Denise Overstake’s testimony

An Army of love

by Denise Overstake

There is no separation between my walk with Christ and my walk on earth. It’s like breathing—an all or nothing proposition. Don’t misunderstand me; I was one of those youths who wore out the carpet going back and forth to my corps’ mercy seat. Today, in my not-so-youth, I find I need the mercy seat as much as ever, although perhaps for different, even deeper transgressions.

It’s love that ties my earthly journey to my eternal one. I have found in Christ a deep love, and I’ve also found it in The Salvation Army. Not just locally, but globally—an army of people, many of whom don’t even know me—who simply love and demonstrate love by being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Christ speaks of this love in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (NIV) People know we are His disciples because we love so well.

Recently I had the privilege of attending the NAOC [National Advisory Organizations Conference] in Phoenix, Ariz., and saw many demonstrations of such love. In the opening session, the energy, passion and dedication to our mission was palpable. As I looked around the room of thousands, I realized: this is my Army, these are my people, and we are the hands and feet of Jesus. We’re disciples by our love.

 

 

 

 

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