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Territorial leaders visit Idaho.
On Easter Sunday at the Boise Corps, Commissioner Philip Swyers (right) enrolled Chet Radford as an adherent. |
Commissioners Philip and Patricia Swyers recently visited Idaho, in the Cascade Division. Major Mariam Rudd, divisional director of Women’s Ministries, provided this report.
Western territorial leaders Commissioners Philip and Patricia Swyers recently flew into Idaho Falls, Idaho, to meet with officers, employees, soldiers and advisory board members amidst the sights and sounds of Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, bungee jumping, snow, thunder and hail.
The Swyers were both informed and inspired as they traveled through the state over the Easter weekend. Swyers stated: “First we learned that Idaho is ‘more than potatoes’! Idaho is a beautiful picture of God’s creation and of dedicated people who desire to serve him as they reach out into the community to make a better life for those who need a friend. We salute our officers and soldiers as they daily lift up the banner to make the Army better in the name of Christ.”
On Good Friday, we drove to Pocatello, touring the community with area officers and sharing in the evening’s Good Friday service with the soldiers of Pocatello and Idaho Falls. Corps officers for Idaho Falls are Majors James and Judy Goodwin and for Pocatello, Majors Benjamin and Diane LaBarge. The Swyers shared in testimony, Scripture and challenge during the service.
Saturday we drove to Twin Falls where advisory board members, local leaders, soldiers and Corps Officers Majors Dallas and Marlo Pedersen hosted a lunch and time of fellowship. Later we enjoyed a tour of the community and watched three bungee jumpers descend from a bridge.
That evening, we arrived in Boise in advance of the first sunrise service to be held in the chapel of the Booth Family Care Center. Commissioner Pat shared a devotional as we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The men of the Boise Corps prepared breakfast prior to the Easter celebration service. It was during this service that Commissioner enrolled a new adherent, Chet Radford.
Easter evening we traveled to the Nampa Corps (corps officers Captains Jonathan and Christinette Apuan) for the United Treasure Valley service. Commissioner Swyers had the privilege of enrolling new soldiers, Megan and Stephanie Freeman, as their parents Captains Daniel and Doreen Freeman held the flags. Adherent Kimber Danielson was also enrolled and three soldiers, Chris Danielson, Lawanna Collier, and Roland Jones recommitted their lives to the service of God and The Salvation Army.
Monday was spent touring the Boise, Nampa and Caldwell facilities with officers Freeman (Boise), Apuan (Nampa), and Captains Luis and Korina Acosta (Caldwell).
“Our territorial leaders blessed each of the communities and officers in southern Idaho beyond measure,” said Major Mariam Rudd. “Commissioners Philip and Patricia Swyers love their officers, love The Salvation Army and are true examples of God’s love to us. Their commitment to making the Army better is a reality in the Cascade Division.”