Southern Spirit AUG 2023 - Vol 39 Issue 8

AMID NIGERIA TRAGEDY: GRIEF AND PROMISE OF JOY

BY COMMISSIONER KELLY IGLEHEART

Commissioner Donna and I won’t soon forget the joy that filled the auditorium at the Nigeria Territory’s Officer’s Councils. 420 officers and 40 cadets sang and danced, praising the Lord for His faithfulness in what was a rare occasion for them to gather as one. Given the considerable financial and logistical challenges of organizing such an event, it had been many years since such a gathering had taken place. We encountered at that officers’ councils a people overflowing with gratitude and holy expectation. The exuberance and energy in that space vividly displayed the awesome power of the Spirit—the splendor of His presence amongst His people.

The feeling amongst our delegation was also expressed through traditional Nigerian pageantry. There was a “social night” featuring traditional attire, favorite choruses, cultural dance and customary greetings that made us instantly feel not only welcome but like members of their family. The glory of the Lord was thick and palpable. It was a week we will always hold close to our hearts.

Yet, no one there could have imagined the news we would soon receive following the event’s conclusion. The next day, the territorial commander, Commissioner Daniel Kasuso, met us and gave us unfathomable news. Around 9:00 that morning, 16 officers, a two-year-old child, and a soldier were traveling home from the councils when they were involved in a horrific accident. The van carrying the Salvationists was crushed between two tractor trailers. Of the 18 passengers, 12 of the officers, the two-year-old child, and the sol -

dier driving the van died. Four more officers were taken to the hospital with two admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Two of the deceased, the driver and an officer, were brothers. That officer’s wife and mother of the deceased child still remains in the hospital. Most of the officers were from one division.

Upon hearing reports of the accident, we immediately went to the THQ compound to pray and mourn with other Army leaders. I cannot find

the words to adequately express the grief experienced by the Nigeria Territory. I assured them of our steadfast prayers. I pledged the financial support of the Southern Territory for the burial of the victims and a new van for their children’s home to replace the one totaled in the accident.

It is for precisely such deepfelt needs that our territory raises World Services funds each year. At Commissioning in June, we recognized the hard

“Nigeria...” continued on page 2

Kentucky-Tennessee Division Grows Pathway of Hope Footprint Through Impactful Grant

BY BRAD ROWLAND

The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative, launched in 2011, provides targeted services to families with a desire to take action in breaking the generational cycle of crisis and enable a path

out of poverty. In the USA Southern Territory its impact has been wide-ranging, and in the Kentucky-Tennessee Division the initiative is expanding due to an influx of capital from a grant and an investment in training.

In 2019, the Kentucky-Tennessee Division applied for a grant through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and 2 Generation Approach (2Gen) from the State of Tennessee’s Department of Human Services. This grant aims to provide Pathway of Hope services to families experiencing poverty at each corps and command in Tennessee with the 2 Gen Approach targeting four key areas: economic support, health and well-being, education, and social capital. Pathway of Hope also focuses on these areas, with Lorena Hood, divisional director of social services, describing “engagement with community partners, the ability to leverage The Salvation Army’s existing programs, the integration with the mission and corps programming of The Salvation Army, and family events in local communities” as some keys to the initiative’s overall success.

“Pathway of Hope...” continued on page 3

Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart at the Nigeria Territory’s Officers Councils

Onesa Anozie, territorial director for Pathway of Hope, presents during a training session.

work of officers, soldiers, employees, and friends invested in raising such funds. We also celebrated the immense generosity of God, who continually blesses us with the privilege to be a blessing to the worldwide mission of the Army. We did not know that night at Commissioning that the funds we officially received would allow our territory to quickly offer support just weeks later that the Nigeria Territory would greatly need.

When we raise World Services funds, we do not fully know how God will bless and multiply our offerings to lift up our comrades exactly when needed. In a message sent by their chief secretary, Lt. Colonel Christian Azubuike, it was shared that the territorial leaders, Commissioners Daniel and Tracey Kasuso conveyed their sincere thanks for the Southern Territory’s generosity and Nigeria’s unending prayer support for the South. They also indicated that they are now “indebted” to us for such support. While I appreciate their kind words and sincere sentiments, I must contend that we have received much more than we have given. By allowing us to help them shoulder these difficult burdens, we are far more indebted to them.

At the officers’ councils, Commissioner Donna and I had the honor of sharing the Word of God with those beautiful officers. Drawing upon James 1, Donna spoke in one meeting about the difficulty and possibility of holding together both grief and joy. She shared vulnerably about her own experience of loss and how God unexpectedly added to tears of sorrow, tears of joy. We did not know just how timely a word that would soon prove to be. Of all the wonders fashioned by the hands of God, there is none greater than a person by His grace, in His strength finding in the darkest of valleys that precious experience of joy—joy that does not eliminate our grief but illuminates it, revealing for us His fingerprints as He crafts from our pain something unexpected, something new, something beautiful.

We continue to hold together the joy of that officers’ councils and the grief that followed. As our Nigerian friends hold in one hand their grief, Donna and I ask you to pray that God will place in their other hand His joy—that miraculous joy that makes all the difference. The Salvation Army is one global family. We thank you for your prayers for the Nigerian members of that great family. We also thank you for your continued contributions to World Services funds. We especially know today just how vital your generosity is. May the Lord bless the Nigeria Territory. May He bless you in His service. May God bless The Salvation Army.

We honor those

Promoted to Glory in the Nigeria Territory

Major Uyime Ekere-Afaha Eket Corps

Major Mary Ekere-Afaha Eket Corps

Major Sunday Sampson-Ikot

USO Ekong Corps

Major Ofonime Sampson-Ikot

USO Ekong Corps

Major Emem

Ndukpoise Corps

Lt. Nseobong

Ndukpoise Corps

Captain Edet Umana Oron Corps

Captain Mfonobong Umana

Oron Corps

Major Emem Udobong

Akai Children Home

Lt Margret Udo. Ikot Eyo Corps

Lt James Etukapan

DYO. Ete Corps

The driver, C Etukapan a comrade and brother to late Lieutenant James.

Child: Gabriella James Etukakpan, daughter of Lt. James Etukakpan

Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, Territorial Commander

Colonel Deborah Sedlar, Chief Secretary

Lt. Colonel Mark Israel, Publisher

Bernie Dake, Communications Director Kristin Mudge, Editor Brad Rowland, Staff Writer

Photographers: Joseph Chang, Jon Avery, Laura Dake, Adriana Li Mandri, Ed Escobar, Christopher Hall

Tara Bueford, Circulation

Stewart Art & Design, Layout and Design

Wallace Graphics, Printing and Shipping

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New Editor Named for The Southern Spirit

BY LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE

Lt. Colonel Mark Israel, Program Secretary for the USA Southern Territory, is pleased to announce that Ms. Kristin Mudge, a soldier of the Gwinnett County Corps, will be assuming the position as editor of The Southern Spirit effective August 1. She follows Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee who will be assuming other duties at THQ effective that same date.

Ms. Mudge comes to the position well qualified, having worked in television news as a writer and producer; as part of the team in the Texas Division; and as a freelance video producer, photographer, and web designer. She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Media Communications from Asbury University. “With Kristin’s deep background in electronic media, we are hoping to better bridge what we do in print to other social media and other areas,“ Lt. Colonel Israel said, “We are aware that news and information has to be presented and formatted on multiple plat-

forms to be effective in the current age. We believe that Kristin and other members of the team will be able to help us reach even more people than we currently do.”

The Southern Spirit marks its fortieth year of publication this year. It was published without break until a hiatus due to the pandemic that lasted from February 2020 until April 2022 when it resumed publication. It kept information flowing during that gap through Southern Spirit Online (https://www. southernspiritonline.org) under the leadership of Brad Rowland, who continues with the print and electronic versions.

“Nigeria...” continued from page 1

Kristin Mudge, Editor Designate for The Southern Spirit

Texas Division Responds to Tornadoes

BY BRAD ROWLAND

The Salvation Army issued an emergency disaster services response in and around Perryton, Texas after a powerful tornado struck the panhandle city on Thursday, June 15.

After several days of severe weather in the area, a large and destructive tornado touched down around 5 p.m. and was estimated to be on the ground for approximately eight miles. The storm’s impact produced multiple casualties, with dozens of individuals injured. More than 30 homes were destroyed, along with much of the downtown area in Perryton, including the city hall that sustained significant damage.

Salvation Army staff from Dallas, Wichita Falls, and Amarillo quickly deployed to Perryton. They worked alongside local service unit volunteers to provide practical support and continue damage assessment in the area, located 115 miles northeast of Amarillo near the Oklahoma border.

“The tornado caused major destruction in the city, and in some way has impacted everyone in the community,” said Alvin Migues, emergency disaster services director for The Salvation Army in Texas. “We’re also sending trained Salvation Army Emotional and Spiritual Care staff to Perryton. They will be there to listen, support, encour-

age and pray with storm survivors. This is an important part of The Salvation Army’s ministry.”

Migues also outlined The Salvation Army’s work in closely aligning with local emergency management officials, assessing the needs on the ground and springing into immediate action.

Salvation Army service unit volunteers provided essential support for the response effort. With close to 150 active service units across Texas, these committed volunteers prove to be invaluable in support throughout the year, and particularly during times of disaster response. Local volunteers are well connected in their communities, making it possible for The Salvation Army to deliver services in every zip code in Texas and across the country.

The Salvation Army served more than 800 meals and drinks while praying with or counseling more than 900 individuals. A trained disaster team from Wichita Falls roved through the impacted area in the mobile kitchen delivering meals to individuals, families, and first responders working to clean up homes and businesses in the sweltering Texas heat.

Shelby Huff, The Salvation Army’s service unit regional manager for the Panhandle area, was also a key force in the local response. “I work all year round with incredibly committed volunteers who support The Salvation Army’s local ministry in rural cities. They are trained and motivated to serve others, especially in times of disaster or crisis like the community of Perryton has experienced,” said Huff. “We are doing all we can to help and support our neighbors in need and have established a voucher plan with United Supermarkets to provide food to residents.”

The State of Tennessee awarded initial funds to the Jackson Corps and Chattanooga Area Command, serving 12 counties. The award of $3 million over three years provided well-needed resources from 2020 through 2022, with the State of Tennessee then releasing another request for proposal (RFP) for a Families First Community Grant. The division applied to provide services across Tennessee, with the successful award of $10.5 million over two years. This expanded service to 42 counties and established a five-year contract through 2027, renewable after the first two years.

“The grant already provided an opportunity for the KT Division to expand its impact in the community and to expand the resources needed to do more and more with case management and help more people,” said Onesa Anozie, territorial director for Pathway of Hope. “Another potential impact in a positive direction is opening doors for more fundraising. This expansion helps to bolster some of the stories we can tell, so when more grants or applications are in, there are great ways to share what is already happening on the ground.”

Staff salaries and related costs are funded through the grant award, and funding also goes toward specific assistance to individuals including rent, education costs, and more. In addition, costs related to family events are covered, as well as furniture, supplies, occupancy costs, and information-technology needs.

“With this grant, we’ve been able to pay 100 percent of staff salaries so we’ve been able to add a lot of staff and are in the process of hiring more

In addition, a disaster assistance center opened at the Perryton High School gymnasium, and The Salvation Army’s divisional re -

through the round of the grant that began this year,” Hood said. “We’ve been able to crucially assign full-time staff for Pathway of Hope and also be able to pay portions of salaries for local staff and occupancy costs to bolster the work that is happening.”

With the help of increased funding, Pathway of Hope’s implementation is growing in the division, helping to prompt the division’s first-ever intensive training during spring 2023. The training was held at Camp Paradise Valley over a threeday period, providing an experience for employees to spend time in a relaxing environment and also bringing necessary training through a multipronged approach. That includes general information about Pathway of Hope, database training, team building, and network opportunities to facilitate best practices.

“Prior to the pandemic, we were doing some in-person Pathway of Hope training in the division, but it was never at the level of what was able to happen earlier this year,” Hood said. “I think the staff were very enthusiastic, and we got feedback about how effective and engaging the training was. People were excited, both by the instruction and the training work, but also by the fellowship and team building.”

Dozens attended the training, including officers, social services directors, case managers, and the full range of social services employees. The training itself was operated in partnership between the division and territorial headquarters, with Anozie pointing to a “very encouraging and inspiring time” that proved to be “extremely useful for our employees.”

While numerous success stories have occurred and will surely follow, a shining example

covery manager, Kathleen Kouns, was on-site to coordinate Salvation Army efforts in that location. “So many people have been impacted by this disaster in some way. The Salvation Army will continue to provide support through our ongoing community and partner collaboration in the coming days,” said Kouns. “An integral part of The Salvation Army’s disaster service is emotional and spiritual care. We have an emotional and spiritual care (ESC) team from Granbury, Texas who will be working at the Disaster Assistance Center. They will be available to listen to, encourage, and pray with those impacted by the tornado and dealing with this crisis in their lives.”

For more information on The Salvation Army’s past, present, and future disaster response efforts, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

of Pathway of Hope’s influence comes from Jackson, Tennessee. Though Jackson is a relatively small corps operation, it has a very large service area, covering seven counties. Before Pathway of Hope’s expansion, the corps operated with a small staff that attempted to push its resources to the limit. With the impact from the grant and its funding, Jackson was able to increase its staffing, and the corps is held up as a reference of best practices.

“Jackson is really an example of what The Salvation Army wants to see with Pathway of Hope leading to a fusion with corps programming,” Hood said. “So many people and families that we’re able to touch with this grant are also attending the corps and participating in other ways. By year two, Jackson had so many kids going to summer camp that they had to charter a bus. The impact has been so clear, and the corps is thriving. For a place like Jackson, this grant made a huge difference.”

The Pathway of Hope has touched thousands, and that number will only grow in tandem with this substantial investment and the on-theground work required to implement the resources. While not every area has access to a grant of this stature, the initiative is scalable and continues to aid in laying the groundwork for generational change.

“I would absolutely tell anyone that implementing Pathway of Hope, however it is funded, and also sticking to its mission, is an opportunity to make a difference,” said Hood. “It makes a difference in the lives of people and families, and it’s a path to achieving the mission of The Salvation Army as well.”

“Pathway of Hope...” continued from page 1

Jeremiah’s Story

From Camper to Camp Leader

BY DEB GUEDRY AND AIMEE MURRY

Jeremiah was nervous. Yes, he had heard about Camp Hidden Lake, The Salvation Army’s camp for the Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division. He heard how friendly everyone was and how lifelong friendships were made at camp. Still, he felt the pressure to fit in.

But Jeremiah is a standout, from his towering height and his boisterous personality to his megawatt smile. Captain Michael and Malika Good, divisional youth secretaries and directors of Camp Hidden Lake, wisely told Jeremiah to, “Get in there and be your true self.”

“It’s easy to feel like your true self because everyone here encourages you to try anything with such positivity,” said Jeremiah.

He remarked that he had never tried pushing himself into new things until camp. He recounted stories of camp counselors encouraging him through many new experiences: singing in the choir, ballet and hiphop dancing, and fishing for the first time.

“They would say, ‘You can do this, Jeremiah,’” he said. “I gained my self-confidence at camp.”

Jeremiah quickly jumped in and got involved with camp activities, volunteering to assist in any way possible—whether serving meals, cleaning, or setting up for each event. His enthusiasm and love for others earned him the respect and admiration of campers and staff.

“There’s an energy about camp that makes me love being on the grounds and serving the Lord,” he said.

Jeremiah was recently promoted to camp counselor.

“I’ve always been told that I’m a role model to the young campers. But to me, my job is easy,” Jeremiah noted. “I love to bring joy and share a smile with anyone on the property… sometimes just being kind is all the comfort anyone needs.”

Camp Hidden Lake offers young campers more than 300 acres of wilderness experience in addition to various outdoor activities. That includes zip lining, a ropes course, swimming and sporting activities, and drama, music, and art classes. Campers also participate in chapel time in the mornings and evenings and are taught Bible stories in creative ways to help them learn and remember the word of God.

“The campers are always so excited and happy to be out of their daily lives and having fun,” Jeremiah said. “Camp is a great way to relax from the pressures and stress of home life, meet new friends, and interact with kids like you.”

Jeremiah stays in touch with friends from camp throughout the year. He also looks forward to seeing old friends while making new ones every summer.

“Looking back on that first experience at camp, I’m not sure why I was worried because now I look forward to going back to camp every summer,” Jeremiah said. “I thank The Salvation Army for teaching me to let go of my worldly problems and not let small things weigh me down because there’s so much more that God has offered me. Camp Hidden Lake has taught me how to love myself so I can love others.”

When asked about his expectations of his upcoming responsibilities supervising excited campers, he laughed, “They will keep me on my toes.”

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Lt. Colonel Bill Collins, Author Extraordinaire

BY BRAD ROWLAND

After five decades as a Salvation Army officer in the USA Southern Territory, USA Central Territory and abroad, Lt. Colonel William Collins began a second career as a prolific author and storyteller. He is the author of more than 50 novels and is a member of the Florida Writers Association. For additional information, visit his official website at CollinsAuthor.com.

Lt. Colonel Collins recently spoke to The Southern Spirit, and the interview is lightly edited for clarity and conciseness.

Southern Spirit: Tell me about your background and your extensive service as an officer, both home and abroad.

Bill Collins: We did 50 glorious years, had the greatest time, and the greatest blessings. We loved Chicago. Of course, my wife was from the South, so there was always that little tug at her heart to return to the South. (Commissioner) Andy Miller was able to work his magic and got us transferred, so that worked out really well. In the Central Territory, we were corps officers. We were DYS’s in Kansas City. We had a lot of great appointments.

We met at Asbury when we were at university and fell in love. I was in the Soldiers of Christ Session, and then she was a part of the Servant of Christ Session, which was the next year. We were commissioned in 1962 and had our baby.

We said we wanted to go to Africa. The chief secretary said, “You guys will never go. It takes a long time.” And then, that summer, we were sent by boat to the Congo. We went through a lot of dangerous times with the rebels fighting in the Congo, but they never came near us. We had a glorious time. I was principal of the Army’s high school there. And then we went back later, and I was principal of the William Booth High School. We loved that. We fell in love with the African people. Our two daughters were speaking French and other languages when we came home. It was a great experience. Then we were assigned to corps work. I was also made the education secretary, which meant that I had the glorious task of taking five-year groups to the Holy Land. That was extraordinary. Then the General asked, “Now that your daughters are grown, would you be willing to go back to Africa?” And we said yes.

SS: Can you tell me about your experiences in Africa?

BC: Who wouldn’t want to go to Africa? You would have 600 or 700 people, maybe more, in your meetings. The singing still gives me chills. We have recordings of a lot of our high school boys and the singing from my wife’s Home League rallies. It just gives you a lump in your throat the whole time in the best way. It’s so wonderful, so cool.

SS: How did you get started as a writer? How did you progress in your publishing work?

BC: I didn’t start writing until I retired. The girls wanted me to write an autobiography because they couldn’t remember a lot of places we went. I wrote it, and in it, I put about 1000 photos on the right margin so they could see photos of what I was writing about. I had so much fun doing that.

I always wanted to write something about King Solomon’s first wife. His first wife was an Egyptian princess. I said, “That would be a cool story. What would your life be like having to leave the glories of Egypt for little Jerusalem?” So, I wrote To Catch the Wind, which is a phrase from Solomon’s writings. It sold well. It’s pretty thick, but it’s a great story. I found the publisher,

and they wanted some more Egyptian stories. That’s what got me started.

Before talking to you, I was working on chapter seven of my 53rd novel. A lot of my book origins answer questions, for biblical ones especially. Where was Daniel when Shadrach was in the fiery furnace? Where in the world did he go? I wrote a whole novel about that. I thought that would be a great story, and it was. It’s called Daniel and the King.

SS: Is it simply a desire to answer a question that motivates these books? Are there other inspirations?

BC: Sometimes it is people wanting me to write a book about a certain thing. My daughter Melanie wanted a book about Africa. So that’s one of the books. Actually it’s her story. I also belong to the Florida Writers Association. We have a group meeting every other Saturday where we present our chapters. They tear them all apart. The lady who does all my covers is on the newspaper staff here in Daytona. She is a horror writer. That challenged me to do a vampire novel. In fact, I did two of them. I also did a science fiction fantasy of how they built the Great Pyramid because nobody really knows. It depends on what my mood is.

I lost my wife this year and that changed things. There was my great editor. She was born in England of (Salvation) Army parents and great heritage. She always read my chapters first. For one thing, I wanted to make sure I treated women correctly, but she was a fantastic grammarian. I have to find more editors now.

But I like to write about whatever strikes my interest. Historical fiction is also funny. It has to be more than 60 years old for it to become historical fiction. You can’t change any of the facts of the past, which is both good and bad because it’s hard. One of my biggest resources is the Cairo Museum. All I have to do is email or text them. They know who I am, and it’s great to have that resource that will respond to me quickly for background. Thank goodness for Google! That definitely helps.

SS: How did serving in Africa change your perspective to write books based abroad?

BC: It changed the way I thought. The people were great. My teachers were great. The United Nations sent us teachers for the high school each year. The school was already like the United Nations with people from different backgrounds. I was a troublemaker because when we first got there, the European officers were thought to have a lot of privileges that the Congolese officers didn’t. I think “You’re a major and I’m a major. So what? We work together.” It

made us more tolerant and more understanding of people.

We went one Christmas to a little village, 60 miles into the interior. The headmaster of the primary school had his students stand. There were 300 children, from five to around fifteen years old. They sang the Hallelujah chorus. All the notes were correct. Everything was sung by memory. It was perfect. Here we are, in the middle of the jungle, no electricity anywhere, and there is this glorious sound. It broke us down into tears. It was absolutely incredible. That happened everywhere we went. We fell in love with Africa. We learned so much from the people. They taught us so much about patience. I could talk for hours about it and all of the impact that time had on us.

SS: What would you want people to know about your published work that perhaps they don’t know or couldn’t glean from your extensive archive?

BC: I find that a lot of Christian people, even Salvationists, sometimes look down their noses at fiction, thinking, “I don’t really have time to read like that. I have to read a Bible study book or whatever.” I look at it this way: I preached for 50 years, and I listened to a lot of great preachers in the Army. A lot of our sermons are fiction. They talk about the Good Shepherd and all of that, and then they begin talking about what shepherds do. All of that’s not always in the Bible. That’s the fiction that the preacher has added. I would hope that people understand that all of my biblical books are biblically accurate. I worked on my degree at Emory in the Old Testament. I studied Hebrew. My books are in temples and synagogues here in Florida because the rabbis have read them. I want to tell their story. I hope they would enjoy it, that they learn things.

I have one nonfiction book, Jesus in the News, which are 37 Sunday school lessons on the miracles of Jesus. My best seller has been On a Hill Far Away, because I keep the reader guessing to the last chapter as to who the main character is. I’ve had more requests for that book than any of the others. I’m just an old, retired pastor, but my writing is biblically accurate. I hope it will be inspirational. Maybe the reader will learn something.

I’d say one more thing, and that is the opportunity I’ve had to witness to people at so many book signings at Barnes & Noble and other stores. The money from those sales goes to support corps that need help. We’ve also helped pay for the new stained-glass window in Daytona Beach. But the bottom line is witnessing. I’ve talked and prayed with so many people. It makes everything worthwhile.

God’s Work Revealed in Birmingham

BY KRISTIN MUDGE

The Birmingham 614 Corps in Birmingham, Alabama is not your typical corps. It is housed in the Birmingham Center of Hope, and its outreach is mainly geared toward the residents and beneficiaries of the center’s programs, as well as those in the nearby Birmingham Adult Rehabilitation Center.

This corps is special in many ways, but it has seen significant success with one particular program—their REVEAL discipleship ministry.

Originally started as a Battle School ministry under Majors Cathy and Matt Riley, the ministry was rekindled and renamed REVEAL in 2017 under Captains Bryan and Tonya Farrington. Majors Bret and Susan McElroy were appointed as officers for the corps in 2018 and have had the privilege of watching the program and its participants flourish under their leadership.

In a presentation during the Saturday morning session “Everywhere” at Commissioning in June 2023, Major Bret McElroy explained that the mission of REVEAL is to make disciples. Their goal is to help people get free, to renew their minds, to help them walk in the Spirit, and to help REVEAL God’s mission and purpose for their lives.

The program is structured similarly to a training school; the program lasts about 6 months— longer if a student is called into ministry—meeting every weekday for classes and on Sundays for worship. Morning classes aim to teach the students spiritual formation, discipleship, and spiritual development. Evening classes give the students opportunities for ministry and evangelism, creating a context for them to put into practice what they are learning.

The curriculum follows a “heart-focused model” taught by Dr. Marcus Warner in his book, A Deeper Walk. In his presentation, Major McElroy said, “If the information does not reach the heart, and if the mind is not renewed, transformation will not take place.” He likened the heart to a garden, quoting from Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do

flows from it” (NIV). He stated that the heart must be pruned, removing all weeds and stones to create the proper environment for good fruit to flourish. Through this pruning and refining of the heart, mind, and soul, the men can begin to walk in the Spirit and learn to live a victorious life.

The results of the program’s success speak for themselves. The Birmingham 614 Corps currently has one cadet in training and plans to have two more next year. Majors McElroy are working with a couple of others on their future in ministry. However, Major Bret says the goal of REVEAL is not to send people to training, but to make disciples and send them into the workplace, wherever that may be, to be Jesus in their culture.

“What we do works. It works because Jesus works. And if we can just learn to let Christ live through us, then all we have to do is show up, and He will do all the work.”

Cadet Jason Houser is living proof that this ministry is having an impact not only on the lives of the students, but also on the future of The Salvation Army.

Jason arrived at the Birmingham Center of Hope having nowhere else to go after a near-

ly two-year period of hospitalization. He began attending worship services at the Birmingham 614 Corps straightaway. “I immediately felt as if God was beginning to work in my life in a whole new way.” He then met Major Bret who later invited him to join the REVEAL program.

Through REVEAL and the skills acquired in the program, he began teaching Sunday school, leading prayer groups, teaching Bible studies, and serving others in ways that he never thought would be a possibility. Two years after joining in this special ministry, Jason entered training as a member of the Defenders of Justice Session.

“The Salvation Army saved my life, and now, with God’s help, I plan to serve Him through The Salvation Army for the rest of my life.”

Learn more about the Birmingham 614 Corps’ REVEAL program at www.revealministry.com.

Cadet Jason Houser

Major Bret McElroy teaches a REVEAL class

Lighthouse for Homeless, Addicts

Captain Jerome Casey

BY MAJOR FRANK DURACHER

The parole officer had Jerome (Jerry) Casey in handcuffs following a violation of his sentencing conditions. Guilty again of being “drunk and disorderly,” the normal procedure would be to merely return him to prison to serve out his sentence he had incurred for earlier, more serious crimes.

But the parole officer had one more chance in mind for Jerry. He drove Jerry to the Atlanta Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), and as soon as Jerry walked into the front door, Major Lynda Delaney greeted him and agreed with the constable that this could be his last chance. Enrolling in the ARC program was the only way Jerry would avoid incarceration. Given the option, he chose the ARC.

He is glad he did!

Jerry is from Long Island, New York, and his demeanor and even his accent could remind you of the actor, Joe Pesci. He even looks a bit like him.

Today, the 62 year-old born-again Christian is nothing like the man he was for all of his adult life until some five years ago when faced with that astounding choice there in the foyer of the Atlanta ARC.

“Once I decided that I was going to enroll into the (ARC) program, Major Lynda led me to the Lord right then and there,” Jerry says. He became a staunch believer, and soon found in Major Lynda a formidable mentor. She would not let him get away with anything!

“Long before that, I was a full-fledged alcoholic and a full-fledged drug addict,” he says. “And I tried countless rehab programs, spent a lot of money on counselors—I tried everything from AA to NA to CA, and nothing worked for me. They are all wonderful programs, but they just weren’t for me.”

Jerry admits that as soon as he would leave one of those rehab programs, he went straight out and smoked crack—putting him right back at square one.

It is fair to say that Jerry thought his addictions were part of his DNA—after all, his father and brother both died from cirrhosis of the liver, and his mom and five siblings, except for his older sister, all battled alcoholism.

“I knew there is a God and that there is a Heaven—I just did not know how to get there. I fooled myself into thinking that despite my ‘predispositions’ to my addictions, that God would let me into Heaven,” Jerry explains. “I even convinced myself that if I were to die because of an overdose, then that is not really suicide. I know now that kind of thinking was nuts!”

Jerry went from alcohol to cocaine and eventually to crack. In fact, crack became the only thing that mattered to him.

“I figured that I wasn’t hurting anyone but myself,” he says, “but I was wrong.”

His sister flew up to New York from Atlanta in order to find him. What she found was a 93-pound shell of the brother she once knew. She began to cry.

“I knew at that moment that my addictions

were indeed hurting others.”

He agreed to return to Atlanta with his sister and to try recovery programs and counselors there. But nothing changed—in fact, he admits, things got worse.

“To finance my habit, I began stealing. Pretty soon I was being arrested on the average of once a month for various felonies!”

Each arrest for theft was compounded by the fact that he would be carrying a small amount of crack and a few items of drug paraphernalia. He also kept appearing before the same judge.

“This judge kept giving me ‘second chances’ or would assign me to this rehab program or that counselor for treatment. But I was an animal. The judge finally said to me, ‘I’m done with you, Mr. Casey!’ and sentenced me to four years in prison,” Jerry says.

He served 17 months before release on probation, but that meant regular check-ins with his parole officer. And that meant regular drug testing—which he would always fail, leading to a few days in the county jail.

That endless cycle continued for some time until Jerry’s parole officer decided to offer him an unbelievable choice.

“(My parole officer) drove me to The Salvation Army’s Atlanta ARC and took me to the front door. Inside, working in the foyer, was Major Lynda Delaney. My P.O. took off the handcuffs and shackles and said to me, Jerry, you can either enter this program, or I can put these back on you and send you back to prison—this is your last chance!”

Given his options, Jerry decided to stay.

“I met Christ that day through Mrs. Delaney. That was May 24, 2010, and I have been ‘clean’ ever since!”

The changes in Jerry, from that moment on, are nothing short of astounding.

“The only answer is the Lord Jesus Christ!” Jerry says, glowing.

“I always knew deep inside that no power on

earth could have delivered me from these awful addictions and urges,” he says. “Of that, I was right; because the power that delivered me is not of this world! It is of God!”

Under Major Lynda’s mentoring, Jerry grew in his faith and eventually was enrolled as a Salvation Army soldier in the Atlanta Peachcrest Corps.

“But Mrs. Delaney had one more thing in store for me. With her retirement approaching, she ‘introduced’ me to Majors Gary and Beth Sturdivant (then, youth leaders for the Georgia Division).”

Jerry is convinced that the “introduction” was no accident. Sending him to work at Camp Grandview for a few days turned into a few weeks, and the Sturdivants proved to be as loving and firm as Major Lynda had been to him all that time.

When the Sturdivants were transferred to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Area Command, they soon offered Jerry a chance to work there—first as maintenance worker, and then as a SAMS (Salvation Army Mission Specialist).

While in Biloxi, his niche quickly became his work among the homeless and addicted. The comparison of the Biloxi Lighthouse to his ministry was obvious.

Lt. Colonel Steve Morris (then ALM divisional commander) promoted Jerry to the rank of sergeant and offered him a corps administrator post in Monroe, Louisiana. In 2017 he was promoted to auxiliary-captain. Today he holds the rank of full captain, being commissioned in June 2022 as a member of the Messengers Of Reconciliation session of cadets.

Captain Jerry is approaching his eighth year as corps officer in Monroe. What God has accomplished there is nothing short of astounding through his growing band of supporters and volunteers. Captain Jerry’s ministry among those who are homeless and/or suffering from addictions is a major factor in the success there. Another element is his talent as a builder and renovator—resulting in transformations from dilapidated Army properties into showcase facilities.

“All that has happened to me in my first 53 years has prepared me for this time, right now,” Jerry asserts.

“I am able to talk to them, and tell them, ‘I’ve been where you are!’”

The only explanation, he tells them from his own experience, is Jesus.

“Since I met Jesus, I’m a new creature in Christ,” he testifies. “There’s no other explanation!”

There are no lighthouses in Monroe, Louisiana—at least none that are built of bricks and mortar.

Captain Jerome Casey is a spiritual lighthouse among the homeless and addicted population in Monroe, Louisiana.

Now a full-fledged Officer, Captain Casey revels in his service for the Lord in the Army.

Captain Jerry leads a Bible study class.

While stationed at the Biloxi Kroc, Captain Jerry’s ministry prepared him for his present challenge in Monroe.

FBI Honors Baltimore Shelter Program

BY KRISTIN MUDGE

Catherine’s Cottage, a special anti-human trafficking ministry of The Salvation Army in Baltimore, was recently honored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for its partnership in protecting the most vulnerable in their community and working to reduce violent crime in America. Since its opening in May of 2017, Catherine’s Cottage has been providing emergency shelter and supportive services to human trafficking survivors in Baltimore.

The house was donated to The Salvation Army by a local charity. Its perfect use as a unique shelter was quickly identified by local Salvation Army leadership. The home was remodeled and repurposed to meet the desperate needs of trafficked women needing a quick escape from their difficult and dangerous circumstances.

Central Maryland Area Command states that through this program, “almost 75 individuals have received shelter and supportive wraparound services. Those served have been victims of both sex trafficking and labor trafficking and have ranged in age from 19 to 64… We support cottage patrons spiritually, mentally, and holistically. We provide love beyond basic human needs after surviving trauma.”

Dina Jones, program director of Catherine’s Cottage said in a recent interview, “One thing that I personally love about Catherine’s Cottage, and I love about our staff here is that we provide a safe space for everyone to come through, a place of freedom, a place of acceptance, a place of… expression. Here at Catherine’s Cottage there’s no judgement, there’s no discrimination. We are a family.”

Mission In the Moment

BY LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE

Leadership involves vision that leads to intelligent goal setting and planning.

While that is important, I have recently been reminded that we cannot ignore the mission in the moment.

The great vision may or may not happen, but the moment is upon us right now. What do we do with it?

Think of Joseph. He had great dreams of his family bowing down to him. Those dreams were derailed when he found himself in a dark cistern, followed by life as a slave that led to unjust incarceration. Not the path recommended by leadership books. Yet in each place he found mission in the moment.

Jesus sat thirsty by a well when a lone woman came to fetch her water. He found mission in the moment, and Samaria was changed.

I think of our territorial leaders who, when an unspeakable tragedy unfolded in Nigeria, used the tools in their hands to bring blessing half a world away. Paying for funerals cannot replace the lost loved ones, but it eases them of one more burden at a crucial time. There was mission in that moment of need thanks to their sensitivity and our World Services.

What is the mission in your moment? Don’t think of huge things, but what you can do now. You have email—write a note. You have a phone —send a text. You have social media—post a Bible verse or the lyric of a song. You have this moment and with it you have a mission. Of course, you should keep your eyes on the horizon for the great things that can happen and work toward those. But don’t miss this moment’s mission by being lost in thought as you gaze far away.

The Bible wisely counsels, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” (Zechariah 4:10).

What are you doing in the next few minutes?

On May 5, 2023, Catherine’s Cottage was formally honored at a ceremony at the FBI headquarters in Washington D.C. for winning the FBI Baltimore Division’s Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA). The annual award was established in 1990 to publicly recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence.

“Baltimore...” continued on page 9

WE ARE AN ARMY!

Women Warriors

BY DR. STEVE KELLNER

This column is normally about how The Salvation Army might become more effective by imitating our military services, who, after all, are mission-driven fighting forces like us. But this time it’s different. On the subject of women warriors, the military could learn a thing or two from the dear old Army.

Of course, women have been involved with our military services going all the way back to the American Revolution, but their numbers were few and their roles limited. Some women went off to war with their husbands, mostly serving in support roles behind the lines, but a famous few actually dressed as men and fought alongside them. The only woman ever to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, served as an Army surgeon during the Civil War.

It wasn’t until WWI that women were officially inducted into the military services in large numbers (albeit in a separate women’s branch) as part of the Army Nurse Corps. Although they technically served behind the lines, several of these

nurses were killed or wounded while working in battlefront hospitals. And you are probably familiar with the famous WACS, WAVES, and WASPS of WWII, in which thousands of women served, doing everything from driving trucks to decoding enemy messages to shuttling bombers into combat zones.

Still, it was only very recently that combat roles were opened to qualified women, and they have served heroically in all our recent conflicts. And there has been only one woman to serve in her service’s top leadership position, Admiral Linda Fagan, 27th Commandant of the Coast Guard.

Contrast this with The Salvation Army, where women have been in frontline fighting and top leadership roles as officers and soldiers since the very beginning of the movement. William Booth wasn’t joking when he said that “my best men are women.” He regularly sent very young single women to open the work in far flung locales around the world, including the “Hallelujah Lassies” in the USA.

It is difficult on this side of the modern women’s rights movement for us to comprehend what a radical idea this was, something that the Army and William and Catherine Booth were viciously criticized for in England and elsewhere, especially by other Christian denominational leaders. Ordaining women as pastors was not only thought to be socially unacceptable and dangerous for the women involved, but downright sinful!

But the proof of the pudding is in the tasting, and women have been every bit the equal of men (and then some, in my opinion) in carrying out the mission of the Army. I can’t quote statistics, but I’m willing to bet that considerably more than half of the soldiers and local officers in our territory are women. Fully half of those Salvationists who have received the Order of The Founder are women, and three of our Generals have been women. No other Christian denomination or movement to my knowledge can claim such a record.

So, watch and learn, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and now, Space Force. The Salvation Army is the world leader in women warriors!

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

Catherine’s Cottage award-winning staff

“Baltimore...” continued from page 8

“It’s a great honor to win this award,” Dina Jones said. “We were nominated by one of our FBI agents that we work with for exceptional work surrounding trafficked survivors. Our collaboration with the FBI and law enforcement has successfully saved lives.”

The Salvation Army has been on the frontlines serving survivors of human trafficking since 1885 when 30 rescue homes were opened for women and girls coming out of trafficking.

Learn more about the unique ministry of Catherine’s Cottage at sa-md.org/centralmaryland/ anti-human-trafficking.

Our Newest Polo Color

ESTHER

EXODUS

EZEKIEL

EZRA

FIRSTCHRONICLES

FIRSTCORINTHIANS

FIRSTJOHN FIRSTKINGS

FIRSTPETER

FIRSTSAMUEL

FIRSTTHESSALONIANS

FIRSTTIMOTHY GALATIANS

GENESIS

HABAKKUK

HAGGAI

HEBREWS

HOSEA

JOB

JOEL

LUKE

MALACHI MARK MATTHEW

MICAH

NAHUM

PSALMS REVELATION ROMANS

SECONDCORINTHIANS

SECONDJOHN SECONDKINGS

SECONDPETER

SECONDSAMUEL

SECONDTHESSALONIANS

SECONDTIMOTHY

SONGOFSOLOMON

THIRDJOHN

TITUS

ZECHARIAH ZEPHANIAH

Territorial Services Coordinator Against Human Trafficking Sheena Evans and Program Director Dina Jones at FBI Headquarters to receive DCLA

Salvation Army Documentary Wins Two Capital Emmys

BY KAREN YOHO

“Hope is On the Way,” a documentary that was produced by The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, was recognized June 24 with an Emmy by the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The producers of the documentary, former Salvation Army Communications Manager Patrick O’Neal and Community Relations Director Sherryn Gaworecki, accepted the award for their role in bringing the story to life. O’Neal also won for Multimedia Journalist- No Production Time Limit (Category 69B) for “Doing the Most Good,” a documentary on the FeedMore mobile canteen program. “Hope is on the Way” won for Religion-Long Form Content (over 10 minutes) category 50 B.

Created by The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, the documentary aired on Baltimore’s WMAR in 2022 during Christmas and features a

message of hope that extends well beyond the Christmas season. The video and interviews in this 30-minute documentary explore what The Salvation Army does 365 days a year and highlight their Pantry on the Go program, The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Clubs, their FeedMore mobile canteen, summer camp, and more. All of these programs impact people living in Baltimore, Carroll County, Howard County, Glen Burnie, Harford County, and Cecil County.

“Most people don’t really know what The Salvation Army does. People see a red shield and know The Salvation Army does good work but isn’t so sure what else we do. ’Hope is on the Way’ answers that question locally and shows the lifelong impact The Salvation Army has on so many people living in Baltimore,” says Major Roger Glick, Area Commander for the Central Maryland Area Command. “It’s exciting to see that the message of The Salvation Army resonates with those

Spirit of the South

100 Years Ago

Salvation Army officers from across the state will meet with the American Legion at their convention in Galveston, Texas. All served with The Salvation Army during the Great War as they served the troops. The Salvation Army officers will distribute coffee and doughnuts to the legionnaires under the supervision of Captain and Mrs. J.E. McGown and Cadet Starley Ward. Among the visiting officers are Captain D.C. Nichols of Orange; Captain Fred Wilks of Dallas; Captain Fowel of Beaumont; Ensign Carlis of Wichita Falls and Corps Sergeant-Major and Mrs. Charles Stafford of Texas City. ( The Galveston Daily News, August 25, 1923)

75 Years Ago

The Miami Herald featured The Salvation Army in a story about its open-air services, held without interruption for the past 30 years at the same location on the northwest corner of Flagler Street and Miami Avenue, Miami’s only sidewalk religious service. Captain Richard T. Bergren, city commander explained why the Army continues to hold forth, despite the increasing traffic noises drowning out some of its music. “So many people never attend indoor services.” (The War Cry, August 7, 1948)

50 Years Ago

Friends and fellow Salvationists gathered to celebrate the 100th birthday of Major Harvey Banks at the Atlanta Temple Corps. Born in Kemptville, Ontario, Banks began his service in 1892 when he became a cadet. He spent the first 35 years as an officer in the Canada and Bermuda Territory before being transferred to the USA Southern Territory in 1927 when the territory was launched. The first appointment was in Atlanta where he and his wife helped open the Atlanta West End Corps. They also served in New Orleans and Jacksonville, FL. Still active, Banks advised those who wanted to equal his long life to “get a good start.” ( The Atlanta Constitution, August 8, 1973)

25 Years Ago

Impressive improvements have been made at Camp Heart O’Hills in the Arkansas/Oklahoma Division under the direction of Captains Paul and Dawn McFarland. The multi-phase improvements include new cabins, a music conservatory, performance space, a conference center that will hold up to 500 people, nature trails and staff housing. ( Tulsa World, August 6, 1998)

in the media who recognized the quality of this documentary.”

Gaworecki accepted the award outfitted in a striking ensemble styled with the help of a team of 10 women all above the age of 65 at The Salvation Army Family Store in Howard County, Maryland. The entire outfit was under $40.00.

The documentary is accessible on the Central Maryland Area Command website sa-md.org and on The Red Shield of Central Maryland YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/u72m9-aib7M

APPOINTMENTS

GEORGIA DIVISION

(EFFECTIVE JUNE 20, 2023)

Captain Yamira Valentin to remain Assistant Corps Officer

Atlanta Temple

Major Judy Vincent Corps Officer

Gainesville (Post Retirement Service)

Major Mike Vincent Corps Officer

Gainesville (Post Retirement Service)

POTOMAC DIVISION

(EFFECTIVE JULY 10, 2023)

Major Luci DaSilva

Divisional Headquarters

Divisional Program Officer

Major Albert Cancia

Corps Officer

Williamsburg, VA (Post Retirement Service)

Mrs. Vernecia Cancia

Corps Administrator

Williamsburg, VA

BY MAJOR A. KENNETH WILSON

According to behavioral scientists, the sense of smell is one of the most powerful memory agents in the brain, creating neural pathways to index thoughts to be recalled in precise detail decades later. Some scents create a wonderful sense of well–being bringing back thoughts of family and good times—lasagna, baking bread, apple pie, the cologne of your love—while others are not as agreeable. If you have ever been to a mushroom farm, you will never forget that one.

Scripture speaks of sensory data of blessing and life when Jesus returned to Bethany after raising Lazarus from the dead. According to John chapter 16, six days before the Passover, Jesus returned to the home of Mary, Martha and the alive and kicking Lazarus. It was almost time for the Passover, and Jesus was getting ready to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem

But there was a brief lull to enjoy the company of dear friends one more time. At some point, Mary came into the room to anoint Jesus with an expensive ointment priced far beyond luxury. She opened a pint of nard in an alabaster box and broke it open. Pouring out the whole thing, because the box had no means of resealing, there was no going back if you changed your mind. Scripture says that the ointment was worth a years’ wages likely as one of the family’s chief assets. In this case, only the best would be sufficient. Had Mary owned a couple more jars, she probably would have used them too.

Mary poured the ointment on Jesus’ feet and wiped off the excess with her hair perhaps mixing it with her tears. Scripture says that the whole house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas was riled by the apparent waste of money saying, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?” (12:4). But Judas did not care a bit about the poor, for as keeper of the disciples’ funds, he could have wanted the money for himself.

Jesus silenced all the snide comments saying, “Leave her alone. It was meant that she should

What’s That Smell?

save this perfume for My burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me” (7). Mary “gave her roses before the funeral” so they could be enjoyed instead of just being a cold tribute. Yet even then as Jesus remembered His mission, could He catch a whiff of the stink of sin that He would have to face in just a few short days?

Scripture contrasts Jesus and His people. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other

the fragrance of life” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16).

To those desperate to forsake sin, the kind witness of a true believer is a sweet smell of perfume amid the world’s putridness. Yet, to those who are reeking of the cheap cologne of self–righteousness, the smell speaks of death—their own. To those being saved it is a fresh breath of life. To those content to remain lost and condemned, it is the first whiff of Hell itself.

What’s your smell? Is it life or death? What fragrance will you leave behind—grace, kindness, love? It all depends on whether you accept life in Christ or refuse it—to live in Christ or remain among the walking dead. You choose.

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Major Ann McKinney

Major Ann McKinney was Promoted to Glory on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the age of 83.

Ann Jane McKinney was born to William and June Hammond on July 11, 1939. She graduated from high school on June 1, 1957. She met the love of her life, Omer, and the couple were married on January 7, 1954.

Leaving their home corps in Charleston (Oakland), West Virginia, the McKinneys entered the training college in Atlanta, Georgia as members of the Courageous session and were commissioned on May 26, 1958.

Corps appointments included: Richmond (Oregon Hill) and Fredericksburg, Virginia; Welch, Morgantown and Martinsburg, West Virginia; Alexandria, Louisiana; and Mobile, Alabama. They later served as area commanders in New Orleans, Louisiana; Jacksonville, Florida; Shreveport, Louisiana (as city coordinates); West Palm Beach, Florida; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Their final appointment was to headquarters as territorial evangelists, retiring on April 1, 2001. Together they spent their entire adult lives working in the service of our Lord as Salvation Army officers.

Majors Ann and Omer McKinney were married for 53 years until his Promotion to Glory on November 29, 2007.

Major Ann particularly loved Christmas and dedicated herself to make certain every person brought to her attention would feel the warmth of Christ’s presence with a hot meal, a toy for a child, clean clothes, and a safe place to sleep for those who were homeless. She also loved her ministry to residents in nursing homes.

The major was quick to approach complete strangers with words of encouragement or a compliment—anything that would bring joy to someone of any age.

In addition to her work as an officer, she is remembered as a great and fun mother, a fantastic cook, an enthusiastic traveler, and an avid gar-

dener. She often drafted her sons to dig holes for her beloved roses.

Major Ann McKinney is preceded in death by her husband, Omer; her parents; and one son, William. She is survived by one daughter, Kath

NEWS BRIEFS

• Local entrepreneur Kevin Gatlin made a substantial donation of his “Playtime Edventures” bed sheets to The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gatlin was recently awarded a $15,000 grant from The Charlotte Hornets Foundation and Bank of America through its third annual innovation summit. Gatlin’s donation also comes at a critical time, with linens and bed sheets needed at the Center of Hope shelter. “My hope is that these sheets not only provide that spark of hope and joy for the families that use them today, but that this donation would encourage others in our community to get involved,” Gatlin said. The Center of Hope serves approximately 275 individuals, including 75 children, every night, with individuals and families receiving help with basic needs along with case management to help them overcome barriers and find housing and stability. “These sheets are a tremendous morale booster for our families,” said Deronda Metz, director of social services for The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. “When children enter our doors, we know they are going through a difficult season. These sheets help create a warm, inviting space for kids to just enjoy being kids.”

• Reliant Energy and The Salvation Army of Lubbock, Texas are collaborating to help local residents to stay cool during the sweltering summer months. The two partners held a news conference in late June, with Reliant bringing its statewide “Beat the Heat” program to Lubbock. Part of this offering is an in-person cooling center, with Reliant Energy also providing cooling devices to 40 families for home use.

• The Salvation Army of North Texas announced a comprehensive heat relief services activation in June, reminding the local community that “heat-related illnesses are a real threat in our community, especially for vulnerable

communities.” The response includes relief in Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, Tarrant, and Collin counties, with emergency assistance, financial assistance, heat relief resources, and other initiatives. In addition, The Salvation Army distributed water and boxed fans through food pantries and opened myriad cooling stations in the region.

• In mid-June, the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division experienced a powerful weather system, resulting in considerable impact and damage across the region. The Salvation Army’s operation in Sand Springs was affected, as its building sustained damage. Newly appointed officer Lt. Mariah Deshazo sprang into action, using a mobile feeding unit to support the community. “On my first official day as the Sand Springs officer, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude as I wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to dive headfirst into serving this remarkable community,” said Lt. Deshazo. “It was an honor to interact with the citizens of Sand Springs and provide them hope by handing out hot meals, drinks, and emotional care during a time of disaster.” The Salvation Army also responded in and around Tulsa, Oklahoma and Little Rock, Arkansas, meeting human needs and establishing emotional and spiritual care connections.

• Major Dawn McFarland, area commander in North Texas, was elected to a three-year term on the Board of Governors for the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. She is the first graduate student ever to be elected to serve on the board, which is comprised of public members representing key constituent communities served by the school. The board includes leaders with expertise in academic effectiveness, policy development, and strategic planning, as well as linkage to the larger higher education culture and constituency.

Camp Keystone Multipurpose, Starke, FL