General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, international leaders of The Salvation Army, shared their global perspectives with the movement’s USA National Advisory Board (NAB) on Thursday 23 January 2025 in Southern Nevada. Their presentation included an overview of Compass, The Salvation Army’s new Global Strategic Framework.
The board comprises community and industry leaders who, through their expertise, help The Salvation Army in the USA carry out its mission. Commissioner Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries) opened the meeting with prayer and devotions, speaking poignantly on the constancy of God’s love. ‘God’s love is the cure in a world of change,’ she said. ‘... We’re not loved because we are good, we are loved because God is good.’
A global direction
In his introduction of Compass, the General indicated that it set a clear direction for action based on a set of 12 priorities. ‘We are one Army together around the world…focusing on the same things: our people, our mission impact…and establishing an enduring legacy.’
Chairman of the board Mr Marc Belton opened the floor for questions. ‘The General and Commissioner Buckingham brought a new dynamic and well-needed global perspective to our NAB meeting,’ said Mr Belton. ‘They inspired us with a clear call to mission and challenged us to reach for our highest and best because the needs are great in the US and around the world. And they highlighted the unique ways the love of God is being expressed around the world.’
Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, USA National Commander, added: ‘The General and Commissioner Buckingham never fail to demonstrate both visionary leadership and sincere warmth. This occasion was no exception, and I am confident that all in attendance are now better equipped and more inspired to advance the Army’s mission across the country. We are deeply grateful to them.’
‘An act of worship unto the Lord’
That afternoon, the General and Commissioner Buckingham conducted the retirement ceremony of Commissioner Kenneth Hodder and Commissioner Jolene K. Hodder, National Secretary for Programme.
The ceremony took place during a retirement lunch for Commissioners Hodder that featured musical contributions, tributes from friends and family, and the enrolment of the Hodders’ grandson, Everett, as a junior soldier – the eighth generation of the family to join the Army’s ranks.
The General presented the Hodders with their retirement certificates and expressed his gratitude to God for their commitment to nearly 37 years of service as officers in The Salvation Army, which he called ‘an act of worship unto the Lord’. Commissioner Buckingham offered a blessing, thanking God for the opportunity to honour the Hodders, who are ‘loved by God, saved by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit’.
Restoring hope, transforming lives
The evening brought an energetic and inspirational programme – ‘Restoring Hope, Transforming Lives’ – devoted to The Salvation Army’s work in Southern Nevada. Guests from the community and the National Advisory Board were warmly welcomed. Video and musical presentations told the amazing story of the Army’s ministry across the region.
In an inspiring challenge, the General drew upon the Parable of the Good Samaritan, to speak about the responsibility to see people in need, and to stop and engage them with both material and spiritual aid.
The day’s events were held at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort. Succeeding the Hodders will be Commissioners Dawn and Merle Heatwole who will take up their appointments as National Secretary for Programme and National Commander, respectively, on 1 March 2025.
