Cairns enrolment celebrates cultural diversity and unity

Cairns Corps welcomed a new chapter with enrolment of 15 new members, both young and senior, each bringing their unique stories and traditions to enrich the corps community.

BY LERISSE SMITH

A vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and unity was at the heart of Cairns Corps’ recent enrolment of 15 soldiers.

The North Queensland corps welcomed a new chapter with the enrolment of its new members, both young and senior, each bringing their unique stories and traditions to enrich the corps community. It was one of the biggest groups to be enrolled nationally.

A corps member prays with one of the newly enrolled soldiers.

The individuals enrolled included Margaret Gesa, Alexi Mporanimana, Jeanne Nabigondo, Jeanne Nyamanyana, Jacques Alfonce Tuyisenge, Emille Muhimire, Angelique Iradukunda, Phoebe Johnson, Peter and Sonja Holbrook, Sebintu Laurent, David Ngiriyomba, Vestine Uwera, Celestin Gasake and Tchiba Lonza Esperance.

More than 160 guests attended the event, with most of the local African community leaders attending the service.

“Seeing 15 individuals publicly commit to becoming soldiers in The Salvation Army was a powerful testament to God’s work in our midst,” said Lieutenant Beola Conteh, Corps Officer - Team Member.

“Thinking about how God will use these individuals to further his work through The Salvation Army is exciting. It was a reminder that God is continually moving, drawing people closer to him and empowering them to serve his kingdom. The ceremony represented the culmination of personal spiritual journeys and our corps’ collective strength and unity.”

Spiritual milestone

The special event was a significant spiritual milestone for each individual, symbolising their deepened commitment to serving God, the community and advancing The Salvation Army’s mission. 

Lieutenant Beola Conteh delivered an inspiring message during the service.

Beola delivered an inspiring message on the theme of self-control, which concluded the church’s series on the Fruit of the Spirit. She drew on Titus 2:5-12 and Galatians 5:22-23, emphasising the stand the soldiers made in disciplining themselves to be an example to shine God’s light in the community.

Corps Officer Major Ben Johnson conducted the official ceremony, recognising and commending the courage of those stepping forward in faith to become soldiers of The Salvation Army.

Each new soldier took their Soldier’s Covenant, publicly affirming their dedication to living out The Salvation Army values in both word and deed. Ben said Beola’s message was affirming and reminded corps members and the new soldiers of the great responsibility they now bear. Additionally, the enrolment signified new opportunities for ministry, outreach and impact in their community.

Major Ben Johnson said the enrolments would open doors to new ministry opportunities.

“The enrolment service marked a significant moment, not only for our corps members, but also for many in the CALD community within Cairns who attended and celebrated with us,” he said.  

“We are confident that each new soldier brings unique gifts, experiences and a renewed sense of purpose to The Salvation Army’s mission. As they step into their new roles, we pray that the Lord will equip them to serve our community and embody the love of Christ.”

  Soldier training

Lieutenant Edward Conteh ran the soldier training for 11 weeks where diverse cultures were represented.

Lieutenant Edward Conteh, Corps Officer - Team Member, ran the soldier training for 11 weeks and had the largest number of diverse cultures represented, including people from First Nations, Africa, Burundi, Congo and Rwanda, supported by Major Emma Johnson.

“We talked about our commitment and how we can sacrificially be involved in making a difference in somebody's life,” Edward said.

“A central focus of the course was for participants to grasp the reasons behind their decision to become soldiers and to understand that their commitment was driven by their love for Jesus. It’s all about our mission and our vision and having integrity in The Salvation Army. We have diverse people in The Salvation Army, so, the enrolment ceremony was very emotional and a real milestone in my life as well, and for my ministry.

“Coming from West Africa and getting to The Salvation Army, and now seeing people from other nations viewing The Salvation Army as a whole, as a spiritual home where they can come in and feel free and have security, is special to me.”

With various nations represented at the training course, Terry, a local African lady and community leader, volunteered to translate throughout its duration. At the ceremony, she was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for her services.

Edward said Cairns Corps was a dynamic and exciting church with a Swahili-speaking congregation service run in the afternoon that featured playing songs and speaking in their mother language, mainly Swahili and Kinyarwanda.

He said the new soldiers looked forward to contributing to the development of The Salvation Army in Cairns and its local community in the future, with some beginning work in the creative arts space and prayer teams. Six members have also expressed an interest in enrolling for the Certificate 4 in Christian Ministry and Theology.