MISSION COMMISSIONING of the Messengers of the Kingdom Session 2020 by MAJOR JASON SWAIN he life of a Salvation Army offi cer is fi lled with sacrifi ce and service. Many offi cers begin their lifelong journey at one of the four training colleges in the United States. Before they arrive, cadets leave behind careers, homes, vehicles and close proximity to friends and family members. Two very intense years later, the cadets look forward to their commissioning and ordination as Salvation Army offi cers. Commissioning is usually tied to a large territorial gathering, and many family and friends gather to see the latest session of cadets become lieutenants. For the second year cadets, it’s a time of refl ection, covenant and dedication to a lifetime of service to God. In 2020, the entire lifecycle of the training colleges was altered and changed. With COVID-19, the training process moved to online video learning. Territorial leadership in all four territories made the diffi cult call to cancel the commissioning weekend events. In the USA East and USA South, which planned for a territorial congress with the General, it was a more diffi cult decision to make. However, the commissioning and ordination of the “Messengers of the Kingdom” session would not be cancelled but would happen on a very limited basis, with very few in attendance. Luckily, technology allowed the services to be streamed online for family, friends and Salvationists from all over the world to witness the ceremony safely from home. Not too many years ago, this would not have been possible. Across the four USA territories, 99 offi cers were commissioned. These new lieutenants will be arriving in their appointments just as communities are re-opening, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have work to do. The Salvation Army has been open and serving in various means throughout this past spring. The new lieutenants will pick up where their predecessors left off . Many of them are now in small communities and may have to reopen The Salvation Army itself. Sunday morning worship has been cancelled for several weeks now, and these new offi cers will need to begin worshiping together again. They are more than capable and more than willing to allow God to work in and through them. T 2 THEWARCRY.ORG • AUGUST 2020
WarCry August 2020: Page 2
