October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and while we can and should show appreciation to pastors year-round, now is a great time to make a special effort to show them how valued their work is.

In the life of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda, June is especially meaningful as we celebrate the ordination and commissioning of new lieutenants and auxiliary-captains. After prayerfully signing a covenant, they take their place publicly, receive their ordination and are commissioned to their first appointment. First the call, then the covenant, followed by the commissioning.

Commissioners Garth and Patti Niemand have been welcomed into their new roles as The Salvation Army's Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, with a call to lead with courage, unity and continued dependence on God.