Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and Commissioner Shelley Hill (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries) attended a series of events for the commissioning weekend in Kenya West Territory from 29 November to 1 December.
The pinnacle of the weekend was the commissioning of 82 cadets of the Defenders of Justice Session.
At the Fellowship of the Silver Star event on Saturday 30 November, Commissioner Edward Hill encouraged the congregation to fully commit to God’s work, stating that their labour in the Lord is never in vain. The Fellowship of the Silver Star recognises the parents or other significant life mentors of Salvation Army officers. Commissioner Shelley Hill, alongside Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Colonel Kalie Webb and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Lieut-Colonel Beatrice Chepsiri, awarded Silver Star badges to parents of graduating cadets.
A graduation ceremony followed, at which the Chief of the Staff and Territorial Commander Colonel (Dr) Geoff Webb presented academic diplomas to the cadets. In his sermon, Commissioner Edward Hill highlighted the qualities of a defender of justice: acting justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God. Both events took place at the Officer Training University College in Turbo.
Eighty two cadets ordained and commissioned
On Sunday 1 December, Salvationists from across the territory participated in a march of witness, and saluted the international and territorial leaders as they arrived for the ordination, commissioning and appointment service at NYS Stadium in Turbo. More than 10,000 Salvationists attended the event.
In greeting the congregation, Commissioner Shelley Hill encouraged everyone to be advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves, based on Proverbs 31:8-9, while Commissioner Edward Hill urged the cadets to focus on people, mission and legacy, reinforcing the importance of their sacred calling within The Salvation Army.
Chief Secretary Lieut-Colonel Harun Chepsiri led the cadets through the affirmation of faith, followed by the ordination and commissioning ceremony conducted by the commissioners.
In her sermon, Commissioner Shelley Hill emphasised the importance of faithfulness, drawing from Hebrews 11:8-12. She likened the commitment of the cadets to Abraham’s obedience, encouraging them to trust in God’s grace. She added that faithfulness to God leads to a righteous life and urged the cadets to dedicate themselves fully to God as they prepare to serve as soldiers and officers for Jesus Christ.
The territorial commander, assisted by Lieut-Colonel Fredrick Khamalishi (Secretary for Personnel), presented the appointments to the new lieutenants, and Colonel Kalie Webb led the flag ceremony, signifying the completion of the cadets’ training.
Commissioner Edward Hill delivered a closing sermon on the qualities of a good soldier for Christ, emphasising that one needs to enlist, be obedient, loyal and disciplined, and to engage in battle with a promise of victory.
Welcoming new soldiers
During the weekend, the Chief of the Staff enrolled 93 senior soldiers, and Colonel Geoff Webb also presented Lieut-Colonels Luka and Rasoa Khayumbi (officers of Kenya West Territory, currently serving as territorial leaders of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Territory) with a 30-year long-service award.
