Our world leaders deliver their retirement reflections
General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, world leaders of The Salvation Army from 2018 to 2023, officially retired at midnight on 2 August (GMT). The next world leaders, General Elect Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries), take up their new roles today (3 August).
Prior to returning to their native Canada, where family and retirement await, the Peddles recorded a final Facebook video as world leaders for The Salvation Army. You can read their words, or click on the video, below.
General Brian: Greetings friends and supporters. We are coming to you for a final time as your international leaders. On each Saturday for the past five years, it has been a privilege to share our thoughts, reflect on our convictions, and at times explore how we feel about momentous events that were happening and how we, as The Salvation Army, find our place and serve effectively. We want to say thank you for your warm response and the assurances that you have given us of your love and prayers. You might not know this, but every comment has been read and appreciated.
Commissioner Rosalie: One of the great privileges that has been ours is to travel and meet many of you. We have valued so much being able to embrace and love the Army and to feel that same embrace and love reciprocated. We missed that during two years of COVID. Apart from losing many officers and soldiers to COVID, our loss during this time was not being with you. Reaching out via social media was not the same, though we thank God for technology. That is why, over the past year and a half, we have visited 35 territories. The best news in this effort is that we can proclaim that God is faithful.
General Brian: Even during these final days, we are calling the Army, and especially our officers and soldiers, to be captivated by a call to mission. We believe that God has uniquely gifted the Army and that gifting enables us to participate and always turn ourselves towards people in need. We recognise that such compassion is costly and, always as we ‘serve the cups of cold water’, we eagerly seek a moment to share our faith and invite others to join us in a dynamic relationship with God. Nothing is more important than celebrating individuals being welcomed into the Kingdom.
Commissioner Rosalie: I have had a unique opportunity as the World President for Women’s Ministries. My concern for women and girls has not wavered, and that is why we took a bold step in ‘Re-imagining’ what Women’s Ministries can be. I still encourage us to dream big in this important area of ministry. I also bring your attention to the recent launch of the Battle Cry as Women’s Ministries engaged more intentionally in social justice issues in health, education and domestic violence. We are asking God to give us a clear focus and vision as we move forward in making a difference in these areas for women and girls.
General Brian: We want everyone to know that we love the Army because God demonstrates daily his love and care for this movement. We believe our Army, raised up by God, stands in a position of strength. As a result, we can be salt and light. Throughout every engagement we have had with others, we are convinced that it is our call to mission that makes us a witness in the world. So again, I remind you that God is inviting us to join him in his mission to redeem the world. Never forget that this is our primary goal as we reflect the Glory of God. We do that best when we serve the God we love.
Commissioner Rosalie: Across 134 countries, the Army serves. Thank you for being that Army. Thank you to all who stand with us. Together, and by God’s grace, anything is possible. Our verse that we want to give each of you today is Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you by my righteous right hand.”
General Brian: On 2 August, we will fly home to Toronto, Canada, where we plan to be good soldiers and continue our service as followers of our Saviour and Lord. We leave you in the capable hands of our friends and colleagues, General Elect Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham.
May God bless you.
May God bless The Salvation Army.
