Seniors hold annual mission conference
Seniors hold annual mission conference
3 November 2016
Speakers for the seniors conference included (from left) Major Jennifer Cloke, Envoy Roz Edwards, Majors Howard and Sheina Davies.
“God’s purpose for you” was the theme for the Australia Eastern Territory Seniors Conference held in Coffs Harbour on 17-20 October. Eighty delegates from the three eastern states and the ACT attended the annual conference.
Speakers included Majors Howard and Sheina Davies (Ret.); Captain Mavis Salt, Territorial Research Officer for Ageing; Major Jennifer Cloke, Australian Southern Territory Seniors Ministry Consultant; and Major Maree Strong, Territorial Rural Ministry Consultant.
Sadly, Perth Salvation Army officer, Major Geoff Freind, was due to be guest speaker at the conference, but was promoted to glory three weeks before the event. Majors Howard and Sheina Davies (Ret.), spoke in his place, in addition to leading sessions over the three days. Major Freind’s books were sold at the conference, with proceeds going to his humanitarian projects through “Enjoy the Journey” Foundation. Delegates also held a memorial service for Major Freind.
Major Howard Davies led opening night, themed “An evening with a classic” – a journey through some of the songs he has written over the years. Chris Brindley, Territorial Worship Arts Director, provided music support.
Throughout the conference Major Sheina Davies spoke about God’s purpose for you, Major Jennifer Cloke on intentional grandparenting, Major Mavis Salt on ministering to your own generation, and Major Maree Strong on “arteries and attitudes” – allowing the advancing years to have a positive effect on your ministry. Colonels Mark and Julie Campbell, Territorial Leaders, wrote a letter to the delegates, encouraging them to declare and demonstrate God’s love and power to others, especially the younger generation.
“Many delegates were challenged by statistics confirming the growing percentage of worshippers 55 years and over in church congregations, and the urgency of the older generation's experience to mentor those younger,” said Envoy Roz Edwards, Divisional Seniors on Mission Coordinator.
A converted closet became a prayer room during the conference and prayer cards emphasising God’s purpose for our lives to be a journey in faith, were distributed. The conference concluded with delegates dividing into small groups to pray.
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