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