We Thank God

by Colonel Ivan K. Rock

As the holidays approach and another year draws to a close, we, like many of you, reflect upon what the Lord has done and the blessings we have experienced under His care. This year, especially, as my wife and I prepare to take up new appointments at National Headquarters, we do so with a bittersweet awareness of leaving behind this beautiful Eastern Territory. The East has been a significant part of our lives for so many years, and we cannot help but thank the Lord for His ongoing work throughout our beloved territory.

We thank God for the renewed interest in and dependence upon the Word of God among our community. The Scripture reminds us, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8). We have witnessed officers, soldiers, and members delving deeper into the Scriptures, with increased participation in Bible studies and a growing recognition of the importance of understanding God’s Word. As this engagement grows, the impact of our territory becomes even more profound.

We thank God for our strong territorial identity, which is evident as we gather to celebrate our accomplishments in mission. This identity will be prominently displayed at the upcoming General’s Congress, scheduled for June 11–14, 2026, in Hershey, Pa. This event offers an incredible opportunity for us to reaffirm our territory’s commitment to God and to unite under the mission He has entrusted to us. Moreover, we are grateful that, above all, we find our ultimate identity in Christ. As Scripture says, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” (Galatians 3:26).

We thank God for the many resources God has provided, is providing, and will continue to provide as long as we remain faithful to His Word and the mission He has given us. While financial concerns are a reality and must be addressed to advance our mission, we are reminded that “God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

We thank God for the powerful sense of family that exists throughout the Eastern Territory. We are more than a territory; we are a family, united and connected. The Bible affirms, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier” (Ephesians 2:14a). Paul later writes, “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name” (Ephesians 3:14–15). As believers in Jesus Christ, we are part of a vast family, each of us deriving our name from our Heavenly Father. Despite our differences, we are united. In an age of division, it is essential to remember our connection. We are a family joined by “one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all” (Ephesians 4:5–6). In this unity, we find strength.

As we approach the end of the year and celebrate the holiday season, there is so much for which we in the Eastern Territory can be thankful. We thank God for His Word. We thank God for the profound sense of identity we have in our territory and, more significantly, our Lord. We thank God for the many resources that He provides. And we thank God for the Eastern Territorial family. Thank you, Lord.