Mary Magdalene's story is one of the most powerful examples of redemption and faithfulness in the Gospels. Delivered by Jesus from seven demons, she became a devoted follower who remained with Him through the cross and was among the first to witness His resurrection.

Major Jonathan Raymer and Lt. Jamie Dupree explore what Mary's story teaches us about gratitude, faithfulness, calling, and allowing Jesus to transform not only our circumstances, but the way we live.

Sometimes you don't need to know the whole plan. You just need to know Jesus.

Sermon preached on September 20, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc Center by Major Jonathan Raymer.

Walking by faith

Sermon preached on September 13, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc by Major Jonathan Raymer

When you hear the word homeless, what comes to mind?

A statistic? A problem? Someone else's crisis?

In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, Major Jonathan Raymer sits down with Jeff Jarrett, Social Services Director for The Salvation Army Augusta Area Command, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about the ministry of the Center of Hope.

At its heart, the Center of Hope is about far more than providing a bed for the night. It is about seeing people as Jesus sees them—individuals with names, stories, struggles, gifts, and dignity. As Jeff explains, the work begins not with judgment or assumptions, but with prayer, love, and a willingness to truly understand the person standing in front of you.

Together, Jonathan and Jeff challenge some of the common stereotypes surrounding homelessness. Many people experiencing homelessness have income. Families and children can suddenly find themselves without a place to live. Others are navigating mental health struggles, incarceration histories, unemployment, addiction, or circumstances beyond their control.

That's why the Center of Hope cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach.

Through personal relationships, case management, job training, behavioral health partnerships, transportation assistance, and connections with community organizations, the team works to identify each person's specific needs and help them take meaningful steps toward stability.

But the conversation makes clear that practical help is only part of the mission.

The Salvation Army has long been known for the idea of "soup, soap, and salvation." Meet the immediate need. Restore dignity. And point people toward the transforming love of Jesus Christ.

Volunteers also play a vital role in this ministry. Whether serving meals, sharing time, helping with programs, or simply listening to someone's story, volunteers often discover that they are being changed too. Preconceived ideas are challenged, relationships are formed, and the community begins to see homelessness not simply as a problem to solve, but as people to know and love.

Ultimately, the Center of Hope is a reminder that the greatest transformation begins with Christ.

Because homelessness may be a circumstance—but it is never someone's identity. Every person has a story, every person has value, and every person deserves to be seen with the love of Jesus.

https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc

The Shepherd knows your name

Sermon preached on September 6, 2026 at The Salvation Army Augusta Kroc Center by Lt. Jamie Dupree

What happens when darkness comes face-to-face with Jesus?

In this episode of CrossTalk at the Kroc, Major Jonathan Raymer is joined by Majors Marion and Dwayne Durham, Area Commanders for Greater New Orleans, for a powerful conversation through Mark 1:21–28. Together, they examine Jesus' first recorded miracle in Mark's Gospel—a dramatic encounter with a man possessed by an unclean spirit in the middle of the synagogue.

The story begins with Jesus teaching in a way that leaves people amazed. Unlike the religious leaders, Jesus doesn't merely possess institutional authority—He speaks with divine authority. But before the crowd can fully understand who He is, an unclean spirit cries out and recognizes Jesus for exactly who He is: "the Holy One of God."

Jonathan, Marion, and Dwayne explore the significance of this encounter and what it reveals about Christ. Jesus doesn't debate with the unclean spirit. He doesn't negotiate. He simply speaks—and the spirit obeys.

The conversation also moves beyond the dramatic moment in the synagogue and into a practical question for believers today: What does spiritual authority really look like? Through personal stories and honest reflection, the group discusses spiritual discernment, the danger of confusing outward religion with inward transformation, and the importance of recognizing that any authority believers possess comes not from themselves, a title, a uniform, or a position—but through the name and authority of Jesus Christ.

At the heart of the conversation is a powerful reminder about surrender and sanctification. Looking holy is not the same thing as becoming holy. Wearing the uniform, following traditions, or appearing religious cannot replace a life fully surrendered to Christ.

Jesus meets us where we are—but through the work of the Holy Spirit, He refuses to leave us unchanged.

Because Jesus does not merely teach the truth—He has authority over the darkness that enslaves us.

https://linktr.ee/crosstalkatthekroc