It was an auspicious time for the Indian Central Territory as a large number of candidates joined the Officer Training program. Every year, passionate and committed candidates enter the Training College to undergo Officer Training and minister to the people of India Central Territory.
The Defenders of Justice 2022-2024 Session commenced on 1st July 2022 with 30 cadets, and a Welcome meeting was conducted by Colonel Yaqoob Masih, Territorial Commander, and Colonel Sumitra Masih, Territorial President of Women's Ministries on 17th July 2022. The meeting was supported by Lt. Colonel M. Stalin, Chief Secretary, and Lt. Colonel Kezial Stalin, Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries and Section Heads.
All the events in the program inspired the cadets, staff, congregation, and online viewers and brought blessings to all of them. I would like to give a brief report on the following events.
THE EVENTS :
1. Covenant:
The Covenant service was held on 20th April 2024 at the Assembly Hall, TSACFOT, Nellore. The Covenant is made between the cadet and God, whereby the cadet binds himself or herself to God in the making of solemn vows. It is the entering into a deeply spiritual relationship with God for sacred service of a specific nature. In the presence of the Territorial Leadership, Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries, Section Heads, and Training College staff, each cadet offered a prayer and signed with their own free will, in the clear understanding that the commitment is intended to be life-long: 'Called by God to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ as an officer of the Salvation Army and to love and serve Him supremely all his/her days.'
2. Ordination:
Ordination, although a part of the Commissioning program, was a significant event in the lives of the cadets. The cadets are ordained as the ministers of God and the officers of the Salvation Army, to perform the religious rituals of the communities and as the authoritative representatives of God; they were given ordination to represent The Salvation Army.
3. Commissioning:
As the prime aspect of the Officer's Training, the Cadets were commissioned to proclaim the Gospel, to look after the needs of the people, and to release them from all sorts of bondage of sin as well as social evils. The Cadets sang a melodious sessional song composed and tuned by Major D. Latha, Training Director for Women's Ministries. The Territorial Commander commissioned them and then gave an inspiring message. They were given certificates as a mark of completion of their training. Colonel Sumitra Masih, Territorial President of Women's Ministries distributed Silver Star Certificates and badges to the parents with the support of Lt. Colonel Kezial Stalin, TSWM, and Major K. Yesumani, Silver Star Secretary.
4. Graduation:
Graduation is a part of the Commissioning Program. It is the award of an academic degree or the ceremony that is associated with it. Defenders of Justice 2022-2024 session cadets completed their B.Th. (Bachelor of Theology) and received B.Th. certificates and marks memos by the Asia Theological Association through Colonel S.P. Simon, National Executive Officer, and Colonel Annamma Simon, Secretary for Women's Development, Kolkata.
5. Appointments Service:
Following the Graduation Program, Appointment Orders were given to the newly commissioned Lieutenants. The Territorial Commander elucidated the role and responsibility of the officer in the Salvation Army in the community and the 30 new Lieutenants received Appointment Orders as Corps Commanding Officers for men and Community Development Officer for women in various Corps in the Territory.
Conclusion:
Under the leadership of Colonel Yaqoob Masih and Colonel Sumitra Masih, the Territorial Leaders, the entire program was a blessing to the entire gathering. The newly Commissioned Lieutenants were touched by the inspirational sermon delivered from the scripture portion Proverbs 31:8-9 by the Territorial Commander, and the Holy Spirit touched the mind, soul, and body of the New Lieutenants and they are refreshed for the mission of God. The 30 cadets of Defenders of Justice would certainly fulfill the vision of our Founder William Booth in carrying the flame of the Salvation Army to the next generation. Readers are requested to uphold the newly commissioned Officers in your prayers. Hallelujah!
Reported by Major D. Yesurajyam, Training Principal, India Central Territory
