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The Albuquerque Temple Corps, led by Lts. Juan and Nancy Argumedo, welcomed 13 junior soldiers and 12 senior soldiers, who, proudly wearing their new uniforms, made their soldier’s covenant before God and the congregation.
Majors Rafael and Raewyn Aspeitia, Southwest divisional secretaries for program and business, respectively, conducted the enrollment. Senior soldier and youth assistant Thelma Lozano and Juan Argumedo directed the new soldiers in their pledges.
Rafael Aspeitia asked the junior soldiers what they learned in the classes, and most of them answered “Christ loved me, and I need to share with others what God has given me.” They were also asked to give brief testimonies.
“As I was putting on my uniform, I began to feel the importance of belonging to The Salvation Army,” Alexis Rico stated in her testimony. “The Lord had opened the door for me to come and be an active member of the church, and I felt that he was going to use me greatly in his ministry to help in the church and the community.”
Flor Enriquez also commented that she felt the importance of obeying God, and that now with the uniform she is taking a step of obedience with the Lord.
Once the new soldiers agreed to be enrolled as soldiers of The Salvation Army Albuquerque Temple Corps, the congregation came forward to bring them the epaulets and metal insignias to welcome them as members of the church body.
Aspeitia closed the ceremony with a prayer, requesting direction, strength and wisdom for the new soldiers as they follow the Lord’s path.
