Ontario Welcome to the New Territorial Commander

by The Salvation Army in Canada
Categories: ONG News
Share:

Guelph Citadel – November 2, 2014

Salvationists and friends from the Ontario Great Lakes and the Ontario Central-East Divisions packed out the Guelph Citadel sanctuary for the welcome service of the new Territorial Commander, Commissioner Susan McMillan, on Sunday, November 2nd, 2014.

Major Morris Vincent, OGL Divisional Commander, welcomed the capacity crowd and called on Ella Donkersgoed and Tyler Jones who presented flowers to Commissioner Susan McMillan and Colonel Sharon Tillsley, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. Major Wanda Vincent, OGL, opened the gathering in prayer thanking God for sending the Commissioner to the Canadian Territory at this time.  Colonel Mark Tillsley, Chief Secretary, introduced Commissioner McMillan as a person of integrity with a passion for the mission of The Salvation Army here in Canada and around the world.  He further noted that she is a very gifted individual who speaks three languages and clearly displays the heart of an evangelist.

In her response, Commissioner McMillan shared that it is such a joy and blessing to be ‘home’ again and that she has always been conscious of God’s leading and provision in all of the places and circumstances where she has served over the years.  “Do what God wants you to do with your life and it will be a wonderful adventure” said the Commissioner as a testament to her journey of faith.

Sarah Burford from the Chatham Corps and Lieut. Graciela Arkell from Cornerstone Community Church both brought warm words of welcome to the new Territorial Commander.  The guest musical group, “Joyful Noise” from OCE Cedarbrae Community Church, treated the audience to two delightful numbers – “Bright Happy Day” and “OYE”.  What a blessing to see so many neighbourhood children engaged in this Cedarbrae ministry!

The Guelph Citadel Band and Songsters also blessed the congregation with their music abilities during the program.  Under the leadership of BM Allan Hicks, the band offered a moving rendition of the selection “Precious Fountain/William Hines” and the songsters, led by Donna Harris sang “All That is Within Me”.

Referring to the Scripture reading from Revelation 3:7-13 which was presented earlier in the service by Corps Officer Major Chris Pilgrim, Commissioner McMillan shared a message about “An Open Door”.  She pointed out that just as John wrote about the doors of opportunity that Jesus, the holder of the Key of David, had opened for the church in Philadelphia, so too Christ has opened doors of opportunity – individually and corporately – for The Army today.   She challenged her listeners to step through those doors in faith, knowing that Jesus will provide the strength and power that we need to follow His will. Even though we may face opposition as did the New Testament church, we will be victorious if we keep our faith and trust in Him and keep living according to His plans for us.

Lieut.-Colonel Sandra Rice, OCE Divisional Commander, led the closing song “King of Love” and, following the benediction by Colonel Sharon Tillsley, the Commissioner was thrilled with the band’s rousing postlude -“Montreal Citadel”.  The spirit-filled evening concluded with a time of refreshments and fellowship.

Musical group "Joyful Noise" from Cedarbrae Community Church delight the audience with their bright and lively music.

Musical group “Joyful Noise” from Cedarbrae Community Church delight the audience with their bright and lively music.