“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ”—John 14:6

When Jesus says, “I am the way,” he is declaring that he is the singular path to a relationship with God the Father. Identifying himself as “the truth,” he is not just speaking truth but embodying the ultimate reality and nature of God in human form, countering all other claims to spiritual truth. And as “the life,” he represents the source of both eternal life and a transformative, abundant life here and now.

Chilly temperatures did not dampen enthusiasm as Salvationists and friends gathered in St. John’s, N.L., to warmly welcome General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries, to the Canada and Bermuda Territory in April. Inspiring music and worship, energetic testimonies and challenging messages from our leaders resulted in many kneeling at mercy seats across Canada as we travelled to Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto. Our spiritual life campaign has energized Salvationists and friends who gathered in person and those who joined us via livestream from around the world.

Under the theme Jesus Our Compass, the visit of the international leaders highlighted Jesus as the centre of everything we do and celebrated that we must look to him as our way, truth and life. All that we are and do is anchored in this gift of the Father, the source of divine love that is to be received and emulated, and our motivator to be about our Father’s business. We are not an Army distracted or discouraged but a movement that is strongly proclaiming his name as his disciples and witnesses.

The stated vision of the General in his Global Strategic Framework “is for every part of The Salvation Army to be unapologetic about its confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ to transform lives and reconcile men and women, boys and girls to the loving embrace of their heavenly Father.”

Keeping our focus on Jesus in every ministry unit protects against mission drift, the danger of being distracted and forgetting our primary responsibility of being him to the world. But we are not distracted. We know that we must never have one meeting or one program void of this emphasis, and we must never be intimidated to speak his name.

An audit of all we do should reveal that we exist to share the love of God. If it instead reveals that Christ is not the centre, the program is not worthy of bearing our branding. The General and Commissioner Buckingham masterfully articulated this emphasis. The General’s Global Strategic Framework, focused on people, mission and legacy, is embedded in our own territorial strategic plan. All three of these themes are inseparable, bound together by Christ’s own example and ministry. What we do missionally should be done in Jesus’ name, and a willingness to evaluate and then let go of things that are not fruitful allows the redeployment of resources, ensuring an enduring legacy. The Global Strategic Framework asks that we focus upon the well-being of the Lord’s labourers, people, so that we can be strong and ready to deliver the mission.

Our international leaders challenged us to imitate Christ, to move forward confidently in him, to be strong witnesses for him, thus leading to an Army that is renewed, vibrant and ready. We are renewed, we are vibrant, we are ready. We are moving, marching, delivering, active, fruitful.

The General and Commissioner Buckingham embraced youth and young adults across Canada. From St. John’s to Vancouver, young people are stepping up to lead, witness and gather to pray over and with each other, celebrating faith in Jesus through authentic praise. We are in good hands. Their compass is Jesus!

Jesus, our compass, the way, truth and life is life-giving, memorable and livable. The Canada and Bermuda Territory is ready to step into the next chapter, and, in many ways, already has. From east to west we must end the narrative that wants only to consume our energy and time, convincing us that we are a shrinking movement. This tour has been a strong witness to the work the Holy Spirit is doing through the lives of our soldiers and friends. We will continue to shape, mould, prune and plant. This is why we are called a movement, for we dare not remain stagnant. This is us! But our mission will not change.

COMMISSIONER LEE GRAVES is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

This story is from: