Historic Commissioning weekend for our newest lieutenants
Historic Commissioning weekend for our newest lieutenants
28 November 2022
Lieutenant David Bruford, one of four cadets commissioned over the weekend, was appointed to Devonport Corps in Tasmania. Photo: Steven Haworth
It was a historic weekend for The Salvation Army Australia Territory as four cadets were commissioned in four separate ceremonies across the country.
Commissioner Robert Donaldson preached at Commissioning services in Launceston (Tas.) and Blacktown (NSW), while Commissioner Janine Donaldson preached in Melbourne and Perth. Photo: Steven Haworth
In the first in-person Commissioning event since 2019, national leaders travelled between Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Launceston to send out three cadets from the Reflectors of Holiness session and one from the Messengers of Reconciliation session. And with solemnity, joy and the waving of the flag, Salvationists welcomed the newest lieutenants to the movement.
While Captain Kylie Herring, head of Officer Formation, was unable to attend the ceremonies in person due to COVID-19, she joined by video to thank the Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia divisions for hosting the cadets during their training. She praised the cadets for their commitment to spiritual reflection and growth over the past two years – a commitment on display nationwide.
“For Salvationists, our journey of holiness cannot remain personal or private. We are called for something more – to live out holiness in action,” she shared. “It requires a deliberateness in our approach to living that reflects our character as we enact our values in observable ways.”
(From left) Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett, Lieutenant David Bruford, Lydia Bruford, and Territorial Commander Robert Donaldson. Photo: Steven Haworth.
On Friday evening, Cadet David Bruford was ordained, commissioned and sent out at Launceston Corps, Tasmania. With Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett and Divisional Commander Captain Kim Haworth present among family and friends, Commissioner Robert Donaldson asked David to affirm the 11 statements of faith of The Salvation Army.
David reflected on his pathway to officership, beginning as an auxiliary-lieutenant and then pursuing his calling as a married man with the support of his wife, Lydia.
“We chose to be obedient to God as he continues to be the foundation of our life and ministry. Following God is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done; it is just taking that first step and following him, that’s the challenge,” he said.
Lieutenant David Bruford was appointed and sent out to Devonport Corps in Tasmania.
Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett congratulations Lieutenant Shaun Featherston on his commissioning. Photo: Gary Hart.
Salvationists from across Victoria travelled to Brimbank Corps in Melbourne’s north at the same time and observed a sacred service as Commissioner Janine Donaldson commissioned Cadet Shaun Featherston. The single Messenger of Reconciliation in the group of commissioned cadets, he was commended for his perseverance through COVID-19, which delayed his studies.
Movingly, a Silver Star ceremony was also conducted as Major Heather Jenkins recognised Shaun’s late mother and honoured Major Sandra Maunder with a Silver Star for her role in Shaun and his wife Kimberley’s lives. “God hasn’t called me to sit on a chair ... he has called me to proclaim his Gospel and to build his Kingdom,” shared Shaun.
As the service finished with a rousing rendition of ‘Storm the Forts of Darkness’, the happiness in the citadel was palpable. It capped off a Christmas message by Commissioner Janine focusing on 2 Corinthians 8:9. Lieutenant Shaun Featherston was appointed and sent out to Sunbury Corps in Melbourne, where he will lead alongside his wife, Captain Kimberley Featherston.
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Lieutenant Peter Hardy reflects on his life and how it has been marked by significant events at Blacktown Salvos.
People across the world shared the excitement of Friday night through live streams on Facebook and YouTube, but with barely a chance to catch their breath, Commissioners Robert and Janine travelled across the country for the final two ceremonies. Commissioner Robert flew north to Blacktown in NSW for Cadet Peter Hardy. Meanwhile, Commissioner Janine and Colonel Winsome headed west to Perth for the commissioning, ordination and sending out of Cadet Kirsten Wood.
On Sunday morning, Peter was celebrated at Blacktown Corps, where he was raised. Commissioner Robert spoke Psalm 139 over him, while NSW/ACT Divisional Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Miriam Gluyas spoke of the joy of “coming home” for Commissioning and encouraged each of us to be a ‘reflector of holiness’ as this session was named. With the Staff Songsters present, it was a service of joy as Peter reflected on his journey from his dedication in 1990 at the corps to his commissioning in the same place.
Colonel Winsome Merrett commissions Lieutenant Kirsten Wood in a service at Perth Fortress Corps on Sunday. Photo: Perth Fortress Corps
“It all began here,” said Peter. “But now, standing in front of you today, preparing to be commissioned, to go out and lead others as an officer in The Salvation Army, I can joyfully say that God is carrying on his good work, and I am so excited he is not done yet.”
Lieutenant Peter Hardy was appointed to Fraser Coast Salvos in Queensland.
Later that day at Perth Fortress Corps, the commissioning of Cadet Kirsten Wood coincided with the first day of Advent. Modern and traditional songs were capped by a performance of ‘I Need Thee’ from the Perth Songsters. Kirsten spoke of her calling to officership when attending high school in Geelong, Victoria.
“This is what God made me to do,” she said. “[Officership] was not something I would ever be good enough to do ... but in my time as a cadet, I have learned over and over again that God made me good enough. God made me capable.”
Lieutenant Kirstin Wood was appointed to Merriwa Corps in Western Australia.
The camaraderie between the cadets and staff at Eva Burrows College created a sense of deeper meaning and fun at all four Commissioning events. (From left) Cadet Vicki Song, Major Heather Jenkins, Cadet David Delaney, Cadet Shaun Featherston and Captain Kimberley Featherston. Front: Cadet Edward Conteh (behind flag) and Cadet Peter Hardy (picture taken before Commissioning).
As four new lieutenants step into their God-ordained appointments, The Salvation Army in Australia – and the world – welcomes the Reflectors of Holiness and Messenger of Reconciliation.
“We believe that God has called and equipped you for such a time as this,” wrote General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries, to the session.
“You are now being ‘sent out’ to meet human needs, to preach, to teach and to disciple, and you must do all this reflecting the holiness of God. God is now releasing you to be pure vessels in a world stained by sin!”
Comments
I just want to say it meant the world to me to meet you, fine people. Congratulations on your graduation. I am looking forward to working with you in the near future.
May God continue to open doors and bless you.