Colonels John and Lani Chamness, originally from the U.S.A. Western Territory, have been serving as chief secretary and territorial secretary for spiritual life development in Canada and Bermuda since 2023. Next month, they embark on a new journey of ministry in the Australia Territory, with Colonel John appointed as chief secretary and Colonel Lani as territorial secretary for women’s ministries and territorial secretary for leader development (officers).

As Canada and Bermuda bids them a warm farewell, Salvationist staff writer Abbigail Oliver interviewed Colonels Chamness about their time in the territory, their perspective on change and hopes for the future of their ministry together.

What were your first impressions when you took up your appointments here in Canada and Bermuda?

Colonel Lani Chamness: When I first arrived in Canada, I was excited for the ministry ahead but also a bit anxious, wondering if there were cultural differences I would need to adjust to. But right from the start, we felt welcomed, and it didn’t take long to feel at home. It was clear God had gone before us, preparing both the place and the people for this new season of ministry.

Colonel John Chamness: Coming from our previous appointments in Southern California, we realized that everything is so green here. We love the changing seasons. Everywhere we went, we saw the generosity of the Canadian people. We appreciated how warmly we were welcomed and how kind people are.

What have been some of the highlights ormemorable moments of your time in thisterritory?

LC: For me, that would include our very first “jiggs dinner” in the home of Major Larry and Lt-Colonel Roxanne Jennings—a true taste of Newfoundland and Labrador hospitality that we’ll never forget.

I’ve also been deeply moved by the beauty and vastness of this territory. From the majestic Rockies in British Columbia to the coral sands of Bermuda, and everything in between, it’s been an incredible gift to witness the diversity of God’s creation across this land. Another highlight was experiencing the Celebration of Culture. It’s opened my heart and eyes to how Creator God is seen, known and worshipped through the rich traditions and deep spirituality of Indigenous Peoples. That has been both humbling and inspiring.

JC: When we first arrived in Canada, the wildfires were burning in B.C., and so after only two weeks of being here, we got on a plane and flew to the Okanagan Valley where we met with the corps officers who were helping serve their community in such a beautiful way. They were also displaced from their home, but they were still out helping others. And there was another officer couple there who were supposed to be on vacation. They were from a neighbouring community that wasn’t affected, but they gave up their vacation and rolled up their sleevesto help their friends through this. That really spoke to us. The officers here in Canada are so sacrificial—even willing to give up their own vacation to go and serve others in a time of need.

Since then, we’ve been privileged to see almost every province in Canada, as well as Bermuda. The remarkable ministry that’s taking place from corps to social mission has been incredibly encouraging to witness.

Were there any challenges you encountered that helped you grow as leaders or individuals?

LC: Change always brings its challenges, especially when stepping into a new appointment. And moving to another country? That’s a whole new level. It’s not just about packing boxes; it’s about letting go of the familiar and stepping into the unknown.

Having moved many times, I’ve learned that what keeps me grounded is choosing to be thankful and content right where God places me. It’s not always easy, but I come back to Philippians 4:11, where Paul says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Being grateful and content are perspective shifters. They help me see each new place not as a disruption, but as another part of the journey God is unfolding—another opportunity to grow, serve and trust him more deeply.

JC: We’ve also gone through some monumental change here in Canada and Bermuda in the last two years. We’ve implemented Workday as part of the A25 initiative that is bringing new IT tools across the territory. We are providing tools to help free up our mission partners on the front lines so that they can focus on ministry. Change can be challenging, but we have tried to implement these new systems in a way that will benefit the territory in the long term.

Additionally, this territory is vast, with different time zones, cultures and even languages. There are many different expressions of Salvation Army ministry, and you can’t put them all in the same bracket. We hope that these new tools will accommodate the diversity of our territory while respecting and embracing the uniqueness of each region.

What lessons are you taking with you from your time here?

JC: Observe, absorb, listen and don’t have any preconceived notions. Take the time to learnfrom people, to listen and talk to them to understand what the real issues are. When you takethe time to listen to and hear people, you come away with new perspectives.

LC: Being in Canada has reminded me that while the mission of The Salvation Army is the same wherever we are in the world—sharing the love of Jesus, serving others and seeking justice—how that mission is lived out can look different from place to place. Each context brings its own culture, needs and expressions of ministry. But what remains constant is the passion and fire behind it. It is the same Spirit driving the mission forward, just expressed in beautifully unique ways.

When we moved to Canada and unpacked our boxes from Los Angeles, I realized I brought way too much stuff that I thought we would need. So, as I prepare for our move to Australia, I’m focused on packing lighter—not just physically, but spiritually. I think of Jesus instructing his disciples to “travel light,” which, for me, means letting go of the material things I think I need and living a little more simply, trusting God for my provisions and security.

You’re heading into a new chapter in the Australia Territory. What can you share with us about your next appointment?

LC: As the territorial secretary for women’s ministries and territorial secretary for leader development for officers, I’ll be working with others to support and strengthen ministry to women across the territory, and I’ll be involved in helping officers grow in their leadership and development. I’m really excited for what God has in store in this next chapter.

JC: As chief secretary, I look forward to visiting a new part of the world, learning a new culture and meeting new people. I’m also looking forward to being close to the ocean again, though,apparently, everything in Australia can kill you—spiders, snakes, crocodiles.

What do you expect from this new season ofministry?

JC: I believe that we’re at an important point in the life of the church, and there is an opportunity to look at how we might change some of the ways that we do ministry—never to change the message or our core beliefs, but the way we embrace it. If The Salvation Army and many other denominations are going to survive, what do we need to hang on to, and what do we need to let go of? Whether it is the church here in Canada and Bermuda, in Australia, the United States or in Europe, we’re all facing that same question.

I remember in one of our corps appointments many years ago, there was a soldier in her 80s who said to me, “You know, I really don’t enjoy the worship music that we use today. But I recognize that if we’re going to reach people like Sparky”—she pointed to a young man with tattoos and gauges in his ears—"then I’m willing to give up what’s important to me. I love Sparky and I want to see him be part of this church.”

I hope that in our new appointments we can encourage people to look at adjusting how we do ministry, perhaps embracing something different than what we’re comfortable with and using that to reach people like Sparky.

LC: I’m looking forward to growing in new ways, building meaningful relationships, and seeing how God will work through me to encourage, support and empower others. I believe he has gone ahead, and I’m trusting him to lead, inspire and use me for his purpose.

How has God been speaking to you during this transition period?

LC: I sense God clearly saying in this season of transition: “Keep pressing on. Stay faithful. Be fully present where I have placed you.” It’s a reminder to continue to give my whole heart to the mission, trusting that there is still meaningful ministry with eternal purpose ahead.

JC: When Lani and I reflect on our 36 years in ministry, where we’ve been and what we’ve been a part of, we can see how God has used it all, including the challenges, to equip us for today. We must continue to trust that God knows us and has a better plan. Even though it’s not always easy, God has called us to this, and he’s always carried us through this.

What message would you like to leave with Salvationists and mission partners across the Canada and Bermuda Territory? How can we be praying for you in the months ahead?

JC: We would just love to thank people for the way that they’ve welcomed us and been kind to us. We have felt so honoured to be here and to be a part of this ministry. Thank you for embracing us.

LC: Thank you for your prayer support—it means more to us than we can say. We ask that, whenever we come to mind, you simply speak our names before the Lord. We believe and trust that in that very moment he will be faithful to provide exactly what we need. Your prayers are a gift, and we carry them with deep gratitude.

To all the Salvationists and mission partners across the territory, my encouragement to you is this: Stay true to God’s Word, faithful to the mission of Christ and open to the Spirit.

Keep showing up with courage and compassion, and trust that God is at work in and through you. Continue to be people of hope, stay rooted in prayer, and don’t underestimate how God can use your faithfulness in the ordinary and the unexpected.