More than 3,000 enthusiastic Salvationists and friends welcomed General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton on their arrival at Maya-Maya Airport, Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo. Speaking in French as well as English, the General encouraged Salvationists of the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory to remain faithful to God and to be ready to witness for Jesus Christ.

A press conference at Olympic Palace Hotel was attended by many reporters. Questions focused on the mission of The Salvation Army, the assistance it is providing in Haiti and on the message given to the Congolese Salvationists.

The next day, Friday, the General went to territorial headquarters, where he was shown around the various departments. Later, at Moukoundji-Ngouaka Clinic, the General visited the ophthalmology unit and prayed for the patients.

At Nzoko Corps the General was welcomed by soldiers who were excited to witness the dedication to God of their new hall. The General told the crowd that was gathered: 'May this building become a great light which will attract children and adults of this area. Those who see it will think of Jesus Christ's message.'

On Saturday the General opened and dedicated to God the extension of the Moungali Corps guest house, consisting of 14 rooms, a reception area and conference hall. In her prayer, Commissioner Clifton thanked God for the vision he has put in the hearts of the corps members.

More than 750 men attended the men's fellowship rally at Ouenze Corps. In the congregation were government representatives including Mr Kouba Raymond (Mayor of Bacongo), Mr Hatabatou Samuel (Member of the Supreme Court of Brazzaville) and Mr Diatoulou Prosper and Mr Mouyecket Rodrigues, deputies to the National Assembly.

In his Bible address the General urged his listeners to have holy courage, given by the Holy Spirit. 'God is looking for courageous men,' he concluded. Around half the men present went to the mercy seat to rededicate their lives to Christ.

Among the 3,500 attendees at the women's ministries rally at Moungali Corps were two deputies to the National Assembly (Mrs Charlotte Emilienne Lekoundzou and Mrs Nathalie Kolelas) and Mrs Laurentine Milongo, the widow of former Prime Minister André Ntsatouabantou Milongo.

Highlights of the rally included the crowning of the territorial women's ministries queen, music items and a drama presented by women officers about human trafficking.

Commissioner Clifton urged the women to imitate the example of the biblical figures Priscilla and Aquila. More than 500 people went to the mercy seat in response to the commissioner's appeal.

Later in the day more than 2,000 young people attended a youth rally where the General enrolled 190 junior soldiers. The rally's special guest was Mr Kamba André (Cabinet Director of Ministry in charge of Commerce). A former student of the Salvation Army school for the blind used a Braille Bible to bring the Scripture reading.

Around 400 young people knelt at the mercy seat following the General's Bible address, in which he encouraged his young listeners to have a practical faith.

A march-past on Sunday morning saw The Salvation Army's world leaders take the salute from thousands of Congolese Salvationists.

The march was followed by a holiness meeting at Moungali Corps attended by more than 7,000 people.

The special guests from the men's rally were again present, joined by Mr Kolelas Guy Brice Parfait (Minister of Public and the Reformation of the State), Archbishop Anatole Milandou (President of the Ecumenical Council in Congo), Mr Mauna Pedro Fernando (Ambassador of Angola in Congo) and Mr Malanda Pierre (Mayor of Moungali).

A highlight of the meeting was the enrolment of 185 senior soldiers by the General.

After the General's Bible message, the mercy seat was crowded with Salvationists and non-Salvationists seeking a deeper relationship with God.

The visit concluded with a music festival attended by more than 4,000 people. The event was fully committed to God's praises through songs and instrumental items.

Photos: Timbrellists on the march in Brazzaville; Commissioner Helen Clifton greets the new Territorial Home League Queen; The General cuts the ribbon to the new extension of the Hotel Auberge