Over the Easter weekend, The Salvation Army’s Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS), under the leadership of Major Len Ballantine, blessed Salvationists and friends in the British Columbia Division with musical ministry in Victoria, Abbotsford, Burnaby and New Westminster, B.C.

On Friday, the CSS joined together with congregants and friends at the Army’s Victoria Citadel to reflect on the crucifixion of Jesus and the significance of His death and resurrection. The Good Friday service began with a reflective vocal item by the CSS, Jesus Paid it All, that allowed listeners to meditate on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus through His crucifixion. Other selections included There Is a Green Hill; Here at the Cross; Disturb Us, Lord; Are You Washed in the Blood?; Take Me Back; O Love; Shine on Us; and More than Wonderful. 

CSS Rebecca Minaker offered an opening prayer and Major Les Burrows, corps officer, Victoria Citadel, delivered words of welcome. In the spirit of reflection and praise the congregation was then invited to join in the singing of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, a hymn of love and awe that concluded with “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” Other congregational songs included Worthy/Graves into Gardens and In Christ Alone, led by CSS Rochelle McAlister and the CSS worship team, and The Servant King.  

A reading from Romans 5:1-11 by CSS Judy Way reminded listeners of the peace, hope and gift of eternal life that Christ bestowed to humankind through his loving sacrifice on the cross.  

The message, delivered by Colonel Evie Diaz, chief secretary, was a reminder that this dark hour in Jesus’ life was the moment he bore the sins of the world so we could have hope today and tomorrow.   

The service concluded with a simple song featuring CSS Karen Vickerman Gross, whose lyrics have quietly made their way around the world.  

I love You, Lord
And I lift my voice
to worship You
Oh, my soul, rejoice 

On Saturday, the CSS went to The Salvation Army's Cascade Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C., to sing about God’s love, joy and peace that comes through knowing Jesus. The concert opened with two items by the CSS, Let There Be Praise and Let Your Favour, which set the stage for an evening of singing to the Lord and giving him glory.  

Following an opening prayer by Cathie Koehnen, deputy songster leader, warm words of welcome were delivered by Major Ian Gillingham, corps officer. Then Lt-Colonel John Murray, CSS executive officer, invited the congregation to join in singing To God Be The Glory, where on the eve of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, voices throughout the church sang rejoicefully in the spirit of gratitude. 

Throughout the evening, selections included Take Me Back; Ol' Time Jericho; I Am the Resurrection; They Could Not; Let it Shine; The Power; Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring; Joyful, Joyful and O Love. These reminded listeners that Jesus is the resurrection and life, that he couldn’t be kept in the grave and that the empty tomb carries  a powerful message of hope. 

The concert concluded with two selections by the CSS. More than Wonderful was a testament from the group that “He’s everything that my soul ever longed for. That’s what Jesus is. He’s more than wonderful to me.” And Sing for Joy left the audience reflecting on the words of Psalm 95:1-2.

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

On Sunday, the CSS celebrated the risen Christ with the congregation at Cariboo Hill Temple in Burnaby, B.C. Following a welcome from Major Bill Blackman, corps officer, and a congregational song led by Lt-Colonel Murray, Karen Vickerman Gross prayed over the unique and life-changing ministries of Cariboo Hill Temple. 

Bringing a message of hope, Colonel Diaz encouraged everyone to reflect on the peace that only God can provide and invited those who didn’t know Jesus as their Saviour to seek him.  At the conclusion of the Easter morning celebration, the CSS stirred powerful emotions when they surrounded the congregation and sang I Love You, Lord. 

To close out the weekend of ministry, the CSS led a service for the residents of The Salvation Army’s Buchanan Lodge, a long-term care facility in New Westminster, B.C. Those in attendance, residents, families and staff enjoyed selections that included Let There Be Praise; Ol' Time Jericho; and He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, with a special verse of “He’s got Buchanan Lodge in his hands.” Lt-Colonel Murray delivered the Easter message, one of new life and hope.  

The Spirit of Christ moved among all in attendance over this Easter tour in the British Columbia Division. The CSS is truly grateful for the support of Lt-Colonels Jamie and Ann Braund, divisional leaders, and the many officers, employees and volunteers, who provided billets, meals and transportation from location to location.