Listen to this article
All-day event enjoyed by hundreds.
by Sue Schumann Warner –
Bible Bowl champions from Ft. Collins, Colo., are congratulated by Commissioner Philip Swyers (l) and Captain Lisa Smith (r) |
While Friday morning dawned gray and damp on the Crestmont campus, Major Donald Hostetler, training principal, announced, “This will be a fine day of celebrating the many parts of the Army world…and the sun will come out!”
His comments were prophetic on both counts.
The sun broke from behind the clouds just as the Family Fiesta began, and Salvationists and friends enjoyed an afternoon filled with fellowship and fun. From high energy activities for kids, to a climbing wall, to informational booths—and music, magic and dance on center stages—the campus offered something for everyone, even if it was sitting under a shady tree and catching up with friends and family.
Bible Bowl
After a number of elimination rounds, the Bible Bowl finals had the Wenatchee, Wash., corps—the 2005 champs—vying with the Ft. Collins, Colo., corps for this year’s championship.
The chapel was packed as Quiz Master Major Nancy Dihle asked the four-member teams questions based on the books of Romans and James. Hands slammed on buzzers, signaling ready answers—often in the form of lengthy Bible verses recited verbatim. At the end, the Intermountain Division’s Ft. Collins’ team emerged as this year’s champs.
Trailblazers and Sara Groves
After a barbecue dinner, people gathered under the big tent (where Commencement ceremonies had been held) to enjoy an evening of music and celebration.
Bob Docter, New Frontier Publications editor-in-chief, announced this year’s Trailblazers as Lt. Colonel Terry Griffin read their citations. “These awards allow the territory to recognize individuals who have contributed innovative and creative work on behalf of The Salvation Army. It is a distinct honor for me to introduce those individuals, who were nominated by their divisions and selected by a committee and myself,” said Docter.
Commissioner Philip Swyers, territorial commander, presented the awards. This year’s Trailblazers are: Captains David and Ruth Scott; Herb Mead; Mary Ruth Hansen; and Dick Wiseman.
Afterwards, singer and songwriter Sara Groves shared her life and music with the receptive audience, providing a reflective and inspiring time of worship.
The evening had a comfortable, “camp meeting” feel, as Swyers spoke to the audience, drawing on experiences in his life ranging from events of baseball’s 1957 World Series, to a time in Chicago’s O’Hare Airport when a newspaper salesman, whose life had been changed by a Salvation Army rehabilitation program, called out to thank the Swyers as they were passing by for what the Army had done for him. “We are rich in him [God] this evening because he’s in charge, and has prepared a place for us,” Swyers said.