Welcome to the Cadets: A covenant to keep

Major Jo Moir reports from the welcome weekend for the Keepers of the Covenant session of cadets.

In an atmosphere of intimate celebration and sacred commitment, five new cadets of the Keepers of the Covenant session were welcomed.

In a departure from previous years, the marching in was replaced by a reverent procession as the cadets left their seats beside their families and loved ones and, as Exodus 34:10 was read, they placed an object that represented their experience of God’s covenantal love at the cross by the mercy seat.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Bente Gunderson (The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory) led us in prayer, which served as a reminder that this session is an international one, with Dutch cadet Laura de Graff joining four cadets from the UKI Territory: Clare Leask, Simon and Megan Moore, and Susan Wright.

However, the cadets were not the only new residents at William Booth College. Lieut-Colonel Mark Herbert was installed as the new principal by Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main.

He publicly confirmed his commitment to embracing and enhancing the mission of the college, and to seeking God’s guidance in his new leadership responsibilities so that Christ’s love shines out from this place.

A large group of officers gathered around the new principal as he was prayed over.

These were precious moments and that sense of familial celebration and simple obedience before God continued throughout the meeting. The cadets sang their sessional song, supported by officers from the college and conducted by tutor Captain Jennifer Gosling.

The lyrics and music, both by Spiritual Life Director Major Matt Spencer (William Booth College), reflected the theme of faithfulness echoed in the worship, Scripture and prayer reflections: ‘You’re faithful and true, I trust tomorrow to you.’

Each cadet shared an honest and insightful testimony about their journey to accepting God’s call upon their life, before the newly installed principal brought a message based upon Hebrews 10:11–18. 

Lieut-Colonel Mark gave an unexpected reminder of how ‘weird’ it all is: giving up a good job, a safe home and support structures to follow Jesus into officership. We were challenged to consider how we are going to live our lives, how we could serve the purpose of God without excuses.

Lieut-Colonel Mark took the time to thank the cadets for their faithfulness and to thank the family, friends and corps represented who have been part of their journeys through their influence and example. He concluded with a simple question: who here is also called to full-time ministry?

The meeting concluded with reflective prayer as those present responded to the message and the Holy Spirit, stepping forward in commitment and rededication. 

This welcome meeting was different in tone and atmosphere, but the faithful obedience of five called people and the steadfast covenantal love of God were at the heart of all that transpired.