by Major Jennifer Ortman
Kelly Hanton
“Keep your eyes on the Lord, and you will shine like the sun,” said Captain Kelly Hanton, territorial candidates’ secretary, quoting Psalm 34:5 while addressing the “Reflectors of Holiness” session during their welcome at the Chicago Mayfair, Ill., Community Church (Corps). In presenting the session to Training Principal Major Brian Davis, the captain noted the exciting fact that 10 of the session’s 14 cadets are first-generation Salvationists.
The cadets’ friends and families, as well as officers, soldiers and delegates to the 730 Conference, were in attendance, while many others viewed the meeting’s livestream. Though the in-person crowd was smaller than in past years due to the ongoing pandemic, their enthusiasm and cheers were just as loud, perhaps even more so after many events being only virtual in the last year. It was good to gather again, and God’s Spirit was felt from the beginning as the cadets entered the room.
The Chicago Staff Band also received much appreciation from the audience as the band was finally able to play together at a territorial event for the first time since the Cadet Welcome two years ago.
flame of the Spirit that empowers believers.
In presenting the session flag, Territorial Commander Commissioner Brad Bailey, said to the cadets, “This flag you will see all over the world, and I trust that every time you see it, you will understand that help is on the way from God Almighty through you to others.” After Cadet Obed Briceno posted the flag, a solemn salute was given by the whole session which was followed by a prayer of dedication by Commissioner Heidi Bailey in which she brought each individual cadet before the Heavenly Father. Later the new cadets introduced themselves through a video created just a few days after they arrived at the College for Officer Training (CFOT).
In a compelling message, Lt. Colonel Jonathan Rich, territorial secretary for program, said the new session’s name captures a fundamental truth of our Army. Based in 1 Peter 1:13-17 and 22-23, his sermon said believers are called to be holy by being hopeful, fearful and heartful. He asked Salvationists to conduct an honest self-examination and determine if they were reflectors or deflectors of holiness.
During a time of response, Captain Hanton asked people to pledge to be reflectors of holiness by writing their names on a mirror on the stage and considering the many ways they can reflect holiness, including officership.
The rest of the weekend events took place at the CFOT and mirrored a day in the life of a cadet. With the theme “Lead me, Holy Spirit,” worship services followed a progression: led to be filled, to hear, to follow, then to lead.
On Saturday cadet hosts gave delegates a campus tour before morning prayers led by Cadet Adam Hines. Afterward, delegates and officers took a group picture in official weekend sweatshirts, a 730 weekend tradition. Next “cadet connection” small groups provided an opportunity for delegates to ask questions and hear perspectives of cadets, divisional candidates’ secretaries and CFOT officers.
The worship service included a testimony from A/C Trevor Hall about his experience as a Ministry Discovery intern. Captains Abraham and Leta Marin preached, fluidly alternating between English and Spanish, a technique which worked well. They implored delegates to listen and be obedient to God.
After lunch, delegates participated in an informal session with Blake and Jill Lanier about the Candidate Coaching Action Plan (CAP) in preparation for entering training. During a panel discussion with members of the territorial leadership team, CFOT officers and a soldier representative, delegates asked questions about CFOT life, academics, the candidate process, officership and leadership.
A late afternoon praise meeting included a testimony by Cadet LaToya Surratt and a message by Captain Heidi Strand, Royal Oak, Mich., corps officer, that shared biblical examples of following God.
Dinner was served by Territorial Cabinet members and gave delegates a taste of Chicago deep dish pizza. Later that evening an outdoor “glamping” fellowship featured luxurious seating around campfires and gourmet s’mores and milkshakes. The day ended with an event for singles which was added to the schedule from feedback in past 730 conference surveys.
Sunday featured “cadet connection” small groups and a worship service where Captain Claudia Simmons, assistant territorial candidates’ secretary, gave her testimony about being redeemed and the privilege of being an officer. Captain AJ Zimmerman then challenged delegates, “You have to be led by the Spirit and sometimes the Spirit takes you to places that are uncomfortable. Don’t be surprised when you are going where God wants you to that the enemy will try to trip you up. Don’t be shocked, be ready.”
