Southern Spirit June 17, 2016 | Page 9

June 17 , 2016 7

CommissioningoftheMessengersofLight Territorial Youth Band steps into the spotlight at Commissioning

By Laura Poff Southern Spirit staff

The Territorial Youth Band served as the duty band for Commissioning weekend , a first-time honor for the group that was initially formed three years ago and whose current members had never before played together .

“ They did fabulously well ,” said Bandmaster Nick Simmons-Smith , music and creative arts education secretary . “ They are a great group who clearly had the time of their lives .”

Members were pulled from across the territory , either after being selected for the top band at TMI or by video audition earlier this year . They flew in to Atlanta on the Wednesday afternoon before Commissioning to begin rehearsals for their first performance at the commencement service held at

the Atlanta Temple Corps only two days later . They

LongService

25 years

Major Debra Chambless Major Karen Craddock Major Nancy Fuller Major P . Mark Harwell Major Robert Lyle Major Matthew Riley Major W . Ernest Steadham Major Alberto Villafuerte , Jr . Major David E . Craddock Major Linda Fagan Major Karen Lyle Major Jan Harwell Major Clara Hodge Major Catherine Riley Major Timothy Williford Major Yvette Villafurte

30 years

Major Debra Carr Major Geraldine Dancer Lt . Colonel Allan Hofer Major S . Diane Johnson Major Pamala Morris Major Neala Owens Major Chiffonia Smith Major Donald Smith Major Stanley Carr Major Mary Kay Hearne Major Carl Hughes Major Connie Long Major Algerome Newsome Major Crystal Pruitt Major Mark Smith Major Donna Smith

35 years

Major Catherine Costas Major Richard Hathorn Major Kenneth W . Nelson Major Pete Costas , Jr . Major Stefanie Hathorn Lt . Colonel Carolee Israel Major Donald Wilson

40 years

Major Beverly Covert Major Eugene Gesner Major D . Debra Gesner Lt . Colonel Debra Mockabee Major Samuel VanDenberg Major Veronia VanDenberg

45 years

Major Dawn Heard Commissioner David Jeffrey played for the Territorial Men ’ s Conference the following morning , accompanied he Evangeline Booth College musical Saturday night and played for both services on Sunday before packing up and heading home .

“ They far exceeded my expectations ,” said Lt . Colonel William Mockabee , territorial secretary for program and executive officer for the youth band . “ I knew that they would do well but they blew me away with how good they actually were .”

He went on to stress the importance of providing opportunities for young people to showcase their skills .

“ It was a great opportunity to put a spotlight on this band and say that what they do is valuable ,” he said .

For Simmons-Smith , seeing a large group of young people excited about brass band gave him hope that

Army serves in flooded areas in Texas

The Salvation Army in Texas has provided widespread practical assistance following flooding in and around the state , particularly in Brazoria , Fort Bend , and Montgomery counties .

Eight Salvation Army disaster teams were operating mobile kitchens , working around the clock to deliver much needed meals , drinks , cleaning supplies , and encouragement to people affected by flooding . Trained disaster crews have traveled from as far as Plainview , San Angelo and Austin to provide support to the work being done by local Salvation Army teams from the Houston area .

“ We continue to see conditions improving in most areas of the state , but there are still areas of concern along the Brazos River ,” said Alvin Migues , emergency disaster services director for The Salvation Army in Texas . “ We are monitoring the situation and responding in communities that are just now seeing the water starting to

The Territorial Youth Band perform during the commencement of the Messengers of Light . the program will continue to be successful in corps across the territory .

For many corps , brass bands are one of the few programs that bring together a multigenerational , multiethnic group .

“ They aren ’ t the Army of the future , they are the Army of today ,” Lt . Colonel Mockabee said .

Army offers support in Orlando in wake of shooting at nightclub

On the Sunday morning after the tragic mass shooting in Orlando , Salvation Army disaster relief teams arrived at Orange Avenue near the Orange Regional Medical Center , providing food and hydration to responders . Dinner was provided in partnership with generous restaurants like Olive Garden and Buffalo Wild Wings .

“ Our mobile kitchen served throughout the night with water and coffee available to any responders or passersby ,” said Major Ted Morris , Orlando area commander . “ We will continue to support responders and families with the generosity of our local community partners . This morning , more restaurants arrived with breakfast foods and although we are grateful , we may have more than we need at this location .”

The Salvation Army has asked

that any commercial food vendors that are interested in supporting to call The Salvation Army of Orlando at 407-423-8581 .

The Salvation Army mobile kitchens , better known as canteens , prepare year round for natural disasters like hurricanes and tornados , but this week our volunteer teams have been called to action to serve alongside our first responders in this time of tragedy .

“ We ask everyone to join us in praying for those that have been affected by this attack ,” Morris said . “ Our teams will continue to serve in coordination with emergency management and our partner organizations .”

If you are interested in supporting these efforts , please log on to www . disaster . salvationarmyusa . org or call 800- SAL-ARMY .

General asks Salvationists to demonstrate God ’ s mercy

In response to the tragic shooting at the Orlando , Florida , nightclub , General André Cox has recorded a video message calling on Salvationists and friends to “ demonstrate God ’ s mercy in a practical and tangible way .” He offers prayers for everyone affected by the tragedy , and for “ President Obama and government officials who need to provide leadership in these days .”

Picking up on the Orlando area commander ’ s report that disaster team members had asked how they could help their “ neighbors ,” the General makes the link with Jesus giving special emphasis to the command “ Love your neighbor ” – even when that neighbor has different beliefs or comes from another culture .

The video is available on the International Headquarters Facebook page ( facebook . com / SalvationArmyIHQ ) and can be shared easily . It is also available on salvationarmy . org / thegeneral .

As of June 8 , the Texas Division ’ s Emergency Disaster Services operation had eight canteens deployed in flooded areas , especially in the hard-hit southeast part of the state . recede .”

Several national and local partners have come forward to provide much needed support to the ongoing response effort . Target generously donated $ 100,000 in Target GiftCards to be distributed by The Salvation Army in the hardest hit areas and Walmart has provided supplies and food in various cities . AmeriCares , an emergency response and global health organization , has donated four

truckloads of bottled water given by Nestlé Waters North America and comfort kits that have arrived in southeast Texas for families in need . Mercy Chefs , a Virginia-based nonprofit disaster relief organization , has deployed its team of professional chefs to feed survivors and first responders . Additionally , local partnerships from companies including H-E-B , Chickfil-A , and Boys & Girls Club , have provided meals and volunteers .