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Young Salvationists solidify their commitment to serve at RevHi.
“[I applied] because it would challenge me as a follower of Jesus—and it did,” he said.
Today, McQuade is a first-year cadet studying at The Salvation Army College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. And if you ask him now, he’ll tell you his experience at RevHI had a lot to do with where he is.
“They taught me how to develop spiritual disciplines,” he said. “I continue to practice those disciplines today. They are prayer, Bible reading, simplicity and solitude.”
McQuade is not alone. Seven cadets currently studying at CFOT at one time participated in RevHI.
Based in Honolulu, RevHI mobilizes young adults 18–29 years old to spread the gospel and share God’s love to all people, particularly to those who are marginalized. Directed by Rob Noland and Fulton Hawk, the 3–12 month urban mission and discipleship program is known for its street ministry and outreach work.
“Revolution Hawaii is geared toward helping young adults understand the Bible, apply it to their lives, change their hearts about helping others, and find their foundation or calling,” Noland said.
Delegates follow an intense curriculum of discipleship and get to know the homeless or broken on O’ahu. Through their RevHI experience, many of them find their calling.
“We tell them that their goal is to be like our teacher, Jesus Christ. We do things he did, like going out and helping people who are hurting the most,” Noland said. Students will be required to experience what it’s like to be homeless, form a relationship with the homeless community, and learn how to help and minister to them.
As delegates discover their identity in Christ, for some, this means acknowledging God’s call to officership.
“We don’t push officership or promote it,” Noland said. He does, however, credit the curriculum for inspiring delegates to do great things in the world.
A typical day at Revolution Hawaii begins with reading Scripture, journaling and praying. Each student then goes into the community to engage in homeless outreach or social service programs on O’ahu.
After the program ends, some return to the mainland, while others, like McQuade, stay on the island. There, McQuade worked as an administrator while his wife Cameo worked as a case manager for The Salvation Army Pathway of Hope initiative, helping individuals and families facing homelessness become self-sufficient.
“Revolution Hawaii is geared toward helping young adults understand the Bible, apply it to their lives, change their hearts about helping others, and find their foundation or calling,” Noland said. “Many of our students interact directly with corps officers, which is why some of them were inspired to become officers. For Matt and Cameo, they both saw officership as a way to ascend in ministry and they are going to be great.”
RevHI recently released its 10-year progress report, which reveals that more than 20 disciples currently work for The Salvation Army across the U.S., Belize, Nigeria, Spain and Canada.
“We’re taking young people who have potential coming through our program and creating world-changers,” Noland said. “It’s creating an opportunity for young people to realize their potential for serving and helping others.”
Other RevHI alumni currently at CFOT are Cadets Chelcee Humphrey, Travis Yardley, Belle Bottjen, Rachel Jimenez, Victoria Hartt and Sharayah Graciani.
With reporting by Brandi Salas
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