New leaders welcomed to Territorial Headquarters

Colonel Janet Robson and Colonel Howard Russell were welcomed by Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main into their new roles as territorial secretary for leader development and chief secretary.

During family prayers at Territorial Headquarters on Thursday 8 October, Hannah Kingston (Mission Resources) and Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Captain Jonny Whitmore gave words of encouragement for Colonel Howard and Colonel Janet.

Hannah shared words from her children, who suggested Colonel Howard might need to get up at 5am every day and that he would need to ask for help at times.

Hannah also quoted Proverbs 3:5 and 6: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths’ (English Standard Version). She highlighted the words ‘acknowledge him’, praying that Colonel Howard would recognise God’s presence at all times.

Colonel Howard’s first words were ‘thank you’ for the difference the staff at THQ were making in helping God’s Kingdom to come on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Captain Jonny thanked Colonel Janet for her heart and wisdom in her service so far, divisionally, territorially and internationally.

‘You have a way of seeing people as God sees them,’ he said. 

‘Please bring your wisdom, your humour, your experience and, most importantly, bring yourself.’ 

He shared Romans 15:13: ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’

Colonel Janet said she was excited about what God wants to do and prayed that we would be obedient to God in this new season.

Commissioner Jenine charged the new leaders to remember their roles are ‘not possessions, but sacred trusts, not platforms, but places of service’. 

Commissioner Paul continued: ‘Remain accountable to God, to your leaders, and to the people you serve. Remember that you cannot fulfil these appointments in your own strength, but only through the power and the grace of God.’

Commissioner Jenine called Colonel Howard to ‘help ensure our structures serve the mission, rather than distract from it’.

Commissioner Paul called Colonel Janet to ‘champion a culture in which leadership is understood not as status, but as discipleship, stewardship and equipping others’ fruition’.

‘Help us to be a Salvation Army that is simpler in its ways of working, humbler in its posture and bolder in its goodness, an Army rooted in holiness,’ added Commissioner Jenine.

The congregation prayerfully sang ‘The Blessing’ over Colonel Janet and Colonel Howard as they prepared to undertake their new responsibilities.