Keepers of the Covenant – Commissioning Testimony

From: Ahyeon Corps, Korea Territory

Appointment: Corps Officer - Team Member, Belmore (NSW/ACT Division)

Silver Star recipients: Jaesook Lee and Hyuknam Kwon

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When I first felt the sense of God’s calling to join The Salvation Army as an officer, a song suddenly popped into my head – a simple phrase that wouldn’t leave me: “No turning back.”

Since then, this phrase has become both my answer to God’s calling and my promise to him. And from that moment on, the Lord has led me on a journey full of surprises and grace.

Beginning my training as a cadet overseas in South Korea and later returning to Australia has been a story of God’s faithful leading. Through every transition, every challenge, and every new beginning, God has been kind and faithful.

Yet I must admit, there were teeny tiny moments when I did look back. I missed the things I had left behind to follow Jesus, including the comfort of familiar places and faces. There were times I asked myself, “Am I really suitable to carry God’s mission? Am I enough?”

I quietly despaired at my own shortcomings. Yet, even in those moments, I sensed his gentle whisper: “You are called.” God reminded me that it is His faithfulness, not mine, that will carry me through. I have learned to trust His plan, even when I cannot see the whole path ahead.

Our session name is Keepers of the Covenant. I loved that name from the first time I heard it. It has remained special and meaningful throughout my journey as I have learned that it is God who is the true ‘keeper of the covenant’.

He never lets go and continues to work faithfully even when I am weak, when I lack, or when I fail. He is the One who carries out his covenant – even through someone like me. Praise the Lord!

I also give thanks to God for surrounding me with faithful servants throughout my journey; people who have shown me what it means to serve God and his people with humility and love. Their steadfast faith and quiet obedience have deeply shaped my walk with Christ, and I am truly grateful for their encouragement, guidance and prayers.

Through their lives I have seen the heart of Jesus, the heart of a true servant who loves without expecting anything in return. Their faithfulness reminds me that ministry is not about success, but about simple obedience and love for God and His people.

Now, again, as I prepare to step into ministry, I feel like I am standing on the shore of the ocean. The waves are moving, and the water looks deep. The sound of the waves is welcoming, but I cannot help feeling a little afraid. There is excitement, yes, but also a trembling in my heart, because I know that once again, God is calling me to go deeper.

And yet, even in that trembling, I feel assured, because I know who is going with me. The same God who called me, who guided me through every season, and who kept every promise will continue to lead me. He has been, and will always be, the faithful ‘keeper of the covenant’.

So, I take a step, a careful step, like a little child taking their first step. I may be shaky and unsteady, and I may grow tired quickly, but I know that the One who walks beside me is holding me tight with his gentle, kind and strong hand, just as he always has.

I stand here today to testify that God is faithful. He is the One who called me, who holds me, and the One I long to live for and serve with all my heart.

And so, once again, I say, “No turning back.”

Thanks be to God. All glory and honour to God my Saviour, the ‘True Keeper of the Covenant’.

Amen

Bible verse: “The eternal is the source of my strength and the shield that guards me. When I learn to rest and truly trust him, he sends his help. This is why my heart is singing! I open my mouth to praise him, and thankfulness rises as song. (Psalm 28:7 The Voice).