FIT FOR MISSION WEEKEND: AN EYES WIDE OPEN EXPERIENCE
FIT FOR MISSION WEEKEND: AN EYES WIDE OPEN EXPERIENCE
From September 23rd to 25th The Salvation Army of Central Maryland’s Corps officers and salvationists from Temple Corps, Hampden Corps, Middle River Corps, and Havre De Grace Corps actively participated at the Potomac Division’s Fit for Mission Family Weekend at Eagle Eyrie in Lynchburg Virginia. This was the first time the Potomac Division had the opportunity to gather ALL ages together for an event with the purpose of uniting, and inspiring for the mission.
Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life…
Matthew 28:19
Special guest speakers, Jennifer Dake, Jeremy Rowland, Captains Mark & Jennifer Van Meter, Major Mike Hawley, Majors Stephen & Sujung Na, Majors Julio & Luci Da Silva, and Majors Tim and Cheryl Gilliam conducted workshops to encourage Salvationist in evangelism, discipleship, and youth outreach ministries. This action-packed-weekend included workshops that explored the pillars of leadership, Evangelism Now, successful discipleship during difficult times, and being “fishers of men” for Jesus.
Our Captains Matthew Tidman and Laura Tidman from Hampden Corps spearheaded a family-based workshop called “Bored Family? Try Board Gaming” that excited several families present and infused spiritual guidance.
Our Area Commander, Major Roger Glick, was deeply moved by the family weekend workshops. “A thought came to me as I listened to our Divisional Commander’s many challenges over the weekend. This is not the type of prayer we do with our eyes closed, simply waiting for God to respond “magically”. This is a type of dream that we dream with our eyes wide open, responding to every opportunity to serve, to connect, to guide, to simply be and give for free what by grace we freely received,” said Major Glick.
This mission, this dream with “eyes wide open”, deeply resonated with all corps attendees. Lt. Schelika Chisolm and Captain Michael Chisolm, of Temple Corps, brought 10 salvationists to the weekend retreat.
“We were challenged by our Divisional Commanders, Lt. Colonels Allan and Fiona Hofer, to share the gospel message with the next generation and to remain in the presence of God.”
In addition, Reginald & Belinda Johnson, of Baltimore Temple Corps, were honored for their outreach ministry to the West Baltimore community. This husband and wife team help manage Cornbread Café Ministry, which provides meals to street homeless in West Baltimore, and provides support to kids from our Boys and Girls club in Franklin Square.