We Serve an On-Time God

God is on the move in Montgomery, Alabama! Under the leadership of Captain Thomas Johnson, The Salvation Army of Montgomery held a celebratory weekend January 16-18, dedicating their new corps building, enrolling junior and senior soldiers, and inviting guests and corps members to catch the vision for The Salvation Army’s continued work in the community for the future.

“The Salvation Army in Montgomery has been prayerfully seeking a new and more suitable building for several years,” Captain Johnson shares. “As the needs of our community grew, it became clear that God was preparing something greater than what we could see at the time. In 2022, when the shelter and administration building were torn down, it caused The Salvation Army to be displaced, but the serving never stopped; it just looked a little different.” Their history of uncertainty and struggle made the weekend even sweeter as those in attendance celebrated God’s goodness and faithfulness. He is an on-time God.

The dedication was an exciting community event. The joy was palpable for those in attendance, which included community leaders, church partners, local schools, and divisional employees and officers who helped shape the project. Southern Territorial Commander Commissioner Kelly Igleheart spoke encouraging words, urging the community to keep loving others and to join The Salvation Army in the fight.

This ribbon-cutting signifies more than just the opening of a building; it is a reminder that God will make a way, even when there seems to be no way. There were times in this process where The Salvation Army in Montgomery wasn’t sure how God was going to provide for their needs. There were bumps on the road and all kinds of issues along the way. But we serve a great and faithful God. “We saw God’s hand in the timing, the provision, and the unity throughout the journey,” Captain Johnson declares. “Doors opened that could not have been opened by human effort alone, confirming that this was not just a good idea, but God’s plan.”

Captain Johnson was excited to see this project through to completion, a process which required keeping his eyes faithfully fixed on Jesus and his heart fully committed to his missional calling to serve the community. He also gratefully acknowledges those who came before him and helped pave the way for this project to succeed.

Sunday, January 18, was a day of celebration and worship. The brand-new Center for Worship and Service was filled with soldiers of the Montgomery Corps as well as community partners and advisory board members. In addition to Commissioner Igleheart’s leadership, the festivities were supported by current divisional leaders, Majors Anthony and Elizabeth Juliana, and former divisional leaders, Lt. Colonels Mark and Jan Harwell, all rejoicing with local leadership in Montgomery about what God has accomplished in their community.

The Sunday program began with a dance from the young people of the corps, and then the worship team led all in joyfully singing that God is “An On-Time God.” Those present could not help but smile as they were reminded of the faithfulness of our good God and the promise of hope for tomorrow as new soldiers and junior soldiers were enrolled by Commissioner Igleheart.

Captain Johnson envisions a great future for Montgomery. “This new Center for Worship and Service will be a place of hope for the Montgomery community, a space where faith meets action. It will allow The Salvation Army to expand life-changing services, offer compassionate support to those in crisis, and provide a welcoming environment for worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

“More than a building, it will be a hub for healing, restoration, and community partnership, ensuring that when Montgomery needs help, hope, or prayer, there is a place ready to serve.”