The Central Corps prayer Hall in Kolkata, West Bengal Division, was filled with joy and reverence on July 6, 2025, as The Salvation Army hosted the Installation and Welcome Service for Colonel (Dr.) Andrews D. Christian and Colonel Sunita A. Christian, the newly appointed Leaders of the India National Office. The service was conducted under the leadership of Commissioners John Kumar Dasari and Mani Kumari Dasari, International Secretaries for the South Asia Zone, who were designated officers from International Headquarters, London and welcomed by Major Benson Lal, the Divisional Commander, West Bengal Division. The event commenced at 10:00 AM with a spirit of celebration as officers, soldiers, and friends from Kolkata Central Corps, West Bengal Division gathered to witness this significant moment. The hall was beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere was one of unity, gratitude, and anticipation.
It was a momentous occasion for Colonel (Dr.) Andrews D. Christian, National Executive Officer, and Colonel Sunita A. Christian, National Secretary for Women's Development, as they were elevated to the rank of Colonels by Commissioner John Kumar Dasari and Commissioner Mani Kumari Dasari, who placed the Colonel trimmings on their shoulders and offered a prayer of blessing and dedication over their new responsibilities. Before the installation of our new Leaders of India National Office, Commissioner John Kumar Dasari shared a powerful message. He reminded the congregation that just as God chose Samuel to anoint David according to His divine plan and purpose, in the same way, God has chosen them (Commissioners) to anoint and install the Leaders of the India National Office. Their calling is part of God's greater purpose for The Salvation Army and His people.
During the event, in the presence of the congregation, Commissioner Mani Kumari Dasari read a letter from General Lyndon Buckingham and formally presented it to the newly appointed Leaders. The letter affirmed the global support and prayers for the new leadership.
In a moment of deep humility and spiritual surrender, Colonel knelt at the Mercy Seat. The International Secretaries placed their hands upon the newly appointed leaders and offered a heartfelt prayer of blessing and guidance. The entire congregation, including the DC, DDWM, all officers, and Corps Officer of Kolkata, witnessed this beautiful and sacred Installation service, marking a significant milestone in the life of Colonels. With Joy and happiness, the congregation welcomed the newly installed Leaders of the India National Office with Bouquets and Shawls.
In her response, Colonel Sunita A. Christian spoke with heartfelt sincerity about her calling and unwavering commitment to the service of God. She shared how, through every season—whether in times of joy or challenge—God remained faithfully by her side as she remained faithful in her ministry. To express her deep sense of gratitude and humility, she quoted from 1 Chronicles 17:16
“Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said: 'Who am I, Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?'”
By sharing this verse, Colonel Sunita acknowledged God's abundant grace and favour in her life, recognising that her journey and elevation in ministry were not by her strength, but by God's divine purpose and faithfulness.
A special highlight of the day — it was also Colonel Sunita Christian's birthday! What a meaningful way to begin a new chapter of leadership and service.
Commissioner John Kumar Dasari also introduced the newly appointed Majors Amrik and Anugrah M. Masih to the congregation. They will serve at the India National Office respectively as the Editor and Zonal Coordinator of MSHTR for South Asia, Secretary for Social Justice & Assistant HRD (additional). The commissioner extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to them, and the congregation also welcomed them with bouquets and shawls.
Colonel (Dr.) Andrews D Christian shared a powerful message based on Genesis 39:1-6. The Theme of the sermon was “Your Presence makes a difference in people's lives” The following were the four key sub-themes on which Colonel emphasised:
- The presence of Joseph brought blessings to the people of Egypt
- The presence of Jacob was a blessing for Laban (Genesis 30:25-29)
- The presence of David was a blessing for the people of Israel as he killed Goliath, the Palestinian (1 Samuel 17)
- The presence of a small boy (who was having 5 loaves and two fish) and his willingness to offer that food to Jesus brought blessing to all the mob.
- Through this message, Colonel challenged the congregation that their presence must bring change into people's lives and there should be showers of blessings in the lives of people associated with them.
The service included heartfelt prayers, vibrant musical performances and dances by the Girls' Hostel, Behala, and inspiring speeches by Major Samson Macwan, Secretary for HRDI, Mr. Buddha Dev, IT Manager, and Mrs. Malti Francis, Home League Secretary. The highlight of the event was the formal installation ceremony, during which the new leaders were officially welcomed into their roles.
The event concluded with a prayer and benediction by Commissioner John Kumar Dasari. It was followed by a time of fellowship and lunch, allowing attendees to personally greet the leaders and share in the joy of the occasion. This memorable gathering not only marked a new chapter in leadership but also reaffirmed the shared dedication of the national Office to serve with love, integrity, and purpose.
May God bless our newly appointed Leaders of the India National Office and all the officers and employees working in the National Office.
Reported by Major Amrik Masih, Editor
