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Parents and mentors honored.
Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever. Daniel 12:2-4 (The Message)
Commissioner Pat Swyers, territorial president of women’s ministries, led the Silver Star Banquet, where cadets honor their parents or other individuals who have served as their spiritual mentors by the presentation of the Silver Star pins.
Territorial Commander Commissioner Philip Swyers introduced special guests General John Larsson (Ret.) and Commissioner Freda Larsson, who gave the message.
In her talk, Larsson assured the cadets that God will be with them at all times. She thanked those who mentored the cadets, reminding them that the new leaders will continue to need their support, encouragement, and prayers.
“We’re all called to be God’s Fellow Workers. No one says the task will be easy,” Larsson stated, but Scripture provides encouragement. She examined Matthew 11:28-30, where God invites us to come and share with him, to allow his yoke to be put on our shoulders, to meditate and find rest in him.
“He’s sharing the load; we’re working together,” she said. “If we learn from him, we discover the secret is to spend time in prayer. Become gentle and humble in prayer. That’s the kind of corps officer people want.”
She concluded with Ephesians 3:17-19: And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.
Cadet Amy Park gave the tribute to the parents and mentors, thanking them for being “always at our side.” This was especially meaningful to her, as her parents traveled from Korea to be at commissioning.
At each table, the cadets presented the Silver Star pins to their loved ones. The Swyers presented the Silver Star certificates, and the cadets who wished to honor family members who had passed away received white roses.
Commissioner Pat Swyers expressed appreciation to departing officers Major Rose-Marie Leslie and Lt. Colonel Debi Bell, who are leaving territorial headquarters for new assignments. Leslie served as Fellowship of the Silver Star secretary and Bell as secretary for women’s ministries.
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