Friends,

Tracey and I continue to thank God for you and all you are doing to advance his mission through The Salvation Army in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. We value you as “partners in the gospel” (see Philippians 1:5) as together we seek to be a transforming influence in our communities, sharing the love of Jesus and meeting human needs.

I write to share some unexpected news that I recently received from my doctor. I have been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. The prognosis is good, but this will require that I receive medical treatment in the immediate days ahead.

While this news has come as a surprise to us, we are grounded in our faith in God, to whom nothing is unknown. We find peace in the knowledge that he is in control of the days ahead and outcome of this journey.

I am thankful for an early detection and an outstanding medical team providing care, and I recognize that the Great Physician himself is guiding this journey. We are grateful for every evidence of his presence, participation and the peace he brings. I’m blessed to have the encouragement of wonderful family and friends, including Tracey who continues to be my enduring rock and constant support.

We are grateful to all who continue to deliver the mission of The Salvation Army daily and know this will continue during my treatment period. The Mobilize 2.0 transformation project will continue to progress, and I will continue to provide leadership as health permits. As a territory, we are blessed with many capable senior leaders, including our chief secretary, Colonel Evie Diaz, who stand ready to guide this initiative. We have also built a strong Mobilize 2.0 team that is working to support senior leadership as we move the strategic plan forward.

While I share this news in a spirit of transparency, I would kindly request that no undue attention be brought to bear on this situation. We are grateful for the partnership shared across the territory and value your prayers as I begin treatment. We will provide an update in the coming weeks as the journey unfolds.

By the grace of God, with eyes fixed on Jesus, I will continue to run the race set before me with joy, knowing that for the joy set before him Jesus endured so much more for all of us (see Hebrews 12:1-2).

Blessings,

Floyd Tidd
Commissioner

If you are willing, we invite you to join us in prayer that:

• God would use medical means or his direct intervention to heal my body of cancer.
• Tracey and I would grow in our faith and witness as followers of Jesus through this journey.
• Our family would be comforted and encouraged.
• The Salvation Army would continue to be strengthened daily to share the love of Jesus, meet humans needs and see communities being transformed one life at a time.

Click here to download a copy of Commissioner Tidd's letter.