Around 200 young people descended upon Camp Hoblitzelle, TX for a week of intensive music and arts instruction, worship, fellowship, and fun.  Delegates included representatives from every division in the Southern Territory, as well as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Mexico, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. This international flavor was also reflected with the special guests for the week: John & Jane Lam and Majors Kevin & Loriann Metcalf – all from London, Ontario, Canada.

John is currently the Canadian Staff Bandmaster and London Citadel Bandmaster, and Jane serves as the Corps Songster leader.   Major Kevin Metcalf was previously the Territorial Music Secretary, but he and Loriann now serve as Corps Officers at London Citadel.

All the guests added a great deal to the week, although Jane Lam unfortunately took ill during the week.  The prayers from TMI delegates and staff – and others around the world – were answered when Jane made a good recovery and was able to return home to London a few days after the conclusion of TMI.

Each day in Morning Manna, Major Kevin Metcalf challenged the delegates to look at our Salvation Army music history and learn lessons from the past that can be applied to the future.   It was interesting to see where we have come from as a movement – and exciting to think of the possibilities for the future.

The TMI week commenced with a visit from the Southern Territorial Songsters (Dr. Bea Holz). The Songsters were in good form and presented a varied concert on opening night that was both engaging and inspirational.   The Songsters also led worship on the opening Sunday with Major Leisa Hall presenting a challenging message based on Acts 12 and supported by the Songsters singing "And Can it Be" with particular emphasis on "…my chains fell off.."

The standard of all TMI groups throughout the week was excellent.  It was very encouraging to see a new generation of young musicians and artists develop and passionately share the gifts God has given them.   The Holz Band (John Lam) finished the final festival with "Variations on Maccabeus" (Norbury) – underlining the TMI theme for the week: "Thine is the Glory."

With the growth of the TMI program, it became necessary to add a new choir to the 2016 schedule. The James Anderson Chorus was named in honor of the former Territorial Music Education Director and Divisional Music Director for Texas and National Capital and Virginia Division.  Members of his family were present to hear the choir sing for the first time.

Other events throughout the week included a visit from world-renowned vocal group Voices of Liberty, a spectacular soloist recital, and meaningful times of reflection and prayer at the cross during Sealed orders at the conclusion of each day.

During the final worship service many young people testified that the week at TMI had made a significant difference in their spiritual lives.   On the conclusion of Colonel Brad Bailey's morning message many young people rededicated their lives to God.

You can view videos from TMI filmed by the Communications Bureau at:  http://youtube.com/salarmysouth

To see photos from TMI click here.