The Season of Lent

by Commissioner G. Lorraine Bamford

We are in the midst of the season of Lent. However, Lent is not a season or a holiday or even an observance. In truth, it’s a time of self-assessment and preparation that includes prayer, fasting and introspection.

Introspection, self-examination, can be uncomfortable, unsettling –even painful, but the end result is almost always for the best.

As a territory, we have been on a corporate journey of introspection through our Corps Mission Strategy. We are blessed each time we walk into a corps building and see the River Chart, a self-examination tool through which a corps team can introspectively assess areas of strength and growth. This tool visually portrays the corps body’s desire to grow and develop as a believing community. We are blessed to hear stories of innovative ministry that is taking place throughout the territory. Lives are being changed. New spiritual depths are reached. The Spirit of God is moving in our midst!

As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, may we take time to consider own walk individually and corporately with the Lord, as well as our corporate ministry.

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. 

Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you…?

2 Corinthians 13:5