Thousands of Salvationists from across the Canada and Bermuda Territory worshipped together on Sunday, June 22, at the largest gathering of the territorial congress.

Commissioner Brian Peddle, territorial commander, welcomed the congregation and led the call to worship, while Colonel Mark Tillsley, chief secretary, prayed for a fresh stirring of the Spirit. “May the love of Jesus be the most compelling and propelling force in our lives,” he prayed.

Lt-Colonel Lee Graves challenges the congregation to help end world hunger

The service moved into a time of worship, led by a team from St. John's Temple. After singing The Wonderful Cross and 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord), Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women's Ministries, read a passage from Numbers 14.

Lt-Colonel Lee Graves, secretary for business administration, introduced the offering, announcing that the territory had pledged $100,000 to the world missions department for food programs. “We have heard the clarion call of the General to join the fight against world hunger,” he said, and challenged the congregation to match that amount, reminding them of God's commands in Scripture to care for the poor. The Canadian Staff Band played while the offering was taken, with a cornet solo by Colin Williams from Winnipeg's Heritage Park Temple. When counted, the offering raised $45,000.

Salvationist Sarah-Eve Moreau shares her testimony

After the offering, Sarah-Eve Moreau, a soldier from Shawinigan, Que., shared her testimony in French. Close to 200 people from Quebec Division attended congress. The Congress Chorus, led by Major Leonard Ballantine, then performed I'll Follow Thee.

General André Cox shared a powerful message as he compared the journey of the people of Israel to the Promised Land to our own spiritual journeys. We are faced with the same fears and doubts, challenges and temptations, the General said, and have the same choice: disbelief and disobedience, or trust and faith.

“How does your faith stand up in the challenges you are facing today?" General Cox asked. "What does 'mission matters most' look like in your life? What's going to change in your life because you came here?”

General Cox invited the congregation to come to the cross-shaped mercy seat to show their desire for a deeper relationship with Christ. Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial leaders, were the first to respond, leaving the platform to kneel at the cross. As the worship team played, hundreds of people joined them.

After this time of commitment, Lt-Colonel Lee Graves pronounced the benediction. “Thank you for the mighty moving of your Spirit today,” he prayed. “May my life itself be a benediction for your glory, Lord.”

 

General André Cox shares a powerful message

 

For the children at the holiness meeting, Sunday morning was a joyful time of celebrating the love of Jesus.

Continuing with Saturday's M&M theme, the children engaged in a Bible lesson that challenged them to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (see Micah 6:8). Then the children were divided into groups where they were guided in prayer by plucking a prayer request from a bucket. Everyone was encouraged to pray for someone and to thank God for his love.

Kids' Church also included a time of singing and dancing, led by Kevin and Sheryl Slous. After learning new dance moves, the children threw their hands up and rejoiced while singing I Can't Get Enough of Your Amazing Love.

For Madison Cameron of Toronto, showing love to Jesus meant praising him during times of worship. “The best part was singing and dancing with the actions,” she says.

This final children's meeting closed a blessed weekend of learning about mission, making new friends and giving praise to God.

 

Read more about Territorial Congress 2014: http://salvationist.ca/tag/territorial-congress-2014/

 

Watch the Holiness Meeting below: