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
MARCH 2025
VO L 41
ISSUE 3
MEN OFFICERS FIND REST AND REJUVENATION AT FORGE
Photo Credit: Steven Nolan
BY BR AD ROWL AND “I spent the last week pursuing some of my passions — adventure, worship, healthy living, and deep connection with other men of faith. I’ve been challenged to be the husband, father, and leader that God created me to be.” These are the words of Captain Ryan Meo, Adult Rehabilitation Center administrator in Memphis, Tennessee, and they are shared in the afterglow of a memorable time of fellowship, worship, rest, and community for active male officers, auxiliary captains, and sergeants across the USA Southern Territory. From January 14-17, more than 200 men gathered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the FORGE Territorial Men Officers Retreat. The aim for this assembly was
to provide a time and space for men officers to be poured into, connect in community with their peers, and find physical and spiritual rest, with an eye toward the deep restoration that only God can provide. Hebrews 4:12 served as the theme verse for both the retreat and its preparation: “The Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.” Over the course of the four days, the spirit of community was evident, perhaps never more so than during an evening gathering on Wednesday, January 15. As part of a planned time of vespers to close the day, the men moved to the pool
area at the hotel housing the conference, and what emerged was a stirring time of worship that also served as an outreach to other hotel guests. “One of the highlights of the week was the guests of the hotel reaching out and asking what was happening that all of these men were worshipping and praying,” says Captain Derrick Smith, divisional youth secretary for the Texas Division. “I am thankful we had the opportunity to refresh and be empowered as ministers and men of the Gospel.” The retreat featured several passionate and informative speakers, including Dr. Stephen Mansfield, Camilo Buchanan, and Territorial Commander Commissioner Kelly Igleheart. “Men Officers...” continued on page 6
Uniquely Wired to Witness
National Women Preach Sunday, March 2, 2025 BY KRISTIN MUDGE
Photo Credit: Laura Dake
On Sunday, March 2, women will take to their church pulpits to preach the gospel across the United States for National Women Preach Sunday. Commissioner Donna Igleheart, territorial president of women’s ministries, and Major Anne Westmoreland, territorial ministries to women secretary, share with us why this Sunday is so important and significant, especially for The Salvation Army. “The goal of this special Sunday is to have as many women preaching as possible around the nation,” Major We s tmoreland shares. “In The Salvation Army, we have many women preaching every Sunday, so this is not anything out of the ordinary, however, bringing special emphasis to women preaching celebrates our heritage and
provides a witness to the wider church and communities around us.” “It is a wonderful opportunity and sacred privilege to share the word of God,” Commissioner Igleheart adds. “The National Preach Sunday reinforces The Salvation Army’s strong commitment to value our women as ordained officers while creating greater visibility and impact. Seeing women in every pulpit encourages and inspires other women and girls who envision themselves in leadership ministry.” While some churches and denominations hold beliefs that disallow women in leadership and preaching roles, The Salvation Army takes a strong stance in the opposite direction. When William and Catherine Booth founded the Army in 1865, both took equally active roles in leading and preaching. “From the Army’s beginning equal rank was emphasized,” Commissioner Igleheart shares. “There has been a distinctive historical record regarding women in preaching positions. Catherine Booth set a strong precedent by taking the pulpit by storm and advocating for women’s rights to preach.” Catherine was an incredible preacher, setting an example for generations “Uniquely Wired...” continued on page 2