Salvationists in Mexico City were thrilled with the ministry of the Canadian Staff Band during its 10-day visit March 14-25. The trip marked the first time the CSB had visited the country, which is one of Canada and Bermuda’s mission partners.
The visit included the very first music institute held by the Mexico Territory, in which 75 students came for instruction in brass, vocal and various other gospel arts. The week-long camp, held at the Army’s children’s home, was run by a small group of staff band members who freely gave of their time to provide leadership in various areas including music theory. Only four students had ever played a brass instrument before, so with most it was a case of starting with the basics. Nevertheless, the students made good progress, as evidenced by the standard heard in the final program. Elective classes were also offered in timbrels, guitar, percussion and mime.

The Canadians had a wonderful time getting to know the Mexican young people and were able to overcome barriers of language and culture to forge new relationships and make a significant spiritual impact on students’ lives. Band members were grateful for the assistance of Colonel David Gruer, a retired Canadian officer who has spent a lifetime of ministry in Latin-American countries and was able to provide translation throughout the week. Emily Ewing of Peterborough Temple also helped translate and lead various activities.

Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis, territorial leaders for Canada and Bermuda, arrived in time for the final program on Thursday afternoon, where they were able to witness first-hand the accomplishments that had been made. They were on hand as guest speakers for Easter weekend and were soon joined by the full staff band for the Maundy Thursday service at Mexico City’s Corps No. 1. With the full group now in place, the CSB contributed significantly to the meeting through various musical selections. Staff Bandsman Cameron Rawlins testified to God’s work in his life before singing Above All to an appreciative congregation. The main event of the evening was a stirring presentation by Commissioner William Francis in which he used authentic elements to describe the Christian significance of the Jewish Passover meal. Present for the occasion were Colonels Olin and Dianne Hogan, territorial leaders for Mexico, and Major Doug Danielson, DC, Capital Division, who served as translator throughout the weekend.

On Good Friday, the CSB participated in a three-hour service commencing at 3 p.m., in which seven speakers spoke on the sayings of Jesus from the cross. In addition to sharing a biblical meditation on John 19:26-27, Commissioner Marilyn Francis sang a moving rendition, in Spanish, of the popular hymn The Old Rugged Cross.

A highlight of the weekend was the large Marcha de Gloria (Parade of Witness) on Saturday afternoon. Organized by evangelical churches in Mexico City, the march was led by the CSB and a large contingent of Mexican Salvationists. To the martial strains of He Lives and Up From the Grave He Arose, some 15,000 participants paraded along the seven-kilometre route through the historic downtown streets to witness to the life-changing power of the risen Christ.

Sunday morning dawned bright and early with a 6 a.m. sunrise service at Corps No. 1, which included lively music, testimonies and an Easter message by Commissioner William Francis. A highlight was the enrolment of nine new senior soldiers. The meeting was followed by a beautiful outdoor service at the Capital City Baptist Church at 8:30, then an indoor service at the Union Church. Both were predominantly English-speaking congregations that thoroughly appreciated the band’s musical ministry.

After lunch, it was off to Chapultepec Park for an outdoor concert that allowed the band to present a varied program to local residents. This was followed by a free tour of Chapultepec Castle, former home to Emperor Maximilian and now preserved as a national history museum.

In addition to their official duties throughout the weekend, the Canadian visitors were also able to enjoy a bus tour of Mexico City, visit La Ciudadela craft market and enjoy an excursion to the Teotihuacan Pyramids. Band members are grateful for the hospitality provided by staff of the children’s home where they stayed during their visit as well as the kindness of Mexican Salvationists throughout their stay. The trip will be a lasting memory for all who took part.
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A more detailed report by Staff Bandsman Stan Ewing is coming soon.