner
Janine Donaldson described it as ‘a festival for the whole community’, and it truly was a joyful expression of faith, fellowship and inclusion.
Workshops and breakout sessions offered space for reflection, learning and spiritual growth. Delegates explored themes of leadership, justice, youth empowerment and holistic mission.
Together Congress 2025 was more than an event—it was a prophetic moment in the life of the territory. A declaration that, together, we are called to be light in the darkness, salt and the fire and love in action.
Left to right: Commissioner Janine Donaldson wraps up Celebrate Together ; Major Christina Tyson interviews Commissioner Janine Donaldson, General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham.
Leaders Conference
On the Friday preceding Together Conference, a conference for leaders was hosted by Commissioner Janine Donaldson. Territorial Projects Manager Alastair Kendrew explains that a highlight for him was General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn’s reflections on their leadership journey during a Q+A session.
‘I’m always inspired by the Buckinghams and how capable yet down-to-earth they remain. Lyndon talked about the disciplines that he’s established throughout his life that we don’t see, which over time have helped him become the person we do see.’ The General spoke about diet, exercise and sleep, emphasising his need to spend more and more time with God as time’s gone on.
Special guest Australian missiologist and author Dr Michael Frost was a highlight for many. Territorial Secretary for Community Ministries Major Christina Tyson says, ‘Mike offered optimism and hopeful direction for the complex times we are living in as followers of Jesus.’ She appreciated Mike’s input for remaining faithful when ‘the world feels like it’s on fire’.
‘Firstly, do what’s possible, Mike said, focusing on the imperatives of Micah 6:8 and be a “different kind of human”, more like Jesus who was humble, sacrificial and willing to suffer and serve. Secondly, remember God’s faithfulness. Thirdly, look to the light, not letting darkness distract or divide. And finally, be humble and contrite. Mike reminded us that “none of us, only Jesus, is God’s gift to the world.”’
Clockwise from top: Mike Frost; celebrations at the Arena Sessions.
Delegates speak!
What made Together Congress 2025 such a special and significant time was the presence, participation and contribution of delegates themselves.
Bridget McLay from Oamaru Corps says, ‘Not to sound too corny, but for me the highlight really was the togetherness. I loved catching up with friends and past officers—everyone had a smile and said hello even if we’d never met before.’
A theme that echoed throughout the conference resonated with Bridget: ‘God spoke to me mostly about sharing His love with others. In our everyday jobs, God has called us to be His light and love in the world,’ she says.
Lynnhe Herbert from Hamilton City Corps agrees, adding that while it was wonderful to meet up with people she hadn’t seen in a long time, as a breast cancer survivor it was particularly special to meet in person with another breast cancer warrior she talks with regularly online. But it was God who stole the show: ‘During the final worship session on Sunday, I experienced God’s presence and felt surrounded by His love. I felt encouraged in all aspects of my journey.’ As she settles back into her daily life, Lynnhe says she’s carrying Mike’s message with her: ‘Do what’s right in front of you. Don’t try and do everything.’
‘I loved catching up with friends and past officers—everyone had a smile and said hello even if we’d never met before.’
Together Congress was Faauma Faimanu’s very first Congress. ‘My heart overflows with joy from sharing the experience of travelling with people from Apia Corps to represent Samoa. There was an atmosphere of welcome, acceptance, belonging, respect and encouragement from everyone who participated.’
Faauma was a presenter at the ‘What’s Hot in the Pacific’ workshop, representing Samoa alongside others from Fiji and Tonga. Of shared concern is the rise of methamphetamine use in the Pacific. ‘As an alcohol and drugs clinician, I understand the impact of this drug on the lives of our people—especially our young people. We have limited resources within the Pacific regions to tackle the problem, so the theme of working together aligns with our mission of caring for people and brings us one step closer to finding a solution to this unethical, un-Pacific and unacceptable behaviour,’ he says.
1: SpiritSong at Together Festival; 2: The General with Tongan delegates group; 3: Island Worship and Prayer; 4: Waitākere Corps dancers on the Festival Stage.
My take-home message is that God is among us and He is working!
Cadet Adi Druku of Fiji says that reconnecting with friends she met at Amplify Creative Arts Camp in 2020 was a key highlight. Adi shares that God spoke to her through a song on the first night.
‘I was deeply moved as I stood still and listened to the lyrics: “Thank you for the stories in this room, thank you for the lives that You’ve turned around, thank you for the miracles we have seen, and the one you’re doing now.” I whispered, “Yes, Lord,” because I am one of those stories. For five years I suffered from painful ovarian cysts. But after saying yes to God, He healed me! Three hospital scans showed no trace of the cysts at all! That was my miracle!’
Adi experienced God at Congress when the General reminded her of God’s calling. ‘We are to be testimonies and His witnesses in the world. I responded in that moment saying, “King of kings, my Master, here I am, empower me to be your witness right where you have planted me.”’
Nicole Gesmundo is a graphic designer with the Communications Department and had a hand in Congress preparation and delivery over the weekend. Together Congress was Nicole’s first large Salvation Army event.
‘It was a special experience for me to be part of the crew and see things come together. I witnessed the preparation prior and work during Congress—the attention to detail and all the heart and passion of each team member. Walking into the arena space on the first night and sensing the anticipation of God moving was amazing.’
God spoke to Nicole during Congress: ‘God wants our hearts and our presence—each of us carry different stories, hopes and prayers, but God wants all of it.’
‘God wants our hearts and our presence—each of us carry different stories, hopes and prayers, but God wants all of it.’
Together Kids
Six-year-old Holly Montgomery from Whangānui City Corps loved being part of Together Kids, a programme designed especially for our youngest attendees. ‘I enjoyed going to Trampoline Land. There was a laser room that was very dark, but we had a prayer and God helped me. There was also a super big bouncy castle that I got to play on. I liked hearing about Jesus in the boat.’
Seven-year-old Archie Green from Johnsonville Corps loved the big bouncy balloons in the all-ages service.
‘I still have one of the big ones at home,’ explains Archie. ‘I also loved the laser trap. You started at one end of the room, and there were lasers that you had to get through and then hit a button at the back wall, then come all the way back without getting caught and then hit another button. I also liked the quiet space at the back of the kids’ room where the Rubik’s cubes were and the fidget spinners.
Top to bottom: Bouncy castle fun at Together Kids; drop off at Together Kids; crafting at Together Kids; Micah and Mele interview General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham at Together Kids.
