We’re not trying to raise up a great Salvation Army. We’re trying to bring people to the fullness of Jesus Christ.
The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years
~
—Commissioner James Knaggs
March 11, 2011 • Vol. 29, No. 4
‘Extremely serious’ U.S.A. National Leaders Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts Photo by Christin Davis
Meet America’s newest national Salvation Army leaders n Commissioners Roberts in appoint-
ment since November 2010 BY CHRISTIN DAVIS Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts arrived at The Salvation Army’s United States National Headquarters in November 2010 after 10 years of international appointments to take on leadership of the Army in the U.S., respectively, as the National Commander and National President of Women’s Ministries. Most recently, A look inside the Robertses National spent three years Headquarters as the first territorial commandOn YouTube: ers to the newly http://tinyurl.com/ established Kenya 69bnqdk West Territory. On the New Frontier site: “In Kenya http://www.newfrontier West, The publications.org/nf/2011 Salvation Army /03/a-look-inside-nhq/ is strong and growing; we had to create infrastructure and develop a team,” William Roberts said. “Everyone in Kenya is so joyful and proud to be a Salvationist…it’s a holy pride; their lives are filled with joy because of Jesus. We were truly sorry to leave when the time came.” They previously served at International Headquarters, in Argentina, and numerous appointments within the Central Territory. Following their commissioning in 1971, the Robertses led three corps. “Every appointment prepares you in some regard,” William Roberts said. “As corps officers, we learned about getting to know
Salvationists assemble to join Suburban Squad relief team in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Devastation in Christchurch n The Salvation Army responds to the increasing needs of quake victims in New Zealand. BY BUFFY LINCOLN Continued escalation in welfare needs has resulted in The Salvation Army stepping up its ongoing response in New Zealand after the devastating 6.3 magnitude quake that hit Christchurch on Feb. 22. Although the Feb. 22 quake was of a smaller magnitude than the 7.1 one that hit in September 2010, the destruction of the second quake far outweighed that of the first—due to the temblor being closer to the earth’s surface—requiring
larger distribution centers and more office space. “The situation in Christchurch is extremely serious,” Commissioner Don Bell, commander of the New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga Territory, said. “The Salvation Army stands ready to continue to help the city in this terrible time of great grief and human need.” Major Robbie Ross, national fundraising coordinator, noted that locals are still living with the psychological effects of the September quake; this new shock contributed another layer of grief for people already mourning for their loved ones and the loss of possessions and
n Commissioner Don Bell reflects on the damage in New Zealand. BY DON BELL, COMMISSIONER Western Territory officers Commissioners Don and Debi Bell currently serve as territorial leaders for New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. They are based in Wellington, New Zealand. On Sunday, Feb. 27, Commissioner Don Bell traveled to Christchurch to assess the damage from the magnitude 6.3 earthquake of Feb. 22, and to come alongside Salvation Army officers, soldiers, volunteers and the people to whom the Army ministers. Arriving at Christchurch Airport, I observed long lines at the departure gates— clearly, people wanted to leave the area.
NEW ZEALAND, page 5
n Japanese Salvation Army emergency relief teams swing into action.
The Salvation Army in Japan has three emergency service relief teams operating in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake—preliminary magnitude 8.9, later upped to 9.0—and the consequent tsunami that hit the northeast coast of the country last week. One of the teams is assisting evacuees from areas where there is potential danger because of damage to nuclear power generation stations. The earthquake—the largest in Japan’s history—was also the fifth strongest earthquake worldwide in recorded history (records begin in 1900). The disaster affected a 2,000-kilometer (about 1,243 miles) north-south stretch of Japan. Official reports now state that more than 10,000 people are dead or missing. At this time there are no reports of any loss of Salvation Army personnel or damage to corps buildings. Immediately following the earthquake and tsunami, an assess-
CHRISTCHURCH, page 5
ment team was sent from Tokyo to Sendai (the city nearest the center of the earthquake). The journey—normally accomplished in six hours—took 20 hours. Road and rail systems have been severely affected. There is a shortage of gas, with many gas stations closed and lines up to three kilometers (about two miles) long at stations that are open. Arrangements are being made for emergency service personnel from The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) to go to Japan to assist with the Army’s relief effort. A number of Salvation Army territories have informed IHQ of financial and prayer support for the Army’s relief effort in Japan. The Salvation Army in South Korea has set aside the next four weeks specifically for prayer and fundraising for Japan. A Japan Disaster Fund appeal has been established at IHQ. Donations may be made online at salvationarmy.org or by texting the word “quake” or “Japan” to 80888. From a Salvation Army international news release
‘IMPACT’ – 2011 Future Officers Fellowship Retreat n Annual retreat draws biggest turnout in recent years.
Inside: The rates of ‘I do’ A recent Pew
Research Center study shows a decline in marriage rates. See how the Army fares. Page 6
Doing the Most Good
A day in Christchurch
DISASTER STRIKES JAPAN
NATIONAL COMMANDER, page 4
Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Musician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Promoted to Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 In Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Lifelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Photo by Chris Cope
Commissioner James Knaggs speaks to delegates at the Future Officers Fellowship Retreat. Photo by Bob Louangamath
BY JOANNE LOUANGAMATH, CAPTAIN An Army of geared-up soldiers from all over the Western Territory convened at the College for Officer Training at Crestmont from Feb. 11-13, to take part in the Future Officers Fellowship (FOF) retreat— themed “IMPACT”—under the direction of Territorial Candidates and Recruitment Secretaries Majors John and Pamilla Brackenbury. This year marked the biggest turnout in recent years. Beginning with a pre-retreat on the Thursday prior, nearly 60 prospective and accepted candidates had the opportunity to dig deeper into the application process, finalizing details for their cases and getting to know the cadets and staff of the college. The cadet worship team kicked off the weekend Friday evening with exuberant praise, and (then) Training Principal and Campus Services Director Majors Steve and Marcia Smith gave the keynote. The Saturday morning session was led by Major Pamilla Brackenbury, who challenged the delegates saying, “God calls his people to impact others. Are you willing? Only you can answer that.” FUTURE OFFICERS FELLOWSHIP, page 2