Southern Spirit MAY 2024 - Vol 40 Issue 5

‘THE CHOSEN,’ LIFE GROUPS, AND YOUTH CONFERENCE AT COMMISSIONING 2024

BY BRAD ROWLAND

In just a few short weeks, hundreds of Salvationists will gather at the Atlanta Temple Corps for a stirring weekend of fellowship, praise, and worship. Commissioning 2024 is May 31 – June 2, the Defenders of Justice session of cadets set to be ordained and commissioned as part of a jampacked schedule of activities.

In advance of the event, excitement is building in a myriad of ways, including through the announcement that five special guests from “The Chosen” television series will be featured in the evening program on Saturday, June 1. Chris Juen and Chad Gundersen, co-executive producers, will be joined by Ryan Swanson, head writer and executive producer, and a pair of actors, Lara Silva and Jordan Walker Ross. Silva plays “Eden” in the series, with Walker Ross acting as “Little James.”

“You are not going to want to miss this amazing opportunity,” said Roberta Simmons-Smith, territorial director of special events. “You will hear their personal testimonies and how they personally have been impacted in their Walk With Jesus through the journey of working on ‘The Chosen.’”

“The Chosen” is described as a groundbreaking historical drama based on the life of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of those who knew him. The seven-season television show aims to share an authentic and intimate look at the life and teachings of Jesus. Created by Dallas Jen -

kins and distributed by Angel Studios, “The Chosen” also earned a world record as the highest crowd-funded video project of all-time.

“The Chosen” also has direct ties to The Salvation Army. In preparation for its second of seven seasons, the series was seeking filming locations, and Jenkins connected with Casey Bilbrey, director of operations for The Salvation Army’s Camp

Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, Texas. That connection led to “The Chosen” constructing a one-of-akind, 30,000 square-foot soundstage at Camp Hoblitzelle, and “The Chosen” and The Salvation Army partnered on the permanent construction of a recreated village of Capernaum built on the site of Fort Tejas. Jenkins shared, “The Salvation “Commissioning 2024...” continued on page 2

Spring Campaigns and Spring Missions Enrich Officer Training

BY CAPTAIN JOSH HINSON

Each spring the cadets of the Evangeline Booth College (EBC) go out on Spring Campaigns and Spring Missions. During Spring Campaigns firstyear cadets participate in an immersive ministry experience and partner in mission with a local Southern Territory command. Second-year cadets travel outside the Southern Territory to embrace the Salvationist spirit in a different cultural context.

The first-year cadets of the Champions of the Mission session were split into three teams and sent throughout the Southern Territory: McAllen (Texas), National Capitol Area Command, and a tour of Tennessee. The cadets conducted services, shared the Gospel, and engaged in the mission.

The second-year cadets of the Defenders of Justice session partnered with the Latin America North Territory ministering in Costa Rica for their Spring Missions. The cadets were impressed with the dedication of the officers and soldiers, as they ministered together in corps programming, open airs, and social services.

One Word

BY CADET RICHARD REYNOLDS

“I want you to think of one word. What one word is the Lord speaking to you about your time here?” This was the question posed to us by our team leader, Captain Josh Hinson, on our final nights in San Jose, Costa Rica.

During your two years as a cadet at the Evangeline Booth College, you are required to take several longscale trips. It was the first week of March 2024, and my cadet session, the Defenders of Justice, was on our second-year Spring Missions trip. We had spent the past several days engaging in evangelism opportunities, open airs, children’s ministry, and adult programs such as Bible

“Spring Campaigns...” continued on page 4

Photo Credit: Evangeline Booth College

Army has been an extraordinary partner throughout this process,” and the USA Southern Territory is excited to welcome members of “The Chosen” team to Commissioning 2024.

On Friday, May 31, the weekend will begin with a celebration through the lens of the recently launched Territorial Priorities, and Saturday morning will center on a “Walk With Jesus” prayer experience. Delegates will participate in a 30-minute guided, immersive experience on the Peachtree Creek Greenway, adjacent to Atlanta Temple, and it will be a beautiful time with the Lord, rain or shine.

Following a family feast in the lunch hour of Saturday, June 1, a series of “Life Groups” will be held at Atlanta Temple and Territorial Headquarters. This simple model of discipleship is built to be replicated in corps across the Southern Territory, and it promises to be a moving time.

“Our people need this, and so do their communities,” said Major Cam Henderson, Knoxville (Tennessee) area commander and coordinator for the life groups. “This is not just a new discipleship tool or trendy fad to catch the eye or to beg people to disciple.

“John Wesley’s small groups were intentionally transformational in intention and design and were the foundation of the sweeping success of the early Methodist movement,” Major Henderson continued. “In the modern era, as these groups were replaced with something else, however, Methodism began its decline. But our Founder knew and enjoyed them and hoped we

would continue them.”

Stephen Mansfield will be the Friday morning commencement speaker, with Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart, territorial leaders, and Captain Ashish Pawar, corps officer at the Atlanta International Corps, serving as speakers during the weekend. Worship will also be supported by the Southern Staff Band, Southern Staff Songsters, transMission, and Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM).

The theme verse for Commissioning Weekend 2024 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).

That banner extends to comprehensive youth activities for children. Childcare is available for children from ages 6 months through 4 years, with a Youth Conference for ages 5 through 12 years. Both

tracks are available through pre-registration only.

The Youth Conference will have a focus on “Start the Party” and will feature rotations in the style of Vacation Bible School. That includes snacks, games, small groups, crafts, and a dedicated Bible story, and the gatherings will be high-energy, focusing on the promise outlined in Acts 2:28 NIrV: “You always show me the path that leads to life. You will fill me with joy when I am with you.”

Friday evening’s youth activities will feature a magician, with a March of Witness on Saturday including the children singing “Trust and Obey” in the main Commissioning session. On Sunday morning, a Youth Commissioning service will be held.

“It would be easy for people to just look at what we’re doing in the Youth Conference at Commissioning and dismiss it as just childcare,” said Major Matt Satterlee, territorial youth secretary. “That’s not how we are looking at it! We’re looking at the Youth Conference as a discipleship opportunity to lead the young people into a deeper faith with Jesus.

“Not only will our young people be learning and seeing the different parties in Scripture, such as the Wedding at Cana and the party at the end of the parable of the Prodigal Son, but we’re giving our young people time and space to work through a small group of their own,” Major Satterlee said. “This is more than just childcare while the grown-ups are in meetings. This is intentional discipleship with our young people. They matter. Let’s not waste a moment.”

Registration information and further details are available at usscommissioning.org. The deadline to register children for the Youth Conference or childcare is Friday, May 24. In addition, the deadline to book a hotel room at a reduced group rate is Thursday, May 9.

A Legacy of Service in Harrisonburg, Virginia

BY KAREN YOHO

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

Stewart Art & Design, Layout and Design

Wallace Graphics, Printing and Shipping

Published by The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory 1424 Northeast Expressway Atlanta, GA 30329 USA

Phone: (404) 728-1300

Email: kristin.mudge@uss.salvationarmy.org http://southernspiritonline.org

All materials are copyright of The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory and cannot be reproduced without permission.

For further information or to donate, please visit: www.uss.salvationarmy.org

Volunteering as a family during Angel Tree season can be a richly rewarding experience, but for the Miller family in Harrisonburg, Virginia, it goes deeper than that — it is in their roots. A photo of the five generations of the family volunteering at The Salvation Army of Harrisonburg Angel Tree toy shop was shared on social media by Faye Spitler following last Christmas season.

The Miller family grandparents, Majors Clifford Charles and Margaret Shaw Miller, served with The Salvation Army at the Harrisonburg Corps from 1940 to 1959. “We are not a huge family,” explains granddaughter Faye Spitler. “My grandparents only had three children and four grandchildren. But every one of us remained in the Harrisonburg area.”

“Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without volunteering at our Corps,” Faye declares. The Miller family remains active with the corps throughout the year and is now preparing to take

Chad Gundersen Chris Juen Jordan Walker Ross Lara Silva Ryan Swanson

part in the Corps’ 100th anniversary festivities in 2025.

(Back) Josephine Miller, Scott Miller, Margie Miller, Bridgette Spitler, Travis Miller, Robert Spitler, Faye Spitler, Tim Spitler.

(Front) Jimmy “Monk” Miller, and Bobby Miller, two of Majors Charles and Margaret Miller’s children

Executive Appointments

Effective June 17, 2024:

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Major (Philip) Mark Harwell

National Treasurer & National Secretary for Business Administration (with promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel)

Major Jan Harwell

National Social Services & Public Policy Secretary (with promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel)

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS

Lt. Colonel Stephen Ellis

Territorial Secretary for Business Administration (Designate until 11/01/2024)

Lt. Colonel Susan Ellis

Territorial Risk Management Secretary (Designate until 07/01/2024)

ADULT REHABILITATION CENTER COMMAND

Major Bobby Jackson ARCC Commander

Major Natalie Jackson Command Leader for Mission Advancement & Officer Development

ALABAMA, LOUISIANA & MISSISSIPPI DIVISION

Major Anthony Juliana Divisional Commander

Major (Aura) Elizabeth Juliana Divisional Leader for Mission Advancement & Officer Development

EVANGELINE BOOTH COLLEGE

Major Zachary Bell President/Principal

Major Shelley Bell Assistant Principal for Ministry Development & Campus Life

GEORGIA DIVISION

Major John Murphy Divisional Commander

Major Cristina Murphy Divisional Leader for Mission Advancement & Officer Development

KENTUCKY & TENNESSEE DIVISION

Major Algerome Newsome Divisional Commander

Major Teresa Newsome Divisional Leader for Mission Advancement & Officer Development

We also ask you to join us in celebrating the faithfulness of the following leaders who will be entering retirement on November 1, 2024:

Lt. Colonel James Seiler

Lt. Colonel Karol Seiler

Scan here to see the full list of SOUTHERN TERRITORIAL APPOINTMENTS

effective June 17, 2024.

God’s Masterpieces Event Disciples Atlanta Area

Women Officers and Employees

BY KRISTIN MUDGE

Women working in all areas of ministry through The Salvation Army in the Atlanta area had a rare opportunity to gather and grow together on March 20 at a special event called “Masterpiece” hosted by the Territorial Headquarters (THQ) women’s department at the Atlanta Temple Corps. Officers and employees from Metro Atlanta Area Command, Georgia Divisional Headquarters, THQ, and the Evangeline Booth College (EBC) answered the invitation for fellowship and spiritual enrichment.

Commissioner Donna Igleheart, territorial president of women’s ministries, explained that the idea for the event stemmed from the Territorial Women Officers Retreat (TWOR) held in January. After seeing how impactful TWOR was for the women officers of the Southern Territory, the women’s department recognized a similar need to minister to women employees.

Introducing the theme for the morning, Commissioner Donna read from Ephesians 2:10 saying, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” She encouraged attendees to lean in and receive the message God had for them. “You are women of grace. I would ask that you walk confidently in what God is doing in your life, and how He has created you, and who He has created you to be.”

Special guest speaker Dr. Jennifer Keitt, who also spoke at TWOR in January, opened with a call for the ladies to wake up, saying God is tired of them being sick and tired. “He’s tired of us devaluing His work. You’re His work. How dare you? How dare I?”

Using broken pieces of pottery as a visual, Dr. Jennifer taught about the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi — taking broken pottery and rebuilding it, sealing the cracks with gold. She emphasized that God is not asking us to throw away our broken pieces. “He is saying, ‘Will you give it all to me so that I can reconstruct you? So that I can use gold to reseal and show your scars.’” This is God’s way of allowing us to reclaim who we are — His masterpiece, golden cracks and all.

During lunch, the ladies were encouraged to create a vision board using pictures to map out their “brand,” or the essence of who they truly are to God and the impact they wish to make on the world. Many women stepped forward to explain their vision boards, declaring who God made them to be, and how they were going to incorporate that knowledge into their lives moving forward.

Major Anne Westmoreland, territorial ministries to women secretary, closed the group’s time together in prayer saying, “Lord, I pray for my sisters. I pray that your Word that tells us that we were created by you and in your image would ring true in our hearts.”

Photo Credits (this article): Jon Avery

studies. We were physically exhausted but spiritually charged because every day God moved mightily in our hearts and in the lives of the people we were sent to serve.

Before this trip, I had paid no attention to world services or even missions. If you had asked me if I would ever serve overseas as an officer, the answer would have been an automatic “NO.” Of course, I would qualify it with, “I don’t feel called to go.” That was truthful, as I had yet to feel called overseas.

There’s one thing I am learning about God’s call: it’s a constant thing, and walking in that call can reveal so many things — things you might not be ready for. We began our week of preparation with a powerful consecration service, and it was there I asked God to change my heart about world missions. I did not want to come back the same.

Preparations concluded and we boarded our plane. I wish I could tell you about every detail, encounter, face, personality, struggle, heartache, laugh, and sunset. I wish you could see, hear, and feel what I felt with your own eyes, ears, and heart. I can say with certainty that God changed me, and I came back different.

To tell you the truth, I didn’t want to come back. The biggest change I’ve experienced is just a humble respect for officers who serve overseas. They give their whole hearts and work long days and hours getting just 50 percent of their allowance if they’re lucky. It’s a tired cliché always hearing how “blessed” we are in the U.S., but it

couldn’t be more true. We are very blessed here. We toured through one of the poorest neighborhoods I have ever seen.

One word. The “one word” that the Lord revealed to me in Costa Rica was “future.” This word has several different meanings for me. A future for the people, that they would continue to seek the Lord’s face. Future for the children served at The Salvation Army schools there. Despite the devastating poverty that they are growing up in, they will have a chance at quality education and a better life. For the officers serving there, to never grow tired or weary and have every need met for themselves and their families. For me, I pray that God would use me to impact the world around me, both in the U.S. and abroad.

If you were to ask me now if I would ever serve overseas, you would hear a strongly affirmed “YES” before you even finished the question. I believe God is asking me to be willing to serve overseas, and when the time comes, I will gladly complete the application.

But what about you? What can you do? Perhaps serving physically in another country is out of reach, but trust me, God can and will use you to advance His Kingdom. Be willing, open-minded, and humble. Let the Lord lead you to make a difference in this world of ours. Also, give, please give. Dig deeper when it comes time for that world services offering. Be a blessing, friends.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

Open the Eyes of My Heart

BY CADET SUSAN GARLAND

Since returning from our trip, the most frequent comment I have heard is we made it back from Spring Missions in one piece. Each time I hear this I find myself wondering if it is true. This was my first time traveling outside the U.S., and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Yes, we were given pieces of information during prep week, but it was just information until I could experience it.

There is a song that became my prayer during our time in Costa Rica, “Open the Eyes of My Heart.” I needed my heart to interpret what my eyes could see because I needed to feel what we were doing. The first day we arrived at the CIDAI Leon XIII center, the director took us on a tour of the neighborhood that this educational center serves. She felt it was important for us to understand where the children come from. We were asked to leave our phones and watches at the center, and a parent from the community went to tell the neighborhood we were coming, preparing the way for us in an area particularly untrusting of strangers.

We left the gate of the center and began our journey through a narrow walkway that would take us down (literally down) through the neighborhood. We walked through liquid we could not identify and took care in taking our next steps. The river that flowed beside the homes was one that you should not drink from and one that during the rainy season would rise and flood the homes of the families living there.

The further we walked on that narrow way, I could feel my heart breaking; not about what I was seeing but about what my attitude about world services has so often been: this is someone else’s problem, not mine. That feeling began to haunt me as the eyes of my heart were opened, and by the time we reached the bottom of our path, my heart was ready for what would happen next.

As we carefully climbed back up the path that we had come down, we took a planned stop. A parent had agreed for us to come in and see her house. Her walls were filled with foto de familia, and her face lit up when asked about them. Her voice filled with pride as she told us about her family,

words I recognized as speaking of her grandparents. The house was put together with things they could find, pieces of metal and wood, and with those things she had created a home for her family. You could see the joy on her face showing us her home, and when we returned to the school you could see the joy in the faces of the children and staff.

“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I want to see you.” And I did see God in Costa Rica — in the people, the places, and in my session mates. I didn’t want to stay, but I didn’t want to leave… Physically I made it back in one piece, but a piece of me remains in Costa Rica.

Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you (and of me)? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your (and my) God.”

Photo Credits (this article): Evangeline Booth College

DISCIPLE

The Discipleship Model of Leadership Development

BY KRISTIN MUDGE

Major (Dr.) Anthony Juliana has served as the president and principal of the Evangeline Booth College (EBC) in Atlanta for the past two years. Having also recently completed his doctorate in Strategic Church Leadership from Regent University he is in a unique position to provide profound insight into leadership development and how it connects with discipleship, not just for Salvation Army officers but with soldiers, employees, and Christians in general. He joins Majors Matt and Jamie Satterlee for the May episode of the LOVE – SERVE – DISCIPLE podcast to share his thoughts with us.

“Salvation Army officership is about leadership,” Major Anthony says. “It really is this opportunity to lead people to Christ. It’s to lead people into discipleship and understanding what their roles are in the body of Christ.” With this in mind, the EBC, which is made up of two schools — the School for Officer Training and the School for Leadership and Educational Development — has been tasked with not only training future Salvation Army officers, but also coming alongside current officers, soldiers, adherents, employees, and volunteers to develop them in their leadership journeys. “Let’s inspire them to be the best leaders that they can be in their organization, in their community,” Major Anthony continues.

The EBC takes a discipleship approach to leadership development, Major Anthony explains. “No longer can you just stand up in front of a group of people and lecture and think that you’re developing leaders. That’s not how Jesus did it; that’s not how it works today. You come alongside people.” Staff officers at the EBC model this by walking with the cadets in training, helping them connect the dots between classroom learning and field experience, discipling them and developing them as leaders. “That does happen in the classroom, it happens in the field, it happens in the dining room, it happens around the table, it happens as you’re walking across campus, it happens in every aspect of life there.”

When asked about his choice of strategic church leadership as his area of doctoral study Major Anthony speaks about his passion for the topic and how important it is for The Salvation Army. “What we really are trying to do at the college, particularly for our future, is develop people who are good strategic thinkers,” he shares. “That has helped us a lot when it comes to how we focus our leadership development training for our cadets, for our future officers.”

Major Anthony says it can be an easy and dangerous pitfall to start thinking of discipleship or leadership development as programs. “Disciple-centric leadership development is a form of discipleship and leadership development that Jesus used. Leadership development is not a subset of discipleship; it is part of discipleship.” Jesus modeled this for us through his interactions with his disciples: they ate together, they walked together. “He lives life with them in such a way that every opportunity He has, He says, ‘Let me tell you what the Kingdom of God is like.’” He uses every moment to develop the men and women around Him as future leaders of the early Church. “It was all interconnected. That’s the form that Jesus used, this idea of, ‘Let’s walk alongside together.’”

This discipleship model of leadership development utilized at the EBC is a model that can be replicated in every corps in the Southern Territory. “It’s a model that says if we have the conviction that leadership development happens in the corps, if everybody has that as a conviction, then it becomes part of who we are. It becomes a part of our culture as a corps,” Major Anthony explains. Then from that foundational culture we build constructs, procedures, and processes. It’s no longer simply having a book

on discipleship to do a program, “It becomes the very integral nature of what takes place at a corps. It’s all about discipleship. It’s all about leading people.”

“When you understand that everybody you come in contact with is made in the image of God, how you lead them changes,” Major Anthony encourages. He has provided the following resources for you to learn more about leadership development and discipleship:

• “The Making of a Leader” by Dr. J. Robert Clinton

• “Confident Leader!” by Dan Reiland

• “Christian Reflections on The Leadership Challenge” by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner

• “The Ascent of a Leader” by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol, and Ken McElrath

• “Designed to Lead” by Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck

“I would just encourage people to consider the fact that even though they may not think of themselves as leaders, they may think of themselves as followers. But you know what? That’s where leaders come from,” Major Anthony says. “Great leaders are also great followers themselves. So, friends, just start there. Start being a great follower and just see where that followership will take you in terms of your leadership… I would just encourage people to begin where you are.”

LOVE – SERVE – DISCIPLE MONTHLY PODCAST

Looking to transform how you approach leadership development in your corps? Join Major (Dr.) Anthony Juliana and Majors Matt and Jamie Satterlee on this month’s episode of the LOVE – SERVE – DISCIPLE podcast as they discuss how discipleship should be the foundation of a culture of leadership development for our communities.

To listen, visit linktr.ee/loveservedisciple

Find additional resources and more about each month’s guests at allforjesus.salvationarmysouth.org

Photo Credit: Amber Simpson

Photo Credit: Jon Avery

Discipling the Next Generation at

ALABAMA–LOUISIANA–MISSISSIPPI DIVISION ARKANSAS–OKLAHOMA

KENTUCKY–TENNESSEE DIVISION

NORTH & SOUTH

Photo Credit: Josiah Outerbridge

Photo Credit: Josiah Outerbridge

Photo Credit (all KT): Jon Avery

Photo Credit (all NSC): Abbie Aguilar

Photo Credit: Captian Michael Good

Photo Credit: Sharon Robinson

Photo Credit: Sharon Robinson

Photo Credit: Captian Michael Good

Photo Credit: Captian Michael Good

Photo Credit: Sharon Robinson

Photo Credit: Dennis Smith

Photo Credit: JB Blevins

Youth Councils Across the Territory

ARKANSAS–OKLAHOMA DIVISION

GEORGIA DIVISION

TEXAS DIVISION CAROLINA DIVISION

Photo Credit (all TX): Kahley Garcia

Photo Credit: Sharon Robinson

Photo Credits (all GA): Laura Dake

Photo Credit: Sharon Robinson

Photo Credit: Captian Bradley Hargis

Photo Credit: Dennis Smith

Photo Credit: Dennis Smith

Photo Credit: Grace Jo

Photo Credit: Dennis Smith

God Uses the Details

BY KRISTIN MUDGE

Youth councils is such a special event. Corps cadets, teens, and young adults from all over the divisions have this one weekend to gather, see friends they may only see once or twice a year, grow deeper in their relationship with God, and discover more of who they are spiritually — all while (of course) having a blast.

During my years working in the Texas divisional youth department, I had the privilege of helping plan and run four youth councils. We did it all – a mud run, a big-name music concert, a film screening at a movie theater, a day at Six Flags — you name it, we made it happen!

Often in brainstorming and planning, I would find myself getting lost in the details. How many chairs did we need in the breakout rooms? What time did they need to be set up? Who was assigned to put out the chairs in the arrangement of our choice? And on, and on, and on. My briefs were incredibly detailed, down to the boxes of pencils and worksheets.

During the weekend itself, I found myself in the sound booth making sure all the production elements for group sessions ran smoothly. The lights were programmed, the slides were beautifully designed and organized, the sound checks had all been done. Many times, we were so tightly scheduled we wouldn’t have a minute to get to the dining hall for meals, instead sending someone for to-go boxes that we would nibble on between services.

It was so busy. I was so busy. And I was usually pretty pleased with how well things turned out.

But then there would be an altar call Saturday night or Sunday morning. It was a crafted moment of time and space meant to provide an opportunity for the delegates to meet God. And in those times, I stopped. I saw why I labored for months over the smallest details. Because all those tiny things led up to this moment where young people knelt before their Creator, making commitments, growing in their relationship with Christ, discovering how to live and who they were created to be.

Events like this can be pivotal in the lives of our young people. This is where they meet Jesus. This is where they feel a sense of belonging. This is where some of them discover a calling for service or ministry. This is where they become leaders.

At the end of every youth councils Sunday service, the divisional youth secretary would tell the delegates, “Don’t let what’s happening end here. Take everything you’ve learned, everything you’ve experienced back to your corps and your schools. Bring it home to your families.” The fact that this “mountaintop experience” is just a beginning is always acknowledged. Further discipling will have to take place through corps officers, corps cadet leaders, and mentors, but this was a great start.

What a privilege to be a part of something so beautiful! To watch our youth grow into young adults ready to make an impact on the world. To see them become leaders in their corps, in their schools, and in their communities. And I got to play a tiny role in their incredible lives through spreadsheets and graphic design. God can and will use every skill and talent we are willing to offer to further His Kingdom. Hallelujah and Amen!

Break

BY DR. STEVE KELLNER

‘Em Down and Build ‘Em Up!

Basic training is a formative experience for anyone entering our military services, to say the least. It’s purposefully shocking and disorienting, designed to quickly develop the skills to be a functioning service member and inculcate the service’s history and culture.

Since each branch of service has a different primary mission, each has its own way of conducting basic training. As you would expect, the Navy includes more water-based training, and the Air Force emphasizes skills (and culture) related to aircraft and flying in general. The Army and the Marine Corps regard themselves as primarily infantry based, so their basic training focuses on entry level infantry skills like rifle marksmanship, throwing grenades, and marching, marching, marching!

But there is a major philosophical difference between the Marine Corps and the other services when it comes to training new recruits. The Army, Navy, and Air Force seek to build on the background, personality, and gifts that each recruit already possesses. The Marine Corps still adheres to an older tradition colorfully described as “Break ‘em down and build ‘em up.” The idea is that the recruit doesn’t bring anything of value to the Marine Corps except their physical presence and a desire to become a Marine, and that every part of their background, personality, and gifts — essentially any trace of individuality — must be broken down and eliminated. The “empty vessel” Marine

recruit can then be rebuilt from the ground up and refilled with the pure version of everything Marine Corps by the training officers and NCOs.

There are good arguments for both philosophies, but I think the Marine Corps method more closely resembles what happens when we Salvationists turn ourselves over completely to the Lord and get serious about biblical holiness. Every part of us is contaminated by sin, and we bring nothing of value for God’s purposes except our desire to live a holy life. He can’t even tolerate our sinful presence without the saving blood of Jesus Christ cleansing us, nor do we have any hope of living a life pleasing to Him without the filling of the Holy Spirit.

So, when Paul says in Philippians 3:8 that he considers anything he lost because of following Jesus “rubbish” (dung is the literal translation), he means more than just physical suffering, but the loss of himself, the loss of everything he brought into the relationship. God had to literally knock Paul off his horse to get him from “All of self, and none of Thee” to “None of self, and all of Thee” as the old song says, and then built him up into the powerhouse missionary he became.

But there is much to recommend the training philosophies of the other services as well, and the truth is, God uses both methods. After He washes us clean and fills us, He can then use our background, personality, and gifts in His service. God used Paul’s study of philosophy, his exhaustive knowledge of scripture, and even negative traits like the extreme zealousness he showed in persecuting Christians, to carry the gospel to the Gentiles. And He’ll do the same for us if we allow Him to break us down and build us up.

The Friendly Face of Judas

BY LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE

Jason* had been a good friend for decades. We spent untold hours in each other’s homes, played games, enjoyed meals together with our wives and children, and at times attended each other’s churches. His Christian walk and service deeply impressed me. We exchanged jokes on Facebook and looked forward to times together. But at some point, without me noticing, things changed.

While he kept smiling and laughing, another part of his life was sliding into spiritual darkness. His family life suffered, church became a thing of the past, and by his own testimony, he stopped praying years ago. It is not enough that he was shipwrecked. Now he is destroying people around him. No one is outside the grace of God, and by humbling himself in repentance and seeking forgiveness he can find his way back. But for now, he is lost.

Throughout this past Easter season, I have thought about Judas. He was one of the Twelve. He heard the Sermon on the Mount, helped collect the remnants from the loaves and the fishes. He went out with the rest of the disciples to cast out demons and preach the gospel. He watched Jesus calm the storm and raise the dead. He laughed and ate with Jesus and trekked from one end of the country to the other.

Although we know he was a traitor, at the time, the other eleven didn’t. When at the Last Supper Jesus said that one of them would betray Him, according to the gospels they didn’t all turn around and look at Judas. Instead, they each asked, “Is it me?” He fooled everyone. Except Jesus.

The mask Judas wore could not masquerade his heart. Somewhere along the way, demons fleeing and dead rising weren’t enough for him. Jesus’ words, which thrilled him at some point, were now background noise to the thundering temptations playing out in his heart. Darkness became darker still until he detested the other disciples.

We know the grand play Judas made for himself, turning a profit from the rot in his soul. He had reached the point, as Alistair Begg notes, that “He would rather have Jesus destroyed than his sins forgiven.”

Judas could have turned back in repentance. He knew the gospel of grace that allowed it. But some would rather cling to the anchor that sinks them than reach for the line that would save them.

Jason is not the only one I have seen who made a choice like Judas. Despite having seen others do it, I am still as grieved watching it all unfold as ever.

How bitter will it be in that day when those of the Tribe of Judas stand before Christ and review the choice they made that bade them turn their backs on Him! And yet, there is a place to make U-turns on the road to Hell, right before people enter in.

“‘As surely as I live,’ declares the Sovereign Lord, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways!’” (Ezekiel 33:11).

*Fictitious name. Not someone who has any association whatsoever with The Salvation Army.

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

WE ARE AN ARMY!

Collaborative Effort Sees Success Moving Men Off New Orleans Streets

BY ANN CHRISTIAN

For a few hours every Wednesday, two Corps Mission Associates with The Salvation Army of Greater New Orleans Command take the Army’s Community Coffee Disaster Response Unit (DRU) to downtown locations to provide lunch to unhoused individuals. While they feed those who are hungry, quietly behind the scenes, Chris Rogers, a recent graduate of The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), engages in conversation with men to get them off the streets and into the ARC. And if anyone can convince these men that a turnaround is attainable, it’s Chris.

To see Chris now, compared to when he first arrived at the ARC, is nothing less than astounding. Today, the clean-cut, casually, yet impeccably dressed Chris admits, “I am a completely different man than I was just a few short months ago. I have no idea what would have happened if I had not found the ARC and, equally as important, my faith.”

Chris’s struggle with substance abuse began in 2018 following a work accident that caused severe pain; the ongoing pain and the medication he was taking then led to PTSD. When nothing seemed to ease the agony, Chris turned to drugs and alcohol to fill the gap. Unemployed, with a failing marriage and distant children, he wandered the streets, slept under the interstate, and eventually was admitted into a hospital. Chris confesses he wanted to ‘check out,’ but in a clearer moment, he realized what he was longing for was long-term, Christian-centered holistic rehabilitation, and that’s when he turned to The Salvation Army and its ARC program.

Major Donald Tekautz operates the all-male rehab program, and when he talks about Chris Rogers, his face lights up, not only because of Chris’s accomplishment in battling addiction but also his ongoing ministry in the street. “When I came here last year, we only had 24 residents; today, we have more than 50 men in our program with the capacity to add another 10 to 15 residents. Our mission is to give men the means to turn around their lives; all they need to do is have faith in themselves and the Lord and the desire to change their lives,” Major Tekautz notes.

Another vital thing is time. Many rehab programs are 30 days or less, but as Major Tekautz emphasizes, success does not come overnight. That’s why the ARC program is six months, and the entire program is generally free to participants. The men who enter the ARC live in dormitory-style quarters and are served all meals. During the day, they are in a work therapy program, which involves processing donations or working at The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store. Evenings include AA meetings and other programs that offer spiritual, emotional, and social assistance to combine all that’s learned in a sober and stable life. After six months, if a resident has met all his goals, he can remain living at the ARC for a short time if he’s employed, or he can transition into independent living.

BY DON FELICE

The Salvation Army of Columbus commemorated a significant milestone in its mission to alleviate homelessness with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Center of Hope on March 25. Designed to accommodate up to 17 families in need, the Center of Hope aims not only to provide shelter but also to empower individuals with the tools necessary to transcend the cycle of poverty.

“For families facing homelessness, the journey can be arduous and disheartening,” said Captain Andre Pereira, corps officer of the Columbus Corps. “Our vision for the Center of Hope is to become a beacon of optimism and collaboration within our community, offering a pathway to brighter futures for those in need.”

The project, nearly a decade in the making, signifies a profound commitment from The Salvation Army and its partners to address the escalating demand for assistance among homeless families in Columbus. According to data from 2022, approximately 15 families per week sought emergency shelter in the Muscogee County area, underscoring the urgent need for initiatives like the Center of Hope.

Expanding beyond its historical focus on serving homeless men, The Salvation Army now also prioritizes aiding homeless women and children, recognizing the unique challenges they face in escaping poverty. The two-story, 21,000-square-foot facility will feature residential accommodations on the upper floor, complemented by a range of communal amenities on the lower level, including a playground, computer lab, outdoor garden, and food pantry.

Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “The development of the Center of Hope exemplifies the power of collective action and partnership. It is through the dedication of passionate volunteers and community leaders that we can effectively address the needs of the most vulnerable among us.”

And that’s where the New Orleans Command comes back into the picture. Major Ed Binnix oversees the Command, including its Center of Hope, which sits a few miles away from the ARC along Claiborne Ave. The center can house up to 270 men, women, and children nightly. While the two majors talk often, other than DRU weekly outings, there’s usually little interaction between the two commands. Still, now there’s the discussion of setting aside space in the Center of Hope that will serve as transitional housing for ARC graduates who need more time to become financially independent.

“These men have devoted six months or more of their lives to accomplish lasting change,” comments Major Binnix, who notes that while the Center of Hope doesn’t have a structured rehab program, “we can certainly provide temporary housing to give them more time to get on their feet. We know by serving many families and singles daily that housing costs are the number one barrier to independent living.”

“This collaboration with the Center of Hope would be a huge benefit,” says Major Tekautz, and it’s certainly a cooperative effort both he and Major Binnix hope to officially launch in 2024. Until then, the two commands will continue to hit the streets each Wednesday to not only feed those who are hungry but continue to talk to those who are open to finally making some changes in their life, whether it is men entering the ARC program, or other men and women turning to the Center of Hope for temporary housing and social service assistance.

Shelter and Renewed Opportunity for Homeless Families in Columbus, Georgia

Central to the success of the Center of Hope has been the unwavering support of the city of Columbus, whose officials have worked hand-in-hand with The Salvation Army to realize the project’s vision. Together, they have leveraged their respective strengths to maximize impact and deliver essential services to those in need.

As construction commences on the Center of Hope, The Salvation Army Columbus Corps, alongside its advisory board and community partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to ushering in a new era of hope and opportunity for homeless families in Columbus and beyond.

Photo Credit: Don Felice

Photo Credits (this article): Ann Christian

Chris Rogers prays for and with two gentlemen.

‘Bucket Brigade’ Fights Hunger

BY MAJOR FRANK DURACHER

To paraphrase an old Chinese proverb: Give a man some vegetables and you will feed him for a day — Teach a man to grow vegetables and you will feed him for a lifetime. This is the premise behind the “Bucket Brigade,” a consortium of public and private agencies partnering with The Salvation Army to combat hunger in Onslow and Jones Counties in North Carolina. The program is operated by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, North Carolina A&T State University, and North Carolina State University.

Onslow County Farmer’s Market is, appropriately, the venue for Bucket Brigade events, which occur four times a year — twice in the Spring and twice in the Fall.

“This is a unique program for families to grow their own portable ‘Grow Buckets,’” says Captain Christine Towne, Jacksonville corps officer. “People are thrilled to learn about growing their own vegetables, not only because of the distance between them and their nearest produce stand, but also because they can stretch their budgets in this strained economy.”

From budding young planters to seasoned master gardeners, attendees learn both the basics and finer techniques to make their gardens grow.

Jan Smith, a certified master gardener and a member of the Jacksonville Advisory Board, says, “This is what I call a ‘hybrid community garden’ — instead of coming to a central location to grow a community garden, here they are given the buckets, soil, and seeds, along with the knowledge to properly grow their own produce.”

Many low-income households do not have a big yard to grow things, she adds, but they do have a patio or a front porch where they can place their buckets in the sunlight and keep the plants properly hydrated and tended.

Everything is free for participants, thanks to a state grant given to The Salvation Army by the North Carolina Community Foundation. The grant buys the buckets and potting soil, and the seeds are donated by the Richlands Walmart.

Master gardeners are trained to do public outreach and to teach budding gardeners the basics. Cool season plants are started by White Oak High School agricultural students and FFA (Future Farmers of America) members.

“There are ‘food deserts’ where households can be from five to ten miles to the nearest grocery store for their produce,” says Jessica Gardener (aptly named!), who is the county director of the Cooperative Extension at N.C. State University. “N.C. State and N.C. A&T State University does all the research to teach to the public how to succeed as gardeners.”

“There are many benefits to growing a ‘bucket garden,’” says Emilee Morrison, consumer horticulture agent for Onslow County. “It is therapeutic, promotes socialization, improved nutrition, and is a great way to stretch the family dollar.” And it gives the gardener a wonderful sense of accomplishment, she adds. Surprisingly, plants grow much better in these buckets than in the ground.

“Gardening in Onslow County is different than other parts of the state,”

Emilee explains. “Every state has land grant universities which do the research, and every county has cooperative extensions.”

It’s all about the science, and folks are catching on.

“This is an amazing opportunity, not only to make an impact in food deserts, but in the value of teaching people the skills to feed themselves with care and planning of a bountiful harvest of broccoli, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, kale, collards, etc.”

Also at these events, cooking demonstrations complete the food production cycle, deemed “From the ground to the table.”

Master gardeners and other volunteers maintain larger gardens, with harvests going directly to low-income families through the Army’s food pantry at the Jacksonville Corps. Herbs are also grown and distributed. Families may also get their buckets, soil, and seeds at the corps so they can develop their own “green thumb” for fresh produce on their table.

“About 50 families daily come through our food pantry to receive fresh produce, in addition to a food basket of canned goods and other grocery staples,” says Laura Hagerman, the social services case manager at the corps. “It’s a pretty hopping place!”

Captain Christine Towne shows a few of the outdoor plant boxes that produce fresh vegetables for distribution at the Jacksonville Corps food pantry.

Advisory Board member Jan Smith is proud of her grandson, Robert Nehls, who is working on becoming an Eagle Scout by forming a Bucket Brigade of his own.

Children and parents enjoy crafts to help kids learn about the importance of gardening.

A budding young gardener plants her first seeds to begin her bucket garden.

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Major Goldie Long

Major Goldie Long was Promoted to Glory on March 7, 2024, at the age of 73. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of God, and she passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Goldie May O’Neil was born on August 23, 1950, to parents Homer and Violet O’Neil. Her life is a testament to her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. From a young age she dedicated herself to The Salvation Army’s mission and ministry, embodying its values of service and compassion.

Ed and Goldie’s roads seemed destined to merge from the beginning. Unknown to them at the time, they grew up just a block from each other in Wheeling, WV. After they finally met in their early teens, they discovered that Sunday School was the only way they could see one another, so they began attending at the Wheeling Corps in 1963.

Upon graduation from high school, Ed joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for six years, with one year in Vietnam. All the time he was gone, he and Goldie wrote to each other as their love deepened. They married on December 23, 1968, with Major George Woods, Sr. officiating. Goldie joined Ed at Camp Pendleton on Valentine’s Day in 1969.

Wheeling had always been home to the couple, so upon Ed’s honorable discharge, they bought a home there in anticipation of raising their children. Four daughters made the Long family complete (Linda, Allison, Pamela, and Stephanie). Ed became a police officer in Wheeling, eventually rising to the rank of police chief, while Goldie worked as a secretary at the Stone Presbyterian Church.

Ed and Goldie served as faithful soldiers of the Wheeling Corps, bringing their four girls with them, teaching them the value of faithful service to Jesus Christ and the corps. Goldie was a Sunday School teacher, Corps Cadet counselor, and YPSM (Young People’s Sergeant Major). She also served for three years as a teacher at the National Seminar of Evangelism at Glen Eyrie, CO.

They had always told The Salvation Army that they would like to serve as Supply Sergeants (to fill in somewhere for a short period of time). After Ed’s retirement from the police force in September 1997, they received that call from Lt. Colonel John Falin (then at the Maryland-West Virginia Divisional Headquarters) about such an opportunity. Goldie retired from her position as office administrator at Stone Presbyterian Church and went to serve at the Baltimore Hampden Corps, MD, for what they thought would be a temporary assignment.

Sixteen years and five corps appointments later, in 2013 they retired honorably with the rank of Major and made their retirement home in Bethlehem, WV.

Major Goldie Long is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Marilyn Long and Dianne White.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 55 years, Major Ed Long; four daughters, Linda (Roger) Fonner, Allison (Mark) Saseen, Pamela (Todd) Henderson, and Major Stephanie (Bill) Mockabee. She also leaves nine grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, three brothers, and many nieces and nephews.

NEWS BRIEF

The Salvation Army recently partnered with Monroe Strong Long Term Recovery Committee and Love Without Walls for a distribution of mattresses in north Mississippi, just one year after a series of storms inflicted severe damage in the area. In the immediate aftermath of the March 2023 storms, The Salvation Army responded, and this continued response is part of its commitment to long-term service. “Embodying the

transformative power of love, empathy, and solidarity, we are steadfast in our mission to create a community where every individual is seen, heard, and supported, leaving no one behind on their path to healing and renewal,” said Tracy Hadley of Love Without Walls. Residents were encouraged to pre-register for needed sizes and arrive at appointed times to have mattresses loaded into their vehicles.

St. Hagop Armenian Church Pinellas Park, FL

Salvation Army District Headquarters Lutz, FL

Salvation Army Family Store, San Antonio, TX

Camp Keystone Holiness Center Starke, FL

Camp Keystone Dining Hall, Starke, FL

Camp Keystone Multipurpose, Starke, FL

‘Burst Into Jubilant Song’ Southern Staff Songsters Join in Historic Choral Convocation

BY KRISTIN MUDGE

“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.” – Psalm 98:4

Six Salvation Army songster brigades — the International Staff Songsters (ISS), the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS), the USA Eastern Territory Staff Songsters (ETSS), the USA Western Territory Staff Songsters (WTSS), the USA Central Territorial Staff Songsters (CTSS), and the USA Southern Staff Songsters (SSS) — all gathered together in Toronto, Canada over the first weekend in April for a historic Choral Convocation.

Each of these groups has a long history of choral ministry and evangelism around the world, but they have never before had the opportunity to join together on this scale. When the ISS was scheduled to visit Canada as the final stop in their “Songs of Love” Easter tour, an invitation from the Canada and Bermuda Territory sounded across North America for what would turn out to be one of the most impactful weekends of musical testimony in Salvation Army history.

The weekend began as all choral ministry weekends do, with the groups gathering for time of rehearsal and ministry opportunities around Toronto. But when all the groups met for a Friday night Gala dinner, it was clear this was no ordinary ministry trip.

The six brigades were split up and assigned to different tables in the large hotel ballroom, at least one member from each group at every table. This allowed for the building of new friendships, deep conversations about separate but similar backgrounds, and fellowship between people all with a passion for praising God through choral worship.

Along with the groups and their respective territorial leadership, the dinner was attended by leaders from the Canada and Bermuda Territory, as well as two past generals of The Salvation Army — General Brian Peddle along with Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, and General Linda Bond. This esteemed audience enjoyed a short welcome service, followed by an Easter-themed concert provided by the ISS. When all the bri -

gades were invited to join the ISS in singing Elaine Hagenberg’s “O Love,” it was as though Heaven itself had opened to allow the angels to join the massed choir in singing of God’s enduring love. With the lyrics “I give thee back the life I owe,” the entire chorus dedicated their weekend back to God’s service.

Saturday brought a morning rotating through fellowship and soundchecks at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto as the groups prepared for the Choral Convocation concert. Following lunch, the entire group gathered once again for a massed choir rehearsal under the leadership of former ISS and CSS Songster Leader Major Len Ballentine.

The sold-out concert invited around 1,000 Salvationists and friends to join the 200-plus choristers for an evening of praise and testimony, with hundreds more joining online from around the world. Every songster brigade selected two pieces to offer to the Lord in worship with the ISS and the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) providing additional items. The four massed pieces interspersed throughout the evening completed the program.

Every group carefully chose their pieces to sing God’s praise and usher those in attendance before His throne in worship. The SSS performed “Psalm 24” by Robert Snelson, Southern Territorial worship arts publications director and SSS songster leader, along with “Thou Art Holy” by Craig Courtney as their contributions to the night of praise.

Never before has there been such an assembly of Salvationist musicians gathered for such a singular purpose, and everyone in attendance knew that history had been made as the final notes of Richard Smallwood’s “Total Praise!” rang out in the sanctuary.

Sunday morning took the brigades to five different area corps to support local worship services. The SSS had the privilege to join the congregation of the Mississauga Community Church in a beautiful morning of music, ministry, and teaching. Lt. Colonel Mark Israel, Southern Territorial secretary for program and the territorial executive representative for the SSS, brought the message, speaking on God’s promise of peace and perfect rest in Him, the altar filling with corps members, officers, and songsters alike.

After lunch, the songsters were honored to be a part of the Mississauga Community Church’s Music School concert, enjoying the talents of the community’s budding young musicians and adding their encouragement for the students to continue growing. The SSS finished the weekend with a short rendition of Yvonne Field’s “If Your Presence,” asking God to continue to stay with them and the people of the Mississauga Community Church as they returned home from a weekend full of worship and song.

Photo Credit: Canada and Bermuda Territory

Photo Credit: Canada and Bermuda Territory

Photo Credit: Canada and Bermuda Territory

Photo Credit: Ian Mudge

Photo Credit: Ian Mudge