New Frontier Chronicle January/February 2023 | Vol. 41, No. 1

$100M Rady Project to expand efforts in San Diego

Project to broaden housing options, continuum of care

BY KRISTIN MARGUERITE DOIDGE

The Salvation Army in San Diego has a vision to expand its efforts to reach more community members in need through the $100 million Rady Center development project at the Centre City facility in downtown San Diego.

The nearly 200,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility will in-

crease critical community services The Salvation Army already provides, such as food assistance and meals for seniors, and will more than triple shelter and support services to help get men and women off the streets and on a path to successful independent living or into permanent supportive housing. It will replace the current Centre City Corps.

The new Rady Center is made possible by a generous donation

from philanthropists Ernest and Evelyn Rady and a first-of-its-kind, long-term innovative partnership with local nonprofit Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation.

The news comes at a time when the number of people experiencing homelessness has increased more than 10 percent in San Diego, according to the latest point-in-time count released by the San Diego

SEEDS of Hope voted best in 'Survivor Care' for anti-human trafficking

Program continues to change lives in Las Vegas through trauma-informed care.

BY LOU BUHL

Out of 10 nominees, the International Anti-Slavery Commission voted The Salvation Army Southern Nevada as best in “Survivor Care” at an awards gala Oct. 29.

The award recognized The Salvation Army SEEDS of Hope program for providing shelter, re-homing services, repatriation and other means of assistance in anti-human trafficking services.

“I believe we really do offer the best survivor care here in the Valley,” said

New Mexico EDS response forges new connections

When a New Mexico pueblo was without water for weeks, The Salvation Army stepped in.

BY HILLARY JACKSON

Santa Fe (New Mexico) Corps Officer

Lt. Ismael Gutierrez got a call in early November. On the other end, a man from the government said a nearby Native American settlement, Pueblo of Acoma, had been out of water for a week after its wells had failed, and that they were in desperate need of food. He asked if The Salvation Army could provide food boxes for seniors there for a week. Gutierrez said “yes.”

“We didn't have any food in our pantry, so we ended up going to Sam's Club with some of our congregation members and volunteers and we did a shopping spree there,” he said. “We had some volunteers here assembling boxes, and we delivered it to Acoma.”

Gutierrez got a call from a state representative, thanking him for the food and asking if The Salvation Army could feed the 270 kids of the pueblo for 28 days because they couldn’t go to school due to the unsanitary water conditions—they had switched to virtual learning.

Gutierrez reached out to Southwest Director of Emergency/Disaster Services Nicole Kanne, who said she talked with Midwest Food Bank in Phoenix, and they sent a truckload of 30 pallets of food and drinks in addition to a truckload of bottled water. After responding for 28 days, Kanne said The Salvation Army had supplied 8,695 meals for the kids and seniors of the community in addition to providing 28,128 bottles of water.

Pueblo of Acoma is located on a high bluff, and is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the

L-r: Michele Prosser, Lt. Colonel Lee Lescano, Peter Armstrong from Wakeland Housing, Ernest and Evelyn Rady, Bernie Porter and Megan Dowell |PHOTO COURTESY SALVATION ARMY SAN DIEGO

Captain Lisa Barnes

The water outage at Pueblo of Acoma stretched on, and the food box delivery proved to be the start of The Salvation Army’s efforts to meet human needs there. In the days following the delivery,

Lt. Ismael Gutierrez helps a volunteer pack food boxes. |PHOTO COURTESY SOUTHWEST DIVISION

Caring is a magazine from The Salvation Army for people who care about making an impact for good. As a Salvation Army officer or employee, you’ll also find a curated collection of inspiring news for you in the New Frontier Chronicle print edition and our email newsletter, the Weekly.

See more at caringmagazine.org.

Finding joy

BY DOUGLAS RILEY, COMMISSIONER

I love to fly fish. Each year my college friends and I go off to some remote area, a lake or river, to fish. There we let go of all of our circumstances of life, work, stress—the busyness. We’re in the moment, enjoying each other's company but enjoying God's beauty around us—the rocks, the mountain, fresh air, trees, wildlife—but when it comes time to fish, we're serious.

We prepare, we clean our equipment, we get it all ready. We pick the right flies to use and then throw out our line watching it intently, concentrating on that fly at the end of our line. Not thinking of anything else but the excitement and anticipation of waiting for that fish to rise to the surface and take the fly. Then it gets really exciting because you have to quickly respond. You have to hook the fish and if you don't act fast, you’ll lose it.

But if you do hook the fish, it brings a new sense of excitement as you bring the fish in and land it in your net. It's a feeling like no other—full of excitement, full of fulfillment. It's pure joy to my heart.

Some of you will not understand this, and perhaps some of you will not care, but it gives me joy. Joy found in the anticipation of catching a fish. I prepared, I looked, I did everything possible to psych myself up and to hook that fish.

One of life's greatest blessings is to find joy, true joy, pure joy—the feeling of not just being happy but being full of joy which stems from something other than the circumstances that you find yourself in.

It's funny because it should be a natural result of our faith—the anticipation of knowing God's goodness for us, his spirit that gives us to not look at the circumstances but to know he is in control and we are his. Everything belongs to him. We as Christians should have a peace, we should have a settled spirit, a deep gladness for what our faith gives us and what it takes away from us.

It gives us acceptance with God, rest for our spirit’s communion with him and it takes away our fears, the strife, the lies within us, the conflict of will and passion. The joy in Christ is deep and abiding. It's full of anticipation. It's where I put my hope. Hope is the joyful anticipation of God's goodness.

If you want to find joy, you have to have faith in God's goodness and the anticipation of seeing him in everything we do and in everything we think or say. It’s God in us that enables us to feel joy that we could never feel without him or on our own. I often wonder if my joy is made complete in Christ. I know it is, but I don't always know that I'm living with a light that casts one of joy in my responsibilities, in my strength.

pare ourselves to each other. This has been true throughout our existence; however, if we acknowledge the one who has created us and put his desire in our hearts, we learn to pursue the things that last, that produce true joy.

In our leadership meetings we often share with the new members a statue of Jesus kneeling down, washing the feet of his disciples; it's found in John 15. The disciples were arguing about who was going to wash the feet of the others, and then we see Jesus take off his robe; he washes all 12 disciples that were gathered. Then he says this: “These things I have spoken to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be full.”

In the letter to the Philippians, it stress-

es the power of joy. That joy comes when we are spiritually connected to God. Even when things around us are difficult. Paul writes rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. In history they faced all kinds of plagues and droughts and floods. Their joy was unquenched.

The other day I lost my glasses. I couldn't find them anywhere. I searched everywhere, the whole house through. They're lost, but even more tragic, some of us have lost our joy. It's gotten buried under a pile of frustrations and questions and we need help finding it. We need joy in our lives. Real joy.

The answer is simple: Let Jesus come into your life. He will wash away your fears, your frustrations, your worries and even your hurts. I had that anticipation for God's joy in my life watching and waiting and then enjoying it because I found it. My prayer for you today is that you find joy in living for Christ and serving Christ and knowing Christ and trusting Christ— a pure, rich, wonderful joy. It's found only in the presence of God, and that's the answer to finding pure joy. NFC

Commissioner’s Kettle Challenge winners

Across the West, participants in Commissioner Douglas Riley’s inaugural kettle challenge manned their own in-person kettles (Dec. 2 or 3), all aiming to raise more than Riley. Here are the results:

Cash, Coins and Checks Category

1. Captain Dustin Rowe, Phoenix Kroc Center, Southwest Division

2. Major Rio Ray, Sacramento (California) Citadel Corps, Del Oro Division

3. Major Osei Stewart, Hawaii Kroc Center, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division

Cash and Coins Category

1. Major Butch Soriano, Olympia (Washington) Corps, Northwest Division

2. Captain Angela Morrow, Vancouver (Washington) Corps, Northwest Division

3. Major Jonathan Harvey, ringing for Seattle Adult Rehabilitation Program, Northwest Division

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LAYOUT AND DESIGN

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Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. It's a commandment. Some would say it's a duty. In a booklet by Jennifer Grant entitled “Comparison: The thief of joy,” what robs us of joy? Our inclination to compare. It's the prime culprit. No matter what we value in life, we tend to com-

“

My prayer for you today is that you find joy in living for Christ and serving Christ and knowing Christ and entrusting Christ — a pure, rich, wonderful joy.

”

—COMMISSIONER DOUGLAS RILEY

HOSTED BY CHRISTIN THIEME

BY JOHN DOCTER

COURTESY INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION

ONCE & FOR ALL

BY BRIAN PEDDLE, GENERAL

ANew Year always holds great potential and most of us will spend some time thinking about the uncharted landscape ahead. We ponder New Year resolutions, we consider “beginning again”—a new start or a clean page. In some instances, there are even things we want to leave behind and something rises within us suggesting that a refocused human effort will make a difference. Each year the voices come: “clean up your act”; “you can do better”; “get a grip”; “don’t be so disorganized”; “focus on the right things.” It isn’t always easy to get off to a good start!

As I’ve been thinking of all that effort and trying harder, I am reminded of Old Testament narratives of people constantly making gigantic efforts to secure a right relationship with God. Like them, we try harder, we strive and we practice our religion, hoping all will be well.

If this sounds like you and this is how you are feeling as you welcome 2023, I have some good news

which is linked to how we start this New Year and how we do things right.

I want to introduce you to the “Once and for all God” (Romans 6:10: The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God).

For some, it might be a new perspective, but it has history. God’s provision for us began with a new covenant commencing with the cross. This is a focus on what God has done for us and not on our striving and effort. It is a new beginning that is birthed in the dynamic of personal surrender.

So, step into this New Year with confidence, not that which comes from your human effort but rather from walking with the “once and for all God” who says, “my grace is sufficient for you.”

Hebrews 9:28 states: Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many. That includes us. John 1:29 reads: Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! That is my sin and your sin.

In the truth that Christ died once and for all, there

is also the truth that he lives, and because he lives we can also live. Walking with God daily, let us confront the temporal and spiritual in such a way that no matter what comes, the truth of God’s action on our behalf remains rock solid. That means, whatever comes—if economies fail, if health becomes challenging, if our plans are disrupted, and even if what we fear most becomes a reality—we are safe in his hands, fully aware of his provision.

In the arena of surrender there hangs a banner, reading: “God is with us and he is faithful.” On that basis we can approach every day of this new year as more than conquerors (Romans 8:37), and in the knowledge that Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33), because his grace is sufficient and he is faithful.

Romans 5:8 encapsulates this: But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. It is done! For once and for all time… and that changes everything.

May God richly bless you throughout 2023. NFC

Kindness at Christmas set one couple on a path to serve others

BY SEANA SCOTT

Way Out

Meet San Francisco’s new leader of The

23 years in prison gave one man the perfect platform for positive change

BY KAREN GLEASON

Aaron Lowers might seem an unlikely candidate to lead The Way Out, The Salvation Army’s initiative to relieve San Francisco’s homelessness crisis. But his story, including his criminal background, helps him serve people experiencing homelessness even though he technically hasn’t experienced it himself.

By his early 20s, Lowers’ addiction to drugs and alcohol had taken its toll, and he was facing financial disaster. “I was losing my home to foreclosure,” he said. “My relationships were in shambles and in my drug-addled mind, the solution was I needed to commit armed robberies. So I began committing a series of robberies in Los Angeles.”

Life in prison in California

In January 1995, after attempting to commandeer a bus heading from LA to Las Vegas, he said he was arrested and sentenced to life in prison. At 23 years

Captain Yohani Ortiz’s father died when she was a child and she moved to California from Honduras at 7 years old. She said she dreaded Christmas; it reminded her of what she left behind.

“Christmas just wasn’t what I remembered—lots of presents and food and family. In California, we barely had anything— and it was just me and mom,” she said.

But then someone unexpectedly dropped off presents wrapped in purple and silver paper, with ham, mashed potatoes and green beans with all the fixings—and a gift card to the grocery store. All these years later, she remembers the fancy watch gifted to her under the purple wrapping.

“I thought we were all alone and the presents and food made me feel like I was still loved, still cared for,” she said.

As the years followed, The Salvation Army became much of her childhood. She received food boxes, Christmas toys and school supplies whenever her family needed them. She said she also spent a lot of time volunteering at The Salvation Army answering phones and filing papers in the summer when her mom needed to work.

“It kept me grounded and out of trouble,” Ortiz said.

She said trying to live in the U.S. as an immigrant meant her mother juggled multiple jobs. “One day we searched to gather a few coins so we could buy two tacos for $1 from Jack in the Box. That was all we ate that day. I still can’t stand the taste of those tacos,” she said.

Faith and perseverance saw them through and eventually her mother, Captain Natalia Berggren, trained to become a Salvation Army officer (pastor). In training, she met another mother, Captain Kim Warriner, who had a son, Taurean Ortiz.

Taurean Ortiz said his mother came to The Salvation Army for help at Christmastime after having to leave his father. Unfortunately, they had missed the toy giveaway. However, the officer at the corps in Washington was able to give them something, Taurean Ortiz said. He received a Mariners plush teddy bear.

“That officer showed grace and compassion,” he said. “He could have easily said, ‘Sorry, we don’t have any toys.’ He gave what he had—and it changed my life.”

This simple act of love catapulted their involvement in the

life and ministry of The Salvation Army.

Years later, when Taurean and Yohani Ortiz’s mothers met in training, they plotted for their children to marry. “We didn’t plan to follow our mothers into the ministry, even though we followed their plan in marriage,” Yohani Ortiz said with a chuckle.

Yohani Ortiz first thought about officership when she was 15, serving in The Salvation Army’s after-school program. She

Aaron Lowers

Captain Yohani Ortiz serves in Puerto Rico. |PHOTO COURTESY SOUTHWEST DIVISION

Q&A: Behind the scenes of a client choice food pantry

In Bellingham, Washington, The Salvation Army's food pantry aims to be a 'safe haven.'

BY VIVIAN LOPEZ

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army Bellingham (Washington) food bank was serving approximately 200 people a month. Then, with the coronavirus, that number grew to about 1,200. Due to the uptick, the food bank moved to a 15,000-square-foot facility—formerly a Salvation Army thrift store—in 2020. And today, the program serves around 8,000 people a month.

The Salvation Army Bellingham Corps is open three days a week and operates like a grocery store. Clients check in, get a shopping cart and browse to get the things they need— as they would in a typical supermarket. It's one of a number of client choice food pantries The Salvation Army operates in the Pacific Northwest.

“Our goal in all of our programs, but also in our shelters and food pantries, is to get to the point where every corps community center is able to meet the highest standard of care for every individual,” said Northwest Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Cindy Foley. “The way in which we provide a personal choice experience in meeting nutrition needs in a quality manner demonstrates our care for them, and caring for people in that manner goes beyond language."

The program in Bellingham fills a key need for community members as they don’t have a nearby grocery store to access healthy, affordable foods in their area.

Among the pantry’s client base are about 500 members of the area’s large Slavic population—many of whom are Ukrainian refugees. More than 6,500 Ukrainian refugees have moved to communities across Washington since 2010, including more than 120 people who arrived after October 2021.

To find out more, New Frontier spoke with Salvation Army Bellingham Corps Officer Lt. Chase Tomberlin-Green— who shared how the food bank has evolved since opening at its new location and how it continues to make a lasting impact in the community.

New Frontier Chronicle (NFC): How has The Salvation Army Bellingham food pantry program evolved since reopening at the former thrift store facility in 2020?

Lt. Chase Tomberlin-Green (CT): It’s really important to remember that in the neighborhood that we’re in, there is no grocery store within easy walking distance. We are the food provider for our neighborhood. It’s grown just out of necessity. People need it. We live in a community where we have a very high population of people experiencing homelessness and a very high low-income family population. Our average family is a family of threeplus children and then we also have a very high Ukrainian refugee popula-

tion. The food bank has become a safe haven—a safety net for families and individuals alike.

NFC: Can you tell us more about how the food pantry is serving the area’s Slavic population?

CT: We’ve always had a pretty steady clientele of Ukrainian and Russian individuals and families who have utilized the food bank. In recent months, we’ve definitely seen an uptick. We’ve also seen a lot of fear though with people just being afraid to get out into the community and ask for help. A lot

of our clients who have been using us for years will bring people to the food bank to help translate for them.

We have a Slavic church in our area that helps provide translators. It makes people who have fled Ukraine feel much more welcome and helps them feel safe—they’re already dealing with so much. Having this available for refugees is not just important on the basis of food, but it’s a way for our community to say, “Hey we’re here for you, we love you, and we want to support you. Don’t be afraid. This is a safe place for you.” If

a Ukrainian individual can find a safe haven in The Salvation Army, then we’ve done our job. That’s what we’re all about. That’s what we want to do for everyone.

NFC: What kind of impact is the program having on the community?

CT: It’s become that safe haven for families, but I think it’s become even more than that—it’s empowering. The act of someone being able to go in, grab a shopping cart, and shop just like normal, makes them feel much better…It’s been really empowering for our community and we see a lot of positivity in people’s moods and attitudes. It also acts as that bridge for our other Salvation Army programs.

NFC: How important has the presence of The Salvation Army Bellingham food pantry become to the community?

CT: It’s really not about food. People definitely need food and we’re happy to give that to our families and individuals. But the reality is it goes way beyond that. We are able to love, support and encourage a community that is hurting.

NFC: What are your hopes for the future of The Salvation Army Bellingham food bank?

CT: Right now, we’re working on a plan to mobilize the food bank as well. We have a pretty big service area. Some of our communities are almost 35 to 45 minutes out. Our desire is just to show people that we care and we want to serve them. NFC

Toys bring Christmas cheer to children in Alaska's remote villages

Partnerships help The Salvation Army deliver the spirit of the season.

BY HILLARY JACKSON

It’s not every day Santa comes to town, but for children in Nuiqsut, Alaska, he and Mrs. Claus arrived Nov. 29 aboard a C-130 Hercules.

This year, Nuiqsut was one of three Alaskan communities selected, along with Scammon Bay and Minto, as part of the Alaska National Guard’s Operation Santa Claus (Op Santa), which has aimed to deliver the joy of Christmas to remote villages throughout Alaska for 53 years.

Each year, The Salvation Army partners with the Alaska National Guard to collect and pack gifts for the missions. This year, 585 kids across the three villages received gifts delivered in backpacks donated by Costco.

In addition to the backpacks, 300 toys from Mattel, including all of the beloved brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Mega and Fisher Price toys were aboard the plane to be given to kids in Nuiqsut.

“Mattel has been such a generous and loyal partner to The Salvation Army over the years, providing thousands of toys to children at Christmas and beyond,” said Territorial Director of Corporate Engagement Maria Todaro.

“They are committed to helping us make sure any Angels who may not be adopted through our Angel Tree program, still receive a gift. We are so grateful that this year Mattel is helping to make sure children in Nuiqsut, Alaska, will have a little extra love under the tree.”

The toys from Mattel were given to the Nuiqsut Trapper School (preschool-12th grade) that distributed them to the kids as part of their Christmas program.

“It was a blessing to have the Mattel toys to be able to give for the kids to have something for their Christmas event,” Alaska Divisional Business Secretary Captain Kevin Pope said. Mattel also donated toys to other remote Salvation Army locations throughout Southeast

Alaska, including Haines, Kodiak, Klawock and Kake. Mattel Children’s Foundation Senior Foundation Specialist Brittany Cruickshank said she was working with The Salvation Army team in Southern California as part of the Forgotten Angels program, when unclaimed Angel Tree tags are fulfilled with toys, when she first learned of Operation Santa.

“They let us know that this project was happening, and without a second thought, we said we had to be part of it,” Cruickshank said. “We called up our warehouse and we said, ‘How quickly can we get toys on a plane and up to Alaska?’ because we wanted to get there in time.”

Cruickshank said when she called the warehouse, she told the team: “We need you to be Santa.”

“They didn't even blink,” she said. “They were like, ‘We're going to get it happening right now.’ That just shows you how dedicated our team is.”

Once the toys arrived in Alaska, Pope said he dropped them off at the Air Guard base so they could be put on the same pallet as the rest of the gifts from Operation Santa.

In Bellingham, Washington, The Salvation Army meets a range of human needs.

Alaska Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Doug Tollerud stands with participants of Operation Santa. |PHOTO COURTESY MARIA TODARO

Bringing spiritual care to the Anaheim Emergency Shelter

BY SEANA SCOTT

Majors Nesan and Cheryl Kistan drove to Disneyland on their day off. As they exited the freeway and neared the entrance, they noticed a man begging for money across the street. Nesan Kistan leaned forward and squinted his eyes. He asked, “Cheryl, isn’t that Terry?”

They knew the man—they had met him at the Anaheim (California) Emergency Shelter (AES), a low-barrier shelter The Salvation Army runs. The light changed and they kept driving, but the Holy Spirit stirred their hearts, Nesan Kistan said. They needed to go find Terry.

Terry later said he’d stood on the corner for hours, trying to beg for money. He only had a few dollars. “I messed up and had to leave the shelter for 90 days. I had no money. No food stamps. I cried out to God, ‘I can’t make it out here for 90 days,'” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kistans drove the streets, looking for the man and found him pushing a shopping cart. They pulled over, called him to the car and loaded their trunk with his belongings. They headed back to the shelter.

Nesan Kistan helped Terry receive another chance—and Terry re-entered the shelter. “Right when I called out to God, Major Kistan showed up,” Terry said.

Today, Terry said he is in recovery and has committed his life to following Jesus. He currently serves as the resident worship leader on Sunday nights at the Anaheim Emergency Shelter and will soon have an apartment of his own.

“This is The Salvation Army at its best,” said Nesan Kistan. “The Salvation Army was born on the streets of East London, amid suffering and poverty. We are for the prisoner, the oppressed. We are the Church with sleeves rolled up.”

Indeed, the Anaheim Emergency Shelter is the “Church with sleeves rolled up.” In the past few years, God worked through the local leaders to integrate social services and spiritual care with much more intention. “That is how William Booth started The Salvation Army, and in Orange Country we are really trying to move toward more holistic ministry,” Nesan Kistan said.

people and the program. Bogosian’s legacy of connecting social services and spiritual wholeness continued with the leadership of Ministry Lead Andre Abrantes.

Abrantes said his passion for fostering wholeness in all areas of residents’ lives led him to structuring the shelter programming around four core ideals: know God, find freedom, discover purpose and make a difference.

“Once we had a clearer focus of what we were going for, we were then able to help navigate people through the pipeline of wholeness,” Abrantes said.

Most recently, Pastoral Care Lead Harvey Marquez joined the team at AES as Lead Shepherd, and Abrantes moved into a ministry leadership role at The Salvation Army Tustin Ranch Corps.

Marquez said he desires residents to become all God created them to be.

“I’m passionate about residents finding their identity in Christ and to move in that full calling,” he said. He asks residents to lead worship, set-up and tear-down, and lead prayer or testimonies. “We’ve seen deliverance, families reunited, even someone making amends with a high school teacher they wronged. God is at work,” he said.

Partnerships with the Tustin Ranch Corps and other area churches help support the ministry outreach at AES. Local congregations regularly participate in residents’ lives by hosting birthday parties and prayer and worship nights, among other activities. Additionally, the Tustin Ranch Corps hosts a Christmas service and other events and shelter residents have the opportunity to attend church there on Sundays. Some residents even occasionally participate in leading worship at the church.

“Tustin Ranch is more like our brother church rather than just a church. They are a part of who we are,” said Marquez.

When Marquez began, residents preferred not to attend any spiritually focused meetings, but now the Sunday night service hosts about 50-60 men. “God is using Pastor Marquez to bring momentum,” Abrantes said.

Teen’s influence grows through coffee project

Fifteen-year-old Eden Wild is funding wells, assisting a young mother in Uganda and helping support a corps in Ethiopia.

BY KAREN GEASON

Three years ago, Eden Wild began Buna Tarik (BT) Roasters, a coffee roasting project. Initially, she planned to raise money to build wells in Ethiopia, each costing $5,000. To date, her efforts have funded four wells, giving thousands of people access to clean water. The project has raised enough money to begin construction on a fifth.

“A donation here is water for someone else for 20 years in Ethiopia,” Eden, 15, said. “Just think—this small sacrifice or thing that you’re taking from your own life and then the multiplication of the impact it’s going to have on someone else’s life.”

When Eden began BT Roasters, which means “coffee with a story,” she was thinking of her personal story and how the lack of clean water impacts people in Ethiopia, her birth country. Since then, her coffee story has evolved and grown, impacting a Ugandan coffee farm and The Salvation Army corps in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Turning coffee into water in Ethiopia

In the Ethiopian village of her birth—Bue, in the Sodo district—clean water was unavailable, and many people caught waterborne diseases, Eden said. Her birth mother died in childbirth, and Eden wondered if having clean water might have saved her life.

She never forgot her origins, and said she wanted to do something meaningful for her birthplace. She launched her project to “roast coffee so children can have clean water” with help from her adoptive parents, Salvation Army officers Lt. Colonels Ivan and Jennifer Wild, and the support of The Salvation Army. Those connections fuel the fundraising, and her partnership with Water to Thrive allows the wells to be built.

Recently, Water to Thrive invited Eden to speak at its donor banquet in Austin, Texas, where she shared her story. The event was a success, with donations and coffee auctions from the evening totaling around $100,000. Auctions of BT Roasters coffee contributed $10,000 to that total.

“Because Eden was there, there’s two more wells being built,” Ivan Wild said, crediting Eden and the connections she’s made with the success of BT Roasters.

“Eden has been invited to speak in an Atlanta church on National Adoption Day and share her story,” he said. “And then that leads to other partnerships that lead to other partnerships…It’s that connection, just hearing the story and connecting people—the project has grown. Like exponentially, we almost can’t even control it.

A

history of ministry to those experiencing homelessness in Orange County, California

When Jim Bogosian, the previous beloved social services ministry leader at AES, passed away due to COVID, his loss left a big hole in the heart of the

The renewed spiritual and social services integration is exactly the vision the Kistans hope to continue to see flourish throughout Orange County. “The gospel has to be practical,” said Nesan Kistan. “You can’t preach the gospel until you feed the hungry soul, but you can’t feed the hungry and not care for their soul.” NFC

“You know, I’m biased because she’s my daughter, but Eden maintains straight As,” he said. “That’s a big thing for us, education. And she’s in cheer and cross country, having a quote ‘normal life.’ And then still doing this on the side. I’m a proud dad.”

During the Water to Thrive donor banquet, the Wilds connected with Geoffrey Kinaala, a coffee

Eden Wild stands with a well BT Roasters funded in Ethiopia.

|PHOTO COURTESY IVAN WILD

A Thanksgiving meal brought holiday cheer to residents of the Anaheim Emergency Shelter. |PHOTO COURTESY CALEB MAFFEY

My life has massively changed by the ARC...I was 28 when I came to The Salvation Army and I didn't expect to stay longer than just one night and here I am 13 years later.

—CAPTAIN DAVID CAIN

Loss and Recovery: How The Salvation Army helped one man find hope

Adult Rehabilitation Center graduate shares his story of loss and moving forward with The Salvation Army.

BY LOU BUHL

After losing his father, grandmother and later in life his own child, Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) graduate and Hope House resident Devin Harmon said he used substances to cope with his grief.

At The Salvation Army San Bernardino (California) ARC, Harmon said he reconnected with his faith and found the support needed to exit the cycle of addiction that took hold of him for 29 years.

After graduating from the ARC in February 2022, Harmon moved into a sober-living program, Hope House, run by the Riverside (California) Corps. Located on-site at the corps, Hope House, Corps Officer Captain David Cain said, was created to offer men “a safe place to transition” after completing an ARC program.

At Hope House, Harmon celebrated his first year of sobriety and he’s now working toward a career as a barber. When asked what has helped him to stay sober, Harmon said “it’s the connection” and being of “service to God.”

Harmon said his struggle with addiction first began when he lost his father at 12 years old. “I got into drugs and I got away from the church,” he said. “We were on welfare and my mom took care of us, but she was always upset, crying and missing [my dad].”

According to American Addiction Centers, some forms of grief (especially grief resulting from traumatic and unexpected loss) can increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder.

After graduating high school, Harmon pursued several career paths, including programs to become

a firefighter, truck driver and chef, but due to his struggle with addiction he was unable to find success along those paths.

Later in life when Harmon experienced the death of his first-born daughter, he said he fell “deeper into addiction.”

“I really had nowhere to go,” he added, mentioning the three years he spent couchsurfing and a brief period of living on the street. “I just went off the deep end.”

During this dark time, Harmon said he went to his older brother for guidance. As a Salvation Army ARC graduate with over five years of sobriety himself, Harmon’s brother suggested going through an ARC program.

“If Salvation Army hadn't saved him, I probably wouldn't have been able to do that too,” he added. “He's the one that got me in there and he's a big part of my life in recovery.”

During his time as a corps officer, Cain said he’s seen many men do well in the ARC program but once they leave life can get “busy or complicated or confusing,” which he said can lead to relapse.

“I’ve seen too many guys wander away after the program, so it's just a huge conviction of mine to create ways to keep guys connected so that they can continue to experience the restoration longterm recovery can provide.”

To Cain, helping support the Hope House program, he said is his “greatest joy.”

“My life has massively changed by the ARC…I was 28 when I came to The Salvation Army [ARC in Perris, California] and I didn’t expect to stay longer than one night and here I am 13 years later…so it's pretty dear to my heart and I believe that the ministry is powerful,” Cain added.

While in the Hope House program, residents are

required to attend three recovery meetings a week in addition to ARC graduation ceremonies on Wednesdays and church services on Sundays. “We want to create intentional mechanisms for people to give back,” Cain said, mentioning how Hope House residents also volunteer their time by leading weekly Rooted in Recovery meetings at the corps.

Unlike the no-fee ARC programs, while at Hope House Cain said residents have all the “regular responsibilities of life,” including maintaining employment, paying bills and navigating personal relationships.

While learning how to “work their own personal recovery program,” Cain said each Hope House resident is also required to determine personal goals that are discussed and reviewed on a quarterly basis. Then, once a year, he added, each resident creates a “personal mission statement…to articulate what God is doing in their life and what he’s calling them to do.”

For Harmon, in addition to completing barber college, he said God called him to rebuild his relationship with his teenage son, who attended his graduation ceremony at the ARC. “I have a lot of resentment towards myself…I didn’t want to cause any emotional damage to him,” he said. “I didn't want to face the pain and the grief and the shame.”

Now, Harmon said he’s “trying to make up for the lost time.” “It’s gotten a lot better…I’ve got to give it up to God and let him do what he does best,” he added.

Recently, Harmon made the commitment to become a soldier (Salvationist) of the Riverside Corps and help lead Sunday school in service of The Salvation Army’s ministry.

“The more I'm walking with God, the more I'm learning and the more I read the Bible, the more God's opening my heart,” he said. NFC

Kroc Center celebrates people with disabilities through theater

Partnership provides opportunities to get involved and grow in the arts.

BY LOU BUHL

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, aims to be “a safe place to belong and grow” for its 15,000 members and the 3,000 people who enter the facility daily.

Kroc Center Corps Officer Major Don Gilger said the Kroc Center is a place where everyone, including those with mental or physical disabilities, can feel accepted and encouraged no matter what they want to pursue.

Recently, the Kroc Center partnered with local nonprofit Celebrating Different Abilities through Art and Community Theater (CDA ACT) to run a production of "Frozen Jr.," with its final show Nov. 5, 2022.

All actors involved in CDA ACT’s productions have the opportunity to experience theater, regardless of age, ability or physical or verbal skills.

“We want to spotlight their abilities and allow them to be seen first,” said Gilger.

Outside of the theater programming, Gilger added, there are opportunities for people of all abilities at

the Kroc, including an adaptive rock climbing wall and pool equipment. Partnering with CDA ACT is “another way of adapting so everyone can participate,” he said.

While many performance spaces are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant for audience members, CDA ACT Board President and "Frozen Jr." Director Jamie Sciarrio said the Kroc Center Theater stands out as it’s also ADA compliant for performers on stage.

“Theater should be a safe space for everybody, no matter what your abilities are,” said Sciarrio. “All of our

shows have been at the Kroc Center,” she added, mentioning how "Frozen Jr." is the latest collaboration between CDA ACT and the Kroc Center, but not the first.

“We are such a unique theater company and because our board is so small, it acts as the producer of the show,” she said. As CDA ACT’s Board President, she’s also responsible for organizing marketing, fundraising and recruitment efforts. “There's this huge list of things that need to get done, so we divvy it up and work together to make sure it happens.”

In addition to directing the show,

Sciarrio said she also executed the set design and choreography. “It's great for our actors to see us as their production team, stretching and learning new things because it encourages them to do it too,” she said.

This year’s "Frozen Jr." production highlighted the talent of 35 actors and 19 shadows, Sciarrio said.

For the actors, shadows serve as “personal coaches” helping with anything from cueing lines to providing mobility support.

“Every actor needs different support,” Sciarrio said, mentioning how individual needs are determined during rehearsals leading up to live performances. Shadows also help the actors “learn how to advocate for their own needs [and] how to speak up for themselves,” she said.

“I know I have a shadow there right behind me if I need help,” said actor Madison Brinson, who played a townsperson in the "Frozen Jr." production. “If you need help with the lines or anything else on stage, they'll help you and guide you to where you need to be in a scene,” she added.

Prior to getting involved with productions at the Kroc Center, Brinson said she always felt “too shy” to

The play "Frozen Jr." is the latest collaboration between The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and the nonprofit Celebrating Different Abilities through Art and Community Theater (CDA ACT).

|PHOTO COURTESY JAMIE SCARRIO

93-year-old soldier inspires generations in Kalispell

Q&A with senior soldier and home league member Flora Lind

BY LOU BUHL

At 10 years old, Flora Lind—now 93—started going to The Salvation Army Havre Corps, where she grew up in Montana. Two years later, she accepted Christ into her life and began a lifelong journey of faith and service.

When her family moved to Kalispell, Montana, Lind said she “made sure to find the corps soon after” because with the Army, she felt “at home.”

Today, Lind has faithfully attended the Kalispell Corps for nearly 80 years, where she currently serves on the corps council and is the Home League secretary, supporting the corps’ women’s fellowship. Throughout her lifetime, Lind has created a legacy of loving the Lord through serving others. A legacy her children and grandchildren continue to this day.

“My mom’s example of faith and dedication to the Lord and The Salvation Army instilled in me a very strong commitment to God, ” said Dolores Thomas, one of Lind’s five children with the late Arnold Lind, promoted to Glory in 2012.

New Frontier Chronicle spoke with Lind about her journey in faith and how the next generation can strengthen their relationships with God.

New Frontier Chronicle (NFC): As a soldier, what keeps you returning to The Salvation Army?

Flora Lind (FL): I believe in the mission and doctrines of the Army and I’ve felt at home there—it’s where God met my needs and I dedicated my life to serving him there. I was usually shy, but I felt loved and safe at the corps and that helped bring me out of my shell. My father was an alcoholic and I was the oldest in my

family, so I was expected to care for my younger siblings while my mom worked at the grocery store my dad owned. Going to the corps allowed me to be a child and get a break from the stresses of our home life. There were lots of activities I could enjoy as well as worship.

I also taught Sunday School and helped at the corps however I could—I even sold the War Cry in the local bars to help raise money for the Army. All of these experiences gave me deep roots in the Army and strengthened my commitment to serve the Lord.

NFC: What does The Salvation Army’s mission mean to you?

Soldier recalls 97 years with The Salvation Army

Now in his 10th decade of life, Kenneth Hill is an active soldier at the Concord (California) Corps.

BY KAREN GLEASON

Nonagenarian Kenneth Hill found his place early in life. It wasn’t a geographical location, but instead a home base he could return to almost anywhere in the world. It was his church, The Salvation Army, which currently exists in 133 countries.

“There’s joy in The Salvation Army,” Hill said.

The Salvation Army is the thread connecting the different seasons of Hill’s life, from his childhood and youth in the United Kingdom, to his service during WWII with the Coldstream Guards, to his years in the United States where he raised a family, to now—the “golden years” that find him soldiering at the Concord (California) Corps.

“He is a super star—97-years-old and still plays in the band and sings in the Songsters,” Concord Corps Officer Major Gwyn Jones said.

Hill was born April 26, 1925, in West London, a third-generation Salvationist with deep roots in Salvation Army music.

“My grandfather on my father’s side was the Army’s first band inspector, which is now the Secretary for Bands and Songsters [Music Secretary],” Hill said. “He was one of the founders of the music board of The Salvation Army.”

Even though his grandfather died when Hill was just seven weeks old, Hill said his memory lived on. “I was introduced as Band Inspector Hill’s grandson, and he has been my inspiration for taking the course that I have—endeavoring to further Army music,” he said.

Hill participated in youth bands from age 8 until he was commissioned in the senior band in 1942. From there, he went on to become a bandmaster, serving as such for many years.

Music keeps Hill connected with both God and other people. He recalled the impact the Army’s music groups have had in the community, too, especially at Christmas.

“We used to go and form a ring in the street, because there wasn’t any traffic,” Hill said. “We’d play our carols and

FL: I think people should know that The Salvation Army is a church and that we do what we do to show the love of God. We do everything based on the Bible, motivated by the love of God. We show God’s love by helping people. We do what we do because of our faith in Jesus.

NFC: What is your favorite memory at the Kalispell Corps?

FL: I was 21 years old and had just moved back to Kalispell. About one year later, a couple from the corps invited my future husband, Arnie, to move from Iowa to meet me. We married about six months later on Valentine’s Day. As a young couple, we developed a special friendship with [former Kalispell Corps Officers] Lloyd and Irma Fitch as they were role models for us and not much older than we were at the time. We had a lot of fun together!

NFC: Where does your faith come from and what’s your favorite Bible verse?

FL: My faith comes from God through reading the Bible, which is his living Word. My favorite Bible verse is from 1 John 4:7-8: Let us love one another. Love is from God and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. If someone does not love others, it shows that they don’t know God, since God is love.

NFC: Do you have any advice for junior soldiers beginning their faith journeys with The Salvation Army?

FL: Memorize your pledge, always keep your junior soldier pledge and don’t be influenced by anyone to turn away from the promises you’ve made to God. Be ever true. NFC

OPERATION SANTA

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spread the good word. People would come and listen to us.”

He said those people weren’t looking to the Army to fill physical needs but instead a more intangible one. “Their main objective was coming for worship and exposure to the Lord,” Hill said. At church, they might find a community of like-minded people, as Hill did at The Salvation Army.

Concord Corps Officer Major AnnMarguerite Jones said Hill practices his brass instrument, the euphonium, every day, and makes the weekly rehearsals at the corps a priority.

“To me, he is an encouragement—a constant presence,” she said. “My heart is warmed every time I see him. The words he shared during one of my messages were inspirational: ‘Be faithful. It’s not all about receiving, but giving. Use your gifts for the Lord. Use your gifts to bless others.’”

Hill said The Salvation Army is his life. And through all the changes Hill has experienced in 97 years, one thing has remained unchanged, and it’s what he said he’d advise young Salvation Army soldiers to hold onto.

“What has stuck with me most is: For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations [Ps. 100:5],” Hill said. “This has been a comfort for me and a motivation for me. I feel very sure about the truth and the blessings the Lord bestows.” NFC

“We really wanted to help bring our iconic brands and toys to the kids who need it most in rural areas such as Alaska,” Cruickshank said, adding it’s all part of Mattel’s mission to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood, and to reach their full potential.

“We really get to come in and be that sense of comfort and to bring play when kids need it most,” she said.

For the journey to Nuiqsut, Pope said 32 people were aboard the flight, including members of the National Guard, the media, representatives of longtime partners Costco and Tastee Freez and five individuals from The Salvation Army.

This year marked the first year since the beginning of the pandemic that the gifts were distributed in an in-person event, Pope said. Tastee-Freez served up ice cream sundaes to the kids while they were waiting to visit Santa, and Pope said members of the village performed dances.

This year, Pope said about 190 kids in Nuiqsut received toys, stuffed animals and school supplies at the event. Nuiqsut, a city that reported a population of 542 in 2021, was the third and final mission of the season, and is located in one of the northernmost reaches of the U.S., about 30 miles from the Beaufort Sea.

“When they saw the backpacks, they were super excited to get their toys and they went and opened them up right away,” Pope said. NFC

Flora Lind |PHOTO COURTESY DOLORES LIND THOMAS

Kenneth Hill |PHOTO COURTESY CONCORD CORPS

The kids see the ring and they want to get in there. Not all the kids have to compete. I think our role here as staff members is to build champions, but not champions just in the ring. Champions in life…Life is much more than just fighting. It’s much more than just boxing.

—JUAN BARRERA

Building a better community one boxer at a time

BY KAREN GLEASON • PHOTOS BY JOHN DOCTER

Boxing Director helps the Modesto (California) Red Shield provide a safe haven for kids.

Juan Barrera’s commitment to the youth he coaches at The Salvation Army Modesto (California) Red Shield Center runs deep. As director of the center’s boxing program, he instructs boys and girls, and adults, too, in the basics: the boxer’s stance, and the jab, cross, hook and uppercut punches. Additionally, he listens to the kids and mentors them.

He can relate. During his youth, Barrera would hang out at the Red Shield Center, which opened in 1970.

“I grew up right here, down the street from the Red Shield, about two minutes from here,” he said. “I’ve been coming here since I was about 4 years old—about 45 or 46 years. It’s really been a safe haven for me.”

At age 4, he said he began learning how to box from his father.

“My dad always told me if you’re going to box, you need to box and be focused, but I ran around in the neighborhood,” he said. “It was kind of rough in the late ‘80s—a lot of gangs, a lot of drugs, a lot of everything around here.”

In his mid-teens, he said he would occasionally come to the Red Shield Center, where he participated in baseball and played games. The center didn’t have a boxing program then. Barrera said he did some boxing locally; he had his last fight when he was 20.

“I was still hanging around the streets—that was my thing,” he said. “I didn’t do drugs in my teens, but I got into a little bit of trouble. I’m blessed not to have gone to prison or gotten hurt or killed. I had good, really good parents. And I always had God on my side.”

By age 25, Barrera was married and working at Sav Mor Foods as a meat cutter, and within two years he was promoted to assistant meat manager. At this point, he said his life took a turn.

“Somehow I got involved with drugs. I went through an addiction for about three years,” he said. “I got demoted at my job. I lost my home. Lost my family. I lost everything…But I remembered my main tool in life was God. That’s what kept me sane. That’s what kept me around, not dead, not institutionalized.”

Barrera started going to church and to recovery meetings. “I knew with God anything was going to be possible,” he said.

And life started getting better. Although he had lost custo-

dy of his 8-year-old daughter, he was able to see her once a week. One day, he said he brought her to the Red Shield Center.

“That’s where I grew up,” he told her. “Let’s check it out.” She started to play and make friends. One thing led to another. Soon, Barrera was volunteering at the center and within a couple of months he had a part-time job there. Around 2008, when he asked if the center could purchase two pairs of boxing gloves and two punching bags, he got the OK.

“We hung [the bags] up in a small room here,” he said. That first day of boxing, we had about six kids show up.”

From there, things took off. The corps officer, who hoped to fund a kitchen renovation, asked Barrera to give his testimony at an advisory board meeting. Barrera agreed.

During his testimony, one of the members asked, “How much would a new boxing ring cost?” Barrera said he wasn’t sure, but it would be a lot, maybe $10,000.

“Check on that,” the man said. “Let’s get the boxing ring before we do the kitchen.”

Within two months, the center received the boxing ring.

“The kids see the ring and they want to get in there,” Barrera said. “Not all the kids have to compete. I think our role here as staff members is to build champions, but not champions just in the ring. Champions in life…Life is much more than just fighting. It’s much more than just boxing.”

Over the years, the program has produced boxing champions. In 2017, 9-year-old Andre Flores became the first member of the boxing club to claim a national title. Andre and his younger brother, Damon, would go on to achieve more at the national level. And once pro boxer Rodney Hernandez came to the Red Shield Center, he found success—after two years of no wins.

These days, Barrera continues to attend church, but he doesn’t go to meetings anymore. “This—the center—is kind of my meeting now,” he said. “Sometimes I get to work here and I’m tired. But then I see the kids working out. And I’ve just got to be here. This is part of my day…it helps me out. It’s the gratitude from the kids.”

Glafira Rodriguez, Modesto Red Shield Program Director, said Barrera is a positive role model. “Every day he’s not only teaching them boxing; he’s teaching them about life,” she said. “He shows them he cares about them regardless of whether they’re competitive boxers or not. He treats them all with love and kindness. He’s a good-hearted person.”

Barrera is still at Sav Mor, as the meat manager. And he met his current wife at the Red Shield Center; she’s the Zumba instructor.

During the COVID shutdowns, Barrera said many of the kids called him frequently, asking if the center had reopened. For those kids, he installed a punching bag in his garage, and told them they could come and practice if accompanied by a parent. Once the Red Shield reopened, the kids came right back, and the center had its first boxing event about three months later.

A Scripture verse is inscribed on the wall of the boxing gym at the Modesto Red Shield: So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing (1 Cor. 9:26, NLT).

“For me, that means every move we make in life is for a purpose,” Barrera said. “And I think this is my purpose right now, where I’m at. I’m here.”

Modesto Corps Officer Captain Raymundo Jimenez credits Barrera with the success of the center’s boxing program. “He’s an inspiration to us, both in his work teaching the kids but also in providing a safe place for them to come,” he said. “The Red Shield was a safe haven for him and now he shares that with the kids. He’s a blessing to this area for sure. Without Juan, the success of the program wouldn’t be what it is today.”

Jimenez said almost 600 people attended the center’s boxing event in October 2022, thanks to Barrera and the connections he’s made in the area and beyond. “He’s impacting kids beyond California, including Texas and Nevada,” Jimenez said.

Barrera gives God the credit for what’s happening at the center.

“What motivates me is when I see the kids grow and progress in their lives, when I see them smile, when I see their personalities change. I see their confidence build and I see them transform not just on the outside, but on the inside,” Barrera said. “That’s the biggest blessing—to change kids’ lives, and it’s not me that changes their lives; it’s God. God uses whatever I have—it might not be my boxing ability, it might be my words of motivation. It might be my character; it might be what I’ve been through around this neighborhood.

“I’m so blessed. I could be somewhere else. I could be dead. I could be in jail, on drugs, homeless,” he said. “Some days I drive to work and just put my hand out the window. And I’m like, ‘Thank you, Jesus. Thank you that I get to go to work today and I get to go to the youth center afterward. It’s great. God is great.” NFC

FROM

SEEDS of Hope Human Trafficking Coordinator Jennifer McQuaid.

“I'm not just saying that because it's my program. I'm saying it because of the number of people we serve and because of the success that we've seen,” she added, mentioning how the program is currently at capacity, serving 50 clients.

As far as recognition for the award goes, McQuaid said it’s the clients who “deserve all the acknowledgment.”

When McQuaid joined the SEEDS of Hope team a little over a year ago, she said she wanted to help “empower people to heal themselves” after experiencing trauma.

As a survivor of human trafficking, McQuaid said she learned how to “turn [her] pain into power” and now she can model that process for others.

“My heart has always been in the field of wanting to help, give back and be of service,” she added. As a Native American woman, McQuaid said she also wants to “be a voice for [her] own people,” and bring awareness to human trafficking on reservations.

For those who have experienced hu-

RADY CENTER

man trafficking, McQuaid said it’s opportunities and programs like SEEDS of Hope that allow for transformation to happen. “When you give people an opportunity, you plant that seed of hope and nothing's impossible,” she added.

From intake to aftercare, SEEDS of Hope clients receive trauma-informed care focused on safety and building trust. Since coming on board, McQuaid said she’s also helped to increase mental health services by requiring each client to seek an initial therapy assessment.

“We had a handful of clients with mental health issues and they weren’t able to achieve their goals until the mental health and emotional health needs were met first,” she said.

After getting assessed, she added “it’s totally up to them” if they want to seek medication or additional resources. “You always want to make sure you’re providing survivors with choices,” she said, adding how when you empower people to have choices, there is a greater number of successes and goals met.

Over a decade ago, when Captain Lisa Barnes first heard of the SEEDS of Hope program, she knew she wanted to get involved. “My mom was an addict and a prostitute…she came to The

FROM PAGE 1

Regional Task Force on Homelessness in May.

In addition to providing the land, The Salvation Army launched a capital fundraising campaign to help construct the shelter units, support services, social enterprise programming and a chapel once the new facility opens. A lead gift of $10 million from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies was offered as a challenge to the community. With this gift, The Salvation Army has secured $21 million in gifts and pledges of the $30 million it is committed to raising for the project.

The goal is to ask the community to help raise the remaining $9 million by the end of 2023, said Michele Prosser, Capital Campaign Director for The Salvation Army Southern California Division. “We hope to have the funds needed secured by the end of 2023 to begin demolition and construction in ear-

FROM PAGE 3

took the kids to Walmart to choose something for Christmas with gift cards. She recalled one boy wanted a box of cereal to share with his siblings and a blanket to help keep him warm at night. His parents worked the fields in California and he slept on the cold floor.

“I knew in that moment this is what I wanted to do, to bring hope and a glimpse of love to the people around me. Like the purple and silver Christmas boxes. Like this boy who only wanted a box of cereal and a blanket,” Yohani Ortiz said.

When Taurean and Yohani Ortiz were engaged, they both sensed God’s calling toward officership. Yohani Ortiz recalled, “I re-read a letter my dad wrote me before he died, it said ‘Fight for humanity with honesty, integrity, and do it like Jesus did.’ I want [kids] to know there is still good in the world. Good that may come through a toy at Christmas—or a snack after school.”

Today the pair does just that as corps officers at The Salvation Army Tucson (Arizona) Amphi Corps Community Center. In October 2022, Yohani Ortiz deployed for several weeks to join an Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) team in Caguas, Puerto Rico, to further The Salvation Army’s efforts

Salvation Army for a food box,” she said, mentioning how that one food box sparked a connection with The Salvation Army that never faded.

“That act of justice changed my whole life,” she added, touching on her 14 year history as a Salvation Army officer.

“I wake up every day and I never have to wonder, does my life matter? I know it matters. I know that this movement matters. I know that change is real—it was real for me and I get to see it be real for others,” she said.

At the time she heard of the program, Barnes said she and her husband were serving outside of Southern Nevada, but still wanted to find ways to help. “I learned how to make jewelry,” she said, noting how each quarter she would send the proceeds of between $500$1000 to support immediate needs for clients.

“I loved that we served people in that way and now years down the road, I get to help run that exact program,” she said of her current role as Divisional Secretary for Clark County and Nevada State Liaison.

To help raise awareness of human trafficking in Las Vegas, Barnes said she started recruiting people to be “Hope Ambassadors.”

ly 2024, and plan to open the Rady Center in 2026,” she added.

Once The Salvation Army raises $30 million for this project, a matching pledge of $30 million and an additional $5 million will be given by the Radys—all of which will be designated as a permanent endowment for The Salvation Army’s programs addressing homelessness in San Diego.

The new project follows the Radys’ gift of $50 million the couple pledged to help open the Rady Residence at the Door of Hope campus in San Diego in 2021.

“We have great confidence in this organization, so we are happy to put our resources in their hands and we look forward to a successful conclusion,” Ernest Rady said. “I’m really proud of what we’re doing.”

Providing the full continuum of care

Along with interim and long-term transitional housing, the Rady Center will also offer bridge housing for men and women exiting rehabilitation pro-

to aid survivors and first responders affected by Hurricane Fiona.

She said that although Hurricane Fiona was not as structurally destructive as Hurricane Maria, it caused a lot of emotional damage.

“During the interviews, it quickly became evident that many survivors were experiencing a form of PTSD,” she said. “I was humbled by the stories and honored with the privilege to provide much-needed emotional/spiritual care (ESC).”

During her time in Puerto Rico, Ortiz said the team traveled daily to towns on the outskirts to distribute resources. Ortiz said visiting rural locations allowed The Salvation Army to bring resources and emotional/ spiritual care to older adults and those who were homebound. In a few locations, the team was also able to provide resources and ESC to first responders.

“I was amazed by the resilience of the Puerto Rican people,” she said. “They have been through so much in recent years. Between natural disasters and COVID, many have lost loved ones, friends, possessions and homes, but when we interacted with residents, many displayed a gratefulness and unwavering spirit and joy that were truly awe-inspiring. It was a life-changing experience for me.” NFC

“We speak to people directly who are currently living on the street and ask what they need. Do you need housing? Do you need medical care? Are you a veteran? Have you been exploited?” said Barnes.

While conversing, she added ambassadors give out bags with water, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, tissues, a snack item and information on Salvation Army programs, like SEEDS of Hope, and where to go to get help.

“People want to be a part of the solution,” Barnes said. “We can actually be hope ambassadors all the time by keeping our eyes open for the signs of people who need help.”

For those looking to learn more about human trafficking, Barnes said a great first step is checking out the SAJustice website or Facebook page. There, resources like the 85-minute-long “human trafficking 101” webinar are available for free, said Territorial Director of Social Justice Ministries Jacqui Larsson.

“It’s a priority of the Social Justice Department to raise awareness and educate others regarding human trafficking,” said Larsson. “The Salvation Army is so involved in this work and people may not be aware of that.” NFC

grams, as well as permanent supportive and affordable housing units for rent.

Lt. Colonel Lee Lescano, Divisional Secretary for The Salvation Army of San Diego County, said the impact of the projects and gifts will help to reduce homelessness in San Diego for generations to come.

“Private giving is really making this a strong project,” he said. “But at the same time, collaboration these days is really important, especially to do something this large.”

Lescano said the project will build on important partnerships that already exist with local nonprofits, including Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services and San Diego Rescue Mission, as well as a strong relationship with local government officials.

“Our focus is on the solution,” he said. “That means our partnerships, advisory board, donors and volunteers working together will help us make the biggest impact.” NFC

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participate. Now, after her fourth production, she said she’s already looking forward to next year’s show.

“My favorite part is having a play family and getting along with everybody,” she said. “It's amazing how great the work turns out.”

Volunteer Mary Basta said she first experienced working with CDA ACT during a production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” where she served as a shadow for a man with a hearing disability.

FROM PAGE 6

“I thought I'd check it out and see if it would be a good fit for my son,” Basta said. “I knew then that this program was perfect for my family and for anyone that needs a little bit of help to achieve a goal of being onstage.”

This year, Basta said she helped with costuming while her son, Logan, starred as Olaf, his fourth performance with CDA ACT at the Kroc Center.

“Logan loves to act and grows more each year,” she added. “My son’s life is fuller by participating in this program.”

“It's amazing to watch the actors take such care and preparation to carry out their part,” said Gilger. “It's heartwarming and it's a cool thing to be a part of.” NFC

Logan Basta performs the role of Olaf the snowman in "Frozen Jr."

|PHOTO COURTESY JAMIE SCARRIO

old, his life course seemed set. In prison, he said he continued to find ways to get high. Then, in 2005, his father died. That’s when he had an epiphany.

“He never got into recovery,” Lowers said. “He just died the abusive alcoholic that he was when I was a young man. And it triggered something in my mind. I remember thinking: My story is going to end probably much the same way unless I do something different. So, I determined to do just that. And I started going to AA meetings.”

His progress through the AA steps was slow since it was all through correspondence. Lowers said he realized—now that he wasn’t focused on getting high—just how much time he had on his hands. He began taking college correspondence courses. From 2007 to 2016, he earned three associate’s degrees, an undergraduate degree in English and a graduate degree in humanities.

“That process really changed my mindset,” Lowers said. “I was able to develop a relationship with God and through that spiritual sense grew this desire to be of service. I realized prison was just a location, that there were still plenty of human beings there who were in need of help. And I was in need of being of service. So I started sponsoring other people.”

After earning a counseling certification, Lowers became the addiction counselor in the facility treatment program for his peers. He also mentored at-risk youth who visited the prison.

San Francisco and The Salvation Army’s The Way Out

After his early release from prison, Lowers settled in San Francisco, thinking it might be a city where people received a second chance. It was 2018, and he was 47 years old.

“Education was incredibly transformative for me. It was a huge part of my journey,” Lowers said. “I wanted to give that back.”

He quickly found work as a counselor in a residential treatment program. Then, less than three months after being paroled, he began substitute teaching at Five Keys Charter School—a school that began in San Francisco county jails to serve incarcerated individuals. Soon, the school offered him a full-time position.

Two of his students introduced Lowers to The Salvation Army. The men lived at The Salvation Army Harbor Light, a residential program for people struggling with substance abuse.

“Those two gentlemen helped me appreciate that education was just one small piece of the puzzle,” Lowers said. “They had gaps in their education, but they also had many other needs. And those needs were being met by The Salvation Army. They needed housing support, they needed social support, they needed connection and health services, and workforce development and job opportunities.”

The two men inspired Lowers to do more good. When he

BT ROASTERS

FROM PAGE 5

farmer from Uganda, and another partnership was born.

Changing lives in Uganda

Through his business, La’ Marc Coffee, Kinaalwa aims not only to introduce Ugandan coffee to the world, but also, via the La’ Marc Foundation, to help people acquire the skills needed for sustainable careers.

Previously, Kinaalwa had reached out to the Wilds after hearing about Eden’s project from Water to Thrive, and Eden had ordered some of his coffee beans to sell, in addition to the beans she gets from Ethiopia.

“When we bumped into him in Austin, we said, ‘Hey, we have your coffee. We’ll roast it if you want to come through Phoenix, where we live,” Ivan Wild said. “And we’ll have you share your testimony and we’ll sell your coffee at the Kroc Center coffee shop. And then all the money that is raised, Eden will give to your ministry.”

During the event at the Kroc Center, Eden and Kinaalwa shared their stories. Eden sold Kinaalwa’s coffee, which she

saw a job posting for Harbor Light director, he applied, even though he knew he wasn’t qualified. He did, however, have a solid understanding of how addiction is one of the drivers of homelessness.

He spoke with Divisional Secretary for San Francisco and Golden State Divisional Men's Ministries Coordinator Major Matthew Madsen and Golden State General Secretary Major Mark Nelson about the position. Although they told him he wasn’t right for the Harbor Light position, they let him know about The Way Out initiative, and they began meeting to discuss it.

“In order for The Way Out initiative to succeed, we knew we would need someone who understood the challenges of those we serve—someone who has walked in their shoes and faced so many challenges head on,” said Madsen, who oversees The Way Out.

Lowers said the conversations were ongoing for five or six months. “Eventually, they developed this position and made me an offer,” he said. Making the decision to leave Five Keys, where he had received support and encouragement, was a difficult one, but he said he wanted to be a part of what The Salvation Army was doing in San Francisco.

Madsen said Lowers’ story is a testament to God’s grace. “When Aaron interviewed for The Way Out program director position, we knew that he ‘got it’ and would do a great job in helping others on their path to recovery and the realization of their full, God-given potential. His story is truly inspiring.”

Currently, as The Way Out Director, Lowers is helping define the program and its relationship with Harbor Light, among other objectives, like documenting program elements, creating intake procedures and developing partnerships. He said The Way Out picks up where Harbor Light leaves off, once clients complete that initial treatment.

“Harbor Light is a six-month program, and it’s not really set up for what you might call aftercare,” he said. “That’s what The Way Out is doing—it’s providing aftercare, intensive case management. We develop a relationship with every individual. We do a needs assessment and then connect individuals with the resources they need. Some need to finish their education while others need workforce development.”

Lowers said he’s observing a growing sense of structure and accountability among The Way Out participants, who are responsible for attending regular meetings, caring for the facility, and keeping up with their medical and educational needs. “We’ve developed a strong recovery community and it’s like a family,” he said. “This strong bond among participants empowers them to hold one another accountable.”

Recently, Lowers reached out to the San Francisco Giants organization, which provided 20 ballgame tickets to The Way Out.

“It’s not all work,” he said. “Living a healthy, sober life of service is very rewarding. It may be hard work, but it can be fun at times—like a ball game.” NFC

had roasted. She raised $500 and presented it to him to support his foundation.

The La’Marc Foundation then selected Nashiba Zawedde, age 17, to receive the funds for vocational training.

According to the La’Marc Foundation, Zawedde’s family had been unable to support her, so she did whatever she could to survive. At age 16, she became pregnant; the baby’s father left before she gave birth on July 26, 2021. In early 2022, she came to La' Marc seeking assistance.

Ivan Wild explained that the coffee farm helps girls, like Zawedde, who become pregnant. Once they have their baby, the foundation assists in helping them to develop job skills so they can be self-sufficient, he said. “They have to raise money to do that,” he said.

“And that's where Eden’s money came in.”

The La’Marc Foundation newsletter reported Zawedde had always wanted to be a fashion designer. “Her prayers were answered when Eden from Buna Tarik Roasters offered to sell La' Marc coffee and raised $500, which will fund Nashiba's tailoring training,” Kinaalwa said in the newsletter.

“Nashiba couldn't hold her tears after learning that she would begin her one-

year training in November,” the newsletter said. “She is now hoping that after her training in November 2023, she will be able to open a tailoring shop.”

Eden said Kinaalwa had shared some of the stories from girls who have received help at the coffee farm.

“It’s really sad but it’s also just so cool to see the total transformation as you see some of these girls coming out of the program and opening their own coffee shops or their own pastry stores,” she said.

The Salvation Army in Ethiopia

The Salvation Army is beginning its work in Ethiopia, with just one corps in Addis Ababa formed in 2019.

Eden has been sponsoring the children there, sending materials and money to help support activities. With the recent civil war in Ethiopia, she said she wanted to do more.

“The corps didn’t have officers,” she said. “It’s being led by soldiers and they lease their corps building. So we told them that we would sponsor them— their lease—for six months. It’s $300 a month. And then we wrote to THQ [The Salvation Army USA Western Territorial Headquarters] about it and THQ offered to match.” NFC

NEW MEXICO

FROM PAGE 1

U.S., according to the state of New Mexico. It’s about an hour west of Albuquerque, and up to two hours from Santa Fe, where Gutierrez spearheaded the response from, along with members of The Salvation Army Santa Fe Corps.

“For me, this is something special… This is a different demographic that I normally wouldn't be able to serve because we're actually an hour and a half away from them,” Gutierrez said. “It's great that they can rely on us, knowing that there's many other places or other organizations.”

Since the Thanksgiving holiday fell during the response, Gutierrez said they planned a special meal for the kids. Turkeys were challenging to find, so leaders decided to go with a meal they knew the kids would enjoy: Chick-fil-A.

“They wanted to do something to build them up and lift their spirits because it had been a month without water,” Kanne said.

Gutierrez connected with his local Chick-fil-A, and they worked together to plan a meal for the kids: a chicken sandwich, fruit, macaroni and cheese and cookies. The warm meal was served to 280 kids and 175 seniors on Thanksgiving Day, using the Haak’u Community Academy as a base.

Acoma Department of Education Interim Executive Director Nolan Valdo said the closest Chick-fil-A is about an hour away in Albuquerque, so the meal was a special treat for the kids.

“They weren't expecting that,” Valdo said. “So when they found that it was Chick-fil-A, you could just see the smile on their face… even the parents were shocked that Chick-fil-A and The Salvation Army came through.”

Valdo has served as Gutierrez’s point of contact for the community, and the pair communicated about logistics and needs throughout the response.

“People don't think about the impact that The Salvation Army has. We see the red kettles out in front of the stores, and they're asking for donations and…I'm guilty with just passing by and not thinking that it could impact our community,” Valdo said.

“But [the response] definitely changed my way of thinking of The Salvation Army requesting donations, and it does come back to our community in one way or another… I'm definitely a supporter this year and for the years to come.”

While Kanne said The Salvation Army concluded its response Dec. 5 after receiving word the wells were 99 percent operational Dec. 2, it’s not the end of the connection. Kanne said Gutierrez delivered 280 Christmas Angel toys from The Salvation Army’s Phoenix warehouse for children in the community.

“The great thing is we were able to make relationships that will go on longer than this response,” she said. NFC

NEW APPOINTMENTS

Effective Jan. 18, 2023 unless otherwise noted.

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS

PERSONNEL SERVICES

Major Brian M. Saunders, Assistant Secretary for Personnel —Effective: March 1 PROGRAM SERVICES

Major Philip Lum, Territorial Secretary for Program**

Major Debbie Lum, Assistant Program Secretary for Corps Ministries** and VAVS Secretary

Major Janene Zielinski, Territorial Social Services Secretary and Adjunct Faculty—CFOT

BUSINESS SERVICES

Lt. Colonel Kelly Pontsler, Additional Responsibility: Executive Officer Territorial Staff Band—Effective: Nov. 1, 2022

CASCADE DIVISION

Captains David and Erin Kauffman, Corps Officers, Coos Bay Corps—Effective: Feb. 15

HAWAII AND PACIFIC ISLANDS DIVISION

Major Troy Trimmer, Divisional Commander

Major Anelene Trimmer, Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries and Divisional Leader for Officer Development

Captain Jeffrey M. Walters, Hawaii State Capital Liaison* —Effective: Feb. 15

NORTHWEST DIVISION

Lieutenant Melissa N. Jones, Chaplain, Social Services, Seattle, Washington— Effective: Feb. 15

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

Captains Kimberly & Tim Brown, Corps Officers, Whittier Corps —Effective: Feb. 15

Captain Bonita J. Kelsey, Los Angeles Metro Associate Coordinator*—Effective: Feb. 15

Lieutenant Monique I. Garcia, Assistant Corps Officer, Long Beach Red Shield—Effective: Feb. 15

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

Captains Brittany and Jeremy Baker Corps Officers, Tempe Corps—Effective: Jan. 8

Captain Kathleen Griffiths, Corps Officer, Flagstaff Corps —Effective: Jan. 8

Major Magda Villarreal, Assistant Hispanic Ministries Officer, Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, Phoenix South Mountain—Effective: Jan. 11

TRANSFERRING OUT OF THE TERRITORY

Major James Joo-Cheol Lee

Divisional Commander**, Seoul South Division Korea Territory —Effective: Feb. 1

Major Joyce Eun-Ju Lee, Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries**, Seoul South Division Korea Territory—Effective: Feb. 1 *Additional responsibility **With promotion to the rank of Lt. Col.

MAJOR JEROLD FORNEY

May 11, 1945–Aug. 10, 2022

Major Jerold Lewis Forney was promoted to Glory Aug. 10, 2022, while surrounded by friends and immediate family at Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis.

Born May 11, 1945, in Parsons, Kansas, Jerold Forney was the middle child of Brigadiers Lew and Edith Forney, and stepson to Alta Kinney Forney. He was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1967 with the Witnesses of the Faith Session. He married session mate Carol Yount June 15, 1968.

Jerry was known for his passion for performing gospel magic, his love of ministry in the Adult Rehabilitation Centers, and his dedication and heart for Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS). He served as incident commander during the 2011 Joplin (Missouri) tornado, and took part in the relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and 9/11.

The Forneys retired in 2011 from their final appointment as Salvation Army Corps Officers in Anacortes, Washington. They moved back to the Midwest and began attending the Gateway Citadel Corps in St. Louis, where Jerold Forney served as treasurer and was active with the men’s fellowship.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Carol; sons, Shawn and Scott; daughter, Shannon; and brother, Hal. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather and brother, Richard. A celebration of life service took place Sept. 9, 2022, at the Gateway Citadel Corps.

MAJOR LANNY FRENCH

Dec. 11, 1942–Oct. 26, 2022

Major Lanny French was promoted to Glory Oct. 26, 2022, from Hemet, California.

Lanny French was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Dec. 11, 1942. At about 6 months old, he moved to California, settling in Santa Monica with his grandmother, who made sure he attended church. During his teens, after his grandmother died, he went to live with friends of hers.

Early on, Lanny showed an aptitude for music. As a child, he performed professionally for radio, theater and concert events. During high school and college, he studied music and continued to perform. He attended Santa Monica High School and Santa Monica College. He furthered his education at Loyola Marymount University and the University of Southern California, focusing on opera. As an opera singer, he performed throughout California, New Mexico, Oregon, Nevada and Arizona.

Opera connected him with his future wife, Noreen, and through her, with The Salvation Army. They met while performing in the opera “Faust,” and they wed in December 1984. Through the influence of Noreen’s sister and brother-in-law, Majors Mary and John Rocheleau, the couple renewed a relationship with God. They accepted employment at the Santa Barbara (California) Corps, where Majors Keith and Mona McRevy encouraged them to pursue officership as auxiliary captains.

They did so, and served across the Western Territory, including corps in Redondo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Napa, and El Sobrante, California; Salt Lake City; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and Colorado Springs, Colorado. They also served at the Oakland (California) Garden Center Family Shelter and Silvercrest senior residences in Santa Cruz, Turlock and Riverside, California.

Along with music, Lanny was known for his financial skills and his ability to relate to people

from outside the church. He was at his best when communicating one-on-one with an unsaved person. After almost 21 years of service, the Frenches retired and settled in Hemet. Although they had no children together, Lanny loved Noreen’s three children from a previous marriage as his own. He requested there be no service.

MAJOR ORPHA MOODY

Dec. 16, 1964 – Sept. 17, 2022

Major Orpha Moody was promoted to Glory Sept. 17, 2022, from Tulare, California. At the time of her death, she was in active service as a Salvation Army officer in the Golden State Division.

Orpha Braasch was born Dec. 16, 1964, in Salinas, California. With her husband, Gregory Moody, she was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in June 1991 with the Servants of Jesus Session.

The couple served throughout the Western Territory, including corps appointments in Bakersfield, Clovis, Fresno Citadel and Hanford, California; Idaho Falls, Idaho; La Grande, Oregon; Butte, Montana; Greeley, Colorado; and Olympia, Washington. They also served as Chaplains at the Fresno Adult Rehabilitation Center and in the Golden State Division as Silvercrest Chaplains, Older Adult Ministries Secretaries and VAVS Secretaries.

Orpha loved life, she loved God and she loved people. Beloved by many, her spirit reflected the joy of God, and she encouraged and inspired many people during her ministry. She enjoyed music and played both baritone horn and flute.

In a Facebook tribute, one woman said Orpha was someone who “showed up” for people. “That’s what love looks like,” she said.

Orpha Moody is survived by her husband, Major Gregory Moody, and daughters: Audrianna Vargas, Jasmine Moody and Giovanna Moody. A celebration of life service, led by Golden State Divisional Commander Major Darren Norton, took place Oct. 22, 2022, at the Koinonia Church in Hanford.

MAJOR BONITA L. RIDER

Oct. 17, 1949 – Sept. 29, 2022

Major Bonita Rider was promoted to Glory Sept. 29, 2022, from Nampa, Idaho.

Bonita Lucille Andrews was born Oct. 17, 1949, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Lucille Chagnon and Albert Andrews. She entered training to become a Salvation Army officer from the Vancouver (Washington) Corps in 1971 and was commissioned with the Blood and Fire Session in June 1973.

During a five-month Christmas assignment in Nampa, Bonita Andrews met her future husband, Preston Rider. They wed in 1978. The couple, with their children Christopher and Bethany, served throughout the Western Territory, including corps appointments in El Cajon, Van Nuys and San Fernando Valley, California; Aberdeen, Washington; Missoula, Montana; and Fairbanks, Alaska. They also served in divisional headquarters appointments in the Intermountain, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands, Golden State and Southwest divisions.

After 36 years of service, the Riders retired for health reasons in 2014 and made their home in Nampa. They were faithful soldiers there and Bonita pursued her passion of quilting.

She is survived by her daughter, Bethany, and sisters, Rachel and Cathy. Preceding her in death were her husband, Preston, and son, Christopher. A celebration of Life Service took place Oct. 16, 2022, at the Nampa Corps with Captains Ryan and Allison Struck officiating. NFC

ALASKA

HAWAII AND PACIFIC ISLANDS

Alaska Waste donates bikes for Christmas

During the weekend of Dec. 3-4, Alaska Waste staff and their children donated and volunteered to build 90 bicycles and 10 scooters for The Salvation Army to give out during the Anchorage GIFT program, which works in partnership with Toys for Tots to supply families in need with gifts for children up to age 14.

Lt. Colonels Doug and Sherry Tollerud are the Alaska divisional leaders.

CASCADE

Albany Corps launches new outreach

Led by Corps Officers Majors Michael and Rachel Johnson, the Albany (Oregon) Corps launched an outreach to students at Waverly Elementary School, which is directly across the street from the corps. On Fridays, the corps provides snacks for 100 children to take home for the weekend. The snack bags include flyers about the corps programs.

“We’ve had four kids start coming to youth group and to the corps on Sunday,” Michael Johnson said. “We’re blessed to start a new partnership that we are praying would bear much fruit. God is good.”

Community Thanksgiving meal returns after COVID hiatus

After pausing for several years due to the pandemic, the 50th annual Thanksgiving Meal at Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall in Honolulu resumed for approximately 2,000 guests. It was part of the more than 6,000 Thanksgiving holiday meals The Salvation Army provided for the holiday throughout the state.

“We are grateful for the generous help of corporate partners, volunteers, advisory boards, staff and Salvation Army officers for organizing our annual Thanksgiving events in Hawaii,” said Major Phil Lum, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands.

INTERMOUNTAIN

Denver awarded $5 Million from Bezos Day 1 Families Fund

Over the past five years, Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos’ Day 1 Families Fund has provided 170 grants to organizations working to combat homelessness. In November 2022, The Salvation Army Denver Metro Area was selected to receive a $5 million grant to expand services helping families achieve housing support and stability.

“We are deeply humbled by the support of the Day 1 Families Fund,” said Salvation Army Intermountain Divisional Commander Major Mike Dickinson. “This grant will help us meet the increased demand and continue our track record of rehousing families.”

NORTHWEST

Since beginning outreach services in October 2022, the Hope Team has helped over 15 people get off the streets. “We’re willing to go above and beyond…It has already been far more successful than we even hoped,” said Santa Monica Corps Officer Captain Katrina Fleming.

SOUTHWEST

The San Francisco Culinary Arts Training Program, a cornerstone of The Salvation Army's The Way Out workforce development component, held a graduation ceremony for its first cohort Dec. 8, 2022, with a luncheon prepared by the students. San Francisco Divisional Secretary Major Matthew Madsen opened the ceremony, and Director of Culinary Training Chef Timothy Tucker and The

Spokane Chiefs hockey team assists in Red Kettle efforts

At a hockey game Nov. 19, 2022, the Chiefs arena helped raise awareness of Salvation Army outreach efforts in Spokane, Washington.``The Chiefs were very hospitable and gracious in supporting the Red Kettle Campaign,” said Spokane Corps Officer Major Ken Perine, who appeared on a Red Kettle video announcement during the game. In the arena’s lobby, attendees were greeted by a Salvation Army information table and given flyers with details on holiday gift programs and donation needs during the season.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA St. Johns gives $250,000 to support outreach in Santa Monica

Providence St. John’s Health Center granted The Salvation Army Santa Monica (California) Corps $250,000 to help fund a Street Level outreach team for the next year.

Phoenix Metro Advisory board bestows Sally Award

During a meeting Nov. 15, 2022, The Salvation Army Metro Phoenix Advisory Board presented Ted McClure with the Sally Award, as well as life membership, for his commitment to The Salvation Army's work. Additionally, the board honored Barry Shemer, who has served on the board for 31 years, with the distinction of life membership. Unbeknownst to Shemer and McClure, the board invited their families and loved ones to attend the celebration and surprise the honorees.

Lt. Colonels Ivan and Jennifer Wild are the Southwest divisional leaders.

ARC

Santa Monica ARC

raises funds for beneficiary gifts

Salvation Army Santa Monica (California) Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) leaders and alumni raised $1,575 to buy gifts for current beneficiaries during the holiday season. Each of the 63 beneficiaries received a $15 McDonald's and a $10 Starbucks gift card.

“It gets lonely in the ARC at Christmastime for the beneficiaries, especially the ones that have not reconciled with family or friends yet because of their past addiction,” said ARC Program Administrator Captain Tanya Pemberton. “The alumni love to support the men and this is a small way they can remember to be grateful for what they have been given through the ARC and to give back to the next guy that is struggling.”

CFOT Cadets prepare for Christmas

To help the cadets prepare for their Christmas field assignments, the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont held a Christmas Intensive Seminar Oct. 28, 2022, with guest presenters Captains Christina and Jared Arnold from The Salvation Army Long Beach (California) Red Shield and Kathy Lovin and Brenda Jones from the Territorial Community Relations and Development department.

“The goal is to prepare them to make the most of the content created by our vendors and Territorial Headquarters staff to help them raise awareness and income during our peak season for fundraising,” Lovin said of her session.

Major Nigel Cross is CFOT Training Principal. NFC

DEL ORO

Guy Fieri Foundation helps out

A longtime friend and supporter of The Salvation Army in Northern California, the Guy Fieri Foundation supplied 100 Marin County families with a to-go Thanksgiving dinner. In December, Guy Fieri himself volunteered his time as a celebrity bell ringer at Montgomery Village shopping center in Santa Rosa.

Majors John and Pamilla Brackenbury are Del Oro divisional leaders.

GOLDEN STATE

San Francisco celebrates new chefs

Way Out Director Aaron Lowers reflected on the students’ achievements. As the new chefs received their diplomas, each had a chance to speak.

Empowering teachers and schools in Guatemala

In Guatemala, The Salvation Army is working to provide a safe refuge for students and community members in areas known for crime and violence. The Guatemala Division, part of the Latin America North Territory, operates six pre-primary and primary schools in southern Guatemala; SAWSO (Salvation Army World Service Office) supports five of them.

While the schools provide a safe learning environment for the children, they also offer support for par-

ents including socioemotional training and a food pantry when supplies are available.

“We are always here as teachers, regardless of the circumstances that may occur with nature or the environment in the community,” said Kendy Diaz, a primary school teacher who has worked at the school in Tierra Nueva for six years.

For SAWSO and the Latin America North Territory, the goal is to transform the schools into centers of ed-

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle participated in the Brazil Territory Centenary Congress, themed “Others—for the glory of God” in November 2022.

Hundreds of people traveled to Sao Paulo for the festivities, some from 2,000 miles away.

Colonels Wilson and Nara Strasse, Brazil’s territorial leaders, led the congress. Visiting guests were Lt. Colonel Allan Hofer (Potomac Divisional Commander, USA Southern Territory), who accompanied the National Capital Band, the guest musical group. The congress featured a presentation on the history of The Salvation Army in Brazil, with each part performed by a different division or district.

The history presentation ended with an officer challenging Salvationists to leave a legacy for future generations. At his side stood a junior soldier. As the officer finished speaking, he placed his cap on the head of the young boy, whose face lit up as he received the officer’s cap.

Officers’ councils followed the congress, and the Peddles communicated some of The Salvation Army’s challenges and

ucational excellence for children affected by generational poverty, and to attract more families and serve as a center for community engagement and outreach.

“We support [the children] first of all by bringing them the word of God,” primary school teacher Patricia Ordonez said. “Our mission is to give them an education with Christian values so that they can be blessed in their families and have the word of God in their homes.” NFC

General enrolls new soldiers in Japan

Salvation Army International Leaders General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women’s Ministries) visited Tokyo in late November after the visit had been postponed due to the pandemic.

The four-day trip was filled with worship sessions, gospel concerts and inspiring speeches that brought many to recommit their lives in service of the Lord. By calling Salvationists to stand up as holy people of God, Peddle urged them to seek the holiness that is here for “such a time as this.” International leaders then met with National Advisory Board members to discuss how The Salvation Army can best serve the world. NFC

Retired General André Cox celebrates with The Salvation Army in Greece

Retired General André Cox returned to Greece—part of the Italy and Greece Command—to celebrate The Salvation Army’s 15 years in the country.

During a reception, Cox spoke about The Salvation Army’s commitment—being rooted in the Christian gospel—to serve the marginalized, highlighting the work undertaken by the Army at the height of the refugee crisis.

At the Athens Corps Sunday holiness meeting, Cox spoke about God’s call, reflecting that in Greece Salvationists will look back on victories and disappointment, yet they always need to look to Jesus.

“God’s message to The Salvation Army in Greece is, ‘I have chosen you,’ and we cannot get alongside people if we do not have God at our side,” he said. He emphasized that in living out the Army’s mission, “We do not follow leaders, we follow Jesus.” NFC

Activism against gender-based violence campaign raises awareness

The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) partnered with the United Nations (UN) annual Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign Nov. 25–Dec. 10, 2022 to raise awareness on the importance of protecting women and girls through distributing daily videos and resources.

“When we commit to promoting gender equality, and protecting the most vulnerable, we can see an end to this injustice,” said ISJC Content and Resource Development Intern Isabel Fairclough. “[ISJC] stands with the [UN] as we unite to end gender-based violence.” NFC

DOCTER RETIRES, CHRISTIN THIEME NAMED EDITOR IN CHIEF

After 34 years at the helm, Docter stepped down in 2016 and Christin (Davis) Thieme was named the Western Territory’s Editor in Chief and Literary Secretary, a reserve appointment approved by General André Cox.

NEW FRONTIER CONSOLIDATES ONLINE PRESENCE WITH CARING MAGAZINE

While the print edition of New Frontier Chronicle remains, in 2020 New Frontier combined its website presence with Caring Magazine. As a Google News Publisher, Caring aims for any story to be search-engine friendly so those unfamiliar with the work of The Salvation Army can learn more and become engaged.

SEE MORE about the impact of The Salvation Army and how you can help Fight for Good today at caringmagazine.org.

IN 1983,

Bob Docter and an editorial team launched New Frontier with the goal to publish timely, readable and visually appealing stories about the Army’s march toward mission fulfillment. In doing so, the Western Territory became the first territorial paper to be published in the USA, according to historian Ed McKinley.

Over the years, the formats the publication has taken have changed, but the goal remains the same: empowering Salvationists to communicate and engage with the Army’s mission. From coverage of The Salvation Army’s involvement in response to world events, like 9/11, to internal happenings like changes of leadership, New Frontier was—and is—there.

Over the last 40 years, the paper has garnered numerous awards from the Evangelical Press Association. New Frontier has also had a number of developments of its own

MOVE TO NEW FRONTIER CHRONICLE IN 2014

In 2014, New Frontier shifted to New Frontier Chronicle—a sleeker, more streamlined source for Salvation Army happenings— to complement a redesigned website with augmented news coverage for the web.

MEMBERS OF THE NEW FRONTIER PUBLICATIONS TEAM REPRESENT THE WEST AT BOUNDLESS 2015

Alongside Jeff Moulton, Editor in Chief of The Salvationist in the Canada and Bermuda Territory, Christin Thieme along with New Frontier Publications team members planned and organized coverage of the international congress for a daily tabloid newspaper, Boundless Today.

ADDITION OF THE DO GOODERS PODCAST IN 2019

Caring Magazine, a publication of New Frontier Publications, moved to an all-digital format with new resources, including the weekly Do Gooders Podcast, hosted by Thieme. The podcast aims to help listeners join the fight for good right where they are, in the busyness of life.

DOCTER ADMITTED INTO THE ORDER OF THE FOUNDER Docter was recognized in 1992 for his voice and vision, and admitted into the Order of the Founder by General Eva Burrows “as recognition for his unique contribution to the life and growth of the Army through his remarkable creativity, innovative leadership, Christian vibrancy and sustained loyalty.”

NEW FRONTIER JOINS THE INTERNET

In 1998, New Frontier began its online presence.