Life Service Conference–Exploring Commitment

by Cadet Lisa Smith – 

One hundred sixty eight young adults, along with divisional youth leaders from throughout the territory, gathered at Crestmont recently for the annual Life Service Conference. Guided by the theme “Workmanship” from Ephesians 2:10, delegates joined together to seek the Lord and consider his calling upon their lives for ministry and service.

“The Life Service Conference is about people, priority and plans,” says Colonel Bill D. Luttrell, chief secretary. “It came together beautifully, enabling people to meet together to discuss common concerns. The priority was a focus on God’s will for their lives. The plans were individually tailored by the Holy Spirit for the needs of each young adult in attendance. All this was evident in a moving service of commitment on Sunday morning.”

Delegates had a choice of three workshop tracks: Lay Ministry, which focused on leadership and visioning; Officership, which also looked at leadership, as well as discerning God’s call; and finally, Candidate, which gave important information on officer life and cadet requirements for those delegates planning on entering training college this year.

Saturday evening’s concert by the Moss Gospel Company of Moss, Norway, was a highlight. Impeccable in their musicianship, they sang everything from classic gospel to original compositions. Their capable leader and accompanist, Tone Ødegaard, has written much of their repertoire, taking lyrics straight from the Salvation Army songbook and setting them in a rhythmic Gospel music style.

During the Sunday morning Holiness meeting, many delegates responded to Commissioner David Edwards’ challenge to increased commitment in their Christian service. At the invitation of Major Rudy Hedgren, territorial youth and candidates’ secretary, 34 delegates came forward to commit to being part of this year’s “Forward 2000” session of cadets.