Well, the rains ceased, the clouds parted and the sun came out – just in time to greet The Salvation Army’s International Leaders – General Andre Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox – to ‘their home’ of Zimbabwe – and what a welcome it was!  Following a competition, the Braeside Citadel ‘hosho’ brigade, was selected to play at the Harare airport for the arrival of The Army’s International Leaders.

The group, comprised of 40 musicians who play traditional African instruments, presented several glorious and rhythmic selections in honor of their special visitors. The joyful presentations were brilliantly received by all, including General Cox, who joined in traditional African dancing with one of the brigade members.  The Territorial Band also presented several familiar numbers to the delight of the International and Territorial leaders and passers-by who stopped to share in the colorful and rhythmic celebrations – in true Salvation Army African style. For me, it was very moving when General Cox said ‘it feels like coming home’; I could sense the joy and emotion in his words having visited his childhood home and primary school only the day before.

Today we also visited the General William Booth Training College where we interviewed two cadets of the Heralds of Christ Session for the documentary. Their stories of courage, compassion and hope were inspiring. An interesting moment as I wandered the college grounds was when I came upon a site dedicated by General Arnold Brown – Brenda, my wife’s uncle – when he was the international leader of The Salvation Army. That was a nice familial moment far from home.

Well, we have a busy weekend ahead as tomorrow we are filming in a rural village where many of the population suffer from HIV and Sunday we fly on Air Zimbabwe to film in Victoria Falls. So, I’ll close for now. Thanks for your interest and prayerful support. Have a great weekend and thanks for reading.

Major John Murray, IHQ Communications and Literary Secretary