Five new officers have joined the Salvation Army, among them two Bermudians who have returned home to serve.

Their appointments are even more important now, as the global faith community has had to pivot as a result of the coronavirus pandemic said Major Sandra Stokes, the divisional leader for Bermuda.

“It is a delight to welcome all five officers to the division and together we look forward to the new things that God will do in and through us,” she said. “With God's continued help and daily sustaining grace, they will teach, guide, lead and care for His people.”

Captain Dwayne and Lieutenant Kendacy Barnes arrived during the summer to serve at the Salvation Army’s North Street Citadel.

“Lt. Kendacy was born in Guyana and upon graduating from high school, entered the teaching profession and later pursued a degree in the same,” Major Stokes said. “Captain Dwayne was born in Guyana as well and, prior to training college, worked as the community centre director for the Jamaica Citadel Corps in New York.

“They were married in 2014 and have happily served the Lord in New York in both congregational and administrative appointments. They are blessed with their beautiful daughter Celine, who brings much joy and excitement to their lives and ministry.”

The west end of the island welcomes Lieutenant Adriane Cartmell, who returns to Bermuda after completing part of her training here in 2017. Lt. Cartmell will also take on the role of divisional youth secretary.

Said Major Stokes: “Lt. Adriane has been an officer for three years and prior to coming to Bermuda served in London, Ontario. The child of Salvation Army officer parents, Adriane has lived in a number of places in Canada but considers British Columbia as her home province.

“She is happy to be back in Bermuda and is excited about partnering with God in this community and anticipates the new adventures that await her.”

Captains Dennis and Mary Maybury are likely familiar faces to many people here as both were born and raised on the island. They have returned home to serve the Cedar Hill, Warwick community.

“We say a big welcome home to the Maybury family!” Maj Stokes said. “Prior to attending training college, Dennis was employed with the Bermuda Police Service for 27 years and Mary worked at Butterfield Bank. Ordained in 2010 as members of the Friends of Christ session, the Mayburys were appointed as corps officers to Fort Frances, Ontario, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and then Liverpool, Nova Scotia.”

The Bermuda division is excited to breathe new life into their ministries across the island with the recent appointments and believes all the new officers have something special to offer the local Salvation Army and the wider community.

Added Major Stokes: “They endeavour to reach out to the communities around them seeking to share the love of Jesus and to meet human need – all for the purpose of bringing about wholeness and transformation to our world.

“As the church, we do not exist for ourselves but for those who live outside of it. The earthly ministry of Jesus consisted of reaching, teaching, and caring. We seek to pattern ourselves after Him.”