New life in Kenya : Ordination and Commissioning Nov. 26.17

Kenya West Commissioning and Ordination of the Joyful Intercessors

One June 25, 1994, Morris and I accepted the declaration to be ordained for sacred service and commissioned for spiritual leadership within The Salvation Army. A vocation of sharing the love of Jesus, helping meet human need, and supporting the Army’s mission in whatever way possible began. It has never failed to amaze me how God chooses ‘the weak things (people) of the world’ to do His eternal business.

This weekend we witnessed 33 others receiving this same charge – to go and be part of what God is doing in the world. To join the fight and stand for what is right, to intercede for others and help make this world the place God intended it to be. To be, as Greg Morgan and Lynette Edge so precisely label it, missional Salvationists. Now don’t misunderstand me, you do not have to be an ordained Salvation Army officer to fulfill this mandate. We affirm the ‘priesthood of all believers’. The body of Christ is just that – a body, with many parts serving many functions in order for the body to be a healthy, growing organism. There is, however, a specific place for those who feel called and set apart by God to be engaged in full time ministry and that’s what this weekend was about.

It began on Tuesday with Covenant Day. If you are a Facebook friend, you will have seen the picture of the second year Cadets kneeling to sign their Covenant, their bond of commitment to “live to win souls and make their salvation the first priority of their lives”. It was a truly sacred day with meaningful worship and a strong Biblical challenge. It was quite moving to watch these Cadets pray earnestly over the decision they were sealing. (The decision had begun more than two years ago). The Cadets were fully aware that becoming an Officer in this Territory may present significant personal challenges. The majority of officers do not receive their full salary. If they have children, there is no guarantee they will be able to pay school fees or medical bills. Many serve in remote areas. Travel can be difficult, especially in the rainy season. Many live in semi-permanent homes with no electricity or plumbing. While this is true for many other locals, it still doesn’t make it easy to engage in spiritual leadership in these circumstances. Yet, they willfully sign the Covenant. That was Tuesday.

On Saturday, we gathered back at the Training College for the honoring of family support, culminating in the presentation of the Order of the Silver Star to parents or other mentors who have provided spiritual and moral support. The Cadets walked proudly across the grassy field, hand in hand with the two people they had chosen to receive the Silver Star. I thoroughly enjoyed being part of attaching the small pins to the lapels of those who stood side by side with their children. The smile of ‘holy pride’ beamed across their faces and I just knew it was a very special moment. In my heart I reminisced about the day my mother received her pin. I can still see her smile.

Then finally, it was Sunday and the great day had arrived. The Cadets had been in Kakamega very late the night before preparing the University grounds for the momentous occasion. Tents, flags, yellow, red and blue drapery, flowers, staging, and the red carpet were all in place. Hundreds of Salvationists had come from across the Territory to witness the special ceremony. We were privileged to have Commissioners John and Dorita Wainwright from International Headquarters to join us. Morris and I accompanied the Wainwrights and our Territorial leaders, Commissioners Stephen and Grace Chepkurui, as we stood for the march pass led by the Territorial Band and Songsters. The service began with the first half focusing on the Ordination and Commissioning. The Cadets were introduced one by one as they walked and waved across the large grassy field, obviously very excited about the day! It wasn’t long before the College Principal presented them as a session to the TC, followed by their Affirmation of Faith which Morris was privileged to lead, and then commissioning. The ritual was one of reverence as the Cadets knelt to hear the words “I ordain you as a minister of the gospel of Christ and commission you a Salvation Army officer”. Following the ordination, Commissioner John Wainwright shared a challenge from Matthew 14. Taking the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, he reminded everyone how disciples who follow Jesus understand the needs of the crowd and do something about it. It is a call to stand in the gap for others. To not only intercede in prayer but to engage in meeting the needs of human suffering. The best way to do this is in partnership with Jesus and a reliance on God’s abundance grace and power. Following the message, the Territorial Candidates Secretary gave an appeal to the congregation for others to consider the call of God to ministry and service. Many responded and we prayed for them.

This led us to the second part of the service and the march-in of the new Lieutenants to receive their first appointments. Though the march was a little slower than what I anticipated, it was an exciting moment to watch them approach the TC and discover where in the Territory they would begin their ministry. Many of the Divisional and District leaders were shouting their welcomes to their respective areas. It was finally complete and an eager crowd was ready to greet the newest officers of the Salvation Army world!

After a very long service (nearly five hours), we returned to THQ for a late lunch. As we concluded our meal, the final ‘Hooray’ of the day was to see the new Officers wheeling out their brand new modes of transportation – shiny new bikes! Many thanks go out to the Territories around the world who provide much needed support through this type of practical assistance.

God bless the Joyful Intercessors!!

A few pics to mark the activities.

Tuesday's Silver Star ceremony