Champions of the Mission

Meet newly-commissioned lieutenants from the Champions of the Mission session.

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Lt. Danielle Moody – Central Territory

“Being a ‘Champion of the Mission’ means standing firmly for the Word of God and doing the work of an evangelist – ready in and out of season. It’s a life of surrendered purpose and steadfast faith.”

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Lt. Javier Fernandez – Central Territory

“To me, being a ‘Champion of the Mission’ means faithfully serving God by proclaiming the transformative gospel of Jesus Christ, leading others to salvation, and helping them grow in a deeper relationship with Him. This calling is at the heart of the mission of The Salvation Army: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. As a Champion of the Mission, I am committed to living this out daily—giving my heart, energy, and life to sharing God’s love, serving others with compassion, and advancing His kingdom wherever He leads me.”

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Lt. Jalicia Smalley – Eastern Territory

“To be a ‘Champion of the Mission’ means being faithful to Christ’s call no matter the cost. It means choosing obedience over comfort, servanthood over status, and truth over popularity. It’s about showing up for people who feel forgotten and reminding them that God sees them, hears them, and is still in the business of transformation. Champions don’t just wear uniforms; they carry the cross with humility.”

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Lt. Tamika Blackmon – Eastern Territory

“To be a ‘Champion of the Mission’ is to stand unwavering in your faith, no matter the circumstances. It means choosing to live out the gospel with integrity, compassion, and courage. For me, it’s about holding fast to The Salvation Army’s commitment to ‘Do the Most Good’ while keeping Christ at the center of everything – our leadership, our decisions and our relationships. It also means living out that mission at home, in the corps, and in the community – reflecting the love of Jesis in every conversation, every act of service, and every step of obedience.”

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Lt. Sean Bohanan – Eastern Territory

“To be a ‘Champion of the Mission’ is to lead with boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. It means living in such a way that people know, through both word and deed, that I follow Christ. I believe that we’re called not just to carry the message, but to embody it – to be a visible and active witness of God’s love in every space we enter.”

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Lt. Jeremy Warf – Southern Territory

“To me, being a ‘Champion of the Mission’ means living fully available to God — ready to go where He leads, love people well, and serve with a willing heart. It’s about sharing the hope of Jesus in everyday practical ways and making a difference wherever He places us.”

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Lt. Lorine Desardouin – Southern Territory

“Being a ‘Champion of the Mission’ means to me that as long as I remain in Him and the mission He has called me to, there is victory. He is the reason I can be called a champion!”

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Lt. Jillian Kistan – Western Territory

“Being a ‘Champion of the Mission’ is not merely a title; it is a sacred calling. It’s a declaration spoken over us with purpose and intent. Yet, we cannot truly live into this identity without Christ at the center of all that we do. True champions of God’s mission are empowered by the Holy Spirit, guided by His wisdom, and strengthened by His presence. My session mates and I have been entrusted with the name Champions of the Mission, a name that challenges us to live boldly and faithfully in service to His Kingdom. This is not a title we can carry alone; it is only through unwavering devotion to Christ that we can fully embody its meaning.”

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Lt. Rogelio Rincon Aguilar – Western Territory

“To be a ‘Champion of the Mission’ means to live boldly and faithfully for Jesus sharing the gospel and serving suffering humanity without discrimination. It’s a commitment to carry out that mission with purpose and with Christ as my guide. Victory in this mission isn’t about status or recognition; it’s about walking daily with Jesus and relying on his strength to serve others.”