Crowds of Salvationists and friends made their way to St. John's for the annual Congress and Commissioning in Newfoundland and Labrador. People gathered from all over the province and some came from Ireland. There was excitement and great anticipation in the air from the opening event through to the closing salvation meeting. God's presence was with us and blessed us with fresh renewal. Commitments were deepened and for some, a new life with Jesus began.

Canadian Staff Band Concert
The Canadian Staff Band were guests for the weekend, supporting events with stirring and sensitive accompaniment. The musical selections contributed to worship and brought us into an awareness of God. A feature of the Thursday evening concert was Songs of Newfoundland, and at the right moment the congregation rose to its feet to sing Ode to Newfoundland, displaying a strong attachment to the life and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Officers Councils
Nearly 400 officers met on Friday morning to worship God and renew our commitment to the foundations of our faith and covenant. Major Ray Rowe, the host divisional commander, reminded us of our past as the context for today.

"January 19, 1886, a contingent of Salvation Army officers arrive in St. John's to officially open the work. On January 31, they have their first open-air meeting in Barter's Field.

"Thus began the work of The Salvation Army in Newfoundland. Over the years we have 'opened fire' in 154 locations, 88 of which are still active today. In these days of administrative restructuring, divisional restructuring in this province has changed 10 times! We've had the status of District, Division, Province, Sub-Territory, Chief Division, Provincial Command, Three Divisions and Two Divisions."

Captain Lori Pinksen, CO, Stephenville Community Church, reported on a new church plant in Paradise, one of the growing communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. God continues His work of building the kingdom through The Salvation Army.

Officers prayed for the congress, the province and the Army.

Congress Welcome
The welcome meeting introduced the congress theme, petitioning God to "Be Thou My Vision". Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan, territorial commander, told the story of a little girl in a crowd that couldn't see very much. Her father put her on his shoulders and she exclaimed, "I can see further than my eyes can look!" In the same way, as we turn our eyes to Jesus, we see much further than our own vision allows.

Training of officers moves to Winnipeg
The public closing of the Newfoundland and Labrador Training College in St. John's was a sad event as this centre of learning and culture was closing its doors after over 100 years. However, the training of Salvationists responding to God's call for officership will continue in Winnipeg. The Commissioner remarked that we are bound to Him, enfolded by His grace. The walls of a college do not hug back, they do not sustain as God does.

Honouring the college legacy, the chair of the Advisory Board, John Perlin and the Divisional Commander of Nfld. East, Major Ray Rowe, spoke. Click here for the full text of their remarks.

The college chapel had standing room only, with a large overflow out in the foyer and beyond. Attendees felt the loss of the building and its presence, but rejoiced in the sense of direction and purpose that God continues to give. A feature of the event was the presentation of a painting of the college by David Howse. The original will be hung in the Winnipeg College, with prints sold to support the work of Major Dr. Dawn Howse in Zimbabwe.

Commissioning of Cadets
The Visionaries session of cadets was preceded by a representative officer from the past 50-plus sessions marching before them into the arena. The spectacle of how they embody a continual response to God's call over successive generations was moving and represented the ongoing commitment of Newfoundland Salvationists. The cadets were ordained and commissioned as officers in The Salvation Army by Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan. Following the commissioning the new Captains sealed their commitment at the mercy seat. Opportunity was given for others to come to the platform in response to God's call and there was further evidence of Newfoundland Salvationists sensitivity to God's leading.

The service moved to a joyous time where the appointments of the new Captains, with their children were recognized. The anticipation of actually going out to communities in the territory to begin a life's ministry was reflected in their enthusiasm.

Congress Sunday
The Sunday meeting of worship continued to unfold our understanding of the theme, "Be Thou My Vision". The opening song of "Joyful, joyful we adore thee" to worship lead by the Trinity Bay worship team, through the presentation of the mime group from Burin, the singing of the Congress Chorus, the Staff Band, all conspired to bring the worshipers to a greater understanding of God, our vision. Colonel Glen Shepherd, chief secretary, read from Isaiah:6 and reflected on the vision of God by Isaiah, and how he was cleansed and responded to God's Call on his life.

Sunday evening featured the Congress Chorus, the Canadian Staff Band, and worship team, and stirring testimonies from Salvationists accepted candidate Tina Dominaux and staff band member Valerie Moreton. The Commissioner delivered a message, building on the Isaiah:6 passage from the morning. "The coals we need for cleaning may be from the hottest in the middle of the altar, requiring the kind of surrender Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane of Matthew:26." The Glacier arena was for many a place of prayer, a place where sin was acknowledged and forgiven and where God met and strengthened His people.

by Lt-Colonel Ray Moulton

Click here for more photos of the weekend