REPEAT THE SOUNDING JOY!
BY COMMISSIONER DONNA IGLEHEART
Last evening, as I sat in my favorite chair at home sipping hot chocolate while watching the first of many Hallmark Christmas movies, I was surprised to hear the carol “Joy to the World” featured in the film. “Repeat the sounding joy,” the melody whispered, and I pondered what those words truly mean in our hurried world.
You see, just that morning I had rushed through my usual routine: answering emails, checking lists, attending meetings, planning holiday gatherings, and putting a neat bow on the last ”to-dos” for the final days of 2024. It’s easy to get lost in the noise of the world and neglect the opportunity to “repeat the sounding joy” of Christ in our everyday conversation with others. I’m reminded of our founder William Booth’s enduring Christmas Eve message to his officers. That one-word message of “Others” was more impactful than a lengthy liturgical writing for his tired and weary officers to receive. Stated simply: “Others.”
In our modern world of instant notifications and endless commitments, Booth’s words ring truer than ever: let others be our mission. Let others be our purpose, and let others be our all-consuming passion. Each time we repeat the sounding joy, we’re not just singing words; we are recommitting to this sacred purpose.
I think about that humble manger scene and how it stands in stark contrast to our world of digital displays and twinkling light shows. In that simple stable, the breath of heaven touched earth. The King of Kings chose not a palace but a manger, not royal robes but swaddling clothes. When I “repeat the sounding joy,” I am reminded that true joy often comes wrapped in humility.
The amazing truth is that this same Jesus, who entered our world in such modest circumstances, brought with Him the most extravagant gift of all: eternal life. As The Living Bible beautifully states in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world this much: He gave His only Son so that anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.” It is this transformative love that we, as an Army of God, are called to share with others.
No matter the trials we face, no matter the burdens we carry, the Christmas message compels us to fix our eyes on the salvation that has been freely offered to all who believe. Have you opened your hands to receive this gift for yourself? We cannot ignore the reality that this season can often find us longing for peace and desperate for good news. Whatever concerns occupy your heart, may you find true peace by placing your faith in our Savior, Christ the Lord. For truly, it is only through this salvation that you can experience the fullness of joy.
This season, as we gather with loved ones and share precious moments, let’s remember why we repeat the sounding joy. It’s not just a
phrase in a beloved carol—it is our testimony to the world. Each act of kindness, each cuddle with a grandchild, each moment spent serving others, and each prayer spoken becomes our partnership with the angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).
As I share this, I’m reminded that the most profound messages often come in gentle ways. This Christmas, may we each find our own way to “repeat the sounding joy,” not necessarily in grand gestures, but in faithful hearts turned toward the miracle in the manger. Let us be like those first shepherds who, having seen the Christ child, could not help but share their joy with others. May our lives echo their wonder and their worship as we give ourselves fully to Him and to others. In doing so, we help the world see clearly what Christmas truly means. Together, let us repeat the sounding joy, knowing that each time we do, we celebrate anew the greatest gift ever given: Emmanuel, God with us.
Holiday Burnout and Other Terrifying Tales
BY DR. IAN MUDGE
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As the world gathers to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Salvation Army officers, employees, and volunteers are mobilizing to meet the needs of their communities and to raise money to support their mission year-round. Regardless of season, the mission of the Army demands that we are continuously busy meeting the needs of the least and the lost. Though deeply important and often extremely fulfilling, the demands of this work can instill a deep exhaustion only exacerbated by the busyness of the Christmas season. Burnout is always knocking on the door, seeking to drain us of the joy that should be associated with the good news of the birth of our Savior.
The term “burnout” is often thrown around in Army circles, typically referring to the exhaustion that comes with long work weeks and the emotional demands of our mission. Most do not realize that burnout is actually a clinical term that goes much deeper than simply being tired. Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of
personal identity. Burnout is a lot scarier than it sounds. Research has found that when people burn out, they can never again perform at the same level in the same position. It is greatly saddening that people can lose their capacity to execute their calling because of a completely preventable phenomenon.
The frightening reality is that burnout can happen to any of us. It happens to people who love their work, have a good self-care routine, take a Sabbath every week, and take all their vacation every year. Each of those strategies can help mitigate emotional exhaustion, but that is only one facet that contributes to burnout. Research has found that burnout consists of three parts: emotional exhaustion, lack of personal accomplishment, and depersonalization.
Emotional Exhaustion
Across the Army, we are all aligned in our mission of serving suffering humanity. That mission is emotionally demanding and places a lot of pressure on us to serve even when we would prefer to rest. From research I have conducted with officers across the country, pretty much every officer struggles with exhaustion on some level. Emotional exhaustion is a result of excessive demands and continuous stress over an extended period of time. To be an effective officer, you are likely to face excessive demands and
continuous stress, so some level of emotional exhaustion is a given. This by itself is not particularly worrying, but the risk of burnout rises as we add in the compounding factors of personal accomplishment and depersonalization.
Lack of Personal Accomplishment
During the busy Christmas season, it is easy to lose sight of the purpose of our work. During long work weeks, it can be difficult to remember that every dollar raised in the kettle is symbolic of the amazing work we will do to help people throughout the year. It is easy to lose sight of our mission and feel that the work we are doing does little to further the Kingdom of God. It is during these times that we are at the highest risk of burnout. We need to shift our mindset to augment our feelings of personal accomplishment, taking appropriate credit for the work we are doing to advance the Kingdom.
Depersonalization
When we do not feel that we are accomplishing God’s call on our lives and are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, it is easy to become cynical and push back on the work we are being asked to do. Depersonalization is this negative, callous, or detached response to the demands of our work. It is a defense mechanism we
“Holiday Burnout...” continued on page 4
The Sacrifice of Service An Emergency Disaster Services Testimony
BY LT. DAVID DONEGAN
Deploying to East Tennessee after Hurricane Helene was one of the most challenging missions I have faced as a Salvation Army officer. We arrived as part of the incident command team ready and willing to offer aid, but nothing could have fully prepared us for the devastation we encountered. Entire communities were submerged, homes were destroyed, and people were left barely clinging to hope.
Our group being first on the scene, we immediately set up our mobile command at the local Johnson City Corps and established resources for providing assistance—I had the honor of serving as the operations chief for our endeavors. We started by offering the survivors their first warm meal in days, and the gratitude we saw was overwhelming.
I distinctly remember one young mother holding her child in her arms as I handed her a meal in Mountain City—her hands shook, her eyes filled with exhaustion but also relief. I realized at that moment there is something powerful about being able to offer a meal during a crisis. It may seem small, but it speaks volumes: “You are not forgotten. You are cared for.”
Alongside the meals, we distributed hygiene and cleanup kits, giving people the tools they needed to begin picking up the scattered pieces of their lives.
While serving others was rewarding, it also came with an emotional cost. I couldn’t help but think of my own family back home—my wife, Lt. Brittney, my son, Ryan, and my daughter, Tara. Deployment meant days, even weeks, away from them. My heart ached each time I thought of them, and though we stayed in touch through calls and texts, nothing could replace actually being present.
Leaving my family to help others is never easy, but I knew I was following my calling. Scripture says in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This verse guided me during those long days, reminding me that serving others reflects Christ’s love.
Then came one of the most difficult nights of my deployment. Late one evening, following a day filled with the tiring efforts of distributing meals and supplies, I received a call. On the oth -
er end of the line was a voice I have heard many times, but this time it had a distinctly different tone. A team from a nearby fire department who was sent to help with search and rescue had been tirelessly searching for missing persons, and they now desperately needed emotional and spiritual support. As I made my way to their location, I was met by my brother-in-law, captain of the squad in charge of the rescue operation, who had called for our help.
Seeing him that night stirred up a mix of emotions. He has always been someone I have looked up to, especially while growing up—an extremely strong, capable, and brave man. But that night, the weight of the day was evident on his face. His team had recovered the bodies of those who didn’t survive the storm, and the emotional toll was heavy. As I sat with him and his team, offering words of comfort and leading them in prayer, I could see the sorrow in his eyes. He had spent the day facing the grim reality of loss, and now he needed a moment to let his guard down. The weight of grief hung in the air as I sat with them, offering what comfort and support I could. But seeing my brother-in-law, a man I had always known as strong and unshakable, visibly affected by the day’s events, was something that hit me harder than I expected. He was not just a firefighter leading his team— he was family. Seeing the toll this disaster took on him made my role as a Salvation Army officer feel more personal than ever.
In moments like this, I turn to Scripture for strength. I shared with the team Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” It was a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, God is with us, offering us comfort and peace. I prayed with my brother-in-law, offering him emotional and spiritual care just as we had always supported each other growing up. It was surreal—two men who had shared so much through the years, now leaning on each other in a moment of deep pain.
As we finished praying, I felt a mix of pride and sadness. I was proud to be there for him, to offer support when he needed it most, but it was heartbreaking to see the toll this tragedy had taken. In that moment, our professional roles faded away, and we were just family—two men carrying the burdens of the storm while also carrying each other. The words of Romans 12:15 came to mind: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” That night, we mourned together, but we also found strength in faith and family.
As difficult as that night was, it was also a reminder of why I do what I do—why I continue to answer the call, even when it means leaving my family behind. Whether it is offering a hot meal, a cleanup kit, or emotional support to strangers and loved ones, the work we do with The Salvation Army is about meeting people where they are, in their most vulnerable moments. The work of The Salvation Army is about more than providing material relief. It’s about being a light in the darkness, offering hope when all seems lost, and reminding people that they are never alone. Whether I’m handing out a meal or offering spiritual support, I am reminded of why we are called to serve. And even though leaving my family behind is always difficult, I know that in serving others, I am following God’s call. And in the process, I find that I am also never alone.
Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, Territorial Commander
Colonel Deborah Sedlar, Chief Secretary
Lt. Colonel Mark Israel, Publisher
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Kristin Mudge, Editor
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Photo Credits: Eric Short
Cadets Experience the Impact of Disaster Service
First and second year cadets from the Evangeline Booth College had the opportunity to deploy with emergency disaster services (EDS) during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Serving meals, distributing cleanup kits, and providing emotional and spiritual care to survivors gave them the opportunity to put their love for others and hours of training into action, seeing first-hand what being a Salvation Army officer is all about.
“I met a lady named Vicky. When she pulled up to our RRU (rapid response unit) she identified The Salvation Army logos and said with tears in her eyes ‘I’d knew you’d be here!’ Vicky shared with me her struggles; her house was demolished and even though she had insurance, she still had to pay all her bills and now a hotel bill and an insurance deductible. When all was said and done, her family of four was incapable of buying hot meals. She cried with me for a short while, and after a prayer she drove away thankful for the work of The Salvation Army.” –Cadet Glen Andress
“I have never experienced my cup being drained and filled at the same time before. I was grateful that God allowed me to serve in the communities in North Carolina. My ministry and my life will be changed forever.”
–Cadet Christopher Roman
“What disaster meant to me was being the hands and feet of Jesus. Going in and helping these communities face the unknown together. I witnessed beautiful testimony even in the midst of hard times. I saw communities bring their last even when they lost everything. I was part of a humbling time and have been blessed. This disaster was not my first, but it changed my whole perspective of what it means to truly live as the body of Christ.”
–Cadet Chelsea
“Although the community may have seemed to fall, God has woven this community in unity and proven that wrong.”
“It is the eyes of those passing by in their cars that I will take along with me. The eyes with the look of hopelessness as they drove towards me. The way the eyes of those people changed as they quietly lipped ‘The Salvation Army’ realizing who it was that we were. The way hope returned into their eyes while they stared at me standing in the middle of that parking lot.”
–Cadet Brian Shea
“With this being my first disaster relief, I had mixed emotions. There was sadness looking at so much destruction and seeing faces as we were serving. I prayed with some people because I knew they wanted prayer. You could tell how some were trying hard not to cry as they were saying ‘thank you’ for the service we were providing. There was great joy watching the communities working together helping each other, and we were able to help them.”
–Cadet Aaron Simpson
Photos provided by the Evangeline Booth College
“Even in the midst of this disaster and tragedy, you can see the hand of God moving within His people to restore what has been broken. You see hope!” –Cadet Corina Stegall
–Cadet Aniyah Downey
Carter
“EDS deployment was a unique opportunity that humbled me and reminded me to be thankful and joyful in all situations. It was great to see whole communities come together and unite to help each other in their time of need.” –Cadet Heather Simpson
SERVE
THQ Launches SERVE Territorial Priority
BY KRISTIN MUDGE
On November 12, Southern Territorial Headquarters (THQ) celebrated the launch of the new program year in conjunction with the shift to the SERVE territorial priority. Over the past 12 months, the territory has been focused on DISCIPLE, leaning into the topics of holiness, prayer, discipleship, and leadership development. This year’s move to SERVE will allow us to press further into recruitment, youth, and mission integration and development.
“Over the past year, we’ve been blessed to deepen our roots through discipleship, growing stronger in our faith and understanding. And now we’re ready to let that growth naturally overflow into serving others,” Commissioner Donna Igleheart, territorial president of women’s ministries, announced to the room filled with officers and employees. “We’re not leaving discipleship. Rather, we’re allowing it to fuel and guide how we serve one another and our communities with Christ’s love. It’s a natural progression; discipleship flows into service.”
As those present enjoyed fresh blueberry scones and specialty coffees, Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, territorial commander, pronounced how thankful he is for the quality of the THQ employees who consistently come alongside The Salvation Army to further its mission. “As I look around this group today, I see people who are constantly thinking about and working towards serving others in His name, without discrimination.”
Commissioner Kelly noted that in the past year the Southern Territory has served 3.2 million people through our corps and programs, encouraging all present to continue seeking out new and additional ways they can serve others.
“Serve the Lord with gladness. I think that’s how I would summarize what our hope is this year with the term ‘SERVE’ — to do it gladly. And that’s our hope and our prayer.”
deploy when our work feels overwhelming, but it can ultimately undermine the quality of support we are able to provide.
Causes of Burnout
At its core, burnout is caused when our expectations of our work do not align with the reality of what we are doing daily. Many of us are involved in the Army because we love the Army’s mission. We want to serve people, actively give back to our communities, and bring people to Christ. Many come into the Army with the expectation that directly fulfilling the Army’s mission will be their fulltime job, without realizing that most of their work will occur behind the scenes. This background work is critical to the fulfillment of the Army’s mission, but because it is not direct service, it can fail to meet our expectations.
When our expectations are not met, we start to question the calling that God has placed upon our lives. We are emotionally exhausted, don’t feel that our work is making a difference, and start to become cynical that our work even matters. We become burned out. This is particularly easy during busy seasons like Christmas where the demands are high and we are often
Colonel Deborah Sedlar, chief secretary, concluded the time of
celebration by praying, “Thank you, Lord, for stirring our hearts to be more intentional about bringing people to Jesus, and then to help them in their walk.
“We pray that those who have been discipled will begin to disciple others and that your Kingdom here on earth will grow. And as we launch this, our second year, focusing on SERVE, our prayer is that you will make us servants like Jesus.”
committed to doing behind-the-scenes work, insulated from the true effects of our work furthering the mission to which God has called us.
Fixing Burnout
If burnout is rooted in our expectations, the first step in fixing burnout is in managing our expectations. Take a few minutes to reflect on these questions:
• What are my expectations?
• How are my expectations being met or not being met?
• Are my expectations realistic? Are there any expectations I need to abandon?
• What can I do to make my reality match my expectations?
During busy seasons like Christmas, it is easy to lose sight of important parts of self-care like practicing spiritual disciplines, exercising, participating in hobbies, and socializing. Taking time for yourself to rest and recharge is an important part of mitigating emotional exhaustion. If you do not take care of yourself, it is hard to take care of other people. Make self-care a priority over your work and volunteer tasks. Research shows that taking time for self-care can actually improve your work performance beyond what you would achieve if you simply spent that
time working. You may have less time to work, but your work will likely be more effective. One key self-care practice is taking time every day to show our gratitude to God for the amazing gifts He has given us. Thankfulness is the solution to unrealistic expectations. When we acknowledge that we are powerless to control our reality, we can either try to take control—which leads to burnout—or we can surrender to God and become thankful for everything. Whenever your mind is straying into negativity, take time to dwell on things you are thankful for, and you will likely see a significant shift in your attitude.
Christmas is an incredibly busy season for all of us in The Salvation Army. It is easy for burnout to set in as we become emotionally exhausted, don’t feel our work is making an impact, and begin to become cynical about the work we are doing. The best thing we can do at these times is to address our expectations, shift our reality, and be thankful for all the amazing blessings God has given us. Particularly for sending His Son to be born into the world to save us all.
Dr. Ian Mudge is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience who earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. Specializing in pastor well-being, he does extensive work with The Salvation Army to help improve the lives of officers through counseling and consulting.
“Holiday Burnout...” continued from page 1
Photo Credits: Adriana LiMandri
Chainsaw Accident Leads to Testimony of Faith
BY MAJOR FRANK DURACHER
A little yardwork doesn’t typically change someone’s life, but for Bobby Connor, a longtime soldier of the Charleston Citadel Corps in South Carolina, a near-fatal encounter with the business-end of a chainsaw did exactly that.
“It was the fifth of July in 2014, and I was cutting down a tree at my aunt’s house,” Bobby explains. But he confesses he was too careless, taking shortcuts that resulted in near tragedy.
“Normally I’d tie the branch I’m cutting, just for safety reasons, but that time I didn’t. Also, I was up on a ladder when I was cutting, and you shouldn’t do that, either!”
The chainsaw “kicked back” and Bobby instinctively dropped it. Unfortunately, the jolt threw Bobby off the ladder, and he fell to the ground landing atop the saw, which was still running.
“The saw cut into my face, and blood was everywhere. And to make matters worse, falling onto the saw broke both of my arms.”
Bobby’s wife immediately ran out to help, turning off the chainsaw and calling 911. Paramedics rushed Bobby to the emergency room, where he was informed he would be alright but that he might need plastic surgery.
“What probably saved my life was that I had just recently changed that blade. It was new and very sharp, and my surgeon said that if an older, duller blade were still on the saw, it would have torn my face up even more.”
The surgeon said, “Instead, it was a clean cut.”
Understandably, the incident deeply impacted Bobby, who was a good man to begin with, and a faithful soldier of the corps for many years.
“Something like that changes your perspective,” he admits. “For three months, while my face healed, I couldn’t do anything because both of my arms were in casts. My little grandson was feeding me ice cream because I couldn’t feed myself. Every once in a while, he would playfully pull the ice cream away and laugh. We both found it funny, but it also showed me that if you don’t have your hands, you have to depend on someone else for things we do every day and maybe take for granted.”
That alone can change you, he adds.
Bobby first came to a knowledge of Jesus while attending a junior soldier camp in the North & South Carolina Division. “I was about 14, and it was at the old Camp York (before the founding of Camp Walter Johnson). I remember that old chapel, where I went forward and gave my heart to God.”
As is often the case, during his later teen years Bobby grew apart from God and his corps.
But during his 20s, he says he “came back to God” because of the pastoral love of some of his corps officers.
“My youngest daughter was facing surgery to repair a hole in her heart, and [the then] Lieutenant [Andy] Wiley came to the hospital to sit with us. They came for her, and I asked the nurses to wait for five minutes. They did, and I remember looking out the window and I asked God that if He brought her through this, I would ‘do better’ as a Christian.”
That experience brought Bobby back to the corps, but a true recommitment came later that year when he accompanied 25 men from Charleston to the divisional men’s camp (now at Camp Walter Johnson).
“During that Sunday morning service, when the invitation was given, I felt strongly led to go forward,” he says, “but the devil was telling me that all these guys knew me, and would say to themselves, ‘Why is he going down to the altar?’”
An additional barrier for Bobby was “the way I had been living, I was thinking I had no right to talk to Him.”
“But that didn’t stop me. I figured that the devil could offer you things like a new car or money, but what God can offer us is much better. So, I got up and went down to the Mercy Seat.”
And so it was that Bobby became very active in his corps for many years. But then the chainsaw accident happened. His corps officer, Major Tom Richmond, ministered to Bobby and his family throughout the ordeal, leaving a profound impression on Bobby.
“God left me here for a reason,” Bobby
learned from the accident. “I am completely committed to tell people my story and to talk about God and His faithfulness. We had a corps sergeant major back in the day, Harry Haley, who told me something that I’ve not forgotten: ‘If God has given you a testimony, you need to go out and tell it.’”
This advice was the final addition needed for Bobby’s maturity of faith and lifestyle of volunteerism.
“I’ve always done odd jobs for others,” Bobby says, “but I wanted to get paid for it. Now, I’ll do those odd jobs for nothing, or even before I’m asked. If I see someone who needs help with something, I just go ahead and do it.”
The only other thing Bobby’s more excited to do is to testify of God’s faithfulness. “God left me here for a reason; to tell people my story.”
And he has the scars to prove it!
Bobby Connor helps serve hot meals from the Charleston Citadel Corps canteen.
Bobby Connor participates in worship with fellow soldiers.
Representing the Charleston Citadel Corps at the Camp Walter Johnson 50th Anniversary, Bobby Connor proudly waves the Blood & Fire flag.
Bobby Connor takes his place at the corps drum for the Charleston Citadel Corps in South Carolina.
Bobby Connor’s close brush with death gave him a second chance at a life in service to Christ.
BY KRISTIN MUDGE
Advisory Organizations Reach National Standard of Excellence
Advisory organizations were introduced to The Salvation Army almost immediately after the movement itself was born. Founder William Booth frequently sought advice and input from knowledgeable local business and community leaders on the Army’s evolving structure and how best to meet human needs.
According to an article by Envoy Steve Bussey, “In 1920, the Booth’s daughter, Evangeline Booth – who served as the National Commander of the United States for thirty years – established the local ‘Advisory Board System’” which remains the firm foundation that the advisory organizations in the U.S. are built upon today.
The “Manual of Advisory Organizations and Articles of Organization” says of the purpose behind advisory organizations: “Volunteers from the community are organized to strengthen The Salvation Army’s ability to serve. Members of the advisory boards, councils, and committees should be leaders who represent the community being served and can uniquely help The Salvation Army to strategically advance its mission impact.”
The different types of advisory organizations for The Salvation Army are advisory boards, women’s auxiliaries, advisory councils, service extension committees, service center advisory boards, advisory conferences, and Echelon chapters.
“The purpose of the Advisory Board [and other advisory organizations] is to provide input (advice), support (financial, time), and key influence with external constituencies (door-opening and advocacy) to further the goals and objectives of The Salvation Army in pursuit of its mission,” the manual continues. “It provides vital support and influence as Army leadership engages strategic opportunities and challenges, seeks to make wise decisions, and pursues the resources needed to carry out the Army’s mission in a particular community.”
“Advisory organizations are vital and necessary to the ministry of The Salvation Army. They represent the community to the Army, and the Army to the community. Members become advocates and ambassadors for the Army in their community and peer networks, helping to raise visibility,
Young professionals of the DFW Echelon Chapter donate their time and talents to fundraising during the 2023 Kettle Campaign
The Women’s Auxiliary of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, receive their Silver Award certificate of excellence for their outstanding ministry and community efforts.
The Women’s Auxiliary of Greater Houston, TX receive the National Standard of Excellence Gold Award.
Ladies from the Women’s Auxiliary of Central Oklahoma make 240 sandwiches to serve to those in need every week.
The Women’s Auxiliary of Jacksonville, FL put together Christmas stockings for this year’s Angel Tree program.
The ladies of the Women’s Auxiliary of San Antonio Area Command pack bags of essential items for kids attending camp.
Members of the Atlanta Echelon Chapter volunteer with the Angel Tree program during the Christmas 2023 season.
connections, and funding that will enable and advance the ministry of the Army.”
In January 2023, The Salvation Army USA created a national recognition program to honor outstanding advisory organizations doing exemplary work and ministry in their communities. All Salvation Army advisory councils, boards, Echelon chapters, and women’s auxiliaries are eligible to apply for the new “National Standard of Excellence” certification.
The Salvation Army USA National Headquarters states that receiving the Standard of Excellence certification “demonstrates a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous professional development,” while also providing a concise and standardized framework for how advisory organizations should effectively function to help advance the mission of The Salvation Army.
National Commander Commissioner Kenneth Hodder encourages, “Getting your own advisory organization certified under these standards of excellence will enhance your board’s effectiveness, and it will foster trust among key stakeholders.”
Requirements for receiving this certification include but are not limited to:
• Following the established manual or bylaws for the organization
• Having the required minimum number of members
• Meeting a minimum number of times per year
• Having a quality onboarding process for new members
• Focusing on diversity in member recruitment and nominations
• Having members actively engaged in fundraising efforts
• 100 percent of members personally contributing financially on an annual basis
Any advisory organization that meets or exceeds these (and some additional) standards is eligible to receive a Silver Award certification. If they go above and beyond these and a few additional requirements, they may qualify for a Gold Award.
The eligibility requirements for Echelon chapters and women’s auxiliaries differ only slightly from those of the other organizations and can all be found on the Advisory Organization Hub at mysaboard.org.
Advisory organizations can apply for the National Standard of Excellence certification online starting August 1 (January 1 – June 30 for renewals) of each year, and the certification is good for three years.
The Southern Territory currently has six women’s auxiliaries and two advisory boards that have met the standards and have been certified:
The Women’s Auxiliary of Tulsa, OK (Gold)
The Women’s Auxiliary of Greater Houston, TX (Gold)
The Advisory Board of Clearwater Citadel, FL (Gold)
The Women’s Auxiliary of Northeast Florida Area Command (Gold)
The Women’s Auxiliary of Bartlesville, OK (Silver)
The Women’s Auxiliary of Pine Bluff, AR (Silver)
The Women’s Auxiliary of Orange, TX (Silver)
The Advisory Board of San Antonio Area Command, TX (Silver)
Congratulations to these advisory organizations for receiving their National Standard of Excellence certification and for coming alongside The Salvation Army in our mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
Visit mysaboard.org to see if your community’s advisory organization qualifies for this prestigious award.
Members of the Dallas Advisory Board and DFW Echelon Chapter volunteer during the 2023 Kettle Campaign.
Through their 12th Annual Gala event, the Echelon Chapter of DFW raised $370,000 in support of The Salvation Army of North Texas’ addiction recovery programs.
The Dallas Women’s Auxiliary’s Annual Fashion Show has raised more than $15 million to aid The Salvation Army’s services over the event’s 31 years.
Nativity Sets Christmas Coziness
BY KRISTIN MUDGE
I love being cozy. I’m one of those “you can never have too many comfort items” people. You want to give me a blanket? I will love it forever! I’ll snuggle under it with a hot cup of tea and not move for as long as my toddler will allow me to do so. Throw in a book or good movie and a pair of fuzzy socks, and I’ve reached peak coziness.
The season of Christmas comes with so many comfortable things: a chill in the air, a sip of hot chocolate, a brightly lit tree, a roaring fireplace, the smell of cinnamon and cloves. It’s a wonderful time to settle in and enjoy all the good feelings and nostalgic family traditions we have accumulated throughout our years of yuletides.
Not having grown up in The Salvation Army, my family’s traditions included going to the Christmas Eve family service, opening just one present that evening, then attending the 11:00 pm candlelight carol service before tumbling— reluctantly for us kids and gratefully for my parents—into bed. Christmas morning meant stockings, then brunch, then piles of presents (with five kids, it was a fun, messy business) before spending time cooking and preparing for a large family dinner, usually wrapping up the evening by watching my dad’s favorite holiday movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
For most of my Salvation Army friends,
BY DR. STEVE KELLNER
Christmastime means Angel Tree packing and distribution and bell ringing or kettle caroling. It means pushing your mind and body to the limits of your energy, counting money, sorting donations, and praying you make it to Christmas day so you can finally rest.
So much busyness! We get so distracted by all the things we have to do or must be involved in that we can easily lose sight of the beautiful peace this season should bring. Not only can we lean into the physical coziness of this time of year, we should also press into the peace Christmas means for us as Christians. Remember, God sent His son Jesus—to us!
Picture it for a moment: God loved His creation so much that He wanted to physically come to earth and snuggle into a mother’s arms. As a parent, there’s almost nothing more precious than feeling your beautiful baby resting peacefully on your chest. This is the feeling of Christmas—being so close and so completely loved by our Heavenly Father that the craziness and busyness of everyday life just fades away. The unconditional, unfathomable love of God completely surrounds us and holds us tenderly and fast.
I would encourage all of us, myself especially, to not lose sight of that this Christmas. When we begin to feel overbooked and overwhelmed by all our commitments and must-have traditions, just take a moment to lean into the arms of our Father who loves to hold us close and desires for us to find comfort and peace in His presence.
A column exploring how the principles, practices and culture of our military services might apply to The Salvation Army
After Action Reports
Our military services all use “After Action Reports,” a method of review designed to improve mission performance and training. After any kind of operation or training exercise, leaders and participants will meet to discuss what they have just done in an informal, wide-open forum, and that input is then refined into a written report.
The template for that report is designed to focus the discussion on four main questions, or groups of questions:
• First, what was the mission? What was expected to happen? What actually happened?
• Second, what went well, and why did it go well? Did it go as planned, or did it go “right for the wrong reasons,” or “right in spite?”
• Third, what didn’t go well, and why? Was the whole plan bad, or just parts of it?
• Fourth, what are the learning points? What should be changed? How can methods and training be improved to do better next time?
After Action Reports look back, but only for the purpose of looking forward. The goal is improving future planning, preparation, and execution. And, very importantly, they are not for assigning blame or issuing reprimands, or even
commenting on the performance of others (the military has a separate accountability system for that, believe me!). Doing so will shut down honest input of the most valuable kind from the participants. Rather, each participant is looking for ways to improve their own performance.
This system and culture of constant and systematic review has filtered down to many non-military organizations, including businesses, schools, and all levels of government. We even have hints of Jesus using a similar method to train his disciples when we read accounts of their discussions along the road immediately after large teaching and healing events, or when the “72” disciples came back from their inaugural missions to report to him.
I’ve been part of reviews of Salvation Army events and programs as a soldier and an employee over the years, but I don’t think this idea is as important a part of our culture as it should be, and certainly not as important as it is in our military services. Our Army also needs to constantly evaluate what we are doing and how well we are doing it. We have a wonderful historical legacy of programs and methods that have been successful all over the world, but society changes, and local conditions change. We might not be doing the right things, or we might not be doing the right things well.
Whatever the case, we should never be satisfied with just doing what we’ve always done, or just doing things “good enough.” That isn’t good enough for our Lord and King, who demands our best always, especially when it comes to reaching the lost. He has done all things well, as the old hymn says, and so should we.
BY LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE
I really like nativity sets. I have a small collection of them that I have picked up over the years from around the world. I find it interesting how different cultures adapt the nativity to “own” Jesus and His incarnation – as if He came specifically for them.
What I don’t like is the vulgarization of nativity sets. You have probably seen them. Instead of the Christchild, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and wisemen, you have a collection of dogs, cats, birds, cartoon figures, superheroes, etc. This greatest of all events in human history is trivialized with the worst forms of commercialization in the name of novelty.
Some have used the nativity scene to mock Christianity, which no doubt will happen again this year. The media will shine a spotlight on the offenders, lest we who honor Christ at Christmas miss the blasphemy.
Revisionists have helped us understand that what we traditionally portray in our nativity scenes is probably not accurate anyway. The Magi, or wisemen, likely didn’t show up until Jesus was almost two years old. Jesus was likely not born in a little barn or outbuilding but in a cave, as many will know from visiting the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
But then there is even a further variation that has come to us from Kenneth E. Bailey in his wonderful book, “Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes.” He explains that because animals were so valued in the Middle East, as they are even to the present day, they were not kept in separate buildings but in extended areas of the house. Because of this, the manger that Jesus was laid in, although not in the part of the house where the family slept, would not have been so very far away from them. If you will, it was like He was born in the garage of someone’s house. It wasn’t quite as inhumane as Him being born out in the barn. He was still laid in a feeding trough, but it was a little more hospitable than we typically imagine.
So, my little nativity set that I love to set up every year might not be so historically accurate. But what is accurate, what is most important, is that Jesus is at the center of it all. The baby Jesus is there, the focus of the admiration and worship of Mary and Joseph, of the shepherds and Magi.
When I place the baby Jesus in that central place, I am remembering once again that I want Him to be always at the center of my life. I want to recall that He came on that day so long ago for people like me who never stood a chance without Him. And as I place the kneeling shepherd by the manger, I see myself kneeling in worship, not alone but with the thousands of millions of generations who have named Him as Lord. I am so very grateful that He came.
BY GENERAL LYNDON BUCKINGHAM
Sharing the Good News of Christmas
I had the privilege earlier this year of attending the Testify Congress in The Salvation Army’s USA Western Territory. There were many highlights that weekend, but what stood out for me were the amazing stories of transformation. Men and women whose lives had been radically transformed when they encountered God’s love for them in the person of Jesus Christ. “For God so loves the world…” – yes, I changed the tense. The verse actually reads, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16 New International Version). Yet God’s love is as real, true and deep today as it was on that first Christmas Day. This remains the greatest evidence of God’s love and His plan for all people – the gift of His Son, the gift of our salvation – not just in the past, but for the present as well. This is the good news we celebrate at Christmas.
That news was first declared by the prophet Isaiah long ago: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7 King James Version).
It was declared again by the angels at the birth of Jesus: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy
for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:8-14 NIV ).
The Bible tells us the shepherds immediately went to where Jesus was, and having seen him they right away began to spread the word. I love that! They immediately began to share their experience. The shepherds recognized Jesus for who he was – their Savior – and they lost no time in going out and sharing the good news. What a testimony!
Believers ever since have carried on the mission of spreading the word of God’s saving, forgiving, redeeming work through his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. I saw and heard evidence of this at Testify – people sharing the good news of God’s transformative power in and through their lives, just as the shepherds did on that night so long ago.
In his book, “Sacred Risk,” General Shaw Clifton (Rtd) writes: “Christmas is summed up in Jesus. The very name of Jesus serves through all history to declare that there is a Savior. It follows logically therefore that if there is a Savior it is because we need to be saved. However, even before we realise our need the Savior is there. It is he who reveals to us our deepest needs, gently urging us by his Holy Spirit to make a response to his offer of salvation. Christmas is therefore discovering or rediscovering or reaffirming Jesus as Savior, and in discovering him we discover ourselves and our true condition.”
God can still change the hearts of men and women and make them live again. And like the shepherds, we can testify of that good news with those around us.
This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of the Savior, let’s ask God to empower us with Holy Spirit zeal to spread the word concerning Jesus, that still more might come to experience the love of God as revealed in the gift of His precious Son and our Savior, Jesus, the Son of God.
Commissioner Bronwyn joins me in praying God’s blessings for you this Christmas season.
The 15th Annual 53 Families Thanksgiving Dinner took place on Tuesday, November 12 at the Baltimore Convention Center as a bountiful ministry opportunity. The Salvation Army of Central Maryland partnered with the 53 Families Foundation and Levy to host the event, with approximately 7,000 people being served a beautiful and fulfilling Thanksgiving meal at no cost. The event also featured a bevy of children’s activities. The dinner is an annual fixture of the calendar for The Salvation Army in the Baltimore community, celebrating a spirit of gratitude and service to others.
Lyndon Buckingham General
Southern Staff Band and Songsters Minister Through Music
BY BRAD ROWLAND AND KRISTIN MUDGE
In mid-October, the Southern Staff Band (SSB) visited the Knoxville, Tennessee area for a weekend of fellowship, music-making, and ministry. Hosted by Majors Cam and Paula Henderson, area commanders, the band arrived on Wednesday, October 16, spent most of the next day in dedicated rehearsal, and played in varying settings during a busy but fruitful weekend schedule.
“I was very pleased with the volume of opportunities that the band had in and around the Knoxville area, and we thank Majors Henderson for that,” said Nick Simmons-Smith, territorial music and creative arts education secretary. “We played to different communities including school children, homeless ministry, outdoor shoppers and diners, churchgoers, and others. It was great to play to varied crowds and have that opportunity for ministry.”
In between scheduled rehearsals on Thursday, the band moved outdoors to minister to a large homeless population near the Knoxville corps building.
“There are so many in that community who are experiencing homelessness and/or the long-term effects of drug use,” said Terry Wood, a cornet player in the band and dedicated soldier and employee in the Florida Division. “As we played for many of them under a bridge next to the corps, I hope our music lifted them up in a supernatural way.”
“Having never been to Knoxville, I didn’t know what to expect,” he continued. “But the people there had a beautiful spirit.”
Friday’s schedule was jam-packed with events, and the band began its day at Vine Magnet Middle School. In addition to a pair of concerts, band members led sectional rehearsals for the students. Each concert also included educational material on the instrumentation of a traditional brass band.
Later in the day, the SSB took part in a pair of outdoor events. The first was a “pep rally” setting in advance of the University of Tennessee’s football game the next day, attracting a crowd with a special arrangement of the university’s fight song, “Rocky Top.” In the evening, the band also ministered at Kern’s Market Food Hall, a popular local venue with dozens gathered, and Major Cam Henderson shared the Gospel with attendees.
“The band played very well even with challenging repertoire and relatively limited rehearsal time,” Simmons-Smith said. “We included some fun music like Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Rocky Top’ for this particular weekend,
while also highlighting monumental works and Salvation Army classics like ‘Resurgam’ and ‘Sound of the Gospel.’”
Two formal concerts were included in the SSB schedule for the weekend, first at Maryville Church of the Nazarene on Friday followed by a visit to Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church on Saturday. The Fairfield Glade concert was a return trip for the band from a decade prior, and Commissioner Willis Howell offered stirring devotional thoughts in both concerts.
The weekend concluded with the support of worship at the Knoxville Corps on Sunday morning, with soldiers from the Sevierville and Maryville Corps also in attendance. Major Mike Harris, area commander for Greenville, South Carolina and the band’s chaplain, spoke movingly and delivered a memorable sermon illustration on forgiveness and showing grace to one another.
“Sunday morning is always the pinnacle for the band,” said Simmons-Smith. “Overall, it was a busy, productive, memorable, satisfying, and God-honoring weekend of staff band ministry.”
Over the same weekend, the Southern Staff Songsters (SSS) gathered at Atlanta Temple Corps for their own time of ministry. The bulk of the weekend was spent recording tracks for an album to be released in 2025. This album, which will be available on virtual platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, is intended to be a resource for corps as a music ministry and worship reinforcement tool.
“A recording has the power to reach so many people across the world,” Simmons-Smith said, “our supporters, our corps, our communities, The Salvation Army world, and beyond. I pray it will reach someone that does not know the Lord and that their life might be changed.”
After two and a half days of diligent recording, the SSS had the opportunity to participate in a joint concert of praise with the Georgia Worship Choir on Saturday evening. This time of worship was not only a musical delight, but a beautiful time of outpouring praise to God. Each choir sang many pieces from their own repertoire, and then concluded their time together jointly singing “Is He Worthy?” and “Thou, O Lord.”
Always the highlight of a ministry trip, the SSS was blessed to participate in Atlanta Temple’s Sunday morning worship service. Major Jim Shiels, corps officer of Atlanta Temple and member of the SSS, thanked the group for their ministry at the corps saying, “Your spirit was wonderful, and the Holy Spirit was even better – no surprise! The evidence was at the altar Sunday morning.”
Photo Credit: Ian Mudge
Photo Credit: Tim Burleigh
Photo Credit: Ian Mudge
Photo Credit: Tim Burleigh
Photo Credit: Kayla Klein
Camping Trip Inspires Youth to Seek God
BY MAJOR DOUG MCCLURE
From October 11-13, the Chattanooga Area Command hosted its annual youth camping trip at Camp Fletcher, nestled in the beautiful Ocoee Region. The camp provided an inspiring backdrop for an intentional time of worship, reflection, and plenty of fun. The trip was thoughtfully organized by the three corps mission associates serving in corps under Chattanooga Area Command – Autumn Peterson (Chattanooga East Lake), Caleb Douglas (Cleveland), and Christian Crowson (Chattanooga Citadel).
The weekend theme revolved around the powerful message presented in the song “Search Me,” written by Morgan Teachey, worship arts director for the Kentucky-Tennessee Division, from the album “In His Name.” The theme scripture was Proverbs 8:17, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” The weekend explored various aspects of seeking God with sessions on God searching for us, seeking God’s wisdom, seeking God in humility, and seeking first the Kingdom.
Along with inspirational teaching and reflection, food was another weekend highlight, with meals prepared by Area Command Business Manager Tabitha Penn. The ministry of feeding others can make a significant impact on a life, especially for young people, and this was no exception. Tabitha lovingly served up crowd-pleasers like tacos, hamburgers, peach cobbler, and hearty chili that warmed body and soul after long days of activity.
The group ventured to the Ocoee River on Saturday for an
exciting tubing experience. The thrill of navigating the waters and the beauty of the surrounding landscape made for an unforgettable afternoon.
Sunday morning was a spiritual high point as the group gathered for worship at the breathtaking Chilhowee Overlook, with the Tennessee River Valley as their backdrop. The time of worship was a perfect conclusion to the weekend, blending awe-inspiring nature with moments of deep reflection.
Throughout the weekend, the group engaged in Bible study, discussion groups, worship times, and games, fostering spiritual growth, fellowship, and fun. The camping trip left participants and leaders alike with lasting memories and a renewed focus on seeking God in all areas of life.
St. Hagop Armenian Church Pinellas Park, FL
Salvation Army Family Store, San Antonio, TX
Camp Keystone Holiness Center Starke, FL
Camp Keystone Dining Hall, Starke, FL
Camp Keystone Cabins, Starke, FL Florida Suncoast ARC Chapel
Camp Keystone Multipurpose, Starke, FL
Photos provided by Chattanooga Area Command
BY BRAD ROWLAND
Southern Territory to Premiere Virtual Christmas Concert
The powerful ministry of music and arts persists throughout the year in The Salvation Army, but the Christmas season is often specially marked by the presence of familiar carols reminding us of vivid memories alongside friends and family. On Friday, December 6, a first-of-itskind initiative titled “Star of Wonder” will premiere from The Salvation Army’s USA Southern Territory in video form.
The video, which will be sharable to anyone, features contributions from the Southern Staff Band, Southern Staff Songsters, Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM), and transMission. In addition, Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart, territorial leaders, will present a devotional thought to poignantly bring the sights and sounds together around the powerful reason for the season.
“This will be the premiere of Salvation Army music streamed at Christmas time from the Southern Territory,” says Commissioner Kelly Igleheart. “You will want to mark your calendars and prepare your hearts for the sound of the Newborn King!”
While the incredibly busy nature of the Christmas season for officers, soldiers, and volunteers of The Salvation Army can make it difficult to gather for an in-person event, this virtual concert can be utilized to bring individuals and families together in their own communities. Commissioner Igleheart believes this can become a tradition with resonance around the globe.
Asked what his hope is for this resource, Commissioner Igleheart shared his desire “to know that family and friends can gather around each other and hear again about the love of God. And to know that there will be listeners who desperately need to hear that Jesus came to save them and that He loves them still.”
“We think this can be an encouragement to the territory during what is always a busy
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 @ 7:30PM ET / 6:30PM CT
season,” says Josh Powell, territorial contemporary music specialist and a producer on the project. “We can’t all be together, but we’re always thinking of each other, and we can spread some cheer through music and arts.”
The Southern Staff Band will minister with “The Shining Star” and “Manger Scene (Away in a Manger),” while the Southern Staff Songsters sing “Hark (Glory To God).” transMission will perform the title song “Star of Wonder,” in addition to “Rejoice,” which centers on the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” TAM will share “A Shepherd Remembers,” featuring Michael Harris, and Bethany Farrell, territorial creative arts director, will share a poignant passage of
Embracing Shiloh by Wayne Meads
In a world that often makes us feel overwhelmed and desperate to find something meaningful, a magnificent source of comfort and wisdom is found in the hands of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Real satisfaction and eternal happiness are found in a personal experience with our Maker. In the twin disciplines of prayer and meditation, we begin to discover His love and His mission for our lives. Welcome to Embracing Shiloh.
This 365-day devotional book penned by Captain Wayne Meads, administrator of the Hampton Roads Adult Rehabilitation Center, will lead you on a purposeful journey through scripture, insight, and reflection, daily seeking deep connection with our promised Messiah.
This brand-new devotional resource can be purchased through mytradesouth.com.
scripture from Matthew 1:18-23 (TLB).
“The Christmas season seems to open the hearts of everyone and prepare the way for hope,” Commissioner Igleheart says. “It is the season that recalls our memories of childhood, special family gatherings, and carols that stand the test of time.”
“The Salvation Army is an integral part of these traditions, and we need to continually establish these annually. What better way to recall the birth of our Savior than to hear The Salvation Army band and carolers sing about His coming to earth as a baby in a manger?”
The attached QR code links to the YouTube Video for “Star of Wonder,” and viewers are encouraged to share this resource with friends, co-workers, community partners, and family members. We look forward to a wonderful time together with a message of hope and peace shared in music and in word.
