2024 Testify Congress: Summoned!
Main session 1 held at the Pasadena Convention Center Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California.
BY CHRISTIN THIEME
It was an exultant opening to the first main session of the 2024 Testify Congress—“Summoned!” —June 14 at the Pasadena (California) Convention Center Civic Auditorium.
The Western Territorial Staff Band (B/M Neil Smith) presented “In Awesome Wonder” followed by some 3,000 Salvationists and friends worshiping in “God So Loved” before the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters offered “Then Sings My Soul.”
Second-year Cadets Nick Carrillo-Saad, So-Mang Ham and Brian Reed
—Commissioner Douglas Riley “
WE INVITED YOU AND YOU ALL CAME. THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THIS GREAT WEEKEND.
led prayer in Spanish, Korean and English, respectively, before Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley shared words of welcome.
“We invited you and you all came,” he said to the crowd. “This is just the beginning of this great weekend…So much effort has been put into all the details of this Congress, but I have to tell you, there’s also been a lot of prayer. And no matter how much we plan, we know God is in control. He’s going to take over this Congress and the lives of you and me if we allow him.”
He introduced international leaders General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of World Ministries), noting it’s their first visit to the USA Western Territory.
“We’re going to open our hearts and our minds and we’re going to be receptive to what God has in store,” the General said in response. “We believe great things as a result of this weekend.”
The Congress Praise Team led “We Praise You” and “Blessed Be Thy Name” before Bronwyn Buckingham shared her testimony, drawing from John 1 and Jesus’ invitations to “come and see.”
“John invites anyone curious to look at the life-giving ways of Jesus,” she said, noting the only solution to the darkness of death is the light of Christ. “I testify to the reality of Christ’s light in my own life, that light has taken me beyond the invitation to come and see to claim him as my Lord and Savior, following his ways and endeavoring to point others to his light.”
For those who haven’t yet done so, she said, “My prayer is that you won’t wait one day longer.”
The Western Staff Songsters (S/L Barbara Allen) presented “Just As I Am” before College for Officer Training Principal Major Dr. Terry Masango introduced the Defenders of Justice Session and welcomed them to the stage for their commissioning and ordination.
The session recited the doctrines of The Salvation Army and then Chief Sec-
retary Colonel Eddie Vincent led the affirmation of faith, asking if the cadets would promise to faithfully maintain and proclaim the truths of the doctrines, strive to lead all people to the gospel and at all times be faithful officers of The Salvation Army.
Riley and Commissioner Colleen Riley (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) alternated sharing the individual’s selected life Scripture verse and affirming him or her, saying: “We rejoice that God has called you, has equipped you and gifted you for sacred service and therefore affirm that you are ordained as a minister of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I now commission you as an officer of The Salvation Army with the rank of lieutenant."
As they walked off stage, the international leaders greeted each new officer.
In a video testimony, Lt. Do-Hyun Kim, who joined the West as a second-year
cadet from Korea, shared about growing up attending The Salvation Army and how cool he thought the officer preaching at the pulpit was—that “he loved the corps more than the playground.”
That’s when he decided to be an officer— though later, he said, he had doubts.
“But my faithful Lord did not leave me alone. He sought me out, he met me, and he told me, ‘The path you will take will never be in vain. Come with me,’” Kim said. “When I heard this voice, my fear, anxiety and disappointment were gone. It was very clear that it would be hard to take up the cross, but my Lord would always be with me. Wherever. Whenever. So, I have responded to his warm invitation to give my life entirely to him.”
As the Staff Band played “On We March,” the stage filled with adults and children ready to become new soldiers of The Salvation Army.
“I told you earlier, God, the Holy Spir-
it, is on the move in The Salvation Army and here is the proof,” the General said. He first enrolled the junior soldiers then senior soldiers—177 in total.
As their first act of public ministry, the West’s newest lieutenants then joined the territory’s newest soldiers on stage and prayed over them.
In his message, the General shared a four-part formula for life in Christ: Connect with God and know him, share the good news of Jesus Christ, demonstrate care and concern for those in need, and pursue holiness.
“We can speak to him, hear from him through his Word and be incredibly connected to the source of all life,” Buckingham said. “What a brilliant way to start our mission—connection to the Almighty.” With that connection, “we just cannot keep it to ourselves,” he said. The Salvation Army has a history of looking for
Top: General Lyndon Buckingham enrolls 177 new junior and senior soldiers. Middle left: Dancers, singers and instrumentalists perform the Legacy of Faith finale. Middle right: New junior soldiers display their certificates. Bottom left: The Congress Praise Team leads worship. Bottom right: Lts. Brian and Emily Reed are commissioned and affirmed as officers. |PHOTOS BY JOY YI
Nagasaki, in-charge of the Lahaina Lighthouse (Hawaii) Corps, spoke about his personal redemption and about the devastating 2023 Maui fires, which devastated Lahaina, destroying both Nagasaki’s home and the corps. Despite his personal loss, his ministry never stopped.
“Whatever it takes to keep the ministry going, that’s what we need to do here,” he said. “And that’s my mission.”
Nagasaki came on stage after his video and reaffirmed his commitment to serve God no matter what. Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley joined him and gave him a hug. Riley then surprised him with a re-presentation of the William Booth Award for exemplary service; his original award from two years ago was lost in the fires.
“Kevin, you are an example to us all, your faithfulness through tragedy and hardship is a testament to your consistent faith in Jesus,” Riley said. “When faced with the destruction of the Maui wildfire, you could have simply given up…having literally lost everything you owned—clothes, books, family memories—you simply rolled up the sleeves on the only shirt you owned, and got straight to work serving others in his name, and showing them Jesus…It is my pleasure to re-present you with the William Booth Award.”
Riley then recalled that shortly after the fires, Nagasaki told him he was sad about losing his baseball hat collection. To help get his collection going again, Riley gave him two: a Testify cap and a Los Angeles Dodgers cap.
Others who shared video testimonies included Aurora (Colorado) Corps Sergeant-Major Alton Bond, who accepted Jesus' teachings about loving everyone
ENVOY KEVIN NAGASAKI –WILLIAM BOOTH AWARD
Two years ago, Lahaina Lighthouse (Hawaii) Corps Envoy Kevin Nagasaki was awarded the William Booth Award for his faithfulness to God. The award, along with all of Nagasaki’s possessions, was destroyed in the 2023 Maui wildfires. He was re-presented with the award June 15 during the 2024 Testify Congress.
Listen to Kevin Nagasaki on Episode 190 of the Do Gooders Podcast: State of Disaster: Living and serving through disaster.
Left: Commissioner Douglas Riley, Envoy Kevin Nagasaki and General Lyndon Buckingham
WHATEVER IT TAKES TO KEEP THE MINISTRY GOING, THAT’S WHAT WE NEED TO DO HERE.
— Envoy Kevin Nagasaki “
after years of hating white people because of the KKK’s mistreatment of his grandmother; Davrah Williams, who as a teenager experienced homelessness with her family before receiving help from The Salvation Army in Denver—she said her goal now is to bring people to Christ; and Dalton Low, who, because of his autism, never fit in as a child until he came to the Bakersfield (California) Corps, where they welcomed him and discovered his musical gifts. Riley greeted both Bond and Williams onstage after their videos; Low was unable to attend as he is serving on the summer staff at Camp Redwood Glen.
Some quick-take videos featured Congress delegates responding on-the-spot to the question, “What has God done in your life?”
Testimonies through music and the arts alternated with spoken ones. Along with praise and worship sets, special music in-
cluded “Like a River in My Soul” from the Seattle Temple Songsters, “Lord Lift Me Up” from the Pasadena Tabernacle Band, “Sparrow” from the Del Oro Youth Chorus, “When Love Sees You” from the Territorial Youth Chorus and “The Great Celebration” from the Seattle Temple Band, who also led the rousing congregational song, “Have You Been to Jesus.”
The territory’s massed singing companies received a standing ovation for “I’ll Stand for Christ”—this was the kids’ testimony.
The Territorial Creative Arts Ensemble offered a skit, “My Story,” which asked: Who are our victories really about, ourselves or God? And with “Agidigba,” the Phoenix Citadel Dancers expressed gratitude to God through exuberant African dance.
“The story of Jesus is absolutely timeless and changeless,” International President of Women’s Ministries Com-
missioner Bronwyn Buckingham said as she began her message. Commenting on the stories shared during the meeting, she noted there is no one way God reaches people. And all who shared their stories now have different duties in their new life in Christ, she said.
“But his protection, his guidance, his patience, his unconditional love and his amazing grace leading to transformation are the common theme,” she said.
She spoke of how God’s grace rewrote the story of her life. Now, she said, she is called to offer the love she received to others. And she called her listeners to do the same, referring to Ephesians 2:10: For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
When we share God’s grace, a little piece of the world is changed, she said.
The evening concluded with the massed songsters performing “I Have Seen the Glory of the Lord,” and a benediction from Commissioner Colleen Riley, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development. NFC
Clockwise from top left: Martin Hunt leads the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters. The Phoenix Citadel Dancers praise God with "Agidigba," an exuberant African dance. The Territorial Creative Arts Ensemble performs the skit, "My Story." |PHOTOS BY JOY YI
APPOINTMENTS
FROM PAGE 3
during the toughest times in my life. He used people to support me, inspire me, encourage me and give me hope,” she said. “When my calling came, there was no question and no doubt that this was from God. I am here today because of God's endless mercy and grace, and his love when I couldn't love myself.”
She called her session mates to the stage, where the General gave a charge to the new officers, joking that while he could remember what it was like to receive his first appointment, he didn’t remember the charge he received.
Buckingham repeated a passage he shared with Territorial Executive Council with the session, from 1 Peter 5, repeating from it the phrase eager to serve for emphasis.
“We need you as our leaders to be examples to the flock,” he said, before ending with a piece of advice found in Proverbs 4:23: Above all else guard your hearts, as it is the wellspring of your life
Then, in the moment all attendees were waiting for, the Rileys appointed each of the Defenders of Justice to serve in their first ministry appointment as Salvation Army officers across the Western Territory.
Korea Territorial leaders Commissioners ManHee and Stephanie Chang—Western Territory officers—gave Lts. Do-Hyum Kim and So-Mang Ham their first appointments. Man-Hee Chang gave the pair the choice of language for how they’d receive the appointment, and asked if they’d prefer the ocean, mountainside or city.
“Wherever,” Kim said, to applause.
Chang then delivered the appointment in Korean: Assistant Regional Officers, Cambodia in the Seoul Division.
Douglas and Colleen Riley offered words of gratitude, recognizing special guests, including the international leaders, along with retiring Korean territorial leaders and Colonels Stephen and Marcia Smith, Personnel Secretary and Associate Personnel Secretary.
Douglas Riley then thanked Assistant Secretary for Program Martin Hunt for organizing the congress, saying he “exemplifies Testify.” Hunt led the congregation in the triumphant singing of “O Boundless Salvation,” complete with confetti cannons and flag waving.
Program Secretary Lt. Col. Phil Lum gave a benediction before the newly appointed lieutenants marched out under their new divisional flags. NFC
TESTIFY
FROM PAGE 1
noting there is no one way God reaches people.
“But his protection, his guidance, his patience, his unconditional love and his amazing grace leading to transformation are the common theme,” she said. “When we share God’s grace, a little piece of the world is changed.”
On June 16, morning and afternoon sessions focused on holy living and a sendoff to tell the world.
The General first urged attendees to embrace their identity in Christ, referencing Colossians 3:12-17.
“Don’t listen to what the world says about you,” he said. “Understand this: You are holy. You are chosen. And you are dearly loved. This is who you are in Christ Jesus.”
He called on believers to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles (Heb.
BIBLE BOWL
12:1-2). Hundreds responded at the mercy seat.
Later, the new lieutenants received their first appointments.
“We need you as our leaders to be examples to the flock,” the General said in his charge to the session, noting 1 Peter 5 and ending with Proverbs 4:23: Above all else guard your hearts, as it is the wellspring of your life.
He presented the William Booth Award to Doug and Donna Erlandson, and Exceptional Service Awards to Debi Leighton and Brigadier Vivian Rodriguera.
“We’re equipped. We’re prepared. We’re ready,” Douglas Riley said. “Just think if each one of us went out of this place and shared our testimony with one person—3,000 people would hear the gospel today.” NFC
FROM PAGE 1
Not only would winners prove their biblical knowledge, but they could walk away with championship rings (for the highest-scoring team) or a trophy (for the first, second and third-place teams and individuals).
This year, five final teams competed for the championship: the Wrangell (Alaska) Corps, the Eastside (Washington) Corps, the Broomfield (Colorado) Corps, the Hawaii Kroc Community Center and the Southern California Division, which included team members from the Ventura Corps, Whittier Corps and the College for Officer Training at Crestmont (CFOT).
For Abel Gomez, Territorial Youth Department Events and Projects Coordinator, the goal was “to create good habits of studying their Bibles while having friendly competition and testing each other.”
For the participants, the competition was an opportunity to explore God’s Word on a deeper level.
“I learned that the Bible is more than what you have to do,” said Kaiya Rohei of the Wrangell Corps. “It’s more of God telling you a story to help you.”
After Major Jennifer Masango, Territorial Candidates' and Recruitment Secretary, opened in prayer, participants logged in to Kahoot! on their smartphones, preparing to answer 100 questions focused on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Phi -
FROM PAGE 5
creative ways to tell “anybody and everybody” about Jesus.
“We are connected and looking for the opportunity to share the gospel, not just as a corporate body but also as individuals,” Buckingham said.
“Third, we are not satisfied merely telling people about God’s love,” he said. “We want to demonstrate it. We’ve caught this vision for rolling up our sleeves and engaging with our world…We bring love and hope and joy and promise and grace, copious amounts of grace. It’s our privilege to share it and to demonstrate it.”
And finally, “some of our greatest impact in the world will be made when we as individuals walk in holiness,” Buckingham said. “To surrender ourselves to an intentional pursuit of being more and more Christlike.” NFC
TERRITORIAL YOUTH DEPARTMENT
lemon, which each participant extensively studied. Territorial Youth Secretary Major Emmanuel Masango declared the winners after two 20-minute sessions: the Wrangell Corps for the team category and Elizabeth Ball of the Hawaii Kroc Center in the individual category. Rohei said she was excited to win, but her favorite part was getting to do something with her team.
“I like the teamwork,” she said. “I like that you and your team have to rely on each other.” NFC
your specific goal for personal and professional development is the key to choosing the right course. The SLD training team offers interactive sessions, combining lectures and practical exercises for an engaging and transformative learning experience. As you consider which topic best meets your goals, carefully review our course descriptions online.
Online courses are taught in a hybrid format using MS Teams and Canvas Learning Management System. The hybrid format incorporates asynchronous (independent student learning) and synchronous online classes (Instructor and students meet online concurrently).
2024 Bible Bowl Champions from the Wrangell (Alaska) Corps proudly display their trophy and rings.
Jerre & Mary Joy Stead
NEW APPOINTMENTS
Effective July 3 unless otherwise noted
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS
CHIEF SECRETARY'S OFFICE
Major Richard L. Pease
Territorial Audit Secretary
Major Joe F. Chavez
Audit Specialist/Officer Tax Resource**
PERSONNEL SERVICES
Major Joanne H. Louangamath
Officer Services Secretary
Major Nancy Dihle
Retired Officers' Services Director**
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SERVICES
Major Marcelino "Butch" Soriano
Territorial Risk Management Secretary
PROGRAM SERVICES
Major Frank E. Desplancke
Men's Ministries Secretary
VAVS Secretary**
Lieutenant Jayerica Alacar
Intercultural Ministries Officer and Community Care Ministries Officer*
Captain Jessica Stevens
Youth Program Specialist
ADULT REHABILITATION
CENTERS COMMAND
Major James D. Boyd
Administrator for Development, Las Vegas, NV
Major Paul V. Chouinard
Administrator for Development, San Jose, CA
Major John E. Desplancke
Administrator for Development, Canoga Park, CA
Major Ron Fenrich
Administrator for Development, Bakersfield, CA
Major James A. Gallop
Administrator for Development, Denver, CO
Major Erik J. Hoogstad
Administrator for Development, Honolulu, HI
Major Adam Morales
Administrator for Development, Pasadena, CA
Major David F. Pierce
Administrator for Development, Fresno, CA
Major Michelle L. Pierce
Administrator for Program, Fresno, CA
Major Donald A. Sheppard
Administrator for Development, San Bernardino, CA
Major Dan Williams
Administrator for Development, Phoenix, AZ
Major Sylvan J. Young
Administrator for Development, Stockton, CA
Captain LeeVale Butler, Jr.
Administrator for Development, Riverside County, CA
Captain Kenneth E. Cleveland
Administrator for Development, Santa Monica, CA
Captain Dan Garrett, Jr.
Administrator for Development, Long Beach, CA
Captain Jennifer M. Liggett
Administrator for Development and Administrator for Program,* San Francisco, CA
Captain Timothy J. Pemberton
Administrator for Development, Anaheim, CA
Captain Samuel H. Snyder
Assistant Administrator for Development, San Bernardino, CA
Captain Paul R. Swain
Administrator for Development, San Diego, CA
Captain Amber E. West
Administrator for Program, Oakland, CA
Captain Joe West
Administrator for Development, Oakland, CA
COLLEGE FOR OFFICER TRAINING
PERSONNEL
Major Lourdes S. Griffith
Director of Personnel
Major Hannah (Kil Ja) Lee
Family Care Director
Major Janene Zielinski
Spiritual Formation Director
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Captain Shannon L. Galbreath
Continuing Education Officer
ALASKA DIVISION
Majors Kevin E. and Tina Bottjen
Corps Officers, Homer, AK
Major Raymond R. Erickson-King
Anchorage City Coordinator*
Majors Joseph and Florence Murray
Corps Officers, Sitka, AK**
Captain Denice M. Delgado
Anchorage Social Services Program
Captain Petr Janousek
Corps Officer, Juneau, AK and
Alaska State Capital Liaison*
Captain Miroslava Janouskova
Corps Officer, Juneau, AK
Captains Chong and Hyun (Harry) J. Kim
Corps Officers, Anchorage Korean, AK
Lieutenant Ashley R. Cunningham
Chaplain, Anchorage Area Social Services
Captains David E. and Lusero Vargas
Corps Officers, Gateway, AK
CASCADE DIVISION
Major Charity J. Kramerius
Southern Idaho Coordinator and Corps Administrator, Boise, ID* and Idaho State
Capital Liaison*
Major Premek Kramerius
Southern Idaho Coordinator and Corps Administrator, Boise, ID* and EDS Officer*
Captain Edgar Azueta
Divisional Youth and Candidates' Secretary and Divisional Men's Ministries Secretary*
Captains Grant M. and Mandy M. Hall
Corps Officers, Eugene Citadel, OR
Captains Taurean L. and Yohani Ortiz
Corps Officers, Grants Pass, OR
Captains Corrin and Nathan Perry
Corps Officers, Boise, ID
Captain Jeffrey M. Walters
Corps Officer, Salem Ray and Joan Kroc
Corps Community Center and Marion and Polk County Coordinator* and Oregon
State Capital Liaison*
Captain Maryellen C. Walters
Corps Officer, Salem Ray and Joan Kroc
Corps Community Center and Marion and
Polk County Coordinator*
Major Carlos L. Souza
Bridgeway of Hope Administrator
Portland Metro City Command
Effective July 1, 2024
DEL ORO DIVISION
Majors Julie E. and Larry J. Feist
Corps Officers, Eureka, CA
Major Randy Hartt
Northern Nevada Coordinator and Reno, NV
ARP Administrator* and EDS Officer*
Major Tracie Hartt
Northern Nevada Coordinator and Reno, NV
Corps Officer*
Captains Leslie J. & Mark K. Cyr
Associate Corps Officers, Sacramento Citadel, CA
Captains Lorretta C. and Joshua C. Dulay
ARP Administrators, Chico, CA
Captain Kathleen M. Griffiths
Associate Corps Officer, Sacramento Citadel, CA
Captain Bonita J. Kelsey
Corps Officer, Santa Rosa, CA
Majors Minhee and Richard (Joo Hyun) Lee
Corps Officers, Rancho Cordova, CA
Captain Claudia M. Pardo-Barriga
Divisional Finance Secretary
Captain Gloria Pelayo
Corps Officer, Napa, CA
Captains Ernest R. and Sara E. Evans
Corps Officers, Carson City, NV
Captain Sandra J. Solis
Associate Corps Officer, Santa Rosa, CA
GOLDEN STATE DIVISION
Majors John and Judy Bennett
Special Assignments, Divisional Headquarters
Major Debora Donini
Silvercrest Chaplain, Divisional Headquarters
Majors Gloribel and Salvador E. Gonzalez
Corps Officers, Redwood City, CA
Majors Courtney L. and Darren S. Stratton
Modesto City Coordinators, Modesto area, CA
Major Marcos E. and Captain Angel Marquez
Corps Officers, Fresno Citadel and Fresno County, CA Coordinators*
Captains Christopher K. and Eunha Kim
Corps Officers, Modesto, CA
Captains Ashley M. and Jay R. Koebel
Corps Officers, Monterey Peninsula, CA
Captains Bridget E. and Roger D. McCort
Corps Officers, Hanford, CA
Captains Charleen E. and Matthew T. Morrow
Corps Officers, San Jose Temple, CA and
Campus Chaplains*
Captains Kelly and Natalia J. Berggren
Corps Officers, Santa Cruz, CA and Santa Cruz County, CA Coordinators*
Captain Claudia M. Pardo-Barriga
HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS DIVISION
Major Kimberly A. Stambaugh
Divisional Secretary for Program and Divisional Women's Ministries Secretary*
Major Thomas E. Stambaugh
Divisional Secretary for Business and Men's
Ministries Secretary * and Hawaii State
Capital Liaison*
Captains Joleen R. and David Aycock
Divisional Youth and Candidates' Secretaries
INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION
Lt. Colonels Daniel L. and Helen Starrett
Corps Officers, Denver Citadel, CO**
Major Ragina R. Halverson
Divisional Secretary for Business
Major Shane D. Halverson
Divisional Secretary for Social Services
Majors Mark and Monica E. King
Corps Officers, Ogden, UT
Majors Nancy L. and Stephen A. Ball
Corps Officers, Colorado Springs, CO and El Paso County, CO Coordinators*
Major Cheryl M. Kistan
Divisional Secretary for Program*
Captains Genesis M. and Martha Apuan
Associate Corps Officers, Denver Citadel, CO
Captain Aimee L. Docherty
Divisional Candidates' Secretary*
Captain Justin F. Docherty
Divisional Youth Secretary
Captains Danielle C. and Jacob A. Bratton
Corps Officers, Cheyenne, WY and Wyoming State Coordinators*
Envoys Jordan and Joshua Lyle
In Charge, Fort Collins, CO
Majors Turnie D. and Evadne C. Wright
Corps Officers, Casper, WY
Effective: August 14
NORTHWEST DIVISION
Majors Angela and Mitham T. Clement
Associate Corps Officers, Spokane Citadel, WA and Marshallese Ministry Leaders*
Major Paula J. Wild
Divisional Women's Ministries Secretary and Community Care Ministries Secretary *
Major Roy S. Wild
General Secretary
Captain Felicia E. Grant
Divisional Secretary for Program
Captains Shelby S. and Brian D. Qualls
Corps Officers, Lewiston, ID
Captains David and Kelly Cain
Spokane County Coordinators *
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION
Majors Jessica and Saul M. Doria
Corps Officers, San Pedro Temple, CA
Majors Lex E. and Patricia I. Giron
Corps Officers, Santa Ana Temple, CA
Majors David C. and Regina E. Shull
Corps Officers, Riverside, CA
Captain Angelica Acosta
Associate Corps Officer, Long Beach Red Shield, CA
Captain Betzy Hanson
Divisional Secretary for Program and Intercultural Ministries Coordinator *
Captain Douglas R. Hanson
Divisional Secretary for Business
Captains Nicholas A. and Rebecca C. Helms
Corps Officers, Pasadena Tabernacle, CA
Captains Deanna L. and Quinton R. Markham Corps Officers, Glendale, CA
Captains Fredy N. and Michelle J. Miranda
Corps Officers, El Centro, CA
Captain Lorena Strickland
Corps Officer, Hollywood Temple, CA
Lieutenant Monique I. Garcia
Corps Officer, Oxnard/Port Hueneme, CA
SOUTHWEST DIVISION
Major Andres M. and Captain Roxana N. Espinoza
Corps Officers, Tucson All Nations, AZ and Tucson City Coordinators *
Major Scott Ramsey Corps Officer, Casa Grande, AZ**
Envoy Sharon M. Callaway-Ramsey
In-Charge, Casa Grande, AZ
Major Trish and Captain Timothy D. Simeroth
Corps Officers, Las Cruces, NM
Captain Stacy M. Antonovich
Associate Corps Officer, Mesa, AZ
Captains Cherie (Noel) and Michael P. Evans
Corps Officers, Roswell, NM
Captains Jennifer and Ryan C. Bearchell
Divisional Youth & Candidates' Secretaries
Captain Jessica R. Pearce
Ms. Jennifer Jones
In-Charge, Las Vegas Citadel, NV
Envoy Gamaliel Ruiz
In-Charge, Albuquerque Temple, NM
*Additional responsibility, **Post retirement service RETIREMENTS
Majors Daniel and Carole Abella–June 2024
Corps Officers, Fresno Citadel, California
Corps
Captain Diana Gomes–July 2024
Program Officer, Southern California Division
Captain Maureen Lawliss—July 2024
Associate Corps Officer, Phoenix (Arizona)
Citadel Corps
Majors Carlos and Rosa Rodriguez
July 2024
Corps Officers, San Pedro (California) Temple Corps
Major Ray Yant—July 2024
ARP Administrator, Chico (California) Corps
Major Nancy Dihle—July 2024
Retired Officers' Services Director, Territorial Headquarters
Major Raymond Dihle—July 2024
Pastoral Care Counselor, Territorial Headquarters
Major Nancy Helms-Cox—July 2024
Director of Personnel and Territorial Disabilities Ministries, College for Officer Training
MAJOR ANGELINE SHOLIN, May 19, 1954 – Nov. 6, 2023
Major Angeline Leilani Sholin, 69, of Honolulu, was promoted to Glory Nov. 6, 2023.
Born May 19, 1954, to Hilario Subad Quirionez and Rafaela Alesna Navarro, Angie was the older of their two daughters. She attended St. Andrew’s Priory, in downtown Honolulu, located just blocks from her father’s barber shop. She became a devout follower of Jesus Christ.
While attending Salvation Army music camp at Camp Redwood Glen in California, Angie met Erik Sholin. The two fell in love and married on Dec. 29, 1973. Nine years later they welcomed a daughter, Hilary, and soon thereafter a son, Carl. Rounding out the family was a beloved long-haired dachshund, Keiki.
The Sholins attended The Salvation Army School for Officers’ Training with the Servants of God Session in 1982 and were commissioned in 1984. They served throughout the Western Territory, including Inglewood, California; Anchorage, Alaska; Longview, Washington; Broomfield, Colorado; San Diego; Kona, Hawai’i; and Honolulu.
Having been born and raised on Oahu, Angie always felt Hawai’i was home. After Erik was promoted to Glory in January 2013, Angie continued to serve at the Honoka’a Corps on the Big Island. She revitalized the corps with the devoted service of Ann and Gary Todd, who continue to minister there today.
She is survived by her children, Hilary Tobias (Cory) and Carl Sholin, and her sister Linda Wagenman (Mark). A celebration of life took place May 18 at the Kauluwela Mission Corps in Honolulu. NFC
CORRECTION: Commissioner Marjorie J. Hodder
Director, Anchorage Area Social Services
Divisional Finance Secretary*
Majors Darlan and Elicio Marquez
Corps Officers, Merced, CA**
Effective: Aug. 14
Associate Corps Officer, Ray and Joan Kroc
Corps Community Center, Phoenix South Mountain, AZ
In the May/June issue, New Frontier Chronicle stated Commissioner Marjorie J. Hodder was promoted to Glory Feb. 20. The correct date is Feb. 18. NFC
New Clitheroe Center opens
The Clitheroe Center held a grand opening event May 16, announcing its availability to men seeking rehabilitation in Anchorage. A grant of $4.7 million from the state helped make necessary renovations to the space, which previously housed the Adult Rehabilitation Center. The facility is a nationally accredited substance use disorder and co-occurring/dual diagnosis residential treatment center and has 60 beds.
“We are glad to be able to expand our capacity to help even more individuals seeking a fresh start,” said Alaska Divisional Commander Major Henry Graciani.
CASCADE
Booth Program celebrates graduates
In Boise, Idaho, 10 students graduated from Cardinal Academy and the Boise Corps’ Booth Program for Young Parents, receiving their high school diplomas. The Booth Program supports pregnant and parenting high school students during their education at Cardinal Academy, a tuition-free public charter school for pregnant and parenting youth ages 14–21 at The Salvation Army Boise campus. The partnership with the Booth Program allows the academy to provide complete wraparound support for young parents—moms and dads—to finish high school.
Kimberly Kelzer (LMSW) is the Booth Program Coordinator/Director.
Chico’s
The Chico Corps’ annual Brighten a Life Color Fun Run 2024 included more than 600 runners, whose participation will help support the Chico Salvation Army’s children’s programs, including after-school programming, overnight camps and the Solid Rock Music Academy.
The Color Fun Run is a one-mile untimed event for runners and walkers of all ages, featuring creative and colorful attire. After the run, the Finish Festival offered music, games, photo opportunities and food trucks. Lts. Jeffrey and Kristin Boyd are Chico Corps Officers.
GOLDEN STATE
Ridgecrest’s Summer Reading Zone
Now in its third year, the Ridgecrest Corps’ Summer
Reading Zone program provides kids with free books and a space to enjoy them. Since the program began, the corps has distributed more than 500 books. Program participants include Elise, 7, and her sister, Eva, 5. Their mom, Lynnette Minnick, said the girls read every night instead of watching TV.
“We are very excited this year, as we have secured a youth literacy grant from the Harrell Foundation out of Bakersfield,” said Corps Officer Lt. Gina Noble. “Our goal is to give away 1,000 new books this summer.”
HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS
Hilo Corps distributes produce to older adults
The Hilo (Hawaii) Corps distributed locally grown produce and hygiene kits to older adults (kūpuna) May 23. OK Farms Hawaii contributed lychee, bok choy, apples, bananas, Okinawan sweet potatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and more for the distribution.
Corps Officer Captain Sam LeMar said many kūpuna live in county-subsidized low-income housing, often far from grocery stores, where a gallon of milk can run $8. “When kūpuna receive a box of locally grown produce that they love and that is culturally relevant, it means a great deal to them,” LeMar said.
INTERMOUNTAIN
Aurora Corps sets Guinness World Record for donut donation
In celebration of National Donut Day June 7, the Aurora (Colorado) Corps received a donation of 936 pounds of donuts from LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee. The Salvation Army then set a Guinness World Record by distributing the 2,244 donuts in 15 minutes to the Aurora Veterans Hospital, Veterans Home, Police Department and Buckley Space Force. The Intermountain Division band also joined, bringing music to veterans.
Lts. Carl and Melissa Esquivel are Aurora Corps Officers.
NORTHWEST
Great
Falls Corps opens client-choice
food pantry
The Great Falls (Montana) Corps hosted the grand opening of the remodeled client-choice food pantry May 13. The new pantry will operate like a grocery store, allowing visitors to select grocery items that fit their personal or dietary preferences. Products range from food items to household supplies, pet food and diapers. “Our Great Falls neighbors are hungry and
The Salvation Army is here to feed and support them," Corps Officer Major Michael Halverson told NonStop Local ABC FOX.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
San Diego Brave event empowers young girls
Some 200 girls ages 12-18 who have spent time in foster care gathered for the second annual Brave self-empowerment event at the San Diego Kroc Center May 4. “About 80 percent of girls that were rescued from human trafficking came through the foster care system,” San Diego Kroc Center Corps Officer Major Stacy Birks told Fox 5. The event aimed to empower participants with uplifting messages from leaders who have overcome challenges, and activities, including ice skating, a glam zone, art and yoga classes, dancing and raffles.
SOUTHWEST
New center to help families in North Las Vegas
The Salvation Army held a groundbreaking event for the Southern Nevada Family Services Center May 15, which will serve families with rent, utility and food assistance, and educational opportunities, among other services.
During the event, Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown declared the day “Salvation Army Day of Community Unity,” telling News 3, “With this facility…we can work with your mission to give a hand up, bringing needed resources and respite to those in need of the city."
Majors Harold and Magaly Laubach are the Divisional Secretaries for Clark County.
ARCC
Honolulu Alumni outreach in Kauai
In June, the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Oahu, Honolulu, organized a barbecue dinner in Kauai for 55 program graduates and their families. The outreach effort aims to extend support to those in recovery on the outer islands of Honolulu. While in Kauai, ARC staff and alumni connected with 150 people, delivering prayers and informative packets about the program.
Major Erik and Lt. Vonne Hoogstad are Administrators at the Honolulu ARC.
CFOT
Champions of the Mission receive summer assignments
Members of the Champions of the Mission session received their summer assignments May 14. Personnel Secretary Lt. Colonel Stephen Smith gave the challenge to the session.
“When you deal with people, ask yourself: What is my motivation?” Smith said. “Be motivated by the love of God, nothing else. The light of Jesus will be shown through you as you work with people this summer if you’re motivated by this love. My prayer is that the people you come in contact with see Christ in you and want that same relationship for themselves.”
Major Terry Masango is CFOT Training Principal. NFC
DEL ORO
Color Fun Run
A LOOK INTO SALVATION ARMY TRADITION
IN
The Salvation Army, a congress is a central gathering held in divisions, regions, territories or internationally that is attended by officers and soldiers. The term “congress” is used to describe any series of meetings or events made unique by virtue of a special occasion or purpose.
TERRITORIAL
The Salvation Army Western Territory welcomed Salvationists and friends to Pasadena, California, June 14-16 for the Testify Congress, led by international leaders General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham. The goal? To teach, train and motivate Salvationists to tell the story of Jesus more often, and to more people through words and actions.
“The Congress is an opportunity for teaching and training so that each one of us can share his story more often and to more people,” said Commissioner Douglas Riley, Territorial Commander.
The three-day event featured words of challenge, corporate worship and fellowship, seminars and trainings, and musical performances, along with the ordination and commissioning of the Defenders of Justice Session during the Friday evening opening celebration at the Pasadena Convention Center.
Previously, the West convened for The Gathering Congress in Pasadena in 2012.
DIVISIONAL
Perhaps the most well-known divisional congress in the West is the Alaska Congress, held annually in Southeast Alaska. In 2023, 147 Salvationists traveled from other Alaskan towns and villages to participate. During the congress, delegates worshiped in the chapel, fellowshipped over meals and honored their loved ones who passed away. Attendees also sold their artwork at the congress bazaar and enjoyed traditional dances and regalia.
“The Alaska Congress is a tradition we really enjoy,” said then Alaska Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Doug Tollerud. “It’s important to Native Alaskans and we’re just excited about what takes place.”
INTERNATIONAL
On the international scene, there have been eight congresses since 1865, with all but one held in London. Most recently, the 2015 Boundless Congress commemorated the 150th anniversary of the founding of The Salvation Army. Salvationists from 126 countries united for the five-day event themed around the Founder’s Song.
The USA Western Territory was deeply engaged in the congress and had one of the largest delegations in the world. “The investment into the global Salvation Army and on behalf of our own territory has been worth it,” said then Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs. “We will see the many outcomes in years to come. For this and all the congress activities, we thank God.”
THE CONGRESS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHING AND TRAINING SO THAT EACH ONE OF US CAN SHARE HIS STORY MORE OFTEN AND TO MORE PEOPLE.
—COMMISSIONER DOUGLAS RILEY, TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
