Celebrating Women's History Month

Celebrating Women's History Month

We're honored to celebrate the women who lead with compassion, strength, and unwavering faith at The Salvation Army of North Texas. They are not just women of God but ordained leaders ministering the word of God across North Texas.

Through their service, they guide congregations, support communities in need, and bring hope to people navigating life's most difficult moments. Their leadership reflects a deep commitment to faith, humility, and the mission of serving others through The Salvation Army. Each day, they step into spaces where ministry meets real life, offering encouragement, prayer, and a message of God’s love.

In this series, learn more about their faith journey, the impact of serving as ordained Salvation Army officers, and what it means to lead both in ministry and in the community.

Major Carolynn Webb, North Texas Area Commander

For over three decades, Major Carolynn Webb has dedicated her life to The Salvation Army. As the new Area Commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas alongside her husband, Major Rob Webb, she leads a six-county service region by example, believing that every action should reflect God’s word.

As part of our Women’s History Month series, Major Webb reflects on her calling, her journey in ministry, and what it means to lead with faith as a Salvation Army officer serving the North Texas community.

What called you to serve with The Salvation Army? 

The opportunity to make a difference in others' lives, share the love of Jesus through acts of service, and preach the word of God.

What does the opportunity to preach mean to you personally, and how has that responsibility shaped your ministry journey? 

I think sharing God’s word is much more than what I say behind the pulpit. The way I live my life is sharing the word of God — not just by what comes from my mouth, but also by my actions. 

How has this shaped your ministry journey?

I try to remember that every action and word should reflect God’s word. 

What message or encouragement do you hope young women and girls hear when they see you step into the pulpit? 

Be yourself and keep your priorities straight: God, family, and then your ministry.

What lessons have most guided your leadership over the years?  

Do not ask your team to do something that you are not willing to do. If I expect my team to be at the office on time, I should be at the office then as well.

Major Rebecca Galabeas, Plano Corps Community Center

Major Rebecca Galabeas is no stranger to the power and love of God through The Salvation Army. As an officer at the Plano Corps Community Center, she uses her position of leadership to not only instill the word of God into the community but also to inspire the next generation of women of faith. 

As part of our Women’s History Month series, Major Galabeas reflects on her calling, her journey in ministry, and what it means to lead with faith as a Salvation Army officer serving the North Texas community.

What called you to serve with The Salvation Army? 

I believed in the mission and vision of The Salvation Army, and I felt the call to serve and preach the word of God.

What does the opportunity to preach mean to you personally, and how has that responsibility shaped your ministry journey? 

It’s been an amazing blessing to me personally to be able to preach and has shaped me in the way God intended for me to be a strong woman of God.

Do you have a moment from your pastoral service when you clearly saw God move in someone’s life? 

During a Bible study meeting, I had the opportunity to share with a young lady what God can do in her life. She then expressed her desire to have Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and to serve Him as well. It strengthened my confidence that I could share and witness to her, leading her to Christ, which brought joy to my heart.   

What message or encouragement do you hope young women and girls hear when they see you step into the pulpit? 

My hope is that they can see me as a strong woman who loves the Lord wholeheartedly.

What lessons have most guided your leadership over the years?

Continuous guidance through my divisional women leaders, mentors, and my fellow Corps officer women.

What called you to serve with The Salvation Army? 

I believed in the mission and vision of The Salvation Army, and I felt the call to serve and preach the word of God.

What does the opportunity to preach mean to you personally, and how has that responsibility shaped your ministry journey? 

It’s been an amazing blessing to me personally to be able to preach, and it has shaped me in the way God intended for me to be a strong woman of God.

Do you have a moment from your pastoral service when you clearly saw God move in someone’s life? 

During a Bible study meeting, I had the opportunity to share with a young lady what God can do in her life. She then expressed her desire to have Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and to serve Him as well. It strengthened my confidence that I could share and witness to her, leading her to Christ, which brought joy to my heart.   

What message or encouragement do you hope young women and girls hear when they see you step into the pulpit? 

My hope is that they can see me as a strong woman who loves the Lord wholeheartedly.

What lessons have most guided your leadership over the years?

Continuous guidance through my divisional women leaders, mentors, and my fellow Corps officer women.

Captain Maxie DeBlanc, Irving Corps Command Center

After experiencing the love and compassion The Salvation Army provides during one of the hardest seasons of her adult life, Captain Maxie DeBlanc was called to serve herself. Today, at the Irving Corps Community Center, she meets people where they are — just like God does for us.

As part of our Women’s History Month series, Captain DeBlanc reflects on her calling, her journey in ministry, and what it means to lead with faith as a Salvation Army officer serving the North Texas community.

What called you to serve with The Salvation Army?

God called me to serve with The Salvation Army through the kindness of my community. They responded with love and compassion during one of the hardest seasons of my young life. They came to our door and delivered love in the form of Christmas gifts, food, a Bible, and a War Cry.

What does the opportunity to preach mean to you personally, and how has that responsibility shaped your ministry journey?

The opportunity to preach means that I get to share the good news, just like my father. I still get excited and pause in amazement that God allows me to share his word. This responsibility has allowed me to join in fellowship with other believers, minister to precious souls from all walks of life, and draw closer to my heavenly Father. This privilege reminds me that I cannot do this in my own strength, and the responsibility of preaching the gospel requires that I spend time with Him and learn to be still as I listen to His voice.

Do you have a moment from your pastoral service when you clearly saw God move in someone’s life? 

Answer: During the summer, we have an opportunity to spend a week on staff at Camp Hoblitzelle. One year at our teen camp, I decided to be vulnerable and share one of my experiences growing up in a large family. I remember the message was about sharing your light, and I shared one of the times our electricity was disconnected. My parents always prepared for those times, and without fail, I did my homework by kerosene lamp (due to the darkness, the light shone really well). I wanted to remind young people that regardless of your past, pain, and position, God can and will use us to shine His light. I decided to wrap myself in fairy lights and have the house lights turned off. I turned the fairy lights on and heard a loud gasp from the crowd. I then reminded the teens that in the darkest moments, the light shines the brightest. 

What message or encouragement do you hope young women and girls hear when they see you step into the pulpit?

God does not call us based upon our gender or genetic makeup. My prayer is that every time I enter the sacred space of the pulpit, they see, hear, and experience God's love for them.

What lessons have most guided your leadership over the years?

God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. Be flexible in ministry and meet people where they are, just like God does for us. Always tell people about God's love for them — some people need to hear this. Don't assume that they already know this, and be sure to show them His love. Often, ministry takes place in hallways, on park benches, at the curb, on the sidewalk, or in a grocery aisle. You don't always need words; your actions speak a lot louder. Stay humble, be honest, and trust God. He's already in tomorrow.

Lieutenant Jillian Warf, Arlington Corps Command Center

For Lieutenant Jillian Warf, the opportunity to serve with The Salvation Army is both a sacred privilege and a profound responsibility.  As an officer at the Arlington Corps Community Center, she leads with love, believing that her “soul” purpose is to teach others how to rely on God and His Word.

As part of our Women’s History Month series, Lieutenant Warf shares reflections on her calling to ministry, her journey as a new officer, and what it means to lead with faith as she serves her community.

What called you to serve with The Salvation Army?

When I got to witness firsthand a church and an organization whose “soul” purpose is to serve and love others.

What does the opportunity to preach mean to you personally, and how has that responsibility shaped your ministry journey?

For me, the opportunity to preach is both a sacred privilege and a profound responsibility. It is truly about allowing God to use me, my voice, and my experiences to speak into the lives of those around me. This responsibility has shaped my ministry by opening my eyes to the diverse needs and struggles of the people I serve. It has taught me to shepherd with empathy and to trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do. Preaching is not just something I do; it is something God continually uses to shape who I am as a leader.

Do you have a moment from your pastoral service when you clearly saw God move in someone’s life? 

A woman I’ve gotten to know in my time as an officer just completely surrendered her fear of sharing a traumatic experience from her past. She felt the Lord calling her to prepare a testimony, knowing it could help others. To me, this is both incredibly hard and also very diligent when an individual is ready to step out in faith and share something like this. It caused me to realize how easily that happens still in my own faith. There are still times I operate out of fear of rejection, of what others might think. But God has called me to be bold in my ministry.

What message or encouragement do you hope young women and girls hear when they see you step into the pulpit?

Remain in Him! The world will try to convince you of who you think you need to be, rather than trust HIM for who He has called you to be.

What lessons have most guided your leadership over the years?

Lead from a place of dependence on God! To be effective as a leader, my effectiveness doesn’t come from my own abilities, but rather from how I choose to stay connected to God in all ways. Prayer, scripture, sacrifice, and surrender have become essential foundations. They all help to remind me that I am a steward, not the source.

Major Martha Higdon, J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center

Major Martha Higdon was called to serve with The Salvation Army after participating in our teen spiritual retreats. Now, as an officer at the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center, she uses the word of God to lead and serve others.

As part of our Women’s History Month series, Major Higdon reflects on her calling to ministry, her journey of faith, and what it means to lead and serve as a Salvation Army officer.

What called you to serve with The Salvation Army?

I was called as a child to ministry through Youth Councils, a teen spiritual retreat through The Salvation Army. 

What does the opportunity to preach mean to you personally, and how has that responsibility shaped your ministry journey?

I am able to share my passions and love of the Word of God with others. If He can help me, He will be there for others.

Do you have a moment from your pastoral service when you clearly saw God move in someone’s life? 

A young lady came to The Salvation Army from the hospital, getting her stomach pumped from a drug overdose. She had lost her nursing license, and her children were in foster care. Through ministry and pouring out love into this young lady, she found a meaningful job, she was reunited with her children, and God was working in and through her.

What message or encouragement do you hope young women and girls hear when they see you step into the pulpit?

With God, they can be anything and do anything. There are no boundaries.

What lessons have most guided your leadership over the years? 

Serve the Lord. There is no way I can satisfy everyone. As long as I work for the Lord and do my best, everything else will be worked out.

Major Rebecca Gilliam, Denton Corps Community Center

Though she grew up attending The Salvation Army as her church, Major Rebecca Gilliam didn’t feel her calling to serve until she was a senior in high school.  That pull to share God’s presence remains in her faith today as an officer at the Denton and Lewisville Corps Community Centers. 

As part of our Women’s History Month series, Major Gilliam shares more about her faith journey, her calling to ministry, and what it means to lead and serve others as a Salvation Army officer.

What called you to serve with The Salvation Army? 

While I grew up attending The Salvation Army as my church, that doesn’t automatically mean serving in it. As a senior in high school, I was voted “most bashful.” The ironic thing is that that same year, I distinctly felt an urgency to preach — walking through the halls of my high school! That pull to share about the reality of God’s presence and sovereignty in the world confirmed my calling to be a Salvation Army officer.

What does the opportunity to preach mean to you personally, and how has that responsibility shaped your ministry journey? 

The opportunity to preach, for me, is a precious and weighty responsibility. What a joy to realize that I am invited and allowed to partner with the Lord to speak His words to His people. My experience has been that as I have been preparing for a message, somehow, someway during the time leading up to delivering it — the Lord has given me a real-life experience of what I’m going to share. This and desiring to share what He has to say (not originating from myself) has kept me close to HIM. I want to be authentic in all I do, including preaching. 

Do you have a moment from your pastoral service when you clearly saw God move in someone’s life? 

I remember a soldier who was sharing with me some of what she was presently struggling with. As I was speaking and trying to encourage her, I knew without a doubt that the Lord gave me the words to say to her. As sure as I knew the words were from Him, I also knew that the words were just what she needed to hear. This, and other instances like it, have certainly bolstered my faith in how He cares for His children and that He chooses to invite us into partnership in ministering to His children. Realizing that the Lord used me (ME!) in this way fills me with joy and gratefulness, and I look forward to ministering in this way more.

What message or encouragement do you hope young women and girls hear when they see you step into the pulpit? 

I hope that they realize that God calls and equips His children, regardless of gender, self-perceived inability, etc., to share His word.

What lessons have most guided your leadership over the years? 

I've learned “people over programs.” People are more important than the programs we plan. If the programs are more sacred in continuing than ministering to the needs of the people — something is out of alignment. I’ve learned (or am learning) that ego has no place in ministry. I don’t need man’s recognition, only the Lord’s. If it seems that I am “passed over” or not in the spotlight — I can be content. I’ve learned that you can’t give what you don’t have. If you lack spiritual depth, what can you possibly hope to offer others? In short, ministry has kept me close to the Lord. For this, and many other things, I am grateful.