On Sunday, September 14, the Canada and Bermuda Territory's 22 newest cadets from the Messengers of Light Session (2014-2016) marched into Elim Chapel in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as a capacity crowd thrilled to the sounds of the Heritage Park Temple Band. Together with the Heralds of Grace (2013-2015), the cadets will study at the College for Officer Training in Winnipeg for the next two years to be commissioned as Salvation Army officers.

This meeting also marked the installation of the new territorial commander for the Canada and Bermuda Territory, Commissioner Susan McMillan, conducted by the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner William Roberts. He charged Commissioner McMillan with the sacred duties of leading the territory, upholding the Army doctrines and caring for the souls of Salvationists. Commissioner Nancy Roberts, World Secretary for Women's Ministries, then prayed as Commissioner McMillan knelt in consecration.

Cadet Keith Hopkins carries the Messengers of Light sessional flag

Later, Major David Allen, training principal, commended the Messengers of Light to the congregation and introduced the sessional song, Then the Light, composed by Major Leonard Ballantine. In her remarks, Commissioner McMillan urged the cadets, “Open your minds to the Word of God, open your hearts to the people who need you, and you will discover that God will be with you every step of the way. There is a wonderful adventure ahead of you in The Salvation Army.”

Preaching on the “servant psalm” of Isaiah 42, Commissioner McMillan exhorted, “We were saved by God to be agents of transformation. He has called us to 'live right and live well'—to bring his light into the world.” Many responded by kneeling at the mercy seat, signaling their desire to be used by God.

Other weekend events included a Saturday morning tour of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg by the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Nancy Roberts, Commissioner Susan McMillan, and staff from the Prairie Division and territorial headquarters. On Saturday evening, the College for Officer Training hosted a reception for Commissioners Roberts. Preaching on Psalm 3, Commissioner Nancy Roberts reminded the group how God was King David's “shield and strength in times of stress and distress.”

Commissioner Susan McMillan addresses the congregation

On Sunday morning in the Booth University College chapel, family and friends of the Messengers of Light gathered to worship, singing “Lord, let your light shine on us.” Cadet Alex MacDonald shared how God had called him early and often to a life of ministry, but that it was only in “God's perfect timing” that he finally entered training. Cadet Kam Robinson testified that Jesus helped her overcome a difficult past of shame and rejection. “I felt like a messy ball of yarn, but Jesus is cleaning me up, taking out the knots and making something beautiful of my life.” A beautiful vocal solo, I'm in His Hands, was offered by Cadet Erin Metcalf.

In his message, Commissioner William Roberts recounted the story of the rich, young ruler, noting that being a disciple of Jesus involves a radical obedience and sacrifice that is impossible without the Holy Spirit's help. “Only those who say 'no' to all human claims can hear the 'yes' to God,” he said. “Following Jesus is its own reward. We receive not what we deserve, but something much better—his grace and mercy.”

 

Welcome Service Slideshow

Click thumbnails to view photos.

[AFG_gallery id='1']