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by Lt. Amy Reardon –
The Southwest Division held its divisional Deeper Life Camp Meetings at the Mesa (Arizona) Convention Center. More than 600 delegates were inspired by special guests General and Mrs. Bramwell (Maude) Tillsley (R). Also present were Colonels Robin and Shona Forsyth, territorial leaders of the Latin America North Territory.
The weekend began with a “Welcome Celebration” on Friday night. After joyful song and testimony, Tillsley challenged delegates to determine whether the Holy Spirit was “present, prominent, or preeminent” in their lives. “General Tillsley’s teaching is anointed by the Holy Spirit,” commented Major Rosario Argudin (R).
Saturday’s scheduled consisted of separate rallies for men, women, children, teens, a Bible study with the General, a trip to a water park for teens, and a book signing by Tillsley. The day concluded with a “Celebration of Praise” led by Divisional Music Director Ralph Pearce. This program included gospel music, brass music, solos by music campers, drama and a biblical message based on Romans 8.
The Divisional Singing Company Competition was won by the Hobbs Singing Company, led by Captain Miriam Keene. Tillsley presented them with their award.
The Holy Spirit swept through the room in Pentecostal fashion Sunday morning as the General expounded on II Timothy 1 and Acts 4. Delegates thronged to the altar. An eager response was seen again in the final meeting Sunday afternoon (led by DYCS Capt.Ivan Wild) when Tillsley called forward those who would give themselves to officership. Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Olin Hogan summed up the weekend’s “Building the Kingdom” theme by reminding delegates that “all Christians are called to full time service–whether at work, school, or in officership.”