Salvationists and friends from across the Pacific Northwest Region gathered in Prince Rupert, BC, from May 19-21, 2006, for The Great Pacific Congress '06 – under the banner, "Where the Nations Gather."

Interestingly, The Salvation Army has a rich heritage of service to the people of the BC North Region. Historic grave-markers in the area confirm that Army officials have served in the region since the 1880s while the work commenced in Prince Rupert – today a hub of Salvation Army worship and service - in 1921.

Under the leadership of Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan, supported by divisional staff from British Columbia, Alberta and Alaska, the celebratory congress events centered on community and God's calling and covenant as nine First Nations Auxiliary-Captains were ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army Captains.

In welcoming the new officers, Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan reminded them, "today you become a part of a covenant community of 150,000 officers around the Salvation Army world."

Captain Oliver McNeil, a newly commissioned officer stationed in Gitwinsilk, was aptly emotional as he responded to the ordination and commissioning events when he said: "I'm grateful for what The Salvation Army has done for me and for what God has done for me…I thank God for everything He has done in my life."

In his welcoming address to congress delegates His Worship, Mayor Herb Pond of Prince Rupert, said "What The Salvation Army does really matters…I wouldn't want to do the job I do without The Salvation Army working alongside." The Mayor's remarks confirmed to all that The Great Pacific Congress was very much a celebration of community and covenant.

God's presence was alive and real. People celebrated in worship – singing, dancing, waving flags and beating Native drums in love and appreciation for their Savior – Jesus Christ. The spirit of joy and exuberance was exhilarating and infectious.

With six First Nations communities represented it was appropriate that the Native Drum became a symbol of celebration and community as those in attendance moved forward during meetings to place their tithes and offerings in a drum as a symbol of unity, togetherness and sharing.

The congress scheduled provided for a community Red Shield concert on the Saturday afternoon with The Salvation Army Victoria Citadel Band, Prince Rupert Community Band and the Prince George Praise Team participating to an appreciative crowd at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre.

In addition, a colorful pageant took place on the Sunday afternoon as more than 150 joined in a March of Witness from the Prince Rupert Corps to Mariner's Park on the city's waterfront. The march was proudly lead by Commissioner MacMillan and the nine newly commissioned Salvation Army officers.

In closing the congress weekend, Commissioner MacMillan challenged all in attendance to renew their commitment and covenant to God and a sensitive congregation responded to the Commissioner's challenge.

"I believe that The Salvation Army is being called to a revival, a revival of holiness," said Commissioner MacMillan as the congress drew to a close. It was evident to all that the revival of which the commissioner spoke was alive and real "Where the Nations Gathered."
By Captain John Murray
Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development
BC Division

Photos: Click here for more photos of this event