The Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Madagascar territories of The Salvation Army said goodbye to its leaders Commissioners Wayne and Deborah Bungay on Saturday. The commissioners, who are from Canada, are retiring next year after serving the church for more than 40 years.
A Passionate Engagement with the Youth
The farewell ceremony, held in Harare, was attended by thousands of salvationists from across the region. They praised the commissioners for their people-centered leadership and their honest and passionate engagement with the youth.
“We appreciate you for the following three key issues, and your honest and passionate engagement with us. It was this passion that led to the first-ever Youth Symposium. The fruits of this engagement are evident in the current territorial theme, the opportunity for us to display during the general’s congress, the departmental vehicle purchased for us; our territorial youth leaders can now reach even the remote areas of our territory with ease. You left footprints in our hearts; footprints of love, integrity, and openness,” said Tinashe Mhaka of Mabelreign Citadel in Harare.
A Model of Sustainability
The commissioners were also commended by the secretary general of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches Reverend Wilfred Dimingu for supporting the opening of Enterprise Hotel in Bulawayo as a sustainable business achievement for the growth of the church.
He said The Salvation Army Church will be used as a model of sustainability in all ZCC member churches following its opening of Enterprise Hotel in Bulawayo.
A Legacy of Innovation and Inclusion
Commissioner Wayne Bungay summarized his leadership hallmarks of inclusive strategic boards, leadership succession planning, and a new governance board made up of officers and ordinary church members while emphasizing that these were now part of decision-making at the top level.
“The youth challenged me to leave a mark and I am glad to see the revival of Masiye Camp in Matopo, the establishment of Enterprise Hotel in Bulawayo, the opening of Sekuru Sande Primary School in Manicaland Division and I oversaw a brand new candidates’ selection process,” he said.
The commissioners, who were appointed to lead the Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Madagascar territory at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, expressed their gratitude to the salvationists for their support and prayers. They also urged them to continue to serve God and humanity with love and compassion.
The farewell ceremony was a celebration of the commissioners’ achievements and contributions to the church and the society. It was also a testimony of the resilience and faith of the salvationists who have overcome many challenges and hardships in the past year. The ceremony ended with a prayer of blessing and hope for the future of The Salvation Army in the region.
Source: The Herald
