Welcome to the Cadets: Sent to the rescue!

Major Malcolm Martin (Thornton Heath) reports on the Welcome to the Rescued session of cadets, as they begin training to become Salvation Army officers.

William Booth’s 1885 vision ‘Who  Cares?’, with its depiction of Jesus urging those who have already been rescued to join him in the mission of rescuing others from the dark and stormy ocean, provided a dramatic setting for welcoming the Rescued session of cadets. The symbolism of this vision provided the foundation for the image of rescue that was later included in the book In Darkest England and the Way Out, a picture that was placed prominently on the mercy seat to greet the new cadets as they entered the Assembly Hall.

A vibrant anticipatory buzz of conversation had earlier filled William Booth College as family and friends gathered, sharing greetings and news. As the congregation filled the hall, a tone of exuberant joy was provided by the singing of the Central, Southern and Channel Islands Divisional Youth Chorus, participating  in their first major public event. William Booth College Principal Lieut-Colonel Mark Herbert encouraged those present to continue in this spirit, reminding all that they were gathered to celebrate, to be inspired and to listen to God. 

‘Our Rescuer!’, the cadets’ sessional song – written by Captain Callum McKenna (Liverpool Walton), Karl Westwood (Bromley Temple) and Lauren Westwood (Bromley Temple) – acknowledges the inspiration that can be drawn from Jesus as our rescuer, resulting in an unswerving pledge to share in Christ’s mission: ‘Send us to the rescue, Lord!’ The straightforward expressions of commitment to mission, in response to the love and grace of God, are certainly worthy of wider usage in the future. The song was described by several people present as a ‘banger’!

As each cadet introduced themselves and briefly imparted something of their background, prayer videos from their local corps settings were shared, revealing the impact that their faith had already had upon others and assuring them of support in the future. Cadet Arran Burr and Territorial Envoy Cadet Vicki Tate each witnessed to how their long-standing sense of calling sustained them through challenging periods and brought a deeper awareness of being rescued by God’s grace, confirming that God can make a way in our lives.

An element of ‘Hello, Goodbye’ was included in the evening as the territorial leaders took the opportunity to bid farewell to Colonels Julie and Peter Forrest as they leave their appointments as territorial secretary for leader development and chief secretary. Territorial Leader Commissioner Paul Main conveyed appreciation for the collaborative partnership and generous service that Colonel Julie has offered to the territory, which will continue as she commences a new appointment as deputy director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery. In response, Colonel Julie testified to feeling blessed by the faithfulness of God and expressed her gratefulness for the opportunity to conclude her active service in a role that focuses upon people in need of rescue.

Presenting Colonel Peter with his certificate of retirement, Commissioner Paul commended the wisdom, calmness and integrity that have been evident during more than 42 years of active service in corps, divisional and international leadership settings. 

In his Bible message, based on John 1, Colonel Peter highlighted how weekly study of the gospel with the territorial leadership group had brought affirmation of being loved by God and facilitated a sense of overflowing divine grace. That ‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16) can be considered as the greatest rescue of all time and should inspire us in the mission of rescuing a world in need. All should be encouraged to draw intimately close to Jesus in order to deepen our spiritual lives and enhance love for one another. The congregation were urged to be open to the surprising moments of grace found in refreshing laughter and unexpected gifts, and to pray audaciously for all to be rescued.

Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main concluded the occasion by referring to the lighthouse in the In Darkest England and the Way Out picture, before everyone sang ‘My Lighthouse’.

‘My comrades, you are rescued from the waters,’ wrote William Booth in 1885. ‘You are on the rock. He is in the dark sea, calling on you to come to him and help him. Will you go?