Appointed as the National Commander and National Secretary for Program, Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole were welcomed at National Headquarters on March 1.

Commissioner Merle

1. Place of birth?

• Charleston, SC 
• Newton, KS  
• Alexandria, VA 
• London, England 

2. Where and when did you receive Christ in your life? 

• As a young child 
• At Youth Councils 
• At summer camp 
• On my drive to work 

3. Favorite book of the Bible? 

• Matthew
• Genesis
• Leviticus
• Psalms

4. Favorite sport? 

• Baseball 
• Cricket
• Soccer
• Football

Commissioner Dawn

5. Place of birth? 

• Dallas, TX 
• Fremont, NE 
• Seattle, WA 
• Alexandria, VA 

6. Where and when did you receive Christ in your life? 

• At university, at 18 years old  
• At Youth Councils, at 22 years old 
• At home, as a young child 
• At home, at 30 years old 

7. Favorite book of the Bible? 

• Romans
• Deuteronomy
• Hebrews
• Psalms

8. Top three hobbies? 

• Playing sports, thrifting, reading 
• Reading, crafting, journaling 
• Reading, baking, card making 
• Thrifting, cooking, reading 

Going Deeper with Commissioners Heatwole 

What are essentials to godly leadership? 

Commissioner Dawn Heatwole: “Servant attitude, loving people, and being willing to do whatever you ask others to do.” 

Commissioner Merle Heatwole:  “A personal relationship with God which surrenders your will so that you can be led by the Holy Spirit, a daily personal devotional commitment to study God’s word and spend time communicating with God through prayers, and a leadership style based upon the servant leadership exhibited by Jesus.” 

Crest Books — What’s New?

Looking for a thought-provoking, exciting biographical book to read on the beach this summer? “The Sanctified Salvationist Showman” by Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood is the first biography written about Nishan Der Garabedian, otherwise known as Joe the Turk. 

Joe the Turk was a well-known Salvationist and evangelist throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood explores the life of this Salvationist officer (pastor) and his experiences — including his 52 arrests on behalf of The Salvation Army’s right to march, praise, and evangelize across the United States. Learn more about Joe the Turk from Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood’s book that released earlier this year. 

To add this to your bookshelf, visit bit.ly/sanctified-showman.

How Working at Camp Revealed Joshua’s Calling 

Working at a Salvation Army camp has profoundly impacted my life, providing me with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. When I first arrived at camp in 2019, I was broken, hurting, and desperately seeking healing, guidance, and most of all, love. That summer became a turning point for me, as I experienced the transformative love of Christ in ways I had never imagined. Through the love and support I found at camp, I began to heal from past trauma, discover my calling as a Salvation Army officer (pastor), and ultimately have that calling confirmed years later at Youth Councils. 

One of the most fulfilling aspects of working at camp has been the opportunity to inspire and encourage our campers — especially those who may not find themselves in ideal circumstances. I’ve been able to share with them the truth that God sees them, loves them, and has not forgotten them, even in their darkest moments.

For anyone looking to transform their life and deepen their faith, I wholeheartedly recommend working at a Salvation Army camp. It’s a place where healing, growth, and divine purpose come together, leaving you not only changed but equipped to make a lasting impact on others.

By Joshua “JJ” Walker

Called to Serve

In March, 18 young adults from the Potomac Divisional Youth Councils walked the streets of Washington D.C. to talk and pray with people on the streets.  

Their goal, as described by Major Nicole Parker, the Divisional Youth Secretary, was “to engage in ministry and in an environment where we might not have been exposed to, trusting the Holy Spirit to use us for His Kingdom.” 

The group began the night at The Salvation Army area command in D.C. to pray together for the next generation. “Throughout the weekend, we witnessed many moments where God’s presence was palpably moving and confirming His work among us,” Major Parker said. Then, the group ventured into the streets of southeast D.C. to talk and pray with people. The group concluded their time together at the MLK Jr. Memorial at the National Mall, “highlighting the work of another man who called people to shine as a light in darkness,” Major Parker recalled. These young adults were challenged to step into their calling that God has for them. 

“These years of planting seeds and nurturing young hearts are beginning to bear fruit,” Major Parker said.

Songs and Stories

Need an encouraging song to add to your playlist? Phil Laeger, a singer, songwriter, and worship leader, released a new song earlier this year “In the Love of Jesus.” 

Inspired by Ivy Mawby and William Hammond’s beloved song of the same title, Laeger’s latest release conveys the original’s message of finding perfect rest in Jesus through new lyrics and a new tune. 

Additionally, Laeger’s rendition of the song corresponds with The War Cry’s 2025 “In the Love of Jesus” article series, featuring pieces exploring how Christian beliefs are lived every day. 

To listen to the song and read the article series, visit thewarcry.org.