A Vast Army

Council and the selection of the new General. If you’re wondering how that happens, see our step-by-step guide on page 22.

Of course, inspire also has another meaning—to fill someone with the urge to do something creative. That creativity is also on the agenda for the conference and congress. In this special issue, we’ve got a preview of all the week’s events (see page 10). We interview Kathryn and Kyle Higgins, stars of Skeleton Army cal making its Canadian debut at INSPIRE (see page 14). Elsewhere, we share the testimonies of the Reflectors of Holiness, who will be ordained and commissioned (see page 16). And read our pro file of the McFarlane-Hoeft family—how three genera tions of Salvation Army service began with one congress (see page 12).

For those who have been on the Christian journey for a long time, our witness to Jesus should be as natural as breathing. Sometimes, however, it’s good to pause and intentionally take a deep breath. INSPIRE

Abbigail Oliver Staff Writer

Lisa Suroso Graphic Design Specialist

Rivonny Luchas Digital Media Specialist

Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator

Ken Ramstead Contributor opportunity for that deep breath of God’s Spirit. Together, we will reflect on our purpose and mission. We’ll be motivated by new ideas and ministries. And we’ll put Christ at the centre of all we do.

Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769.

Member, The Canadian Christian Communicators Association. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Version ( NIV ) © 2011.

All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only with written permission.

I hope to see you at INSPIRE. Be sure to check Salvationist.ca regularly for all the coverage. May God’s Spirit continue to fill us with faith, love and hope

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Mission

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Salvationist informs readers about the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.

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Salvation Army Explores Partnership with Trinity Western University

In January, Trinity Western University (TWU) hosted a discussion with leaders of The Salvation Army, including Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, as it explores new ways to partner with churches and organizations who have similar values and goals.

Leaders from territorial headquarters, the British Columbia Division, and the chancellor and chair of the audit and finance committee of the Booth University College Board of Trustees visited TWU in Langley, B.C., representing a breadth of experience and

Territory Announces Divisional Boundaries Changes

TheCanada and Bermuda Territory is merging selected divisions to create four balanced divisions to continually adapt to increasing external complexities, steward resources responsibly and ensure the front line has equal access to expertise. With the approval of International Headquarters, the following mergers will be fully realized in January 2024: perspective. The joint meeting provided a valuable opportunity to explore ways for both organizations to support the other in advancement of faith-based organizational visions.

• Alberta and Northern Territories Division and Prairie Division will merge to form one division.

The day-long discussion between TWU and The Salvation Army was comprised of three sessions, each devoted to a different focus of listening, learning and collaborating. The sessions began with the two organizations each sharing their visions and the work that they are accomplishing.

Throughout the day, delegates engaged in facilitated conversations around points of intersection and oppor-

• Bermuda Division, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, Maritime Division and Quebec Division will merge to form one division.

• British Columbia Division and Ontario Division will remain separate divisions.

The decision emerges from a diverse working group formed in September 2021 that tested and reviewed the idea of divisional mergers by interviewing divisional commanders, engaging with divisional executive boards and conducting in-depth focus groups to assess divisional needs.

The rationale for these changes includes:

• Restructuring to deal with the increasing complexity of the external context in which we serve;

• Creating consistency across divisional structures, processes, systems and leadership teams; tunities for partnership. The goal was to look for natural connections between the needs, resources and expertise of both organizations. After sharing a meal together, the leaders ventured on a tour of TWU’s Langley campus.

“Booth UC has many partners, domestically and globally, and always seeks opportunities to engage in partnerships for ‘Education for a Better World,’ ” says Lt-Colonel (Dr.) Susan van Duinen, president and vice-chancellor, Booth UC

Based on a report by Trinity Western University communications.

• Giving all divisions an equal voice in territorial decision-making;

• Realigning resources and leveraging technology for better stewardship;

• Levelling the playing field so that each of the four divisions will have more balanced personnel, budgets and ministry units.

The Salvation Army recognizes the unique culture of each of the regions within the new divisions and is committed to honouring their cultural identity.

Under the leadership of the chief secretary, a committee will be established, including divisional commanders, to collaborate with the merging divisions to ensure a smooth transition of roles, procedures and systems.

To read the full report, visit salvationist.ca/divisional-boundaries.