“God is going to do great things!” said General André Cox to thousands of Salvationists and friends gathered for the welcome meeting of Mobilize—Newfoundland and Labrador 2017 Divisional Congress and Commissioning. The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries, are leading weekend events along with Commissioner Brian Peddle, Chief of the Staff, and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries. “We are just accompanying the Peddles this weekend,” the General said with a smile as the Peddles, both native Newfoundlanders, were warmly “welcomed home.”

The General and Commissioner Cox are wrapped in a blanket representing a traditional buffalo robe

Indigenous officers from Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Major Shari Russell, territorial Indigenous ministries consultant, presented gifts to the international leaders and Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander. As a gesture of love and friendship, the General and Commissioner Cox were wrapped in a special blanket that represented a traditional buffalo robe. 

The Honourable Dwight Ball, premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, brought greetings and thanked The Salvation Army for its work throughout the province.

The evening’s program featured Wendy Woodland, portraying Captain Emma Dawson, and Darrin Martin, as General Clarence Wiseman, as they recounted in word and song the rich history of The Salvation Army in Newfoundland and Labrador, present-day ministries and a vision for the future. Woven throughout their performance were presentations by local musical groups, including the divisional youth band, Newfound Brass (BM Stephen White), and the Congress Singing Company (Elizabeth Murphy, leader). Lending musical support for weekend events is the Canadian Staff Band (BM John Lam), who presented Major Ken Smith’s Newfoundland Singalong to the delight of the congregation.

Wendy Woodland, as Captain Emma Dawson, tells the history of The Salvation Army in Newfoundland and Labrador

In her message, Commissioner Silvia Cox encouraged the congregation to follow the example of Christ, who came to be a servant. “He gave us a mission,” she said, “and the power to achieve it—to mobilize.”

The evening concluded as flags from each ministry unit across the province were marched into the auditorium while the congregation sang the familiar words of O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing. Commissioner McMillan prayed and asked for God’s blessing on all that will take place.

Earlier in the day, the international leaders conducted officers’ councils at St. John’s Citadel and attended a reception hosted by the Honourable Frank F. Fagan, Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Mrs. Patricia Fagan, at Government House.