Auburn’s “house of prayer for all nations” is open for business
Captain Nesan Kistan and Commissioner James Condon unveil the plaque at the opening of Auburn's new Corps building.
What started as an outpost in the late 1800’s has evolved into a relevant, mission-minded community of faith serving in the culturally diverse community of Auburn. The highly anticipated transition of the Auburn Corps has been a long time in the making but has finally come to fruition.This past weekend took some time to reflect on the past, rejoice in the present and anticipate the future as they celebrated the evolving life of their church.
On Saturday evening visitors were able to visualize the journey as they browsed through the history room created for the opening weekend. Later in the evening guests enjoyed the company of old and new friends as they were served a delicious two course meal.
Captain Nesan Kistan (Auburn Corps Officer) greeted everyone and invited them to celebrate the gift of their new home. He reminded those gathered of the nickname adopted by the Corps for their building. “We call this building ‘donkey’ because just as Jesus rode a donkey intoJerusalem, this building is merely the vehicle, Jesus is the King” he said.
The young children of the corps delighted everyone as they sang “Our God is a great big God” with great big smiles all over their little faces. The stage lit up as the African choir sang in their native tongue and the dancers performed with natural rhythm and enthusiasm.
Commissioner Jan Condon (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) shared some of her own insights of the Auburn Corps. She recalled the transformation she had personally witnessed from her own out-training days as a Cadet through to when she and her husband were appointed as Corps Officers. Focusing on 2 Corinthians 3:18, the Commissioner encouraged the congregation to let Christ transform their lives. “As we let Him in, our lives can be brighter and beautiful like Jesus” she said.
On Sunday morning Commissioner James Condon (Territorial Commander) spoke of John 2:17, “Zeal for your house will consume me,” and encouraged people to be passionate about the house of God being a house of prayer for all nations. Referring to our Army’s first mission priority, to be a Territory marked by prayer and holiness, he emphasized that “before God hears the prayer, He looks at the heart.”
At the plaque unveiling and dedication ceremony the Honourable Barbara Perry MP and Member for Auburn shared childhood memories of The Salvation Army’s presence in the heart of Auburn, looking after and investing in the community.
What would a celebration be without a cake? Mrs Dorothy Spicer, the number one soldier on the roll, along with Johari Bakari, the newest soldier to be enrolled cut the cake.
Commissioner Condon enrolled three new Senior Soldiers and all three women gave heart felt testimonies. Johari Bakari shared passionately “This church is my church because I was saved in this church.”
At night a huge illuminated cross shines in the darkness above The Salvation Army at Auburn for all to see and know that Jesus Christ is central to what they do there.
Report by Major Carolyn Harmer
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