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Spirits were high for the evening’s Service of Appointments, the final meeting of Commissioning weekend, and enthusiasm was unbounded as families and the new captains anticipated hearing where they would be appointed to serve.
At the beginning of the meeting, Commissioner Linda Bond recognized Captains Oscar and Edith Tippol, Santa Ana Corps officers, and Envoys Hermes and Rufina Otis, in-charge of the Chuuk Corps, as Trailblazers of the Year. The audience was then treated to a video of participants in the morning’s Live ’04 Gospel Arts event; summer service corps team members were also introduced and welcomed by the audience.
An announcement of the territory’s World Services In-gathering—$7,230,448—brought an enthusiastic round of applause from the crowd.
Prior to Lt. Colonel Raymond Peacock’s presentation of the captains of the Bridgebuilders, the audience was treated to several selections from well-known Gowans and Larsson musicals, including Blood of the Lamb.
Session speaker, Captain Neil Navarro, reminded his session that they are on a one-way bridge, with no U-turns ahead, and no turning back.
The General gave a charge to the captains, based on Paul’s letter to Timothy, telling them to “Be bold in your vision—dream big dreams; God can do the impossible!” He added, “Don’t be timid when you come before the throne of grace. Be bold in your dedication.”
Cheers and clapping filled the sanctuary as Commissioner Linda Bond gave each cadet their new appointment; a time of commitment followed at the conclusion of the meeting.
