Maxwells honoured with farewell service
Colonels Wayne and Robyn Maxwell. (Photo: Carolyn Hide)
“We go in peace, knowing that God is in control,” shared Colonel Wayne Maxwell on behalf of he and his wife, Colonel Robyn Maxwell, at a farewell service at Parramatta Corps on Sunday 10 February.
The service was held to honour the Maxwells’ service over the past two years as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, respectively, for the Australia Eastern Territory.
They have been appointed to The Philippines Territory as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, respectively, and will begin their new roles on 1 April.
In front of a packed hall, Australia Eastern Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon, offered words of praise to the Maxwells and spoke candidly about their relationship.
“I want to thank God for the relationship Wayne and I have had,” he said. “I would describe it as a relationship of prayer and unity in the spirit. I thank God for them.”
Major Peter Farthing, the territory’s Publications Secretary and Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, was invited to offer words of farewell to Wayne. He spoke of his exceptional work as Chief Secretary and listed numerous attributes that described him as a leader.
“Wayne has been watching over the people and programs of the territory,” Major Farthing said.
“They [Colonels Wayne and Robyn] guard the Army’s good name. Wayne, we want to thank you for doing it [your job] so effectively.”
Robyn was then honoured by Major Sharon Clanfield, Miranda Corps Officer and Pastoral Care and Well-Being team member. She spoke about Robyn’s exceptional qualities as a female leader over the territory.
“You are a woman of prayer,” Major Clanfield said. “A woman of laughter … you are a woman of the word. You are a woman who is passionate about women reaching their God-given potential. In farewell, be yourself, continue to laugh; be the person God called you to be.”
In response, Robyn then spoke of her memories as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and shared about both the challenges and excitement for the journey ahead.
The Maxwells’ son, Jonathon, then walked to the platform and, with emotion stirring in his voice, praised his parents for responding to God’s call.
A message was then presented by Wayne who spoke about the cost that comes with following Jesus and the price we need to pay in order to live out God’s calling for our lives, acknowledging his personal journey as he moves to the Philippines.
The evening concluded with a benediction from Commissioner Earle Maxwell, Wayne’s father.
The farewell service also coincided with a public welcome to the 15 new cadets of the Heralds of Grace officer training session. Major Shelley Soper, Territorial Candidates Secretary, introduced the cadets individually, acknowledging their obedience to God for following his calling for their lives.
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