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By Laurie Bullock –
Second-year cadets in the Western Territory honored the parents and mentors in their lives at the annual Fellowship of the Silver Star Banquet at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont. Eighty-nine new people became members of the Order to increase membership to about 900 people.
Cadet Travis Yardley spoke on behalf of the Joyful Intercessors session, taking time to thank his parents, Majors David and Gaylene Yardley, who served as officers in The Salvation Army throughout his life.
“I’m here today because my parents were willing to be the first Joyful Intercessors in my life,” Yardley said. “Mom and Dad, you were that light that showed me the way to find God in my life. Thank you for everything that you did for me and for being willing to stand in that path so that I could see that light.”
Yardley cited Matthew 5:16, which states: In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
“To everyone that came along side of one of my session mates, I thank you for showing them the light,” Yardley said. “You were the first Joyful Intercessors for them. We now take up our namesake of the Joyful Intercessors, and we will live for the people that we will serve, and lead. Just like my parents came alongside, so you did for my session mates. We thank you all. I pray that we make you proud, not in our power but in the power of the Lord.”
Commissioner Jolene K. Hodder spoke on the “star-strewn sky” in Kenya, and how whenever she and her family would go out to see the millions of stars scattered across the sky—the sight would invite them to reflect on the beauty of their creator. She read Psalm 147:4–5: He determines the number of the stars and he calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power. His understanding has no limit.
“He cares for all of the stars and galaxies, yet he cares for each and every one of us in this room,” Hodder said. “The God of the universe not only knows all of the cadets by name, but he has singled these special stars to stand out—to shine brightly for him in this dark world and lead others into the light.”
At their tables, the cadets fastened the Fellowship of the Silver Star pin to their honorees’ lapels. Cadets also read aloud letters they had written to their loved ones about how they positively impacted the cadets’ lives. The new members of the Order also received Silver Star certificates and a small gift.
The cadets led attendees in three songs, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “I Have Felt the Hand of God” and “How Great Thou Art.” Those who were honoring deceased loved ones received a porcelain rose of remembrance.
Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries, led the prayer of dedication, and Major Brian Saunders delivered the benediction.
Originally named the Order of the Silver Star, the Fellowship of the Silver Star began in 1930. It was enacted by General Evangeline Booth during her time as National Commander of The Salvation Army USA. In 1936 the Order became international.
