It was a foggy and rainy evening when I departed from the rocky Atlantic coast of Newfoundland and Labrador to take a 37-hour journey to Bali, Indonesia, for The Salvation Army’s International Theological Symposium. Much like the other delegates, we travelled from faraway places, in great expectation of the days that would follow. We were welcomed in the Indonesia Territory, where our days would focus on the theme: “God so Loved the World—Following Jesus in a Fractured World.”

The journey to arrive felt long, but as I reflect on our time together, it seemed to go quickly. Each day, we spent time considering the fractures that have happened within relationships: with each other, with God and with creation. We heard perspectives from across the Salvation Army world and sat in reflective discussions around Scripture, theology and cultural diversity. We joined in worship with Bali Central 1 Corps, heard inspirational testimonies and were inspired by the teachings of General Lyndon Buckingham.

On our final full day together, we travelled to the Mangrove and Turtle Conservation Site to plant mangroves. As my feet settled into the ground and my hands were covered in wet, sandy soil, I realized that this experience would not end once I returned home. This practical display of my theology would change me for years to come,  just as these newly planted mangroves would root deep and grow strong, my experiences in this place would help strengthen my own spiritual journey. 

I am still amazed that I had the opportunity to sit in this sacred space and listen and learn from the global Salvation Army. Months have passed since my time in Bali and yet I still find myself reminiscing on the deep joy of discussing Scripture together, sharing meals with new friends and worshipping with Salvationists from across the world. I left the shores of Bali and returned home to the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador with a renewed passion for theological reflection and a deep gratitude for the space that was created by the International Theological Council.

The song “To Be Your Church” was written for the symposium by Marianne Klæboe Pedersen and Tone K. Ødegaard, Salvationists in Norway. Its chorus continues to be my prayer:

I will proclaim the name of Jesus, 
Be a part of hope and glory,
Only by your light.
Can we be your church today?