It was a glorious Easter morning here in Gweru with people greeting each other with ‘hallelujah, He is alive’ – while others walked to church dressed in their Easter finery. There was a sense of joy and excitement in the air.
The Easter Sunday service was full of praise and worship with uplifting band and songster selections, timbrel routines, lots of vibrant singing and testimonies.
(click link below to see the timbrels video)
https://www.facebook.com/john.murray.7393264?fref=ts
Indeed, more than 20 soldiers lined up behind two microphones on the platform to share what God is doing in their lives. Some spoke, others sang and some even had everyone laughing, all in all, it was very moving.
![Prayer Time](http://www.blog.savn.tv/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Prayer-Time-300x225.jpg)
The band played a beautiful selection; in the middle of the piece the principal trombone stood and played a familiar melody and I immediately thought of my maternal grandfather, Brigadier John Zarfas, because I always remember him singing, ‘This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.’ He was a powerful speaker and Easter was his season too.
![Easter Band](http://www.blog.savn.tv/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Easter-Band-293x300.jpg)
The Territorial Songsters, resplendent in their burgundy tunics sang ‘amen, amen, hallelujah’ as they made their way to the platform. From where I was seated, I could see the brigade walking up the stairs. However, when they were in place on the platform, they kept singing for a few minutes because they were waiting for a member of the brigade to take his place.
![red coats](http://www.blog.savn.tv/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/red-coats-300x200.jpg)
The gentleman in question appeared to have suffered a stroke and his mobility was limited, but a fellow songster helped him negotiate each stair, one-by-one, until he was on the platform and in his place, and once there, the brigade presented their selection. That was truly a compassionate, kind moment in a very full and exuberant Easter Sunday morning service.
The General spoke from the heart and he spoke powerfully. He reminded his listeners that ‘we are a resurrection people’ and that ‘there is power in the blood of Jesus.’ He also challenged his fellow Salvationists‘ to make a difference in this world through prayer and service.’
![point](http://www.blog.savn.tv/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/point-300x145.jpg)
At his invitation, hundreds of people came forward. They knelt at the mercy seat, in the aisles, and on the platform – every empty space was taken up with people praying. Some stood to pray while others knelt, some remained seated. There was a low rumble of sound in the auditorium as people lifted up their praise and petitions to God on this Easter Sunday morning.
![Altar](http://www.blog.savn.tv/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Altar-300x200.jpg)
The congress was simply an unforgettable experience and there are many highlights. No doubt, I will think back to this Easter weekend in the year’s ahead and reflect on all that we witnessed. I believe we are richer for this experience and I am grateful for having had the opportunity.
Major John Murray, IHQ Communications and Literary Secretary,
![John Murry](http://www.blog.savn.tv/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/John-Murry-300x124.jpg)