“Our vision is that our people will feel equipped and capable in their everyday lives to share their faith,” said Lt. Vinal Lee, who leads the Madison, Ind., Corps with his wife, Captain Brenna.
Feeling a heavy burden for the unsaved in their community, many of whom struggle with the devastating effects of poverty, drug addiction and alcohol abuse, the Lees held a weekend evangelism training seminar called “Catalyst of Hope,” which was attended by 64 individuals from the corps, other churches and the community—even city hall.
“We wanted to challenge and equip our corps to cast a vision for 100 people to accept Christ in the coming year,” he said, and because the Lees believe in collaboration, they invited others who share their heart for the Madison community.
The three-day event featured Major Stephen Court, evangelism consultant for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Guests from the Central Territory included Lt. Amanda Keene, territorial Christian education director for discipleship, and the territorial praise band, The Singing Company.
Friday evening’s powerful opening session included a thought-provoking message after which delegates renewed their commitments to Christ or made them for the first time. On Saturday they learned about the importance of spreading hope by sharing their faith with others and how to break the ice in everyday conversations. They practiced reaching out at coffee shops and prayed over the city as they walked through downtown. By the seminar’s conclusion on Sunday, a change in people was evident, according to the lieutenant. He says that since the conference there has been a palpable difference in the corps. Those who were once apprehensive or afraid to share their faith are now bold, and they’ve led 18 individuals to Christ!
“There’s a renewed passion and commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army,” said Lt. Vinal. “We’re excited for what this means for the corps and for the Kingdom of God.”
