The Salvation Army has held its 15th Anniversary of the date it returned to Russia. General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton led the celebrations, which took place in St Petersburg, and focused on the theme Hope Starts Here (at the Cross).
Delegates gathered at the celebration from all across Russia to the city where The Salvation Army began its work again in 1991, with the ministry previously carrying out its mission in Russia from 1913-1923.
The weekend gathering began with a concert from delegates who participated in the Russia Division Music Camp 'Fresh Wind'. The camp, sponsored by the USA Southern Territory, focused on how God is talking to young people in Russia and what their response to him should be.However, the highlight of the evening was the testimony of a young girl who told how God, through The Salvation Army, had transformed her life from one of hopelessness and addiction to drugs and alcohol to one of purpose, hope, and love.
General Clifton encouraged delegates to listen to the words and voice of God and to follow his lead with courage and in faith.
Traditional men's and women's rallies took place the next day, flavoured with Russian traditions. In the women's rally, women in Russian costume sang well-known Russian melodies and colourful Russian table napkins were waved joyfully during worship songs.
Continuing on the promotion of one of The Salvation Army's main missions over recent years, Commissioner Helen Clifton talked about the need to help women from Eastern Europe who are trafficked in their thousands to all parts of Europe, and beyond, in the illegal sex trade.
"Your women, our women, are weeping, and we need to keep fighting for them," said Commissioner Clifton.
In the men's rally General Clifton discussed 'real men' - and the view that men in Russia, with their emphasis on excellence in sport, are such men. He encouraged the delegates to become saints in the New Testament sense and to live holy lives. Following this call, delegates rededicated their lives to God and the mission of spreading the Gospel.
