Real Treasure at Auckland City

On Sunday 18 May, 10 new members of The Salvation Army were enrolled at Auckland City Corps. Captains Robert and Susan Adams were excited to see the enthusiasm for God amongst those being enrolled.  

‘We’d started running mission matters classes and had about 20 people coming along. One by one, people began saying, “yes, I’m in” which was so exciting,’ says Robert. ‘Others have now been inspired by the enrolments, so we’ve since had some people say they believe God is stirring something within them. So we’re thinking about setting another date—watch this space!’ 

Soldiers (international members) enrolled were Debra and Ray Heneke and Mackayla Stolk; while Annette Perkins, Diya and Joti Lingam, Megan, Ruth and Tim Fiti, and Marion Vince were all enrolled as adherents (local members).  

‘Seeing everyone at the mercy seat signing their covenants was a stand-out sacred moment,’ says Robert. ‘It was particularly powerful to see the emotion as people came before God, and also family and friends and other corps people coming behind to pray for them. It was one of those moments that was a real treasure in the life of the corps.’ 

Robert adds that testimonies from existing soldiers were powerful and sparked conversation among course participants about wanting to be actively involved in what The Salvation Army stands for: caring for people, transforming lives and reforming society by God’s power. 

‘It’s been quite exciting to see following on from that Sunday, how these new members have already gotten involved in serving and helping out with mission,’ adds Robert. 

Mackayla has been attending the corps since the middle of last year. She soon invited her parents Debra and Ray along, and all three were enrolled as soldiers together. Robert explains that Mackayla is now the Community Ministries worker. ‘She’s a real evangelist and she’s continually inviting people along to different things we have going on.’ 

Marian Vince has been attending Auckland City Corps for many years. Knowing it to be her spiritual home, Marian felt it was the right time to stand up and be counted as an adherent member.  

Diya and Joti are mother and daughter and their initial connection to the corps came in February 2024. Diya then began attending youth group and soon after Joti joined her at church. Robert was blessed to pray with Diya the day she gave her life to Jesus at church.   

Annette Perkins attended East City Corps for many years and following its recent closure has made Auckland City Corps her new spiritual home. Since becoming an adherent, Annette’s started volunteering at the Family Store and around the corps.  

Tim, Megan and Ruth are teenage siblings who all chose to get enrolled as adherents together. ‘We had a lot of our youth come to the preparation classes,’ says Robert. ‘It was great to see these young people—all from one family—take this stand together.’