“What a celebration today to witness the commissioning of new officers!” declared General André Cox to the crowd gathered at Glacier Arena in Mount Pearl, N.L., on the evening of Canada Day, Saturday, July 1, the second day of the Mobilize—Newfoundland and Labrador Divisional Congress and Commissioning, for the ordination and commissioning service of 19 cadets from the Joyful Intercessors Session. Also present for the occasion were Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries, Commissioner Brian Peddle, Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

The Joyful Intercessors show they are connected to the cross

A cross draped in a long white cloth was the focal point of the stage for the sacred ceremony. The 19 cadets that were to be commissioned entered the auditorium to the strains of In Christ Alone and made their way to the platform. Standing at the foot of the cross, each cadet lifted a section of the cloth as a symbol of their partnership with Christ.

Major David Allen, principal at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg, introduced the Joyful Intercessors to the congregation and commended them to Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander.

“They came with testimonies—real, alive and fresh—of how God called them into a life of ministry,” he said. Speaking directly to the cadets, Major Allen encouraged them to be kingdom builders and expressed thanks to God for their offering of themselves for service as officers.

Cadets Carolina Valencia, Scott Allen and Daniel Kelly presented the Officer’s Covenant that was signed by each cadet in preparation for their commissioning and ordination. Colonel Lee Graves, chief secretary, then stood before the Joyful Intercessors as they recited the doctrines of The Salvation Army in their Declaration of Faith. The cadets moved again to the foot of the cross to kneel in prayer as an act of dedication of their lives to God’s work.

Cadets Scott and Cathy Allen are commissioned

“Recognizing that God has called you, equipped you and gifted you for sacred service,” Commissioner McMillan told each cadet, “I ordain you as a minister of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and commission you as an officer of The Salvation Army with the rank of lieutenant.”

Speaking from Romans 12, she challenged the new officers to be faithful to their calling and prayed that God would keep them holy and safe as they embark upon their ministry.

During the singing of O Church Arise, led by Commissioner Silvia Cox, new officers left the auditorium to prepare for the second half of the evening’s service. Returning wearing the distinctive red trim worn by Salvation Army officers around the world, the new lieutenants again took their place on the platform. Later in the service, the territorial commander, supported by Lt-Colonel Jamie Braund, secretary for personnel, publicly acknowledged their first appointments.

BM John Lam with the Canadian Staff Band

A musical highlight of the service was the presentation by the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) (BM John Lam) of Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s Fire in the Blood.

In his message, the General encouraged Salvationists to actively engage with the world. “We are not called to simply worship in this place,” he said. “The world needs a generation of Salvationists who will stand up in their communities to make a difference.” Many responded to his invitation to kneel in dedication of their lives to Jesus Christ. Others publicly displayed their call to officership by joining the General on the platform.

The evening concluded on a joyful note as the congregation stood to sing Lift Up the Banner before Lt-Colonel Brand pronounced the benediction.

Earlier in the day, Salvationists had been busy participating in events throughout St. John’s, including a prayer breakfast, a local officers’ gathering, a candidates’ luncheon and a special Canada 150 Celebration Carnival. Inclement weather could not dampen the spirits of those who attended the carnival that had to be relocated to St. John’s Citadel. Hundreds of people enjoyed an afternoon of games, a jumping castle for the children and food in the gymnasium while the CSB and the Blue East Worship Team (Robbie Lee, leader) presented a first-rate concert in the sanctuary.


Cadets Daniel and Courtney Kelly are commissioned


The Joyful Intercessors share their sessional song


Commissioner Susan McMillan recognizes the appointment of Lieutenants Rob and Jennifer Henson, with their children