As I stand here, on the other side of five years as The Salvation Army’s World President of Women’s Ministries, I stop and think: this has been one amazing journey! I reflect on the duties of the appointment, the accomplishments made, the team that I have so enjoyed being a part of and I say one great ‘thank you!’ to God for it all. I do not take it lightly.
I have been astounded by the resilience and strength, the welcome and the unshakeable faith of Salvation Army women. What a gift you are! There is a persistent hope and a determined voice among us, within us and it comes out through us. I believe and pray that this stems from a close following of Jesus Christ.
Each opportunity to teach and share, to speak around the international Salvation Army, has been a blessing. Just being in the presence of believers, Salvationists, women of faith, has been a comfort. The faithful witness of others has become like ‘home’ to me. It has given me the confidence to take courageous steps and move into a more relevant Women’s Ministries, aspiring to be proactive in its ministry, and fit for purpose in the present age! Thank you.
I have a special thank you to extend to the leaders of women’s ministry over the past five years, wherever you may be: your patience, your encouragement and your support has meant the world to me! I could not have done this without you.
'The faithful witness of others has become like "home" to me'
And, to all women leaders, whatever appointment or position you may hold: It has been a real joy to work alongside you. I am grateful and proud of what we have been able to accomplish, and I hope you are too. My heartfelt plea is that you would continue to be strong, to take your place in this movement and to rise up with confidence! Do not ever forget that The Salvation Army needs bold women who are empowered by the Holy Spirit. It needs wise minds and hopeful voices that are not afraid to be heard preaching the Gospel and winning the world for Jesus.
As I say goodbye, I commend to you the next Women’s Ministries leadership team. As they take on these great, heavy, wonderful responsibilities, I commit to praying for them, and I ask that you would too. I will be always interested in them, cheering them on from my living room in retirement! I will be their greatest champion as they lead those who will forever be dear to my heart: the incredible women and girls of The Salvation Army.
My love for the mission of The Salvation Army runs deep. My love for seeing women transformed, empowered and equipped in the name of Jesus runs deep too. But let it be known that my love for the Lord is deeper still! His ways, his thoughts, are always higher than ours.
May God richly bless you. May God bless The Salvation Army. May you find full joy in His service.
Commissioner Rosalie Peddle
World President of Women’s Ministries
General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle will entire retirement from active officership-service on 2 August 2023.
Commissioner Rosalie's farewell message has been recorded, watch it below:
