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Commissioning weekend provided significant opportunities for over 3,000 youth and adults to say “thank you and well done” to international and territorial leaders; to wish farewell and Godspeed to the Crossbearers as they received their first assignments to the field; to be “all shook up” at YouthQuake with the rock and sock music and multiple encounters with Christ; and to enjoy the rich fellowship of fellow Salvationists from around the Territory.
What a weekend!
Outstanding Bible teaching from Mjrs. Mark and Sharon Tillsley, Capts. Lee and Michelle Lescano, Capt. Oscar Tippol, Capt. Zoilo Pardo and Raul Guerrero enriched hundreds of participants within the adult track. YouthQuake, under the leadership of Territorial Youth Secretary Major Brian Bearchell, reached into the hearts and minds of nearly 2,000 young people with language and style relevant to their culture.
The 23 members of the Crossbearers session of cadets marched from their College graduation and the cloistered confines of Crestmont out into a waiting, needy and hurting world. The Territory said farewell and congratulations on a great career of dynamic leadership to General John Gowans and Commissioner Gisèle Gowans as they concluded their final stay in the West as our international leaders. Following the identical path taken a few moments earlier by the Army’s newest officers our Territorial Leaders, Commissioners David and Doreen Edwards marched across the Terrace Theater stage, saluted their General, and received certificates of retirement plus an accolade of praise and affection from the capacity crowd for their courage in crisis, their steadfast dedication to their calling, and for their intelligent and competent leadership of the West over the past 5 years.
What a weekend.