Congress

During Saturday morning’s “Celebra-tion of Victorious Living,” Salvationist women paid tribute to victory in Jesus Christ and the victory demonstrated in the lives of Western women.

The eloquent event featured a variety of expressions and examples of victorious living, from a musical celebration of the West’s multiculturalism to L. A. Red Shield Director Irene Lewis’ devotion in motion, and from U.K. Territorial Evangelists’ Mike and Jenny Clark’s contemporary worship to “victorious living vignettes” of Western women.

“Our hope was that the celebration would be an inspiration and a recognition of women who truly are living victoriously, ” stated Colonel Joy Church, territorial medical fellowship and Women’s Auxiliaries director and meeting coordinator. “We wanted to honor the Lord in all we did.”

Noted as “women living victoriously,” and selected from among nominees from each division in the Territory, Lt. Colonel Carolyn Peacock recognized Songster Joan Loveless, Del Oro Division, Major Carol Madsen (R), Northwest Division, and Joyce Dobbins Tripp, Southern California.

In recognition of Territorial President of Women’s Organizations Commissioner Grace Chang’s upcoming retirement, Colonel Noella Phillips declared her “a victorious winner,” and as she was presented with a laurel wreath of honor, a proclamation was read declaring it “Commissioner Grace Chang Day.”

“It’s a privilege to serve the Lord in The Salvation Army,” Commissioner Chang said. “My life has been greatly enhanced because of you all.”

Mrs. General Kay F. Rader, world president of Women’s Organizations, acknowledged Commissioner Chang’s sessionmates who traveled from Korea at their own expense to attend the Congress and the Changs’ retirement ceremonies. “What makes this session unique,” said Rader, “is not a single member ever resigned or left the Army, except to be promoted to Glory.”

As she addressed the audience, she said “We haven’t seen a picture of Jesus here today, but we have seen him with our hearts and in the lives of these women.” Challenging them, she proclaimed “The secret of victory comes in responding to God’s love. We need to fall in love with Jesus–then, we’ll have victory.”

At the conclusion, scores responded to the call of God to draw nearer to him as they sought victory in all aspects of their lives.

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