Southern Spirit MAR 2024 - Vol 40 Issue 3

LEARNING TO FLOURISH AT TERRITORIAL WOMEN OFFICERS RETREAT

BY CAPTAIN SARAH WARD

Waves of fresh encounters with the Holy Spirit spread through hundreds of Southern Territorial women officers as we met together for an event unlike any other. The first-ever Territorial Women Officers Retreat (TWOR) took place over the span of four days in the beautiful spaces and scenery of Sandestin, Florida, dreamed up and orchestrated by the dynamic duo of Commissioner Donna Igleheart and Major Anne Westmoreland and their fantastic team. It will warmly be remembered as the place we were given time to view ourselves, our calling, and our lives through the declaration of Psalm 1:3: “She will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of life. She is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous.” Though the temperatures dipped into the thirties over the week, the spirits of the women in attendance would not be chilled! To flourish in every season that we experience is not a matter of the weather, nor the circumstances we face. These lessons were woven together through each session led by an incredible powerhouse team of Spirit-filled teachers.

TWOR commenced on Tuesday night by welcoming everyone in from the cold, long day(s) of travel. Space was made for friends to be reunited and new acquaintances to be made around the tables at dinner before entering an evening of

beautiful worship and teaching. Dr. Ingrid Davis taught with great warmth and vulnerability as she implored us to “pray the promises, not the problems.” She reminded us of the power that comes when we pray God’s Word back to Him through the seasons in which we walk.

As we entered the grand Magnolia Ballroom on Wednesday morning, where each of our meetings were held, we were greeted by all things summer, the first of the four seasons that would theme the week’s sessions. Dr. Jennifer Keitt

The Evidence of Easter

BY COMMISSIONER KELLY IGLEHEART

As the sun broke over the horizon, our family of five hustled into the van, eager for Easter service celebrations at the corps. Clad in our uniforms, our three girls donned their stunning new dresses and shiny shoes, anticipation buzzing in the air for a morning of fervent worship. We expected the corps to be adorned with Easter lilies and a scattering of palm leaves from the previous week. As I navigated the van out of the driveway, a glance at our neighbor’s house revealed a trail of large pink footprints leading to their front door. These tracks, a whimsical touch by a mysterious visitor, hinted at a magical Easter surprise awaiting the children in the household.

Pulling into the corps parking lot, my mind raced with thoughts of the evidence of Easter adorning our sanctuary. The white lilies stood proudly at the chapel’s entrance, heralding the Good News. Palm leaves, remnants of Palm Sunday, were artfully arranged around the blooms. The cross at the platform’s rear was draped in pristine white linen, a proclamation of His resurrection! The aroma of freshly brewed coffee

beckoned me towards the kitchen and fellowship hall, bustling with leaders preparing for the Easter egg hunt following the service. These meticulous preparations were clear signs that Easter Sunday had dawned!

Soon, Salvationists and visitors mingled with the customary Easter greeting, “He has risen, He has risen indeed.” Voices resonated with the triumphant hymn, “Up from the Grave He Arose,” and the Easter morning scripture echoed through the sanctuary. Mark 16 invited us to join Mary Magdalene and Salome on their journey to the tomb, where they found the stone rolled away and an angel announcing Christ’s resurrection. The evidence of an empty tomb filled Mary with awe and wonder.

This Resurrection Sunday, the evidence of Jesus’ victory over death is palpable in the Word of God and in the faces of our fellow believers. As Salvationists and Christians worldwide celebrate, we rejoice in the promise of resurrection. I commend each of you for embodying this truth and spreading hope, truth, and love in a world hungry for it. Let us radiate the light of Christ within us this Easter season, illuminating our hearts and homes with His enduring grace and love!

Let us heed the words of John 20:29: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have “Easter...” continued on page 2

“Learning to Flourish...” continued on page 6

Photo Credit: G-Lab

Discipleship is the New Evangelism COMMISSIONING 2024

BY BRAD ROWLAND

Commissioning 2024 is rapidly approaching, with Salvationists from across the USA Southern Territory set to gather at the Atlanta Temple Corps from May 31 – June 2. It promises to be an exciting and invigorating time of worship, praise, and fellowship, with the theme of “Walking Like Jesus” at the forefront.

The theme verse for the weekend is 1 Peter 2:21, which says, “This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step by step” (MSG version).

The Defenders of Justice session of cadets will be commissioned during the weekend on Sunday, June 2. Discipleship is also at the center of the weekend, both in preparation and during the assembly itself, as it is the Territorial Priority focus of 2024 alongside Prayer, Leadership Development, and Holiness.

With the Territorial Priorities in focus, Commissioner Kelly Igleheart poses a question on what evangelism looks like in this modern age and culture. In response, Major Matt Satterlee, territorial youth secretary, notes that “Discipleship is the new evangelism,” and that discipleship can be described as a three-legged stool with focuses on The Word, Time, and Relationship History.

“Today’s culture is skeptical and wary of a group of religious people all gathered together out in public,” said Major Satterlee. “Open-air meetings and door-to-door evangelism can make people nervous at times. However, when people see an authentic, pure relationship with Jesus, they are attracted to that. They want that. I would say that relationship-building discipleship

is the new way we evangelize. Growing deeper by growing smaller.”

During the weekend, worship will be enhanced by the Southern Staff Band, Southern Staff Songsters, Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM), and transMission. Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart, territorial leaders, will speak and provide leadership, with Captain Ashish Pawar, corps officer of the Atlanta International Corps, also in line to bring the Word on Saturday.

On Friday morning, Stephen Mansfield will serve as the keynote speaker for the Commencement service. Mansfield is a New York Times best-selling author and noted speaker who leads a training and speaking firm while serving as a

on Good Friday, March 29, 2024

Senior Fellow of Public Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University and as an Ambassador for the Center of Christian Statesmanship.

Friday’s evening session will be followed by a celebration party focused on the Territorial Priorities, and Saturday will feature an immersive “Walk with Jesus” prayer experience along with a Family Feast. Childcare will be provided for ages six months through four years, with an exciting Youth Conference for ages five through 12 years old.

Registration for Commissioning 2024 is open now at usscommissioning.org. As anticipation continues to build in the coming weeks, look for more information and announcements in the Southern Spirit and at southernspiritonline.org.

“Easter...” continued from page 1

believed.” Just as Mary Magdalene encountered the evidence of Christ’s resurrection at the empty tomb, may we, too, find faith in the unseen, trusting in the enduring evidence of Jesus’ victory over death. Let our lives be a testament to this truth, shining brightly with the hope and love that comes from knowing that our Savior lives!

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EQUIP Conference 2024

April 22-25 · Orlando, FL

Registration open through March 20, 2024 at youthdownsouth.org

EQUIP is a biannual conference for leadership training in youth ministry. For EQUIP 2024, we will also partner with the Mission, Evangelism, and Cultural Ministries Department to offer practical instruction in ministry and local officer training. Join us this year at the Wyndham Orlando Resort to learn more about how to love, serve, and disciple the next generation!

BY ERIC SHORT

Kentucky-Tennessee Dedicates New Divisional Headquarters

A new chapter in the storied history of the Paradise Division began on Friday, February 2, with the dedication of the new state-of-the-art Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) building. Located on High Wickham Place in Louisville, Kentucky, the modern 35,500 square foot facility replaces the previous building in downtown Louisville, which had served as a hub for the division since 1927.

Though overcast, the grey skies did little to dampen spirits as over 160 Salvationists and friends gathered for the momentous occasion. Attendees included most of the Division’s field officers, who spent the week at their Winter Officers Councils in the new building. They were joined by such dignitaries as territorial leaders Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart, Asbury University President Dr. Kevin Brown, and former divisional leader Commissioner Barbara Howell. The Divisional Headquarters staff officers and employees, who call the new building home, rounded out the assembled crowd.

Outside the building’s main entrance Divisional Commander Major Thomas Louden offered warm greetings to all present before Divisional Director of Christian Education and Salvationist, Dan Duncan, took to the microphone, sharing a passage from Isaiah 43:16-21 to set the tone for the special day.

The scripture urges believers not to dwell on the past, as God promises to do “a new thing” through His mighty power and salvation. This sentiment perfectly captured the excitement and optimism surrounding the new DHQ facility. After the reading, Commissioner Kelly Igleheart shared brief remarks ahead of the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Smiles abounding, Commissioners Igleheart, Majors Tom and Julie Anne Louden, Dan Duncan, and 45-year DHQ veteran Debbie Veech cut the large red ribbon and made the new building official. Commissioner Donna Igleheart then unveiled an inscription plaque adorning the building’s façade, offering a prayer of dedication for the space.

The crowd then migrated inside to the expansive Bluegrass Room for a dedication service filled with inspiration and gratitude. The KT Brass Ensemble performed as prelude to a stirring rendition of the William Booth “I’ll Fight” speech, the familiar oration customized for the KT Division with field officers passionately declaring their commitment to The Salvation Army mission.

In his welcome, Major Tom Louden expressed thanks to the long-time Salvation Army partner Asbury University, located just down the road in Wilmore, Kentucky. According to Louden, “That group of godly men and women have served to shape many Salvation Army officers and have provided spiritual and biblical training for the international Salvation Army. We’re blessed to be located in the state of Kentucky along with Asbury University.”

for greater things yet to come.

Major Louden also gave special recognition to the Inman Coffee ministry from the Cleveland, Tennessee Corps, whose coffee shop will soon serve the DHQ staff and community. After welcoming the “heartbeat” of the organization in Kentucky and Tennessee — the dedicated DHQ employees and field officers — Major Julie Anne Louden led a spirited rendition of “To God Be the Glory.”

Major Zach Bell, general secretary, offered a prayer of blessing over the new building and all who would carry out God’s work within its walls, asking that the Lord use the employees and officers of the division to further the mission of compassion and care.

In the dedication message, Major Tom Louden connected the new facility to the monument of stones referenced in Joshua 4:7. Just as the memorial stones reminded the Israelites of God’s faithfulness in leading them to the Promised Land, the new DHQ will serve as a testament to the goodness of the Lord.

According to Major Louden, “This building is God’s most recent pile of beautiful stones…and glass… and steel.” He invited all present to look upon the edifice as a sign of God’s provision and as encouragement to trust Him

Following the dedication, Dr. Kevin Brown led the congregation in a prayer of commissioning for the building. Dr. Brown asked God’s blessing over the work that would be carried out within its walls to further the Kingdom priorities — to Love, Serve, and Disciple in the name of Jesus Christ.

Long-time employee and Divisional Finance Director, Debbie Veech, gave remarks on behalf of the DHQ employees, saying that while places come and go, “people matter so much more.” Veech thanked the Loudens and Iglehearts for their vision and leadership in making the new headquarters a reality.

In his words of challenge, Commissioner Kelly Igleheart congratulated all on being part of Salvation Army history. He extolled DHQ as a vital bridge of support between leadership and those battling on the frontlines to fulfill the mission. Igleheart recognized employees as the glue holding the organization’s work together.

Echoing the Matthew 8 account of the centurion who stands between need and the One to meet it, the Commissioner encouraged DHQ staff to intercede for the field. Just as the legacy of the previous headquarters is honored, the work carried out presently and in days ahead will plant seeds for the future.

After a closing hymn and benediction, guests were invited to enjoy guided tours and fellowship. Copies of Dan Duncan’s book, Pursuing Paradise, which chronicles Salvation Army history in Kentucky and Tennessee, were available as souvenirs of the momentous occasion.

The new Divisional Headquarters building provides ample room for the Army’s work in Kentucky and Tennessee to continue expanding for decades to come. Since 1883, we have faithfully preached the gospel of Jesus Christ and served human needs in His name, without discrimination. With God’s blessing, this new facility will act as a springboard as we carry our mission of compassion into a bright future.

Photo Credits, this article: Eric Short

Sing a New Song! NORTH AMERICAN COMPOSERS FORUM 2024

BY NICK SIMMONS-SMITH

Fifty Salvationist composers gathered at The Salvation Army’s Central Territorial Headquarters in Chicago in mid-January to experience an intensive weekend of music education, fellowship, and worship. The North American Composers Forum (NACF) is held every two to three years, starting more than 20 years ago at Asbury University under the stewardship of Dr. Ronald Holz, O.F., and music secretaries from the five North American Territories. The event has not changed format much since its inception, providing oneon-one tutorials with noted Salvation Army composers, general sessions, breakout sessions on composing techniques, and times of reflection and worship.

At this year’s event composers heard their music performed live by a brass band, choir, or worship team — which is always an eye and ear-opening experience. Most composers now utilize computer software to write their music, and hearing compositions played or sung live can alter the accuracy, difficulty, and perception of their works. Feedback from faculty members and the performers also inform the writers on how to improve their work — usually done with positive affirmation for the composer.

This year’s event also included a song writing track, which encouraged those that compose contemporary worship songs to collaborate with one another and learn the art of melody, chord progression, and how to marry text with music. This was a welcome return for the songwriters after not being in the last few iterations of the forum.

Delegates from the South included Jimmy Cox (AOK), Lensky Petion (FL), Timothy Burleigh (GA), Micah Roberts (KT) and Julio Archilla (PMC). Micah and Julio both won a scholarship to attend the forum after showing outstanding promise as composers at the Southern Territorial Music Institute. We hope and pray for more contributions from all these fine composers — which will add immense value to our worship expressions on a weekly basis.

Special guests Peter Graham and Andrew Blyth, from the UK, added a

Southern Staff Band Records New Music Resource

BY BRAD ROWLAND

The Southern Staff Band gathered at the Atlanta Temple Corps in mid-February to record an upcoming album of worship-filled brass band music. The recording, titled “O Worship the King,” will feature 12 tracks recorded over a three-day period from February 8-10.

“We had a great time recording for the new Staff Band recording,” said Nick Simmons-Smith, territorial music and creative arts education secretary. “The band worked long hours recording the tracks but also found time for prayer, devotions, and fellowship.”

Highlights from the upcoming recording include various works penned by current and former members of the band. The title track, “O Worship the King,” was written by Dr. Steve Kellner, principal euphonium of the band and divisional music education director for the Potomac Division. In addition, principal horn Connie Barrington is featured on a solo entitled “Offering,” which was written by her husband and deputy bandmaster, Andrew Barrington. Kevin Downing crafted an imaginative arrangement of “Glorious Day,” and Simmons-Smith’s composition, “Walking with Jesus,” will be featured at Commissioning later this year.

As with any Southern Staff Band weekend, the ensemble also participated in worship and cherished the opportunity to stand alongside soldiers and officers from the Atlanta Temple Corps on Sunday, February 11.

Selected tracks from the album will also be released in video form for utilization in corps programming throughout the territory. The audio and video recordings are scheduled to be available later in 2024.

wealth of experience to the forum — offering their perspective as long-time composers and editors. Stephen Bulla, Dr. Steve Kellner (both PMC), Phil Laeger (KT), Josh Powell, and Nick Simmons-Smith (both THQ) attended as faculty members from the Southern Territory.

William Himes, O.F., led a beautiful time of worship on the final day as the composers considered their gifts and how God could use them. Delegates and faculty prayed with each other and encouraged one another until the very final moments of the worship service. It was a beautiful way to conclude an incredibly special event.

Fifty Salvationist music composers gathered for the 2024 North American Composers Forum.

Photo Credit: Joseph Chang

Intergenerational Prayer in Action

BY KRISTIN MUDGE

The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County Corps in Georgia is breaking down generational barriers and mentoring young people through a special prayer partner ministry.

The ministry, now in its second year, is a prayer-based partnership between teens and adults in the corps. Students 6th grade and older are offered the opportunity to be assigned a prayer partner. Partners are of the same gender, and leadership does their best to match according to the special characteristics and needs of each teen. After much prayer and discussion, corps leaders carefully select mentoring adults based on their reputable, spiritually strong, proven leadership at the corps. The selected adult is then paired with a teen in the corps who has opted into the ministry, the matchup is approved by the teen’s parents or guardians, and then the adult is officially invited to enter into a spiritual mentorship role in the student’s life.

Full Safe From Harm protocols are required at all times, including in communication methods, parents’ full involvement, and in-person meetings or gatherings. All selected adults are required to become Safe

From Harm certified.

“The prayer partner ministry has had great success with transforming the lives of our young people,” Corps Sergeant Major Jeremy Rowland comments. He says the goal is “encouraging the student towards spiritual growth, accountability, mentorship, and being more like Jesus. The prayer partner ministry will have an immeasurable impact on the student’s life…”

Following a meet and greet breakfast designed to foster a spiritual connection between students and adults, the corps set aside time for a prayer partner dedication during Sunday worship on February 4.

“The prayer partner ministry is designed for our middle and high school students to be mentored and prayed for by an adult member of the corps,” Danielle Rowland, young people’s sergeant major, explained to the congregation. “We’ve been able to see intergenerational prayer and encouragement throughout these past 12 months of those who have been participating.”

Danielle continued, “As a church, we want our students to know that we see them. We want to pray for them; we want to support them and lift them up. We want to expand their prayer circle and allow them to see the power of prayer. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and joy as we have 12 new partnerships starting just this year.”

These 12 partnerships, combined with those from the previous year, bring the total number of partnerships now to 27 — 54 people total connecting spiritually to build one other up and uphold a commitment of prayer.

New partners, as well as those who have been in this mentoring relationship for the past year, were then invited to join each other at the altar. Danielle encouraged, “Colossians 4:2 is a great reminder to all of us this morning. ‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.’ Prayer partners, pray for each other. Remember your prayer partner in your personal prayers and be thankful for them. Church family, let’s pray for our young people. Let’s pray for our adults who have agreed to mentor and support our students. Let’s be a church who prays for each other.”

With guitar renditions of “Sweet Hour of Prayer” and “To Be Like Jesus” crafting a musical backdrop, the prayer partners were invited to spend a few holy moments together praying over each other, over their new relationship, and over the many years of mentorship ahead of them.

Danielle closed out the time of prayer, asking God to continue to be present, guiding the steps of everyone at the altar, as well as the rest of the congregation.

The corps plans to incorporate special prayer times into worship services on a quarterly basis for those involved in this ministry. They also encourage joint service projects, planning to offer a day for prayer partners to serve side-by-side in ministry during the next Christmas season.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PRAYER?

Is God calling you to start a prayer ministry in your corps or community?

Join Majors Matt and Jamie Satterlee on this month’s episode of the LOVE – SERVE – DISCIPLE podcast to learn about additional practical prayer ministries around the Southern Territory and how to leverage your talents, skills, and interests to minister to those around you.

To listen, visit linktr.ee/loveservedisciple Find additional resources and more about each month’s guests at allforjesus.salvationarmysouth.org

Photo Credit: Danielle Rowland

Photo Credit: Gwinnett County Corps

began by leading us through an exercise of gauging our own personal levels of flourishing. Burnout, stagnation, loss of passion, and neglecting self-care are all signs to identify that we may not be, in fact, flourishing. Yet even so, Jesus told us in John 10:10b, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” And that is precisely how we are to bask in the summer seasons of life, with the knowledge that Jesus desires for us to enjoy the abundance of a Spirit-filled life, and that we can bloom where He has planted us.

The season of summer lingered for a while longer for the second session of the day, as Jeniffer Dake spoke with passion, bringing poignant insights through scripture including the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. She drew us in with vivid imagery of the Garden, calling us to “turn our backs to what we lack,” as Eve could have chosen while she stood at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Jeniffer challenged us to instead look around so that we can drink in all the blessings God has given us.

When the Wednesday evening session arrived, the fall season was upon us with all its beautiful colors and an air of change. Dr. Keitt returned, teaching on having Zoe Life in any season (“Zoe” is a Greek word from scripture meaning “life”). She expounded on this biblical notion as a “quality of life that is considerably more than what one expects or anticipates. It’s active, vigorous, blessed, and connected to God.” The meet-

ing went on with incredible impact as the Holy Spirit met us in power and glory like only He can; chains with which the enemy has tried to ensnare women for years were called out and broken by words of truth and freedom! It was a night that no one in that room shall soon forget.

The morning after such a spiritually powerful meeting was calm and crisp as the winter season greeted us. Lisa Harper came to speak to us over the course of two sessions about the ways in which God has taught and loved her during seasons of winter. We can walk through these spiritually cold seasons feeling surrounded by sparseness, yet we can also recognize the deep growth and crystal-clear clarity that comes through such a season in life. The Lord gave Lisa a mighty word for us as she brought our focus to the truth that “the posture of our flourishing = our proximity to Jesus.”

An evening of celebration and laughter awaited us as we retroactively rang in the New Year together with line dancing and the comedic stylings of Amy Barnes. We walked the red carpet, enjoyed delicious food, and soaked in the goodness of such a lighthearted atmosphere on our last night together. It was a sweet gift to enjoy as a group of women, united in joy and fun.

In the morning on our final day, Commissioner Donna Igleheart welcomed us to the warmth of the spring season. The worship was a powerful culmination of the Spirit-filled flames that had been fanned all week long. The momentum from the week’s teaching and worship was palpable as

Commissioner Donna took the stage. She began by reminding us that we, as the women officers of the Southern Territory, are united under the banner of calling and covenant with the Lord. Throughout her teaching, she pointed us again and again to the power of Christ in us, uniting us, and leading us. While sharing about growth, resilience, and the enduring nature of God, Commissioner taught from Psalm 92:12-15, which says, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.’” And as we basked in the goodness of that scripture, she added blessing and truth on top of it by reminding us that “contentment does not come when we have everything we want, but when we want everything we have.”

There are so many more details and stories to be shared from the Territorial Women Officers Retreat, and the women who were in attendance are poised and ready to give testimony after such an impactful week. It was truly an anointed time that has ushered hundreds of Salvation Army officers into a deeper, more attuned place with the Holy Spirit in their lives and in their ministries. Each woman left TWOR standing firm in the knowledge that no matter where we are in our journeys or what season of life we walk through, to flourish is to live out this holy mantra: “For His glory, and our good.”

“Learning to Flourish...” continued from page 1

Photo Credits (all or pages 6-7): G-Lab

BY KRISTIN MUDGE

Where Can We Find Christ? Redeeming Love

Our corps just completed a sermon series on the book of Ruth entitled “Redeeming Love.” I’ve always liked Ruth, but going through it now as an adult, everything has been so much richer and more meaningful than I remembered from growing up.

If you haven’t read Ruth, I highly recommend looking it up. It’s such a beautiful story of love, grief, hope, and redemption. And the most beautiful part about it is that God set it all up as an allegory of His love for us even before sending Jesus to redeem us, choosing to make Ruth part of Jesus’ earthly lineage as King David’s great-grandmother.

This time through, I find that some of the most relatable moments are from Naomi’s perspective. Early in the first chapter, we see her dealing with a deep depression upon returning to her homeland. She’s going through grief at having lost her husband years before, losing both her sons recently, and now returning to her home, practically destitute. She’s grieving the life she felt should have been, the life she dreamed of, perhaps. She goes so far as to ask people to call her Mara, or “bitter” in Hebrew, instead of Naomi, which means “pleasant.”

For most of the story, Naomi sits at home. She invests in Ruth and what’s happening in her story, but we don’t see her do anything but sit at home until the very end of the story. When Ruth has her son Obed, it says in Ruth 4:16-17a, “Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, ‘Naomi has a son!’”

I read this as Naomi being so stuck in her grief that she was basically paralyzed in her life. But when she holds the evidence of God’s redeeming love in her arms, she becomes a brand-new woman, so full of life that everyone notices her being as active in Obed’s life as Ruth, the boy’s actual mother.

The bulk of the story is of course about Ruth, who works through losing a spouse, culture shock, and sudden poverty with absolute grace, strength, and humility. And God blesses her with an incredible love story and a second chance at family because of her faithfulness. But this additional narrative, Naomi’s journey through loss, which opens and closes the book of Ruth, may be even more beautiful in a way. Naomi works through grief and depression, remaining faithful to God and Ruth even in her deep sadness, and in the end is able to step into the light of a new life entirely, bearing witness to the goodness of God.

And this story leads us straight into Easter, where Ruth’s great-great-great (and so on) grandson dies on a cross to redeem all of us, so we can live anew in the light of our Eternal Father forever.

WE ARE AN ARMY!

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

BY DR. STEVE KELLNER

On April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia. For nearly a year, beginning with the Battle of the Wilderness in April of 1864, the two armies had been engaged in a vicious and bloody war of attrition, a literal fight to the death. In just the first two months of fighting, April and May of 1864, there were 88,000 men killed, wounded, or missing, and thousands more became casualties over the remaining months of the war.

Yet, on the day of the surrender, General Grant gave General Lee and his army some of the most generous terms of surrender in the history of warfare. After stacking their weapons, soldiers were allowed to return to their homes without fear of prosecution if they didn’t again take up arms against the United States. Officers were allowed to keep their horses and sidearms, and artillerymen and cavalrymen were allowed to keep their horses so that they could plant their fields upon returning home.

There was no formal surrendering of officer swords as there had been at the end of the Revolutionary War at Yorktown, and General Grant would allow no Union Army celebrations that would humiliate the defeated Confederate troops. In fact, Grant immediately ordered his army to share rations with the starving Confederate Army.

How did soldiers so trained and experienced in the art of war, and who had witnessed the death and wounding of thousands of their comrades at the hands of a bitter enemy, suddenly turn on a

dime and offer such kindness to that enemy? It would seem impossible, but it has been a common occurrence in the history of the U.S. military ever since, in Germany and Japan after World War II for example. The military calls it “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior,” having both a warrior spirit and a peaceful heart.

Although not involved in a shooting war, we Salvationists are fighting an even more important war against the forces of Satan, and we must have a warrior spirit to carry on the fight. We can allow no slipping of our standards of conduct or hedging of biblical truth, even if the world calls us stiff or old-fashioned, or even hateful and bigoted, because of our stand. At the same time, we must offer the hand of fellowship to all that we meet, even those who ridicule and attack us and appear to be our enemies.

It’s a difficult balancing act, but one Salvationists have been doing since our founding. Too often we see bold warriors for biblical truth who lack compassion for those who oppose them. And too often we see compassionate people who have abandoned the historical truth of God’s Word. But Salvationists must do both, insisting on the truth of God’s Word and offering friendship to everyone, even those who oppose us. It’s the way of the peaceful warrior — named Jesus.

BY LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE

Where can we find Christ? Can we ascend into the heavens and find Him at the right hand of the Father, the hosts of Heaven bowing down in worship before Him, the subject of every song that is sung? Do the angels fly to do His bidding, rushing at His command?

Yes, He is there in unspeakable power and glory, in divine kinship with the Holy Spirit and the Father as the Triune God. There in that holy place He is making intercession for us. “Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Where can we find Christ? Can we stretch the limits of time from before it began to when memory of its very existence has failed? We saw Him locked into the chains of our mortality that is measured in days and weeks and months and years, but they could never calculate His existence. He stands above all this.

Yes, there He is. There is no point in time when He was not. Nor will there be anything beyond time when He will not be. He is the Alpha. He is the Omega. He is the Eternal One. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Where can we find Christ? “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3). The universe that He breathed into existence with its spinning galaxies down to unseen atoms are fueled by the strength that He supplies. That they are there at all is proof of His workmanship, His fingerprints pressed into all creation. Should He withhold His power for a millisecond, all would collapse.

Yes, Christ is there in all of creation, His power undeniably displayed. “Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me’” (Matthew 28:18).

Where can we find Christ? Can we find Him in the hearts of the forgiven, people of all races and nations? Can we find Him indwelling the hearts of children and the aged? Is He there living in the heart of the death row inmate as well as the one who guards him? Does He keep company with the poor widow and the king in his palace?

Yes, Christ is there and promises to be there for any who humbly bow and ask Him to be their Savior and Lord. He takes away the vilest sin and peels back the scars to make new. “To all who receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Where can we find Christ? Were we to mount a beam of light and ride it to the end of the limits of infinity, we would find that our whispered prayer would still be heard. Were we to shrink beyond a grain of sand so that no one who knew us could find us, we would not be out of His sight. “Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast” (Psalm 139:7-10).

Can we find a place where His love cannot reach us? “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth,

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

“Where Can We...” continued from page 8

nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35, 38-39).

Where can we find Christ? Can we find Him in a borrowed Jerusalem garden tomb? Hear the message of the angels: “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay” (Matthew 28:6).

No! Look for Him anywhere in time and space, anywhere else in all the universe, but He is not there! Everywhere but there.

We stare into the tomb with the women, Peter and John, the Roman guards, the Jewish leaders, to find that He is not there.

And through the centuries, the famous and the nameless of all ages and cultures and places and times have stared into that tomb and found it empty. He is not there!

Hallelujah! He has risen! He is everywhere else, but He is not there.

Salvation Army Pilots New Training in Mental Health First Aid

BY MICHELLE HARTFIELD

The Salvation Army remains dedicated to assisting survivors and first responders with critical services before, during, and after disaster events. To better their ability to serve, The Salvation Army Southern Territory, in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, recently hosted a Mental Health First Aid training for many of their Emergency Disaster professionals and representation from territorial leadership. The Salvation Army was honored to have Lynn Hennighausen, a national trainer for Mental Health First Aid, instruct the course. Her expertise and guidance created an engaging environment that fostered many great discussions.

Mental Health First Aid focuses on providing individuals with the skills necessary to be the first line of support for those experiencing mental health and substance use challenges. Participants are taught to recognize and respond to warning signs and to serve as the vital link between a person experiencing a new or worsening mental health challenge and appropriate professional support, self-help, or other support strategies.

As disaster and emergency management professionals are often on the front lines of traumatic events, these skills will be an invaluable addition to their toolset. With this training, teams will not only be able to aid disaster survivors but also provide support to team members, both in the field and at home. William Trueblood, Emergency

Disaster Services director for Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi spoke about his class experience. “Learning new ways for disaster professionals to become active agents in communicating with those in need of mental health first aid is a great addition to our response plan that helps all disaster survivors and continues our efforts in doing the most good.”

The Southern Territory currently has two instructors trained and certified to teach Mental Health First Aid and will look to add more as the program expands. “I am excited that we are always looking for ways to better care for disaster responders and survivors,” said Leon Ferraez, disaster training program coordinator. “Mental Health First Aid is a great addition to our emergency disaster training program, and I look forward to teaching this course across the Southern Territory this year and beyond.”

Nonagenarian Prayer Warrior Still at Her Post

BY MAJOR FRANK DURACHER

No one can accuse Jean Hammock of shirking her duty as a Christ-follower, despite her mature age of 93. Jean is still very active as a soldier of the Charleston Citadel Corps in South Carolina, busying herself with extended periods of prayer, telephoning Sunday worship service absentees, and staying involved in Community Care Ministries.

Using the corps roster as her unofficial checklist, Jean calls shut-ins of the corps family, along with anyone in need that the Lord brings to her mind. This is her primary method of prayer ministry, between 20 and 30 families receiving prayer on the other end of her telephone line every week.

Every Thursday she attends Women’s Ministry, often taking part in planning and leadership for the group. Her other passion is for Community Care, this along with Women’s Ministry both remaining constants in her life, harkening way back to her early days as a Salvationist at the old Richmond Corps in the Western Territory. The Richmond Corps more recently became the El Cerrito Corps before it was closed not long ago.

“We moved from Arkansas to Richmond (California) in 1942 because my dad got a job in a shipyard out there,” Jean explains. During World War II, that was one of the places where jobs could be found, and because of her dad’s health, this was an open door provided by the Lord.

“My brother had a friend who invited him to the Richmond Corps,” she continues. “We all became very involved, and I became a soldier on Easter Sunday when I was 18.”

The years following the war were particularly hard on the family, with a string of deaths among her loved ones. Her dad’s poor health caught up with him, and within a few years, she also lost an uncle and a brother, one to cancer and the other by a hit-and-run driver. Still another family member was killed during a military maneuver in the late 1940s.

But instead of bitterness, Jean found great

solace and even spiritual growth in Christ.

“When Dad died, I sort of stepped in to fill his role in the family,” especially with her mother. She even stayed home to babysit the youngest sibling while the family attended her father’s funeral. “My reliance on Jesus was all I had, but it was more than enough!”

Brigadiers Olin and Ruth Edwards were her corps officers during that time and figured prominently in the family’s welfare, as well as becoming spiritual mentors to Jean. Their son remains a close friend to Jean after all these years.

In 2011, Jean moved to the Charleston, South

Carolina area to be cared for by her daughter, Debbie Anderson.

“There are so many churches around here, but I just had to find the nearest Salvation Army corps, because I’m a dyed-in-the-wool Salvationist,” Jean says, adding that once you are a soldier, it is hard to get that out of your DNA.

Today the nonagenarian (a person in their 90s) is an integral part of Charleston Citadel, easily becoming something of a corps matriarch. The next oldest corps member is a distant 80 years old.

Jean and Debbie open their home each December for what has become an annual Home League Christmas Party for up to 25 people. Their home is beautifully decorated, corps members look forward to the event on the corps calendar, and Jean expects no remuneration for expenses.

“Jean loves to help others, but extremely shuns the spotlight. She never wants to be the center of attention,” says her corps officer, Captain Cathy Michels.

From her first encounter with Jean at the corps, Captain Cathy was especially impressed at how she, well into her 90s, ministers to younger comrades—some of them even in their teens— who look up to her. “She is making such a difference in their lives, and that means a lot to me.”

Jean’s daughter, Debbie, says that her mom is an incredibly determined person—actually the word Debbie uses to describe her is “stubborn.” But Captain Cathy believes that to be a huge positive. “Jean minces no words with me when she sees something I should know, and I really appreciate that!”

Commenting on her advanced age, Jean wonders, “Why am I still here?”

This presents no mystery to her other corps officer, Captain Mike Michels. “Jean has been a Salvationist for over 70 years,” he says, “and it would be so easy for her to sit back and let younger generations pray, witness, and work behind the scenes. But that’s not how she’s wired at all.”

Photo Credit: Emergency Disaster Services

Jean Hammock, 93, helps prepare around 1500 Community Care gifts each Christmas.

After Decades of Looking Forward, Finally Time to Reflect

Deronda Metz has worked in the field of social services with The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte, North Carolina for the past 33 years, serving as the director of social services for most of that time, working tirelessly in her mission to help end homelessness in the city of her birth, the city that she loves. During this time, and for many years before, she built partnerships and programs, helping to shift community culture from reactive toward proactive services for those in need. As she retires from an incredible life of ministry, Deronda writes this message:

BY DERONDA METZ

I have given my life and career to helping end homelessness for one person, one family at a time. Now, it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders, and I’ve never been more confident that Charlotte will rise to meet the challenges we face.

When I first began my career with The Salvation Army, our focus was primarily on emergency shelter – the “three hots and a cot” mindset of meeting people at their point of crisis and providing for their immediate needs of warm meals and a place to sleep. Yes, we still do that today, but we not only address the symptoms of homelessness, but also the source. Today, we have programs focused on the root causes of homelessness. We provide case management, job assistance, access to healthcare, and most importantly, access to housing. I can truly say that I’ve been witness to our team helping to end homelessness for thousands of families in our community.

It has been a privilege to work in the field of social work in the area of homelessness for the past 33 years. As the leader of The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope emergency shelter for almost 25 years, I can say with surety that my time has come. While the work isn’t finished, I’m excited to see a new generation of dedicated social workers continue to build on the progress we’ve made as a community.

This occasion provides a natural time to reflect on the past. I’m asked frequently about the most important things we’ve accomplished over the past 30 years as I’ve worked as the director of social services for The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a start.

• We expanded our emergency shelter capacity tenfold – from 70 to more than 700 beds.

• We turned our overnight shelter into a 24/7 program with wraparound day programs including employment assistance and substance abuse and physical and mental health services.

• We created a low-barrier emergency shelter that became a national best practice program.

• We restructured our transitional housing program to serve veterans and their families.

• We partnered with Inlivian, the local housing authority, to create dedicated access to 60 affordable apartment units for families moving from the shelter.

• We implemented a rapid rehousing program to address homelessness with housing.

• We secured a location for a non-congregate shelter to serve intact families.

• We implemented an anti-human trafficking program designed to serve Mecklenburg, Union, and Anson counties.

I’ve been able to be consistently involved with Mecklenburg County Continuum of Care for 25 years. And, I’ve had the privilege of becoming a strategic homelessness planner on local, state, and national levels.

I don’t share these things to be boastful, but rather to acknowledge how far we’ve come as a community and celebrate the countless lives that have been changed.

People retire from jobs. They never retire from passions. That’s why my work at The Salvation Army never felt like a job to me. It has been a calling. Although I am moving on from my role as director of social services for The Salvation Army, my passion for families experiencing homelessness and those afflicted by past trauma including domestic violence remains. I look forward to continuing to serve my community as God allows.

I am dedicated – for life – to working to keep Charlotte a community where all citizens are able to live and thrive. Thank you to all who are with me in this fight – those who give of themselves to make Charlotte a better place for all.

Camp

Camp Keystone Cabins, Starke,

Camp Keystone Multipurpose, Starke, FL

Photo Credit: The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte

ARC Bolsters Corps Rolls in Tulsa

The Tulsa Citadel Corps in Oklahoma recently enrolled four new adherents and two senior soldiers during a Sunday morning worship service.

Captain Erik Henry, administrator of the Tulsa Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), explains that three of the four adherents are men or graduates of the Tulsa ARC program, and the two soldiers are the ARC’s human resources secretary and a donation attendant from one of their stores (who is also a recent ARC graduate).

“God is amazing,” Captain Henry exclaims. “Continue to pray for our men and staff as we do mighty things for the Lord!”

Major Helen Sue Warnock Watts

Major Helen Sue Warnock Watts was Promoted to Glory on January 31, 2024, at the age of 86.

Helen Sue Warnock was born in Tulare, CA on January 24, 1938, to parents Laurence and Louise Warnock. After the family moved to Oklahoma, she started attending The Salvation Army “Band of Love” which was held at the corps officer’s home located in the block next to her grade school. She also attended Sunday School with other children who lived in the same apartment building. Soon she was enrolled as a junior soldier and would later become a corps cadet, a senior soldier, corps cadet guardian, and acting young people’s sergeant major.

Helen Sue attended youth camps every summer at Camp Heart O’Hills until the year she left for the training college. During her teen years, she was a member of the Oklahoma Corps Cadets 500 Club and the Territorial Corps Cadets Honor Club.

In considering her life’s work, her intent was to become either a nurse or a teacher. She once stated, “But I kept remembering the post in the

corps chapel which said, ‘Who shall I send for Me—Here am I, Lord, send me.’ I finally said, ‘Lord, if You can use me as I am, I’ll go—but You’ll have to show me by making it possible.’”

She entered the training college as a member of the Courageous session of cadets and was commissioned on May 26, 1958. The session’s scripture is taken from Joshua 1:9, “Only be thou strong and very courageous. Be strong and of a good courage; neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” That promise was always her inspiration.

Her undergraduate studies included English Literature, Sociology, and Psychology at the University of Alabama, the University of Maryland, and the University of South Florida.

She served on the Child Welfare League of America from 1966-1971, as well as the Salvation Army National Women and Children Commission from 1968-1973. She attended the Brengle Institute in 1967 and was a delegate to the International College for Officers in 1981.

Several of Major Warnock’s appointments during her 44 years of service included posts to Salvation Army Home & Hospitals in divisions. She served as an assisting officer in this capacity in Texas, Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi, and National Capital & Virginia. She then moved to Day Nursery service in Maryland-West Virginia, first as assisting officer and later as superintendent. She next served again in Home & Hospitals, this time as administrator in Florida and then in Arkansas-Oklahoma. Her last three appointments were to the Southern Territorial Headquarters as director of the Officers’ Sick Benefit and Burial Fund Section and the Officers’ Health Service Department.

Major Helen Sue Warnock retired from active service on April 1, 2003, and married Major Don Watts that same day. Majors Don and Helen Sue Watts were married over 19 years before Major Don was Promoted to Glory on September 5, 2022.

Major Helen Sue Warnock Watts is also preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Don Warnock and Major Sam Warnock.

Her surviving siblings include Pattie (Gerald) Beldon, Mary Warnock, Mary Sparks, Audrey (Rudy) Kosechequetah, June (Ben) Roy, Janice (Watson) Mitchell, Edith (Eddy) Morton-Kelch, and Carol (John) Milner. She also leaves two sisters-in-law: Beulah Willadene Warnock and Major Mary Warnock; as well as three generations of nieces and nephews.

NEWS BRIEFS

• The Salvation Army of Johnson City, Tennessee hosted its “Souper Bowl for the Hungry” event on Friday, February 16. Former NFL head coach Jeff Fisher was the event’s keynote speaker, with close ties to the region after serving as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans for more than a decade. The event’s proceeds helped to augment The Army’s work in the region, with funding for emergency services and sheltering, food pantry, financial assistance, youth programming, and more.

• Members of the Arkansas Army National Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP) visited The Salvation Army’s Family Store in El Dorado, Arkansas in February. More than 40 men and women helped with important tasks in the store, including clean-up and maintenance. The visit served as targeted community outreach for the RSP. A blessing of recent donations meant the Family Store had a need for timely reorganization, according to Major David Robinson, corps officer. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with them,” Major Robinson said.

Photo Credit: Captain Erik Henry

Texas and AOK THRIVE at Local Leaders Training Summit

BY JOSHUA MUIR

In early February, The Salvation Army Camp Hoblitzelle hosted the THRIVE Key Local Leaders Training Summit for Salvationist soldiers and corps officers from around the Texas and Arkansas-Oklahoma Divisions. Around 225 delegates made the journey to Midlothian, Texas for a joint weekend focused on developing local leaders and spiritual growth. A diverse and lively group spanning multiple generations arrived eager to celebrate the work of God, led by a beautiful worship team that brought everybody into a spirit of anticipation for what was to come.

Dr. David Overholt was the guest preacher for the opening two sessions, and his infectious joy spread throughout the room as he shared stories from his own experience of how God was teaching him to reach out to others around him. “If you only remember one thing from this weekend, it’s that I want you to be ten percent nicer to everyone you meet!” It may take 25 encounters for an unbeliever to make a journey to God, and a simple act of kindness can be the way God works in that person’s life.

Saturday held a full schedule with multiple workshop options to enjoy. Special guests from around the country led breakout sessions on evangelism, corps leadership and outreach, building discipling relationships, program resources and ideas, and spiritual formation. Each delegate could only attend three workshops, but everyone agreed that all five were excellent, pro -

viding practical steps for each leader to implement at the local level.

Saturday evening brought all the delegates together again, where Major Philip Lloyd, general secretary for the Western Pennsylvania Division in the Eastern Territory, delivered an impactful sermon on the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. He urged each delegate to focus on their personal walk with God and ask for the Holy Spirit to fill them with the presence of God. A powerful time of response followed, with many rededicating themselves at the altar. As the worship team led “Holy Spirit, Come,” the room came alive with the presence of God.

After a full weekend of education and fellowship, Sunday’s worship service was marked with positivity. Lt. Colonel Dean Hinson, divisional

commander for the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division, brought the sermon, and delegates dedicated themselves to return home and begin sharing the lessons learned so their corps could also THRIVE.

Photo Credits (above and below): Joshua Muir