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THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA

Messengers 2021 COMMISSIONING, ORDINATION AND SENDING OUT.

“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18

Messengers of Reconciliation “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…” 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18

Offering information This year's Commissioning offering will go toward The Salvation Army Haiti. Recently, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti. All funds raised will go towards assisting The Salvation Army Haiti in providing emergency relief to the in-need local communities, and schools, as well as for their reconstruction work and recovery. Please prayerfully consider giving online. Your generosity will be very much appreciated. Thank you. Account Name: The Salvation Army Description: Commissioning Offering Account #: 81-0661 BSB: 033-174 Open until 31 December 2021

Purpose statement We facilitate environments for the formation of individuals as Salvation Army officers of Christlike character who are innovative leaders, spirit led and functionally equipped for current and emerging contexts, who love God, understand themselves and live God’s mission.

Messengers of Grace “For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves – it is the gift of God” EPHESIANS 2: 8,9

Messengers of the Kingdom “The coming of the Kingdom of God is not something that can be observed; the Kingdom of God is in your midst” LUKE 17: 20,21

THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA

Messengers 2021 COMMISSIONING, ORDINATION AND SENDING OUT.

7pm AEDT Saturday 4 December 2021

Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson

Colonels Kelvin and Winsome Merrett

Letter from the General

Letter from the Commissioners

Three steps in the commissioning of Salvation Army officers 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 Commissioning and Ordination 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. Appointing 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.

The Salvation Army

My Covenant

The Salvation Army

Officer’s Commission Cadet

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:

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

ONE We believe that the

Cadets: We do!

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.

TWO 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.

THREE 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.

FOUR 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.

FIVE

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.

SIX 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.

SEVEN

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

EIGHT 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.

NINE We believe that

continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.

TEN

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.

ELEVEN

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 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.

Officer Formation Stream Leader's Message

You came into officer formation as Messengers of the Kingdom, Messengers of Grace, and Messengers of Reconciliation. By definition, which ever session you identify with, you are all messengers; people who carry a message. A really good question to ask therefore, is what is your message? I thought of you all recently when I was reading and came across this very poignant comment by Mahatma Gandhi who summed up his philosophy of life with the phrase, “My Life is my Message”. It reminded me also of a favourite book by the very well renowned Quaker, Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak. There is something very important about our lives and the way we live them that communicates our message. Jesus said: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:16 Our lives are to be a light that shines the way towards God and the ways of God. Our lives are to present a message of the kingdom of God, where grace and reconciliation are prominent, and where peace and hope can be found. We live in times where the opportunities to send messages are as varied as they are vast. We can send a message via text or voicemail, social media posts, emails; we even have a chat platform called ‘Messenger’. Mostly, the messages we send are brief and they communicate some kind of necessary detail or perhaps, on occasion, a word of support during someone’s difficulty, or a word of celebration or congratulations of someone’s achievement. We generally convey several messages a day as an essential part of our lives and work. Perhaps it is in all the little messages we send that the main message of our life is also communicated. Over your time in Officer Formation, you will have received many messages. Some of those would have been quite incidental and even irrelevant in the long term, but there will also have been important messages that have come to you in the form of learning. Don’t forget that learning. As you come to the conclusion of your training and look to serve as Officers in the communities you have been appointed to, take with you all that you have learnt about yourself and God; take with you all that you have learnt about mission and ministry; all that you have learnt about the Bible and theology, and be a force for good as you integrate this learning in your appointments. And perhaps most importantly, don’t ever stop learning. If our lives are indeed our message, then the challenge to you as messengers will always be to live lives of humility that point to God and to a way of life that makes the world a better place. May your lives reflect a message that is good news as you shine the light of Jesus to all you encounter. God be your wisdom, your courage, and your constant companion on the journey,

Brenda Young Major

The Messengers have been located all over Australia for their training. While the majority of training has taken place in VIC, NSW, TAS, SA and WA; training events have also occurred in QLD and the NT.

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 worked very hard through the pandemic to support cadet training and come up with new and innovative ways of delivering the program. Their influence and commitment to cadets has been outstanding. We also acknowledge former officers who played a significant role:

We extend our thanks to the collaborative efforts of Eva Burrows College in particular:

Captain Richard Parker

Philip Clark and the Learning and Development Team

Major Cathy Elkington

Lt. Colonel Chris Reid, Secretary for Personnel Colonel Graeme Rigley, Head of College Lt. Colonel Terry Grey and the Higher Education Team Kristina Gladman and the Support Services Team

Kylie Casey and the Vocational Training Team Cadet friends Visiting lecturers Officers and staff of mission expressions across Australia who have contributed to cadet formation through placement opportunities.

Cadet Anthony Bezzina MESSENGERS OF RECONCILIATION

From Miller Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Durag people. Appointed To Corps Officer at the Forster Tuncurry Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Worimi people. Silver Star Recipients Mrs Connie Bezzina Mr Joseph Bezzina Academic Award Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry [University of Divinity] – in progress Testimony At the age of 29, I accepted a relationship with God, which has transformed my life. Before accepting Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, I lived a life of addiction, depression and hopelessness. However, from the time I chose to follow Jesus, my life has continued to improve to the point that I feel compelled to share the good news of Jesus with others.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 PETER 3:15-16A (NIV)

This journey has led me to Eva Burrows College, where I have met amazing people who have lovingly challenged me to continue my faith journey, which has helped me broaden my knowledge and deepen my faith. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my journey with God leading me to a position as a Salvation Army Officer at Forrester/Tuncurry Corp N.S.W. I am looking forward to seeing what God is doing in Forrester/Tuncurry and pray that my experiences, both good and bad, can be used to help others in their journey of faith.

Cadet Nicole Bezzina MESSENGERS OF RECONCILIATION

From Miller Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Darug people. Appointed To Corps Officer at the Forster Tuncurry Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Worimi people. Academic Award Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry [University of Divinity] – in progress Testimony We were living in Sydney when God called us to Bible College. I had a great job, a beautiful house and a busy life with kids, church and family. I was happy to live out my days doing what I was doing. But God had different plans. I encountered God and His love for me about 18 years earlier. I was a single mum trying to do the best I could, but always felt something was missing in my life. When I encountered God all that changed, I finally felt complete. Every day, walking with Jesus, my life has changed. My love for God and faith in Him has grown. I have learnt on my journey with God, the plans and purposes He has for me, far outweigh the plans and purposes I have for me. Living a life following Jesus can be challenging, but worth every step. When God called us to Bible college, we packed up our house in Sydney and moved to Melbourne. Entering college was both daunting and exciting. However, being at college has continued to reveal God’s faithfulness and plans once again. I am excited to continue the journey God has me on and look forward to witnessing more of God plans and purposes for myself, my family and others, as I embark on God’s mission field.

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 PETER 1:2-3 (NIV)

Cadet Kate Clifford MESSENGERS OF GRACE

FROM Clarence City Corps, TAS Traditional country of the Palawa people on Lutruwita. APPOINTED TO Corps Officer at the Clarence City Corps, TAS Traditional country of the Palawa people on Lutruwita. SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS Mrs Susan Richards Mr Ross Richards ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Master of Theological Studies [University of Divinity] – in progress PREVIOUS ACADEMIC AWARD Bachelor of Health Sciences – Medical Radiation Technology [University of Otago] TESTIMONY Officership was never a part of my plans, despite marrying an Officer and being heavily involved in numerous Corps for many years. Because of this it took me a while to cotton-on to God’s plans for my life; leading me to marvel at His gentleness and graciousness towards me. My journey towards Officership began as an Auxiliary Lieutenant, before making the transition to cadetship in mid-2019 whilst appointed as the Corps Officer of the Clarence City Corps in Tasmania. Throughout my cadetship I have had the opportunity to explore and expand my deep love for theology, as I have grown in my understanding of God, myself and the world around me.

"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." PROVERBS 3:5-6 (TNIV)

The opportunity to train as a cadet in appointment has provided me with invaluable ministry experience that has seen a deep love grow within me for those I work with and minister to. It has been a joy and a privilege to journey alongside people throughout life’s ups and downs, and I am delighted to be able to continue here at the Corps I have come to love dearly.

Cadet Crystal Lee MESSENGERS OF RECONCILIATION`

FROM Rockingham Corps and Perth Fortress Corps, Western Australia Traditional country of the Nyoongar people. APPOINTED TO Corps Officer – team member at the Mandurah Corps, Western Australia Traditional country of the Bindjareb people. SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS Mrs Yuen Wai Leung Mr Jackson Yu Chau Lee ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry [University of Divinity] – in progress TESTIMONY In reflecting on my journey since God first called me in 2017, through Officership training in 2018-21, and until the present time, I can see that God has been so faithful. While moving away to the other side of the country, being in new settings, living by myself, and the pandemic was challenging, they also turned out to be a blessing. The quiet downtime during lockdowns had allowed me to journal and nurture my relationship with God. God has led me both to the mountaintops and the deep valleys, yet it is especially through those deep valleys that I have learned to run to Jesus with raw feelings and thoughts seeking guidance, help, and comfort. I have experienced God’s presence so tangibly through those challenging moments that my faith and my relationship with God have grown deeper. I have experienced God’s love, joy, and peace anew. God has taught and revealed to me the ways of ministry in surrounding me with great placement officers. I have learned so much from each of the experiences. God has encouraged, affirmed, and called me to see and be who Christ has created me to be and minister out of that for God’s glory.

I am extremely grateful and praise God that when I still have moments of weakness, that Christ is strong. I am grateful and praise God for the people, the prayers, and the support network around me. I am grateful and praise God for His love which never runs out, and that God never leaves me nor forsakes me (Deuteronomy 31:8). Hallelujah.

“The LORD God has told us what is right and what he demands: 'See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.'” MICAH 6:8 (CEV)

Cadet Daniel Jang MESSENGERS OF GRACE

“In the same way you received Jesus our Lord and Messiah by faith, continue your journey of faith, progressing further into your union with him! Your spiritual roots go deeply into his life as you are continually infused with strength, encouraged in every way. For you are established in the faith you have absorbed and enriched by your devotion to him!” COLOSSIANS 2:6-7 (THE PASSION TRANSLATION)

I think my officer formation experience has been a time to stop everything and reflect deeply about myself, my mission, and God. In the process, as Wesley said, “I look upon all the world as my parish,” I found myself in need of further expansion and development. I have beautiful memories of the corps in which I did my placement. There were people who advocated for me and gave me support: Officer Formation staff, my session mates, and corps congregations. They have been the greatest blessing God has given me. My experience of over the past few years will now shape my future ministry. As others have been there for me, I want to be a friend to those in need of empathy and support (John 15:15), having a ministry of wiping away the tears of those who live a lonely and painful life (Revelation 12:4), and helping people to shine like the stars in the sky instead of sitting in darkness, (Daniel 12:3). When I chose to follow God as a teenager, he called me to love him with my whole heart and to love my neighbours as myself. This is still my testimony.

Cadet Anna Kim MESSENGERS OF GRACE

FROM Belmore Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Darug people. APPOINTED TO Corps Officer – Team Member at the Belmore Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Darug people. ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry [University of Divinity] – in progress TESTIMONY I think I began my training with both excitement and fearfulness about my new journey in my life. I was excited about the start of another chapter of my life. However, at the same time, I was fearful about new environments, new people, different cultures and different languages. Three years of training time is a significant and meaningful time in my life. This time was the time that I have learned and known more about God. This time was the time that I was able to focus more on God and get closer to God. This time was the time that I have broadened my mind, my experience, and my knowledge. This time was the time that I have changed my view and attitude toward looking at and treating people and the world. I thank God who made me, called me, and led me here. Also, I thank my ITO Sandy, my colleagues, the Officer Formation team, placement officers, and my family & friends. I might not have been able to go through the training without their support, encouragement, guidance, and prayer. I am, still, excited about my future spiritual journey with God, but simultaneously I am afraid of it. But I believe that the Lord, my God, will be with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9), and I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).

“You are like a tree, planted by flowing, cool streams of water that never run dry. Your fruit ripens in its time; your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun. No matter what you do, you prosper.” PSALM 1:3 (THE VOICE)

Cadet Renae Phillips MESSENGERS OF RECONCILIATION

FROM Adelaide Congress Hall, SA Traditional country of the Kaurna people. APPOINTED TO Corps Officer at the Murray Bridge Corps, SA Traditional country of the Ngarrindjeri people. SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS Mrs Faye Phillips Mr Lester Phillips ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry [University of Divinity] – in progress PREVIOUS ACADEMIC AWARD Diploma of Laboratory Technology [TAFE SA] TESTIMONY The last two years have been nothing like anyone could have planned. They have been surprising in the most beautiful ways and challenging in ways I had never imagined. They have required innovation, flexibility, patience and rethinking what I thought Officer training would be. My image of God has been stretched, moulded, supported, and affirmed by different people and experiences. I’ve learnt that my uniqueness, those things about me that don’t fit the ‘mould’, is also an invitation into an exciting authentic space in ministry. There is a place in The Salvation Army for me to be an officer just as I am.

"May the spirit of the Lord rest on you, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and might, And the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord." A BLESSING BASED ON ISAIAH 11:2

I’m excited for what is next, for the opportunity to continue to grow and learn from the people I encounter and communities I will be privileged to be a part of. I am grateful to those who have been part of the journey, in a myriad of ways, so far. I am grateful for their support and encouragement, for their challenge and affirmation that I am enough and what I have to offer is valuable.

Cadet Cindy Roehrig MESSENGERS OF THE KINGDOM

FROM Ballarat Corps, VIC Traditional country of the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung people. APPOINTED TO Corps Officer at the Inverell Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Kamilaroi nation. SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS Major Jeannette van Gaalen Major Andrew van Gaalen ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry [University of Divinity] TESTIMONY The decision to apply for college, uproot our lives and disturb the beginning of our kid’s education was not one we made lightly. I had heard many stories from officers about their cadet journey, but nothing could prepare me for the road ahead. My story is not the cookie cutter experience, but it was one that came at me with an old-style chisel and hammer. It was just what I needed, at just the right time, when I needed to hear it, and when I would accept hearing it. An important component of the journey is the study, which I am not a fan of, but nothing prepares you for the spiritual shaping of your lifetime. College was a time for me where I have questioned everything, found some answers, found some amazing supports and most of all found worth in myself.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ROMANS 15:13 (TNIV)

Cadet Keven Williams MESSENGERS OF RECONCILIATION

FROM Fairfield Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Cabrogal people of the Darug nation. APPOINTED TO Corps Officer at the Eastern Beaches Corps, NSW Traditional country of the Bidjigal and Gadigal peoples of the Eora nation. SILVER STAR RECIPIENTS Mrs Suzanne Carol Pearce Mr Michael George Williams ACADEMIC AWARD Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry [University of Divinity] – in progress TESTIMONY I remember my first experience of College, exciting and also overwhelming at the same time. In the formation process of Cadet into becoming an Officer, the road that I have travelled has been about knowing more of who God is in my life and who I am as a leader and person. Along with the Officer Formation Stream team and their support, I have stretched myself and learned more about myself in the last two years than I have ever known before.

“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.” MARK 12:30 (NRSV)

Helping Others is my number one priority. I was invited to help our local homeless communities with the Outreach team at Sydney Congress Hall during my training. Danny and the team would go out every Tuesday night and provide food and warmth to those who needed it most. I would say that over the last two years, the main lesson learned was that I am not alone in doing God’s work. He is right there, continuously shaping me into who he wants me to become. A servant of the Kingdom of God.

Ongoing cadets Shaun Featherstone Peter Hardy Rachel Nally Vikki Song Kirsten Wood

Officer Formation team

Major Brenda Young • Major Andrew Walton • Major Emma Moore • Major Sandy MacDonald Major Michelle Oliver • Major Heather Jenkins • Major Sharon Sandercock-Brown Captain Mark Townsend • Captain Tamaryn Townsend

Resources for your Leadership Journey

Connect to other leaders

Step # 2. The Benefit of Prayer

GROUP DISCUSSION In the comments below, discuss 1-2 of the following comments that stand out to you: 1. Throughout His entire ministry and life, Jesus never outgrew prayer. 2. Time is never lost in prayer, it is only ever gained. 3. “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayers” - Martin Luther. 4. When asked“If you were to do things over again, what would you do differently?”, Billy Graham answered, “I would have prayed more”. #evaburrowscollege

The Shape of Calling kit Interest in leadership or officership but have questions? Drop us a line by filling out an Expression of Interest form online: www.salvationarmy.org.au/comealive

Recruitment website with resources & role opportunities The Leader's Journey Facebook group for Candidates

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Candidates Facebook promotional page 2nd Edition 36-page reflection guide with exercises

Reach to us for a conversation about becoming an Officer 03 9847 5400

Dear Friends I appreciate the opportunity to be able to greet you. Once again we find ourselves at the end of an interesting year.

Letter from recruitment council chair

I am thankful for God’s provision though these days of those who had responded to God’s particular call on their lives. Over the last 12 months we have continued to process those who have applied for Officership within The Salvation Army. Pathways to fulfil their call have been different and we are grateful for every Candidate, Candidate helper, Ministry Worker and Auxiliary Lieutenant throughout Australia. Ministry formation can look different and we have the privilege of being able to work with every applicant, exploring their call and prayerfully and practically considering their different needs, gifting and abilities. Some years ago General Linda Bond(R) stated that ‘We will know when God has finished with us because he will stop sending us leaders.’ God has continued to be faithful.

God calls on every Christian to ask the question, ‘What am I being called to explore?’ We are not only looking for people to respond to God’s call, but people who will bring with them the character, skills and abilities to lead in our ever changing world. ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which he prepared in advance for us to do.’ Ephesians 2:10 NIV May God guide, direct and inspire you as you prayerfully consider God’s call on your life and what that means for you. Grace and peace

Janine Donaldson Commissioner Recuitment Council Chair

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