Southern Spirit MAY 2022 - Vol 38 Issue 2

BY BRAD ROWLAND

‘DRINK COFFEE, CHANGE LIVES’

Founded in 2011 in Cleveland, Tennessee, Inman Coffee is a one-of-a-kind ministry of The Salvation Army that daily aims to reach and develop young persons for Christ by creating a healthy ministry through an age-specific, community-minded business that models biblical unity and serves in the name of Jesus Christ. Joel and Cheryl Rogers, co-founders of what was then called the Inman Street Coffee House, arrived in the region and were introduced to Sergeant Ruth Forgey, eventually leading to the planting of the Cleveland Corps in 2010 and the opening of a vital ministry, within the same building, just one year later.

“The mission of Inman Coffee is to be a ministry from seed to cup. Truly from the time that the bean is planted, all the way to the time when it is harvested and roasted and sent here to Cleveland before being turned into a delicious cup of coffee,” Joel Rogers said. “So much relationally can happen over a cup of coffee, and we love to be there for people, to be the listening ear when they are hurting or broken, or if they just need a place to be.”

The idea for the coffeehouse sprung from a desire to create community, drawing on experience for both Joel and Cheryl in operating in the coffee world and pairing that knowledge with a passion for empowering young people. Cheryl is the now the food service manager of Inman Coffee, with Joel serving as The Salvation Army’s Christian Education Director in Cleveland and as The Salvation Army’s divisional sergeant-major for Kentucky/Tennessee Division.

In addition to striving for community and the

real-world practicalities of launching a sustainable coffee business in Cleveland, the Rogers’ found it important to create the environment while also ensuring that the coffee was grown and prepared in appropriate fashion. At Inman Coffee, the coffee itself is responsibly sourced and acquired via Direct Trade, with the clear aim to change lives around the globe. Inman Coffee ensures farmers in the most compromised regions in the world earn approximately ten times more than the global average through these practices, emotionally and financially investing in the well-being of others.

Inman Coffee, aptly named for the street on which it is located in Cleveland, is more than a coffeehouse and a model for sustainable coffee production and distribution. It is also a fullfledged community endeavor. Lee University, which is within walking distance of Inman Coffee’s doors, has thousands of college students, many of whom are frequent consumers. The shop also caters to seniors, homeless individuals, and anyone seeking valuable relationships. Once inside the shop, individuals inevitably begin to learn of The Salvation Army’s holistic ministry, planting the seeds for community and spiritual growth.

“The most important aspect of Inman Coffee is the impact it has had through inclusion and being the space where all belong, and everyone has a seat at the table. Because of this, we have witnessed subtle miracles of healing and transformation that have translated into lives lived with passion and purpose,” said Sergeant Forgey. “It ranges from suicidal youth grabbing enough hope over a cup of coffee to hang on for another day, a homeless friend needing a cold drink and cool place to sit on a hot day, and a young adult unsure of next steps maturing into adults that are literally changing the world.”

Success stories are frequent and wide-ranging, with individuals and families often making return trips to Cleveland to express gratitude and to reengage with the Rogers’ and other familiar faces. Several Salvation Army officers felt a call to full-time ministry after meeting the organization through Inman Coffee, and others have grown while building long-lasting relationships that provide much needed support.

“Inman has provided me a chance to worship God and really come to know God,” said Jordan Barto, a former student who was part of Inman Coffee’s internship program and credits the outreach with turning his life around. “I was an atheist for years, and this place really helped me turn my life around and come back to the Lord. It provided me with friendships and social interactions. It provided me a place to go and talk about my problems. It also provided good job skills and, most importantly, it provided me with a family and a group of people that I’ve become very close to and that I love. It really opened a lot of doors for me in the community and opened doors for me to serve God.”

Inman Coffee and its outreach are a training ground for leadership development. Students transform relationships into ministry opportunities, and the program seeks to teach individual responsibility coupled with marketable job skills. Overall, however, the focus is to empower people and bring them closer to God.

On top of the delicious coffee, tea, and baked goods distributed at competitive prices,

Inman Coffee also hosts musical shows that have helped to launch the careers of many renowned artists, both locally and nationally. The shop hosted a “Courageous Conversations” series of panel discussions, and those in ministry travel far and wide to sit in on the work in Cleveland with an eye toward implementing similar approaches elsewhere.

“The unexpected blessings are really just too many to count,” Sergeant Forgey said. “The proposals that have been made in the coffeehouse, simply because ‘that’s where we met.’ The salvations and rededications made because someone was there to listen, careers and vocations determined as some heard a call to ministry, others discovering opportunities for vocations they never dreamed possible. And even the random encounters that were really divine appointments because the doors were open, hearts were stirred, and connections were made that changed the trajectory of a life.”

In the future, Inman Coffee hopes to continue to grow its reach, both within The Salvation Army and to all who may walk through the shop’s doors in Cleveland. That includes perhaps being the coffee of choice at corps and headquarters in the United States and beyond, as well as the operation of a brand that can be on every grocery store shelf. Still, the big picture focus is about much more than coffee.

“Our vision for the future is to be a model of ministry that remains fruitful and inspires others to try new initiatives in their cities and neighborhoods that make them relevant to those they serve,” Sergeant Forgey said. “We hope that it is easy to see how ‘Drink Coffee, Change Lives’ is not just a slogan, but a reality in Cleveland, Tennessee.”

Pawars Share Their Ministry in the United Kingdom

SS: What was the first thing that struck you that was different about corps work in the UK from the United States?

Captain Ashish: The Southwark Corps is made up of multicultural communities, people from different nations. You have the Africans, Asians, Brits. Not a traditional corps. The singing and how people came to eat together after the service made for a beautiful family atmosphere of people really caring and loving each other.

Major Sandra: The corps in the UK have a lot less resources than we do. Fewer employees. We just had one. There are less administrative tasks to do. Officers ended up doing a lot, but they were also allowed a bit more freedom to be creative in what they did. There wasn’t a strict like, “This is what you do: youth programs, Home League, women’s ministry, men’s club.” They were allowed to do what their community needed.

Captain Ashish: There is nothing wrong with the programs that we do here. It’s just they were trying to find out what are the needs of the community. For example, one of the corps, a traditional church was not working for them so they changed to sit around on couches for a conversational style church. They did “messy church” where you sit around the table, play with the family and have a community aspect towards it. That was really fun to watch how they did that. Mission-wise it’s the same thing—to love and serve our brothers and sisters. Each corps looked a little different from the other.

Major Sandra: Even what they wore. We wore typical tunic and full uniform on a Sunday, but some of them were in full uniform, some were in classroom uniform, and some would be in Salvation Army tee shirt and jeans depending on what style of worship they had, what community.

The way they did social services was very different. Here, if we had someone who needed a place to stay at the shelter, we could just call and they would usually give us a bed. Whereas in the UK, there’s a whole other system that required you to go through the town council.

Captain Ashish: The council had a lot of say about the homeless ministry and what happened. To have shelter, the homeless person had to go through the council to be put on a waiting list and get any shelter that’s available. It

Captain Ashish Pawar and Major Sandra Pawar

could be Salvation Army or any other. The Salvation Army still does great with shelters that they have but it’s a government contract governing how the shelters are run. They have a chaplaincy presence, so if there’s any spiritual need chaplains are available for them.

Major Sandra: Homeless people had to be registered within that community to get on the waiting list to go to a shelter. Ashish found that when he had a lunch for homeless people on Wednesdays, if he wanted to help them it was challenging. A lot of them were from Europe, and so they were not registered in that community.

SS: What did you do when you had a situation where they can’t be registered?

Captain Ashish: Just before we got there the caseworker at the corps had resigned due to family situations. So, it was just me handling the homeless ministry. And it was massive. It’s right in the middle of London where there’s a lot of people who are homeless. We would have a drop-in center where people came in to shower and have a warm meal. We had a Bible study after that. We tried to be creative like have karaoke for them where they can come and sing. We offered the basic needs. But when it came to shelters, we had to look for places that were doing night shelters and then you find something else.

I got in touch with a couple of Salvation Army shelters asking if they could get them in. The process is long. I had to connect with the council, talk to them about individuals that needed housing. If they were not on the list, you have to go to the council and put them on the list to do a proper case study. There are not a lot of jobs available. A lot of people were paid under the table, really minimal wages.

Major Sandra: At night sometimes he would go out. He helped people with blankets if they were people that he knew from their lunch.

Captain Ashish: Just trying to see where people are. Some people were sleeping under the bridge so we hung out with them to see how they’re doing. Right in the middle of the cities, you have a hidden thing going on with the homeless brothers and sisters, both men and women. Every night we toured to see where they were. I knew exactly which corner. Sad, because that’s their house in cold, in summer.

It was a beautiful blessing to connect with them not just with the feeding program, but on a deeper level, understanding their stories, where they come from. Some of them had made wrong choices that ruined their lives. But it’s beautiful how they came and we became a family eating meals together around the table. We didn’t hand out food. We prepared the table for them. We sat around the table, with proper cutleries for them. A nice warm meal was served to them.

Major Sandra: Sometimes it was only Ashish and the cook with up to 60 people in this tiny back room. He allowed them to shower, served them, and he had to clean it. Here we have people that clean the building. But in UK we have nobody and so, he would clean the bathrooms.

Captain Ashish: I put an apron on and got on with it. I didn’t mind.

A lot of the people had mental health issues. I remember this guy had an argument while we’re eating. I went to separate them. I told this one guy, “Stay. I want to talk to you.” When I asked him what happened he did not have anything. He went outside the building, and said, “When you come out, I’m going to get you.” I said, “Charles,

I just want to talk to you.” “No, no, no, you finish this and I’m going to come get you.” I finished cleaning up. Charles was sitting outside waiting for me. One of the other homeless guys came in and he said, “Don’t go out yet because he’s still angry and waiting for you.”

I saw him there and started walking towards our house. He followed me, and then I somehow missed him, and went home. I didn’t see him for two months. Later he showed up. I said, “You okay, man? I just want to help you.” He walked in and said, “I just want to apologize to you.” He gave me the biggest hug. He became my best friend. If there’s something happened, he would say, “No, this is the church. You need to help this church. We can’t be doing this here.” He became the best support system. In fact, he and some other homeless people planned a farewell for me in one of our drop-ins. One of the best farewells I’ve ever received. I still have a card they bought. They collected a few coins from each other, went and bought it. On that card, there are scribbles where people can’t write or different languages. I was blown away by that.

SS: What do you miss most about the UK?

Major Sandra: I missed the diversity, about being aware of other cultures, their needs and how they worship and how they live. I miss London. Who doesn’t? It was beautiful.

Captain Ashish: I miss the corps people. They are still in touch, still send messages. I miss my brothers and sisters from the homeless dropin center. Sometimes I wonder what’s happening with Charles or what’s happening with James, people I knew so well.

I miss connecting with other churches there. We ran a winter shelter with all the other churches around the community. We call it ‘A Ropes Project’ where churches would open their church one night for two or three months during the wintertime. Our church opened. People came and slept in our church, had breakfast, and then went home. That oneness to work together was beautiful.

SS: What do you wish people understood about the Army in the UK?

Major Sandra: It’s a beautiful Salvation Army. It has a mixture of honoring the history of The Salvation Army, but also embracing creativity and innovation. It’s open to new ideas, maybe a little bit more freedom to know what your community needs, and to meet those needs, not try and focus on everything and do every ministry, but focus on things that you’re good at and to make them really good.

There’s a lot of corps do “Moms and Tots” ministry, which I hadn’t seen in the States. There was a lot of discipleship happening. When we go to the training college, it felt like you were surrounded by this cloud of witnesses.

One of the things in the UK that I love, is they have Pioneers, a ministry where you can just do things out of the box and live. In a community if there’s a Salvation Army that’s in a bad community, the officers live there on the estates and work with that.

Captain Ashish: Sandra did a biblical justice conference where we brought out different issues that a church could look into, support and learn from. We had different speakers all three years. We were able to take a mission trip with young people and some adults to Athens, Greece and help with the refugee crisis within The Salvation Army. We learned about what it means to serve the refugees. It’s one thing to see it on the news but to see people in person and hear their stories, impacts you.

Major Sandra: What I appreciate about The Salvation Army in the UK is, they don’t have a lot of resources, but they make the most of what they have. They had empty space at the training college. They opened six apartments up to six refugee families from Syria. The whole training college got behind them and helped them.

What I want people to know is that God is doing amazing things there, creative things, officers are hard-working with not a lot, but they make the most of that.

‘I Love My Church’ Campaign Inspires In Williamsburg, Virginia

BY BRAD ROWLAND

In early 2022, The Salvation Army of Williamsburg, Virginia, led by Captains Julio and Luci Da Silva, launched the “I Love My Church” campaign. The 40-day campaign aimed to embrace the love of God and deepen the love for God within the corps and the local community through a sermon series, Bible study, appreciation events, community projects, and an outdoor celebration.

“We wanted to reach out to the community as a church family with small groups as a catalyst,” said Captain Julio Da Silva, corps officer. “Jesus said that love will be the church’s identifying mark. It’s how people will know we are Christians. Jesus followers should be unmistakable. Our love for each is evidence of Jesus action in our lives. Our love for each other should portray the way He loves us. It should be sacrificial, servant-focused, compassionate, and unconditional.”

The campaign began with a six-part sermon series, focusing on building a stronger church through community, service, giving, and sharing. Captain Da Silva adapted the series to the reality of the local corps in Williamsburg, and the Sunday messages interacted with a weekly Bible study.

Corps members gathered on Thursday evenings for dinner and study, focusing on a book titled Embracing the Love of God by James Bryan Smith. The devotional time brought attendees closer together and strengthened their resolve.

“In this Bible study, we learned that God’s love came down to us, fills our hearts, and is then extended to our neighbors,” Captain Da Silva said. “When we know and feel and experience God’s love, we cannot but love ourselves and love others. It is a genuine, comprehensive kind of love that is based not on what we do but on who we are.”

During the campaign, Captains Da Silva challenged corps members to plan and execute a service project and the result was “baskets of love.” The Salvation Army distributed baskets featuring personal hygiene items and other products to two different senior villages in the community. This led to the start of the “Lunch Bunch Seniors Club,” a bi-weekly ministry to low-income seniors featuring lunch, fellowship, education, worship, and service.

Captains Da Silva and the congregation clearly inspired beyond their walls, with others taking notice across The Salvation Army’s Potomac Division.

“Their love for their church and the Lord is easy to see, and they took action in showing that

love,” said David Delaney, divisional music director. “It starts with leading by example. They are a beautiful example of God’s sacrificial love.”

The campaign also featured a dedicated appreciation day for individual groups including The Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, Women’s Auxiliary, youth, solders, adherents, staff, and volunteers. Captains Da Silva sought “to show love and deep appreciation” to each collective, meeting with every group and enjoying a party with them featuring a meal, discussions about the future, and the potential growth of The Salvation Army

At the conclusion of 40 days, the campaign formally culminated in an outdoor celebration at Kidsburg Park in Williamsburg, joining together with the entire corps to testify on the love of God. The event was designed as an outreach to the community, encouraging soldiers to be the face of Christ to others.

“Lucy and I know that the ‘I Love My Church’ campaign was helpful to deepen our understanding of how God uses community for our own good and growth. It also helps us cultivate deeper relationships with those in our church and the community where we live,” Captain Da Silva said. “It’s all about others here at The Salvation Army in Williamsburg, so we want to encourage, empower, and equip our soldiers to live out the heart of the matter. We love God, we love people, and we love our church.”

Occasionally there are books related to The Salvation Army that are published by outside sources. We are pleased to recommend the following book to you.

Singing All the Way by Major Hollie Ruthberg

Majors Carl and Hollie Ruthberg are retired officers from the USA Eastern Territory who are part time residents in St. Petersburg, Florida where they are actively engaged in the Citadel Corps. Major Hollie is a gifted musician, composer and writer. She has brought all these gifts to bear in her book, Singing All the Way: Reflections on the Songs of Ascent. As implied, the book centers on the Psalms of Ascent with a devotional thought along with original music

and songs that in their own way, recast for us the beauty of these praise songs used by the Hebrews as they approached Jerusalem for the feasts days in ancient Israel. We thank Major Ruthberg for her efforts to bring to life these songs of celebration from thousands of years ago to us in the twenty-first century. Available through Amazon at a cost of $12.

Testimony: Reverend Diane Ury

National Holiness Ambassador

BY REVEREND DIANE URY

My first exposure to The Salvation Army was when I was a new student at Asbury College. The dorm I was in had about 20 Salvationist girls. They were really fun, loving and very kind to me. Christianity was brand new to me. Whatever it was, The Salvation Army was. It had a positive spin in my mind because of those young girls and how they treated me.

I met Bill there and eventually we got married. We had a wonderful ministry in local churches with the Methodist Church and Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. Given that, you may wonder what led us to The Salvation Army.

Bill had been doing a lot of speaking for The Salvation Army from around 2000. They invited him to come and speak at different events because he’s a church historian, a Wesleyan theologian and knows a lot about The Salvation Army. He’s a great speaker, and quite often they would invite me to come with him. I did quite a bit of speaking for the Army also along with Bill on some of these different special events. When Bill came back, he often said, “I love the Army so much.” They frequently sent home with him a uniform sweater for me, or a shirt, and I saved all of them. I had a feeling I was going to need those one day.

I kept saying, “Bill, why don’t we join the Army?” Eventually, we left the seminary after serving there 23 years. We entered into pastoral ministry with the Evangelical Methodist Church. The National Commander, Commissioner David Jeffrey found out that we were interested in doing something else. I was called to preach and to be in ministry in the denomination we were with, but our church did not like women in the pulpit. It was painful. I felt very stifled. It wasn’t a good fit for Bill either.

Commissioner Jeffrey called us and said, “I have an idea.” We were scheduled to do an event where he was going to be present. He presented the idea of being National Ambassadors for Holiness. We were dumbfounded by it. They wrote up the job description. I remember looking at my particular job description and saying, “Yes, I would love to do that.” It was amazing how the Lord, after all those years of ministry, provided so that if I could have written a job description for myself I couldn’t have found anything that was more of a delight to my own heart. It was a gift from the Lord.

Commissioner Jeffrey did not say we had to become soldiers, but that it would be a good idea. I had always admired the Army so much. It didn’t make sense to be an Ambassador for Holiness for The Salvation Army without actually belonging.

I remember the first time wearing that uniform. I just cried. It was such an honor to me to have that on, to be a part of this wonderful group of believers, this communion of saints over the decades. It was an incredibly powerful thing to me. I can’t even tell you how many people, when we were traveling around wearing the uniform, total strangers, came up to me with tears in their eyes saying, “Welcome home.”

I have learned much since we became involved with the Army full time, like the vast number of things we do in our own local communities. It blows my mind. In Wake County (North Carolina), Bill and I had a tour and realized we had no idea. All the incredible things our own group does in our one county - phenomenal programs, ministries, outreaches and provision for our people right where we live. I didn’t know we did all those things for homeless children, providing their backpacks and lunches.

One thing that really struck me is the many

opportunities to meet officers, hear their stories, and how many of them as very young children, had no sense of belonging or sense of love. But there was an Army officer who was picking them up every day for years and bringing them to the corps, and saving them out of destitution, the poverty of a life of lovelessness, much less material poverty, and bringing them in to the corps family and loving them.

I’ve met many officers brought into officership right out of being in a homeless shelter or from the ARC. Some had been prostitutes and now they’re officers. That is for me the power of Jesus, the power of His love working through real people. I am deeply humbled being around officers, looking at their faces and knowing what they have done with their lives, unseen, unsung, caring for children and people that nobody else notices, changing the world. And it still goes on.

One of the challenges for the Army is of our own self-perception. Are we a church or are we an organization? I hear both. I know we are an organization but if that’s all we are, we’re in trouble because the world needs Jesus. He is the only answer to the darkness and despair of the world. I am concerned when I hear people talking about officership as a career instead of a ministry. Vocabulary is very important. If people are in officership for career, that’s a very different thing than if we’re being an officer for ministry.

I’m really proud of all four of our training colleges. We get to go to those quite often and I see a lot of good, strong leadership there, making sure that we stay true to our doctrines. It’s so important that we are not “fudging”, especially on Scripture and the authority of Scripture.

Jesus has made a way at this point in our history where The Salvation Army is deeply respected. We have proven our worth not just in disaster relief but to our society. We are a contribution, we are deeply respected and we’ve earned it. We’ve worked our way there. The opportunity lies in capitalizing on that position of respectability and influence to open doors, places that we are able to go in with influence. Not only service-oriented groups but to be ministers of the gospel, to not be afraid to say the name of Jesus in the places where we go. That’s an incredible opportunity that I hope we won’t miss for fear of political correctness.

What does it mean to be a Salvationist? The Salvation Army is a group of people who have been led by

Jesus to go into places in communities where it’s not the most attractive and set up a hub, a space for people who live in those communities to meet the living God who can save their hearts, their souls, and their spirits and set them free from the bondage of sin. We stay where the people are. We help them to stay out of trouble. We help them to put food on their tables. We help them learn how to be parents. We help them learn how to be teenagers who live lives that are wholesome and safe, purposeful and with meaning. We can be family for people that have no family, who never had anybody love them, no sense of belonging. We are a place of provision. We’re a church, a family that takes care of one another and takes care of our community. We look out for our community.

I love being a part of a church that is committed to seeking the lost and the least and the last, those who are being trafficked, who are people that most folks would want to avoid and cross on the other side of the street if they saw them coming near. I love being a part of a group that is called to go toward people that are scary and make you uncomfortable and you don’t know what to do. We’re called to be with those people and love them.

I love that we are not afraid to share with anybody no matter how destitute, no matter how broken, no matter how sinful, that Jesus loves them and He can come into their lives and completely transform who they are, and set them free from any kind of sin. We see it happen. We watch it happen and we believe it. There’s no restriction for The Salvation Army. If you want to be involved in ministry to every level, every degree of service and self-giving, there’s no place like The Salvation Army.

Reverend Diane Ury is a soldier of the Raleigh, North Carolina Corps and with her husband, Dr. Bill Ury, serves as The Salvation Army USA National Ambassador of Holiness.

Spring Campaigns: USA Southern Territory

BY CAPTAINS JOSHUA AND JORDAN HINSON

This spring the cadets and officers of the Evangeline Booth College were sent out across the USA Southern Territory as well as Bolivia for the 2022 Spring Campaigns and Spring Missions. Four first-year cadet teams of the Reflectors of Holiness Session, along with staff officers, were sent out to every division in the Southern Territory. Each of the four teams went to two divisions: Georgia and Florida Divisions; Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi and Kentucky/Tennessee Divisions; Arkansas/Oklahoma and Texas Divisions; and the Potomac and North & South Carolina Divisions.

The first-year cadet teams shared in ministry with the local corps in every division. Cadets led services, did work projects, joined in evangelistic campaigns, and engaged the mission in the local communities. Cadet Ohsang Kwon described a special opportunity he had in sharing the gospel, “I presented the gospel using fun illusions (rope tricks) three times. The second time in a corps in Miami, we had about 40 children at youth night. I prayed for God’s help before the message. I gathered the children in close and told them I would show them a magic trick. I was able to present the gospel through an illusion. The response was great. I am so thrilled and fulfilled in my calling and the amazing opportunities I am given to share God’s Good News to others.”

The cadets were given powerful opportunities to experience the fullness of their calling through effective mission and ministry of The Salvation Army. Throughout the territory the Reflectors of Holiness witnessed and participated in vibrant expressions of the gospel in corps settings and in the communities where The Salvation Army serves. Cadet Douglas Ingold shared from his experience in Oklahoma and Texas, “It was as if I was able to zoom out and see how God was working through all the seemingly small tasks. I saw God moving through a community in an amazing way, His message being spread all over the city. Ministry is worth the work.”

Spring Campaign: Cochabamba, Bolivia

BY CAPTAINS ANDREA AND SCOTT HOOVER WITH THE MESSENGERS OF RECONCILIATION CADETS

One never really knows what to expect when embarking on a mission trip. From the very beginning we could see God’s hand in everything as we planned and prepared for our journey to Bolivia. Very early in our planning God gave us the Scripture from Isaiah 52:7(NLT) “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” Little did we know that God would move literal mountains for the Messengers of Reconciliation to plant their feet on the mountains in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

While in Bolivia, the cadets and officers had numerous opportunities to see God at work in powerful ways. He demonstrated His provision and perfect plan as the cadets and officers ministered at the Parotani and Uspha Uspha Corps. Cadets and officers brought the good news of Jesus Christ to both of these communities in various ways such as open-air services on a hilltop; worship services in three languages; numer-

ous home visits to the sick and elderly in rural mountainside communities; marriage enrichment; multiple children’s programs; baby dedications in the fields; music programs and teen ministries. All these efforts led to 167 individuals giving their hearts to the Lord and receiving the good news of peace and salvation.

This experience has given each one of us a testimony of God’s amazing plan of salvation for the whole world—every man, woman, boy and girl. We each have a testimony of how God used cadets and officers from the Southern Territory who, although they did not speak Spanish, were able to share the gospel story in Cochabamba, Bolivia. We can personally testify that this experience has given each one of us a deeper passion of the need for salvation both here and abroad.

The experience in Bolivia has changed each one of us. We have returned with a deeper zeal for supporting World Services and how vital those funds are for countries such as Bolivia. If it were not for World Services, many of the corps and officers would not survive. As it is, they continue to preach the gospel with very little funding. Through World Service funds, cadets and officers were able to conduct work projects such as painting, masonry and carpentry work to enhance the facilities at the Parotani and Uspha

The Spirit of the South

100 Years Ago

The Charlotte (North Carolina) Observer editorial page notes, “In characteristically modest way, Captain J.H. Crooke, head of the Salvation Army in Charlotte, makes record of the past year’s work…knowing neither sect, nor creed, nor color, nor condition – it is responsive to the call of distress in whatever shape or form it may be encountered.” (May 28, 1922)

75 Years Ago

“Captain Oscar Fuller announced that the Salvation Army revival will continue one extra day, due to the wonderful results, and the large crowds attending meetings each night. Colonel Harold P. Madsen, territorial evangelist will bring the final message.” During the week of revival 50 individuals were converted while approximately 3500 people heard the gospel. ( The Decatur (Alabama) Daily, May 26, 1947)

50 Years Ago

Captain Glenn Fite shared that window displays and a nightly radio program will be part of the observance of National Salvation Army Week. Winning posters in a contest for camp will be displayed in the Parks-Belk Store while dolls depicting Salvation Army service will be shown in the window of the Hub Frankel Store. ( The Advocate-Messenger, Danville, KY, May 7, 1972)

25 Years Ago

“Meeting a great need is comparable to fighting a major battle,” noted corps officer Lt. Jeff Daniel, “for every rifle on the front lines, there are countless more at home who play a vital role…Soon there will be even more opportunities to help others through what The Salvation Army can offer those in need…We are counting on you.” Lt. Daniel’s note ended with an invitation to “Come worship with us!” (Sapulpa (Oklahoma) Daily Herald, May 16, 1997)

Uspha Corps. With these projects completed, the corps can further spread the good news in their poverty-stricken communities.

And now, we each have committed to be more proactive in supporting World Services. Some have even felt the call for overseas service, as a Salvation Army officer, in God’s perfect timing. And all of us, have committed to finding the least, the last and the lost wherever the Lord sends us. As Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!”

The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Durham, North Carolina

Cadets serving dinner at a Family Fun Night at the shelter in Savannah, Georgia

Cadet Rashad Poole leading a March of Witness in Cochabamba, Bolivia

Majors Tom and Julie Anne Louden with Spring Campaign cadets and corps officers of the Miami, FL Area Command

But

In 1980, a special statuette of Evangeline Booth was produced by Limited Edition Specialties. Only 100 were made at a cost then of £500 (approximately US$925).

Evangeline Booth’s handwritten commission to be the USA National Commander

The grouping of artifacts includes a chair that belonged to Evangeline Booth, the typewriter used by Mrs. Commissioner Irena Arnold, distinguished author and grandmother to Commissioner John Busby, commemorative teapot and dish, selected books and a handmade doll of Evangeline Booth.

Evangeline Booth was a great animal lover. An accomplished equestrian, she had a host of pets including a monkey.

her favorite by far was her German Shepherd Maizy, pictured here with her in an original oil painting.

The Commissioner Elsie Busby Memorial Collection

BY LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE

Commissioner John Busby has been an avid collector of Salvation Army memorabilia since he was a young man. Born of an Army family that spans generations, many of the items were passed along to him by parents, grandparents and other relatives. Other items he sought and found himself. It is not only impressive in quantity but in the quality of artifacts and documents that have come into his possession.

In a loving tribute to his late wife, Commissioner Elsie Busby, in her memory Busby decided to donate a substantial part of his collection to the Evangeline Booth College. The collection is impressive, now on display in the Powell Administration Building lobby. The dedication ceremony was held in connection with the welcome weekend for the Reflectors of Holiness Session (2021-2023) on September 9, 2021. Because of pandemic restrictions, the crowd was restricted to family and invited guests from THQ and the Evangeline Booth College (EBC).

Most, but not all, the collection centers on General Evangeline Booth whose life and service in The Salvation Army was legendary. Beginning as a youth in The Salvation Army, Booth’s legacy began on the streets of London. She was a corps officer for a short time but her gifts demanded a wider sphere. In 1896, when only 30 years old, she was appointed as the national commander of Canada, an appointment she held until 1904. Then, what was undoubtedly her most important and fruitful ministry, she was appointed in charge of the work in the United States. She commanded the USA forces for 30 years during which time The Salvation Army prospered in ways that could not have been imagined when she first took the reins. Among the accomplishments was the incredibly successful deployment of Salvation Army personnel to the front lines during the First World War and the creation of the USA Southern Territory. She only left the USA when she was elected as the first woman General in 1934, her final appointment before retiring in 1939. Moving back to the United States, she lived in retirement in upstate New York until her Promotion to Glory in 1950.

Among the most intriguing items in the collection are three worthy of special note.

The Private Papers of E. Booth. Actually not her papers, but a small metal box (see photo), it represents a bit of detective work by Commissioner Busby. While serving as the Chief Secretary in Canada, he was perusing an antique shop in eastern Ontario. There, to his utter surprise, was this small cabinet. Could it have belonged to Evangeline Booth from her time in Canada? It certainly could have been. Upon closer inspection, he found a small metal label inside that said, “Chubb & Sons, Lock & Safe Company United.” Looking closer he found that the next line said, “Queen Victoria Street, London.” The company that made the cabinet was located within a city block of International Headquarters! The chances are extremely high of this being a former possession of Evangeline Booth. It is likely that, as her private papers collection grew, she retired this little box, giving it to a close associate as she often did over the years.

Evangeline Booth’s chair. When it came time to clean out her retirement home following her death, Commissioner Elsie’s brother, James, bought it from Evangeline Booth’s home. It has been a treasured possession of first the Henderson, then the Busby family over the years.

Commission as National Commander (USA). Leading up to the first High Council in 1929, Evangeline Booth was the leading voice for reform of how the appointment of the General was to take place. (For more on this, read General John Larsson’s excellent book, 1929 ). In direct opposition to her brother, the General, Evangeline Booth felt her continued service as national commander might be in jeopardy. One of her trusted aides was William Arnold, grandfather of Commissioner John Busby and who later served as the USA Southern Territory’s longest serving territorial commander. As Booth was preparing to sail to London for the first High Council, she was concerned that her brother might demand the return of her commission as national commander. She instructed Arnold, “I have no idea what my brother is going to do because of this High Council that I and the other commissioners have called. If he asks me to surrender my commission, I want to tell them I don’t know where it is.” So, Arnold took the commission and hid it, not telling her where. Amid the excitement stirred by the High Council, the commission was forgotten, safely hidden away until rediscovered many years later. This rare document now resides in the collection.

There are quite a number of other treasures, all of this a fitting tribute to an outstanding officer, Commissioner Elsie Busby. Take time to go to the Evangeline Booth College to not only view the collection but see the Southern Historical Center Museum as well. Every Southern Salvationist should!

Is it or isn’t it? See accompanying story for the background.

Commissioner John Busby speaking at the Welcome of the Cadets and the Dedication of the Commissioner Elsie Busby Memorial Exhibit

Two of six teacups that belonged to William and Catherine Booth. The others in the set are owned by Commissioners John and Elsie Busby’s children, Scott Busby and Lt. Colonel Dawn Luyk.

BY LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE

One of the most intriguing things about The Salvation Army is this thing called “appointments.” For the half dozen people who don’t know what I’m talking about, officers are appointed, or sent, to various locations whether they want to leave where they are or not, whether they want to go where they are sent or not, whether the local corps, ARC or headquarters wants the person(s) to go or not, or whether the children of said officers want to go or not. There is immense interest in this whole process, including the release of the appointments that inevitably produces a series of responses:

1) Where is this place?

2) Who are these people?

3) What does this mean?

4) What will we find when we get there?

5) How do we get the kids in school? Find the grocery store, pharmacy, school, doctors, etc.?

WE ARE AN ARMY!

Fireteams, Squads, Platoons, and Companies

BY DR. STEVE KELLNER

Infantry units in the military are carefully structured and generally follow a similar pattern of organization. The smallest unit is the “fireteam”, made up of four soldiers who work very closely with each other, training together and even living together in a combat environment. There is virtually nothing these soldiers don’t know about the other members of their team, and military history is full of examples of fireteam members giving their lives for one another without hesitation.

Two or three fireteams together form a “squad” of ten or twelve soldiers, usually led by a corporal. Four squads combine to make a “platoon” of forty or so soldiers, the smallest unit led by a commissioned officer, usually a lieutenant assisted by a sergeant. Four platoons combine to make a “company” of around 160 soldiers, the foundational unit of all military services, led by a captain assisted by a First Sergeant.

As the units get larger, they can take on more difficult and complex combat missions, and more specialties will be present. So, a fire -

6) What do I put in the brief (the document that tells successors what to expect when they arrive in their new locale)?

7) Am I going to be able to get things finished?

8) How are things going to go with our new officer(s)?

The list goes on. Despite the uncertainty, the muss up, the logistics of moving people all around the fifteen Southern states and the District of Columbia, the system continues. Many have argued that it is too much, that changes happen far too frequently and that it could cause more harm than good. Others feel that it keeps the Army fresh with new ideas, approaches and vision. Organizationally it allows the leadership of the Army as best it can to match officer gifting and skills with the needs of a particular appointment as well as supply what is needed to help that appointment to hopefully achieve more in reaching people for Christ and serving the community, goals that are not mutually exclusive. A further advantage is that it keeps the Army from falling prey to a personality cult in a particular location. The Lord is glorified – not a particular set of officers.

Whether we like or not, it has been part of who we are and at least for the foreseeable future, how we will continue to operate. When it is

all said and done, we are an Army, we operate in many ways like one including the need to move people around to conduct the Salvation War.

From our personal experience, we found that the “fit” seemed to be better in some places than others, both for ourselves and for our people who had to work with us. We served in very small places where we could count the people present on our two hands. And we served in large places that taxed us in unexpected ways. But in every place we served we knew joy, had people we loved and who across the years bring smiles to our faces and warm our hearts as we think of them. In each one, when we announced that we were leaving it was with a heavy heart. We loved these people, this place, were sorry for the things we did wrong or the things we failed to see accomplished. And we pledged not to second guess the people who followed us.

For those corps, ARCs and headquarters affected by the moves, we pray that this will be seen as a good thing. For the officers and their families, we ask God’s blessing as they work through the thousands of details, seal up the boxes treasured over the years for their durability, and see what God has for them next.

It is a mess. A glorious mess. It is The Salvation Army.

team might be all riflemen, whereas a company may have riflemen, heavy weapons teams, grenadiers, reconnaissance scouts, radio operators, clerks, and drivers. But the disadvantage of larger units is that they are more difficult to lead and coordinate, and there is less unit cohesion because the members have different skills and don’t know each other as well as they do in the smaller sub-units.

Jesus used a similar pattern of organization in His earthly ministry. Perhaps He learned this from the Roman military, with whom He would have been very familiar from his boyhood in Nazareth. When He ascended the Mount of Transfiguration in Matthew 17, He took with Him His fireteam of Peter, James, and John, the first disciples He called and His closest associates. To accompany Him on His preaching tours He formed a squad, twelve specially chosen disciples who possessed a variety of backgrounds and skills.

In Luke 10, Jesus sent out what amounted to a large platoon of 72 disciples (two by two) on the first large-scale evangelical campaign. And after Jesus had ascended to heaven the whole church consisted of about 120 believers, the size of a small company, gathered in the upper room. But that company would catch fire, so to speak, and change the world.

If the military services and Jesus agree on a plan of organization then perhaps we in The Salvation Army should imitate it! We all need a

fireteam of three or four very close spiritual comrades, our “3 o’clock in the morning” friends who know us very well, will hold us accountable, and will stick with us through thick and thin. Likewise, we should be involved with a squad—maybe a group of Sunday school teachers, or a women’s or men’s ministry team, or a corps band or worship team—any small group that serves together. These squads can be quite effective in ministry, as they possess some of the intimacy of a fireteam but have a greater range of backgrounds, skills, and gifts represented.

Many, if not most, of our corps today are platoons of forty (or less) Salvationists, small yes, but big enough to fight in the war against Satan if sufficiently committed and cohesive. But commitment and cohesion can be difficult to achieve with so many different kinds of people involved, and without a clear focus on the mission.

Like the military, the foundational unit of The Salvation Army is the company, which we call the corps. A full-size corps, say 100 Salvationists or more, can be very powerful fighting force for the Lord in a community, so long as it is well led and coordinated, and fully committed to the mission. For this reason, it should still be the goal of every corps to become a “company” size corps, with the full range of gifts, skills, backgrounds, and ministries present. A corps like that, if it catches the fire of the Holy Spirit, can change the world.

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

Tolerance

BY DAVID NEW

It has become ever more popular, especially in my generation, to intentionally stop viewing the world as a black and white canvas. The answers to life’s mysteries are no longer simply right or wrong, but are instead made up of layers upon layers of nuance. So much so that it’s almost offensive now to declare an absolute. There is an agreed upon negative connotation associated with having a conviction so strong it causes a bit of narrow-mindedness. But despite all of this, I believe that it’s imperative that we remember there are certain truths that will never fail us.

Today, at least the day I’m writing this, is my two-year wedding anniversary. And as I look back, it truly is incomprehensible how I’ve come to this moment in my life both personally and professionally. When I think about our COVID wedding back in March 2020, with only her parents and a photographer in attendance, it humbles me to believe that someone could love me enough to promise to spend the rest of their life with me. And so far, she has kept her promise.

So, is that marriage? Counting down the days until divorce or death? The world tells us a lot of things about marriage, but even more things about divorce. It’s ironic, isn’t it? Countless romcoms start with a woman fresh out of a long-term relationship, ready to find and be

swept off her feet by her actual forever romance. And the more twists and turns the love story has, the more we enjoy it. In fact, the simpler the love story, the rarer it is in pop culture. There are no blockbuster love stories where a man and woman fall in love with no drama and simply live happily together. What’s my point? Well, I think we as humans in this incredibly privileged time have romanticized the idea of struggle. We fabricate ideas of nuance in situations that don’t necessarily call for it. I brought up my marriage because I know in my heart there is no nuance to the promises I made to my wife that day. In fact, I am extremely intolerant of anything that might get in the way of those promises. There is no condition, no drama. I made a decision and now live the aftermath. Quite happily I might add. So why is this an important issue? Well, this idea directly translates to our faith.

I spoke last month about words. Specifically words we might not understand too well as believers. And this month I want to continue with that theme and dig into another word that will surely cause some to stop reading: Tolerance.

I know, I know, how dare I! After all, tolerance is the foundation of human cooperation. How could we hope to further the bridging of cultures and religions without tolerance?

To put it quite simply, I don’t care about those things. Or at least I don’t care about them in comparison to Christ.

Now please, before rolling your eyes, allow me to explain. There are many layers to the idea of tolerance. You should never be hateful or hurtful towards someone because they are different from you – the Scriptures make this quite plain. And I want to be clear that I am not at all arguing to go against this pillar of our faith. Instead, I’m pointing out that sometimes we as Christians, in an effort to maintain this idea of tolerance, have conceded the war of winning souls for the Kingdom. We use the excuse of nuance and tolerance to pardon those who don’t believe. And

what is perhaps even worse, we use it to pardon ourselves from the mission of witnessing. After all, how can I witness to someone who so kindly turned me down and was just so nice about it and.... maybe what they believe is okay? And who am I to try and change that and blah blah blah.

Friends, this is perhaps one of the most clever tactics of the enemy. The influence of sin on the world has convinced us that the risk of appearing intolerant by sharing the gospel somehow outweighs the potential for introducing others to Christ. We’re scared to witness and so we hide our cowardice behind our faux tolerance. In other words, we’re doing the work of the enemy, free of charge. And to make it even worse, we’ve somehow twisted our minds into thinking this makes us better Christians.

God has so graciously handed us the guidebook (literally) to eternal life. Who are we, as believers in Christ, to deny that gift to the world? Especially in the name of tolerance. Once again, I want to reiterate that tolerance is not a bad thing. But, when it gets in the way of Christ and the mission He has laid on our hearts, then it does become something that shifts our priorities out of whack. Our minds are no longer aligned with our hearts. We care too much about how we might appear and who we might upset. We care too much about being nice. We use tolerance and nuance as an excuse to be a lousy witness.

Tolerance to anything not from God is simply not good enough. You don’t really hear anyone say that for some reason. We walk a thin line as Christians. On one side, our Lord and Savior accompanied by the gift of eternity in paradise. On the other side, a temporary earthly life with the constant obsession of being accepted by your peers only to eventually die. Truly a compelling decision. Yet one so many of us struggle with. Friends, don’t let the cloud of earthly uncertainty deter you from our calling as believers and the eternal gift God has prepared for us.

World Services Report: Liberia

Command Youth Congress in Monrovia

BY MAJOR RAY COOPER

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.

On behalf of a grateful international Salvation Army, thank you for your support – both financially and prayerfully.

LIBERIA – Command Youth Congress in Monrovia

The Salvation Army opened fire in Liberia in May 1988 as part of the Ghana and Liberia Territory, with Major and Mrs. Leonard Millar as pioneer officers. This happened after more than ten years of letters being written to International Headquarters by church pastors asking that they become part of the movement.

Liberia was given separate command status on 1 January 1997. Neighboring Sierra Leone became part of the command on 1 January 2010, with Captains John and Rosaline Bundu as pioneer officers.

The Salvation Army Liberia Command is one of the newest church denominations in Liberia. But because of our holistic ministry, the Army is ranked among the fastest growing churches in the Republic of Liberia.

Our education system is ranked among the best in the country. The social and medical services are appreciated through the length and breadth of Liberia. The command had recorded a steady growth as a result of evangelical outreach.

Corps programs seek to respond to demand and opportunity for the most part. The evidential need is for education, hence a number of corps host KI and KII classes mostly within the corps hall or quarters.

Other program activities are based on the usual program associated with the Salvation Army corps, Home Leagues, Junior Home

League, men’s fellowship, youth work, League of Mercy, counseling, response to disasters, sponsorship, adult literacy etc.

Initiatives to stimulate growth and respond to growth opportunities have been through the establishment of the Command Mission Team and from this, sectional and corps mission teams. These mission teams have had considerable response to the initiatives and endeavors undertaken.

The command has decided to conduct the first youth congress, bringing together youth from the newly created districts and divisions in the command. During this time, the young people will be equipped to do the following:

1. Conduct midweek Bible study and take on the leadership of Corps meetings.

2. Provide support to corps officers, district leaders and divisional commanders.

3. Organize youth meetings to develop other youth in the corps, districts and divisions.

This project fits with their Strategic Goal 1: Attracting new members and increasing soldiers with objectives outlined below:

• Prioritize evangelism and intensify openair meetings at every corps, outpost and new openings in the command.

• Identify dedicated members with the gift of evangelism and provide them the needed training in evangelism ministry.

• Reconstitute the mission team activities and ensure that they are active in reaching out to targeted communities and counties. Provide additional training to equip members and establish mechanism to ensure they become effective.

• Use social programs (education and medical) to reach out to unsaved students and patients.

• Set a recruitment benchmark for each center of a minimum enrollment of 20 new soldiers

This project advances the mission of The Salvation Army through the following means:

The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory Appointments

Southern Territory Headquarters

Personnel Services

Major Amy Lee

Secretary – Human Resources

Business Administration Services

Major Bethany Hawks

Secretary – Community Relations & Development

Major Todd L. Hawks

Secretary – Community Relations & Development

Major Philip W. Swyers, Jr.

Secretary – Finance

Program Services

Major Elizabeth M. Birks

Social Services Secretary – Social Services

Major John R. Birks

Territorial Conference Director –Conference Center

Adult Rehabilitation Centers

Major Gregory W. Davis

Administrator – Northern Virginia ARC

Major Tammy V. Davis

Administrator – Northern Virginia ARC

Major Donna K. Justice

Administrator – Fort Lauderdale, FL ARC

Major Stephen D. Justice

Administrator – Fort Lauderdale, FL ARC

Major Allen Tanner, Jr.

Administrator – Jacksonville, FL ARC

Major Tasha L. Tanner

Administrator – Jacksonville, FL ARC

Major Donald G. Tekautz

Administrator – New Orleans (Jefferson), LA ARC

Captain Bernadette Correira

Administrator – Austin, TX ARC

Captain Stephen G. Correira

Administrator – Austin, TX ARC

Captain Brett W. Cundiff

Command Secretary for Program –

ARC Command

Captain Kim Cundiff

Command General Secretary – ARC Command

Command Secretary for Personnel –

ARC Command *

Captain Erik S. Henry

Administrator – Tulsa, OK ARC

1. Improve the skills and ability of the young people for leadership.

2. Improve the standards of the ministry through the performance of the young people.

3. Advance the mission work through evangelism.

4. Equip the young people for future leadership when they shall become adults.

5. Promote youth programs in the command amidst Covid 19.

6. Win souls for Christ.

Captain Mechelle L. Henry Administrator – Tulsa, OK ARC

Captain Amber I. Meo

Administrator – Memphis (Mid-South), TN ARC

Captain Ryan C. Meo Administrator – Memphis (Mid-South), TN ARC

Captain Ashley H. Taylor Administrator – Orlando, FL ARC

Captain Jimmy Taylor Administrator – Orlando, FL ARC

Captain Julie A. Tekautz

Administrator – New Orleans (Jefferson), LA ARC

Sergeant Richard Lee Hammonds, Jr. Administrator – Birmingham, AL**

Sergeant Tiffani Hammonds Administrator – Birmingham, AL**

Sergeant Aidé McFarland Administrator – Oklahoma City, OK**

Sergeant Robert McFarland Administrator – Oklahoma City, OK**

Evangeline Booth College

School for Officer Training

Major Hae Young Lee

Director of Campus Life/Food Services Officer

Major Syung Young Lee

Asst. Principal for Training/Director of Business

Admin.

Major Carey A. Richmond

Director of Personnel

Health & Wellness Officer*

Major Patrick T. Richmond

Director of Personnel*

Captain Bryan E. Farrington

Director of Property/Home/Transportation

Department

Captain Tonya L. Farrington

Director of Finance

Captain Laurie A. Ferráez

Assistant Director of Curriculum

Captain Rebekah F. Swyers

Director of Family Life Center

Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi Division

Major Ethan W. Frizzell

General Secretary – DHQ Staff

Major Sue Frizzell

Divisional Secretary for Program – DHQ Staff

Major Linda Payton

Corps Officer – Dothan, AL

Major Chiffonia G. Smith

Corps Officer – Huntsville, AL

Major Mark S. Smith

Corps Officer – Huntsville, AL

Major Louna Smith

Corps Officer – Shreveport, LA

Major Pierre L. Smith

Corps Officer – Shreveport, LA

Captain Brian M. Hicks

Corps Officer – Baton Rouge, LA

Captain Crystal L. Hicks

Corps Officer – Baton Rouge, LA

Captain Jason O. McMullin

Corps Officer – Laurel, MS

Captain Keisha D. McMullin

Corps Officer – Laurel, MS

Cadet Myranda I. Estudiante

Corps Officer – Hattiesburg, MS**

Cadet Victor D. Estudiante

Corps Officer – Hattiesburg, MS**

Cadet Roy B. Fisher

Corps Officer – Meridian, MS**

Arkansas & Oklahoma Division

Major Bobby G. Carr

Corps Officer – Ardmore, OK

Major NaKisha A. Carr

Corps Officer – Ardmore, OK

Major Fallyn M. Garrison

Area Commander – Fayetteville, AR Corps Officer – Fayetteville, AR *

Major Nick Garrison

Area Commander – Fayetteville, AR

Corps Officer – Fayetteville, AR *

Major Crystal A. Pruitt

Corps Officer – Stillwater, OK

Major Raymond N. Pruitt

Corps Officer – Stillwater, OK

Captain Christopher R. Doborwicz

Divisional Youth Secretary – DHQ Staff

Captain Elyse J. Doborwicz

Divisional Youth & Candidates’ Secretary –DHQ Staff

Captain Andrea G. Hoover

Associate General Secretary – DHQ Staff

Captain Scott Hoover

General Secretary – DHQ Staff

Lieutenant Rachel L. Pruitt

Corps Officer – Pine Bluff AR (effective June 11)

Florida Division

Major Debra R. Hull

Corps Officer – Gainesville, FL

Major Ernest T. Hull

Corps Officer – Gainesville, FL

Major Phillip S. Irish

Corps Officer – Ocala, FL

Major Lynn Irish

Corps Officer – Ocala, FL

Major Bobby L. Jackson

General Secretary – DHQ Staff

Major Natalie N. Jackson

Divisional Secretary for Personnel – DHQ Staff

Major Julia Tarnue

Corps Officer – Lake Worth, FL

Captain Sheed L. Tarnue

Corps Officer – Lake Worth, FL

Captain Chris Bryant

Finance Trainee – DHQ Staff

Captain Kelly Bryant

Asst. Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries –DHQ Staff

Captain Julie Chamberlain

Corps Officer – Clay County, FL

Captain Mike Chamberlain

Corps Officer – Clay County, FL

Captain Teresa Della Monica

Corps Officer – Miami (Sunset), FL

Captain Herbert D. Frazier III

Corps Officer – Tallahassee, FL

Captain JoAnn A. Frazier

Corps Officer – Tallahassee, FL

Captain Deanne A. Jones

Corps Officer – Stuart (Martin County), FL

Captain Nathan L. Jones

Corps Officer – Stuart (Martin County), FL

Captain David Lorenzo

Corps Officer – Miami (North), FL

Captain Raquel Lorenzo

Corps Officer – Miami (North), FL

Captain Claudia E. Pierre

Associate Corps Officer – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Captain Pryne Pierre

Associate Corps Officer – Fort Lauderdale, FL

Captain Emmanuella L. Prudent

Associate Corps Officer – Fort Myers, FL

Captain Adieny Ramos

Corps Officer – Melbourne, FL

Captain Migeul A. Ramos

Corps Officer – Melbourne, FL

Captain Carlos A. Rojas

Corps Officer – Riverview (South Hillsborough County), FL

Captain Diana C. Rojas

Corps Officer – Riverview (South Hillsborough County), FL

Captain Ashlee M. Wildish

Corps Officer – Pensacola, FL

Captain Stephan Wildish Corps Officer – Pensacola, FL

Lieutenant April J. Davis

Corps Officer – Brooksville (Hernando County), FL

Lieutenant Joshua L. Davis

Corps Officer – Brooksville (Hernando County), FL

Lieutenant Crystal S. Dupree

Corps Officer – Venice, FL

Lieutenant Dushawn D. Dupree

Corps Officer – Venice, FL

Lieutenant Kelvin M. Garcia

Corps Officer – Vero Beach, FL

Lieutenant Niuris Garcia

Corps Officer – Vero Beach, FL

Lieutenant Crystal J. Porter

Corps Officer – Leesburg, FL

Lieutenant Jeremy R. Porter

Corps Officer – Leesburg, FL

Georgia Division

Major Bill McKinley

Corps Chaplain – Atlanta, GA Red Shield Harbor Light Corps

Major Stacie L. McWilliams

Area Commander – Atlanta, GA

Major Thomas McWilliams

Area Commander – Atlanta, GA

Major Pam Starr

Corps Officer – Waycross, GA

Major Beth Sturdivant

Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries –DHQ Staff

Major Gary T. Sturdivant

Divisional Secretary for Personnel/ Social Services – DHQ Staff

Captain Dakarai H. Darby

Divisional Youth Secretary – DHQ Staff

Captain Dominique Z. Darby

Divisional Youth Secretary – DHQ Staff

Divisional Candidates’ Secretary – DHQ Staff *

Captain James E. Dillingham

Corps Officer – Brunswick, GA

Captain Jamaal B. Ellis

Corps Officer – Atlanta (Peachcrest), GA

Captain Tami Ellis

Corps Officer – Atlanta (Peachcrest), GA

Captain Julie A. Igleheart

Asst. Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries –DHQ Staff

Captain Kathy M. Parker

Divisional Secretary for Program – DHQ Staff

Captain Jana K. Reimann

Assistant Corps Officer – Marietta, GA

Captain Andy Seiler

Divisional Secretary for Property – DHQ Staff

Assistant Divisional Secretary for Program –DHQ Staff *

Captain Christopher M. Thomas

Corps Officer – Albany, GA

Captain Tasha L. Thomas

Corps Officer – Albany, GA

Lieutenant Hoon Chung

Corps Officer – Valdosta, GA

Lieutenant Judy Chung Corps Officer – Valdosta, GA

Lieutenant Nicole R. Greenland

Corps Officer – Athens, GA

Lieutenant Sheldon A. Greenland Corps Officer – Athens, GA

Lieutenant Sarah A. Taylor

Assistant Corps Officer – Jonesboro (Citadel), GA

Cadet Samuel Mhasvi

Senior Kroc Center Officer – The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Atlanta**

Cadet Shania P. Mhasvi

Senior Kroc Center Officer – The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Atlanta**

Sergeant Tameka Douglas-Issah

Corps Administrator – Jonesboro (Citadel), GA**

Sergeant Austin Sturdivant

Corps Administrator – Cartersville, GA**

Kentucky & Tennessee Division

Major Shelley E. Bell

Divisional Secretary for Program/DEAMS –

DHQ Staff

Major Zach Bell General Secretary – DHQ Staff

Major Stephanie D. Sills Corps Officer - Nashville (Berry Street), TN

Major Sandra E. Story Corps Officer – Henderson, KY

Major Stephen W. Story Corps Officer – Henderson, KY

Captain Elaine Canning

Area Commander – Nashville, TN

Captain Philip A. Canning Area Commander – Nashville, TN

Captain Benny R. Carringer Corps Officer – Johnson City, TN

Captain Crystal M. Carringer

Corps Officer – Johnson City, TN

Captain Danielle Cunningham

Area Commander – Chattanooga, TN

Captain Matt Cunningham

Area Commander – Chattanooga, TN

Captain Doug Monroe

Corps Officer – Nashville (Citadel), TN

Captain Jane E. Monroe

Corps Officer – Nashville (Citadel), TN

Captain James E. Sullivan

Corps Officer – Chattanooga (Citadel), TN

Corps Officer – Chattanooga (614), TN *

Captain Rebecca A. Sullivan

Corps Officer – Chattanooga (Citadel), TN

Corps Officer – Chattanooga (614), TN *

Cadet Rashad D. Poole

Corps Officer – Sevierville, TN (Marrying Lt. Melissa Melching)

North & South Carolina Division

Major Kenneth Clewis

Corps Officer – Asheville, NC

Major Deborah Clewis

Corps Officer – Asheville, NC

Major Janice K. Dahlin

Corps Officer – New Bern, NC

Major Karl A. Dahlin

Corps Officer – New Bern, NC

Major Geri Dancer

Corps Officer – Sumter, SC

Major John A. Dancer

Corps Officer – Sumter, SC

Major Becky Gagné

Corps Officer – Irmo, SC

Major Alan J. Gonzalez

Corps Officer – Greenwood, SC

Major Mary L. Gonzalez

Corps Officer – Greenwood, SC

Major Gene A. Hogg

Men’s Ministries Secretary – DHQ Staff *

Major Rebecca A. Hogg

Veterans’ Affairs and Volunteer Services Secretary

Community Care Ministries Secretary

Older Adult Ministries Secretary – DHQ Staff*

Major Angela D. Hughes

Corps Officer – Elizabeth City, NC

Major Jason S. Hughes

Corps Officer – Elizabeth City, NC

Major Curtis R. Kratz

Corps Officer – Reidsville (Rockingham County), NC

Major Sara J. Kratz

Corps Officer – Reidsville (Rockingham County), NC

“Appointments...” continued on page 12

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Remembering Lex Roberson

A close friend of The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory, Ronald Alexander (Lex) Roberson, was Promoted to Glory on March 30, 2022 as a result of medical complications.

Lex was born on September 15, 1980 in Decatur, Georgia to loving parents, Cyntha (Cindy) Pickel Roberson and Ronald C. Roberson. He accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 12 and grew up as a faithful member of the Living Word Worship Center, where he was introduced to the bass guitar and drums at a young age.

He attended Stockbridge High School, graduating in 1999, and graduated from the Fulton County Public Safety Center in 2001, leading to a period of service as a law enforcement officer in Dekalb County, Georgia. Lex came into contact with The Salvation Army first through his mother, who was an employee at what is now the Evangeline Booth College in Atlanta. That relationship led to Lex coming into contact with Salvationist young adults and the eventual formation of “Quarter Past Three,” a Christian rock band.

Lex’s long-lasting relationship with The Salvation Army stemmed from his work and service with transMission, the contemporary worship outfit of the USA Southern Territory. He was a founding member of the ensemble in 2003, touring 31 states as well as Canada, England, Germany, Mexico, Moldova, and Romania across two decades.

Through transMission and other opportunities, Lex participated in countless Youth Councils, young adult gatherings, and Commissioning weekends, as well as the 2015 International Congress in London. He served not only as the group’s bass guitar player, but also as a songwriter and arranger, and Lex’s work appeared on a number of Salvation Army recordings, including Sing Praise, Children’s Praise, and those of the Southern Territorial Songsters.

Lex was also a touring musician beginning in the mid-2000’s, playing bass guitar in the Rachel Farley Band and traveling the United States alongside country music superstars Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. Eventually, he became the tour manager before transitioning into a role as the director of music ministry for the Retro Church in McDonough, Georgia.

Outside of his considerable musical contributions, Lex was passionate about sports and was a faithful fan of the Atlanta Braves, Georgia Bulldogs, and Atlanta Falcons. He was also a self-described “foodie” with a love for both cooking and eating, and Lex was lovingly anointed as the “President of Lunch” when traveling with transMission.

He shared a love of blues and gospel music with his father, and Lex was a gifted teacher and communicator. He lived by the mantra of “first God, then you, then himself,” and Lex had a personality that was simply larger than life. He brought joy to many with his infectious laugh and tender soul, and Lex prided himself on being a loving husband and father.

He is survived by his devoted wife Amy Forrest Roberson and three children: Jack, Anna Kate, and Ellie. Lex is also survived by his parents, Ron and Cindy; brother: Kenneth Zamzow; sisters: Kelley Hikade and Shelby Roberson; father and mother-in-law: Jeff and Michelle Forrest; brother-in-law: John Forrest; sister-in-law: Haleigh Forrest; nephews: Dillon Zamzow, Abraham Wheeler and Christian Couch; nieces: Noel Zamzow Nettles and Chloe Willis; and a large group of devoted friends and colleagues.

“Appointments...” continued from page 11

Major Jay Spalding

Divisional Candidates’ Secretary – DHQ Staff *

Major Jon-Phil Winter

Corps Officer – Greenville (Rutherford Street 614), SC

Captain Emily R. Arroqui

Corps Officer – Orangeburg, SC

Captain Nic Arroqui

Corps Officer – Orangeburg, SC

Captain Teresa A. Bush

Asst. Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries –

DHQ Staff

Captain Kellie M. Cantrell

Corps Officer – Sleepy Valley, NC

Captain Alvaro J. Chils

Corps Officer – Winston-Salem (Citadel), NC

Captain Maria J. Chils

Corps Officer – Winston-Salem (Citadel), NC

Captain Amanda R. Keaton

Corps Officer – Henderson, NC

Captain Josh Keaton

Corps Officer – Henderson, NC

Captain Grace Kim Hong

Corps Officer – Winston-Salem (Kernersville), NC

Captain Minkee Kim

Corps Officer – Winston-Salem (Kernersville), NC

Captain Kyle H. Madison

Corps Officer – Salisbury, NC

Lieutenant Sarah M. Madison

Corps Officer – Salisbury, NC

Lieutenant Devin K. Sassano

Corps Officer – Concord, NC

Lieutenant Lara R. Sassano

Corps Officer – Concord, NC

Lieutenant Christine Towne

Corps Officer – Jacksonville, NC

Cadet Allison E. Hamilton

Assistant Corps Officer – Raleigh (International), NC** Potomac Division

Major Angela K. English

Corps Officer – Frederick, MD

Major Kelly M. English

Corps Officer – Frederick, MD

Major Valencia A. Lewis

Corps Officer – Havre De Grace, MD

Major Jean Wilson

Corps Officer – Hagerstown, MD

Major Donald G. Wilson

Corps Officer – Hagerstown, MD

Captain Kelsey Bridges

Corps Officer – Fredericksburg, VA

Captain Nathan A. Bridges

Corps Officer – Fredericksburg, VA

Captain Catherine Burleigh

Corps Officer – Harrisonburg, VA (PRSA)

Captain Duane Burleigh

Corps Officer – Harrisonburg, VA (PRSA)

Captain Ruth A. Cancia

Senior Kroc Officer – The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center of Hampton Roads

Captain Eunice A. Gitau

Corps Officer – Woodbridge (Prince William), VA

Captain Harold P. Gitau

Corps Officer – Woodbridge (Prince William), VA

Captain Alan Grimes

Corps Officer – Waynesboro, VA

Captain Kim Grimes

Corps Officer – Waynesboro, VA

Captain Dennis M. Smith

Corps Officer – Morgantown, WV

Captain Jane A. Smith

Corps Officer – Morgantown, WV

Captain Denise D. Stewart

Corps Officer – Martinsville, VA

Captain Gary L. Stewart

Corps Officer – Martinsville, VA

Lieutenant Mark E. Craddock

Corps Officer – Princeton (Mercer County), WV

Lieutenant Jowens Merone

Corps Officer – Fairfax, VA

Lieutenant Kadian S. Merone

Corps Officer – Fairfax, VA

Lieutenant Ashley H. Mumford

Corps Officer – Portsmouth, VA

Lieutenant Bradly I. Mumford

Corps Officer – Portsmouth, VA

Lieutenant Kathy Paladino

Corps Officer – Charleston (Citadel), WV

Lieutenant Tansena A. Spears

Assistant Corps Officer – Lynchburg, VA

Lieutenant Laura A. Tidman

Corps Officer – Baltimore (Hampden), MD

Lieutenant Matthew S. Tidman

Corps Officer – Baltimore (Hampden), MD

Lieutenant Antonio Willis

Corps Officer – Hampton (Virginia Peninsula), VA

Cadet Anthony J. Rowe

Corps Officer – Parkersburg, WV**

Captain Marjorie Rowe

Corps Officer – Parkersburg, WV**

Texas Division

Major Dwayne A. Durham

Corps Officer – Dallas (Lewisville), TX

Major Marion W. Durham

Corps Officer – Dallas (Lewisville), TX

Major Andrea T. Ellis

Corps Officer – Amarillo, TX

Major Tex W. Ellis, Jr.

Corps Officer – Amarillo, TX

Major Adriana R. Martinez

Corps Officer – San Antonio (Mission), TX

Major Alfonso J. Martinez

Corps Officer – San Antonio (Mission), TX

Major Dawn M. McFarland

Area Commander – Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Major Paul J. McFarland

Area Commander – Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

Major Carolynn R. Webb

Area Commander – Houston, TX

Major Rob Webb, Jr.

Area Commander – Houston, TX

Captain Michelle L. Hutchinson

Corps Officer – Houston (Northwest), TX

Captain Nicholas B. Hutchinson

Corps Officer – Houston (Northwest), TX

Captain Chwight L. Olige

Corps Officer – Austin (Citadel), TX

Captain Janai Olige

Corps Officer – Austin (Citadel), TX

Captain Tamara G. Robb

Corps Officer – Longview, TX

Captain Ashley M. Robinett

Area Commander – San Antonio, TX

Captain Josh Robinett

Area Commander – San Antonio, TX

Captain Derrick K. Smith

Divisional Youth Secretary – DHQ Staff

Captain Odessa Z. Smith

Divisional Youth Secretary – DHQ Staff

Lieutenant Amanda L. Cain

Corps Officer – Sherman, TX

Lieutenant Michael T. Cain

Corps Officer – Sherman, TX

Lieutenant Paul Chisolm

DHQ – Pro-tem (Transfer from USW)

Cadet Lyla A. Baca

Corps Officer – Plano, TX**

Cadet Marcus P. Baca

Corps Officer – Plano, TX**

Major Joe Burton

Corps Officer – Wichita Falls, TX**

Cadet Karen Y. Burton Corps Officer – Wichita Falls, TX**

Note: *indicates additional responsibilities, **indicates member of Messengers of Reconciliation, spouses, and sergeants

Expressing appreciation to those farewelling and entering retirement in the coming months:

Arrowood, Lt. Colonel James (07/01/2022)

Arrowood, Lt. Colonel Linda (07/01/2022)

Lalanne, Major Celimene (08/01/2022)

Lalanne, Major Serge (08/01/2022)

Luyk, Lt. Colonel Dawn (07/01/2022)

Luyk, Lt. Colonel Kenneth (07/01/2022)

McConniel, Major Janeen (07/01/2022)

McConniel, Major Richard (07/01/2022)

Morton, Major Michael (06/01/2022)

Morton, Major Patricia (06/01/2022)

Schmidt, Sergeant Daniel (07/01/2022)

Sikes, Captain Andrea (10/01/2022)

Sikes, Captain John (10/01/2022)

Wilson, Lt. Colonel (Liz) Elizabeth (07/01/2022)

Wilson, Lt. Colonel (Gary) William (07/01/2022)