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MESSENGERS OF RECONCILIATION LAUNCHED B Y LT. C O L O N E L A L L E N S AT T E R L E E Arriving during the darkest days of the COVID pandemic, cadets of the Messengers of Reconciliation Session braved leaving homes, jobs and the safety of isolation to arrive at 1032 Metropolitan Parkway in Atlanta, beginning their training to become Salvation Army officers. Getting to training is a journey under the best of circumstances but these persevered and finished this initial segment of their life of service to God, His people and the Army. The final steps in this process culminated with the Commissioning and Ordination Service on Sunday, June 5, 2022. Eleven cadets were commissioned as lieutenants, supplemented by three auxiliary captains who were promoted to the rank of captain. In presenting the Messengers of Reconciliation, Major Tom Louden, president of Evangeline Booth College and principal of the School for Officers’ Training, said, “I present to you fourteen who are on fire, sanctified, Blood and Fire officers who know God, know themselves, and know the mission of The Salvation Army. They are proclaimers of God’s Word, while living incarnationally and sacrificially for the salvation of the world through Jesus Christ. They are ready to do battle. They understand that The Salvation Army is not dependent upon a building or particular place. The Salvation Army is where they stand with the whosoever before them.” Highlighting the varied paths taken to reach this moment, Cadets Rashad Poole, Ali Hamil-
Commissioner Willis Howell speaks during the Commissioning and Ordination Service
ton, Sam Mhasvi and Myranda Estudiante shared moving stories of God’s work in their lives. After reciting the Salvation Army doctrines, cadets and auxiliary captains to be commissioned came forward, knelt and received God’s blessing and a Scripture chosen for them by the territorial leaders, Commissioners Willis and Barbara Howell.
Mindful of not only the newly commissioned officers but the family, friends and Salvationists gathered, Commissioner Willis Howell engaged the crowd by dividing them between those who on cue would either shout out, “used to” or “but now.” This was entered into enthusiastically as “Messengers...” continued on page 3
Saturday Night: “Kingdom on the Rise” An Evening of Worship and Ministry
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BY BR AD ROWL AND On the evening of Saturday, June 4 and with the theme of “Kingdom on the Rise,” music and arts ensembles from across the Southeast came together for an evening of inspiring worship and ministry. Following a rousing opener titled “Proclamation” from the AOK Divisional Band, led by Andrew Barrington, the program continued without interlude or introduction, with a musical suite titled “To the Chief Musician” serving as one of the centerpieces of the evening. Backed by a massed band consisting of more than one hundred players and led by special guest William Himes, who penned the musical work, the first movement also featured a massed choir and lyrical movement. This crossover appeal was a clear theme of the evening, with Bethany Farrell, territorial creative arts director, directing the staging and Territorial Arts Ministry (TAM) providing creative arts elements ranging from drama, poetry, and dance. The program highlighted the work of divisional groups in the middle of the evening, including a featured piece titled “Arise, My Soul, Arise” from the AOK Divisional Band. Later, the Texas Youth Chorus, conducted by Matthew Broome, ministered in song, both in a standalone sharing
Commissioner Paul Kellner is recognized for a lifetime of service of “Faithful is Our God” and in conjunction with the Atlanta Area Junior Choir on “Similitudes.” “I was so proud of the divisional groups that attended the Commissioning weekend festivities,” said Nick Simmons-Smith, territorial music secretary. “Some of these groups have never traveled outside their respective divisions. They all performed to an exceptionally high standard and did so with a very busy schedule that featured intense rehearsals, long days, lots of travel, and not much sleep. I thought they were simply outstanding, which gives me great hope for the future.” “Saturday Night...” continued on page 4