A publication of

The Salvation Army

USA Southern

Territory

Volume 27, No. 8

May 21, 2010

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IN THEIN THESPIRIT:

By Major Frank DuracherSOUTHERN SPIRIT STAFF

aturday, midway through this year’s Commissioning Weekend (June 4-6), will be

a day of spectacular celebration of the worldwide Salvation Army family, the partnerships developed through the Partners In Mission program, and the call of Jesus to “go into all the world and preach the gospel.”

“There will be three general sessions on Saturday – two in the

All eyes will be on a worldwide Salvation Army

Finding highergroundBy Jonathan HaskellSPECIAL TO THE SOUTHERN SPIRIT

s the historic flood waters began to rise in downtown Nashville, Tenn., a group of anxious men weighed their options from a staircase

overlooking the parking lot of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center.

“We didn’t think it was that serious until we saw this wall of water rushing down the street,” said JaRon Britton, one of the program’s participants. “We kept saying that we’d leave when the water reached the railing or when it reached the door, but we really thought it would stop.”

As the hours passed, the water continued to rise and the electricity began to go in and out in the building. It became apparent to the men that a decision had to be made. They stuffed their valuables into garbage bags and formulated a plan to lock arms and try to swim out together. “I knew that water was over my head,” said Britton. “I thought I was going to die Sunday night.”

Just then a boat appeared in the street. Rescue workers ferried the men in groups to higher ground.

morning and one that evening,” said Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood, territorial secretary for program. “Our theme will be ‘The World To Christ We Bring … With Fervent Prayer; With Joyful Song; and, With One Accord.’”

The meetings will feature the ministry of the Southern Territorial Band, Songsters and Creative Arts Group. Speakers will be: Commissioner Hezekiel Anzeze (Kenya East), Commissioner Hope

Men of Nashville ARC rescuedafter floods engulf center

Mungate (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Colonel Oscar Sanchez (Latin America North).

On Saturday afternoon, the Intercultural Department will host the World’s Fair. Every division and command will be represented by booths that relate the work alongside their Partners In Mission. Sally Ann, child sponsorship, Salvationist Service Corps and

Since then, the men have been housed at The Salvation Army’s Magness-Potter Community Center in another part of the city. Remarkably, over half of the men have agreed to a transfer to The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center in Memphis to continue their recovery.

“It’s a historic event for us and it’s a miracle,” said Captain August Pillsbury, administrator of the Nashville ARC. “It’s a miracle that everyone got out alive and it’s a miracle that so many of them are willing to do whatever it takes to complete their program.”

The men gathered Wednesday evening for their last meal together before their departure on Thursday morning. It was a sad occasion, as many were saying goodbye, but it was also a celebration of their friendships, their rescue and their hope for a new future.

“They can move me to Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, wherever,” said Britton. “God has given me a second chance and I’m going to continue what I

overlooking the parking lot of the Salvation Army A

Captain August Pillsbury, Nashville ARC administrator, thanks the ARC staff for their ministry during the evacuation of 43 men in the program. The men were relocated to the Memphis ARC to continue their rehabilitation.

Please see NASHVILLE ARC, page 7

Please see ALL, page 2

aturday, midway through this year’s Commissioning Weekend (June 4-6), will be

s

May 21, 20102

M A J O R F R A N K D U R A C H E RM A J O R F R A N K D U R A C H E R

Rays ofHopeRays of

Promoted to Glory

Lesson from a GPSDo you need a miracle? Consider the Global

Positioning System (GPS), now standard equipment in most cars.

My GPS can do so much, though it is just a bit larger than a cassette tape. Sure, it can pinpoint my location with laser precision and direct me safely home. It even talks to me.

But it’s the languages. Ah, those languages – that’s what fascinates me!

The most incredible thing, for me, crammed into this little package, is the ability it possesses to speak to me in many languages.

That’s something that heretofore was considered a miracle. On Pentecost Sunday, as recorded in Acts

2, the Holy Spirit filled a few hundred disciples in the Upper Room. The evidence was twofold: sight and sound. Cloven tongues of fire appeared above each head: visual proof for those inside. Praying aloud in unfamiliar foreign languages: that’s audio proof for the masses passing by outside.

Luke explains the miracle, When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language (v.6 NIV).

What we often think of as being a miracle is really standard to God. We now know it is possible for man to build a tiny box that speaks in any language on the globe. So why is it so hard to believe that God did what he did on Pentecost?

The lesson, then, is, if you provide the faith, Christ will provide the power.

Perhaps what you need isn’t a miracle, after all. Maybe all you need is for God to do something in your life that, in reality, he can do anywhere, anytime.

Major Laura Newsham was promoted to Glory April 18, 2010, from Snellville, Ga. The funeral service was held in Orlando, Fla., with Major Andrew Kelly, area commander, leading the service and Commissioner Harold Hinson speaking. Interment was at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, Fla., with Major Kelly

and Commissioners Raymond and Merlyn Cooper participating.

Laura Burnette Newsham was born June 3, 1914, in Camden, N.J. In 1932 the family moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., where Laura was enrolled as a senior soldier by Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle in 1933. Very sensitive to the leading of God in her life, Laura received her call to officership at a youth councils and she entered training in Atlanta as a member of the Steadfast session. She was commissioned April 27, 1942.

She served her whole career in the Women’s Social Services Department. Her responsibilities included

Major Laura Newshamthose of home supervisor, group leader, program director, and office manager in Tulsa, Okla.; Tampa, Fla.; Durham, N.C.; and Birmingham, Ala., Home and Hospitals; and at the Baltimore Day Care Center. She became administrator of the Tampa, Durham and Tulsa Home and Hospitals.

She entered honored retirement Sept. 8, 1974, after 32 years in active officership. She served on several conferences, commissions and planning councils. She also graduated from a year-long hospital administrators management improvement program under the direction of Duke Hospital. In retirement she lived in Atlanta before moving to Orlando, making her home in Booth Towers. She was very active at the corps and at Booth Towers. Her last two years were spent in Lawrenceville, Ga., where she attended the corps whenever possible and took an active part with the residents and staff of Courtyard Gardens, where she lived. She will always be remembered for her sweet, unassuming spirit, her lovely smile and her service to others no matter the location.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews, her Army family and friends, including her dear friends and caregivers, A/Captains Alfreda and Sherwood Tidman.

LettersTO THE EDITOR

I am the child in the photo that ran with the feature on “In the Words of Brengle” in the April 19 Southern Spirit. My parents were young officers serving as DYS in New York at the time. The Brengles and the Marshalls (a prominent Army family) were good friends. My mother was Marion Marshall

and married Staff-Captain Fred O’Neil. My parents ran Star Lake Camp in the early years and during a visit of the Brengles one time, this photo was taken. I was born in August 1927 and was probably around 2 years old at the time this photo was taken. That’s the “rest of the story.”

We are retired now, living in Clearwater, Fla.

Mrs. Colonel Walter (Margaret) French

The Salvation Army observes this year the 150th anniversary of the birth of Commissioner Samuel L. Brengle, who was born June 1, 1860, and became a voice for the importance of sanctification in the life of the believer.

In the words of

BrengleJesus was not a whisperer

Jesus was not a whisperer. No one ever saw him close to his friend’s ear, looking stealthily around in case someone should overhear what he was going to say. He stood up, looked men in the eye and spoke frankly.

When he did speak privately to his disciples, he told them to shout it from the housetops. “Truth fears nothing but concealment,” said an old Church Father, and Jesus spoke only the truth. “For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth” (John 18:37).

People who speak in secret what they are afraid to speak openly, wrong their own souls and weaken their own character, while those who listen are filled with suspicions and dislikes. Gossip, criticism, slander all quench the spirit of prayer and faith in God. Faith can flourish only in an atmosphere of frankness, kindness and good will.

Don’t let yourself be a whisperer.

Continued from page 1missions will also be featured.

“Marty Mikles has taken ‘The World To Christ We Bring’ and given it a new tune, which we will sing in all three (Saturday) sessions,” Lt. Colonel Hobgood said. “The cadets’ spring mission trip to Mexico City will be prominently featured in Session Two, along with a fresh new arrangement of ‘The World For God’ that is being put together just for this event. A mass-songster group will sing the Latin-flavored ‘We Crown You With Praise.’”

Saturday night’s session will feature an opening extravaganza that Lt. Colonel Hobgood labels, “Avatar Meets the Lion King.” It’s a celebration of God’s creation using the wonderful songs, “All Creatures Of

Our God and King” and “O Sifuni Mungu,” he said.“‘The World To Christ We Bring’” will be a

wonderful celebration of the mission that has been the Army’s from the very beginning,” he added.

“Those early Salvationists never doubted for a moment that the world could be won to Christ, and our songbooks and early writings are replete with that theme!”

Friday and Sunday activities will spotlight the training culmination for the Prayer Warriors session of cadets. The commencement service is Friday, June 4, at the Evangeline Booth College. The Cobb Energy Center will be the venue for Saturday’s meetings and the commissioning and ordination service on Sunday morning.

All eyes will be on Army’s world ministry

was promoted to Glory April 18, 2010, from Snellville, Ga. The funeral service was held in Orlando, Fla., with Major Andrew Kelly, area commander, leading the service and Commissioner Harold Hinson speaking. Interment was at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, Fla., with Major Kelly

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May 21, 2010 3

John R. JonesLT. COLONEL

Among the stuffMy first few months in this new appointment have

provided quite a learning experience. Having served nine years before in the business section at THQ, I thought I would have an advantage in grasping this new perspective. However, the business section covers a broad gamut of responsibility and is quite varied. Each day I churn out information and process work, yet it seems to be gaining on me. No sooner do I have a moment of satisfaction that I may be catching up than someone places another stack on my desk. I am sure many others feel the same way when inundated with the routine or surrounded by the minutia.

There is the tendency to feel like Saul prior to his inauguration as the first king of Israel. In reading through 1 Samuel I stumbled upon a word in the King James Version that I just didn’t expect to see in this old English poetic style of writing. It says that Saul didn’t show up for his inauguration because “…he has hidden himself among the stuff.” One translation now refers to it as baggage, to which we can also relate, and another calls it equipment. I tend to like the translation “stuff.” Most people will have moments when they feel as though they are lost among the stuff. We can often become frustrated in ministry when we

feel we are being pulled farther and farther away by the demands of the “business.”

But I also noted about Saul’s situation that the text says, “He has hidden himself among the stuff.” Some commentators differ as to whether this was an act of humility in becoming king or a hesitancy from the responsibility. Either way, it seems Saul found it more comfortable among the stuff than out in front of the people. It is one of the dangers in ministry that the stuff can sometimes become an excuse. We can choose to hide ourselves among the stuff because that is easier than dealing with the tougher issues of leading people. Responsibility for people can be a scary thing and takes us out of our comfort level. Leading people in evangelism takes courage. The thought of personal encounter for Christ can terrify us, if not paralyze us. The stuff can look pretty safe to us from that perspective.

With just a quick reference to the other translations, we can also be hampered in ministry by the baggage. All of us probably carry some type of baggage, but we don’t have to remain hidden in it. We can’t minister effectively, or lead our families effectively, or have impact in our communities if we are constantly carrying unwanted baggage. We can see that God did not intend for Saul to remain behind

the baggage, but that he had a significant future for him.

Another translation uses the word equipment. This could be the devil’s best tool today. We are caught up in gadgets and technology. Is technology a tool or a distraction from ministry? Instead of being out in front of the people do we find it more comfortable to hide behind the equipment?

When Saul came out from behind the stuff he later rallied the people to defeat the enemies of Israel. He took responsibility for the main thing and moved the people forward.

Those in ministry will always have the challenge of dealing with the stuff without losing sight of the primary mission. But we must also be sure that the stuff hasn’t become our preference. I learned many years ago that if our priorities are in order, God will help us deal with the stuff and reward our ministry.

The appointment service for the cadets of the Prayer Warriors session only served to excite even more the Southern Territory’s soon-to-be newest Salvation Army officers. Anxious to take to the field, all 44 members know their first appointment will serve as the stage for a lifetime of ministry, now that the training process is finally over.

“As Prayer Warriors, prayer will be primary,” exclaimed Cadet Stephen Correira, session representative speaker. “We will pray over our corps, our community and our people. We will pray for the mission of The Salvation Army, for its officers, local leaders, employees, donors and volunteers. We will petition God to breathe life into all programming and to guide our partnerships and decision-making. We will ask God to show us what he is already doing and then we will join him.”

Correira told his audience that prayer will be his session’s mightiest weapon: “We are primed by God, prepared through training and poised for battle.”

Commissioner Max Feener presented a challenge to the Prayer Warriors before ending the suspense by revealing their first appointments.

Drawing his text from John 15, Commissioner Feener spoke on the dynamic relationship and available power we can have with God the

Father through Jesus, his Son.“Jesus tells us: ‘Remain in Me; to

stay connected with God. Remain in the Word; to stay strong. Go bear fruit; to prove that you are disciples,’” Commissioner Feener preached.

This year’s appointment service was historic for another reason: the dispatch of three Prayer Warriors to serve in the two corps located in El Paso, Texas. The Salvation Army has been operating in that west Texas town since 1898 – even long before its parent-USA Western

Prayer Warriorsappointments

Cadets Aaron & Rebekah Abram – Baltimore (Temple), Md. – Corps officersCadets Tewodros Beshah & Ariam Kidane – St. Petersburg (Downtown), Fla. – Corps officersCadet Kellie Cantrell – Waycross, Ga. – Corps officerCadets Carlos & Valentina Cantu – Atlanta (Peachcrest), Ga. – Corps officersCadets Joe & Monica Contreras – Bryan, Texas – Corps officersCadet Stephen Correira – Fort Worth (Lancaster Avenue), Texas – Corps officerCadets Ben & Wendy Deuel – New Orleans, La. Metropolitan Area Commandassistants to the area commanderCadet Dee Jay Fox – Atlanta, Ga. Kroc Center – Assistant corps officerCadet Jana Griffin – Beaumont, Texas – Assistant corps officerCadet Jessie Harding – Salisbury, Md. – Assistant corps officerCadet Dennis Hayes – Mobile (Northside), Ala. – Corps officerCadets E. Scott & Andrea Hoover – Stuart, Fla. – Corps officersCadet William Patrick Jones – Dallas (Temple), Texas – Corps officerCadets Kevin & Wendy Jo Justice – Smithfield, N.C. – Corps officersCadet Derrick McKeller – North Little Rock, Ark. – Corps officerCadet Carl Melton – Owensboro, Ky. – Corps officerCadets Joshua & Chastina Morse – Columbia (Midlands), S.C. – Corps officersCadet Arthur Brian Mott – Lubbock, Texas – Associate Corps officerCadet Jason Perdieu – Washington (Sherman Ave.), D.C. – Corps officerCadets Alvaro & Danitza Porras – Winchester, Va. – Corps officersCadets Pradeep & Priscilla Ramaji – Front Royal, Va. – Corps officersCadets Joshua & Ashley Robinett – Russellville, Ark. – Corps officersCadets Israel & Claudia Roseno – Springdale, Ark. – Corps officersCadet Joseph Ryerson – El Paso (Citadel), Texas – Corps officerCadets Jimmy & Sarah Steele – Portsmouth, Va. – Corps officersCadet Ashley Taylor – Greenville, S.C. – Corps officerCadets Luis & Selena Valdes – El Paso (Temple), TX – Corps officersCadet Armandina Watson – Mobile (Northside), Ala. – Corps officer

Territory came into existence. This summer El Paso will come into the fold of the USA Southern Territory (more on this story to appear in a future issue of the Southern Spirit).

“You are going where no Southern officer has gone before,” Commissioner Feener told Cadet Paul Ryerson upon giving him the appointment to El Paso Citadel. Moments later the territorial commander revealed to Cadets Luis and Selena Valdes that they were going to El Paso Temple.

Prayer Warriors receive their orders

Cadets Carlos and Valentina Cantu learn the long-awaited word of where their service as Salvation Army officers will begin.

Major Frank Duracher

Faith in God and love for others were the dominant themes running through the welcome meeting to Commissioners Barry (Chief of the Staff) and Sue Swanson (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries) at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London.

The welcome and installation came days after a colorful, vibrant, emotional and dignified retirement salute to Commissioner Robin Dunster, The Salvation Army’s first woman Chief of the Staff. General Clifton said he was conducting the retirement of a close colleague in Christ and a much valued prayer partner.

When welcoming the Army’s new second-in-command,

world leader General Shaw Clifton said that Commissioner Swanson “takes up office as the 23rd Chief of the Staff and as the third American officer to be appointed to the role, the others being Commissioner John J. Allen (1946-1953) and Commissioner Israel Gaither (2002-2006).” General Clifton thanked God for the provision of the new Chief, and said he is an officer who has proved he is able to assume heavy leadership roles amid the challenges of today’s world.

The Chief emphasized that one of his roles is to keep stimulating action-based faith “done in love – the sincere, real, pure and passionate love that comes from the Lord.”

Major Laurie Robertson

General Clifton installs new Chief of the Staff

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Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi A thunderous sound boomed from Tal-ladega, Ala., but it did not come from the big NASCAR track nearby. Young people of ALM were creating a Disturbance at the 2010 divi-sional youth councils under the leadership of Majors Chuck and Julie Whiten and Lt. Robin Parker at Shocco Springs. The Disturbance be-gan with a kaleidoscope of colorful cartoon characters coming to life and beacons signaling Spotlight on Youth awards. Joe the Turk even appeared to exhort the delegates to create a Disturbance where they are. Saturday included more Spotlights on Youth as well as recogni-tion to achievement in youth ministry, Sunday school and Corps Cadets. Missi Hale and B. Reith provided musical entertainment and in-spiration Saturday evening, and in the Sunday morning service, Lt. Colonel Edward Hobgood, territorial program secretary, challenged the youth to look to Jesus’ example to create the ultimate Disturbance.

Arkansas-Oklahoma Special guests Major Ken Luyk, Major Willis Howell and Major Kelly Igleheart played a game of Minute to Win It at the opening session of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Youth Councils, held at Camp Heart O’ Hills. Majors Kelly and Donna Igleheart spoke about “Disturbing the Peace.” They asked dele-gates, “What is Jesus to you? Is he the little baby in a manager, the man who performed miracles or the one who is our strength and support?” An awards breakfast Saturday morning showcased one of the division’s newest awards – Creative Youth Ministry – which recognized four diff erent corps with youth leaders who are thinking outside the box: Broken Arrow, Okla.; and Pine Bluff , Springdale and El Dorado, Ark. The remainder of Saturday included break-out sessions, Corps Cadet graduation, afternoon fun and Crossroads – a touring experience that taught delegates about the importance of their choices. Sunday a collection of over $4,000 was received for the fi rst sex traffi cking victims safe house in Oklahoma. Major Willis Howell talked about the spiritual DNA of the early Army.

Florida More than 650 young people of the di-vision gathered in Orlando to discover the amazing things God had in store for them that weekend. They didn’t have to wait long. Duff y Robbins, the noted Christian youth minster and speaker, blended humor and spiritual truth that provoked thought and challenged delegates’ perceptions of their lives. Among Saturday’s fes-tivities was an awards banquet that recognized growth, innovation and achievement around the division in Sunday school, overall youth ministry and Corps Cadets. One of the week-end’s highlights was a visit from Vicki Poff , who along with her husband, Bob, directs the Salva-tion Army Children’s Home in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She shared a powerful testimony about their experiences during the earthquake, and a collection benefi tting the relief eff ort was tak-en afterward. Captain John Murphy, divisional youth secretary, followed with the challenging question: “What will you do in your world?” In Sunday morning’s service, many of the young people came forward to the altar in response after Lt. Colonel Vern Jewett’s challenging mes-sage.

Georgia Spring was in the air in Georgia, and the beautiful setting of the Mariott in Alpharetta

was in for a Disturbance that only the 400 del-egates to the Georgia Division Youth Councils could create. They were about to let go and let God do something amazing in their lives. Steve Fitzhugh, the special guest, demonstrated his rare gift for engaging people throughout the weekend. The treats for the delegates were many, including DYS Captain Gary Sturdivant singing, “Get Your Sallie On,” the Atlanta Kroc Center delegates performing the dance “Dis-turbia,” the spectacular talent of the Atlanta Peachcrest Drama and Dance Team, the testi-mony of Cadet Israel Roseno and Joe the Turk, aka Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood, creating his own disturbance. Majors Bill and Debra Mocka-bee presented awards for achievement in Sun-day school, Corps Cadets and youth ministries, and Damien Horne hosted the Saturday night extravaganza that included comedian Coy Lasone. After an awards ceremony and a chal-lenge from Lt. Colonel Kathy Hobgood on Sun-day morning, Fitzhugh brought the message that related the urgency for young people to make a decision to turn their lives over to Christ rather than live in sin. Many delegates came for-ward in response, and over 70 acknowledged that they are experiencing the call to dedicate their lives to God through Salvation Army offi -cership.

Kentucky-Tennessee When strong winds ripped through Gatlin-burg, Tenn., a large tree was uprooted and fell on power lines, and the Park Vista Hotel lost its electrical power. Young people of the Kentucky-Tennessee Division had gathered at the hotel for youth councils, but the staff and delegates hardly missed a beat. By the time power was restored, some of the delegates wondered if the blackout had perhaps been part of the plan all along. Friday evening’s program was incor-porated seamlessly into Saturday morning’s as special guests Lt. Colonels Charles and Shirley White, Majors Kelly and Donna Igleheart, Major Susan Brown, Captain Marion Platt and Damien Horne were introduced. Eddy Eckert, who will be leading a Salvationist Service Corps team to the Ukraine this summer, related his experi-ences during an SSC trip to Haiti earlier this year. The Iglehearts brought Sunday morning’s mes-sage, “Disturbing the Peace,” which illustrated how Jesus’ ministry shook the world.

Maryland-West Virginia More than 300 youth council delegates gathered in Morgantown, W.Va., for a God-hon-oring and fun-fi lled weekend in the Maryland-West Virginia Division. The opening session was called “The Disturbing Upside-Down Session,” which began with the benediction and ended with the welcome, opening prayer and an-nouncements. One Saturday session was a Q&A with Commissioners Max and Lennie Feener. Most questions were on abortion, drinking and drugs and the importance of listening for God’s call in your life. “A Holy Disturbance,” a musical drama, was presented on Saturday evening. It was the story of three people: John the Baptist, the Apostle Paul, and the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears. The moving presentations caused the altar to be lined with seekers. Commissioner Max Feener’s Sunday morning message confronted the youth with the truth that “God can’t work within unclean vessels.” His simple but signifi cant direction led many who again came to the altar to realize that all spiritual renewal begins with repentance.

National Capital-Virginia Chesapeake Bay, Va., was the venue for 500-plus youth councils delegates in the Na-tional Capital and Virginia Division. The song, “God of the City” became the theme for the weekend. Samuel Logan Brengle, portrayed by John Quinn, spoke to the youth about “dis-turbances” he caused and witnessed in his life. Delegates were also blessed by “Gospel Shots” throughout the meeting – testimonies of peo-ple who attended the 2010 Urbana Conference and experienced a “disturbance” in their lives. Twenty breakout sessions were held on Saturday morning. These classes included: Spo-ken Word, Sexual Revolution, Additions and Learning to Lead. Saturday evening’s program was a “Ministry Extravaganza” – 30 acts that blessed the congregation with dancing, sing-ing, hip hop, jazz and rap. Sunday morning’s worship service began with the ministry of the Transformed Reconcil-ers Brigade from the Evangeline Booth College. Majors Kelly and Donna Igleheart brought a tag-team sermon of Jesus’ life and His call to “Come and follow Me.”

North-South Carolina More than 640 delegates joined Majors Dalton and Casey Cunningham, divisional lead-ers, and Captains Terry and Sharon Ray and Captain Jason Swain, divisional youth leaders, in creating a Disturbance of unbelievable pro-portions at the North-South Carolina Youth Councils 2010. The usually peaceful surround-ings at Heritage International Ministries under-went a transformation beginning Friday when the frenzy of arrivals began. Friday’s welcome program included a blackout, but the introductions continued on and power was restored. Awards were given out, and the keynote message was based on 1 Kings 19. Major Dalton Cunningham reminded delegates that others’ infl uence is powerful: “Just because a crowd agrees about something doesn’t make it right.” Saturday included breakout sessions and special guest Christian Chapman, who spoke about “The Fire of the Anointed Church.” The afternoon included time at Carowinds Amuse-ment Park, and Saturday night Christian Chap-man spoke about conquering fear. Sunday included graduate honors, an-other powerful message by Chapman and a tremendous response to the call for offi cership.

Texas Texas youth met at Camp Hoblitzelle for that division’s councils, featuring guests Com-missioners Max and Lennie Feener, Major Susan Brown and Captain Joy Robbins. The fi rst ses-sion marked the presentation of “HERO—The Rock Opera.” This moving drama asked the poignant scenario: What if Jesus were born in Bethlehem, Penn., and much of his disturb-ing ministry conducted in New York City? This powerful story caused the congregation to be totally absorbed in the ministry of the gospel. Saturday afternoon’s breakout sessions helped Texas youth to prepare themselves with the tools to be a disturbance for Christ. Commissioner Max Feener preached on Luke 9:23 on Sunday morning, asking the del-egates if they were ready to be the “spark” that the Holy Spirit wants them to be. He told them that they should never fear losing their life for Christ; but should instead be concerned with wasting their life not doing what He’s called them to do.

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May 21, 20106

Effective June 23, 2010, except where otherwise indicated:

Territorial HeadquartersMajor Otis Childs

Evangelism & Adult Ministries Secretary; Major Vivian Childs

Intercultural Ministries Director/Evangelism & Adult Ministries

Associate SecretaryCaptain Mee Sook Chang

Intercultural Ministries Korean Consultant (Added Responsibility)

Captain Juan Guadalupe Intercultural Ministries Hispanic Consultant

(Added Responsibility)Captains Bobby & Anne Westmoreland

Pro-Tem (Overseas)

Evangeline Booth CollegeMajors Richard & Stefanie Hathorn

Spiritual Formation Coordinators(Added Responsibility)

Captain Deanna Gilliam Director of Family Life Center

Captain Paul Gilliam Property/Home Department

Assistant DirectorCaptain Juan Guadalupe

Property/Home Department DirectorCaptain Syung Young Lee

Director of Finance

Adult Rehabilitation CentersLt. Colonels Larry & Shirley White

Retirement – 9/1/10Major Dawn McFarland

Tampa, FL Director of Special ServicesMajor Paul McFarland

Tampa, FL AdministratorMajor Donald Smith

Washington, DC & Suburban MD Administrator

Major Donna Smith Washington, DC & Suburban MD

Director of Special ServicesMajors James & Rebecca Smith

Retirement – 7/1/10Major W. Ernest Steadham

Jacksonville, FL AdministratorMajor Linda White New Orleans, LA

Director of Special ServicesMajor Paul White

New Orleans, LA AdministratorCaptain Gregory W. Davis

Oklahoma City, OK AdministratorCaptain Tammy Davis

Oklahoma City, OKDirector of Special ServicesCaptain Danny Matthews

Birmingham, AL AdministratorCaptain Mary Matthews

Birmingham, AL Director of Special ServicesCaptain K. Darlene Steadham

Jacksonville, FL Director of Special ServicesCaptain W. Gary Wilson

Fla. Suncoast Area AdministratorCaptain Elizabeth H. Wilson

Fla. Suncoast Area Dir. of Special ServicesCaptain LaNelle Winters

Orlando, FL Director of Special ServicesCaptain Mark Winters

Orlando, FL AdministratorMr. Shelton Feener

Nashville, TN AdministratorMr. Guy Nickum, Sr.

Richmond, VA Administrator

Alabama-Louisiana-Mississippi Majors David & Karen Craddock

Lake Charles, LAMajor Osborne Mills

Greenville, MS Captains Thomas & Tammy Broome, Jr.

Bessemer, ALCaptains William & Janice Criss

Dothan, AL Captain Eunice Harwell

Women’s Outreach Ministries Secretary/Social & Ethical Ministries Director

Captain Harvey Harwell II Divisional Secretary for Business

Captains H. Augustus & Melissa Pillsbury Lafayette, LA

Captain Deborah Rickard Secretary of Women’s Ministries

Captain James Rickard Divisional Secretary for ProgramCaptains David & Bobbie Sams

Decatur, AL A/Captain Mary Mills

Greenville, MS

Arkansas-OklahomaMajors Jeffrey & Linda Daniel

Ardmore, OKMajors Ronald & Rebecca Mott

Hot Springs, OKMajors Johnny & Kathy Poff

Mountain Home, AR Major James & April Taylor

Central Arkansas Area Commander & Women’s Ministries Coordinator

Captain John & Major Geraldine Dancer Enid, OK

Captains Ernest & Debra Hull Lawton, OK

Captains Michael & Patrishia Knott Oklahoma City Citadel

Captains Alejandro & Laura Pedraza Altus, OK

FloridaMajor Annette Dodd

Divisional Secretary for PersonnelMajor David Erickson

Divisional Secretary for ProgramMajor Jean Erickson

Assistant Women’s Ministries Secretary/Women’s Outreach Ministries Secretary

Majors Austruberto & Debra Flores Daytona Beach

Majors Gene & Rebecca Hogg Fort Lauderdale Area Commander &

Women’s Ministries Coordinator & Corps Officer

Major Mary Holmes Community Care Ministries Secretary/Older Adult Ministries Secretary/Social & Ethical

Ministries DirectorMajors Thomas & Julie Louden

Fort MyersMajors George & Holly Patterson

OcalaMajors Bruce & Vicki Stefanik

SebringMajors Francisco & Carolyn Zuniga

West Volusia CountyCaptain Priscilla Calderon Camp Keystone – Pro-Tem

Captain Alejandro & Nelinda Castillo Port Richey (West Pasco)Captain Norma Corpus Miami Area Command

Associate OfficerCaptains Tim & Cheryl Gilliam

St. Petersburg Area Commander/Women’s Ministries Coordinator/

Corps OfficerCaptains Guillermo & Esperanza Ortiz

Naples (Associate Corps Officers)Captains Enrique & Karla Perez

Winter HavenCaptain Joy Robbins

Ft. Myers (Assistant Corps Officer)Captains Pierre & Louna Smith

Naples Area Coordinater/Women’s Minis-tries Coordinator & Corps Officer

Captain Philip Swyers, Jr. Divisional Secretary for Business

Captains Luis & Luz Viera DHQ Pro-tem (Overseas)

A/Captains Domingo & Delores Casillas DHQ Pro-tem (Retirement – 11/1/10)

A/Captain Teresa Della Monica Tampa - Student Residence ManagerA/Captains Manuel & Ibis Santana

Miami CitadelJim & Jennifer Spencer St. Augustine - In ChargeRoger & Yvonne Windell

Pensacola - In Charge

GeorgiaCaptains Cameron & Paula Henderson

Lawrenceville

Captain Ray Jackson Marietta (Assistant Corps Officer)

Captain Wilma Mason Augusta - Associate Kroc Center

AdministratorCaptain Sandra Pawar

Atlanta Kroc Center Captains Eugene & Pamela Perry

Warner RobinsCaptain Marion & Everette Platt, III

SavannahLieutenants J. Matthew &

Danielle Cunningham Gainesville

Lieutenants Jonathan & Anita Howell Thomasville

Lieutenant Monica Seiler Atlanta Temple (Assistant Corps Officers)

Lieutenants E. Lee & Michelle Wilson, Jr. Augusta

Kentucky-TennesseeMajor Melissa Anderson

Community Care Ministries Secretary/Older Adult Ministries Secretary

Majors Jimmy & Janice Bovender Retirement – 7/1/10

Major James & Aminta Edmonds Louisville, KY PortlandCaptain Lisa Booth

DHQ Pro-temCaptain E. Jayne Brewster

Johnson City, TN (Assistant Corps Officer)Captain Jennifer LeBeau

Owensboro, KY(To be married – Cadet Carl Melton)

Captain William McKinley, II Divisional Financial Secretary

Captains Adrian & Karen Twinney Middlesboro, KY

A/Captains Mark & Sally Love Richmond, KY

Maryland-West VirginiaMajors David & Susan Dewan

Baltimore, MD HampdenMajor Susan Dewan

Baltimore Assistant Area CommanderMajors Kenneth & Connie Morris

Salisbury, MDCaptains D. Brooks & Lori Gilliam

Cambridge, MDCaptain Henry Morris, III Divisional Youth Secretary

Captain Benita Morris Divisional Corps Cadet CounselorCaptains Stephen & Sandra Story

Martinsburg, WVCaptains Melvin & Dianne Welch

Cumberland, MDLieutenant Sarah Birks

St. Albans, WV

National Capital-VirginiaMajors Earl & Janice Fitzgerald

Fairfax, VA Major Elda Flores

Loudoun County, VAMajors Sammy & Mary Kay Hearne

Staunton, VAMajors Allen & Melinda Johnson

Charlottesville, VAMajors Daniel & Brenda Turner

DHQ Pro-temCaptains Ryan & Shawana Brown

Roanoke, VA (Associate Corps Officers)Captains Herbert & Rosalinda Frazier, Jr.

Washington, DC Southeast, DCCaptains Michael & Marjorie Good

DHQ Pro-temCaptains David & Dolores May

DHQ Pro-temCaptains Vance & Alena Murphy

Arlington, VA Captain Tabitha Perry

Assistant Divisional Youth SecretaryCaptains Matthew & Jamie Satterlee

Fredericksburg, VASergeants Tyrone & Marver Pinder

Washington, DC (Harbor Light) Corps Administrator/Assistant

to the Corps Administrator

NEW APPOINTMENTSNorth & South Carolina

Majors Pete & Catherine Costas, Jr. Raleigh, NC

Majors G. Kent & Melody Davis Winston-Salem, NC Area Commander/

Coordinator of Women’s MinistriesMajors Terry & Linda Edwards

Retirement – 7/1/10Majors Sterling & Carolyn Mallard

Charleston, SC Major Brenda Raymer

Secretary of Women’s MinistriesMajor Richard Raymer

Divisional Secretary for ProgramMajors Richard & A. Virginia Watts

Wilmington, NCMajors G. Daniel & Kathleen Whittaker

Retirement – 7/1/10Major Cynthia L. Wise

Florence, SC (Assistant Corps Officer)Captains Roland & Jessica Cox

Waynesville, NC Area Coordinator/Coordinator of Women’s Ministries/

Corps OfficersCaptains Mark & Sherry Czanderna

Gaffney, SCCaptains Michael & Christine Harris

Hickory, NCCaptains Mark & Lorie Hunter

Rocky Mount, NC Captain Susan May

Easley, SC, Service Center DirectorCaptains Robbie & Sharon Robbins

Reidsville, NCCaptains Luis & Vilma Rodriguez

Durham, NC, Hispanic Outpost DirectorCaptain Tomeker Williams

Hickory, NC (Assistant Corps Officer)Lieutenant Nina Borum

Morehead City, NCLieutenant Michal Chapman

Boone, NC Service Center DirectorLieutenant James Taylor

Greenville, SCA/Captains John & Andrea Sikes

Greenville, NCSergeants Terry & Barbara Hertzog Concord, NC (Corps Administrator/Assistant to the Corps Administrator)

TexasMajor Carl Hughes

DentonMajor Travis Israel

Divisional Secretary for BusinessMajor Donna Israel

Associate Women’s Ministries Secretary/Women’s Outreach Ministries Secretary

Majors Harvey & V. Ann Johnson Galveston Area Coordinator/Coordinator of

Women’s Ministries/Corps OfficersMajor Stephanie Sills

Assistant Divisional Youth SecretaryMajors Roy & Mary Tolcher

DHQ Pro-tem (Retirement 8/1/10)Majors Robert & Shannon Winters

Houston Aldine/WestfieldCaptains Keith B. & Robin L. Bottjen

El Paso Area Coordinator/Coordinator of Women’s Ministries

Captains John & Christina Branscum Lufkin

Captains David & Louise Feeser San Angelo

Captains Mark & Barbara Jacobs Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex Command –

Assistant Area Commander/Assistant Coordinator of Women’s MinistriesCaptain Luis & Laura Melendez

DHQ Pro-tem (Overseas)Captains Donald & Kelley New

ShermanCaptain Debra Taylor

Abilene (Associate Corps Officer)Captains Guy & Dolores Watts

LongviewLieutenant Meagan Heronemus Amarillo (Assistant Corps Officer)

Lieutenant Analese Meredith Kerrville (Pro-tem)

Sergeant Norris McCollumOdessa (Corps Administrator)

May 21, 2010 7

MAJOR CLARENCE BRADBURYDirector, Jack McDowell School for Leadership Development

CraftingLeaders

JUDE GOTRICHJUDE GOTRICH

24/7PrayerPraying in the Spirit

The scene: Pentecost. To most Jews it was just another annual festival (Shabuoth or Feast of Pentecost) marking 50 days after the First Fruits: a feast to celebrate the spring harvest, a day of dedication. But this First Fruits was not your normal spring harvest thanksgiving. Instead, it became the first day’s mighty harvest of the Holy Spirit – the 50-day gestation after the Resurrection of the Christ.

Little did that community know that heaven had chosen that day for the grand entrance of the Holy Spirit and a new epic direction for mankind. What were we in for now with this unpredictable power from God? Could man have access to this power? Was the Spirit that available to those who would believe? Could the Holy Spirit really take control of our lives and fill us with the mind and heart of Christ?

It was all for a greater understanding of who God is, his power and that he wants to be understood by everyone on an even greater level than ever before – for the whole world.

Acts 2:1-13 describes the prayer meeting where these believers encounter this power for the first time. The Holy Spirit united not only everyone in that room but extended its sphere of unity to the streets; for as they spoke, they were given the ability to speak in languages that would be readily understood by the visitors to that city.

That is what God wants – a clear communication that reveals his heart and power.

In light of expediency, the church used a universal language (Latin) for about 1,500 years before the Reformation returned to Pentecost’s original intent – to be understood in our own languages, with freedom to communicate with God directly and honestly.

Out of this passage also comes the phrase to “pray in the Spirit.” This has taken on multiple interpretations, but one must not lose the significance of praying in the Spirit because of debate or confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 6:18, Jude 20).

So, what does it mean to pray in the Spirit, and how does one pray this way?

The key to praying in the Spirit will always be the “understanding” of what you have prayed and that you have not been the sole author of these words. First is Christ’s instruction: Wait for the Spirit. We need to mediate, take time to ponder the attributes of the Spirit and to ask the Spirit to guide our thoughts and words. Then there will be freedom in the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17) and then revelation, knowledge and depth of insight will come (Ephesians 1:17). Yes, Satan can quote Scripture, but it is the Spirit that makes God’s Word relevant in love to the listener. The Spirit makes things understood in the inner being.

Praying in the Spirit is about praying for things the Spirit leads us to rather than our own lists. Praying in the Spirit should be understood by everyone who hears the prayer so that they, too, can encounter the Spirit’s power. It is not a special form of prayer, like praying in tongues, as it states that we should pray like this “at all times” (Ephesians 6:18). In other words, all prayer should be in the Spirit. Then you will pray from fear to faith, from anger to love, from anxiety to peace, from depression to joy, as the focus shifts from flesh to the Spirit.

We can pray this way all because of Pentecost. Isn’t that thrilling! Are you curious? Have you asked the Holy Spirit to help you understand this prayer? Do you know that he desires to make this understood by everyone – just as it happened at Pentecost? Ask him – just ask….

College Ministry Student Center DirectorTampa, Fla.

We are looking for an outgoing individual who has a heart for working with college students. This person will provide leadership, strategic planning and mentoring to students on a daily basis while also serving as a liaison between the student center and the respective academic and administrative units. The director will run the student center on a day-to-day basis, providing weekly Bible study, tutoring and an occasional fun activity. This person will also collaborate with the local corps to provide ministry opportunities.

Qualifications – Bachelors degree required. Masters degree preferred. Minimum 5 years experience in young adult leadership.

If interested please contact Captain John Murphy. John_Murphy@uss.salvationarmy.org

JobBoard

Store manager/assistant business managerSupplies and Purchasing Department

Southern Territorial HeadquartersAtlanta, Ga.

Serves as back-up to the business manager during peak work times and performs duties of the business manager when needed. Generates various reports utilizing Great Plains software. Assists with the annual and monthly inventory as needed to resolve discrepan-cies in a timely manner. Resolves customer complaints and billing issues in a timely manner.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

To view the detailed job description and to apply to this position, please complete our online application at www.salvationarmycareers.org or email/fax your resume to:

debra_elder@uss.salvationarmy.org Fax: 404.728.6725

ATTN: Human Resources Department

Tips for farewelling leadersIt’s time for June moves. With migration patterns as predictable as the flight of Canada Geese, officers are trading places and locals are caught up in the commotion. Kudos to the faithful at our corps/centers and to our employees and volunteers for their resilience in a context of constant change. Before it’s a done deal, let’s all step back and consider how we might make this year’s transition

a little smoother for all concerned. Here are some practical tips for leaders (including administrators and managers) and those they lead. 1. Saying goodbye is a time for growth for leaders and followers. Make every effort to confess openly the lessons God has taught you during your stay and celebrate openly with your people the blessings God has given.2. Express sincere thanks in various ways to the congregation and to individuals by writing, visiting or calling. 3. Maximize your remaining moments. As far as possible, finish well the projects you have started, or smooth the way for others to keep momentum going. 4. Seek reconciliation and restoration, if possible, with those people with whom you have experienced difficulties. Try to eliminate emotional baggage for you and others. This is a period to consolidate – not

abdicate. Keep your ministry positive, knowing that God will provide.5. Don’t offer to come back for weddings and special events. Those sensitive moments are important for bonding to your successor. If your successor invites you to return for a special occasion, consider it a privilege.6. Keep to a minimum any references to your new appointment. Keep the corps/center focused on its future with new leaders, not on your future.7. Be fair to your successor. Don’t stack the deck by making last-minute decisions in your favor. Trust the process and allow it to work. 8. Don’t criticize any critics who minimize your contribution. Let your record stand and leave the reckoning with God.9. Be positive about your successor. Affirm them no matter whom headquarters appoints. This will give officers and their new people a better chance of succeeding together.10. Continue to pray for God’s blessing on your successor and the corps/center long after your farewell.

‘Crafting Leaders’ is a new feature that debuts in this issue and will address a variety of issues affecting Salvation Army leaders.

Continued from page 1started.”

The center itself, located on 1st Street in Nashville, is completely ruined. The first floor was under more than five feet of water. Many from the staff are staying in Nashville to begin the work of cleaning and repairing the center. They hope to have it open and functioning in three to four months.

“I don’t know if we’ll see each other again down here,” said one program participant. “But one thing I do know is that, because of the ministry of The Salvation Army, we’ll all see each other again in Glory.”

Nashville ARC rescue

(Right) Max, the four-legged mascot of the Nashville ARC, wandered off during the rescue but was later reunited with his buddies from the center.

The Salvation Army1424 Northeast ExpresswayAtlanta, GA 30329www.uss.salvationarmy.org

EDITORIALCommissioner Maxwell Feener, Territorial Commander

Colonel Terry Griffin, Chief SecretaryLt. Colonel Edward Hobgood, Publisher

Dan Childs, EditorMajor Frank Duracher, Assistant Editor

Brooke Turbyfill, Publications Editorial CoordinatorKatie Tate, Circulation Manager

Published by The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory1424 Northeast Expressway, Atlanta, GA 30329

Phone: (404) 728-1300 Fax: (404) 728-6734e-mail: Dan_Childs@uss.salvationarmy.org

All materials are copyright of The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory and cannot be reproduced without

permission.

For further information, or to donate, please visit:www.uss.salvationarmy.org

8 May 21, 2010

PRSRT First ClassUS POSTAGE

PAIDPermit 1037ST MTN GA

A publication of

The Salvation Army

USA Southern

Territory

Volume 27, No. 8May 21, 2010

Steven Revlett (facing camera) bids farewell to staff member Rick Erwin before the evacuation of 43 men from the Nashville ARC to the Memphis center because of fl ooding in the city. Story, page 1.

As we know, prayer is the ultimate weapon against the enemy and our direct line of communication with our Lord. Jesus gave us a prayer to

follow, not as a literary masterpiece or to be recited over and over, but as a pattern and a basis of prayer for real people in the real world. This prayer is what we call The Lord’s Prayer. In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches this

prayer as a part of His Sermon on the Mount. In Luke 11, the disciples said to Jesus, “Lord teach us to pray…” and Jesus responded to His disciples, “This, then is how you shall pray…”. As you walk through The Lord’s

Prayer Experience, this prayer that Jesus gave to us as an example will come to life. Each section of the prayer will be broken down for special inspiration and reflection. A few of these sections include: • “Our Father in Heaven”: What does

it really mean to pray directly to the Father? • “Hallowed be your Name” or “May

Your Name be Honored”: How can we honor His Name? Do we Honor His Name with our daily lives, speech and actions? “Your Kingdom come, Your will be

done”: This is a call to pray for our world, country, city, home and lives!

Each phrase and word of The Lord’s Prayer opens to us a different aspect of God’s world, the world for which we are called to pray. This is not a prayer to rush through, “checking off” each phrase, but to take our time to bring before our heavenly Father, the people, the contents and views of both the world and our own lives. The Lord’s Prayer Experience will help you

slow down and to better understand the significance of the prayer that Jesus taught us.The Lord’s Prayer Experience will

be open during the majority of Commissioning Weekend and will be located on the Second Floor balcony overlooking the main lobby. Please come and be moved by The Lord’s Prayer Experience.

The Lord’s Prayer Experience

COMMISSIONING WEEKEND • JUNE 4-6, 2010 • ATLANTA

The website, www.socialmediade-fi ned.com, describes the term social media as “the future of communication, a countless array of Internet based tools and platforms that increase and enhance the sharing of information.” With social networking giants such as Facebook and Twitter, The Salvation Army USA South-ern Territory is making its mark on the present with an eye toward the future.

While some dismiss social media tools as not making any tangible connection with end users, for others the sites have become a lifeline during times of trouble and provide a means to donate or serve others.

Amanda Grieves, human resources and social media manager for the Nash-ville Area Command, uses Facebook to highlight volunteer groups who give their time at Christmas Angel Tree pro-grams and throughout the year. One group from HCA serves the command annually by cleaning and painting of-fi ces.

Whether it’s posting photos of some-one rescued from a fi rst-fl oor apartment after fl ooding or encouraging a stranger through an inspirational blog entry, Sal-vation Army personnel are using social media to bring the hope of Christ in a whole new realm. Divisions all across the territory maintain blogs, Twitter and Facebook pages to do everything from internal training and contacting over-seas missionaries to advertising corps events and educating the public about The Salvation Army’s brand promise.

“Through daily updates we stay on the minds of our Facebook friends and Twitter followers. Those viewing our site see our many services, the impact on our clients and the opportunity to give their time, talent or treasure in service of their neighbors in need. Thus, they understand what it means to ‘Do The Most Good.’ Our goal is to help the public see that we are more than bell ringers. Our services are varied and many,” said Will Hale, director of volunteer services for the Chattanoo-ga, Tenn., Area Command.

Brooke Turbyfi ll

Social mediaincreases South’s

potential foroutreach

Left: A group of volunteers in Nashville, highlighted through social media sites, serves annually by cleaning and paint-ing area command offi ces.

Oklahoma City CRD Department mobilizes mission through social media

Heide Brandes, director of community relations in Oklahoma City, has leveraged social media to make the most of The Salva-tion Army’s message. She wrote about the eff ectiveness of using sites like Twitter and Facebook on a community blog last summer – since then, the 900 followers of OKC Salvation Army have increased to more than 1,470. Brandes recently talked to the Southern Spirit

about the impact of social media.“We’ve made new partnerships attributed di-

rectly to Twitter; we’ve had news outlets call and cover issues based on tweets; and we’ve had new donors contact us based on what they’ve seen on our Facebook page and Twitter. In one sentence, we can reach at least 900 people with a message… countless more when our follow-ers ‘retweet’ our message. More importantly, the message travels outside of the Oklahoma City area and strengthens our brand almost worldwide,” said Brandes.

“All of social media – from networking sites to web to blogging to YouTubing – has made it

easier and faster to connect with donors and supporters and to even create relationships that benefi t the mission of the organiza-tion! Incredible, I tell you.”

Brandes brainstormed just a few ways social media can be used during disasters.

“Depending on how many followers or friends your site has – and how many times it is re-tweeted, social media can reach thousands in seconds. What’s more, you can give a play-by-play, up-to-the-minute description of what is happening and what The Salvation Army is doing at that point in time. During the wildfi res in Okla-homa, many of the media outlets directly quoted what we tweeted as news updates, and we did get donations based on that.

“Uses of social media during disaster relief can include calls for donations, calls for volunteers, updated and current information on mobilization, pictures of disaster relief, pictures of clients and blogs about those clients, blogs about a ‘day in the life of a volun-teer’ and, most importantly, a quick and thorough way to promote the branding of Doing the Most Good in a visceral and concrete way,” she said.

Disaster updates are just one way that OKC uses social media. Other recent posts have included advertising a human traffi cking educational seminar; posting about a job opportunity at a local corps and calling for volunteers.

Brandes said the command launched its mobile club a few weeks ago. It allows cell phone users to text the word SAOKC to 68255 to become members. Mobile media club members get texts about news updates, volunteer opportunities and can win prizes.

Tuscaloosa’s Skype connection to Portugal:

Do not accuse Salvationists in Tuscaloosa, Ala., of being “behind the times.” Nor can you say that about soldiers across the Atlantic Ocean, in the Castelo Branco Corps in Portugal. These corps fam-ilies have forged bonds of worship and friendship via the emerging technology of Skype – a software application that allows users to make video confer-encing and voice calls over the Internet.

Steven Pousinho works as the corps helper in Tuscaloosa, a position he’s held since he came to America a year ago. His home is Castelo Branco (White Castle), where his family attends as faithful soldiers of that six year-old corps.

Pousinho came up with the idea of a joint wor-ship experience between the two corps in the midst of an emphasis on World Service during Sunday School preliminaries.

“We want to bring our Tuscaloosa soldiers into

the worldwide Salvation Army fellowship. Each week we have learned about the Army’s work in a diff erent country. When we began talking about Portugal, Steven came up with this wonderful idea,” said Major Cherry Craddock, corps offi cer.

The ideal time for the webcast occurred at the conclusion of Tuscaloosa’s Holiness Meeting (Sun-day morning) and during Castelo Branco’s Salva-tion Meeting (Sunday evening). Computers were set up in both chapels, and each congregation ex-pressed excitement as the images began transmit-ting across some 4,300 miles.

Serving as translator, Pousinho relayed Major David Craddock’s greetings to Captain Filipe Gon-çalves, Castelo Branco corps offi cer. Major Crad-dock said as part of the Alabama-Louisiana-Mis-sissippi Division, that Portugal was a Partner In Mission.

Skype enables corps families in Tuscaloosa and Portugal to worship together

On April 24, Yazoo City, Miss., was one of the hardest-hit areas by multiple tornadoes. Mobile feeding units, storm clean-up kits and spiritual care have been The Salvation Army’s main vehicles of service, and according to Mark Jones, public re-lations director for the ALM Division, social media has been essential in the recovery process.

Through the ALM Facebook and Twitter sites, Jones has been able to get news distributed to friends and followers in real-time fashion. Due to lack of Internet service in surrounding areas, it was helpful that Jones could use his cell phone to dis-tribute updates on clean-up progress and the on-going need for fi nancial donations.

A recent look at Jones’ own Facebook page shows a conversation between him and support-ers of The Salvation Army who were looking for ways to help. Besides making donations, he also was able to connect the supporters to the coor-

dinator of volunteer services for more hands-on ways to give back.

Jones also appreciates the ease with which he can upload photos – they help the public better understand how great the need is for donations as they are able to view the damage.

Other areas that have received service include Attala County, Miss., and Albertville and Fort Payne, Ala., where tornadoes also touched down.

One Yazoo City resident, Mitchell Saxton, said, “The tornado wasn’t gone good, and The Salvation Army was here. They were the fi rst people I saw.”

To donate to The Salvation Army, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

On April 24, Yazoo City, Miss., was one of the dinator of volunteer services for more hands-on ALM Division uses social media for tornado recovery eff orts

If you want to connect with teens and young adults, urging them to make Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of their lives – there’s an app for that!Major Stephanie Sills found that out about four years ago when she and her late husband, Trint, began writing a daily devotional to a list of recipients. That list has now grown to over 150.

“We got the idea while coming home from Southern Bible Conference. We did the young adult class every year and we wanted to stay in touch with them daily,” Major Sills said.

What emerged was a daily devotional thought stemming from her journal entry. Her messages arise from whatever topics may come that day: loneliness, temptations, prayer, self-esteem, etc.

“Many times I’ll get a text back from someone who says, ‘That’s exactly what I’m dealing with right now!”

She is faithful in texting her daily entries, usually in the evenings, but on those rare days when she neglects to do it, someone contacts her to fi nd out why. That tells her that this ministry is being used by God to be a blessing far beyond what she can imagine.

Texting ministry takes off in Texas

Right: Mark Jones, ALM divisional director of public relations, posted this photo just hours after torna-does hit several areas of Mississippi.

Top and above: Heide Brandes, director of community relations in Oklahoma City, uses social media at the Oklahoma City Area Command Center to build relationships with supporters of The Salvation Army.

Tuscaloosa’s Skype connection to Portugal:

the worldwide Salvation Army fellowship. Each week we have learned about the Army’s work in a diff erent country. When we began talking about Portugal, Steven came up with this wonderful idea,” said Major Cherry Craddock, corps offi cer.

The ideal time for the webcast occurred at the conclusion of Tuscaloosa’s Holiness Meeting (Sun-day morning) and during Castelo Branco’s Salva-tion Meeting (Sunday evening). Computers were set up in both chapels, and each congregation ex-pressed excitement as the images began transmit-ting across some 4,300 miles.

Serving as translator, Pousinho relayed Major David Craddock’s greetings to Captain Filipe Gon-çalves, Castelo Branco corps offi cer. Major Crad-dock said as part of the Alabama-Louisiana-Mis-sissippi Division, that Portugal was a Partner In Mission.

Captain Gonçalves’s answer was that his soldiers seemed excited to meet comrade Salvationists who have been sending support in part to their ministry, via World Service off erings.

Pousinho explained to the American congrega-tion that the monies collected for World Service enables the Portuguese soldiers in that town to worship in the building which they rent for corps activities.

The Castelo Branco praise and worship team then sang a rousing hymn with Pousinho loosely translating the words: We are all members of the Body of Christ; We are all one in the Holy Spirit.

Before both corps signed off , Captain Gonçalves said that it was their desire that this be “the start of an ongoing worship experience between the sol-diers of the Tuscaloosa and Castelo Branco Corps!”

Major Frank Duracher

Skype enables corps families in Tuscaloosa and Portugal to worship together

dinator of volunteer services for more hands-on ways to give back.

Jones also appreciates the ease with which he can upload photos – they help the public better understand how great the need is for donations as they are able to view the damage.

Other areas that have received service include Attala County, Miss., and Albertville and Fort Payne, Ala., where tornadoes also touched down.

One Yazoo City resident, Mitchell Saxton, said, “The tornado wasn’t gone good, and The Salvation Army was here. They were the fi rst people I saw.”

To donate to The Salvation Army, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

dinator of volunteer services for more hands-on ALM Division uses social media for tornado recovery eff orts

As a division, we are still fairly young in the us-age of social media. Our greatest challenge lies in the number of personnel we have available to help with websites. Most website maintenance and social media are not designated to any par-ticular person, other than an offi cer or additional duty (if time allows) for an employee.

So as a division, we defi nitely have room for growth. Still, my recent experience with SAWSO helped me gain a broader view of what The Sal-vation Army does worldwide and the potential that social media aff ords us to impact the world with our mission.

A couple months ago, I had the honor to serve a state-side international deployment as the Salvation Army World Services Of-fi ce public information offi cer for Haiti at the stateside Haiti Com-mand Center located at national headquarters in Alexandria, Va.

I had a considerable amount of passion for the Army prior to my service at SAWSO; however, my passion has only grown. I really didn’t understand how much of a diff erence we make in so many lives around the world. Yes, I had heard we had hospitals, schools and orphanages and we were heavily involved in combating hu-man traffi cking; I just didn’t comprehend the magnitude of our service to others.

Our eff orts of bringing worth to women across the world (lit-eracy and the ability to lend out for small business loans); helping with food security and water sources (gardens training, seed mul-tiplication and more); community health including maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS care and support of infected and aff ected people and prevention of new HIV infections by helping promote abstinence and behavior change.

One of the other major projects is disaster relief and restoration. Of course, I was deployed to assist with Haiti; however, SAWSO is still supporting 16 post-tsunami projects in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India. The comprehensive disaster training course P.R.E.P.A.R.E. is being used around the world. SAWSO receives, uses, disburses and accounts for donations to international disaster projects.

As the public information offi cer, I was in contact daily with the incident command center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Through the power of email, we were able to communicate information on sta-tistics and human interest stories as well as share photos. Although I knew social media was making a tremendous impact on our work as public relations directors, I learned a considerable amount about social media and the far-reaching eff ects it can have on our image and how our story is shared.

SAWSO is using Facebook to share information on Haiti and Chile. National headquarters is sharing information on these relief eff orts via Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, Twitter and blogging. SAWSO also has photos posted at smugmug.com. While social media has wonderful benefi ts, there are also challenges to face as The Salva-tion Army embraces this form of communication.

Although national headquarters and SAWSO posted approved content on social media outlets, it is very hard to control percep-tions posted by others connected to disaster response eff orts. We want to share our story through photos and video, but we want the information to be factual. Because challenges such as these are complex, it is my hope that as our social media presence expands, we can impress upon our internal clients the great impact – both positive and negative – that social media posting can have on The Salvation Army and its promise of Doing the Most Good.

Cindy Fuller

As a division, we are still fairly young in the us-

Great potential

A couple months ago, I had the honor to serve a state-side

If you want to connect with teens and young adults, urging them to make Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of their lives – there’s an app for that!Major Stephanie Sills found that out about four years ago when she and her late husband, Trint, began writing a daily devotional to a list of recipients. That list has now grown to over 150.

“We got the idea while coming home from Southern Bible Conference. We did the young adult class every year and we wanted to stay in touch with them daily,” Major Sills said.

What emerged was a daily devotional thought stemming from her journal entry. Her messages arise from whatever topics may come that day: loneliness, temptations, prayer, self-esteem, etc.

“Many times I’ll get a text back from someone who says, ‘That’s exactly what I’m dealing with right now!”

She is faithful in texting her daily entries, usually in the evenings, but on those rare days when she neglects to do it, someone contacts her to fi nd out why. That tells her that this ministry is being used by God to be a blessing far beyond what she can imagine.

Texting ministry takes off in Texas

Major Stephanie Sills posts another text message to some 150 recipients who are on her nightly devotional mailing list.

“My list has grown to include many here in the Lubbock Corps, so this ministry has proven to be of great help in the mission of this corps,” she said.

Major Sills is under farewell orders to become the assistant youth secretary for the Texas Division. As far as her texting ministry is concerned, this move provides an even larger harvest fi eld for her to work within. Text her at (806) 577-5899 if you want to receive her daily messages.

Major Frank Duracher

Right: Mark Jones, ALM divisional director of public relations, posted this photo just hours after torna-does hit several areas of Mississippi.

Tulsa A/CCentral Okla. A/CFort Smith, Ark.Nashville A/C

Florida DivisionALM Division

Wake County, N.C.Austin Metro A/C

Greater Houston A/CNSC Division

Territorial Youth Dept.Chattanooga, Tenn. A/C

Charlotte, N.C. A/CLouisville, Ky. A/C

www.salarmy-nashville.orgwww.salvationarmyaustin.org

www.salvationarmycarolinas.orgwww.salvationarmycharlotte.orgwww.salvationarmylouisville.org

Nashville A/CAustin Metro A/C

MySpace:Nashville A/C

Nashville A/CWake County, N.C.Austin Metro A/C

Greater Houston A/CNSC Division

Charleston, S.C.Tidewater, Va. A/C

Nashville A/CALM Division

Wake County, N.C.Greater Houston A/C

Chattanooga, Tenn. A/CLouisville, Ky. A/C

Nashville A/CFlorida Division

Austin Metro A/CGreater Houston A/C

NSC DivisionChattanooga, Tenn. A/C

Charleston, S.C.Louisville, Ky. A/C

Florida DivisionNashville A/CALM Division

Wake County, N.C.Austin Metro A/C

Greater Houston A/CNSC Division

Chattanooga, Tenn. A/CCharleston, S.C.

Charlotte, N.C. A/CTidewater, Va. A/CLouisville, Ky. A/C

ALM DivisionBaltimore A/CNashville A/C

Wake County, N.C.Austin Metro A/C

Greater Houston A/C Territorial Youth Dept.

Chattanooga, Tenn. A/CCharleston, S.C.

Charlotte, N.C. A/CTidewater, Va. A/C

Training:Emergency Disaster

Services DepartmentAustin Metro A/C

NSC DivisionChattanooga, Tenn. A/C

How the territory uses Internet-based platforms to accomplish the mission

“We have received an invitation to Co-Tweet - an online toolthat allows “corporate” or “team” tweeting.

This would be incredibly helpful in a disaster situation wherethere may be several users in various locations, at

various “posts,” who can all contribute to a single account -rather than having to follow several of our users, we can simply invite

our various “tweeters” to use our @tsacarolinas account.”– Desmond Smith, web and new media specialist for the NSC Division

Social media in the South:

“I plan to purchaseads on Facebook

to furtherpromote holiday

programs.”

- Raul Munoz, communitydevelopment director for Austin Metropolitan Area Command

“I see Facebook andTwitter more as

public relations tools than development

tools – more for raising awareness.’’

- Dulcinea Cuellar, director ofpublic relations for

Florida Division

We want to have a huge social media

following in the future. We hope this willengage younger

supporters, but also help keep our current supporters involved. We want to use it to plan events, recruit

volunteers and donors, stay connected to other organizations and just generally raise awareness about what

The Salvation Army does.

- Haven Sink, director of public relations for Wake County, N.C.

following in the future.

volunteers and donors,

“These sites are used heavily during the Christmas season to not only recruit volun-teers and corporate groups but also let the public know of our status regarding kettles and the adoption of angels from our Angel

Tree program. We also highlight our vol-unteer groups who man our mall shifts or work in the warehouse by sending ‘shout

outs’ to them. We include their logo, infor-mation about them and what they did for

The Salvation Army. I cross link on our blog as well with orga-nizations or individuals who partner with us.”

- Amanda Grieves, NAC human resources and social media manager

Facebook Twitter

Nashville A/CFlorida Division

ALM DivisionWake County, N.C.Austin Metro A/C

Greater Houston A/CNSC Division

Territorial Youth Dept.Chattanooga A/C

Charlotte A/CTidewater A/C

Louisville, Ky. A/C

BLOGS

Tulsa A/C

NAC: www.salarmyword-press.nashville.com

Austin Metro A/C

Greater Houston A/C:SalArmyHouston.wordpress.com

YouTube/Vimeo

Nashville A/CFlorida Division

Austin Metro A/CNSC Division

Tidewater A/C

Flickr/MySpace

Websites across the territory

What social media outlets are used for:

News / Disaster Events Volunteers/Training

Seasonal DonorRelations

Top, center and above: This information represents a sample of how the USA Southern Territory uses social media; it is not an exhaustive list of social media usage, territorial websites or blogs.