By Arthur Foulkes
TERRE HAUTE — After an overcast and cool morning, sunshine broke through the clouds Sunday just as people were singing the closing hymn at a special outdoor worship service conducted by the Terre Haute Salvation Army.
About 25 people of all ages sang “He is Able” as the sun warmed the air at the conclusion of the hourlong service.
“God is with us,” Cindy Hoag, co-envoy of the Terre Haute Salvation Army with her husband, Gordon, told the congregation.
The Hoags, who recently took over the reins of the local church and charitable organization, decided to renew the Salvation Army’s tradition of outdoor worship with a special outdoor service Sunday. The service, which lasted from 11 a.m. to noon, included four musicians, a sermon on the life of John the Baptist, Scripture readings, prayers and lots of singing.
The service took place in the grassy yard on the north side of the Salvation Army building at 234 S. Eighth St. Having an outdoor service could become an annual event, Cindy Hoag said, smiling. “I just feel like God was with us.”
After the service, the Salvation Army also provided lunch to the congregation. The meal, which consisted of chili and peanut butter sandwiches, also took place outdoors.
“This was wonderful,” said Jessie Mazequie, a longtime member of the Salvation Army congregation. Other churches may get the same idea and conduct occasional outdoor services as well, she said. “This was a pretty good thing to do.”
“We know that the Lord has been here,” Gordon Hoag told the congregation before a closing prayer.
The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the Christian Gospel and meet human needs without discrimination, according to the organization’s Web site, www.salvationarmyusa.org.
“I’m excited,” said Cindy Hoag after the special service. “There are other ears around here I know that heard us,” she said looking around the neighborhood near the Salvation Army headquarters. “This is special.”
Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
