Listen to this article
Gaithers and Harfoots attend, install divisional leaders
by Kathy Merritt, A/Captain –
Over 300 members of the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division assembled at Camp Homelani on the North Shore of Oahu recently for family camp. National leaders Commissioners Israel and Eva Gaither and Western territorial chief secretary and secretary for women’s ministries, Lt. Colonels William and Sue Harfoot, also attended.
In the opening meeting, Harfoot installed the new divisional leaders, Majors Edward and Shelley Hill. The people responded warmly, presenting the Hills with an abundance of leis.
Gaither spoke on the theme for the weekend, “Come Join Our Army.” With his usual dynamic spirit, he urged, “Come to Jesus, come to the Army, and fight for God!”
One camper said, “Commissioner Israel Gaither has a real gift. What an incredible opportunity for me to hear him this weekend!”
An open prayer tent throughout the weekend included meaningful items from across the islands. A list of items, dreams, praises and petitions helped guide visitors’ prayers.
A variety of workshops included one in which Harfoot spoke about “Becoming a welcoming Christian and a welcoming corps.”
On Saturday evening, “The Army’s Got Talent” featured performers from different corps on an outdoor stage. Professional entertainer Bruce Shimabukuro also sang, accompanying himself on his ukulele.
On Sunday, the final day of camp, Gaither again spoke. “Join our Army, he said. Don’t wait, don’t put it off, join our Army today. There are so many addictions out there, so many temptations to fight. Make your life counttrust Jesus and join our Army!”