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By Judy Smith, Lt. Colonel
Henry Nouwen writes, “It is not enough that Jesus is my teacher, my guide, my source of inspiration. It is not even enough that he is my companion on the journey, my friend and my brother. Jesus must become the heart of my heart, the fire of my life, the lover of my soul, the bridegroom of my spirit. He must become my only desire. The thousands of people, events, ideas and plans that occupy my inner life must become all one in the one and only name: Jesus.”
Nouwen’s book, Seeds of Hope, is a clear revelation of the hopes and intent of the Spiritual Life Development department, lead by Majors Glen and Linda Madsen.
For years, Western Territorial Headquarters has sponsored spiritual life formation seminars and training through the TEAM Discipleship program. In 2010, International Headquarters endorsed the formation of a single focused department to address the needs of spiritual life development in the hearts and minds of Salvationists—the Western Territory got on board. I am delighted that this focus has been brought to the front of our awareness, especially since The Salvation Army is a part of the holiness movement, which demands that we point all people to a personal walk of holiness. This is the meaning of spiritual life development.
Lt Colonel Judith Smith is the U.S.A.
Western Territory’s secretary for program.
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