David’s Tent is a 24/7 musical prayer ministry located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It is dedicated to continuous worship and prayer, inviting people from all over the United States to participate in night-and-day worship to Jesus. This unique setting provided a perfect backdrop for the She Rises event, emphasizing the power of prayer and community.

The event included heartfelt prayers submitted by young female Salvationists from around the world, showcasing the global reach and impact of The Salvation Army’s mission. Commissioner Barbara Howell, along with her daughter, Captain Sheri Jones, and granddaughter, Kadence Jones, also led the congregation in prayer, symbolizing three generations of faith and dedication. 

Nearing the end of the event, Commissioner Jolene Hodder was given the privilege of praying over all the girls attending. Her words of encouragement and blessing were a powerful reminder of the potential and promise within each young woman present.

Each participating girl received a Peer tote bag, mug, and magazine from The Salvation Army, serving as mementos of the day and symbols of their connection to a larger, supportive community. 

The atmosphere was filled with joy and energy as music and dancing complemented the powerful prayers. The She Rises prayer concert was not just an event, but continues to be a movement, empowering young girls to rise in faith, hope and love.

This celebration on Capitol Hill was a testament to the strength and spirit of young girls and a beautiful example of how faith communities can come together to support and uplift the next generation.

Check Out This Kroc Center’s Group Fit Environment

One might expect to feel uncomfortable in a room full of mirrors and athleticwear, but Kroc group fitness classes are truly judgment-free zones. The Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Greenville, SC vouches that their community center is a place for everyone. 

Carrie Carper, one of the Greenville Kroc Center’s yoga instructors, recently gave an account of her teaching goals, saying, “I try to take the element of comparison out [of class]. It steals people’s joy.” She also emphasizes the value of offering modifications and adds, “I think my greatest strength is teaching people how to move safely to avoid misalignment and injury.” 

By intentionally recognizing and working to dissolve fears related to self-consciousness or inexperience, Carrie and the other Kroc instructors are able to make participants of all ages and ability levels feel safe and welcome.

Finding Your Calling at Summer Camp

Working at camp helped Melissa Christiansen discover her calling. 

Melissa always had a feeling that she was meant to be a pastor. Despite this, she started studying to be an elementary school teacher. Later, while studying to be a teacher, she began working at Gene Eppley Camp, a now-closed camp that was located in Omaha, NE. It was this experience of working at this Salvation Army camp, alongside staff, including officers (pastors) and employees, that helped her discover her calling of officership. After working at camp, she changed direction and started pursuing the path to officership. 

“While working at Gene Eppley Camp, I could no longer ignore my calling to ministry,” Melissa said. Gene Eppley Camp was located in Omaha, NE, but closed down due to flooding in 2019. 

After working at Gene Eppley Camp, she went on to a ministry discovery internship upon graduating from college, entered the College for Officers Training, and later, officership.  “It was clear God was leading me to fulfill that calling through The Salvation Army.” Today, she serves as an officer at The Salvation Army’s Council Bluffs, Iowa corps. 

Have you worked at a Salvation Army camp? We want to know how working at a Salvation Army camp has impacted you. To submit, visit peermag.org/peer-spotlight. 

Relief from Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on the evening of September 26 as a Category 4 storm before rapidly advancing northwest into Georgia. 

The combination of storm surge and tide caused severe flooding and power outages. 

The hurricane affected over 60 counties, causing significant damage to infrastructure. As of September 30, more than 2 million customers remained without power across several states, with at least 116 confirmed fatalities linked to the storm. 

In total, in response to Hurricane Helene, The Salvation Army served 78,429 hot meals, 49,268 drinks, 32,281 snacks and distributed 15,561 meal kits from 58 active mobile feeding units in six states. Salvation Army caregivers have provided emotional and spiritual care to 4,331 people. 

To read updated statistics on how The Salvation Army is responding to Hurricane Helene, visit bit.ly/hurricane-helene-salarmy.

Literacy Project

SAWSO will be supporting the Literacy in PNG 2025-2027 Project in Papua New Guinea. This project aims to improve child literacy and provide non-formal learning programs in the Papua New Guinea Territory.

In a country characterized by poverty, the adult national literacy rate is no more than 63%. A 2018 study found that after two years of elementary school, fewer than 30% of PNG’s students could identify the letters of the alphabet. This project plans to build on more than 30 nonformal “Literary Schools,” established in corps (churches) by local community initiatives, to provide basic literacy skills for children with no other education available. 

With a focus on training volunteers, supplying reading and other instructional materials, and launching adult literacy classes, this project will enhance educational opportunities and improve the literacy rate for children and youths in the territory.