Women of Faith Bringing Light and Hope

The She Shines Retreat at Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian, TX, held March 13–16, gathered empowered women from around the world for inspiration, fellowship and spiritual growth.

Among the distinguished guests were She Leads America’s Christian Women of Distinction, including founder Liz Doyle, Salvation Army Commissioner Jolene Hodder, Olympic Champion Dr. Madeline Manning Mims, President of Christian Women in Media Sue Z. McGray and the “First Lady of Jesus Music” Nancy Honeytree. 

Adding to the international flair, Her Royal Highness Queen Mother Sarah Harriet Wayabire of the Bugwere Kingdom in Uganda also attended the retreat. Helena Croft MBE, leader of She Leads United Kingdom, and Aster Bhatti, director of She Leads Pakistan, also attended, bringing their expertise and encouragement. Their contributions highlighted the collaborative spirit and shared vision of She Leads chapters across different nations.

This year’s retreat honored Native American women leaders, whose presence underscored the rich cultural diversity and the importance of indigenous perspectives in leadership and faith-based initiatives.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to connect with She Leads America directors from various states and other remarkable women honored by the organization. These women, each with a special calling, came together to declare the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).

Camp Hoblitzelle, with its serene and inspiring setting, provided the perfect backdrop for this empowering event. The retreat featured worship, prayer, professional and personal enrichment sessions and plenty of fun and fellowship. All 94 women in attendance enjoyed a private tour of the set of “The Chosen” located on the campgrounds. It was a time to disconnect from the busyness of life and be refreshed in the company of like-minded sisters in Christ.

The She Shines Retreat 2025 was truly a celebration of faith, leadership and the incredible impact of women united in their mission to shine brightly for the Kingdom of God.

Photo: Jamie Swafford/She Leads America

International Prayer Focus

This month, we are praying for:

• Indonesia Territory (June 2–8)
• Kenya West Territory (June 9–15)
• USA Western Territory (June 16–22)
• Sweden and Latvia Territory (June 23–29)

New National Leaders Installed

On April 5 at the Rockford (IL) Temple Corps, Commissioners Merle and Dawn Heatwole were installed as National Commander and National Secretary for Program respectively for The Salvation Army USA National Headquarters. Commissioners Kenneth and Cheryl Maynor, international secretaries for the Americas and Caribbean zone, conducted the ceremony. The Maynors acknowledged the Heatwoles’ many years of dedicated service and challenged them to love and obey Jesus, reflect His servant leadership, and provide visionary leadership to The Salvation Army in the United States. Colonel Sue Betts, National Secretary for Personnel, welcomed the Heatwoles on behalf of National Headquarters officers and employees. In her remarks, she acknowledged the Heatwoles’ international service and assured them of the support of the officers and soldiers whom they have been appointed to lead. NAB chairman Marc Belton encouraged the Heatwoles to rely on God in an unpredictable world.

In her response, Commissioner Dawn Heatwole thanked meeting participants for their words of welcome and acknowledged family members in attendance. She concluded her remarks by declaring, “We believe that God has amazing work to do through The Salvation Army in this country!”

Following the message by Commissioner Merle Heatwole, in which he urged listeners to live in harmony in a disharmonious world, the congregation was invited to join the Heatwoles in a time of dedicatory prayer at the altar.

Photo: Gretchen Schneider