Southern Spirit - Vol 1 Issue 1 - April 2022

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THE GENER AL AND COMMISSIONER PEDDLE WOW THEM IN WASHINGTON B Y LT. C O L O N E L A L L E N S AT T E R L E E Following lightning fast meetings in Atlanta and Chattanooga (Tennessee), the General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle jetted to the Potomac Division, headquartered in Washington, DC. Supported by Commissioners Willis and Barbara Howell, members of the USA Southern Territory staff as well as Lt. Colonels Allan and Fiona Hoffer, divisional leaders, and members of the Potomac Division headquarters staff, the first stop was a combined meeting of the Landmark (Korean) Corps and the Fairfax Corps, both corps located in Virginia. The internationalism of the two corps was on full display as parts of the meeting were in Korean, Spanish, Gujarati and English.

In his brief remarks, the General shared, “I am often asked, ‘How is The Salvation Army doing?’ My come back is, ‘How are you doing?’ If our people are right, The Salvation Army is right.”

He then shared a brief sketch of world events including in Russia and Ukraine. He concluded, “In 132 countries, The Salvation Army understands where it fits in a chaotic world.”

After musical numbers by the Landmark Songsters and the Praise Band, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle brought the morning message.

“With the Holy Spirit helping us, God sends us into our neighborhoods, our workplace, our

schools, our families to live as holy people in an unholy world.” Speaking of the first disciples, she asked, “Why were they so different? Why are we so different? Because we have been with Jesus. We can’t get enough of Him. And as we draw closer to Him, people will know we have been with Jesus.” As the commissioner closed her remarks, there was an immediate response as the altar was lined again and again with those who wanted to stand more boldly for Christ.

Later that afternoon, hundreds of Salvationists crowded into Schlesinger Hall for an area wide Soldiers Rally. With the theme, “Battle Ready on Our Knees,” musical groups and testimonies accentuated the theme throughout the afternoon.

While all of this was excellent, the most impressive sight was 39 fully uniformed young people who were enrolled as junior soldiers by the General. That was followed by an equally impressive sight—51 fully uniformed recruits marched on the stage to be enrolled as senior soldiers. The diversity of this group was reflective of the various races, ages and cultures that compromise the soldiers of the Potomac Division.

Clearly moved by the enrollments as well as the other events of the afternoon, when the General rose to speak, he declared that “I am anticipating a holy hangover as the blessing of the day carries me back to London.” Then challenging those present, he said, “If we were truly battle ready, what could God do with the 1.3 mil-

lion senior soldiers we have around the world?

We need men, women, young people to hear the whisper of God’s voice and then respond, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ Some will go to the training college. Some will serve as soldiers right where they are. But all of us must proclaim, ‘Send me to the people!’ God is calling you to the heart of the gospel – not fluttering around the edges.”

The prayers of many were answered as the Mercy Seat was crowded several rows deep, with someone else coming to the fill the gap when someone left. The Southern Territory, and the Potomac Division in particular, declares that it is battle ready for the mission that lay ahead.

The General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle Encourage Salvationist Young People in Kentucky-Tennessee Division

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BY BR AD ROWL AND After an anointed gathering at USA Southern Territorial Headquarters in Atlanta on the morning of Friday, March 25, the General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle made the short journey to Chattanooga, Tennessee to stand alongside a group of over 300 committed young people of the Kentucky-Tennessee (KT)Division. The General and Commissioner Peddle were aupported

by USA Southern Territory leaders, Commissioners Willis and Barbara Howell, and members of the territorial and KT divisional staff.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its wide-ranging impact, the gathering was the first for the division in this form since 2019. The Friday evening meeting served as the opening of a full weekend of events. The General and Commissioner Peddle were presented a handcrafted gift on behalf of the youth of the division followed by an informational and humorous video providing background on the region.

The General and Commissioner Peddle also took part in an extensive and informative question-and-answer session with the youth. Asked what she learned from the challenges of the pandemic, Commissioner Peddle spoke glowingly

on the “kindness, love, hard work, and resilience of The Salvation Army around the world. The biggest thing God’s shown to me is my need of Him, because when I was left with nothing and didn’t have a proper opportunity to be able to move around the world, I needed to rely on Him. I really had to go deep into my faith, and I’m grateful for the times that I’ve been able to study and pray and really understand what God is still calling me to do.”

The General was questioned on his hopes and dreams for The Salvation Army in the future. Drawing on the inspiration of the assembled youth, he said, “I’ll tell you what the fulfillment of those hopes and dreams are. It’s to look across an audience of younger people with so much potential, who are trying to figure out what this whole walk with God is all about. Out of this comes the future of The Salvation Army.”

The evening also featured musical worship performed by local youth, with Commissioner Willis Howell joining the ensemble on the banjo for a rendition of “I’ll Fly Away.” Seven young people also received graduate certificates from the Corps Cadet program, with personal “General...” continued on page 3

An Interview With General Brian Peddle Southern Spirit (SS): How has COVID impacted the worldwide work of The Salvation Army?

The General: I start with a personal lament.

The impact is often borne out in what you either gain or lose, and The Salvation Army has lost some things through COVID. The most incredible one for me we’ve lost in excess of 120 active officers. When an officer is commissioned, a silver star is issued to mentors and parents. When an active officer dies, we replace that star with a gold star. We have never had to replace so many silver stars—and that’s still happening. That does not include the impact on our soldiery and our employees during this time of COVID. We grieve over the pain and suffering that COVID has caused.

The international Salvation Army has weathered this storm very well so far. I put that down to the resilience of our people. It has been very challenging because social enterprises, fundraising, and income generation have been literally obliterated.

Some people don’t realize that when we go home, our work goes home with us. We look after millions of people and institutional realities, boarding schools for hundreds and thousands of children, and homes for vulnerable children. We couldn’t stop doing these things during COVID. Our teachers continued to teach when there’s been no guarantee of salary. We’ve seen people up front without all of the normal amenities of life available to them.

There is always a personal risk resulting in some of losses. There the potential of not only this pandemic but what comes next. How are we able to pivot and turn, recognizing things that are beyond our control? But we did pivot, mainly towards people in need. We repositioned ourselves. The Army has not been daunted. It’s excelled. I put it to the resilience and the confidence of our people in our mission.

We are an Army of Salvation at the heart of loss, challenge, and difficulty. The Army has stood fast around the world.

SS: What lessons have we learned from COVID? The General: The lessons have been situational. What we have learned in the sub-continent of India or the continent of Africa would

Commissioner Willis Howell, Territorial Commander Colonel Ralph Bukiewicz, Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Mark Israel, Publisher Bernie Dake, Communications Director Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee, Editor-in-Chief Brad Rowland, Staff Writer Photographers: Joseph Chang, Jon Avery, Laura Dake, Adriana Li Mandri Wallace Graphics, Layout and Design Published by The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory 1424 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 USA Phone: (404) 728-1300 Email: allen.satterlee@uss.salvationarmy.org http://southernspiritonline.org All materials are copyright of The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory and cannot be reproduced without permission.

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The General makes a point during his interview with Bernie Dake (center) and Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee (left).

vary. In India, we found new courage. We are not the most favored of all peoples. We are a minority Christian church in a country that is predominantly Hindu.

Sometimes, our governments there don’t look at us with great value. But we have several hospitals across India. To have the government officials come to us and say, “Can we use McRoberts Hospital as a COVID hospital?” It’s like, “Thank you Lord! There’s a silver lining to this whole situation.” Or when the migrant workers were filling the train stations in Mumbai with no food. The only vehicles allowed in were our little white 4x4s with the red shield on it.

My hope is that we find favor and build on that just as we do here in the United States. It’s been wonderful to see that through the COVID response public favor towards The Salvation Army keeps building up. We want to be faithful in how we manage that trust in us.

SS: What are the greatest challenges facing The Salvation Army in 2022?

The General: There are several and they play out differently. How do we minister in the age in which we are living? How does The Salvation Army worldwide and in the USA Southern Territory remain faithful?

It’s about the Army of Salvation. It is about the main thing remaining the main thing. That’s why, as General, I’m tripping around the world, talking about God’s call to mission on The Salvation Army.

There are some very real and emerging challenges that we face. It is challenging to keep this outfit fit for mission when it comes to what the infrastructure requires, whether that’s governance, or good business systems or how we press forward in a way that speaks only of excellence.

We don’t want to be kicked out of a country because we have failed in our duty to strive for excellence, or how we do business, or how we fulfill our registered responsibilities and our legal right to work. Because there are threats, such as nationalism, that put restrictions on the General with regard to who I appoint in certain territories and give the responsibility of the Army to when governments call for national leaders, and not people from outside.

Moving people around the world is getting harder every day. There are restrictions concerning moving money in and out of countries. The United States is an incredible supporter of the international Salvation Army. We want to make funds available because they’re enabling the Army in Africa, in the South Pacific, in East Asia, and all across South Asia to grow.

I smile that we have Rwanda and Burundi linked together. Burundi doesn’t want an officer from Rwanda overseeing the Army’s work, so I’ve had to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with a lieutenant in Burundi to represent The Salvation Army. I don’t think any generals have had to do that. These nationalistic realities are threatening us.

Another thing is that our world is becoming so secularized and anti-biblical that it concerns me that there is less and less space for the value added reality of faith. We have legislation created without any biblical view, often with extreme biblical illiteracy. How does The Salvation Army live in a secularized context and still be the Army of Salvation? These are some of the challenges we face, but God continues to be faithful. That’s the key element that emboldens me and countless others around the world.

SS: What are the greatest opportunities that The Salvation Army has at the present time?

The General: These are just bursting wherever I look. I have a panoramic view of the international Salvation Army. I was in Liberia a few weeks ago, and in Costa Rica with all of our family from Latin America North. Now, I’m here to engage with the mighty USA Southern Territory.

I’m seeing the best of the best. God encourages and inspires me through that. If we still work in God’s will then we are in an incredible position of strength.

We are financially sound. We are biblically sound. We have mission frameworks that stand the test of time. We still have this very beautiful ability to acknowledge the need and turn all our resources towards that need. As long as we’re faithful in those things, the opportunities are unlimited.

We continue to grow. Last year, during COVID, we added 50,000 soldiers to our rolls while we lost very few. We just had a report at my office of the five new babies, the new openings in The Salvation Army. We’re looking very closely at three new countries within the next one to two years. I’m excited about The Salvation Army and what’s happening around the world.

I see the good and the bad, so this is a balanced response of optimism, of conviction that God has His hand of blessing upon us. God doesn’t call men and women to waste their lives.

He has a future for the Army.

SS: What have you learned since being the General, that you could not have learned otherwise?

The General: That’s ongoing. Wherever we travel, I am so often surprised. You do not know how many times I have said, “I didn’t know we did that! I didn’t know we were engaged in that way.” It surprises me how people can do so much with so little. I am so impressed by them.

I used the word resilience earlier, but I use it again when I refer to the operations of the Army around the world. It’s being led by people who are incredibly strong, full of faith, totally convicted about what God wants from them. The Army stands on these wonderful principles of faithful living.

I’ve learned a lot about myself. For many years, I tried to not leave my handprints on my appointments. I always thought I should come and go and do my best, empower people, raise

them up. Over these last years in my international context, God has changed me. I thank God I can’t have the same conversations anymore. I don’t talk about the weather, even though I live in London, England. Instead it’s the real heart issues of life and the troubles in our world. I speak differently. I think differently and I’ve learned more about myself than I ever could have in any other appointments I’ve held.

SS: What is the one thing you want The Salvation Army in USA Southern Territory to know?

The General: I want them to know that God still has a plan for His world, for His creation. I want them to know that there is an incredible call upon every person of faith to find their place in what God is asking for from the Christian community.

Coming out of COVID we sense a lethargy.

There are people who are not returning. There are people who are looking at life and saying, “Well, I managed without going to church for a while. I can keep doing that and be okay”. I would call anybody out who’s trying to find a way through that and say, “When we come together, we come together to worship Him. When we are dismissed through benediction, we are sent out to serve Him. Don’t think we do that so well in isolation.” At least, I don’t.

I would also say to the USA Southern Territory that you’ve got to help with the generations that are coming. We’ve got to engage our young people, the next generations. We’ve got to understand what is the shifting societal reality and how they fit into that. It might not be the way that this older person does it.

I also would say to the USA Southern Territory that, first and foremost, it’s the Army’s message of salvation. In everything that we do across this great territory, every service we provide, and every opportunity we have to have contact, it all has to be sacred encounters that have the possibility of talking about Jesus Christ, of praying for someone, or introducing someone to the possibility of a new beginning. These are the things that are central to who we are and what we do.

SS: What can you share about the current crisis in Europe?

The General: I have called to Colonel Pethybridge in Moldova (territorial commander, Eastern Europe Territory), who oversees our work in Ukraine. I’ve asked him, “Are people okay? Do we need to get people out? How do we support them?” I get this resounding reply that our officers are not going to leave. They’re going to stay, turning their homes and their halls into sleeping accommodations and sheltering facilities.

The difficulty we’re facing at the moment is getting things to them so they can serve well.

They never had a lot to begin with, and perhaps even less right now. We are doing our best to support every initiative there. The world is being so responsive with their support. We have teams working alongside the team in Eastern Europe.

We’re making sure that they have everything that they need.

The corresponding reality to that is Russia.

Rosalie and I just celebrated an anniversary via a virtual congress with them. What do we do for our people in Russia? Two days before the banking system was prevented from operating, we were able to send funds into Russia, but what we sent won’t last very long. Our officers and soldiers in Russia are very concerned. In the end, of course, it’s always the people who suffer most.

We’re very conflicted around what’s happening in Europe right now. The Salvation Army shield is standing on the borders of Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Slovakia to help and serve as a signpost to people. We’re going to keep doing that as long as we can and in every appropriate way that we can. More than anything, we’re praying for resolve, we’re praying for peace and we’re praying for a reconciliation of peoples and nations.

Easter Message

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16 NIV).

BY G E N E R A L BRIAN PEDDLE My greetings to you as we recognise and celebrate Easter 2022.

The Apostle Paul made the following affirmation in chapter 1 verse 16 of his letter to the church in Rome: ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.’ And I join Paul in declaring my fearless confidence in the truth, power and need of the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Easter and the preparatory time of Lent provide us with an opportunity to enter into the salvation story of God in an immersive way. It is important to remind ourselves of the foundational and overarching story of the gospel that is at the heart of both our spiritual reality and the mission of The Salvation Army.

Wherever you are in the world, whatever your age, no matter your circumstances, the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news and is directly applicable and relevant to you. The gospel encapsulates God’s love for and choice of you; it communicates the provision of grace, mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation; it contains the pow-

er of resurrection and promise of eternal life; it is the all-encompassing story of Scripture that continues to be lived out in our lives today.

For those who are more than familiar with the events of Easter, there may be the danger of taking a blasé approach to Holy Week, but I encourage all of us to focus on Easter 2022 with fresh eyes and expectation. Jesus is still the Saviour of the world. He is still the Way that leads to God. Today’s world is a melting pot of cultures, faiths, viewpoints and practices. Some people propose we de-emphasise the harder parts of the message, but it is the essence of the good news that makes the forgiveness of sin, the path of repentance and the reality of Heaven possible for each of us.

The gospel has something to say. It brings hope, and offers an eternal dimension to impart a message that is desperately needed. Yes, we need to find relevant and respectful ways to communicate the gospel in our context, but there is no need for us to lose confidence in or shy away from the saving grace of God, made manifest in Jesus. If we don’t take the opportunity to share this message at Easter, when will we?

Salvation Army, this is your moment to share the gospel with everyone – in every and any way you can. And may you know the presence of the risen Christ as you do so.

“General...” continued from page 1

congratulations and photos with the General and Commissioner Peddle.

In bringing a challenge to the youth, The General and Commissioner Peddle spoke eloquently on three focuses of confidence, commitment, and courage. The Youth Councils theme of “Even If” was woven throughout the message, with the General citing the faithfulness of God and sharing the good news that “even if it doesn’t work out the way that I want it to or the way that I hope it will, God will be faithful.”

“God calls us to a full commitment of ourselves to Him,” he continued, “We then can respond to Him by being fully committed to Him. Being a follower of Jesus is about being committed…To commit ourselves to God means that we yield ourselves, surrender to Him, and trust Him with our lives, so that in the end, we know that He is walking with us and we don’t have to worry about who is going to catch us when we fall.”

General Peddle takes questions from young people at Youth Councils for the KentuckyTennessee Division in Chattanooga, with facilitation from Captain Jay Needham

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Yet B Y LT. C O L O N E L SHEIL A L ANIER My life verse is Psalm 16:11. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

My daughter asked me one day, “Mom, if you had to choose a theme for your life, what would it be?” Several came to mind immediately. I have learned that there is a theme that probably encompasses it all for me. It’s one word… YET. Why “yet”? As I look at some of highlights of my life, that they are almost always closely connected to the lowlights of my life. I don’t know if it’s because God showed up more powerfully, or whether I was just more aware of His presence.

We all have Scripture passages that are our favorites, books that we are drawn to. Although I can think of many, rarely do I read Book of Lamentations, a collection of poems that serve as an anguished response to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people. Even the name Lamentations shows us that it is a book of sorrows, despair, and darkness. That doesn’t draw me in. I don’t wake up in the morning and settle in with a cup of coffee and say, “I think I’ll read the book of sorrows today.”

Chapter three begins, “I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord’s wrath. He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light; indeed, He has turned His hand against me again and again, all day long.

He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones. He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; He has weighed me down with chains. Even when I call out or cry for help, He shuts out my prayer. He has barred my way with blocks of stone; He has broken my teeth with gravel and trampled me in the dust. He has made my paths crooked. I have been deprived of peace” (Lamentations 3:1-17).

Encouraging, right? Who needs that? You might be thinking, “I’ve been there.” Haven’t we all at some point been there?

This chapter includes one word, one very powerful word, that begins in verse 21. After all the lamenting, broken bones. Bitterness, hardship, darkness, heaviness, affliction and despair, the prophet says, “Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for Him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:21-25).

What a turning point that one word is—yet!

It points to a promise. Yet leads to this: “For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. I called on Your name, Lord from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea.

You came near when I called and You said, ‘Do not fear.’ You, Lord, took up my case; You redeemed my life” (Lamentations 3:31-32; 55-58).

When I first read this chapter, I was so intrigued by the huge turning point of that one small word “yet”. I decided it was worth looking up more. I am amazed at how frequently it is the promise of a future.

We are familiar with Job, who lost everything. “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in Him” (Job 13:15). David said “I am cut off from your sight! Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to You for help” (Psalm 31:22). Paul said he was “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (2 Corinthians 6:10). And even our Lord Jesus Himself prayed “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will,

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but as you will” (Luke 22:42).

“Yet” is my theme, because I have been on the dark side of yet.

Many will know my story.

The highlight of my life was marrying Steve Lanier, and certainly a lowlight was when he was taken in an instant in an accident. My life changed forever. I sat for some time with Jeremiah in that dark place, with my teeth as gravel, and the heavens as brass. A few years later in another instant, my father, Major Kenneth Brewer, went with my mom to water aerobics, and then he left to go the golf course. He never made it to the golf course and left us in a moment. My mom, soon after this was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

I cared for her for six years watching her disappear from me. While caring for her, my motherin-law, Colonel Emily Lanier, went to be with the Lord. During this same time, my daughter had a surgery that should have been routine, went terribly wrong and we almost lost her. This resulted in four additional surgeries, and trauma for her. Then, my younger brother, but also my big brother, sufferred tragedy in his life, ending his career and his family. He came to live with me.

After two years he was diagnosed with a terminal neurological disease that eventually made him unable to walk, eat, or speak. That disease took his life. Ten months later, our youngest sister at only 50 years of age died suddenly, leaving two children. Then the hero who I call “the real Colonel Lanier” was Promoted to Glory. This past month, Steve’s brother, Lance, lost a courageous battle with cancer and went to be with Lord.

That’s it. That’s my family. Gone, with the blessed exception of my children.

A few months after the death of my sister I was asked to speak at Territorial Youth Institute.

The theme was “Pause”, and they wanted me to talk about what to do when the pause button is pushed by life’s circumstances, and choices made in those times.

It was one of the most challenges messages I have prepared.

What happens with the pause button? Do you rewind? Sometimes you can’t. Do you press play and go forward? If so, how?

Two months later I found that while I was preaching, the Lord was preparing me for another pause in my own life. I had cancer.

I’m not sharing this with to get your sympathy or empathy. I’m letting you know that I know what it is like to live with darkness and teeth of gravel, and crooked paths.

And yet.

Those lowlights always led me to the other side of yet. And yet, I have hope.

Listen again: “Yet this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope. Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new

every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore, I will wait for Him.’ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:21-25).

Paul says by the grace of God I am what I am, yet not I, but the grace of God that is in me (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Other verses claim a yet victory.

• He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy (Job 8:21).

• Yet you are near, LORD, and all your commands are true (Psalm 119:151).

• Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior (Habakkuk 3:18).

Why yet? Because choosing joy has been my strength over and over again. Also because I have seen what it means to live on the other side of yet. Yet demands trust. Yet demands gratitude.

I miss Steve, every day! Yet the Lord has given me strength I never knew I had and gratitude for 25 years of a marriage that was as good as it gets! I am I so very grateful for my children, Blake and Brooke (and Jill and Daniel) who bring me such joy. I miss my mom and dad, yet I am grateful for all they instilled in me, and the memory of parents who loved me so much. I miss my brother, yet in the last few years of his life I was able to see a courageous spiritual strength and a sweetness of the Spirit that blessed me every day. I miss my sister, yet I have a niece and nephew that I am so proud of.

Cancer? It certainly is a challenge. I saw a commercial recently that said, “the hardest part of cancer is knowing you have it”. It’s the realization that it can always return. I am now in my third battle. Yet, I am grateful for medical advances that fight it, for a positive response to chemotherapy, for family who loves me through it, and for an Army of friends who support me and fight along with and pray for me.

I’ve decided that it’s all about living on the right side of yet. There’s always something for which to be grateful. In all things, yet I have hope, yet I will rejoice, yet I will choose joy, yet I choose to live in fullness of joy!

Tennessee Wildfires

BY ERIC SHOR T The Salvation Army’s Knoxville Area Command responded to a wildfire in the Wears Valley, Tennessee area on Wednesday, March 30.

The command responded with its mobile canteen unit and provided meals, drinks, snacks, and spiritual comfort to first responders battling the flames.

Major Cameron Henderson, Knoxville Area Commander, responded with the mobile canteen unit from Knoxville, along with Lt. Melissa Melching of the Sevierville Corps and other volunteers. By 11:00 pm on Wednesday, they had served 280 meals, 500 bottles of water, 100 Gatorades, and 425 snacks.

“The Salvation Army of Sevierville has been working diligently along with other partners in the community to serve our first responders who are fighting the fires on the front lines,” said Lt. Melching. “The generosity of our community has been overwhelming and we are grateful that we are able to support our firefighters and police officers as they help contain and control the

Salvation Army Responds to Tornadoes, Storms, and Fires in Texas

BY PHILIP BURN Emergency response teams from The Salvation Army are currently involved in several local response efforts across Texas after a strong storm system spawned multiple tornadoes on Monday Mar. 21, with wildfires continuing to burn in Central Texas.

“We have response teams operating in Taylor, Elgin, and Round Rock after storms and tornadoes impacted the area. We are continuing to assess any community needs in East Texas and other areas,” said Alvin Migues, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Director in Texas. “This is in addition to the current deployment of equipment and personnel at several wildfires in and around Eastland County where we have a field kitchen and are providing meals, snacks, and hydration to firefighters, first responders, and impacted residents.”

One of the strengths of The Salvation Army’s structure and response in times of disaster is that the organization already has a presence in every zip code in Texas. Through church and community centers, service centers, and volunteer-operated service units, The Salvation Army can quickly mobilize staff, volunteers, and equipment, and be at a disaster site often within the first few hours of response.

“The Salvation Army has the ability to react and respond immediately after a disaster thanks to teams of staff and volunteers who are trained and ready to serve, long before a fire, a tornado, or any other disaster strikes,” Migues said.

“We encourage our community members to get involved now and learn more about joining our disaster service teams.”

Majors Alfonso & Adrianna Martinez, Salvation Army officers in Austin, loaded up their Rapid Response Unit, a specially designed food service vehicle used for disaster response, and headed out into affected communities on Tuesday morning.

fires,” she added.

The Salvation Army has coordinated with local emergency management officials to set up a fixed feeding site at Pigeon Forge High School, located at 414 Tiger Drive, for ongoing support.

Update from April 1: The Salvation Army of Sevierville has partnered with local volunteers and the Pigeon Forge Fire Department to set up a rehab center at the Pigeon Forge High School cafeteria for first responders fighting the Wears Valley area wildfires. Lt. Melissa Melching said, “The rehab center is a place where first responders can go to eat, get medical supplies, relax, get cleaned up, and stock up on supplies.”

On Thursday, the Salvation Army provided 625 meals, 1,500 snacks, 2,150 bottles of water, and 1,575 Gatorades to first responders.

Adam Linsenbigler, Chaplain and Support Services Commander for the Seymour Volunteer Fire Department, expressed his gratitude for Lt. Melching and the Sevierville Salvation Army.

“I was tasked with leading the Rehab units for the Hatcher Mountain/Indigo Lane fire in Sevier

County. As the fire grew, so did our response, which required more supplies and more help. I had the privilege of meeting Lt. Melissa Melching and her team. She was very attentive and fit right into our team. Her knowledge, dedication and organization were a key to our success. She worked tirelessly the first night into the morning before finally taking a short time to nap. She is a huge asset to have on our team,” said Linsenbigler.

According to Melching, the rehab facility will be in place until at least next week continuing to serve first responders.

“We visited Taylor and Elgin, just east of Austin where a tornado touched down on Monday night,” said Major Alfonso Martinez. “One area we visited in Elgin was hit particularly bad.

Several homes were destroyed, others had lost their roofs, and trees were down and covered the street. We spent some time with three families who lived very close together and had lost everything. They were living in one mobile home while building two additional homes. They had just put in new appliances and the tornado destroyed everything.”

The Martinez’s provided a meal, snacks, and drinks to the families. navigate the claims process as well as coordi“They were understandably traumatized by nate recovery efforts to maximize the funds that the experience but were pleased to have somemay be available for assistance.” one to talk to and listen to their story,” said MaFor updated disaster response information jor Adrianna Martinez. “We were privileged to or to donate, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org spend some time with the families and pray with or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. them.”

Service continued Wednesday as staff and volunteers from Austin and the Taylor Service Unit coordinated practical assistance to those affected.

Meanwhile, The Salvation Army continues to support the efforts of firefighters and first responders battling wildfires in Central Texas. So far, more than 150 structures are reported destroyed, at least 50 AUGUST 7-13, 2022 homes, and more than Lake Junaluska, North Carolina 70,000 acres burned.

“We are providFor more information contact Major Ray Cooper ing meals to firefightRay.Cooper@uss.salvationarmy.org 404-728-1300 ers, first responders, and affected families and working to support evacuee shelters in the area,” said Miwith Guest Speakers gues. “We will work with our partners to REVEREND DR. KEVIN WATSON provide assistance as First United Methodist Church - Waco, Texas we move into the recovery stage in the coming days. The first LT. COLONEL VERN JEWETT step, after immediPort Charlotte, Florida ate assistance and as part of the case manJENIFFER DAKE agement process, is Nashville, Tennessee to help homeowners

O CHURCH

ARISE

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Fifty-one new senior soldiers were enrolled in the Potomac Division

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle shares from her heart at the combined Landmark/Fairfax Corps meeting

Prayers were offered in multiple languages during the meetings in the Potomac Division

Prayer was offered in several languages at the Potomac Division Soldiers Rally

Commissioner Willis Howell strumming on the old banjo at the Kentucky/Tennessee Youth Councils

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The General signs an enlarged replica of the Soldiers Covenant as the divisional commander, Lt. Colonel Allan Hoffer looks on

The Landmark Praise Team leads worship at the combined Landmark/Farifax Corps meeting

The General conducts enrollment of Senior Soldiers

Evangeline Booth Singing Company poses with the General

The presence of the Holy Spirit was evident throughout the weekend

The General shares a moment backstage with children to be enrolled as Junior Soldiers

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The Southern Spirit Returns B Y LT. C O L O N E L A L L E N S AT T E R L E E We welcome you back to the print edition of The Southern Spirit. In doing so, we acknowledge a good bit has happened since last you had a copy in your hands.

The former editor, Dan Childs, after over 30 years of service with The Southern Spirit, has entered retirement. We thank Dan for the excellence of his journalism and the execution of his editorial duties as he ensured the highest quality publication with not only news relevant to you, but also of writers and development of staff. Dan is already missed but we wish him the best of a well-earned and fruitful retirement.

We were saddened by the loss of another member of our staff, David Ibata, who was promoted to Glory during the shutdown. David came with a terrific editorial background that he fully employed in his duties here. He is sorely missed.

We also must thank Brad Rowland, who filled in the gap during the print hiatus of The Southern Spirit by keeping us well informed through

WE ARE AN ARMY! A column exploring how the principles, practices and culture of our military services might apply to The Salvation Army

Charge the Hill!

BY DR. STE VE KELLNER Basic training for most military services ends with a summation field exercise that requires the trainees to use all that they have learned in their training. This was the case for me more than 40 years ago in Army basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. My summation exercise (I forget its name) experience included staying awake for 48 hours, navigating through the woods at night with a compass and flares, an overnight forced march, and, most memorably, a night ambush.

Sometime in the wee hours of the morning during the overnight march my company was ambushed by a unit of our trainers as we marched through a small valley. The ambushing unit was on top of the ridge shooting down at us, a perfect ambush position. They were shooting blanks of course, but the muzzle flash from M-16’s and training grenades, along with the stinging smoke from tear gas canisters, still scared the daylights out of us, especially in our sleep deprived state. For a few seconds we were completely disoriented, and chaos reigned. But then our training kicked in and we charged up the hill. When we got to the top, we were surprised to see that there were only a few soldiers in the ambush party.

You might think that a sensible response to being ambushed would be to run in the other direction or, at the very least, lie down and take cover. In fact, the correct tactical response is to charge the ambush and attempt to overrun it.

Believe it or not, in most cases less casualties are taken by charging than by running or taking cov-

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FROM THE EDITOR

the online version of the publication, Southern Spirit Online. Unexpectedly left alone, Brad took up the slack, continuing to share vital information about what the Army is doing in our territory. We salute him for his willing spirit and highquality work.

Now, it is my turn to fill the role as editor-in-chief. After retiring from active service as an officer with 42 years of service, I was pleased when the territorial commander, Commissioner Willis Howell, first approached me about starting a new territorial magazine, Rescue the Perishing, and then subsequently our online-only publication, Salvation Soldier. Later, when the opportunity for this added responsibility was made known, I was pleased to be given this new field of ministry. The Lord has blessed me over the years with the ability to share the Army’s story, particularly what God is doing through our Army.

So, just what is God doing through The Salvation Army? Quite a bit, and for that we give Him praise.

During the pandemic and shutdown, without any prompting from headquarters, our officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers wheeled into action. At great personal risk, many served those who were not only the most desperate, but who were the most vulnerable to the disease. Many were infected themselves and some endured great suffering as Covid ravaged their systems. Sadly, we lost some people, our grief joining that river of sadness as our country and

world wept over ones swept away in the current.

Nonetheless, our people continued to serve.

When the corps were shut down, overnight hundreds of online meetings were conducted to nurture the spiritual life of our people. When people could not come into our buildings to receive help, we stood out in parking lots and filled their trunks with the things they would need to make it through. Our shelters remained open because we kept the needs of the least in sight. In a hundred ways our Salvation Army met thousands of needs, each one personified with a face, a story, a reason to find hope because The Salvation Army remained true to its mission when so much was shuttered. Proud, yes! Humbled that God enabled us, hallelujah!

Although the worst of the pandemic has passed, it still looms. We are more watchful, more careful, even as we have learned valuable lessons if something like this should ambush us again. We can speak of the slowness of the Army in some respects, but we can even more marvel at how quickly we pivot when there is a tsunami of human need.

The resumption of the print version of The Southern Spirit is another sign that we are moving ahead. We hope that in the pages of this publication you will find a reason to smile, to be encouraged, perhaps to shed a tear as you read about The Salvation Army in the USA Southern Territory and the world at large. God is at work.

Let us tell of what He has done!

er. But charging requires you to overcome your natural fear and trust your training.

The world’s assault on our Christian faith and morality generally can sometimes feel like an ambush. And Satan launches his ambushes from well prepared positions. The assault often comes from the commanding heights of our culture, from the leaders of our political and educational institutions, business leaders, famous celebrities, and sometimes even from church leaders. Often, it comes when we’re in a valley of discouragement, whether caused by our own spiritual condition, or with some situation in our family, our friend group, or corps. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and give in to the temptation to run or hide.

But our training kicks in for Christians and Salvationists and helps us overcome our fears, enabling us to engage the enemy from a position of strength. Jesus says “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We can continue to initiate contact with a fallen world and overrun Satan’s position with the truth and power of the gospel. And when we fight back in Jesus’ name, it often turns out that, though Satan’s ambush party makes a lot of noise and creates plenty of flash and smoke, it isn’t as strong as it seems.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

(James 4:7) But all this assumes we are trained and ready to fight. Are we? If so, feel the fear and charge the hill!

W H AT ’ S N E W

Kindness B Y D AV I D N E W As columns go, this is my first. And perhaps my evolution as a writer will drastically change in the months to come. But for now, I’ve decided that I want to focus on language, specifically words that we use in the Church. Words that we, as followers of Christ, might discover that we don’t understand. This is a journey on which I too am a passenger and I hope and pray that these few paragraphs serve only the purpose of furthering God’s kingdom and bringing Him the glory He deserves.

Speaking of words… Recently my friend let me borrow a terrible thesaurus. It was terrible.

No doubt, a hilarious joke, but perhaps there’s some meaning to this thought as well.

We pick the words that we use to convey specific messages. And as Christians in a world filled with hateful and ungodly language, we tend to pick those words even more carefully. Yet despite all that effort, we consistently find ourselves blamed for bigotry and heartlessness. How can a community so dedicated to teaching the principles given to us by Christ be so scrutinized?

It was a classic tactic in high school to spice up an otherwise boring, mundane, dull, monotonous, and stale paper with synonyms found in a thesaurus. But as teachers usually pointed out to us, simply replacing a word with another does not always have the impact we would hope.

For example, take the word “kindness”. It’s a powerful concept and one that we are called to pursue as believers. It’s a fruit of the Spirit, an idea that led Christ to Calvary. It is not something we take lightly. Even Webster himself doesn’t quite grasp the full power of what kindness is and what it can do. Compassion, mercy, forgiveness—they all stem from adopting Christ’s kindness.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Being kind is an integral part of what makes us Christians. In Romans 2 we learn that it is God’s kindness that leads us to redemption. And as we

‘Warriors Session’ Artwork Marks Two Milestones grow in our walk as believers and read more of the Scriptures, we discover that we are called to show this same kindness to one another. We all know this. It’s a message we have heard in countless Sunday school classes.

It then comes as no surprise that the word kindness is mentioned numerous times in Scripture. However, a word not found once in the Bible is “niceness”.

Niceness is a very cute word. Its alliterative pronunciation garners a spirit of playfulness.

Like the tagline for a hit movie, niceness is something we slap onto our faith with no real thought or reason. From a young age, we are told to “be nice” to our siblings, friends, teachers, etc. Not very often do you hear a parent instruct their child to be “kind.” Perhaps kindness is a concept a bit too complex for a toddler, so we settle for nice. And perhaps as believers, we never outgrow that naive mindset. In fact, further inspection of a thesaurus and a basic understanding of synonyms would lead us to believe that “niceness” and “kindness” are the same thing.

Just two identical words that can be used interchangeably.

But was it niceness that led Elijah to mock the pagan god in 1 Kings? It goes without saying… but imagine the chaos today if a prominent Christian began mocking the god and followers of another religion. Perhaps you’d even find yourself agreeing with the inevitable scrutiny.

It begs the question, are we better than Elijah? A man chosen by God to prophesy? A human so close to our Father that God Himself approached him in the form of a whisper?

As Christians, we tend to rationalize uncomfortable portions of Scripture to a mistranslation or an outdated custom. When we read those passages, it has become common to ignore or even criticize some of the ideas presented.

“Well, perhaps that portion was misinterpreted.”

“Ya know, maybe things have changed since then.”

“The Old Testament doesn’t really count.”

Friends, if we begin to pick and choose which portions of Scripture are true or exaggerated, focusing our efforts on discovering which stories are real or metaphorical, our collective faith will crumble. As believers, if we cannot rely on the Scriptures, we have nothing. These words are the only physical tool given to us by our Creator.

I say this not to encourage being “mean” for the sake of it, but to explain the crucial point that being nice and being kind are two very different things. We have misunderstood biblical kindness and replaced it with the idea of being nice and wanting the world to see us as agreeable people who are okay with anything and everything. And of course, we are failing! That was never a standard set by Christ.

No, I don’t believe the people in Elijah, Paul, or any other biblical pillars’ lives would have described any of them as “nice”. They had a faith that would be considered plain arrogant by today’s standard. But perhaps that’s not a bad thing. Perhaps they had kindness in their hearts.

Yes, Paul never apologized for his brutal honesty. Yes, Elijah did mock those calling upon the name of Baal. But those that saw the true power of God because of their words and actions repented. “Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back”.

Christ did not use a thesaurus. He did not use language to trick or manipulate. His honesty and kindness are the tools we as believers must use to bring others to Him. It’s time for us to boast in our King once again. What good is pleasing people if it fails to grant them salvation? Only through our incorruptible faith can we lead others to Christ.

I would call that kindness.

BY MA JOR FR ANK DUR ACH E R Salvationists of America’s Greatest Generation that helped win World War 2 continued to serve God and others in peacetime, with a spirit of evangelism that remarkably is still evident today.

In fact, it will be for a very long time.

At the Evangeline Booth College (EBC) a special stained-glass window achieves a significant milestone in June 2022, as well as a source of remembrance for members of the Warriors Session commissioned in 1947. This year’s commissioning marks that session’s 75th anniversary.

The artwork was dedicated in conjunction with the Warriors’ 50th year; so, this June commemorates 25 years of cadets inspired by it.

“Our training session was the first one after World War 2,” explains Lt. Colonel Orville Salmon, “in fact, I believe a third of the 64 cadets in the Southern Territory that year had served in the military during the conflict.”

Taking note that the name “Warriors Session,” chosen by General Albert Orsborn was likely a nod to Salvationists that fought on both sides in the war, the colonel admitted he had no proof to that claim, “but it makes a lot of sense.”

The stained-glass dedication was conducted in 1997 by the (then) Southern Territorial Commander, Commissioner Kenneth Hood, and supported by General Eva Burrows—who was guest speaker for the Warriors Session reunion earlier that morning.

The window, located in the narthex of the Luce Chapel at EBC, was funded from a Warriors Session Gift Endowment, which also funds the annual “Warriors Session Spirit of Evangelism Award” for an outstanding cadet.

The window’s design features a waving Salvation Army Flag and a globe, representing the Army’s mission and ministry around the world.

Various scenes of people highlight William Booth’s vision for The Salvation Army. The initial design was suggested by a discussion between Lt. Colonel Bill Crabson (then training principal) and Lt. Colonel Fred McClure.

The layout concept was done by Linda Holz with refinements and color by Father Methodius Telnack of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia. The brothers of that monastery produced the window; stained-glass window projects being one of their means of income.

The term “Spirit of Evangelism” has embodied the Warriors Session these sevenand-a-half decades.

And because of this impressive stained-glass window at the training college, it will continue

to inspire future sessions of cadets even after the remaining three surviving members (Lt. Colonel Orville Salmon; Commissioner James Osborne; Lt. Colonel David Mulbarger) enter Glory.

“That was our intention when the project was conceived—as a memorial to our Warriors sessionmates as well as generations of Salvation Army officers yet to come,” Salmon says.

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Tanks a Lot B Y LT. C O L O N E L A L L E N S AT T E R L E E The Salvation Army in the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory is growing so fast that it is difficult to track much less predict its growth. This, despite being two of the poorest countries in the world and facing many obstacles. Papua New Guinea has a population of 8.9 million people (less than the State of Georgia), with over 850 languages and dialects. With Owen Stanley Range along its spine, the mountains soar to over 14,000 feet, the same as the Rocky Mountains. Because of this, there is no highway system that spans the little country.

Many villages are so remote that it takes days to reach them on foot or, in an emergency, accessed by helicopter. Most of the country still does not have electricity, telephone service, internet, or any municipal services. Walking in the many of the villages of Papua New Guinea is like going back a hundred years.

These obstacles, coupled with yearly droughts, mean water supply is critical. While there is an abundance of streams and rivers, accessing them is difficult because of the hilly terrain. Water has to be carried by hand, sometimes long distances. There is a rainy season, so efforts are made to capture whatever water possible to span the seasons of drought. Although drilling wells is helpful in some sections of the country, they don’t work in others. And with the lack of electricity to power the pumps, they are many times impractical.

The alternative is to install water tanks. Water is channeled from roofs into pipes and then stored in large water tanks. Because they are sealed, there is less likely to contamination although there is less protection from microbes.

But most villagers build up a resistance early and can tolerate the water even though visitors, even from other tribes, likely cannot. Bottom line: if you visit, carry bottled water!

A further advantage of the water tanks is that they deny mosquitoes a place to lay eggs and grow larvae. While mosquitoes are a nuisance here, they are deadly in Papua New Guinea as they spread malaria and uncurable, untreatable diseases like dengue fever. Each year, the territory loses officers and soldiers to these dreaded diseases.

In response to the urgent need for water tanks in the rural areas, The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory Men’s Ministries has launched the 4:14 Project, the theme based on John 4:14,

“Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The Papua Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory has shared that a 1500-gallon water tank can be purchased, shipped, and installed for approximately $2000 each. “We are challenging the men across the USA Southern Territory to provide this vital need that will not only benefit The Salvation Army, but all the people who live in the where the Army operates,” said Major Mark Satterlee, Territorial Men’s Ministries Secretary, “We are challenging men across the territory to provide ten of these tanks. If we go over our goal, we will be able to provide even more tanks, or larger ones, to villages standing in line to get them.”

For information on how to help, visit Southern Men on Facebook or contact Major Satterlee at: mark.satterlee@uss.salvationarmy.org

World Services Report: Pakistan Support to Children’s Homes for Christmas, 2021 B Y M A J O R R AY C O O P E R One of the great disciplines of serving within the ranks of The Salvation Army is the gift that is given to each of us to in turn support our Army brothers and sisters around the world through our World Services effort. The territorial office of Overseas Projects exists to process such requests and to give financial assistance to these projects. A portion of our annual territorial campaign is reserved to support these ventures. The Southern Territory was pleased to be able to assist with this special Christmas ‘treat’ for these children which confirmed for them that they had not been forgotten.

So, on behalf of a grateful International Salvation Army, thank you for your support—both financially and prayerfully.

PAKISTAN – Support To Children’s Homes For Christmas, 2021 There are two children’s homes in Pakistan, one for boys (Shiloh Boys Home) and one for girls (Joyland Girls Home). TSA Homes provides care and protection to these children and gives them access to community life. Currently there are 32 boys and 36 girls in our children’s homes, who receive all the facilities in a safe and friendly environment.

Children are raised under strict discipline. They are instructed and guided in their physical, mental, and spiritual growth. Special medical and psychological care guarantees the health of children and special attention is paid to the weakest. Why is there need for it? The Homes are catering the desires of sixty-eight destitute youngsters. These youngsters are furnished with food, adequate accommodation, schooling and systematic care.

In Pakistan, lack of financial resources and extreme poverty make more than 30% of children in Pakistan extremely vulnerable in winter.

On average, there are three children in every Pakistani family and most of them get seriously ill from the extreme cold in winter and without warm clothes. The situation of children in the poverty-struck rural areas gives us the following haunting facts:

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2 winter suits

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1 pair of winter shoes

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3 pair of winter socks

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1 woolen sweater

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1 School bag

• The majority suffer from malnutrition and get extremely ill in winters due to the cold.

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1 packet of mixed dry fruits

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3 packets of health and hygiene kits

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1 school woolen sweater

• They suffer from certain diseases by not eating healthy food, which is not providing the necessary multi-vitamins needed to survive.

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1 pair of school shoes

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1 pair of gloves

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1 woolen cap

• Usually the children get severe illnesses like cough & chest infection, which affects their learning abilities. December is the season of sharing love and bringing hope to the life of everyone.

During winter, the survival and mobility of children become tough due to extreme weather conditions, and they lack warm clothing to pro-

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tect themselves from the risky effects of weather. The package includes:

The provision of warm clothes at the Christmas Season protects these children from cold weather and saves them from various seasonal diseases. The food items further provide them nourishment and give them self confidence, happiness, and a true sense of care. A small bundle of clothing can make extremely cold winters warm and special for the residents of these homes.

Promoted to Glory: General John Larsson (Retired) April 2, 1938 — March 18, 2022

Born in Sweden, the son of officer-parents, John spent his early years in Sweden, Denmark, Chile and Argentina, and by the age of 12 he was fluent in the use of the Swedish, Danish, English and Spanish languages. Following the family’s return to the UK from service in South America, he entered the International Training College in London from his UK home corps of Upper Norwood as a cadet in the Faithful Session and was commissioned a Salvation Army officer on May 17, 1957.

His first appointment as a corps officer was at Sunderland Southwick with Washington in the northeast of England, where he served for just one year before returning to serve on the staff at the International Training College where he remained for the next seven years. He received the rank of captain in May 1960.

In May 1966 he returned to corps leadership, first at Hillingdon and then at Ealing, and it was while here that he married Captain Freda Turner on July 5, 1969. Together they moved to Bromley Temple Corps in May 1970, where they served for the next four years, receiving the rank of major in August 1971.

In January 1974, Majors Larsson were appointed to the former Scotland Territory, where Major John served as Territorial Youth Secretary before returning to the British Territory in October 1976. Here, he served first as Assistant National Youth Secretary and then, from April 1977 until May 1980, as National Youth Secretary.

A term of overseas service commenced in May 1980 with Lt. Colonel John Larsson’s appointment as chief secretary in the South America West Territory. This was followed in 1984 by a return to London and to the International Training College, where Colonel John served as principal for the next four years.

July 1988 brought a move to International Headquarters, where Colonel John Larsson was appointed as Assistant to the Chief of the Staff for United Kingdom Administrative Planning. This role involved the complex task of researching and planning for the separation of the Salvation Army’s international and national administrations in the UK and which ultimately led to the establishing of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland (now the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory) in November 1990.

With the rank of commissioner, John Larsson was appointed the first territorial commander of this new territory. This was followed by further territorial leadership, first in the then New Zealand and Fiji Territory (1993 – 1996) and then in the Sweden and Latvia Territory (1996 – 1999). In October 1997 Commissioner John Larsson was appointed as a member of the Advisory Council to the General, becoming its chairman in March 1998.

In 1999, General John Gowans appointed Commissioner John Larsson as his Chief of the Staff—this appointment commencing on August 1, 1999, and it was while in this appointment that he was elected to serve as the Salvation Army’s 17th General.

General John Larsson served in this appointment from November 13, 2002 until his retirement from active officership on April 2, 2006.

It is almost impossible to quantify the worldwide legacy and influence of General John Larsson. He was a faithful and humble servant of God who shared his God-given gifts of writing and music throughout the Army world.

He was the author, among other literary works, of Doctrine without Tears, The Man Perfectly Filled with the Spirit, Spiritual Breakthrough, 1929 and Those Incredible Booths.

Known extensively throughout the Salvation Army world and beyond for his collaboration with General John Gowans in the writing and production of 10 full-length musicals, the impact of General John Larsson’s contribution to Salvation Army heritage cannot be underestimated. His music, both in the context of the musicals, but also in his composition of words and music for many other songs, has had a significant spiritual impact on people of all ages. Those who had the privilege of hearing him play his own compositions at the piano will also surely not forget that experience. However, it should be remembered that the influence of General Larsson’s own character, his gentle and unassuming nature and his depth of spirituality also remains an integral part of his legacy to The Salvation Army throughout the world.

In giving thanks to God for the gift that was General John Larsson, we offer our condolences and assurance of our prayers to Commissioner Freda Larsson, to their sons Karl and Kevin and to their wider families. To them we offer these words, set to beautiful music by General Larsson himself, and based on Philippians 4:6-7. “The Lord is near; have no anxiety, make your requests known to God in prayer. Then the peace of God, which is beyond our understanding, will keep guard o’er your hearts and thoughts.”

We pray that the experience of this truth will surround and enfold Commissioner Freda Larsson and her family at this time.

Commissioner Freda Larsson may be contacted at: Flat 3 Oakbrook 8 Court Downs Road Beckenham BR3 6LR

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PROMOTED TO GLORY

Major Barbara Barron Major Barbara Ann Shelton Barron, age 75, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, Feb. 28, 2022. Mrs. Barron was born Nov. 2, 1946 in Davidson County to William and Margaret.

Mrs. Barron was a member of Elkin Valley Baptist Church and had a servant’s heart. She was a teachers’ assistant at Elkin Primary School, a human resource officer with Vintage Yards and WXII, and a previous Salvation Army officer. She served as an officer in Salisbury and Charlotte, NC along with her husband Roger, and was a volunteer with LifeLine Pregnancy Help Center of Elkin for 10 years.

Mrs. Barron was an avid fan of the Duke Blue Devils and a member of the Mt. Airy Country Club, where she became a golfer later in life. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Shelton and stepdaughter, Alysia Shelton.

Survivors include her loving husband of 18 years, John P. Barron; son, Daniel Hearn and his wife Brandy of Winston-Salem; daughters, Dedie Blackburn and her husband Greg of Winston-Salem and Maggie Wagoner and her husband Matthew of Elkin; stepson, Jonathan Shelton of Charlotte; brother, Bill Barton and his wife Karen of Savannah, GA; grandchildren, Hannah Wagoner, Elijah Blackburn, Abigail Wagoner, Angel Blackburn; and former husband and father of her children, Bill Hearn of Winston-Salem.

The funeral service was conducted Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Elkin Valley Baptist Church CLC with Dr. Johnny Blevins officiating.

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Major William O. Jansson Major William O. Jansson was born on Jan. 2, 1935, to William O. & Fannie Jansson in Norfolk, VA, and he was called to his eternal home on March 17, 2022, at the age of 87.

Before entering training, William attended The Salvation Army’s Elizabeth City, NC corps, where he was very active. He was enrolled as a junior soldier on Sept. 23, 1946 and a senior soldier on Dec. 14, 1952.

He entered training with the “Witnesses of Faith” session of cadets and was commissioned on June 6, 1955. He married Mary Elizabeth Coble on September 10, 1955.

Together they served in Wheeling, WV; Baltimore, MD; Winchester, VA; Durham, NC; Atlanta, GA; Tulsa, OK; Miami and Pensacola, FL; Oklahoma City, OK; Waco and Ft. Worth, TX; Winston-Salem, NC; and Memphis, TN; as well as

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at the divisional headquarters in the KentuckyTennessee Division and what is now the Potomac Division. He retired after 32 years of active service on February 1, 2000.

He is survived by his lovely wife Mary Elizabeth and many family members and friends.

Services were held on Monday, March 21 at the Hartsell Funeral Home in Concord, NC.

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Major William (Bill) Criss Major William (Bill) Criss was Promoted to Glory on March 16, 2022.

He was born on June 24, 1956, in Mishiwaka, IN to Marion and JoAnn Criss. He married Jani Sandberg on June 11, 1977, in Nashville, TN, and together they have three children, Charity Lynn, William Franklin, Jr., Hannah Carrie Criss.

Bill was called to Christian ministry at the age of 15 years of age while doing door-to-door canvassing. He prepared for and pastored for more than nine years in the church of the Nazarene.

It was in July 1997 that he began his involvement with the Salvation Army. He states that he had exposure to the writing of Samuel Logan Brengle, and while growing up, he was close to a family that attended The Salvation Army and always respected the Army’s use of social outreach to create an environment receptive to the message of the gospel.

When he and Jani moved to Brooksville in 1997, they became involved with the Hernando Corps and felt this was God’s leading. It prepared them for the opportunity to use their talents and skills for him as officers.

He was involved in teaching the Adult Sunday School class, led meetings and spoke in them also, witnessed to people, played the guitar, and was involved in many other programs at the corps.

They entered training in 1999 as part of the “Ambassadors of Grace” session of cadets and were commissioned as officers in 2001. He served more than 16 years as an active officer in Prince Georges County & Loudon County, VA, as well as Dothan and Birmingham 614, AL before entering retirement.

He is survived by his loving wife of more than 44 years, Jani, and as well as his children, Sheed and Major Julia Tarnue of Gainesville, FL; Amanda and Greg with their three children (Alexis, Matthew, and Addison); Charity and Travis Roberts with their four children (Lorelai, Riley, Andrew, and Benjamin); William Criss Jr and Hannah Criss. He was deeply loved on earth and will be sorely missed.

In Lieu of flowers, financial donations can be made to the Gainesville, FL corps.

The Spirit of the South 100 Years Ago

The Kiwanis Club of Palm Beach, Florida announced that it was backing the opening of a Salvation Army corps to be located in West Palm Beach. A drive is to be sponsored to raise the necessary funding so that the Army can begin its evangelistic work and its efforts to alleviate the poor in Palm Beach County. (Palm Beach Post, April 6, 1922)

75 Years Ago

Brigadier Edward Laity has just returned from Woodward, West Virginia where a tornado devastated the area. Thirty Salvation Army officers are serving in disaster relief for the stricken community. Part of the Army’s services is an Information Bureau to help people find missing relatives. (Welch Watchman, April 30, 1947)

50 Years Ago

A brigade of cadets is visiting Charleston, West Virginia to conduct a spring campaign as part of their training to become Salvation Army officers. Cadets in the brigade include Larry and Patsy Hambrick, Bob Bollinger, Verline Bollinger, Sherry Foster, Don and Mary Burlock, John and Bonnie Jordan, Ray Foster, John and Sheryl Peters, Harold and Mary Tracy. Supervising the brigade is Captain Phil Needham. Lt. Al Ward is the corps officer at Charleston Citadel. (Charleston Daily Mail, April 15, 1972)

25 Years Ago

Monica Kaufman of WSB TV will be the special guest of the The Salvation Army Atlanta Women’s Auxiliary as it meets for its annual Dogwood Coffee at the Lullwater House, home of Emory University’s president. Representing The Salvation Army is Major Barbara Jeffrey.

(Atlanta Voice, April 12, 1997).

We thank

Cheryl Werner

for the design of our new Southern Spirit.

General conducts junior soldier enrollment at Potomac Division Soldiers Rally

Commissioner Peddle speaks to graduating corps cadets at Youth Councils for the Kentucky-Tennessee Division in Chattanooga