“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” —Psalm 40:1–2

June 11–14, 2026 — Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, became the epicenter of a significant gathering for The Salvation Army as General Lyndon Buckingham, the international leader of The Salvation Army, and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham presided over the General’s Congress: Our Holy Covenant. This event marked the first time since 2007 that a General of the Army had attended such a congress in the USA Eastern Territory.

The gathering brought together more than 4,000 Salvationists, including officers, soldiers, adherents, and friends — and thousands more on livestream — all united by the theme of covenant-making and the ordination of the Keepers of the Covenant session of cadets.

The weekend’s overarching spiritual focus was drawn from Psalm 40:1–2, which speaks of waiting patiently for the Lord. General Buckingham repeatedly emphasized this theme, urging attendees to cultivate a sense of expectation and confidence in the covenant-making God. Throughout the weekend, the Buckinghams spoke at various venues, including Officers Councils, the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) Breakfast, rallies, and three united sessions.

(Photo/Antonio DiCaterina)

The General said that he and Commissioner Buckingham, World President of Women’s Ministries, were delighted to be in Hershey to lift the “covenant-making God of the universe.”

“The Creator, the Preserver, the Governor of all things — we have gathered in this place to bring Him honor, to bring Him glory, to lift up His name,” he said.

(Photo/Eli Morgan)

Commencement and academic excellence

The festivities commenced Thursday evening with a worshipful service dedicated to the Keepers of the Covenant session of cadets. The event was attended by national leaders Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole, as well as USA Eastern territorial leaders Commissioners Ralph and Susan Bukiewicz.

Each cadet received an associate degree in applied science following two years at the College for Officer Training (CFOT). The New York Staff Band (NYSB), the CFOT Worship Team, and the CFOT Chorus provided a heartfelt music backdrop.

Lt. Colonel James LaBossiere, CFOT Training Principal, introduced the cadets to Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz, declaring them “spiritually mature and fully trained.”

(Photo/Eli Morgan)

LaBossiere noted that the cadets were prepared to engage with a hurting world by living for the glory of God and for the salvation of souls. “They know the mission,” he said, “and they want to fulfill it.”

Cadet Hector J. Rivera Melendez was named valedictorian with a 3.99 GPA, while Cadet Elizabeth Torres Rivera earned salutatorian honors with a 3.98 average. In his valedictory address, Melendez said, “We are the people of God who will bring light to the world.”

Additionally, Cadet Yolmina Hilene Saint-Lot was recognized for her achievement in Bible knowledge, having answered 118 of 125 questions correctly. Cadet Williana M. Garcia Robles received the prestigious Commissioner’s Award for her excellence in academics, leadership, attitude, fieldwork, and spiritual influence.

(Photo/Eli Morgan)

Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander, offered a word of caution to the cadets, warning against the danger of possessing only head knowledge without allowing it to penetrate the heart. He addressed the modern temptation of using artificial intelligence to write sermons, urging the cadets to ensure their preaching remained authentic, from the heart, and drawn from their personal experiences with the Word of God.

“If it doesn’t make it into our hearts, we’re not going to be able to apply it in a way that it’s going to make a difference in the lives of the people we serve,” he said.

(Photo/Eli Morgan)

Coming together in fellowship, celebrating in music

At the Fellowship of the Silver Star Dinner on Thursday, cadets had a chance to express their appreciation to parents, mentors, and friends who supported them over the past two years. Commissioner Dawn Heatwole urged them all to stay connected as families: “They need to see your face, they need to hear your voice, and they just need to be reminded that it is hard, but God is faithful, and God will always be faithful.”

The Friday morning and afternoon Officers Councils presented a rare opportunity when approximately 1,100 officers, active and retired, gathered for worship, prayer, inspiration, and encouragement. The energy was palpable: soaring music, a snappy sing-along, riveting testimony, frequent humor, and powerful words of exhortation and encouragement from the General and Commissioner Buckingham.

(Photo/Antonio DiCaterina)

Friday night featured a showcase of Salvation Army talent and worship with performances by the NYSB, the Eastern Territory Staff Songsters (ETSS), Unbound, and MOVE Dance Company. Commissioners Ralph and Susan Bukiewicz welcomed the crowd, calling out all 11 divisions and various commands of the territory to enthusiastic cheers.

General Buckingham shared his hope that God would minister to the attendees in a transformative way. He reiterated the theme of waiting patiently for the Lord, encouraging the congregation to become aware of God’s presence, and said, “I am praying for every single person gathered here that you will open your heart, that you will open your mind, that you will wait patiently and receive what it is that God has in store for you.”

(Photo/Antonio DiCaterina)

The evening also featured a high-energy concert by Christian recording artist Anthony Evans. Evans, known for his work on The Voice and his solo ministry, performed songs focused on miraculous breakthroughs, such as “God You Are Able” and “We Need a Miracle.” He showed a genuine appreciation for how the audience sang along and the worshipful atmosphere of the Salvation Army gathering.

(Photo/Courtesy of SAconnects)

Breakfast, Star Search, and rallies!

The General spoke at the ARC Breakfast on Saturday to a room full of ARC leaders, staff, and beneficiaries and their families. He said, “If you want evidence of God’s interest in you, if you want evidence of God’s desire for you, if you want evidence of God’s purpose for you, if you want evidence of God’s love for you, the scriptures tell us we have to look to His gift. That’s right. And His gift to us is His Son.” The ARC’s first Barnabas Award was presented to Shawn Nenichka, an employee.

Saturday morning also saw the Hershey Lodge filled with young people competing in Star Search 2026. The event showcased the musical and artistic talents of the territory’s youth. Teenaged participants like Richard Smith Jr., a timbrelist from Columbus, Ohio, and bass guitarist Randy Lopez and drummer Stephany Perez, both from Trenton, New Jersey, expressed their joy in using their gifts to bring glory to God.

“I like the atmosphere,” Perez said. “Everyone’s excited to be here like I am. I appreciate the opportunity God has given us to be here.”

The afternoon featured rallies for men, women, Junior Soldiers, and Corps Cadets. At the Men’s Rally, General Buckingham spoke on the importance of covenants, sharing his own testimony and the necessity of placing faith and trust in Christ. He used the biblical example of Gideon to illustrate that God sees potential where individuals may see weakness. He encouraged the men to be surrendered and obedient, noting that this is the most liberating place to be.

(Photo/Jeff Bruce)

The Women’s Rally was a divine alignment filled with purpose and spirit as women were lifted through prayer, testimonies, worship, and encouragement, united in a sacred space. Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham told the women that they are His daughters, created to worship and glorify Him: As women transformed and empowered by the gospel of Christ, their greatest blessing, and their greatest responsibility, is to demonstrate it in such a way that others say: “I want what she has.”

At the Junior Soldier Rally, Chantel Baldwin from the Utica, New York, Citadel described stations set up to educate attendees about the Army’s work. She learned about bell ringing and how the funds raised are used to feed the hungry.

(Photo/Courtesy of SAconnects)

Corps Cadets held their own rally, where Camila Santana, also from Utica, participated in sword drills to learn how to navigate the Bible quickly. Utica’s Araya Ward learned about the ARC ministry and the fact that these centers are funded by thrift stores, which allows them to talk about Jesus with the people they help. Her sister, Alaysaia Ward, found inspiration at the evangelism station, where she learned about open-air ministry. She said it sparked a desire to “help bring someone to Heaven with me too.”

Saturday evening was dedicated to the Star Search awards and the mass enrollment of almost 200 new adherents and soldiers. Commissioners Bukiewicz recognized the territory’s achievements in World Services, with over $12 million raised in 2024–25. They also commissioned the summer Hands-On mission teams, honored the territory’s Bible Bowl teams, and recognized the Pittsburgh Temple for its biblical literacy efforts.

Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham encouraged the audience: “Salvation Army, these are our days to live as His representatives in this world that desperately, desperately needs to know the love of the Lord Jesus. Yes, there are challenges, but even greater opportunities for us to allow the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in and through us.”

(Photo/Antonio DiCaterina)

Historical reflections: Moments in Time

The “Moments in Time” exhibit, presented by the Arts Ministries Bureau and the Heritage Museum, offered an interactive history of The Salvation Army. The exhibit chronicled the Army’s arrival in New York in 1880 and its expansion across the country. There were detailed timelines and exhibits on the Slum Sister ministry and the Donut Lassies of World War I.

(Photo/Austin Wideman)

Resa Berry, Arts Ministries specialist, wanted to create an immersive experience where people could feel the legacy of the Army’s history. By walking through the exhibit, visitors could see the locations, touch the uniforms, and understand the sacrifices made by those who came before.

“We’ve gone through revolts, uprisings, and changes in leadership. Despite all that, we’re still here,” Berry said. “So many different organizations and movements have either disappeared or consolidated to become something completely different. But the mission of The Salvation Army has remained the same. Our history is like tapestry that God has weaved over the years. We all play a part in it, even today.”

(Photo/Courtesy of SAconnects)

Spiritual life: Journey of Promise

The Spiritual Life Development Department hosted two rooms in “Prayer Experience: Journey of Promise.” One room, “Prayer,” featured the Soldier’s Covenant and information on ways to connect with God. A wall of photos of the graduating cadets had a bag underneath each picture to deposit messages of encouragement. And a “Discipleship” room focused on the Junior Soldier Promise, with activities for children, such as creating clay footprints to symbolize their walk with the Lord.

(Photo/Courtesy of SAconnects)

Joanna Polarek, the spiritual director, said the experience was designed to be accessible to everyone — not just soldiers but also their families and friends in attendance — to help them understand the significance of the covenant and foster a personal relationship with God.

(Photo/Antonio DiCaterina)

Ordination and Commissioning

Sunday served as the climax of the congress, with the ordination and commissioning of the new lieutenants from the Keepers of the Covenant session. The Great American Hall was filled with family, friends, and fellow Salvationists from throughout the territory. The NYSB and other musical groups provided powerful music.

General Buckingham preached once more from Psalm 40, emphasizing that God is among His people. He invited those considering officership or seeking prayer to come to the mercy seat. The response was overwhelming. Dozens came forward in the hall and in the overflow room. As the General watched the flow of people streaming to the front, he took the hand of Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz and said, “This is your family. This is revival. It’s coming.”

The new lieutenants were ordained and commissioned. Territorial Sergeant-Major Heather Green advised the new officers not to work in a silo but to view the soldiers at their corps as ministry partners. Lieutenant Williana Garcia Robles delivered the session response, urging the congregation and the entire territory to renew their covenant and return to their first love (a reference to Revelation 2).

(Photo/Eli Morgan)

“We’re the Keepers of the Covenant,” Garcia Robles said. “We are ready to march, we are ready to love, and we are ready to serve!”

Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham concluded the service with a prayer of consecration over the new lieutenants.

The congress served as a powerful reminder of the enduring mission of The Salvation Army. Through worship, academic recognition, historical reflection, and the commissioning of new leaders, the event reinforced the theme of the holy covenant. As the weekend concluded, the atmosphere was one of renewed commitment, expectation, and a shared dedication to living as representatives of the Lord Jesus in a world that needs His love.