Cairns Corps boosts soldiership ranks with five more enrolments

18 hours ago
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Flagbearer Norma Morana with the new senior soldiers at Cairns holding their certificates (from left) Karen Hassall, Nadine Furaha, Daphrose Nsimire, Paul Bitangimana and Uncle Peter Hyde. At the back is Pastor Peter Rwagasore (minister of the corps’ African service).

BY DEAN SIMPSON

Cairns Corps has boosted its ranks again with the enrolment of five more senior soldiers in a ‘Spirit-filled’ ceremony on Sunday 19 April.

Over the past three years, Cairns Corps Officers Majors Ben and Emma Johnson have enrolled close to 40 senior soldiers and adherents.

Those enrolled last Sunday were Karen Hassall, Nadine Furaha, Daphrose Nsimire, Paul Bitangimana and Uncle Peter Hyde.

Major Ben conducted the ceremony and said he was “thrilled to welcome five new soldiers into the fighting force of The Salvation Army Cairns”.

Newly enrolled senior soldier Uncle Peter Hyde with Cairns Corps Officers Majors Ben and Emma Johnson.

“They committed bravely to fight against evil and for their community in Far North Queensland. We thank God for each of them and love them very much!” he said.

Ben also conducted the soldiership classes for each of the new members and hinted that a few more could be enrolled in the coming weeks.

“The powerful way the Spirit moved during the service and enrolment itself has moved six others to ask to do classes,” Ben said.

Karen is from a Catholic background but has found a place of service through The Salvation Army.

Nadine and Daphrose, who have refugee backgrounds, have found a spiritual home at Cairns Corps and are both completing the CALD Emerging Leaders course with The Salvation Army.

Uncle Peter with Margaret Gesa ... the first two Indigenous soldiers of Cairns Corps. Margaret was enrolled last year.

Paul moved to Australia about two years ago, married, and has recently become a father to a baby boy. He serves as the “faithful bus driver for the corps community”, Ben said.

Uncle Peter is a local Indigenous Elder (Traditional Owner of the Gimuy lands) and found a place of faith and belonging at Cairns Corps through his involvement in the Family Store.

God certainly has his hand on this North Queensland corps community. Please pray for more people to find Jesus and take the step of faith in serving through The Salvation Army.