by Captain Blake Fewell
In a first for the Central Territory, cadets of the “Defenders of Justice” session received their appointments before their commissioning. Though the change came as a surprise, many cadets welcomed the opportunity to better prepare their hearts for service to a new community, and those with children were thankful to get a jump start on school and childcare arrangements.
The private appointment service, held on the College for Officer Training (CFOT) campus in Chicago, was attended by the two cadet sessions, CFOT officers, Territorial Commander Commissioner Evie Diaz and members of the Territorial Cabinet. Commissioners Dawn and Merle Heatwole, Latin America North (LAN) territorial leaders, also were in attendance to give the two cadets from LAN, who had completed their training in the Central, their appointments back to their home territory.
“Today, the Defenders of Justice take the next step in their spiritual journey as servants of God,” said Major John Pook, training principal. He emphasized that the same God who has called people throughout scripture and history has called them to lead their new communities.
Commissioner Diaz charged the session: “You have been chosen and appointed as one who serves Jesus and as God’s messenger to bear fruit. You are appointed by prayer, appointed for a purpose and appointed with a plan. The promise is that He is with you, and He will give you all the amazing blessings of serving Him as an officer in this appointment.”
As the cadets received their appointments, those watching cheered and celebrated their accomplishments and the communities they would serve. Several cadets expressed it was significant to share this moment with their campus family.
“I felt that the service of appointments was incredibly intimate,” said Cadet Bailey Sawka.
The celebration concluded with a choreographed dance to “Joyful, Joyful” by cadets as an expression of their delight in serving the Lord.
After the service, the new format allowed an afternoon for cadets to pray, inform their families and begin researching their new communities.
“We prayed as a family for this new chapter of our lives, the corps and our future congregation and community,” said Cadets Cecilia Dinardi and Maximiliano Franchetti.
Cadet Aurelia Pettit spent the afternoon preparing to share the news with her daughter: “My daughter was nervous about moving, but having our appointments given to us earlier allowed for us to see what is nearby, research schools and find doctors. I believe the change that has happened will overall be beneficial for cadet kids and set them up for success.”
