General André Cox makes historic visit to Caribbean

Despite multiple warnings of incoming Tropical Storm Erika, the USA Eastern Territory’s Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Division held a day-long gathering for General André Cox, the first Salvation Army General to visit the island of Puerto Rico since 1964. The General’s visit comes after consecutive trips in mid–August to Cuba – which hosted the Greater Antilles Tocados por su Gloria (Touched by His Glory) Congress – and to the Dominican Republic.

The General began his day by speaking to various members of the Puerto Rican press at the San Juan Central Corps. He talked about his personal aim when he took office, which was to gain a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities and to increase The Salvation Army’s presence in the world. ‘It’s important to come and see the reality of what’s going on in places like Puerto Rico,’ said the General.

A luncheon was held in honour of the General, complete with traditional Puerto Rican cuisine and lively salsa music and dancing. The Hon. Jaime Perelló Borrás, Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, presented the General with an official House of Representatives Resolution. Afterwards, the General participated in officers councils for the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Division in which he commended the officers for their hard work.

The day ended with a divisional rally at San Juan Central Corps, where the General made a special connection with the corps and its members. With the help of translation headsets, every person in the church could hear and understand the message of the General, regardless of their native language.

General Cox also conducted the enrolment of 30 men, women and children from the division as he welcomed them to their new role of service for God, as Salvation Army soldiers and adherent members. ‘You are all signs of God’s love and blessings,’ said the General. ‘Each one of you is unique in the eyes of God. No matter your age, this is the first step on a journey, and it will be exciting to see what he does through all of you.’

While the General was in Puerto Rico, Commissioner Silvia Cox was undertaking engagements in the Southern Africa Territory.

Report by Lieut-Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor
Secretary for Communications, USA Eastern Territory