Jessica relies on the community around her at the College for Officer Training.

Jessica Tisworth was at a laundromat when she and her mom were invited to their local Salvation Army. Jessica was in the third grade when her family had just moved to a small town in Texas. A lady approached them with a flyer, and the rest was history. From that moment, Jessica quickly became involved with Sunday services, weeknight programs, praise and worship, and music programs at Camp Hoblitzelle. “The Salvation Army became my second home, a place where I felt safe and secure, a place where I belonged,” she said. 

Jessica first felt the call to officership at the Senior Music Conservatory at Camp Hoblitzelle. She heard music director Matt Broome speak about God’s purpose and plan. “He went on to say that we would all grow up and be somebody,” she said. “That God created us for a purpose, and some of us were going to become doctors, teachers, musicians, some of us will also wear this uniform, some of us will have blue, but then some will have a special calling to wear red. I felt the Holy Spirit flood my heart.”

But she denied the call for many years, saying she wasn’t worthy or talented enough. It wasn’t until she moved to Fort Walton Beach, FL, where she met officers (pastors) who helped her in her walk with Christ and realize He can cast out any fears and insecurities about her calling. That community changed everything for her. “I was able to heal and accept Jesus into my life and fully surrender the things that I could not control,” she shared. “I found much joy, healing, and comfort in His name.” 

So in 2025, she entered the College for Officer Training, the Evangeline Booth College (EBC), in Atlanta. There, she once again relied on community to get her through. “The officers and staff are on your side and want to help you learn and grow. They push you, keep you accountable, and really lead you toward what a good officer looks like.” Her session mates encourage each other in all things and allow each other to be authentic. Being in community with other believers helps her remain grounded. “Taking a breather from the business and enjoying fellowship with other believers around me is something I very much enjoy,” she said. The community at the EBC has allowed her to thrive in her calling. “Being here at the EBC as a cadet has given me confidence that through Christ I can do all things.” 

Advice for Young Salvationists:

She encourages young Salvationists who receive the call to officership to surrender their fears and follow Him. “We need others like you, different people with different backgrounds, personalities, and different talents,” she said. “Let’s come together and make the world a different place.”

30 Years Later, We Look Back

30 years ago, The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys organization joined forces to raise awareness for The Salvation Army’s holiday efforts. 

To kick off the campaign, the two organizations organized the Red Kettle Kickoff celebration and invited a musician or group to perform at the Cowboys’ nationally televised Thanksgiving Day Game. 

Notable performers over the years included Destiny’s Child, the Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Pitbull, Ellie Goulding, and most recently in 2025, Post Malone. 

Read “Red Kettle Kickoff Performers Through The Years” on thewarcry.org. Photo courtesy of the Dallas Cowboys.

How Volunteering for Angel Tree Distribution Helped Shape Cece’s Perspective 

Cece started attending church at her local Salvation Army in Louisiana at nine years old when her mom introduced her. She instantly fell in love with The Salvation Army and started attending camp every year, went to conservatory, and later, worked at camp. She also spent her time volunteering for various programs, like Angel Tree distribution. 

“Doing Angel Tree has really meant a lot to me over the years,” she said. “Just seeing the smiles on people’s faces has really meant the world to me,” she said about volunteering for distribution. “Some people come from different backgrounds and from places where they don’t have much, and so The Salvation Army steps in and helps those in need to ensure that kids have a good Christmas.” 

Volunteering with the Angel Tree distribution showed Cece that even the smallest acts of service and generosity go a long way. “Dedicating a little bit of your time and resources for programs can help teach generosity and empathy for those who are vulnerable.”