Salvos united in faith worship and and mission purpose is a most powerful and inspiring force!
Such was this past weekend as we met together with international special guests, Chief of the Staff Commissioner Robin Dunster - a fellow Australian officer and the Army's first woman officer to hold this 2IC international office - accompanied by Lieut-Colonel Edna Williams (Support Officer).
On Friday morning, Officers Councils provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal as we considered that our calling to full-time ministry demands a "Whatever It Costs" personal response. In the afternoon, we were reminded that God the Holy Spirit continues to work in our lives and the lives of others as the Army expands it global ministry in response to the Great Commission. The annual Overseas Missionary Offering collected in excess of $5,000.
A Valedictory Service, featuring the cadets of the Prayer Warriors session, was a great cause for rejoicing as they each received their International Certificates of Officership in preparation for their Commissioning & Ordination. The Graduation Address delivered by the Chief of the Staff was a vital challenge to 'Be Diligent' for God and The Salvation Army.
On Saturday afternoon, Victorian Salvationists took part in a Rally through the CBD to Federation Square for the "Salvos Out There" exhibition and worship event. Stirring music and inspiring stories were the basic means of sharing with the Melbourne community the five mission values of The Salvation Army: Justice, Community, Human Dignity, Compassion and Hope. Praise God, 14 people were saved as a result of this PR initiative!
In the evening, we had opportunity to publicly celebrate the life and ministry of General Eva Burrows with a musical & dramatic tribute event in honour of her 80th birthday. A highlight of the night was the presentation of "The Three Bonnets" by Carol Jaudes and Karen Krinjak (both from USA) - a three act, one woman play focussing on three well-known Army leaders: Catherine Booth, Evangline Booth and Eva Burrows.
The cadets' Commissioning & Ordination Service took place on Sunday morning in what was a most sacred and spiritually affirming occasion. The Chief of the Staff reminded all present that we experience 'The Full Extent of God's Love' as we trust Him implicitly and obediently. A full response was made as people came forward seeking holiness, salvation, and responding to the Holy Spirit's leading to full-time ministry. Hallelujah!
Personal spiritual reflection then continued on into a time of corporate praise as we met for the Appointment Service of the new Lieutenants, who were challenged again by the Chief of the Staff to go out with the assurance, and in the confidence, of God's Power and Authority. Following this, many responded again to the Call to Service as Commissioner James Knaggs shared the territory's vision for 210 mission centres in Australia Southern by 2010 - an increase of 36 mission centres in the new year.
How we praise God for a full weekend spent enjoying the fullness of His rich blessings!
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