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Released 30 October 2008
Chief of the Staff Leads Meetings in Hungary
THE three-day visit of the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Robin Dunster, to Hungary was an historic occasion, taking place 75 years after the last time The Salvation Army's second-in-command visited the country.
The Chief was welcomed by the leaders of the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory, Commissioners Kurt and Alicia Burger. On the first day visits were made to the three social services institutions in Budapest: Fény Háza (House of Light), a home for mothers and their children; Válasz út Háza (House of Street of Choice), a rehabilitation centre for women; and the men’s hostel, Új Reménység Háza (House of New Hope), situated in a building which was occupied by The Salvation Army before the cessation of its activities during the Communist era (1949-1990). In 1990 The Salvation Army occupied the building once again, reopening the 100-bed facility.
Later in the day, a reception was given for church leaders, partners and the media. Among the guests was a representative of the Australian Consul. The Chief was introduced to Dr Vilmos Papp, retired pastor of a Reformed Church and former candidate for officership at the time the Army was closed in 1949. He possesses invaluable knowledge of the Army’s history in Hungary.
The Chief of the Staff provided an overview of the work and challenges of the international Salvation Army, sharing the good news of recent openings. Major Ruth Tschopp, Regional Officer for Hungary, shared highlights from the eventful history of The Salvation Army in Hungary. It became evident during an interesting question and answer period that The Salvation Army has once again become an appreciated partner in the work of building God’s Kingdom in Hungary.
On Sunday the Chief of the Staff led two meetings attended by Salvationists, friends from Hungary's four corps and people from Salvation Army social programmes. In her Bible message during the holiness meeting she drew the attention of the congregation to the promises of Jesus, challenging everyone to accept the blessings offered through discipleship.
The afternoon meeting started with representatives from the four corps marching in, waving flags to the sound of 'Onward, Christian Soldiers'. A massed band with many young players, most of whom learned to play in one of the annual music camps, presented a few items. Highlights included songs led by a worship band, a contribution by a newly formed women’s choir, a testimony, excerpts from the musical Godspell and the acceptance of seven recruits. The Chief of the Staff presented awards to children who had entered a drawing competition.
In her Bible thoughts the Chief challenged everyone in the congregation to convey Jesus through their lives. In both meetings people were invited to the mercy seat to dedicate their lives to Christ.
Monday was set aside for Bible study and fellowship for officers and leaders of the social services programmes. The Chief of the Staff encouraged the officers and leading employees to a life of visible unity. She expressed appreciation for the work and testimony of the Salvationists and challenged them to press on for God’s sake and the salvation of men and women.
Report by Pierre Reift