This 21st century needs an Army of purpose and passion.
The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years
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—General Linda Bond
October 7, 2011 • Vol. 29, No. 16
Tips for a better kettle campaign
New Larsson musical to be featured at The Gathering Under the leadership of Creative Arts Director Jacqui Larsson, the Southern California Division is busy preparing a new musical to premiere at The Gathering in June 2012. Titled “Spirit! II Empire,” this sequel to the Gowans and Larsson original picks up the story a few years after Paul’s conversion, as he travels throughout the vast, turbulent Roman Empire, fighting to give Christianity a foothold and facing opposition from all sides. Since its debut in 1973, “Spirit!” established itself as the most influential of the Army musicals, crossing denominational boundaries with performances worldwide. MUSICAL, page 9
On the web: Find more stories and features at newfrontierpublications.org • • • • • • •
Salvation Army continues drought response in Uganda Elsewhere in the world El Dia de los Muertos ‘Creating a shared future’ is vision for Central Territory General Bond launches ‘Freedom Bible’ and welcomes cadets in USA Eastern National poverty rate climbs to record 46 million Americans Register now for The Gathering
Inside: Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Promoted to Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 In Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Spice Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Doing the Most Good www.newfrontierpublications.org Facebook: tsanewfrontier
Advice from a head ding-a-ling n Kettle coordinator shares the steps to a successful campaign. BY JIM REID, DR. Advisory board member and kettle coordinator at the Henderson (Nev.) Corps, Dr. Jim Reid shares the secrets of a successful Red Kettle campaign, including goal setting, prayer, hard work, motivated volunteers, sponsorships and smart scheduling. In 2008, Major Will Cobb became the corps officer in Henderson, Nev. Shortly after his arrival, I told him that I was his kettle coordinator—I had achieved good results in previous years. I asked him how much his last corps had raised in its 2007 campaign. He told me $125,000. I suggested that we set our goal at $150,000. He looked at me with one of those “show me” stares, and said OK. He made it clear, however, that this was my baby. He said he would provide all the support necessary to make the campaign a success, but let me know that I was in charge.
That year we raised $175,000. In 2009, I decided that our goal should be $200,000. We raised $242,000. Last year I set the goal at $280,000 and we raised $292,877. Remember, this was during a recession and the Las Vegas valley had one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. How did we manage to do so well? I discovered the secrets that I share here so that your corps can have the same kind of success we have had. Secrets to success First, you pray like everything depends on God because it does, and you work like everything depends on you because it does! I have served on the Henderson Corps Advisory Board for several years. Year after year we received reports that our corps was in the red. We have not heard this for the past couple of years. Not only are we in the black, but each year since 2008, we have had a surplus. God has given the Army the perfect tool to finance his work—the Red Kettle drive. For six weeks we work hard, and that carries us through the rest of the year. KETTLE, page 8
High school student launches ‘Red Kettle Club’ n Club may be the first official such group in the U.S. BY MARLENE KLOTZ-COLLINS Katie Wilkinson, a junior at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Ariz., started a “Red Kettle Club” on campus that is believed to be the first official club of its type in America. “I chose The Salvation Army over other organizations because all the money we raise will be used for programs in our own community,” Wilkinson said. “Many clubs at my school benefit people in other areas of the world but I think it’s significant to help those less fortunate right here at home.” Student members will attend
Red Kettle Club officers from Corona del Sol High School (l-r) Addie Rooder, Megan Miller, Katie Wilkinson, Hallie Swenson, TEMPE, page 8 Milena Carrera, Julia Soave, and Kate Spencer
One Army, one mission, one message
BY LINDA BOND, GENERAL Recently I visited the International College for Officers for their spiritual day. The meeting was thoughtfully arranged by the principal, Lt. Colonel Richard Munn. One element in particular was especially stirring. Here was a recitation of the 11 Salvation Army doctrines. What was unique was that each one was recited by a delegate in his or her own language. Ten languages were represented. This occasion of unity was an experience of the Spirit. Previously, at the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the International Staff Band, bands representing nations that were once at war marched down The Mall to Buckingham Palace behind The Salvation Army flag. We are one Army! But there have been instances in my experience when fracture, dissension and strife told a different story. How often the “us and them” attitude reared its ugly head with fixed positions on worship—contemporary or traditional—or in the separation of corps and social work, or between the field and headquarters, or between young and old, male and female. It may only be a surface matter or typical of human beings living in community, but it has a negative and divisive effect. While unity is a gift, it also requires effort While we must allow for diverse opinions we must be very concerned over division. The apostle Paul recognized the tendency in the early Church and advised: Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). While unity is a gift, it also requires effort. ONE ARMY, page 11
Leslies appointed to Caribbean Territory
Lt. Colonel Victor Leslie
Lt. Colonel Rose-Marie Leslie
Lt. Colonels Victor and RoseMarie Leslie, currently serving as divisional leaders of the Southern California Division, are appointed respectively as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, Caribbean Territory, effective Feb. 1, 2012.
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Doing the Most Good
October 7, 2011 New Frontier
NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thess. 5:11 NIV). COUER D’ALENE, IDAHO—The Karen Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center Gleason received the 2011 Editor Reader’s Survey Gold Award for Best Fitness Club in Idaho from the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene Living magazine. Hundreds of people participated in the survey, considering aspects of the facility including programming, staff expertise and inclusiveness. “We want to thank our community for being so supportive of us,” said Major John Chamness, Kroc Center administrator. “Without their dedication, none of this would have been possible.” The center opened in May 2009 and currently has over 15,000 members. ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—The Western Territorial Band, led by Bandmaster Neil Smith, made its first visit to Anchorage the weekend of Oct. 7. It appeared at local public schools and offered free music workshops on the University of Alaska campus. On Oct. 8, the band gave a free concert in the Bartlett High School auditorium, joined by members of the University of Alaska Wind Ensemble. On Sunday, the band participated in the Anchorage Corps’ worship service. BIG BEAR, CALIF.—Sierra del Mar’s Pine Summit Camp hosted a divisional men’s retreat Sept. 29–Oct. 1. Eighteen corps participated. Divisional Commander Major Lee Lescano spoke on “Discipleship—doing what God tells you to do, not what the need seems to be,” based on I Cor. 6:11-14. John Atchison, graduate and now resident manager of Riverside Adult Rehabilitation Center, shared his story of salvation at Camp Mt. Crags. Separated from his hiking group, he asked God for directions back to camp, which God gave him—over some challenging terrain. Knowing he never could have made it back on his own, Atchison realized he needed God’s power in his life. AIEA, HAWAII—O’ahu’s Wai’anae Ministry—known as the “The Rock”— led by Rob Noland, will celebrate its 11th anniversary Oct. 9. Special guests are Captain Kyle and Major Lisa Smith. The ministry holds services every Sunday at Pokai Bay Beach Park under a tent, along with weekly Bible studies, family and youth nights. SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—The Millerizm Group hosted the 6th annual Blue Jeans Ball Sept. 17 at the Red Lion Inn. Attendees donated 212 pairs of blue jeans for The Salvation Army’s Family Services and Emergency Shelter. For more information about the Millerizm Group, created by Sacramento residents Darius, Derrick, Darnell and Jahmal Miller, visit millerizm.com. Talk to us—We want to know what’s happening in your corps, ARC or unit—special programs or events, enrollments, youth achievements, and more! Submit a few sentences (about 75 words) to new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org or on Facebook at facebook. com/tsanewfrontier.
Dirt dash raises money for campers n Annual event helps inner-city youth attend summer camp. More than 1,300 people came out to The Salvation Army Southern California Division’s 6th annual Malibu Dirt Dash, with over 1,000 participating runners who raised money to help disadvantaged children attend summer camp. Held every year at the end of the summer, the Dirt Dash funds the upcoming camping season at camps Mt. Crags and Gilmore in the Malibu Canyon. For this year’s event, The Salvation Army partnered with Dole, Aramark, Pepperdine University and TrueSense Marketing, among others. The event features a 5-and 10-kilometer run through Malibu Creek State Park and an optional mud run and obstacle course. Each participant can set an individual fundraising goal or raise money as a team to help provide camping opportunities to kids all over the Los Angeles area. Camp Director Mark Logan was especially thankful to corporate sponsors who helped make the event such a success. “The cash contributions and donated
Dirt Dash finishers celebrate surviving the annual “mud run.”
goods and services provided by our corporate partners lent greater credibility and value to this year’s event and increased support for our ministry and the work we are doing for underprivileged children in Southern California,” said Logan, who is looking forward to an even bigger and better event next September.
Photo by John Docter
The following racers achieved top spot finishes (provided by Gemini Timing): 5K Mud Run—Anthony Allen (M), Nicky McClintock (F); 10K Trail Run—Anton Aguila (M), Angela Brunson (F); 5K Trail Run—Hector Diaz (M), Amy Perdiew (F); Fitness Walk—Randall Meale (M), Angela Luke (F).
Starretts installed in Intermountain Division
Majors George and Jeanne Baker are installed as divisional leaders by Colonels Dave and Sharron Hudson. Majors Glen and Linda Madsen were flagbearers. Photo by Jenni Ragland
Bakers installed as Alaska leaders n New divisional leaders installed; Anchorage Korean corps building re-dedicated The Salvation Army Alaska Division installed its new divisional leaders, Majors George and Jeanne Baker Sept. 25 at the Anchorage Korean Corps, in a service that included the re-dedication of the corps building. Colonels Dave and Sharron Hudson, Western territorial chief secretary and secretary for women’s ministries, respectively, installed the Bakers, who transferred from the Intermountain Division, where they had served the past five years—George Baker as divisional secretary (business administrator) and Jeanne Baker as divisional women’s ministries secretary. The Bakers expressed excitement at the opportunity to serve in The Last Frontier, where they will provide oversight of the Army’s ministry in 16 communities from Klawock to Fairbanks. “I’m looking forward to being amazed by all that God will accomplish in the Alaska Division,” said George Baker.
In his message, Baker referred to Luke 5, stating, “We can’t reap the blessing of what God has in store for us if we don’t obey and venture out into that deep water. “Just like Peter, our nets can overflow if we say, ‘I will go, I will do, I will obey,’” he said. Prior to completing The Salvation Army’s two-year officer training program in 1983, both George and Jeanne Baker served in the U.S. Navy, which is where they met. In addition to serving on the staff of divisional headquarters in the Intermountain and Southern California divisions, they served as corps officers in Hawaii, Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming. During the meeting, Colonel Dave Hudson re-dedicated the Anchorage Korean Corps building, located in south Anchorage— former location of the Anchorage Corps. Previously, the Korean congregation met in the original Anchorage Citadel Corps building in downtown Anchorage, which was sold and will be demolished to make way for Covenant House to build a new facility and expand its services. Earlier this year, the Anchorage Corps moved into its new community center.
Lt. Colonels Dan and Helen Starrett are installed as Intermountain Divisional leaders by Colonel Dave Hudson. Photo by Jennifer Laverty
n New divisional leaders welcomed during Family Camp Lt. Colonels Dan and Helen Starrett received their official welcome to The Salvation Army’s Intermountain Division Sept. 2, when they were installed as divisional commander and divisional director of women’s ministries, respectively. The welcome and installation took place at The Salvation Army’s High Peak Camp in Estes Park, Colo. Colonels Dave and Sharron Hudson, Western territorial chief secretary and secretary for women’s ministries, respectively, performed the installation service. Salvation Army officers from Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah gathered to welcome the Starretts. “We are privileged to be part of the ministry of Christ here in the Intermountain Division,” said Dan Starrett. “We sincerely seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and inspiration from Christ to be our true leader and vision as we work together to serve the people here.” The Starretts were commissioned as Salvation Army officers in June 1973. They have held various positions in the organization, including directors of The Salvation Army World Services Organization (SAWSO), where they led international development and special projects. In that position, they helped The Salvation Army reach out to over 62 countries. The installation was one of the meetings at this year’s Family Camp, which brought togehter 230 men, women, and children—roughly 90 families. Campers participated in a variety of activities ranging from hiking and fishing to enjoying a family picnic.
newAppointments TRANSFERRING OUT OF TERRITORY Major Susan Wun Divisional Commander and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, Hong Kong and Macau Command, effective Nov. 1, 2011. TRANSFERRING INTO TERRITORY Major David Atkins Administrator, San Jose ARC, effective Oct. 19, 2011.
Doing the Most Good
October 7, 2011 New Frontier
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Above: Campers at the Soaring High Family Camp in Hawaii; Right: (l-r) Commissioner James Knaggs, Captain Robyn Bridgeo, Captain Randy Hartt and Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs following a performance of Brengle: My Life’s Ambition at the Deeper Life Conference in the Southwest Division.
Family camps held across the West Photos by Kevin Pontsler and David Sherman
One Ambition: To Be Like Christ n Southwest Divisional Deeper Life Conference held over Labor Day weekend BY HEATHER ANDREASEN Salvationists in the Southwest Division gathered in Mesa, Ariz., over Labor Day weekend for the Deeper Life Family Camp meeting, themed “One Ambition.” Attending from territorial headquarters were Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, territorial leaders, and Majors
Glen and Linda Madsen, secretary and associate secretary for spiritual life development. Friday’s welcome celebrated the Southwest’s diverse cultures. Women from the Tucson Korean Corps presented a fan dance dressed in traditional attire. Phillip Gonzalez from the Apache Junction Corps sang a mariachi-style song in Spanish. With modern translation equipment, language presented no barrier. Saturday’s events included men’s and women’s rallies, workshops, and a trip to the zoo for the kids. The workshops—
Artwork by participants of the Serendipity Adult Day Services program is displayed at the Snow City Cafe in Anchorage, Alaska. Photos by Lori Stanton
Serendipitous art n Artwork created by Serendipity Adult Day Services participants featured at show Art by participants at The Salvation Army’s Serendipity Adult Day Services program in Anchorage, Alaska, decorated the walls of Snow City Cafe during a First Friday exhibit Sept. 2. Each work of art—created by someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder—reflected the artist’s unique interpretation. Scheduled in conjunction with National Adult Services Week, Sept. 18-24, the event served to raise awareness of the availability and accessibility of adult day programs. The Serendipity program provides quality adult day services for older individuals with special needs such as Alzheimer’s disease, along with support for their families and caregivers. It offers a variety of services and experiences to engage participants in self-expression, including art, music and intellectual discussions. Since opening in 1985, the
Serendipity Adult Day Center has evolved from a senior drop-in center into a comprehensive program designed to meet an individual’s cognitive and physical needs in a group setting. “The significance of The Salvation Army Serendipity art program is how it can help facilitate the creative expression of individuals who may have lost the ability to tell others how they feel,” said Jesalyn Stanton, director of the program. Adult Day Services offers a means for people with a cognitive disability to remain in their community of choice, access a social network of their peers, participate in individually planned services, and engage in activities directed toward stabilization or improvement of skills. These programs also provide a respite period for family caregivers, enabling them to continue their care giving responsibilities more effectively. For more information about The Salvation Army Serendipity Adult Day Services, visit salvationarmy.org/ serendipity or call (907) 279-0501.
conducted in Spanish and Korean as well as English—offered information on prison ministry, God’s vision for one’s life, and the heritage of Salvation Army music. Saturday evening’s highlight was the presentation of Brengle: My Life’s Ambition, a musical production celebrating the life of Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle, to an audience of 1,100 Salvationists, board members, donors, and community members. It was the desire of Lt. Colonel Rhode Danielson to see this musical performed at Deeper Life, but God called her home before she was able to see her dream become a reality. To honor her memory, Divisional Bandmaster Ralph Pearce assembled a company of officers, soldiers and friends of the Army to put together the presentation. Captain Randy Hartt, who portrayed 71-year-old Brengle, said that the lines he memorized so affected him that they changed his life. Captain Robyn Bridgeo, who played young Brengle, shared a similar sentiment, stating, “In the song ‘Dream of My Own,’ the words, ‘Your Spirit helped me to see that it’s not about me, but all about you…so I’ll blacken their shoes, my ambition to lose, and doing so like you I’ll be,’ has become my life’s ambition.” Sunday morning’s Holiness meeting closed the weekend. Knaggs enrolled 21 senior soldiers, 10 junior soldiers and seven adherents. New senior soldier, 16-year-old Desiree Montoya, testified how God, through The Salvation Army, has worked in her life since the death of her mother. Junior soldier, William Park, only 7 years old, shared how proud he is to be a junior soldier, and how God answered his parents’ prayers for a child. Knaggs’ challenge to the congregation brought many people to their knees as they gave their lives to Christ, reconciled broken relationships, and renewed their commitments to God. Delegates could sign their names on a cross made of 2x4’s, representing how we are to be united to Christ, united by Christ, and united for Christ. Lt. Colonel Joe Posillico, Southwest divisional commander, indicated that the cross would be placed in the foundation of the new divisional headquarters building, currently under construction, to symbolize our desire to have Christ as our spiritual foundation. Throughout the weekend, delegates realized their one true ambition—to be like Christ. Salvationists in the Southwest left the camp meetings renewed and encouraged to go out and share that ambition with others.
Soaring high at Family Camp in Hawaii n National leaders, Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts, lead the event. Hawaii’s blue skies on the North Shore of O‘ahu were filled with multicolored kites that soared as high as the lifted hearts and spirits of 430 campers. It was the largest Labor Day Family Camp gathering at Camp Homelani in The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division’s history. This year’s event was themed “Soar,” from Isaiah 40:31: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts, national leaders, led the meeting supported by Lt. Colonels Doug and Diane O’Brien, Western territorial secretary for personnel and secretary for community care ministries, respectively. They enrolled and commissioned 50 junior and senior soldiers, adherents and local officers. Workshops provided information on wellness, the hidden dangers of social media among youth, soaring in God’s eyes, and how corps officers can stay encouraged. It was a weekend of fun, relaxation and most importantly, an encounter with God in Scripture, punctuated by the sounds and sights of ukulele, joyful singing and hula. Campers enjoyed a taste of Hawaii’s diverse cuisine—smoked meat, barbecue on a stick, “shave” ice and chile burritos. Along with baseball, volleyball and other FAMILY CAMPS, page 8
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Southern California Division The Officers Councils of the Southern California Division began today...
Corps reopened The corps in San Luis Obispo reopened today under the local leadership of Juan and Patricia Torres... Find Commissioner Knaggs’ blog online at tcspeak.com.
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Doing the Most Good
October 7, 2011 New Frontier
Kroc Center opens in Mississippi
The rock climbing wall is one of the major attractions at the new Kroc Center in Quincy, Ill. Photo by Rick Vogeney
Kroc Center opens in Quincy, Ill. The grand opening of The Salvation Army Kroc Community Center in Quincy, Ill., brought thousands of community members together Sept. 18. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony, guests had a sneak peek at the finished product—one they’ve been waiting to see since the project began seven years ago. Soon-to-be members strolled through the gleaming hallways and admired the grand state-of-the-art amenities—an aquatic center, rock wall, worship and performance center, gym and day care center—that became officially available to the public Sept. 19. “We want [the Kroc Center] to be a place where people receive inspiration from God’s Holy Spirit. We want to inspire families to participate in healthy activities and practices. There is something for everyone here. It is truly a community center, drawing people from every corner of the area and all social classes,” said Major Dan Jennings, senior Kroc officer. “The staff is what makes it such an outstanding place to visit. They are simply the best. They have bought into the vision and mission of the Kroc Center and are ambassadors of joy as they interact with the members and guests.” Upon her passing, Joan Kroc left The Salvation Army $1.5 billion for the development of approximately 30 Kroc Centers across the country. The centers are intended to create positive effects on the surrounding areas—strengthening the family and community bonds, bettering the local economy and creating opportunities for members to grow and learn. As part of her gift, she asked that the communities wishing to acquire a Kroc Center be capable of raising half of the money needed for the project, an effort to ensure sustainability. Watch a video from the grand opening at http://youtu.be/_Vx8UoVIgvU. From blog.salvationarmyusa.org.
BY MEGHAN CALHOUN Sept. 19 marked a major milestone for The Salvation Army in Biloxi, Miss., as the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center opened in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The $22 million state-of-the-art recreation, fitness and creative arts community center will greatly enhance the Army’s service and outreach to the community. “This is a place where dreams will begin, be nurtured and be realized,” said Major Terry Ray, area commander and Kroc Center administrator. “Everyone in the community will be encouraged to dream big and foundations will be laid through the programs and staff for those dreams to come true.” At the open house Sept. 17, over 1,500 visitors met Olympic swimmer Neil Walker, greeted the NBA Hornet cheerleaders—the Honeybees—had free food and drinks, and enjoyed face painting, arts and crafts, and membership incentives. The official ribbon cutting and service of dedication Sept. 18 included the Lt. Governor of Mississippi, Phil
Olympic swimmer Neil Walker held a swim clinic at the Biloxi Kroc Center for the children of charter members. Photo by Meghan Calhoun
Bryant, and Congressman Steven Palazzo. Over 300 guests were on hand to officially welcome the Kroc Center to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Kroc Center includes a chapel/ performing arts center with state of the art audio/visual capabilities, fullsized gymnasium for indoor recreation sports, weight and exercise rooms, dance and aerobic studio, locker rooms, fellowship/banquet hall, classrooms
Assistance continues for Texas wildfire victims The Salvation Army opened a Central Texas Wildfire Relief Center in Austin in mid-September to serve as a distribution point for donated items to wildfire survivors. Families and individuals who lost their homes can select donated items: clothing, shoes, toiletries, water and household items. Additionally, The Salvation Army is providing gift cards to those in need. Seventy-eight volunteers Salvation Army personnel pray with residents affected by the wildfires in Texas. responded to an appeal for help and sorted through the overwhelming number of donated items brought in by the KXAN’s “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” campaign. Although the fires in Bastrop County are mostly contained, The Salvation Army mobile feeding units are still active, providing food and drinks to those in need. Since arriving in Bastrop County, Salvation Army feeding units have served more than 23,500 drinks, 6,000 snacks and 1,600 meals. To donate to fire relief efforts, visit salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. From blog.salvationarmyusa.org
Sam’s Club donates $500,000 to The Salvation Army
Food for fines
Throughout the first week of October, library patrons exchanged a can of food for $1 of overdue book fines at the Linebaugh Public Library System Food for Fines week in Tennessee. As long as the can was within its expiration date, there was no limit to the number of cans allowed. All cans will go to support the ministries of both The Salvation Army and The La Vergne Food Bank.
For the last couple of months, more than 150 of the participating Sam’s Club stores, a well-known retail warehouse club with locations nationwide and longstanding supporter of The Salvation Army, teamed up with their communities and raised and donated more than $500,000. Fundraising methods varied by location, including on-site movie nights, bowling tournaments, garage sales, cookouts, dunk tanks, car shows, silent auctions and bake sales.
and meeting rooms, and art and music studios. It also has an indoor aquatics center with zero degree entry, lap pool for lessons, exercise and sports programs and a two-story water slide, splash pad, lazy river and hydrotherapy bench. The outdoor recreation area will include a stadium complex with a full athletic field, 1/4 mile track, spectator stands and a concession/press box/ bathroom building.
Salvation Army promotes Ways to Work program
The Salvation Army of Chicago partnered with Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois in late September to launch Ways to Work, a program that offers low-interest loans to low-income working parents with bad credit. The program, which is funded primarily by federal, state and local government and has loaned more than $58 million to more than 27,000 families since its beginning, enables struggling parents to buy or repair used cars. The goal of the program is to help improve borrowers’ credit scores as well as to encourage self-sufficiency and meaningful employment. The primary recipients of the program are single mothers who struggle to meet the demands of both work and family life. The program also includes financial education designed to encourage better borrowing habits, giving recipients the right understanding of credit moving forward. The Salvation Army was selected to help oversee the program and to administer the services in Chicago. “With as many as one in six Americans living in poverty, we need to do everything we can to help parents hold down their jobs and provide a stable home for their families, and that often starts with reliable transportation,” said Lt. Col. Ralph Bukiewicz, commander of the Army’s Metropolitan Division. “This program also offers an alternative to predatory lenders who charge exorbitantly high interest rates that only push families further into debt.” As the recession continues to impact families across the nation, The Salvation Army has launched several programs to teach individuals how to manage personal and family finances. By offering classes on financial literacy, the credit system and money management, The Salvation Army’s “Teach a Man to Fish” initiative has helped many people reduce their dependency on social service programs. From blog.salvationarmy.org
Doing the Most Good
October 7, 2011 New Frontier
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Elsewhere in the world
Take these loaves and fish n Major Beryl Pierce’s ministry at the Chikankata mission in Zambia BY KAREN GLEASON The loaves and the fish (Matt. 15:36)… that’s what Major Beryl Pierce’s work in Zambia, a landlocked country in southern Africa, brings to mind. God has taken what Pierce offered and significantly multiplied the fruits of her labor. Pierce, a Salvation Army officer from the Western Territory, has served God in Zambia since June 2005, most recently as a corps officer and a social worker at Chikankata Hospital. In August she completed her second term in this African nation, and after furlough she will return for another two years, when she hopes to complete building projects for three of her four corps. The Chikankata mission, in rural southern Zambia, houses a 200-bed hospital and three educational institutions: a high school with 800 boarding students in grades 7 to 12, a college of nursing and midwifery with 200 students and a biomedical college with 100 students. Overall, the mission is home to about 3,000 people. Chikankata Corps, Pierce’s largest, has 169 senior soldiers. Here, as in the other Zambian corps, timbrels are immensely popular, and the brigades would be even bigger if they had more instruments. Since Chikankata Corps lacks qualifying as a citadel because of its building’s size, plans have been drawn to double the size of the building. The cost of the expansion is estimated at about $20,000 to $25,000. The corps soldiers, who work on the mission, are raising money to hire the Kakole people (experienced at building) to help with the construction. Kakole Corps, the second largest with 132 senior soldiers, literally raised its roof under Pierce’s administration. In Zambia, the corps people do the construction themselves, even crushing rocks. When Pierce became corps officer, the congregation had prepared the footings and brought the walls to roof level, but the building sat like that for more than two years due to lack of funds for the roof and
Top: A March of Witness is held celebrating the opening of the new corps building in Kakole. Above: Soldiers gather prior to the ribbon cutting.
cement for the floor. In 2009, the corps received assistance from Zambia’s territorial headquarters for roofing materials, and the Kakole people erected the roof in three days. Today, the Kakole building is complete—at a cost of $18,000 with all the work done by soldiers. On July 24—two weeks before Pierce left for homeland furlough—it received its official dedication, when the mission director enrolled 21 new senior soldiers for Kakole and the territorial chief secretary commissioned 80 local officers for three of Pierce’s centers. Chipola Society with 99 senior soldiers is not yet a corps because it lacks a proper building; the people are waiting to begin construction. Currently, they meet in a mud-clay brick building with a grass roof, but they have molded and fired 6,000 bricks and want to begin the building process. Pierce’s fourth corps is Chibbuku Outpost with about 50 senior soldiers. Their building burnt down a few years ago. They have completed their foundation and come up with the walls. They will be erecting the roof in late October or early November, when they will then need $1,500 for the doors and windows
followed by another $1,500 for paint. Approximately $2,000 will be needed for the furnishings, and another $2,000 for the drainage system, the construction of toilets and an outdoor kitchen. The Salvation Army is growing faster in Africa than anywhere else. During Pierce’s time with her four corps at Chikankata, she has seen 119 senior soldiers and 103 junior soldiers enrolled, along with numerous local officers and home league members. Reflecting on her missionary service, Pierce said, “God has been very good and I feel blessed and honored to be his servant in Zambia. “To those of you who may feel the tug of God on your heartstrings but feel inadequate,” she continued, “I am a prime example of how God can use the most unlikely and most unqualified. It only takes a willingness to obey the call; God will do all the rest. Don’t underestimate his power.” To contribute to Pierce’s work in Zambia, please send a check payable to The Salvation Army (with “for the work of Major Pierce in Zambia” notated on it) to The Salvation Army, Officer Services 12th floor, PO Box 22646, Long Beach, CA 90802-9998.
Reputation remains rock solid n Salvation Army in New Zealand recognized as “most reputable.” For the second year running, NZ Management magazine has selected The Salvation Army New Zealand as its “Most Reputable Not for Profit Organization.” NZ Management’s survey of the country’s business executives and managers identified the most favorably regarded private sector companies, state-owned enterprises, government departments and not-for-profit organizations. Respondents rated The Salvation Army highly for its “effective and engaged workforce.” The Army was noted for its effective and transparent social responsibility polices and programs, as well as consistently delivering on its promise and its quality service delivery. Also acknowledged was its work following the Christchurch earthquakes. “The Salvation Army fulfills its role in the social
services area with distinction,” one respondent said. Territorial Commander Commissioner Don Bell—a U.S. Western Territory officer serving abroad—said he was delighted but unsurprised at the recognition. He acknowledged a difficult year for the Army with its high-profile earthquake recovery work in Christchurch and the ongoing financial and emotional pressure on many families as a result of the recession. The Army, said Bell, has long been known as a “practical, sleeves rolled up outfit. …We do not judge people, we just get on and do what we can to help and don’t make much noise about it. We do, however, speak out about social injustice and issues of poverty when necessary; and when we do speak out, we feel we have an impact.” The annual survey is conducted by international consultancy Hay Group, which performed a similar task for the U.S. magazine Fortune. from salvationarmy.org.nz
MEXICO—Currently completing its 10th year as a Salvation Army territory, Mexico is planning a celebration for 2012, which will be the 75th anniversary of the official beginning of the Army’s work there (Oct. 1, 1937), following about three years as “La Patrulla Salvacionista” under Alejandro Guzmán. Events will include a 75th Anniversary Congress with General Linda Bond. “We give thanks to God for the souls that have come to know him through the work of The Salvation Army in these 10 years since Mexico became a territory,” said Western Territory officer, Lt. Colonel Doug Danielson, who serves there as chief secretary. “The trailblazer spirit of ‘La Patrulla Salvacionista’ first, and of the Ejército de Salvación after, continues to be alive in Mexico through all the Salvationists today.” CZECH REPUBLIC—Earlier this year, the ShantyPlus Choir of Zwolle Corps, the Netherlands, visited the Czech Republic. The choir is noted for its “sailor songs,” as well as Christian songs. In fact, the group welcomes anyone who enjoys singing sea shanties and often is a first introduction to The Salvation Army. The choir sang in the worship service at the Prague Corps and gave an open-air concert. During the service they presented a check for almost CZK 50,000 (US$2,300) to national leader Major Mike Stannett. Choir members had collected the money at different activities to support Salvation Army projects. From Prapor Spásy, September 2011 NIGERIA—The Salvation Army responded to floods affecting areas around the capital city of Lagos. More than 500 families (over 3,000 people) received assistance, with funds provided through the Army’s International Emergency Services. Each family received enough food for a month and non-food items including clothes, baby clothes, boots, slippers and toiletries. The total relief effort cost about $60,000. From salvationarmy.org UKRAINE—The Salvation Army in Ukraine is spending the month of October in continual prayer, following the recommendation of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. The Army began the month with a gospel weekend focusing on worshipping God, equipping leaders and evangelizing in the community. Learn more and watch a video on Facebook at Salvation Army Ukraine. KENYA—The two Kenya territories continue drought relief, seeking relevant, innovative responses to the crisis. Kenya West is concentrating on Turkana, a desert area in the north, where one Salvation Army project will provide all 17 secondary and high schools with food, benefiting 5,886 children. In exchange, the school officials have agreed to waive fees for the coming term, thereby benefiting the schools, which can concentrate resources on teaching materials, and the children, who can continue school knowing they will get at least one good meal a day. The Salvation Army has met with the Ministry of Water, the Ministry of Education, Oxfam, World Vision, the Kenyan Red Cross, the World Food Program (WFP) and other groups. Elizabeth Nabutola, head of WFP’s Turkana Office, said, “No one is targeting secondary schools. The Salvation Army would really fill a gap.” Read more about the Army’s efforts in Kenya at http://tiny.cc/6lfjf.
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Doing the Most Good
October 7, 2011
‘The Red Shield in the Rose City’ n Oregon Historical Society salutes The Salvation Army’s 125 years in Portland.
Salvation Amry musicians perform on the street in Portland in the 1960s.
FAMILY CAMPS
In 1886, Captain Mary Stillwell of The Salvation Army brought “soup, soap and salvation” to Portland, Ore., a frontier city filled with vice. The outpost was the Army’s first in the Pacific Northwest. The Salvation Army is celebrating 125 years of service to the people of Portland with a special exhibit at the Oregon History Museum at the Oregon Historical Society. “The Red Shield in the Rose City: 125 Years of The Salvation Army in Portland” explores the beginnings of The Salvation Army in England, how The Salvation Army came to Portland and how it entwined itself into the fabric of Portland’s history. It features original uniforms, instruments and images of The Salvation Army’s rich history in Oregon from 1886 through the present day.
“We have just heard from the museum that this is one of the most well put together, detailed and attractive exhibits of its kind,” said Major Ronda Gilger, Cascade divisional women’s secretary. “Special thanks to all whose hands made this a reality. You have told The Salvation Army’s story well!” One part of the exhibit focuses on The Salvation Army’s doughnut girls, who assisted soldiers in World War I. Rations in the field were limited, so ensigns Margaret Sheldon and Helen Purviance suggested making doughnuts for the soldiers, and they became an instant hit. In Portland, The Salvation Army has grown from a handful of hopeful Salvationists to 10 corps and programs across the Portland Metro area serving more than a quarter of Portland’s population. The museum exhibit opened Sept. 15 and runs through Dec. 31. For more information, visit ohs.org.
KETTLE
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games, a highlight of the event was making and flying kites in the beautiful oceanfront setting of CampHomelani. “As I left camp, I couldn’t help but reflect that regardless of the family you were born into, God’s family plan for us is even grander and more spectacular than we can ever imagine,” said Lieutenant Kelly Pensabene, Kona corps officer. “It defies all segregation and reminds us that for all of us who have chosen God, there is no greater unity.”
world service ingathering check for $627,332. New junior and senior soldiers from the Puyallup Valley and Federal Way corps were enrolled. Knaggs’ Sunday morning message brought a mighty moving of the Spirit. He focused on the theme verses from Colossians 2:6-7: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. After the message, each corps met to pray for its officers and members.
‘New dawn’ at Latino Family Camp n More than 400 delegates attend Southern California divisional event.
Majors Doug and Sheryl Tollerud are installed as Northwest divisional leaders by Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs. Photo by David Ferrick
‘Rooted’ in Christ n Northwest Division Family Camp delegates strengthen their roots. BY BEE BRYANT Salvationists in the Northwest Division took root at the 2011 Family Camp, held at Camp Arnold in Eatonville, Wash., over Labor Day weekend. Setting aside everyday concerns, participants used this time to explore the camp theme, “rooted,” building up their roots in Christ. At the welcome meeting, Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs installed Majors Doug and Sheryl Tollerud as new divisional leaders. Major Doug Tollerud spoke about being evangelists. “Our job is to love the whosoever,” he said. “People must see Christ in us; we must be different.” The praise team, led by Matt Woods, divisional music director, and Major Lisa Smith, Spokane corps officer, combined a traditional brass ensemble and a praise band. They set the mood for worship throughout the weekend. Saturday began with prayer groups in both English and Spanish. Men’s and women’s rallies took place, and workshops covered everything from Bible study and prayer, to teen spirituality, to chocolate and fishing. The gardening workshop took the theme to heart, as delegates planted new shrubs around the camp. Afternoon activities included boating, a carnival and softball. After the Seattle Temple Songsters kicked off the Saturday night meeting, Knaggs received the Northwest Division’s
TEMPE
BY ERICK RODRIGUEZ Over 400 delegates from throughout Southern California gathered at camps Mt. Crags and Gilmore in Calabasas, Calif., for Latino Family Camp, Aug. 26-28. Led by Majors Hector and Ana Diaz, with the support of other officers and leaders, the event offered strength and renewal to all participants. Majors Esteban and Ileana Calvo, special guests from the Latin America North Territory, encouraged delegates with their presentation of God’s Word. In a powerful testimony, Major Ileana Calvo recounted the miracle of healing that God performed for her daughter, Ariana. In his message, Major Esteban Calvo urged listeners to be “winners in Christ” in the midst of crisis, recalling that, as children of God, “all of us have an unbreakable salvation through Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit and confidence in the heavenly Father.” A positive mindset and attitude reflect confidence in God’s greatness, Calvo said. God wants “winner” families to bring hope to a world in great need. “Conflicts in the home” and “families overcoming crisis” were workshops designed to strengthen family ties in difficult times and bring a “new dawn” to the family group. Youth workshops included “hope in God” and “our identity in God.” Teams from San Pedro, San Fernando Valley and Santa Ana led mighty times of worship throughout the weekend. The Sunday morning message reminded delegates to remain faithful in times of crisis. In answering the question, “Where is God when trouble comes?” the audience concluded that he is in control—working, sustaining, encouraging and calming. Participants thanked Divisional Leaders Lt. Colonels Victor and Rose-Marie Leslie for their support, the officers and leaders for their hard work, and all the Southern California corps for the great example of unity, fellowship and love that prevailed during the weekend.
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monthly meetings. Their first major effort will be Dec. 3 when they encourage friends and family to join them in bell ringing throughout the day at a Fry’s (Kroger’s) location. “I’d love for our club to have the most amount of money raised in one day in Arizona,” Wilkinson said, “but that’s a big wish. I really just want to have fun while helping others.” They will also assist with bagging, sorting and offering other volunteer service through the Christmas Angel program.
In launching the club, Wilkinson recruited officers, created a Facebook page and prepared a PowerPoint presentation for her first meeting. More than two dozen students attended to learn the mission and responsibilities of club membership, which will extend beyond the holidays and into the spring semester. Tempe Corps Officer Captain Robyn Bridgeo represents The Salvation Army. Wilkinson has met with him twice and they correspond by phone and email. “The Red Kettle Club is an exciting
initiative being launched this year by one remarkable young lady,” Bridgeo said. “She has charisma and drive like none I’ve ever seen her age. I believe Katie is living proof that today’s youth are an untapped resource—she isn’t waiting until she is old enough to make a difference. Salvation Army look out!” Wilkinson and her family have volunteered for more than a decade at the Phoenix Christmas Center and also organize a creative and highly successful day of volunteer bell ringing every season.
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Here are the specifics that we use to succeed. We find as many volunteers as we can to ring the bell. We place them at our best locations, and they always do well. Last year we had a Marine reservist dressed in his blues at the main door of the mall. The income was double the normal take for that location. We ask local businesses to sponsor a kettle for one or more days. We request a donation of $100 a day. In the past, we would put a sign on each kettle stand saying, “This kettle sponsored today by Frank’s Auto Body.” Unfortunately, the wind blew many of our signs down. We still ask businesses to sponsor kettles, but we no longer put sponsors’ signs on the stands. Maybe your locations won’t be as windy! When I first got involved with the kettles, the bell ringers worked from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. When I took charge, I put two shifts on at all of the good stores like Wal-Mart. The first works from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the second works from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. This way we get more bell-ringing hours, and we can use the same worker for six days without generating overtime. Kettles blessed by prayer We pray over every kettle before it goes in service. We ask the counters to pray for the empties when they finish with them, and I instruct all the drivers not to take out a kettle that hasn’t received prayer. Not all of our drivers are Christians, but they soon learned that they had to check with me to be sure a kettle had been prayed for before they took it out. Often a nonChristian driver would ask if the kettles they were about to load had been prayed for. If I wasn’t sure, I would pray over them again. The prayer went like this: “Heavenly Father, bless this kettle as it goes to work. Give the bell ringer that will be working with it a happy heart and a smiley face, and send us generous contributors. Bless the store that allows us to work there with prosperity. In Jesus’ name, amen.” For the bell ringers with cars or bus passes, I schedule them to work the locations the farthest away from the office. At all the Wal-Marts, Vons and Albertsons that have two doors, I put a worker on each door. Several years back at an Albertsons with two doors, both kettles finished the day with the exact same amount in each kettle, $312.21 to the penny. Take the challenge Recently, I learned that the Henderson Corps had the highest kettle income in the Southwest Division. Let me issue a challenge to every corps in the Western Territory! Will someone please challenge us this year? I gave you our formula and all the secrets we use. You can duplicate our success—you should be able to give us a run for our money. And this challenge comes from a Southern Baptist! Let’s have every corps increase its kettle income this year. You can contact me at jreid31@cox.net or call me at (702) 232-3571. Read about the mechanics of the Henderson Corps’ Red Kettle Campaign in the next issue of New Frontier.
Doing the Most Good
MUSICAL
October 7, 2011
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“Writing a sequel was one of those ideas that came out of nowhere, but seemed so obvious in hindsight,” said Kevin Larsson, composer and youngest son of the original composer, General John Larsson (Ret.). “When we proposed a sequel to Dad, he was excited immediately and gave his blessing.” Karl Larsson, the writer, said, “While writing a sequel seemed a great idea, it became fairly daunting once we took a close look at the second half of Acts. It seemed that all the iconic, dramatic incidents had already been covered by the original musical. To make matters worse, it simply ends. It’s a great cliffhanger, but not an ideal ending for a musical. After a while though, we came to realize that there were almost too many stories to cover, so our challenge was to try and structure all the various strands into a cohesive whole. I think we came up with an interesting solution.” The first draft of the script is now complete, with lyricist Major Malcolm Westwood (UK) working through the proposed song list, sending his words to Kevin Larsson for scoring. Auditions for the musical will take place in November, with the first rehearsals scheduled to commence in January 2012, all building to the June premiere at the Western Territory’s first congress in 15 years. “I was a little nervous when I saw this advertised as a new Larsson musical,” Karl Larsson said. “While technically true, it seemed slightly misleading, but having heard the first couple of songs, I’m now confident we won’t be doing any lasting damage to the family name.”
“Spirit! II Empire” will be presented twice during The Gathering weekend, June 7-10, 2012, and attendance is included in the cost of registration. Register today online: uswevents.org.
Major Loren W. Foote, Jr., was promoted to Glory Aug. 26, from his home in Monrovia, Calif. He was born in Breckenridge, Minn., on Oct. 16, 1922, to Loren W. and Hazel B. Foote. When he was 5 years old, the family moved from Rosholt, S. D., to Washington State. The Footes’ involvement with The Salvation Army began when Hazel Foote accepted an invitation to a Home League meeting in Puyallup, Wash. The family continued to soldier at the Tacoma (Wash.) Corps. Loren Foote graduated from Tacoma’s Lincoln High School in1940. He met Margaret E. Stromsmoe in 1942 and the couple wed that October. On Jan. 1, 1943, he reported for military service. He was first assigned to the 15th Army Air Force and then to the 772nd bomb squadron and 781st bomb squadron as an ammunition armament specialist NCO and carbine expert. Shortly after deployment to Pantanella Airfield Italy, he received word of the birth of his son, Loren D. He completed his active service and returned home in October 1945. Daughter Donna arrived in November 1950 during the Footes’ employment at The Salvation Army Boys and Girls home at Lytton, Calif. In 1954, they entered The Salvation Army School for Officer Training. They were commissioned in 1955, and appointed managers of the Men’s Social Service Center in Spokane, Wash. They served at men’s social service centers in Tacoma, Lytton, Phoenix, Ariz.; Seattle and Pasadena, Calif., and at
adult rehabilitation centers in Van Nuys, Oakland and San Diego, Calif. The Footes retired in 1987 from special assignment at territorial headquarters, and made their home in Monrovia, Calif., where Loren Foote enjoyed being a part of the door-to-door ministry at Christ Community Church. Each day, Foote’s first priority was to read God’s Word and pray for family and others. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; son, Loren D.; daughter, Donna (Michael) Kluch; grandchildren, Paul (Julie), Adam (Dawn), Noah and Christopher Foote, and Jessica Kluch; eight greatgrandchildren; sister, Major Jean Upton; and niece, Christine Webb. A service of remembrance took place Sept. 6, with Colonel Olin Hogan presiding. Major Viola “Bunny” Lane was promoted to Glory Sept. 1, from West Jordan, Utah. Viola Angel—a second-generation Salvationist—was born April 5, 1931, in Southern California. Although named Viola, her older brother commented that she “cuddled like a bunny” and the nickname stuck. Angel always knew she wanted to be a medical missionary. However, when she met Bill Lane while working at a Salvation Army summer camp in Redondo Beach, Calif., she felt called to work with him. They married in 1951 and entered the School for Officer Training, San Francisco, in 1953. They were commissioned in 1954 with the Shepherds Session.
Believing she was putting her lifelong desire of being a missionary on hold, Lane did not realize that her future Salvation Army assignments would include working among the Rocky Boy and Blackfoot Native Americans in northern Montana; ministering to women in the Washington State Penitentiary, Walla Walla, Wash.; and serving Hawaiian natives in Maui and Kauai. Lane also worked with seniors in Riverside and migrants in Merced, Calif.; gambler families in Las Vegas; Hispanics in Albuquerque, N.M.; and Mormons in Salt Lake City. To complete her active service, she served with seniors in the greater five-state area of the Intermountain Division. Lane served as president of Church Women United of Salt Lake City, Utah. For 40 years she worked as a home missionary—on her own—to many children and adults she considered her extended family. Lane is survived by her husband, Bill, and three children: Becky, Mark and Kevin. The Salt Lake City Corps held a service of remembrance on Sept. 8, with Commissioner Kenneth Hood officiating.
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Doing the Most Good
October 7, 2011 New Frontier
The theology of self-sacrifice ‘Hidden potential’ Look yonder carefully, see In the eyes of those tattooed young men, Not just resentment toward authority, Though it glares like sunlight streaming in, Major But a ravenous hunger for salvation, Not so easily discerned, A veritable rush of the human spirit For union with the divine. So a brush with hell may propel a man Like nothing else under the sun.
Glen Doss
“Chaplain, Richard’s here to see you.” “Then send him in,” I reply. Next, followed by two others, a tattooed young man enters. All grins from ear to ear, the three stare at me expectantly. They look so very excited that I get excited, too! “Chaplain, I’ve been thinking about our talk this morning, And I have decided to accept the Lord today—yes, today! If it’s alright with you, I asked my friends to be here, too.” Jumping up ecstatically, “Oh, praise the Lord!” I shout, As we bring our arms together, emotionally I pray: “Our blessed Lord and Savior, we bring to you our brother, Who’s surrendering to you all his heart and life and will.” Following my lead, quite solemnly Richard prays: “Lord Jesus, how I love you, how I need you! I open up my heart to receive you. Thank you, Lord, for dying on the cross for my sins, For pardoning my wrongs. Set me completely free Of the bondage of myself—I’ve been so in love with me! Please show me how each day I may best serve thee; Make me into the man you want me to be.” As we congratulate our brother, I sense another presence, A band of angels with us, a celestial chorus. As the three, excited men skip happily down the hall, Alone in my office, tearfully I kneel and pray, “Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your sweet grace today.”
‘Thank you, Lord, for your miracles’ Lord, thank you for showing me how miracles are made One marvel at a time, How human spirits are moved by the subtlest of things, Like hands offered in love—no strings attached— When accompanied by smiles forthright and sure; That first names used personally With souls disenfranchised Can turn scowls into smiles for a lifetime, Melting hearts as cold as icicles With the warmth of a bear hug. You teach me how promises consistently kept Convey powerful truths like, “Jesus loves you, and so do I!” You show me how cruelty branded into a youth By people long since passed, Can—by these acts of authentic love— Lose finally its devastating force And tears of relief fall freely. Delightfully, these messages carried by others and me Work their miracles. Yes, Lord, I have learned that there is no scar etched so deeply, No blow dealt so deftly, That the love of Jesus can’t heal. Thank you, Lord, for your miracles!
New Frontier is published twice a month by The Salvation Army USA Western Territory
Commissioner James Knaggs, Territorial Commander Colonel Dave Hudson, Chief Secretary
We welcome submissions of news stories of interest to the Western Territory. If you have something you’d like to share, submissions can be sent electronically to: new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org or by postal service to: New Frontier, P.O. Box 22646, 180 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802 The editor reserves the right to edit material submitted. Articles should be roughly 300 words in length.
EDITORIAL STAFF Robert L. Docter, Editor-In-Chief • 562/491-8330 email: bob.docter@usw.salvationarmy.org Christin Davis, Managing Editor • 562/491-8723 email: christin.davis@usw.salvationarmy.org Karen Gleason, New Frontier Editor •562/491-8332 email: karen.gleason@usw.salvationarmy.org Buffy Lincoln, Associate Editor • 562/491-8329 email: buffy.lincoln@usw.salvationarmy.org Erica Andrews, Assistant Editor • 562/491-8334 email: erica.andrews@usw.salvationarmy.org LAYOUT & DESIGN/ADVERTISING Kevin Dobruck, Art Director • 562/491-8328 email: kevin.dobruck@usw.salvationarmy.org Adriana Rivera, Graphic Designer/Web coordinator • 562/491-8331 email: adriana.rivera@usw.salvationarmy.org CIRCULATION Arlene De Jesus, Circulation • 562/491-8343 email: arlene.dejesus@usw.salvationarmy.org new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org Member - Evangelical Press Association
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“He was wounded for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5 NIV). While visiting our daughter and her family during furlough, I reread the western classic, Shane, by Jack Schaefer. It is the story of a stranger who rides into a Wyoming valley Lawrence at the heart of the West, and when his work was done rode back from Shiroma whence he came. It is the story of a Major gunfighter who had laid down his weapon, a Colt six-shooter, in an effort to lead a different type of life, only to reluctantly pick it up again to save those who were being oppressed. It is the inspiring story of a man wounded in battle, but succeeding in protecting others at the cost of his life. The theology of Shane is the theology of self-sacrifice. Movies and books that tug at my heart invariably have the element of self-sacrifice. The recent movie Thor has it. When faced with the Destroyer, a seemingly indestructible automaton sent to kill him, the warrior Thor willingly lays down his life in order to save the lives of others. His selfsacrifice proves him worthy to again wield his weapon, the hammer Mjölnir. In the animated feature movie Tangled, Flynn Ryder, the fun-loving bandit, gives his life so that Rapunzel may have her chance of freedom. Self-sacrifice does not have to be dramatic. As a teenager, I rode the Honolulu city bus with my mom from Kalihi Valley to Harry’s Music Store in Kaimuki on the island of Oahu to purchase an instrument. My dad was a bus driver and my mom was a cook for Kalihi-Kai Elementary School. They both worked long hours to raise the four of us kids. Even with a home mortgage and medical bills to pay, they used their hard-earned wages to buy me a brand new Olds trombone at Harry’s Music so that I could play in the Farrington High School band. I played this beautiful horn through high school and college, then thoughtlessly sold it upon entering the military— something only a self-centered son would do. In Becoming a Contagious Christian, Bill Hybels
writes that believers are called to be authentic in the expression of their faith, but of all the characteristics of a Christ follower, the strongest, the most compelling, is not authenticity—important as it is—but that of self-sacrifice. Sacrificial acts, like those of my parents purchasing a new trombone for their son when they could barely pay their bills, are rarely forgotten and impact people for a lifetime. The bus ride to the music store with my mom was almost half a century ago, but the memory still brings tears to my eyes whenever I dwell upon her selflessness. Many Salvationists live lives of self-sacrifice. 1 John 3:18 reads, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. Corps Sergeant-Major Lily Chin of the San Francisco Chinatown Corps exemplifies this verse. Her compassion to help others in need, whether doing physical health and tuberculosis checks for the homeless, or assisting Chinese immigrants to America get a new start in life, demonstrates a life of self-sacrifice. Corps Sergeant-Major Jenni Ragland of the Anchorage Corps also reflects qualities of self-sacrifice. Freely giving away the gift of hospitality, she regularly invites corps people and visitors, those near and far from the Lord, into her home where she and her family prepare a warm dinner and a time of fellowship for all. Dedicated, unsung Sunday school teachers like Randall Silvers at the Long Beach Citadel Corps and Major Melba Gilden at the Riverside Corps, for example, freely give of their time in careful preparation of their Bible lessons. The list goes on and on. We see family members and Salvationists living out lives of self-sacrifice, living out Scripture, giving to others freely, becoming more and more like Christ. May we be encouraged and compelled to do the same. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (Rom. 12:1 NKJV).
Why a Congress NOW? Why a congress NOW? I recently attended a dinner meeting for the Territorial Officers Advisory Council (TOAC) at Crestmont Conference Center when this question was asked. Six of us from the territorial cabinet were sitting around the dinner table with the representatives from TOAC—we did our best to answer. Judy It is important to note that the Smith members of TOAC were not asking Lt. Colonel this question to be critical; they wanted to be able to give a solid answer to their fellow officers and Salvationists from their corps and division, if and when the question was posed to them. Commissioner James Knaggs began the discussion this way: “In these hard economic times we are having a congress because it is an INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY.” The Western Territory has not had a congress (a concerted effort to draw The Salvation Army family together) for 15 years! The last congress, the Great Victory Congress, was in 1997 in Long Beach. General Paul Rader and Commissioner Kay Rader returned to the West from International Headquarters in London to be our special guests. Eight thousand delegates attended the Great Victory from all over the Western Territory and close to 1,000 junior and senior soldiers were enrolled by General Rader. Why a Congress? It is an INVESTMENT IN THE LIVES OF ALL SALVATIONISTS who attend. A congress is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many Salvationists—a life-changing experience for all ages! I can remember many congresses that happened in my growing-up years as a soldier. Colonel Dave Hudson recalled a corps cadet congress, back in his youth, that made a distinct impression upon him as a young boy when he allowed the Holy Spirit to impact his life during the event meetings and
activities. Many important life-changing decisions have been made at congresses for both the young and the more mature. Why a congress? It’s an INVESTMENT IN THE BODY LIFE OF EACH CORPS. Salvation Army congregations will change for the better when they attend such spirit-led and dynamic events; it’s a unifying time when corps members travel to and from the location and attend a congress. They have bonding opportunities as they travel down together, they are strengthened spiritually as they worship together in the unique manner that congresses offer, and they grow together as they return to their home corps as a unified body, rejuvenated to bring the love of Jesus to their community through the ministry of their corps. Why a congress? It is an INVESTMENT IN THE SALVATION ARMY as we gather to celebrate God’s blessings and growth in this branch of the body of Christ that we call The Salvation Army. The value of an event like a territorial congress will far exceed the actual cost of the Congress. The territory will gather to give glory to God! Salvationists will meet new and well-known Salvationist friends as we come together from the near and far reaches of the territory! We will have the privilege of enjoying and encouraging our brothers and sisters in Christ as we sing and worship and grow together! Why a congress? • BECAUSE IT’S TIME—General Linda Bond is coming! • BECAUSE IT’S TIME NOW for us to gather for spiritual renewal and “Army” refreshment! • BECAUSE IT’S “THE GATHERING”! • See you at the Pasadena Convention Center in June 2012… It’s time to GATHER TOGETHER!
Doing the Most Good
October 7, 2011 New Frontier
Collateral damage One of the great tragedies of warfare is the loss of innocent lives to so-called “friendly fire.” It is bad enough to know that men and women are fighting and dying in conflicts based Sharon on the quest for power and political advantage; Robertson Lt. Colonel it is almost intolerable to hear of the loss of lives attributed to “collateral damage,” the unintentional losses that come about due to accidents, errors, misinformation and carelessness on the part of one’s allies and those who were expected to be one’s greatest supporters. The victims of such collateral damage are just as wounded, just as injured, just as dead as if they had suffered an enemy attack—we cry, we mourn, we move on. That is the nature of war. Accidents happen. We are powerless to change that; we can only pray for an end to the insanity of armed conflict, a peaceful conclusion to the hostilities, and the safe return of our loved ones. There is no way to make right the wrongs, or undo the suffering. For most of us, the killing fields are a long way off. We enjoy the cushioning effect of distance, the lack of immediacy, and the anesthetizing effect of a comfortable community of friends and family. “I can’t understand it,” we murmur to one another. “How could such a thing happen?” We hear, we are saddened, we pray, we hope for the best, confident that we, at least, will never suffer the emotional trauma and guilt of having caused such damage, such pain to another human being, either accidentally or intentionally. And we go about our business, as though nothing had happened, as though all is well with the world. Collateral damage—where least expected The battlefield is not the only place where collateral damage occurs. Too often we see it happen in our presence. It’s just easier to admit that in the heat of battle the innocent can accidentally be injured or killed than it is to admit that you and I may watch—or even may be the accidental cause—of mortally wounding another human soul. And (tragic as it may be) sometimes the unintended destruction of innocent souls may take place in the midst of the one place where every human soul ought to be able to find rest and peace of heart—the local church congregation. “Ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous! No soul will ever be damaged in OUR church! Ask anyone! We are Christians! We love one another. God says we have to! Even if we don’t really like someone (and not all of our members are really likable) we are taught to love one another for Jesus’ sake! No matter who they are, no matter where they come from, or how they fit in, we put up with everyone who
ONE ARMY
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Challenging the status quo
chooses to make this church their home!” Is that right? What about the two factions in Home League who are continually working against one another, seeking to see that their own ideas prevail, and their opponents either give in or leave? What’s the body (or soul) count? And even if a compromise is reached, how many have been driven away, alienated by the meaningless but constant controversy? What’s the collateral damage among friends and families of the principals? How many souls may never come to Christ simply because they’ve had a ringside seat at the shouting match? What about the hardworking woman who put in countless hours in the corps kitchen, only to be driven away by envious rivals who didn’t want the task, but coveted the respect and influence she had earned through her devoted and diligent service? What about the hurt, the incalculable damage to her and to her family—all because she was doing “too much”? What about the stranger who was welcomed into the congregation—until he began taking over some of the onerous responsibilities no one else wanted, and began to earn the esteem of the corps officer? Where did the pressure come from, the “side-taking” between those who welcomed and admired him and those who began to let it be known that they considered the newcomer to be too pushy, too interfering, too—well, too willing, making other folks look bad! Was there no collateral damage as the old-timers pressured him out the back door? What about the gossip, the rivalry, the cliques, the “do-it-our-way-or-else” bunch? What about the “welcome to our church, but don’t expect us to make an effort to get to know you” team? What about the friendly critic whose “I know you mean well, dear, but that dress is simply not appropriate here,” discourages attendance by any young person who doesn’t meet the dress code? What about an entire congregation that leaves a visitor to sit alone in an otherwise unoccupied pew? What collateral damage occurs as fallout from that lonely hour? “Silly! Those things never happen!” But they do. God witnesses something of the sort every Sunday. He sees our careless acts, he hears our careless words, he knows our thoughts and motivations—he prompts us to do what we know to be right, and grieves as we choose to disobey his promptings, because, unlike us, he is painfully aware of the collateral damage—the souls lost because we failed him. We didn’t mean to… but we did. May God in his grace forgive us—and may he somehow find a way to reach that man, that woman, that child that he asked you and I to reach out to.
The death of Steve Jobs saddens me beyond measure. I hope there is some precocious 20-something person exploring ideas in a family garage, somewhere. I hope that person is wondering if something could be made better, improved, developed, studied, created —working into the night with a brilliance that illuminates the world. Steve Jobs changed the way we think, plan and work. Everything he touched made the world better. What a man. What a leader. What a change-agent. I saw a picture in a newspaper this morning of a barefooted Steve Jobs sitting on the floor of Bill Gates’ house. The two very young men seemed to be talking, planning, dreaming. Both of them looked to be in their early twenties. I think they must have been exploring how to create tools and processes that would accomplish things more effectively. We live in a period of extremely rapid change. People over 60 are accustomed to rapid change, but nothing like what we’re seeing today. Just trying to keep up wears me out. I hope that young person is wearing an Army T-shirt while working in the family garage. I hope he/she has a great love for people, for God, and for the Army. Maybe, that person is exploring how to make the Army better. Maybe he or she is wondering if the Army’s current organizational/decisionmaking model will keep it effective through the 21st century. Maybe that person ponders some process questions concerning how the organization works—questions like: • Does The Salvation Army want to have sufficient data and information for long- range planning? • Does it have the knowledge and skills to evaluate what it is currently doing? • Are we using our resources effectively? • What do those who participate in our programs believe to be our strengths—our weaknesses? • What parts of this Army must be preserved for us to remain what we are? • Are we organized to engage in profound change of those parts that we determine to be vulnerable? • What might we gain or lose if we do? Somewhere, I envision a knowledgeable, committed, consecrated group of people exploring these questions. Maybe it’s happening now. If so, I don’t know where it is. I’ve engaged in many discussions like this—usually over coffee after a Sunday at the corps. I even participated in such a discussion in a formal manner about 20 years ago when some of those same questions were raised. Some significant change took place—but then it died. I never learned why. I wonder why we don’t have our own “R&D” (research and development) organization to help us with some of these questions—the big questions, like those above, and the little questions, like why does this program succeed and that one doesn’t—and what is “success”? I don’t think we’re doing too well even on the little questions. To my knowledge,
there are only a very few employees and even fewer officers in the Army charged with primary responsibility either to engage in the process of evaluation or to assist others in engaging in that process. Robert Oh, I know we have boards and councils at the Docter divisional and territorial levels Editor-In-Chief that are required to review and approve programs, but for the life of me, I don’t know what criteria they use to make their judgments. Too often, I fear, they are limited to criteria pertaining to a “goal-based” approach to evaluation. It doesn’t give us much help in understanding how a program really works, its strengths and weaknesses, or the degree to which the program benefits the clients served. “Mission” and “available resources” are important criteria. The organization’s “mission” is critical to the evaluation process. Our goals should grow from that mission. It’s a good mission statement. It’s short but, at the same time, very broad. Equally true is the importance of an examination of available resources. If, however, these are viewed alone, decision makers could be led astray. We don’t do decision makers any favor by imposing this responsibility on them in the absence of a sufficient database designed specifically to generate a comprehensive evaluation of the program being proposed or under review. Many of our social service programs are required by funding sources to report on the progress toward their goals and whether or not they meet specific criteria. Additionally, the Adult Rehabilitation Centers command engages in an excellent program review. Moreover, I am confident we are achieving facets of our mission in many other areas of endeavor. Often, however, I believe we do not know exactly what we are doing well or what we are doing that inhibits our effectiveness. We use an evaluation tool for congregations prior to a corps review. I wonder if we are getting the maximum potential from this goal-based tool. Corps members, for instance, might explore many of the questions from a process-based or an outcome-based perspective that might lead toward modification of some of the objectives. I wonder who might be available to teach members of a corps how to engage in these activities. I wonder if such an exercise would be helpful. In the absence of data—how will we ever know? We need to expand and improve our program evaluation. It’s not enough to evaluate the quality of a program on the basis of a hunch. I think, all too often, we use this technique and then make decisions about the program based on reputation or personal criteria. Somehow, it’s decided to support it, fund it, expand it, or close it. I don’t think this is in the best long-range interests of the Army or of the people we seek to serve. So—where do you agree—disagree? Let me know.
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So how do we get on the same page, so to speak? One of the privileges of being the General is to travel throughout the international Army. What must my message be to Salvationists, whether I am in Malawi, Myanmar, Mexico or Moldova? With the diversity of cultures, is it possible to speak into the Army with unifying principles that are rooted in Scripture, faithful to our heritage and a map for the future? Is it possible to speak these unifying principles to all generations and all expressions of service and worship? Yes, I believe it is not only
possible but necessary. I am compelled by God to share what he has placed on my heart. We are one Army, with one mission and one message. If there is an understanding and united commitment to who we are, there will be a sanctified energy and optimism in the way we serve and how we see our future. It is possible for us to move forward together. We have one mission. Our mission is not three separate strands, assigned to a certain section of the Army. It is one mission. No part of the Army can divorce itself from serving suffering humanity. Nor
can any part ignore the imperative to bring people to Jesus and make disciples. To be hurting, broken, lonely, dispossessed and lost can apply to sinners and saints as well as the suffering. And therefore it is our mandate, given by God, to move into the world, doing all that we can to lovingly connect with people, dressing the wounds of body, mind and soul. We have one message. It is imperative for The Salvation Army in the 21st century to speak unashamedly of Jesus, God in flesh: Jesus – master, teacher, physician, friend
Jesus – our atoning sacrifice and our only means of salvation Jesus – the living Lord and coming King Our message must be unequivocal Yes, we need to effect change for people and we can do so in many practical ways, but only God in Jesus by his Spirit can make them new creatures in Christ, setting them free, giving them hope and life to the full. “I believe in transformation, God can change the hearts of men.” That was the conviction of General John Gowans (Ret.), expressed in Song
324 (SASB). A God-raised, Spiritfilled Army needs to rise up and say, “We believe in transformation.” Our message must be unequivocal. There may be pre-conversion steps and post-conversion growth, but regeneration and sanctification are words of transformation. This 21st century needs an Army of purpose and passion. We must take hold of the dynamic ministry given to us by our Lord and move forward together as one Army, with one mission and one message. This article originally appeared in The Officer (Sept.-Oct. 2011) and is reprinted here with permission.