General Linda Bond encouraged Salvationists to make a commitment to go deeper in their relationship with God during Commitment Sunday meetings at Romford Corps in the UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland.
Divisional Commander Major Norman Ord welcomed the General before the young people of FOJ (Friends of Jesus) gave their own special greeting.
The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Havering, Councillor and Mrs Eric Munday, were present and the General presented an Indian shawl to the Deputy Mayoress, before asking all gathered to pray for the Army in the six Indian territories.
The General enrols Emeka (Chuck) and Ade Echedom as senior soldiers in Romford, UK
The General enrolled Emeka (Chuck) and Ade Echedom as senior soldiers. Originally from Nigeria, they moved to Romford a year ago with their young son, Emmanuel, and found their spiritual home at The Salvation Army. During the ceremony the couple knelt at the mercy seat to sign their Soldiers Covenant before the congregation enthusiastically welcomed the two "newest soldiers in The Salvation Army." Chuck gave his testimony, which he began and ended by singing of his love for his Lord and Saviour.
Following the General's powerful message about obedience to God as "a personal response and a heartfelt choice" many people went forward to kneel and sign their commitment cards.
On Sunday afternoon Salvationists from two neighbouring corps, Barking and Harold Hill, and members of a local Methodist church joined the congregation. Graham Knock, who had been welcomed as an adherent member at Harold Hill that morning, and Cadet Rodney Bean each testified to their experience of God's transforming power and his guidance in their lives.
Worship throughout the day was led by the corps officer, Major David Evans, and enriched by the Romford Corps music sections and the ALOVE choir, a contemporary worship band from Barking.
The General's powerful preaching brought inspiration and challenge. She gave special encouragement to the young people present.
At the conclusion of both meetings the General stood at the door and greeted everyone personally.
Over the past year, The Salvation Army hosted a series of reconciliation circles to allow people to gather and talk about Indigenous reconciliation through the lens of what it means to be a good neighbour. Three participants share their experience.
In June, nine Champions of the Mission cadets—fondly described as trailblazers—were ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army officers. This session was the first to complete the revised training program at the College for Officer Training, which was relocated from Winnipeg to Toronto in July 2023.
Colonels John and Lani Chamness, originally from the U.S.A. Western Territory, have been serving as chief secretary and territorial secretary for spiritual life development in Canada and Bermuda since 2023. Next month, they embark on a new journey of ministry in the Australia Territory, with Colonel John appointed as chief secretary and Colonel
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