Despite the cold, wet weather, the spirits and expectations of Newfoundlanders were not dampened as they arrived for the annual congress June 27-29 in the twin cities of St. John's and Mount Pearl. Delegates gave an enthusiastic welcome home to guests Commissioners Max and Lennie Feener, territorial leaders, U.S.A. Southern Territory, accompanied by Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, territorial leaders for Canada and Bermuda.

A highlight of the weekend was the musical How Great Is Our God? in the Friday evening welcome meeting, featuring an 80-voice choir, narrators and soloists. Video presentations throughout included personal testimonies to the greatness of God in real-life situations and how lives have been changed through the power of Christ. In his message, based on Micah 7, Commissioner Max Feener spoke of the depths of divine wisdom, knowledge, grace and forgiveness. Afterwards, many knelt at the altar in surrender to this great and awesome God.

On Saturday, separate women’s and men’s rallies attracted delegates who shared in fellowship and were blessed by inspirational music and messages from the Word. The women met under them theme “Celebrating Our Character, Strength and Vision.” Major Judy Goudie shared her life story, telling how she was separated from her parents and siblings at a young age and later found love and acceptance in a Christian foster home, influencing her own decision to follow Christ. Singing was led by Carolyn Reid of St. John’s Citadel, with special music provided by Hannah and Justin Drover and Commissioner Marilyn Francis. In her message, entitled “Celebrating Uniquely U,” the commissioner challenged her listeners to celebrate their unique character, conversation and conduct in response to God’s call on their lives.

Approximately 200 men gathered at Mount Pearl Citadel, where they heard John Prior share how Jesus rescued him from various addictions over a five-year period. Commissioner William Francis spoke on the subject "Why Men Hate Going to Church." Those present were challenged to befriend unsaved and unchurched men and present them with the gospel. A time of praise and worship was led by a team from St. John’s Citadel under the direction of Daniel Kean and Todd Warford.

The evening event focused on children and youth and featured a wide variety of music including a youth band, children’s chorus, timbrellists, a dance group and a musical drama entitled We Need Jesus. In her message entitled Extreme Living, Commissioner Lennie Feener encouraged young people to make a difference in this generation by holding extremely strong beliefs, maintain an extreme prayer life, taking an extreme stand and being an extreme witness. 

Sunday morning featured music by St. John's Temple Band and the congress chorus, with songs and choruses led by the worship team. Soloist Perry Goulding sang The Anchor Holds and Ray Whalen of Clarenville shared what God is doing in his life. A beautiful moment came when Commissioner Marilyn Francis, on behalf of the General, presented Gold Stars to Ken and Elsie Bungay, parents of the late Colonel Roy Bungay who was promoted to Glory last year. In his message based on John 12:21, Commissioner Max Feener commented, “People desperately need to see Jesus in our world today and it’s up to us as Christians to lift him up.” During the time of prayer that followed, many knelt in commitment and dedication.

The Sunday evening evangelistic meeting featured music by St. John's Citadel Band and the Abbott Boys from St. John's West. Inspiring testimonies were given by Glenda Barrow of Pathway Community Church and teenager Jonathan Hicks from Conception Bay South. Commissioner Lennie Feener preached from Psalm 103, stating that, like David, we are blessed to experience God’s grace and forgiveness and must strive to praise him and make him supreme in our lives. Many responded to the invitation as prayers were answered and lives were changed.

by Glenys Woodland, St. John’s Citadel, N.L.