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The War Cry | September 1, 2012
G R O W I N G U P
, my family
was "po." We were so "po" we
could not afford the "or"
needed to be poor. My mother
was single with six children.
With a large family and one
income, the ends did not al-
ways meet. My mother had to
find ways to provide for the
family, so she went to The Salvation Army.
During a routine food�box pickup a social
worker invited my siblings and me to attend the
after school troop programs, and the next day a 15
passenger van pulled into our driveway to pick us
up. Despite our messy hair and dirty clothes, the
leaders welcomed us with open arms.
After several months of attending troops, I had
the chance to attend the Salvation Army's summer
camp. I was able to participate in activities that I
could not do in the big city, like nature hikes and
archery. In the evenings I heard stories of Jesus,
his amazing love for everyone and how he died on
the cross. During my final night at camp, I was
presented with an opportunity to accept Christ as
my Lord and personal Savior. Although I was
young, I knew that I was a sinner des-
perately in need of a savior. I needed
salvation that could only come from
Jesus Christ. So I went to the front of
the chapel and gave my heart to God.
I would like to say that my situa-
tion instantly changed and every-
thing was better, but I would be ly-
ing. What changed was that I did not
have to live my life alone, because
God was with me.
Because camp held such a spe-
cial place in my heart, at the age of
16 that is where I went to work and
where I met my husband, Jared. Af-
ter a few weeks of his petitions, I
gave in and went on a date with
him to the snack shop. Four years
later we were married where we first met, at
camp. Since then God has blessed us with two of
the most awesome boys who continuously make
my heart smile.
In 2010 my husband, two sons and I packed
up our home and moved from Arizona to California
to enter the Salvation Army's College for Officer
Training. We are excited about the
opportunities to share the good
news of Jesus Christ with others. I
understand that my responsibilities
will not be easy, but I know that I
will not have to do it alone, because
God is with me. Matthew 28:19�20 confirms this:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them
to obey everything I have commanded you. And
surely I am with you always, to the very end of
the age."
Lieutenant Christina Arnold was ordained as a minister
of the gospel and commissioned as a Salvation Army
officer in the Western Terriory in June.
How A New Officer Met the Army
......H......
...WHAT CHANGED WAS THAT I DID
NOT HAVE TO LIVE MY LIFE ALONE,
BECAUSE GOD WAS WITH ME.
"I Am With You Always
by LIEUTENANT
CHRISTINA ARNOLD
"
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