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“You Can Do It!” was the theme for a 12-day seminar held for auxiliary captains in the Western Territory under the guidance of Majors Wes and Ruth Sundin, territorial education secretary and associate education secretary, respectively.
The Auxiliary Captain Institute featured presentations from territorial cabinet and staff, corps officers, staff, and employees with topics ranging from Homiletics, finance, and property management to Salvation Army doctrines and history.
Commissioner David Edwards kicked off the Institute with a presentation of the new territorial vision statement, Speaking on the theme, “The Legacy of the Booths,” the Commissioner drew attention to sections in the statement which were in keeping with the vision the Booths held for this Salvation Army. “There is nothing that is new about this vision,” Edwards pointed out. “It is, in fact, this same vision that inspired our Founders William and Catherine.” He urged the A/Captains to work at “recapturing the vision and awakening the passion.”
Major Ruth Sundin noted, “This has been our first experience with auxiliary captains and it’s been stimulating. I’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm that I’ve seen and their response to the instructors and material presented.”
Those in attendance agreed that the material presented provided much needed guidance and training for field officers. Auxiliary Captain Dyrk Posey, from the Paradise Corps in Del Oro Division, said, “Although it is sometimes hard to be away from your appointment for so long, I feel that the contacts, material and things I learned were well worth the time spent.”
The auxiliary captains were also part of meetings at area corps on Sunday with six of them bringing the messages, and the other officers in support roles at the meetings with testimonies, songs and readings.
The rank of auxiliary captain is given after an application and acceptance process. In most cases it is sought by those over the age limit for acceptance into the training college, but nonetheless feel a call and desire to serve as an officer in The Salvation Army. The institute is part of the ongoing territory-wide project of educating and equipping field officers for service.