The Sunday Mail
Captain Liveson Mushayakarere
THE Salvation Army has been a game changer since its arrival in the then Salisbury (Harare) on November 18, 1891 in an 18 ox-drawn wagon called the Enterprise.This was after a six-month journey from South Africa. The brave crew led by Staff Captain Pascoe conquered the treacherous journey from South Africa to Zimbabwe.
Despite the challenges, the flame of God‘s sacred love they lit is the Salvation Army which is now celebrating 125 years between September 29 and October 2, 2016 at Glamis Stadium at Harare Exhibition Park.
The celebrations will be held under the theme “Jehovah Our Strength gives credit to God to all the achievements by The Salvation Army in Zimbabwe”.
Commissioner Brian and Rosalie Peddle, Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries respectively from International Headquarters in London in Britain will attend the celebrations.
After arriving in Zimbabwe 125 years ago, the Salvation Army eventually set its footpaths and started developing towards the African set up. With its gospel of the total person, it became acceptable and became a way of life to some of the natives after great resistance and mistrust. Today, The Salvation Army is a giant with accomplished services with various institutions around Zimbabwe. As we reflect today, we see a church that has stood by its mandate, to save souls and serve suffering humanity without discrimination but for the glory of God. It has consistently preached the gospel of salvation to win people for God‘s kingdom.
The Salvation Army is one of the churches that confronted raw traditional cultures of Zimbabwe and won souls for God. Not only did it win souls but made them partakers in the Lord’s vineyard. During the Shona uprising in 1896, Captain Cass, a devoted officer (Pastor) of the Salvation Army was killed leading to the suspension of missionary work at Pearson Farm. A number of white missionaries relocated to South Africa.
Corps Sergeant-Major Bob Garande of the Hwata family took charge and kept the Army work alive and established Bob Garande Corps in Chiweshe after seeking authority from his chief. Ben Gwindi and Ben Mohambi were among the first to convert to Salvationism and became instrumental in the spreading of God‘s word.
For the past 125 years, the Salvation Army has remained united because it is built by God. God is its foundation. Greediness and selfishness has failed to shake the walls of the Salvation Army. Thus, The Salvation Army has stood the test of time.
Without discrimination, the Salvation Army has a long history of complementing the Government in providing education. Soon after arrival, education was provided under trees; a vision which gave birth to over 50 schools. Today the four boarding schools, Howard, Bradly, Mazowe in Mashonaland Central and Usher High School in Matebeleland, are some of the best schools in the country. Over 30 secondary and primary schools offer quality education. Without discrimination, the Salvation Army has opened its medical doors to everyone. Howard Hospital in Mashonaland Central and Tshelanyemba in Matebeleland are prominent hospitals with a long history of medical services. Tariro Clinic at Howard Hospital is one of the first clinics to fight HIV and Aids. The Salvation Army has also given care to the hopeless and homeless through its social home for the elderly.
The church is truly a symbol of care and love as the homeless have found home in institutions like Bumhudzo, Braeside Social Home (in Harare) and Ralstein Home (in Bulawayo).
During the trying times of natural disasters like cyclones, floods and drought, The Salvation Army has been actively engaged to assist victims. After Cyclone Eline of 2000 in Manicaland, Tokwe Mukorsi floods in Masvingo, floods in Muzarabani, The Salvation Army offered counselling, food, building material, shelter and medication to victims.
The Salvation Army was founded by William Booth who is the Founder and First General along with his supportive wife Catherine on July 2, 1865 before launching in Zimbabwe, some 25 years later.
William Booth’s vision has remained relevant to the needs of today’s society for 125 years in 127 countries.
