It's hard to believe that the Boundless international congress was more than two months ago. We planned and prayed for it for several months and then suddenly it was over. Now we need to think about how to make the most of the time, money and energy that went into this grand event. I, for one, believe that it was a valid and important investment.

My message today goes out to all those from the Canada and Bermuda Territory who represented us at Boundless—don't just chalk it up to a nice experience. Ask yourself:

• How can I put what I heard, saw and experienced at Boundless into practice?


• How can I share this experience in my corps and my community?


• What lessons did I learn through the testimonies of Salvationists from around the world, who are serving God in ways that are different from my experience thus far?


• Did the message from God's Word in a particular session speak to my heart, highlighting an area of my own life that needs to change?


• Was the music something that lifted my spirit to realize more clearly the presence of God in my life?


• When my heart swelled with holy pride at the sight of so many Salvationists marching down that historic avenue toward Buckingham Palace, did the Spirit prod me to take to the streets of my own community and share the gospel of Jesus Christ?

So what's next? Where do we go from here? How can we realize the value of Boundless for our own ministry here at home?

Paul wrote to Timothy, his young protégé, “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6). I heard someone say in a sermon many years ago: “It is in the nature of fire to go out.” That is why Paul had to remind Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift of God.

This is significant for us as Salvationists. We have all the resources of heaven to do the work God has called us to do. Yet, I fear we have, in many instances, allowed the fire to go out. We have not invested ourselves in the ministry of the Army; we have simply lamented when programs or ministries have closed.

What can I do to fan into flame the gifts that God has given to his Army? How can I make a difference in the world? Those of us who were privileged to attend the international congress this year have a special responsibility to keep the fire burning brightly. By this, of course, I mean that we need to make sure to bring the Boundless experience home and use what God has given us to change the world.

For those who weren't able to attend the congress, I trust many of you were able to participate by live streaming. I hope all of us can take up the challenge of boundless opportunities for reaching people with the life-changing message of the gospel.

“[Jesus] commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:42-43).

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Take the Boundless Challenge

Did you attend the Boundless congress? Here are some ways to keep the spirit of Boundless alive and spread its message.

• Write down the things you learned at Boundless, while they are fresh in your mind, so you can return to them later


• Share a personal testimony during a service about your experience at Boundless


• Watch the main sessions again online (boundless2015.org/boundless/video) and share the videos with others, at a church service or on social media


• Have a Boundless Sunday that features testimonies, reports and video clips from various sessions


• Hold meetings to pray for the international Army


• Connect with one or more delegates from another country and then exchange updates and prayer requests on a regular basis

Commissioner Susan McMillan is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Follow Commissioner McMillan at facebook.com/susanmcmillantc and twitter.com/salvationarmytc.