The Messengers of Compassion recite the 11 doctrines

“God is calling upon you to shine like stars in the universe,” declared General Brian Peddle to the Messengers of Compassion following their ordination and commissioning in Vancouver, “to permeate the darkness, to somehow bring the balm of Gilead to the brokenness of the world!”

The General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries, have returned home to the Canada and Bermuda Territory to give leadership to the British Columbia Congress and Commissioning events taking place June 21-23.

Lieutenant Angela Kerr is commissioned by Commissioner Susan McMillan

The sacred service took place at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts during the evening of day two of weekend events. Colonel Edward Hill, chief secretary, led a responsive call to worship before the Messengers of Compassion entered the auditorium behind their sessional flag, carried by Cadet Joshua Cain. The cadets took their places on the stage as the Canadian Staff Band (Bandmaster John Lam) played Beauty for Brokenness. The congregation stood to sing with the cadets the prayer found in the words of the song: “God of the poor, friend of the weak, give us compassion we pray.”

Lieutenant Kassie Van Every speaks on behalf of her session mates

“Recognizing that God has called you, equipped you and gifted you for sacred service, 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,” Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, said to each cadet as they stood before her. She also shared a portion of Scripture with them that had been chosen by the staff of the College for Officer Training.

Later in the service, the first appointments of the newest Salvation Army officers were recognized and celebrated by the large crowd gathered for the occasion.

In his message, the General encouraged the congregation to join the new lieutenants in bringing God to the world as battle-ready believers. “God is calling for us to stand for him…. Plant your feet and point people to the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!”

General Brian Peddle encourages the congregation to be battle-ready believers

As many responded to the General’s invitation to kneel at the mercy seat in dedication of their lives to God, others moved to stand on the stage with the international leader, indicating their willingness to serve as officers in The Salvation Army. With 27 cadets preparing to enter CFOT in September, it will be the largest session in recent years in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Other events throughout the day included a prayer breakfast, informative workshops, a family friendly carnival with presentations by Indigenous Salvationists from the Nisga’a Nation and a concert by the Canadian Staff Band, and a reception for candidates. Congress events continue on Sunday as people gather at the Chan Centre for worship.

To see more photos of the commissioning and ordination service, visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/salvationistmagazine.

Watch the full meeting below: