TELLING THE SALVATION ARMY STORY FOR 43 YEARS • 1983–2026
NEWS FROM THE SALVATION ARMY USA WEST • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 • VOL. 44, NO. 1
“IT'S NOT ABOUT ME…THERE ARE DAYS WHEN YOU BEGIN TO QUESTION YOUR VULNERABILITIES… BUT GOD JUST CONTINUES TO REMIND ME IT'S ABOUT HIS GRACE…IT'S A GIFT.”—Commissioner James Betts
Commissioners James and Sue Betts begin service in the West New territorial leaders bring decades of ministry experience and a shared commitment to helping people encounter the love of Christ. BY CHRISTIN THIEME Commissioners Jim and Sue Betts have stepped into leadership of The Salvation Army’s USA Western Territory, assuming the roles of Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. Together, they bring nearly three decades of officership, a deep love for people, and a shared commitment to raising up Christ-centered leaders. “At every stage of our ministry, we’ve simply wanted to help people experience the transforming love of Jesus,” James Betts said. Though both were raised in Northeast Ohio, their story began at Star Lake Camp in New Jersey. James, then serving in the U.S. Army Band, had returned on military leave hoping to reconnect with friends when he saw Sue board a van to camp.
“I picked up all my luggage and moved it to her van,” he said with a laugh. “There’s no way I was riding in the other one.” And that simple decision sparked a friendship that grew into a lifelong partnership in marriage and ministry. Their journey to officership was shaped early. Sue wasn’t raised in a Christian home, she said but her aunt and uncle—active Salvationists—drove her and her siblings 40 minutes to church. At 14, during a Youth Councils altar call, she silently prayed to receive Christ. “I didn’t even know what the Holy Spirit was necessarily, but the Spirit was speaking to me and I knew…all the love and acceptance I had felt was Jesus,” she said. In that same moment, she sensed a call to officership. “The Spirit was telling me, ‘You need to be saved’… and at the same time…‘There’s a plan. You’re going to be a preacher.’” James affirmed that calling as their paths aligned. “I’m truly not complete without Sue, particularly in ministry,” he BETTS PAGE 13
Commissioners James and Sue Betts
Salvation Army continues supporting LA families after January 2025 wildfires.
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“ONE OF THE THINGS I'VE REALIZED IS THAT THERE ARE SOME REALLY GOOD IDEAS IF YOU JUST SIT BACK AND LISTEN. COMING TOGETHER…THAT'S WHEN THE CREATIVITY FLOWS.”—Commissioner Sue Betts
One year later, support for wildfire survivors remains
BY HALEY OSNESS Raging flames and smoke filled the skies over Southern California on Jan. 7, 2025, as the Palisades and Eaton wildfires tore through communities from Malibu to Altadena, destroying homes and forcing thousands to evacuate. The fires continued to spread for over three weeks due to dry conditions and high winds, burning more than 37,000 acres across the region and destroying over 16,000 homes and structures. In the wake of the disaster, The Salvation Army Southern California Division mobilized its Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) to support evacuation centers and resource hubs across Los Angeles County, helping provide hot meals, clean-up kits, air purifiers and emotional support to survivors. As the fires subsided and communities began to assess the extensive damage, many families were left to pick up the pieces. WILDFIRES PAGE 11
INSIDE WHERE YOUR JOY WENT
Giving time, skills and resources sparked joy this holiday season. PAGE 4
RADER ELECTION CERTIFICATE TRIBUTE TO RILEYS HONORED, FINDS NEW HOME DR. ROBERT F. DOCTER, O.F. VINCENTS FAREWELLED Museum of the West receives gift. PAGE 5
Founding editor remembered. PAGE 8
Western Territory salutes leaders. PAGE 10
See more about the impact of The Salvation Army and how you can join in today at
ARE YOU READY FOR TRAINING COLLEGE?
Take the self assessment quiz. PAGE 10
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