Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/394678
territorial newS >> 'A day to remember' MAJOR DIANA CAPANNA 'Worth fighting for' DREW FORSTER A nticipation was in the air as 615 Salvationists from the Northeast Ohio Division filed past tall trees facing beautiful Leesville Lake and filled the chapel benches of Camp NEOSA. They were eager to affirm the camp's rally day theme, "We Believe." The service began as the newest of- ficers and candidates for the division marched in. Lt. Colonel Louisa M. Wood, special guest, offered a charge and a prayer for the candidates who will soon begin their studies at the College for Of- ficer Training. Majors Evan P. and Suzanne R. Hickman, divisional leaders, enrolled 23 junior soldiers and 24 senior soldiers. The Majors Hickman also recognized Corps Sergeant Major Ronald Marple, a retired schoolteacher from Bellaire, Ohio, as the "Soldier of the Year." Marple received the award in recognition of his distinguished service as a Salvation Army soldier and for leading many people in the ways of the Lord. The Candidate's Fund received generous pledg- es and a special offering of $54,798.79 toward the training of the future officers. Eric Dina, divisional music director and band- master, led the praise team and the divisional band. The audience en- joyed "The Parable of the Light," performed by the Territorial Arts Ministry team (TAM) Conservatory group under the leadership of its director, Carol Jaudes. Timbrelists from the Akron, Ohio (Citadel) Corps, who had placed 2nd in their category at the Territorial Star Search Competition, ministered to the crowd with "Shine Down." Lt. Colonels Louisa M. and Norman E. Wood, special guests, read God's Word and offered a thoughtful message from Psalm 47 entitled "Password Not Required." The service culminated with many people kneeling at the mercy seat to recommit their lives to Christ and to seal their commitments to serve Him. The rally continued with a picnic, car- nival, and a variety of outdoor activities that made this time together a day to remember. —Major Diana Capanna is the divisional community care ministries secretary Photos by James Van Hise T he Hayden Band Shell at Camp Wonderland in Sharon, Mass., looked like a boxing ring. "Do you know what's worth fighting for?" asked worship leader James Cox to nearly 500 delegates attending Family Camp. That Friday evening, a worship band from Brockton, Mass., home of such fighters as Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, played, kicking off a weekend of festivities under the theme, "Worth Fighting For—Our Fami- lies, Our Communities, Our God." Commissioners William W. and Marilyn A. Francis, special guests, returned to Camp Wonderland where Commissioner Bill had worked in his youth and where as a couple they had served for five sum- mers as camp directors and as divisional youth leaders. In his Bible study, Commissioner Francis said to the capacity crowd, "All Christians must become theologians. In the Greek, theo means God and logos means word, a rational discourse, so theology is a rational discourse about God." Saturday morning's "Personal Train- ing" sessions offered such workshops as "Stay in the ring: building a marriage that lasts," "Team sparring: how small groups can make a real impact," and "Perfect Stance: defending your faith without shutting down the conversation." On Saturday evening, the children enjoyed magic and a mustache party conducted by Captains Angelo and Virginia Bermeo, territorial evangelists. Amanda Thompson, of the Worcester (Citadel), Mass., Corps, shared how she survived the loss of her brother, Henry, and graduated from Gordon College, de- spite academic setbacks. Now, she leads a Bridging the Gap program, which is helping first–time offender adolescents. Morning worship was highlighted by the Family Camp Chorus singing an origi- nal song by Anne Rich, assistant music & gospel arts director. The entire congrega- tion was moved to "Open up and let the King of Glory in." Commissioner Marilyn Francis encour- aged everyone with her heartfelt testi- mony offered both orally and musically on piano. "I got over my fear when I looked into Jesus' face," she said. Commissioner Bill Francis brought the weekend's teaching to a head when, during his sermon, he asked, "How are you going to get beyond your fear?" The answer he offered was, "radical trust in Jesus as Savior," which many people sought at the mercy seat. "Worth Fighting For," a song also by Anne Rich and sung by the Family Camp Children's Choir, framed the farewell service for Accepted Candidate Joshua Brookman of the Pittsfield Corps. Captain Jason Knaggs, divisional youth & candi- dates secretary, said, "Josh Brookman is a quiet guy, but when you meet him, it's clear that he's a disciple of the cross, that he loves Jesus." Following in Brookman's footsteps that day were 14 people who answered the call to become Salvation Army officers. Majors Hickman and the Lt. Colonels Wood 6 October 2014