A new soldier: It was a very happy day to see Ernie Williams being enrolled as a Salvation Army soldier of our Tenby corps (writes Marie Moreton). Major Martyn Clements led the enrolment ceremony.

During the ceremony, the Major encouraged Ernie with some words from a song called 'God's Love to me is Wonderful'.

The song spoke of God always being there, to hear, to wipe our tears, to hold our hand, to show us His plans for us, to take away fear, and to be our light.

The major especially encouraged Ernie to remember that God has a plan for him and that God will show him that plan and walk with him every step of the way.

Ernie was then invited to sign the Articles of Faith and was officially welcomed as a Salvation Army soldier of our Tenby corps, to great applause.

Our recruitment sergeant, Rosemary Moreton, then prayed for Ernie.

The enrolment ceremony, as always, took place under the Salvation Army flag, and the major reminded us all about what our flag represents.

The red represents the blood of Jesus, telling people that Jesus died for us. The blue is the colour of holiness, telling people of the holiness of God and the yellow star with the words blood and fire represents the power and fire of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to be and do what God wants us to be and do.

This was both a reminder and a healthy challenge to the rest of us.

Later we heard a very fitting message from our major, based on Ecclesiastes. It was all about there being a time for everything.

Our major's message included that there is a time for change, and that we must be willing, ready and prepared for that change, even if it means letting go of things, taking on new things and making changes in our lives.

I thought about all that our major had said, applied it to myself at this moment in time and concluded this, change can bring more opportunities and more growth.