But for those that truly want to know him, Jesus comes...
The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years
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—General Linda Bond
April 11, 2011 • Vol. 29, No. 6
The General’s Easter Message
BY LINDA BOND, GENERAL
Time changes one’s perspective, does it not? That is so for me and perhaps for many of you when you reflect on the
General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton address the staff at International Headquarters during the farewell meeting. Photo courtesy of International Headquarters
International leaders retire n Salvation Army leaders honored at
IHQ farewell meeting General Shaw Clifton (Ret.) received a fond farewell from the staff of International Headquarters (IHQ) as he left the building on April 1 for the final time before retirement. He thanked the officers and employees who gathered to see him go, assuring them that he and Commissioner Helen Clifton would continue to pray for them and for General Linda Bond, who took office at midnight, April 2. A farewell meeting for the Cliftons took place on March 24; that story follows.
Easter story. Maybe it has to do with our life experiences, which make us see things differently. Or maybe the gracious way the Lord has dealt with us has taught us to read the Scriptures differently. Whatever the cause, the account of Thomas’ reaction on hearing that Jesus was risen illustrates this point for me. Many of us perhaps think he deserved the name doubting Thomas. The Bible
tells us that he was not with the other disciples when Jesus came, but they were quick to tell him the good news: ‘We have seen the Lord!’ (John 20:25 NIV). Then comes his famous response: “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it” (v. 25). “Seeing is believing”—or at least Thomas felt so. A week later, Jesus showed up
again. This time Thomas was with the disciples. After greeting them all: “Peace be with you!” (v. 26), Jesus initiated the conversation with Thomas. He said to him: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (v. 27). These words of Jesus are not written in our Bibles with exclamation marks, in bold print or in capital letters. Yet sometimes they are read as though they were a shout, a stern rebuke from the Lord to a stubborn disciple. Have you considered that this was no shout but a gentle invitation to a struggling soul? That day, Jesus showed up especially for Thomas. The risen Lord knew his disciple’s heart. Thomas truly wanted a personal encounter with Jesus as his friends had experienced. He had been honest enough to admit his struggle. He could not believe the impossible or comprehend the incredible. Having witnessed the miracles of Jesus, he should perhaps have seen this as yet another of those amazing moments. But for him, resurrection after crucifixion was beyond the realm of possibility. INVITATION, page 9
‘We are here to serve’ n International Headquarters welcomes General Linda Bond.
General Shaw Clifton and Commissioner Helen Clifton—now retired—were honored at IHQ on March 24 during their farewell meeting and the presentation of retirement certificates—effective April 2. The Cliftons each recorded 38 years and 10 months of active officer service. In his prayer, specifically for World President of Women’s Ministries (WPWM) Commissioner Clifton, IHQ Communications Section graphic designer Berni Georges thanked God for her love for the Lord, officer calling, faith, desire to see people of all races come to know Jesus Christ, strong sense of justice, and her support of and vision for Salvation Army women leaders across the world. Major Richard Gaudion, private secretary to the General, stated in his prayer that no one can estimate the influence for good that the General and Commissioner Clifton have had on people around the world. “We know that they live their lives for you, Lord, that they trust you for the future and that they will continue to be faithful to you.” Major Lynn Gibbs, personal assistant to the WPWM) paid tribute to Commissioner Clifton, noting her care and compassion, especially in leading the fight against human trafficking and in pastorally caring for
The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) in London welcomed the Army’s new world leader, General Linda Bond on April 4. Holy joy was evident from the opening, led by Commissioner Sue Swanson (world president of women’s ministries), to the benediction by Commissioner William Cochrane (international secretary to the chief of the staff). It came through the prayers, the Scripture reading (Psalm 134), the welcome talks, the music and General Bond’s words. In her first message as world leader, the General emphasized the blessing of God, living totally for Jesus, thankfulness, the importance of serving others, Christian accountability regarding behavior, wise use of authority and the value of teamwork. Speaking to IHQ officers, staff and invited guests, Canadianborn General Bond noted that her mother was English and when she was previously appointed to IHQ in 1995 as undersecretary for personnel, “it felt like coming home. It is no different now.” The General said she counts it a blessing to serve God at IHQ. “In fact,” she said, “everyone who serves at IHQ is blessed because we have the mission of serving the world. Everyone
Commissioners Lalkiamlova and Lahlimpuii greet General Bond. Photo by Paul Harmer
here makes a difference to the worldwide Salvation Army. “It is vital that we serve the world with gratitude and attitude. We need to be grateful and thankful to God for his blessings. We also need to serve with a caring attitude because it is BOND, page 5
Harfoots appointed to National Headquarters, Hudson named Chief Secretary in West
CLIFTONS, page 5
Inside:
Colonel William Harfoot
Colonel Susan Harfoot
Lt. Colonel Dave Hudson
Lt. Colonel Sharron Hudson
Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Musician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Promoted to Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 In Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Life Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Doing the Most Good
COLONELS WILLIAM AND SUSAN HARFOOT, officers of the USA Central Territory currently serving respectively as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the USA Western Territory, are appointed respectively as National Chief Secretary and National Secretary for Women’s Ministries, USA. LT. COLONELS DAVID AND SHARRON HUDSON, officers of the USA Western Territory currently serving respectively as Secretary for Personnel and Community Care Ministries Secretary in that territory, are appointed respectively as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, USA Western Territory. They will take up their new appointment responsibilities, each with the rank of colonel. Appointments effective August 1, 2011.
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Doing the Most Good
April 11, 2011 New Frontier
NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)
Spring break—time for service n Students help weatherize Center of Hope shelter in Sacramento.
Karen Gleason
MODESTO, CA—The teens at the Modesto Red Editor Shield Corps recently led an entire Sunday service including the message. For many, this was a step of faith, out of their comfort zone. The congregation noted their passion, unity, willingness to stand before their peers, and courage in allowing God to speak through them. Captain Tory Ross, corps officer with her husband Martin, said: “The Holy Spirit worked through our youth. Some shed tears, others went to the altar for prayer and many expressed appreciation. Their childlike attitudes reminded us of how Jesus viewed greatness on this earth in Matthew 18:1-19— perhaps a message we should continually take to heart as we serve Christ.” ANCHORAGE, AK—On April 14, The Anchorage Association for Volunteer Administration will honor The Salvation Army at its 2011 AAVA/BP Golden Heart Awards Banquet Ceremony for the Army’s “Power of 2” volunteer bellringing campaign. ExxonMobil—nominated by The Salvation Army—received the 2011 Golden Heart Award in the Outstanding Business category for its work supporting the Army and the community at large. Kudos to the Alaska Division’s community relations team for outstanding work in promoting volunteer initiatives in Anchorage. SANTA ANA, CA—Santa Ana Corps Officers Majors Antonio and Aida Horta invited Majors Elicio and Darlan Marquez, Western Territory multicultural secretaries, to hold a training session March 19. Attendees included corps leaders, soldiers and adherents. The Marquezes taught on The Salvation Army history, doctrines, foundation, resources, ministry opportunities, and services offered worldwide. They emphasized that every soldier and officer should faithfully uphold—with discipline and obedience—the Army’s doctrinal foundations, orders and rules, use of the uniform, contributions, and service in order to preserve and share the values and ideals of The Salvation Army to future generations.
A volunteer adds caulking to a window. Photo by Sydney Fong
BY SYDNEY FONG Twenty-five college students from the Energy Service Corps spent their spring break helping to weatherize various facilities throughout California, including The Salvation Army Center of Hope shelter in downtown Sacramento on March 25. “We decided to come here because [The Salvation Army] has done so much for the community,” said Abbygail Williams, Energy Service Corps member and University of California (UC) Davis student. “The students just wanted to give them back something in return.” This weatherization event was part of the Energy Alternative Spring Break Service Trip, a new program in California that trains students from across the state to help their communities reduce energy use. The project was spearheaded by the Energy Service Corps, a joint venture between the statewide public interest group CALPIRG (California Public Interest Research Group Foundation) and AmeriCorps.
“We are showing some simple steps to be more energy efficient,” Williams said. “It’s a good message to promote. And we hope the money saved can then be used for The Salvation Army to continue its good work.” At the event, the students caulked around windows, weather stripped doorways and installed CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs. Interns from the UC Davis campus fundraised for the materials used at the shelter. “This was a tremendous effort by all of the Energy Service Corps,” said David Bentley, Salvation Army Sacramento County coordinator. “To see these students take time off to improve the conditions of this shelter was absolutely encouraging.” The students from the Energy Service Corps represented various colleges in California, including UC Davis and UC Merced. Sacramento was the final destination of the Energy Alternative Spring Break Service Trip. The students also helped weatherize facilities in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Merced and San Francisco.
Sally’s Camp opens in Bremerton n Civic leaders dedicate a tent city for the homeless. Sally’s Camp—the first modern-day tent city in Bremerton, Wash.—opened in February after months of planning and work. At the opening of the camp, which is a service of the Bremerton Corps, about 50 civic leaders met to dedicate the building. Sally’s is open 24/7 and houses 11 families waiting for transition into permanent dwellings. Seven families have already secured new homes. Planning began last summer when the city received complaints over waste at a homeless encampment in east Bremerton. The Outside Homeless Committee of the county’s Continuum of Care Coalition proposed numerous sites for relocation, but every suggestion was shot down. Opposition dissolved, however, when The Salvation Army proposed a tent city in its parking lot. Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent—a supporter of the project—declined the offer, stating that it would be built in an empty former municipal court building and operated and funded by the Army. “We have more new homeless than we’ve ever had,” Lent said at the dedication. She added that many of the families would have an opportunity for permanent housing when construction of the affordable Bay Vista neighborhood was completed and residences became available. “It’s the whole community. If we can’t do that, we’re not a community,” said Major Jim Baker, corps officer. Sally’s Camp consists of 11 tents—all with mattresses—inside the structure. The camp includes showers, bathrooms, kitchenettes and a children’s play area. For safety, surveillance cameras are
Gerry McMurray and Erin Edmonson at Sally’s Camp in Bremerton, Wash. Photo by James Baker
mounted inside and out. “One of our tent families came to a Sunday service and Wednesday Bible study. This is what we wanted to happen,” Baker said. According to Baker, Sally’s Camp will only be open six months, after that the future for the homeless is uncertain. Baker advised that two major questions must be addressed: 1) Where will the homeless go if the facility closes permanently and 2) If it remains open, where would funding for utilities come from, especially in winter? Richard LeMieux, author of Breakfast at Sally’s: One Homeless Man’s Inspirational Journey, visited the site. “I wish this was here when I was traveling around in my journey,” he said.
“Top-of-the-line dirt” at Salvation Army in Billings
PRESCOTT, AZ—Youth at Prescott Corps hosted a Mystery Dinner Meal on March 25. At the event, guests each received a menu but they had no idea what to order because they didn’t know what the dishes were. Selections like a napkin, a glass of water, a knife or a fork replaced the usual steak, chicken, and fish entrees, but they ordered anyway. All diners enjoyed their plates and no one left unhappy. Donations—which totaled $390—went toward youth councils sponsorships.
n Salvation Army workers get their hands dirty establishing a business enterprise.
We want to know what’s happening in your corps, ARC or unit—special programs or events, enrollments, youth achievements, and more! Submit just a few sentences (that’s about 75 words) to karen.gleason@ usw.salvationarmy.org or to New.Frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ tsanewfrontier. Barrels of processed compost
Photo by Lura LeMar
The Billings (Mont.) Corps has given a whole new meaning to the expression “cheaper than dirt” with their latest “Bokashi” project. The Salvation Army in Billings, teamed with the Rimrock Foundation, received a $300,000 grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to get the program going. Bokashi is a cold compost method developed in Japan that combines kitchen scraps—vegetables, fruit, meat and dairy—with a mixture of wheat germ or sawdust, molasses and microorganisms that cleanse and revitalize the mixture. The Army has already purchased a shredder for processing the food waste and a “tipper” for draining the liquid from the compost barrels. The best of the dirt will be sold to home gardeners and the rest will go to community and school gardens that the
Army is helping to establish. “It will be top-of-the-line dirt—we think as good as you’re going to find,” Major Kevin Jackson, corps officer, said. Not only will the venture provide income, it will also employ nine formerly homeless men who are graduates of the corps’ substance abuse course. Besides physical labor, the men will be sharpening their business skills by attending environmental management classes and running the business themselves—taking inventory, purchasing and budgeting. Jackson said he is surprised at how enterprising the workers are, adding that they are three months ahead of what was expected at this time. As new employees are hired, instructors will be dispatched to other Salvation Army facilities to educate and assist them in establishing composting businesses of their own. Information from an article by Ed Kemmick of billingsgazette.com
Doing the Most Good
April 11, 2011 New Frontier
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NEW DIVISIONAL LEADERS INSTALLED
Posillicos return to the Southwest BY MELISSA AXMAN The Southwest Division celebrated the installation of Divisional Leaders Lt. Colonels Joe and Shawn Posillico on April 1, when 120 people gathered, including Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, territorial leaders, at the Phoenix Citadel Corps to formally welcome them to the division. The divisional band, Valley Brass and the Phoenix Citadel Songsters provided music. Prior to this appointment, the Posillicos served as divisional commander and divisional director of women’s ministries for just under seven years in the Golden State Division, headquartered in San Francisco. They are no strangers to the Southwest, however; both have held previous appointments in Arizona, including Globe, Prescott, Mesa, Tucson, and Phoenix. The Posillicos are excited to be back in the Southwest Division. “We started our officer careers in the Southwest Division and were grounded here,” said
Community members with Lt. Colonels Shawn and Joe Posillico at the Phoenix South Mountain Corps Community Center gym. Photo by Marlene Klotz-Collins
Lt. Colonel Joe Posillico. The City of Phoenix Administration Advisory Board hosted a welcome event for the Posillicos on March 21, at the future site of the Ray and Joan Kroc South Mountain Corps Community
Center in Phoenix. More than 100 community leaders and Salvation Army board members attended. Tours of the Kroc construction site, scheduled to open in spring 2012, were provided.
Smiths take up leadership in Golden State BY LAINE HENDRICKS The installation ceremony of new Golden State Divisional Leaders Lt. Colonels Stephen and Marcia Smith was truly a family affair. Attending and participating in the ceremony were Lt. Colonel Judy Smith (cousin of Lt. Colonel Stephen Smith and former Golden State divisional secretary for program); Major Eileen Hoogstad (sister of Lt. Colonel Stephen Smith); Colonels Bruce and Dorothy Harvey (parents of Lt. Colonel Marcia Smith and former leaders of the Northern California/Nevada Division); and all of the Smiths’ children. Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, territorial leaders, also took part in the installation. Over 400 people gathered at Camp Redwood Glen, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, for the ceremony and barbeque. Major Debi Shrum provided a welcome to the leaders including a re-write of the Beatles classic, “The Long and Winding Road,” and Captain Roy Wild interviewed the new divisional leaders in a talk-show format. The Central Valley Youth Band and Chorus (under the leadership of Jerry Knickerbocker and Golden State Divisional Music and Worship Director Elizabeth Carvill) provided music. The Smiths thanked former Golden State Divisional Leaders Lt. Colonels Joe and Shawn Posillico, for their nearly seven years of leadership to the division. They also challenged everyone to be “salt and light” to a world that desperately
Photos by Naomi Tavez and Cindy Shepherd
A DAY IN THE PIT n Junior soldiers enjoy a day at the NASCAR races.
Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs prays for new Golden State divisional leaders Lt. Colonels Marcia and Stephen Smith. Photo by Craig Helms
needs both. The evening concluded with a literal “bang”—a spirited dragon dance provided by the San Francisco Chinatown Corps, complete with firecrackers.
Outstanding partners recognized Left to right: Partners in Community Service Award recipient Mike Wood, Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs and Majors Shelley and Edward Hill
n The Salvation Army in Hawaii honors its partners in community service. BY DANIEL DE CASTRO The Salvation Army in Hawaii showed its appreciation to its volunteers and partner organizations on March 18 at the annual Partners in Community Service Awards banquet, held at the Kahala Hotel in Honolulu. Western Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs gave the keynote address at the luncheon, and Hawaiian and Pacific Island Divisional Leaders Majors Edward and Shelley Hill presented the four awards. Bank of Hawaii has been a strong supporter of Army programs through its generous financial grants, which have sustained community-based programs. Employees have donated personal time to ring bells during Christmas, as well as to refurbish the aging Kaimuki facility, which houses women in recovery and their children.
Top: Maritza Moran and Emmanuel Matos pose with Morgan Shepherd in front of #89 Salvation Army Car. Above: envoy Abelardo Tamez points out #89’s “Doing the Most Good” hood design.
Photo courtesy of Bank of Hawaii
Kanu Hawaii has inspired and mobilized thousands of islanders to work toward sustainable, compassionate and resilient communities through its island-style activism. Its volunteers supported and worked alongside homeless women in recovery in an Army housing facility. Micah Kane, while serving as director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, helped The Salvation Army secure prime property in the Kapolei
region for the soon-to-be Kroc Center, which will be the largest community center of its kind in Hawaii. Mike Wood had a vision to ensure that abused and neglected children have a safe haven to grow and flourish. His financial support helped build Ho’opono O Na Kamali’i, which has provided love and care to more than 200 displaced and neglected children in Leeward, O’ahu.
BY BUFFY LINCOLN The full NASCAR experience is exactly what Martiza Moran and Emmanuel Matos experienced at the Nationwide Series NASCAR event March 26 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. They were guests of #89 Salvation Army car driver Morgan Shepherd, who owns two Salvation Army emblazoned racecars. At the time, Moran and Matos were junior soldiers at the Ontario (Calif.) Corps, led by Envoys Abelardo and Naomi Tamez. The Tamezes accompanied the kids to the track. Because Matos and Moran were the oldest junior soldiers, they were shoe-ins for the tickets, and just in time. They were both enrolled as senior soldiers the day after the race. A highlight of the day was when Shepherd’s wife, Cindy, took the kids into the “pit.” She sat them on a toolbox—an official toolbox of an official crewmember—where they watched up close and personal and felt the excitement of the pit crew changing tires. “I got invited by the driver to sit in his pit and watch the cars get gassed up and get their tires changed. The first thing I heard was a prayer to God and the National Anthem being played. Then I saw the Blue Angels fly over us. I got so excited when I heard, ‘Start your engines’ and watched the drivers get in their cars and the race beginning. It was something I’ll never forget,” Matos said. Shepherd finished 23rd in the race. Brett Rowe—Shepherd’s personal friend and another driver—placed 42nd in Shepherd’s #55 Salvation Army entry. Shepherd co-founded Victory in Jesus Racing in 2001 and Faith Motorsports in 2006 with two goals: provide and adequately equip outreach teams and share the gospel of Jesus Christ to the NASCAR community, one race at a time.
newAppointment Captain Stephanie Dennis has been appointed Executive Assistant to the Territorial Commander at Territorial Headquarters effective April 11, 2011.
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April 11, 2011 New Frontier
The Musician
Doing the Most Good
Divisional Youth Band visits Chicagoland n North American tour continues in Michigan, then Canada. BY JEFF CURNOW On Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27, the 33-member Southern California Divisional Youth Band (DYB) kicked off its North American tour, performing at the Chicago Mayfair Community Church and the Rockford Temple Corps. Band members also worked with music program in Chicago schools. Under the leadership of Divisional Bandmaster Kevin Larsson, the group performed a creatively planned concert including solo vocalists, a big band group, a trombone quartet, piano soloists and a “boys’” chorus. All of the elements combined to form a worship experience that was varied, enjoyable and moving.
The Southern California Divisional Youth Band poses in front of the Chicago skyline. Photo courtesy of Southern California Divisional Youth Band
The band, made up of Salvationists from the Los Angeles area, has an average age of 20. The early 20s is the time in most young peoples’ lives when they make decisions about their future church involvement. It was great to see so many young Salvationists committed to their involvement with The Salvation Army. The standard of performance of the band was excellent. The
Southern California DYB is a talented group of young people, whose joy was contagious as they conveyed the gospel message through music. Community outreach On Saturday, band members conducted a day of classes for nearly 50 students who attend the music school at The Salvation Army Mayfair
Community Church. That evening, the band ministered to soldiers and friends of Rockford Temple—a concert that culminated a weekend focus on holiness. The Holy Spirit challenged many as General Paul Rader (Ret.) spoke on the simplicity of holiness. During the next three days band members worked with music programs in Chicago schools. The band members “jumped right in and helped wherever needed,” said Metropolitan Chicago Divisional Music Director Vernon Lawson. Many schools in Chicago would not have any music programs were it not for The Salvation Army and its active engagement of the schools—the Army is running the music programs as part of the normal curriculum. “In these public school music classes, the kids are getting a lot of music and a little of Jesus,” said Lawson. At each of the five
public school concerts, the children clapped along to the movie music and marches. Then—in the middle of the concert—the contemporary brass ensemble accompanied Shalini HenryJohn as she sang “My Redeemer Lives”—in a public school! The band was excited about the reception it received and the opportunity to witness to children in such a taboo setting. The tour continued on to the Dearborn Heights (Mich.) Corps on March 30, and then into Canada where they performed at the London Citadel Corps, the North Toronto Community Church and the North York Temple Corps. Band Chaplain Captain Matt Madsen said, “One thing’s for sure, Bandmaster Larsson might be the one directing the band, but it is God who is directing our steps.” Captain Matt Madsen contributed information to this article.
Singing for joy in Del Oro Division n Annual music event focuses on leadership training.
Territorial Music Secretary Neil Smith leads a vocal workshop at the Del Oro Music Councils. Photo by Ralph Brigman
“Sing for Joy” was the theme of the 2011 Del Oro Music Councils, which emphasized leadership training. The daylong event, held at Del Oro Divisional Headquarters, featured special guests Bandmaster Neil Smith, territorial music and worship development secretary, and Bandmaster Elizabeth Carvill, Golden State divisional music director. They joined Del Oro Divisional Music Director Derek Helms. The morning included leadership training classes for songsters, band, praise and worship, beginning and junior band and singing company. Filling out the sched-
ule were classes on the worship software, MediaShout, and how to run your corps’ sound system. In the afternoon, delegates joined the Del Oro Divisional Youth Chorus and Band, the duty groups for the day, in either a vocal or brass workshop. This allowed those who participated in the morning leadership training classes a chance to practice leading in front of a large group. They were also recorded so they can learn from the experience. “With no public performance, this was a new way for us to hold music councils. I am really encouraged to see this many people who are passionate and motivated about music in their corps,” said Helms.
The Pasadena Tabernacle Band performs at Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande, Calif. Photo by Ralph Brigman
A weekend of musical praise n Pasadena Tabernacle Band takes their ministry on the road.
Only performance in the Western Territory
BY MEREDITH N. FLINN The 40-member Pasadena Tabernacle (TAB) Corps band, under the leadership of Bandmaster William B. Flinn, recently participated in weekend ministry along California’s coast in Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria. The San Luis Obispo Service Extension team—including David Freehauf, Beth Quaintance and June Loo, service extension director for the Southern California Division—arranged the band’s trip. In Arroyo Grande, the TAB band played to a 600-plus capacity crowd at Grace Bible Church. The evening concert began with “Fanfare to Worship” and involved the audience in singing “All
Hail the Power.” Lawrence Lycan shared his personal testimony, calling everyone to be an example of Christ to those who do not have a personal relationship with him. Concert highlights included “South Shields Celebration,” a flugel horn solo by John Docter titled “So Glad,” “The Magic Kingdom,” “Let Everything Praise” and “I’ll Walk With God.” James Allen delighted audiences with his piano arrangement of gospel songs. The evening ended with “Stars and Stripes Forever.” “I was unable to articulate to anyone who had never heard the TAB band before what they would experience and what they would hear. It’s a phenomenal sound—the whole ministry is very powerful,” said Freehauf, chairman of the San Luis Obispo South County Service Extension Unit. PASADENA TABERNACLE, page 8
Doing the Most Good
April 11, 2011 New Frontier
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New Zealand earthquake victims remembered Elsewhere
in the world
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 NZPA / Pam Johnson
BOND
AUSTRALIA—The Salvation Army in Bendigo (Victoria) is offering people a place to “Chill Out” on Saturday nights between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. Operating in a small truck, Chill Out provides a safe place for nightclub clientele who are too drunk to go home. The Army’s goal is to reduce the effects of binge drinking, antisocial behavior, violence and potential harm. The corps offers water, hot drinks, blankets, condoms and thong sandals. About 150-200 people visit the van each week. “A nightclub owner said this was one of the best things to happen in Bendigo,” Corps Officer Captain Martyn Scrimshaw said. Community benefits include reduced assaults, robberies and fights, as well as the removal of drunken patrons from the streets. From onFire/Australia Southern Territory, March 26, 2011, issue
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the love of God that compels us.” Regarding her new position, General Bond said she holds it with respect and dignity but she holds it lightly, “because the power the Lord has given me as General is delegated authority. It is a power for people not power over people. “I live for Jesus and all the praise, power and glory belong to him,” she said. Earlier in the meeting Chief of the Staff Commissioner Barry C. Swanson presented the General with the framed Certificate of Election, signed by all members of the 2011 High Council that elected General Bond. Representing IHQ officer staff, Captain Emerald Urbien welcomed General Bond and said that she comes at a time of turmoil for the world. Drawing parallels from the Old Testament book of Esther, she stated that General Bond had been elected for such a time as this. Mark Read (researcher, IHQ program resources) welcomed the General on behalf of IHQ employees. He said
CLIFTONS
he had asked a friend at one of the General’s previous appointments to describe the General; the response was: “a woman who sincerely and deeply loves Jesus.” “General, at IHQ we have a shared mission to serve Jesus that transcends roles. We will all do our part to support and serve you,” Read added. Other participants in the meeting were Commissioner Gillian Bosh (Americas and Caribbean zonal secretary for women’s ministries) who prayed, Major Lorraine Hart (private secretary to the General) who read from Scripture, an IHQ vocal group that sang “At Thy Command” and an ensemble from the International Staff Band that played “Mighty to Save.” Retired General John Larsson, Commissioners Freda Larsson and Gisèle Gowans and United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland territorial leaders Commissioners John and Betty Matear were among the invited guests for this occasion. Following the IHQ welcome meeting, General Linda From a report by Lt. Colonel Laurie Bond greeted all who attended. Robertson Photo by Paul Harmer
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officers and their families. In his tribute to General Clifton, International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner William Cochrane, said, “If anyone has been perfectly prepared for the office of General then Shaw Clifton is that person—service as an officer on five continents, intellectual grounding in academia, Salvation Army grounding by his parents and early commitment of his life to Christ.” Cochrane emphasized the General’s global vision, decisive action and apparent fearlessness in the face of difficult situations. He also disclosed two often used terms of General Clifton, “intentionality and is it do-able?” Hindsight has revealed, said Cochrane, that if the General thought it was do-able then it was. He added that the General’s intentionality had, among other achievements, resulted in the elevation of soldiership within the Army, reasserted the supremacy of the covenantal relationship between officers and God and demonstrated to the Army that it can be confident in itself and its place in the body of Christ. General Clifton and Commissioner Clifton respond In her response, Commissioner Clifton quoted Hebrews 13:8: Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever, and said: “These words describe my experience of the Lord Jesus Christ ever since I took him as my personal Savior as a child.” After thanking God for calling her to serve as an officer, she said: “I face the future with my faith unchanged and undiminished. Hebrews 13:8 is true. We will take the future one day at a time, our hands placed in his [God’s] hands, as we have always done.” After thanking many people, the General encouraged Salvationists to prayerfully support the General-Elect,
Commissioner Linda Bond (now General). He noted God’s faithful presence throughout his service as an officer, saying: “These past five years serving as the Army’s world leader have thrown me back again and again on the grace and help of God. If you are risking much for God, your need of grace doubles and re-doubles. Your prayers grow more and more passionate, even desperate, as you seek guidance. God hears, God guides, and God opens up the way. “A word about the Army—we all know God raised us up, but also we know that we Salvationists are very human and that, as a result, the Army is not perfect. Nevertheless, I want to affirm clearly and with all my heart today that I have been deeply privileged to have been called by God to be a Salvationist. God’s great Army of Salvation has allowed me to pastor, preach, teach, write, research, study, learn, travel, encourage, experience myriad cultures, to serve and to lead. The Army, under God, has allowed me to be stretched, challenged and—above all else—to be changed and to grow in grace.” The General especially thanked his wife, who married him when she was age 19, stating, “She has encouraged me and has quietly empowered me in every place, in every appointment, and in every task.” He also thanked God for his family and their support. Using four verses from Acts 20: 20, 22, 24 and 32 General Clifton reaffirmed his Christian faith and thanked God for the past, present and future. He concluded with a sacred reminder for all Salvationists. “All of us are called to be pure for God, sacred vessels for him, sanctified and made holy by his blood poured out so freely at Calvary. The One who calls you can do it. He is able.” From an international news report
SCOTLAND—Operators of West Scotland’s divisional emergency services canteen were ready to go when asked by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service to respond to a large fire in Glasgow. More than 60 firefighters were already present when The Salvation Army teams arrived. Crews served police officers, fire crews and others working on the blaze. They also distributed refreshments to people who were evacuated from their homes. From the Salvationist/UK, March 12, 2001 issue CANADA—The Grind—in Pembroke, Ontario—is a youth outreach where at-risk youth can listen to music, play on organized sports teams, and interact with their peers. The facility also offers mentorship and leadership programs. The Grind operated without a permanent base for three years until this February when it finally settled at the Pembroke Corps. “We are excited about this new avenue of ministry,” Captains Robert and Denise Spurrell, corps officers, said. “We believe God will direct our paths to minister to the needs of our youth.” A stronger spiritual emphasis, with Christian praise and worship evenings, has begun and an online program based on accessing and using community resources is under development. From Salvationist.ca, April 2011 issue MYANMAR—The Salvation Army responded with emergency supplies after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the east of the country on March 25. Although initial reports indicated little damage, further information revealed that at least 70 and perhaps as many as 150 people lost their lives. Lt. Colonel Bob Lee, chief secretary for the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory, said he heard from the Thachileik Corps that there was “widespread damage to homes, property and even infrastructure such as roads.” International Headquarters provided $5,000 to cover the initial costs of buying bottled drinking water, basic food, sleeping mats and blankets. A team of cadets and officers from the School for Officer Training in Yangon went to Thachileik to help with distribution and to offer spiritual and psychological support. Information on donating to any of The Salvation Army’s relief efforts worldwide is available at salvationarmy.org. From a Salvation Army emergency news report
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recentRetirements
Playing for a cause
Majors Ben and Diane La Barge After over 28 years serving as officers in The Salvation Army, Majors Ben and Diane LaBarge have retired. Benjamin (Ben) LaBarge was introduced to The Salvation Army around the age of 10 in Prescott, Ariz. In 1971, his dad became caretaker of Camp O’ Wood—now closed—in the Southwest Division. From 1974-77, Ben LaBarge served there as a staff member. During this time, he accepted Christ and received a call to officership. He also met Diane Gay, whom he married in 1978. Although born in Garden Grove, Calif., Diane Gay spent her childhood in Titusville, Fla., where she met The Salvation Army. By age 12, she had accepted Christ and felt called to be an officer. In 1977, she moved to Tucson, Ariz., where she applied for a job at Camp O’ Wood, eventually meeting LaBarge. The LaBarges entered the School for Officer Training in 1980 and were commissioned with the God’s Messengers
Major Mary Jane Horgen was promoted to Glory Feb. 20 from Puyallup, Wash. Mary Jane Byers was born May 20, 1929, in Great Falls, Mont. The youngest of six children, she grew up in The Salvation Army; her mother was corps sergeant major at the Great Falls Corps for many years. Byers entered officer training school in 1950 and was commissioned in 1951 with the Ambassadors Session. After appointments in Portland, Ore.; Spokane, Wash.; and Havre, Mont., she met Probationary Lieutenant Richard John Horgen. The couple married in 1955 and moved to Longview, Wash., where their first two daughters—Jane and Susan—were born. Their daughter Gaylene was born during an appointment in Wenatchee, Wash. The Horgens also served in Aberdeen,
Session in 1982. During their years as officers, they served in: Fairbanks and Petersburg, Alaska; Watsonville and Vallejo, Calif.; Klamath Falls and Medford, Ore.; and Pocatello, Idaho. They served pro tem at Cascade Divisional Headquarters and ended their service as chaplains at the Adult Rehabilitation Center in Oakland, Calif. The Oakland Garden Center Corps hosted a retirement ceremony in early 2011. Major Jack Phillips officiated. The LaBarges are relocating to Pocatello to be near family.
Photo by Michael Mustacchi
Seattle, and Bellingham, Wash.; Missoula and Great Falls, Mont.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Santa Cruz, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles, Calif.; and Salem and Portland, Ore. They retired as chaplains from the Seattle Adult Rehabilitation Center in 1997, moving first to Tacoma, Wash., and later to Puyallup. Horgen became a greeter in her retirement community and held chapel services there twice a month with her husband. A gracious hostess, she became “mom” to many people and was known as a “prayer warrior.” Horgen is survived by her husband, Major Richard John Horgen; three daughters: Jane Weiss, Susan Horgen, and Major Gaylene Yardley; her brother, Ted Byers; her grandchildren: Lt. Jillian O’Brien and Travis Yardley; and two great-granddaughters. The Puyallup Valley Corps held a Celebration of Life service Feb. 25. Corps Officer Major Charity Kramerius welcomed everyone and Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien closed with a song and benediction.
Shane Turner, a fifth grader from Portola Valley, Calif., is a piano and singing prodigy, who recently directed his talents toward raising money for The Salvation Army’s Japan earthquake relief fund. He was first introduced to the Army in December 2010, when he performed during the celebrity bellringing event in San Francisco’s Union Square. Turner and a friend, seventh grader Lexi Kastanis, held a show in a restaurant, deciding in advance to donate all tips to the Japan relief fund. After announcing their cause during the performance, they raised $77. Find more about Shane Turner online at youtube.com/user/ shaneturnermusic or at http:// web.mac.com/enshano/enshano/ Welcome.html.
Brengle: My Life’s Ambition n Don’t miss the return of the musical production at this year’s Commissioning. On Saturday evening, June 11, during Commissioning 2011, a cast of cadets, officers and the Territorial Arts Ensemble will perform the musical Brengle: My Life’s Ambition, written by Colonel Edward Hobgood and directed by Joy Lee, territorial creative arts director. With 10 original musical numbers, the production will walk through the life of Commissioner Samuel Logan Brengle (1860-1936), a champion in preaching about holy living. The story
reveals a man driven by his ambitions to make a mark on the world through the power of words until he receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. After that moment of surrender, his life’s ambitions shift from seeking prestige and fortune to serving humbly and with a mission through The Salvation Army. A man’s passion is contagious. The same Spirit that consumed Brengle can consume the heart of each believer even now, after the passage of almost a century. Come join in the celebration that may possibly inspire and encourage our soldiers to examine their lives and the Army’s ambitions.
PASADENA TABERNACLE “The quality of the music shows wonderful musicianship, great intonation and great dynamics—it just knocked us off our feet,” he said. The TAB band provided both preliminary music and congregational accompaniment for the Sunday morning service at Grace Bible Church, joining the church choir in the William Himes arrangement of “Total Praise.” The band then traveled to Grace Lutheran Church where they provided the service and musical num-
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bers—including the cornet solo “Holy, Holy, Holy” performed by Songster Leader Martin Hunt. In his testimony, Bandsman Major Brian Saunders shared his trust in God through all the moments of life. Major Bill Nottle provided the dedication. The morning service ended with the march “Heavenward.” The band concluded its trip by sharing lunch and conversation at the Santa Maria Corps, hosted by Corps Officers Lieutenants Paul and Jennifer Swain.
Doing the Most Good
Fan the flame and experience amazing grace n Salvationists will share their gifts at Commissioning weekend’s Friday evening events. BY ALEEN BRADLEY “Fan the Flame”—Friday evening, June 10, during Commissioning weekend—will be a celebration of music and arts in the courtyard at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. The varied musical presentations— including brass, vocal, drum and strings along with dance and drama—will be an opportunity to witness the diverse and innovative skills that God has given us. Dinner will be provided as guests at Commissioning weekend enjoy this festive atmosphere. (Dinner tickets come with the purchase of the evening program ticket.) Following dinner the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters will take the stage to present “Amazing Grace.” The concert, which follows the release of the group’s newest CD (titled Amazing Grace), kicks off a tour that will take the group through the New Zealand and Australia territories. This corps vocal group of 73 soldiers is embarking on its eighth major tour in the past 25 years with a program that is nothing short of, well, amazing! The bon voyage concert program offers the kind of innovative style and performance that make this group distinctive among songster brigades in the Army world. Enhancing the concert’s dynamic and diverse musical presentation will be compelling testimonies, video, media, choreography and drama. The songsters, directed by Songster Leader Martin Hunt, have an evening planned that will remind listeners of the gifts that come to us from a loving heavenly Father. Woven into the evening’s program are moments to celebrate God’s gift of creation, redemption and love; invitations for us to enter into his presence and accept his love; and overall, a time to remind us of the unfathomable gift of grace that each of us receives. In light of the recent devastating events in the Australia and New Zealand area, the Pasadena Songsters hope to go out from this Commissioning weekend—along with the newly commissioned officers—with spirits flaming and ready to present a message of hope and the simple and powerful message of God’s amazing grace.
INVITATION from page 1 Maybe this was no embarrassing moment for Thomas, no public shaming in front of his friends. Surely Jesus did not expose him before the others as a doubting Thomas? Rather, don’t you think that as Thomas was invited into Jesus’ wounds, the Lord whispered a word of faith into his ear? It is true that we can’t go beyond what the Scriptures tell us. But we can read them with the knowledge of how Jesus deals with us. Knowing how understanding and gracious he is, the story of Thomas can be read as our story. How often we have heard others share their joy about their experience with Jesus and somehow we just can’t relate to it? Rather than declare our doubts, we have kept silent or even tried to express a conviction that we did not hold. But for those who truly want to know him, Jesus comes, doesn’t he? No rebuke, no word of condemnation, but a whisper. He gives us a moment so convincing that we know with absolute certainty: He is alive. He is real. Thomas’s response may surely also be ours: “My Lord and my God” (v. 28). What a wonderful Saviour! What a wonderful Lord!
April 11, 2011
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April 11, 2011 New Frontier
It is by grace you have been saved “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate (Luke 15:24 NIV).
Glen Doss
“Everything Major was dark when my eyes popped open. I shook my head to clear it. I lay flat on my back among garbage cans alongside a brick building. Staring directly into a hazy sky above, aware of a horrible stench, I suddenly grasped what had happened: I had done it once again—overdosed. How many times had it been now? Four? My stomach heaved; I turned over on my belly and vomited. …Then a feeling of urgency came over me—I needed a fix and I needed it fast.” Walking with my friend Conrad Watson through the twists and turns that comprised his life, I experienced a rollercoaster ride of deep despair contrasted with great delight. Conducting interviews for his memoir, I alternately cried and rejoiced. I kept asking myself: How can a person survive all this? But then I remembered: I hear stories like this over and over at The Salvation Army—there are so many trophies of grace. As I vicariously lived Watson’s life—an abusive childhood followed by 25 years of hustling for alcohol and drugs on the streets of San Francisco and Los Angeles, and then 23 years of service to The Salvation Army—I knew I was witnessing an amazing demonstration of the resurrection power of God. I was reminded: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed; and God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved (Lam. 3:22; Eph. 2:4-5). What an Easter story his life has been! (The excerpts below were taken from the book On the Nickel: Doc Watson, available through Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.) A life redeemed Rescued from the sick, sordid world of Los Angeles’s skid row, called the Nickel: “I lived in two worlds: one in which I empathized with others and, at a subliminal level, hungered deeply for God, a world that lay just beneath the surface of my façade and manifested itself in genuine humility. My other world was the one of which my five senses fed me information: the streets, the drugs, and the dog-eat-dog lifestyle of the Nickel. I knew I was really a small dog in a big dog world because I wasn’t as ruth-
less as most. Yet I had certainly learned to do underhanded stuff—I knew how to survive.” Then came the day: “Returning from the run, I shuffled painfully down the hall, some clarity returning to my thinking. Glancing down at myself, I noticed for the first time in days that my clothes were filthy and I hadn’t bathed since I couldn’t remember when. …Stopping at the door of my fleabag hotel room, I slowly turned the key, stepped inside, and dropped down on the cot. Lying on my back, I stared at the ceiling. “‘Some people can get clean and sober, but I can’t. I’m doomed. At 42 years of age I’m going to die. I know I’m going to die living like this.’ …I closed my eyes, and my face muscles relaxed a little as I slowly fell asleep…. “‘Gimme all your money or I’ll kill you!’ I was aware of a knife blade at my throat and the heavy force of a hand upon the back of my neck. ‘I said, give me all your money or I’ll kill you!’ In the dim light, I spied the stocking over the man’s face and knew he meant business. “‘Man, all I got is a dollar and some change in that drawer there,’ I said, nodding as best I could toward a bedside table. Still holding the knife at my throat, the man used his other hand to pull out the drawer and grab up the money. “He demanded, ‘Where’s the rest? I mean it! I’ll kill you, sure as I breathe.’ “‘Man, you don’t want to do that. I don’t have no more. Think: Would I lie with a knife at my throat? Look around. I ain’t got nothing. I’m a poor bum just trying to survive. I ain’t got the rent for this place. I’m gonna be on the streets come morning. That’s how broke I am. I ain’t got nothing!’ “With an epithet the man snorted. ‘I’m coming back. And if you don’t have more money, you’re a dead man!’ With that he stormed out…. “For the first time since I was a small child, I suddenly found myself on my knees. In a way only the dying can do, with tears running down my face—I poured out my heart to God. “‘God, please help me out of this trap I’m caught in: the heroin, the alcohol, the violent lifestyle—stealing, hustling. Is there no hope for me at all? Or am I doomed to die in this vicious lifestyle? Please help me. Tell me what to do.’ “A quiet reassuring voice sounded within my heart: Go back to The Salvation Army Harbor Light, to that safe place. It’s not too late—to live right, to learn to live clean and sober, to get right with God. And I trembled at the voice of hope.”
Giving it up During the Lenten time leading up to Easter, I’ve come across many friends on Facebook who are “giving up” things for Lent. One is giving up chocolate. Another, Starbucks. For some, it is desserts in general. Linda Here at the training college in the Philippines, the cadets Manhardt have given up afternoon Major snacks, adding what would have been spent toward our self-denial target. All around me, because of the time of year, people are giving things up. One outcome of the field training team ministry at the college was the establishment of four outreaches in the area surrounding us. Close to 400 people attend the meetings—it is an exciting time. Many have met the Lord and are now in soldiership or junior soldier preparation classes. We offer Bible studies, prayer meetings, Sunday school, timbrels, youth meetings, Home League, etc. We’re growing an Army! Recently, at the first Holiness meeting conducted in the front yard of a member of the Batak Outreach, I had the pleasure of sitting behind a little boy, around 4 years old, and his mother. About halfway through the meeting, a street vendor came by, selling palamig, which is a drink made from ice, milk, sugar and fruit flavor. The children love it; it is refreshing in this hot, humid climate. A little boy and his sister sat beside me. They got the necessary five pesos (about 10 cents) from their grandmother and returned to their chairs with frosty pink drinks. The little guy in front of me turned around and looked longingly at them. He watched as they sipped away. He didn’t ask his mother for one, and he wasn’t upset. He just watched. I couldn’t help it. I found a coin in my pocket and gave it to him. His eyes widened and he gave me a huge smile. He turned around and happily
showed his mother the coin. We were in the middle of the meeting, and I can’t speak Filipino, so I was unable to tell him to buy a drink with it. But his joy showed me that he got the message. Wrong! It would seem that I gave him the coin at the precise moment that the offering time was beginning. Without hesitation, he jumped from his chair and dropped his coin in the offering bag. He returned to his seat, with the same big smile. I was frustrated at not being able to communicate. I wanted him to have a treat now more than before. I fished through my purse and was able to find another five pesos. This time, I gave him five one peso coins. The scene almost repeated itself. He jumped out of his seat and ran to the improvised Holiness table to lay his five pesos down. Without thinking, I quickly came after him and picked up the coins. I gave them back and pointed to the children behind him, making some ridiculous signs as I tried to communicate that the coins were for him to buy a yummy drink like his friends had. He nodded and smiled and remained in his seat for the remainder of the meeting. I never saw if he purchased the sweet palamig after the meeting or not. My guess is that the vendor was long gone by the time we finished. As I reflect on this little guy, I am struck by his heartfelt desire to “give it up.” No one told him to. He gave without thought or hesitation. It was his sincere pleasure to have something to give to God, and he delighted in the giving. Let us follow the example of this small, spontaneous boy and not think in terms of “denying ourselves.” Instead, let us live lives that are a moment-by-moment sacrament of giving it up— whatever that may mean. Let us take simple delight in our living and our giving.
Grace As I write this article in my office, my head is still in the middle of the night in Istanbul, Turkey! We just returned from the Greece/Turkey study tour along with 33 Salvation Army colleagues. It was a wonderful experience to follow the “Footsteps of Paul.” I have Sharron a greater appreciation for Hudson the Apostle Paul, Silas, Luke, Lt. Colonel Barnabas, Titus, Timothy, John Mark and the Apostle John as they traveled in these areas to preach Christ and establish the Church. While visiting the ruins of the cities where Paul proclaimed the gospel of grace, I tried to imagine the people and culture he faced. We know of the many hardships and trials he and his co-workers went through—but still he did not give up on the people of that time. He identified with them through their cultural beliefs and practices, living among the people and “setting up shop” in his tent-making business. While traveling, we met three people who were quite different from each other, yet I believe God loves them just as much as those of us on the tour. Two were our tour guides: Sophia in Greece—just by her speech and knowledge of history, you could tell she was proud of her country and the rich heritage that influenced our modern way of thinking (philosophy) and language. Sophia is Greek Orthodox, believing in God and practicing her religion as she was taught. Our tour guide in Turkey was Gigi—a secular Muslim who reads the Quran, but does not practice the six-times-a-day call to prayer. Both Sophia and Gigi were moved by our expression of appreciation and prayers for them. The last person we spent only a brief
time with—a Kurdish waiter named Miseal. Interestingly, his name is Hebrew for “what is God like?” He was funny and kept us all entertained. He summed up to me why I am in the ministry through The Salvation Army—in his broken English he said: “We need to look at everyone as human beings—me not Kurdish, you not American, not Turkish, but as one people.” I have believed this is how God views his human creations. For God so loved the world… not one country or people, but the world—that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). But then Jesus goes on to say in verse 17: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. God bless Sophia, God bless Gigi, God bless Miseal! May they truly know Christ and him crucified. The world for God! The world for God! There’s nothing else will meet the hunger of my soul. I see forsaken children, I see the tears that fall From women’s eyes, once merry, now never laugh at all; I see the sins and sorrows of those who sit in darkness; I see in lands far distant, the hungry and oppressed. But behold! On a hill, Calvary! Calvary! The world for God! The world for God! I give my heart! I’ll do my part! The world for God! The world for God! I give my heart! I will do my part! (Evangeline Booth)
Doing the Most Good
April 11, 2011 New Frontier
Christ’s mandate: cross every border Part two: Tough questions, tough answers In one of the most powerful messages in Scripture we are reminded of how Jesus Sharon demanded the seemingly impossible of his Robertson Lt. Colonel 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. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:27-31). We have to ask ourselves some hard questions—ask them with honesty and answer them with the same blunt, nondefensive honesty that will be required of us when we stand before the Christ who will be our judge. Tough questions—tougher answers 1. Are the demands of Christ reasonable? No, probably not. Jesus asks for an unnatural response that defies reason and imposes an expectation totally at odds with our natural impulses. He asks us to practice love in an environment of festering hatred, without expecting anything in return. It doesn’t make sense to love one who is desperately seeking to do harm, or to pray for one who is making it difficult for you to find work. 2. Who is the mission target? Or to put it another way, who is it that Christ would choose to exclude from his kingdom? When we phrase the question that way, the answer is obvious. Christ would choose to exclude no one—so the object of our quest is everyone—every friend, every foe—every person who does not know Jesus Christ as personal savior is fair game! 3. Is it possible for the Army’s mission to succeed in today’s increasingly antagonistic world climate? That depends on a number of things:
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
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a. Our willingness to look beyond our own interests: It depends on whether or not we are able to break down the barriers of parochialism, to recognize that today the world is our community. No longer can we afford to “defend our local turf” and turn our backs on the needs of the world beyond our borders. Today as never before, what happens in Pakistan, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Chechnya, Brazil, Japan and Saudi Arabia happens to us— and due to the Internet, it happens with an immediacy of impact that 20 years ago we could not have believed. b. Our belief in the viability of the mission: It depends on whether or not we honestly view the three-fold mission of The Salvation Army, here and abroad, as vital, compelling and realistic. Do we have that gut-level, jaw-tightening drive that sees the propagation of the gospel of Christ as the single most important issue in the world today and is ready to go beyond the call of “duty” to see it happen? What are we willing to give up—sacrifice, if you will—to carry out the commands of the Master to preach the gospel and to love the unlovable—for God’s sake, to learn to actually love even those who set themselves up as the enemy and are ready to perpetrate any atrocity if it will advance their cause? c. Our readiness to put God to the test: In a very real way, success depends (more than anything else) upon our willingness to put the power of God to the test. How much can we trust God for the resources it will take, not simply to sustain our mission here and abroad, but to extend it aggressively, to launch out in faith to prosecute the claims of Christ to a world of people whose needs have driven them to hatred and violence against a way of life we hold dear? Are we prepared to work in a partnership with God that would be costly in terms of time, effort, money— even personal safety and welfare—if that is what God asks? The only way we will ever prove our contention that the power of God is a reality in our lives is to take him at his word, to translate our professed faith into effective, positive action! Our mission The mission of The Salvation Army cannot be pursued from a comfortable pew; nor will it be achieved through a handful of change in the offering plate and an occasional fervent prayer from the pulpit on World Services Sunday. We live in world where men and women, boys and girls, count it a privilege to die for their beliefs—but they are giving their lives in opposition to the gospel, not to promote it. At the same time we Christians are allowing the true enemy, the enemy of our souls, to seduce us into subjecting ourselves to an environment of fear and unbelief, due to a debilitating lack of confidence in him whom we would claim as Lord and Savior. That cannot be! Our Commander in Chief has given an order: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt 28:18-20). Yes, Sir! Let’s do it!
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The trials of Jesus The word “trial” has multiple meanings, and the Easter season brings many of them before us. We use the term to represent (1) determination of guilt or innocence before a judge and jury; (2) an effort to test a hypothesis scientifically with several possible variables; (3) an effort to try to do something; (4) suffering through a difficult experience; (5) an annoying person.
Robert Docter
Editor-In-Chief
In a crowded Jerusalem as thousands of visitors prepared to celebrate the Passover festival, Caiaphas, the high priest, summoned the chief priests and the elders to his palace. There, they conspired to arrest Jesus of Nazareth by stealth and kill him (Matt. 26:4). He had grown in popularity and had spoken critically of them throughout the land. They determined to avoid doing this during the festival in fear of rioting by the people. Nevertheless, they openly discussed how they might bring this plan to fruition. Jewish law required them to have two witnesses to testify that Jesus had been warned that what he was doing was punishable by death and that he kept doing it anyway. They began to select those to testify and to fabricate what they would say. The following morning, Judas, one of the 12 followers of Jesus, bargained with them and gave them a plan. Two days later, Thursday, Jesus celebrated in comfortable surroundings a warm and festive Passover meal with his disciples. It was the first of the Days of Unleavened Bread—the day they prepare the Passover sacrifice. This man, Jesus—whom the disciples had followed daily for three years, hearing him speak to large crowds and single souls—had spoken to them of God’s new covenant with mankind, of a different way to relate to each other and to him. Tonight, however, he seemed subdued, more formal. Then, as the conversation stilled, Jesus spoke shocking words: “One of you will betray me,” he said. The disciples became distressed as they looked around them, denying that this traitorous treachery could be done by any of them. In the midst of their confusion, Judas slipped out of the room. Jesus gave each of them bread as a symbol of his body and wine as a symbol of his blood, and asked them to remember him. Then, they left, crossing the Kidron Valley to spend the night in the garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. Upon finishing the walk from Jerusalem, the disciples settled in for the night. Jesus took Peter, James and John some distance away and asked them to wait for him and pray. He went further on and knelt, petitioning God in a heart-wrenching prayer of obedience to his Father. When he returned, he found his disciples asleep. Suddenly, a crowd of soldiers of the high priest surrounded them. Judas was with them and stepped forward to deliver the signal to the soldiers as to the person to arrest. He betrayed Jesus with a kiss. In the melee that followed, the disciples deserted Jesus and fled. They took him to Caiaphas. By this time, it was early Friday morning. Jewish law requires trials to be held on either Monday or Thursday and never on the first or last day of Passover and never at night.
With great difficulty they finally found two witnesses to testify against Jesus. They testified that Jesus had said that he could “destroy the Temple of God and rebuild it in three days.” Jesus did not answer this charge. At daybreak, the high priest challenged him to answer and stated: “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus answered: “You yourself have said it. But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Caiaphas tore his clothes and charged him with blasphemy. “We need no witnesses. You have heard him yourself.” He then asked the assembled elders for a verdict. They replied: “He is worthy of death.” Immediately, they took him to Pilate, the Roman governor. They accused him of refusing to pay taxes to Caesar and alleged that he claimed to be the Christ, a king. Pilate asked him if he was the king of the Jews. Jesus answered: “Yes, it is so.” Pilate stated to the chief priests and the mob: “I find no basis for a charge against this man,” and after discovering Jesus was a Galilean, ordered him sent to Herod. Herod questioned him, but Jesus refused to answer. Then Herod and the soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. They dressed him in an elegant robe and sent him back to Pilate. Pilate, concerned after his wife reported her dream about Jesus to him, reminded the accusers that he found no basis for the death penalty but would imprison the man. He tried three times to dissuade the priests and the mob demanding crucifixion. The mob prevailed. Pilate granted their demand. What happened was mob rule. There was no justice here—no due process, certainly nothing like our fifth amendment or our freedom of speech. They violated their own codes as those in authority sought only self-preservation. It was murder by the state—or were they only unwitting instruments of a higher power, laying a sacrificial lamb on life’s altar and placing before mankind a new covenant of grace?