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by Barbara Sloan, Major –
Blake Edward Webb, youth pastor at the Portland Moore Street Corps, was promoted to Glory on May 2, 2010, as a result of previously unknown heart-related issues. He was born October 9, 1986, in Sacramento, Calif., to Jay and Carla Webb. He met The Salvation Army as a high school student in Roseville, Calif.
Blake was one of the kindest young men I’ve known. He was a faithful soldier of the cross in his ministry responsibilities and commitments to our corps youth. He was a tremendous example of a young man with a servant’s heart. Affectionately referred to as “Papa Griz”—the lovable bear—Blake was involved in Salvation Army activities at summer camps, Revolution Hawaii, corps kettle campaign, and as youth pastor at Moore Street from Sept. 2009 until his death. He had a faith-filled outlook on life and a positive attitude toward people.
After becoming a Salvation Army soldier in February 2010, he asked God to “expand his territory,” so that he could touch more young lives for God’s glory. Blake was concerned for each young person he met. He understood their needs and wanted to help them. He also helped us at Portland Moore Street to become more aware of the downtrodden, the oppressed, and those who have fallen on hard times.
In our final meeting together he told me, “Major, it is hard living out the Bible. It takes great effort, but the Holy Spirit is here helping me, comforting me, guiding me, and rewarding me.”
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness (Matthew 25:23).
Have you given much thought to what it takes to be either a good and faithful servant or son? Blake Webb did!
Major Barbara Sloan is corps officer
of the Portland Moore Street Corps.
of the Portland Moore Street Corps.