More Candidates were accepted today to enter the USA Western Territory College For Officer Training. This is really good news. We need more and more to win the world for Jesus.

How many people do you think God is calling for officership today? Twice the number applying? Three times? I think it’s more like 10 times.

Do we have enough means to train them all? We’ll find it.

Do we have enough appointments for all of them? We sure do.

Can we advance without them? Advance is the work of God. He can do anything. Hallelujah! That’s why He is calling so many to step up and serve Him with everything.

Talk to your corps officer today. Can your corps do without you? They can if it’s God’s plan.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thess 5:24

The Ambassadors of Holiness have all been commissioned. There were 52 today. Hallelujah!

It takes a while, but it’s worth it to recognize the Cadets, now Lieutenants individually. Each one deserves the ordination and commissioning and all have moved forward in the name of Jesus.

The meeting also included a message from Acts, chapter one and two. It was about Pentecost and the fact that we rely on the Holy Spirit for the most convincing witness. many were saved and many received sanctification. Thank you, Lord.

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

From Major Victor Doughty:

Dear Friends:

I wanted to provide you with an update regarding the recent promotion to Glory of Accepted Candidate Lura LeMar.

First of all, Sam wants everyone to know that he feels incredibly supported by his Salvation Army family. He takes comfort in knowing that his dear wife is now safely in the arms of Jesus.

The doctors have determined that Lura’s death was caused by a pulmonary embolism and could not have been prevented.

Sam is proceeding with plans, already underway prior to Lura’s passing, to transfer their personal belongings to Hemet in preparation for working at camp this summer and entering the CFOT in August.

Sam and the family are still working out the arrangements for the Celebration of Life which will most likely take place in California.

Since Sam is on the road right now, condolences and messages of encouragement should be directed to the home of his mother-in-law, Captain Susan Gibson.

Your prayers for Sam and their family at this very difficult time continue to be greatly appreciated.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I believe a natural outcome of a healthy corps includes some of their soldiers becoming officers. Is there a formula? Is there a reliable forecast method? How often would a corps send someone?

There are not any reasonable projections of candidates for officership. How then do we manage it? Do we just stand around and wait? I don’t think so. If my corps hasn’t sent someone into the ministry recently, I need to ask some questions. The first one is: Why?

More candidates means more officers, and that should mean the potential to reach more people for Jesus increases. No other reason for more candidates.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” - Psalm 73:25-26

Oh yes. Bill Riley has been to town with his wife Lorraine. Good ministry. Valued support. Positive witness.

The Territorial Executive Council met this week and where Bill presented workshops about some things to help leadership support officers under farewell orders. Because we have a deeply committed group, some of what was given became an affirmation to those who are doing some great things in their current ministry to mitigate these transitions in our movement. Hallelujah!

Thanks, Bill. You’ve been helpful.

Psalm 16:7
I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

I enjoy the many Christmas celebrations that are happening around us. Some might think enough is enough. I understand that, but I also believe this is a great way to celebrate the birth of Christ unashamedly.

Today we participated in both the THQ Christmas Chapel Service and a Christmas Luncheon for the retired officers of both the Sierra Del Mar Division and the Southern California Division. The DC’s were there as was the THQ Cabinet and a quintet of brass musicians who represented us well with their good music.

We’re beginning to get to know many of these good people and a few we’ve known and respected for many years. Thank you, Lord for these celebrations of grace, love and hope. Hallelujah!

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”” - Luke 1:26-28