General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton met Salvationists and officers of the USA Southern Territory on the international leaders' first visit to the territory's headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. They previously visited the territory in August 2008 as speakers at the Southern Bible Conference and were also delegates to the Pan American Conference in Dallas, Texas, in October 2006.

The General met territorial headquarters staff and, later in the day, gave the Bible message at a public meeting at Atlanta Temple Corps. The following day the international leaders visited the Evangeline Booth College officer training facility, the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, the Southern Historical Center and the Atlanta Adult Rehabilitation Center. Accompanying the Cliftons were USA national leaders Commissioners Israel L. and Eva D. Gaither and USA Southern territorial leaders Commissioners Maxwell and Lenora Feener.

In the morning devotional time with officers and employees at territorial headquarters, General Clifton accepted a cheque for US$3 million from the territory for the Centralised Pension Fund for grant-aided territories. The cheque, presented by the territorial commander, is the first installment towards a pledge of $20 million made by the territory.

At a luncheon with territorial staff, General Clifton thanked the USA Southern Territory for its steadfast financial support of The Salvation Army's work around the world, as well as the work of its overseas officers. He noted the role of USA Southern officers Majors Michael and Teresa Hawley and Lieutenants Roberto and Glenis Viera in Kuwait and said that approval has been given for the transfer of the Hawleys to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

'If we are faithful,' the General said, 'the Lord will entrust us with new responsibilities. He is opening some doors for us, and we're humbled by it.' He added: 'We need your prayers. There's a certain amount of risk in some of the work we are undertaking.'

The General stressed the importance of a secure, ongoing reliance on the Holy Spirit as The Salvation Army expands its reach into the corners of the globe. His Bible message in the packed public meeting at Atlanta Temple – streamed live on the Internet – again underscored the importance of seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit. Many responded readily to the invitation to kneel at the Mercy Seat, prior to a rousing congregational rendition of the Founder's Song to conclude the meeting.

Top photo: Commissioner Max Feener presents to the General a cheque for US$3 million; bottom: Commissioner Helen Clifton engages the congregation at Atlanta Temple