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Over the course of our 150 Faces of the Army blog series, we have frequently asked our readers to submit stories on how their lives were changed by The Salvation Army or their remembrances of involvement with the Army.
One who responded was David Miller, now retired, residing in Western New York. He’s an artist who does a program entitled, “Presentations in Pastel” which combines his painting in the pastel medium and a 45 minute soundtrack of the Word of God and music. At the end, he’s created a 40”x27” painting. Once completed, the pictures is matted and framed under glass in a custom wood frame and kept by the individual or organization.
He did a program for the United Way of Chautauqua County, held at the Jamestown Salvation Army Worship and Community Center. An officer at the center, Major Joe Pritchard, saw the program. Later, Major Pritchard was transferred to Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters in W. Nyack N.Y. where he recommended the program to the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) who run residential treatment centers for men and women with addictions.
“Thus began a 30 year experience, twice a year at Christmas and Easter, with the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers throughout the Eastern Territory,“ said David.
“We were blessed by souls coming to know the Lord. One special time was at Salvation Army Camp Wonderland in Massachusetts, at a men's camp, where many hearts were touched and the men were going to the altar before David was even finished with his pastel drawing or message,” his wife, Dorothy recalled.
David said, “It was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things I've done. Do to health reasons, I no longer travel, but if you go into the ARC's in the Eastern Territory you will see some of my work hanging on the walls. It was a blessing to pray with the men and women in recovery. Wonderful memories….
“We are no longer traveling but have done the same presentation at our own Jamestown, New York Salvation Army Corps, where we are now soldiers (church members). We love the Army and being part of the center!”
