In Our DNA
Making soldiers is part of the DNA of The Salvation Army, with individuals around the world signing the same ‘Articles of War’ and taking a stand in the fight against injustice and sin. But why are people—including young people—still signing up? The stories of recent enrolments speak for themselves.
Over the past two years, SALT has reported on soldier enrolments from corps (churches) right across the territory—including Auckland City, Thames, Palmerston North, Foxton, Levin, Wairarapa, Blenheim, Auckland City Korean Corps and Johnsonville, as well as Fiji and Samoa. Social media has certainly provided a window into many of these enrolment ceremonies, as family, friends and corps whānau celebrate what God is doing in the lives of their loved ones.
Alongside these soldiers, many local adherent members have also been welcomed. So, what’s the difference? Adherents commit to serving their local church and community, while both soldiers and adherents testify to their love for Jesus Christ and desire to serve him through the vehicle of The Salvation Army.
The missing piece
It’s been many years since a young person has been enrolled as a soldier of Oamaru Salvation Army, making it an historic day when 16-year-old Willow Blair chose to put on Salvation Army uniform and become a soldier. Willow shared her testimony, explaining that she grew up in an atheist family but was always aware that there was something missing in her life. Her search for that missing piece led her to explore various faith pathways, until she came to Oamaru Salvation Army, where she felt welcomed and loved. Soon after, Willow had a powerful personal encounter with Jesus at a youth camp.
Alongside Willow, five other teenagers were accepted as adherents, one being Willow’s sister who she encouraged along to church. Lily and Skye are both first-generation Christians and school friends of Katie and Petra McLay, who invited them to church and were also accepted as adherents. The McLay sisters are third-generation Salvationists.
Captain Jocelyn Smith noted during the service that this was not a ‘one-off anomaly’.
‘This is a prophetic act, signalling many more to come! God is moving and growing a new generation to serve Him fully and passionately in His church, and we’re excited to be a part of the harvest He has positioned us for.’
Jocelyn explains that Willow’s enrolment as a soldier was particularly special, as her pre-loved uniform was gifted to her by Order of the Founder recipient Lt-Colonel Ethne Flintoff. During the same service, the promotion to Glory of stalwart corps member Ollie Wardle was acknowledged. Ollie had been enrolled as a soldier exactly 80 years ago—also as a teenager.
‘The legacy of serving Jesus in The Salvation Army was not lost in this momentous celebration of “passing the baton” from generation to generation,’ adds Jocelyn.
Just the beginning
Lieutenant Mosese Kava of Far North Corps was similarly excited to enrol new soldier Pamela Brott, alongside three adherent members: John and Julie Swan and William Tauranga.
‘Pamela’s heart for ministry and her willingness to serve wherever needed has been a huge encouragement for the corps,’ says Mosese. ‘John and Julie are deeply committed members of the corps, and their quiet, consistent service speaks volumes, while William brings incredible energy and dedication to our mission—his reliability and servant heart have made a real impact. These reinforcements are a tangible reminder that God is moving and raising up people who are genuinely committed to building His kingdom,’ he explains.
Echoing Captain Jocelyn’s words, Lieutenant Mosese affirmed that ‘the fruit witnessed in those being enrolled are because of the seeds sown over many years. This is just the beginning,’ he said.
Meanwhile in Whangārei, three new soldiers—Greg Hannah and Diane and Steve McKinstry— were enrolled alongside two new adherents, John McNaughton and Carmen Tauwerera.
‘Greg became a soldier because it’s his way of going “all in”,’ explains Captain Emma Howan. ‘He has a passion for youth discipleship and has started to step into that ministry space. For Diane and Steve, soldiership is about what they can do to serve, and both have taken up roles in children’s ministry.’
Adherent Carmen has journeyed through addiction, violence and significant health issues,’ says Emma. ‘Throughout her life, people have not been there for her—but she testifies to finding family at The Salvation Army.’
Emma explains that John signed up because he believes and supports everything in the adherent’s declaration, saying, ‘So why wouldn’t I sign up?’
Supporting others
Captain Jacob Howan was thrilled to enrol Judyanne Kerrigan as a soldier at Whangārei Recovery Church.
‘Judyanne’s story is one of recovery from addiction, and she is part of the Recovery Church team, supporting others in their recovery journey. Her search for a “spiritual home” led to the realisation that she’s always felt at home at The Salvation Army.’
Jacob adds, ‘We celebrate that God continues to call people in our whānau to take these steps in their journey, and we look forward to seeing how God moves across Northland as more people commit to serving Him through The Salvation Army.’
