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Hawaii soldiers and friends welcome new divisional leaders.
By Major Fred Rasmussen
Returning to Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division for a fourth tour of duty, Majors John and Lani Chamness were installed as the new divisional commanders by Western Territorial Chief Secretary Colonel Dave Hudson. Since they have served previously in the division as corps officers, Marshall Island coordinators, and divisional youth leaders, their appointment as divisional leaders seems a natural progression in service for the Chamnesses.
“We are honored by the responsibility given to us,” they said, “and we are thrilled to be ‘home’ again.”
The evening program of the Chamnesses’ installation at the Lord’s Chapel facility at the Kroc Center featured the debut of the new divisional brass ensemble, the divisional Hula Halau and representative lei greeters from all segments of The Salvation Army ministry in Hawaii, who gave a traditional island welcome to the Chamness family.
Lani Chamness responded with testimony and song to express her joy at returning to the place of her birth as part of the divisional leadership team.
John Chamness challenged the crowd with a scriptural message calling the Army to new and heightened levels of involvement in the active soul-saving ministry and work of The Salvation Army.
“I give you permission to do something that will encourage, equip and engage the people of this division to higher pursuits for an almighty God!” was the central theme of his message. His passion for winning souls and growing an Army of dedicated service-oriented soldiers was clear.
The evening ended with all present thanking God for supplying the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division with yet another visionary leader who will be bold for heaven’s sake. We rejoice in his abiding love and care for this special place in his creation story—the beautiful islands of the central Pacific ocean—alive with the sound of a marching Army of the Lord.
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