Covenant and Commissioning: A Powerful Weekend in Bangladesh

Significant spiritual moments and impactful engagements marked the visit of the Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Shelley Hill to Bangladesh Territory

Two new lieutenants stand with their children as they receive their first appointment from the Chief Secretary
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.

A group of artisans smile for the camera as they pack decorations into cardboard boxes. Commissioner Shelley Hill holds an example of the finished product.
Commissioner Shelley Hill meets some of the artisans who produce items for Others

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.

Major Sara Bapari and Major Ramdinthari Varte

Major Sara Bapari

Discover more

Guide to a High Council

A guide to The Salvation Army's High Council from International Headquarters.

General Lyndon Buckingham speaking to the congregation
Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes
The General

Inspiring congress in Oslo unites Salvationists around Compass vision

Salvationists and friends of all ages gathered in Oslo, Norway for a powerful weekend of worship, dedication and inspiration.

Compass
Strategy and impact

Compass

The Salvation Army's global strategic framework.

Adults and children sing in a family choir
Denmark and Greenland
The General

Guided by God’s compass

A festival of faith, family and forward movement in Denmark

Faith-Based Facilitation
Strategy and impact

Faith-Based Facilitation

Faith-Based Facilitation is a way of helping people think, talk, explore and respond to issues in the light of faith.

Volunteers unload supplies from a Salvation Army emergency vehicle
Emergency response
USA Southern

The Salvation Army responds to catastrophic Texas floods

Emergency Disaster Services teams are working around the clock to provide meals, drinks and emotional and spiritual care to communities in Central Texas, USA, following the devastating flooding of the Guadalupe River.