The Voice of The Salvation Army

A Fond Farewell

Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis will retire as territorial leaders in Canada and Bermuda.

June 8, 2011 Interview with Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis 3 Comments


CmrsFrancis_IMG

For the past four years, Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis have served as territorial leaders of the Canada and Bermuda Territory. With over 40 years of ministry each, they have faithfully fulfilled their calling as Salvation Army officers. As they approach retirement on July 1, they speak with John McAlister, senior editor. You’ve spent most of your lives serving God through … [Read more...]

Booth University College Awards its First Degrees

Forty-one certificates and degrees granted to Booth students.

May 10, 2011 Leave a Comment


The 2011 graduating class.  Front row:  Dr. Justin Cooper, Commissioner William Francis, Chancellor; Dr. John Rook, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Donald Burke, President of Booth University College; and Dr. David Neale, Vice President and Academic Dean.

When Booth College became Booth University College in 2010, the change signified the broadening of the mission and impact of the institution. With students at its Winnipeg campus and in 35 countries around the world, the reach of Booth University College continues grow. The recent Convocation and conferral of degrees marked the first time that credentials have been awarded under the new … [Read more...]

Not My Will, But Yours

Sometimes we pray because we feel crushed, broken and extremely vulnerable, desperately gasping for any hope. How do we honestly and boldly pray for God’s will to be done?

April 19, 2011 by Commissioner William W. Francis 2 Comments


Christ-in-Gethsemane

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36). Jesus’ knew his Crucifixion was imminent. He walked with his disciples across the Kidron Valley to Gethsemane to pray, gain strength and be reassured that this was his Father’s will. Jesus agonized in prayer, anticipating not only the awful physical pain involved, but the even deeper anguish of bearing the sins … [Read more...]

Ten Salvation Army Corps Recognized for Excellence

Increased growth seen in junior and senior soldier enrolments, attendance in Sunday worship and Christian education programs.

March 28, 2011 29 Comments


Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander

In a communique with Salvation Army leaders, Commissioner William W. Francis, territorial commander, outlined some of the significant growth that occurred in the Canada and Bermuda Territory in 2010. He also announced the creation of a new honour roll to highlight those corps that have seen an increase in enrolments, church attendance and Christian education. "It is exciting to see the … [Read more...]

What Happens When Salvationists Pray?

The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda is on the verge of something quite extraordinary. This is more than a whimsical, romanticized dream. Corps and social centres are experiencing rebirth, and in many cases, exceptional growth. God has promised that if, as a people, we commit to serious, intentional prayer, we can expect mighty results.

March 18, 2011 by Commissioner William W. Francis 1 Comment


prayer

I believe in the power of prayer. Prayer is an integral part of a thriving vocation (what we do) and the secret to a victorious personal life (who we are). As Christ’s disciples, it is the essential centre of our lives. The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda is on the verge of something quite extraordinary. This is more than a whimsical, romanticized dream. Corps and social centres are … [Read more...]

Why Pray?

Prayer is the central and essential vehicle through which God speaks to us

February 16, 2011 by Commissioner William W. Francis Leave a Comment


prayer

As you read this sentence, there are millions of people around the world praying. The prayers are voiced in countless languages and in a myriad of cultures. While prayer is practised globally, it is also shrouded in mystery. Atheists and other skeptics conclude that there is no point in praying because no one is listening and, consequently, no one will answer. Yet those who do pray come to a … [Read more...]

First Report from the High Council

President for 17th High Council of The Salvation Army is Elected

January 21, 2011 by Lt-Colonel Laurie Robertson 2 Comments


Commissioner William W. Francis, territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory, elected president of the 17th High Council

The 17th High Council convened on Friday 21 January at Sunbury Court in London and elected Commissioner William Francis as President of the 2011 High Council of The Salvation Army. Commissioner Betty Matear was elected Vice-President.. Commissioner Francis, assisted by Commissioner Matear will guide the High Council through the procedures required to elect the Army's 19th General. … [Read more...]

The Reason is Heaven

The promises of God are real, right and ready

January 4, 2011 by Commissioner Marilyn D. Francis 1 Comment


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The Reason is Heaven … in 2011! Isaiah 1:18: “ ‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the Lord.” The Reason is: Right—Revelation 2:7: “… I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God”; Ready—John 14:3: “… I go and make ready a place for you, I will come back again” (AMP); Real—John 10:27-28: “My sheep … follow me. I … [Read more...]

How Good Was King Wenceslas?

The legend of good King Wenceslas focuses on generosity and kindness, teaching us to give to the less fortunate

December 20, 2010 by Commissioner William W. Francis 2 Comments


King-Wenceslas

Good King Wenceslas may be the most heartily sung and least understood of all the Christmas carols. Who was this enigmatic Wenceslas and why do we sing about him? He was not a king, but rather the Duke of Bohemia (907-935). He was a good, benevolent nobleman who gave his life to spreading the gospel and expanding Christianity in his country. His brother, Boleslaus, however, was anything but good. … [Read more...]

A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

Christ wants to shine through us where we live

November 5, 2010 by Commissioner William W. Francis Leave a Comment


Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was loved by millions of people

In the 1960s, the television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood took North America by storm. It remains the second-longest running series on the Public Broadcasting Service, after Sesame Street, and could be seen on reruns until August 2008. Although its creator, Fred Rogers, was an American, the show actually began in Canada in 1962. A few years later it moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. … [Read more...]