This edition introduces the 26 men and women from New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga who will be ordained and commissioned as Salvation Army officers over the next few weeks. You can read the exiting story of two of them, as Ameet and Jessica Londhe share how God brought them together in Mumbai, India.
Although Ameet was raised a Christian, Jessica was raised in a Hindu family and her decision to follow Jesus was met by strong opposition. In sharing her story, Jessica does not want to disrespect her family, who have come to understand her choice to convert. However, Jessica does want to testify to her joy at realising God loves her and that, in the person of Jesus, he has made a way for her to experience forgiveness. It is this joy that motivates Jessica and Ameet to want to share Jesus with others as offi cers within The Salvation Army.
Each year, as the annual commissioning of new officers rolls around, we thank God that people are still stepping up to serve in this way—not because officers are better than anyone else in the Army, but because they are necessary as full-time leaders of our mission.
Theirs is not an easy role. In this day and age, officers need to either have the skills or (even more importantly) be able to recruit and deploy the skills of others in at least the following areas: evangelism and discipleship, preaching, pastoral care, worship planning and leading, event management, working with children and young people, bookkeeping, staff and retail management, fundraising, media engagement and community work. Some are also called upon to develop additional skills as they’re appointed to serve in more specialised areas of work.
There are many careers and voluntary service opportunities on offer if we want to lead lives that truly matter in the world. But, speaking for myself, the role of a Salvation Army officer remains an immensely fulfilling and rewarding vocation.
Christina Tyson
Editor
Matthew 5:16 The Message
‘Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! … By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.’
Matiu 5:16
‘Waihoki kia tīaho tō koutou mārama ki te aroaro o ngā tāngata, kia kite ai rātou i ā koutou hanga pai, kia whakakorōria ai i tō koutou Matua i te rangi.’