Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/394678
territorial newS >> East welcomes 'Messengers of Light' Redeemer is supportive of the services and ministry of The Salvation Army through their volunteerism and other tangible contributions. We have been called to come together and to serve cit- ies across this territory and the country," Swanson said. "It's a partnership!" The CFOT Cadet Chorus; instrumental music from the New York Staff Band (NYSB), under the able direction of Dep- uty Bandmaster Gordon Ward (Band- master Ronald Waiksnoris was in the Republic of Congo); and choral selections led by Dorothy Gates set a thoughtful tone for worship and for contemplating Dr. Keller's reflective message. "I have always been amazed that The Salvation Army has managed to stay on message for almost 150 years," said Keller. "You're still about what you were about when you started!" Keller, whose theme for the evening was the great spiritual awakenings of the 18 th and 19 th centuries, pointed out how The Salvation Army emerged from the Wesleyan holiness revival movement. He encouraged the new cadets and seasoned officers to keep the awakening alive. "You've got to continue to be in the process of rediscovering it, and reac- quiring it!" he said. Just moments after Keller and the territorial officer cabinet had mounted the stage, these new cadets had, with much fanfare, marched into CMT, fol- lowing their respective divisional leaders. Exuberant music by the NYSB and shouts of "hallelujah!" from the audience had accompanied them. Kellers words fell on attentive ears. In a very real sense, these men and women in blue entered as messengers of light who are called to launch a spiritual revival. (See "Cadet Testimonies.") Bring down 'fire' Keller framed his message by using an example found in 1 Kings 18: 30–39, when God consumed Elijah's water– soaked altar of wood and stone with His divine fire. Equating such a fire with spiritual revival, Keller said, "But before we see the fire, we must build an 'altar.'" Keller said that, just as Elijah built an altar upon which God could demonstrate His divine power, there are four "instruments" needed to build a spiritual awakening. 1. Recovery of the gospel of grace, which reminds us that God's un- merited favor saves us, rather than our "good" works. 2. Comprehensive balance of word and deed. When the fire of spiritual awakening is high, both one's soul and one's lifestyle are redeemed. 3. Creativity. Spiritual awakenings happen differently each time. 4. Extraordinary prayer is the one common denominator that under- girds all awakenings—pray for the "fire" to come down! "There are four marks of a spiritual awakening," said Keller. 1. Nominal Christians (people who thought they were living a fulfilled Christian life) say they've been converted. 2. Sleepy Christians wake up. What Major Christine J. Rock (right) lights the way for Anna Street during a Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM) drama. 8 October 2014