Peddles welcomed into new IHQ roles
Caption: Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle are welcomed to their new role at International Headquarters.
The Salvation Army's Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Brian Peddle, and World Secretary for Women's Ministries, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, were given a warm reception as they began their new appointments at International Headquarters in London.
Distinguished guests – including former international leaders Commissioner Gisèle Gowans, General John Larsson (Ret) and Commissioner Freda Larsson, and General Shaw Clifton (Ret) – joined International Headquarters officers and staff for the special occasion. The Peddles' daughters – Stephanie and Krista – had flown across the Atlantic to surprise their mother, and were thanked by General André Cox for sharing their parents with the wider Army.
In his opening comments, the General greeted Commissioner Brian as his second-in-command. He spoke appreciatively about the Chief and Commissioner Rosalie's experience, vision, dedication and commitment, promising them that “God who calls you is more than able to sustain you”.
Originally from Canada, the Peddles have served in their home territory, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory, the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland and, for the past year, as zonal leaders for the Americas and Caribbean at International Headquarters.
Commissioner Gillian Downer (International Secretary for South Pacific and East Asia) offered words of welcome to The Salvation Army's 26th Chief of the Staff. She described the Chief as a “gracious man –a spiritual leader with a heart of compassion”.
Recognising the changes he is facing, the Chief of the Staff spoke about taking a step of faith, as shown in the Bible story of Abraham's willingness to follow God. “Stepping out in faith is part of the journey of Christian life,” he told the congregation, illustrating his point with a recollection of bungee jumping in New Zealand.
Commissioner Brian revealed that becoming Chief of the Staff had not been on his “bucket list” but that when the General had asked him to take the appointment, “faith and obedience collided”. Listing some of the many ways in which God continues to bless and use The Salvation Army, the Chief concluded: “I would be crazy not to want to be a part of that!”
Commissioner Rosalie gave thanks for the messages of support and prayer she and the Chief had received from around the world. “If all the people who have offered to prayer for us do pray for us,” she said, “we have nothing to fear!”
Report courtesy of IHQ
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