Commissioners Cheryl and Kenneth Maynor, international secretaries for the Americas and Caribbean Zone, spent a week visiting the Canada and Bermuda Territory for a territorial review. The visit, which took place at the end of April, provided an opportunity for fellowship, feedback and an in-depth assessment of the territory.

“Every territory has a full review every three years,” explains Major Pam Goodyear, then assistant chief secretary, administration. “The last one we had in Canada and Bermuda was during the pandemic, and it was done virtually. So, it was nice to have our international secretaries come and visit us in person.”

The visit commenced with a tour of the Toronto Harbour Light facility, followed by a Sunday morning worship service at Mountain Citadel in Hamilton, Ont., led by Commissioners Maynor and Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries. The territorial review officially began on Monday with a zonal presentation by Commissioners Maynor that gave an overview of the Americas and Caribbean Zone to divisional and territorial leaders, and cabinet secretaries. Commissioners Maynor later visited the Toronto Grace Health Centre for a tour.

“It was a blessing to have Commissioners Maynor leading our territorial review as our international secretaries.”
—COMMISSIONER LEE GRAVES

Additionally, a series of focus groups were conducted throughout the week with the territorial Youth Action Committee, employees, Governing Council members and key stakeholders to gather feedback from various groups within the territory. The territorial review aimed to assess the state of the Canada and Bermuda Territory as it relates to mission effectiveness, affirming the positives and strategizing for the future.

The visit also included moments of spiritual reflection and encouragement, with Commissioners Maynor sharing devotionals and leading a Thursday chapel service at territorial headquarters, where they presented long-service pins to Commissioner Debbie Graves and Colonels John and Lani Chamness, chief secretary and territorial secretary for spiritual life development. Following the chapel, attendees were invited for a coffee break and time for fellowship and conversation with Commissioners Maynor.

“The Salvation Army is a spiritual organization, and we don’t want to drift from that mission,” says Major Goodyear. “It’s important to hear our leaders speak to us from Scripture, to challenge us and encourage us. They were really able to connect and engage with people while they were here.”

“It was a blessing to have Commissioners Maynor leading our territorial review as our international secretaries. The spiritual basis upon which they premised the review, shared insight and affirmed all stimulated open and honest dialogue,” says Commissioner Lee Graves. “Every opportunity of telling our story and strengthening the mutual understanding between International Headquarters and the Canada and Bermuda Territory is welcomed and celebrated.” 

Photo: Geoff Moulton

This story is from: