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Heralds of the Good News -
Valedictory address
Appointment Service - June 10,
2007
JAC Issue #50
by
Captain Pamela Maynor
Seated before
you today are 38 commissioned ‘Heralds of the Good News’.
As your eyes rest on each of our faces, you may be wondering
what exactly we have faced over the last 2 years. Perhaps you
can tell from the bags under our eyes that we’ve had some
sleepless nights; perhaps you notice some gray hairs and
wonder what challenges we’ve endured; or perhaps you can tell
from our smiles that the last two years have been the best two
years of our lives, because before you today you see more than
a session; more than a group of friends or students; today you
see a family – brothers and sisters from completely different
walks of life, who sincerely love each other and have grown to
appreciate God’s specific calling on our lives. We have in
common a commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to
paraphrase our theme verse from the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy
1: 11, it is of this gospel that we have been appointed
Heralds – Heralds of the Good News!
I have reflected on the essence of our Session name, and
recognize three specific qualities that we as Heralds aim to
portray. Firstly, as Heralds we:
Relish the Teaching
Just as we have been Officer’s in Training for the last 2
years, Heralds of Medieval times had apprentice or
probationary Heralds called a Pursuivant. Pursuivants served
an apprenticeship of between four and seven years to learn the
skills of Heraldry. How we as Heralds have relished, valued
and enjoyed our teaching received at the Training College. We
have needed this time, for it has equipped us with skills,
experience and knowledge necessary for Heraldry.
Captain Kim’s personal library of over 3000 books has taught
us the value of knowledge and reading. Major Ferreira’s
infamous conducting skills have taught us to give God the best
of our talent. Major Green, whether arriving dressed as an elf
or Santa himself, taught us to enjoy life, for it is truly a
gift from God.
And so the list could continue, as we thank God for each staff
member who has invested their lives to equip us for ministry.
We thank our training principle, Territorial Commander and
Leaders of The Salvation Army who made it possible for us to
be taught, and helped us fulfill God’s calling on our lives.
Our mothers, fathers, families, friends, mentors – many of you
seated here today have also added to our teaching. God used
you in our lives to help us reach this moment, today. We
relish all that you have taught us.
Heralds of the Good News not only Relish the Teaching, but we
also:
Rouse the Soldiers
During battle, a Herald’s duty was to rouse the soldiers.
Heralds would loudly proclaim the good news of victory in an
attempt to wake up and stir the soldiers in the crowd. Can you
imagine hearing their voices across the field of blood stained
armor and battered soldiers? Can you hear them shouting:
“Don’t give up! Victory is at hand! Pick up your shield and
fight again!”
This, dear friends is the role of a Herald – to Rouse the
Soldiers. A Herald is “One who with authority makes a public
proclamation” (NIVSB, 1837) - and we have a lot to proclaim!
Our authority comes from Christ, and with our feet steadily
rooted, we will open our mouths to crowds of fallen and beaten
soldiers and speak words of Good News! “Don’t give up
soldiers! Stand firm! Don’t loose hope warriors! Lift high
your shield and look to Him who has called you!”
With such a message, how can we remain silent?
As Heralds, we Relish the Teaching, we Rouse the Soldiers, and
thirdly we:
Represent the King
By the thirteenth century, Heralds wore the coat of arms of
their Master. This coat of arms distinguished who the Herald
represented – and with large design and bright colors, this
official coat was meant to be seen at a distance.
As Heralds, we proudly wear our Master’s coat of arms. It
bears two S’s – for we are Saved to Save and Saved to Serve!
The bright red surely could represent the blood our Master
shed and reminds us daily of the privilege it is to be called
His Herald. We’ve heard His voice speaking to us – and so
rather than counting the cost of representing Him for the rest
of our lives, we count the privilege. We stand tall on the
battlefields God appoints us to, and amidst the raging war, we
boldly represent the King. Again, we say with Paul in 2
Timothy 1: 11 “And of this gospel I was appointed a herald”
Conclusion
In every account I have read regarding Medieval Heralds, their
primary function related to a tournament or battle. Stories of
inactive, desk-bound Heralds are just not found. The training
received is preparation for battle – it must be used to Rouse
the Soldiers and to ultimately Represent the King. And so,
perhaps your eyes could take a closer look at each of us
today. Perhaps now you might be able to look past the bags
under our eyes and gray hairs. Perhaps you can see our shields
in hand, or the brightly colored coat of arms covering our
chests. Can you see our feet that are fitted with shoes ready
to run across battle fields? Can you hear our warmed up voices
– ready to proclaim from the top of our lungs the message of
God’s Good News? The Oxford Dictionary defines a Herald as “a
person viewed as a sign that something is about to happen”.
Fellow Comrades, you know something’s been happening, and
something new is going to be happening.
General Clifton and Commissioners Moretz – I am honored to
represent the Heralds of the Good News. Our horses are waiting
outside, or in the case of most of us, 15 passenger vans. As
Heralds of the Good News we are ready to partner with you,
fellow soldiers across the Territory, to represent our King on
the battleground He sends us to.
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