Last night at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps, we celebrated the life and ministry of Lt. Colonel Rhode Danielson. It was presented with devoted praise and energetic adoration to the Lord she loves and now knows completely.

With many sections of the corps participating, always at a high standard, we valued the message by Commissioner Bill Lutrell who beautifully encapsulated Rhode’s spirit and deep love for God.

Accompanied by her family and many loved ones, we glorified God and enjoyed His presence. Hallelujah!

We will look forward to the day in which we will join her in the company of Jesus.

²⁰He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

²¹The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

We lost a saint today. She is Lt. Colonel Rhode Danielson, the wife of Lt. Colonel Doug Danielson and the mother of Caleb and Hannah. She is the Divisional Women’s Ministry Secretary of the South West Division, Western Territory, USA.

She has been welcomed into heaven, but will be missed incredibly, here.

Thank you, Father for allowing us to know her and always be impacted by her affect on our lives. Hallelujah!

^{Psalm 46:1} God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Beautiful memorial service today for Lt. Colonel Alice Smith. The tributes were inspiring and touching. She has a wonderful family and the love is as deep as it gets.

Mrs. Arvona Stillwell spoke eloquently of her and gave out her secret for her meaningful life: “she said yes to God.” That’s a page from my own book. Hallelujah!

Her family said she “lived to shine for others.” That’s another poignant witness.

I think one of the reasons God gives us eternity is because we need that much time to get to know each other better. I recall meeting The Smiths before and I’ll gladly look forward to seeing them again in white robes before the throne of God.

^{2 Corinthians 3:18″}And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect^[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

A glorious homecoming took place for Lt. Colonel William Bamford who entered his eternal rest from his home in Badenton, FL. He was a wonderful Defender of the Faith who loved and served the Lord with all his heart. Even during his illness, his beautiful spirit and faithful witness to the Lord’s faithfulness brought blessing and strength to all. The arrangements are still pending and will be sent as soon as confirmation is received.

Please pray for his dear wife, Joan, and sons, Major William Bamford, III of Cleveland, OH, Jeffrey Bamford of Everett, MA and Donald J. Bamford of Nokomis, FL, and several grandchildren.

We will miss this good friend and Salvation Army leader who was there for me every time I needed him with encouragement and holy example. He was instrumental in my marriage to Carolyn and my calling to service for Jesus. I will always value his life and deep influence upon me. Hallelujah!

John 14: 1″Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God[a]; trust also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Living 54 years full of life, joy, purpose and love, our brother and good friend, Brad Jenkins is in the eternal presence of God. He’s realising the promise and provision of our Saviour, Jesus. In this we celebrate.

Our prayers continue for Heather, his wife and for their children, Luke, Paul, and Elyse who will bear their father’s loss for their lifetime.

Having served in five of our eight divisions, Brad and his wife are the Corps Officers of the Hobart Citadel Corps. They too are facing the mixed emotions of sorrow and joy for the redeemed. Hallelujah!

^{Psalm 1: 1} Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.

² But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

So General William Booth (PTG) was born on 10th April. Somehow I missed it. No disrespect intended, I’m working on remembering my alive relatives and friends birthdays. Facebook is good for that. In July, we celebrate the Founders’ Day.

You see, in TSA, the founder is an important person (as is the co-founder, Catherine Booth,(did she have a rank?)), but we don’t idolise him. Yes, there are a few portraits hanging about as there is in my office, but they’re clearly not shrines. Both of the founders were extraordinary people who followed God, but they were in most ways like most people. Our challenge is to activate the same measure of faith they had and believe that God wants us to win the people of the world for Jesus. Hallelujah!

So, a belated happy birthday General Booth. No doubt you’re not even thinking of this birthday in the presence of God.

Psalms 2:7 (MSG)
⁷ Let me tell you what God said next. He said, “You’re my son, And today is your birthday.