The General and Commissioner Buckingham welcomed
By: Warren L. Maye
On Sunday, September 3, 2023, General Lyndon Buckingham was welcomed as the 22nd General of The Salvation Army. Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham also received a warm and enthusiastic welcome as World President of Women’s Ministries. The event occurred on a bright sunny day at Regents Hall on Oxford Street in London, England.
During the Buckingham’s most recent visit to the USA Eastern Territory in 2022, they led the Old Orchard Beach Camp meetings. They brought an exciting message of hope as they reported on The Salvation Army‘s progress worldwide following the ravages of COVID–19.
Indeed, in all their visits to the USA Eastern Territory during Commissioning and other happenings, they have consistently expressed strong and exuberant support of the Salvation Army’s work in the northeast United States and the world.
Commissioners Cheryl and Kenneth Maynor, Zonal Leaders, Americas and Caribbean, International Headquarters, were among the officers who attended the welcome festivities. The Maynors are originally from the USA Eastern Territory.
“We were struck by a profound sense of joy and a deeper need to be in prayer for the Army’s mission as the 22nd General and Commissioner Bronwyn were welcomed as our International Leaders,” said Commissioner Kenneth Maynor.
The sound of instrumental and vocal music rose to the rafters that day during a prelude that included pieces performed by the International Staff Band (ISB) and the International Staff Songsters (ISS).
Uniformed Salvationists, representing countries from many parts of the world, packed the hall and filled the balcony. Flat screens, strategically positioned for everyone to see, provided lyrics to the many songs sung by the congregation and performed by the ISB and ISS.
As The Salvation Army’s first international leader from New Zealand, General Buckingham initially greeted the global Army world in Māori and then in English. After offering his heartfelt words to everyone, he promised, “You can be certain that we will serve with all we have for the glory of God and His kingdom. God bless you!“
When Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham addressed the meeting, she shouted, “Hallelujah! It’s good to be in God‘s house this afternoon. Praise to the Lord! Let all that is in me adore him!”
International Headquarters Communications provided portions of this article. For the full report, go to: https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/050923-count-me-in
A livestream recording of the welcome event is now available at: www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/2023-welcome-international-leaders
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham are originally from the Salvation Army’s New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa Territory. Commissioned in 1990 as members of the “Ambassadors for Christ” session, they have served in various appointments around the world.
