New Frontier Chronicle March/April 2024 | Vol. 42, No. 02

The Salvation Army, San Diego unite for flood relief

BY HALEY OSNESS

Heavy rain cascaded in front of The Salvation Army San Diego Kroc Center Jan. 22, part of what the National Weather Service would later call the fourth wettest day on record in San Diego history.

As waters rose, Health and Wellness Manager Jay Lancaster noticed a man who had become stranded just outside of the Kroc Center.

“At one point, the man was inside his pickup, and in a matter of minutes he had to stand on the roof of his truck,” he said.

Lancaster said he rushed inside to retrieve lifeguard equipment from the pool, where he

joined Sami Cerney, a lifeguard at the Kroc Center. Together, they returned to the flood scene to pursue the rescue.

He said they didn’t have time to develop a full plan—but they recognized the urgent need to assist. “It was very instinctual,” he said.

As a certified lifeguard, Cerney entered the rising waters secured with a rope and rescue float, while Lancaster served as an anchor and guide in a shallower area. Maintenance staff at the Kroc Center then helped guide all three to stable land.

Salvation Army San Diego Communications

FLOODING PAGE 12

ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, The Salvation Army continues to respond to the aftermath of extreme wet weather. In Ventura County, the Ventura Corps began providing meals at an evacuation shelter at Ventura College Feb. 4, supported by local partners.

Give to help flood survivors: salarmy.us/sandiegoflood

Homeless Outreach teams collaborate to impact people in need

On one outing of the Dignity Health Street Medicine and The Salvation Army’s Homeless Outreach Team, the collaborative team of clinicians and community health workers encountered an unhoused man with a foot swollen to the point of cellulitis. The team’s doctor told him if he didn’t go to the ER, he’d likely die.

Thanks to the partnership between clinicians and The Salvation Army, the team was able to transport the patient directly to the emergency room.

“He got his infection under

treat him,” said Patty Herrera, manager of community health for Dignity Health

Masangos lead CFOT

Catch the vision of CFOT’s new leaders, Majors Rutendo and Terry Masango.

BY KAREN GLEASON

Majors Rutendo and Terry Masango were installed Jan. 7 as Director of Continuing Education and Training Principal, respectively, at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont.

The pair grew up in Zimbabwe—Terry Masango as a fifth-generation Salvationist and Rutendo Masango a third. Since they attended different corps, they didn’t meet until 1997, at a Masango family wedding. Their own wedding followed in 1999. They have two daughters, Fiela (22) and Tanaka (17).

Through The Salvation Army, they came to the U.S. in 2000 to work for a summer at Camp Gifford in Loon Lake, Washington, where local Salvation Army officers noted their ministry skills. After camp season, the Spokane (Washington) Citadel Corps hired them as corps assistants and they worked there for several years.

In 2004, they entered the College for Officer Training with the Visionaries Session; they were commissioned in 2006. They’ve served as corps officers in Renton, Washington, and El Cajon and Pasadena, California. In 2021, they were appointed to administrative positions in the Northwest Division.

Now, at the helm of the CFOT, the pair aims to draw from their own

MASANGOS PAGE 12

WHY “TESTIFY?”

Majors Rutendo and Terry Masango

Staff with The Salvation Army San Diego assist residents with resources and prayer at the Spring Valley Library. |PHOTO BY JAKE MINGER

The Homeless Outreach Team in

Bernardino,

presents at a resource fair.

DID YOU KNOW? Nearly 1.5 MILLION PEOPLE dedicated their time and energy to volunteering for The Salvation Army last year.

SALVATION ARMY TEAMS UP FOR ‘HEY NEIGHBOR’ SUPER BOWL EVENT

The Salvation Army Southern Nevada Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) joined He Gets Us for the “Hey Neighbor” football-themed event Saturday, Feb. 10, ahead of Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. The day of service brought hot meals, free groceries and family friendly football-themed fun to more than 1,500 people. The parking lot served as the site of a football camp for kids.

“We

Following one of the worst outbreaks of cholera in Eastern and Southern Africa in many years— affecting 13 countries within the region—The Salvation Army is currently responding to the situation in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

According to UNICEF, across the region, more than 200,000 cases have been reported, including over 3,000 deaths. The disease primarily affects people who lack access to safe water and basic sanitation. The two Salvation Army hospitals in Zimbabwe have set up cholera treatment centers, separate

from normal hospital activities to prevent the spread of the contagious disease. In Zambia, The Salvation Army will provide soap, chlorine and other supplies to at-risk communities along with hygiene promotion.

“An outbreak like this highlights the need for us to continue to work with communities to improve access to safe water and to further our work on hygiene promotion in order to prevent further cases of this preventable disease,” said Joanne Beale, International Headquarters water and sanitation expert. NFC

Read an Easter message from General Lyndon Buckingham this Holy Week

Available beginning March 25 on caringmagazine.org/finalword

5

Bible verses for making bold moves

REVAMPED MUSEUM OF THE WEST OPENS

The Western Territory unveiled the newly redesigned Museum of the West at the College for Officer Training at Crestmont (CFOT) Jan. 8. The exhibit celebrates The Salvation Army’s more than a century of ministry in the Western U.S. and features icons from Salvation Army history, including antique kettles, Home League patches, brass instruments and even a gas mask worn by a doughnut girl during World War I.

“

WE’RE COMMITTED TO IT BECAUSE WE SEE THE FACE OF GOD IN THEM…WE KNOW THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL HAS VALUE AND HAS WORTH. NOT BECAUSE WE SAY SO, NOT BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT SAYS SO, BUT BECAUSE GOD SAYS, ‘THEY’RE CREATED IN MY IMAGE.’

Lt. Col. Mike Dickinson on The Do Gooders Podcast Episode 174: State of Homelessness: How The Salvation Army is responding Find the episode in your favorite podcast player or at caringmagazine.org/dogooderspodcast.

UPCOMING ON THE DO GOODERS PODCAST

1 2 3 4 5

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

2 CORINTHIANS 3:12

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. JAMES 2:17

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing is impossible for you. MATTHEW 17:20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.

—EPHESIANS 6:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

—ISAIAH 41:10

MARCH 4 | Episode 179 Growing in numbers (and how they’re doing it) with Captains Dustin and Caroline Rowe

MARCH 11 | Episode 180 State of Recovery: On

The Way Out in San Francisco with Steve Adami

MARCH 18 | Episode 181 State of Recovery: What is The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center program? with Major Mark Nelson

MARCH 25 | Episode 182 State of Recovery: What transformation takes with Shauna Zeuske

Subscribe today at caringmagazine.org/podcast

are so honored to partner with He Gets Us to provide hot meals to Las Vegas families,” said Southwest Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Ivan Wild. “We believe in sharing the good works of God, and this was an incredible event for kids to participate in with NFL stars and families to receive much-needed resources.”

COURTESY SOUTHWEST DIVISION

Ongoing Salvation Army response to Maui fires aims to honor culture, kūpuna

“The Salvation Army has been really good to me,” said 68-year-old wildfire survivor Nancy Garnett as she looked out over the burned area a few feet from her property in Maui, Hawaii.

Garnett is one of over 8,500 people impacted by the historic fires that burned through Maui in August 2023 who have been helped by The Salvation Army. As the wildfires burned in Lahaina, she said a second fire fueled by high winds whipped toward her Kula neighborhood.

She recalled a wall of thick black smoke in her face, fire burning a few feet from her home. She knew she had to run for her life, so she grabbed her dogs, a cat and, with her broken foot in a cast, headed for her truck, barely making it out.

Miraculously, firefighters saved her home as neighbors’ homes burned to the ground. Still, her home, like many others, has many needed repairs in the aftermath of the fires, like a new roof and repairs to her fenced yard to keep her animals safe.

“I think we are still in survival mode,” she said. “We do not know what is next…If our homes can be restored—but we don’t want to leave.”

From the fires until the end of 2023, The Salvation Army has coordinated over 800,000 meals, prepared over 100,000 meals, provided more than 5,000 instances of emotional and spiritual care and distributed more than $900,000 worth of gift cards, among other efforts. And the response remains ongoing.

“They brought me gift cards for groceries, gas, even Walmart. That has helped me so much already,” Garnett said. “And then someone came back to visit me to check up on me. It means so much to me, especially as a kūpuna.”

Kūpuna means honored elder, grandparent or ancestor. In Hawaiian culture, kūpuna are highly respected as keepers of ancestral knowledge, valued for their life experience and wisdom. They are practitioners of aloha (love), mālama (caring) and spirituality.

They’re also a group that is feeling the prolonged impact of the fires. Garnett said for kūpuna like her who have a home to return to that needs repairs, it can be especially challenging due to the amount of physical labor involved, among other elements. Additionally, many kūpuna were displaced after all six residential structures hous-

ing seniors in Lahaina were destroyed by the fires.

Many other kūpuna lost their homes in Lahaina, like Lorraine (Lovey) Yoshimoto, 83. She said she grabbed her car keys and drove away from her home of 54 years as a boy sprayed a fire extinguisher under the cars to keep them from exploding.

After making it to a shopping center, she said she spent three days camping in her car while her grandson searched for her. She is one of approximately 500 people over 65 who are living in hotels with no reassurance of how long they will be able to stay. Others are with friends and family.

“We miss and we need cultural connections,” she said. “We need to be together, to laugh.”

Currently many kūpuna feel alone, traumatized and worried about how and if they will ever get back to their ‘aina (land), said Stephen Van Bueren, Maui Recovery Project Coordinator.

“Now, more than any other time before, it is our turn…It is our responsibility to love, support and take care of kūpuna. To make sure that they are seen. To make sure that they are heard. To make sure that they are honored and not forgotten,” Van Bueren said. “As long as The Salvation Army is needed, its response will continue.”

“I am forever grateful to The Salvation Army for giving me those gift cards and especially for coming back to check up on me,” said Garnett. “That is the true spirit of aloha.” NFC

—With reporting by Suzi Woodruff Lacey

THE CFOT OFFICERS WERE VERY MUCH THE UNSUNG HEROES OVER THE HOLIDAYS.

—Stacy Dertien

CFOT officers serve survivors of Maui wildfires

Efforts support The Salvation Army’s ongoing disaster response in Maui.

GLEASON

KAREN

BY

A group of Salvation Army officers (pastors) from the College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont traveled to Maui during the 2023 holiday season, spending the academic downtime serving wildfire survivors through The Salvation Army’s ongoing Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) response. Working out of the disaster recovery center at the Lahaina Civic Center, the group met with people to assess their needs and distribute gift cards for necessities, like food and gas. They also provided emotional and spiritual care.

“The CFOT officers were very much the unsung heroes over the holidays,” said Stacy Dertien,

Western Territorial Director of EDS Volunteers and Training. “They worked so hard.”

The group included Captain Joy Groenleer, CFOT Assistant Training Principal; Major Katina Hanson, CFOT Personnel Officer; Major Dean Lee, CFOT Personnel Officer; and Captain Travis Yardley, CFOT Business Officer.

For three weeks, the officers volunteered in Maui and from an EDS standpoint, it was good timing, said Western Territorial EDS Director John Berglund.

“November and December are the most difficult months for a catastrophic incident to occur since our corps community centers are distributing toys, serving meals and standing kettles,” Berglund said.

Having the officers who typically serve in the

Nancy Garnett looks over her property in Maui, Hawaii. |PHOTO COURTESY STACY DERTIEN

Assistant Training Principal Major Joy Groenleer stands with Lahaina Lighthouse Corps Envoy In-Charge Kevin Nagasaki and Vidella Nagasaki in Maui, Hawaii. |PHOTO COURTESY JOY GROENLEER

Toddler play groups bring support in Alaska

BY HILLARY JACKSON

When Captain Shelby Qualls moved to Ketchikan, Alaska, to lead the Gateway Corps with her husband, Lt. Brian Qualls, in June 2021, she didn’t have a childcare option for her young daughter. She said she felt called to lead a program like a “mommy and me” class.

At the time, adding another program wasn’t possible at the corps, but eventually things changed, and in September 2023, she launched “Music, Movement and More.” The weekly gathering for parents of children under 5 features music, dancing, singing and time for crafts—filling a need Qualls felt firsthand in the community of about 8,000, according to 2020 U.S. Census data.

“We have some opportunities to get together on the island…but they don’t really foster conversation between the moms,” she said. “Our program is defi-

nitely geared to the kid…but also it provides a more intimate and more safe place for the parents to talk as well.”

While Qualls’ daughter now goes to daycare so she doesn’t attend, Qualls said she can relate to the participants’ experiences.

“I find myself in those moments where we’re waiting for more families to show up, just listening to the moms and talking with them and relating to the struggles they have with their toddlers because I’m going through it myself,” she said. “It’s been a beautiful thing.”

Evidence suggests there are benefits to these kinds of gatherings—supported playgroups—for both parents and children. Parents receive greater social support, enhancing their ability to care for their children, and children gain new opportunities to learn and socialize.

Sisters add to Army legacy in Butte, Montana

Tina and Tracey Morin have devoted their lives to providing assistance to individuals seeking support at The Salvation Army Butte Service Extension Center.

BY HALEY OSNESS

Butte (Montana) Service Extension Center Coordinator Tina Morin and her twin sister Tracey Morin run the Service Center together. They identify the most urgent needs within the community and devise strategies to address them. Formerly attorneys, they sought a career change to expand their community service on a larger scale than before.

“We knew there was more for us to do,” said Tracey Morin. “We knew that God wanted us to help more. As attorneys, we can help 10 or 15 people a year. Here, Tina is helping hundreds a month, and that’s super fulfilling.”

The pair distinguishes between individuals who need immediate assistance with essentials such as food, shelter or transportation and those who require ongoing case management and sustained access to resources.

Butte, situated in rural Southwestern Montana, rests within the Silver Bow Creek Valley and is surrounded by the Highland and Pioneer Mountains. The mining industry in Butte took root in the 1860s and thrived through the 1880s. Drawn by the promise of jobs and financial prospects, many arrived with their families and needed charitable services.

According to Intermountain Divisional Commander Major Nesan Kistan, Butte was once a Salvation Army hub for those working in the mining industry.

“Butte, Montana, was a critical trading center when the mines in Butte were in full swing,” said Kistan. “The Salvation Army developed a presence there, and Butte became the site of our historic, original divisional headquarters.”

Although the need to support mine workers lessened, the Service Extension Center continues to provide needed social services in the remote region, positioned 68 miles away from Helena, the next nearest city.

“The Service Extension Center caters to at least four surrounding counties and seven towns,” said Tina Morin. “We’re also 20 minutes from the Montana State Prison and 100 yards from a Greyhound bus station.”

The duo has worked to pinpoint populations that lacked essential support and resources.

“Tina and Tracey represent the very ethos and DNA of The Salvation Army,” said Kistan. “I’ve seen them in action as they pray with people, and they minister to people. They’re not just giving food and assistance. They’re giving Christ to people that are most vulnerable.”

According to Kistan, the sisters make a deliberate effort to pray with anyone who walks through their doors, and very few decline the offer.

“I think it’s the compassion and dedication, but I think it’s even broader than that,” said Kistan. “I think there is a spiritual light that burns in the room and makes them incredible bosses.”

Tina Morin said that among the underserved populations they have identified, they are actively working on strategies to assist formerly incarcerated individuals, Native Americans, foster children and those without a home.

“Our task was to identify the needs that were sort of falling through the cracks in this community,” said Tina Morin. “The first thing we did was incorporate a homeless day center to create a centralized location where individuals can access resources and services.”

Additionally, the sisters strive to reduce distance-related obstacles and aid the community despite the challenges

Las Vegas shelter helps man rebuild his life after jail

BY LORI ARNOLD

Zach Stephens stood outside Clark County Detention Center, in Las Vegas, his first breath of freedom in 15 months. In his hands, his only possession—a pamphlet given to him by his court-appointed attorney.

“It had all the different homeless shelters and resources,” said Stephens, who traveled from his native Mississippi to Las Vegas for vacation in 2020.

A bar fight led to his arrest on assault charges. When he was released from jail in January 2022, he had no local friends or family and no money. Because Stephens was on probation, he couldn’t go home to Mississippi.

Looking at the pamphlet, Stephens noticed The Salvation Army Emergency Shelter at its Owens Campus and headed there for overnight lodging.

“During the day, I would be out with everybody else trying to hustle up money to eat,” Stephens said. “After about a month of doing that, I was struggling. I asked to see if I could volunteer at The Salvation Army…They would provide a full-time bed and I would volunteer.”

For seven months Stephens worked in the center’s kitchen and then, with the help of a case manager, found outside employment and eventually rented an apartment.

Just as he was putting serious distance between him-

self and his conviction, Stephens was back in jail for carrying a knife, a violation of his probation. Although his return to jail was only 24 days, he lost his job and was evicted from his apartment.

Leaving jail again, Stephens didn’t need a pamphlet. He headed straight for the place that helped him before his setback.

“The second time I walked in with confidence, knowing what I could and couldn’t do,” said Stephens, who told his new case manager, Nicole Kilburn, he would only need services for a month.

“Our mission is to restore lives and give hope so he

knew that he could come to The Salvation Army and he would get help with that,” Kilburn said.

She said she appreciated Stephens’ determination, but experience told her getting back on his feet might not happen as quickly as her client envisioned.

“Sometimes it’s harder for clients to find permanent housing when they have felonies,” Kilburn said.

Stephens, though, was single-minded, following up on every employment and housing lead. Within a month he secured a new job and found a room to rent.

“He was at the shelter for a very short time,” Kilburn said. “He handled his business even though he had so many barriers. He was so motivated, had a great attitude, very respectful, and he was very confident in his abilities to get self-sufficient and permanently housed. He exceeded all my expectations of him. It was just amazing.”

Stephens said he hopes his time there can be an inspiration to shelter clients, prompting them to consider, “Look, he’s done it not once, but twice. If he can do it, why can’t I do it?” he said.

Stephens’ success, Kilburn said, underscores the vast diversity of clientele they serve, especially in a fickle city where the lure of riches can be bankrupting. Some arrive to the center with lost identification and need

Zach Stephens and Nicole Kilburn |PHOTO BY NICOLE KILBURN

Salvation Army shelter guest receives full scholarship to Biola University

High school senior Ruben Calleros and his mother lost their rental home of seven years when the owner stopped paying the mortgage.

BY KAREN GLEASON

Eighteen-year-old Ruben Calleros will testify that God does work in mysterious ways.

Calleros, a senior at Savanna High School in Anaheim, California, maintains a 4.0 GPA, plays on the varsity tennis team and is president of two clubs: Rebels for Christ and the Hispanic Society. He also holds a part-time job at Taco Bell. In the fall of 2023, one of his dreams came true when he received news of his acceptance to nearby Biola University with a full scholarship.

Meanwhile, Calleros, his mother Maria Calleros and their dog Ruby have been guests at The Salvation Army Anaheim Emergency Shelter since May 2023, after they became situationally homeless.

Calleros and his mother had lived in the same duplex in Anaheim for seven years. They had the back unit, while the owner lived in the front unit.

“My whole upbringing was there,” Calleros said, explaining that the owner fell into a downward spiral after the death of his mother and eventually stopped paying the mortgage. When the bank seized the property, the Calleros family had to leave.

They had no place to go. They needed help.

“There’s no manual on how to survive homelessness,” Calleros said. “There’s no two-minute prayer that automatically you’ll get a report from the Lord. Ultimately, you have to walk by faith.”

And that is what Calleros and his mother have done. Three years earlier, he said they dedicated their lives to Christ and subsequently went through a maturing period in their faith, which recent circumstances put to the test.

“When anything happens in life that hurts you or

breaks you, ultimately you go home, sleep it off and continue your life,” Calleros said. “But when this happens, where do you go? If the spot where you grew up— where you laughed and cried—is not there, it throws you into this state of limbo; you’re just floating.”

And for a few weeks, the Calleros family was in fact floating—couch hopping with friends.

Calleros had reached out to his school advisors and asked the Rebels for Christ club members for prayer. Soon The Salvation Army OC 614 homeless outreach got involved and found a spot for them at the Anaheim Emergency Shelter. When Calleros turned 18 in May, he and his mom and their dog entered the shelter, where they were placed together as a family.

“The Lord led us to a nearby shelter—not only a nearby shelter, but one where the Lord was,” he said. “Even though many see a homeless shelter as a desert, like a valley of dry bones, the Lord’s presence in that place is like an oasis of living water, a fountain in the middle of a desert. This has really allowed us to put our faith and what we had learned into practice.”

Harvey Marquez, Pastoral Care Lead for the Tustin Ranch Corps, works with The Salvation Army’s homeless outreach in Orange County and ministers at the Anaheim Emergency Shelter. He’s gotten to know Calleros well.

“Ruben, being a strong young man of faith, is an avid follower of Jesus,” he said. “While at the shelter, he has been active in our church, regularly attending our weekly spiritual care meetings.”

Calleros said since Anaheim Emergency Shelter is a low barrier facility, the guests there are dealing with a variety of situations. He commended the shelter for its resources, which include AA meetings and emotional support groups, plus prayer meetings and Bible studies. He and his mother have been involved not only with the Christian ministry there, but also with the recovery meetings, even though they aren’t facing those challenges.

“We go more than anything as human beings and as Christians going through a time of tribulation…it’s those little groups you hold close to,” he said. “They’re really great moments for me, especially as an 18-year-old, a younger person on site, it’s been a season not only of difficulty, but also of a lot of learning.”

His goal is to give back.

“I want to go beyond just being a participant of the resources, but being able to give back, to serve and help with the music and the ministry,” he said. He’s been able to preach at the shelter, and he’s given his testimony

Rebuilding lives after Spokane wildfires

Months later, The Salvation Army remains a pillar of support to those affected by the Gray and Oregon Road wildfires.

BY HALEY OSNESS

The Gray and Oregon Road wildfires erupted in Spokane, Washington, Aug. 18, 2023, engulfing 21,000 acres and destroying 366 homes before they were contained Sept. 1.

“At certain points, you could hardly see your hand in front of your face due to the smoke all over the city,” said Salvation Army Spokane Citadel Corps Officer Captain David Cain, adding that Spokane’s geographical positioning near the mountains intensified the smoke.

The Salvation Army Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) deployed three canteens to provide food, water and emotional/spiritual care near each fire perimeter. Additionally, The Salvation Army established a central location at the Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) to collaborate with other relief agencies.

“The Salvation Army provides a unique ability to respond because of our infrastructure, reach and familiarity with the region,” Cain said. “We needed to be sure we were at the table and involved with the recovery process.”

Nearly half a year after the fires, the need for long-term recovery and assis -

tance remains. In response, The Salvation Army in Spokane has secured funding for four case managers to provide personalized assistance to survivors of the fires.

“Case management is beneficial in scenarios like this because of the number of lives affected,” Cain said of the fires that claimed two lives and became one of the most destructive disasters in Spokane since the 1991 firestorm that burned at least 35,000 acres.

The 2023 forest fires occurred at different locations within Spokane, with the Gray fire originating in Medical Lake and the Oregon Road fire starting to the northeast of Mount Spokane. Each location now has two assigned case managers.

“We arranged accommodations for individuals to stay in local hotels, shelters and transitional apartment units operated by The Salvation Army,” Cain said. “We then started the process of determining what’s next for each case.”

Cain recalled a family that, despite losing their home, expressed a strong desire to remain on their property. To facilitate this, the family acquired a trailer and the Spokane Citadel Corps assisted by covering the transportation expenses.

After the trailer was delivered to the property, it became evident setting up running water would be a time-con -

suming process. Cain then provided the family with a hotel stay until running water was available.

“We work hard to establish trust between ourselves and families or individuals,” Cain said. “We want them to know we really want what is in the best interest of their safety and well-being.”

According to Cain, case managers like Alaysha Cavitt-Breithaupt help to address these unique and challenging situations.

Cavitt-Breithaupt joined the team in November 2023. In her role as Lead Case Manager, she works with those affected by the Medical Lake fire, identifying specific needs to then connect

them with resources. She said the team has connected with over 200 individuals and families and currently have around 80 active cases of people they’re helping.

The most common need the case managers see is for financial assistance, she said.

“Everyone’s needs are different,” Cavitt-Breithaupt said. “For many clients, we’ve provided gas vouchers and food boxes because they have to spend most of their money on trying to rebuild.”

According to Cavitt-Breithaupt, the journey toward stability will continue with a commitment to

Ruben Calleros, his mother Maria Calleros, and their dog Ruby outside the Anaheim Emergency Shelter.

|PHOTO BY HARVEY MARQUEZ

Emergency/Disaster volunteers Christina Straight-Perez (left), Millie Searls (middle), and Jazmyne Talley (right) stand with The Salvation Army’s canteen at Medical Lake. |PHOTO COURTESY SPOKANE CITADEL CORPS

Santa Rosa Senior Center Director creates

‘Atmosphere of belonging and care’

BY KAREN GLEASON

“I’m passionate about people,” Kathy Forsyth said. “And I’ve always had a soft spot for seniors.”

Today, as Senior Center Director for The Salvation Army in Santa Rosa, California, she demonstrates that passion.

Forsyth first connected with The Salvation Army in Florida, when her oldest son, Charlie, entered the St. Petersburg Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). Previously she knew little about The Salvation Army and its services.

“Everybody knows about the bells,” she said. “I would always throw money in the kettle but I never thought about volunteering for The Salvation Army. Having four children and being a single mom there was no time.”

When the ARC program worked for Charlie after previous experiences elsewhere had not, Forsyth wanted to show her appreciation. Although she didn’t have much time, she volunteered as a bellringer at The Salvation Army’s red kettles during the holidays. She hasn’t missed a season in 16 years.

After she moved to Santa Rosa, Forsyth volunteered with The Salvation Army’s local Emergency/Disaster Services (EDS) team. Meanwhile she was looking for full-time work while running her own decluttering business.

“It took me a while to find a job because I didn’t want just a job,” she said. “I wanted a job that I’m passionate about, so I can do my best at it. If you get a job and it’s not really your thing, you’re never going to do what you’re really cut out for, so I waited it out.”

In summer 2022, she was attending a Salvation Army fundraising event when she overheard someone mention an open position at the senior center—it sounded like she’d be a great fit. In Florida, she had worked as a community center director for 20 years, managing a variety of special events.

Today, Forsyth is using these skills to build The Salvation Army’s senior program in Santa Rosa. The center is adjacent to the Santa Rosa Silvercrest, one of The Salvation Army’s residences designed to provide affordable senior housing.

Open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Senior Center offers both scheduled activities and a place to just hang out and relax. Forsyth said the center averages 60 people daily, with about 12 staying all day.

One of her goals is to attract more seniors from the larger community, since many of the regulars are Silvercrest residents. Currently only 20 percent of attendees are from the general community.

“It’s been a battle,” she said. “People think because they don’t live in the Silvercrest, they can’t come here.”

Others don’t know the center exists.

Recently, a Santa Rosa resident wrote to the local newspaper asking why the city had only one senior center run by the county parks and

Kathy Forsyth is building a vibrant community for older adults in Santa Rosa, California.

As the Senior Center Director for The Salvation Army in Santa Rosa, California, Kathy Forsyth (pictured middle left) demonstrates a passion for people, especially seniors, as she builds the senior program in a center adjacent to the Santa Rosa Silvercrest. Seniors pictured (from top): Robert Goodan, 93; Olga Seitz, 89; and Sam French, 85. Bottom: The seniors play chair volleyball twice a week.

‘Holiness is the fullness of who you are’

Bill and Diane Ury are the National Ambassadors of Holiness, a role they’ve held with National Headquarters since 2017. At the Testify Congress, they will lead seminars on Holiness for officers and attendees. The Urys have been married since 1984 and have enjoyed a life of ministry together. They are fully committed to the historic bases and contemporary expressions of orthodox Christianity and the Wesleyan Holiness tradition. Their personal desire is to incorporate sound, rigorous Christian theological thinking with pastoral care, spiritual formation and true compassion.

We spoke with the Urys to learn more about what to expect in their upcoming seminars.

Why is holiness foundational to going and preaching the good news?

BU: The clearest criticism by culture of the Church is that our talk and our walk do not match up. If we are ever going to properly evidence the nature of God, it will have to be grounded in a vibrant conception of holiness. Nothing else balances the entire Scripture better than the holiness of God permeating his people and all that they do in his name. We must be loving and just, righteous and merciful, pure and gracious (Col. 3:12-14) . Jesus’ Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20) centers around being baptized into the very nature of the Triune God. And by that he points to the full salvation that he offers to all who go in his nature. Holiness is not an experience to be focused on. It is the biblical revelation of the essence of the One we offer in our going and our speaking.

What do you consider to be some of the key components of holiness for those less familiar?

DU: I’ll answer this with a partial list of several things that I’ve come to realize are the essence of holiness. We’ll talk about these more during the seminar. Holiness is mutual belonging. I am never alone. I belong to Jesus. And by his deep mercy, he belongs to me! I am

“

IF WE ARE EVER GOING TO PROPERLY EVIDENCE THE NATURE OF GOD, IT WILL HAVE TO BE GROUNDED IN A VIBRANT CONCEPTION OF HOLINESS.

his and he is mine (Jer. 31).

Holiness is union with God. It’s not my trying harder to be like Jesus, but Jesus is giving me his life as I give him my life (Col. 2:9-10).

So, holiness is mutual indwelling. I’m created with a capacity for God to be inside me, and I’m created to live within him (Eph. 3:16-19, John 15:1-10).

Holiness completes the gospel—Jesus came to recreate us into a new kind of human. If we’ll let him, he’ll make us what he always intended for us to be, truly human—now, in this life (Rom. 8:1-17; Ps. 56:13).

Holiness is the kingdom come. As our true selves we live as oth-

—Diane Ury

er-oriented sent ones into the dark haunts of the earth, bearing the One who is light and life within our bodies (2 Cor. 4:5-18).

Why is it important to testify to others from a place of holiness?

BU: To testify is to point to another. It is both an incongruity and a fundamental self-centeredness that claims a Christian can never be holy until heaven. At every juncture of calling of God’s people it is unmistakable that God desires and provides the radical personal transformation necessary to produce living, real testimonies of the radical power

of grace. Yahweh cared about the nations and so he desired to form a people that looked like him so that the intimacy he offered Israel could be shared by all peoples (Ezek. 36:22-36).

The reason for Pentecost was not a supernatural ecstatic moment. It was for the sanctification of the people of God so that all the world might see that what was actually claimed by those who knew Jesus could be a possibility for everyone who called upon him for his full salvation (Acts 15:6-9). No one can deny the unbelievable transformation of the disciples who cowered behind closed doors even after the resurrec-

Register to attend the 2024 Testify Congress today at events.usawest.org.

tion and who “turned the world upside down” after being filled with the Holy Spirit.

What do you hope people take away from your seminars?

BU: We have found that many Salvationists are confused by our doctrine regarding sanctification. My hope is that they would see what the entire Scriptural message is truly about: The Holy One living in and through our humanity for the sake of others. We cannot afford to be playing on the edges of holy things, looking for excuses not to be totally his. What the world needs is to see that everything Jesus is and promises to make real in us is true, understandable and livable.

DU: I hope people come away understanding that holiness is not first of all about our behavior, but is an intimate face to face love relationship with the living God. And I pray they will know that they can experience this every day of their lives because they are made for this. We are made for Jesus.

How would you encourage someone who might be nervous to approach this topic?

DU: Know this: holiness is the fullness of who you are. It’s being fully known and fully loved by God. Every longing and desire that yearns throughout your mind and body is a created sign that you are made for another. That other is Jesus. He alone wants to and can satisfy the depths of who you are. Jesus completes you. To live in union with him is fullness of joy. To approach the topic of holiness is to approach Jesus himself, and he is perfect goodness and love toward you. It’s an exhilarating adventure, really.

What are practical ways people can tell the story of Jesus in their daily lives?

BU: This is the key issue and the very place where most

Bill and Diane Ury

|PHOTO COURTESY DIANE URY

Q&A WITH NATIONAL HOLINESS AMBASSADORS BILL AND DIANE URY

ARE YOU PREPARED TO GIVE AN ANSWER, A REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT YOU HAVE?

It’s part of what makes The Salvation Army what it is—after all, Salvation is in the name.

Listen to the Do Gooders Podcast Episode 178 to hear General Lyndon Buckingham share more about his focus on finding ways for The Salvation Army to be more effective in fulfilling its mission, starting with our own personal testimony. Find it wherever you listen to podcasts or at caringmagazine.org/ dogooderspodcast.

WHAT IS YOUR TESTIMONY?

Why do you have hope?

We are putting together an episode of the Do Gooders Podcast about testifying and we want your voice to be included. Simply dial 562-491-8723 and leave a voicemail. Start with your first name and give us the 2-minute version of your testimony.

‘Salvation is in the name’

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE GENERAL

he Salvation Army Western Territory will welcome Salvationists and friends to Pasadena, California, June 14-16 for a Congress, themed “Testify,” led by international leaders General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham.

“The Congress is an opportunity for teaching and training so that each one of us can share his story more often and to more people,” said Commissioner Douglas Riley, Territorial Commander.

The three-day event will feature words of challenge, corporate worship and fellowship, seminars and trainings, and musical performances, along with the Ordination and Commissioning of the Defenders of Justice Session during the Friday evening opening celebration at the Pasadena Convention Center.

The Territorial Commander and Commissioner Colleen Riley, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries and Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, emphasize the timeliness of this focus with church attendance down globally in the wake of the pandemic. Just 22 percent of people in the U.S. say they attend church every week—down from 32 percent in 2000, per Gallup. Further, the body’s research found the measure of confidence in the Church dropped from 37 to 31 percent in a one-year period from 2021 to 2022.

And simultaneously, the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness an epidemic in our country.

“There is no doubt that our world needs to hear the redemptive story of God’s love and mercy, and the simplest way they can hear and see this is through the lives of you and me,” Colleen Riley said. “Just think how much your local community can change if more people see Jesus through your words and actions.”

We asked the General about these statistics, what it all means for The Salvation Army and why testifying is central to our mission on an episode of the Do Gooders Podcast. The following is an edited excerpt of the interview.

Christin Thieme: I’ve heard you express what you call “three big ideas of the movement.” Can you share more about the first idea on proclamation?

General Lyndon Buckingham: You can’t be a movement or a part of the body of Christ, a part of the church that has the word salvation in it, right, and not be concerned about the sharing of the good news, the sharing of the message of salvation. We need to be tellers of this story. We’ve been entrusted with this beautiful story of God reconciling mankind to himself through his own son, Jesus Christ. It’s a beautiful story. It’s a powerful story. It’s the best story on the planet.

And we should be telling this story with all the energy, with all the enthusiasm, with all the creativity, with all the innovation, with all the resource we can lay our hands on, we should be telling this beautiful, beautiful story. The Salvation Army has been excellent at it in the past. I want us to be excellent at it into the future.

I want every Salvationist that is a part of the movement to feel incredibly confident about telling the story of God’s love and the person of Jesus Christ. And the best way to do that actually is through your own testimony.

That’s the transformation that’s come to you as a result of your encounter with God through Christ, right? So the power of your testimony added to the power of my testimony added to the power of a million people’s testimonies around the globe telling the good news is what we should be about. I would love us to be about that. That’s one of the big ideas and certainly one of the reasons that I responded so enthusiastically to the

invitation to come to a Congress that was called Testify. I mean, how could you not get a little bit wrapped up about that, right?

We know The Salvation Army has not been immune to global declines in church attendance. So what does this mean for the Army? What can we do about it?

LB: Yeah. I mean, it is definitely a concern. I don’t think that anybody in the movement wouldn’t be expressing concern, but I’m still not without hope. I think it’s possible. Because the truth is in the midst of the decline that you are speaking of, there are examples of corps and churches that are flourishing and growing.

Against the trend, there are outliers that are bucking that trend. And rather than testifying to a decline, they’re saying, “Well, actually, we are meeting new people. We’re embracing new people, and in our community, our congregation, it’s growing.” And that’s not just happening in other denominations. That’s happening in The Salvation Army.

And globally, the picture for The Salvation Army is actually a picture of growth. So some of the decline is isolated to certain parts of the world, and the West would be definitely in that category where there is a decline. So what do I think about that?

Well, obviously, it’s disappointing, but I also believe it’s reversible. So that’s the good news. And one of the first things to bringing about a change is the willingness to name and acknowledge what’s actually going on.

So I think, for us, it’s being brave enough to say, “Yes, this is happening to us too. So what are we going to do about it?” And I think that if we as a movement determine in our hearts that we actually want to be trend busters, that we actually want to make a concerted effort at every level of the organization to bust that trend around. We want to put resources, people, prayer, innovation, creativity, a willingness to experiment, a willingness to take risks, a willingness to make the essence of who we are more important than the form.

If we really want it, I believe that we can turn it around. We can change the trend. And in fact…as we start heading into 2024, and maybe the uncertainty of the world is driving a little bit of this, but there are signs and evidence of return, of people reconnecting, of people wanting to explore their faith in the context of so much uncertainty and anger and frustration and even fear.

So a combination of reigniting our people with a confidence to share the gospel, invitation, being intentional about inviting people to an experience, a willingness on our part to rearrange the house. When my family comes to visit, one of the things that I have to do in my little apartment is I have to be prepared to shift stuff around to make it possible for them to come and dwell and be happy. And so I think there’s some work for us to do within the movement to say, “How welcoming are we? How inviting are we? How comfortable do we make it for people to come and do their faith journey with us as a movement?”

And so I think that, if we are prepared not to bury our head in the sand, but to say, “Yes, it’s happening to us too.” If we’re prepared to say, “Maybe we can’t just keep doing the same things and expect a different outcome, maybe we have to be a bit more creative, a bit more innovative, think a bit more outside the box.” I think that I personally believe we can turn it around even in the West.

How has testimony changed your own spiritual life? How have you seen it play a role in effective evangelism?

LB: I’ve obviously been in The Salvation Army all my life. So from the cradle to the age of 61, I’ve been a part of the movement. But

OFTEN, BEFORE PEOPLE ENCOUNTER A SALVATION ARMY CORPS COMMUNITY, THEY ENCOUNTER AN INDIVIDUAL. STILL, MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BEING EMBRACED INTO CHURCH LIFE ARE COMING BECAUSE OF THEIR ENCOUNTER WITH AN INDIVIDUAL. SO DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POTENTIAL THAT YOU ARE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR INTRODUCING AND INVITING PEOPLE TO HAVE AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE LIVING GOD.

–General Lyndon Buckingham

I can remember, as a young person right up until maybe even after I became an officer, that a regular feature of our meetings was testimony. People telling their story. Inside the meeting, in the Sunday meeting, telling their story of what God has done for them, even just in this past week.

And in the midst of that, you get some fantastic stories of transformation and change. You hear the miracle: “I didn’t know what I was going to do, but God came through for me,” or whatever the case may be. And so there was a kind of familiarity within the movement of telling your story. I think we have to acknowledge, certainly I have to acknowledge, that in most of the congregations that I’ve been a part of in recent years, that’s a very unusual thing to have happen. And very rarely does it happen as part of a meeting.

But you and I both know that somebody sharing their story about something that’s happening in their life or about what God has done for them is incredibly moving. And we’ve been in meet-

ings where the testimony has been more powerful than the sermon. We’ve all been there…

So, for me, testimony is really, really important because what happens as a result of the testimony is I’m encouraged. My faith is stirred. My appreciation for God is stirred. My convictions are heightened as a result of hearing what God’s doing in the lives of other people.

And it’s very difficult to argue with somebody’s story about what God has done in their life.

So, man, I’m just absolutely thrilled about the Testify Congress. We’ve got to help our people rediscover the power of the story— the story of God’s love in Jesus, but also their own story of what God has and is doing for them in these current days. NFC

Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts to hear General Lyndon Buckingham share more about himself, how he came to faith and his practical advice for sharing your testimony.

WHO ARE THE OUTLIERS BUCKING THE TREND?

For one, the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps and Community Center in Phoenix saw a 112 percent increase in Sunday morning meeting attendance from 2019 to 2023.

So what’s going on at the Kroc?

Listen to the Do Gooders

Podcast Episode 179, out March 4, to hear Corps Officers

Captains Dustin and Caroline Rowe share more about their community, their congregation and their perspective on growing a church. Find it wherever you listen to podcasts or at caringmagazine.org/dogooders podcast.

Register to attend the 2024 Testify Congress today at events.usawest.org.

General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Brownwyn Buckingham will lead the Testify Congress June 14-16. |PHOTO COURTESY INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

AT THE SALVATION ARMY, THAT’S WHEN I FOUND OUT GOD NEVER LEFT ME; IT WAS I WHO LEFT HIM.

Francesca Zavala

A renewed life

After graduating from the Anaheim ARC Jan. 3, Francesca Zavala is embracing transformation.

BY KAREN GLEASON

Francesca Zavala graduated from The Salvation Army Anaheim (California) Adult Rehabilitation Center Jan. 3.

“It felt like an out-of-body experience,” she said. “I was shaking, wondering, is this really happening? I had sat through six months’ worth of graduations every Wednesday, and now it’s my Wednesday. I couldn’t believe it.”

The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) are residential programs that provide spiritual, emotional and social assistance to individuals who are experiencing a variety of social, emotional and spiritual challenges, including issues relating to substance abuse. The Salvation Army maintains 18 ARCs in the Western U.S., with programs specific to women in Fresno, Pasadena, Anaheim, San Diego and San Francisco, California; Las Vegas, Denver and Phoenix.

After graduating, Zavala, 31, returned to San Bernardino, California, her hometown, where she lives with her brother and is looking for work. She attends recovery meetings and remains active at the ARC as an alumni.

She said the ARC structure helped prepare her for life outside the program.

“You’ve got to wake up, make your bed, brush your teeth, take a shower, do some chores—and in a timely manner, which is what I really liked because being out of The Salvation Army now, I still wake up. I make my coffee. I make my bed and I plan my day,” she said. “And so that’s sort of stuck with me.”

Zavala said she began experimenting with drugs in her teens. She didn’t finish high school.

“Then I got into a relationship that was really bad, and it lasted like 10 years,” she said. “When we broke up is when I started to use heroin. And from there it was just that cycle of using, of trying to stay well enough to function, not working, wanting to work but not really having the desire to change or do anything different because I’m stuck on this drug…It was really horrible.”

Eventually arrested for drug possession, she was placed on probation. After another arrest for stealing, she ended up in jail, where she started withdrawing. One morning, she fainted and was taken to a hospital. She had suffered a minor heart attack.

“That’s when I finally surrendered,” Zavala said. “I said, ‘God, you’ve got to take this from me. I’ll give you all of me if you just help me out a little bit.’”

Those were difficult days, she said.

“But honestly, it was like a divine intervention from God to move that mountain for me to change. Because if I would have never got caught, I probably never would have changed. I’m so grateful that I did get caught.”

When she left the hospital and returned to jail, she participated in Bible studies. She recovered from the withdrawal and focused on the future.

On her court date, she asked the judge to send her to a program—“any type of program.”

“From there, I landed in the ARC,” she said. “If I would have had any idea of what it was to entail, I would have signed up a lot sooner…It was the perfect structure for me.”

The ARC staff and other beneficiaries—14 women—welcomed her. Before long, the facility reached its maximum capacity of 30 women.

Zavala’s arrival coincided with that of ARC Administrators Captains Tanya and Timothy Pemberton, who had previously served at the Santa Monica (California) ARC.

“When the Pembertons came, they brought love,” Zavala said. “You could tell that they love each and every individual that walks through the doors… Captain Tanya, she’s like the mama bear of the program. She will love on you and love on you until you just feel the love back.”

Zavala said it helped strengthen her relationship with God.

“At The Salvation Army, that’s when I found out God never left me; it was I who left him,” she said.

Soon she was reaching out to other beneficiaries, talking and praying with them.

“Francesca was a leader in our ARC. She was a prayer warrior,” Tanya Pemberton said. “She lost her mother while she was here and almost left but with prayer and guidance she was able to lean on those around her to help her through those early times of knowing her mother was no longer here on this earth.”

She also chose to become a Daughter of the King, a group of beneficiaries who serve as role models and mentors within the ARC program, and said she looked for those who were struggling, those with “worried eyes.”

“Francesca is a good example to the ladies of transformation,” Pemberton said.

Zavala credits The Salvation Army with saving her life.

“That obsession to use is gone, is lifted, because I gave that to God,” she said. “I want to devote my life to serving the Lord and helping others when they’re struggling in their faith. And it’s just a beautiful feeling, really.” NFC

MAUI FROM PAGE 3

classroom and in the college’s administration available to aid in the response helped continue the efforts of all who have volunteered in Maui. Salvation Army personnel were largely able to travel to the island thanks to a territorial partnership with Airlink, which provided more than 40 emergency deployees with round-trip tickets from the U.S. mainland to Maui.

“Emergency Services is incredibly grateful for the officers from other departments and commands who stepped up to fill the emergency service gaps on Maui during this time,” Berglund said.

Groenleer, who grew up on Kaua`i , said she loved returning to her home state to serve `ohana (extended family) and to kokua—lend a helping hand.

STEPHENS

FROM PAGE 4

help securing those vital documents. Others arrive with substance abuse or mental health needs. Some have disabilities and are looking for resources to re-enter the workforce. Some, like Stephens, are starting over after incarceration.

The case manager’s role, Kilburn said, is to listen and compile customized resources to lift clients up.

“We’re the foot soldiers for the Lord,” Kilburn said. “We accept everybody with open arms and we try to encourage everybody by showing love and compassion to people and giving people hope.”

She said she loves what she does.

“I love seeing people thrive and move on to their next chapter in their life, proud of themselves with a whole different type of self-confidence than when they came

CALLEROS

FROM PAGE 5

at The Salvation Army Tustin Ranch Corps. Inspired by his mother’s spiritual maturity, he realizes the two of them are equipped with tools they’ve used at the shelter, “to lay hands, to pray, to give encouragement.”

“There’s even been times when with new residents, they sometimes confuse us for staff members,” Calleros said.

Marquez said Calleros has co-led a worship service at the shelter, spoken at a Men’s Ministry breakfast, led prayer at a Prayer, Praise and Prophecy meeting and participated in the Advent candlelight ceremony at the Tustin Ranch Corps.

Calleros has a somewhat surprising role model: Reverend Billy Graham. Calleros, whose native language is Spanish, said when he started studying the Bible in English, he went to YouTube looking for inspiration. That’s where he discovered Graham.

“He was around long ago but when he would preach, it was with this authority

SPOKANE

FROM PAGE 5

trust, care and personalized assistance.

“Some people don’t have immediate needs,” Cavitt-Breithaupt said. “But what they really need is someone to listen and to validate that they’ve lost something.”

Case managers will continue taking

“It’s about extending help in a sacrificial way, helping without getting anything in return,” she said, adding that it was a blessing to sit with survivors, hear their stories and pray with them.

Groenleer recalled praying with one woman after giving her a Walmart gift card. The woman told her she could now purchase a rice cooker. “Rice is something we eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” the woman said.

“To her, this signaled a sense of normalcy,” Groenleer said. “This small gift honors what she values—something as simple as having rice every day.”

Yardley shared a similar story of giving a gift card to a woman who who said she missed and and would now buy a bottle of soy sauce.

And in almost every instance, the individuals agreed to prayer. NFC

in,” Kilburn said. “It’s such a rewarding job.”

Stephens is also a fan, saying The Salvation Army helped foster his motivation to succeed.

“I don’t want to settle for something when I could find something better. I don’t want to survive anymore. I’m tired of just surviving. I want to flourish. I want to thrive,” he said, and credited The Salvation Army for helping him on that path. “They want to help people succeed. They don’t just like watching people survive. They want to help people who want to help themselves.”

Helping others help themselves is also a new goal for Stephens.

“I would love to go back and volunteer… not as a homeless volunteer but as somebody that can go back and give what I couldn’t give before,” he said. “Not just my time, but be willing to be there and help people.” NFC

and it was just so relatable,” he said. “And he was preaching at the Anaheim Stadium in 1986.”

Calleros envisions himself someday preaching to large groups of people, inspiring them to follow Jesus. First, though, he’s headed to Biola, where he plans to major in Spanish and minor in theology.

Right now, Calleros and his mother continue to witness for God at the Anaheim Emergency Shelter. They’re following up on two promising housing leads. The Anaheim Housing Authority is working with them and the Mayor of Anaheim has advocated for them.

“I guess you could say that the Lord had prepared us sufficiently in faith to go through this,” Calleros said. “The Lord ultimately had an overarching greater plan for us…This season of my life has been a catapult into discovering who I am in the Lord and as a Christian. I know the Lord has molded myself and my mother to become who he wants us to be…and if the Lord did it to me, he can do it to anyone. There is salvation, there is a hope, there is a future in the Lord.” NFC

on new clients who need support.

For Cain, the continued efforts in Spokane represent The Salvation Army’s willingness to intervene, and its commitment to care long after the initial disaster.

“Seeing the community find trust and appreciation in our presence during a time of tragedy is a powerful example of who we are to our community,” he said. NFC

|PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANCESCA ZAVALA

DIGNITY HEALTH FROM

Homeless Outreach program is making an impact in California, carrying out the mission of a $1,059,712 grant Dignity Health gave The Salvation Army in August 2020 to establish the program, which reaches four regions in California: Fresno/Merced Central Valley, along with San Joaquin, San Bernardino and San Luis Obispo counties.

The initiative focuses on delivering vital support to people experiencing homelessness, with a clear goal to connect individuals to essential resources to facilitate their transition toward permanent housing. Along the way, the program has expanded its impact beyond the initial goal, resulting in greater collaboration among community groups which has facilitated a higher awareness and distribution of vital resources.

“In recent years, the most influential ministries have been those that directly connect with individuals right where they are,” said Commissioner Douglas Riley, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army in the Western U.S. “The Dignity Health grant has opened doors to many other collaborations, allowing us to maximize this partnership.”

CommonSpirit Health System Director for Community Health, Integration and Housing Ashley Brand said initially the program drew some inspiration from similar programs, like The Salvation Army’s Street Level program in Seattle.

“It was an opportunity to look at what The Salvation Army had done in other markets and see what we could explore in our markets,” Brand said. “It was a long process to figure out what types of solutions would be meaningful for different communities.”

Brand added that relationship building on the front-end and getting buy-in at the local levels, both for The Salvation Army and Dignity Health, showed the Homeless Outreach program would add value for unreached community members experiencing homelessness.

“It really is that collaborative effort where you have multiple entities coming to the table to identify and create a shared model, achieving goals and objectives, but putting our community members—our patients experiencing homelessness—first,” she said.

The grant helped The Salvation Army acquire mobile outreach vehicles, fully equip them, and transform them into mobile offices furnished with Wi-Fi—an essential resource for connecting with a population that frequently lacks access.

BUTTE FROM PAGE 4

“We’re really operating a physical beacon of hope on wheels,” said Naomi Goforth, Director of Program at The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps, which serves California’s largest county. “People know that if they see the van and the shield—it’s a sign of hope and help.”

PAGE 1 posed by their relative isolation from larger populations.

When the vans are in operation, a team of outreach specialists and caseworkers address immediate needs, like

sulted in 6,800 boxes of opioid overdose reversal medication Narcan being distributed between August 2022 and February 2023, according to a quarterly report by The Salvation Army San Luis Obispo Corps.

Additionally, more than 30 people received medical care and were connected to detox and recovery services through collaboration efforts during that time frame.

“By not only providing medical assis-

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MINISTRIES HAVE BEEN THOSE THAT DIRECTLY CONNECT WITH INDIVIDUALS RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE.

—Commissioner Douglas Riley

providing hygiene kits, clothing and vouchers for things like utilities and transportation.

They simultaneously focus on building trust and rapport while identifying an individual’s next step in search of housing, which often looks like helping them obtain personal documentation or connecting them to other community resources, sometimes at resource fairs.

During outreach in San Bernardino in September 2022, the team connected with a father of five who was living in his car with his children. He explained he had completed an online portal for housing but was stuck because he did not have birth certificates for each of his family members—a factor necessary for some supportive housing programs.

The team provided birth certificate vouchers—something the man said he didn’t realize was possible—which kept the family moving forward in their journey to permanent housing.

It’s through these kinds of interactions that 49 individuals have ultimately secured permanent housing, and 24 others have transitioned into temporary housing across the four reporting regions from August 2022 to June 2023. During that time, an additional 438 individuals were placed in emergency housing programs and 306 individuals received referrals to partner agencies for assistance with housing and other resources.

“To meet people in the midst of their need and have the capacity to work through their unique challenges and circumstances has been an impactful way to minister to those without a home across California,” said Riley.

The Mobile Homeless Outreach vans have also served as a touchpoint for increased community engagement. In San Luis Obispo County, the collaboration with Dignity Health Street Medicine has re-

tance but continuously ministering to people and coming back to follow up, we develop relationships that can prevent homelessness and work towards better health of the communities at large,” said Fresno Citadel Corps Officer Major Carole Abella.

This collaboration also helps Dignity Health’s medical residents, who Herrera said often are encouraged to participate in the outreach efforts.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to learn,” she said. “An individual that you might see in the ER, or our local health centers, might not be someone that you think might live underneath the bridge or near the riverbed. Overall, it’s been really a great partnership.”

Stockton Outreach Specialist Sean Mefford said the Mobile Homeless Outreach has proven to be an effective method for forging partnerships and seeing positive change within San Joaquin County.

In March 2023, Alicia was residing under an overpass in the nearby city of Tracy. Mefford and the team collaborated with City Net, a nonprofit organization specializing in homeless outreach, to provide temporary housing for her in its shelter.

Following a brief stay at the shelter, Mefford assisted Alicia in gaining entry into the SPICE program, which offers low-income housing for disabled individuals experiencing homelessness. Today, Mefford said Alicia has found permanent housing in a three-bedroom house with roommates.

“Dignity Health has given us the seed money to jumpstart this whole program,” he said. “If it wasn’t for them, I don’t even think that we would even be able to discover all of these capacities to serve underserved populations.”

One of the ways Mefford has increased engagement in San Joaquin County is by bringing beneficiaries of Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), The

According to Tracey Morin, talking circles are a way for participants to discuss shared experiences and connect with others.

Salvation Army’s 180-day residential program, along for outreach. Mefford said that the ARC prepared and distributed 895 lunches during their outreach efforts in the spring of 2023.

“The men at the ARC love to go out with us,” he said. “It helps to bring someone along who can demonstrate the success of The Salvation Army programs— and carry that sense of empathy.”

Mefford said the act of continued engagement and returning when they say they’re going to has built lasting trust. “We often go out in the morning, and then in the afternoon, just to show them we’re serious and prepared to help,” he said.

Territorial Director of Corporate Engagement Maria Todaro said collaborations with partners like Dignity Health are fundamental to offering an integral range of services to people in need.

“The gift has enabled and positioned The Salvation Army to duplicate the successful Street Level model across California, and has led to the creation of brand new impactful community partnerships that we may never have had otherwise,” she said.

Looking ahead, each Homeless Outreach team plans to continue fostering community relationships. Team members said the funding has given them a platform to learn the best way of interacting with others, and improving to better suit needs as they’re recognized.

“Creating and improving relationships with other outreach operations has really been an entry point for the sustainability of the program,” said Goforth.

Brand echoed this sentiment, adding: “There is a level of trust, so we can have hard conversations,” she said. “If something’s not working, we can be really transparent on both sides to talk about ‘How do we improve the overall interaction for the people we’re serving?’ That’s first and foremost, fundamentally, what we’re focused on—and how do we achieve it together?”

Goforth added the greatest gift from Dignity Health has been the opportunity to navigate through the challenging realities of homelessness, developing connections to further advance the mission and becoming equipped with the capacity to sustain success and better serve individuals in the future.

“I just think this speaks volumes to what organizations can do when they work together with a shared mission to serve our vulnerable communities,” Brand said.

“Seeing the collaborations, like with Patty in the Street Medicine Team, I think just really accelerates the work.” NFC

—With reporting by Haley Osness and Hillary Jackson

ing facilities and housing programs across the state.

“We help people with transportation costs if they’re passing through and need tires, car repairs or fuel,” said Tina Morin.

However, thanks to the Service Center, populations that do require continued care are now receiving a level of service they hadn’t previously experienced.

The team identified a significant Native American population in need of counseling and therapy. As a result, two Native American therapists now visit the center to offer individual counseling services and group talking circles, which follow a Native American tradition of communication in which participants sit in a circle with the mindset that all members are equal and each belongs to the group.

“We’re able to provide safe spaces for everyone so that different populations are comfortable to come see us,” said Tracey Morin.

To meet the needs of foster children in the area, they assist with clothing, birthday parties and basketball camps.

According to Tina Morin, the Service Extension Center’s strong presence in the community has garnered recognition, leading to opportunities for collaborations and partnerships that can expand its reach.

Through a partnership with the Southwest Community Outreach Program, the Service Center assists clients exiting the prison system with obtaining ID and birth certificates—and connects them to the DMV.

Additionally, they collaborate closely with sober liv-

According to Tina Morin, Tracey Morin is the one who keeps her motivated and passionate about serving the public, even in the face of obstacles.

“Her love and her ability to see people as God sees them is just phenomenal,” she said. “She sees without distinction, without discrimination, but with love and acceptance.”

The sisters’ commitment to each other has aided in fostering a community of inclusivity and compassion, echoing the mission of The Salvation Army to serve in Jesus’ name without discrimination.

Looking ahead, the team plans to continue to be responsive to the evolving dynamics of the community.

As Tina Morin said, “The success of the Service Extension Center in Butte stems from the community’s long-standing presence and vigilant care for one another.” NFC

FLOODING

FROM PAGE 1

Manager Jake Minger witnessed the scene unfold and captured it on video. He said he’d never seen anything like it in his three years working there.

“It was astonishing,” Minger said. “The teamwork was unparalleled, and clear communication made the whole process as safe and smooth as possible.”

Once on land, they brought the man inside the Kroc Center to offer him hot chocolate, dry clothing and prayer.

“We made him feel comfortable and despite the tragic situation, he just lit up and had a smile on his face,” Lancaster said. “He was delighted to be surrounded by people who offered love and care.”

Similar incidents unfolded throughout San Diego during the flood, where weather reports indicated an overwhelming amount of rainfall—equivalent to over three months’ worth—fell within six hours.

The flood impacted 644 homes and structures as of Jan. 30, according to a report from The Salvation Army Southern California Division Emergency/Disaster Services.

Salvation Army Divisional Secretary for San Diego County Major Rob Reardon said The Salvation Army stood ready to mobilize its supportive services due to its already present positioning within communities in San Diego.

“As The Salvation Army, we live and breathe in the community,” Reardon said. “We’re here during good times, and when a disaster strikes we’re on the ground as well.”

As floodwaters subsided, The Salvation Army San Diego began long-term recovery support for those who were impacted, collaborating with around two dozen outreach services at a pop-up Local Assistance Center at the Spring Valley Library and Mountain View Community Center.

There, The Salvation Army offers emotional and spiritual care, access to other resources and financial assistance. Reardon said the response is ongoing and The Salvation Army will remain stationed there until they are no longer needed.

According to Minger, as of Feb. 5, The Salvation Army has provided more than $36,000 vouchers for lodging assistance, In-N-Out and Salvation Army Thrift Stores in addition to $5,000 for socks and underwear.

“We’re working with other agencies in the community to ensure no needs go unmet,” Reardon said. “Working together to serve the community creates an atmosphere of hope, of gratefulness and gratitude among those we’re serving.”

Reardon said they have encountered diverse needs, with many individuals dealing with water damage in their homes that can result in mold. Others are facing the complications of displacement and lost or damaged items.

In an effort to involve the community in the recovery process, The Salvation Army collaborated with news outlet CBS 8 for a live telethon Jan. 31 to raise money for those affected.

The call-in event raised $59,000 in one day from donations, with ongoing online contributions upping the total to over $100,000 raised.

Reardon said the funds will allow for the continued support for those who are impacted as they rebuild. He said the money raised demonstrates The Salvation Army’s active presence and the community’s ability to unite and provide support during challenging times.

“It’s an example of the strength in collective efforts and highlights our dedication to the community,” he said. NFC

PEOPLE ARE MORE SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS THESE DAYS. SO WE HAVE TO BE AWARE OF HOW OUR MESSAGE IS PRESENTED... WE HAVE TO COMMUNICATE IT WELL.

MASANGOS FROM PAGE 1

education—Terry Masango holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Rutendo Masango is pursuing a master’s in Mental Health and Wellness—while they work to guide the next generation of Salvation Army leaders.

We met with the Masangos to learn more about them and their vision for the work ahead.

What inspired you to pursue officership?

Rutendo Masango (RM): When I was 18 years old, God called me to officership. I vividly remember his voice. I was at church and the major was speaking. He said, “God is calling someone to officership right now. That person is to stand up.” I don’t know how I got up—I just remember standing… I was scared because I was only 18. I went home to tell my parents and my father said, “Oh no, you cannot be an officer. Number one, you’re too young. And number two, officers are poor.” And so I kind of set that aside.

Terry Masango (TM): [Our corps youth group] went to pray for someone who was not feeling well. While praying, I felt like God was calling me to full-time ministry. But I also remember saying, “not as a Salvation Army officer.” In my family there had been officers and I remembered how much they struggled in Africa. It was a tough thing that I knew growing up and so I wanted to be a medical doctor instead. But when God’s call came, I said, I’ll find anything that keeps me doing ministry, but not as an officer. Later, Major [Benton] Markham in Spokane asked me, “You’re already doing the work. Why don’t you want to be an officer?” And I kept saying no. Finally, God spoke to me in a dream. And I said yes. What excites you about coming back to CFOT as leaders?

RM: Something that excites me is to walk alongside the cadets, encouraging them and sharing our corps experience with them. We have 15 years of experience dealing with people directly to share. It’s important—officership is about people.

TM: In Africa people are very dedicated to the church. They view it just as a church, and worship is a meaningful part of their week. There’s a lot of passion in worship that I think we bring here. And maybe we need that to be infused in our cadets, so they can do that. We’d love that. Yes, that’s what excites me… And what excites me, too, is an opportunity to influence a new generation of officers in a way that I think is very practical. Like Rutendo said, we are fresh from the corps, so we have things that we’ve noticed that have been changing over the years. The timing is good.

—Major Terry Masango

Why is training critical to advancing The Salvation Army’s mission?

TM: The Salvation Army in the United States is at a crossroads. Where we struggle today is that the culture is very skeptical about religion, about any organized groups. We have to change our teaching styles and our presentation of the gospel to suit today’s culture, without losing everything that identifies us as the Army. So looking at culture or tradition, we want to make sure that we go forward effectively.

I believe in education, because most of society is getting more and more educated. So we need officers who can have conversations with board members at a level that they will be respected. Leaders who are able to read financial statements—those things are critical for us as the Army. For any organization, you need leaders who can communicate effectively.

People are more socially conscious these days. So we have to be aware of how our message is presented to show that The Salvation Army has been involved in social causes for 158 years. The majority of people think that we’re too old as an organization to be involved in social causes, but we are. So we have to communicate it well.

How have your prior appointments and education prepared you for these roles?

RM: People are always looking for encouragement and someone to listen to them. When I did my degree in counseling, I thought I needed to have answers when people come to see me as an officer. But it’s not always that—people just want someone to listen. And as people express themselves, they answer themselves; we don’t always have to have answers. My next degree is in mental health and wellness. The world has changed. COVID caused so much anxiety. How do we move on? How do we reach out to people in our social services, to our corps people, who are going through mental health challenges? This degree is giving me tools.

TM: Our first appointment [Renton, Washington] taught us about community relations; it prepared us to be community leaders. The Army’s not insular; it’s not just our congregation but also our communities. At our second appointment in El Cajon [California] the corps flourished spiritually, and we saw the value of spiritual formation that we want to teach cadets—to have healthy spiritual routines that they can then go and teach their corps, because we believe that well-fed sheep reproduce…then we can begin to see cadet numbers rise again. Our time in Pasadena [California] prepared us to interact with Territorial Headquarters and Divisional Headquarters, and how

to navigate and lead people of different personalities.

I call myself a student of leadership. My doctorate focused on leadership and organizations and I think that has prepared me to be in this position. Studying for a doctorate teaches you to be a critical thinker. So I can analyze educational trends. I can analyze each cadet, what their strengths are, and each instructor. That will allow us to put in place effective teaching methods, effective classes, that can equip cadets for problem solving. As a leader, I can study what’s happening—what’s working, what’s not working, and then ask, how can we change that? Asking the question, “Why?” I think that’s important.

Major Terry Masango, how will you apply your dissertation findings to CFOT culture?

TM: My dissertation research was about the influence of societal gender roles on how Salvation Army female officers lead. What rose to the top were some of the reasons why we don’t have women officers feeling like they’re succeeding in the organization. Part of it was they didn’t have mentors to look up to. Teaching about female leadership in the classrooms will help. The training college could use the results of this research study to develop gender awareness in the CFOT curriculum. The Salvation Army leadership could utilize the information to develop and provide coaches and mentors to female officers. The findings of this study could also help prospective female officers to prepare for anticipated obstacles and consider ways of overcoming them. The acknowledgement of areas that need further development and solutions for the enhancement of The Salvation Army culture can help to elevate all female officers’ experiences.

Major Rutendo Masango, what will continuing education look like going forward and why is it important for officers serving in the field?

RM: We’re never done learning. For the cadets, two years is probably not enough for them to know everything. That’s why we have continuing education for the first five years for all the new lieutenants. They are required to take classes through the School for Leadership Development to be promoted to captain. These classes are first opened to all lieutenants and then to the rest of the Western Territory officers a few weeks later. The cost is free. And then after five years, the lieutenants can continue to get degrees, even to advanced levels. Education opens minds. It brings new ideas, and we become better Salvation Army officers. The world continues to change, so we need to keep up with what’s happening around the world and around our communities. NFC

SENIORS FROM PAGE 6

recreation department. Forsyth wrote back, informing the paper and its readers about The Salvation Army Senior Center.

“I think I’ve gotten 12 new members since then, from a tiny article on the editorial page,” she said. “If we get a quarter-page ad, and more people see it, can you imagine how many people will finally start coming?”

When they come, they’ll find a place where they can hang out and talk, watch a movie, or play chess or pool.

“We all chill out together,” Forsyth said. “I’ll go in there… and bust their chops a little and then I come back to my office. It’s a nice little break for me.”

During the center’s recent renovation, Forsyth and her assistant, Gabriel AlcazarCuevas, held outdoor activities including shuffleboard and cornhole. They plan to do more, weather permitting.

And they have guests, including speakers from Jack London State Park and the Santa Rosa Park and Recreation Rangers—topics beyond Medicaid and those typically associated with seniors.

“Because my background is environmental education, I’m all about nature,” she said. “So I’m trying to bring it in here. Who doesn’t love to learn about nature?”

Sometimes she’ll conduct an earth science activity with the seniors, like dissecting owl pellets. She said she’s been doing these activities for years with her kids.

URYS FROM PAGE 7

of us fail too often. I like the use of the word “story.” Each of us should be able to give a 30 second testimony that we have worked on. I have found that if I enter a day with this prayer, “Lord, if you open the door for me to share I promise I will say a word for you,” he does just that. The crux of this commitment though is actually speaking a word for Jesus when those opportunities come our way.

DU: The easiest way to tell about Jesus is to share what he’s doing in your life right now. What are the areas you’re asking him to help you in? How is he making a difference in your life right now? Is he guiding you through grief, loss, fear or anxiety? Just talk about it. Has he provided something for you or your kids? Share

PLAY GROUPS

FROM PAGE 4

In Alaska, some Salvation Army units, like the Gateway Corps, are hosting parent and child playgroups to meet the needs of young families.

When Qualls first started preparing for “Music, Movement and More,” she reached out to Wrangell (Alaska) Corps Officer Captain Belle Green who began facilitating a similar program after moving to the location in June. Green said each week, the group has about 10-15 participants.

“Parents are looking for things to do,” Green said, noting it’s been a consistent group from the start.

“We live in a rainforest, so it’s hard to get out of the house,” she said. “It’s my favorite time of the week. It’s been such a blessing to offer this.”

KATHY HAS CREATED A SPACE WHERE OUR SENIORS FEEL SAFE, CARED FOR AND LOVED.

—Captain Sean Kelsey

“These people are like kids again,” she said. “They enjoy it when I do these silly, crazy things with them.”

Sometimes Forsyth will tell the seniors she has a surprise for them the following week.

“They like that,” she said. “They never know what I’m going to do, and that’s what brings them back.”

what that is. Naturally converse about his role in your daily life. You don’t have to expect any kind of answer or response, but talking about him in a personal way will open light into someone’s life who is listening. He is that light, not you. You’re the faithful messenger.

Anything else you think we should know?

BU: Congresses are unique moments in our history. Great moves of God have resulted in the joining of Salvationists in hearing the Spirit and heeding whatever he says. There is power in communal reception of grace and obedience. If we all are tuning our hearts before we come together then it is likely that God can speak in ways that we need as a church and our culture needs desperately.

In Wrangell, Green said the morning typically begins with a craft participants can easily replicate at home before moving into the music section that incorporates small instruments. Sometime during the morning, a dance party will occur, she said, since the activity is a fan favorite among toddlers. The group concludes with open play time.

Throughout the gathering, parents can talk and be with other adults—something she said has been well received.

“Raising toddlers is a different ballpark,” she said, adding that when meltdowns inevitably occur, there’s no judgment among parents—they’ve been there. “It’s good to have that camaraderie.”

Qualls took what Green gave and tailored the program to fit her community, drawing from her degree in music education and experience in early childhood education.

She put a flier on Facebook and

And they surprise her.

One woman, who was always quiet and shy, came to life at a Valentine’s party, which featured a lot of balloons that the seniors were trying to keep afloat.

“And then at the end of the party, this little lady—she has to be in her 70s—had the best time popping every balloon that we had blown up. It was so hilarious.”

This was a treasured moment for Forsyth, who has a framed photo on the wall of the woman popping the balloons. Forsyth likes to have keepsakes of these special moments.

Sometimes, a senior needs extra care, and Forsyth is ready to provide it. If a regular misses a day, she will call them to make sure they’re OK. She’s also willing to contact the pharmacy to check on seniors’ prescriptions, and she will help them write their checks to pay bills if they need assistance. She even took one man to the hospital when he had an eye infection.

“Kathy has created a space where our seniors feel safe, cared for and loved. For many, the Senior Activity Center is a home away from home where Kathy has created an atmosphere of belonging and care,” Santa Rosa Corps Officer Captain Sean Kelsey said.

For the seniors, it’s simple.

“The people in charge are nice,” said Gayle Prentice and Gladys Ubieta, who were working together on a jigsaw puzzle. “What keeps us coming back are the people.” NFC

HOLINESS IS NOT A DOCTRINE. IT’S JESUS’ LIFE WITHIN US. HOLINESS IS A LOVE RELATIONSHIP TO GOD.

—Diane Ury

DU: Holiness is not a doctrine. It’s Jesus’ life within us. Holiness is a love relationship with God. Our behavior flows out of him who is Love, which he pours into us. Jesus is the one inviting you to this Congress! He plans to be there. Come, seek him, find him—along with the many others just like you who want to be faithful Salvationists! NFC

said about six families quickly signed up, with two coming regularly that each have multiple children under age 5. She said some are Coast Guard families, so they’re new to the area, and face circumstances like deployments.

One of the moms, Nichole Avery, said she found out about the program when she was new to Ketchikan and wanted to make friends. Her kids’ experiences keep them coming back.

“My kiddos absolutely love being able to play the different instruments, do arts and crafts and dance around,” she said. “We’re very thankful to have this program available and love that they are learning more about God while having fun, too.”

There’s something for everyone who attends “Music, Movement and More”— the snacks are out and there’s coffee for moms.

“We just have fun singing songs,”

LT. COLONEL RICHARD LOVE

May 18, 1939 – Sept. 3, 2023

Lt. Colonel

Richard Love was promoted to Glory Sept. 3, 2023, from his home in Goodyear, Arizona, surrounded by family.

Richard Love was born May 18, 1939, in Selah, Washington. After high school he joined the Navy and became a helicopter rescue crewman. He spent most of his time in the Navy serving on the USS Saint Paul Flagship of the Admiral of the Pacific Fleet.

Upon leaving the Navy, Richard settled in San Jose, California, to work for Lockheed Martin. After a friend explained his faith in Christ, Richard made the decision to love and serve God. This ultimately led him to The Salvation Army where he met Bettie Moreland. Richard entered training in 1963 with the Proclaimers of the Faith Session and was commissioned in 1965. The couple wed Dec. 31, 1965, and shared a 40-year ministry in The Salvation Army.

Richard Love served as Corps Officer in California at Santa Maria and at Hollywood Tabernacle during its transition in 1983 to the Pasadena Tabernacle; and at Seattle Temple and San Diego Citadel. His appointments also included Divisional Youth Secretary for the Southern California and Northern California divisions; Western Territorial Youth Secretary; General Secretary for the Southern California Division; and Divisional Commander for the Cascade and the Golden State divisions. The Loves retired in October 2004.

He is remembered for his wisdom, humor and caring mentorship of officers. As a Divisional Commander, he saw himself as a spiritual leader as well as an administrator, teacher and speaker. Richard endeavored to be approachable and valued his staff deeply. He lived up to his name.

Richard is survived by his wife, Bettie; daughters: April (Scott) Lentz, Allison (Bill) Storey and Amy (Kevin) McAuliffe; and four grandchildren.

A celebration of life took place Feb. 3 at the North West Valley Corps in Surprise, Arizona. NFC

Qualls said, adding that her daughter’s preschool learned about the program and asked if she could lead some music activities there as well.

Qualls said the program has its own welcome and goodbye songs that they sing each time they meet. One day, she said she forgot to do the goodbye song. One of the kids, a five-year-old, Lincoln, noticed.

“So we stopped and we sang it,” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh, that’s awesome.’” NFC

Kathy

ALASKA

Anchorage Corps hosts pickleball for seniors

After receiving a phone call asking about activities for seniors, the Anchorage Corps began pickleball for them twice a week in January. Due to popularity, the corps extended the hours of play, Corps Officer Major Raymond Erickson-King said, and 16 people now attend. “With record snowfall this winter, having a place for seniors to attend has been very beneficial,” he said, noting the time frame uses the building when it typically wouldn’t be. “The seniors are in love with the game of pickleball. It addresses so many needs,” he said. “When we combine movement with quality people connections, their sense of wellbeing and happiness skyrocket.”

CASCADE

Cold weather inspires donation

The Grants Pass (Oregon) Corps’ Family Services Department received a number of blankets and hygiene items from a local donor to help clients suffering in the cold weather. She said she was motivated to give “just because.”

“Those words resonated with us as we serve others ‘just because’ we are fulfilling our role in the Great Commission, and ‘just because’ people are hungry,” said Corps Officer Captain Nathan Perry. “Those two words can be followed by various callings and purposes we have in the kingdom.”

DEL ORO

Sutter Health invests in Hope Vista

Sutter Health donated $100,000 to the Yuba Sutter Corps to establish a playground and park at Hope Vista, a temporary housing neighborhood for families experiencing homelessness. The funds will also support the addition of eight to 12 more residences.

“This has been a dream of ours since opening Hope Vista in 2019,” said Yuba Sutter Corps Officer Major Julius Murphy. “This Sutter Health investment is pivotal to The Salvation Army’s mission in Yuba and Sutter counties.”

GOLDEN STATE

Bakersfield hosts SAY Rally

The Golden State Youth Department held its SAY (Salvation Army Youth) Rally 2024 at the Bakersfield Corps. The group explored the story of Noah, based on Genesis 6:8.

“Our children had an incredible time, and we extend

heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated leaders and officers who played a critical role in making this rally a reality,” said Divisional Youth Secretary Captain David JS Kim.

HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS

Oahu youth gather for Junior Soldier Rally

Thirty-three children from around Oahu, Hawaii, gathered for a Junior Soldier Rally at the Kauluwela Mission Corps Jan. 27, supported by 17 leaders from the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division. “Through games, activities and a high-energy opening and closing assembly, we kept our eyes focused on the takeaways of each of the six Junior Soldier training lessons and conveyed it in a way where the kids had a blast,” said Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary Captain Maryellen Walters.

INTERMOUNTAIN

Salvation Army at Utah Nonprofits Day

Representatives from The Salvation Army Salt Lake City Corps participated in the Utah Nonprofits Association Day on the Hill Jan. 16. The event facilitates interactions between members of the legislature and 40 Utah nonprofits to foster relationships with elected officials, develop connections among nonprofit peers and provide a platform for sharing insights about each organization. Salt Lake City Corps Officer Lt. Kate Combs and Social Services Director Shandy Clark hosted a table to build awareness of The Salvation Army’s services.

NORTHWEST

Responding to extreme cold in Hamilton, Montana

When temperatures dropped as low as negative 22 degrees in Hamilton, Montana, beginning Jan. 12, The Salvation Army Hamilton Service Center worked to negotiate local hotel prices to $48 for those experiencing homelessness, and temporarily housed nine families. “Nothing is more fulfilling than saving lives,” said Fidelis Temukum, Hamilton Montana Service Center Coordinator. Additionally, the Service Center provided coats to 12 individuals, assisted four families with camper repairs and delivered propane to three families.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Serving Los Angeles’ Skid Row

The Salvation Army Los Angeles Skid Row Outreach Team visited those experiencing homelessness on Skid

Row Jan. 18, offering prayer and information on resources. A financial donation from Deloitte, a business consulting agency, aided with the distribution of 200 hygiene kits containing toothbrushes, body wash and socks. In addition, those in need could collect a coat or clothing.

Danielle Gaskins is the Skid Row Ministry Coordinator.

SOUTHWEST

Soup Patrol dishes up warm meals

The Salvation Army Tucson (Arizona) Amphi Corps partnered with nonprofit St. Francis Shelter Community to serve soup to community members experiencing homelessness. “They needed a place to provide this and we wanted to grow our social services,” said Corps Officer Captain Kristy Church. “It’s going great thus far.”

St. Francis volunteers—dubbed the Soup Patrol— meet at the corps every weekday from 4:30-6 p.m., offering hot soup and other resources to individuals in need.

ARCC

Volunteer led classes at Anaheim ARC

The Anaheim (California) Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) introduced volunteer-led classes Feb. 1 to promote personal growth and improvement among ARC beneficiaries. The classes focus on the subjects of anger management, Christian discipleship, rehabilitation challenges and relapse prevention. Captain Tanya Pemberton, Anaheim ARC Program Administrator, has enlisted licensed and qualified professionals to lead these sessions. The classes will alternate weekly and are optional for program participants.

“It’s been a lot of networking and searching to make sure we bring on the best educators for the roles,” Pemberton said.

CFOT

CFOT makes a joyful noise

The College for Officer Training at Crestmont (CFOT)’s first-ever Night of Worship, “Make a Joyful Noise,” was held live and streaming from the Crestmont Campus Jan. 19 as a fundraiser to support World Services efforts in Brazil. Organized by second-year Cadet Sean Pease, the event included praise and worship, a ukulele group, instrumental and vocal solos, and a father/daughter duet of “Jesus Loves Me.” CFOT Director of Personnel Major Nancy Helms gave the devotion and CFOT Training Principal Major Terry Masango offered the benediction and closing prayer. The event may be viewed online via the TSA West Video Facebook page. NFC

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FROM PALM SUNDAY TO EASTER

Explore the who, what, when, where and why of Holy Week

Holy Week, the week leading up to Jesus’ resurrection on Easter morning, is considered to be the most sacred week of the liturgical year. This year, Holy Week will span from Palm Sunday (March 24) to Holy Saturday (March 30). Below, we’ll journey with Jesus through the days before Easter Sunday. Follow along from his entry into Jerusalem to cleansing the temple to the last supper to the cross.

DAY 1

THE HOPEFUL CROWD LUKE 19:28-38

The crowd waiting for Jesus on the road to Jerusalem knew Jesus was the Messiah! As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

DAY 2

THE CROWDED TEMPLE LUKE 19:45-48

Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

DAY 3

THE GENEROUS WIDOW LUKE 21:1-4, 37-38

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

DAY 4

THE EVIL PLOT LUKE 22:1-6

Passover was approaching, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

DAY 5

THE LAST SUPPER

LUKE 22:7-20

Jesus shared a meal with his disciples. After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

New

Salvation Army and

DAY 6

THE TERRIBLE WALK

LUKE 23:26-27, 32-34, 44-46

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

DAY 7

THE QUIET TOMB

LUKE 23:50-54

A man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, had not consented to their decision and action.

He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God.

Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body.

Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid.

DAY 8

THE JOYFUL RESURRECTION

LUKE 24:1-8, 36-48

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! NFC