Southern Spirit - Dec 2022 - Vol 38 Issue 9

COLONELS BUKIEWICZ, LT. COLONEL SEDLAR APPOINTED TO NEW ROLES

BY BRAD ROWLAND

In September 2022, Colonels Ralph and Susan Bukiewicz received farewell orders from the USA Southern Territory. Colonels Bukiewicz has been appointed as National Chief Secretary and National Secretary for Personnel respectively at USA National Headquarters as of January 1, 2023. On the same date, Lt. Colonel Deborah Sedlar will take up a new appointment as the Chief Secretary of the USA Southern Territory with the rank of colonel.

Colonels Bukiewicz will succeed USA Southern Territory officers Colonels Kenneth and Paula Johnson, who will retire from active service. Prior to assuming appointments in the USA Southern Territory in 2017, Colonels Bukiewicz spent their entire officership in the USA Central Territory, serving as territorial secretary for personnel and officer resource and development secretary. Prior to that appointment, Colonels Bukiewicz served as divisional leaders in the Metropolitan and the Western Michigan-Northern Indiana divisions.

Lt. Colonel Sedlar, an officer of the USA Eastern Territory, is currently the Executive Secretary to the General at International Headquarters in London. She was commissioned in 1989 as a member of the Ambassadors of Christ Session of cadets. Lt. Colonel Sedlar served as divisional commander of the Western Pennsylvania Division before taking up her current appointment. Earlier in her officership, Lt. Colonel Sedlar served as the undersecretary for the Americas and Caribbean Zone.

Lt. Colonel Sedlar was born in Houlton, Maine, and graduated from Montour High School in Pennsylvania.

Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, territorial commander, encourages soldiers, employees, adherents and officers to join him in praying God’s richest blessing upon these officers as they prepare to take up their new appointment responsibilities.

Light of the World

BY GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE

When I consider the star that was a significant part of the first Christmas story, I’m reminded that scientists view the stars in the sky very differently than I do. For instance, they use light years to measure the distance of the stars from us on earth. A light year is the distance light travels in one earth year, so about 5.88 trillion miles (or 9.46 trillion kilometres).

The sun is our closest star and is some 93 million miles away. So, the sun’s light takes about 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach us, meaning we see the sun as it was more than 8 minutes ago. The next closest star to us—Alpha Centauri—is some 4.3 light years away, so when we view this star today, we see it as it was 4.3 years ago. It’s as

if we are looking back in time.

This means that the Magi written about in Matthew 2:1-2 would have seen a star whose light was beaming before they could even see it. And yet, God used that star to lead them to Jesus: “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2 New Living Translation ).

Jesus came to be the Light of the World. He came to shine His light in darkness—our darkness, the darkness of this world. We read in Isaiah 9:2 (New International Version ): “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” This was prophesied long before Jesus was born.

Are we talking about light years when it comes to Jesus? No, I don’t think so, because the Bible tells us He is the alpha and omega—the beginning and the end. He is as much a bright light today as He was at the beginning of time, or when He came to the earth to take up residence and “move into the neighborhood” (John 1:14 The Message ).

Jesus is not constrained by time. He is the “light of the world” (John

Colonels

Ralph and Susan Bukiewicz

Lt. Colonel Deborah Sedlar

GOD is GOD!

BY DAVID DELANEY

My God is it. The real deal. The healer of people and the salvation of humanity. Trusting in Jesus is the only way to true life.

Anyone who knows our family knows we live a transparent life. My wife Danielle shares our life, our joys and our struggles. Life is not perfect, but we trust in the One who is perfect. So, I want to be transparent with our struggles over the past month.

When I woke up on a Saturday morning, I had no idea that the Lord was about to place Danielle and I on the receiving end of overwhelming love. Our family has been through a lot over the years, but these 24 hours were the most difficult moments of my life as the fear of losing my world became a reality. I will never be the same.

In late August, Danielle told me that we were going to have another baby. I was over the moon with joy! I started to demo parts of the upstairs of our house to create more living space for our growing family. The girls would have to share a room, so I created closets and eliminated hallways.

A few days before our divisional family camp, Fit for Mission, we found out the baby did not have a heartbeat at ten and a half weeks. It’s a tough punch to take, and we were told it is called a “missed miscarriage.” Danielle’s body thought it was pregnant and continued as normal. We wanted to wait a week to pray for a miracle. She had two other miscarriages over the years, but not this late in the process.

The weekend was challenging for Danielle. She was overseeing the child care and spent much of the weekend holding and caring for tiny babies. You all have no idea how gritty and strong this woman is. If they ever make a movie called “Beauty and Grit,” Danielle will be the main character.

We followed up Wednesday. Unfortunately nothing had changed. We needed to make sure Danielle stayed healthy. They gave us two options. One being pill-based for a more “natural” process and another a procedure. We thought the non-surgical way was best at the time. She took the pills and we thought the process worked.

Two weeks later, she starts having issues. To our shock, we learned that the baby was still in her womb. Apparently, she should have had the procedure which was scheduled for the next week. We were told all was well, but here is where God de -

cided how things would happen.

Some people believe in luck, coincidence, or karma, but we believe in the truth. The One who sets everything in motion, names every star, and from whom nothing is hidden. The One who calls my wife by name and says, “Danielle Delaney, you belong to me. You are mine.” The “I Am” holds my wife in His strong and righteous hand.

After lunch at Camp Happyland, Danielle began to have cramps, but what she really felt was contractions. She said we needed to get home to our hospital two hours away. During this, a young person caused a delay, creating even more urgency.

We went back to camp, got our things and high tail it out. On our way, we got word that a corps van was at the gas station missing the fuel line that leads to the nozzle to the tank. I’ve never heard of that happening. How random could that be?!

We pulled up, and none other than Commissioner Kelly Igleheart is under the van managing the situation. My plan was to stop for a minute and then hit the road for Maryland, making arrangements for the corps to travel home in a camp vehicle. However, the stop was much longer. The miscarriage started happening at the gas station.

Danielle called me to the car, and we rushed out of the parking lot to the hospital. Danielle called her doctor because she thought it better to still drive to Maryland. As I rushed her to Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, the seat she is sitting in began to fill with a lot of blood, and she believed she could make it to Maryland.

As she was hemorrhaging, she was still her normal self. The kids were in the back seat panicking. We pulled up to the emergency room but as she walked inside, she collapsed against the door. I held her up, blood was pouring everywhere. I suddenly realized my whole world was ending. I can’t describe the feelings that came over me. I began to scream for help. I was a complete mess! They took her back, asking me simple questions that I know the answers to, but I couldn’t figure out how to answer.

When I returned to the car, the kids were overwhelmed seeing their mom in that state and their dad completely broken. We prayed and prayed. They thought they may have seen their mom alive for the last time and didn’t get to say goodbye. Blood all over me, all over the car, all over the emergency room. My wife’s blood.

By some miracle, Captain Kelsey Bridges deciphered my babbling phone call and managed to be there to grab the kids in seven minutes. That’s the Body of Christ. Captain Nicole Parker also managed to decode Danielle’s last text and was already on her way to the hospital as well.

there and keeping the docs on track.

She would eventually receive the procedure late in the night to ensure the bleeding stopped and everything was clear. Her blood pressure was very low from the lack of blood and fluid in her body. At 1am, Major Srikant “Superman” Bhatnagar joined us to pray. This man wouldn’t leave until he knew we were okay. And he brought McDonald’s breakfast at 4:30am! That’s the Body of Christ.

Danielle had to receive another unit of blood and more fluids the following day, but she was going in the right direction. We were able to go home the following morning.

We are thankful for the Bridges family and the soldiers of the Fredericksburg Corps. They provided laughter and peace to our kids during our chaos. Of course, our Montgomery County Corps family had a little party as soon as they heard the kids were home. That’s the Body of Christ.

Our corps officer, Captain Timothy Jo, drove all the way down to bring us food and pray. I genuinely feel the Holy Spirit in his prayer. It was so comforting and meaningful. We were literally at the throne of God.

Danielle lost a lot of blood and received four blood units, nine fluid bags, and an iron bag. She was very tired and weak. It took a month for her levels to get back to normal. But her trust is in the Lord. In her weakness, she is strong. We trust in the Lord.

We have experienced overwhelming love and compassion. In our time of overwhelming distress, we were loved and cared for by so many. Many cried out to God on our behalf, and He has answered. Thank you so much for bringing my wife to the Throne of Grace. There was a lot of pain in these 36 hours. But God has shown to be faithful to His faithful daughter.

Bernie

Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee, Editor-in-Chief Brad Rowland, Staff Writer

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When I got into the trauma room there were eight people working on Danielle. Later, we would find out that it is the only trauma hospital between camp and Northern Virginia. No other hospital in the area would have been equipped to handle her needs.

God knew how hardheaded Danielle and her husband can be. He knew that, for some reason, we think we are superhuman and could wait until we got to our Maryland hospital, so He set roadblocks along the way.

Had the delay not happened with the young person at camp, had the corps van not randomly been missing the fuel hose, we would have been in the middle of I-95 when Danielle started to hemorrhage. We would have been too far from a hospital, let alone a trauma hospital.

Multiple doctors told us we arrived just in time. Had we been on the highway, Danielle would be dead.

The nurses and doctors managed to get Danielle’s body stable in great time. Nicole Parker was by Danielle’s side ministering in no time. That’s the Body of Christ. And of course, her sister Dana Leigh Costello-Burriss wasn’t far behind in getting

Our children are blessed to have so many people who love them completely. This doesn’t even come close to representing all who reached out in prayer and to offer physical support. How the Lord has blessed us so much that we are not even able to accept the offerings of help from so many others. We even had our own child coordinator in Captain Bobby Parker to make sure our children were cared for, and David Mersiovsky and his amazing wife won the prize to keep the Delaney kids. They need the practice!

There is no family like that of The Salvation Army. If you know, you know. If you don’t, then come join our Army! This is the Body of Christ.

Mary Washington Hospital will forever be a place of rescue and light for us. The staff have been perfect. They treated Danielle as if she were the only person on the planet and provided the skills necessary to keep her alive. God, we thank you so much for brilliant people and science.

We trust that He will completely restore Danielle and use this moment in her life as a testimony of His great love for her and the entire human race. I continue to proclaim that God is God. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise! My wife is alive. Hallelujah! Thank You Jesus for others who were Your body in our time of distress! Some trust in chariots and others trust in horses. But we trust in the name of The LORD our GOD.

Commissioner Kelly Igleheart, Territorial Commander Colonel Ralph Bukiewicz, Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Mark Israel, Publisher

Dake, Communications Director

H me for Christmas

BY COMMISSIONER KELLY IGLEHEART

Luke 4:16 begins the story of Jesus returning home. The Bible says, “He went to Nazareth, where he was brought up.” Most of us can relate to returning home and especially going home for the holidays. Sometimes we sing along with Karen Carpenter, “O there’s no place like home for the holidays, cause, no matter how far away you roam…” Or maybe you prefer Bing Crosby’s, “I’ll be home for Christmas…if only in my dreams.” As a Salvation Army officer, I always looked forward to going home, especially at Christmas.

Surely when Jesus went home, He walked a familiar dusty road. The closer to home He came, His paced quickened and a smile etched across His face. Happy memories rushed His mind, like playing in the village of Nazareth with His childhood friends. The sweet smells of His home. The taste of Mom’s cooking. The warm embrace of loved ones and the hug that said, “Welcome home. We’ve missed you.”

After Jesus arrived and on the Sabbath, He went to the synagogue, as was His custom. A synagogue is not a temple but rather a gathering place or assembly hall, much smaller and considerably cruder in its construction but where the poor gathered. Sacrifices were made at the Temple, but not here. Here the Bible was read and prayers offered. While Jesus was home, the entire village must have turned up to hear their hometown hero. Ahead of His arrival, the news spread about Him, and everyone was eager to hear Joseph and Mary’s boy. Everyone must have had a sense of pride and probably took some credit for His life. After all, it takes a village.

But as happy and expectant as everyone was, I wonder how Jesus was feeling? He knew the message that was to come. He knew what the response was going to be from those who loved Him. On that day the walk to the synagogue seemed a little longer, more focused, and perhaps with a

heavy heart. Those sitting on the benches, and others listening from the overflow outside may have urged Jesus to speak and to read from Isaiah. Everyone stared at Him and leaned forward to absorb every word like they had never heard them before. Jesus proclaimed:

Good News to the poor Captives are to be set free

The blind shall see The Lord’s favor is to come.

Surely amens, hallelujahs, and high fives sprang up throughout the hall, spilling into the street. It was the message they had waited to hear for centuries! It was the best of times. Jesus finished reading, walked over to His appointed spot and sat down. As quickly as He began, He finished.

Most preachers/teachers would have ended there. Leave them wanting more! That kind of sermon would bring others in. With Jesus at the helm, a bigger hall would soon be needed. If only He had quit while He was ahead. Within a few sentences, six verses, everything changed. The crowd eroded into a murder seeking mob! What really happened?

Jesus reminded them of two stories that they all knew very well. Verses 25-27, He told them the Elijah and Elisha story. It’s that the good news and the Lord’s favor is moving away from those who expect it (the Jews), to those who didn’t deserve it (the Gentiles). Jesus adds to the narrative these words, “There were many widows and many lepers, but the prophets were not sent to them.” What is happening here? What is the message that they are receiving? In both stories, Jesus demonstrated how God chose to bless the outsiders, the very enemies of Israel. Both Sidon and Syria were the oppressors and occupiers of Israel. Jesus was proclaiming freedom and blessing to both the insiders and outsiders.

The Good News is that everyone is invited into the Kingdom of God! Both the Jew and the

Gentile alike. He was saying that the Kingdom of God is big enough for all ethnic groups, all cultures, all social classes, and across all social barriers. No one can place the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit into a predetermined box. No one can instruct God on who to bless and who not to bless. No one can command Him to show up here and not there. We have no rights to expect a miracle because of our status in the church or as believers. God loves and God blesses whomever He wants! He receives illegal immigrants, atheist, racist, bigots, liars, thieves, gossips, Muslims, Hindu, Democrats, and Republicans. This sacred text reminds us that no one is born Christ’s’ special people to the exclusion of others.

Think of the Christmas story. In it appears Caesar Augustus, a career politician, a womanizer, and a murderer. Mary the mother of Jesus was a teenage girl who was pregnant and not married. Shepherds, who were considered the lowest class of people. A hard-hearted inn keeper who made no room available. And the Magi coming from the East, the wise men were also pagan astrologers.

God delights in flipping the expected and opens His Kingdom for the whomsoever.

I pray that this Christmas season that you find your way home and your place in the Christmas story where everyone is welcome.

The Salvation Army and The American Red Cross Each Receive $40 Million in Historic Grants

The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross announced on October 18, 2022, that Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded each organization $40 million to increase response capacity in light of the more frequent and devastating impacts of climate change affecting families across the country. These grants are the largest gifts that either organization has received to help them prepare for future disasters.

The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross, two of the nation’s largest nonprofits, recognize that these historic grants will better position each organization to help people struggling to cope with record-breaking hurricanes, other extreme storms, and massive wildfires. Both organizations are often among the first on the ground during a crisis, and together they serve millions of people in need every year—especially the most vulnerable who are often disproportionately affected by climate disasters.

The Salvation Army and The American Red Cross will use the grants to significantly increase their capacity to respond to large concurrent disasters, especially in communities that face recurring threats. The organizations will improve facilities and the use of technology to better engage with national and local partners, increase the diversity of their staffs and volunteers to better serve individuals in need, and strengthen the ways they train and deploy staff and volunteers to

improve effectiveness and curb worker burnout.

“The profound generosity of Lilly Endowment will enable The Salvation Army to expand its capacity to serve people in need all across the country at moments of profound crisis,” said Kenneth G. Hodder, the National Commander of The Salvation Army. “The generous grant to The Salvation Army represents hope for vulnerable Americans, and we are committed to investing the funds in the most efficient and effective ways possible. The Salvation Army is delighted to partner with an organization as venerable as the American Red Cross, and I am certain that these grants will help strengthen our ability to bring much-needed relief to those who are directly affected by disasters.”

“Heartbreaking disasters, driven by increasing extreme weather, are repeatedly striking communities across the country and threatening to hamper our capacity to provide critical disaster relief,” said Gail McGovern, the President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “This incredibly generous grant from Lilly Endowment will greatly help us, alongside our valued partner The Salvation Army, to grow essential capacity and adapt our services to ensure we can continue to be there for families in their darkest hours.”

While serving on the frontlines of disasters, The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross

Cup of Hope

BY RON DAY

This year was the ninth installment of the benefit luncheon in Knoxville, Tennessee known as the Cup of Hope, a key component in the support and development of the Joy D. Baker Center, the domestic violence recovery home at The Salvation Army in Knoxville. Each year Cup of Hope provides a much-needed focus on domestic violence that occurs in the Knoxville area as well as highlighting those that become victors through the Joy D. Baker Program. The Joy D. Baker Center has served more than 80 individuals in 2022, individuals that found rescue and restoration from a life of domestic violence. One shining example of the need for this program was this year’s guest speaker and victor, Makayla Patrick.

Many of the Knoxville community’s business and political leaders were in attendance. Among those was the Knox County Mayor, the Honorable Glenn Jacobs. Mayor Jacobs stated, “Today’s Salvation Army of Knoxville’s

Cup of Hope luncheon was a fantastic event supporting a worthy cause!” Attendees had the opportunity to further support the Joy D. Baker Center by purchasing surprise gift boxes during the event and were asked NOT to open them until the end of the event.

One of the key leaders and planners of this year’s luncheon was Major Paula Henderson. In the midst of so many other necessary events taking place during this time of year, Major Paula lent her experience and training in the successful planning and execution of the Cup of Hope luncheon. Major Paula Henderson said, “Our annual Cup of Hope event is important for raising funds for our domestic violence program at the Joy Baker Center. However, our fundraising and our efforts are only effective if we continue to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence. We, along with many community partners, desire to keep filling the cups—the lives—of men and women affected by domestic violence FULL OF HOPE in the name of Jesus Christ!”

Kim Hansard (Star 102.1 DJ & MC of event), Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, Majors Paula and Cameron Henderson

Territorial Men Come Up Big!

BY MAJOR MARK SATTERLEE

Last year, the men of the Southern Territory were challenged to do something they hadn’t done before. We were made aware of poor subsistence farmers in the African country of Angola that could feed their families for a year by taking up beekeeping. The men of the territory were asked to raise $5,000 to purchase 100 bee “kits” at a cost of $50 each. When the dust settled, the men of the territory raised $16,000.

This year it was decided that the men of the territory would be challenged a little more—they were asked to provide 1,500-gallon water tanks for Salvation Army corps in the island nation of Papua New Guinea. Clean, drinkable water here is not a given. In fact, many people die each year from waterborne illnesses like dengue fever, typhoid and malaria. Since many of the areas where The Salvation Army operates have no infrastructure due to their inaccessibility, rainwater is a clean water source and the tanks make it possible for them to have it for their use.

Raising the funds needed was going to stretch the men further and was made more difficult later when the cost per tank had to be increased by a third because of inflation felt around the world. The divisions were challenged to commit to a $2,000 goal with the territorial goal being set at $20,000.

The Commands across the territory not only made the financial commitment of raising the funds but also made an all-out effort to increase their donation. Again, the men of the Southern Territory were made aware of the need and dug a little deeper into their own wallets. When the final amounts were collected the first week of October the men had raised a staggering, $76,535.

Instead of settling for a mere ten water tanks, the men of the South raised enough to provide 25 water tanks for our brothers and sisters in Papua New Guinea. Major Mark Satterlee, Territorial Men’s Ministries Secretary said, “I

am learning that I don’t think big enough for God. I thought that $20,000 would be challenging enough, but God had another number in mind! I couldn’t be prouder of the men of the Southern Territory!”

Major Satterlee finished, “Look for another territorial men’s project for this year. I can hardly wait to see what happens!”

Major Cameron Henderson in Interview with local Channel 8 WVLT News

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs with guest speaker and program graduate Makayla Patrick

(Above photo, left to right)

National Commander Featured at Gathering of Angels

BY LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE

When the USA National Commander, Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, issued his kettle challenge, he had no idea that it would take him to Nashville. The challenge issued nationwide focused on a four-hour period on December 3 of last year. The most successful fundraising effort would result in a visit by the National Commander the next year. When the Nashville Metropolitan Command emerged the winner, Captain Philip Canning, area commander, saw this as an opportunity to include Commissioner Hodder as the special guest for its annual Gathering of Angels. Approximately 150 business leaders and Salvation Army guests crowded into the auditorium of Cross Point Church for the breakfast meeting.

The well-planned event included moving videos of impact stories of those who have benefitted from Salvation Army ministries in the area. Advisory Board Chairperson, Abby Spaulding opened, with Development Committee chair Tom Stumb taking over from there.

The Servais family’s story was portrayed, whose personal history has been interwoven with the development of The Salvation Army in Nashville for decades. It culminated with the announcement that Jay Servais had won the National Commander’s Kettle Challenge. Last year, he and his supporters raised an incredible $276,252.80, blasting past all other competitors across the country. For his efforts, he was presented a plaque and received the happy news that he and his wife were to

be special guests at the National Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff to be held on Thanksgiving Day at the Dallas Cowboys game.

In his keynote address, Commissioner Hodder spoke of the opening days of the Army in Nashville when money was scarce, persecution was widespread and the pioneering work difficult. Referring to the open-air tactic of forming a circle, Hodder said, “Salvationists formed circles because of the opposition. They could look across and see someone who could encourage them. But they also did it because they found that lining up against a wall resulted in people just walking past. When they formed a circle they created a front row, making it easier for a crowd to gather. What was their message? They preached hope, love and victory. Not a sentimental kind of love but one that transforms coming only from God Himself. The Salvation Army sees those victories all the time. When we get out and serve the homeless, we win. When a child comes to our programs and sees possibilities for her life, we win. When we see someone kneel and accept Christ as Savior, we win big time.”

After speaking about other aspects of Army service, Hodder then came back to the idea of the circle. “You who are here are in that circle with us. You say with us, ‘We can do this.’ Over your shoulder is a world that desperately needs what you have. They need that same victory. Angels are watching what will happen.”

Area commanders Captains Phil and Elaine Canning happily reported the Gathering of Angels successfully surpassed its goal of $300,000.

‘Dunkin’ Becomes Honorary EDS Member

BY MAJOR FRANK DURACHER

Canines 4 Christ member, “Dunkin,” receives an official Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) patch to add to other identifications on his doggy vest. Dunkin and his handler, Tina Reeder, partnered with other EDS volunteers working in the Port Charlotte, Florida area in the wake of Hurricane Ian. “Dunkin is a rock star,” says Laurie Fried, Port Charlotte incident commander. “He has been a huge positive factor, both for our EDS personnel and families devastated by the storm.”

(Left to right) Majors Tom and Julie Louden, divisional leaders of the Kentucky-Tennessee Division; Commissioners Jolene and Ken Hodder, USA national leaders; Captains Elaine and Philip Canning, area commanders for Nashville Metropolitan Area Command, Tennessee

Major Tom Louden, divisional commander, has a word of prayer with one of the guests at the Gathering of Angels

Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, USA National Commander, presents an award of recognition to Mr. Jay Servais for winning the National Commander’s Kettle Challenge. Also pictured is Jay’s wife, Melissa.

Angel Tree Program Continues to Inspire After More Than 40 Years

BY BRAD ROWLAND

In 1979, a pair of Salvation Army officers initiated a program that will continue in earnest in 2022 and beyond. Lt. Colonels Charles and Shirley White were young officers in Lynchburg, Virginia when a local shopping mall approached The Salvation Army in search of a new and innovative way to partner during the Christmas season. That partnership grew into the Angel Tree program that is now utilized across the Southeast, the United States, and world, with 472 children receiving new toys and clothes in the first year and the initiative growing exponentially in its reach over the course of 43 years.

The Angel Tree program will touch the lives of many in 2022, though the program takes on different forms in each community across the USA Southern Territory. Captains Jimmy and Lacy Parrish, area commanders in Louisville, Kentucky, lead a program that serves as a clear example of Angel Tree’s wide-ranging impact.

In the burgeoning city of Louisville, the Angel Tree program officially kicks off in September with the distribution of letters to schedule appointments for those seeking Christmas assistance. These individuals return in October with the letter, a formal application, and details about their children’s needs and sizes, followed by a verification process conducted by qualified case managers onsite. Louisville’s sign-up process is done on paper, with other locales utilizing mobile and online programming as technology becomes pervasive.

Tulsa, Oklahoma is an example of technological infusion under the leadership of Captain Dan and Major Sarah Nelson, with more than 90 percent of Angel Tree registration taking place online. This process takes place through the Angel Tree mechanism from The Salvation Army Mission Manager (TSAMM), and the planning and integration process begins each summer. That is followed by a comprehensive volunteer training process in August and a public registration process in early September, broken down into five geographic areas with vetted applications for each family.

The Angel Tree program’s flexibility can also be seen through the adoption process, with commands leaning on the help of the public to make Christmas special for families. Some communities have extensive corporate infrastructures for widespread adoptions, while others lean heavily into shopping mall adoption programs that have decades-long relationships. Throughout the process, Salvation Army units must track the progress of each angel to ensure total coverage, all while operating in various warehouse infrastructures to put Christmas packages together.

In Louisville, Captain Lacy Parrish and her team rely on an Angel Tree tracking software that she refers to as the “Cadillac” of the space. The system was implemented approximately eight years ago through the generous help of a local technology company, and the software allows for full tracking of angels through every step of the process.

“It does almost anything I would’ve ever thought of needing for Angel Tree,” said Captain Parrish. “It’s phenomenal. It takes the guesswork out of anything and really makes life easier for us to make things the best they can be for those in need.”

Other corps and commands may take a more low-tech approach to angel tracking, but the care in which packages are put together is crucial. In Tulsa, staff and volunteers vet each Angel Tree application with substantial assistance from the Women’s Auxiliary, and members generously devote time to review applications and volunteer throughout the process. This formula is executed in similar fashion elsewhere, and volunteer engagement is crucial to the effort.

Simply put, no Salvation Army location can operate the extensive outreach of the Angel Tree program without the help of volunteers. Whether these volunteers are aiding in the registration process, the warehousing effort, or at distribution, individuals or corporate entities connect with The Salvation Army through a mutual goal to help others. While the Christmas season creates clear opportunities for volunteer partnerships, this can also serve as a springboard for yearround impact.

“Christmas is definitely the time when the community sees us the most,” said Captain Parrish. “That is the case almost everywhere, but it is definitely true in Louisville, and we keep that in mind.”

“We really try to use Angel Tree to tie in volunteers for the rest of the year. We have a great

volunteer coordinator named Jeremy (Warf) that had it all under control before we even got here, and he does a great job letting volunteers know what we’re here to do. Everything comes back to our roots and our mission, and it happens all throughout the year.”

The Angel Tree program can be formulaic by necessity, but each command has its own flourishes. Some focus on the crossover between Angel Tree and Red Kettle programs, as the pair operate simultaneously and can provide far-reaching impact. Others implement drive-through distributions, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and center on efficiency.

Two specific examples can be seen in the Louisville area. The Salvation Army and Kroger have an ongoing partnership in the Louisville area, with customers given the opportunity to add $25 to their grocery bills to benefit The Salvation Army and the Angel Tree program. This leads to the distribution of gift cards along with toy packages in the area, aiming to deliver comprehensive assistance that will meet people where they are.

The Salvation Army also maintains a fruitful relationship with local television station WAVE 3 in Louisville. Wave 3, part of Gray Media, has been a partner for more than two decades, and the station extensively features The Salvation Army throughout the year, going as far as to include promotion of the organization in the station’s own commercials. This peaks during the Christmas season with an annual “Angel-A-Thon” fundraiser that generated more than $100,000 in 2021.

“I’ve never seen anything like the help and publicity we get from WAVE 3 and we’re really grateful for it,” said Captain Parrish. “The Angel-A-Thon is a

great example, and it really is maybe my favorite day of the year.”

The grand finale of each annual Angel Tree season is the distribution process, which takes on different forms based on the needs of each command. Louisville holds a two-day distribution event, with Lubbock showcasing a multi-day event locally and another day-long distribution in nearby Plainview. Tulsa hosts a distribution at each of five sites within the Area Command structure, and larger cities may hold distributions over the course of days and weeks.

While the logistical function of these distribution experiences is to bring the joy of Christmas to families through toys, bikes, clothing and more, it is also an opportunity for The Salvation Army to bring the word of Jesus Christ to others.

“We do not want distribution to just be an assembly line,” said Major Dawn Worthy. “This is where contact is so important. We have a prayer table set up. We have Santa on hand for photos. Cookies and hot chocolate are offered. Parents are able to take home extra freebies for their children. It is important that this is not just a handout. This is where we share Christ in whatever way we can.”

“In interviews with families around the Tulsa area, we hear regularly that, with costs increasing, families have zero financial margin for anything beyond the essentials. Angel Tree won’t ‘fix’ their struggles, but it does lift the burden of imagining Christmas morning with nothing for their children,” said Major Sarah Nelson. “In that sense, the gift of Angel Tree has doubled in that it blesses the children and also the parents and guardians. When life feels like an uphill climb every day, the help associated with Angel Tree can provide an added boost and a little extra support for the journey. The goal is to provide help for today and hope for tomorrow.”

The impact of The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program will be felt for years and decades to come, both in meeting human need without discrimination in the present and building long-lasting relationships with individuals, families, local leaders, businesses, and corporations in various communities. Through it all, the gospel message permeates every aspect, and the message of the Good News will be shared to thousands from sign-up to adoption to distribution and beyond.

“We try to share the gospel from registration all the way through the process,” Captain Parrish said. “When people come to register, we try to connect with them on a deeper level and pray with them. That is great oneon-one contact before any gifts are exchanged. I’ve also learned to look for those genuine connections and try to figure out how to reach people. We pray that the Lord will open doors for us to connect with people through Angel Tree.”

BY LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE

We were not allowed to be in Bethlehem on that night of nights. Nor were we there when unsuspecting shepherds heard the concert of the ages. We did not trek the desert sands with our way lit by an enigmatic star. The swift exit to Egypt is separated from us by centuries and generations. Remotely removed, how can Christmas be as close as we yearn for it to be?

Like those on the first Christmas, we look at what is near.

The animals and worn travelers of Bethlehem are replaced by trucks and minivans with seats down and fast food clutter scattered throughout. Kettle workers pack our little buses and then volunteers fill them, in and out from nursing home to nursing home. And it seems that everything conspires to sabotage our schedule that already had

Christmas is Near Travelin’ Light

BY DR. STEVE KELLNER

In an earlier column I wrote about our military’s obsession with combat readiness, and the amount of equipment I was issued as a member of the 24th Infantry Division Band so that I would be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. This included a 75-pound rucksack and two very large duffle bags of additional equipment and supplies, to say nothing of carrying my euphonium! No soldier wants to go into battle unprepared, so we willingly accepted carrying such a heavy load.

But a curious thing happens as soldiers get near to battle. They begin to discard equipment, especially the heavier stuff, and the closer they get to actual combat the more they throw away. By the time the shooting starts most soldiers are down to just their rifle, their ammunition, a canteen of water, a medical kit, and maybe a few cans

precious few moments to spare.

The shepherds find their representatives in those who queue up seeking food, the toys, the Angel Tree gifts. Having sacrificed a degree of self-respect to ask, they now wait. We do what we can to humanize it, to have some touch of gentleness for those whose worlds are filled with harshness. There is a song there somewhere if we can somehow hear it, if we can help them to learn to sing it.

Through the long weeks and days and hours we trek as surely toward Christmas as did the Magi toward Bethlehem. Like them, it seems at times that the journey is just too long. Like them we wonder at the end of it all, what will there be for us? We want to give but surely there will be something left for us, too.

No. We were not there that first Christmas. But in our own way, we of The Salvation Army are making our way to the Christ child. And for what? So we too can kneel before Him, kiss His face and whisper our love. All this, all this is for Him.

Silent Night

BY DAVID NEW

Silent Night! Holy Night! Sleeps the world in peace tonight.

God sends His Son to earth below, A Child from whom all blessings flow. Jesus, embraces mankind. Jesus, embraces mankind.

The storybooks tell me to listen for the pitter-patter of reindeer hooves echoing from my roof. They say I should hear bells jingling as the long-awaited, bearded gift-giver sneaks through the chimney. My house has many creaky spots, especially on the wooden floor. Surely, he’ll set off an accidental creak. If I listen even more closely, there should even be a soft *crunch* as he indulges in the three cookies I left for him. After all, I’m often told my cookies are the best. And of course, you can’t ever forget the final “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” that is sure to reverberate throughout the entire neighborhood, shaking the very foundation of each and every house.

It’s a raucous night, Christmas.

So much to wait for, so many signals ushering a time of present opening. Every creature is stirring, even the mice my dog has yet to catch. The tension in the air is palpable. This is what Christmas is all about.

of K-rations or MRE’s. When faced with combat, soldiers want to travel light so they can move fast, preserve energy, and respond to the ever-changing battlefield conditions.

During the American Revolution and the Civil War, so much equipment would be strewn on the roads and fields leading to the battlefields that it sometimes slowed down the movement of troops, and the supply corps would have to send out wagons to pick it all up so that it could be reissued after the battle was over.

If this kind of load lightening sounds familiar, it’s probably because we have read about the same phenomena in the Bible. Think of David telling King Saul that his royal armor was too heavy for him and that he would fight Goliath with just a sling and five smooth stones, or of God instructing Gideon to reduce his army to just 300 men, who then defeated the Midianites by blowing trumpets and smashing clay jars.

We Salvationists understandably want to be well-equipped for the wide variety of ministries and programs we offer. And there is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to be prepared to give our best to the Lord and to those we serve. At the same time, we must be flexible and ready to change direction at a moment’s notice, and to minister effectively even when we don’t have everything we need. And a strong case can be made that we don’t need nearly as much as we think we do to get the job done.

So do what you can do be prepared for whatever ministry the Lord directs you to do. But be ready also to travel light, to discard anything that prevents you from moving fast and changing course when necessary.

And don’t forget your euphonium!

And yet, silence. No reindeer hooves, no bells, and the floor in my living room is void of even a single creak. I re-count the cookies every hour and no change. Will anyone wish me a Merry Christmas tonight? Where is the excitement? Where are all the fairytale creatures?

This is not the Christmas I have been promised since I was a small infant, tender and mild. The silence fuels my insomnia, my earthly angst. Distract me, O great and powerful Claus! Give my holiday season meaning. Bless me and anoint my head with… eggnog? I can no longer accept this uncomfortable silence, where too much is made known. Make me ignorant, like when I was a child. Do something, anything. Just take me away from this very silent night.

“Light...” continued from page 1

If you do not know Him already, you too can know this Light of the World. His name is Jesus, and He came to the world to bring about transformation. If you are seeking change, seek Jesus. If you are living in a dark place in life, seek Him who is the Light of the World.

For those who already know Jesus, He reminds us that we are light in the world. In Matthew 5:14 (The Message ) we read: “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.”

May you be a source of light in your corner of the world this Christmas, as you bring the Light of the World to others!

May God richly bless you throughout this Christmas season!

FROM

EDITOR

WE ARE AN ARMY!

8:12) and shines light into the darkest places of our troubled world, bringing change. The Light has come! There are no light years that can separate us from this Light. He is here, He knows us, and we can walk and talk with Him now. His purpose in coming was to be with us, but He has been, and always will be, with us.

World Services Christmas Projects

BY MAJOR RAY COOPER, TERRITORIAL OVERSEAS PROJECTS OFFICER

The Southern Territorial Overseas Project Office is once again presenting Christmas project ideas for consideration, with a variety of available options that can change the lives of individuals and families. Those interested in financially supporting these efforts can take a glance at the cost and options for suggested projects, decide on a gift, and alert Major Ray Cooper of any choices while also sending a check. Donors will be provided with “In Honor Of” certificates on request, and these can be placed in decorative Christmas envelopes for use of distribution to Advisory Boards, Women’s Auxiliaries, community partners, or family members.

Checks can be sent to Major Ray Cooper at Territorial Headquarters, 1424 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, GA 30329, and he can be reached at ray.cooper@uss.salvationarmy.org

SOUTH AMERICA EAST

Table Football—Santa Fe Corps

Estimated Cost: $500 total

We want to acknowledge Santa Fe Corps for having been the only corps in the Territory that has run Corps Cadets programming throughout the entire year. The idea is to buy a Table Football and give this to them as a “prize,” and to encourage other corps to join in for next year.

Musical Instruments—Charata Corps

Estimated Cost: $500 total

All music instruments in Charata Corps were stolen from the corps when the officers came to Buenos Aires for councils. We would like to give them a new keyboard. Eventually, they will acquire new instruments, but this will take a lot of time.

Child

SRI LANKA

Development Center Resources

Estimated Cost: $20 per child

Children in The Salvation Army Sri Lanka’s child development centers reside there because their parents are unable to care for them or because a court has ordered it for their protection. A small grant for each child will allow the staff to take them on a shopping trip for clothing and personal items—an opportunity for them to make their own choices and learn about shopping and budgeting.

BRAZIL

Kitchen utensils for Arco Verde Integration Centre

Any amount appreciated

The Arco Verde Integration Centre is located on a farm in the State of Minas Gerais. Surrounding the farm is a small low-income community of people that originally used to live off the land around them, but who now basically work in the surrounding mines and as domestic servants in the nearby town, Prudente de Moraes. The Centre assists 110 young children and adolescents with a service to promote the strengthening of relationships and family ties daily during the hours they are not at school. It includes working on specific topics in a playful way, focusing on the development of skills and the concept of citizenship. This institution needs kitchen utensils, such as platters, cutlery, tablecloths, plastic cups and plates and large pots.

Chickens/Chicken Feed—Pelotas Children’s Home

Any amount appreciated

The Salvation Army in Brazil operates a social service center for children. They want to raise chickens so the children have nutritious food to eat while they’re at the center, and eggs they can take home to their families. The center wants to start out with a dozen chickens and expand once the chickens are established.

MALI

Environment/Livelihoods

Estimated Cost: $15 per tree

The Salvation Army is supporting farmers in Mali by integrating trees into their fields. This helps farmers by providing fodder for their livestock, firewood for families, and additional food in the off seasons for families to add nutrition to their diet. It also helps preserve the land.

Christmas

JAPAN

Gift for Retired Officers

Estimated Cost: $20 per retired officer

This is the 100-year anniversary of Women’s Ministries in Japan. In celebration, a book was translated into Japanese written by Lt. Colonel Jenty Fairbank entitled “For Such a Time as This,” which documents the start of Women’s Ministries in England at the turn of the century. Japan would like to provide a copy of this book to all our retired officers as a Christmas gift. I would provide one per couple or single officer. There are 97 retired officers. They would need to provide 65 books.

Angel Tree Program for Ukranian Refugees

Estimated

Cost: $50 to $100 per child

The Angel Tree program was introduced three years ago to support the young people in our children’s homes. This year we are adding a special program to support the children of Ukrainian refugees who have made their home in the Tokyo area. Donations to support this program would be very helpful.

NIGERIA

Mosquito Nets—Estimated Cost: $2.10 per unit

Southeast Nigeria has been under forced lockdown since the middle of 2021. A similar uprising in 1966 climaxed in an unfortunate civil war, claiming over 4 million lives. A group known as Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is presently leading an uprising for the independence of Eastern Nigeria. Conflict with Nigerian security forces have led to the burning of several houses and business centers. This has resulted in an economic crisis in the zone and has plunged several families into crisis. Humanitarian intervention is needed in food and hygiene support. Mosquito nets for people of Aba in Abia State are in special demand due to outbreaks of malaria. The distribution of mosquito nets to the families of displaced persons would help to eliminate the chances of mosquito bites which leads to constant malaria fever among the displaced persons.

RWANDA

Tools For Farming—Estimated Cost: $20

The Salvation Army is hoping to respond to the needs of farmers by providing them with new tools for farming activities. This will enable individuals to farm more efficiently so they can use their time for other activities.

BULGARIA

Shoes and Christmas Sweets

Estimated Cost: $60 to $70 per child

The Salvation Army in Bulgaria ministers to more than 200 children who are in desperate need of a good pair of winter shoes—and, as an officer writes, some sweet treats for Christmas! All these children live below the poverty line. Many are from Bulgaria, and many are from refugee families in the Ukraine.

KENYA

Goats For Livestock Keeping

Estimated Cost: $50 per goat

Goats can help communities raise their income through the sales of both the meat and the milk.

MOLDOVA

Christmas gifts for Ukrainian refugee children and needy children from Moldova

Estimated Cost: $50 to $100 per child

Moldova continues to work with refugees from Ukraine and the local population. One need that is suggested is Christmas presents. They are looking for donors who could send gifts or funding for Christmas gifts for children from Ukraine and local children. We are considering children in the amount of 2,000 - 5,000. But they are also grateful to receive any gift for this project and these children. The following items are placed in a box—an album, paints, an exercise book, pencils, a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, napkins, a small bag of jelly candies, a small plush toy. If they have the funding, they will add warm socks, or a warm hat, or mittens. The whole gift is packed in a beautiful bright holiday paper.

Assistant Divisional Music Director

Florida Divisional Headquarters, Lutz

The Florida Divisional Headquarters is looking for an experienced music professional to join their team. The Assistant Divisional Music Director position assists the Divisional Music Director in promoting the development, improvement, and advancement of instrumental/vocal music and instrumental music ensembles in The Salvation Army and encourages and guides their involvement in worship and evangelistic outreach in the division. Plans, administers, and conducts various music seminars, institutes, conferences, etc.; travels throughout the division to assist local corps in developing instrumental and/or vocal programs; teaches music classes; performs vocally and/or instrumentally in various music programs; maintains the divisional library of music and materials; performs general office duties to include preparing and distributing correspondence.

For questions, please contact Cherika Gregory (Cherika.Gregory@uss.salvationarmy.org).

To apply, please visit The Salvation Army Careers website at www.salvationarmycareers.org reference Job ID# 22835

Grants & Contacts Specialist

Florida Divisional Headquarters, Lutz

The Florida Divisional Headquarters is looking for an experienced professional to join their team. The Grants & Contacts Specialist position assists coordinates, processes, and tracks all grants and contracts administered by the division; serves as a technical resource to local corps applying for grants and contract funding. Maintains current knowledge of issues related to grants and contract administration. Ensure the division’s grants and contracts are in compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures. Undertakes special projects as assigned or initiated, including presentations, conference planning, and other department assignments.

For questions, please contact Cherika Gregory (Cherika.Gregory@uss.salvationarmy.org).

To apply, please visit The Salvation Army Careers website at www.salvationarmycareers.org reference Job ID# 22081

Lead Auditor

Florida Divisional Headquarters, Lutz

The Florida Divisional Headquarters is looking for an experienced auditor to join their team. The Lead Auditor position under the general direction of the Divisional Finance Director the lead auditor manages the internal audit process of The Salvation Army Financial and information systems by assessing internal controls, in order to ensure that the organization produces accurate accounting and financial reporting as well as compliance with The Salvation Army policy, public accounting standards and government laws. Plans, supervises, coordinates, controls, and monitors the internal auditing of all accounting, financial and bookkeeping functions of the Florida Division; ensures that audits are scheduled and conducted in a timely manner and in compliance with established policy and government regulations; participates in conducting audits as needed and assists audit staff in developing methods and procedures for resolving recordkeeping deficiencies; reviews and verifies all audit reports prepared by divisional auditors as well as outside audit firms to ensures accuracy and completeness; ensures compliance with government grants and contract requirements.

For questions, please contact Cherika Gregory (Cherika.Gregory@uss.salvationarmy.org).

To apply, please visit The Salvation Army Careers website at www.salvationarmycareers.org reference Job ID# 22835

Administrative Assistant Clearwater, FL

This position serves as the Administrative Assistant to the corps officer.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: Composes, prepares and/or types a wide variety of paperwork including that of a confidential, complex, and/or technical nature with limited supervision and direction such as correspondence, programs, newsletters, notices, bulletins, agendas, schedules, minutes, manuals, etc.; records minutes of meetings and distributes the same to all those concerned; ensures the accu -

racy, completeness, and timeliness of the same.

Performs a variety of administrative work associated with special projects; processes correspondence and special documents; ensures the accuracy and completeness of the same before submitting for approval and signatures.

Serves as a liaison for other departments and/ or individuals seeking information or services from the corps officer; responds to questions, researches, and provides specific and general information based on the knowledge of the department operations; ensures the accuracy, completeness and timeliness to all information provided; maintains the confidential nature of the position.

Develops and maintains a filing system of a variety of correspondence, forms, cards, records, reports, and documents; maintains and utilizes the bring-up filing system; purges files to obtain and update information; ensures files are maintained in an organized and efficient manner. Systematically convert aged non-transferrable files to electronic format.

Prepares and maintains records, databases, books, logs, lists, etc. in an accurate, complete, and timely manner; updates, posts and indexes information and enters data into the computer to maintain records; researches files to locate specific information found in documents, correspondence, lists, forms, etc.

Works closely with advisory board. Maintains member records, committee rosters and meeting minutes. Forwards board meeting minutes to DHQ.

Maintains command database. Develops reports from database as needed. Provides training on database usage.

Receives, manufactures, and processes orders for Corps Directory. Be a resource to corps personnel on its use.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Two-year degree or college coursework and four years progressively responsible experience performing administrative work in a general office.

Or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

To apply, please visit The Salvation Army Careers website at www.salvationarmycareers.org reference Job ID #23245

ADVERTISING RATES

1. Design of ads can be done. Contact us for an estimate. 2. Ads must be paid for in advance. 3. All ads must be submitted no later than 60 days before the desired publication date. 4. All ads are subject to editorial approval. We reserve the right to refuse any ad.

COLUMN

1.5 INCHES

COLUMN WIDTH: 2.5 INCHES

Classified Corps Events

1 ISSUE 3 ISSUES

UP TO 15 WORDS $8.00 $20.00 16-25 WORDS $11.00 $27.00 26-35 WORDS $14.00 $35.00

Classified Non-Corps Events

1 ISSUE 3 ISSUES

UP TO 15 WORDS $11.00 $28.00 16-25 WORDS $16.00 $39.00 26-35 WORDS $18.00 $45.00

5.0” TALL $82.00 $195.00 $165.00 $400.00

For further information, contact: Allen.satterlee@uss.salvationarmy.org

Spirit of the South

100 Years Ago

Pots are getting ready to boil for The Salvation Army in Macon, Georgia. The commanding officer, Commandant D. Mataxas announced that the Army hoped to provide Christmas dinner for up to 250 family. Helped by the Elks Club, the Army will also provide toys for children. Mataxas was involved with the first Salvation Army mass dinner at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where 25,000 were fed in a single meal.

(Macon Telegraph, December 3, 1922, pg. 36)

75 Years Ago

One man was killed and 56 hospitalized following a train wreck outside of Corsicana, Texas. The Zephyr, Burlington and Rock Island highspeed luxury train wrecked shortly after 6 o’clock Sunday night. Major William Carter with sons Lou and Max of The Salvation Army interrupted their night meeting to rush to the accident. Helping to free survivors, Carter piled eight slightly injured into his car for aid. “They kept asking us how many were killed, but we couldn’t answer, only tried to reassure them the best we could.” (Corsicana Daily Sun, December 29, 1947, pg. 2)

50 Years Ago

Some 100 employees of the Lion Oil Company attending the annual “Barton Belles” banquet, brought gifts of toys and food for distribution by The Salvation Army in El Dorado and Union County. Brigadier George Short received the gifts on behalf of the Army. (El Dorado, Arkansas Times, December 22, 1947, pg. 10)

25 Years Ago

Brigadier Luther Smith received the Richard Arrington Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award. Past Mayor Richard Arrington presented the award himself, citing Smith’s “work to eliminate race baiting in local political campaigns and to improve police and community relations.” (The Southern Spirit, December 10, 1997, pg. 2)

“Grants...” continued from page 3

work as close partners, often providing complementary services based on the size and scope of the disaster.

“With their national reach and immense networks of dedicated staff and volunteers, The Salvation Army and The American Red Cross have for generations stepped up to provide aid and leadership in times of crisis. In virtually every natural and manmade disaster, they provide direct assistance and help coordinate efforts with governmental agencies, faith-based organizations, other nonprofits and countless individual volunteers,” said N. Clay Robbins, chairman and CEO of Lilly Endowment. “These grants are intended to bolster the long-term capacity and effectiveness of these essential organizations and not to support the needs arising from a specific disaster,” added Robbins.

For The Salvation Army, plans for this grant include:

• Increasing warehousing capacity by at least 200,000 square feet in strategic locations to improve mobilization to areas frequently impacted by disasters

• Building warehouse infrastructure to receive, sort and distribute disaster supplies

• Recruiting and training 20,000 volunteers that represent the communities served by The Salvation Army by developing accessible and engaging disaster training courses

• Improving the emergency disaster ser-

vices fleet to respond with greater agility to disasters and improving response to marginalized or under-resourced communities

For the American Red Cross, investments will focus on:

• Innovations in the Red Cross case management system to deliver new and more equitable disaster relief and recovery programs, facilitate greater partner collaboration, accelerate outreach to disaster survivors, and better support longer-term needs of survivors

• Upgrades to RC View—the Red Cross disaster event management and geographical information system—to optimize collaboration with disaster response partners and increase scalability of our disaster response capabilities

• Improvements in our operational readiness and capacity through investments in our vital warehousing network, ensuring that we can quickly and efficiently deliver more aid when and where it is needed

• Enhancements to the response capacity of Red Cross regions and chapters, including new disaster workforce hires with portfolios dedicated to volunteer engagement and convening/supporting local partners like food banks, health and mental health clinics, and other human services partners to join us in disaster response and recovery activities

Christmas at the Salvation Army

STARTING AT $1999

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PROMOTED TO GLORY

Lt. Colonel Larry W. White

Lt. Colonel Larry W. White was Promoted to Glory on October 12, 2022., at age 77. His entire career of 37 years as a Salvation Army Officer was spent in service within the Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC) component of the Southern Territory.

Larry Wayne White was born on August 27, 1945, to Major Lairon and Edith White in Fort Worth, Texas. During his childhood and adolescence, he was continually active in corps programs—particularly in songsters and in corps bands where he played euphonium and trombone.

In the summer of 1966, Larry joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving most of his service in California. On February 21, 1969, he and Shirley Anne Knight were married and when his enlistment was completed, he attended Louisiana State University to work on his degree.

After the birth of their daughter, Lori, Larry was offered a job in Orlando, Florida as corps assistant. On September 1, 1971, he entered the training college as a member of the Blood and Fire session of cadets. Commissioned as a lieutenant on June 10, 1973, the Whites went to their first appointment in Atlanta, Georgia as ARC trainees. By this time, daughter Lyndi was born, and later Lesli joined the family.

Colonel White went on to serve as administrator of ARCs in Charlotte, North Carolina; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Miami, Florida; Tampa, Florida; and Houston, Texas. In June 1999, he was named assistant commander at the ARC Command at territorial headquarters. The following year he was promoted to ARC commander, which he led until his retirement on September 1, 2010.

Colonel White is preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, Commissioner Steve Hedgren. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lt. Colonel Shirley White; daughters Lori Miller, Lyndi Upton, and Lesli (Will) Mitchell; along with grandchildren Noah, Logan, Hannah, Luke, Jake, Dillion, Matthew, Grant, and Cameron. He is also survived by his sister, Commissioner Judy Hedgren; and several nieces and nephews, including Captain Heather Needham currently serving in the youth department for the Kentucky-Tennessee Division.

A memorial service is pending.

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Major Evelyn Klaas Powell

Major Evelyn Klaas Powell was Promoted to Glory on October 26, 2022, at the age of 83, following a lingering illness.

Evelyn Gwendolyn Klaas was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on October 13, 1939, to Colonels James and Ethel Klaas. Being a child of Salvation Army officers, she was continually active in corps ministries such as open-air meetings, youth programs, corps cadets, songsters, League of Mercy, and the Home League.

While attending youth councils in Oklahoma City, she gave her heart to the Lord. Evelyn graduated from Grady High School in Atlanta, Georgia in 1957. She attended Asbury College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in May 1962.

On March 31, 1964, Evelyn married William Powell. She was employed at the Georgia Divisional Headquarters from 1962-1967; first as secretary to the divisional commander and later to the divisional youth secretary.

In 1967, she and Bill entered the Training College as members of the Evangelists session of cadets. She stated in her candidate’s paper, “It is my desire to win others to Christ through living a consistent Christian life each day—to have patience, love, and understanding for those with whom I associate. I feel that the most valuable witness I can have is for others to know that Christ is very real in my life.”

Among many talents, Major Powell is remembered for lending her beautiful soprano voice to The Salvation Army’s women’s trio, “The Living Word.” In her later years of ministry, her compassion, sense of humor, and kindness were especially meaningful to the men they served in the Adult Rehabilitation Centers, whose lives she changed forever with her unconditional love and Christian witness.

Following an appointment as cadet-lieutenants to Norfolk, Virginia, the couple were commissioned on June 9, 1968. They would go on to serve faithfully as Salvation Army officers for over 37 years, retiring on August 1, 2005.

Career appointments include: (as corps officers) Richmond Dunstan Citadel, Virginia; Tulsa Citadel, Oklahoma; Ponca City, Oklahoma; Prince Georges, Maryland; (as area commanders) Richmond, Virginia; Miami, Florida; Nashville, Tennessee; (as adult rehabilitation center administrators) Houston, Texas (assistant); Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Atlanta, Georgia; San Antonio, Texas; and, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Major Evelyn Powell is preceded in death by her husband, Major William Powell; parents, Colonels James and Ethel Klaas; sisters, Colonel Mary (Ernest) Miller, Major Ethel (William) Whittle; and, brother, James A. Klaas. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Brenda (Jim) Klaas; and seven nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life was held at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta on November 3, 2022.

Major Stan Melton

Major Stan Melton was Promoted to Glory on October 29, 2022, at the age of 78. At the time of his passing, he was being comforted by family members at ECU Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina.

Lewis Stanley Melton was born in Pitt County on June 3, 1944. He was the second son of Lewis Henry Melton and Unicy Mae “Tom” Hammond Melton.

Stan grew up in Greenville and graduated from Rose High School in 1962. As a teen, Stan attended youth councils, where he felt sure of God’s call to serve as a Salvation Army officer. He shared his excitement with his corps officers, Captains Earl and Edith Reagan. Ironically, he would eventually marry their daughter, Becky Reagan, 44 years later.

He entered the training college as a member of the Heroes Of The Faith session, and there met his first wife, Cadet Carlene June Cox of West Virginia. In 1964, they were both commissioned with the rank of lieutenant and later were married. Together they served in appointments, both domestically and internationally: Oklahoma, Chile, Florida, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos Islands, Texas, Alabama, and South Carolina.

Majors Stan and Carlene Melton retired in 2004, after 40 years of faithful service. Not long thereafter, Major Carlene was Promoted to Glory.

In 2006, Stan married Sergeant Becky, and they served post-retirement assignments in West Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. They made their retirement home in Greenville and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Throughout his career, he was a member of service clubs Optimists and Rotary International. He once stated that “not sharing Christ as hope would be like having a life-saving device while watching someone in need go without.”

Many people who knew Major Stan recall a warm smile that reached his twinkling blue eyes; as well as his leave-taking charge, “¡Pótese bien!” (Be good).

He is preceded in death by his parents Louie and Tom Melton; wife Major Carlene Cox Melton; son Lewis Stanley Melton, Jr.; and, brother Major Robert Melton.

He is survived by his wife Sergeant Rebecca Reagan Melton; daughter Christina (Bruce) Hansen; son Captain Carl (Jennifer) Melton; stepdaughter Ami (Norm) Brown; stepson Lee Fuller; daughter-in-law Leslie Melton; ten grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The Salvation Army in Conway, South Carolina. A private family ceremony will be held later in Myrtle Beach.

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Christmas at the Salvation Army

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