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Munns welcomed – from Hurstville and across the globe

26 June 2013

From left to right: Colonels Janet and Richard Munn enjoy the speeches made at their official welcome to the territory. (Photos by Carolyn Hide)


“We’re delighted they’ve arrived,” exclaimed The Salvation Army's Commissioner James Condon at the official welcome service for Colonels Richard and Janet Munn, whose original welcome service was postponed due to visa processing.

Colonel Richard has been appointed the role of Chief Secretary for the Australia Eastern Territory and his wife, Colonel Janet, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

Held at Hurstville Corps on 23 June, Salvationists and friends of the Munns from across the world tuned in to the service through a live streaming on the video.salvos.org.au website.

Commissioner Condon welcomed the Munns. “I often hear the biblical passage from Esther 4:14 quoted: 'for such a time as this,” he said. “Over recent days, I have realised more and more, God has appointed them for such a time as this.”

Greater West Divisional Commander, Major Gary Baker then shared on behalf of the territory's officers their understanding of leaving behind adult children when moving to a new appointment.

“We acknowledge you are paying this price to be in the corner of the world called Australia,” he said.

Representing the soldiers and youth of the territory, Menai Corps Ministry Assistant, Mark Soper said: “Our territory is blessed to have you both. I believe you are divinely important. We will all back you and follow you.”

Commissioner James presented a charge to the new territorial leaders, and Secretary for Program, Lieutenant-Colonel Laurie Robertson came forward and prayed for the Munns.

Colonel Richard thanked the territory for the warm welcome. He also shared his desire to fulfil the territory’s first mission priority: a territory marked by prayer and holiness.

“Mission priority one sets the tone. If we get that one right, all the others will fall into place,” he said.

In a powerful message, Colonel Janet spoke from the biblical passages Isaiah 53 and Philippians 2 and encouraged the congregation to empty themselves as Christ emptied himself.

“When we see an Army on its knees, we see a surrendered Army, a humble Army in a position with Christ to be raised up,” she said.

Musical interludes by the Hurstville Corps Band and the Burundi Choir from Auburn Corps also delighted the audience at the service.

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The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

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