Serving God and One Another

The Salvation Army in New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa is actively encouraging each nation’s youth who participate and are engaged with various ministries to consider service within The Salvation Army. We are searching for those who know the call of God on their lives and who are seeking to serve humankind within the structure of the Army (see page 20).

The word ‘structure’ can be a red flag for some young people, particularly those who have not necessarily had constructive times in learning or work environments. But the Army has a structure that has been honed over decades. This can result in inflexibility, but it can also supply a safety net and a family experience for those who seek to express God’s call of servant leadership within our context.

In each generation, God will seek out those who are ready and willing to serve in a more formal capacity (see page 18). This does not mean that creativity and spontaneity are stifled, but the structure serves as ‘training wheels’ while a person is learning to ride and develop their own ministry.

On page 20, you will find the testimonies of the latest batch of cadets who have chosen to serve in the Army, and there is no doubt of the calling and directional prompting of the Holy Spirit within the lives of these new cadets.

As the Army continues to worship and serve God, we will continue to have the hand of God on our ministry and people. But this comes with a further proviso: to care for and nurture the people who are choosing to serve within The Salvation Army, and this includes officers, congregants, staff and volunteers. With any organisation this can become secondary, but it is never secondary to God. It is always his priority, and so we need to make it our priority.

Please commit to pray for these new cadets and encourage them in their learning. But also pray for and encourage everyone in the family of The Salvation Army and seek their best, as together we serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

. 

Vivienne Hill, Editor