Radical Faith: The Lord’s Harvest

“‘Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty,” (Zechariah 4:6b).

This year's Southern Territorial Bible Conference theme theme, “Radical Faith,” resonated throughout the beautiful and edifying week that officers, soldiers, and friends of the Southern Territory spent in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.

On the morning of August 11, Territorial Chief Secretary Colonel Brian Saunders embraced the theme as he presented his message during the 12th annual International Service Fellowship Breakfast.

“Radical Faith” is our story, he explained. “It’s the story of our people as we, the Army, spread across the world. About how we all go in not knowing what we’re going to do, not knowing how we’re going to plant seeds or what seeds need to be planted — but God knows.”

Colonel Saunders spoke about Jesus feeding the 5000 and how one boy had faith that the harvest would be multiplied. “He couldn’t have possibly known what Jesus was going to do, but he had the faith to say, ‘Take it. Do it.’”

Retired officer Major Brad Caldwell then brought his testimony about the time he and his wife, Major Anita, spent as officers in Moldova. Despite challenges such as power outages and language barriers, they persisted in planting seeds and spreading the gospel message. “What I tried to do was speak Jesus,” he said.

As people entered the event, they filled out a prayer partner list. That list will ensure that those who have served, are called to serve, or are currently serving overseas are remembered and prayed over by those in the room. “Pray consistently for those who are called to serve,” Territorial Personnel Secretary Colonel Janice Riefer urged all those present.

The meeting centered around the commitment to pray for the 128 officers currently serving internationally outside of their home territory. Amongst those names were Southern Territory officers Majors David and Susie Erickson, currently stationed in Singapore, and Captains Konstantin and Anna Maslenikov, who are stationed in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

“We pray particularly today for the people on our list,” Territorial Commander Commissioner Kelly Igleheart said, adding his plea for prayer to that of Colonel Riefer. “David, Susie, Constantine, Anna, those two boys. We don’t know really what they’re facing today.”

Commissioner Igleheart promised that from that day until the next Bible Conference, officers who are called to serve or are currently serving will continue to be prayed over. He prayed, “May they, Father, realize and feel deeply this moment that others are lifting them up, that we have not forgotten, nor will we.”

Together, all sang the chorus “Just Where He Needs Me,” and Commissioner Donna Igleheart, territorial president of women’s ministries, closed their time together, urging them to remember not only those who are serving beyond our borders, but also those who are seeking the Lord for their own path.

“You can be assured that that same faithful God who calls you is going to be faithful to you to the very end,” she encouraged. “Pray for your own journey, that God would make a way.”