A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S A LVAT I O N A R M Y S O U T H ER N T ER R I TO R Y
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ISSUE 3
LEARNING TO FLOURISH AT TERRITORIAL WOMEN OFFICERS RETREAT B Y C A P TA I N S A R A H W A R D Waves of fresh encounters with the Holy Spirit spread through hundreds of Southern Territorial women officers as we met together for an event unlike any other. The first-ever Territorial Women Officers Retreat (TWOR) took place over the span of four days in the beautiful spaces and scenery of Sandestin, Florida, dreamed up and orchestrated by the dynamic duo of Commissioner Donna Igleheart and Major Anne Westmoreland and their fantastic team. It will warmly be remembered as the place we were given time to view ourselves, our calling, and our lives through the declaration of Psalm 1:3: “She will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of life. She is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous.” Though the temperatures dipped into the thirties over the week, the spirits of the women in attendance would not be chilled! To flourish in every season that we experience is not a matter of the weather, nor the circumstances we face. These lessons were woven together through each session led by an incredible powerhouse team of Spirit-filled teachers. TWOR commenced on Tuesday night by welcoming everyone in from the cold, long day(s) of travel. Space was made for friends to be reunited and new acquaintances to be made around the tables at dinner before entering an evening of
Photo Credit: G-Lab
beautiful worship and teaching. Dr. Ingrid Davis taught with great warmth and vulnerability as she implored us to “pray the promises, not the problems.” She reminded us of the power that comes when we pray God’s Word back to Him through the seasons in which we walk.
As we entered the grand Magnolia Ballroom on Wednesday morning, where each of our meetings were held, we were greeted by all things summer, the first of the four seasons that would theme the week’s sessions. Dr. Jennifer Keitt “Learning to Flourish...” continued on page 6
The Evidence of Easter
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BY COMMISSIONER K E L LY I G L E H E A R T As the sun broke over the horizon, our family of five hustled into the van, eager for Easter service celebrations at the corps. Clad in our uniforms, our three girls donned their stunning new dresses and shiny shoes, anticipation buzzing in the air for a morning of fervent worship. We expected the corps to be adorned with Easter lilies and a scattering of palm leaves from the previous week. As I navigated the van out of the driveway, a glance at our neighbor’s house revealed a trail of large pink footprints leading to their front door. These tracks, a whimsical touch by a mysterious visitor, hinted at a magical Easter surprise awaiting the children in the household. Pulling into the corps parking lot, my mind raced with thoughts of the evidence of Easter adorning our sanctuary. The white lilies stood proudly at the chapel’s entrance, heralding the Good News. Palm leaves, remnants of Palm Sunday, were artfully arranged around the blooms. The cross at the platform’s rear was draped in pristine white linen, a proclamation of His resurrection! The aroma of freshly brewed coffee
beckoned me towards the kitchen and fellowship hall, bustling with leaders preparing for the Easter egg hunt following the service. These meticulous preparations were clear signs that Easter Sunday had dawned! Soon, Salvationists and visitors mingled with the customary Easter greeting, “He has risen, He has risen indeed.” Voices resonated with the triumphant hymn, “Up from the Grave He Arose,” and the Easter morning scripture echoed through the sanctuary. Mark 16 invited us to join Mary Magdalene and Salome on their journey to the tomb, where they found the stone rolled away and an angel announcing Christ’s resurrection. The evidence of an empty tomb filled Mary with awe and wonder. This Resurrection Sunday, the evidence of Jesus’ victory over death is palpable in the Word of God and in the faces of our fellow believers. As Salvationists and Christians worldwide celebrate, we rejoice in the promise of resurrection. I commend each of you for embodying this truth and spreading hope, truth, and love in a world hungry for it. Let us radiate the light of Christ within us this Easter season, illuminating our hearts and homes with His enduring grace and love! Let us heed the words of John 20:29: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have “Easter...” continued on page 2