Eighty years of Salvation Army ministry in Hong Kong was celebrated with a visit by Commissioner Barry Swanson, Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Sue Swanson, World Secretary for Women's Ministries. The then South Pacific and East Asia Zonal Leaders Commissioner Robert and Janet Street (International Headquarters) also took part in the celebrations.

In 1930 the Hong Kong Government sent an invitation to The Salvation Army to establish a residential service for runaway teenage girls. As a result, the Army set up a girls' home in Hong Kong, under the command of its then North China Territory. Hong Kong began to develop into an independent command following the closure of the Army's work in China.

The 2010 anniversary celebrations began on Thursday, October 14 with officers councils in Kowloon Central Corps hall. Around 30 overseas officers were present for the event.

In the evening a public opening ceremony took place in the Baptist University academic hall. Local Salvationists were joined by visitors from Australia, the U.S.A., Taiwan, Singapore, England and New Zealand.

Eighty flag-bearers carried their corps (church) or unit flags into the hall. The Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Sue Swanson stood at the centre of the stage and saluted former Hong Kong and Macau Command leaders, acknowledging their leadership and their contribution to the history of the command. The international visitors were welcomed by Officer Commanding Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel Pho.

A specially produced documentary was shown, highlighting significant events of Hong Kong throughout decades. The second part of the film introduced the current work of the Army and included testimonials of Hong Kong people from all walks of life.

On Friday the Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Sue Swanson opened one of eight newly-renovated youth centres.

At the same time, the Worldwide Chinese Ministry Seminar was taking place in the biggest campsite of Hong Kong, the Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village. About 300 residential and day campers attended the seminar, learning from the Rev Lo Lung Kwong about Worldwide Chinese Ministry.

In the evening, a special dinner was held to recognize The Salvation Army's 80 years in Hong Kong. The gathering was officiated over by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Honourable Donald Tsang, and hosted by the chairman and the members of The Salvation Army Advisory Board.

The dinner event had the theme "Walking together with love for 80 years." More than 170 people attended, including government officials, representatives of social services organizations, Christian leaders, sponsors and donors. The programme included music, testimonies and a video presentation. The Chief of the Staff delivered a short and challenging Bible address.

Celebrations continued on Saturday, with a seminar in the morning and four rallies in the afternoon. The number of participants swelled to around 600, causing the seminar to be moved to the largest hall available.

In the afternoon there were four consecutive rallies, each with its own focus group—women, men, youth and kids.

The women's rally was attended by around 230 women of all ages. Commissioner Sue Swanson gave the Bible message.

About 100 men heard the Chief of the Staff's Bible message at the men's rally, following which the congregation split into small groups to discuss the scenario of King David after he had committed adultery.

One hundred and sixty young people took part in the youth rally. Guest speaker Professor Lau Chi Lang from the United Wesleyan Graduate Institute encouraged the young people to use their talents to serve the church and community. Commissioner Robert Street spoke about international youth ministries and shared his personal testimony to encourage young people to live for God's unique plan.

More than 140 young people responded publicly to God's calling for service in different ministries, including 10 who indicated they were considering officership.

Sunday was a day of great celebration. More than 2,000 Salvationists and friends joyfully participated in a march of witness led by Major Priscilla Nanlabi, General Secretary. Also taking part were the command's brass bands, timbrellists, officers and soldiers, students and parents, the service users and volunteers. The parade finished at Morse Park Amphitheatre, where the whole day's meetings were held.

Commissioner Sue Swanson called the 3,000 people gathered to a deeper commitment, saying that this was their moment to know God and follow him.

The meeting was full of praise and testimony. Cheung Siu-lin testified that she had discovered holiness at the World Youth Convention. Captain Henry Ho witnessed that he had learnt about forgiveness and acceptance at SPEACO (South Pacific and East Asia College for Officers).

The Chief of the Staff's message was based on 1 Peter 2:9-10. He emphasized that to be holy was God's calling, God's grace and God's purpose.

The Sunday afternoon concert was a triumphant climax to the celebrations. Participants from corps, schools and social units gave of their best through rhythm and music. Four Christian artists also took part. The finale was a timbrel item performed by 80 pre-school students.

The 80th anniversary celebrations ended with a thanksgiving dinner where almost 1,000 Salvationists and friends were seated at 80 dining tables.