New Frontier Chronicle May/June 2023 | Vol. 41, No. 03

Report shows increased trafficking awareness in West

BY KAREN GLEASON

The Salvation Army across the Western U.S. received a 385 percent increase in human trafficking referrals in 2022.

Territorial Advisory Board has new Chair, Vice-Chair

Some six years since its formation, the Western Territorial Advisory Board (TAB)—the first of its kind in the U.S.—is under new leadership.

Along with providing guidance, the board partners with The Salvation Army to execute important objectives including community engagement and fundraising to help the organization fulfill its mission. It also supports the Army financially, with volunteer service and interagency relations.

And on March 10, new

Chairperson Dan Keim and Vice-Chairperson Caltha Seymour were installed at the board’s meeting at Western Territorial Headquarters at the Crestmont Campus in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

Meet the Chair: Dan Keim

Dan Keim provides supply chain design expertise to The UPS Foundation and its humanitarian partners, leveraging more than 35 years of UPS customer supply chain solutions experience. On behalf of

Referrals jumped to 1,020 instances from 210 the year prior, according to the Army’s annual impact report summarizing efforts to help trafficking survivors. The higher number suggests increased awareness of the problem and a growing recognition that The Salvation Army has resources to help, according to Jacqui Larsson, Social Justice Ministries Director for the Western Territory.

Across the Western U.S., 13 anti-trafficking programs offer drop-in centers and residential programs. Larsson said individuals needing help are usually referred to The Salvation Army through task force networks, including healthcare workers, police officers and teachers.

“The main point is that they can look out for the red flags, the clues that would show who the most vulnerable are— the girls, boys, women and men who are in danger,” she said, noting the many training sessions held throughout 2022 with the organization’s

social service staff. “And then know how to respond.”

The focus on training may account for some other numbers on the 2022 report: nights of lodging provided jumped 575 percent (from 4,569 to 30,819 nights), as

did the case management hours, which rose to 6,693 from the previous year’s 2,890 hours.

Human trafficking continues to grow, despite increased awareness. While

Mesquite Service Center reaches hospice patients

BY KRISTIN MARGUERITE DOIDGE

When Shawnanna “Starr” Flores went through a recent loss, she became inspired to help ease the pain of other hospice families in need. Flores, a case worker at The Salvation Army Mesquite (Nevada) Service Center proposed the new idea to her supervisor, Bill Ennis, to which he simply replied, “that’s brilliant.”

“We’re 100 miles from anyone,” explained Ennis, Director of Social Services. “We’re really out here by our lonesome, and nobody else here in Mesquite does this.”

Drawing on existing resources in the Army’s food pantry, Flores suggested putting together personalized care boxes for families with hospice patients— those who have been given less than a year to live—shortly after she came on board in December 2022.

“It had only been two months since

the loss of my father,” she said. “I have a large family, and getting to the grocery store to get necessities became difficult. I thought to myself, ‘What would I do to help ease some of the pain for someone watching a loved one slip away?’”

She started by reaching out to a nurse who’d taken care of her father, who then

What would I do to help ease some of the pain for someone watching a loved one slip away?

—SHAWNANNA FLORES

connected her with a social worker at Mesa View Hospice, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers that serves more than 162 families in the local community, which has a population of about 22,000.

“Mesquite is largely a retirement community,” Ennis said. “The average age is

(L-r): Commissioner Douglas Riley, Caltha Seymour, Dan Keim and Commissioner Colleen Riley

|PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER

Joel, a graduate of The Salvation Army Orange County Anti-Trafficking Services program, reunites with his sons after 16 years. |PHOTO COURTESY SALVATION ARMY ORANGE COUNTY

Caring is a magazine from The Salvation Army for people who care about making an impact for good.

As a Salvation Army officer or employee, you’ll also find a curated collection of inspiring news for you in the New Frontier Chronicle print edition and our email newsletter, the Weekly.

See more at caringmagazine.org.

Colonel

It was the fall of 1899 in my hometown of Monkstown—then known as Paradise Sound, a tiny, isolated community accessible only by boat in Newfoundland, Canada. The town had no church building and no regular full-time minister. In faith, the men of the town built a church. They called it the “Whosoever House,” and they said that the people of the town would adhere to the denomination of the first minister who came and was willing to stay.

During that time, The Salvation Army in the province of Newfoundland, Canada, operated a boat called the “Glad Tidings” that sailed along the coast, visiting tiny communities and sharing the gospel.

In the Spring of 1900, just a few short months after the men of the town built the Whosoever House, the Glad Tidings sailed into my hometown with officers and uniformed Salvationists on board. They held a meeting at the Whosoever House.

The following week, the people of the town sent a wire message to divisional headquarters and asked for an officer. Weeks later, an officer arrived, and for the last 123 years, The Salvation Army has remained the only church in the town.

The gospel message started with a few faithful Salvationists in a boat called the Glad Tidings and the good news and love of God have been faithfully shared for over a century in that small community.

It was here I had my spiritual beginnings, receiving love, support and encouragement from faithful, godly people. It was

NEW APPOINTMENTS

TRANSFERRING OUT OF TERRITORY:

here, in this Whosoever House—now The Salvation Army—that I gave my life to Jesus as a 7-year-old in a Decision Sunday in Sunday School. It was here, in this small church, as a young child, that I felt God speaking deeply into my life.

I am grateful for godly people and faithful, godly officers who recognized that God was calling me, and like Eli in the story of Samuel, nurtured me in giving my “yes” to God.

In my hometown for the last 123 years, the glad tidings of God’s love have been shared in many ways. It has been faithfully preached from the pulpit—but even more effective have been the practical acts of kindness shown to family, friends and neighbors who never come to the church.

Over the years, this small corps has produced many officers—every one grateful for our humble, yet God-ordained beginnings.

My attraction to this church was not because of its décor; it was simple and plain. My attraction was not about its many offerings of video and technology; there were none. My attraction was not of its crowds of people; it was a small congregation.

My memories that I hold dear, and helped mold and shape me, were the godly people, some educated, some not, who gave testimony to God’s work in their lives. It was the officers who showed an interest in a child who God was calling and nurtured me in my childlike faith. It was the singing and preaching that I remember, and the weekly

Lt. Colonels John and Lani Chamness, currently serving respectively as Divisional Commander and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries in the Southern California Division, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Canada and Bermuda Territory. They will take up their new appointment responsibilities Aug. 1 with the rank of Colonel.

MAKE A PLAN FOR JOY

BREAKFAST WORKSHOP

Saturday, June 10 • 8:30 a.m.

Cerritos Sheraton

You could say: Joy is the new grit. Why? You’ve read the headlines. You’ve seen the memes. There’s a collective sense of burnout. Of what more? Of what if?

And yet, what do you want YOUR life to reflect?

This is a friend-raising, goodness-finding, intention-setting free event over breakfast and you are invited.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

VISIT EVENTS.USAWEST.ORG AND SELECT

invitation for a deeper commitment to God and/or a first-time decision.

As a child and teenager growing up in this small corps, the attention given to the youth was marvelous—from Sunday School, Junior Soldier classes, Corps Cadets, youth group and "YP" meetings. As children, we found our place!

I know times have changed, and our methods have changed, but as I think of my beginnings in this tiny corps in Newfoundland, I am reminded that there are some things that never change. Our need for godly connections has not changed. We all need to find our place. Our need to be taught the truths of Scripture has not changed. We need to be people focused on the Word. Our need to be invested in and to invest in others has not changed. We need to find our purpose.

We have been created to love God and be loved by him. I’m grateful for my humble beginnings and for the godly people who influenced my life. Thank you, Lord, for inspiring the men of the town to build the Whosoever House that became a beacon and a place of transformation for so many for more than 100 years.

Due to out-migration in some of our coastal communities in Newfoundland, my home corps officially closed as a corps last year. However, the faithful members have found their place in other Salvation Army congregations and continue to let their light shine. They continue to let the Glad Tidings ring, and for that I am grateful. NFC

Soldier Gladys

100 years old March 9 in Portland, Oregon.

Corps, along with Wood’s friends and family celebrated the milestone March 11. “We will celebrate Gladys’ life and the quiet yet profound impact she has had on many lives during her 80-plus years in ministry as a true soldier of Jesus Christ and The Salvation Army,” said Alaska Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries Lt. Col. Sheryl Tollerud ahead of the celebration.

DO GOODERS PODCAST DO GOODERS PODCAST

New Frontier Chronicle founded 1983

Bob Docter, Founding Editor ISSN 2164-5930 westernusa.salvationarmy.org

"COMMISSIONING WEEKEND 2023"

PRESENTED BY:

“

My memories that I hold dear, and helped mold me and shape me, were the godly people, some educated, some not, who gave testimony to God's work in their lives.

—COLONEL GENEVERA VINCENT

Wood turned

The Portland Tabernacle

PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA ZIELINSKI

What you need to know about Commissioning 2023

Commissioning 2023 returns to the Cerritos (California) Center for the Performing Arts June 9–11. New Frontier Chronicle caught up with Martin Hunt, Western Territorial Assistant Secretary for Program, to find out what’s in the works for this year’s festivities.

Breaking down barriers at the food pantry

How one board member turned volunteer and recipient is making a difference in Wrangell, Alaska.

BY CARAMIE PETROWSKY

When Scott Glaze joined The Salvation Army Wrangell (Alaska) Corps Advisory Board in 2015, shortly after moving to the island, he had two simple motivations: He wanted to meet residents in his new community and he wanted to help others. Little did he know that years later, he’d be the one both on the giving and receiving end of the help.

Eight years ago, Glaze left his home in North Carolina to visit his daughter and sonin-law in the tiny town of Wrangell, home to about 2,000 residents, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. The couple had just moved to the island months earlier. One sunny May morning during his visit, he was sitting at their dining room table alone, gazing at the choppy ocean waters.

“As I was admiring the view, a whale jumped out of the water in what seemed like their front yard,” he said. “I just couldn’t believe it.”

That sealed it. Glaze accepted a job working as the risk and compliance and safety officer for Wrangell Medical Center, a 22-bed critical access hospital and long-term care facility on the island.

During the pandemic, Glaze’s position was eliminated after steep revenue declines. With limited job opportunities on the island and a strong desire to stay, Glaze decided to semi-retire at age 60. He started a woodworking business and sells cutting boards, checkerboards, serving trays, 3D cabin puzzles and more that he makes from the red and yellow cedar wood milled locally.

Since 2021, Glaze and his wife, Debbie, who splits her time between Wrangell and the couple’s home in North Carolina, have volunteered at The Salvation Army’s food pantry, packing bags of food for residents who welcome the help.

“I was able to spend more time at The Salvation Army because I wasn’t working,” Glaze said, noting he began taking a bag of food home during this time as well.

“My income was reduced so I started get-

ting a bag and it is such a blessing,” Glaze said. “A lot of people who normally wouldn’t go, they see me getting the help and they feel like, ‘Hey, he’s getting one, I can, too.’”

Food insecurity is one of the biggest issues facing the community. As such, when Lts. Jon and Rosanna Tollerud took over the Wrangell Corps in late 2019, they switched the pantry from a monthly to a weekly program.

The volunteers who run the pantry are crucial to its success, said Jon Tollerud, who estimates that the Glazes each contribute more than $3,500 in volunteer man hours a year, based on Alaska’s minimum wage. That saves the corps some $10,000 per year in employee wages— funds that can then be allocated in other ways to further the mission of The Salvation Army.

“Scott and Debbie are just wonderful volunteers, and their charisma and attitude are infectious not just to us, but our clients as well,” Tollerud said. “They always ensure that they take time to talk with every person and find out how their week is beginning or get up to date on the previous week’s big events…They have also shown many people how easy it is to partake of the offerings the pantry has and have helped break down the barriers some have for using such a service.”

Most weeks, the pantry serves anywhere from 20 to 30 families. Tollerud said the rising price of groceries has been challenging for the community.

“The price of getting goods and services here is hard to fathom, with eggs currently at $6-$8 per dozen and milk from $7-$9 per gallon,” Tollerud said. “This means our dollars don’t stretch as much as we would like.”

While the pantry doesn’t have enough space to allow people to shop, like in a client choice model, the corps does offer a selection system that lets people pick their items, including weekly specials, from a list. Volunteers also hand out frozen meat, milk and eggs when available.

“Typically, someone can visit the food pantry and leave with anywhere between $100-$250 a week in value from what is available,” Tollerud said. “Our volunteers continue to keep this system working and working well.” NFC

New Frontier Chronicle (NFC): What’s the significance of the return to the Cerritos Center?

Martin Hunt (MH): It's been four years since we had a large Commissioning event—a large gathering of the territory. The last time was in 2019…Now we are back at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, which to many people around the territory is the Commissioning spiritual home, where people resonate with the Commissioning activities. We hope people will feel like it’s coming back to something comfortable, where they have great memories. So we’re excited to be back, and we hope to build on that energy and excitement for the whole weekend.

NFC: Will there be special guests this year?

MH: Yes, the guests are Lt. Colonels Bishow and Pamela Samhika. They’re Zimbabwean officers serving at International Headquarters (IHQ) in the Administration Department, in Training and Capability Development. He’s the Commencement speaker and will bring the Sunday morning sermon.

NFC: How will the events speak to the theme of “Reflect Joy”?

MH: We've taken the concept of what we can reflect as Christians. We want people to find joy at the Army; we want people to find joy in that service. But then we want them to take that and reflect it to others…The Saturday night program is called “Reflect Joy!: A Celebration.” It’s going to go through six different areas that we can reflect joy in. It’s going to feature a lot of music, a lot of praise and worship and creative arts in visual presentations. The Sunday morning meeting is our holiness meeting, but it's the cadets’ ordination and commissioning, so we're calling the meeting “Reflect Holiness.” That's the next step. The afternoon when the new lieutenants receive their appointments and we celebrate all of the long service and other wonderful things is called “Reflect Your Purpose.” We’re using the “reflect” theme, which comes out of the session name, Reflectors of Holiness.

NFC: What’s new this year?

MH: We have a couple of little things we’ve added. There’s a Friday night ice cream social immediately following the Future Officers’ Fellowship gathering…It's for anyone to attend. Saturday morning, Caring is hosting a breakfast event, “Make a Plan for Joy.”

Also new is participation of all the territorial music and arts groups: the Staff Band, Staff Songsters, Youth Band, Youth Chorus and Creative Arts Ensemble. The Youth Chorus and Youth Band will participate on Sunday as well, which is new, because we want those young people exposed to Commissioning and the excitement of becoming an officer.

NFC: What should people who are on the fence about attending know?

MH: People should not wait if they want a ticket. Because it’s not an Army venue, we have one ticket per seat. When all the tickets are gone, there are no more. The main sessions will also be livestreamed and the recordings will go on YouTube immediately.

NFC: Any closing thoughts?

MH: We may have been through a difficult period in history, but there’s so much to be joyful about. And there’s so much to celebrate as an organization, as a church and as fellow human beings. That’s what we want to emphasize.

I want people who come to the event to sense the excitement that the Army is still moving forward and it’s still got energy, still got life, still got lots of things to offer. We can offer a place to belong, a place to serve and a place to find joy. I want us to leave the Commissioning weekend more energized to communicate that with our community. NFC

Lt. Colonels Bishow and Paemla Samika, special guests for Commissioning 2023, are Zambian officers currently serving at International Headquarters.

Scott Glaze made this cedar chest out of red and yellow cedar wood milled locally. It was auctioned off at the inaugural Red Kettle Dinner held in October 2022. The chest brought in $550, and the event raised over $10,000—the first event of its kind held in Wrangell.

Alaska Congress celebrates hope and heritage for all

BY EMILY ANDERSON

“

On the inside of this bracelet, the artist engraved my Tlingit name,” retired Salvation Army Major Joe Murray tells me, showing off his traditional sterling silver bracelets. “He also engraved a symbol of the opposite clan, my wife’s clan. I’m Eagle, Killer Whale and she’s Raven and Woodworm.”

Murray and I talk on folding chairs in the lobby of The Salvation Army Saxman (Alaska) Center. Alaskan Native elders chat among themselves at the tables lining the room, showcasing their artisanal creations for the ongoing community bazaar. They sell beaded jewelry, crocheted potholders, hand-stitched patches and other goods to browsing visitors.

The bazaar is one of many events hosted during the annual three-day Alaska Congress, held this year from March 31-April 2 in the small town of Ketchikan. The congress celebrates The Salvation Army’s impact across the state and the relationships that flourish within the organization.

This year, 147 Salvationists, including Murray, traveled from other Alaskan towns and villages to participate.

During the congress, delegates worshiped in the chapel, fellowshipped over meals and honored their loved ones who had passed away. Attendees also sold their artwork at the congress bazaar and enjoyed traditional dances and regalia.

“The Alaska Congress is a tradition

A lot of people respect The Salvation Army in the Native community because they didn’t try to change the culture, but the heart.

—MAJOR JOE MURRAY

we really enjoy,” said Alaska Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Doug Tollerud. “It’s important to Native Alaskans and we’re just excited about what takes place.”

But the Alaska Congress is only one of the ways The Salvation Army celebrates Native culture and strives to make everyone feel welcome. Emotional and spiritual ministries at Alaskan corps often incorporate the traditions of local tribes and many of the corps are led by Native Alaskans.

“I really enjoy how The Salvation Army has intentionally tried to meet the Tlingit people where they’re at and communicate in a way that is understood from the Tlingit perspective,” said Raven Svenson, Murray’s granddaughter and a Tlingit Salvation Army soldier. “Just things like the songs being available in Tlingit, Haida, and the other [Native Alaskan] lan-

guages. And I’ve seen so many officers and soldiers get involved in Tlingit cultures and eat Tlingit food and really try to learn.”

Historically, Svenson said there have been tense relationships between Christian missionaries and Native Alaskan tribes. When missionaries first came to Alaska in the late 18th century, they often brought Euro-centric ideas with them, encouraging Native people to forsake their own languages and customs. Many Native Alaskans say they still feel the pain of those encounters today.

“I know a lot of people who have a lot of bitterness toward anything religious,” Svenson said. “Most of us have relatives who went to boarding school and went through that experience… There’s real pain and hurt that is there.”

But Murray believes The Salvation Army, in contrast, has launched a more successful ministry in Alaska because the organization sought to respect the cultures of those it ministered to.

“A lot of people respect The Salvation Army in the Native community because they didn’t try to change the culture, but the heart,” Murray said. “We worked on the heart. We say we want to change the whole person, but it doesn’t mean people have to leave their language and culture behind.”

Today, the melding of Salvation Army and Indigenous cultures gives officers like Murray unique opportunities to serve. Because he speaks Tlingit, members of the Brown Bear

Participants showcase their creations during the annual Alaska Congress community bazaar, held this year March 31-April 2 in Ketchikan.

|PHOTOS BY EMILY ANDERSON

Spring Campaigns take cadets to Alaska, Denver and Kenya

BY KAREN GLEASON

During their time in training—in fall, spring and summer—Salvation Army cadets at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont receive field assignments to Salvation Army units, bringing what they learn on campus into the real world. Typically these assignments fall within the Western U.S., where the cadets will eventually serve. This spring, three brigades of cadets and officers traveled to Alaska, Denver and—in a break with tradition—to Kenya.

The Kenya brigade represents the first time in recent history that an international spring campaign took place for the Western Territory’s cadets, a change inspired by General Brian Peddle, The Salvation Army’s international leader, said Major Rob Reardon, CFOT Mission and Ministry Director.

For officers and cadets in the Kenya East Territory, life is vastly different from that in the USA Western Territory. The Officers’ Support Endowment Fund aims to help Salvation Army officers around the world. See how you can support it at salvationarmy.org/ihq/osef.

During the 2022 International Conference of Leaders, Peddle said he wanted officers to get as much international exposure as possible. Major Nigel Cross, CFOT Training Principal, then came up with the plan for the second-year cadets to visit another training college somewhere in the world to learn what it’s like to be a cadet and to serve elsewhere.

The location? The Kenya East Territory Training College in Thika, Kenya.

Reardon said he initially had doubts about the Kenya excursion.

“In my position as Mission and Ministry Director, I look for ways to connect our cadets with experiences while they’re in training that will directly impact them when they get into the field,” he said. “Is anything in Kenya going to help them in a corps in Laramie, Wyoming?”

He said his reservations were quickly diffused when they arrived and immersed themselves in a different culture. Brigade members experienced what it’s like to be outsiders—a perspective they couldn’t replicate in America.

“We can see with better eyes how to interact with and relate to people who

are in a different stage than we are, in a different cultural or socio-economic situation,” he said, adding that even the language barrier was overcome by the powerful ministry connection. “This is going to help our cadets when they get out on the field, to know how to connect and break through those cultural and language barriers that we face.”

During their first days in Kenya, the cadets experienced life at the Kenya East Training College and visited The Salvation Army School for the Blind, the Joytown school for the physically disabled and Variety Village, a vocational training school for young adults after they graduate from Joytown. Cadet Brett Harrison said that while all this was all a blessing, it was their last weekend in Kenya that may have made the biggest impact on them.

That weekend, all the cadets—American and Kenyan—went in groups to different corps throughout the territory. On Saturday, they were sent out to visit corps members in their homes. Harrison said they walked for miles from house to house, dodging fast-moving cars, pedestrians, cows and other animals. The congregation members welcomed them, grateful for their visit.

They then did a march of witness.

“Saturday afternoon we marched down the streets in each of our towns

in worship, and people were brought to their knees in the dirt, accepting Jesus into their lives,” she said. “I personally preached God’s Word on a mound of dirt, trash and rubble, and as I looked around, I realized that I had never done anything so bold.”

Reardon said that aside from the cultural experience and the crossover learning opportunities, CFOT hoped that bringing American cadets into that setting would help them better understand what cadets in other parts of the world do to become officers and to gain an appreciation for what they have in the West.

He said he hopes the College can continue to offer this opportunity.

“It helped us become more aware of how differences make us stronger, and how the differences can bring us together instead of pushing us apart,” he said. “I'd be a proponent of doing it again as something that every cadet could learn from and apply to their context here.”

Alaska: Fishers of Men brigade

The Fishers of Men brigade ministered at three corps—Mat’su Valley, Anchorage and Anchorage Korean—and visited Alaska Divisional Headquarters and some of the Army’s social service programs.

“Our mission is to preach the gos-

pel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination. In doing that, we need to build relationships,” Cadet Sean Pease said. “Each event or moment during the campaign is linked to the people we met, the friends we made. We remember our conversation about Jesus with a client over our bacon cheeseburgers at the Clitheroe recovery facility. We remember the random questions the kids at VBS would ask us or the games they’d invite us to play. We remember the debriefs each day with the Mat’su volunteers and Majors Kevin and Tina Bottjen. We remember the hours of laughter and fellowship we all shared with Captain Luke Betti. We remember the people, not the programs.”

Denver: Devoted Ambassadors brigade

The Devoted Ambassadors brigade ministered at five corps in the Denver Metro area, and visited five social service programs, two recovery programs, High Peak Camp, and spent a day at Intermountain Divisional Headquarters.

“From assisting with a volunteer thank-you luncheon to serving those on the streets of Denver, leading chapel services to participating in the Celebrate Recovery service, or from serving pizza while leading a time of worship to handing out hygiene kits to our friends living in pallet homes…Each of us gained new experience and knowledge on how we can serve others now and in our future appointments,” Cadet Jennifer Breazeale said. NFC

West names new Director for World Missions and Child Sponsorship

The Salvation Army Western Territory named Chloe Kelsey Territorial Director for World Missions and Child Sponsorship in mid-March. She will lead the West’s efforts to support the holistic growth of children in developing countries by supplementing the funding of facilities, thanks to donor support.

A graduate of Point Loma University with a degree in Global Management, Kelsey previously served as an intern at The Salvation Army’s Chikankata Mis-

sion Hospital in Zambia. The campus includes a nursing school, a biomedical college, a secondary school, a corps building, the divisional headquarters, a radio station and housing for many of the staff members and students.

“The hospital itself provides care for all in the community, and one of their unique programs includes nurses traveling offsite to the villages as they provide early child development care and classes for mothers,” Kelsey said. “While there, my passion for supporting and encouraging our brothers and sisters abroad grew considerably.”

In this new role, Kelsey said she hopes to inspire

others to support The Salvation Army’s international ministries. Working together to ensure communities worldwide are thriving, she said, will involve learning more from our international friends, using our unique gifts to bring awareness to the needs of those we support and providing opportunities for partnership.

“How do we change the world? One act of love at a time,” Kelsey said, referencing 1 John 4:11: Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. “I am excited to be a part of this ministry.”

In 2022, the Western Territory raised $9,069,561 for World Missions. NFC

Cadet Brett Harrison preaches on the streets of Kenya during a Saturday outing.

|PHOTO COURTESY COLLEGE FOR OFFICER TRAINING AT CRESTMONT

Chloe Kelsey

Holiness retreat encourages attendees to 'Find Rest'

BY MARCOS MARQUEZ, MAJOR

They were dreaded words. They were unwelcomed words. They were words that, as a child, would inevitably lead me, as it might most children, to frustration, anger and tears. “You need a nap.” “You need to take a rest.” “You need quiet time.” Tears would ensue, arguments would be presented to plead my case to the contrary, that I most certainly did not need a nap. However, now in my 40s with children of my own, I understand that Mom and Dad were correct—most times they could tell that I, indeed, needed a nap.

Sometimes, there is just no other cure for the occasional ill-mannered temper of a child. Sometimes they just need to be told to take a rest, to lay down, to be quiet, to go to sleep. It’s only when they wake up, fully rested and feeling better, that they realize how much they needed it. A lot changes as an adult from when you were a child. But some things don’t.

As adults, we still need good rest. However, even as adults, we don’t always like being told that we do. We grumble and make excuses for why we can’t rest. We clutter our schedule so much (sometimes with good things) that we cannot or do not find the time to rest. But God, our Heavenly Father, knows that we need it, even if we cannot see it. He is a good Father who calls us to rest. Jesus himself calls to us saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30, NIV).

“Find Rest” was the theme of the Territorial Holiness Retreat, held at The Salvation Army Camp Del Oro and Conference Center in Nevada City, California, March 16-19. During the weekend, 63 delegates were reminded that the health of our personal holiness journey depends on our own soul care. In The Salvation Army we care so much—selflessly—for others that we are charged to care for as a movement that sometimes we unintentionally neglect our own soul care.

Psalm 62:1(a), the central verse of the weekend, served as a focal point, reminding us that my soul finds rest in God alone. While there will always be missional work to be done, we must allow God to work in us first. Territorial leaders Commissioners Colleen and Doug Riley bookended the entire weekend by emphasizing that it was to be a time of both physical and spiritual rest. They called us to step away and take time to pause our regular routine and care for our souls. The invitation was made plain and clear and beautifully set the tone for the richness of God’s goodness that would lay in between.

To expound on the importance of

Volunteer helps others 'feel the love of the Kroc community'

BY KAREN GLEASON

Gail Muncie lost her volunteer position at a Norco, California, hospital in 2020 when it suspended its volunteer program in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I loved helping people there,” said Muncie, who had volunteered at the hospital for 30 years. For the 68-year-old, who was born deaf, losing that volunteer gig left her with loose ends.

“Gail has volunteered much of her adult life,” said Paul Maley, her brother-in-law. “In addition to her time at the hospital, she has also assisted with a Sunday school class for children with special needs in Corona [California]. One of Gail’s greatest strengths is her ability to jump in and be helpful when someone invites her to do so.”

Realizing Muncie was getting antsy, Maley and his wife, Sharon—Muncie’s sister—suggested Muncie move in with them in San Diego, where Maley works at The Salvation Army San Diego Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. Maley told Muncie she could help out there when the center resumed its volunteer program. And she did.

Muncie began volunteering at the Kroc Center in June 2021, and surpassed 1,000 volunteer hours this spring as she works in the Family Resource Center three days a week.

“She honestly builds the bulk of our food boxes every single week,” said Janet Higley Reade, Community Volunteer Manager for the Kroc Center. “We serve about 40 families a week; it ebbs and flows. She’s like a rock star.”

In addition to preparing the food boxes, Muncie helps deliver them to the recipients. And because many families come each week, Muncie has gotten to know them and their needs.

“On Fridays, food distribution day, she likes visiting with the families,” Reade said, adding that Muncie cares about what she places in those food boxes. “She’s figuring out their food insecurity…and wants to make sure she gets a good amount of vegetables in the box. I think she’s thinking through what the family can make from the items she’s packed.”

Muncie helps with other projects like counting donations of food and toys, stapling packets of paperwork and shredding papers. Reade said Muncie gets excited when she has shredding to do; there’s something satisfying about it. But it’s the food boxes that matter the most.

“Giving out clothes and food to people has helped me learn about those who don’t have as much as I do,” Muncie said. “It has helped me understand them and care about them more. I definitely want to keep volunteering and helping others.”

Within the Kroc Center community, Muncie is having an impact. “Some of my co-workers are beginning to learn

sign language and I really like that,” she said. One of those working on sign language is Reade.

"Janet has been taking online tutorials to learn sign language to better communicate with Gail while they work alongside each other,” said Stacy Dertien, Director of Volunteers and Community Engagement for The Salvation Army in San Diego. “This is just one of the many ways that Janet thinks outside of the box to engage all people in doing the most good for The Salvation Army. Her genuine care for the success of volunteers and clients alike is truly remarkable."

Reade said she’s noticed a lot of the people who frequent the center wave to Muncie and know her by name. “And the volunteers that work with her—they’re all having her teach them different sign language…Gail gets a kick out of reminding them to fill out their timecard. It’s funny—they’ll comment, ‘We better go fill out our timecard or Gail’s going to chase us down to do it.”

Muncie has made other friends at the Kroc Center, too. Reade says she goes to fitness classes every day she volunteers. “She loves her tribe of friends that take the classes with her,” Reade said.

Reade said for those coming to the Kroc Center for the first time, it’s important they see volunteers of all ages and abilities. “It shows them that we are a place where everyone is welcome,” she said. “The Kroc Center wants to make sure that anyone who walks through our doors feels the love of the Kroc community.” NFC

Railton Place case managers meet needs

BY JOAQUIN GALVAN

At The Salvation Army Railton Place, case managers Desiree Vaesau, Kristine Roth and Georgia Shaw wear many hats.

Whether it's teaching independent living skills, donating clothes, mentoring or taking clients on field trips, assisting those in need makes a significant impact on the lives of individuals served.

Railton Place is a 110-unit, state-of-the-art single room occupancy (SRO) apartment complex in the heart of the Tenderloin District of San Francisco. The case managers assist those who were formerly homeless or at significant risk of becoming homeless, and who have either aged-out of the foster care or probation systems or have a history of chronic chemical depen-

11

dency, mental health issues or HIV/AIDS.

“It makes me feel good to help others and connect with the community,” said Vaesau. “It also makes me sad to see so many homeless people on the streets.”

In March, on a cold winter day, while many were indoors, Vaesau led the team down Turk Street to provide those in the streets with food. With the additional help of two clients, the team prepared 40 lunches with ham and cheese sandwiches, a bag of chips, a water bottle, a brownie, roses and an inspiration card.

“We prayed that we would be able to serve our community and spread the word of Jesus,” said Roth. “They were all smiling. Everyone was excited to see what was in the bags.”

11

Gail Muncie |PHOTO COURTESY SAN DIEGO KROC CENTER

Railton Place case managers take to the streets in the Tenderloin. |PHOTO COURTESY JOAQUIN GALVAN

‘Doctalk’ brings medical advice to seniors

Long Beach Red Shield Center hosts community luncheon event.

BY HALEY OSNESS

Catered toward senior citizens, “Doctalk” provided an opportunity for doctors to interact with the public, offering information and answering any health-related questions they may have. The luncheon event was held at The Salvation Army Long Beach Red Shield March 30.

The seminar focused on arthritis and preventative care, while past conversations educated attendees on dementia. A presentation highlighted “living healthy” by staying active, eating a balanced diet and using tools that can simplify or support mobility.

“They’re going over things that people in this age group may actually deal with,” said Dorothy Rosnick, Long Beach Red Shield Program Administrator.

Rosnick ensures the Red Shield’s programs are a safe and welcoming space for anyone involved. She interacts one-on-one with the seniors and has gotten to know many of them closely, often exchanging hugs and smiles with familiar faces as they enter the center.

“We never really know how many people will come but we usually have large turnouts,” Rosnick said.

The senior program at the Red Shield Center focuses on older adults living in Long Beach and works to ensure they are receiving beneficial care,

assistance and opportunities that individuals in their age group may otherwise be missing.

“As a part of the senior service program, we look for ways to assist our seniors and their health,” Rosnick said. “About seven to eight seniors come in on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-10 to walk laps either around the indoor basketball court or outdoor field, depending on the weather.”

Doctalk had over 50 individuals enrolled, and with many showing up, there were few empty seats.

“Just being able to talk to medical professionals and seeing how they want to serve us, it’s a good feeling,” said senior program member Lynn Escala.

The Anthem bus was on-site to offer free health screenings and provide information regarding health insurance or Medicare plans. Preventive health measures and screenings could prevent 85 percent of illness and disease, according to Anthem.

Optum Patient Relations Liaison Jonas Edrada was on-site to represent Optum and answer any follow-up questions regarding medical care and appointments.

“I wouldn't say it is an easy job,” said Edrada. “But it is rewarding getting to know people and feeling like I am making an impact in their medical situations.”

Dr. Mark Smith and Dr. Cassandra Heller, specialists in family medicine from Wrigley Village Primary Care, were the medical professionals at the event. The doctors said they are cur-

rently accepting new patients and can make house calls, if needed.

“Whatever your concern may be, you can call the number on my card and I will come to your house if you cannot come to our offices,” Smith told the audience.

Although the seminar focused on arthritis, attendees could ask questions about anything related to their overall well-being and receive instant answers from qualified professionals.

“How much exercise should we be getting a day?" asked one attendee. "What do you think of organic vs. non-organic?" asked another.

The open structure of the seminar allowed individuals to converse with doctors in a casual way. With many questions and limited time, the doctors and Rosnick have recognized the demand for health-related information and are making plans for another event. NFC

Planned giving for good

Donor uses charitable remainder trust to do 'something worthwhile' for community.

BY VIVIAN LOPEZ

Margaret Chou was looking for a way to generate income for her and her husband, Philip’s, retirement living expenses while also making an impact for those in need in her community. She set up a Charitable Remainder Trust with The Salvation Army in 2021 to do just that and chose the option to provide income for her five grandchildren for an additional 20 years after her lifetime.

“Margaret is unique in that she has known about the many advantages of Charitable Remainder Trusts for a while. She knew that eventually she would want to gift her property, and the Charitable Remainder Trust is a great tool in reaching her goals of helping her family and her community,” said Scott Claeys, Northwest Division Senior Director of Gift Planning. “This way she no longer needs to maintain the property, still has extra income for her family and will leave an incredible gift.”

Charitable Remainder Trusts are funded through a variety of assets including appreciated property. This process allows donors to bypass capital gains tax on the sale of the property and enjoy a charitable tax deduction. Assets in the trust grow tax-free and donors’ beneficiaries are paid out during their lifetime. The remaining funds go to The Salvation Army to help fund programs and services the donor cares about.

“Typically, it creates income for the beneficiaries… for their lifetimes or a period of years, and then the remainder comes to The Salvation Army to fund the ministry,” said Jeffery Hesseltine, Western Territorial Director of Gift Planning.

For the Chous, the trust is funded through appreciated assets from a rental property, granting them the supplemental retirement funds they need while still supporting their five grandchildren financially

I thought the Charitable Remainder Trust would be a good idea because after we pass on, then The Salvation Army can use the funds to give to my five grandchildren.

in the years to come. Following the payouts, the remainder of the trust will support the work of The Salvation Army in the Chous’ neighborhood of Bellevue/ Eastside, Washington.

“I thought the Charitable Remainder Trust would be a good idea because after we pass on, then The Salvation Army can use the funds to give to my five grandchildren. The money won’t be too much, but at least during their years it can help them out,” Chou said. “After 20 years, The Salvation Army can use the [remainder] funds…to do a lot more good deeds.”

Chou witnessed these deeds firsthand when she volunteered at The Salvation Army. She saw the impact of programs, including those for meals and youth.

“When I donated, it was fairly easy because I knew the good work they are doing,” Chou said. “They knew what to do. I told them what I had intended.

Margaret and Philip Chou |PHOTO COURTESY NORTHWEST DIVISION

Lynn Escala (r) visits an attendee of Doctalk. |PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER

Conference delegates give up life's hurry and step into

RHYTHMS WITH GOD

Delegates at the Western Territorial Creative Arts Conference grow their skills to glorify God.

INa world of constant sensory input, the Western Territorial Creative Arts Conference 2023, themed “Rhythms”—inspired by Matthew 11:2830—encouraged delegates to resynchronize themselves to God’s rhythms by moving beyond their everyday lives and taking time to express themselves creatively.

“It is our hope that the delegates are empowered to use their creativity and gifts for God’s kingdom,” said Joy Yi, who organized the conference with the Territorial Music Department.

Delegates aged 18 and up gathered March 10–12 from throughout the Western U.S. at The Salvation Army’s Camp Del Oro in Nevada City, California. They chose from workshops including dance, drama, visual arts, creative writing and praise and worship, looking to create from the soul to honor God.

“Consider the arts—drama, dance, visual arts…It doesn't matter how old or young someone is, they should be doing something, right?” said Territorial Music Secretary Neil Smith. “Everybody has their own little spot. And it’s important that we encourage them.”

God’s rhythms

Author, speaker and Executive Producer of Content for Wild at Heart ministry, guest Allen Arnold spoke at the Friday and Saturday night main sessions, in addition to leading the creative writing track. During the Friday session, “Rhythms of Rest,” Arnold reminded listeners of what life was like in the Garden of Eden—what he calls “Story One”—versus life in today’s world, “Story Two.” The goal for humans is to get from Story Two back to Story One. Part of the process involves rest, respecting rest and re-seeing it.

“Rest is a really good thing. It's not just the recharge, to get busier and do more,” Arnold said. “We have to have our soul filled with living water from time with God.”

He suggested that “hurry” is the opposite of rest, and offered some practical ways to cultivate rest, including designating time you’re unavailable to the world, doing a screen detox, prioritizing being over doing and defining what true success means for your life right now.

“True success isn't about popularity or accomplishments,” Allen said. “It’s about pursuing your life and gifting with God…God says, ‘Go into everything with me, and it’s a success while you do it.’ God’s validation is what restores us.”

Dr. Bonnie Robb spoke during an interactive Saturday morning session based on “Rhythms of Growth.” An educator and teacher leader who specializes in effective literacy strategies for all learners, Robb is a Salvationist from the Portland (Oregon) Tabernacle Corps and a member of the Territorial Creative Arts Ensemble. She focused on neuroscience, her specialty, and what it means for creators and storytellers. Neuroscience looks at how the brain works and how people learn.

“Ultimately it’s not about us; it’s about the people in front

BY KAREN GLEASON

PHOTOS BY JOY YI

of us,” she said, adding that 95 percent of adults think in images—they see pictures in their brains. With that in mind, she got everyone drawing, sharing their stories through images. “You can draw,” she said frequently, encouraging those who were not so inclined.

Robb created a live powerpoint of every remark she made by using simple drawings and stick figures, noting that “words float away, but pictures stay.” She said using one’s hands is also helpful— sign language is a tool even for those who hear.

ers, we can aspire to do the same through our stories.

“All art tells a story,” he said. “What story does yours tell? Does it awaken people back to Story One or comfort them in Story Two? Are you at the epicenter of it all? Or is God?”

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

MATT. 13:28–30

“The great thing about stories—and this is what Jesus does—is it provides us real world context for what we’re learning,” she said. “On the social, emotional, cultural side, we know that stories give us the opportunity to actually share our lived experiences and begin to have empathy toward other people and viewpoints…Storytelling gives everyone a voice.”

Arnold continued the Rhythms of Growth theme Saturday night. He said when Jesus told stories, he inspired change in his listeners, and as his follow-

Throughout the weekend, delegates were encouraged to take a deep dive into the Psalms—reading them, praying them and finally, writing their own brief psalm expressing a life theme such as joy, sorrow, anger, praise or justice. During Sunday’s worship meeting, “Rhythms of Grace,” individuals could share a biblical psalm, reading it and explaining what it meant to them.

With the weekend coming to an end and delegates looking to return home, Yi considered the concept of work in her message, and what it means from a Story One point of view versus the Story Two perception.

“Work is not the opposite of rest. Work is not a result of the Fall,” she said. “We often mistake rest as doing nothing and work as doing something, but in the beginning, in Eden, there was work. Adam

Consider the arts—drama, dance, visual arts…It doesn't matter how old or young [someone is], they should be doing something, right? Everybody has their own little spot. And it’s important that we encourage them.

—NEIL SMITH, TERRITORIAL MUSIC SECRETARY

cultivated the garden…Our service to God—the work we do to serve—can be a part of worship.”

Connections and next steps

Throughout the weekend, delegates participated in workshops, developing their talents to glorify God and gaining skills and resources to share with others. Allen, who has a background in publishing, led the creative writing workshops. Delegate and Creative Arts Ensemble member Xiomara Craig said Allen covered both the practical and theoretical elements of the writing process.

“In the first workshop, he gave us 11 steps to follow in getting our book published…and in the next session he focused on creating with God,” she said. “No matter how creative or passionate you are about something, it will be even better with God.”

The Bill Booth Theater Company from the Central Territory led drama workshops and performed during the Saturday night main session. Summar Bussey, from the Western Territorial Youth Department, led the dance track. Major Ronda Gilger, Coeur d’Alene (Idaho) Kroc Center Corps Officer once again led the visual arts track. Eastern Territorial Director for Contemporary Music Doug Berry led praise and worship throughout the weekend, in the main sessions and the workshops, which were popular among attendees.

“I made a lot of good connections with not just young people who are new to giving worship in their corps, but even some older people who are trying it out—they're nervous just as the kids are,” Berry said. “Everyone had a genuine spirit. They don't want to just be a good guitar player or be a good singer. That was good—just that atmosphere of humility, and music making and worship.”

That atmosphere had some looking to make new commitments.

“It’s nice that the Army provides an outlet for people to use their creativity to serve the Lord,” said Long Beach (California) Red Shield Corps Officer Captain Christina Arnold, who attended with a small group from the Red Shield. “One of my delegates found the conference to be incredibly encouraging and empowering. Halfway through the event she asked about soldiership. She previously had reservations…but after feeling cared for and invested in, she is willing to commit more to the ministry of the Army.”

Looking ahead, Smith said the Music Department is considering offering smaller intensive events to train more people to offer creative arts in their corps. “The point is, don’t just enjoy the conference and then forget about it until the next one,” he said. “Take what you’ve learned back to your corps and share it.” NFC

ADVISORY BOARD

The UPS Foundation, Keim engages with leading humanitarian agencies and ministries of health to enhance public health supply chains and build supply chain capacity for humanitarian efforts. His efforts include providing expertise on final mile delivery of life-sustaining cold-chain vaccines and medical products in Uganda, in collaboration with GAVI and The Global Fund. Engagements with CARE include being a member of the CARE Corporate Council, providing training at Regional Supply Chain workshops as well as global supply chain governance and strategy analysis. Keim is also engaged with the World Food Programme and the Logistics Emergency Team to strengthen Logistics Capacity Assessments to help enhance supply chain resilience. In addition to serving on the TAB, Keim is a member of the Africa Resource Centre’s Private Sector Advisory Board, which aims to improve the availability of medicines and health products in Africa by building more efficient and effective supply chain systems.

TRAFFICKING AWARENESS

compiling accurate trafficking data is difficult, Statista reported the number of identified victims worldwide quadrupled between 2008 to 2019, from an estimated 30,000 to 120,000 people.

Internationally, The Salvation Army is committed to doing its part in the fight against trafficking through both awareness training and services for survivors. In the United States, this initiative includes Fight for Freedom, a 10-year action plan launched in 2016 to combat trafficking.

Larsson said traffickers are smart and their targeting requires those assisting victims to be vigilant and often adapt how services are provided. For example, some will take advantage of outreach events to people in need, including food distributions, Larsson said, to target potential victims.

“The traffickers focus on the vulnerable in society. They trick them into believing that they can fill the voids and give them what they need by telling the vulnerable people that they love them, that they will take care of them, buy them meals and nice clothes, or provide a place to stay—and then they have control and exploit those in need,” she said, noting the importance for Salvation Army staff and volunteers to be trained in how to react to a potential trafficking situation.

“You have to respond carefully,” she said, adding that victims often don't realize they’re being trafficked. When

Over his career at UPS, Keim has held various responsibilities in Airline Operations, Industrial Engineering, Enterprise Retail Sales, Healthcare Strategy, Supply Chain Transportation and most recently in Customer Solutions as Managing Director of Global Solutions, working with UPS’s largest customers to design, and implement sustainable global supply chain business models.

Meet the Vice-Chair: Caltha Seymour

Caltha Seymour is Director, Business Development and Strategic Planning, Mission Systems Division, Industrial Sector for Eaton, a power management company.

Named to this role in August 2022, Seymour has responsibility for strategic planning and business development of products in the Actuation and Environmental Systems, with significant focus in the areas of M&A activities, profit planning, external relationships, and portfolio management.

Originally from Canada, Seymour is in her sixth year working for Eaton and is a 2018 graduate of Eaton’s Global Leadership Development Program. She’s held positions managing new product development, enter-

suspicious, she said staff might strike up a conversation with the individual, distracting them away from potential harm.

The Salvation Army also posts awareness decals in its social service facilities with questions that suggest trafficking without specifically asking, “Are you being trafficked?” Larsson said these materials instead might ask: Are you not allowed to leave your job? Are you not in control of the money you earn? Are you threatened if you don’t follow the rules? Are you forced to provide work or services against your will?

Building awareness

The Social Justice Ministries Department hosted 91 awareness, prevention and outreach events, reaching 5,960 people, in 2022. More than 900 people received in-depth training, up from 261 in 2021, something Orange County Anti-Trafficking Services (ATS) Manager Morgan Guzman applauded.

According to a 2022 report from New University, some 80 percent of human trafficking victims from around the country end up in Orange County, California.

Guzman said the Army’s Orange County program helps survivors of both labor and sex trafficking, including a 24-hour-staffed safe home for American-born, sex-trafficked females between the ages of 18 to 25 and three guest houses for foreign nationals, including male and female survivors of labor trafficking.

In February, Guzman celebrated with Joel, a graduate of Orange Coun-

MESQUITE SERVICE CENTER

FROM PAGE 1

62 years old. We want to do anything we can to help patients and their caregivers.”

To that end, Flores suggested starting with two families, but quickly grew the effort to 19 households in just a few months. With the support of Ennis, the team at Mesa View Hospice and the Ladies Mission Group from the Valley Presbyterian Church of Mesquite, several thoughtful, personalized care boxes have been delivered every other week to hospice patients and families in need. All care boxes include food and basic necessities, such as toilet paper and laundry detergent, as well

prise-wide global inclusion and diversity initiatives, and a role as a cross-functional project leader for Eaton’s $2.5B commercial vehicle product line. In addition, Seymour was the first National Channel Manager for the Industrial Controls Division where she was responsible for $262M of distribution channel partner sales, strategic marketing initiatives, and programs to cultivate sales growth and increase profitability.

Prior to joining Eaton, Seymour leveraged her leadership skills in operations and consulting positions for institutions of higher education and professional sports, including the National Football League and the United States Military Academy— West Point.

She graduated from Tulane University with an MBA in International Business and Finance with experiences in Asia, Europe and Latin America. She is a former elite track and field athlete, classically trained pianist, with French as a second language, and currently serves on the Athlife Foundation Board of Directors. In addition to serving on the TAB, Seymour is an advisory board member for The Influence Lab and The Command Presence Foundation. NFC

ty’s ATS program, at Los Angeles International Airport as he reunited with his two sons from the Philippines. They had not seen each other face-toface in 16 years.

Guzman said Joel came to the program a couple of years ago with a group of six men who were being trafficked.

“Referrals come from all over the place. Sometimes they come from current clients, who have friends who need help,” she said. “We wouldn’t be able to do any of this without our partner agencies. It definitely takes a whole community task force to try to combat this because it’s growing; it’s not going away. No agency can do it by themselves.”

The Salvation Army partners with Public Law Center (PLC), which helps immigrants with housing and legal issues, Homeland Security Waymakers, the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force and the National Human Trafficking hotline.

Guzman said she has to be ready every day for the unexpected.

as comfort items, such as an afghan or knitted hat, and non-slip socks.

“We are here to help ease some of their worries with just a meal or letting them know we at The Salvation Army have remembered them and their loved ones during these times,” Flores said.

Ennis and his wife might also go to the store to choose something special, such as a book, and Flores and her daughter have added other unique items, such as a toy, based on requests or needs for patients, their loved ones and their caregivers. In fact, two people who recently came off of the hospice service were moved to give back themselves.

That kind of hands-on, compassionate care is what inspired Ann Hebbert and Christina Young, the organizers of the Ladies Mission Group, to join in. “When we were first approached by Starr to help provide essentials to hospice patients, we were all in,” they

“It’s definitely a lot to respond to,” she said. “And there’s the regular things that need to get done throughout the day—making sure the house is kept up, that the vehicles have gasoline, making sure clients get to work or to school or to their therapy, and making sure the chore chart and shift logs are completed.”

And still, the work has its rewards.

“It’s the survivors and seeing the resilience they have—it motivates me to keep going and to keep helping. It’s an honor to be able to walk alongside them,” she said. “Just seeing that they get up every day and they’re trying to get back on their feet is very motivating for me to get up and get on my feet and continue to do the work.”

Looking ahead, Larsson said she hopes to see The Salvation Army connected to more task forces like the one in Orange County.

“One of the things we highlight is the need for collaboration,” she said. “With this kind of work, the importance of joining with other organizations in our communities is huge.” NFC

said. “We’re supported by ladies in our group as well as our very generous congregation. We are dedicated to helping members in our community.”

Recently, one of the patients wasn’t able to write and share her gratitude, however, she did send a message through her case worker: “Thank you for thinking of me through my last days. I am beyond grateful, because I thought I was forgotten. I have a son, and I told him how you guys made my Valentine's Day the day I will remember until my last.”

As for Ennis, he said he continues to be moved by Flores and her dedication to the growing effort, adding that they hope to expand and help numerous more families in the future.

“God is moving through the lives of each of us in ways we never would have imagined,” he added. “This is a service that’s much-needed and much-appreciated. I’m really proud of her.” NFC

The kitchen area of The Salvation Army safe house in Orange County |PHOTO COURTESY SALVATION ARMY ORANGE COUNTY

clan recently asked Murray to help officiate a memorial service.

“They wanted cultural protocol, which I helped them with, as well as the church part,” Murray said. “So that’s where the two come together if you’re really adept at the culture and the language. But it takes a lot of time.”

For Murray, the investment is well worth it.

“If you do it properly, you’re showing respect,” he said. “And when you show respect they listen to you better.”

On Saturday afternoon at the congress, delegates grouped around Salvation Army flags, donned Native regalia, grabbed timbrels (tambourines) and embarked on a march of witness through downtown Ketchikan. The procession marched to a drumbeat, smiling and waving at passersby, then stopped at the waterfront, where several locals began to congregate around a Salvation Army brass band. When the crowd settled, Major John Quinn from The Salvation Army Angoon Corps stepped forward to address the crowd.

“We are The Salvation Army,” Quinn proclaimed. “We have been in Alaska for 125 years. I am so proud of that heritage that we have that is on this land—land that doesn’t belong to us. But I’m proud to share it, proud to be a part of it and proud to come in the name of Jesus Christ.”

The crowd cheered and, at Quinn’s prompting, began singing “S-A-L-V-AT-I-O-N A-R-M-Y.”

The celebratory congress focused on eternal hope in heaven, but it also revealed a shared hope for Alaska— hope that The Salvation Army could be an agent of change and healing by creating and sustaining a community where everyone is welcome.

At the waterfront, everyone eventually joined in the song—smiling, dancing and spelling “S-A-L-V-A-T-I-O-N A-R-M-Y.” NFC

RAILTON PLACE

FROM PAGE 6

Not only did they provide food to individuals they came across on the street, the team also passed out blankets, jackets and other clothing items.

“When the people saw us walking down the street with a cart, they knew it was us from Railton and some people came running,” said Vaesau. “Everyone was so happy.”

The gratitude and appreciation from the hearts that were touched that day was felt by all involved.

“It was heartwarming to see so many people with smiles,” said Roth. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our wider community.”

Shaw could not agree more.

“To be able to spread a little joy was a privilege and one I reflect on with deep compassion and gratitude,” Shaw said. “Our community members are of the most vulnerable population in San Francisco; whether you're homeless or not, you never know how impactful a simple act of kindness can be.”

|PHOTOS BY EMILY ANDERSON

GIVING FOR GOOD

FROM PAGE 7

They just put everything into place. The process was very easy.”

Hesseltine said The Salvation Army works to streamline the process of setting up a Charitable Remainder Trust and make it beneficial to all involved.

“We’re showing people how they can mutually impact their families and charity simultaneously,” he said.

“These trusts are designed to help people steward their income, increase it, provide a safety net of income and to protect their family against future unseens such as the loss of a job…The benefit to the Army is we are creating a pipeline of sustainable funding for the future of the ministry.”

Hesseltine said to set up a Charitable Remainder Trust, donors work with their local gift planner, fill out an application, The Salvation Army helps perform the transfers and the process is complete.

“It’s that easy,” he said.

The payout rate to the donor is set

at 5 percent, while returns typically average around 7 percent, after fees, Hesseltine said, adding that this can become a hedge against inflation. “It pays out more the longer the trust operates, so income can increase over the years,” he said.

Claeys emphasized the importance of this type of giving to the future of The Salvation Army.

“It’s nice to know that future gifts are coming…because that’ll help make sure the programs go on forever because unfortunately there’s always going to be people in need,” Claeys said.

Chou knows she made the right choice by setting up the trust and recommends others do the same.

“God will use this in mighty ways and make you feel like you’ve done something worthwhile,” she said. “And when you see that your money is going to good use, you just find it such a blessing.” NFC

FROM PAGE 6

soul care to personal holiness, Dr. Stephen Macchia shared wisdom and insight from God’s Word. Some major takeaways include:

1. Spiritual depth

Spiritual depth is not the accumulation of things piling up, rather the work of God underground, deepening into the soil of our hearts. The temptation is to accumulate superficial stuff (to do lists, degrees, knowledge, rules, friends, activities, accolades, etc.) and we confuse it with depth and richness. Eventually, all of the superficial things distract us and keep us from pursuing true spiritual depth in the deepest soils of our hearts where roots are wanting to grab hold.

2. Spiritual revival

Spiritual revival is the surprising work of God which only he can do. It is an awakening of the soul. Spiritual renewal is the daily Spirit-guided making of choices to bring about change (committing to Scriptures, committing to community prayer and confessing our brokenness). It is an active pursuit of the spiritual disciplines.

3. A prepared heart

In looking to the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13), Jesus, as the sower, will lavishly and generously sow. Not all people are ready to receive, but there are others who do receive the seed. What makes the difference in the soil of hearts ready to receive is humility and availability.

4. Creating space for the spirit

Soul care can practically be carried out when we create space for the Spirit— when we are open and attentive to him, when we are unrushed and restful and when we live a lifestyle desirous of transformation. Such transformation can only happen when we position ourselves close to Jesus. We can do so by not forsaking our quiet time with God, which can be as simple as spending time in the Scriptures, in prayer and in reflection.

5. Rest in the wait

When we are waiting for God to do his work and resting in him, it is helpful to remember a sailing adage, “When sailing, wait for the wind. Oars are a whole lot harder.” While it is tempting to rush through the waiting, we do better to find rest in the wait.

6. “With-ness" is our witness

Our “with-ness” is our witness. We are called to be with God and with others. Only through time with God do we gain permission to witness to others. We can only be as effective to reach others for the kingdom as we have allowed God to reach us. Spending time with God is central to soul care.

We experienced rest for our souls throughout the weekend with inspiring worship music, testimonies, workshops, fellowship and times of reflection. Hearing from the weekend speakers and workshop leaders, we received God’s calling to find rest in him. It was a weekend filled with nourishment for holy living. NFC

I’ve seen so many officers and soldiers get involved in Tlingit cultures and eat Tlingit food and really try to learn.

—RAVEN SVENSON

Remembering Sandi Gabel’s legendary impact

BY MARLENE KLOTZ-COLLINS

The Salvation Army lost one of its greatest ambassadors when Sandi Gabel, legendary in her work for the Western Territory’s Southwest and Intermountain divisions, died in November 2022 following a brief illness.

Her passing is a monumental loss for those of us touched by her grace and blessed to call her friend. In the truest sense, she was uniquely gifted, a natural-born and beloved leader who leaves both a void and legacy of extraordinary measure.

Colonel Olin Hogan, Southwest Divisional Commander in 1995, had the honor of hiring Gabel into The Salvation Army family.

“There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do, and she did everything exceptionally well,” Hogan recalled. “She was constantly sharing our story and had a genuine, knowledgeable style that won corporate leaders, donors and volunteers to The Salvation Army. She was incredibly talented.”

Gabel was first hired as the divisional volunteer coordinator, before transitioning to community relations after The Salvation Army hired her best friend, Marsha Pearson, to spearhead volunteer efforts. The two carved out an enviable niche for volunteer opportunities that attracted corporations to the Army’s doorstep. Their highly organized efforts resulted in creative, memorable wins for The Salvation Army at all levels.

Gabel knew and understood collaboration was a hallmark for excellence in corporate and nonprofit best practices.

Retired National Commander Commissioner David Hudson was closely involved in Gabel’s hiring as a Captain in the Southwest Division at the time.

“After excelling in unprecedented ways with community relations, she had been reticent to accept the position of Development Director,” Hudson remembered. “She would always say ‘I am not a fundraiser,’ yet I lost count of the times following one of her campus tours or corporate visits, people would say, ‘I never knew the Army did so much’ and would present five-figure checks. Her creativity and drive never wavered.”

It was a bitter-sweet day in 2006 when Gabel announced she and her husband were moving to Denver

to be with their children. At her final board meeting, she was presented the “Others” Award as an expression of appreciation and her impact in the Southwest Division. Following her move, and not surprisingly, she began almost immediately to further deepen her legacy with The Salvation Army, this time through the Intermountain Division.

Colonel Dan Starrett, divisional leader at that time with his wife, Helen, said, “One of my biggest regrets during officership was not meeting and working ‘for’ Sandi earlier in my career. I learned far more, listened, sought advice, counsel and treasured our time together more than words can express.”

In highlighting Gabel’s contributions to the division, Starrett reflected, “Sandi helped us improve our footprint in the community; completed the build of the Harbor Light facility; expanded advisory board memberships to be one of the best in the Western Territory; expanded our fundraising to amounts never seen before in the division.”

He added, “Sandi never said, ‘No, we can’t do that.’ It was a blessing, challenge and reminder of her skill, experience and faith in the Lord and the Army. Her skills in fundraising, public relations, personnel and mentoring (of many officers) will be greatly missed. I am a better officer and person because of her wonderful impact.” NFC

MAJOR GERALD HILL

June 12, 1929 – March 11, 2023

Major Gerald Avery Hill, 93, was promoted to Glory March 11 from Tucson, Arizona.

Gerald Hill was born June 12, 1929, in Port Angeles, Washington, to Majors Edward and Dorothy Hill. The second of four children, he was known as “Jerry” to family and friends.

After graduating from East High School in Salt Lake City in 1947, he attended the University of Utah for one year. The following summer, he applied to The Salvation Army School for Officer Training. This had never been his plan, but when a friend applied, he realized this was his calling as well. He entered training in San Francisco in 1948 with the Peacemakers Session of Cadets. One of his sessionmates was his future wife, Suzanne Atkinson.

After his commissioning in 1949, he held several assignments as assistant corps officer. In June 1951, he was appointed in-charge in Anaconda, Montana. At that time, officers had to be at least 23 and in charge of a corps to get married. Hill, however, received permission to marry Atkinson at 22. The two wed Jan. 1, 1952. Their family would grow to include four children.

The Hills served as corps officers in Alaska, Washington, Arizona, Oregon and California before Jerry served six years in prison ministry as California Correctional Services Director. From 1992–1994, Jerry finished his 45 years of active service as Corps Officer and County Coordinator of Spokane, Washington.

The couple retired to La Center, Washington, where they lived until they moved to Vancouver, Washington, in 2017. From 1994–2019, Jerry served as Counselor and Chaplain of the Portland (Oregon) Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). During this time the Hills soldiered at the Portland Tabernacle Corps.

In 2019, the Hills received The Salvation Army Certificate for Exceptional Service award at the Portland ARC, recognizing 25 years of post-retirement ministry there. The Hills moved to Tucson in 2020.

Along with Major Suzanne Hill, Jerry leaves behind his children: Dorothy Lance, Gerald Hill, Commissioner Edward Hill and Laura Ury; nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. A memorial service took place April 3 at the Tucson All Nations Corps. NFC

Sandi Gabel (l) and Marlene Klotz-Collins |PHOTO COURTESY MARLENE KLOTZ-COLLINS

ALASKA Preview event honors Transformed Treasures artists

The Alaska Division held a preview event April 13 ahead of its Transformed Treasures live and silent auction held April 29. For Transformed Treasures, local artists create works from second-hand pieces sourced through the Army’s Northern Lights Thrift Store. Inspired by stories of individuals and families who have been served, each item represents how once-broken treasures can be remade with love and care infused into them.

Lt. Colonels Doug and Sheryl Tollerud are the Alaska divisional leaders.

CASCADE

Salvation Army connects with government officials

Salvation Army officers and staff from the Cascade Division met with Senators and Representatives at the Oregon Capitol March 15.

“We had engaging conversations and look forward to welcoming them to visit our various sites across Oregon this fall to see how The Salvation Army is making a difference right here in our community,” said Major Bob Lloyd, Portland Metro Coordinator, who also passed out doughnuts.

DEL ORO

Boys II Men Camp

During spring break, the Chico (California) Corps invited local boys to a free "Boys II Men" camp. Over three days, instructors taught essential life skills: how to change a tire, use power tools, shave, cook, sew, shake hands and more. Donors provided tuition, lunch and building materials to the program.

Lts. Jeffrey and Kristin Boyd are Chico Corps Officers.

GOLDEN STATE

HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS FIS a ‘Safe Place for youth’

The Salvation Army Family Intervention Services (FIS) was designated as an official Safe Place for youth by the County of Hawaii Mass Transit Agency and the National Safe Place Network in March.

“The State of Hawaii has been working for some years now to reestablish Safe Places for Youth here in Hawaii,” said FIS Executive Director Roxanne Costa. “We were fortunate the County of Hawaii became a pilot site and being we operate the only emergency shelter for youth here on Hawaii Island, the partnership evolved.”

INTERMOUNTAIN

Denver Salvation Army receives $6M

In Denver, three Salvation Army efforts will receive over $6 million as a part of the city council's $22 million program designed to help people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. A majority of the funds will support efforts related to providing services and shelter to those who are living in hotels. The remaining funds will aid the Connection Center, where the Army connects people to services.

Kristen Baluyot is the Denver Metro Social Services Director.

NORTHWEST

Not wanting to dispose of another set of tarps, the aquatics team got busy cleaning and cutting sections of the tarps to be repurposed as temporary shelter or padding for those facing homelessness. The Kroc Center then partnered with the YMCA, which managed the distribution of the tarps.

Majors Rob and Stacy Birks are the San Diego Kroc Corps Officers.

SOUTHWEST

Hanford Corps holds farmers market

The Hanford Corps partners with the Central California Food Bank to host a neighborhood market on the third Friday of every month. With the help of volunteers, the corps distributes fresh produce, including potatoes, oranges, onions, berries and more. The farmers market format connects clients to healthy ingredients and nutritious snacks. Clients can drive through the market or browse on foot.

Lt. Shannon Brown is the Hanford Corps Officer.

Continued success at HOPE village

Longtime Salvation Army supporter and Washington Governor Jay Inslee visited HOPE Village in Longview, Washington, Feb. 14. The 50-unit community provides temporary housing to individuals facing homelessness. Residents also receive access to essential resources and a caseworker. Since its Dec. 19, 2022 opening, HOPE Village has helped five people find permanent housing and others reconnect with loved ones they can live with.

Majors Lawry and Phil Smith are the Longview Corps Officers.

Volunteers make meals at Tempe Corps

Volunteers from GM Financial, General Motors’ captive finance company, served at the Tempe (Arizona) Corps Feb. 27. The team, led by Jonathon Isola, helped make more than 200 sandwiches for those who were hungry and unsheltered.

Captains Brittany and Jeremy Baker are the Tempe Corps Officers.

ARCC

Swimming world records broken at Kroc Center

The Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Kroc Masters Swim Team held the “February Flurry” swim meet Feb. 2526, which included more than 70 participants, adults ages 18 and up, from Idaho, Montana, Washington, Montana, Oregon and California. National and world records were broken by Laura Val (72) and Richard Burns (80).

Majors Don and Ronda Gilger are the Kroc Center Corps Officers.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

San Diego Kroc Center repurposes pool tarps

The San Diego Kroc Center was in the market for new pool tarps and decided it was an ideal opportunity to give to the community. “Pool tarps are probably the number one thing that gets wasted,” said Aquatics Manager Simmone Call.

Honolulu ARC freshens up neighborhood

The Honolulu Police Department needed volunteers to help in a neighborhood restoration, so the Honolulu Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) administrators Majors Ron and Ronalee Fenrich enlisted eight alumni to assist in the clean-up.

The "beautification" went on for three hours, covering two blocks of a busy compact stretch of town. City council members were so impressed with the outcome they developed further plans to tour the ARC and arranged a second clean-up this summer.

CFOT

Cadets minister at local shelters

On three Sundays during the academic year, cadets and officers from the College for Officer Training (CFOT) visit shelters in the greater Los Angeles area for the purposes of learning, fellowship and practical ministry training. On a recent “Shelter Sunday,” the cadets visited The Way In (Hollywood), Hope Harbor and Lafayette Square (Los Angeles).

“These Sundays end up being a blessing not only to the shelter residents, but also to the cadets as they interact with those who have been largely forgotten by society,” said Major Rob Reardon, CFOT Mission and Ministry Director. NFC

New territories announced

The Salvation Army renamed a number of commands as territories, effective March 1. For many years The Salvation Army Year Book has referred to these commands as “small territories.” General Brian Peddle, with the help of The General’s Council, decided to make that recognition formal and discontinue the use of the term “command.” The Salvation Army will now simply refer to “territory” when describing a geographic area of its work. Those areas currently referred to as “regions” will continue to be referred to as regions.

“This is a significant moment in Army history as it recognizes the commitment to God’s mission by Salvationists in places that may not be as large numerically,” Peddle said. “International Headquarters remains committed to supporting our work across 133 countries and now 58 territories. We seek to better understand each geographical area and then act in the best interests to advance the mission.”

The following commands are now territories: Angola; Bangladesh; Hong Kong and Macau; Italy and Greece; Liberia; Sierra Leone and Guinea; Russia; Rwanda and Burundi; Spain and Portugal.

U.K. launches Salvationist Radio

The United Kingdom and Ireland Territory recently launched Salvationist Radio, an online radio station for those linked to The Salvation Army. It plays Salvation Army and Christian music 24/7 with special programs on Sundays. A recent playlist included U.S. Western Territory vocalists Barbara Allen and Matt Woods.

The territory’s mission priorities helped articulate the station goals, particularly that the station will be effective in sharing the good news and in helping nurture disciples of Christ. Currently, access to Salvationist Radio is online at salvationist.org.uk/radio. Future plans include dedicated apps and the ability to listen via Amazon Alexa devices and Google smart speakers.

Salvation Army holds panel on digital divide for women

During the United Nations 67th Commission on the Status of Women March 6-17, international Salvation Army personnel shared present challenges and holistic strategies in meeting early learning opportunities for the most poor and marginalized in the world in a panel discussion. It was one of three parallel events viewed by attendees.

Panelists included International Education Specialist Elsa Tsang, who covered special educational needs in the Pearl River Delta, China; Salvation Army International Director of Schools Howard Dalziel, who gave a review of the situation globally from 2,000 schools; HRH Chieftainess Mweemba, who shared about COVID’s impact on female students in the Chikankata Kingdom, Zambia; and International Social Justice Commission Director Colonel Ian Swan, who gave a summary of digital advancement and challenges. NFC

USA West celebrates 10 years of work in Greenland

USA Western Territorial Leaders Commissioners Douglas and Colleen Riley were the special guests at the 10 year anniversary celebration of The Salvation Army’s work in Greenland held in Nuuk, the capital city, April 16. As a mission partner with the Denmark Territory, which includes Greenland, the Western Territory contributed to the establishment of the Army’s work there in 2012.

The Salvation Army has been working in Nuuk for 10 years now, and during that time, the Army has seen the impact of its programs, ministry and services on the lives of those who are most vulnerable. Nuuk is a home to some 18,000 people, and has high rates of alcoholism, domestic violence and suicide. In spite of the challenges, however, local leaders said there is also a great deal of hope and resilience. NFC

Caribbean Territory celebrates 135th anniversary

The Caribbean Territory celebrated its 135th anniversary Feb. 23-26 during a congress themed “Committed to God’s Mission—Encourage, Empower, Engage.”

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle attended; it was their first visit there as international leaders. During their visit, the Peddles met with the Jamaican Governor-General and the Prime Minister. They also visited the territorial college for officer training and The Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Children.

On the Saturday, the international leaders, supported by territorial leaders Lt. Colonels Devon and Verona Haughton, received the Salvation Army salute from more than 500 uniformed Salvationists during an open-air march of witness in downtown Kingston at the site of the first open-air meeting in Jamaica 135 years ago.

The Peddles each spoke during the final day of Congress, with many attendees responding to their messages. Thirty-two people answered a call to officership. The congress concluded with a “hallelujah wind-up” of praise and dance demonstrating the spirit of Caribbean Salvationism. NFC

EDS responds to tornadoes in Mississippi

The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory’s Emergency/Disaster Services responded to a series of tornadoes that ripped through Mississippi on March 24, leaving a 200-mile path flattened and destroyed.

“The Salvation Army had boots on the ground serving meals in four different communities in less than 24 hours,” Divisional Director of Emergency Disaster Services William Trueblood told the Southern Spirit. “We have four more units on standby for a continued response. We are working closely with our partners to ensure we do our part to restore sense and normalcy to the lives that have been turned upside down by these events.”

On March 31, First Lady Jill Biden visited The Salvation Army Disaster site in Rolling Fork County to offer support and encouragement to the efforts being made. NFC

International leaders celebrate in Rwanda

The Salvation Army’s international leaders traveled to Kigali, Rwanda, in February to be a part of the commissioning of 11 new Lieutenants from the Reflectors of Holiness Session.

“The Command is positioned for growth with an active Governance Board, good public favor and projects in process like the new Officers Training College,” wrote General Brian Peddle on his Facebook page.

As ceremonies wrapped up, the Peddles made a visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre to lay a wreath and honor the lives lost from the 1994 Civil war and Genocide against the Tutsi ethnic group. NFC

Senior leaders from across The Salvation Army world will gather in the United Kingdom in May for the 2023 High Council. The sole purpose of the High Council is to prayerfully elect the next international leader of The Salvation Army, as the current international leaders, General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women's Ministries), prepare to enter retirement.

“The privilege of serving in the role of international leaders is now coming to an end for Commissioner Rosalie and me, and we seek to complete what we had set out to do,” General Brian Peddle wrote in his Easter message. “Soon we will need to say, ‘It is finished.’”

A public welcome to the High Council will be held at Central Hall Westminster and streamed live online on the IHQ website. The event, that will also bid farewell to the Peddles, will feature contributions from many different Salvation Army musicians, including the African Praise Fellowship Zimbabwe (APFZ), Konverse Dance Crews (KDC), International Staff Songsters (ISS), International Staff Band (ISB) and the International Headquarters Praise Team. NFC

high council timeline

APRIL 4

The Chief of the Staff formally summons the High Council. A High Council is made up of active commissioners who are territorial commanders or who hold an international or national headquarters or territorial leadership appointment; territorial commanders with the rank of colonel; and territorial leaders with the rank of colonel.

MAY 18

High Council members are welcomed to Sunbury Court.

MAY 21

High Council members share together in worship at Sunbury Court.

MAY 20

The Welcome to the 2023 High Council takes place in London. The event will also incorporate a farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle as they enter retirement.

MAY 22

High Council formally commences. IHQ will publish daily news bulletins while High Council is in session.

While in session, members of the High Council first elect a President, Vice-President and Chaplain, and members agree to Orders of Procedure. The Committee of the Whole discusses any matters relevant to the election. Council members make nominations—any active officer can be nominated, and there are more than 16,000 active officers around the world.

Nominees accept or decline the nomination. Candidates then respond to a questionnaire prepared by the council—approximately 15 questions for nominees and five questions for their spouses—and give speeches.

The members of the High Council then vote. To be elected, a candidate needs the vote of more than two-thirds of members in one of the first three ballots, and more than 50 percent of members from the fourth ballot onwards.

DATE AND TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED

The President announces the new General-elect and the news is livestreamed around the world.

A GUIDE TO 2023 HIGH COUNCIL

Sunbury Court—the historic site where The Salvation Army selects a general—is located 15 miles from London in Sunbury-on-Thames.