A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S A LVAT I O N A R M Y S O U T H ER N T ER R I TO R Y
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ISSUE 9
KEEPERS OF THE COVENANT New Cadets Welcomed
BY KRISTIN MUDGE Songs of praise and worship filled the auditorium as the Territorial Youth Band and the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS) opened the Welcome of Cadets service at Lake Junaluska on Saturday, August 10. This was the second year with the welcoming of the incoming session of cadets as the celebratory finale for Territorial Bible Conference, capping off an incredible week of Bible teaching and fellowship. “We have had an amazing time this week at Bible Conference,” Chief Secretary Colonel Deborah Sedlar said, welcoming everyone to the service, the hundreds physically in the room and the additional hundreds watching the livestream online. “This week, we have truly experienced the presence of God.” “And this evening, as we finalize our time together, we are privileged to welcome our newest session of cadets,” she continued. “We now affirm their calling to officership as we join in this celebration to welcome them as members of the Keepers of the Covenant session.” With great fanfare and applause, the 23 cadets of the Keepers of the Covenant session entered the auditorium and took their places on stage, warmly greeted by Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart, territorial leaders. Captain Jervonne Hinton, territorial candidate’s secretary, presented the group, introducing their session verse, Jeremiah 31:33: “‘This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I
Photo Credit: Laura Dake
will be their God, and they will be my people.’” Captain Hinton explained that the average age of conversion for the group is 19. Eighteen of the 23 cadets are first generation Salvationists. Their educational degrees vary from software engineering to early childhood education, Christian education, business management, and sociology. Careers left behind include corps mission associate, electrician, teaching, family coach, custodian, information technology, office administration, and more. The Evangeline Booth College (EBC) also welcomes 13 children
to campus along with their parents in this session. She continued, “These men and women, whom God has called, have responded and come from the four corners of our wonderful Southern Territory to love, to serve, to disciple others as officers in The Salvation Army.” Commissioners Igleheart then performed the installation of the new leaders of the EBC, Major Zach Bell as president and principal, and “Cadets Welcomed...” continued on page 9
The Outrageous Grace of Kingdom Living Bible Conference 2024 BY KRISTIN MUDGE Stuart Auditorium, set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Junaluska in North Carolina, thrummed with activity as family and friends were reunited. Retired officers, young
Photo Credit: Laura Dake
Photo Credit: Laura Dake
families, gentlemen from The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) programs, and soldiers from all over the Southern Territory joined together for a week which promised to be filled with joyous fellowship while delving into what the Bible says about “Kingdom Living: Outrageous Grace.” Referencing the recently completed summer season and noting how palpably God made himself known throughout the territory through summer camp, the Territorial Music Institute (TMI), and the Territorial Youth Institute (TYI), Territorial Program Secretary Lt. Colonel Mark Israel welcomed everyone to Bible Conference 2024. “I wish you could have seen how the youth and young adults of our territory responded to the Lord at TMI and TYI. And here we are at Bible Conference ready for another moving of the Holy Spirit.” The week was beautifully launched with a concert by special music guests, the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS). The group presented a carefully crafted program, an evening of worship and praise, each song specifically selected for its message about the Kingdom of God and His incredible grace in our lives. “Bible Conference...” continued on page 6