New Frontier, Vol 29, No 06

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But for those that truly want to know him, Jesus comes...

The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years

~

—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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