We need Christians with their sleeves rolled up.
The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years
~
—General-Elect Commissioner Linda Bond
February 23, 2011 • Vol. 29, No. 3
Commissioning 2011
Spirit aflame!
n Commissioning weekend is June 11-12. BY MARTIN HUNT Spirit Aflame! is the theme for this year’s Commissioning weekend— June 11-12, at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. All are invited to join the celebration of what the Lord has done in the lives of our soon to be commissioned officers. Always a significant occasion for The Salvation Army, Commissioning weekends offer moments of corporate worship and commitment to the Lord and the Army. They include solemn moments of kneeling before the Lord in response to his calling, and pleading for his Holy Spirit to fill us. Many officers think back to their own Commissioning and thank God for those who supported them. Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs will lead their first USA Western Territory Commissioning this year, challenging us through their preaching and teaching. They will have the honor of commissioning 43 cadets of the Ambassadors of Holiness Session. The 2011 Commissioning weekend will include an opportunity for Spiritual Life training. Lt. Colonels Richard and Janet Munn from International Headquarters will present a series of workshops—all Salvationists are encouraged to attend. These sessions have been designed to challenge us specifically in our holy living and development as Christians. For the first time in several years, Commissioning weekend will also include the presentation of a musical on Saturday evening. The musical will be Brengle: My Life’s Ambition, by Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood, a thought-provoking story designed to inspire viewers to seek real holy living. Traditional elements of Commissioning weekend will include Bible Bowl competition, fellowship opportunities and inspiring music. Tickets and hotel reservation information will be available soon. NOTE: Recent commissioning publicity inadvertantely attributed the wrong testimony to Cadet Stacy M. Antonovich. The THQ program department apologizes for any confusion this may have caused. Cadet Antonovich’s testimony is: “I came to the Army as the result of a Sunday school contest when I was 3 years old. I went forward and accepted Christ a year later at Family Camp. While I have no memory of this, The Salvation Army provided a safe and loving place for me to grow up as well as the people to help me grow closer to God. Commissioning is the start of the adventure of officership that God called me to as a teenager and now has brought to reality for my life.”
Meet the General-Elect
Photo by Paul Harmer
An interview with Commissioner Linda Bond BY LAURIE ROBERTSON, ing and wanting the leaders LT. COLONEL to get it right. I don’t mean In her first interview that in terms of it being a since being elected the next human decision, but that international leader of The Salvationists are wanting Salvation Army, Generalthe leaders to be open to the Elect Commissioner Linda Spirit of God. High Council Bond responded to the members want to be sensiquestions of Lt. Colonel tive not only to God, but Laurie Robertson, internaalso to Salvationists who tional communications sec- Commissioner Linda Bond are trusting them with this Photo by Paul Harmer retary, editor-in-chief and decision. literary secretary. How the election of a Salvation Background Army General differs from the Recently I contributed to a book in election of a political leader the Australia Eastern Territory, and Well, there is no lobbying, for one this is how I described my background. thing! The major difference is that it I was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, is bathed in prayer. Unlike a political as the youngest of 13 children. My election, only a certain group has a mother was British, migrating to vote yet all the Salvationists are praying Canada with her parents when she was for the High Council members to be 17 years old. My Canadian father was granted wisdom by the Spirit. a coal miner. You can’t grow up in Spiritual leadership in a a large family, having a mother with Salvation Army context a keen mind and a fiery spirit and a I have very deep convictions about father as gentle as a lamb and selfless as spiritual leadership, and for many years Jesus, without being influenced. I am I taught classes on spiritual authormy mother’s child by nature, and my ity. To me the first point of spiritual father’s child by desire. authority is that power belongs to God. The coal-mining town and political The power that he delegates to us has environment in which I was raised also to be a power of love, the power to die affected the way I view life and I thank to self, the power to live for others, the the Lord for this. The marginalized, power for people and not over people. the poor and the addicted were part of Also, whatever gifts he’s given you the community landscape, and my parinfluence how you serve. So if he has ents were committed to seeing things given the gift of leadership, you serve change for the hurting. This was conbest when you lead. If he has given the sistent with what I later learned to be gift of preaching, you serve best when the Lord’s mission—and the Army’s. you preach. For everybody in spiritual leadership—we come under the authorReflections on nomination ity of God. Ours is a delegated influence. and election as General When I was nominated I felt it was Connecting with God an affirmation from my peers. My For many years now I have set aside overall feeling was that “this is of the BOND , page 5 Lord.” He had been speaking to my heart through Scripture, and although I had not intended to, I accepted Swanson to remain nomination in obedience to the Lord. Chief of the Staff I felt that I had to wait to see what he General-Elect Commissioner Linda wanted to do. When I was elected I was Bond requested Commissioner Barry humbled, but I had a real sense that this was the Lord’s doing. To me it was Swanson continue to serve in his present capacity as the Chief of the Staff. The a miracle—it was a work of grace. The High Council—a daunting experience It is daunting—and this was my third High Council—because the whole Salvation Army world is watch-
General-Elect has appointed Commissioner Sue Swanson to serve as the World President of Women’s Ministries effective April 2. Commissioner Sue Swanson will also continue to serve as World President, Salvation Army Scouts, Guides and Guards.
The High Council included the following officers from the USA Western Territory: Commissioners Donald and Debi Bell, Commissioners Ken and Jolene Hodder, Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, Commissioners Kurt and Alicia Burger and Commissioners Paul and Carol Seiler. Photo by Paul Harmer
Western High Council delegates comment on selection of General-Elect
“My wife and I left London with the strong conviction that we elected the right person to be our next General. We prayed a lot. We discussed a lot. Then we voted, several times. In the end: the right person. I believe God led the High Council and has honored our work as he has in the past. The challenges facing the new General are ominous; our support of General-Elect Bond vital and our reliance on him who called us into being essential. Alicia and I wish Commissioner Bond God’s blessing and pray for his guidance for her and the entire worldwide Salvation Army. “ —Commissioners Kurt & Alicia Burger Territorial Leaders Switzerland, Austria and Hungary
“Commissioner Linda Bond will be an outstanding General. Her knowledge and experience equip her to reveal the Army’s past. She possesses the wisdom to comprehend its present, and she has the spiritual sensitivity to anticipate its future. Under God’s guidance, the 2011 High Council has made a wise choice, and I will join with Salvationists around the world in prayerfully supporting her in the days to come.“ —Commissioner Ken Hodder International Secretary for Personnel International Headquarters
“It has been said that the value of consistent prayer is not that God will hear us, but that we will hear him. Knowing the Army world was praying for the proceedings to elect our next General, my heart was at peace. General-Elect Linda Bond is without doubt God’s choice for this time in the Army’s history. With continued prayer and support, our new General will lead us into exciting days ahead. “ —Commissioner Jolene Hodder Associate International Secretary for Personnel International Headquarters GENERAL-ELECT , page 7
Inside: Frontlines................................2 The West..................................2 Women.....................................4 In Process................................6
From the Desk of..................6 Life Lines..................................7 On the Corner........................7 Doing the Most Good
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Doing the Most Good
February 23, 2011 New Frontier
NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35, NIV)
Finding the ‘missing peace’ n Western Territory’s Missing Persons department helps reunite family members.
Karen Gleason
Kisses from Cupid For Valentine’s Day, Editor the Yuba/Sutter Corps’ youth group sold “Kisses from Cupid.” For $5, teens delivered a handmade Valentine card, a rose, and chocolate kisses to sweethearts in the bi-county area. Money raised will fund tickets to “The Rock and Worship Road Show,” a concert including MercyMe, Jars of Clay, and Thousand Foot Krutch. Last year, a group attended and returned with strong testimonies. “Being surrounded by so many other believers gave me a sense of belonging— the music was amazing, too,” said Taylor Harrington. Pahrump participates in Job Shadow Day The Pahrump (Nev.) Corps partnered with Project 5000 Kids for National Job Shadow Day, providing five hours of training in film production. Fifteen young people from the community came to the corps to learn about screenwriting and film production. During the last two hours, they shot a three-minute script. Tony Mendoza—corps soldier and professional filmmaker—and writing expert Jacob Blodget instructed the youth. Corps officers are Captains Mark and Monica King. “This captures the spirit of William Booth—through innovation and creative use of modern resources,” said Mendoza. “This outside the box way of thinking [exhibited by the Army] is what led me to become a soldier of The Salvation Army.” Final Friday outreach The teens at California’s Monterey Peninsula Corps began “Final Friday” (last Friday of each month) as an outreach to get teenagers into a church environment where they feel comfortable. Some come only for Final Friday; others are now attending the weekly youth group. “Either way,” said Corps Assistant Melissa Felkins, “we’ll keep providing opportunities to learn why following Christ matters in their lives.” January’s Final Friday had a serious theme—violence among teenagers. The youth filled a box with prayer requests for friends, family and classmates. February’s Final Friday will be more lighthearted, with a Minute to Win It style tournament. Grant will benefit homeless veterans In Los Angeles, The Salvation Army’s The Haven and Westwood Transitional Village for the homeless received a $160,000 grant from Disabled Veterans Charities on Jan. 9. Director of Charities, Debra-Lynne Terrill, presented the check to Lt. Colonel Victor Leslie, divisional commander, and Major Ian Robinson, community relations and development director, both from the Southern California Division. The Charities supports proven, successful, long-term rehabilitation programs for homeless veterans in local communities by channeling income from its thrift stores to deserving agencies. It has given more than $1 million to the Haven and Westwood programs over the last two decades. Appointment changes Mr. Tom Melott has been appointed territorial finance director (Business Administration department, Territorial Headquarters), effective Feb. 2. Lt. Colonels Zoilo and Magali Pardo have been appointed, respectively, divisional multicultural ministries secretary and associate divisional multi-cultural ministries secretary (Southwest Division), effective March 17.
The “missing peace” is not as easy to find as it may seem. The Salvation Army received its first missing person inquiry—from a mother looking for her son—in February 1882 in London, England. Since then The Salvation Army Missing Persons Services has expanded its ministry to many of the over 120 countries in which it operates today. Through the years, this outreach program has maintained its original focus. While staying true to its mission, the program has had many names: Private Investigators, Detective Agency with a spiritual mission, a ministry of family reconciliation, God’s Private Eye; A family reunited: (L-R) Doug, Walter, Scott and Donna Sanctified Sleuths, and the title of a recent book, No Longer Missing. The mission of The Salvation Army Missing Persons Service is: “In the name of Jesus Christ: to seek to restore family Cheryl, called to say she had found it. relationships by tracing relatives with n Family reunited with help of I contacted Lois with the number. Lois whom contact has been lost; and thereby Missing Persons department mentioned that she was going to try the to bring reunion, reconciliation and DMV. She asked me to write a note to renewed hope to families.” This mission BY LOIS SELLARS Walt; she would forward the note to the relates scripturally to the story of the Donna first contacted the Western DMV for me. I included my phone numProdigal Son. Territory’s Missing Persons department in ber in the note. By now, maybe a year had Today we look for children, parents, July 2009, hoping that we could help her siblings and other relatives who have lost locate her brother, Walter, whom she hadn’t gone by. More time passed. Eventually, I got contact with each other. The Salvation seen for over six years. She was concerned a call from a “Michelle,” who told me Army Missing Persons staff does not just about him. that Walt was alive and well and that the locate family members but helps to work We continued the search for Walter note I sent had made her cry. Michelle through the process of reuniting them. throughout 2009 and 2010, until finally, and Walt met at a hospital and have lived This takes time for the research, and in November 2010, we reached our missing together for the last six years. That was patience while family members decide person. nice to hear—we hadn’t known if he was whether or not they want to be reunited. Here Donna writes about how this proalive. I called my brothers and sister— The staff takes the time to talk with the cess—and the ultimate reunion—impacted everyone was pleased that he was alive individuals, helping them work out their her family’s life: and happy. Walt and I talked a few times concerns—often from years ago—that on the phone before picking a date to affect the potential reunion. It often I found my brother, Walter Shelton, meet for lunch. takes some time for family members to with the help of The Salvation Army. He During that lunch, Walt and Michelle decide how to progress with a possible had been missing for about six or seven announced plans to go to Las Vegas to new person in their lives. years. After recalling that my brother had get married. My husband, Marshall, Many people have helped our search worked for The Salvation Army a few asked, “Why don’t you get married at our ministry—through assistance in locatyears ago, I talked to my friends, Mike house?” ing people, sharing this ministry with and Elsa—both retired from the Los Michelle was thrilled and that is exactly others, or with financial donations. We Angeles Police Department—who told me thank you for your contributions. Only to check with The Salvation Army because what we are going to do—how fun! My brother Doug’s wife, Linda, is going to through the kindness and generosity of they might have some old records. I did marry them. Everyone is participating in others are we able to continue this minthis and discovered that they have a missistry. ing persons division. So the search was on the celebration. Walt and Michelle haven’t set a date yet, but I’m sure I will be getting Look to future issues of New Frontier with the help of Lois Sellars. another phone call soon. for stories from the Missing Persons I contacted my two other brothers, Thanks again to Lois and The Salvation ministry. Doug Shelton and H. Scott Shelton, and Army for bringing together our family. Major Douglas Peacock is the director my sister, Gloria Shumaker. We were Lois Sellars is a casework manager in the of the Western Territory’s Missing Persons trying to find Walt’s social security numMissing Persons department. department. ber, but no one had it. Then Scott’s wife,
Searching for a missing brother
Getting lives back on track at the Depot n Ministry of the Yuba/ Sutter Corps recognizes clients’ achievements. BY CHRISTINA REED The graduates’ stories were different—yet all had the common elements of addiction, alcoholism, and most importantly a desire to finally change their lives. This desire led them to The Salvation Army’s Depot Family Crisis Center, a ministry of the Yuba/Sutter Corps located in Marysville, Calif. The Depot’s six-month in-house treatment program includes daily group therapy, which addresses substance abuse, codependency, anger management, vocational education, relationships and
Alexis Montes
Photo by Kim Stambaugh
other life skills issues. Depot staff members and Yuba/ Sutter Corps Officers Captains Thomas and Kimberly Stambaugh create a structured and supportive environment that encourages clients to get their lives back on track. Each month, the Depot holds a graduation ceremony for participants who have
completed the program requirements. They share their achievements with fellow clients, staff, friends and family. At the February ceremony, five graduates shared a PowerPoint presentation depicting their stories with about 60 people. These tales of pain, hopelessness and despair eventually led each of them to The Salvation Army for refuge. Alexis Montes’ story began when she was age 12, when she started drinking and smoking marijuana regularly and soon discovered methamphetamine. “Meth was the only thing I cared about and the only thing that cared about me,” she said. Through the treatment
she received at The Salvation Army, she learned that life was still worth living and that we do have choices. “We never do know what the future holds for any of us and we are not guaranteed tomorrow,” she said, “so what does that leave us—just today.” Montes, now with goals and hope for the future, witnessed to the grace of Jesus, who resurrected her from a life of pain. Each month at these ceremonies, Depot graduates— people whom society often view only as statistics—share similar stories of transformation and redemption, thanks to the strength and guidance of Jesus Christ and The Salvation Army.
Doing the Most Good
February 23, 2011 New Frontier
‘We are on the Lord’s side!’ n Southern California Salvationists unite at Soldiers’ Rally. BY ALEEN BRADLEY Six hundred strong—officers, soldiers and friends of The Salvation Army Southern California Division congregated at the Los Angeles Central Corps on Jan. 30 for a Soldiers’ Rally, overcoming the distractions of a Los Angeles Lakers game with the united focus: “We are on the Lord’s side!” This opening declaration manifested itself throughout the evening’s program. The Southern California Divisional Youth Band presented arrangements acknowledging the vastness of the Christian world and of the ultimate supremacy of the Lord. The Massed Singing Company offered a prayer song and the Santa Monica Praise and Worship Band encouraged soldiers to ask the Spirit of the Lord to “fall afresh on us.” Video presentations delivered by soldiers Guy Noland, Leonor Portillo and Dennis King, encouraged attendees that, on the Lord’s side, we do not find ourselves alone but we fight his fight with a great Army. This was further emphasized by the presentation of the Distinguished Junior Soldier Award to Valerie Duran of the Torrance Corps, and the Distinguished Senior Soldier Award to Ruben Reyes of the Los Angeles Central Corps, as well as a number of honors for youth and troops in the division. Major Steven Bradley, divisional program secretary, and Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Victor Leslie worked together to challenge the congregation to listen, to take heart and to com-
My first year as an officer n ‘Stormy Weather’ might be the O’Briens’ theme song for their Flagstaff appointment.
(L-R) Lt. Colonel Rose-Marie Leslie, Distinguished Junior Soldier Valerie Duran, Lt. Colonel Victor Leslie, Torrance Corps Officers Majors Karen and Julio Vasquez Photo by Daniel Roman
mit themselves fully and enthusiastically to the Lord by characterizing a soldier’s heart, a soldier’s obedience and a soldier’s resolve. Listeners were confronted with the reality of a world in need of soldiers who will stand up to declare their allegiance and who will work to build and increase the kingdom of God. When asked: “Are you listening? Whose side are you on?” the assembly declared individually and corporately, “We are on the Lord’s side!”
‘I was arrested and it was The Salvation Army’s fault!’ n Man credits The Salvation Army for the defining moments of his life. BY JEN ARENS Salvationists marched alongside hundreds of clergy and citizens of San Francisco on Jan. 17, to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. Among the marchers was 82-year-old civil rights activist Irving Katuna, who was excited to walk next to a Salvationist. “I think it’s ironic that I’m walking with The Salvation Army during this march, because they’re the reason I was arrested at the original march,” Katuna said. Katuna credits his teaching career, his passion for civil rights, and even his multiple arrests to The Salvation Army. In the early 1950s, The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Youth Association hired Katuna, then a college student, to work with kids in a predominantly black neighborhood of San Francisco. “To this day I still can’t believe The Salvation Army took a chance on a goofy Jewish kid,” said Katuna. The Salvation Army paid him $1 an hour—not much even by the standards of the early 1950s, but that job changed his life forever. “I got my first teaching job because they were impressed with my work with The Salvation Army,” he said. “They told me that if I could handle that neighborhood I could handle anything.” Katuna became a teacher and spent his 37-year career in the toughest urban schools in San Francisco. He credits
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Irving Katuna (second from left) during the historic Selma march
landing his first real job to his experience at The Salvation Army, but he also jokingly blames them for getting him arrested. In 1965, Katuna was teaching at a school a few blocks from the Army’s officer training school when his rabbi organized a group to help Dr. King. With his wife and four small children safely at home, Katuna headed to Selma to march in what would later be referred to as “Bloody Sunday.” “We must have looked fairly foolish being arrested in our suits and ties, but I would do it all over again,” Katuna said. “The Salvation Army helped me realize that I needed to risk everything for the welfare of others so that’s what I did.” Katuna was arrested twice during the
Photo courtesy of Irving Katuna
marches in Selma but he doesn’t mind. “I was arrested and it was The Salvation Army’s fault—they cultivated the idea that I needed to fight for others, that I wasn’t just marching for the rights of AfricanAmericans that day. I was marching for women, Latinos, and Chinese; anyone who didn’t have the same rights that I did. Look at how much things have changed since that day. I’m glad that The Salvation Army got me arrested.” Although he just turned 82, Katuna’s life still reflects his experiences with The Salvation Army; he is active with the Lion’s Club and his synagogue, and with his grandchildren.
COME JOIN OUR ARMY The Salvation Army Henderson (Nev.) Center for Worship and Service enrolled new soldiers Mark and Bonnie Harmon on Jan. 23. Majors Robert and Rhonda Lloyd, Clark County coordinator and director of special services, respectively, presided. Bonnie Harmon played a large part in the Christmas Angel Tree program and Mark Harmon is the song leader during Sunday worship. Majors Will and Beverly Cobb are Henderson corps officers. Pictured (l-r) are: Mark Harmon, Bonnie Harmon, Majors Robert and Rhonda Lloyd, Catalina Lucas, Bandmaster Arnold Pierce and Andy Rivers. Photo courtesy of Clark County Command
BY MICHAEL O’BRIEN, LT. Wildfires, floods and tornados—little did I know what I was headed for in June 2010, when I, with my wife, Jillian (then six months pregnant) and our 1-year-old daughter, Brynn, walked across the stage in anticipation of our first appointment as newly commissioned officers in The Salvation Army. What we knew about our assignment was minimal. We knew it was the home of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. We knew it was home to Lowell Observatory, discoverers of the once-planet Pluto. We knew it was a beautiful place to stop for Starbucks on the way to the Grand Canyon. What we didn’t know was what Flagstaff, Ariz., would have in store for us when we got there. The week before we arrived, a 15,000-acre wildfire consumed Flagstaff. Thankfully, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team rushed into action, meeting the immediate need of those affected by the fire. Our little family arrived for our first day of officership thinking we had dodged the bullet and that the EDS work was behind us. Not so. Monsoons soon arrived, and freshly burned mountain areas created the perfect luge for debris that pushed residents out of their homes, destroying all property in its path. Taking what little we knew about EDS, our team went to work doing what good we could for those people affected by the flooding. Jillian, largely pregnant, and little Brynn helped the other team members pass out lunch bags from the back of a truck to those hurriedly packing sandbags to protect their homes. Flooding wasn’t the only natural disaster coming our way. Tornadoes touched down before we had finished wrapping up casework for those affected by the fire and floods. Fortunately, the damage was not widespread. Following the fires, floods, tornadoes and the Christmas season was Flagstaff’s favorite weather system—snow—two feet in one day. While snow is not unusual for local Flagstaffians, this Southern California family was totally caught totally off guard by how much work snow entails. Through it all our family has come to know, even more than before, that God is our refuge and strength, an everpresent help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress (Psalm 46:1-3,7). Seven months in and officership has already come with more trials than we ever could have imagined or expected—from natural disaster to deep spiritual need. With our focus on him and not our own shortcomings, God has proved himself over and over again to be faithful through every situation.
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Women
February 23, 2011 New Frontier
H
Doing the Most Good
BY CHARLEEN BRADLEY, MAJOR
Develop leadership skills Equip leaders Enrich Women’s Ministires Provide spiritual resfreshment
ave you ever explored a mine seeking buried treasure? Women officers and lay leaders representing the Western Territory did just that at the recent Dig Deep, Equipping Women for Leadership Conference held Jan. 21-23. Did they mine for gold, rubies and diamonds? No, they were seeking an even better and longer lasting treasure—a deeper knowledge of the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God (Romans 11:33A NIV). Led by Colonel Susan Harfoot, territorial secretary for women’s ministries, and her conference committee, the Dig Deep Women’s Ministries Leadership Conference was a goldmine of riches where leaders were able to: D—Develop leadership skills and find fresh vision for women’s ministries; E—Equip leaders with tools and skills to more effectively reach out and win women for the kingdom of God; E—Enrich women’s ministries programs and strive for excellence; P—Provide personal spiritual refreshment and growth for each woman in attendance. The special guest speaker for the weekend was Lt. Colonel Barbara Hunter, divisional commander of the Southern New England Division, Eastern Territory. Hunter’s dynamic and deep devotional messages during the plenary sessions provided a rich treasure from God’s Word, reminding delegates that when the pressures of the world seem most crushing and perplexing, God’s surpassing power is available to meet those demands. Praise and worship led by Major Lisa Smith was another rich treasure that ushered us into the presence of God during these sessions. The worship experience was also enhanced by rich exposition of the Word of God by Major Michele Lescano, who shared her own experience and love of mining. Dressed as a miner, she shared that like the miner—who must be diligent and determined when exploring a mine—we must also dig deep to find the treasures of God’s word. She challenged each delegate to see that we are all diamonds in the rough and that we can be transformed into his image if we mine the depths of his Word. Creative presentations were also part of the worship experience. Joy and Praise Lee’s interpretive dance “Change in the Making” depicted how each individual
must discover the hidden treasures and gifts that God has given her in order to walk with him more fully. Major Jeanne Baker amazed us all with a sand painting presentation of “Redeemer,” blessing each
woman that was present. Numerous workshops were available for the women to explore, designed to provide deeper personal understanding and to allow the discovery of new and
Worship band led by Major Lisa Smith
(L-R) Major LeAnn Trimmer, Cadet Ryan Boyd, Major Cindy Dickinson and Captain Regina Shull
Dig deep
(L-R) Major Mariam Rudd, Susan Lawrence, Lt. Colonel Barbara Hunter and Colonel Susan Harfoot
Photo by Jeanne Baker
255 women gather at Pacific Palms Conference Center, City of Industry, Calif.
Major Michele Lescano
Photo by Jeanne Baker
Photo by Susan Harfoot
Cadet Melissa Xiong
Photo by Susan Harfoot
Joy and Praise Lee
Photo by Cindy Dickinson
exciting programming ideas to meet the needs of today’s women. One delegate remarked that the workshop “strengthened and stretched her awareness of needed growth.” Special guest Susan Lawrence, from Group Publishing Girlfriends Unlimited, led a dynamic workshop called “Growing Women.” Lawrence is gifted in the area of equipping women in leadership to meet the needs of other women while balancing their own needs. What a treasure for women Salvation Army officers and leaders who sometimes are challenged in this area of their ministry. The women leaders could also mine the wealth of program ideas in the Saturday afternoon exhibit hall. Professionally presented, each booth offered information and educational resources that will enrich women’s ministries programs and inspire women to strive for excellence. Zechariah 9:16-17a says, The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How attractive and beautiful they will be! Each woman who attended this conference surely returned home “sparkling” with the knowledge that “digging deep” for the riches of God will attract and win women for the kingdom of God.
Photo by Susan Harfoot
Doing the Most Good
BOND
February 23, 2011
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from page 1
an hour of devotional time in the morning, but I am aware of the presence of the Lord all through the day. Because I live alone I have a lot of private time. I like to have day retreats. When I have a Saturday free, I like to spend quality time in the Word and reading a good book. But mainly I love the Word. I pray the Word. Jesus said to go into the closet [to pray]. The closet to me is the Psalms. When I enter the Psalms I meet with Jesus. I guess I could say that of the whole Bible. The Bible to me is where I enter into the presence of God and I hear his voice, and so I pray the Bible back to the Lord. The Army’s mission—relevant and valid around the world today Well, everybody seems to quote Retired General John Gowans and I, too, think he captured the mission of The Salvation Army in his phrase “Save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.” Salvationists seem to know instinctively that the Army was raised up by God to connect people to Jesus. They also know that we believe that people can be holy now, that they can be Christlike. It’s in our DNA to serve. So that is the mission of the Army and those are the guideposts for us. How is it relevant? Well, the world needs Jesus—that’s pretty relevant, isn’t it? The ills of mankind are not going to be addressed by any other means, except through the Cross of Christ. When we talk about the relevance of holiness, this world needs to see that the people of God make holiness believable. It needs to see authentic, deep Christians who live out the life of Jesus and do not just talk about it. There is suffering humanity—all we have to do is watch television on any given night or look around our communities and say: “We need Christians with their sleeves rolled up.” The Salvation Army’s distinctive qualities I have often felt that our name not only identifies us, but also tells us what our mission is. I love the fact that our very name is Salvation, and for the Salvationist that salvation means everything. It means salvation from sin; it means a full salvation that invites us to holy living. It is salvation for the whole person. This salvation moves us to address human need and to do so in his name. We are known for serving suffering humanity. We are also an “army,” which reflects mobility, flexibility, discipline, active service. That’s distinctive. Our symbols are distinctive and our wor-
ship is often very spontaneous—as it should be. I love the Salvation Army testimony period and where it has been lost it needs to be revived, because we are in a day and age that loves to share and hear stories. I think our mercy seat is brilliant—and I don’t mean to be sacrilegious in saying that! There is something about being in worship and knowing that the Word of Christ, when proclaimed, can be responded to then and there. To me there’s always something special about kneeling before God in front of the community of faith. It’s not just coming to the Lord, believing he meets us there. You know you are surrounded by people who have seen your commitment, and that they also covenant to pray for you. I truly believe in our stand on the sacraments. The Lord needs some part of the Church to prove that you don’t need ceremonies to be truly saved, committed and Christlike. That in no way is a negative comment about how other people view the sacraments, not at all. The Lord has brought us all up with different views of things, and I feel the Army’s teaching is sound. It’s a wonderful prophetic witness. Commitment to junior soldiership, soldiership and local officership/leadership I am absolutely convinced we have to be asking people to step up and sign up. I often use that phrase. Jesus called people to radical discipleship and in The Salvation Army that is soldiership and officership. We need to be asking people not just to be members of the Army. I don’t see soldiership as membership or officership as professional clergy. Our people must believe the Army was raised up by God to be at war against anything that limits the human spirit or keeps it in bondage. We need a fighting force, and soldiership and officership are that for me. The need for more officers Officers are not better than anybody else—we need to be clear about that. Officership by its nature is about availability and mobility. In a worldwide Salvation Army we need people who are prepared to serve anywhere and be of service to the cause of Christ, with all their gifts. We need people who are available. So the more officers the better! We need officers who see this not as a profession in a secular sense but as sacrificial service. Officership needs to underscore sacrifice. Gift-oriented ministry appointments I do believe in gift-oriented ministry appointments, but I would have to be honest with you—I have been given appointments where not just the gifts I had were needed. They were requiring of me some-
thing else that I didn’t feel gifted for. I believe the Lord honors obedience. When he called me to officership, I just had to say: “You have all there is of me.” If he asks something of me he will grace me for the task. In my earlier officership no one would have thought I had a gift of administration, but I kept getting administrative appointments. I never stopped preaching, I never stopped teaching and I never stopped relating to people. They were my gifts, but I had to rise up to the challenge of administration. The last gift test I took—lo and behold—I had the gift of administration! God has gifted us and we need to be available to use our gifts. I would never minimize that, but I sometimes wonder if we put more stress on gift-oriented ministry than we do on obedience. Again, if we obey the Lord Jesus Christ and he asks us to rise to a challenge, we have to believe that there will be grace to rise to that challenge. Strengths of the Army worldwide Our name [is a strength], because we are known in most places and are found trustworthy. Trustworthiness is a huge part of what makes us effective. People trust us and we never want to lose that. Another strength of the Army, I believe, is its mission, which is so clearly defined. You would be hard pressed to find a Salvationist who did not know the mission. There is something about being very clear about our purpose that makes The Salvation Army as effective as it is. Our visibility is also a strength. People recognize our uniforms and logos. We have a long history yet we are known in society as an organization that is able to change its methods to relate to each generation while holding true to its essential principles. We must continue to do this, to be adaptable and flexible but principled. Using the Army’s strengths to lovingly introduce people to Jesus Christ Because we are trustworthy, the Army does have an entrance point in people’s lives. There is graciousness about evangelism that the Army must have. We have so many open doors of opportunity through our service to suffering humanity We can touch people’s lives, not just to help with their social needs, but to reach into the deep recesses of their hearts with the good news of Jesus. This means that we need to pray for such opportunities and then when they come, to take advantage of them with grace and clarity. Main challenges ahead It is a challenge to serve in a very complex world without losing sight of our mission. We must also serve in a secular world and never be ashamed of Jesus. Both will take courage, wisdom and grace. Pasadena Tabernacle Corps • Pasadena, CA
YOUTH MINISTRY DIRECTOR
The Pasadena Tabernacle Corps is looking for an experienced and skilled Youth Ministry Director. The director is responsible for developing and coordinating age-appropriate programs, activities and Bible studies for all corps youth. This is a full-time exempt position. Qualifications: • Salvationist Christian in good standing who is mature, organized and highly motivated. • Bachelor’s degree and significant formal training, success and experience in the field of youth ministry programs, spiritual development and Christian education. Master’s degree preferred. • Exceptional team-building and leadership skills. • Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Salary commensurate with experience. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. To apply: E-mail resume and letter of introduction to Diana.Bittinger@usw.salvationarmy.org
We are all called to serve the present age. Sometimes we use the term relevance. Well, relevance is fine as long as we don’t mean compromise. While serving the present age, there are some things that we could never compromise. The primary one is the universal saviorhood of Jesus. He is the only Savior and we must never compromise our stand on the gospel. Bringing children to Jesus This is a passion for me and it’s not just about spiritual nurture. I am passionate about bringing children to Jesus. I guess I served in the years when we had the Sunday school movement and the bus ministries and the big Sunday schools—and it seems to have died out. I am surprised at how many corps don’t have youth or children’s ministries. The Salvation Army needs to focus on reaching children for Jesus. There are children in dysfunctional homes, there are children in violent neighborhoods, there are children who will grow up without the gospel at all. The Salvation Army needs to make reaching children for Jesus and training them up in the faith one of its main priorities. This will be a major focus of my ministry. Using technology I like using technology actually—I just love it! We need to explore every means to use technology to its best advantage in order to fulfill our mission to the world. As for a blog—again, for me it would be a matter of finding the time. But more importantly, I hope to visit and travel frequently, and I know from experience that in many parts of the Army world, it can be extremely difficult if not impossible to get online. But the Office of the General will require me to communicate by every means possible. I will do that. For many, they will expect to hear of these travels through a blog. Others will welcome regular electronic letters. But best of all is face-to-face contact and traveling will give lots of opportunity for this. Looking ahead to the end of your term—how might the Army be different than it is today? I don’t really have a good answer for that, as I haven’t even started yet! All I know is I am committed to uplift the name of Jesus. I am absolutely confident that when we do that, the Spirit of God blesses The Salvation Army. I do believe in revival and pray for it on a regular basis. There has been revival in some places. We have certainly been an Army in renewal. I have a sense deep in my spirit that God is wanting to do something in the Army, through the Army, that I can’t quite articulate. There is a sense of his Spirit moving me and saying: “Keep faith with who I am, keep faith with what I have given the Army to do.” If at the end of my term, this message has been communicated and the Army’s strong sense of identity and commitment to mission continues to impact society, then he will be pleased. And if he is pleased, that’s what matters most to me. Additional comments I have to thank The Salvation Army. I’ve had hundreds of messages from all over the world and I am a bit overwhelmed by it all. I want to thank people who offered Scripture—people keep sending me Scripture. People offer congratulations but they also promise prayer support. There is no greater gift that someone can give to me. I need prayer. I would love to be strong and energetic and healthy and totally committed to what the Lord called me into this position for. I just want to do what he has called me to do.
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Doing the Most Good
February 23, 2011 New Frontier
The middle
An avenue for self-examination Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life, advises wise King Solomon (Prov. 4:23 NIV). There is no Glen place in the Doss Christian life Major for the potentially cancerous attributes of selfishness, dishonesty, resentment and fear. Most of us agree with this in principle; yet many struggle with living out the ideal. Meanwhile, many well-intentioned Christian teachers and preachers err when they advise their troubled brothers and sisters in the faith to “just pray.” For, while prayer is certainly important—even central—to the Christian life, it is in itself incomplete. A solution is implied in these wise words of Solomon. God has provided the means to help guard against—and ultimately eradicate—these potentially deadly emotions. The apostle had much more than prayer in mind when he wrote: His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him…Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV). Paul advises: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves (2 Cor. 13:5). Our great God has provided us with the means to objectively examine ourselves and thereby guard our hearts. Guarding the heart— a lifetime pursuit Building on biblical principles, the classic text Alcoholics Anonymous directs: “We continue to take personal inventory and continue to set right any new mistakes as we go along. We vigorously commenced this way of living as we cleaned up the past. We have entered the world of the Spirit. Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness. This is not an overnight matter. It should continue for our lifetime. Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear. When these crop up we ask God at once to remove them. We discuss them with someone immediately and make amends quickly if we have harmed anyone. Then we resolutely turn our thoughts to someone we can help. Love and tolerance of others is our code….Every day is a day we must carry the vision of God’s will into all our activities. ‘How can I best serve Thee—Thy will (not mine) be done.’ These are thoughts which must go with us constantly” (pages 84-85, emphasis mine). “Continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear,” directs Alcoholics Anonymous—in other words: Guard your heart! Let’s take a brief look at these four traits
which have destroyed thousands of Christian lives. Selfishness An attitude of selfishness is anathema to the Christian walk. Pride—which is selfishness fullgrown—excludes one from a personal relationship with God. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). The importance of being other-centered, rather than self-centered, is a running theme throughout Scripture. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others, cautions Paul (1 Cor. 10:24). God’s Word repeatedly portrays service toward others as evidence of our love for him. [Peter] said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). Dishonesty Surely you desire truth in the inner parts, prays King David (Psalm 51:6 NIV). God both expects and demands honesty. Scriptures admonishing us not to steal and lie are innumerable. A major issue here, however, is that sometimes the so-called truths to which we subscribe in life are actually lies. We are often victims of deception, even self-deception. The prophet Jeremiah beat Sigmund Freud by several centuries when he observed: The heart is deceitful above all things (Jer. 17:9). Hence, the walk of faith is essentially one of prayerfully discerning truth from lies as we mature spiritually. Resentment “Resentment is the ‘number one’ offender….From it stem all forms of spiritual disease” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 64). And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful, admonishes Paul (2 Tim. 2:24). Human anger is strongly condemned in Scripture. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19-20). Fear While reverential fear of the Lord is the core of the Christian faith, the mature Christian need no longer feel apprehension and dismay. With Christ in our hearts, we should genuinely fear nothing. God is love….There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, observed the apostle (1John 4:16, 18). Jesus challenged his disciples again and again: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). We must remain on guard against these potentially destructive traits within us. At the first sign, they must be dealt with and rooted out—before they turn cancerous. Thank God he has given us his Word, applied through the Twelve Step Program of recovery, as a practical plan of action whereby we can succeed!
I’m curious to know if anyone has ever conducted research about where people sit in church. I mean, no two seats are the same, right? Left side, right side, front or back of the room? The view is different, obviously, but then so Kelly is the meaning attached to any choice of location. Pontsler Who sits in the back row? Major People who want to sneak out early or are there just because mom says so. Who sits in the front row? No one that I know! Why is that? Personally, I find myself drifting more and more to the middle these days. Now, I will be honest enough to admit that (like most of you) I’m not a fan of getting stuck in the center of a really long row of seats, especially when it’s a long pew and we’re all squished in together. But I’ve noticed that my seat choosing is slowly leaving the fringes and drifting toward the center of the congregation. What is it about the middle? Still imprinted in my mind are vivid images of the 2005 European Youth Congress, where I shared in the leadership of 850 young adults from all over Europe. For several warm summer days, we took the city of Prague by storm. Each day brought the opportunity to discover God’s Word and understand our place in God’s work. The worship and fellowship were joyful and energetic and (even as a not-sovery young adult) I had a blast! It was all great, but what impacted me most was the prayer. The entire event, from start to finish, was covered and surrounded in prayer. We had a large contingent of prayer warriors onsite who, as a team, literally stood guard around us and beside us, praying without ceasing for us. And as each meeting closed we all went to prayer. There is something extraordinary about the sight of 850 young people willingly and fervently standing up and bowing down in prayer, and in more than a dozen languages lifting up to God their passionate pleas, their hopes and desires,
their dreams and cares. As they prayed, I felt myself drawn into the center of the room. As the worship team led us, I walked amongst the groups of two and three, coming up alongside of this one or that one, pausing to pray for them and with them. It was intense. It was phenomenal! And God broke into that Congress hall and into the lives of those young people in incredible ways. I experienced it from the middle. I hadn’t thought about that in some time, until this last weekend. Our divisional women’s retreat was a great event. Some 400 women from central California gathered together in Monterey for worship and study and fellowship! On Saturday evening I managed to get into the meeting room a bit earlier than usual and got to the best seat in the house: on the aisle, right in the center of the room! The setting and circumstances couldn’t have been any more different, but there I was again, enjoying a time of focused worship and passionate prayer right from the middle. I will confess that at times I stopped singing just to listen, just to absorb the sound of God’s people in worship and prayer. Fervent pleas, hopes and desires, dreams and cares all lifted up to our heavenly Father. It was amazing! What is it that draws me to the middle? I think it’s the heartbeat. Just like a small child will lean in to her father’s chest and hear the steady pounding pulse of his heart, stepping into the middle is to lean in close enough to sense the pulse of God’s heart. It is both calming and energizing, reassuring and exciting. It’s a place of encountering and enlightening. It’s a place where focus is restored and life stuff begins to make sense. It all happens for me, somewhere in the middle. How are things these days? Need some new perspective? Can I offer a small piece of advice? Take a risk next time you’re in church, try a new seat…somewhere in the middle. God will meet you there—I guarantee.
Ohana (family) Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, Worship the Lord in the spirit of praise, Bow down before him, Love and adore him, Worship the Lord in spirit and truth.
Judy
Boarding my flight to depart Smith from the island of Oahu, Hawaii, I am awestruck by both the beauty Lt. Colonel of the land and the people. I have often thought of the Hawaiian ohana (family) and this last week I have been a part of it—what a wonderful experience it was! My stay in Hawaii started in Kahului, Maui. A/Captains Mark and Kathy Merritt met me at the airport with the traditional lei greeting. How delightful—not only does a person feel welcome, but the fragrance is a constant reminder of something beautiful. The Merritts—generous with their time on this Saturday afternoon—treated me to a tour around Kahului to see some sights and various Salvation Army facilities. We then drove along the coastline to Lahaina to see the outpost and thrift store and to meet Envoys Kevin and Vidella Nagasaki, in charge of the work in Lahaina. Both Kahului Corps and Lahaina Outpost offer ministry to the homeless, in addition to regular corps programs. It took my breath away to see the positive effects of all the ministries and to realize how fully involved both sets of officers are in presenting Jesus Christ to all with whom they come in contact. On Sunday afternoon, I joined the other cabinet members in Honolulu to prepare for the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Divisional Review. Again and again we were showered with the beauty of
Hawaii—the people, the fragrant flowers, the beautiful sunshine and warm breeze, the delicious food/ sweet fruit, the blue/green sea, the blue sky, white clouds, the generosity, the genuine greetings of aloha and a wonderful expression of ohana. It rings in my head and heart that we were truly welcomed and cared for by God’s beloved children. On Sunday, after returning to my home in California, I joined my own corps, Torrance, for our Sunday Holiness meeting and I was struck once again how wonderful it was to be among God’s people, worshipping him as a corps family and feeling his presence, his love and his hand of peace over all of us. Yes, God created the blue skies and the deep blue seas and we can sense his presence there, surrounded by fragrant flowers and colorful birds, but he also can be found in cities, in traffic jams, in concrete buildings and sidewalks and even in the snow and ice that some parts of our territory are experiencing. God is not limited to sunny days and good times, but he is a God that surrounds our days and nights with love and guidance, truth and peace, and he is constantly drawing us to him to stay in tune with him. Like the song says, “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness…and in the spirit of praise.” He is a God who is waiting for us, not hiding from us. So whether you live on a beautiful island or in a small village, medium town or big city or somewhere in between, God is waiting for you and me to worship him and to find the beauty that surrounds us because of his great love for each of us. He loved us so much that he gave us the very best, so we could live full and rich lives and love and worship him in spirit and truth regardless of where we are.
Doing the Most Good
February 23, 2011 New Frontier
How I love to sing! I love to sing. My taste in songs is very eclectic, ranging from folk to classical via country and rock. However, I am not a singer—my wife and children will Ian tell you that I sound Robinson like a strangled frog. Nevertheless, I love to Major sing. Last year, while we were stationed in the United Kingdom, Isobel and I were special guests of The Netherlands and Czech Republic Territory for their annual Zangersweekend, a kind of nationwide songfest for Salvationists. About 170 “zangers” gathered at the Army’s beautiful Belmont Conference Centre, just outside Amsterdam, to sing through as much music as possible in 48 hours. There were some songs that we had written plus others by more notable composers. The Amsterdam Staff Songsters were there as well and gave a great concert—all in all, it was a vocal feast. First, though, I had to give a keynote address to motivate and inspire the group to greater singing heights. Last year, the special guest was Major Len Ballantine, which left me feeling inadequate and intimidated—out of my league as it were. What profound words of wisdom and inspiration could I possibly come up with that would make a difference, especially when translated into Dutch? I struggled with this for days leading up to the event. Just before we started, God led me to Zephaniah 3:17: The Lord will take delight in you, and in his love he will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you (GNB). What a wonderful revelation! In that moment God showed me one of the Bible’s great truths about singing. We love to sing because God loves to sing! We are created in his image, so if he loves to sing then so do we. It is his love of music that is embedded in our souls. I
GENERAL-ELECT
Andy
lifeLines
I couldn’t let the promotion to Glory of Andy Miller slip by, smothered with the excitement of an election of a new General, without comments concerning my friend Andy Miller—a commissioner in The Salvation Army and one of the finest men I’ve ever met. The Army’s appointment procedures allowed him to make firm contribution of his monumental and magnificent personality on three U.S. territories, but, sadly, not the West. He was, however, the National Commander for several years during which I enjoyed Robert his enormous persona, his magnetic charm, and his genuine and Docter forceful spirituality. Editor-In-Chief With people he met anywhere, Andy always explored that person’s relationship with God. The sincerity of his exploration communicated an honest interest in others. He had such a winning way. No one, from the highest echelons of government and industry to the most desperate street person escaped his earnest, heartfelt searching for another soul for the kingdom. Even casual, unplanned meetings became conversations in depth. I’ve rarely seen him without a spark in his eye, a bounce in his step, a smile on his face and a challenge in his voice. I wanted someone who has Andy’s characteristics of genuineness and spiritual depth to share with you, so I asked Paul Rader, who knew him well, to share with you his perceptions of Andy Miller. His willingness to comply was immediate.
imagined God walking in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, and during a lull in the conversation starting to hum a tune then breaking into song. Our love of singing is a natural response to God’s love for us. King David wrote, Fill us each morning with your constant love, so that we may sing and be glad all our life (Psalm 90:14). Furthermore, science has found that singing makes you feel good. A recent online article said that singing releases endorphins into your system, making you feel energized and causing positive emotional changes. But surely singing does much more than facilitate a chemical reaction in our body. When Jehoshaphat went to fight against the Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites, God told him to send singers out before the army. As they marched, God used their songs to throw the enemy into panic, giving Judah an amazing victory (2 Chron. 20:21-23). God loves to sing and he uses our voices as powerful spiritual weapons. We can defeat the enemy by following Paul’s instructions to sing psalms, hymns and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your heart (Col. 3:16). Some songs are change agents and some are praise agents, but all our songs should bring glory to God. So, if you love to sing—whether it’s in the shower, the car, church or wherever—lift up your voice with renewed enthusiasm, not just because it makes you feel good or because you think no one can hear you—be one of God’s singers because God loves to sing!
“Holiness on Steriods” By General Paul A. Rader (Ret.)
Andy Miller was arguably one of the most colorful Salvation Army leaders ever. An original! Three descendents bear his name: a son, a grandson, and a great-grandson. The youngest, Andy IV, has yet to display his potential, but Major Andy II and Captain Andy III—and others of this eminent Army family are not unlike the original. Still, Andy, the first, was one of a kind. “Tell me how to get right with God, Andy.” In the process of visiting and praying with the top executives of the largest corporations and financial institutions in New York when Commissioner responsible for community development there, he had Andy Miller befriended the inquirer. “Don’t tell me to go to church. They’ll just put me on the finance committee.” Andy took out a Gospel of John and said, “I’ll tell you what I’d tell a derelict on the street.” And he led him to put his trust in Jesus as his Savior. Some years ago, we were jogging together through a deserted state park in Georgia just before dawn. We came upon a woman sorting through the trash for discarded bottles and cans that she was stuffing into a garbage sack. She was alone, poor and very pregnant. Andy pulled up and greeted her cheerily. Within minutes we were standing together by the trash bin as Andy prayed for her and her unborn child. Then we ran on. I often stood in awe of his ability to move through a congregation as an invitation to Christ was being given, engaging one and another in whispered conversation, and then leading them to the mercy seat and beyond, to new life in Christ. He seemed to know when a person was on the cusp of life-changing decision and only needed a nudge. He was an incomparable recruiter for the Army and the kingdom. True, Andy Miller became Commissioner Andrew S. Miller, our distinguished National Commander here in the USA. He was a consummate communicator, legendary fundraiser, visionary leader. He was creative and competent, with a heart for ordinary people. He was my friend. And very likely, your friend, too. He adored his family and was proud of them all, especially their loving special-needs daughter, Martha. He was a faithful exponent of scriptural holiness, which he saw as “Wholeness in Christ” by the power of the Spirit. He vowed to speak to someone daily about Jesus and he kept that promise. He was disciplined and dynamic and totally unpredictable. Constantly on the move, he was holiness on steroids! Joan, the love of his life, was his tether and wise and candid counselor. When a Catholic cardinal, whom he had befriended, asked him if he had a personal chaplain as National Commander, he replied, “Yes, I married mine!” “Best argument I’ve heard yet against priestly celibacy,” the cardinal responded. There won’t be another Andy Miller. And that’s all right. He told me so. I was only 24. We were on a train to New York from Kentucky with the Asbury College Student Fellowship Band. He was our divisional youth secretary. “What a relief,” he said, “when I realized I didn’t have to win the world by myself. Not everyone will respond to me. But you reach yours and I’ll reach mine and together we’ll get the job done.” Andy was who God made him without apology. He had given all that he knew of himself and his heart need to all that he knew of Jesus, his power and provision. Few have ever been more totally at their Savior’s disposal. And how remarkably God used him in all his uniqueness! None of us can be an Andy Miller, nor should we try to be. But we can follow him as he followed Christ, and allow the love of Christ to motivate us and move through us into the lives of others as he did. Andy would say, “Why not start now?”
God sent his Singers upon earth With songs of sadness and of mirth, That they might touch the hearts of men, And bring them back to heaven again. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
from page 1
“The 17th High Council to elect the 19th General of The Salvation Army was an incredible opportunity to pray and share together with 109 leaders of The Salvation Army throughout the world. The High Council was preceded by the General’s Consultative Council where the days were spent in Bible study, discussion and prayer. There was a continual awareness of God’s leading and direction that resulted in the election of Commissioner Linda Bond as General. Linda comes with significant leadership and speaking skills and will give vibrant expression to the proclamation of God’s word in the days ahead. May God Bless our new General.” —Commissioner Donald Bell Territorial Leader New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory “Years ago I saw a movie where one of the main characters felt surprise and almost disbelief to be part of the action. Her response was, “Who’da thunk?” I love that line and use it quite often. When I received the official summons to the High Council, a holy awe filled me. The awareness that the privilege of High Council membership was mine stayed with me throughout the proceedings. God gave me Jeremiah 33:2 & 3 on the second day of the deliberations. It was hard work to hear God’s voice over my personal concerns and bias. I do believe God used a human process to
discern his will. Ten amazing people were nominated and all of them could have made a wonderful General. Attendance at the 2011 High Council was an amazing and God-blessed opportunity, which is now history. God bless The Salvation Army.” —Commissioner Debi Bell Territorial Leader New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory “Having worked with Commissioner Bond when I was the secretary for personnel, I found her to be open to appointing officers to their giftedness, dedicated to regular communication with her leadership team, including cabinet and TEC, and a dynamic speaker of the Word. I have every reason to believe that will continue to be the case”. —Commissioner Paul Seiler Territorial Leader USA Central Territory “I listened to Commissioner Bond as she communicated her Strategic Priorities, and worked on the effort to move the concepts out to the field. She was intelligent and articulate and passionate about the Lord and the Army. Recently she described herself as “leading with a limp,” and the humility was refreshing.” —Commissioner Carol Seiler Territorial Leader USA Central Territory
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New Frontier is published twice a month by The Salvation Army USA Western Territory Commissioner James Knaggs, Territorial Commander Colonel William Harfoot, 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 Alma Bahman, Assistant Editor 562/491-8334 email: alma.bahman@usw.salvationarmy.org
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