Commissioner Evie Diaz installed, “Champions of the Mission” welcomed
An atmosphere of joy and expectation pervaded the auditorium as Salvationists gathered for the installation of Commissioner Evie Diaz as territorial commander and to welcome the “Champions of the Mission” session of cadets. A rousing rendition of “Storm the forts of darkness” by the Chicago Staff Band, “We are not ashamed” by the College for Officer Training (CFOT) United Chorus and worship led by the CFOT praise team added to the sense of unity.
Commissioner Evie was enthusiastically welcomed home with an extended ovation upon her installation by Commissioner David Hudson, who prayed, “We are so grateful for the God that called her, that He strengthened her and brought her to this place, because she truly is the person for this moment.”
In a light-hearted manner as he welcomed the “Champions of the Mission,” Major John Pook, CFOT principal, led the congregation in an impromptu singing of the rock classic “We are the champions,”—not of the world but of the mission. Then in a more serious tone, he commended the session as recipients of the mission of The Salvation Army and ambassadors of that mission to the world.
“I could not think of a better song than ‘Storm the forts of darkness’ for the ‘Champions of the Mission,’” he said. “‘Champions of the Mission’ is more than just a session name. It’s who they are. It’s what they will do. They are all in.”
The session is comprised of several multi-generational Salvationists, with one cadet’s heritage going back six generations, as well as nine first-generation Salvationists. This diverse group of individuals, which is truly international, comes from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Each one has proclaimed his or her commitment to serve God as an officer.
Speaking for the first time to the Central Territory as their leader, Commissioner Evie shared her desire to see how the Lord is working and will work throughout the territory.
“I look forward to seeing you,” she said, “to see how God is working in and through you to transform communities and to share the love of Jesus, to be a light in our world to let people know they are loved by God and cared for by us.”
She continued, sharing a simple yet significant vision for Salvationists from Acts Chapter 4: “They took note that they had been with Jesus.” She surmised, “I say to you, if that’s all that people say about us, Central Territory, that’s pretty good. In fact, that’s awesome. To live so that people take note that we have been with Jesus.”
Addressing the cadets and territory in her message from John 6:27-35, the commissioner then challenged them to believe in Jesus and partake of Him as the Bread of Life.
“[Jesus is] the bread that satisfies your soul,” she said. “That gives you life that won’t go stale or spoil. That gives you life that is abundant, eternal, transforming, redeeming, satisfying— the fullness of God in you and me and us. And that’s the bread of champions because the real champion is Jesus.”
A time of reflection during which the Holy Spirit moved several in the auditorium to offer heartfelt prayers aloud as others gathered at the altar or in groups to lift one another up was a powerful reminder of God’s presence and His work in the hearts of Salvationists.
Concluding the service, Captain Brianne Bowers, North & Central Illinois divisional candidates’ secretary, invited the audience to assume postures of prayer as they considered with open hearts what God desires for their lives. The platform quickly filled with those accepting God’s call and making a public declaration of their intention to pursue fulltime ministry as officers in The Salvation Army.
