New Frontier, Vol 29, o8

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You have a wealth of talent­—a network for good to aid communities.

The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years

—Tom Tierney

May 9, 2011 • Vol. 29, No. 8

Army advisors assemble in Orlando n NAOC 2011 is a time to ‘Just Imagine.’

Lt. Colonels Richard and Janet Munn

Meet the Munns n Lt. Colonels Richard and Janet

Munn will be special guests at Commissioning 2011.

The 2011 Commissioning, “Spirit Aflame,” includes a focus on spiritual life development as guests Lt. Colonels Richard and Janet Munn—principal of the International College for Officers and international secretary for spiritual life development, respectively—will present a series of seminars designed to challenge attendees in holy living.

“The USA Western Territory is renowned for its innovative Salvationism,” Richard Munn said. “We hope to catch a sense of that creativity, and even add an initiative or two into the mix.”

The seminars—scheduled for June 11— include a call to worship, holiness, inner life and life together.

“Jesus Christ is a holy man and died for a holy people, and we Salvationists are among those people,” Janet Munn said. “I anticipate the ‘Holy-ing’ Spirit to move among us throughout Commissioning weekend, doing deep, sanctifying work in the Army of this territory. I am praying for the spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17), helping us to know him better.”

A fourth-generation Salvationist, Richard Munn was born in London, England, but spent the first 10 years of his life in the Congo where his parents were missionary teachers for The Salvation Army.

During his student years, Munn participated in an exchange program through which he worked at The Salvation Army’s Camp Wonderland in Sharon, Mass. It was these summers with under-privileged children in a Christian community that God used to effect new birth in Christ and a vision for ministry.

Munn also met his future wife at camp; they were married in 1980. The couple was commissioned and ordained in 1987 as MUNNS, page 9

Inside: Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 New Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 In Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Spice Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Doing the Most Good

BY BOB DOCTER AND CHRISTIN DAVIS As April turned into May, over 2,000 Salvation Army advisory board members, officers and employees from across all four U.S territories assembled for the triennial National Advisory Organizations Conference (NAOC) amidst the forests and lakes of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. They came to be stretched and challenged, to Just Imagine.

“Just imagine what God has in store for us—the good he will do through us—how new technologies can spread the good news of physical and spiritual salvation,” conference material challenged. “Just imagine the world of possibilities we will encounter, the small steps

and giant leaps we will make and the good we will do— together.”

Kay Coles James, member of the National Advisory Board (NAB) and president of the Gloucester Institute of Richmond, Va., chaired the conference. In the spirit of Disney, she wore a fairy godmother costume and a large silver wig in session one.

Onstage with Mickey Mouse, James communicated her affection for The Salvation Army and drew on thoughts from the Doing the Most Good Manifesto: “I am an Army, commissioned by a man who defied death. My enemies are despair and destruction; my ammunition is grace and mercy; my desire is to help others be all they can be.” She reminded the delegates: “In The Salvation Army, there are no NAOC, page 6

Kay Coles James, chairperson of the NAOC and dressed as the Fairy Godmother, joins Mickey Mouse in welcoming delegates to Orlando, Fla. Photo by Jim Witmer Photography

Leadership moves announced Lt. Col. Doug O’Brien

Lt. Col. Diane O’Brien

Lt. Col. Ron Strickland

Lt. Col. Pam Strickland

Major Victor Doughty

Major Joan Doughty

Lt. Col. Dan Starrett

Lt. Col. Helen Starrett

Major Doug Tollerud

Major Sheryl Tollerud

Major Lee Lescano

Major Michele Lescano

Major George Baker

Major Jeanne Baker

The following changes of appointment were recently announced by Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs.

EFFECTIVE JUNE 28, 2011 Lt. Colonel Ron Strickland, Mission Development Consultant; Lt. Colonel Pam Strickland, Mission Development Consultant.

Major Victor Doughty, Territorial Secretary for Business Administration; Major Joan Doughty, Pastoral Care Officer and THQ Chaplain. The Doughtys will also be promoted to the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Lt. Colonel Dan Starrett, Intermountain Divisional Commander; Lt. Colonel Helen

Additional Western Territorial moves are listed on page 4.

Starrett, Intermountain Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries.

Major Lee Lescano, Sierra del Mar Divisional Commander; Major Michele Lescano Sierra el Mar Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries.

EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2011 Lt. Colonel Doug O’Brien, Territorial Secretary for Personnel; Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien, Community Care Ministries Secretary, Women’s Auxiliaries Secretary and Older Adult Ministries Secretary.

Major George Baker, Alaska Divi-

sional Commander; Major Jeanne Baker, Alaska Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries.

Major Doug Tollerud, Northwest Divisional Commander; Major Sheryl Tollerud, Northwest Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries.

Relief teams respond to tornadoes in southern U.S. The Salvation Army’s disaster relief units have been busy helping sufferers of the storms and tornadoes ripping through the southern United States for the past month.

The Army began assisting tornado victims when first set of storms hit Pinellas County, Fla. on March 31.

Then another pair of tornadoes struck Pulaski and Draper, Va. April 8. A week later, the storms spread to Tushka, Okla., Jackson, Miss. and North Carolina. The state’s governor Bev Purdue declared a state of emergency in North Carolina as of April 16. Tornadoes then afflicted

Vilona, Ark. on April 25 and continued to roll through northern Alabama, northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee. Other affected locations include Kentucky and South Carolina.

The most recent bout of deadly storms hit Alabama hard the last week of April.

Tuscaloosa and Birmingham were severely affected. NPR reported, “Federal officials say there were more tornadoes on a single day… than on any other day in U.S. history.”

So far, over 350 tornadoes touched down in the south, leading to 340 deaths and TORNADOES, page 8

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Doing the Most Good

May 9, 2011 New Frontier

NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST

He bore our sins on the cross so that we might die to our life of sins and live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24).

SALEM, ORE.—As of April, the Salem Kroc Karen Center Corps’ contem- Gleason porary service now takes place Sunday evenings Editor at 5 p.m. The group is called “Epic 616”; the focus is on Jeremiah 6:16—identifying the “Eternal Pathway in Christ.” Currently about 30-35 people attend.

Corps officers Jerry and Donna Ames hope to connect to more people in the community and move them toward the pathway that leads to Christ and deeper discipleship.

The contemporary service’s previous Sunday morning slot now accommodates a Spanish-language service.

HAWAII NATIONAL PARK—This year, men from the Hawaiian Islands gathered at the Big Island’s Kilauea Military Camp at the volcano for the annual Island Men’s Retreat, themed “Arise Ye Men of God,” based on Matthew 13:23.

Forty men attended, representing Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai. Special guest Major Joseph Huttenlocker began this divisional event years ago when stationed in Hilo. The weekend concluded with a Sunday morning service led by Divisional Commander Major Edward Hill.

KAHULUI, MAUI, HI—Earlier this year, members of the Kahului Corps’ emergency disaster services team—all homeless people—helped residents affected by floods. They cooked breakfast for people at a shelter set up by the American Red Cross.

“I’m now three years and four months clean and sober—it’s a way for me to give back to my community,” said volunteer Wayne Rosario II. Volunteer supervisor Cliff Spencer said, “These guys are good. They are part of the community.” The team also assisted during wildfires in Lahaina, cooking meals for firefighters and other first responders.

A/Captains Mark and Kathy Merritt are Kahului corps officers.

GLENDALE, ARIZ.—Challenging his congregation to a 24/7 prayer week, Corps Officer Major Adam Morales stipulated that every slot be filled and that no one leave the room until the next person arrived. This way the room would never by empty—the praises and petitions would flow continually.

The project concluded with a Good Friday service. Participants want to maintain the prayer room and hold 24-hour prayer days at least once a month.

PUYALLUP, WASH.—Seniors, community representatives, former directors, soldiers and friends celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Senior Activities Center. Director John Herr and member Dee Dee Olson organized the event with the “Building on the Years Gone By.” Captain Premak Kramerius, corps officer with his wife Charity, gave the invocation. The Sons of the Revolution—in uniform—posted the flags. Evelyn Schuett received the 2010 Volunteer of the Year award.

The center began with a lunch program adopted from a local hospital. The original 20 members grew to 200-plus by 2010.

‘Alaska Kids Sharing Smiles’ n Anchorage boy spearheads effort to send letters and cards to schoolchildren in Japan.

Sagen Cottrell, a second-grade student at Bear Valley Elementary in Anchorage, Alaska, wanted to do something for the children of Japan when he found out that many of them were left with nothing after the March earthquake and tsunami.

Shipping items like blankets and clothing would be difficult, so Cottrell decided that sending letters and cards was the way to go. With the help of his mother, Grayce Dobson, the project expanded. They contacted The Salvation Army in Anchorage and “Alaska Kids Sharing Smiles” was underway. Other area elementary schools joined the effort, including Rogers Park, Abbott Loop, Bowman Elementary, Scenic Park, Denali Elementary, Lake Hood, Creekside, Huffman and Lake Otis.

One day after school in early April, Cottrell delivered the letters and cards— all made by local schoolchildren—to The Salvation Army’s Divisional Headquarters in Anchorage for distribution to Japan,

Sagen Cottrell (left) and Alaska divisional youth secretary Captain Mark Thielenhaus stand in front of an exhibit on Salvation Army work in Japan.

Photo by Jenni Ragland

hoping to “share some smiles” with that country’s children.

Captain Mark Thielenhaus, Alaska divisional youth secretary, said, “It was great meeting Sagen and seeing all the cards he collected. I was humbled by the time and effort the kids took to bless the children in Japan.”

To donate to The Salvation Army’s

disaster relief work in Japan: Text the words “Japan” or “Quake” to 80888 to make a $10 donation; phone 1-800-SALARMY, go online to www.salvationarmy. org or mail a check to The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore, Md. 21263-0728. Designate your donation for “Japan earthquake/tsunami.”

Behold, I am doing a new thing…

Children from the Tustin Ranch Corps helped distribute lilies prior to the Easter service.

Photo by Malcom Barrett

The Official Salute: Lts. Paul and Jennifer Swain, Glen Estes, Yared Portillo, Ruth Snyder, Warren Gabaree, Ariana Paz, Marjorie and Pat Baker, and CSM Richard Estes Photo by Enedina Castañeda

n Santa Maria Corps celebrates new commitments.

BY JENNIFER SWAIN, LIEUTENANT Isaiah 43 declares that the Lord is doing a new thing. The last few years have contained a number of “new things” in my life: marriage, ordination, first appointment (with all the firsts that entails) and a child.

Each has brought its share of nerves and joy, challenges and hope. One of the greatest new things in this life, however, is sharing what God is doing in the lives of others. In our short time at the Santa Maria Corps, we have reveled in the new things God is doing in the hearts and minds of the people in our congregation.

We began the New Year with

the hope of bringing new members into our fold—soldiers and adherents. Our first Sunday of soldiership classes we hoped for eight to 10 people and prepared for 12; 14 attended. Upon completion of classes, eight committed, to God and The Salvation Army to make the Army their home church. They determined that the Santa Maria Corps would be where they gave of their time, talent and treasure in service to God. Each decision was made with considerable thought and prayer. God is certainly doing a “new thing” in the lives of our congregants.

Thank you, Ariana, Margie, Ruth, Yared, Warren, Patrick and Glen, for allowing us to be part of this new thing in your life!

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Easter lily outreach n Tustin Ranch Corps shares the joy of Easter with its neighbors.

BY DONNA JACKSON, MAJOR An air of excitement energized soldiers and corps members who gathered to participate in the Tustin Ranch (Calif.) Corps Easter outreach.

The God-given vision of Bill Stevens—age 86 and a long-time soldier of the corps—the idea met enthusiastic approval first by the corps council and then by the soldiers and friends of the corps.

Stevens’ vision was to take an Easter lily and invitation to Easter Sunday services to an estimated 1,000 homes in the corps neighborhood.

As the vision became a reality, corps families were invited first to donate money to purchase the lilies and then to commit to helping with the door-to-door delivery. Deborah Davis spearheaded the logistics of the event, compiling maps and locations for those who would go out into the neighborhoods. Entire families participated— children joining their parents and grandparents.

Corps members of every age came together for the event that began with prayer followed by brunch.

Several new families attended the Easter worship service, which began with a musical prelude featuring the Tustin Ranch Band and Songsters, cellist Sara Koo and pianist David Dunford. The worship service featured the junior band, singing company, Sophie Perez, Koo, Dunford and the band and songsters.

The corps is already planning its next outreach opportunity, again to the homes in surrounding neighborhoods.

Doing the Most Good

May 9, 2011 New Frontier

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Cadets reflect on spring campaigns n Annual Evangelistic Spring Campaign allows cadets to minister throughout the Western Territory.

BY LAWRENCE SHIROMA, MAJOR I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).

Over 100 cadets and officers, under the leadership of Majors Tim and Cindy Foley, training college leaders, recently traveled from Crestmont to 12 Western Territory corps, at the invitation of divisional leaders to conduct Spring Evangelistic Campaign. This annual weeklong field training exercise acquaints the cadets with the work of The Salvation Army in a real-life ministry setting and allows them to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through word and deed. Following are a few of the cadet reflections about this experience.

Brigade Sgt. Leslie Cyr: “We ministered at the retirement community at Leisure World and also at the Redondo Beach Corps where we helped around the corps and conducted the Home League meeting. The cadets will always remember the shining eyes of the children on Sunday morning at the corps. They were eager to participate in everything we had planned for them and excited to share their faith and knowledge with us. They were a blessing to us.”

Brigade Sgt. Christin Fankhauser: “The Seattle Temple Corps provided an opportunity to put into practice all that we have been learning at Crestmont.

Highlights of the week included: the graduation at the adult rehabilitation center and seeing the many lives that are being restored through this program tour and orientation of the Catherine Booth Home for women and children, and the Silvercrest ministry. Majors Dave and Linda Harmon and the corps members were supportive and encouraging. Our time there was filled with chances to lead, participate and observe the work of The Salvation Army in the Seattle area.”

Above: Cadets at Seattle Temple Corps. Right: Cadet Betsy Hansen prepares food for an outreach to the homeless in Reno. Below: Cadet Mi-Hyun Han at a Home League meeting in Redondo Beach.

Photos by Rachel Johnson, Dawn Paulson and Beth Paugh

Brigade Sgt. Darryck Dwelle and the Living Stones Brigade went to Colorado Springs, Fountain Valley, and Pueblo, Colo.

Dwelle reports: “After a service I talked to a woman named Dottie who said that she had come to The Salvation Army as a kid and was a corps cadet but had been disconnected from God for a long time. I learned that if we are not in love with God’s people they are not going to see God’s love.”

Brigade Sgt. Shawn McDaniel: “The Santa Clara Corps had a feeling of family and community. Corps officers Majors Richard and Tammy Larsson were joyful, timely, of good chemistry and attitude and knew their people. We particularly enjoyed exercise time with the seniors, making omelets in Baggies—a practical skill, and playing volleyball at the adult/young adult fellowship night.”

Brigade Sgt. Stacy Antonovich: “We shared with the Richland and Pasco corps.

We participated in two different community care ministries programs, one of which was an adult day care for those suffering from mental illness. In spite of the challenges that these adults face, they were

Father and son reunited after 26 years

n The ministry of the Missing Persons Department reunites family members.

BY SHANNON MCGIFFERT In 1983, Todd came home to his Long Beach, Calif., apartment to find his girlfriend, the furniture, and most importantly his 1-year-old son gone. Devastated, he reverted to his old, destructive lifestyle of alcohol and substance abuse.

Eventually, Todd spent time in a Salvation Army rehabilitation center where he utilized the Western Territory’s Missing Persons service to locate his two sisters with whom he had lost contact when he moved to California years earlier. Once Todd made contact with his sisters, he seemed to be on the path to recovery.

In January 2009 Todd again contacted The Salvation Army Missing Persons service. This time he hoped to find the son who had been missing from his life for nearly 27 years.

Unfortunately, the search for Todd’s son, Steven, did not begin on a positive note. Based on the information that Todd provided on the missing person’s inquiry form, a paper trail leading to Steven did not seem to exist. His caseworker asked Todd to supply a copy of Steven’s birth certificate to see if that would uncover some leads. Todd MISSING PERSONS, page 8

energetic and open to participation. At a local park, the cadets did face painting for children, made balloon animals and led games. It was a week of personal growth, with the brigade drawing closer together.”

Brigade Sgt. Liane Newcomb: “The Justice League Brigade traveled to Reno

and Carson City, Nev. Highlights included fellowship with the beneficiaries of the adult rehabilitation program (ARP), the Spring Carnival outreach to the neighborhood, Home League, mid-week ARP chapel, prayer walk at the ARP, young people’s CADETS, page 9

First-ever multimedia ministries confab n Western Territory sponsors weeklong event in Las Vegas.

BY JOSH COWING The first-ever Multimedia Ministries Confab took place this April in Las Vegas. Sponsored by The Salvation Army’s Western Territorial Headquarters (THQ), it represented the West’s ongoing commitment to developing its multimedia ministry throughout the territory. With THQ’s Department of Multimedia Ministries playing host, each division sent one delegate to the confab; attendees spent the week learning together, seeking new and modern means of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Delegates spent time at the Las Vegas Citadel Corps learning how to properly set up and maintain a live sound system and sharing with each other specific multimedia challenges and successes they faced in their respective divisions. They also had the opportunity to meet with members of multimedia teams from the three other U.S. territories, and explored brand-new technologies at the National Association of Broadcasters Conference.

“Having the chance to network with others from the different divisions was amazing,” said Cindy Crowell, from the Cascade Division. “I am looking forward to putting all I learned into practical use.”

“What an exciting event!” said Barbie Harvey-Hall, from the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division. “I came away with two things: a new appreciation for the multitude of equipment available and knowledge that if I have an issue I can probably find the right equipment to resolve it, as well as a new desire to help our division come into

Director of Multimedia Ministries Josh Cowing provides instruction to delegates of the Multimedia Ministries Confab.

Photo by: Kimberly Kang

the 21st century and to assist the corps’ multimedia ministry teams in doing their best with whatever equipment they have.”

The Department of Multimedia Ministries at THQ exists primarily as a service to the field and will continue to look for new ways to help develop multimedia ministry in the Western Territory. The department is able to assist divisions, corps and other Salvation Army units with any type of teaching, training or consultation they might need on multimedia ministry, all at no cost to the unit.

For more information, feel free to contact Josh Cowing, director of Multimedia Ministries at THQ (josh.cowing@ usw.salvationarmy.org).

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May 9, 2011 New Frontier

New Appointments

The Territorial Commander has announced the following appointments effective June 29, 2011, unless otherwise stated.

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS CHIEF SECRETARY’S OFFICE Major Allie Laura Niles Assistant to the Chief Secretary PERSONNEL SERVICES Major Eloisa Martin Assistant Secretary for Personnel Captain Erica A. Helton Personnel Assistant Captain Howard R. Bennett Assistant Education Secretary— Education Department PROGRAM SERVICES Major Victoria Shiroma Assistant Program Secretary for Corps Ministries Major Lawrence Shiroma Territorial Social Services Secretary Captain Roy S. Wild Territorial Youth Secretary Captain Paula J. Wild Territorial Assistant Youth Secretary WOMEN’S MINISTRIES Major Mariam M. Rudd Territorial Women’s Ministry Program and Resource Secretary and Territorial Secretary, Fellowship of the Silver Star ADULT REHABILITATION CENTERS COMMAND Captain Paul V. Chouinard Administrator—Bakersfield ARC Captain Rachel D. Chouinard Director of Special Services— Bakersfield ARC Captain Jonathan L. Russell Assistant to Bay Area Coordinator—San Francisco ARC Lieutenant Mark C. Stearns Assistant to Administrator— Portland ARC Lieutenant Dora E. Stearns Assistant to Director of Special Services­—Portland ARC COLLEGE FOR OFFICER TRAINING ADMINISTRATION Major Ron Toy EDS Specialist and Field Training Officer PERSONNEL Major Ivan P. Wild Director of Personnel Major Gwendolyn L. Jones Personnel Officer/Spiritual Formation Major Jennifer Wild Family Care Director Captain Saul M. Doria Personnel Officer Captain Jessica Doria Personnel Officer/Teen Coordinator FIELD TRAINING Major Keilah Toy Director of Field Training BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Captain Kelly R. Nolan Director of Business Administration and Property Officer Captain Catherine W. Nolan Finance Officer ALASKA DIVISION Major Londa G. Upshaw Corps Officer—Gateway Corps

WESTERN OFFICERS

ON THE M O V E Captain Terrance and Major Evadne Wright Corps Officers—Petersburg Corps (Effective: Sept. 12, 2011) Lieutenants Mark and Lisa Davey Corps Officers—Mat-Su Valley Corps CASCADE DIVISION Major Donald B. Gilger Additional Responsibilities: Portland Metro Coordinator Major Ronda Gilger Additional Responsibilities: Older Adult Ministries Secretary and Order of the Silver Star Majors James and Eileen Halverson Corps Officers—Idaho Falls Corps Captains Dwayne and Hilary Patterson Corps Officers—Portland Moore Street Corps Envoy Cindy Crowell Additional Responsibilities: Community Care Ministries Director and Divisional Statistician Envoy Christine Freysinger In-Charge—Roseburg Corps DEL ORO DIVISION Major Jeanne Stromberg Additional Responsibilities: Divisional Finance Officer Major Kit R. Wetter Divisional Evangelist/EDS Captain Hendrik F. Sumter Sacramento County Coordinator Majors Daniel and Verna Hughes Corps Officers—El Sobrante Corps Captain Patricia D. Poochigian Corps Officer—Napa Corps GOLDEN STATE DIVISION Captain David C. Shull Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary Captain Regina E. Shull Associate Divisional Youth Secretary Captain Marcelino Soriano Divisional Finance Secretary Captain Jennifer J. Cortez Community Care Ministries Secretary and Older Adult Ministries Secretary Captain Michael Paugh Corps Officer—Modesto Citadel Corps and Stanislaus County Coordinator

Major Mary (Beth) Paugh Corps Officer—Modesto Citadel Corps Captains Rene and Angela Carcamo Corps Officers—San Francisco Mission Corps Captains Andres and Maria Espinoza Corps Officers –—Redwood City Corps Captains Demetrio and Magda Villarreal Corps Officers —Watsonville Corps Lieutenant Loreen Petzing Assistant Corps Officer—San Francisco Chinatown Corps

Major Carla Hogan Divisional Retired Officer’s Liaison and Silver Star Representative Captains Ronald and Roberta McKinney Corps Officers—Denver Red Shield Corps Captains Eric and Janet Wilkerson Corps Officers—Aurora Corps A/Captains Mark and Kathy Merritt Corps Officers—Cheyenne Corps Lieutenants Craig and Anney Summerfield Corps Officers—Fountain Valley Corps

HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS DIVISION Captain Shane Halverson Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary Captain Ragina R. Halverson Associate Divisional Youth Secretary Major Mario P. Reyes Corps Officer­—Lihue Corps and Kauai County Coordinator Captain Brian K. West Corps Officer—Kahului Corps and Maui County Coordinator Captain Iva M. West Corps Officer—Kahului Corps Captain Celestine G. Ruwethin Corps Officer—Hilo Temple Corps and Hawaii County Coordinator Captain Shoshannah D. Ruwethin Corps Officer—Hilo Temple Corps A/Captains Katzuo and Rebecca Katjang Additional Responsibilities: In-Charge—Amo, Arno Outpost A/Captains Benji and Rosebee Rakin In-Charge—Inne, Arno Outpost Cooper and Alwina Silk In-Charge—Jaluit Corps

NORTHWEST DIVISION Major Julio A. Vasquez Corps Officer—Pasco Temple Corps and Tri-Cities Area Coordinator Major Karen Vasquez Corps Officer—Pasco Temple Corps Captains Dana and Mary Libby Seattle Social Services Directors Captains Jack and Dawn Smith Corps Officers—Everett Corps Captains Chris and Lisa Aird Corps Officers—Renton Corps

INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION Captain Grady M. Brown Divisional Secretary (Effective: Aug. 1, 2011) Captain Julie K. Brown Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary (Effective: Aug. 1, 2011) Major Neal Hogan Divisional Social Services Secretary

SIERRA DEL MAR DIVISION Majors Rick and Margaret Peacock Corps Officers—San Diego Kroc Center Captains Keith and Robin Bottjen Corps Officers—Riverside Corps Captains Terry and Rutendo Masango Corps Officers—El Cajon Corps SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION Major Isobel Robinson Additional Responsibilities: Associate Candidates’ Secretary Major David P. Sholin Corps Officer—Whittier Corps and Rio Hondo Area Coordinator Major Deanna Sholin Corps Officer—Whittier Corps Major Judy Tanovan Associate Corps Officer—Santa Monica Corps

Doing the Most Good

Majors Carlos and Mercedes Bravo Corps Officers—Anaheim Temple Corps Captains Neil-Favio and Rubina Navarro Corps Officers —Torrance Corps Captains Darren and Mary Norton Corps Officers—Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Captains John and Lisa Van Cleef Corps Officers—Tustin Ranch Corps and Orange County Coordinators Captains Salvador and Gloribel Gonzalez Corps Officers—Hollywood Temple Corps Captains William and Annalise Francis Corps Officers—Long Beach Citadel Corps Envoy Roy Snapp-Kolas In-Charge—Bell Outpost Jose Manuel and Belsey Martinez In-Charge—Santa Fe Springs Corps Christopher and Joanne Golden In-Charge—Inglewood Citadel Corps SOUTHWEST DIVISION Captain Derek S. Strickland Divisional Finance Secretary Major Mark A. Davey Service Extension Director (Effective: Aug. 1, 2011) Major Martha Davey Assistant Divisional Secretary for Program (Effective: Aug. 1, 2011) Majors Edward and Pamela Markham Tucson Area Chaplains Major Rhonda Lloyd Corps Officer—Las Vegas Citadel Corps Captains Robert and Monica Covert Associate Corps Officers— Phoenix Citadel Corps Captain Christopher D. Mitchell Associate Corps Officer— Phoenix South Mountain Corps Captains Leslie and Susan Spousta Corps Officers—Hobbs Corps (Effective: Aug. 1, 2011) TRANSFERRING INTO TERRITORY Majors Carlos and Mercedes Bravo Corps Officers—Anaheim Temple Corps Captain Brian K. West Corps Officer—Kahului Corps and Maui County Coordinator Captain Iva M. West Corps Officer—Kahului Corps Captains Keith and Robin Bottjen Corps Officers—Riverside Corps Captains William and Annalise Francis Corps Officers—Long Beach Citadel Corps Captain Terrance and Major Evadne Wright Corps Officers—Petersburg Corps (Effective: Sept. 12, 2011) TRANSFERRING OUT OF TERRITORY Captains Luis and Korina Acosta Transfer to the Central Territory Majors P. Myles and Jan Plummer Returning to Home Territory— New Zealand

Doing the Most Good

May 9, 2011 New Frontier

HAITI

Independent evaluator gives seal of approval to Salvation Army schools The results are in. Rob Stillwell, an accreditation consultant for the Utah State Office of Education, took a two-week tour of Salvation Army schools in the south of Haiti in order to equip and evaluate teachers, administrators and schools.

“To say I am impressed is truly an understatement,” he reported.

Stillwell visited 12 schools, many in remote areas, and discovered how valuable they are to their communities. Students and teachers alike often walk rough mountain terrain, some for three hours each day, to get to and from these schools.

“The students I saw were responsive and engaged…The sense of belonging and taking some responsibility for their learning was evident,” he said.

In addition to gathering data and making observations, Stillwell presented at a seminar for the directors and administrators. He offered practical tools for supporting and gauging school improvement, and left encouraged by the response of those who attended.

“I commend the directors and teachers for providing so much direct instruction to students,” he said. “It is remarkable how much teaching and learning is taking place with such little resources to work with.”

Moving forward, Stillwell hopes to see the Army reinforce and standardize sound policies that are already in place and continue to develop partnerships with surrounding communities.

Major Ron Busroe, Haiti Recovery and Development (HRD) director, is happy with the results of Stillwell’s visit and looks forward to the implications of his findings. “It sounds trite, but he taught people to fish,” he said. “In building the capacity of The Salvation Army teachers, he has had a greater

Local children attend Salvation Army-run schools throughout the southern part of Haiti.

Photo by Kara Langford

impact on the future of Haiti.”

Stillwell has 35 years of experience in education, mostly as an elementary, middle and high school principal. He connected with The Salvation Army in Haiti after the earthquake to offer his services as a volunteer, paying his own way to Haiti. The HRD office hopes that this relationship will include annual evaluations and the development of a course of training for teachers, administrators and school directors throughout the division.

Historically, the Stillwell family was one of the founding families of The Salvation Army in the USA Western Territory.

New reality and a future hope

BY TED HORWOOD, MAJOR Majors Ted and Debbie Horwood are USA Western Territory officers who are preparing to transfer to appointments in the Angola Command as general secretary and secretary for women’s ministries, respectively.

Prior to this assignment, they served at International Headquarters in the International Projects and Development section, where their responsibilities included the management and oversight of The Salvation Army’s international projects.

In his article below, Ted Horwood reflects on the impact of the Army’s international work.

Read more about the Horwoods at the Western Territory’s website: http://tiny.cc/ z23r0.

My wife and I have now completed our time at IHQ. We had appointments that few in America have heard about.

Yet hardly another appointment in The Salvation Army allowed, indeed required, the same scope and depth of international interaction. Reflecting on the last four and half years, having traveled to most of the territories and commands in which the Army operates, I find it difficult to summarize our experiences. Perhaps the closest I can come is that, over and over again, we have witnessed the fact that The Salvation Army continues to help transform current realities and points to a future hope.

It is not unheard of to be caught out by something someone says, especially when you are mixing with hundreds of people from different cultures, as I did.

Conversations ranged from the predictable requests that begin with rapturous compliments bordering on sycophancy but always conclude with a gentle plea for financial assistance, to the blush-inducing, counter-cultural (yet absolutely sincere) compliment about how fat you’ve grown since last seeing each other. But the comment I heard in India settled outside the

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Elsewhere in the world HONG KONG—A live television concert in Hong Kong raised more than $3.3 million (USD) for The Salvation Army’s earthquake and tsunami response program in Japan.

Organized by celebrity Jackie Chan, the event—“Artiste 311 Love Beyond Borders”— featured actor/singer Andy Lau and actor Donnie Yen. Lionel Richie sang “Say You, Say Me” from Australia via satellite.

Chan paid for the plane tickets and accommodations for the overseas performers.

All profits from the concert went to the Army, primarily to supply emergency relief packs that include a 15-day supply of food and water, personal care products and blankets.

From salvationarmy.org/ihq NEW ZEALAND—The Chevron Corporation Foundation donated $100,000 to The Salvation Army to help the recovery of New Zealand following the earthquakes that struck in September 2010 and February 2011. Army personnel are keeping the Chevron Corporation—which has partnered with The Salvation Army New Zealand for years—updated on the Army’s efforts in Christchurch and how the donation is being put to good use in the community.

Chevron has expressed interest in further involvement in supporting the recovery process.

From blog.salvationarmyusa.org A tornado ripped through Auckland on May 3 causing extensive property damage and one death. The Salvation Army assisted people who were displaced from their homes.

The country’s last serious twisters occurred four years ago.

From nzherald.co.nz CZECH REPUBLIC—The Salvation Army’s former second-hand shop in the Prague 3 municipality was refurbished and opened as a handicraft workshop. Income from the sale of items will go toward community activities for seniors, children, women and men.

Captain Stana Knoflickova will use the workshop as an outreach tool to connect with people in the neighborhood.

From Prapor Spásy, spring 2011

An officer from the India South Eastern Territory and Major Ted Horwood speak to a widow in India named Daisy who breaks up rocks and sells the pieces to provide for her family.

Photo courtesy of the India South Western Territory

orbit of those types of statements.

Transformed realities I was conducting a workshop in Southern India. The delegates and I were boarding a bus for a field visit. As I took my seat, an officer asked if he could join me and then said, “I want to thank your father for what he has done for our people.” Probing him a bit, he added, “you know, we are Dalit people; most Salvationists here are. We were the outcasts and it was your father’s generation who brought education and health care to us.” That officer, and the 160 million Indians like him who are called “untouchables,” come from a stratified social structure that reinforces the principle that all men are created unequal.

This is such an anathema to the 21st century American sensibility. After all, as Thomas Jefferson enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men

are created equal.” But, as this Indian officer reminded me, many countries neither have the constitution nor create a reality that accommodates the least, the lowest or the unlearned. And, as he also reminded me, The Salvation Army has been there to help create a new reality and a future hope.

New or better realities are a tremendous thing. In generations past, The Salvation Army did missionary work the traditional way—we had missions in which we built schools, clinics, hospitals and many houses for missionaries and workers. These missions are still dotting the Army maps today, although generally they are looking a bit tired now. But the motivation to be present and make a contribution to the human situation and ultimately the kingdom of God remains paramount.

Following the 2004 South Asia tsunami, we interviewed a woman who lost all three of her children as she and her husband ran to escape the brackish wave of water that TRANSFORMED, page 8

ENGLAND—Majors David and Kathrijn Blowers have worked in Margate for a couple of years, especially with the Czech and Slovak congregation. Earlier this year the territorial commander for the U.K. with the Republic of Ireland announced that the Armada Spasy Plant Margate (London South East Division) will be recognized as a new corps plant. This is the start of building an official Czechspeaking Salvation Army corps in Margate.

From Prapor Spásy, spring 2011 CANADA—The Salvation Army’s Booth Residential Services in St. John, New Brunswick, is a shelter for men who are homeless or mentally ill, male foster children ages 16-18, refugees and government-assisted clients.

Last summer the residents planted a garden—the “Dignity Garden.” They plant, water and harvest. Through their labor they learn both social and basic life skills, and they realize their potential—leading to a sense of worth.

Growing in the garden are beet greens, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, squash, Swiss chard and green beans.

Everything harvested goes back to the center for meals.

From salvationarmy.ca

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Doing the Most Good

May 9, 2011

TRANSFORMED

from page 5

swept over their village. Tears streamed down her husband’s face as they described the pain they felt. We recently interviewed her again after investing millions in Sri Lanka. With two small children at her feet, she beamed with appreciation as she showed off the new house the Army built.

“We can never replace the family that we lost and our hearts break as we remember.

But we thank The Salvation Army for the house that they gave us and the life that we were able to re-start.”

A transformed reality includes more than living conditions. We visited Thessalonica soon after the Army began to operate there. The primary social ministry was an outreach to those working as prostitutes. Similar to its work in Bangladesh, the Army is present to minister to the needs of the women (and girls), and diligently helps them build new lives and new vocations.

Advances are tough and dangerous.

The forces of evil pervade—they are palpable and press in as you accompany the officers and staff into brothels. But when victory is accomplished, the changed countenance of the women is inexpressible. It is more than a re-start on life; it is an affirmation of dignity. The Army not only addresses the issues of the physical; inherent in our ministry to people is a desire to reinforce their self-worth. In my experience this cannot be undervalued in our ministry.

Two-thirds of Christians (and Salvationists) in the world live in circumstances of oppression, be they economic, political or social—not to mention those in the developed world who live in abusive or addictive circumstances. Dignity is a value that transcends borders, languages and social strata, and together with a commitment to address aspects of physical well-being, sits at the heart of the transformed reality facilitated by the Army around the world.

TORNADOES

Future hope The Army doesn’t only address the existential or contemporary. As evangelicals, our ministry points to a future hope. That is what the Indian officer was also expressing to me. “My father” had not only provided education and health care for people who had no access, he had also provided a small opening for those without a future of promise to believe things didn’t need to remain the same. Whether in the Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist or secular world, The Salvation Army’s ministry resonates with the hymns of today and tomorrow.

What we have also experienced is that those associated with the ministries of the Army around the world are not only addressing the temporal, they are aligning themselves with what God is doing among the nations. In Mumbai, India, the Army operates a project in the heart of the Red Light district in a street slum. This project not only seeks to be a place of respite and skills training for those working as prostitutes, it also provides a refuge for the children, particularly the adolescent girls who are highly at risk of themselves being made into prostitutes. With the approval and support of the mothers, girls are brought to a children’s home where they are fed, educated, socialized and ministered to. Officers and staff are determined to point people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ—Immanuel— who remains in the midst of all people in all nations. The Army’s presence is very literally a light shining in the darkness.

What better ministry for today and the days to come than to work for a reconciled, forgiven world—one in which the people of God strive for beauty, justice, truth and love. Granted, these can look quite messy as they are worked out. But once unearthed from the multiple layers and heaps of bureaucracy and program, inevitably there exists the essence of our ministry: transformation. It is wonderfully encouraging to see good people bring good things out of the good stored up in their heart (Luke 6:45).

from page 1

billions of dollars worth of damage.

Many smaller towns in Alabama, like Hackleburg, were also devastated. The Red Cross declared the little town 75 percent destroyed.

“Every building in downtown is a pile of rubble. The school is demolished. The largest employer—a Wrangler jeans plant— may not reopen,” NPR said. It also reported it will take years for Southeastern towns like Hackleburg to recover.

As of May 4, the Army continues to serve those in the highly damaged areas.

Chattanooga (Tenn.) Area Disaster response has served more than 1,000 victims since April 28. About 38 canteens are spread across Alabama and Mississippi

serving tens of thousands meals and drinks. The Army also has seven other canteens traveling across Tennessee and Kentucky.

Emergency Disaster Service (EDS) personnel from divisions in the Southern Territory are providing food, drink, emotional and spiritual care to the victims and other resources, like clean-up kits, are available as needed in a number of areas. Salvation Army EDS personnel and mobile feeding units are on standby in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, Florida and Texas. They will serve if needed.

Stoke the fire… stir the embers! n Commissioning weekend will include spiritual development workshops and 24/7 prayer.

BY LINDA MADSEN, MAJOR The Commissioning 2011 theme— Spirit Aflame—fits perfectly with the vision of the Spiritual Life Development Department. As we prepare for the Spiritual Life Development workshops scheduled for Saturday morning, June 11, we acknowledge the need to stoke the fire—stir the embers—to ensure the end result will be the Spirit’s residing fully “aflame” in the lives of those who attend—be they officers, soldiers, adherents or friends of The Salvation Army.

Underscoring the need for more “fire” power, two prayer rooms will be available throughout the weekend, both located on the main floor of the Sheraton Hotel.

Did you know that the only remaining part of the original “wailing wall” (prayer wall) still standing in Jerusalem is the Western Wall? Here in the USA West, we’ve adopted a “Stay on the Wall” theme for the Western Territory’s 24/7 Prayer for Social Justice. The first prayer room will focus on a “Day and Night Cry for Justice,” where you can spend time “on the wall” in prayer and intercession

for those struggling under the cruelty of injustice. Information on how The Salvation Army is currently addressing these issues will be posted throughout the room.

C. H Spurgeon wrote, “Prayer itself is an art that only the Holy Spirit can teach us.” It’s more than strictly bended knee and folded hands. It’s connecting with God in ways that help you truly experience who he is and who we are in his presence.

The second prayer room will be a more interactive venue—more experiential. For instance, if you tend to connect with God more fully through the written word, Bibles and other inspirational writings will be available. For those who experience him more fully through creativity, paints, writing paper and other art supplies will be provided. Some may find a meaningful connection through of music—they will find on hand an offering of contemplative music.

As you prepare to attend the Commissioning events, do so with the intent of “stoking the fire” within your own heart as you respond to the call to be his people—Spirit aflame—to the glory of God!

Joe the Turk returns to the West n Colonel Edward Hobgood reprises the role of the famous Salvationist during Commissioning.

Joe the Turk—legendary Salvationist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries— was imprisoned 57 times “for Jesus”— authorities would say for disturbing the peace with his open-air preaching.

He became the spiritual father of many Salvationists throughout the years.

At the Aggressive Christianity conference in 2006, Colonel (then Major) Edward Hobgood gave a dramatic presentation of Joe the Turk. Hobgood will visit the West again for Commissioning 2011, joining the cast of his musical Brengle: My Life’s Ambition on Saturday night as the older version of Samuel Logan Brengle.

Hobgood has directed Hi-Tops, Let’s Go to the Rock, Waiters, Godspell (two tours), the opening session of The Salvation Army’s 2000 International Congress and has presented The Turk: Sanctified Salvationist Showman extensively across the U.S. as well as Canada, the U.K. and the South America East Territory. He served as executive producer for Send the Fire!, one of the Army’s most successful praise and worship CDs as well as the Be a Hero project.

His role as Brengle will be a small contribution to the musical compared to the gift that he has given the Army world Territorial Headquarters • Long Beach, CA

ASSISTANT CREATIVE ARTS DIRECTOR MUSIC DEPARTMENT The Salvation Army Western Territorial Headquarters, located in beautiful downtown Long Beach, has an opening in the Music Dept. for Assistant Creative Arts Director. This exempt position assists with planning, developing, and implementing TSA creative arts education programs throughout the Western Territory.

See full job description and apply at : https://www.abso.com/jobboard/?

JOBBOARDID=498&JobDetail=93539

(Then) Major Edward Hobgood performs as Joe the Turk.

New Frontier file photo

with the music and script he has written for Brengle: My Life’s Ambition. Although this will be the first production of Brengle in the Western Territory, it is not the first overall. Several productions of the musical have occurred around the country and even overseas.

Come see the Western Territory’s production of this original Army musical during Commissioning on Saturday night at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.

MISSING PERSONS from page 3

acquired the birth certificate, which revealed that Steven’s mother had changed his last name. Confronted with the fact that Steven might be unaware that Todd was his biological father, the Missing Persons team was not sure if this would lead to the happy ending that Todd so desperately wanted. However, Todd requested that the inquiry keep going forward, even if it meant rejection by Steven, the son Todd had not seen since Steven’s infancy.

Miraculously, just three short weeks later, Steven contacted the office, ecstatic to find that his father was looking for him.

Steven was now 27 years old, in the military, and had two young daughters—making Todd a grandfather! Missing Persons placed father and son in touch with each other just prior to Todd’s 60th birthday.

Todd called the department, saying this was the best present he could have possibly received.

Doing the Most Good

MUNNS

from page 1

Salvation Army officers in the USA Eastern Territory.

Munn continued his education, and earned a doctor of ministry from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in 2004.

Janet Munn is the daughter of a Nazarene pastor and a disciple-making mother. She is currently enrolled in a doctor of ministry program in Spiritual Formation at Ashland Theological Seminary.

Following corps work in Camden, N.J., and youth ministry in Massachusetts, the Munns served as corps officers in Manchester, Conn., divisional leaders in Northern New England, and then at the USA Eastern Territorial Headquarters—he as secretary for program and she as the ambassador for prayer and spiritual formation. Richard Munn also served as the executive officer for the New York Staff Band.

In July 2008, the Munns assumed their current responsibilities. He also serves as secretary for international ecumenical relations, and as a member of the International Doctrine Council. He writes for Good News, The War Cry, The Officer, Word and Deed, The Journal of Aggressive Christianity and The Rubicon, and has taught at Roots in the UK, Canada and USA Southern Territory, as well as On the Edge and the Aggressive Christianity Conference in Australia.

The Munns are the parents of young adults Nealson (26) and Olivia (23). Olivia is now a first-year cadet at the School for Officer Training in New York.

CADETS

from page 3

league night, sobriety luncheon, fashion show to support the Home League and World Service. We had many opportunities to touch lives and be touched by others. We were challenged to ‘act justly, love mercy and walk humbly’ before our God so that others may be reconciled to Christ.”

A testimony from Cadet Joel Boyd attests to the power of prayer: “God showed up for the Living Sacrifices Brigade in Butte, Mont. We had traveled to Bozeman, Mont., for our Spring Campaign. One of the responsibilities of the Bozeman Corps is to reopen The Salvation Army in the community of Butte, so we held a carnival to show the community that the Army cares about them and their children and that we are there to love and serve them.

“We set up our carnival in Butte and sent out the invitations but nobody came.

Time went by and still nobody came. It seemed like this would-be carnival was about to become another notch on the belt of failed programs. But failed programs are God’s specialty.

“Someone suggested we have a prayer meeting for the outpost. We opened our Bibles and prayed through some of the promises in Scripture and claimed those promises for the Butte outpost. After a powerful time of prayer, we ended by singing ‘Amazing Grace.’ It was a beautiful time of fellowship with God, pleading his grace and intervention on behalf of The Salvation Army in Butte.

“As the last chord of the song resounded through the room, the door opened and in walked a couple with their handicapped boy. All of our hearts were awed

by God’s immediate and clear response to our prayer. His timing was powerfully perfect. We knew he had been with us, and this little family was God’s way of saying ‘Yes.’ All of our hearts were lifted through the day as families began to flow in and out, asking about The Salvation Army and our youth programs.

The Living Sacrifices Brigade left that day re-energized and hopeful for what God would do in Butte.”

May 9, 2011

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Doing the Most Good

May 9, 2011 New Frontier

‘Many who are last will be first’ “The ground is level at the foot of the cross. Anyone can come there, for there is no cost” go the words of an old Glen hymn.

As an Adult Doss Major Rehabilitation Center (ARC) chaplain, it is my habit during mealtime and breaks to hang out with the beneficiaries. I do this because, seeing them day after day in my office and the chapel, I have long talks with them and consequently make many friends.

It seems natural—and even enjoyable—to socialize with the men. Consequently, I am taken aback when I receive a comment like the one I got just yesterday: “Thank you for being so approachable, Major Doss. You eat with us. You talk with us. You go up to the altar and pray with us. Unlike the others, you’re one of us. We appreciate that.”

When I receive such feedback, I am jarred. And my response is always the same: “Why should I do otherwise? ‘The ground is level at the foot of the Cross.’”

Reflecting to myself, I realize: I am just being who I am; to do otherwise would seem unnatural.

But it has not always been that way with me.

In 2005 I conducted a limited poll among ARC graduates. I asked them this simple question: “What can we do in our corps to attract more ARC beneficiaries and graduates to our ranks?” The response shocked me: “If they want us to participate, they need to stop looking down on us!”

This column is a commentary on two levels: (1) on the condescending attitude toward the beneficiaries in our centers which, according to them, is displayed by many officers, staff and soldiers and (2) on my own condescending attitude when I served as an ARC administrator.

After managing ARCs for over a decade, in June 2007 I took on the role of an ARC chaplain.

For the first time I came to know personally the population that for years had been for me primarily nameless faces against a blurred background.

After listening to one hard luck story after another, I discovered something astonishing—all these men are just like me; at bottom we are no different. We are each configured by a unique combination of genetics and childhood circumstances to be the individuals that we are.

Additionally, we each have a

Are you a blogger for Jesus?

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19b).

choice: either do nothing and remain conformed to the world or proactively reach out to Jesus for the guidance, courage and power to be transformed into his image.

I also discovered something else: Each of us is inherently so stubborn that only a severe personal crisis will motivate us to surrender to our Creator. We all know, in our gut, that if God is in charge of our lives, then we will not be, and therefore will not get to have things the way we want them. Consequently, we resist surrender. But there is something about a serious life crisis that can bring a person to his knees like nothing else; therefore, I suspect there may be more Christians in our rehab centers than in our corps. Perhaps this is what Jesus was referring to when he said: “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matt. 19:30 NIV). There will be surprise on the faces of many when we get to Glory.

In Romans 1:29-30, when describing those who rebelled against God, Paul lists a catalogue of sins that is striking: They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. Interesting list, isn’t it? All those who sit for years in our pews on Sunday morning are not Christians.

The tongue can be a vicious instrument. Reckless words pierce like a sword (Prov. 12:18).

We may be in the grips of great sin, yet be oblivious of it. Paul directs us in 2 Corinthians 13:5: Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.

Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? Likewise King Solomon advises us, Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life (Prov. 4:23).

Perhaps the rest of us should work a 12-step program as well.

One life lesson has come through to me loud and clear: no one, with any degree of effectiveness, can examine himself alone—we are too close to the subject. But if we are to comply with God’s mandate we must identify and correct our faulty, habitual thinking patterns and then actively keep our mind pure.

Our corps altars should be as full as our ARC altars. I say: Let the insolent, the boastful, the gossip, and the arrogant kneel at the altar alongside the thief, the drunk, the drug addict and drug dealer. The rest of us need to repent as well.

Over 160 million public blogs—web logs or personal Lawrence websites—exist today. If a revival is to sweep our land, Shiroma it may very well be helped Major by evangelistic bloggers with the blood of Jesus Christ and the fire of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, minds and souls.

To this end, one of the evangelism class assignments for the cadets at the College for Officer Training was to create an evangelistic blog and post it on the worldwide web. The following are a few examples of their work. Joel Boyd’s blog (ibelieveweshallwin.blogspot.com) starts off by refuting atheist Bertrand Russell’s comment that if Christ ever existed we know nothing about him. Boyd does this by focusing on the reliable historicity of the 5,366 existing New Testament manuscripts and the fact that New Testament copies about Jesus were written as early as 40 years after the original was penned.

In his blog, Rob Lawler (roblawler.blogspot. com) asks: Is there a designer as universe creator? He then proceeds to argue that it actually takes less faith to believe in a Creator than to believe in randomness, or nothingness. Lawler concludes that nothing occurs simply by chance and that the universe, as a great design, must have had a designer.

Does God exist? Liane Newcomb (pomaikaiwale.blogspot.com) asks this question in her blog. Applying the imagery of a celestial stairwell, Newcomb concludes that based on the law of causality, our vast, endless universe was caused by something greater than itself and that this cause must be God who has no beginning and no end and is the uncaused cause.

The existence of God is also the topic of Kim Warriner’s blog (kimmokazi.blogspot.com) where she reviews the four basic arguments used to support God’s transcendent existence.

Leilani Armendariz (leilaniarmendariz. blogspot.com) asks another question: What kind of world do we live in? She explains that God chose this world and while it may not be perfect, we do worship a perfect God who has the perfect plan for each of us. And finally, an interesting blog is from Bonita Kelsey (nothingnewunderthe.blogspot.com), where she explores a personal journey involving a mistaken middle name, a lost identity, and the miracle of reclamation through faith and belief in a very real Jesus Christ.

These are just a few of the fascinating evangelistic blogs created by the cadets of the Ambassadors of Holiness Session to give evidence of the One whom they serve. Scripture states that when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19b). May you be that strong standard for God—one way of demonstrating it is to be a blogger for Jesus.

Read Lawrence Shiroma’s blog at lawrenceshiroma.blogspot.com

‘Oh, My Ma’ma!’

When I was a little girl, my father used to sing this song to me: “Oh, my Ma’ma—to me she is so wonderful!” While I know he liked the music, I think he sang of a longing for his mother who lived many miles to the north. I did not know my grandmothers very Carolyn well because of the distances Knaggs and lack of funds to travel, but Commissioner I realized that each of these great women had an undeniable imprint on my parents.

In 2 Timothy 1:3-5, Paul, addressing his young apprentice, makes a reference to Timothy’s mother and grandmother: I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

The influence of family is written on the hearts of each of us. As a tribute to my own mother—a grand retired officer, still quite active in her local corps—her life of prayer and dedication is an undeniable truth in my heart.

Devotion to the Lord and to ministry in our beloved Army has never faltered. She passed on to my siblings and me a sincere faith that we in turn have passed on to our children.

Speaking from my own “grandmother” status, I see in my grandchildren—Jacob, Lily and Sarah—this same intent to teach the ways of

the Lord through our children to these precious little ones. They are singing songs of Jesus and are being read the stories from the Bible (with pictures). By their attendance in worship and Christ-centered activities, they are learning how a child can love the Lord through the influence of other godly men and women. They, too, have little Christian friends with whom they learn and play and pray together. This is a wonderful blessing to my own heart.

This month, when society honors the mothers of our country, I want us to be in prayer for the women of our congregations and communities who do their best to be the light and salt to the children in their homes. Pray that they would find joy and peace in their own lives as they make life happen for their families.

Pray that they would find Christian friends and would see a place for themselves and their children at the Army. This is where seeds of love, concern and spiritual formation can transform a household.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth (3 John 1:4). This is a direct reflection of those who have found salvation and are “babes in Christ.” Their eagerness to learn the ways of God brings joy to the person who presented the gospel. This is a verse that we as parents can take to our hearts as we tell our children about the Lord and nurture them in godliness and holiness.

May your children also sing a song of praise to you because of your faithful witness to the love of God.

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Doing the Most Good

May 9, 2011 New Frontier

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The Bride According to Alfred Lord Tennyson, “In the spring, a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.”

Traditionally, spring is the season Sharon when romance and Robertson marriage are in the air. Spring is here, and Lt. Colonel even though I am no longer young, I find my thoughts turning (not lightly, but with deep delight) to another type of marriage, the union that will follow the impending advent of One who will return to claim the Church as his bride.

As the simple Galilean shepherdess of Solomon’s Song of Songs envisioned her forthcoming marriage to the one who was king of her heart as well as king of her homeland, so do I envision our Lord appearing in the air to call us to himself. The tender words of the king to his beloved are but a faint reflection of joys to come: My lover spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me.

See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone.

Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.

The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.

Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me” (Song. 2:10-13 NIV).

That Jesus chose marriage as the metaphor to describe his union with his Church is indicative both of his own attitude regarding the sanctity of marriage and of the depth of his passion for his Church (that’s “Church,” with a capital “C”—and spelled with a “you” and an “I,” as in “us”). Jesus spoke of marriage in terms that leave no doubt as to how he felt. Marriage was Godordained: “Haven’t you read,” he said, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this

New Frontier is published twice a month by The Salvation Army USA Western Territory Commissioner James Knaggs, Territorial Commander Colonel William Harfoot, Chief Secretary

How valuable is NAOC? reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matt 19:4-6).

What we sometimes appear to forget is that Jesus is as anxious as we are for that day when he will return to claim his bride. He has chosen us, and passionately longs for that moment when we, as his bride, become one with him.

He sees and understands our concerns, and shares in our sufferings; he feels the pain of our wounds. He experiences gratification when we come to him to share our worries and our delights—not because he needs to feel needed, but because of his great love. It is his nature!

He looks forward to the time when he will welcome his bride into his home, where she will know the joys of life and freedom and love as she has never known them before.

And yet…

Do you ever feel a twinge of—how can I describe it? Second thoughts?

Apprehension? Concern? Fear? And perhaps even a tinge of guilt because of your apprehensions—when you think of the coming of Christ to reclaim his own? I must admit, I do.

It’s not that I fear for myself: I know that however unworthy I may be in myself, Christ values me and has made me worthy through his own unselfish sacrifice to share in the joys of eternal life with him (wow—incredible, but true!). What worries me, what makes me cringe deep down is the knowledge that I have relatives, friends and acquaintances who are not a part of the rejoicing throng that will rush into the welcoming arms of Christ at his return. Have I done—am I doing—all I know to do to win them to the Lord?

Will God, in his great love, find a way to reach them, to draw them to himself?

What about the many lost who have had so little opportunity to learn of him? If Jesus should come today…?

The Scriptures teach us that the timing of Christ’s second advent is in God’s hands, of his choosing. Out of his love, he has chosen (thus far) to give us more time to reach the lost, to share his message, and through the power of his Holy Spirit to win souls to him.

God help us to use that time wisely— with a sense of urgency born of the knowledge that there may not be much time left!

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.

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I am a new employee at The Salvation Army but I recently started reading your publication, and I am always blessed by it.

Today, I wanted to thank you for the article, “Who Gets the Credit?” The “prayerPower” by Lt. Colonel Morelock was insightful, exciting, and encouraging. I enjoyed it partly because I am an intercessor at heart and secondly because I agree that there are misconceptions about prayer. His scenarios regarding the power of prayer only confirm how prayer, faith and healing go hand in hand. “Our dependence is on him.” God is so awesome!

I needed to read this today and I thank you for such an informative and uplifting article.

Rochelle Howard Western Territorial Headquarters Long Beach, Calif.

Much, much more than most imagine!

In the grand history of things Army, the quadrennial national conference of Salvation Army advisory organizations is fairly recent—an out growth of the creation of the Army’s National Advisory Board (NAB) about 30 years ago. These conferences are extremely valuable and provide a wide range of ideas with a clear Robert focus on the Army’s mission. The NAB has a strong membership Docter of business, social, economic, media and philanthropic leaders Editor-In-Chief from across the nation. They have played a vital role in lifting the Army’s image and ushering it into the significance it has long deserved.

The conference itself “is designed to encourage active Salvation Army board members, employees, and officers to participate in the sharing of effective ideas, strategies and vision that will strengthen members as an integral part of The Salvation Army, our organization as a whole and the communities we serve.”

This 2011 conference contributed in highly important ways.

Ideas Ideas are the products of creative cognitive processes. During this most recent conference, I was struck by the need for the Army to work more diligently with what we’ve come to call Generation “Y”—that segment of our population between the ages of 18 and 30.

Gen Y is 70 million strong. They’ve stayed in school longer and the top end is either already employed or ready for employment. They seem civic minded, a majority interested in religion, and seem to want to profit from the heavy divorce rate of the preceding generation by delaying marriage in order to “do it right.”

They stay attached to their parents and call home regularly and often. They also communicate widely to friends.

Everyone, unfortunately, locks stereotypes into their brains. Several seem to leap up about Generation Y. Zach Whitaker, a blogger and member of this generation, seeks to debunk current myths about the age group. He writes: They’re not lazy.

They are simply motivated differently than prior generations. They are not motivated by money but they are motivated by passion and achievement. They do not constantly need praise and reinforcement any more than anyone else, but they do seek attention. They do not lack experience. They simply have different types of experiences.

If you can’t see some doors open to the Army here, look again.

Ideals Ideals speak of “high or noble character.” They are guiding attitudes, values and beliefs. The Army has the opportunity at NAOC to share insights about these factors in the organization that delegates seek to advise. In general sessions and individual workshops the Army’s ideals concerning the spiritual premise of Christian love, of helping others, of compassionate caring for all peoples go forth. Worship services and Army music present the essence of our ministry. We make evident our belief in the holistic nature of mankind—the inseparable link between our physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual selves.

Education A vast majority of the general public seems to have no idea what the Army is all about. They like us, but they don’t know us. This, by the way, is our fault. Neither soldiers nor officers do a very good job in explaining the unique goals of the Army.

Sally Harris, a long-serving member of both the national and the Manhattan advisory boards, became so sick and tired of hearing this that she produced a film for the NAOC conference a few years ago and called it Salvation Army 101. It introduces the nature of this holistic ministry from its beginning to the present day.

It should get more visibility.

Advisory board members need what Dick Hagerty a calls an “indoctrination.”

Dick is a life member of the Modesto, Calif., board and a longtime member of the NAB. The “indoctrination” he speaks about is more than simply an orientation, and it must be accomplished locally. Dick, by the way, will be writing a regular column for New Frontier expressly for advisory boards in a coming edition.

NAOC provides opportunity for local board members to hear the scope of the Army’s service in 124 countries around the world. They need to hear that The Salvation Army has “one of the worlds most respected brands”—that it is the world’s largest charity.

Officers and employees need to understand the commitment and consistency, the awareness and knowledge of board members.

Tools NAOC introduces officers and board members to some of the tools that can be used to facilitate their work. We are not only working to win the world for Christ, but also, to help repair it. Both of these goals involve working with one person at a time. We’re not talking about the United Nations or sectarian warfare. We’re talking about how your world or my world or my neighbor’s world can be changed.

To do this we need tools. Tools help us work. Most of the time, when trying to fix something, if you don’t have the right tool you can’t get the job done at all. If you don’t know how to use the tool you’re not going to succeed, either. NAOC will show you tools and help you learn to use them.

A thought At this NAOC Tom Tierney said, “Stability is comfortable. Change disturbs.”

In our comfort zone, we can sleep through a lifetime just going through the motions and maintaining the status quo. That’s not my idea of a satisfactory life.

The challenge of change inspires me. What about you?