Corps. We were expecting rain and thunderstorms, and Covid-19 restrictions meant that fewer than half the people we expected on Sunday would be allowed to sit in the corps building. Help came from all directions, and we were set up with screens in two overflow areas, including the shelter. It turned out to be a gloriously hot and sunny day, and the shelter and marquees protected from heat instead of rain. As people arrived for the afternoon meeting, temperatures were checked and contact details recorded. Then the spaces filled with singing and worship. As the brass band led into the march ‘Starum’, the Salvation Army flags and cadets entered to be presented to our territorial leaders, Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell. Instead of coming up to salute them on the platform, they [flag-bearers and cadets] stood in front of a camera and a television monitor and saluted. It worked just as well! There was a large screen showing the Commissioners in Australia and those who were gathered at Territorial Headquarters in New Zealand. Those not in Fiji were able to see what was going on and listen to the cadets make their promises. Having witnessed this, the Commissioners confirmed the ordination of the cadets and commissioned them as lieutenants. Then the lieutenants’ parents were welcomed to the Silver Star Fellowship in a lovely ceremony. Previously, this has been done in a private event on the Saturday morning, but there was something very special about honouring these parents publicly. Lieutenant Rupeni Daucakacaka shared his testimony of God’s grace in taking him from someone who felt unworthy, to being called and equipped to care for those God will lead him to. Together, Mereani, Eleni and Rupeni performed a stirring dance to the song, ‘God, You’re So Good’. Before confirming the lieutenants in their appointments for next year, Commissioner Mark encouraged us all, like John the Baptist, to point people to Jesus as messengers of grace, with healthy character, godly competency and resolute fulfilment of our calling. And whatever God is calling us to, to just do it.
Sunday Celebration Service Sunday’s Celebration Service was full of colour and joy and praise, with all the indoor and outdoor spaces filled, and more people sitting on the grass. The congregations enthusiastically sang about the power and grace of God—‘All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name’, ‘Mighty is our God’, ‘This is Amazing Grace’—and these themes continued through prayers in Fijian, Hindi and
English. The new lieutenants were joined by their children— Talia, Belinda and Pita Daucakacaka—for a powerful and moving visual performance, ‘Hold On’, which focused on staying connected to Jesus even when times are hard. This tied beautifully to an item by combined youth from local corps— a graceful interpretation of Laura Story’s song, ‘Grace’. Lieutenant Eleni shared her testimony of God’s work in her life as she learned to trust him to lead her in all circumstances. It was a delight to include two special elements of the meeting. The first was the warranting and appointing of Envoys Semi and Verenaisi Drotini, who will be assisting at Suva Central Corps. The second was acknowledging the promotion of lieutenants to the rank of captain. There were nine officers promoted, from the Messengers of Light session: Raechal and Fale Leha, Visa Kaurasi, Peneasi and Tavaita Torocake, Ruci and Seru Napolioni, and Ponipate and Mereyani Bacaivalu. Using the story of Elisha taking up Elijah’s mantle (2 Kings 2:1-14), Divisional Commander Captain Andrew Moffatt spoke of the need for us all to take up the mantle and be messengers of grace. This is not done in our own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. There was a strong response as we sang ‘Jesus, All for Jesus’. Then it was time for a full-on celebration. There was great energy in the hall as each local corps presented an item. More than 350 people sat down outdoors to enjoy a celebration meal from a traditional Fijian lovo. Many countries are now having to conduct commissioning and ordination services in similar ways, but this was a first for our territory. There were some real challenges and many learnings, but there was also a very strong sense of being a team—one Army—working together to be well prepared. As well as those in Fiji and BCM who contributed, there was significant help from the Communications and Creative Ministries Departments, and from key staff in the offices of the Territorial Executive. This was a successful weekend in so many ways that we can all celebrate. Together we pray God’s richest blessing on our newest lieutenants and envoys as they step forward in his mission.
09 JANUARY 2021 WarCry 17
