General André Cox encouraged Salvationists in Ireland to "reach up and reach out" during his first public engagement since receiving the all-clear from lung cancer. The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women's Ministries) visited Belfast to lead the Ireland Division's 135th anniversary congress, which was attended by hundreds of Salvationists and friends.

The General told congress delegates: "I want Salvationists to reach up in worship and reach out to save souls. These twin themes beautifully capture Jesus' greatest commandment to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour as ourself. In gathering together in worship we want to receive from, and respond to, the Lord so that when returning to our homes, our schools and our workplaces we can better serve our neighbour in Jesus' name."

Speaking about getting the all-clear from cancer, and the support he has received from Ireland and around the world, the General added: "The support has been overwhelming and humbling. People have been writing to Commissioner Silvia and me, telling us that we are the subject of daily prayer. And I can assure you we have sensed this.

"My own doctors have been amazed by my recovery and I owe them a debt of thanks. I also believe my recovery is attributable to prayer."

The Salvation Army's work in Ireland began in Belfast in 1880 when its Founder, William Booth, appointed Major Caroline Reynolds to lead the charge. Today there are 19 corps and seven social centres in the Ireland Division, which is comprised of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The congress began with an adult and family ministries rally at Belfast Temple Corps on Friday afternoon. The program included testimony, drama and music. Commissioner Cox urged the congregation to "go and tell," using the examples of Mary and Peter after the Resurrection of Jesus. She told the rally: "We are to be a voice not an echo; each one has a story to tell."

Later the General and Commissioner Cox mingled with young people in the Youth Café at Belfast Sydenham before answering questions. In sharing Scripture the General spoke honestly about how as a young person he had initially resisted the call of God on his life. He urged the young people to submit to the God's will.

A prayer event at Belfast North ran concurrently with the youth event. During this time Salvationists prayed for the congress and every expression of Salvation Army work in Ireland.

The next day, "Ireland Division Celebrates" took place at the Spires Conference Centre, under the twin themes of "Reaching Up" and "Reaching Out." Delegates had opportunity to look round a variety of exhibition stands, including those representing Lifehouses (social services centres) where managers and staff shared information about their centres.

The Saturday evening celebration began with a drama depicting the beginning of Salvation Army work in Ireland. As the lights went up, members of Belfast Citadel stood on the platform representing the vibrant multicultural worshipping community of today. The General and Divisional Commander Major Elwyn Harries received the flags of every corps and centre in the division.

The General urged the congregation not to blend in, but to stand out, saying: "People should know you are a Christian, not by your words or actions but by being yourself."

On Sunday the General led morning worship at the Spires. In response to the General's holiness teaching, seekers knelt at the mercy seat in commitment and dedication.

In the afternoon, as the sun shone over Belfast, the General led a march of witness through the city centre and then took the salute as row upon row of people marched past.

Major Elwyn Harries and General André Cox join the children's event

The final meeting, "Reach out in Celebration," lived up to its theme. United singing companies and the divisional youth band brought an exuberance to the proceedings, as did a children's song, Help Me Be Your Eyes, Lord Jesus. One of the lasting memories of the congress was seeing the General and the divisional commander "rocking out" with inflatable guitars! The congress chorus, comprising members from all expressions of Salvation Army work, sang One Mission and We Have A Mission.

Commissioner Cox gave the final thought, urging people to move forward and claim what God has in store. Once again there were seekers at the mercy seat.