On Sunday, September 15, Salvationists, officers, territorial leaders and training college faculty welcomed the Keepers of the Covenant Session as they begin training to become officers of The Salvation Army. Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel was filled with the support and encouragement of family, friends and leadership as fourcadets and two auxiliary-captains proudly accepted the call to ministry for Jesus Christ.

The music for the service was provided by the territorial staff sections, the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS), Canadian Staff Band (CSB) and NEON. Songster Leader Cathie Koehnen led the CSS and Bandmaster John Lam led the CSB as they offered prelude selections, setting an energetic and exciting tone for the event.

Following a land acknowledgment, Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, and Colonels John and Lani Chamness, chief secretary and territorial secretary for spiritual life development, marched into the sanctuary behind the Canada and Bermuda territorial flag. They were followed by the Keepers of the Covenant, led by sessional flag-bearer Cadet Alberto Theola of Scarborough Citadel.

“Today we gather with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation as we welcome our new cadets who are beginning their first year of training,” said Colonel John Chamness in welcome. He acknowledged the sessional name, Keepers of the Covenant, as a reference to Jeremiah 31:33, which is a reminder of God’s promise to establish a new covenant with his people.

“Just as God has made this promise to us, our new cadets have made a commitment to serve and uphold the mission of The Salvation Army across this vast territory,” he continued. Then, he addressed the cadets and auxiliary-captains: “It’s a beautiful thing to answer the call of God, and you have done that. Your journey is just beginning.” 

The Keepers of the Covenant stood to read Jeremiah 31:31-34 in five different languages that represent those spoken by the members of the session: French, Korean, Cantonese, Filipino and English. NEON, under the leadership of Simon Gough, then took to the stage to lead congregational worship, singing Forever and House of the Lord.

Major Deana Zelinsky, training principal, introduced the session alongside Major Carson Decker, territorial candidates secretary. “You are stepping into an exciting time of training and in your spiritual journey,” she said. “The college staff along with area commanders and field training officers are excited to join you and come alongside you as you learn and grow.”

Their warm introduction was followed by a joyful round of applause as the congregation welcomed the newest training session.

Colonel John Chamness returned to the platform, taking a moment to reflect on the history of The Salvation Army in Canada and many of the key attributes held by early Salvationists: a pioneering spirit that pushed boundaries to pursue the gospel; a selflessness in service to others; an evangelical zeal for sharing the Word of Jesus; and a willingness to live a life of sacrifice.

“This spirit is still needed today. It’s a spirit of courage and willingness to venture into the unknown, trusting God’s guidance and provision,” said Colonel Chamness before he led an official charge to the cadets and auxiliary-captains. “May this courageous, pioneering spirit be seen in your lives. May your desire to serve the whosoever be revealed in your actions, may your passions to share the gospel overflow with zeal and may your lives of selfless sacrifice bear eternal fruit. We thank God for each one of you.”

The CSB played Christ Is All by Martin Cordner, followed by a video testimony from the session. In the video, Cadet Yu Gyeong Park interviewed Major Everett Barrow, corps health director, to ask him about his own call to ministry and learn from someone who has experienced a similar journey. He offered words of wisdom, reading from Hebrews 12. “Keep your eyes on Jesus,” he said. “That would be my word of wisdom to all who answer the call from God.”

The worship selections continued on an uplifting note as NEON sang Praise to the Lord, accompanied by the CSB. After the installation of Lt-Colonels Brian and Lynn Armstrong as the divisional commander, and divisional officer personnel secretary and divisional secretary, for the Ontario Division (see sidebar), the CSS performed In His Hands by Tim Osiek.

Lt-Colonel Brian Armstrong opened his message by asking the question, “How are you living your life through Jesus’ eyes?” Reading from John 9, he reminded the congregation that God is looking down in love and guiding them. He echoed the sentiment given earlier by Major Barrow, “Keep your eyes on Jesus, and make Jesus the eyes through which you see.” His sermon ended as the congregation sang Jesus Be the Centre and a prayerful rendition of The Potter’s Hand.

In closing, the CSB led the congregation in singing And Can It Be and Major Margaret McLeod, assistant training principal, delivered a benediction. The service came to an end as the territorial leaders and the Keepers of the Covenant exited the sanctuary with the territorial and sessional flags, ready to enjoy fellowship together.

Lt-Colonel Mel Bond Receives an Award of Exceptional Service

During the Sunday afternoon welcome service, Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications, and Commissioner Lee Graves presented an award of exceptional service to Lt-Colonel Mel Bond, which was accepted on his behalf by his sister, General Linda Bond (Rtd). The award of exceptional service is the second-highest award that The Salvation Army presents internationally, and the highest in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

“Lt-Colonel Mel’s ministry stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional service within The Salvation Army,” said Lt-Colonel Murray, who noted Lt-Colonel Bond’s 62 years of ministry in the Army.

“This movement, not only in Canada and Bermuda, but internationally, has been impacted in such beautiful ways by [Lt-Colonel Bond’s] good influence,” said Commissioner Lee Graves in grateful prayer after presenting the award. “May his example stand before each one of us as people who desire to give our all to God, to serve him faithfully.”

New Ontario Divisional Leaders Installed

Majors Chris and Tina Rideout, divisional secretary mission resources and area commander, Ontario Division, respectively, addressed the congregation on behalf of the division to present the installation of Lt-Colonels Brian and Lynn Armstrong as divisional commander, and divisional officer personnel secretary and secretary for spiritual life development. The Armstrongs took up their appointments in June.

Commissioner Lee Graves officially installed Lt-Colonels Armstrong and Commissioner Debbie Graves offered a prayer.

“These are days of great opportunity as we join together in sharing and living the gospel of Jesus Christ, bringing the good news at a time like no other in the lives of Canadians and Bermudians who truly need good news,” said Lt-Colonel Lynn Armstrong. “It is with joy that we join you in this great kingdom adventure, journeying with people and welcoming people to come and see that the Lord is indeed good.”

Photos: Steve Nelson

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