“Listen to the voice of God as it is proclaimed,” said Lt-Colonel Eddie Vincent, divisional commander in the Newfoundland and Labrador Division, as he called the congregation to worship at the morning’s holiness meeting on the final day of Mobilize—Newfoundland and Labrador Divisional Congress and Commissioning on Sunday, July 2, at the Glacier Arena in Mount Pearl. Continuing to lead weekend events were General André Cox and 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.

Jennifer Riche sings "Come Alive Dry Bones"

This arena has become a sanctuary for these few days,” prayed Lt-Colonel Genevera Vincent, divisional director of women’s ministries in the Newfoundland and Labrador Division, as she sought God’s blessing on the service, “but we know there is a world out there needing us. We ask that you will stir us to action!”

Before reading from the Book of Acts, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle expressed her joy at being home in Newfoundland and Labrador, and shared her personal testimony. “I was nothing when God found me,” she said, “and I can do nothing without him.”

Local television host Sharon Snow of NTV’s Places to Go with Sharon Snow interviewed Salvationist Jamie Crann from Botwood Corps about his spiritual journey. Since accepting Christ, he says he has been taking time to appreciate all that he has been given by God. “My life is worth the living!” he said.

Newfoundland TV personality Sharon Snow interviews Jamie Crann

 Prior to the congregation singing Grace Alone with the musical support of the congress worship team (Captain Krista Andrews, leader), Lt-Colonel Wendy Waters, assistant territorial secretary for women’s ministries and Fellowship of the Silver Star secretary, explained the significance of the Fellowship of the Silver Star as a symbol of the Army’s gratitude to those who made a spiritual impact on the lives of the new officers. Each of the Joyful Intercessors, who were commissioned the previous evening, presented their parents or spiritual mentors with a pin and certificate welcoming them to the fellowship. Following the holiness meeting, a luncheon was held in honour of the new members.

In his message, Commissioner Brian Peddle challenged those in attendance to consider the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “For every non-believer here today there is an urgency about eternity that you must not ignore any longer,” he said. Many responded to his invitation to move forward in commitment of their lives to God.

Later in the day, the crowd gathered one final time at Glacier Arena for a sending-out service that highlighted the cadets of the Messengers of the Gospel Session. Adding to the excitement of the evening was the acknowledgement of the cadets’ summer assignments that will take them as far away as Kenya and Poland before they return to Winnipeg in September to begin their second year of training.

Commissioner Susan McMillan takes the salute from Cadet Brian Dueck and Captain Bethany Dueck at the sending out service

A highlight of the service was the enrolment of a combined total of 49 senior and junior soldiers by the General. “God is still calling the courageous!” the international leader said, referencing the soldiership recruitment campaign currently taking place across the territory. Focussing his attention first on the junior soldiers, the General spoke of the importance of listening to our children. “God speaks into their hearts,” he said, and then prayed for the young people, thanking God for them and the commitment of their parents to protect and raise them in God’s way.

Speaking next to the senior soldiers, the General explained that being enrolled was more than becoming members of The Salvation Army. “Soldiers are called to go out and make a difference in the world,” he said.

Cadets Thomas and Kristina Marsh shared their journey to the training college. “I have learned what it means to be a co-labourer for Christ,” Cadet Thomas said. “God’s work becomes our work, and the things that God cares about, we should care about.”

The Canadian Staff Band's horn section

Before General André Cox shared from the Word of God, soloist Jennifer Mercer of Botwood Corps sang Go Light Your World. Also lending musical support were the Canadian Staff Band (BM John Lam) and the congress chorus (Deon Yates, leader).

“Our lives are to count for something,” said the General in his message. “God wants to use us to have an impact for good in this world.” Leading the congregation in a time of reflection and response, the General invited them to sing Take Thou My Life, Lord, which was sung in the moments following his election as General. “This was the only song that I could think of in that moment,” he said, explaining the importance of surrendering everything to God’s service. Many responded to the General’s invitation to kneel in dedication of their lives to God, and six people made first-time public declarations of a call to officership. Dozens of people surrounded the six on the stage, forming prayer circles of support and love. 

Throughout the weekend, children were actively involved in CO-Mission I.N.G., a special program presented by the territorial children and youth ministries department, both at the Glacier Arena during the Friday and Saturday evening services and at Mount Pearl Corps during the holiness meeting.