Testimony – Cadet Edward Conteh

Session: Defenders of Justice

From: Auburn Corps (NSW)

Appointed to: Corps Officer at Cairns Corps (Qld)

Silver Star recipients: Mrs Genny May. Mr Peter Woodbury

Academic award: Certificate of Salvation Army Officer Training Advanced Diploma in Theology and Ministry – in progress

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I was born and raised in Sierra Leone. I am married to Beola. Due to a civil war, I resettled in Australia in 2009 with the assistance of The Salvation Army.

My conversion to Christianity occurred during a Christian crusade led by Reinhard Bonnke, where I gave my life to Christ. Since converting to Christianity, I have found a deep sense of peace and fulfilment I never experienced before.

My favourite Scripture verse is 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my own people will humbly pray and turn back to me and stop sinning, then I will answer them from heaven. I will forgive them and make their land fertile once again.” This reminds me that God will always help us when we turn to God in humility and obedience. I have a loving God who will always provide me with peace and strength.

From 2016 to 2017, I felt the deep call to lead. I started as a ministry assistant and became an auxiliary-lieutenant in 2019.

I saw God holistically working in me when I got to The Salvation Army Eva Burrows College. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, college helped me gain spiritual strength and understanding, building a solid foundation for my future. Through the process of learning and unlearning, God has helped me to see my true self and make use of my gifts and talents. He has also helped me recognise areas that need improvement and prepared me to make the most of future opportunities.

I am a testament to God’s love and grace. Still a work in progress, I know I am not alone. Throughout my journey, Jesus guides, comforts and gives me hope. Therefore, I have no doubt that God’s love and grace will lead me to success.

Bible verse: Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” Mark 12:29-31 (NRSVUE translation).