Transformed for Revival 

by Robert Mitchell

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” —2 Corinthians 5:17

Welcome aboard 

The territory also welcomed two new Korean cadets to the 2024–2026 Keepers of the Covenant session, Mintae Hwang and Sung Yeon An. However, this night was about the Proclaimers of Transformation.

CFOT Training Principal Lt. Colonel James LaBossiere presented the cadets after a dramatic entrance accompanied by their divisional commanders. LaBossiere said the cadets hail from 10 different countries, speak eight languages, and come from a variety of backgrounds. Of the 28, LaBossiere said 19 became Christians through the ministry of The Salvation Army.

“Every single one of these 28 have a testimony of the transforming work, the redemptive work, of Jesus Christ in their lives,” he said.

Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz, Territorial Commander, gave the charge to the cadets, who stood and listened. A few had tears in their eyes as he spoke.

“Cadets, here is my charge to you — embrace this season of preparation fully,” Bukiewicz said. “Lean into every opportunity to grow. Rise to meet the challenges, knowing that each one is shaping you into a vessel of transformation.

“Step boldly into your calling. Let the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus shine through in all that you do. Let your lives declare transformation in your words, your actions, and your love for God’s people. Transform every community you touch.”

Handling adversity 

Commissioner Ralph reminded the cadets that there would be times of exhaustion, juggling schoolwork and ministry. There also would be many roadblocks academically, spiritually, and relationally, but he encouraged them to persevere during those times and not surrender.

“These are the difficult moments where true transformation occurs,” he said.

He urged the cadets to embrace the “unique and extraordinary opportunity” offered at the CFOT.

“Every class, chapel, and outreach event is a chance for you to learn and to grow and become more fully the person God has called you to be. Every life you impact will stand as a testament to the transformative work of Christ working through you. The world is waiting for Proclaimers of Transformation. Go and be the change.”

One of those overcome with emotion during Bukiewicz’s charge was Jonathan Torres, a former prison gang leader twice featured in SAconnects magazine. Torres, who came from the York, Pa., Temple, said he had meditated this week on the goodness of God for saving him and bringing him to the CFOT.

“That’s called grace,” Torres said later. “Seeing where I was before, I never thought I would be here, though I dreamed about it. God had a plan the whole time.

“I’m definitely a Proclaimer of Transformation because I’ve been transformed. Now I can go out and tell them about my life.”

A comeback story 

Cadet Yolanda Ciriaco from the Boston, Mass., Central Corps delivered a testimony, “Called Through the Pain,” outlining her journey to the CFOT. A successful lawyer from the Dominican Republic, she ran from God for many years after suffering abuse.

“But even while I was running away from God, He never stopped calling me,” she said. “Through people, dreams, and small signs, He kept whispering, ‘You belong to Me.’ But I felt afraid. I felt unworthy. I didn’t want to carry the weight of full-time ministry.”

She recalled a pastor telling her, “It’s time to put on your tunic and serve God.” She didn’t know yet that Salvation Army officers wear tunics.

“At that time, I didn’t know The Salvation Army was a church. I thought it was only a thrift store,” she said.

Ciriaco eventually surrendered to God’s call on her life, but her would-be husband didn’t feel the same. She broke off the marriage and soon learned that her daughters had also suffered abuse.

“The strong woman inside of me collapsed,” she said. “The joyful woman was gone; the spark of everything around me faded. I couldn’t enter any space because I simply couldn’t contain my tears.”

Listening for God’s voice 

Ciriaco said her family received professional help, “but only God could hold me up during that time. Today, we see how God has turned our pain into purpose.”

In the midst of her turmoil, Ciriaco received an invitation to the Candidates’ Seminar Weekend.

“I didn’t come to say yes — I came to survive. I was looking for hope,” she said.

She heard a testimony from then-Cadet Esther Mobley similar to her own, “and I felt God speak these words to my heart: ‘You came here for this moment.’” That was her calling to the CFOT.

Ciriaco had a message for those who were in the audience considering officership during the weekend, as she was once in that crowd. She pointed to the area where she’d sat.

“Three years ago, I came here just looking for peace,” she said. “Now, I’m a cadet, preparing to serve Him full-time, as an officer in The Salvation Army.

“Maybe you didn’t come here this weekend to say yes to God’s call. But maybe God brought you here to say something to you. I pray you will respond to His voice this weekend.”

Commissioner Susan, during her message, read the Soldier’s Covenant of The Salvation Army to open her remarks. She also used action figures of the Transformers from the science fiction film series to illustrate the power of transformed spiritual lives.

“Our transformation is our living witness,” she said. “No one can take it from us.”

We’re all new creations 

Commissioner Susan said Colossians 1 calls Christians to “walk worthy of the Lord.” Meanwhile, believers are urged in 1 Thessalonians 4 to change and live holy lives through the Holy Spirit.

“Transformation is at the very heart of our faith journey,” she said. “Sanctification, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, doesn’t merely polish our outward behavior. It radically changes who we are at the core. The old self, rooted in sin, is replaced by a new self that beats with the heart of Christ. This shift is so profound that it touches our thoughts, our desires, and every action, making us living reflections of love and power.”

Quoting Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle, Commissioner Susan said he urged Christians to read the Bible to “seek transformation, not information.” She implored the cadets to maintain a vigorous devotional life.

“When you open up your eyes and your heart to the Lord, everything changes,” she said. “Darkness gives way to light, despair gives way to hope, weakness gives way to strength. The Lord’s presence is the turning point, the moment your story is rewritten with grace and with purpose.

“Step boldly into this new life and watch how God uses your transformation to shine His glory throughout the world.”

Sending them out 

The evening closed with a time of prayer as many came to the mercy seat to pray for their ongoing ministry or the calling on their lives. The song “The Day of Victory’s Coming” served as an appropriate backdrop.

Commissioner Susan cited Ephesians 4 in calling for Christians to “put off your old self” and show the world your transformed selves.

“We have to be transformed in order for that to happen, so I urge you to open your heart to Christ Jesus,” she said. “Receive the transformed life He offers. Then let your transformation shine as a beacon of God’s glory.

“Not only will your life be changed, but through you, God will change the world. This is our calling. This is our privilege. This is our honor. So, friends, let’s live it out fully and fearlessly.”