Twenty more step up to serve
The ‘Disciples of the Cross’ at their Ordination ceremony at Town Hall on Sunday 1 December. (Photo by Major Bruce Harmer)
Twenty new officers were ordained and commissioned by the Australia Eastern Territory at Sydney Town Hall on Sunday.
The ordination and commissioning of cadets of the Disciples of the Cross session was conducted by Territorial Commander, Commissioner James Condon.
It was a very personal moment for each cadet and for their families, friends and many who had invested into their lives.
“I know these cadets personally. You may not see the tear in my eye, but you will hear the quiver in my voice (as they are ordained and commissioned),” said Commissioner Condon.
Most of the new lieutenants were appointed to positions in NSW and Queensland. Two, John and Rose Raga, were appointed back to their Papua New Guinea Territory.
Couple officer appointments were Bradley and Helen Whittle at Mt Isa, with additional roles in recovery and women’s services; Mark and Tamaryn Townsend (corps officers at Dubbo); Ian and Suzanne McIver (corps officers at Fassifern Valley); Lydia Hong and Sean Li (associate corps officers at Hurstville); Bradley and Jocelyn McIver (corps officers at Miranda); Donna and Troy Munro (corps officers at Forbes/Parkes); and Asena and Heath Firkin (corps officers at Armidale).
Single officer appointments included Nicola Stowe (Riverview Gardens Aged Care Services Chaplain); Andrew Jones (corps officer at Wellington); and Winnie Ng (assistant corps officer at Chatswood).
Carolyn O’Brien, who had been an envoy and assistant corps officer at Sydney Congress Hall, was ordained and commissioned a lieutenant and continues in her role.
Commending the Disciples of the Cross to Commissioner Condon, School for Officer Training Principal Major Stuart Evans said: “This young and not-so-young session have a strong desire to be obedient to God’s calling on their life and strive to be known as Christ-centred people, placing Calvary and its meaning at the heart of all they do.”
He encouraged the new officers to “imitate God in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ,” he said.
In a public testimony, new lieutenant Ian McIver told of the tragedy, trauma and triumph culminating in his call to officership.
Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Commissioner Jan Condon, chose the television game show title Deal or No Deal as the subject for her Bible message, based on Mark 10:17-31 and Matthew 16: 24-28.
Jesus had an encounter with a rich young man and sadly, she said, the man chose his wealth rather than Jesus.
“Every choice has a consequence,” Commissioner Condon said. “Jesus was not negotiating a deal with the young man. He was simply calling this young man to surrender and trust him completely.
“If we want to be disciples of Jesus, then the deal is outlined by Jesus when he said to his disciples: ‘If anyone wants to follow in my footsteps, he must give up all right to himself, take up his cross and follow me’.
“It is going to cost you to be a disciple of Jesus.”
Denying ourselves, she said, meant to completely give control of our life to Christ.
Chief Secretary Colonel Richard Munn, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Colonel Janet Munn, Booth College Principal Major Howard Smartt and Parramatta band also contributed to the service.
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