New Frontier Chronicle July/August 2023 | Vol. 41, No. 04

We think there is some value in the world to being salt and being light. We value the indwelling Spirit that makes us clean and free and whole and joyful. And I think that when we are walking in the Spirit in such a way that it’s the love of God that’s bearing fruit in our lives, we underestimate the impact and the value of that in the world.

22nd GENERAL ELECTED

Lyndon Buckingham assumes leadership of The Salvation Army Aug. 3.

BY JO MOIR, CAPTAIN

General-elect Lyndon Buckingham, currently serving as the Chief of the Staff at International Headquarters, was elected the 22nd General of The Salvation Army May 27 at Sunbury Court near London by members of the 2023 High Council, comprised of some 112 Salvation Army leaders from around the world. Buckingham will assume office Aug. 3, following the retirement of General Brian Peddle. Here, the General-elect talks to Captain Jo Moir, United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland Territorial Communica-

tions Officer, about being elected the next General. Kia ora! You’ve just been elected as our next General. Are you surprised? Are you shocked? Or are you determined?

Probably there’s a mixture of all those things. Yes, I think nobody comes expecting, but I think we all come with a mindset of making ourselves available to the will of God, ready to do what the Lord wants us to do. So I didn’t come with any endgame in mind. But I did come willing to participate in whichever way was appropriate. And so, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed, but humbled, grateful for the support of the mem-

bers of the High Council and their endorsement.

Commissioner Yusak Tampai, the High Council chaplain, had the golden bowl of prayers in the chamber. And it was just a visual reminder of the thousands of Salvationists who not only prayed leading up to the High Council week but prayed us all the way through. You know, if I was reflecting on a highlight of the council itself, it would be just the spirit within the chamber, just a beautiful sense of the presence of God.

Although feeling overwhelmed, and all of those things, I also feel that we have allowed the Lord to reveal what he wanted to happen and we’ve participated in that, and I take comfort from that. I’ve had a

22ND GENERAL PAGE 3

ARC launches campaign showing power of a second chance

BY HALEY OSNESS

The idea of a second chance at life may feel far-fetched—but at The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC), this has become a reality for many of the roughly 150,000 individuals that go through the drug and alcohol recovery program each year.

The ARC offers a free 180-day residential work-therapy program funded by The Salvation Army thrift stores. The program provides spiritual, social and emotional assistance to those who have lost themselves to addiction. For many people, it's their last stop on the path to recovery.

To share this continued success of the ARC with the public, The Salvation Army recently launched its Second Chances

Commissioner Edward Hill to be Chief of the Staff

General-elect Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham has chosen Commissioner Edward Hill to be Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Shelley

—GENERAL-ELECT LYNDON BUCKINGHAM

Tim Ryan writes his answer to the question "What would you do if you had a second chance?" on the wall of the Santa Monica ARC.

|PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER SECOND CHANCES PAGE 11 CHIEF OF THE STAFF PAGE 2

Commissioners Edward and Shelley Hill

Caring is a magazine from The Salvation Army for people who care about making an impact for good. As a Salvation Army officer or employee, you’ll also find a curated collection of inspiring news for you in the New Frontier Chronicle print edition and our email newsletter, the Weekly.

See more at caringmagazine.org.

A charge to the Reflectors of Holiness

BY SHERYL TOLLERUD, LT. COLONEL

A charge to the newest Salvation Army officers from the Service of Appointments, June 11 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

Good afternoon, lieutenants! Ready to take on your first appointment as officially ordained officers of The Salvation Army and ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ? I wonder where you will be going…and so do you. Before you go, though, I would like to share a simple charge I hope you will remember in, at least, your first year of officership: Love God. Love God’s people. Teach and preach God’s truth.

1. Love God

2 Corinthians 3:18 was the life verse of a very important and influential officer in my life, my mother. It says: And all of us, with unveiled faces, reflecting like bright mirrors the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same likeness, from one degree of radiant holiness to another, even as derived from the Lord the Spirit.

I’m sure you know this is a reference to Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai, his face glowing brightly from being in the very presence and glory of God. As God gave Moses direction and appointed him to lead the people through the wilderness, Moses responded to the Lord, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Ex. 33:15). Lieutenants, I hope this is your prayer as well. Do not take any step forward without first stepping into his presence, and then know with full confidence that God goes before you, will be with you and must be in you. Above all—Love God!

The candlepower of a lighthouse is dramatically affected by the size of the reflector, the type of oil used as fuel, the maintenance of the lamp, the polish of the reflector, and by other factors such as the clarity of the air and the alignment of the reflector with the horizon. So fuel your souls with the clarity of Scripture, maintain a light of integrity, polish your heart with mercy, align your ambitions on the horizon of humility, and reflect the love, sacrifice and grace of Jesus Christ—which only comes from spending time in the presence and glory of God. Rather than asking God to step into your day, step into the day and appointment he has planned for you with the light of his glory. First, Love God!

2. Love God’s people

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And just who are God’s people? Genesis 1:26 in the Message says, God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature...” It is quite clear who are God’s people— everyone! Every human being, every person is specially, lovingly created by God in his image and designed to reflect his nature…but not everyone knows that…perhaps, until you reflect God’s love and grace into their lives.

In photography, a reflector has a specialized surface used to redirect light toward a given subject or scene. In your officership you will come across many different “subjects” and “scenes,” which are the lives and life stories of the people you meet in the corps and in the community. You will encounter the saint, the sinner, the sick, the suffering and the scorned. You will work with people who are pretty, plain,

BELONGING

is a fundamental human need, and one that is linked to many of the most complex challenges of our time.

Without it, individuals and communities suffer.

But with it, we thrive.

connection. caringmagazine.org/belonging

Hill to be World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, effective Aug. 3.

The Chief of the Staff is appointed by the General to be second-in-command of the international Salvation Army.

Commissioned in June 1993, in the USA Western Territory, the Hills began their shared ministry as officers in Leeward, Hawaii. They later served as divisional youth leaders and at the training college before serving as Corps Officers of the Pasadena (California) Tabernacle Corps from February 2002 to June 2008.

The pair was next appointed to lead the Hawaii and Pacific Islands Division before being appointed to territorial roles in June 2012, as Territorial Secre-

powerful, petty and peculiar. And your calling and covenant is: “To live to win souls and make their salvation the first purpose of [your lives].” This is a high, honorable and very holy responsibility only possible by loving like Jesus.

This means that God is asking you, as a Reflector of Holiness, to love every person you come into contact with—those who are friendly, helpful, cooperative and listen, as well as those who are unkind, opposing, difficult and what I’ve come to call “awkward saints.” This will enlarge your understanding of grace, because shining Jesus is not easy…but it is worth it as you are stretched beyond your own skills and understanding, as you share compassion when you don’t feel it fully, when you learn to forgive, extend grace and are surrendered to God’s ways, even as you feel overwhelmed, tired, or as your heart is broken again and again. This isn’t politics, sociology or a project, this is Jesus in you. Allow your heart to be transformed into the same likeness of Jesus. It will hurt, it will be hard…but through this God will make you holy and help you to love his people.

3. Preach and teach God’s truth

Now when Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, he radiantly reflected the holiness of God, however, he came to a group of people who had lost hope, direction and their hearts for God—much like the world around us. If ever there was a time in history and in our world when truth is needed, it is today. God’s truth, God’s Word is timeless, relevant, unchanging, inerrant and powerful! Titus 2:7 says, And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Please, please—teach, preach and live the truth.

You may know that the moon has no light of its own. It only reflects the light of the sun onto the earth, which depending on the positioning of the sun, earth and moon will have varying degrees of light. During different phases of the moon, the symbiotic relationship between the sun, earth and the moon affects tides, the seasons and the cycle of life throughout the earth in a powerful way through gravitational pull. This is the power God’s truth will have on the lives of people who are, as Isaiah says, “walking in darkness.” You are to study, learn, grow, teach, preach the Bible as the only truth, not popular psychology, in every place and work God appoints you to. You will hopefully develop to give wise counsel, compassionate support and sacrificial love, but it is God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit that saves, guides, helps and transforms the lives of the people entrusted to you. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path (Ps. 119:105). Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life (Phil. 2:15-16). So hold out the Word of Life. Teach and preach God’s truth.

A lighthouse has internal glass prisms, which change the direction that light is traveling in so all the light exits the lens in the same direction. The prisms in a lighthouse do this by refracting, or bending light and then reflecting it. Indeed, this is the calling you have as Reflectors of Holiness. So, I charge you to 1. Love God 2. Love God’s people and 3. Teach and preach God’s truth.

Now, go light your world with the joy of the Lord! NFC

tary for Program and Women’s Ministries Secretary, respectively.

In July 2016, the Hills moved to the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. Further international service took them in November 2018 to the Canada and Bermuda Territory as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

In May 2021, the Hills assumed responsibility as zonal leaders for the Americas and Caribbean Zone, based at International Headquarters in London. In these roles they have served in various capacities: Edward Hill is a SAITCo Director as well as a member

of The General’s Council and International Appointments Board and Shelley Hill is a member of the International Finance Board, The General’s Council and International Appointments Board as well as taking the lead in the zonal department on all mission and community projects and Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response.

Edward Hill holds a Master of Christian Education and a Master of Divinity, and Shelley Hill is a graduate of the Arrow Executive Leadership Course.

The first Chief was Bramwell Booth, eldest son of Salvation Army Founders William and Catherine Booth. Commissioner Edward Hill will be the 28th Chief of the Staff. NFC

Fuel your souls with the clarity of Scripture, maintain a light of integrity, polish your heart with mercy, align your ambitions on the horizon of humility, and reflect the love, sacrifice and grace of Jesus Christ.

—LT. COLONEL SHERYL TOLLERUD

wonderful endorsement from the members of the High Council, and I receive this as from the Lord. I will serve, and I’m grateful because Bronwyn is right there with me. We will share this ministry together, and we’ll try and serve the Lord and serve The Salvation Army. And yes, actually, I’m a little bit excited about the opportunity.

We know you as a family man—a dad and a granddad and, very recently, a new grandbaby. Have you had time to connect with them? How do they feel about this?

You know, the amazing thing is that my family is 11,185 miles away from this venue. So they’re a long way away, physically. But in a little room off the side of the chamber I could FaceTime with them. So it was the middle of the night for them, but they were all awake and we’ve had an opportunity to share with both my son and daughter-in-law and my daughter and son-in-law, and the grandkids.

I just thank God for them because they have been so positive. I mean, we’ve already been away from our homeland since 2013. So you know, we’ve already done a decade. They have been so supportive of us in fulfilling God’s calling in our lives. And so to be able to see them on the screen, and have them go, ‘Go, mum and dad!’ It’s just been absolutely wonderful.

We were also able to connect with Bronwyn’s parents, lifelong Salvationists, now in their 80s, they were still up in the middle of the night, ready to receive our call. And of course, they were also, you know, overwhelmed and, naturally, very proud.

Tell me a little bit about how you came to faith in Christ and how you were called to officership.

When I was about 6 or 7 years of age, my parents took me to a Salvation Army congress. And at the end of the meeting, somebody from the platform said, ‘If you would like to meet Jesus, come down to the front.’

So, I went down to the front, fully expecting to meet Jesus. I knelt at the mercy seat. After a little while, there was an arm around my shoulder. And I thought, ‘This is Jesus.’ When the person started talking, I said to myself, ‘Sounds like my Uncle Wes…’ So I took a look—and it was my Uncle Wes! And, although I was only 6 or 7 years of age, I was disappointed, because I’d gone with an expectation that I was going to meet Jesus. And what I got instead was my uncle.

And so it created a little bit of doubt, in a small boy’s mind. And from then on, I was a child who was sort of going through the Army ranks and going through the motions. I became a junior soldier. I even became a senior soldier. But I don’t think I would be able to testify at that point that I had any real experience of my own.

That changed for me on August 12, 1979, as a 17-year-old at a youth council. It was in that meeting that the realization of God’s love for me in the person of Je-

sus Christ absolutely came alive. I mean, I just burst with this understanding. It was more than just mental. It was in my heart, it was emotional. I was full of repentance, I was full of sorrow, I was full of joy. It was like, ‘It is real! It is for me!’

So I made my way down to the mercy seat. And it’s a strange thing. I was crying and I was laughing. And I had all of these emotions going on at the same time. The love of God burst into my heart. That’s what happened for me.

And I came into a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and, I believe, an experience of the Holy Spirit. And so impactful was it for me that I didn’t wait to be called to be an officer.

Before that meeting was over, I signed a little candidate's covenant that you tore in half and kept for yourself, and gave the other half to the candidates’ secretary.

I still have that piece of paper in my Bible.

One of the things that will be very important in your role is to be an inspiration and an influence. Who influenced you?

I have had so many influences that it would be difficult for me to name them, but I would say faithful Salvationists who took an interest, who took time to listen, who were honest as I was growing up, local officers that put an arm around and said, ‘Come on, get back into line.’ They were very, very helpful in my upbringing.

My own parents I would have to give testimony to—my officer parents who loved us and trained us in the ways of the Lord. A huge influence. These are people the Lord sends along to help us in our spiritual journey, and our discipleship maturing. They shape us, you know, and I’m grateful.

There have been many, many influences. And I thank God for every one of them.

I asked some of the young people from my corps what they would like to ask the General-elect. This is what they wanted to know: What would your school teachers say if they could see you now?

They would not believe it! I think that, even if my father was still alive, he wouldn’t believe it either. So I think I will have confounded them, because I was not a good student.

By necessity, your speech to the High Council is kept private. It’s not shared with The Salvation Army world. What one thing, though, would you want to share with your Salvation Army family today?

I think one thing that I would feel very confident in sharing—because it’s not confidential—is that I expressed my love for what I call the three big ideas of the movement.

By that I mean, one: We are a people that love to talk about Jesus. We want people to know that God loves them and that Jesus is the ultimate proof of that love.

And so I love the fact that The Salvation Army has always been about

Another big idea of the movement is that we think that practical demonstrations of the values of the kingdom of God are as impactful as talking about them.

recognizing our responsibility to share the Good News of the gospel, that God loves them, that Jesus is the proof, and that welcome is available through him.

I would pray that Salvationists all around the world would find it very natural and easy to be able to speak to others about their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the transformation that he has made in their lives.

That’s a big idea of this movement. We want people to know the Good News that there is a life, there is purpose and there is hope and there is eternity, through faith in Jesus Christ. And if we could get excited about that, around the globe, think about the impact of that.

Another big idea of the movement is that we think that practical demonstrations of the values of the kingdom of God are as impactful as talking about them.

And so the sleeves rolled up, the caring for the needy, the helping the vulnerable, the being the voice for the voiceless, the advocating for justice, the going after the things where people are being in some way tortured or separated or rejected. That we as a movement go to those places, we put our sleeves up, and we say, ‘We don’t want to just talk about God’s love. We want to show you guys the soup, soap and salvation that has been our history.’

And I would love it if Salvationists would get this idea that, actually, I can do that. I can knock on a neighbor’s door and say, ‘Is there any way I can help you? Is there any way I can serve you?’

And the third thing that I shared was we are a holiness movement

We think there is some value in the world to being salt and being light. We

value the indwelling Spirit that makes us clean and free and whole and joyful. And I think that when we are walking in the Spirit in such a way that it’s the love of God that’s bearing fruit in our lives, we underestimate the impact and the value of that in the world.

You are our first New Zealander. You’re going to be going around the world making history. What most excites you about the role of General?

I think it’s the privilege of being able to encourage and inspire and facilitate The Salvation Army mission around the world. My own love for the Lord has to be used to communicate to Salvationists around the world. So I think I am very conscious that I’m being afforded a wonderful and privileged opportunity to speak into the lives of Salvationists around the world about our mission and our purpose in the world. And that’s a huge privilege.

What can we be praying for you in these days?

When we were at the Welcome to the High Council and Farewell to General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, we were invited to fill out prayer cards. I wrote on one: Grace, peace, wisdom and courage. If I was asking The Salvation Army world to be in prayer for myself and for Bronwyn, those would be the things. I think it’s probably not inappropriate for me to say that if you could spare a prayer for our family, that would be wonderful. NFC

Find more from the 2023 High Council at sar.my/highcouncil.

|PHOTO COURTESY INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

—GENERAL-ELECT LYNDON BUCKINGHAM

Weekend event brings 60 people to the Crestmont Campus.

BY SUMMAR BUSSEY

Colors and shouts filled the chapel on the Western Territory’s Crestmont Campus in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, April 28 as a group of about 60 individuals joined in worship. Coming from as close as down the street to as far as Brooklyn, New York, attendees used egg shakers, ribbons and colored scarves to fuel the celebration.

The gathering marked the beginning of the inaugural Adaptive Retreat, a weekend specifically designed for young adults with disabilities and their chaperones to provide a space for all to feel welcome.

Territorial Disabilities Ministries Director and Spiritual Formation Resource Officer Major Nancy Helms organized the weekend to not only include but celebrate those who are sometimes pushed to the sidelines.

“It was exciting to plan and implement this necessary gathering,” she said. “It is the first time the Western Territory has provided a retreat specifically for young adults with varied cognitive, neuro and physical needs, where they were welcomed and belonged to something their typical peers experience regularly.”

The weekend was filled with activities aimed for attendees to experience joy. On Friday night, delegates sang campfire songs and roasted marshmallows, faces lit by a toasty fire pit. Saturday morning, each attendee received an award for participation in a field day—accompanied by a Kona Ice Truck, face painting and yard games. Saturday night, the campus Terrace Room was transformed into a movie premiere, where individuals were interviewed by the “paparazzi” and participated in dancing and karaoke.

Rachelle Wigen, who has volunteered in the Ana-

cortes (Washington) Corps food bank for 10 years, participated in the retreat along with her mother. She said the best part of the weekend was meeting new people and “getting dressed up in a ball gown for the dance where I was treated like a celebrity—I got to walk down the red carpet.”

Also from the Anacortes Corps, attendee Sonja Erlandson said her favorite part was the dance and karaoke. “I like to sing about Jesus and make new friends,” she said. “Everybody was so kind to me. I hope I get to come next year, too.”

Erlandson was invited to the weekend by her corps officer, Lt. Shane Ingram, who made all of the arrangements for her and her friend, Rachelle, to attend, said Donna Erlandson, Sonja’s mother.

“The Adaptive Retreat at Crestmont was a time of renewal for Sonja’s faith,” Donna Erlandson said. “She commented on how special she felt during her time there. The Salvation Army has been and continues to be a blessing to our family in times of need, and in celebration.”

In the planning process, Helms highlighted a desire to bring unique and exciting activities, especially as many attendees never had the opportunity to experience them before. The delegates from New York, who had never been outside of the state, even got to experience Universal Studios, thanks to their corps officer.

In addition to the activities, the weekend considered its theme, “Find Joy,” and its meaning in a Christian context. Salvation Army cadets—officers in training—led three worship services throughout the retreat, using the letters from the word “joy” to represent Jesus first (J), others second (O) and yourself last (Y). The cadets used skits, object lessons and games to convey the messages. Additionally, the retreat created spaces for accessibility by providing

earplugs, fidget toys and a calm space for escape.

Cadets and staff from the College for Officer Training at Crestmont led worship accompanied by two delegates, who joined with guitar and cajon. In each song, the audience brought passion and dancing. One delegate was asked to join on stage to share the lyrics of each song in American Sign Language (ASL).

“At every opportunity, cadets and officers were available for assistance or just a smile and a kind word,” said Donna Erlandson. “The genuine feeling of God’s love was truly present.”

In the final worship session on Sunday morning, Helms emphasized how the church often allows for archetypal style to become more valuable than the assurance of belonging for the people in attendance.

While many may feel creating a space for individuals with disabilities to belong is difficult, it’s clear through Scripture that it’s a commandment.

Jesus calls Christians to live a life of love, which means putting others above yourself, she said. Making the church accessible is essential to the mission of a Christian. Finding ways to love all people, including those with differences in ability, is a requirement. Change, while uncomfortable, is essential for growth. The church must look at its current state and critique its understanding of an “invitation to all.” When the term all is used, is it true?

“We hope and pray the retreat was a catalyst for change in The Salvation Army, and that more and more opportunities become available for individuals with varied disabilities to find a place where they can thrive and belong,” said Helms.

She noted that not only should the church want those in its congregations to feel welcome, but there should be a desire for discipleship and growth. This does not change when the attendee has physical, cognitive or neurological differences.

Many who attended or supported this event left with a full heart and desire for change. The hope is to see a church with the heart of Jesus, finding ways to highlight and value everyone. Austin, a delegate from Northwest Division, put it best when he shared in the final session, “Why haven’t we been doing this my whole life?” NFC

DELEGATE SPOTLIGHT: SONJA ERLANDSON

They call Sonja Erlandson the “Energizer Bunny” because she “keeps on running.” Since she started middle school, Erlandson, 35, has been running throughout her hometown of Anacortes, Washington, and beyond. To date, she has run seven 50k (32 miles) races, 21 marathons, 20 half marathons and many 5 and 10k races.

Erlandson is a longtime member of The Salvation Army Anacortes (Washington) Corps, beginning when she attended services with her grandparents, Jim and Darlene Bergeson. Her grandmother, Darlene Bergeson, was the first recipient of the Others Award in Anacortes.

Erlandson has been a food bank volunteer and bellringer and was

part of the corps’ Home League until her work schedule interfered. She has even visited Home League meetings while vacationing in Hawaii and Arizona.

As a child, Erlandson was diagnosed with multiple disabilities that have never stopped her from persevering in whatever she wanted to do. After beginning her running career on the middle school track team, in high school, she was a varsity athlete in 11 out of 12 seasons—participating in cross country, earning the Most Inspirational award; bowling, eventually becoming co-captain; and track. Additionally, she has earned Special Olympics medals in track, swimming, bowling, bocce ball, basketball, ice skating, speed skating, volleyball and baseball.

She has worked at the local Safeway store for over 12 years and is currently president of the local Aktion Club (a Kiwanis Club for adults experiencing disabilities). The Aktion Club partners

with the senior center during its annual fundraising for Meals on Wheels, and this year Erlandson raised $5,547 to support those in need. In the last decade, the Aktion Club has raised over $150,000 for Meals on Wheels.

Erlandson, a people person, is always ready to lend a hand to someone in need. She loves going to the movies, having coffee with friends, music (karaoke), playing the Wii, her cat, Sheena, and hanging out with her boyfriend of 18 years, James Walker. NFC

|PHOTO COURTESY DONNA ERLANDSON

The Western Territory’s first Adaptive Retreat, held in late April on the Crestmont Campus in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, brought together 60 young adults with disabilities and their chaperones for a weekend filled with activities to experience joy. Here, delegates participate in a field day with face painting, yard games and the Kona Ice Truck. Territorial leaders Commissioners Douglas (top left) and Colleen Riley (top right) joined in the fun, too, helping to create crowns and present awards. |PHOTOS BY JOHN DOCTER

COMMAND LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS

Effective Aug. 1, unless otherwise stated

ADULT REHABILITATION CENTERS COMMAND

Major Mark Nelson

Adult Rehabilitation

Centers Commander

Major Noelle Nelson Director of Special Services

ALASKA DIVISION

OFFICER APPOINTMENTS

Effective June 23, unless otherwise stated

*Indictes additional responsibility

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS

PERSONNEL SERVICES

Major Nancy Dihle

Retired Officers’ Services Director

—Effective June 28, 2023

Major Raymond Dihle

Pastoral Care Officer

—Effective June 28, 2023

PROGRAM SERVICES

Major Nancy Helms

Territorial Disabilities Ministries

Director—Program Services*

ADULT REHABILITATION

CENTERS COMMAND

Major LeAnn Van Cleef-Trimmer

General Secretary

Major Darren Trimmer

Secretary for Program

Major Kenneth Cleveland

Administrator for Business, Santa Monica, CA

Major Minnie Cleveland

Administrator for Program, Santa Monica, CA

Majors Ron and Ronalee Fenrich

Bridgeway of Hope, Administrators

Major Erik Hoogstad

Administrator for Business, Honolulu, HI

Lieutenant Vonne Hoogstad

Administrator for Program, Honolulu, HI

Major Henry Graciani

Divisional Commander Designate

Major Bernadine Graciani

Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries Designate and Divisional Leader for Officer Development—Effective Oct. 1

CASCADE DIVISION

Major Dan Williams

Administrator for Business, Phoenix, AZ

Major Kimberly Williams

Administrator for Program, Phoenix, AZ

Captain Quanna Brisbane

Assistant Administrator, San Francisco, CA

Captain Timothy Pemberton

Administrator for Business, Anaheim, CA

Captain Tanya Pemberton

Administrator for Program, Anaheim, CA

Captains Amber and Joe West

Trainees In-Charge, Oakland, CA

Lieutenant Jennifer Liggett

Administrator, San Francisco, CA

Major Paul Chouinard

Administrator for Business, San Jose, CA

Major Rachel Chouinard

Major Jonathan Harvey Divisional Commander—Effective June 28

Major Vickie Harvey Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries and Divisional Leader for Officer Development—Effective June 28

INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION

Administrator for Program, San Jose, CA COLLEGE FOR OFFICER TRAINING

ADMINISTRATION

Captain Joy Groenleer

Assistant Training Principal

PERSONNEL

Major Nancy Helms

Director of Personnel Designate

Major Nancy Helms

Director of Personnel Effective Aug. 1, 2023

Major Katina Hanson

Personnel Officer

Major Dean Lee

Personnel Officer

Captain Daisy Gaytan

—Effective Aug. 1, 2023

Captains Heather and Timothy Witcher

Corps Officers, Kake, AK

Lieutenants Jonathan and Rosanna Tollerud

Corps Officers, Fairbanks, AK

Major Marcelino Soriano

Corps Officer, Homer, AK

—Effective June 28, 2023

CASCADE DIVISION

Captain Ivan Landeros

Divisional Secretary for Program

Captains Leslie and Mark Cyr

Corps Officers, Eugene Citadel, OR and Lane County Coordinators*

Captains Heather and Joseph McBride

Corps Officers, Portland Moore Street, OR (Metro)

Captains Corrin and Nathan Perry

Corps Officers, Grants Pass, OR

Captains Daylene and Steve Staneart

Corps Officers, Idaho Falls, ID

Lieutenant Michele Dell'Olio

Corps Officer, Newport, OR

Captain Taurean Ortiz

Assistant Corps Officer, Boise, ID

DEL ORO DIVISION

Major Beth Paugh

Program Officer, Divisional Headquarters

Major Randy Hartt

Washoe County, County Coordinator and Administrator, Adult Rehabilitation Program, Reno, NV*

Major Tracie Hartt

Washoe County, County Coordinator and Corps Officer, Reno, NV*

Major Kevin Ray

Corps Officer, Redding, CA

Major Tammy Ray

Corps Officer, Redding, CA and EDS Officer*

Major Rio Ray

Sacramento County Coordinator*

Captain Larry Carmichael

Corps Officer, Napa, CA

Captain Sean Kelsey

Sonoma County Coordinator

Captain Bonita Kelsey

Leave of Absence

Captain Gloria Pelayo

Corps Ministries Officer, Santa Rosa, CA

Captain Sara Ray

Associate Corps Officer, Reno Corps

—Effective June 28, 2023

GOLDEN STATE DIVISION

Major Derek Strickland

General Secretary—Effective Aug. 1, 2023

Major Angela Strickland

Divisional Women's Ministries Secretary

—Effective Aug. 1, 2023

Major Gregory Moody

Associate Officer, Fresno County, CA

Majors Courtney and Darren Stratton

Corps Officers, Modesto, CA

Lieutenant Matilde Esparza

Corps Officer, Gilroy, CA

Lieutenant Andrea M. Finch

Assistant Corps Officer, San Francisco

Major Michael and Nancy Halverson

Corps Officers, Great Falls, MT

Major Shevaun Malone

Corps Officer, Bellingham, WA

Captain Crystal A. Birks

Corps Officer, Port Angeles, WA

Captains David and Kelly Cain

Corps Officers, Spokane Citadel, WA

—Effective August 1, 2023

Captain Amelia and Lieutenant Micheal Mott

Corps Officers, Olympia, WA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Captain Anthony Barnes

General Secretary

Captain Lisa Barnes

Divisional Secretary for Metro

Los Angeles, Program

Major Harryette Railh

Divisional Women's Ministries Secretary and Retired Officers' Liaison*

—Effective Sept. 1, 2023

Captain Diana Gomes

Program Officer and Community Care

Ministries Secretary* and Social Justice

Secretary* and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer* and Older Adult Ministries Secretary*

Majors Ana and Hector Diaz

Post Retirement Service:

Corps Officer, San Fernando Valley, CA

Majors Charity and Premek Kramerius

Corps Officers, Riverside, CA

Majors Jennifer and Kenneth Perine

Divisional Secretaries for Orange County and Corps Officers, Tustin Ranch, CA*

Effective Aug. 1, 2023

Majors Amanda and Robert Reardon

Divisional Secretaries for San Diego County

Majors Sybil and Timothy Smith

Corps Officers, Torrance, CA

Captains Juan and Nancy Argumedo

Corps Officers, San Luis Obispo, CA

Captain Purnell Hall

Program Manager, Hope Harbor*

Captain Joshua Sneed

Los Angeles Metro Shelter Chaplain

Captains Juan and Patricia Torres

Coordinators, Ventura County*

Lieutenant Omoduni L. George-Kawaley

Corps Officer, Inglewood Citadel, CA

Lieutenants Jocelyn and Shane Ingram

Corps Officers, Anaheim, CA

Lieutenant Cody Trimmer

Corps Officer, Oceanside, CA

—Effective June 28, 2023

Captains Jeong-su Kim and Jeoung-Min Park

Corps Officers, Los Angeles Korean Corps

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

Majors Brian and Millie Bearchell

Special Assignment, Divisional Headquarters

Major Gaylene Yardley

Retired Officer Liaison*

Majors Harold and Magaly Laubach, Jr.

Divisional Secretaries for Clark County

Majors Kelley Buckbee-Lutcher and Michael Lutcher

Major Nesan Kistan

Divisional Commander

Major Cheryl Kistan

Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries and Divisional

Leader for Officer Development

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Family Care Officer

EDUCATION

Captain Harryette O'Brien

Education Officer

MISSION AND MINISTRY

Captain Sean O'Brien

Mission and Ministry Director

Captain Daisy Gaytan

Mission and Ministry Officer*

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Major Kevin Hanson

Director of Business Administration Designate

Major Kevin Hanson

Director of Business Administration

Effective Aug. 1, 2023

Captain Travis Yardley

Business Officer

Major Michael Dickinson

Divisional Commander with promotion to Lt. Colonel

Major Cindy Dickinson

Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries and Divisional Leader for Officer Development with promotion to Lt.

Colonel

RETIREMENTS

Majors John and Catherine Quinn—July 2023

Corps Officers, Angoon (Alaska) Corps

Captain Liane Newcomb—July 2023

Corps Officer, Oceanside (California) Corps

Majors Kris and Terry Suarez—July 2023

Corps Officers, Bullhead City (Arizona) Corps

Majors Dan and Terrie Wilson—July 2023

Corps Officers, Hayward (California) Corps

Captain Darrell Williamson—August 2023

Service Extension, Cascade Division

ALASKA DIVISION

Lieutenant Catherine Dooley

Divisional Youth and Candidates'

Secretary Designate

Lieutenant Catherine Dooley

Divisional Youth and Candidates' Secretary

Effective August 1, 2023

Majors Jennifer and Raymond Erickson-King

Corps Officers, Anchorage, AK

Majors Barbara and Ron Wehnau

Corps Officers, Angoon, AK

Captain Luke Betti

Corps Officer, Klawock, AK

—Effective August 1, 2023

Captain Isabella Green and

Lt. Chase Tomberlin-Green

Corps Officers, Wrangell, AK

Captains Phillip and Sejal McCutcheon

Corps Officers, Sitka, AK

Lighthouse Corps

HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS DIVISION

Majors Eric and Jasiel Tumale

Corps Officers, Lihue, HI and Kauai County Coordinators*

Captain Shawn U. Keoho

Corps Officer, Kona, HI

Captains Jose and Raghel Santiago

Corps Officers, Kauluwela Mission, HI

INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION

Captain Justin Docherty

Divisional Secretary for Program

Captain Aimee Docherty

Divisional Women's Ministries Secretary and Divisional Women's Auxiliary Secretary*

Majors Mark and Monica King

Corps Officers, Denver Citadel, CO

Major John and Victoria Tumey

Corps Officers, Grand Junction, CO

Lieutenants Jamie and Randy Stokes

Corps Officers, Pueblo, CO

Captain Miguel and Lieutenant Tania Morales

Corps Officers, Broomfield, CO

NORTHWEST DIVISION

Major Terry Masango

General Secretary and King County Coordinator* and Washington State Capital Liaison*

Major Charles Fowler

Divisional Secretary for Business

Major Shari Fowler

Divisional Secretary for Program and Community Care Ministries Secretary*

Captain Elizabeth K. Gross

Divisional Youth and Candidates' Secretary

Corps Officers, Mesa, AZ

Majors Margaret and Rick Peacock

Post Retirement Service:

Divisional Secretaries for Metro Phoenix, Metro Phoenix Coordination

Captains John and Mysti Birks

Corps Officers, Bullhead City/Laughlin, AZ

Captain Stephanie and Lt. Loren Philpot

Corps Officers, Chandler, AZ

TRANSFERRING INTO TERRITORY

Major Harryette Railh

Divisional Women's Ministries Secretary and Retired Officers' Liaison*, Southern California

—Effective Sept. 1, 2023

Major Derek Strickland

General Secretary, Golden State

—Effective Aug. 1, 2023

Major Angela Strickland

Divisional Women's Ministries Secretary, Golden State

—Effective Aug. 1, 2023

Major Kenneth Cleveland

Administrator for Business, Santa Monica, CA

Major Minnie Cleveland

Administrator for Program, Santa Monica, CA

Captains Phillip and Sejal McCutcheon

Corps Officers, Sitka, AK

—Effective Aug. 1, 2023

Captain Gloria Pelayo

Corps Ministries Officer, Santa Rosa, CA

Captains Daylene and Steve Staneart

Corps Officers, Idaho Falls, ID

Captains Jeong-su Kim and Jeoung-Min Park

Corps Officers, Los Angeles Korean

NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE

Reflectors of Holiness receive first appointments

BY CHRISTIN THIEME

The afternoon Service of Appointments June 11 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, California, began with the celebratory entrance of the Territorial Executive Council, previous session flags, Service Corps, and the Territorial Youth Chorus, which sang “Jesus Give Me A Song” before the entrance of the Long Service Order recipients, the now second-year cadets and the Reflectors of Holiness, in red trim, signifying their transition from cadet to officer. Each was also draped in a Salvation Army flag sash with their session name and met the cheers of the crowd.

After a time of worship, Territorial Secretary for Personnel Lt. Colonel Stephen Smith presented six Divine Servant Awards to officers and soldiers whose conduct and ministry best exemplifies the selfless service of Christ at the front line of Salvation Army ministry, including: Captains Timothy and Tanya Pemberton from the Santa Monica Adult Rehabilitation Center, Peggy Birkinbine from the Boise Corps in Idaho, Captains Edith and Richard Mabie from the Roseburg Corps in Oregon, Ryan Shanahan from Great Falls, Montana, Captain Shawn Keoho from the Lihue Corps in Hawaii and Holly White from the Mesa Citadel Corps in Arizona.

The Staff Songsters then sang “Psalm 145” before session speaker Lt. Adelza Da Silva gave her testimony.

“With the grace of God and dependence on the Holy Spirit, without whom we can do nothing, I am

fully convinced that my session and I are ready to put into practice and reflect the holiness of God through our lives,” she said. “For I know that he who called us has also equipped us, and our duty is to be ready to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and obey his leading.”

The Staff Band presented “To God Be The Glory” before Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley called Alaska divisional leaders Lt. Colonels Doug and Sheryl Tollerud to the stage, noting they retire in July after 40 years of officership. Doug Tollerud led the congregation in singing “Tell Them In The East And In The West” before Sheryl Tollerud gave a charge to the new officers.

She challenged the session to love God, love God’s people, and teach and preach God’s truth.

“Fuel your souls with the clarity of Scripture, maintain a light of integrity, polish your heart with mercy, align your ambitions on the horizon of humility, and reflect the

love, sacrifice and grace of Jesus Christ—which only comes from spending time in the presence and glory of God,” she said.

“You will hopefully develop to give wise counsel, compassionate support and sacrificial love, but it is God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit that saves, guides, helps and transforms the lives of the people entrusted to you,” Tollerud said, noting Psalm 119:105— Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path—and Philippians 2:15-16—Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. “So hold out the word of life. Teach and preach God’s truth.”

Then, in the moment all attendees were waiting for, Riley turned to the crowd: “Are you ready? Ok, let’s do this.” And with that he appointed each of the Reflectors of Holiness to serve in their first ministry as Salvation Army officers across the Western Territory.

In a time of thanks, Riley offered words of gratitude to the weekend’s special guests, along with retiring divisional leaders and the 28 officers of the Western Territory serving around the world. He asked Colonel Genevera Vincent to pray over Southern California divisional leaders Lt. Colonels John and Lani Chamness, who take up appointments Aug. 1 as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, respectively, in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Finally, Stephen Smith led the song “Joy, Joy, Joy!” before Major Stacy Cross, Director of CFOT Education and Continuing Education, closed the event in prayer. NFC

Lt. Jocelyn Boyd Corps Officer Anaheim, California

With the grace of God and dependence on the Holy Spirit, without whom we can do nothing, I am fully convinced that my session and I are ready to put into practice and reflect the holiness of God through our lives.

—LT. ADELZA DA SILVA

Lieutenants Adelza and Cristian Da Silva, with their son Samuel, salute Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley after learning they were appointed as Corps Officers in Hayward, California.

|PHOTO BY CAROL MARTINEZ

Reflectors of Holiness Session receive academic degrees and certificates

BY HALEY OSNESS

On June 9, Cadets of the Reflectors of Holiness Session received their academic diplomas during the 100th Commencement Ceremony at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

The Western Territory Staff Band performed as cadets entered the ceremony, saluting their session flag before taking a seat.

Training Principal Major Nigel Cross then entered the stage to welcome attendees.

Cross introduced the territorial leaders involved: Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Colleen Riley, Training Principal Major Nigel Cross, Director of Education and Continuing Education Major Stacy Cross, Chief Secretary Colonel Eddie Vincent, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries

Colonel Genevera Vincent, and special guests, Zimbabwean officers serving in the International Headquarters (IHQ) Administration Department, Lt. Colonels Bishow and Pamela Samhika.

Cross also welcomed others in attendance, thanking Board of Governance members, retired commissioners, CFOT faculty and employees—before leading the congregation in singing, “All Creatures of our God and King.”

Assistant Training Principal

Major Amy Reardon began the opening prayer after thanking those in attendance and congratulating the Reflectors of Holiness Session.

After a prayer, Colonel Eddie Vincent recognized the Board of Governance and introduced the Board Chair Dr. David Nystrom.

“Dr. Nystrom has been on the Board of Governance for over 10 years and brings superb leadership and guidance,” said Vincent, thanking him for his dedication. “It has been a real privilege to work with people who have such expertise and specialize in areas of leadership, contributing to the overall success and guidance in our training program.”

Nystrom greeted the crowd and read from 1 Samuel 3:1-11 before the introduction of Cadet Michael Alan Mott.

Representing the Reflectors of Holiness Session, Mott shared his journey, including how each cadet is now equipped with a toolbox of knowledge and skills needed to fulfill their upcoming roles spiritually, professionally and administratively.

As a former jet engine me -

chanic in the military, Mott related his prior experience to his new role in officership, explaining that each person can manage difficult tasks when they’re given the tools and guidance needed for success.

“Now we enter a new chapter in our journey,” he said. “The pages are blank and ready to be written with God as our guide. We look to the future with hope and eagerness to serve others, and bring with us our CFOT toolboxes that will serve us well in the field.”

After drawing from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Mott said, “Just as the Air Force equipped me to be a jet mechanic, CFOT has equipped us to be ministers to build God’s kingdom.”

The cadets were called onto stage by name to receive their academic degrees and certificates from Commissioner Douglas Riley.

Following encouragement and recognition from the audience, the Reflectors of Holiness Session took their seats before Riley welcomed Zimbabwean officer Lt. Col. Dr. Bishow Samhika to the stage to deliver the commencement address.

The Samhikas served in corps appointments for 12 years before serving at THQ-SALT College of Africa, a school of 10, 000 students, Riley said. In 2011, they were appointed to the Mozambique Territory and served as divisional leaders for three years before returning to IHQ-SALT for another six years.

Today, with a doctorate in Religious Studies, Samhika serves at IHQ, supporting the training of Salvation Army ifficers worldwide.

Pamela Samhika holds a Bachelor of Theology and is an administration officer who supports officers moving to and leaving IHQ.

“Both share a passion for educating for the kingdom of God through the development of competent, confident and Christlike officers who should stand the test of time in the 21st century and beyond,” Riley said.

Samhika spoke to the cadets and encouraged them to follow God's agenda while leading with confidence and strength in their upcoming appointments.

“Jesus Christ needs you to take action, nothing must distract you from that temple, we are a movement and we must move forward,” he said.

In closing, Commissioner Colleen Riley led the hymn, "Crown Him With Many Crowns," and Stacy Cross offered the closing prayer and benediction. NFC

1. Weekend special guest Lt. Colonel Dr. Bishow Samhika, from the International Headquarters Administration Department, speaks at Commencement. 2. Lt. Colonel Sheryl Tollerud delivers the charge to the West's newest officers during the Service of Appointments. 3. Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley 4. Friends greet then Cadets Hyoung Il Seo and Ji-Young Ryoo (left) and Cadet Brett Harrison (right) after Commencement. 5. Territorial Youth Secretary Captain Emmanual Masango prays over those who expressed interest in becoming Salvation Army officers. 6. Chief Secretary Colonel Eddie Vincent leads attendees in a congregational song. 7. The Territorial Youth Chorus performs during the Service of Appointments. 8. Participants of the Bible Bowl team from the Eastside (Washington) Corps, who earned 2nd place. The Redondo Beach (California) team took 1st place and the Wrangell (Alaska) team came in third. 9. Then Cadet Adelza Da Silva hugs a mentor at the Silver Star Banquet. |PHOTOS BY JOHN DOCTER AND CAROL MARTINEZ

ORDER OF THE SILVER STAR

2023 Silver Star Banquet: Reflectors of Holiness Session

BY HALEY OSNESS

The 2023 Silver Star Banquet for the Reflectors of Holiness Session took place June 9 at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

The event brings together cadets, their families, and those who have made an impact on their journey toward officership in The Salvation Army.

The Fellowship of The Silver Star began in 1930 to recognize and express gratitude toward cadets’ family members and influential life mentors.

Territorial President of Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Colleen Riley welcomed attendees and Training Principal Major Nigel Cross gave the invocation.

CFOT Director of Personnel Major Charity Kramerius led the fellowship into, “Thou Hast Called me from the Byway.”

Next, Cadet Jocelyn Boyd spoke on behalf of the Reflectors of Holiness Session. As a fifth-generation Salvationist with brothers who are also officers, Boyd delivered her parents’ fourth Silver Star and thanked them for their unconditional love and support.

“They raised us in such a way that instilled within us the values of loving God, family and others,” she said.

Boyd shared how her journey toward becoming an officer was not flawless; at times, she struggled to find her way.

“I turned to God from my place of broken-

Reflectors of Holiness are West's newest lieutenants

The Western Territory gathered Salvationists and friends June 11 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, California, for the Ordination and Commissioning Service for the Reflectors of Holiness Session. The weekend’s events were led by Territorial Commander Commissioner Douglas Riley with special guests Lt. Colonels Bishow and Pamela Samhika, Zimbabwean officers serving in the Administration Department at International Headquarters (IHQ) as Secretary for Training and Capability Development and Administration Officer, respectively.

Chief Secretary Colonel Eddie Vincent welcomed attendees to the morning service before a call to worship and congregational singing with the Western Territory Staff Band.

Colonel Genevera Vincent, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, then led a time of prayer.

“We will spend time today focusing on the Reflectors of Holiness, and in this moment we take time to focus on the one who makes us holy, our one true God,” she said. “Scripture reminds us God is holy and because he is, we must be holy…So we pray this morning, make me a reflection of holiness.”

College for Officer Training (CFOT) Principal Major Nigel Cross then presented the second-year cadets.

Christ, and I now commission you as an officer of The Salvation Army with the rank of lieutenant."

In his testimony, Lt. Hyoung Il Seo said his first feelings upon hearing his session name, “Reflectors of Holiness,” were responsibility and honor.

“The word holiness has been the most challenging while I've lived as a Christian,” he said. “God made me meditate on holiness in all aspects of my life, including my weakest parts for two years. How humorous our God is, yet by his grace, he has helped me to be more like him.”

Pamela Samhika shared her testimony and read 1 Samuel 3:111 before the Staff Band offered special music in “My Soul Overflow!”

In his message, Bishow Samhika, pointed to Samuel as an example of how God continually calls his people to return to him.

He suggested three learnings from Samuel’s experience. First, we need to reflect holiness through listening and recognizing God’s voice.

“Friends, it is undeniable that there are many voices today which are calling for our attention,” Samhika said. “Political, economic, social voices are calling for our attention. But in the middle of these voices, the voice of God is still calling.”

Second, we need to reflect holiness in using our voice.

ness,” she said. “He received me with loving arms and put me back together.”

Boyd concluded her speech by recognizing significant mentors and parents: “We honor and celebrate you today for who you are and what you mean to us,” she said.

The Cadet Chorus then sang, “Reflecting His Likeness,” before Lt. Col. Pamela Samhika, a Zimbabawean officer serving as Administration Officer at International Headquarters in London, gave the devotional.

“The journey was not easy for you,” she said. “But you have made us proud today.”

She encouraged the cadets to move forward with the endless kindness God has bestowed upon them. “The world is hungry for men and women who can put people first,” she said.

Hearts were full as the Reflectors of Holiness Session began delivering Silver Stars, letters and certificates to parents and mentors.

Director of Education and Continuing Education Major Stacy Cross and Commissioner Colleen Riley presented a rose to Cadet Loren Philpot, whose father, Gerald L. Philpot, Sr., was recently promoted to Glory.

Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Colonel Genevera Vincent offered a Prayer of Dedication before Territorial Secretary for Personal Lt. Colonel Steve Smith led the group in the song, “Lord Bless our Sons and Daughters.”

Territorial Assistant Secretary for Personnel Major Brian Saunders delivered the benediction. NFC

“They are ready and eager to transition into being Salvation Army officers, to follow the call God placed on their lives,” Cross said. “Believing the Spirit of God is upon them…they will direct all they meet to our Lord and Savior… May God continue to bless them as they step forward in faith and we support them in prayer.”

The territory’s Staff Band, Staff Songsters and Youth Chorus joined the cadets in a special presentation of “I’ll Not Turn Back.”

Eddie Vincent led an 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.

The Staff Songsters offered a song of dedication, “Oh Love,” before the ordination and commissioning of each cadet.

Genevera Vincent shared the individual’s selected life Scripture verse before Riley affirmed 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

“God is calling us to be his prophetic voice to the wounded world,” he said. “"It does not end with listening to the voice of God but should move further to taking responsibility for sharing the Good News.”

Third, we need to reflect holiness by being obedient to God’s voice.

“To be an example, we must seek his face and submit to his will,” Samhika said. “It’s in his presence our transformation journey begins.”

A CFOT Chorus sang “Be Seen In Me,” as Riley led a time of prayer. He noted he’s been challenged in his own life to pray more, and called attendees to pray more, too. “Search your heart, search your soul right now and make sure, if nothing else, we leave this place sold out and ready to go back to our communities and families to hear his voice and reflect him,” he said.

Captain Jennifer Masango, Territorial Recruitment and Candidates’ Secretary and Associate Territorial Youth Secretary, invited accepted candidates and anyone interested in becoming a Salvation Army officer to the stage.

Territorial Youth Secretary Captain Emmanuel Masango prayed over them. NFC

ENCORE!

The West's Encore! Music and Arts Celebration aims to help youth soloists, groups and leaders focus on doing their best to glorify God by developing the talents God has given them and then using their skills to bring a message and a blessing to others. Each year, following divisional competitions, a territorial Encore! competition takes place during Commissioning weekend.

Top left: Singing Company from Spokane (Washington); right: Spokane (Washington) Corps youth perform a Marshallese dance; Bottom left: Phoenix Citadel timbrel group with Commissioner Douglas Riley; right: SiIas Smith from the Chico (California) Corps |PHOTOS BY JOHN DOCTER AND KAREN GLEASON

USA Western Territory Officers’ Long Service

Order 2023

Celebrating faithful service for…

25 YEARS

Major Catherine Boyd

Major James D. Boyd

Major Angela B. Clement

Major Mitham T. Clement

Major David M. Davis

Major Daniel J. Freeman

Major Doreen K. Freeman

Major Jennifer C. Perine

Major Kenneth J. Perine

Major Michelle L. Pierce

Major Robert J. Reardon

Major Patricia Simeroth

Lt. Colonel Kyle N. Smith

Major Sybil R. Smith

Major Lynn A. Stewart

Major Osei Stewart

Major Dan Wilson

Major Terrie R. Wilson

Major Terrance D. Wright

30 YEARS

Commissioner Man-Hee Chang

Commissioner Stephanie Chang

Major James A. Gallop

Major Rachel B. Gallop

Commissioner Edward A. Hill

Commissioner Shelley Hill

Major Rhonda Lloyd

Major Robert S. Lloyd

Major Diane Madsen

Major John R. Tumey

Major Evadne C. Wright

35 YEARS

Major Pamilla Brackenbury

Commissioner Jolene K. Hodder

Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder

Major Cheryl Kinnamon

Major Randy Kinnamon

Lt. Colonel Marcia C. Smith

Lt. Colonel Stephen C. Smith

Major Janene Zielinski

Major Michael H. Zielinski

40 YEARS

Lt. Colonel George L. Baker

Lt. Colonel Jeanne L. Baker

Lt. Colonel Douglas Tollerud

Lt. Colonel Sheryl Tollerud

Divine Servant Awards

Each year the USA Western Territory presents the Divine Servant Award to an officer or soldier whose conduct and ministry best exemplifies the selfless service of Christ at the front line of Salvation Army ministry.

The individuals receiving these awards were nominated by their divisional leaders, having made a significant impact for the kingdom.

This year, at the Service of Appointments June 11 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, California, six awards were given.

Captains Timothy and Tanya Pemberton

As officers of the Santa Monica, California, Adult Rehabilitation Center, Captains Timothy and Tanya Pemberton can be found spending countless hours investing in the lives of the beneficiaries, sharing the love of Jesus to them, and helping bring healing and restoration to their lives.

They are also fully engaged in their community, getting to know and work with business leaders and government officials, including becoming members of the exclusive Beverly Hills Rotary Club.

Peggy Birkinbine

A soldier at the Boise (Idaho) Corps for all of her 81 years, Peggy Birkinbine has influenced officers, cadets, corps members, local politicians and business leaders. She has served her corps in many capacities, including the past 10 years as Corps Sergeant Major.

During a recent Capital Campaign, Birkinbine took the lead among the soldiery of the corps, setting the standard for support. Her influence in the community has led her to be recognized as a “Distinguished Citizen.”

Captains Edith and Richard Mabie

Serving with distinction in their community of Roseburg, Oregon, Captains Edith and Richard Mabie have worked tirelessly and selflessly to bring Christ to the forefront in their ministry. During the pandemic, like many places, they saw a 100 percent

increase in the needs for assistance from The Salvation Army. As the Mabies said, “We have approached each opportunity with the intention that this may be a divine appointment with higher purposes than a box of food, COVID support, or a thrift store purchase. It has brought new faces into our worship spaces and Bible studies, and offered purpose and place to some who are rebuilding their lives.”

Ryan Shanahan

From Great Falls, Montana, Ryan Shanahan started as a volunteer at the corps, and is well know in the first responder community as the face of The Salvation Army as he responds to Emergency Disaster Services calls. He spends his time at the corps preparing the buildings for worship and other corps programs. He transports people to and from corps. He shops for supplies. His corps officer says he is a “dream soldier,” the true embodiment of selfless dedication.

Captain Shawn Keoho

Always the first person to respond to a challenging situation, Captain Shawn Keoho from the Lihue Corps in Hawaii has a huge heart for people, particularly those who are caught up in the struggle of homelessness, abuse or mental illness. She has a can-do attitude and tackles challenges with perseverance and determination. She is an influencer of people for Christ in every avenue of her work in the community where she is appointed. Working in parts of the territory that can at times be remote, she always exemplifies the spirit of loving the unloved, and preaching the gospel with her actions first.

Holly White

Holly White is involved in music ministry at the Mesa (Arizona) Citadel Corps, started a young adult Sunday school, and led the adult Bible study class for years. She facilitated and led online Bible studies throughout the pandemic, currently leads an intergenerational Sunday school class at her corps, and has served as the Young People’s Sergeant Major for the past 10 years. White is an exemplary soldier, engaged in all aspects of corps life, loving Jesus and showing him to others. NFC

Salvationists challenged to ‘Reflect Joy’ in all they do

BY KAREN GLEASON

Salvationists gathered June 10 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, California, for a celebration— one that challenged them to reflect the joy of the Lord in all they do and in all they are, and to share that joy with others. The occasion also marked a return to the Performing Arts Center after four years away, a venue allowing more people from throughout the Western Territory to come together for the annual Commissioning weekend.

The event explored different ways Christ’s followers are called to honor and express God’s love, including the joy of creation, the joy of youth, joy in service, joy in Jesus’ sacrifice, joy in sharing the Good News and finally, the joy in community. Each segment featured music and a devotional. The evening included participation from the cadets of the College for Officer Training at Crestmont, Adult Rehabilitation Center beneficiaries, and all the West’s territorial music and arts groups: the Western Territory Staff Band, Staff Songsters, Youth Band, Youth Chorus and Creative Arts Ensemble. Attendees joined in congregational songs and praise and worship.

During the “Joy of Creation,” Territorial Program Secretary Lt. Colonel Phil Lum reminded listeners that the majesty of creation is a reflection of the majesty of God. “The beauty around us, his handiwork, points us to God, and God alone,” he said. “Joy is simply our response to God’s goodness that we can see his creation.” He noted that this creation includes people, “our creativity, our ability to love, to show compassion to one another, our intellect and our wisdom.”

The “Joy of Youth” featured worship in dance from The Centennial (Colorado)

Corps and a solo, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” from Esperanza May, one of the Encore! winners from earlier in the day. Rhys Jones, from the Concord (California) Corps, gave the devotional, recalling the story of how Jesus welcomed children into his presence (Mark 10:13–16). Jones also said,”Many times I’ve heard people say, ‘The young people are the future of our Army’; well this is not true—we are the present!” The segment concluded with a massed singing company performing “A Child’s Poem.”

In “Joy of Service,” Colonel Genevera Vincent, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, reminded listeners to demonstrate God’s love to others. “We do this best when we are the hands and feet of Christ to others,” she said, noting that last year in the Western Territory, The Salvation Army helped someone in need on over 20 million occasions.

“We are called to love the unloved, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, vis-

SECOND CHANCES

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year-long campaign across Southern California. The initiative, designed to raise awareness around recovery, brings people together through hosted events that share success stories while de-stigmatizing addiction.

"We wanted to invite people in to see the strength of the ARC—and hear from individuals who have gone through the program,” said Captain Tanya Pemberton, Administrator for the Santa Monica Adult Rehabilitation Center.

Second Chances events kicked off across Southern California in Santa Monica, Anaheim and Long Beach during National Salvation Army Week—May 15-21—with future events upcoming.

On May 17, the Santa Monica ARC opened its doors to the public and invited recovery advocate celebrities Jennifer Jimenez-Ryan and comedian Jay Mohr to share their personal rehabilitation journeys, as well as special guests who have found sobriety through the ARC: Tim Ryan and Albert Vera, Culver City Mayor.

For Vera, coming back and speaking at the exact center where he worked to get clean is a surreal feeling.

“When I first came here I was broken," Vera said. "Straight out of jail, I came here after having lost my sense of hope, dignity and respect. They gave that to me.”

He recalls receiving a level of support, guidance and encouragement from the current ARC Command leaders, Majors Henry and Dina Graciani, over a decade ago that changed his life.

“They showed me that each and every person is an individual and a person who is loved by God,” said Vera. “Fourteen years later, I’m the mayor of Culver City and I would have never thought this was possible back then.”

Having a chance to share his story and thank those who have helped him along the way is valuable to Vera. “The Salvation Army is not only transformative—

it the prisoner,” she said. The S’s on our uniform remind us that we are saved—to serve. Everything we do should be focused on worshiping God, and sharing and serving in his name. Together this should be our aim and mandate, our purpose.”

“Joy in Jesus’ Sacrifice” began with the song “My Life Must be Christ’s Broken Bread,” including words of challenge between each verse from the Creative Arts Ensemble, reminding listeners that Christ sacrificed his life for us, even while we were sinners, so we could be saved.

“I want to remind you of the holiness doctrine contained in this song,” Territorial Commander Douglas Riley said during a time of commitment. “Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. Our lives must reflect this sacrifice. Our purpose is to live a holy life so that others may be brought closer to him. We must reflect his love and his sacrifice to others.”

As Riley challenged the congregation

it’s life-saving, and I would like more people to know about it,” he said.

Vera explained that the supportive environment and community the ARC provided him with guided him down his path to sobriety.

Part of the ARC's mission is to create a community-centered, supportive environment that is different from what someone is coming from. Life structure is provided through work-therapy opportunities, spiritual direction, individual counseling, and relationship building to ensure individuals are on the ideal path for rehabilitation.

“With The Salvation Army, you get embraced by a supportive community that’s inherent wherever The Salvation Army is operating,” Henry Graciani said.

According to the American Addiction Centers, environmental factors commonly increase an individual's risk of addiction, such as, but not limited to—chaotic home environments, peer influences, and community attitudes toward drugs.

For Gabriel Ornels, Santa Monica ARC beneficiary and Desk Operator, the support and guidance he received from the ARC allowed him to get clean and better himself.

“What they do at the ARC is that they plant a seed in someone's life and they hope it grows and flourishes,” said Ornels. “The Second Chances event lets people share how they’ve grown.”

Along with hearing stories of recovery, the events feature a red wall with the thought-provoking question: "What would you do if you had a second chance?"

Attendees are encouraged to write down their responses and acknowledge the answers of others. An online board is also available for people to answer from anywhere.

Writing on the wall, “I’m living my second chance," Jerry Baird, current Santa Monica Salvation Army

to rededicate—or dedicate for the first time—their lives to serving God, he invited them to read the covenant card they received when they entered the meeting and to sign it if they were willing, as an act of submission to God’s desire for their life.

“What a mighty God, what a Savior we serve,” Riley said, as the next segment, “Joy in Sharing the Good News,” began with the Territorial Youth Band performing “Lord You are Good.”

“More so today than at any other time in history, we have the opportunity to reach others in the name of Christ,” Chief Secretary Colonel Eddie Vincent said. “Just think what would happen if we only used our social media platforms to proclaim the Good News we know!”

He acknowledged that sometimes it can be hard to know how best to share the Good News. “Often the ministry of being present in someone's life is all it takes,” he said. “You might not need the words to say out loud; you might just need to come alongside someone who is in need, and show God’s love, and show God’s grace—and dare I say it, you might need to adapt your approach, maybe even your language, to reach someone for Jesus.”

Lum introduced the final segment, “Joy in Community,” noting that when one or two gather in God’s name, he will be there. “It’s also important that we live in community with non-believers, so we can show them what the kingdom community will look like,” he said.

During the evening’s final song, “They Shall Come From the East,” all the performers came together on stage in a spectacular reflection of God’s joy, showing there is truly room for everyone in God’s kingdom. NFC

ARC beneficiary and ARC janitor, says he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for the community he has found at the ARC.

Baird said he flew from Indiana to Santa Monica, out of choice, to join the ARC and get clean once and for all. Next month, he is celebrating 90 days in the program and looking forward to new beginnings.

“I’ve been given a second chance here,” said Baird. “I’ve found my community and my place at the ARC. I love people, so being here around this energy has helped me greatly, and it’s what I needed to get clean.”

According to Baird, creating awareness around the lives changed at the ARC is impactful and necessary to share with the public. “These events allow people to see the realness and the power of The Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centers,” he said. NFC

At the Second Chances event in Santa Monica, California, May 17, (L-r): Captains Timothy and Tanya Pemberton, Jay Mohr, Jennifer Jimenez-Ryan, Albert Vera and Tim Ryan. |PHOTO BY JOHN DOCTER

|PHOTO BY CAROL MARTINEZ

Sept. 21, 1945 – May 29, 2023

The Salvation Army’s 18th international leader, General Shaw Clifton, was promoted to Glory May 29.

Clifton was born Sept. 21, 1945, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 1967, he married Helen Ashman and the two entered training to become Salvation Army officers. They were commissioned in 1973 with the Blood and Fire Session. The Cliftons had three children.

After his first appointment to London’s Burnt Oak Corps, Clifton, with his wife, was appointed in 1975 to Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), where he served at the Mazowe Secondary School and then as Bulawayo Corps Officer. The Cliftons returned to the United Kingdom in 1979, serving in several corps and headquarters appointments.

In 1995, Clifton was appointed Divisional Commander in the Massachusetts Division of the USA Eastern Territory, serving there for two years. He was appointed Territorial Commander of the Pakistan Territory in 1997, and while there he received the rank of Commissioner. In 2002, he became Territorial Commander of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Terri-

COMMISSIONER KENNETH L. HODDER

October 30, 1930 - May 1, 2023

Commissioner Kenneth L. Hodder, retired USA National Commander, was promoted to Glory May 1 from his home in Sun City Center, Florida.

A fourth-generation Salvationist, Hodder was born Oct. 30, 1930, in Nottingham, England. After immigrating to the United States in 1951, he graduated in 1955 from the University of

tory. He returned to the U.K. as Territorial Commander in 2004, serving until 2006 when he was elected General.

He served five years as General, retiring in April 2011. Commissioner Helen Clifton was promoted to Glory in June 2011. In 2013, Clifton married Commissioner Birgitte Brekke.

Clifton worked to oppose human trafficking and promote social justice, establishing the International Social Justice Commission, based in New York near the United Nations, during his time as General.

At a farewell and retirement meeting in 2011, Clifton was recognized by then International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner William Cochrane, as a General who led with a global vision, decisive action and apparent fearlessness in the face of difficult situations.

“If anyone has been perfectly prepared for the office of General then Shaw Clifton is that person—service as an officer on five continents, intellectual grounding in academia, Salvation Army grounding by his parents and early commitment of his life to Christ,” Cochrane said.

Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa. In that same year, he was named winner of the National Debating Championship.

Following two years of teaching at Town School for Boys in San Francisco, Hodder married Marjorie Jean Fitton, herself a fifth-generation Salvationist, and the couple entered the School for Officers’ Training in the USA Western Territory. In 1958, they were commissioned with the Courageous Session.

Following several years of corps appointments, Hodder was appointed by The Salvation Army as a chaplain in the

United States Navy. His service included a tour of duty with the Seabees in Da Nang, Viet Nam, where he earned the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V.” He subsequently remained in the U.S. Naval Reserves, eventually retiring with the rank of Captain.

In 1970, the Hodders were appointed to Territorial Headquarters in San Francisco. While there, Hodder earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Hastings College of the Law in 1972.

In 1975, following divisional staff appointments, Hodder was appointed Principal of the School for Officer Training in its new location in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He and his wife later became divisional leaders in the Northwest and Southern California divisions.

The Hodders were appointed to cabinet roles in the USA Central Territory in 1985, afterward serving as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the Australia Southern Territory. In 1989, they assumed leadership of the USA Southern Territory, following which Hodder became USA National Commander in 1993.

In May of 1994, the University of Richmond honored Hodder with an Honorary Doctorate in Social Service.

On Oct. 31, 1995, after 37 years of ministry, the Hodders retired from active service and settled in Sun City Center.

COMMISSIONER

HERBERT KENNETH HOOD

Jan. 27, 1933 - May 15, 2023

Commissioner Kenneth Hood was promoted to Glory May 15 from the hospital in Roseville, California.

Hood was born Jan. 27, 1933, in Bellingham, Washington, to Salvation Army officer parents, Ira and Eflow Hood. Both Ken and his older brother, Leslie, would become Salvation Army officers. Ken Hood was commissioned in 1954 with the Shepherds Session. In 1957, he married Lt. Barbara Ann Johnson, and they had three children: Deanna, Brian Kenneth and Joelle.

Hood held many corps and headquarters appointments. Skilled in business and finance, he served as Finance Secretary in the Intermountain and Southern California divisions, with four years in between as the Intermountain Youth Secretary. After a year as Southern California Divisional Secretary, he moved to Territorial Headquarters from 1972–1979 as Assistant Finance Secretary and then Finance Secretary. From 1979–1981, he served as Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Divisional Commander, afterward returning to Territorial Headquarters as Secretary for Business Administration and then Chief Secretary.

In 1989, Hood was appointed National Chief Secretary. In 1993, he became Southern Territorial Commander, retiring from that position in 1998. From 1993–1998, he was also a member of the General’s Advisory Council. The Hoods settled in Rocklin, California. In retirement, he continued to work for The Salvation Army as a financial consultant.

DOING

Hopefully these resources will help you join in right where you are. caringmagazine.org/resources

Hood had a youthful, exuberant spirit. Quick with a smile and a joke, he was known for his sense of humor. Family members believe he invented the “dad joke.” He played cornet in Salvation Army bands and played pitcher in Salvation Army softball leagues. In his son’s words, “While the Lord has called for his dedicated and faithful servant to come home, his family will miss a loving husband, a nurturing father and a solid rock for advice, laughter and daily love.”

Commissioner Ken Hood is survived by his wife, Commissioner Barbara Hood; children: Deanna Smith, Brian Hood and Joelle Hood; and extended family members.

A celebration of life service took place May 30 at the Sacramento (California) Citadel Corps.

LT. COLONEL DIANE O'BRIEN

Nov. 8, 1950 - May 3, 2023

Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien was promoted to Glory May 3 from her home in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, following a lengthy illness.

Diane Lillicrap was born Nov. 8, 1950, to officer parents, Brigadier Alfred Harold Lillicrap and Mrs. Brigadier Elsie Lillicrap. She entered training college in London from the Staines Corps in 1973 with the Soldiers of the Cross Session. She was commissioned in 1975.

Diane served in several corps and headquarters appointments in the United Kingdom, where she also held an appointment to the newly formed International Staff Songsters.

In 1988, she transferred to the USA Western Territory as Program Specialist at Intermountain Divisional Headquarters. On April 1, 1988, she married Captain Doug O’Brien, and they were appointed Colorado Springs (Colorado) Corps Officers, where Diane established a Women’s Auxiliary and served as corps bandmaster.

In July 1991, the O’Briens moved to the training school in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. During six years there, Diane served as Music Coordinator, Special Services Officer and Senior Music Instructor. The couple moved to the Sierra Del Mar Division in 1997, where Diane served as Divisional Program Officer. In 1998, they returned to the School for Officers’ Training for another four years, with Diane serving as Director of Special Services and Campus Services.

During their 10 years at the training college, the O’Briens were responsible for many of the popular Saturday night programs during Commissioning weekends—several times with the support of Major Joy Webb and always with the support of Ivor and Janette Bosanko.

In 2002, they returned to the Sierra Del Mar Division where Diane served as Director of Women’s Ministries with the added responsibility in 2003 as Divisional Secretary for Program. In 2008, they moved to the Northwest Division; Diane served as Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary.

The O’Briens came to Western Territorial Headquarters in 2011. There Diane served simultaneously as Community Care Ministries Secretary, Older Adult Ministries Secretary, and Women’s Auxiliary Secretary. In 2012, she accepted the additional responsibility of Executive Officer for the Western Territory Staff Band. She served in these positions until retiring on Sept. 1, 2015.

Diane had a gift with words and could readily repeat words from The Salvation Army Song Book or songster selections. Her own words were published in the Crestmont Vocal Series, Singing Company albums, “Sing to the Lord” songbooks, and in the quarterly magazine “This England.” She provided words for many session songs used by cadets at their commissioning.

As a singer, she performed with “The Gospel Three” and with Joy Webb’s “Joy Folk.” She was welcomed as a corps “special” throughout Britain, but many Salvationists came to know her as part of the entertainment team during Salvation Army events at Butlins camp in Somerset, England.

Diane was a woman of prayer, who witnessed God’s love wherever she went, and her life touched many people in many situations. Her love of music and beautiful soprano voice blessed many people.

Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien is survived by her husband, Lt. Colonel Doug O’Brien; their sons, Captain Michael (Jillian) O’Brien and Captain Sean (Harryette) O’Brien; daughters, Claire (Lincoln) O’Brien Hawk and Deryn O’Brien; and six grandchildren.

A celebration of life service took place June 11 at the Tustin Ranch Corps. NFC

GENERAL SHAW CLIFTON (Retired)

GOOD SHOULDN'T BE SO HARD

ALASKA

Emergency/Disaster Services serves first responders

Members of the Alaska Division’s Emergency/ Disaster Services (EDS) served refreshments to attendees of the Police Memorial Day ceremony, held at the Alaska State Crime Lab in Anchorage ahead of Alaska Police Memorial Week (May 14-20). The event honored fallen law enforcement personnel.

Jenni Ragland is the Alaska Divisional EDS Director.

CASCADE

Pendleton celebrates National Salvation Army Week

To acknowledge National Salvation Army Week, May 15-21, The Pendleton (Oregon) Corps held three events. For the community’s kids, a carnival outreach welcomed 79 children and their parents. A community barbecue was attended by more than 129 people, including Cascade Divisional Commander Major Nancy Dihle. The event included tours of the corps facility and information on available services, plus homemade donuts prepared by the corps’ women’s group.

During Sunday’s holiness meeting, Dihle enrolled three junior soldiers and commissioned new Corps Sergeant-Major Joe Lawrence and adult Sunday school teacher George Isenhart.

Majors DeWayne and Toni Halstad are Pendleton Corps Officers.

DEL ORO

to open a low barrier shelter almost four years ago to serve individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with special needs.

“At that time, nobody realized the level of services that were needed—specifically for those clients experiencing mobility issues,” Laubach said, noting that in the last three years, they have had no less than 30 and at times more than 50 clients with mobility assistance devices.

Through partnerships with Sutter Health Foundation and the Stanislaus County government, the corps identified grants to cover its ADA van, ADA showers and ADA doors.

HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS

on mental health resources within the community. Majors Don and Ronda Gilger are Coeur d’Alene Kroc Center Corps Officers

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Youth rallies encourage attendees to ‘Shine’

The Hawaiian and Pacific Islands youth department held a series of youth rallies themed “Shine” across Micronesia and the Marshall Islands April 1324, with stops in Guam, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Majuro. The team included individuals from Kroc Church Hawaii, Upper Room and Revolution Hawaii. Youth across the Pacific Islands responded to the call to reflect Jesus’ light into the world for all to see.

Captains Jeff and Maryellen Walters are the Divisional Youth Secretaries.

INTERMOUNTAIN

The Salvation Army Santa Monica celebrates 130 years of service and National Donut Day

On National Donut Day, June 2, The Salvation Army Santa Monica celebrated 130 years of service by distributing 2,000 donuts to the public throughout the Santa Monica Promenade. The crowd then visited local fire and police stations with donuts, followed by a visit to The Salvation Army Santa Monica Family Thrift Store. National Donut Day was established in Chicago in 1938 as a fundraiser to help those in need during the Great Depression, immortalizing the “Donut Lassies” who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.

SOUTHWEST

The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Corps opened the doors at the newly remodeled RJ Montgomery Family Hope Center May 25. The supportive housing center has the capacity to house and feed 220 individuals and will accept children, men and women, allowing displaced families to stay together. Support will also be available to residents through caseworkers, life skills development and employment assistance. City officials gathered to celebrate the opening of the family shelter with speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

NORTHWEST

Reno helps with cemetery cleanup

The Reno (Nevada) Salvation Army helped the Hillside Cemetery Preservation Foundation with its Memorial Day weekend cleanup by weeding two sections of the cemetery. During the cleanup, a foundation member discovered the grave of Jesse Beauchamp, a Salvationist promoted to Glory in 1905. The foundation member, Fran, made a temporary headstone for his grave and later, corps members planted a Salvation Army flag there. They also placed ribbons on the cemetery’s prayer tree.

Captain Travis Yardley was then Reno Corps Officer and Majors Darren and LeAnn Trimmer are Washoe County Coordinators.

GOLDEN STATE

Modesto Corps renovations increase accessibility

Recent modifications to The Salvation Army’s facility in Modesto are allowing more individuals to access the corps’ programs and services. Then Corps Officer Major Harold Laubach said the corps decided

Michael Phelps speaks at Coeur d'Alene Kroc Center

Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps and his wife, Nicole Phelps, visited The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, May 21 for a Swimming Against Stigma event. On behalf of the Michael Phelps Foundation, Phelps shared his experiences of preparing for and competing in the Olympics and his journey with his mental health. Community officials gathered for the event to share information

Salvation Army aids Navajo Nation after flooding

At the request of the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army Southwest Division recently deployed an Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) team to aid the Navajo Nation and those affected by catastrophic flooding in Chinle, Arizona. The team served over 2,200 meals during the week of service. Since the start of the pandemic, The Salvation Army EDS has supported the Navajo Nation with nonperishable food, snacks, water and other beverages, PPE, hygiene kits, hand sanitizer, toys, shoes, clothing, blankets, heat relief items and household cleaners.

Nicole Kanne is the Southwest Divisional EDS Director.

ARCC

San Diego ARC hosts donation drive

The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) San Diego partnered with realty business Keller Williams San Diego Metro for a donation drive on May 11. Calling it Red Day, ARC staff and officers collected bags of gently used items and offered information on the ARC program. The drive concluded with over 50 overflowing bags donated of clothing, bedding, small kitchen appliances, and decor to be sold in local Salvation Army thrift stores.

CFOT

CFOT celebrates its young people

Prior to Commissioning, CFOT held Youth Celebration Sunday to recognize the young people for their achievements in Troops and Corps Cadets and to thank their leaders. The event included the enrollment of four junior soldiers.

Later the CFOT Family Care Center held its 2023 Graduation, themed “Adventure is Out There,” based on the movie “Up.” Preschool, Kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school graduates were all recognized, as were kids transitioning from "cadet" kids to "officer" kids. Also celebrated were those who invested and excelled in extracurriculars.

Major Nigel Cross is CFOT Training Principal. Captain Jessica Stevens is Family Care Director. NFC

RJ Montegomary Family Hope Center opens

Korea Territory celebrates

115 years

Led by international leaders, General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, and Korea territorial leaders Commissioners ManHee and Stephanie Chang—USA Western Territory officers serving abroad—the Korea Territory held a rally for its 115th anniversary this spring with the theme, “Come and See.”

A meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, celebrated the 11th anniversary of The Salvation Army’s mission in Cambodia, which is part of the Korea Territory. Peddle enrolled 122 young peo-

ple as Salvation Army soldiers, and the Changs led Cambodia’s first commissioning of officers with eight members of the Reflectors of Holiness Session.

During a united meeting at the Korea Baptist Theological University and Seminary, Peddle emphasized that God calls his people to heal the earth and do his ministry. The event included a youth flag dance performance and participation by the Gideon 300 Songsters. NFC

Twilight Zoo Festival celebrates cultural diversity

A record 3,000 people attended The Salvation Army’s third annual Twilight Zoo Festival in Adelaide, Australia. Notably, roughly 84 percent of attendees had no prior connection to The Salvation Army.

The evening event included Shieldy, The Salvation Army mascot, plus dancing and singing groups from the Ukrainian and Bhutanese-Kirat communities as well as a faith community whose members are from

EDS responds to Kenya drought

Burundi, Congo and Ethiopia.

“This is a community-focused missional event that enabled The Salvation Army in South Australia to connect with people from all walks of life,” said Liv Hateley, Divisional Events Coordinator. Attendees received a magnet with a QR code leading to more information about local corps programs, and some 480 families indicated they wanted to know more about local opportunities. NFC

Extreme drought in Kenya has affected nearly 5 million people with food shortages and severe malnutrition for some 900,000 children. The Salvation Army responded with food parcels containing corn, beans and oil to more than 4,000 households within 83 communities, and helped implement a program to provide five nutritious meals a day to nearly 12,000 school children. Water tanks were also employed in the severely affected areas of Kaeris, Kaikor, Lokitaun and Turkana.

“For those of us who have never witnessed it, it can be hard to imagine the scale of human suffering caused by the lack of such a basic human need as water,” said Damaris Frick, Director of The Salvation Army International Emergency Services. “I am grateful to everyone who enabled The Salvation Army to

respond with compassion to the most vulnerable in Kenya during this humanitarian crisis.” NFC

In Iowa, EDS responds to Davenport apartment collapse

The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities Area, Iowa, assisted search and rescue teams after the collapse of an apartment complex in Davenport over Memorial Day weekend. As of June 2, The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services began serving 240 meals a day through breakfast, lunch and dinner. For continued support, The Salvation Army is working with local social services and government agencies through the Multi-Agency Relief Center (MARC) to make it easier for residents to access services and seek new housing. NFC

In West Phoenix, local youth benefit from powerful partnership with police

BY KRISTIN MARGUERITE DOIDGE

There’s power in numbers in West Phoenix, Arizona, where Captain Joseph Cisneros from the Phoenix Maryvale Salvation Army Corps co-chairs an important initiative alongside other faith leaders in the community. The Faith and Justice Project (FJP), which works to “rebuild community relationships through trusted servant leadership,” is helping to support local youth and families through partnership with the Phoenix Police Department.

The effort started on the west side of Phoenix eight years ago, where a higher concentration of youth are carrying weapons and are more prone to using them. Cisneros and his FJP co-chair, Pastor Ellis Ogles from the Prayer Assembly Church of God in Christ, work together with the police precinct commander to spread awareness on public safety concerns.

Delayed by the pandemic, a recent forum helped bring everyone back together as a diverse group of speakers covered topics currently impacting teens, from mental health to drugs and gun violence. The PPD precinct commander and second in command shared the dangers they’re encountering and how many youth have died from overdose. More than 75 youth and their parents participated.

“I’m one of three Hispanic pastors involved,” Cisneros said. “One of our goals is to help youth feel more open-minded and receptive to the police. We want

them to know they’re our friends, not our enemies.”

Other concerns that are top of mind for the leaders of FJP include bullying, sex trafficking, racism and suicide. “I was touched by mental health concerns when I learned that a 7 year old had a plan to take his own life,” Cisneros said. “By the age of 14, one out of every seven children have already thought about taking their own lives because of the pressure on them.”

As for the Phoenix Police Department,

community partnerships are a priority, even during staff shortages and changes in leadership. “We make sure this is tended to and maintained, because genuine relationships have been built,” said Nikki Hicks, community affairs specialist for the police department. “Captain Cisneros has provided so much support in his leadership role. I’m so thankful that he’s able to participate.”

She added that in the summer, Cisneros “always makes sure to provide the heat relief we need” when the group of lead-

ers from more than 15 churches gather in prayer in the area’s “hot zones”—areas that have a high volume of crime. “We want blessings for this area,” Hicks said. “We hope they will have a change of heart, even those involved in the crimes.”

The Salvation Army provides numerous “extreme heat relief” stations for community members (and their leashed pets) across Arizona whenever an excessive heat warning is issued by the National Weather Service. Mobile hydration units are also dispatched to target additional portions of metro Phoenix, and nearly 1,500 bottles of water are provided per day during excessive heat warnings.

The cold water, ice and air-conditioned spaces make a big difference when temperatures begin to reach more than 100 degrees in the spring each year, and the leaders of FJP hope their prayer groups are just the beginning of making in-roads with those experiencing homelessness, substance use or violence in the city’s most vulnerable areas.

“We’re working on bringing schools in, as well as more churches and community involvement in the future,” Cisneros said. “We would have not only a bigger response, but we could also share the needs and help each other.”

Still, that help has already been felt. “The community loves Captain Cisneros and his wife and his children,” she said. “It's quite meaningful to have his support.” NFC

|PHOTO COURTESY PHOENIX POLICE DEPARTMENT PUBLIC AFFAIRS BUREAU

FROM CALLING TO CANDIDATE

A Salvation Army officer is a fully ordained and trained evangelical minister of the gospel. Becoming a candidate for training is not like applying to a job; it can take years and requires a thorough vetting process. If God is calling you to a ministry of spiritual leadership and you have a passion for people, then Salvation Army officership may be for you.

CALLING

• Soldier in a Salvation Army corps

• Involved in corps ministry

• Share interest in full-time ministry as an officer with Corps Officer Corps Officer assists with the next steps

WEST’S CANDIDATE APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidate meets with his or her Divisional Youth and Candidates' Secretary (DYCS) for an interview.

Candidate prepares a Preliminary Application that is turned into Territorial Headquarters along with the form from the DYCS interview.

Divisional Candidates Council meets to discuss the candidate and decide if they are approved.

If approved, the candidate will receive a preliminary letter of approval to formally apply for officership. Additionally, a Future Officers' Fellowship pin, access to the candidate portal and other information will be sent.

Candidates will have up to two years to complete this portion of the process—the Officership Application. Candidate will need to take pre-training classes, get transcripts, dental and physical exams, submit a video testimony, background check and psychological testing, among other aspects.

Once everything is submitted, the THQ Candidates department puts the candidate’s case together to present to the Territorial Candidates Council.

Acceptance of candidate.

ACCEPTED CANDIDATES—CHAMPIONS

MINISTRY

Each Salvation Army officer is called by God for a unique ministry. Salvation Army officership encompasses many opportunities, including:

• Helping someone find a personal relationship with Jesus Christ

Providing meals for someone in need

• Giving comfort to someone after a natural disaster

Teaching a child to read

• Helping a teen or young adult discover God’s plan for their life

Leading worship

• Teaching a Sunday school class

• Helping people discover more about God

• Giving love unconditionally

For more information on Salvation Army officer candidcacy contact your local corps officer or visit usawestcandidates.org.

SEE MORE about the impact of The Salvation Army and how you can help Love Beyond today at caringmagazine.org.

OF THE MISSION SESSION 2023-2025

Officers' Fellowship, Feb. 10–12, 2023

David Aviles RIVERSIDE CORPS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Rogelio Aguilar SAN LUIS OBISPO CORPS

CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Zechariah Guest WHITTIER CORPS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Jillian Kistan TUSTIN RANCH CORPS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Joshua Kistan TUSTIN RANCH CORPS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Brianna Lamb GRAND JUNCTION CORPS INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION

Jon-Marc Lamb GRAND JUNCTION CORPS INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION

Maria Navarro SAN LUIS OBISPO CORPS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Sharon Reimers SAN BERNARDINO CORPS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Antonio Rio HAWAII KROC CENTER HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS DIVISION