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from theDesk of…
by Sharron Hudson, Lt. Colonel –
Can you hear it—the song from the musical Porgy and Bess? “Summertime…and the livin’ is easy….”
Really? Not in The Salvation Army! We’re on the move…literally! And then there are service corps, vacation Bible schools, cay camps, music camps, SAY camps, Community Service camps, WMI, WYI and WBC! Whew…when do we take vacation! I love it! I’ve always loved the summer and time spent with family and friends.
When I was growing up, my parents worked for the Men’s Social Service Center (now known as the Adult Rehabilitation Center). Besides that, we were all very involved in the corps programs including summer camps. But my parents always found time for us to take a family trip every summer. At first it was driving the old Route 66 between Los Angeles, Calif. and Flint, Mich. In later years, after my brother and I worked at camp and just before school began, we camped out at Mammoth Lakes or Big Bear. Those magical times produce unforgettable memories!
Many families don’t have the chance to share in family vacation for various reasons, but I am grateful for The Salvation Army’s many opportunities to enjoy summer activities. Life decisions are made during these special times. I sealed my love for the Lord as a camper during music and Sunbeam camps, grew in confidence during my teen years after working on camp staff and heard my call to officership while on summer service corps.
Will you covenant to pray for those involved in these various summer programs? Let’s especially pray for the young people on the service corps teams as they travel to Mexico, Marshall Islands, Fiji, Alaska and the Philippines. Pray for summer camps throughout the territory, especially in your particular division. Pray for the corps as they invite children to day camps and vacation Bible schools. Pray for Commissioners Phil and Pat Swyers as they enter into retirement. Pray for the Prayer Warriors Session as they enter their first appointments and the Ambassadors of Holiness Session in their summer assignments. Finally, pray for all of the officer families on the move—the corps that they are leaving and the corps where they are newly appointed.
During these past few years on Commissioning weekends I have felt as if the Western Territory has joined together in a large family reunion—something truly unique about The Salvation Army. As a family, let’s hold each other up in prayer and encourage one another to great things!
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.Philippians 1:3-6
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