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by Reni Kreitzberg, Captain –
In a return to the tradition of a Labor Day Family Camp, the Northwest Division saw over 560 people attending to hear Territorial Commissioner Linda Bond speak on what it takes to “ignite the fire.”
During the weekend Lt. Colonel Terry Griffin, divisional commander, with Colonel Marianne Tobin, dedicated a trail created to honor Colonel Bob Tobin, who was promoted to Glory in October 2002.
The family camp, held at Camp Arnold at Timberlake, was overflowing with those seeking a revival of power, passion, and purity in their lives.
The Commissioner addressed each of these areas, encouraging a review of where we stand not only as Salvationists but as Christians in the battle for souls for the kingdom.
With a high tech approach, “Fireside Chats” via live video featured Captain Rob Birks at the fire circle outside, interviewing guests about what igniting the fire meant in their lives.
Concurrently during the first two days of the camp meeting, Captain Oscar Tippol, Santa Ana Temple corps officer, led Hispanic meetings, which again followed the theme of “Igniting the Fire.” He joined with Bond at the Sunday morning service in calling for a commitment to the power, passion and purity needed in living today.
In addition to the meetings, Bond acted upon her commitment to make the field a priority by taking part in the Annual Officers vs. Soldiers Softball Game. The game ended with the soldiers taking a slight lead over the officers, but Commissioner Bond commented that the officers had done their best by “just showing up”!
Other events included a local leaders luncheon, where representatives met with Bond in a small group setting to share thoughts, concerns and victories within their area of responsibility.
Griffin commented, “It was exciting to witness the power of the Holy Spirit move throughout the camp during the weekend.
People enjoyed fellowship, recreation, and a re-igniting of the fire within their spiritual lives.“
Lt. Colonel Terry Griffin and Colonel Marianne Tobin dedicated a trail created to honor Colonel Bob Tobin. During the dedication, Camp Director Ed Covert shared how this was such an apt tribute to Colonel Bob, as he had been such an advocate for the camping experience in The Salvation Army’s ministry.
The beautiful trail circles one side of the lake, concluding with a platform, complete with binoculars for viewing the wonders of nature in and about the lake. Covert noted that it was not work but “a labor of love” to build this trail in memory of Colonel Bob Tobin.
Griffin stated, “It is a privilege to dedicate this new trail in memory of Colonel Bob Tobin. He played a significant role in many people’s lives not only in the Northwest Division but throughout the territory.”
At the conclusion of comments from Covert and Griffin, Colonel Marianne Tobin shared she knew how much her husband would have loved this trail. She also shared how much he loved to spend time at Camp Arnold to just be refreshed in the Lord.
Joined by her granddaughter, she then cut the ceremonial ribbon, officially opening the trail.
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