Count Me In | ARC Convention SPECIAL EDITION

|Photo by Ron Bawden

To the USA Western Territory An open letter from the territorial commander.

BY JAMES KNAGGS, COMMISSIONER

“The idea of Count Me In was to recognize the sobriety of the delegates who count each day as victory over their addiction and for each one to realize their potential place in the kingdom of God and The Salvation Army.”

SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 2014

WE

witnessed a powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit at the Adult Rehabilitation Centers’ “Count Me In” Convention. If you were there, you experienced the extraordinary response of the over 5,000 delegates to the call of God upon their hearts to seek him there and then. While it was difficult to count, the rush to the altar to pray amounted to near 2,000 people in each of the three general session meetings. Hallelujah!

The whole weekend was filled with constructive opportunities for fellowship, encouragement and spiritual formation. God led us all there and courted us with each meeting, workshop and meal. Where, but at The Salvation Army, would we dare to assemble such a cast of addicts, leaders and supporters? Who, but God, would honor such faith with such a holy experience?

The idea of Count Me In was to recognize the sobriety of the delegates who count each day as victory over their addiction and for each one to realize their potential place in the kingdom of God and The Salvation Army. We want them to know they are welcome to continue their spiritual formation at the Army. God led them to us. We have the joy of leading them in their journey to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.

Now that the beneficiaries are home, it’s time to gather them into the ranks of the movement.

It is not satisfactory to simply wish them well upon graduation of the program. We need to do what we can to help them remain on track and witness to the saving grace of God upon their lives.

Then we need to make room for them to join us in winning the world for Jesus. Perhaps they can be adherents and eventually soldiers.

Will you help? Lives are depending on us.

Know that this is God’s will for us in this hour. Know that this is an answer to our prayers.

Know that your help will delight the Lord. Know that we all have a role.

Whether you were at the convention or not, the time has come for us to reach out and “Count In” every person who has presented themselves to us for help in any way. Make room for them at the Army. Make them comfortable. Make them feel at home with you and God. Lead them to Jesus.

Please, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:6 NKJV). Welcome all your volunteers, employees, clients and donors. They need Jesus and they need him now. God has chosen this moment for his good reason. We must respond with active faith and holy courage.

Do not delay. Go into your world to share the gospel with clarity, conviction and love. Do it now.

Can I count you in?

God be with us.

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Eph. 2:19 NIV).

II—New Frontier CHRONICLE SPECIAL EDITION• November 2014

I’VE ALWAYS CHUCKLED at use of the term “God sighting” and yet this past weekend at the “Count Me In” convention that is exactly what took place. God was evident in all that transpired and the Holy Spirit moved in such a mighty way in the lives of all who were present...including mine. To see hundreds, if not thousands, of men and women come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and to give their lives completely to God while kneeling on a cross shaped carpet is an image I will never forget. To witness lives being changed, relationships restored, and new members being added to the ranks, for both the Army and eternity, was a blessing beyond anything I could have imagined. The conference was a powerful reminder of the mission of the Army to reach the lost for the Lord and to invite them to be a part of the family of God and I pray that God will continue to work in the lives of all who were present and that he will continue to bless the ministry of the ARCs as they work to ensure that all who are seeking help are counted in.

George Baker, Major Divisional Commander, Alaska Division

AS I ENTERED the arena I was thrilled with the sense of excitement and anticipation that permeated the huge room from everyone present. Then the ARC centers answered to the role call and we all knew that we were in for blessings upon blessings.

The Cascade Division was represented by corps officers, divisional officers and soldiers—all of us anticipating a convention such as we have never attended before. We were ready to learn ways that we could support the Harvest Initiative. And we were not disappointed!

We praise God that the “Count Me In” convention allowed all of us interested in corps and ARC partnership to be in one place at the same time. This allowed greater understanding, cooperation, visionary planning and partnerships to development, which will ultimately lead to this cooperation becoming a part of our territorial fabric.

Many thanks to Commissioners Knaggs, Lt. Cols. Chang, and all ARC officers for careful planning and generous spirits as they answered our questions and made sure we were informed and cared for beautifully.

Judy Smith, Lt. Col. Divisional Commander, Cascade Division

|Photo by Ron Bawden

Attendees reflect on ‘Count Me In’ FROM AN ARC CHAPLAIN Major Glen Doss, Riverside ARC

THE “COUNT ME IN” convention was life changing for the 5,000 in attendance. Many received new life in Christ—hallelujah! Others were challenged to stand and proclaim “Count Me In” in the battle to win the world for Jesus—hallelujah! At times we did not know if we were at a church or at a sporting event with all of the cheering and joyfulness displayed; it was wonderful; it was just how God wanted it to be.

The Holy Spirit moved in the lives of all who were there with enthusiasm and passion, urging the delegates to a deeper, more passionate, fully committed relationship with our Heavenly Father. The speakers were challenging, relevant and inspiring as the Holy Spirit used them to share God’s message during each meeting, resulting in thousands going forward at every opportunity. The territorial music sections and recording artist Lincoln Brewster led us in worship faithfully.

Lisa and I stand today, as we did at the convention proclaiming “Count Me In,” and we call on our fellow officers, soldiers and friends in the mighty Del Oro Division to stand with us. Let us be intentional in our ministry to those in recovery, looking for new and better ways to show them the love of Christ. It is about inclusion in our ministry and corps, not as a separate group from the ARC, but rather as part of our corps family in every regard. Stand up, reach out and be “counted in.”

Bill Dickinson, Major Divisional Commander, Del Oro Division

FROM AN ARC ALUMNA Samantha Bickerstaff, Pasadena ARC

M

aneuvering amid the ocean of people kneeling, crying out to God at the close of each “Count Me In” convention meeting was an almost surreal experience…even for a longtime Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) officer like me. Like the apostle John almost, I feel today I can say, “We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands.” For Jesus Christ was as present in those hall meetings as he was in Nazareth, in Galilee, in Jerusalem.

The impact of an actual event is always more striking than the speculative. I had told people to expect this kind of dramatic turnout following the call to the mercy seat. The response in ARC services is generally much greater than in corps meetings; to see 30 to 50 men and women come forward is common. For these are desperate people; they seek miraculous answers to complex, often frightening problems—their very lives are on the line!

Therefore, what would you expect to happen when you bring virtually the whole population of 24 ARCs together? And scores of ARC alumni to boot? Exactly what we witnessed at Count Me In—hundreds of anxious, hungering people on their knees, calling out to God for help, for forgiveness, for full surrender.

Moving among them as I did, my arms around one on my left and one on my right as I prayed

I

knew there was a Lincoln Brewster concert at “Count Me In” and I knew there was going to be some good workshops, but I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I knew it was going to be really fun but once I got there, the atmosphere was just awesome. Just to be at the Anaheim Convention Center around 5,000 Christians that are sober as well was breathtaking because that doesn’t happen very often. I was very grateful to know that the team of people who organized it worked so hard to create that for us. It was definitely mind-blowing.

I graduated in May 2014 from the Pasadena ARC. I stayed for eight months, until July, and I found a room to rent in Pasadena and a job while

and praised God with them, was a most wonderful thing. For it went on and on in meeting after meeting after meeting. And the gleam of sincerity in these individuals’ eyes was so very telling!

For I knew those with whom I prayed—their stories, their fears, their doubts. I saw genuine transformation playing out before me. Great joy comes from being an ARC chaplain! God himself loomed large within that body of people as his children sought him in great numbers.

The heart of God was warmed that weekend.

God’s word tells us: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd (Matt. 9:36 NIV). In the depths of our dependencies we are all distressed and so weak. God views our human suffering and limitations with great tenderness. Christ’s own words came to mind as I consoled and prayed with his little ones: “Her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much” (Luke 7:47). God extended great forgiveness in those meetings, for those kneeling masses clearly loved much.

As our men and women returned home to their individual ARCs, they bore with them incontrovertible, evidentiary proof that the Trinitarian God of the Bible does exist. In Anaheim, Calif., they met the God of their own understanding and discovered that his name is Jesus Christ.

I was there. They helped me get started with all of that. I’m still living in Pasadena. Eventually, I’m going to be living in Anaheim and joining their corps. I’m getting married at the Pasadena Tabernacle in December.

I’m definitely connected to The Salvation Army still. That’s the only way I can stay sober at this point. Staying close and connected definitely helps with support, and the love that they give is outstanding. They make you feel extremely welcome at The Salvation Army and they don’t judge you for anything, like your past. We all have crazy pasts. Addicts have crazy pasts and they do not care. They just care about what you’re doing now and how you’re going to move forward from it.

November 2014 • New Frontier CHRONICLE SPECIAL EDITION—Page III

The biggest thing I took away from “Count Me In” is that we’re all in this together, that you’re never alone in sobriety and that The Salvation Army always has someone to have your back and to hold your hand when you’re going through anything.

—SAMANTHA BICKERSTAFF

They show you love by just communicating with you, by just talking to you like you’re a normal person. In my experience, people never talked to me like I was a normal person when I was using. Now that I’m sober and have been through The Salvation Army, they just genuinely care and you can feel that.

I am now an adherent at the Pasadena ARC, so Sunday I got to get up on the stage with my certificate and look up at the crowd and just take it all in. I’m very interested in becoming a soldier; I’m

FROM A CORPS OFFICER Captian Terry Masango, El Cajon, Calif.

A

perfect storm brewed in my mind as we drove to the “Count Me In” convention last weekend. I didn’t know what to expect.

Would the weekend apply only to people in alcohol and drug rehabilitation? Would I, with my wife and children, huddle in a corner feeling out of place, questioning why we came?

God had a wonderful surprise in store for us.

During the first meeting, my heart was warmed by the welcome and responses from the beneficiaries from all over our territory. As each Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) name was called, the men and women responded in boisterous chants.

These men and women were excited to be gathered in the presence of God, representing all the work God has done in their lives through their respective centers.

I noticed that I was not an outsider; I am one of

going to start classes in January. I have so many things to look forward to in sobriety. I have so many chances and opportunities to do things that I could never dream of.

The biggest thing I took away from “Count Me In” is that we’re all in this together, that you’re never alone in sobriety and that The Salvation Army always has someone to have your back and to hold your hand when you’re going through anything.

them. I have been saved by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus. I, too, am recovering from many sins that have plagued me over my lifetime. I embraced the warmth of their friendly cheers, and stood shoulder to shoulder with my fellow redeemed soldiers.

The speaker that first evening, Dr. Steven Arterburn, spoke about his past challenges with sex addiction, and how God redeemed him from it.

He testified that when his then-girlfriend (now his wife) fell pregnant, he paid for the abortion.

As a result, he and his wife could not have children. However, God blessed them with the opportunity to adopt a baby.

Arterburn’s testimony resonated with me and many others. I felt at home, knowing I was in the company of fellow sinners who were miraculously saved by a graceful God. On the second day, guest speaker Maria Durso shared her testimony, taking us on a journey dating to the time when her mother was pregnant with her. She described the abuse she endured at the hands of religious people, as well as street thugs. The whole convention erupted in applause as she described her salvation moment in a hotel room in Mexico.

At the end of her testimony, Commissioner James Knaggs challenged us to respond to the message.

I will never forget the image of people kneeling in submission to God, as a cross was shining over them. It was as if God’s light was piercing through the flesh to provide light in our dark hearts.

During meal breaks, I would pass a group of our San Diego ARC beneficiaries—many of whom attend our corps on Sundays—who would tell me how glad they were to be at Count Me In. I was able to connect with them in a deeper level.

On Sunday morning, my family and I had breakfast with beneficiaries from the San Diego ARC who were enrolled as adherents later that morning. Two of them said, “Captain, we are ready to become soldiers!”

|Photo by Ron Bawden

FROM A BENEFICIARY Russell Blakeman, Anchorage ARC

“C

ount Me In” opened my eyes to what The Salvation Army really does. You can be told plenty of things, but until you actually see it working and in action you don’t really understand it.

The testimonies were painful, yet inspiring.

To hear people’s stories of all their hardships and to triumph and persevere through them gives hope. The sermons were excellent, too. The main thing I got out of this experience, though, was to feel the energy of 5,000 people in one room—all saved and brought to follow Christ.

I witnessed guys who don’t normally pray in public or respond to the altar call be the first ones to the floor. The floor was packed in a mass group of unity during prayer. Grown men held each other while in tears, because of the power of the

Holy Spirit running through them. It’s hard to put into words that kind of life-changing experience. I myself had tears streaming down my face through most of the convention.

Overall it was just amazing to see the unity of the other centers and the love and kindness everyone had for strangers—all as followers of Christ.

The Salvation Army put together a wonderful experience for all the centers in the Western Territory. I had one of the best times of my life and was sad to leave. I look forward to more conventions to come. We even got to watch the way The Salvation Army promotes officers and welcomes adherents. That in itself made me consider being a part of The Salvation Army in my future.

“Count Me In!”

MANY OFFICERS AND soldiers of the Golden State Division attended the “Count Me In” convention in Anaheim. While the corps in our division already enjoy a healthy working relationship with the Bakersfield, Fresno, San Jose and San Francisco Adult Rehabilitation Centers, the convention provided a perfect opportunity to build on those relationships in order to realize the vision set forth in this mission-critical Western Territory Harvest Initiative.

The Santa Clara Citadel is reaching out to ARC men and women through softball, brass banding, men’s camp attendance and a harvest carnival. Fresno and Bakersfield Citadels have done an excellent job incorporating ARC men into their corps family. Six out of seven San Francisco area corps were represented at the convention, as we are fully committed to working with Majors Jack and Anna Phillips to find spiritual homes for all of the men and women of the San Francisco ARC. Connecting ARC graduates with employment and housing will be an important part of our future plans for corps in all four Golden State communities where there is currently an ARC. When it comes to playing a compassionate and creative role in the ongoing transformation of these men and women and their families, count the Golden State Division in!

Sreve and Marcia Smith, Lt. Cols.

Divisional leaders, Golden State Division

COMMISSIONER JAMES KNAGGS laid out a bold new vision for the Western Territory to engage the men and women in our addiction programs with our corps ministries. Here in Hawaii, there are around 2,300 men and women each year that attend one of our three programs: Family Treatment Services, Addiction Treatment Services, or the Adult Rehabilitation Center. These men and women need three things when they graduate: a stable place to live, a job that pays them a liveable wage, and new friends that will engage them in positive and productive behavior. If they are able to receive these three essentials then their sobriety success after the first year goes from 30 percent to 86 percent! Certainly this is an initiative that needs our attention and our full support.

The “Count Me In” convention was a moving experience as I witnessed this sea of humanity running as they were “called on the carpet” in response to the invitation to come and kneel “on” the cross. In many respects this harkens back to General William Booth’s “In Darkest England and the Way Out” where humanity is lost in this sea of despair, overcome by the afflictions of sin but in the distance they see that there is hope in Jesus Christ and so they come. And they came from all corners of the Anaheim Convention Center. It was beautiful and moving to see this and to be in the midst of the cry for rescue.

John Chamness, Major Divisional Commander, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division

WE WERE THRILLED to be part of a clarion call to rehabilitation, reconciliation and redemption at the “Count Me In” convention. The moving of the Holy Spirit and the response to the call of God was evident. The possibilities for the future of these men and women and the kingdom of God is endless.

Praise the Lord.

Dan and Helen Starrett, Lt. Cols.

Divisional leaders, Intermountain Division

WHAT A JOY-FILLED time was shared at the “Count Me In” convention in Anaheim. Two highlights of the weekend stand out for us: First, the overwhelming sound of voices praising God as the convention opened with everyone singing, “Amazing Grace.” Each time songs were sung as a united family it thrilled our hearts beyond words and was truly a joyful noise.

The second special blessing was the fact that one of the alumnus from Seattle, who had not seen her son for six years due to the family break caused by her addiction, was reunited that very weekend with her son! He has been living with his uncle in Redondo Beach and was excited and delighted when he saw his mother. Now 16 years old, he welcomed his mother back into his heart openly and just beamed. Broken hearts were mended, made new and filled with God’s goodness—and that’s what the ministry of the Army is all about!

Doug and Sheryl Tollerud, Majors Divisional leaders, Northwest Division

IV—New Frontier CHRONICLE SPECIAL EDITION • November 2014

November 2014 • New Frontier CHRONICLE SPECIAL EDITION—V

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” ­—EPHESIANS 2:19

|Photos by Ron Bawden

VI—New Frontier CHRONICLE SPECIAL EDITION• November 2014

WHAT UNDERGIRDED THE convention was the marvelous attention to detail and great quality of the programs. However, the imprint which will ever be etched in our minds for years to come was that powerful sound in the auditorium of the men and women, who struggle with addiction, rushing to respond to the message of hope. To observe these precious people receive the Good News of hope and healing for their lives was truly the highlight of the weekend. We look forward to witnessing the ongoing effect of the “Count Me In” convention on the lives of the attendees and the impact that will occur in the corps and communities by the certain transformation of these lives. We will continue to pray for the souls who made commitments to the Lord, for God’s great wisdom and guidance and his strength to persevere in their walk with the Lord.

Lee and Michele Lescano, Majors Divisional leaders, Sierra del Mar Division

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE weekend of God’s moving in a mighty way. Lives changed forever. It’s the start of a revival in the lives of the thousands of men and women who made the claim to “Count Me In” to God’s family. The energy and noise was electrifying. Watching those run to the alter, responding to the Holy Spirit, desiring to claim Christ with a humility and wanting for more...shouting “Count Me In,” became a war cry to the world outside that it won’t stop when the weekend ends. We are seeing men and women wanting to join the corps and become members—family in the Army of God. It was an affirming call for each of us—Christ can count us in!

Doug and Colleen Riley, Lt. Cols.

Divisional leaders, Southern California Division IT SEEMED THAT for the month of September, everywhere I went in the Southwest Division I heard the rumble of “Count Me In.” People that I had no idea of their journey through recovery were so excited that the convention was coming.

I was amazed at how many people had been touched by the devastating effects of substance abuse. Yet they had conquered it and are now an active part of the mission of their local Army corps. From Roswell, N.M., to Las Vegas or Tucson and Flagstaff, Ariz., people were saying “Count Me In!” At the convention, people from the Southwest would share with us how excited they were to have this great opportunity to celebrate their sobriety with 5,000 other believers.

On that Sunday morning it was exciting to see the new adherents and soldiers stand and commit their future into God’s hands.

The future starts now for those who were blessed to attend this convention. As everyone traveled back home, the reality and challenges of everyday life became evident.

The key to staying sober these days is directly connected to staying involved in the community of faith. The corps of the Southwest Division are actively supporting those in recovery as part of the family.

Shawn Posillico, Lt. Col. Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, Southwest Division

Harvest Initiative continues in its fourth year

|Photo by Ron Bawden

The Western Territory annually admits more than 7,500 men and women into its 24 adult rehabilitation centers (ARCs), a cost-free and biblically based six-month program to overcome addiction.

Roughly 2,500 (33 percent) of these beneficiaries graduate, yet the majority are not found worshipping in one of the territory’s 258 corps and four outposts—the center of Salvation Army worship, growth and social care within a community. Historically, the Army has not effectively transitioned ARC alumni to corps membership, and Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs devised a plan to change this—the Harvest Initiative.

“What our research has shown is when a graduate from the ARC connected to a caring community, has a job and has accommodation, their success rate for staying sober is 86 percent,” said Derek Linsell, Apricot Consulting CEO, who consults with the territory on implementing the initiative.

It’s a vision first outlined by William Booth in “In Darkest England and the Way Out” when he said: “Go for souls and go for the worst.”

“The ARC can be compared to a hospital, a triage, working with highly dysfunctional human beings whose lives are a mess—family relationships are confused, 75 percent are coming from prison and many are homeless,” Linsell said. “But no one wants to live in a hospital all their lives; they want to live in a home. In The Salvation Army structure, the corps is the home.”

Harvest Initiative work is underway in the territory, with intentional plans in place from Seattle to Denver, Phoenix, Honolulu, along with Riverside, Anaheim, Pasadena, and San Diego, Calif.

“Time and again I hear from ARC graduates who remain linked to a corps that the key was that ‘someone cared for me, loved me,’” he said. “That’s the role of the corps, to build authentic relationships.”

Corps are using Sunday school, Bible study, music, sports and service outreach as opportunities to build the connection between people, along with intentional outreach to engage and welcome families of ARC beneficiaries and graduates. Linsell said the next step is to get the housing and employment elements in place. He is currently looking at a model that would find soldiers or advisory board members to rent houses for transitional living.

“We want to challenge soldiers to do this as part of their Salvationism,” he said. “The goal is by the end of 2014 to link every ARC to a corps in the territory, and ensure each is being intentional about the relationship.”

2011

SPRING FALL

First caucus meets to discuss bridging ARC beneficiaries to the corps.

ARC software undergoes upgrade to better connect with graduate and non-completers of the program.

College for Officer Training at Crestmont (CFOT) launches “Introduction to Addiction and Recovery” course and opens ARC fieldwork placements for cadets.

Pilot programs are established in Pasadena and Anaheim, Calif., and in Honolulu, Hawaii.

2012

NOVEMBER

Second caucus meets; establishes concentration on education.

Additional programs are established in Seattle, Portland, and San Diego, Calif.

2013

MARCH JULY DECEMBER

ARC education plan against addiction stigma established.

Youth substance abuse awareness program launches at CFOT. Transitional living centers for ARC alumni are opened by the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps and Anaheim Praiseworks.

2014

APRIL

Addiction education workshops launch for officers, soldiers, families of beneficiaries and youth.

Additional programs are established in San Francisco, Oakland, Calif., and Phoenix, Ariz.

MAY

Time and again I hear from ARC graduates who remain linked to a corps that the key was that ‘someone cared for me, loved me.’ —DEREK LINSELL

“ARC 101” class trials begin in Southern California to inform officers and soldiers on the ARC work.

JULY OCTOBER

Third caucus meets, emphasizing a need for linking ARC beneficiaries to jobs and housing.

Soldier’s caucus meets to discuss ARC integration within corps.

First ARC Convention, “Count Me In,” takes place at Anaheim Convention Center in California.

Visit newfrontierchronicle.org/ harvest for timeline links to previous coverage.

November 2014 • New Frontier CHRONICLE SPECIAL EDITION—VII

A new look at addiction and recovery

BY GLEN DOSS, MAJOR

I

t is commonly understood within the medical community today that alcohol and drug addiction is an involuntary disability, which, if left untreated, can be terminal. The new Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) recovery program for those seeking membership in The Salvation Army acknowledges the chronic nature of the disease, incorporating the disciplines of the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-step program into its official text.

In so doing, the “Called to Be God’s Own” program, using the manual by the same name, recaptures the original vision of The Salvation Army Founder William Booth.

“Major Doss superimposes the AA 12-step program with The Salvation Army’s doctrines to create a synthesis that can help address the disconnect between the ARC alumni and adherents with the corps,” said Major John Greholver, Sacramento ARC administrator. “His use of Scripture, personal stories, ‘questions to think about,’ and wisdom from Salvation Army leaders combine to create a potential blueprint for effectively bringing the recovery model into the local corps and into other levels of Salvation Army service. In this sense, the book captures the original vision of William Booth in creating a movement driven by saints in recovery from sin, sharing their witness of a Christ who can do all things.”

Booth was familiar with alcoholism. Drunkards, thieves, prostitutes and gamblers were among his first converts to Christianity. Known as the “Hallelujah Army,” these converts spread out of the East End of London into neighboring areas and then to other cities. They became soldiers of Christ and were known then, as now, as Salvationists.

Addiction may start out as sin but develops into a disease; consequently, in helping addicts, the needs of the whole person must be addressed. Booth understood this well, declaring alcoholism “as clearly a disease as opthalmia or stone.” He taught that Christian salvation in a moral and wholesome environment may save both the body and the soul. The AA basic text, “Alcoholics Anonymous,” also recognizes this: “We have been not only mentally and physically ill, we have been spiritually sick.” Because the disease is chronic—the addict can never safely resume drug or alcohol use—the treatment must be far-sighted. Working the 12-step program must be an integral part of the daily life of the recovering person.

The wholesome environment provided by a welcoming church home can make the difference between life and death. Research shows that those en-

gaged in a full recovery program—participation in a home church as well as AA/NA meetings and 12-step work—rarely relapse. Recovering addicts find that they are still dependent, but now their dependence has shifted to a loving God and the inner strength they acquire in a relationship with him as they worship him within a church body.

If ARC and corps officers can agree on integrating the 12-step model into corps membership coursework, then the “Called to Be God’s Own” program may have fertile ground in which to grow. We want our men and women in recovery to keep their walk with Jesus Christ current and active. This is their only hope for lasting sobriety, inner peace and eternal life.

Accordingly, I propose the following: (1) An adherent course, using the text “Called to Be God’s Own” (perhaps along with supplementary materials), be made available to ARC beneficiaries after they have more than 45 days in the program.

ARC alumni and others in recovery should be invited to join. The course should meet weekly for 10-12 weeks either at the ARC or local corps. When those who complete the course are ready for soldiership, then a class covering only supplementary material may suffice.

(2) A soldiership course, using the text “Called to Be God’s Own” (perhaps along with supplementary materials), be made available to ARC alumni with at least nine months of sobriety, as well as others in recovery with similar time in sobriety. It should also meet weekly for 10-12 weeks, and in some cases might be in supplement to the adherent course.

From the pages of “Called to Be God’s Own”: “A key element in recovery is the recognition that we are engaged in spiritual warfare….It is not enough to simply surrender; now we must press on, actively and obediently following our Captain’s orders. If we do not do so, we lose all we have gained: ‘We trust infinite God, not our finite selves.’”|NFC

Major Doss superimposes the AA 12-step program with The Salvation Army’s doctrines to create a synthesis that can help address the disconnect between the ARC alumni and adherents with the corps.’ ­ —MAJOR JOHN GREHOLVER

Page VIII窶年ew Frontier CHRONICLE SPECIAL EDITION 窶｢ November 2014

|Photos by Ron Bawden