Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/394678
territorial newS >> Equipping God's people at soldiers' retreat RONDA ATWATER "E quip God's People," was the theme of PENDEL Division's Soldiers' Retreat, based on Ephesians 4:11–13. Guest speaker Cot- ton Presley, corps sergeant–major and Sunday school teacher at his corps in Springdale, Ark., taught from a wealth of experience, wisdom, and knowledge of the Word of God. Leadership tracks included teaching on local officership, youth and adult disciple- ship, music & arts, and social services ministry. The "Sunday School Teachers of Chil- dren" track, taught by Captains Debra and Michael Laro, associate youth & can- didates secretary and youth & candidates secretary, was helpful for Jeriel Lowe of the West Pittston, Pa., Corps, who said, "Children are the next generation of leaders, and I've been inspired in teach- ing them and helping to light their way." Kathy Brinton from the Harrisburg (Citadel), Pa., Corps said that Cotton Presley's "Corps Sergeant–Majors" track was most beneficial for her because "his inclusive teaching style was a reflection of his conviction that we are all equal members of the body of Christ." In the united sessions, two video clips humorously illustrated excuses some Christians give for why they fail to serve God and other people, as they should. Like firefighters who might ignore emer- gencies, or fishermen who seek other things to do rather than to fish, we can convince ourselves that we need more time or equipment to get ready, or that someone else can do the work better, or that there is no real need. Under Dr. Harold Burgmayer's direction, the delegate songsters group prepared selections for Saturday's and Sunday's meetings. "Pour Thy Spirit" (Krinjak) was a song whose prayerful lyrics energized the congregation to "go on from that good hour to revive His work afresh." Building the body A united session by Cathy Hayes, then divisional leadership development direc- tor, focused on the roles of corps and pastoral care councils. "This was so edu- cational!" shared Betty Ellen Barrett from the Easton, Pa., Corps. "I didn't know there were so many positions you can hold in the corps." Many corps have a council in place to cover the business and planning of the corps, yet lack a pastoral care council. Cathy Hayes pleaded, "If we only have a corps council, who, then, is taking care of our people?" Another video challenged our idea of church with its message, "Less of this and more of this." It showed how we can be so bogged down with church busy- ness that we neglect loving and caring for Christ's body. Chris Christian of the Philadelphia (Citadel), Pa., Corps began to understand this concept more fully. He said, "The body of Christ makes sense in a practi- cal way. With our unique gifts, we're all a part of Christ's mission." On Sunday morning, Stephany Suarez, PENDEL divisional creative arts director, danced to the words, "Let them see You in me," reiterating the theme that all we do and say should reflect Christ and edify the body "Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God…" The Philadelphia Citadel Band, led by Aaron Harris, provided accompaniment in every meeting. Cotton Presley used the band as an example in teaching "unity in the faith." Motioning toward the band, he said, "What a perfect picture of our Head in heaven directing our body." Godefroy Makoumbou of the Wilm- ington, Del., Corps gave testimony to God's working in his family through his son's healing. Arren Boyd, 17, offered a testimony that spoke of the Godly influence of his music leaders at the Philadelphia (Cita- del), Pa., Corps. Arren shared Philippians 4:6–7 and said the passage gives him peace in difficult situations. Terry Nebistinsky of the Pottsville, Pa., Corps testified about running from God's calling, then responding with obedience to His faithfulness. She used Romans 8:28 to confirm that her life has been ordered by God for His special purpose. On Sunday morning, every delegate attended a Bible study, each with the same WordAction material. Xavier Valdes of the Philadelphia Tab- ernacle Corps shared his testimony about growing into spiritual maturity. Cotton Presley's teaching throughout the weekend presented several challeng- es from God's Word: to love one another, to operate in the body of God, and to be imitators of God. "The more we are in our corps," he says, "the more we need to resemble our Father in heaven." 13 www.saconnects.org