Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. I was one
of those people who had plunged into
the depths of despair--a chronic alco-
holic who functioned the best I could in
an alcoholic world. I couldn't
have cared less if I got res-
cued or not. This is where The
Salvation Army met me and
changed me into the person I
am proud to be today.
sical talent with particular
emphasis on church music.
Growing up in a Christian
family, I actually enjoyed go-
ing to church every Sunday,
which made my experience unique. I was a quick
study for all the Sunday School hymns and songs,
and I must have driven my family, neighbors and
friends crazy with my constant playing of this music.
I never let anyone or anything prohibit me from
playing music to the glory of God. God had given
me a talent and I took full advantage of it in my
early years. It was not until I became "worldly"
that my talent began to fade a little at a time until
I didn't care whether I played the music or not.
aged me to join his church. Luther Place was no
ordinary congregation, bucking all odds and open-
ing its doors and hearts to the homeless and mar-
ginalized people of the city. This concept of biblical
hospitality intrigued me and I became an integral
part of their ministry. This is what attracted me so
much to The Salvation Army.
way of doing things. I came back to the Salvation
Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) and grad-
ually felt the need to offer my musical talent at the
corps. Little by little, I began doing things for other
people, and, as if a veil had been lifted, I began
I got involved in church activities as
much as my schedule permitted, and
by doing so, let God back into my life.
I know God never left me, but He was
waiting for me to allow myself to be
thing and that there was a
place for me at God's table,
regardless of my past ad-
diction to alcohol. Now
that I'm on the solid rock,
give others a hand up to get
back on the rock, or to find
it in the first place.
trenches of ungodliness and despair through my
addiction to alcohol, God has blessed me with
the means to go out and help those still in the
trenches. Through my faith in God and belief in
myself, I was able to overcome the addiction that
had me bound for so many years. Faith is what
helped me climb out of the hole I had dug.
opened. I signed The Soldier's Covenant to go out
into the world to love and serve the Lord and up-
hold the doctrines and principles of The Salvation
Army. I am proud and greatly humbled to say: "I
am a Salvation Army Soldier! God's servant here
on earth... Praise God! "
or not. In fact, there would be no rock. This is the
amazing thing about God. He lets me march with
the Blood and the Fire. He lets me go in the
strength of the Lord. He lets me fight the good
fight. He lets me be strong in the grace of the Lord.
This is the justice, the peace, the Shalom of God
that guides my walk with Christ.
Eastern Territory.