New Blood for New Lynn
On Sunday 27 October, five new soldiers and two adherents were enrolled at New Lynn Corps in West Auckland, with more scheduled for enrolment. Corps officer Major Ken Smith explains, ‘It’s been over five years since the last soldier was enrolled here, so people were ready and willing and came to us wanting to sign up. The community here is really responsive to the Holy Spirit. When there’s an altar call people come forward, and so this joining up is just a continuation of that responsiveness. It’s been a real pick-me-up for the corps!’ Using The Salvation Army’s Mission Matters material, Ken, along with Major Denise Smith, led a group of interested men and women in a six-week preparation course. ‘Of that group of ten people, nine have been enrolled,’ reports Ken.
Denise adds, ‘The enrolments were a special feature during the Sunday morning service. Everyone had the opportunity to share a short testimony, and we shared a verse of Scripture with each person. One of the new soldiers has been a volunteer for years and was ready to take this next step. Another previously testified to overcoming a gambling addiction with God’s help. The Spirit of God is moving and bringing life here in New Lynn!’
As part of the enrolment ceremony, Ken read the following quote from Salvationist Robert Doctor:
‘The lifeblood of a corps flows freely through the veins and arteries of its soldiers. They are more than volunteers, more than laity, more than members, they are soldiers on the battlefield of life, and they seek to save the wounded and forgotten, the desperate and marginalised of today’s society through spiritual and social redemption. New soldiers come with fervour and freshness, motivated and ready to serve willingly. They are anxious to help and they want to be part of this Army’s commitment to a suffering community.’
Denise confirms that this very much reflects the attitude of the new members.
‘“What can I do?” That’s what the new soldiers are asking. After the service, one asked, “What time does the prayer meeting start?” She had not been before, but is very eager to get involved,’ says Denise, who adds, ‘there’s a really great feel in the corps at the moment and it’s great to be part of!’
