The Champions of the Mission were officially welcomed at Peart Memorial Corps on Sunday, February 25, 2024. Hailing from various Divisions across the Territory, the 12 new Cadets represent the Central, Limpopo, Mpumalanga & eSwatini, Northern KwaZulu Natal, and Mid KwaZulu Natal Divisions. After warm words of welcome from the Chief Secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Themba Mahlobo, there was a vibrant time of worship as people lifted expectant hearts before the Lord in praise and adoration. The Territorial Youth Secretary, Captain Vukani Nkosi, presented the Champions of the Mission session to the Territorial Leaders on behalf of the Candidates Department.
Commissioner Deise Eliasen delivered a charge to the Training Principal, the outgoing Training Principal Major Colleen Huke, and the incoming Training Principal Captain Owen Mutize, and Training Staff of the College for Officer Training, encouraging them to pass on the baton while echoing John 3:30, which mandates that our purpose is always to exalt Jesus Christ. The presentation of the Sessional Banner was followed by the Dedicatory Song sung by the Champions of the Mission. The song included beautiful words pleading for the Holy Spirit to reign down concluding with the prayerful words “For Thy Mission make me holy, for Thy glory make me Thine.” Lieutenant Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo sealed this sacred time with a dedicatory prayer over the Cadets.
Representative speaker for the Session, Cadet Lungile Mkhonto, spoke on behalf of the Champions of the Mission and said with conviction: “We are not afraid of going through deep waters. The One who called us is with us!” The Central Divisional Songsters and the Central Divisional Youth Band shared in ministry with their beautiful vocal and musical contributions. The Territorial Commander, Commissioner Torben Eliasen, shared the Bible Message focusing on Hebrews 11 reminding the congregation that every Soldier, Junior Soldier, Cadet and Officer is a Champion of the Mission. Using Abel, Noah and Abraham as examples, the Territorial Commander urged all in attendance to Be, Do, and Go, and in so doing, Salvationists could ‘turn the world upside down’ as they lived out their faith.
Opportunity for reflection was given and many responded to the moving of the Holy Spirit in our midst. A further call to Officership and joining the Mission Team was given by Lieutenant Colonel Themba Mahlobo, and we praise God for those who responded in surrender and obedience. We thank God for making His presence known at the Welcome of the Champions of the Mission! To God be the glory, great things He has done!
