On Thursday 11 December, Cadets of the Champions of the Mission session, Territorial Leaders, CFOT staff, THQ Officers and Divisional Leaders gathered at the College for Officer Training for Covenant Day. This special day forms part of the preparation for Officership and is distinct from Ordination and Commissioning, focusing on a personal response to God’s call and a commitment made before Him.
In the weeks leading up to Covenant Day, Cadets engaged in teaching and personal reflection, considering what it means to enter into covenant with God and to serve through The Salvation Army. Covenant Day provides space for this commitment to be expressed in the presence of Territorial leaders, College staff and Divisional Leaders.
The Chief Secretary, Lieut-Colonel Themba Mahlobo, opened the meeting with a call to worship that directed attention to God and the purpose of the day. Lieut-Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, welcomed those present and led the singing of O Jesus, I Have Promised. Major Aileen Brooke-Smith opened the meeting in prayer, followed by a responsive reading led by Commissioner Deise Eliasen, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries.
The service moved through three movements: Commitment, Consecration and Covenant. The Champions of the Mission shared a song of commitment, after which Major Graham Brooke-Smith gave his testimony. He spoke with joy about the privilege of serving God as an Officer and shared how he has seen God’s hand at work during difficult moments along the journey. His sharing was open and reflective, pointing to God’s faithfulness and the blessing of responding to God’s call.
Lieut-Colonel Nokuthula Mahlobo and Lieut-Colonel Doris Dlamini then sang a duet, witnessing through music. The Champions of the Mission recited the Officer’s Covenant, preparing for the commitment they were about to make.
The Officer’s Covenant which Cadets sign states:
CALLED BY GOD to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as an Officer of The Salvation Army, I bind myself to Him in this solemn covenant: to love and serve Him supremely all my days, to live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of my life, to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unloved, and befriend those who have no friends, to maintain the doctrines and principles of The Salvation Army, and, by God’s grace, to prove myself a worthy officer. Done in the strength of my Lord and Saviour, and in the presence of my leaders and comrade salvationists.
Commissioner Torben Eliasen shared a message which highlighted Hebrews 13:8, reminding those present that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. He noted that because of who Jesus is, the commitment made by the Cadets can be lasting.
The Cadets then signed their Covenants in the presence of God and those gathered. Commissioner Deise Eliasen prayed a prayer of dedication over them, committing them to God’s care and service.
The meeting concluded with the Chief Secretary leading the song Here am I, my Lord, send me, before Lieut-Colonel Thomas Dlamini pronounced the benediction.
Please continue to pray for the Cadets as they prepare for their Ordination and Commissioning this weekend.