British Columbia Congress and Commissioning 2019 has begun! Gathering at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in Vancouver, Salvationists and friends kicked things off with an exciting evening of music and celebrations at Friday evening’s welcome meeting.
The Gitxsan Shield is displayed as Simogyet (Chief) Axigigii sings
The evening began with a tribute to National Indigenous Peoples Day as Indigenous Salvationists took to the stage for a dramatic presentation with drums and singing to mark the occasion. Damian Azak, corps leader in Gitwinksihlkw, B.C., waved the Army flag as he led the procession of congress leaders to the stage, including General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries, Canadian officers currently serving as the international leaders of The Salvation Army. Joining them were Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, and Colonels Edward and Shelley Hill, chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries.
Later in the meeting, the General and Commissioner McMillan unveiled a new Salvation Army Gitxsan Shield which will be displayed in corps in Gitsegukla, Sik-e-Dakh and Hazelton, B.C. The General presented a plaque with the Gitxsan Shield to Simogyet (Chief) Axigigii of the Gitxsan Nation.
Musical contributions from the Canadian Staff Band (John Lam, bandmaster), the Mandarin Choir from New Life Church in Vancouver (Ling-Li Shieh, leader) and the B.C. Lower Mainland Youth Chorus (Jon Michel, leader) added to the celebrations.
The General shares his Call to Mission - "Be ready!"
The General and Commissioner McMillan presented two individuals with special awards recognizing the contributions they have made to The Salvation Army. The Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service was presented to Andrew Lennox, chair of the National Advisory Board, and an Award of Exceptional Service to Salvationist David Kang for his faithful ministry in Toronto and Korea.
In his message, the General shared his Call to Mission. “God is calling us to do more,” he said. “We, his people, have to be in the ‘ready’ position.” People moved forward to pray at the mercy seat in response to the General’s invitation.
After the welcome meeting concluded, young Salvationists gathered at "The Pit" for a time of worship and fellowship with the General, Commissioner Peddle and territorial leaders.
Events will continue throughout the weekend, on Saturday with workshops, an indoor/outdoor fellowship and celebration event, and the commissioning and ordination of the Messengers of Compassion, and on Sunday with a prayer walk and worship service.
(Above, from left) Claire Dunmore, territorial community mission secretary; Captain Crystal Porter (Mi’kmaq and Euro-Canadian); Collier and Lorna Azak (Nisga’a); Colonel Margaret McLeod; Lt-Colonel Leslie Wiseman; Tracy Desjarlais (Piapot First Nation of Saskatchewan); FSIN Second Vice Chief, Edward (Dutch) Lerat, member of Cowessess First
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill have been honoured at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) as they prepare to enter retirement following more than 33 years of Salvation Army officership and ministry around the world. International leaders,
Captain Laura Van Schaick, territorial gender equity officer, recently sat down with General Brian Peddle (Rtd) to discuss the ongoing work of gender equity within The Salvation Army—both internationally and here at home. Their conversation reflects on the progress made, challenges encountered and their hopes for the future, and highlights the importance of recognizing and empowering the gifts and leadership of women and men across the Army.
The Gitxsan Shield is displayed as Simogyet (Chief) Axigigii sings
The General shares his Call to Mission - "Be ready!"
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