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Stars come out at banquet
Parents and mentors honored at annual banquet.
By Karen Gleason
Each year, the Fellowship of the Silver Star Banquet unites parents or mentors of the graduating cadets—honoring them and linking them in fellowship. On June 10, the cadets of the Ambassadors of Holiness Session acknowledged the “stars” who shine in their lives at this year’s banquet.
Major Mariam Rudd, assistant territorial Women’s Ministries secretary and Fellowship of the Silver Star secretary, welcomed the honorees and Major Tim Foley, College for Officer (CFOT) Training principal, gave the invocation.
After Duncan Sutton led the CFOT Chorus in “Church on Fire,” Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs introduced the special guests.
Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs, territorial president of women’s ministries, spoke to the guests, reflecting on 2 Peter: 1:19: And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your heart.
Acknowledging that the verse refers to Jesus, she recalled the journey of her own son to officership, and said: “You, too, have experienced your children’s faithful response to the Lord. You have witnessed the transformation of your cadet becoming, as the Scripture says, as to a light shining in a dark place.
“These new lieutenants, said Knaggs, “are individuals who are moved by the passion they have for others, faithful and eager to serve this generation, full of innovation and zeal, and who delight in the Word of God not only for instruction to the faith community, but also for their own spiritual formation.” Knaggs thanked the guests for their influence and support for these new officers.
She moved on to the story of Charles, a young cadet in training with his wife, Kathy. In one of the college lectures Charles learned about The Salvation Army’s family tracing program. He hadn’t seen or heard from his mother in over 12 years, but he was hopeful. A week before his commissioning his mother made contact with his caseworker, and a surprise reunion was arranged during the commissioning service.
“It was a beautiful scene, said Knaggs, two Christians meeting at the place of prayer to thank God for his care while they had been separated. This is a story of mystery and pain—and yet a story of God’s grace and mercy. God was faithful to not only Charles, but also to his mother. God heard the prayers of a mother who trusted that Charles was in God’s care. And God heard the prayers of this beautiful new officer—that one day he would be united with his family.”
Emphasizing God’s faithfulness, Knaggs continued, “Today as you receive your Silver Star, know that this will represent the life of your loved one who will bring the light of God to a world that is lost in darkness. This Star is also a reminder that God is the light in your own heart as you lift your requests to him.”
In conclusion, she said, “The Silver Star you will wear represents the light of God that is coming from your family member to bring light to a dark world. How wonderful!”
The cadets then pinned the Silver Star on the recipients and read letters they had prepared for them.
After a prayer of dedication by Chief Secretary Colonel William Harfoot, a cadet vocal ensemble sang “I Bring My Heart to Jesus.”
Those cadets whose loved ones are deceased received a white rose in remembrance from the Knaggs, supported by Major Cindy Foley, director of campus services, and Major Beth Paugh, personnel officer.
This year attendees had a special treat—a preview of Saturday night’s musical drama, Brengle: My Life’s Ambition—when Cadet Joel Boyd performed a selection from the play, “Dream of My Own.”
Everyone joined in the song “Lord Reign in Me,” led by Rudd, and the banquet concluded with a benediction by Cindy Foley.
