“You are a critical part of God’s vision for The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory, as innovative partners, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus,” declared Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander, to the new cadets and officers in training of the Reflectors of Holiness Session.

Livestreamed from Winnipeg’s Southlands Community Church, the service provided an opportunity for family, friends and Salvationists to come together virtually to welcome and recognize the eight Reflectors of Holiness cadets, including two cadets in field-based tailored training, and one recently accepted auxiliary-captain as they commenced their training to become officers in The Salvation Army.

Pre-recorded greetings from the Messengers of Reconciliation, who began their second year of training in September, were followed by warm words of welcome from Colonel Evie Diaz, chief secretary. Additional pre-recorded messages from representative Salvationists from each of the territory’s seven divisions were included at the end of the service.

Cadet Krishna McFarlane carried the sessional flag of the Reflectors of Holiness as the cadets and newly accepted Aux-Captain Nancy Harrison marched into the auditorium and paused to salute the territorial leaders. In her presentation of the new officers in training, Captain Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, secretary for candidates, referred to them as “individuals who have listened for and listened to the voice of God, and in doing so, have found their life’s focus and purpose.”

In his response, Lt-Colonel Brian Armstrong, secretary for personnel, encouraged the Reflectors of Holiness to see the communities where they will eventually serve through the eyes of Christ. “Reflect his holiness,” he said.

Later in the service, Commissioner Floyd Tidd dedicated the sessional flag and the new officers in training to the glory of God. “We dedicate you to God’s purpose and the salvation of the world,” he said, emphasizing that as they move out into the world, they become the flag unfurled as they reflect the holiness of God.

Cadet Cori DeJeet testified to the radical change that occurred within him when he rededicated his life to Christ during a period of personal suffering and brokenness. “Throughout his work of transformation in my life, God has instilled in me a deep passion for the lost,” he shared. “He has given me an understanding of the beauty and simplicity of the gospel and the power it holds to transform lives for his glory.”

In her message, Colonel Diaz spoke from 1 Thessalonians 1:8, reminding everyone that we all have a message to share. “If we want to be reflectors of holiness, our message is specific,” she said. “It’s not really our words or our opinions. It’s the Lord’s message, the gospel, the goods news of Jesus.” The chief secretary then invited those gathered in person and online to engage in a period of prayer and reflection.

Just before Major Les Marshall, divisional commander in the Prairie Division, pronounced the benediction, the retirement of Dr. James E. Read, executive director of the Ethics Centre and chair of the International Moral and Social Issues Council, was recognized by Colonel Diaz. Earlier in the weekend, Read was admitted to the Order of the Founder, The Salvation Army’s highest honour, by Commissioner Floyd Tidd on behalf of General Brian Peddle.

Watch the welcome service: