Southern Spirit August 14, 2015 | Page 8

6 August 14, 2015 Making a world of difference theleadingedge Major Joanne Holz The USA Southern Territory has a long tradition of strong support of The Salvation Army’s World Service projects. Here are just a few current and recent projects funded by our territory. Project: Assistance with motorcycle project for corps officers Country: Democratic Republic of Congo Territory: Democratic Republic of Congo Amount given: $28,000 Some 22 Salvation Army officers were provided with motorcycles to perform their duties. In some divisions, corps officers had to walk for two days to attend worship services and official meetings. Those trips have been reduced from days to hours with the addition of the motorcycles. The increased mobility has been a great asset in making visitation of corps members practical. Project: Construction of children’s center in Ica, Peru Country: Peru Territory: South America West Amount given: $105,823 After the 2007 earthquake in Ica, The Salvation Army began working with children – providing food and school support in the open air. A building was erected to provide a children’s center with two classrooms, laundry room, bathrooms, storage room, dining room and officer quarters. The project also included rent for an officer’s living quarters while the building was under construction. Project: Taipei Homeless Caring Center Country: Taiwan Territory: Taiwan Region Amount given: $64,327 The Taipei Homeless Caring Center provides services that include case management, outreach, emergency relief (food, hygiene, clothing, etc.), personal development classes and sheltered employment. Unfortunately, funding for the center has been unstable, inadequate and insecure. The center assists about 85 clients on an ongoing basis and provides about 100 episodes of care daily of material aid. All Majors Jerry & Peggy Mullins Service… stewardship … shepherding: Those three words mark the lives of Majors Jerry and Peggy Mullins, who entered into honored retirement on July 1, 2015, after 31 years of active service together as officers in The Salvation Army, all in the Kentucky-Tennessee Division. Peggy Kiper entered training in August 1970 from Oklahoma City as a member of the Lightbringers session. She was commissioned to Pensacola, Florida, as the assisting officer in 1972. In 1973 she stepped out of officership to marry Jerry Mullins. It would be 11 years before returning to Salvation Army officership. Jerry Mullins entered training in August 1982 from Pensacola as a member of the Servants of God session. Commissioned in June 1984, Jerry was appointed, along with wife Peggy, to Memphis (Ben Lear), Tennessee, as the corps officer. In June 1986, they were appointed to the Louisville Sanders Corps, followed by an appointment to the Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Corps in 1990. In 1997 the Mullinses took command of the Salvation Army officers in the Democratic Republic of Congo have received 22 motorcycles to help them move around the area to worship services, official meetings and visitation trips to corps members. services are provided within the context of Christian ministry with the overall aim of leading people to faith in Christ. Project: Explore Weekend Country: Malaysia Territory: Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Amount given: $10,000 The Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory is emphasizing leadership development. Last year, the territory organized an Explore Weekend to help identify and encourage prospective leaders – particularly those feeling they might be called by God to officership. The event was a success, with about 30 people – most either employees or attending corps – participating. Other prospects had expressed their interest in attending but had been unable to do so. Many Salvationists there struggle financially and have a hard time attending such events. Funding for this project will help make it possible for them to attend and thus strengthen the Army in that area. Director, Jack McDowell School for Leadership Development Thriving in the interim It was a defining moment in our household. My son, then 17, was lying on the couch with the Bible in his hands. I asked him what he was reading. “I’m in the book of 1 Timothy,” he said. The conversation ensued. “What prompted you to choose that book?” His answer was at once instructive and thrilling. “I need to know how to live between youth councils.” This same sentiment needs to be taken to heart as we have just celebrated our 150th birthday as The Salvation Army. How do we as a people of God sustain and grow our relationship with Jesus and as Salvationists between celebrations? There is nothing like the euphoria of being part of a large constituency in Spirit-filled meetings, enjoying the presence of God and each other. And the letdown upon return from events such as these can be equally difficult to navigate. Leaders, we have the opportunity to build on this fabulous inherit