Lieutenants Shima and Tarun Dash receive their first appointment from Major Gabriel Dewri
Significant spiritual moments and impactful engagements marked the visit of the Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and Commissioner Shelley Hill (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries) to Bangladesh Territory from Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 December 2024.
The Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Shelley Hill visited the Healthy and Safer Community Project in Mirpur, which provides treatment for tuberculosis and leprosy patients. They were warmly welcomed by the staff and volunteers, who discussed their work and personal experiences with the project. They also spoke with members of the women’s self-help group, who are producers for Others, The Salvation Army’s fair-trade initiative. Commissioner Shelley Hill visited the home of one of the artisans, who shared how producing for Others had positively impacted her and her family.
A visit to territorial headquarters followed, where the staff greeted the commissioners with flowers and the singing of ‘This is the day that the Lord has made’. The meeting with sectional heads allowed for an open discussion on the challenges and successes of various ministries. Commissioner Shelley Hill concluded the meeting with a beautiful Christmas message and prayer.
Covenant and rededication
On Thursday, the commissioners led the covenant service for the six cadets of the Defenders of Justice Session. The Chief of the Staff spoke about the importance of covenant, encouraging the cadets to trust in God and surrender in obedience.
In the afternoon, officers councils at Savar Corps brought together more than 80 officers. The occasion honoured eight retiring officers. Testimonies shared by Lieutenant Simon Sarker (Rajapur and Bandabari Corps) and Kalpona Sarker (Bhairab Corps) demonstrated God’s faithfulness. Commissioner Edward Hill spoke about The Salvation Army’s mission, focusing on Compass, the Global Strategic Framework. The day concluded with an altar call, where many officers rededicated their lives to God.
Commissioning and recommitment
The culmination of the weekend was the ordination and commissioning of the Defenders of Justice Session on Friday 13 December. The services, held in the presence of Salvationists from across the territory, were led by Chief Secretary Major Gabriel Dewri, with the commissioners officiating the ordination. The Chief of the Staff spoke on the qualities of a defender of justice and Commissioner Shelley Hill recognised the parents of the new officers, awarding them Silver Star badges for their support and sacrifices.
In the afternoon, the new lieutenants received their first appointments and theological diplomas from the College of Christian Theology Bangladesh.
Commissioner Edward Hill concluded the weekend with a sermon on the qualities of a good soldier for Christ. A powerful altar call was given, where officers and soldiers recommitted their lives to God, sealing the significance of the commissioning and the ongoing mission of The Salvation Army in Bangladesh.