25 June 2024
(Photo by Joy Yi)
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham made their first visit to the USA Western Territory for the 2024 Testify Congress on 14–16 June at the Pasadena Convention Center in California, at which the commissioning of the Defenders of Justice took place.
During the event, which challenged some 3,400 people to ‘Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have’ (1 Peter 3:15), the General enrolled 177 new junior and senior soldiers in the first main session, and territorial leaders Commissioners Douglas and Colleen Riley ordained and commissioned 14 officers.
‘God, the Holy Spirit, is on the move in The Salvation Army and here is the proof,’ the General said, and he shared a four-part formula for the movement: connect with God, share the good news, demonstrate care and concern, and pursue holiness.
‘We are not satisfied merely telling people about God’s love,’ he continued. ‘We bring love and hope, and joy and promise – and grace, copious amounts of grace.’
Cadets worship during the commencement service at the 2024 Testify Congress (photo by John Docter)
Amazing grace leading to transformation
The following day, simultaneous kids’, men’s and women’s rallies featured, respectively, an orange mascot telling the gospel story, an interview-style conversation with Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham,…
