THE CLASS OF 2020: MESSENGERS OF GRACE This year’s Booth College of Mission (BCM) graduation ceremony was held on Friday 4 December at Upper Hutt Corps and was testimony not only to the diligence and perseverance of all the students, but also to God’s faithfulness to equip those he calls to full-time Christian ministry. Graduate speaker, Cadet Blair Dale, was beautifully introduced by Education Officer, David Wardle, as ‘a quietly determined person; shrewd; able to gently argue his case and respectfully advocate for his team; ready to and able to step into leadership when necessary. A person able to rally the troops and pull things together. A top student, an able communicator, a fatherly figure, a lovely caring person, a disciple of Jesus —regarded by staff with admiration and pride.’ Blair gave a humorous but profound valedictory speech on behalf of the Messengers of Grace—Ngā Karere o te Mana Tapu session. ‘We mustn’t lose sight of the significance of our journey, and we must always try to see the validity in the journey of others. In order to see the validity in the stories of others, we must remember to try and see people through the eyes of Jesus. Jesus didn’t see an adulterous woman; he saw a daughter of God. He didn’t see an outcast from society; he saw a child of God. He didn’t see a leper; he saw a person made in the image of the Creator. Seeing the validity of others through the eyes of Jesus can be the beginning of renewal, forgiveness, healing and grace, and as we allow ourselves to see others through the eyes of Jesus, our hearts are transformed.’ A notable point of difference for this session was the impact of the college’s individualised study programmes. While the majority of cadets undertook the standard study programme requirements, completing the Diploma in Christian Studies (Theology and Leadership) those with previous qualifications were given the opportunity to further extend their studies and knowledge. Cadet Michal Baken completed a Bachelor of Ministries, while Cadet Scott Noakes completed a Bachelor of Theology. Cadets Eddie and Tofi Metotisi spent their first year of training studying on campus, but the second in appointment at Ōtāhuhu Corps in Auckland. All 12 cadets received the Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training. The evening wasn’t only about the cadets, of course. School for Bible and Mission student, Scott Keane (Territorial Youth Department Web and Resource Manager), received a Diploma in Christian Studies; LAB student and Youth Worker, JD Douglas (Central Youth Services), added The Salvation Army Certificate in Youth Work Training to his Bachelor of Youth Development; and Captain David Daly (Territorial Secretary for Mission) received the Bachelor of Applied Management from the Otago Polytechnic.
From top, l–r: Lieutenants with training officers: Major Marika Serevi (MTO), Lieutenant Rupeni Daucakacaka, Lieutenant Eleni Daucakacaka, Lieutenant Mereani Betena, Captain Dale McFarlane (STO); NZ BCM graduates; Aux-Captains Eric and Julie Turner with their family; Lieutenant Michal Baken with her mother, MargaretAnne Baken; JD Douglas receives Salvation Army certificate in Youth Work Training; Major Ivan Bezzant receives his award for 40 years of service; Lieutenants Semi Ratuniyauravu and Elizabeth Walker-Ratuniyauravu; Lieutenant Lashana Dale with parents at the Silver Star Brunch; Lieutenant Emma Buckingham with mother Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham; Cadet Jesse Willis; Cadet Alanah Moody; Majors Denise and Stephen Crump receive their Silver Stars; Lieutenant Eddie Metotisi and graduates; Te Haka A Te Pōti (I’ll Fight). 09 JANUARY 2021 WarCry 13
