SEVERAL hundred people packed The Salvation Army's Mayfair Community Church (formerly Chicago Korean Corps) in Chicago, USA, to witness the installation of new USA National leaders by the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, and Commissioner Sue Swanson (World Secretary for Women's Ministries). The new National Commander, Commissioner William A. Roberts, and Commissioner Nancy Roberts (National President of Women's Ministries) were delighted that the event was taking place in their home territory, USA Central.
The commissioners take up their new roles having served the past nine years on three different continents as they ministered in the South America East Territory, at International Headquarters in London and, most recently, as the first leaders of the Kenya West Territory. During these years of them being away from the USA, their number of grandchildren grew from one to 10, all of whom were present at the installation meeting. Each grandchild held a flag that represented the country their grandparents were serving in when he or she was born.
A letter of greeting from General Shaw Clifton, read by the Chief of the Staff, encouraged the new leaders with these words: 'The God who equipped you will empower you.'
The new leaders had requested that the song 'In Christ Alone' be included in the meeting as a symbolic response to their appointments. Commissioner Nancy Roberts reflected on this in her remarks, saying: 'Here in the strength and power and love of Jesus Christ I stand.'
Commissioner William Roberts told the congregation: 'I come to you in weakness so that your faith will not rest on man, but on God.' He spoke about his time serving overseas and said it has given him 'an appreciation for those who are different from us. God has made of one blood all nations on earth. Our Father is the same.'
Speaking for his wife and himself he said: 'We give our lives to the Potter's hands. So long as The Salvation Army remains as clay in the hands of the Potter, we will be all he wants us to be.'
The celebration included music by the Chicago Staff Band, Mayfair Community Church Songsters and vocal soloist Heidi Strand.
Report by Major Ed Forst
