Defenders of Justice - 2023 COMMISSIONING

2023 COMMISSIONING Ordination, Commissioning and Sending Out.

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; Therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice.

Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 30:18

Defenders of Justice “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice.

Blessed are all who wait for him!”

Isaiah 30:18

Reflectors of Holiness “Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

1 Peter 1:15-16

The Salvation Army Australia

Defenders of Justice and Reflectors of Holiness 2023 Commissioning Ordination, Commissioning and Sending Out.

.30pm ACDT Friday 24 November 7 Cadet Leeanne Pattison Adelaide City Salvos, 277 Pirie St, Adelaide, SA, 5000

Purpose statement We facilitate environments for the formation of individuals as Salvation Army officers of

10.30am AEDT Sunday 26 November Cadet Vikki Song, Cadet David Delany,

Christlike character who are innovative leaders, spirit led

Cadet Beola Conteh, and Cadet Edward Conteh

and functionally equipped

Auburn Salvation Army 166-170 South Parade, Auburn, NSW, 2144

contexts, who love God,

for current and emerging understand themselves and live God’s mission.

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas

Colonel Winsome Merrett

The Salvation Army Australia Territory Territorial Headquarters Office of the Territorial Commander 95-99 Railway Road, Blackburn, Victoria, 3130

November 2023 Defenders of Justice and Reflectors of Holiness....

What a privilege to greet you on the occasion of your commissioning and ordination as Officers of The Salvation Army. Knowing you, this is my delight and privilege.

The Salvation Army has been described as being like a bird with two wings, one wing our spiritual life and one our spiritual activity of justice and service. The bird only flies well when both are in play. Your sessional names strongly speak to both. Fly well and bring glory to God. May you see many people saved, served and discipled beautifully.

The ministry of Jesus is your ministry too...Luke 4:18-21 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind to set free those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

20 And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

We express our excitement and anticipation, alongside all who are part of The Salvation Army throughout Australia, and celebrate your future service and sacrifice, your witness and your willingness to live out your partnership in the Gospel as Salvation Army Officers.

Your covenant as Officers in The Salvation Army reflects the message and response which is yours in these days: I bind myself to Him in this solemn covenant. To love and serve him supremely all my days.

To live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life. To care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, Love the unlovable, and befriend those who have no friends.

To maintain the doctrines and principles of The Salvation Army, And, by God's grace to prove myself a worthy officer. Done in the strength of my Lord and Saviour.

Wherever there is hardship and injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight, alongside others, to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus.

Bless you friends.

Miriam Gluyas, Commissioner Territorial Commander

The Salvation Army h ^ d Z > /

My Covenant Ğ Ĩ Ğ Ŷ Ě Ğ ƌ Ɛ Ž Ĩ : Ƶ Ɛ ƚ ŝ Đ Ğ

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by God’s grace, to prove myself a worthy officer.

ŽŶĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚ ŽĨ ŵLJ >ŽƌĚ ĂŶĚ ^ĂǀŝŽƵƌ ƚŚŝƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ƚǁĞŶƚLJͲƚŚŝƌĚ ĚĂLJ ŽĨ EŽǀĞŵďĞƌ ϮϬϮϯ͘

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ĂƉƚĂŝŶ <LJůŝĞ ,ĞƌƌŝŶŐ

tŝůůŝĂŵ Θ ĂƚŚĞƌŝŶĞ ŽŽƚŚ

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Three steps in the commissioning of Salvation Army officers

>ĞĂĚĞƌ͕ KĨĨŝĐĞƌ &ŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ

1. The Signing of the Covenant All cadets sign a covenant recognising that the essential basis of commissioning is that God calls and empowers them to be ministers of Christ.

Therefore, the covenant is made between the individual and God: “Called by God to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as an officer of The Salvation Army, I bind myself to him in this solemn covenant.”

The Salvation Army A U S T R A L I A

T E R R I T O R Y

Officer’s Commission In consideration of satisfactory reports having been received at the completion of training

Cadet

is hereby commissioned as an officer of The Salvation Army and by virtue thereof will receive appointments from time to time and in accordance with the instructions issued therewith will be required to proceed to such appointments and faithfully discharge the duties and responsibilities attached thereto for the glory of God and the salvation of the people.

The said cadet will also be required to abide by the covenant which has been entered into, ever to be ready to do, give, or suffer for the glory of God and the advancement of his kingdom, and at all times and under all circumstances to be true to the principles of The Salvation Army. As witnessed by my hand on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army this, the twenty-third day of November 2023.

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas Territorial Leader William & Catherine Booth Founders

Lyndon Buckingham General

2. The Commissioning and Ordination

3. Appointing

Following the act of personal dedication, the cadets make an affirmation of faith. By signing their covenant and by their commissioning, they declare that they will be loyal to biblical truths and the principles and doctrines of The Salvation Army.

Through this commissioning, the new officers dedicate themselves to the people of God called The Salvation Army. They affirm that they will, by example in life, word and selfless service, be true to their calling as a Salvation Army officer.

The newly commissioned lieutenants are charged with the responsibility of showing the saving grace of God in the ministry of officer leadership within The Salvation Army. This is the outward sign of the inward call from God, and the appointing to be a servant of Christ for the sake of all people.

Declaration of Faith

In the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, and in the presence of the officers, soldiers and friends of The Salvation Army here assembled, we declare that: 1. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.

2. We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.

3. We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead — the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost — undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.

4. We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the divine and human natures are united, so that he is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.

5. We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.

6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by his suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.

7. We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.

8. We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.

9. We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.

10. We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

11. We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.

Commissioner: Do you promise faithfully to maintain and proclaim these truths?

Cadets: We do!

Commissioner: Do you regard it as your duty to bear this witness everywhere, to strive to lead all persons to their only Saviour, and for his sake to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unloved, and befriend those who have no friends?

Cadets: We do!

Commissioner: Do you promise by holy living, boundless charity and adherence to the principles and discipline of the Army to show yourselves at all times to be faithful officers of The Salvation Army?

Cadets: We do!

Commissioner: In the name of God I accept the declarations and promises you have made this day.

We will now proceed to your commissioning and ordination.

Message from the Leader of Officer Formation Stream In January 2022 I wrote a reflection on your sessional name – Defenders of Justice, which I shared with you during Orientation week.

A Defender can be a protector, preserver, champion, advocate, standard-bearer, apostle, believer. I certainly observe some of those descriptors in you. A “Defender of Justice” though is something more.

From your studies you know that Justice is one of the meta-themes in the bible. It is an attribute of God; it is tied to righteousness; it is a mandate for the people of God to live by. We hear in the teaching of Jesus that it is our responsibility to bring justice by loving our neighbour and doing good for those around us, especially the vulnerable and marginalised. We discover that to love is to be just; to be just is to love.

We also discover that to love sacrificially is costly.

Practicing genuine justice requires us to enter directly into the world of sin and evil, and in the middle of that, seek to bring healing and transformation. That is a much more costly experience than the experience of someone only willing to advocate from afar.

As we read through the gospels, we observe Jesus including the excluded, protesting inequality, challenging cultural practices, challenging unjust behaviour, advocating for the poor and oppressed. Not only is he healing the hurting, he is also acting justly by confronting those who have been doing the hurting. To be a Defender of Justice will require courage!

As you commence as Officers in The Salvation Army, my prayer is that you would hold these principles before you – and that you would be people of great love and great courage. How beautiful it will be to see the impact you make as Love makes its home in your hearts, in your relationships, and in your communities.

God bless you and keep you each.

Captain Kylie Herring Officer Formation Stream

Appreciation We acknowledge the significant input of those who have contributed to the formation and training of the cadets to bring them to Commissioning. In particular, we acknowledge the dedicated Officer Formation team who have continued to work on this dispersed model of cadet training and come up with new and innovative ways of delivering the program. Their influence and commitment to cadets has been outstanding.

We want to thank the corps and their leaders who have hosted the cadets throughout their training: Chatswood Corps, Hornsby Corps, Hurstville Corps, Cranbourne Corps, Berwick Corps, Boronia Corps and Adelaide City Salvos. We have appreciated the corps who offered short term placements: Burwood Corps, Dee Why Corps, Bankstown Corps, Shire Salvos, Bentleigh Corps, Dandenong Corps, Marion Corps and Northeast Salvos. Also, to the corps who hosted cadets for Sunday Specialling. We are also thankful for many service providers across The Salvation Army that accommodated the cadets and allowed them to fulfil their Social Placements.

We extend our thanks to the collaborative efforts of Eva Burrows College and territorial leadership: Lt Colonel Chris Reid, Secretary for Personnel; Major Christine Wright, Head of College; Lt Colonel Terry Grey and the Higher Education team; Kristena Gladman and the Support Services team; Philip Clark and the Learning and Development team; Kylie Casey and the Vocational Training team; Cadet Friends and visiting lecturers.

Offering Account Name: The Salvation Army Description: Commissioning Offering Account Number: 81-0661 BSB: 033-174 Open until 31 December 2023 This year’s Commissioning Offering will go to The Salvation Army Corps in Lahaina, Hawaii where both the corps building, and the Officers’ quarters were destroyed in the recent bushfires. Please prayerfully consider giving online. Your generosity is appreciated. Thank you.

Cadet Vikki Song Reflectors of Holiness From: Chatswood Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Cammeraygal people.

Appointed to: Corps Officer at Rouse Hill Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Darug people.

Silver star recipients: Ms Fengyun Li Mr Zhenting Song Academic award: Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Master of Theological Studies – in progress Testimony: I was born and raised in the northeast part of China.

I grew up in a Buddhist-influenced tradition and environment. But a church was just outside of my primary school. Occasionally I visited there with our neighbours who were Christians. I came to Australia to do further study after I completed university and qualified as a teacher. Years later I went through a significant relationship breakdown. In the midst of chaos, I found Jesus. God brought me light during the hardship and made me see a new hope. Jesus became my lifesaver for the trial and also for eternity.

The calling to ministry started with a question in my mind out of the admiration and respect for the Salvation Army Officers, ‘What kind of people are qualified to be an Officer that they are able to do such a sacred and valuable job?’

The training is a transformative journey for my personal and spiritual growth, academic theological competency, and sharpening my tools for the ministry role. It is not only for the sake of becoming a minister but also for reshaping myself into a spiritually, emotionally, and physically, holistically healthy new self, and being equipped to be a capable servant leader of God. I’m excited yet somewhat feeling challenged with my future ministry. But I know I can trust God’s guidance. I am willing to keep on witnessing God’s almighty power and participating in the abundant blessings to unfold.

Bible verse: John 15:16 [TPT] You didn’t choose me, but I’ve chosen and commissioned you to go into the world to bear fruit.

And your fruit will last, because whatever you ask of my Father, for my sake, he will give it to you!

Cadet David Delany Reflectors of Holiness From: Auburn Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Darug people.

Appointed to: Corps Officer at Hurstville Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Biddegal people.

Silver star recipients: Mrs Daphne Delany and Major Nesan Kistan Academic award: Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Diploma of Theology Testimony: Today, as I reflect on my journey to officership, it all began when I arrived at Sydney Airport on December 3, 2009.

I vividly recall when Major Nesan Kistan heard me sing and thanked God at the airport. Afterwards, he approached me and said, "I believe you are a Man of God. I would love for you to come to church on Sunday, dressed just as you are, and perform the same song during the meeting."

On Sunday, December 6, 2009, I attended the church and was allowed to participate in the meeting. The meeting concluded, and on Monday, my uncle brought me to Major Nesan's office at Auburn. We engaged in a lengthy conversation, during which he began to encourage me to sit with him at the front in every meeting.

While studying Accounting and Finance at Granville TAFE, I also engaged in a 2-day voluntary job as an all-rounder at Auburn Salvos. By the time I completed my accounting course, I was granted the opportunity to work as a Ministry Assistant there. During this time, I acquired and developed new skills related to ministry in Australian culture, all under the leadership of Majors Nesan and Cheryl Kistan.

Coming to the Officer Formation Stream, my ITO, LPO, lecturers, and colleagues have all played a significant role in shaping, guiding, leading, challenging, and creating opportunities for me to learn and unlearn. These experiences have contributed to my growth and a deeper understanding of God, others, and myself. I now possess a profound sense of leadership, spiritual formation, and a greater understanding of my identity.

I give all the praise, glory and honour to God for how far He has brought me, and I willingly handover this incredible journey ahead of me and my family, knowing that He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Bible verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Cadet Beola Conteh Defenders of Justice From: Auburn Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Darug people.

Appointed to: Corps Officer at Cairns Corps, Qld Traditional country of the Gimuy-walubarra yidi people.

Silver star recipients: Mrs Winifred Wallace Mr Prince Coker Academic award: Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Diploma in Theology Testimony: I am Beola, I have come from Sierra Leone, West Africa and came with my husband Edward to Australia in 2009.

Due to a civil war, my husband and I had to flee to a neighbouring country and later resettled in Australia in 2009 with the assistance of the Salvation Army.

I was born and raised in a Christian home in Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone. I came to know the Lord at the age of fifteen in a scripture union meeting. My journey to where I am now all started when I came to Australia and was introduced to the Salvation Army at the Auburn Corps.

The impactful influence they had on me made me feel a sense of spiritual belonging, as if it gave me a chance to give back. This is how my journey at the Salvation Army started. My husband and I were given the opportunity to come to Eva Burrows College to study theology. Entering college was a very exciting moment for me. However, being in college has continued to reveal God’s faithfulness and plan for me. My favourite scripture is Joshua 1:9. This always reminds me that God is with me always. As I am here now using the gift that was given to me to give the gift of love that God showed to me many years ago.

Bible verse: Proverbs 8:1-11 CEV With great understanding, Wisdom is calling out as she stands at the crossroads and on every hill. She stands by the city gate where everyone enters the city, and she shouts: “I am calling out to each one of you! Good sense and sound judgement can be yours. Listen because what I say is worthwhile and right. I always speak the truth and refuse to tell a lie. Every word I speak is honest, not one is misleading or deceptive.

“If you have understanding, you will see that my words are just what you need. Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold. Wisdom is worth much more than precious jewels or anything else you desire.”

Cadet Edward Conteh Defenders of Justice From: Auburn Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Darug people.

Appointed to: Corps Officer at Cairns Corps, Qld Traditional country of the Gimuy-walubarra yidi people.

Silver star recipients: Mrs Genny May Mr Peter Woodbury Academic award: Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry – in progress Testimony: I was born and raised in Sierra Leone. I am married to Beola. Due to a civil war, I resettled in Australia in 2009 with the assistance of the Salvation Army.

My conversion to Christianity occurred during a Christian crusade led by Reinhard Bonnke, where I gave my life to Christ. Since converting to Christianity, I have found a deep sense of peace and fulfilment I never experienced before. My favourite scripture is 2 Chronicles 7:14. This reminds me that God will always help us when we turn to God in humility and obedience. I have a loving God who will always provide me with peace and strength.

From 2016 to 2017, I felt the deep call to lead; I started as a ministry assistant and became an Auxiliary Lieutenant in 2019.

I saw God holistically working in me when I got to the Salvation Army College (Eva Burrows). Through the help of the Holy Spirit, the Salvation Army College helped me gain spiritual strength and understanding, building a solid foundation for my future. Through the process of learning and unlearning, God has helped me to see my true self and make use of my gifts and talents. He has also helped me recognise areas that need improvement and prepared me to make the most of future opportunities.

I am a testament to God's love and grace. Still a work in progress, I know I am not alone. Throughout my journey, Jesus guides, comforts, and gives me hope. Therefore, I have no doubt that God's love and grace will lead me to success.

Bible verse: Mark 12:29-31 (NRSVUE translation) Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Cadet Leeanne Pattison Defenders of Justice From: Parafield Gardens Corps, SA Traditional country of the Kaurna people.

Appointed to: Corps Officer at Noarlunga Corps, SA Traditional country of the Kaurna people.

Silver star recipients: Mrs Heather Fleming Major Owen Pattison Academic award: Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry – in progress Testimony: During my 5 years as a ministry assistant, I felt God asking more of me. After some wrestling and exploring different avenues within my ministry, I sensed the calling of officership, which gave me such peace. With a lot of prayer and talking about this with my closest friends and family, the call to be an officer became loud and clear, and I began my application process.

In my training journey as a candidate helper, and now a cadet, I have been challenged in so many ways! I have been blown away by the skills and capacities God has grown and developed in me during this period of intense ministry and leadership formation.

I am so grateful for the people that God has placed in my journey who have spoken into my life at key moments, encouraged me, cheered me on, challenged me, and walked beside me.

As I commence my first appointment, I am excited to see how I will continue to grow and develop as a leader, and to see what God has in store for the people and community I will be loving and serving.

Bible verse: Psalm 89:1 I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.

Ongoing cadets Cadet Samuel Higginbottom, Cadet Michellie Higginbottom, Cadet Sameeha Paramaraj, Auxiliary Lieutenant Colette Albino

Officer Formation team Captain Kylie Herring, Major Heather Jenkins, Major Sandy MacDonald, Major Darlene Murray, Major Sharon Sandercock-Brown, Captain Mark Townsend, Captain Tamaryn Townsend, Major Andrew Walton

Calling is not static.

It is about being available for God. 'The Shape of Calling’

“I was just sick and tired of making money for other people and not actually making the change around me.”

Shaun Featherston Corps Officer, Sunbury

Be an influencer Be the change you want to see in the world

Passionate about the adventure of faith and service?

Visit salvationarmy.org.au/comealive

Acknowledgement of Country The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters throughout Australia.

We pay respect to Elders and acknowledge their continuing relationship to this land and the ongoing living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia. We also acknowledge future aspirations of all First Nations peoples.

Through respectful relationships we will work for the mutual flourishing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous Australians.

We commit ourselves in prayer and practice to this land of Australia and its people, seeking conciliation, unity, and equity.

Our National Vision Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus