Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/418074
Vantage Point>> 'God is fair and just!' MAJOR DARLENE DEGROATE In 1998, doctors diagnosed Major Darlene De- Groate, a territo- rial auditor, with congestive heart failure and 12 years later, she received a pace- maker. The following is a brief account of what happened next. D espite an intense regimen of medi- cines and further doctor's visits, it became clear that my weakening heart needed to be replaced if I was to go on living. In 2012, what appeared to be an attractive shoulder bag became my constant companion. Inside, I kept a por- table heart pump with batteries, which I learned to carry everywhere. The pump, further medications, and constant doc- tor's monitoring was all in preparation for an ultimate heart transplant that would save my life. Then in September 2013, a donor be- came available. When I got the call, I immediately prayed for the donor's family and wrote a letter to them. "I pray for peace through your storm and God's presence in your lives," I wrote. "You will never know the true depth of my gratefulness to you and your family for this extremely generous gift to me." Today, I enjoy watching the sun rise and set over the ocean. I also have a pas- sion for lighthouses and seafood. I love my life, even with its ups and downs. The downside of it has helped build my char- acter. I'm confi dent, but I still shy away from being totally outgoing. God is still working on me. He never gives up. I enjoy listening to Dr. Charles Stanley, Dr. Frederick K. Price, Pastor Joel Olsteen, and TV Evangelist Joyce Meyer. I have an ear for an eclectic mix of music—contemporary, classical, hip– hop, western, country, rock 'n roll, as well as old hymns and contemporary church music. I'm working again as an auditor for the Army, although for eight months I had limited mobility. I must stay close to a hospital where I can receive treat- ment and stay under the watchful eye of my doctors. I also talk to other heart transplant recipients. We are schooled on best practices and serve each other with emotional and spiritual support. Life is not fair—but God is fair and just! LAUNCHING IMPACT 150 'If we are to experience real revival and see new heroes of the faith rise up and fulfi ll God's vision for The Salvation Army—we must begin with extraordinary prayer. Yes, we must pray for more if we are to receive more. God has placed upon my heart the burden to pray for 100 new cadets to join the "Joyful Intercessors" session of 2015. With the number of cadets and spouses presently at the College for Offi cer Training, this would represent a total of 150 cadets in preparation for offi cership. Together, they would powerfully move the mission and message of the Army forward in our 150 th year of existence. I'm counting on you to join us in making a signifi cant impact on the Salvation Army's future!' — Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2015, the USA Eastern Territory will celebrate 'Impact 150' at a public Welcome of Cadets meeting at Centennial Memorial Temple in New York City. To see a video on this exciting initiative, go online now to SAConnects.org 5 www.saconnects.org