The Salvation Army of the Midlands has new leaders; Mark and Leigh Ann Craddock and their family. They assumed their position June 27 and have settled into their new surroundings and are looking forward to getting to know the community and continuing the ministry of The Salvation Army.
Salvation Army Officers are periodically transferred to different locations, typically every 3-4 years. The Craddock’s are enthusiastic and dynamic leaders and come to The Salvation Army of the Midlands from Wilmington, North Carolina, where for the last 4 years they were responsible for the programs and services of the Wilmington Salvation Army.
The Craddocks have served as Officers in The Salvation Army for 29 years. They have served together in Ada, Oklahoma, Ponca City, Oklahoma, Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Irving, Texas, Dallas Temple, Texas, as Divisional Secretaries for Human Resources and Property in Maryland & West Virginia, and Wilmington, North Carolina.
Together the couple has a ministry and are passionate about the mission of The Salvation Army. They have four boys, Johnathan (31), Mark Erik (28), Coleman (17), and Caleb (14). Johnathan is married to Sarah and were commissioned as Salvation Army Officers in June, 2017, and appointed to Springdale, Arkansas. Mark Erik was commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer in June 2019, and appointed to Lynchburg, Virginia. Mark and Leigh Ann have three grandsons, Keezie, Theo, and Bo.
Mark married his high school sweetheart, Leigh Ann, in 1987, and graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Leigh Ann graduated from Southern Nazarene University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies and is currently pursuing her Master of Apologetics.
“It has been exciting to meet the people of the Midlands Area and discover the opportunities for ministry here,” said Major Craddock. “We look forward to meeting the needs of this community and ‘Doing The Most Good’ alongside the staff, volunteers and supporters of The Salvation Army.”
The couple is responsible for all church programs and social services at The Salvation Army of The Midlands including two Family Stores, food service at Transitions Homeless Shelter and The Inclement Weather Center.
“Many people don’t realize that The Salvation Army is a church,” said Craddock. “We invite everyone to join us for Worship each Sunday at 10 AM, at The Salvation Army, located at 3024 Farrow Road in Columbia. We look forward to meeting you soon.”
For additional information, please reach out to Lisa Huffman at 803-309-0436 or [email protected].
