Who Can Submit Articles for This Blog?

Would you like to submit an article for inclusion on this blog? While membership in the Fellowship is limited to Former Officers, this blog is open to all readers. You may fall into one of the following categories. If so, please feel free to share in this blog. Former Officers, Active Officers, Retired Officers, Ministers of other denominations, Lay Persons, Soldiers, leaders, etc. In other words, if you are one of our readers, you may submit articles that you feel will be uplifting and edifying. This includes personal experiences and scripture lessons. All articles should be submitted to: lawsgaryla@aol.com where they will be reviewed for appropriateness. Please keep you remarks positive and God honoring. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Thoughts From the Word-Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Two great themes found in the New Testament are forgiveness and reconciliation. The Bible teaches that we are all sinners in need of forgiveness. That is the prerequisite to reconciliation to God. While this is true with respect to our spiritual life, we find these same themes referenced with regard to our relationships with others. The ability to forgive is a powerful attribute! Yet, often it is not easy. When others hurt us or treat us unfairly, Satan works in the very depths of our being to thwart any inclination toward forgiveness of others. He makes us angry, resentful, and even vindictive in an effort to keep us from forgiving and moving on with our lives. When we lack the ability to forgive, we deny ourselves the reconciliation that God intends for us to experience. Restored relationships bring with them a fulfillment that can be achieved in no other way. If we claim the name of Jesus Christ, then we are compelled to forgive, no matter how difficult it may be! The result will be the restoration of our relationships with others in a wonderful, grand way. Could this also be true with our relationships within the church and towards it's leadership? I think so!

Still On The Battlefield?

Are you a 'Former'who is still serving on the battlefield as a Salvation Army Soldier? Take a few minutes and share with others how God is continuing to use you. It is encouraging to hear reports from former officers who have elected to stay in the Army. There are many wonderful soldiers of Christ who have moved on to other fields of service, for sure. However, if you are still in the Army, tell us something of your work. If you find yourself serving other churches, you are welcome to share your thoughts as well. We would love to hear from you! Blessings on all, whether in or out! Send us an article to: lawsgaryla@aol.com and we will review it for inclusion on the blog!

Joy in the Salvation Army

I have been a Salvationist all of my life. What a joy it is to serve in a denomination whose focus is on the propagation of the Gospel and the elimination of human need. When I was a child, the Army and it's Officers and Soldiers were there to provide sound biblical teaching and mirror the life of Christ in their own. As a teenager I was always thrilled to play with the Army band, attend Torchbearers and Crusaders along with being a Corps Cadet. Participating in the Divisional Youth Events and the Territorial Congress each year provided much needed fellowship with like minded youth. Now that I am well into my adult years, it has been my privilege to be an Officer and, subsequently a soldier and to encourage my family to do the same. Yes, indeed, joy has been a big part of this life long journey and it remains so. All my life I have been 'beating the Army Drum', so to speak. I'll continue doing that. Share with us some of your favorite Army experiences here on our blog. Others will be encouraged!Submissions should be sent to: lawsgaryla@aol.com

WELCOME!

Welcome to our new blog. We encourage you to visit this page often in the days ahead. Also, if you would like to contribute an article for publication on this blog you are welcome to do so. Please send all submissions to Gary Laws: lawsgaryla@aol.com. All submissions will be reviewed for appropriateness before posting. This site is intended to accomplish the following: 1) To glorify God and call attention to the saving and keeping power of Jesus Christ. 2) To publish edifying articles that will be of help and support to all who read it. 3) To emphasize the positive, God honoring ministry of The Salvation Army. 4) To encourage all readers to become (or remain) in Christian service, whether through The Salvation Army or through other ministries that God has called them to. We hope that, in the days ahead, God will bless you and keep you!

Still Serving After Twenty Nine Years

After serving 29 years with The Salvation Army (13 as an officer and 4 years as an Envoy in Charge of a Corps, the balance as a professional employee) I have elected to remain a soldier of the Army. It is my spiritual home.

I realize that many former officers have moved on to other denominations and that, too, is fine. I have some concerns, however, over the negativity found in the hearts of many toward the Army. Now, I understand that many may not have been treated fairly at the time of their resignation or termination. The Army, like any other organization, is made up those who are very human, even while making decisions that effect the lives of others. I have my issues also. Yet I continue to hold to the position that God has raised the Army to be a force for Him in this world. I believe that it is and I still want to be part of that.

In 2008 my wife and I resigned. Sue had several strokes which required me to remain at home with her 24/7. We had hoped for early retirement (we were only three years from our retirement date) , but that was not to be. No other alternatives were offered after we were told we did not have enough time in service to retire early. That hurt. It hurt deeply. Serving God in the Army has been our life.

Of course, we do realize that the Army has policies which must be adhered to. I would guess that I was not the best officer to 'come down the pike', but I always worked hard and gave God the glory. Incidentally, I wasn't the worst, either! In the final analysis, we have elected to remain soldiers. We hope to support others who have left the Army and we encourage a fellowship between them, whether they are still soldiers or have moved on. God bless each of you.