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Commissioning 2000
Original Musical: “The Blood of the Lamb” “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?”
Transformation is the theme, and the vibrant, life-changing ministry of The Salvation Army takes center stage in this celebration of the “cleansing power”! Based on the poem by American poet Vachel Lindsay, The Blood of the Lamb (Gowans/Larsson) is a series of musical vignettes depicting scenes from The Salvation Army’s history. A street-walker introduces herself, groups of lepers and drunkards tell their stories, match-factory workers, convicts from Devil’s Island, an American slumlord, and a young man from Russia all share their experiences. The musical builds to a dynamic conclusion, as William Booth leads the procession of saved sinners into heaven, where they are transformed by the power of Jesus’ blood! All the while, the question rings out loud and clear: “But what about us? What about you? Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?”
The Blood of the Lamb will be produced by the cadets, officers and children of the College for Officer Training, under the leadership of Majors Doug and Diane O’Brien. Following last year’s enthusiastic response to Jesus Folk Now, Keith Turton (Dramatic Arts Specialist/UK Territory) has again agreed to direct the production. Once again, the audience will participate in this worship experience, becoming part of the cast! When questioned on what she expected God to do through the musical, co-producer Major Diane O’Brien responded, “I hope that God will speak to someone who will accept his cleansing and enter the Kingdom!”
Your friends who are living life without Jesus will have the perfect opportunity to meet him, as we celebrate The Blood of the Lamb at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, June 10, 2000, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are required.
Commissioning and Ordination Service
Service of Appointments
General Paul A. Rader (R) and Commissioner Kay Rader (R) will bring inspiration and challenge as the Forward 2000 Session of cadets are ordained as ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and commissioned as lieutenants in the Salvation War. Join them Sunday, June 11, 2000, at 9:30 a.m. and witness this holy season of commitment and empowerment. Then, at 2:30 p.m., be sure to be a part of the Service of Appointment, as the new lieutenants receive their first marching orders for the battle. The excitement will be electric as God’s plan, long prayed for by the new officers, is unveiled at last!