Newly installed Tasmania leaders ‘have never said no to God’
BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE
Majors Dean and Vicki Clarke have been officially installed as the new Divisional Commander and Area Officer, respectively, for the Tasmania Division of the Australia Territory.
Officers, Salvation Army leaders and Salvationists gathered at Hobart Citadel on Sunday 16 February to welcome the couple to the state and to their leadership roles. Dean preached at the service on the High Priestly Prayer in John 17.
Bruce Edwards, from Kingborough-Huon Corps, spoke on behalf of soldiers and friends of The Salvation Army from across Tasmanian corps and centres.
He reflected on the beauty of creation in the state, the kindness of the Tasmanian people, and the slower pace of life compared to mainland Australia.
“We warmly welcome both of you to this state,” Bruce said. “Tasmania is a great place to live ... We are confident you will love being here.”
He spoke of difficult times for both the broader church and the Army and said that by following Scripture, the couple would lead well amid challenges.
“The Army has appointed you to lead us, and we, in turn, want to support you and work with you in your leadership, as we each play our part in seeking to strengthen The Salvation Army in this state,” Bruce said.
“Be assured of our prayers and our good wishes for you as you take up your appointments.”
“I believe you will see God’s influence through you impact this division.”
Major Angela Rawlings, representing the officer team, quoted Micah 6:8, in which the prophet Micah encouraged the people of Judah to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly” with their God.
“I can’t say it any better,” she said. “Be just. Be fair to other people. Act justly with right judgment, doing what is fair and right for other people. Love. Diligently practice kindness and compassion. Show mercy and lovingkindness. Be compassionate and loyal in your love. Walk humbly with your God, setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness. Live humbly, and in obedience to God’s laws and leadings. Don’t take yourself too seriously; take God seriously.
“In following this wisdom and advice as you carry out the duties of your appointments, I believe you will see God’s influence through you impact this
Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas praised The Salvation Army in Tasmania for its creativity and ability to try new things as a division. “Tassie, you go!” Miriam said. “These are good people; your God is with you, bless you.”
Vicki then spoke, describing her and Dean’s lives together and their many years of service.
“We’ve been officers for 38 years,” she said. “That’s a long time, isn’t it? But you know what, we’ve never said no to God. We come here to Tasmania following His leading to come and serve here.”
Miriam then carried out the installation, providing the couple with two passages from friends who had been praying for Dean and Vicki from across the country. One of these passages was from Exodus 14:21-22, where Moses parts the Red Sea.
“May that be so in your ministry,” Miriam said. “That he would drive back the waters so that you will walk through and stand on dry ground, knowing that he is with you.”
