New Frontier, Vol 20, 05

Justice, as Scripture indicates, is at the very heart of who God is...how can we, as his children, not respond to that?

The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years

~

—Major Linda Madsen

March 28, 2011 • Vol. 29, No. 5

TRIPLE DISASTER Relief efforts in Japan continue n Army emergency service teams provide prompt, long-term help.

Majors Tim and Cindy Foley have been installed as leaders of the College for Officer Training at Crestmont.

Photo by Eugene Jo

Foleys installed at CFOT n Majors Tim and Cindy Foley become CFOT’s 23rd leaders.

BY DAN WHIPPLE, CADET On Wednesday, March 16, Territorial Leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs installed Majors Tim and Cindy Foley as the 23rd leaders of the Western Territory College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont as CFOT principal (Major Tim Foley) and director of campus services (Major Cindy Foley). While it is unusual for training school leaders to take up their post midyear, the installment ceremony itself was not unconventional; rather it was a spiritual charge for those attending.

The musical prelude “By His Hand,” performed by a small cadet ensemble, set the atmosphere for an evening of praise to God. Cadet Shawn McDaniel welcomed the Foleys on behalf of the cadet body, stating that the cadets were encouraged to have “Blood and Fire officers” taking the helm. Speaking on behalf of the CFOT staff, Captain Mike Paugh encouraged Majors Foley to adhere to the “Code of the West,” proposing that they shepherd their people. After some comical personal anecdotes, Lt. Colonel Dave Hudson recommended the Foleys, noting that they are “efficient” and “always have the desire to do the right thing.” Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs then officially installed the Foleys into their new appointments.

In her response, Major Cindy Foley expressed her dedication to those under her care. She said she is committed to discovering the joy of service together with everyone on the campus, to giving 100 percent of herself to God, and to recognizing and engaging in all the opportunities that God provides.

FOLEYS, page 3

Inside: ABUNDANT LIVING A special pull-out features a look at the Spiritual Life Commission and how it impacts the Army in the Western Territory and around the world.

Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Promoted to Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Prayer Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Spice Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Doing the Most Good

A Salvation Army truck is used to serve soup and bring supplies to earthquake survivors.

Photo courtesy of International Headquarters

EDS ready to serve n Western Territory Emergency Disaster Services respond to the Japan earthquake and resulting tsunami.

BY KEN CAVALLERO The 9.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked an area of Japan 243 miles north of Tokyo is predicted to be 700 times stronger than the Haiti quake a year ago and 30 times stronger than the 1906 San Francisco quake. It was

the fourth largest in the world since 1900, just behind Sumatra’s 9.1 magnitude temblor in 2004.

Less than two hours after it struck Japan, Western Territorial Headquarters issued an alert to the divisional Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) directors advising of the quake and the tsunami watch, which was soon upgraded to a warning for the Pacific Islands including TSUNAMI page 4

BY ALMA BAHMAN The Salvation Army is currently focusing on immediate response to the massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake—also known as the Tohoku Earthquake—followed by a tsunami that devastated Japan March 11.

International Emergency Services worker Major Raelton Gibbs said the Army is also preparing long-term plans. The three emergency service teams working in Japan returned to territorial headquarters in Tokyo to help develop these plans. The Army will pay close attention to overlooked communities.

“The work that has been done is commendable,” Gibbs said in a press release.

Sendai, located on the coast and 80 miles away from the earthquake’s epicenter, sustained the most damage. The Salvation Army sent a team to Sendai the night of the disaster to offer supplies and other necessities. The team also assessed the damage and determined other courses of action, according to a Salvation Army press release. The trip from Tokyo took 20 hours as opposed to the usual six hours. Tokyo is about 249 miles from Sendai.

Commissioner Makoto Yoshida of the Army’s Japan Territory was at territorial headquarters when the earthquake hit.

“Our building swayed tremendously. It was hard for us to keep standing and many of us were really frightened,” he said in a press release.

On March 14, the Army sent three emergency service relief teams to provide support.

One team assisted people evacuated from areas most in danger from the damaged nuclear power plants. The Army prepared hot drinks and meals in its mobile emergency canteen at Sendai Corps (the Salvation Army church).

The second team distributed water, food, blankets, diapers and tissue boxes to evacuees in Mito City, located approximately 11 miles from the Tokai nuclear power plant. The third team went to aid evacuees from around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Besides the damage done to buildings, halted public transit, disconnected phone lines, no JAPAN, page 4

Santa Rosa Corps Community Center is a knock-out n Corps welcomes community to visit its new community center.

BY SIDNE GOODWIN Weather reports predicted snow and rain for the last weekend in February, but God overruled them—bestowing perfect weather in Santa Rosa, Calif., for the corps’ Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, open house, car show and building dedication. On the day of the car show, over 1,000 people visited the new corps’ facility.

Ten years of dreaming, planning, fundraising, and construction culminated in trans-

formation of 43,000-plus sq. ft. warehouse space into a fully functional corps community center. The remodel included administrative offices, a new chapel, dining room, commercial kitchen, Family Services department, warehouse, recreation room, library, computer lab, and introduction of the Double Punches Boxing Club.

Corps Officers Captains Mark and Vicki Gilden welcomed Divisional Commander Major Douglas Riley and Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, Western Territory leaders, who presided SANTA ROSA, page 2

Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs (r) and Del Oro Divisional Commander Major Douglas F. Riley have some fun in the boxing ring belonging to Double Punches Boxing Club, a program of the Santa Rosa Corps.

Photo by Stephanie Vrapi

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Doing the Most Good

March 28, 2011 New Frontier

NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

(John 17:17 ESV) Car wash sends youth to retreat The San Bernardino Karen Citadel Corps youth Gleason held a car wash March 26 to raise money for Editor the Sierra del Mar divisional youth retreat at Pine Summit in Big Bear Lake, April 8-10.

“The retreat is an opportunity for our young people to get out of San Bernardino and visit the beautiful mountains,” said Kelly Raabe, young people’s sergeant major.

The goal was to raise about $2,000, allowing 15-20 youth to go to the retreat.

For more information about the retreat or to donate, contact the corps at (909) 888-1336.

Food Box Packin’ Tuesdays The Sacramento (Calif.) Citadel Corps resumed its volunteer-run Food Box Packin’ Tuesdays program—which provides groceries for the needy and homeless.

“The demand for food boxes has increased but our ability to hire extra staff is not there,” Ava Simpson, volunteer coordinator, said.

Help comes from many places: Harding (Ark.) College students on spring break, corporate groups, churches and youth groups.

“I didn’t realize that it [The Salvation Army] was helping everyday people,” volunteer Suzanne Bush said. “Knowing that…causes me to want to volunteer or contribute more to the Army.”

Breakfast is served Eighteen sixth graders from Woods Learning Center recently helped prepare and serve breakfast at The Salvation Army soup kitchen in Casper, Wyo. In connection with “Woods Has A Heart Day,” the activity got kids to volunteer in their community and to witness need firsthand.

One man at the breakfast, currently unemployed, said: “I’d hope they’d learn that giving of themselves would help them open their hearts to the homeless and the needy…it’s showing humanity at its best.”

Majors Randall and Cheryl Kinnamon are corps officers in Casper.

Taking a break to serve others In Anchorage, Alaska, a youth group— CitiServe, from ChangePoint Church— spent spring break serving others including painting the inside of The Salvation Army’s Clitheroe Center.

Jenni Ragland, Alaska divisional community relations associate director, said: “While many young people choose to relax on spring break, we were blessed to have a group of teens eager to serve their community.”

Check out the Alaska Division’s Facebook page for photos and more news.

Breakfast at Sally’s Richard LeMieux, author of Breakfast at Sally’s, spoke in Surprise, Ariz., on March 27. After years of success, LeMieux’s business failed and he found himself homeless in Bremerton, Wash., writing his book while living in his minivan. He and the other homeless people portrayed in his book regularly visited Sally’s, the soup kitchen at The Salvation Army in Bremerton. Breakfast at Sally’s—available at Amazon.com—reveals his descent into homelessness and his ultimate salvation.

For more information, visit breakfastatsallys.com.

Life is good at 100! n Husband and wife born nine days apart celebrate their birthdays.

BY JOYCE JOHNSTON A hundred years is a long time to do anything but Joe and Marion Epler—of the Seattle Temple Corps—have found living to age 100 quite easy. The Eplers recently celebrated their joint 100th birthdays at the corps’ senior lunch group. Joe’s birthday is Feb. 18, 1901, and Marion’s is Feb. 27.

Corps Officer Major Linda Harmon presented a corsage and boutonniere to the Eplers. Corps Officer Major Dave Harmon congratulated the pair and opened the celebration with prayer.

After lunch, everyone enjoyed a birthday cake baked by fellow senior Inger Burtes.

The couple’s friendship began in the 1930s, but each married someone else. At the age of 87—after their spouses died—they decided it was their time to wed.

The Eplers are generous supporters of the Seattle Temple with both their finances and time. Their gifts include a large American flag that hangs in the Fellowship Hall and kitchen equipment. Joe Epler is a long time member of Kiwanis and has organized bellringing and Toy and Joy Tree volunteers for several years. “[I] look forward to seeing them each Tuesday at our senior

Marion and Joe Epler with John Magnenat

Photo by Bertha Ericson

lunch. They are just nice to be around,” Joyce Johnston, soldier and Home League secretary, said.

Ardent baseball fans, the Eplers do not allow their ages to interrupt their yearly trip to Yuma, Ariz., to attend the Mariners’ spring training. While there, they also visit with Marion Epler’s daughter, Sally de Jong, who resides not far from the Peoria Sports Complex where the team prepares for the upcoming season.

MODESTO CITADEL BERBERIAN HOMELESS SHELTER AND TRANSITIONAL LIVING CENTER

Seeing further than the name on a form n Intern goes beyond the basics and helps change a life.

BY CINDY SUTTER-TKEL Offering hope—believing in people and in their ability to succeed—is what The Salvation Army’s Berberian Homeless Shelter and Transitional Living Center in Modesto, Calif., is all about. The value of a compassionate, competent, understanding relationship cannot be overestimated.

One such connection achieved a dual result by giving a newly graduated social worker a chance to develop her skills while leading a chronically homeless person—addicted to drugs and alcohol—out of that situation and into a sober and meaningful life.

Sara Boring is an intern at Berberian Homeless Shelter and Transitional Living Center. Photo by Karen Valenzuela

Sara Boring—an intern at the center—had just graduated from college; Berberian was her first position as a social worker. One day at mail call she noticed one of the shelter residents—“Dave”—was receiving mail from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Since she worked with the center’s Transitional Veterans Program,

she invited him to meet with her to learn about the transitional housing program.

Because of Boring’s continued concern for him, Dave soon joined the program.

Boring worked with him on his physical and mental health issues, increasing his computer skills, clearing up bad credit, supporting his recovery program, helping resolve his child support issues, reestablishing contact with his family, preparing him for a job search, and even connecting him with the community via volunteering with a local non-profit.

Today, Dave has successfully completed the program.

He moved out of the facility to an apartment of his own and secured a part-time job. He says that his most significant accom-

plishments were the intangible ones: accepting his past and current reality, learning coping mechanisms, having a “can do” attitude, developing goals, maintaining self-worth in spite of his addictions, accepting the consequences of his decisions and taking responsibility for them, and realizing that helping others is helping yourself.

“It’s a great accomplishment and I owe Sara many thanks, along with others. I am fairly confident that things are going to improve as I progress along my new path in life. I learned to stay positive. I was recently congratulated on my success by a friend…oh, what a feeling,” Dave said.

“Dave’s” name was changed to protect his identity.

Mayor mushes for The Salvation Army Anchorage, Alaska Mayor Dan Sullivan can add accomplished dog musher to his resume after competing in the first ever ExxonMobil Top Dog Charity Dog Sled Race. As one of five local celebrity mushers, Sullivan raced to benefit The Salvation Army and Victims for Justice. Exxon provided a $20,000 purse to be divided between all selected charities.

Following a half-hour training session, Sullivan was first out of the chute, heading out on the 2.3-mile trail with his team. As he rounded the final cor-

SANTA ROSA

ner, The Salvation Army brass ensemble played him across the finish line, as his supporters (all sporting Irish green in his honor) cheered him on.

For his fourth-place finish, Sullivan presented a $1,000 check to each of his charities and stated, “I was proud to support The Salvation Army and all the good work they do for our community.

Of particular concern to me are issues involving homelessness—the Army’s efforts helping that population are essential to us as a city.”

Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan and Captain Daniel Freeman Photo by Jenni Ragland

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over the ceremony. Other noted guests included Sonoma County 5th District Supervisor Efren Carrillo, Santa Rosa Mayor Ernesto Oliveras, Advisory Board Chairman Gary Zanolini, and Wendell Nordby, advisory board member.

Carrillo and Oliveras expressed appreciation to The Salvation Army for its 122 years of service to the community.

The timbrels of the corps’ Praise and Performance Factory and a regional brass ensemble provided entertainment.

On Saturday, a car show—consisting of 42 vehicles ranging from handcrafted chrome bicycles to low riders to a 1910 Hudson—was a hit. The Santa Rosa Corps’ Emergency Disaster Services Canteen served free hot dogs, hamburgers and nachos.

Twenty-five bicycles were given away as door prizes.

Along with creating good will in the neighborhood, the event raised money for the corps’ Cooperative Living program

through car registration fees.

Approximately 170 people attended the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Sunday night. Entertainment included a boxing demonstration by Double Punches gym and a ribbon dance by the girls of the Praise and Performance Factory.

Many attendees said, “I didn’t even know you were here,” and “I didn’t realize you offered so much.”

Jackie Simons was awarded “volunteer of the year” for her service on the advisory board, as a bellringer and event aide, and for being a part of the “army behind the Army.”

“We praise God that everything went better than planned, from the weather to the turnout. It was a great weekend and we were able to show the community that we are here to serve them,” said Captain Mark Gilden.

Doing the Most Good

March 28, 2011 New Frontier

Hawaii’s Kroc Center on schedule n Western Territory’s fourth Kroc Center is set for January 2012 opening.

BY LAURA KAY RAND Excitement is building for January 2012—that’s when The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division will celebrate the grand opening of its Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.

Four of the nine planned buildings are erected and the roof above the worship and performing arts center should be up by mid-March.

Corps Officer Major Phil Lum, Kroc Center Hawaii project director, and Bram Begonia, director of operations, have been meeting with key community groups to establish the partnerships that will link the center with a number of its core audiences.

“This is a time of celebration as we are seeing the Kroc Center come to life before our eyes,” Lum said. “We are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to this significant effort. Their support and faith have made the Kroc Center possible.”

The 200,000 sq. ft. Kroc Center will span 15 acres in East Kapolei, Hawaii. It will house a 500-seat worship and performing arts theater; a 720-seat banquet, education, and conference center; an early childhood education center for 150 preschool students; a 14,000 sq. ft. health and wellness center; an athletic center with an NCAA regulation gym; an aquatics center with a 14-lane competition pool plus a

Construction continues on Hawaii’s 200,000 sq. ft. Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in prepraration of its January 2010 opening.

large leisure pool with slides and a lazy river; a three-acre outdoor park for sports and recreation; and a 48-bed dormitory for traveling sports teams, short-term conferences, and mission teams.

The dream of a Kroc Center in Hawaii became reality when Hawaii Divisional Headquarters received a $110 million award through Joan Kroc’s bequest and a $23 million community match. Initial fundraising efforts received a jump-start four years ago with a $1 million grant from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation.

“We are proud to support The Salvation Army Kroc Center and are pleased to see the structure coming to fruition,” Mitch D’Olier, president and CEO of the Castle Foundation, said. “Kroc

Center Hawaii is an amazing strategic opportunity for Hawaii and a chance to bring educational and recreational opportunities to the underserved.”

“We Believe!” is a new campaign currently underway, designed to build on the financial support already received by promoting awareness of the center, membership, sponsorship, and involvement in Sunday worship services and programs throughout the week. McDonald’s of Hawaii will launch the $1 million project with a lead grant of $300,000.

The largest community center of its kind in Hawaii, the Kroc Center expects to serve more than 2,000 people per day when it becomes fully operational.

Community formation and spiritual growth Glendale, Calif., Corps Officers Captains Rio and Rachel Ray celebrate the soldier enrollment of an Alegria resident.

Along with emphasizing physical healing and positive housing outcomes, The Salvation Army Alegria, in Los Angeles, promotes wholeness in its residents’ relationships and in their spiritual lives. Through its spiritual growth program, Alegria provides voluntary opportunities for residents to explore their personal faith. Led by Julie Lewis and Pastor Moses Barrios, the program includes an evening prayer and share meeting, visits to different congregations and pastoral care.

Alegria provides health, housing and child development services to homeless families with special needs, including residents with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. Photo by Julie Lewis

PASADENA TABERNACLE SONGSTERS

With their latest recording, Amazing Grace, the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters (Calif.) continue to create Spirit-filled music that help spread the important message of God’s grace to the world. Here are excerpts from two recent reviews of the CD, one from renowned composer James Curnow, and the other from Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek.

James Curnow Over the past two-and-a-half decades, the Pasadena Tabernacle (Tab) Songsters of The Salvation Army have pushed the boundaries for Salvation Army songster brigades, in leading worship, performing style and recordings. The Tab songster’s latest CD, Amazing Grace, reflects a maturation of the “amazing” theme started with the group’s last CD, Amazing Love.

Just as Christians grow, understand the nature of God’s amazing love and begin to see the work of amazing grace in their lives, this same maturation is evident in Amazing Grace.

While the excitement and professional approach expected of the Tab songsters

“The best decision I ever made…”

My first year as an officer

ALEGRIA

n Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters release a new CD.

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‘Amazing Grace’

is all here, the group’s signature style never overshadows the message.

Nothing here feels “overthe-top” or calculated merely to excite...everything directs the listener to the amazing grace of God: that miracle of love beyond comprehension, and the grace of that love’s residence in a believer’s heart.

Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek Listening to this recording made me once again feel proud to serve in a movement where corps songsters are able to produce this kind of top quality recording. The repertoire chosen for this CD is richly varied in every respect, and it is quite remarkable that the songsters freely move from one style to the other under the capable leadership of Songster Leader Martin Hunt, who has held this privileged responsibility for 11 years.

In proclaiming the message of God’s amazing grace, Salvationists from every culture, race, gender and age join their

voices in praise to God. The 74 members of the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters range in age from 14 to over 75. This wonderful celebration of oneness in Christ illustrates that nobody is too young or too old to participate in the ministry of music and song for Jesus.

FOLEYS

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Major Tim Foley stated that he is dedicated to keeping The Salvation Army doctrines and teaching as a priority at CFOT. He said that he is committed to keeping policies and procedures on the forefront and most importantly, helping cadets embrace the calling God has laid on their lives.

The Scripture referenced was Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission. When Jesus “installed” his disciples as apostles, he gave them this charge—to go and make more disciples of the people they encountered. Like the original disciples, Majors Tim and Cindy Foley have accepted this same challenge in their efforts to develop blood and fire officers who will be fully equipped to win the West for Jesus.

BY PETER PEMBERTON, LT. Standing before Commissioner Swyers in June 2010 at my commissioning, all I could think about was all of the fun that I would have in this wonderful ministry. I dreamed of this moment for several years and was certain that God had called my wife, Jan, and me to it. I dwelled on the fact that we would build lasting relationships founded on Christ the King. Loving to teach and preach, I often caught myself looking into the future and seeing my congregation growing in knowledge and faith. I guess that I dwelled so heavily on the high points that I never really considered the challenges—the low points.

When Jan and I arrived in Ogden, Utah, we quickly met a lady named Denise, whose background was riddled with family struggles, drug addiction, and prison time. She was trying to change her life for the better and we wanted to help. She accepted the Lord Jesus as her savior. She started coming to Sunday services, Wednesday evening Bible study, and even Home League. The next thing I knew, she was volunteering on a daily basis at the corps. This was it. This was what I signed up for and dreamed about. I was watching God transform a life, and was blessed to be involved in the process.

One day, I came to the corps and noticed that Denise was uncharacteristically absent.

The day came and went. The next day, she was again absent. About noon, word reached me that Denise was in the hospital and nonresponsive. Jan and I quickly went to be with her and her family. Denise didn’t recover.

Days later, her family asked us to be present with them as they made the difficult decision to take her off life support. I held her hand, said a prayer, and did my best to comfort her family.

A couple of days later, Denise’s family asked for us to lead her memorial service.

It was a difficult time, but we honored her memory and celebrated her new life in the presence of God. Again, we were able to offer her children our comfort and love—and a bit of God’s love.

Jan and I went through several emotions during this entire period. Jubilation for a life changed. Regret that we couldn’t have known her longer. Remorse for her family who never really was able to enjoy this beautiful new woman filled with so much love.

Through this difficult time—and many others—I found myself asking God if he had chosen the right person for such a difficult ministry. Responding to my search for comfort in difficult times, God spoke to my heart, saying, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Yes, this ministry is difficult and looks very little like the one I had initially envisioned. Actually, it’s much more beautiful.

People often ask why God no longer performs miracles. In eight short months, I have realized that he most certainly performs miracles, and how wonderful it is that he allows me to be involved. It was a miracle to see this woman’s life transform. Being able to comfort and minister to her family was a miracle.

Being able to honor her life and celebrate her victory was a miracle.

Is officership more difficult than I had imagined? Yes. Is it more rewarding than I ever dreamed? Absolutely!

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Doing the Most Good

March 28, 2011 New Frontier

Elsewhere in the world HAITI—Children at one Salvation Army school in Port-au-Prince, College Verena, are learning about cleanliness and fighting disease by singing the “Hygiene Song.”

Watch the video online: http://tiny.cc/ prxbg.

Even without understanding Creole, a viewer can follow the song through the motions. This knowledge of basic hygiene will help in Haiti’s fight against the spread of cholera.

AUSTRALIA—“Salvos on the Move”— an outreach of the Werribee Corps (Victoria)—operates from a 22-seat bus with kitchen facilities.

Teams consist of two men and two women—both Salvationists and non-Salvationists—manning the station on Friday nights and Saturday mornings.

Assistant Corps Officer Envoy Ronald Stobie said that those helped are primarily youth coming home from a long night, the homeless and transients.

Corps Officer Captain Lance Jeffrey said, “We are helping an average of 40 people a night. The corps is passionate about being engaged with our community.”

From onFire, March 12, 2011 KENYA—The district of Makueni, east Kenya, experienced drought during the last quarter of 2010, causing crop failures and leaving 2.6 million people in need of food aid.

The Government Agriculture Office (GAO) asked The Salvation Army to provide food for 388 families in a designated area that the government was struggling to aid. An Army team distributed a two-week ration of maize beans, and cooking oil to the residents.

The GAO consulted with community leaders and staff from local non-governmental organizations to choose the appropriate beneficiaries.

CANADA—The Salvation Army released a report that shows many people still believe myths about poverty. The information came in conjunction with “The Dignity Project,” a campaign designed to enlighten the public about what it means to live in poverty and what they can do to help.

Some common misconceptions are: 1) A family of four can exist on $10,000-30,000 a year; 2) If the poor really wanted to work they could find a job; 3) Living in poverty in Canada is “still pretty good”; 4) The poor would take advantage of any assistance program; 5) Poor are poor because they are lazy; and 6) Being poor cannot rob people of their dignity.

From salvationist.org/intnews.nsf/ U.K.—Maidstone Corps hosted a Mamma Mia evening in memory of Major David Baxter, who died of cancer. Almost 100 people attended with donations totaling 600 pounds (approximately $975) for prostate cancer charity.

In addition to viewing the film, guests enjoyed a karaoke-style sing-along with the movie, which features songs by Abba.

Visitors came dressed in Abba/’70s costumes and a youth band played theme music.

The evening included a traditional Greek meal, quizzes and a costume competition.

“It wasn’t all about the money. People came who had never attended the corps.

Now they can’t wait for the next event,” Major Raelton Gibbs, Baxter’s son-in-law, said.

JAPAN

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no electricity, destroyed road and rail systems, a shortage of fuel and snow also hindered the teams from getting aid to those in need. Most gas stations, markets and restaurants closed and some still remain out of service.

The most concerning damage was to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Army teams are avoiding these areas.

The Japanese government recognized the Army’s work and permitted the teams to enter the disaster area and access roads that are closed off to the public. The Army has served in Sendai, Koriyama, Shirakawa, Fukushima and Mito City.

Support in the form of donations has come in from around the world.

International Headquarters (IHQ) established a Japan Disaster Fund appeal and as of March 21, donations to The Salvation Army equaled $3,742,000. Over $3 million of these donations were made online followed by text-to-give, mail and phone.

The Korea Territory began fundraising for relief efforts March 14 and will con-

A Salvation Army officer distributes food at the Sendai Corps.

tinue to do so for a month. The territory also arranged for 100,000 water bottles and 5,000 first-aid kits to be sent to Japan by the K-Water Corporation and the Korea Disaster Relief Association, respectively.

The Salvation Army has been present in Japan since 1895.

Photo courtesy of International Headquarters

On March 19, the Associated Press reported, “A week after the disasters devastated the northeast coast, [Japan’s] National Police Agency said… 7,348 people died and 10,947 were missing.”

See more at Salvationist.org

A memorial service for earthquake victims in Christchurch, New Zealand, took place March 18, with tens of thousands of people attending. Great Britain’s Prince William spoke at the service. Pictured are some Salvation Army volunteers, on duty to watch for those in need of prayer, a word of comfort, water or sunscreen. These Salvation Army officers, soldiers and other volunteers are emerging from the thick morning fog.

Photo courtesy of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory

TSUNAMI

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Hawaii, Guam, and the Marshall Islands.

The West coast from Mexico to Alaska remained under a tsunami watch.

By 1 a.m.—30 mins. after the alert— Hawaii was preparing. Major George Rodriguera, EDS director for Hawaii Island, reported that all Hawaii corps located in the tsunami evacuation zone were seeking higher ground. Hanapepe, Lahaina, Kahului, Hilo, and all neighboring island officers were on standby.

In Saipan, Captain Tomas Taylor, corps officer and Micronesian Island coordinator, advised that most of the corps families had evacuated to the Capitol Hill Corps Community Center.

When the tsunami headed for Hawaii, the Pacific coast from Point Conception, Calif., north to Alaska were upgraded from a watch to a warning. The tsunami crossed the Pacific in about 18 hours.

EDS responses • Hawaii—Most damage was to docks and boats with some local area flooding. EDS teams remained ready.

• Cascade Division—According to EDS Director Raunie Aasland, the most damage was in the Brookings and Depot harbors. After examination, emergency shelter and food went to Brookings for displaced individuals living on boats. Most damage was to the commercial fishing fleet, port, and processing plants. Several boats sunk.

• The Tillamook area received some lowland flooding, but no homes were flooded. Army units were on standby.

• The Salvation Army was the only responding relief agency to the

Oregon coast.

• Del Oro Division—EDS Director Major Jeanne Stromberg reported that Crescent City’s port suffered severe damage to its fishing fleet and docks. The Army’s Eureka Mobile Kitchen was on standby.

• Golden State Division—Major Kelley Pontsler, divisional business secretary, reported that the Santa Cruz harbor area was hardest hit. The Santa Cruz Mobile Kitchen served evacuees, the Emergency Operations Center, and the response crews at the harbor area.

The Watsonville Corps assisted.

• Southern California Division—EDS Director June Loo maintained contact with county and local emergency operations centers.

• Sierra del Mar Division—EDS Director Don Read stayed in touch with county and local emergency operations centers.

The Salvation Army Emergency Response teams from the Hawaii and Pacific Islands to the coastal divisions were ready to respond with little advanced warning.

Doing the Most Good

A/Captain James (Jim) R. Smith was promoted to Glory on Feb. 7, from Colorado Springs, Colo.

Smith was born Dec. 8, 1929, in East Providence, R.I. Smith joined the Air Force as a Technical Sergeant in 1946, retiring in 1967 to Colorado Springs. In 1983 he traded his military uniform for a Salvation Army uniform and retired a second time in 1994, back to Colorado Springs.

Smith and his wife, Evelyn, together served in corps in Ogden, Utah; Boulder and Grand Junction, Colo.; and Laramie, Wyo. He also served as service extension director in Colorado, chaplain at the Oakland (Calif.) Adult Rehabilitation Center, and as transportation officer at Western Territorial Headquarters.

Surviving Smith is his wife of 59 years, Evelyn; his brother, Roland Smith; five children: Donna Poorman, Jim Smith IV, Jerry Smith, Jeffrey Smith, and Jaelyn Watson; 12 grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren and one on the way.

The Salvation Army Colorado Springs Corps held a Celebration of Life service for Smith on Feb. 2. Envoys Jim and Rose Mertz officiated.

Lt. Colonel Francis (Frank) E. Moss was promoted to Glory on Feb. 6 from Forest Grove, Ore. Moss was born Aug. 15, 1916, in Joplin, Mo., to Salvation Army officers. After graduating from high school in 1934, he applied to the School for Officer Training in 1937 and was commissioned with the Guardians of the Covenant Session.

Moss married Vida Ruth Orames—also a Salvation Army officer—in 1940.

World War II began while Moss was working in The Salvation Army Public Relations Department in Canada. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942, serving as an auxiliary officer, Canadian War Services supervisor, and chaplain. His stations included Egypt, India, and Ceylon. Upon his discharge in 1946, he returned to Canada and in 1955 he came back to the U.S. The Mosses’ Canadian appointments included Toronto, Cobourg, Windsor, and Guelph, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Regina, Saskatchewan. In the U.S., they served in Tucson and Phoenix, Ariz.; Los Angeles, Rancho Palos Verdes and San Francisco, Calif.; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Portland, Ore. They retired in 1981 to Bellingham, Wash., serving as visiting ministers to shut-ins.

Moss’s sister, Mary Linthicum, and brother, Clarence Moss, preceded him in death. Ruth Moss was promoted to Glory in 1995.

Moss later met Major Lorraine Wilson and they married in 1996. Lorraine Moss was promoted to Glory in 2008.

Surviving Moss are his son, John; three daughters, Joan Moss, Janice Leavitt, and Jeane Canon; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The Salvation Army’s Portland Tabernacle Corps, Ore., held a Celebration of Life service on March 5. Lt. Colonel Mervyn Morelock officiated; Corps Officers Lt. Raymond and Major Nancy Dihle and Lt. Colonel Judy Smith participated.

March 28, 2011

5

Doing the Most Good

March 28, 2011 New Frontier

Consequences prayerPower

Mervyn Morelock

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayer, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.

It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life!” (Phil. 4:6-7 MSG)

I recently read an article quoting President Obama as saying, “Elections have consequences.”

The article concerned the 14 Wisconsin senators who fled the state instead of voting on a bill that would allegedly have saved taxpayers $330 million and helped close a $3 billion state deficit but eliminate decades old union bargaining right.

“They hightailed it to Illinois.”

The author of the article said, “If these 14 legislators, who have abdicated their duty as elected public servants, won’t get back to work on the people’s business, it’s time they found new jobs.”

We don’t yet know the consequences that will come to those legislators who abdicated their responsibilities as public servants.

I don’t know much about the political reasons these folks had for abandoning their duty, but some questions occurred to me: What happens when we as Christians abdicate our privilege to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the lost and hurting, and what happens when we do not pray?

Lt. Colonel

The privilege of prayer An officer friend recently shared her chagrin about a lady who had requested prayer for her husband. She said, with some amazement in her voice, “She asked me to pray for her husband, and I said I would. Now I’m thinking, I lost an opportunity! I should have prayed right there!”

Haven’t you had that same experience? We need to take advantage of every moment to pray!

The theme verse for the Global Call to 24/7 Prayer is 2 Chron.

7:14. When Solomon finished building the Temple of the Lord, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I have heard your prayer,” and then he said, “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land. I will listen to every prayer.”

The “consequences” of praying are that God does hear and answer the prayers of his people; our prayers make a difference!

The consequences of not praying are that opportunities to bless and encourage can be lost...forever.

Testimonies from the mission field Missionaries covet our prayers. In a recent prayer request letter, Captains Daniel and Anya Henderson, Western officers serving in Tallinn, Estonia, stated: “The month of November was the most disheartening month of the whole eight-and-a-half years we have been in Estonia.” They experienced complaints from leaders, the unexpected resignation of volunteer youth leaders, and a letter of resignation from their only full-time worker. “My prayer was short and agonizing. I could not bear these people any longer. I gave all that I had and if it is not enough, please take me out of here! God’s answer was filled with peace and hidden strength: ‘I will carry you through.’”

The December report was full of victory and praise. They wrote, “Next year…looks to be a wonderful and challenging year to consolidate our advances, and for planning for new advances. Thanks for your faithful prayers.”

As followers of Jesus Christ we need to allow the transforming power of God to shape our life and our prayers. When God’s people begin to pray, they align themselves with the intentions of his heart. Then transformation happens—transformation within us, and also in the lives of lost people as they are drawn to Jesus in response to our prayers.

Mission experts from all over the world now readily acknowledge that the most effective strategy for finishing the task of world evangelization is the power of God, released through prayer. God himself chose that way to accomplish his plans and purposes upon the earth. Unleashing God’s power for the completion of the Great Commission is one of his primary purposes for the gift of prayer.

As believers, we know that the fulfillment of his plan has not yet been accomplished. Why? Because many Christians do not feel a burden to intercede on behalf of lost people. Many believers’ prayers are centered upon their own personal needs and concern for family and friends. We have not fully realized that we must lift our sights to embrace the desires of God. He wants to bring the transformational life of his Son, Jesus Christ, into the lives of every man, woman and child on Earth.

Let us not abdicate our responsibilities to pray. The consequences of a barren prayer life are defeat, hopelessness and despair. But the consequences of faithful and earnest prayer will be the transformation of our life, and the salvation, hope and healing of the lost.

To request prayer and view other prayer requests and praise reports visit saprayusw.com.

Are you still in the race?

Someone once said, “The Christian life is not a sprint, but a marathon. It is not enough just to begin well; to be faithful in the Christian ‘marathon’ one must finish well.” We know that Paul in his letter to Timothy said, “I have fought the good Charleen fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Bradley In a real marathon, runners Major say that a time comes when you “hit the wall”—you are absolutely exhausted and start trying to talk yourself out of continuing to run. Some say this is around mile 17; others say mile 20.

If active service as a Salvation Army officer is a marathon, then I am nearing the finish line. I have 11 months before I retire, so I am on the final leg of this part of the marathon. Believe me—at times during my officership I felt like I had hit the wall­­— not just once but several times!

While I am thankful for the vehicle of service that God has given me, occasionally I have had to ask myself, “What keeps me in the race? Is this really worth it? Why am I doing this at all? Is my calling to The Salvation Army still the place to run the race? Or am I just going through the motions, when in reality I am bogged down, ready to turn in my running shoes? Is my daily ‘duty’ taking the place of true devotion?”

In the article “Staying Faithful through the Years,” Jerry Bridges identifies Enoch as an example of a marathon runner because he stayed faithful to God through the years. Enoch did three things: He walked with God, he pleased God, and he served God. Bridges’s insight challenges me as I continue to run the race. Examining my life, I realize that sometimes I do well, but sometimes I lack what it takes to run well.

I must consistently live in the awareness of God’s presence and seek fellowship with him

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6

through his Word and through prayer. Sometimes I fail him in this area, but I know that if I make this a consistent part of my race, I will finish well—I will have endurance and stamina. I also know that when this does not happen, I am weak and the challenges of the Christian life and service to him exhaust me.

I must continually be obedient to God in order to please him. I must not let bitterness, resentment or disappointment get in the way of pleasing God. The tragic loss of my husband 14 years ago could have caused me to be bitter and resentful toward God. God, however, does not want me to be bitter and resentful; those negative emotions will drain my energy. I must accept the circumstances of my life and rejoice that I can go to God with my frustrations, trusting in him to energize me for the race.

He will soften my heart and remove any resentment.

As the years go by and my stamina for the race is challenged, I must remember that I still have much to offer. With God’s help I can stay in the race.

Psalm 92:14 says, They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock.”

I may have a ways to go until I am truly “old,” but as the years pass and the routine gets stale I pray that my obedience and faith in God will stay strong. I will continue to run the race with endurance, not letting pride, selfishness and disobedience distract me and weaken my service for him. I want to finish well!

In Hebrews 12:1 we read, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

I am still in the race and I want to please my coach, the Lord Jesus Christ, and win the crown that he has prepared for me.

There is a natural walk in relating to people and leading them to the everlasting well of life. If you feel like you’re dragging the loved one to faith, don’t.

Family matters In our quest to win the world for Jesus, many of us with the strongest desire to help others learn and accept the beautiful love of Christ often struggle with the possibilities of family members not quite getting it. Are there any of us who don’t have some family members that are strangers to the James Lord?

Knaggs We hope for their salvation and Commissioner right living by praying for them and sometimes even will say to them, “You know I’m praying for you,” trusting that they might be encouraged. My experience with that approach is that the intended affirming comment turns out to be a contest with the person’s own resolve to remain the way they are.

Prayer will be effective. It’s in a condescending offer to pray that the relative is more estranged.

Confrontation about their lack of faith or failures in their lifestyle might make you feel better that you got it off your chest, but rarely serves the better purpose of leading them to the most enduring love in life.

So what do we do? Invite them to a Sunday meeting? Bible study? Men’s Fellowship? Home League? Or something specific to their interests?

Well, that can be effective, but if they smell a faith come-on, they’re likely to miss the opportunity.

How about a long letter or a nice card? A good Christian book might do it, or a Christian movie.

Perhaps a reminder of the tenets of their Christian heritage? It’s all lacking. I am convinced though, there is a way.

Often with family members, there’s a competitive edge to the relationship where they might be infer-

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ring: “The way I live my life proves the superiority of my choices without faith; I’ve learned to make my own way without all the trappings of a church.”

I’ve learned that much of this type of response is really defensive, probably because down deep they know better.

The way forward, then, is to love them like Jesus.

Make sure you connect with them where they are, without a judgmental attitude, comments or approach. Remember, Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but that through him they might be saved (John 3:17). This is love like 1 Corinthians 13 and this is love that is tailored for the relative.

Consider spending more time with the loved one and being attentive to her or his issues in life. Keep the preaching down and don’t be quick to invite them to an environment that is designed to overstate the message. There is a natural walk in relating to people and leading them to the everlasting well of life. If you feel like you’re dragging the loved one to faith, don’t.

New friends are much less complicated to influence with God’s love. The relative sees it much like the community who rejects “a prophet without honor in his own country,” and may not want to hear it from you.

Don’t be discouraged. God is with you. He is the one who saves. Your message of the good news of the gospel is more compelling than any other philosophy, faith or human logic. Trust the Lord and be like Jesus. It’s all God really requires. He’s with you in your mission of love and he will bring it to pass. With God, family matters.

Doing the Most Good

March 28, 2011 New Frontier

Christ’s mandate: cross every border Part one: The nature and venue of mission With every passing day the urgency of the Christian Sharon mission becomes Robertson greater—and Lt. Colonel with every reading of the daily newspaper, with every viewing of the 6 o’clock news, the success of that mission seems less likely. In a world where we are overwhelmed with messages of suspicion, fear and hatred, Christ is still calling on his people to reach out and risk themselves, not simply for his sake, but for love of his people, even those who see themselves as his (and our) mortal enemies.

His mandate, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you,” (Luke 6:27-36 NIV), is as much an obligation for the Church today as it was when Christ first demanded it of his disciples.

The Army’s undisputed mission In the words of General John Gowans (Ret.), the mission of the Army is simply stated: “Save souls, grow saints, and serve suffering humanity.” We are agreed, aren’t we, that that’s what this Salvation Army of ours is all about? Its selfproclaimed mission is to identify need where it exists and try, with God’s help, to meet it, quietly, efficiently, without fanfare—and often without the resources the world says we must have if the job is to be done at all. The very nature of our calling compels us to strive to neutralize the borders and break down the barriers that interfere with reaching others with the gospel of Christ.

Our founder, William Booth, stated our mission even more succinctly: “Go for souls, and go for the worst!” That mandate remains the God-given mission dis-

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 LAYOUT & DESIGN/ADVERTISING Kevin Dobruck, Art Director • 562/491-8328 email: kevin.dobruck@usw.salvationarmy.org Adriana Rivera, Graphic Designer/Web coordinator • 562/491-8331 email: adriana.rivera@usw.salvationarmy.org CIRCULATION Arlene De Jesus, Circulation • 562/491-8343 email: arlene.dejesus@usw.salvationarmy.org new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org Member - Evangelical Press Association

New Frontier online: www.newfrontierpublications.org Facebook: tsanewfrontier

tinctive of The Salvation Army.

While we work in partnership with many churches and other Christian organizations, our special calling is to get down and dirty, to dig in the muck, if necessary, to find and save lost souls. It does not matter whether those among whom we minister consider us friends or enemies, people to be honored or scorned; Jesus has both commanded and equipped us to love, and fully expects us to follow orders, no matter how difficult it may prove. Our Commander in Chief has spoken; as soldiers in his Army, it is our duty and privilege to respond with a “Yes, Sir!” and get on with the assigned task in our assigned location. Nobody promised it would be easy.

The international and domestic climate The world today seems to be building barriers and establishing new borders faster than they can be torn down. We are being taught to “suspect your neighbor” instead of “love your neighbor.” Mutual fear and distrust are becoming a way of life, a lifestyle bred of domestic threats and international terrorism.

We in America are being warned to be suspicious of one another— already on the alert for crack houses, drug dealers on the streets and in the parks, chop shops, massage parlors selling sex with every massage— now we are told by government authorities to watch our neighbors for unusual or suspicious behaviors, to be prepared to defend ourselves, to build safe rooms in our homes where we can seal out the biological and chemical weapons of the terrorist who is waiting to attack. We are told to beware of travel abroad, to expect the unexpected, and to understand that it is not a question of if further terrorist attacks will occur, but a question of when and where.

To reinforce the defensive posture ordinary Americans are taking, we find ourselves struggling in an economy that is seeing good-paying, highly-skilled positions being outsourced to other nations, while our own young people are having difficulty finding entry-level jobs—and even face the dilemma of choosing a relevant college path because the kinds of positions they hoped to train for will no longer be available.

The result is not a patriotic fervor, but a nationalistic frenzy that is turning millions of Americans into extremists—either isolationists, wanting to close their doors to the world, or international peace officers, ready to enforce our notions of what is best throughout the world.

And then we remember Jesus, who demanded the seemingly impossible of his followers: “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you“ (Luke 6:27-31).

“Yes, Sir! Let’s do it!”

Read Part II in New Frontier vol. 29, no. 6, publishing in early April.

7

Lent, spring and baseball They all come together. What joy!

Lent doesn’t receive much attention in the Army. Most of us think of it as a Roman Catholic observance. We are only reminded of it as some brave friend moves through a particular Wednesday with a smudged forehead. We inhibit our desire to mention their facial “dirt” as Ash Wednesday comes to mind. Then, suddenly, guilt arises, its motivating presence making us wonder whether or not we Robert would have that level of faith and obedience.

Docter (I mean, c’mon—how many of our non-officer soldiers wear their uniforms to Editor-In-Chief work even one day a year?)

Protestantism’s historic and significant conflict with the celebration of the Lenten season began to dissipate in the 20th century with an increased interest by Protestant churches in more formal and classical forms of worship. The conflict itself was not with Lent as a time of “prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works,” but with what is perceived as Rome’s creation of “manifold regulations over Scripture.” I understand there is even something called the “Ecumenical Miracle Rosary” available.

Lent, a 40-day period prior to Easter, could be a time of individual and community preparation for the important sacrificial fact of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

The word lent means spring, that time of year when earth is preparing to give back, when the beauty of life springs from the soil, when winter melts into spring and spirits resurrect in the warmth and beauty, the smell of life awakening.

The birds, dancing together in flight, diving to perch in a tree, sound a message of spring’s arrival.

The purity of the lilies, springing forth atop a delicate green spear, trumpets a brilliant fanfare and announces the majesty of spring.

Where I live, the long, cold, wet, snow-packed winter of 2011 formally and finally came to it’s hoped-for end somewhere between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, accompanied by a record-breaking, drenching, pouring, slashing rain.

With spring comes baseball Concurrently with spring’s arrival, winter’s closing gasp blessed our thirsty state with a super-sized snowfall in the Sierras that might even ease water rationing. For just a few brief days it stilled the magic melody of wooden bats striking tightly wound leather balls and sending them aloft to scatter the birds.

Oh what a sound.

Yes, it’s spring. Opening day appears on calendars, planning ensues concerning ticket purchases as fans pour avidly over carefully preserved schedules, and hopes for the home team stretch far beyond what any rational judgment could imagine.

Men in white polish the groomed diamond to perfection. The emerald grass sparkles with its own mysterious beauty, exuding a blissful smell more beautiful than baking bread. Soon the vendors in the stands will sing their songs of expectation and delight.

Spring is here and baseball, once again, invades our every thought, saturates our dreams, and consumes every conversation.

George Carlin penned a magnificent monologue contrasting baseball and football. I include it here for your enjoyment.

Baseball and football are the two most popular spectator sports in this country. As such, it seems they ought to be able to tell us something about ourselves and our values.

I enjoy comparing baseball and football: Baseball is a nineteenth-century pastoral game.

Football is a twentieth-century technological struggle.

Baseball is played on a diamond, in a park. The baseball park!

Football is played on a gridiron, in a stadium, sometimes called Soldier Field or War Memorial Stadium.

Baseball begins in the spring, the season of new life.

Football begins in the fall, when everything’s dying.

In football you wear a helmet.

In baseball you wear a cap.

Football is concerned with downs—what down is it?

Baseball is concerned with ups—who’s up?

In football you receive a penalty.

In baseball you make an error.

In football the specialist comes in to kick.

In baseball the specialist comes in to relieve somebody.

Football has hitting, clipping, spearing, piling on, personal fouls, late hitting and unnecessary roughness.

Baseball has the sacrifice.

Football is played in any kind of weather: rain, snow, sleet, hail, fog...

In baseball, if it rains, we don’t go out to play.

Baseball has the seventh inning stretch.

Football has the two-minute warning.

Baseball has no time limit: we don’t know when it’s gonna end—might have extra innings.

Football is rigidly timed, and it will end even if we’ve got to go to sudden death.

In baseball, during the game, in the stands, there’s kind of a picnic feeling; emotions may run high or low, but there’s not too much unpleasantness.

In football, during the game in the stands, you can be sure that at least twenty-seven times you’re capable of taking the life of a fellow human being.

And finally, the objectives of the two games are completely different: In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy’s defensive line.

In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe!—I hope I’ll be safe at home!

If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink, Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.

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—JOHN 7:37-38

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Blessed are those who hunger

‘Tipping Point’ for change

n Igniting the fire—The Salvation Army’s Spiritual Life Development initiative

n Becoming catalysts for change in reaching the world for Christ

BY JANET MUNN, LT. COLONEL I was traveling with a friend by train from London to Southport, England. It was rainy and cold. I saw the fish and chip shop across the street from the train station. We had half an hour to wait for our train. I timidly suggested to my friend that we cross the road for a cup of tea…and some chips. Imagine my delight when her appetite was the same as mine. The joy of a shared hunger and the greater joy of satisfying it together were much better with my friend.

Such has been my experience and the experience of many over the past few years since the establishment in July 2008 of the Centre for Spiritual Life Development (CSLD) on the campus of the International College for Officers in London.

Just the announcement of such a place, such a priority, has provided the opportunity for Salvationists to give voice to their hunger—hunger for the Lord, hunger for a fresh touch from the Holy Spirit, hunger for time to go deeper in Christ, in the Word, with the body, the people of God. And finding in that hunger, that others are hungry, too!

BY LINDA MADSEN, MAJOR “Stay On The Wall” in 24/7 prayer for social justice—this is the U.S.A. Western Territory’s new prayer focus, a response to General Shaw Clifton’s global call to prayer.

The theme originated from Isaiah 62:6-7, when the Israelites are instructed to “stay on the wall” day and night, as watchmen—crying out to God until he does something to restore their land. This Scripture speaks to the urgency and consistency in prayer that God expects from his people.

Some may ask, why social justice? It’s a “hot button” topic that has been vilified in some circles as being too political, involving subtle leanings to socialism and the redistribution of wealth. That’s not what this is about. Justice is no more a political issue than moral living is. Both have to do with personal choice. As Christians, we answer to a higher calling in both areas. From the beginning, this has been a biblical theme—from the fall of man to the coming of Christ to demonstrate what love and justice look like in the flesh.

Throughout Scripture, justice is a theme that God continually calls us to pursue, not just for ourselves, but for all of humanity.

HUNGER, page III

Impacting the Army worldwide

BY GLEN MADSEN, MAJOR Salvation Army General Shaw Clifton said, “The work of the International Spiritual Life Commission continues to bring much benefit to Salvationists across the world since its findings were first made widely available in 1998. The outcomes of that work have now been part and parcel of our common life for some years.”

One such outcome was the call to establish a formal commitment to intentionally make Spiritual Life Development a top priority within the Army structure. Under the leadership of Commissioner (now General-Elect) Linda Bond as the international Spiritual Life secretary and now Lt. Colonel Janet Munn, God’s Holy Spirit has been moving throughout the Army world, including the U.S.A. Western Territory.

expression of God’s image created to reflect his glory and to experience what Jesus called abundant life. According to Jesus, abundant living is the norm, not the exception! This fact may cause us to re-evaluate our expectations—both personally and collectively as Salvationists serving a suffering humanity through a host of ministries. The norm has to be abundance if we are living the way God created us to live. Therefore, with faith-filled verve the Western Territory, under the leadership of Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, is determined to boldly embrace Jesus’ claim of abundance for all and in all.

This promised abundance cannot be separated from the person of Jesus.

In John 7:37-38, Jesus says, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink, Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”

To be “thirsty” is to have unfulfilled desires.

Jesus promises that fulfillment and real life come to us only through him. The —JOHN 10:10 King James Version most accurately captures the meaning of the Scripture: “Out of our belly will flow

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What’s the big idea?

So what is the Centre for Spiritual Life Development?

It is a place—but more than that it is a vision. Imagine Salvationists crying out to God day and night in every country around the world where the Army is active. Imagine officers and soldiers, young and old, living holy lives. Imagine bold and adaptive initiatives flowing out of these prayer rooms and holy hearts. Initiatives that reach into the darkest places and bring the Light of Christ!

Imagine Salvationists fulfilling our calling to be champions of the poor and vulnerable, and voices for the voiceless. But our exquisite Salvationist mission begins with and is sustained by the life of Christ on the inside of the believer and of believers in community. Hence, the foundational vitality of a Centre for Spiritual Life Development is not so much as a venue but more as a catalyst for ongoing spiritual renewal throughout the Army world.

Here is the mission statement of the CSLD: The Centre for Spiritual Life

THE SALVATION ARMY U.S.A. WESTERN TERRITORY • 2011

Abundant life Scripture teaches that God created the heavens and the earth and the host therein with precision and purpose. Down to the smallest atomic particles, not one element of creation exists by chance.

When it comes to God’s crowning glory, humanity, each person is a unique

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

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IMPACT, page II

Prayer leads us to action Simply to pray for social justice seems a bit passive. “As long as I pray, I’ve done my due diligence to this call for prayer,” right? Wrong! It’s just the beginning. While we desperately need intercessors in this area, let’s not forget what prayer does.

The purpose of prayer is to draw near to the very heart of God—to embrace his presence, experience his power and engage in his purpose of us as his children. In doing so, we come to understand more clearly the things that bless his heart as well as those that break it. Justice, as Scripture indicates, is at the very heart of who God is…how can we, as his children, not respond to that? Prayer is the “tipping point” where we as followers of Christ are “put into play” and engaged in pursuing justice by proclaiming the love of God to a broken world, not merely through our words or intentions, but through our actions.

Becoming catalysts for change Recently Glen and I attended the leadership conference Catalyst West, where Christian authors, pastors and activists came together to challenge delegates to become catalysts for change in reaching the world for CHANGE, page IV

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PAGE IV—SALVATION ARMY U.S.A. WESTERN TERRITORY • 2011

And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. —MICAH 6:8

A group discussion at the Take Time 2 Be Holy retreat in Australia

A spiritual life development class in Kenya

‘One Day’

BY JAMES KNAGGS, COMMISSIONER In the recently re-published book, One Day, I wrote about my prayer for spiritual life development in The Salvation Army in these terms: “I have a dream that one day The Salvation Army will, in its entirety, be what God wants it to be. ...

“That every soldier, young and old, would be sanctified through and through... and out of the passion of their love in Christ, would be an undeniable force for God’s love in the world. …

“That this love would be seen between each soldier to demonstrate that God has sent his son into the world not to condemn it, but that the world, through him, might be saved...and by this would all people know that we are his followers and represent him. …

“That our love would be seen through intentional and overt acts of mercy and justice, all the while in humility before God, not needing to publish our works, only doing them to glorify God.” This, and more of my prayer for our territory contained in that book, begins to describe how we will be and be known when we are fully engaged in spiritual life development. This is for every one of us from all ages and includes all officers, soldiers, adherents, employees and volunteers.

Let us desire the holiness of God in our own development and draw the world to its saving grace as a result. Hallelujah!

CHANGE

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Western Cadets pray for social justice n Cadets at the College for Officer Training at Crestmont took part in the 24/7 prayer for social justice. Here are some of their comments.

Joel Boyd (Ambassador of Grace Session)—While I looked at images of starving children and thought about little children trafficked into sexual slavery, I knew my normal prayers just weren’t going to be enough. I needed something more. The problem is so huge and my prayer felt so small. I decided to fast. So what happened? I got hungry, I prayed, but this time something did change.

As I prayed, God led me to read Isaiah 58. Verse 3 hit me like a ton of bricks; the rest reduced me to a pile of rubble.

Speaking as the collective voice of Israel, Isaiah says: “Why have we fasted,” they say, “and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?”

Bonita Kelsey (Ambassador of Grace Session)—I tend to get nearsighted with my prayers and, quite often, limit them to my own community. Setting aside time and having a prayer room with tools available—such as a large world map—made me more aware of the need to pray globally.

Dawn Paulson (Friends of Christ Session)—While at Crestmont, it is easy for one’s focus to become sadly parochial, so this was a perfect opportunity to put aside the tedium of life as a student, and instead spend a week specifically focused on intentional prayer for those around the world facing challenges that are difficult for us to even fathom.

Crestmont Personnel Officer Michael Paugh—Everyone agreed that they met Jesus face to face in extraordinary ways as they prayed for others.

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait on him (Isaiah 30:18 NIV).

A personal walk of holiness

BY JUDY SMITH, LT. COLONEL Henry Nouwen writes, “It is not enough that Jesus is my teacher, my guide, my source of inspiration. It is not even enough that he is my companion on the journey, my friend and my brother. Jesus must become the heart of my heart, the fire of my life, the lover of my soul, the bridegroom of my spirit. He must become my only desire. The thousands of people, events, ideas and plans that occupy my inner life must become all one in the one and only name: Jesus.”

Nouwen’s book, Seeds of Hope, is a clear revelation of the hopes and intent of the Spiritual Life Development department, lead by Majors Glen and Linda Madsen.

For years, Western Territorial Headquarters has sponsored spiritual life formation seminars and training through the TEAM Discipleship program. In 2010, International Headquarters endorsed the formation of a single focused department to address the needs of spiritual life development in the hearts and minds of Salvationists—the Western Territory got on board. I am delighted that this focus has been brought to the front of our awareness, especially since The Salvation Army is a part of the holiness movement, which demands that we point all people to a personal walk of holiness. This is the meaning of spiritual life development.

Lt Colonel Judith Smith is the U.S.A. Western Territory’s secretary for program.

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Christ. Beyond talking about the right things to do, we must do them—initiating real change in the lives of those to whom we not only minister, but work with, live with and even disagree with.

Catalyst emphasized social justice­—how it shouldn’t be left to the constructs of government or social workers; instead, as followers of Christ, we are to be the catalysts for change to those around us. One group, “The Last Letter,” urges people to actively engage in sacrificial living, whether in the inner city or third world countries.

They are encouraged then to write what would be their last letter to family and friends in the event of their death. Below, from their website, is a paraphrase of their mission statement: “We are working to fuel a revolution of Christians who are passionately offended by hopelessness and poverty.

Where there is hunger, we will feed; where there’s no water, we will dig; where there is disease, we will bring medicine.

Why? Because Jesus said to…feed the hungry, clothe the naked and heal the sick in his name.”

Sound familiar? It should to those of us who are Salvationists—we have a rich history in doing just that.

In fact, it was issues of justice and human suffering that birthed the Army in the hearts of William and Catherine Booth. Here is a part of one of Booth’s early public speeches, “Call to Battle”: “Content ourselves by singing a hymn, offering a prayer or giving a little good advice? No—a thousand times no! We will pity them. Feed them. Reclaim them.

Perhaps we shall fail with many, but our business is to help them all the same…and in the most practical, economical and Christ-like manner.”

The Booths knew it wouldn’t be easy. They weren’t called to a life of comfort and safety, though, but to one of self-sacrifice and even personal and corporate risk in bringing the hope of Christ to a desperately languishing people. They simply responded to the call of Christ to “take up thy cross and follow me.”

Today, Christ is still calling us to a life of sacrificial living and intentional ministry—to not rest on our laurels but to deliberately walk away from our comfort zones and personally assigned pews on a Sunday morning and take his love to those who need it most. That’s how real change happens—lives transformed by the love of God—

and we become the catalysts for such change—transformational change—co-workers with Christ in reclaiming his own.

Pray for social justice? Absolutely! It’s a moral and spiritual imperative and we need prayer warriors now more than ever before. But we must not stop there— we need to put feet to those prayers and be part of the answer to them. Micah 6:8 states what God expects from us: to do justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with our God. Do, love, walk—there’s nothing passive here. Prayer is the tipping point that keeps you in the game—the ball’s in your court now, what are you going to do with it?

For practical help in “Doing Justice,” contact Carpenter Media, P.O. Box A435, Sydney South 1235, Australia, for the book 50 Ways to Do Justice.

For more resources on social justice go to salvationarmy. org/socialjustice or contact the Territorial Spiritual Life Development department at Linda.Madsen@usw.salvationarmy.org.

Major Linda Madsen is the Western Territory’s Spiritual Life Development associate secretary.