New Frontier, Vol 29, No 10

We are Christ’s Ambassadors, and we go forth representing him.

The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years

~

—Sean Kelsey, Lieutenant

June 12, 2011 • Vol. 29, No. 10

52 Ambassadors commissioned

Cadet Aspeitia speaks for session n Excerpts from commencement address Two years ago, 73 of us moved into the College for Officer Training at Crestmont. Two years later, 82 will walk or be carried out!

Six babies were born in our session over the last two years Cadet Ashley Aspeitia and three people came from Korea to be part of our session family. Matthew 7:20 says, you shall know them by their fruit. It cannot be denied—we are a very fruitful session.

Much can be judged by a person’s fruit: spiritual, emotional and physical. Like Paul says in Galatians, “you reap what you sow.” In one of our last classes, we read about 10 characteristics of a healthy church, including “experiencing the empowering presence of SESSION SPEAKER, page 8 Special guest Lt. Colonel Richard Munn addresses the Ambassadors of Holiness Session during commencement at Crestmont in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.

Photo by Christin Davis

BY BOB DOCTER Climaxing two years of education and training at the Western Territory’s College for Officer Training (CFOT) at Crestmont, the Ambassadors of Holiness Session of Salvation Army cadets, 46 strong, marched through the college’s rose garden June 10 to receive academic degrees and certificates of completion—the initial event of a busy weekend.

Joined by the Friends of Christ Session, to be commissioned in 2012, the commencement ceremony began with the session song, words by Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien and music by Duncan Sutton.

Following a prayer of dedication by Director of Curriculum Major Brian Jones, Crestmont Council Chairman William

Flinn brought greetings and Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs, territorial president of women’s ministries, read 2 Corinthians 4:4-16.

Lt. Colonel Richard Munn, principal of the International College for Officers— special guest for the weekend with Lt. Colonel Janet Munn—spoke pointedly to the cadets on this passage and urged them to “recognize the unique, God-ordained privilege to speak life into people through the ministry of preaching.”

He began by issuing a subtle warning—that if we “remove the weekly rhythm of worship and the public reading of Scripture…the community has simply another service club. It is COMMENCEMENT, page 8

Sacrificial giving helps the less fortunate World service income for 2011 from Western soldiers and officers has provided $6,642,487 to help those in need around the world.

Alaska Cascade Del Oro Golden State Hawaii Intermountain Northwest Sierra del Mar So. California Southwest CFOT ARC THQ

TOTAL

The Gathering slated for 2012 n Congress to be held in Pasadena, Calif.

75,267 437,019 400,566 660,965 120,068 447,364 624,482 327,566 687,996 661,194 50,000 800,000 1,350,000

BY MARTIN HUNT “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them” (Matt. 18:20).

Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs are summoning the troops of the USA Western Territory to gather together for the first time in 15 years in a celebratory congress, called “The Gathering,” scheduled for June 7-10, 2012, at the Pasadena Convention Center in Southern California (facebook.com/ TheGathering2012). General Linda Bond will be the visiting leader—her first visit to the West as General and a return to the territory that she previously led as

6,642,487

GATHERING, page 9

Int. Staff Band celebrates 120 n Weekend celebration in London draws music lovers from around the world.

The Salvation Army’s International Staff Band (ISB) celebrated its 120th anniversary in London with a weekend of events featuring eight Salvation Army staff bands from around the world.

The celebrations included a sold-out concert in Royal Albert Hall on June 4 and concluded the following day with a march of witness down the Mall and a program of music at Buckingham Palace.

Several thousand people lined the Mall to watch the eight bands—International, Amsterdam, Canadian, Chicago, German, Japan, Melbourne and New York staff bands—march and then play a concert in

The Chicago Staff Band marches in front of Buckingham Palace.

Photo by Paul Harmer

the forecourt of Buckingham Palace—a privilege rarely granted by Her Majesty the Queen.

After the program each band marched away, with General Linda Bond taking the salute.

ISB CELEBRATES, page 4

Inside: Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Musician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ambassadors of Holiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7 In Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Spice Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Doing the Most Good

10 10 11 11

Many homes in Tuscaloosa, Ala., have been severely damaged. The Salvation Army is going into neighborhoods ensuring that people are safe.

Photo by Chris Golden

Tornadoes batter nation, Salvation Army stands firm n The Salvation Army continues its tornado emergency disaster response.

BY BUFFY LINCOLN Nationwide, The Salvation Army responded in May and June as a series of tornadoes ripped through several regions

of the U.S., leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in the South, Midwest and Northeast.

On May 10, the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division of The Salvation Army responded to multiple areas in Oklahoma where tornadoes touched down. Six mobile TORNADOES, page 5

2

Doing the Most Good

June 12, 2011 New Frontier

COMMISSIONING 2011

NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15, NIV).

COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO—The Salvation Army’s Ray and Joan Kroc Karen Corps Community Center Gleason is a winner in Recreation Management’s Best of the Editor Best category for innovative architecture and design (visit tiny.cc/ pvch2). Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture designed the 123,000 sq. ft. facility, which opened in March 2009.

The center serves an area of northern Idaho with a population of around 44,000— more than 20,000 members signed up in its first year.

Majors John and Lani Chamness are center administrators.

TURLOCK, CALIF.—The Turlock Corps recently held a Community Awareness Day to educate the public about available resources. Participants received a card to have signed at 16 non-profit agency booths and four business booths. Those receiving signatures at every booth got a free bag of groceries.

Major Debi Shrum is corps officer.

MEDFORD, ORE.—Reporting to her volunteer job at the Medford Citadel Corps’ afterschool program, Jennifer Wolf didn’t come empty-handed—she showed up with 52 new basketballs and volleyballs that she earned in a fundraiser. Corps Officer Captain Martin Cooper told her that the Marshall Islands needed sports equipment, so she decided to send the equipment to The Salvation Army there.

“I’m so thankful that God chose me,” said Wolf.

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.—After four months of renovations by volunteers from Leadership Pikes Peak, the Red Shield Community Center unveiled its new look.

The center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 21 followed by a drop-in open house.

Noelle Dunnan is the Red Shield director.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—The Salvation Army surprised Bill and Connie Chambers, owners of Color Art Printing, with the 2011 Partner in Mission Award. The couple has supported the Army for more than 35 years.

Attending the presentation at the print shop were Majors Doug and Sheryl Tollerud, Captains Daniel and Doreen Freeman, Jane Hafling (Connie’s mother) and representatives from divisional headquarters and the advisory board.

“There is no way to thank all of you for being so wonderful. I am truly overwhelmed,” said Connie Chambers.

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ.—After years of preparation, the newly expanded Salvation Army thrift store re-opened with 3,000 sq. ft. The expansion is the property’s first major renovation since it became a thrift store in the mid-80s.

The facility sports new landscaping, paint and detail work, along with new sidewalks and parking lot, making it, according to Corps Officer Lieutenant Mike O’Brien, “the nicest property in the area.”

BROOMFIELD, COLO.—Meaghan Fenton, daughter of Captains Tom and Laura Fenton, Broomfield corps officers, received a 3rd place award in the 2010 Rocky Mountain PBS Kids StoryMakers contest. She just completed 7th grade at Mandaly Middle School in Westminster.

Fenton’s composition is a day in the life of a Marine serving during wartime.

Read her story at tiny.cc/rakun.

Trailblazers honored This annual award is presented by New Frontier Publications to recognize those who serve with The Salvation Army in innovative and exceptional ways.

JOSEPH HESTON Monterey Peninsula, Calif.

As general manager of KSBW-TV, Joseph Heston is the driving force behind the station’s “Share Your Holidays” telethon that extensively covers the Army’s work and benefits the Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Hollister and Gilroy, Calif., corps.

Since 1986, the event has raised more than $930,000; 401,000 pounds of food; and 56,000 pounds of clothing.

Heston emcees for other Army fundraisers on the Monterey Peninsula throughout the year and volunteers his news anchors to host Monterey’s Red Kettle Kick Off, which raised over $167,000 in 2010. Most recently, he dedicated significant airtime to cover the Army’s relief work in Japan, slotting in spots with instructions on how to donate.

Heston served on advisory boards in both Baltimore and Boston. Currently, his wife, Beth, serves on the Monterey Peninsula Corps’ Advisory Board.

PAUL COVINGTON Fountain, Colo.

Paul Covington served The Salvation Army throughout the Southern and Western Territories, and in England. He says he’s served: “Wherever the Air Force would move us.”

He helped establish Colorado’s

Fountain Corps, serving on the corps council and becoming the sergeant major in 2008.

Covington created “Geek Night”—an innovative evangelistic tool to help anyone who wants it with his or her computer in his house for free. He leads the Fountain Men’s Fellowship and serves on the new Fountain Valley Corps Advisory Council. As an avid chess player, he is planning to sponsor a community tournament at the corps.

Covington can be found each week at the controls of the corps’ sound equipment that he and his son donated, and he often repairs the corps’ business machines.

MAJORS LUIS AND MARIA LUISA MARTINEZ Watsonville, Calif.

As retired officers, Majors Luis and Maria Luisa Martinez returned to fulltime service at the Watsonville, Calif., corps.

They eliminated the corps’ deficit, stabilized the emergency shelter, and oversaw three capital campaign projects.

The Martinezes formed a men’s music group, painted the corps building and strengthened the Red Kettle Campaign.

Under their leadership, Home League and Sunday worship attendance increased significantly.

The Martinez’s ministry began with The Salvation Army in Havana, Cuba,

in 1962. They immigrated to the U.S. in 1969 as refugees, immediately taking an appointment in Los Angeles. In 1976, they were assigned to the Eastmont Corps and, a few years later, also to Belvedere Gardens, juggling both for two years.

The couple began a decade of service in Phoenix, Ariz., in 1981. Later appointments included Southwest Divisional Hispanic coordinators and divisional secretary for Program and Women’s Ministries secretary, respectively.

MARY THEROUX San Francisco, Calif.

Mary Theroux joined the San Francisco Metro Advisory Board in 1995, becoming its chairperson in 1998, when the business community and civic climate in the city were undergoing changes that had a direct impact on The Salvation Army.

With a degree in economics from Stanford University, Theroux provided firm and courageous leadership. She brought stability and revitalized Army mission and service in the community.

Theroux spearheaded development of a fundraiser for a new facility in the Tenderloin District, which ultimately transformed into the Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center. The project paved the way for a renewed relationship with the city of San Francisco, which continues to grow and is evidenced in the forming of new partnerships across a wide range of corporate, civic and community organizations and agencies. For this, she earned the city’s “Others” award.

She serves as a member of the National Advisory Board and as chairperson of the Oakland Advisory Board.

Nearly 1,000 attend 4th annual homeless connect n Sacramento Salvation Army, with other agencies, sponsored the event.

BY SYDNEY FONG “This suit is not bad.”

Theoplus Dubose-Harvey was searching for some work clothes. He hoped to find the right business suit for the next job interview.

“See, I got some shoes to go along with that,” he said.

Dubose-Harvey believes the new attire will help change his life. Right now, he is unemployed and homeless.

“Times are tough,” said DuboseHarvey, a 55-year-old former state worker. “That’s why I appreciate the help I got here.”

He received assistance at the fourth annual Homeless Connect on May 21 at Sacramento City College, organized

by Sacramento Steps Forward. Nearly 1,000 homeless individuals and families attended this direct service fair.

“I’m thankful for the suit and shoes I got from here,” he said. “This event shows that even under tough circumstances, I’m not alone.”

More than 60 different service agencies and organizations, along with over 400 community volunteers, provided the homeless with access to housing referrals and services; health screenings, including dental and vision screenings; mental health services; Social Security benefits; HIV and STI testing; California identification cards; foot washing and

An attendee picks up lunch, which was prepared by The Salvation Army.

haircuts; bike repairs; veterans services; legal assistance; job readiness and clothes.

The Salvation Army was the presenting sponsor of the event, providing lunch, food bags and new socks to all of the event attendees.

“It’s an honor to be part of the Homeless Connect event again,” said David Bentley, Salvation Army Sacramento County coordinator. “We know ending homelessness is not easy, but this collaboration of all the agencies and volunteers shows that the Sacramento community is stepping up to find that solution.”

“We’re delighted that we can make

Photo by Sydney Fong

a difference in our community,” said Tim Brown, Sacramento Steps Forward executive director. “I appreciate all of our agencies and volunteers coming together and making a difference with our homeless neighbors.”

According to Sacramento Steps Forward, since January 2007, chronic homelessness in Sacramento County has decreased by 50.8 percent. Since January 2009, overall homelessness has decreased by 15.8 percent.

“It’s our goal, through efforts like Homeless Connect, that we, as a community, can once and for all end homelessness,” Brown said.

Doing the Most Good

June 12, 2011 New Frontier

Noah’s ARC rises again

I am a corps officer

n Annual event allows design students to showcase their talent and builds awareness of family stores.

BY KATHY LOVIN The second annual Noah’s ARC Design Challenge began on May 7, when student members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) displayed their design talent at Salvation Army stores in Orange County, Calif.

The design challenge raises awareness that people can purchase home furnishings and accessories at Salvation Army family stores and integrate them into their own living spaces.

“This is a wonderful partnership between The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) and ASID. Together, we are educating a new generation about what this ARC does in the rehabilitation ministry. The students get to interact with some individuals in our program and realize the positive impact we have. Just as the students are professionally restoring items donated to the Army for their displays, we are restoring lives back to what God had intended,” said Major William Heiselman,

One of the Noah’s ARC design challenge rooms featured an eclectic modern theme.

Photo by John Docter

Anaheim ARC administrator.

Four interior design colleges fielded teams of students who selected furniture and accessories from local Salvation Army stores to create a room design based on a theme. This year’s

themes were Rustic Tuscan, Hollywood Regency, Eclectic Modern and Antique.

Stores in Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Orange and San Clemente displayed the rooms until the NOAH’S ARC, page 9

Anchorage dedicates new corps community center

Christy Patron and Kimberly Janine Sheard help out with the iCAN campaign at Cal State Fresno.

“iCAN”

L-r: Steve Pavlakis, Jon Tollerud, Commissioner James Knaggs, Daniel Tollerud and Lt. Ryan Miller Photo by Bill Costello

n Facility offers new programs and services to community.

BY JENNI RAGLAND “Building for the Next Generation” defined The Salvation Army Anchorage Corps Community Center’s recent dedication, which marked the completion of the yearlong construction of a new corps building. Lieutenants Ryan and Marjorie Miller, corps officers, along with corps members and supporters, welcomed Territorial Leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, who traveled to Anchorage for the dedication.

During the holiness meeting, Knaggs brought the message, referring to Joshua 1:1-8. He reminded the congregation “that while it may seem you’re entering the Promised Land with the completion of this beautiful new building, do not lose sight of your mission and remember to always keep focused on what God would have you to do.”

The afternoon dedication provided an opportunity to thank community supporters and friends who filled the gym. The Princess Warriors from Southcentral Foundation performed an interpretive dance, “Rise Up Mighty Warrior,” to open the service.

Noted dignitaries attending included Diane Kaplan of the Rasmuson Foundation, Darrel Hess with the mayor’s office, Suzanne Fleek repre-

senting U.S. Senator Mark Begich’s office and Senator Johnny Ellis, who worked to secure a $1.5 million state capital grant for the project, which is located in his district.

“This facility will be a big help in bringing the community together,” said Ellis. “There’s been a growing need because of lack of jobs.”

In his dedicatory address, Knaggs used the Sunday school chorus, “The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock,” to illustrate that Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which all our services are offered to the community.

“The Anchorage Corps Community Center represents The Salvation Army’s continued investment in Alaska’s most precious resource, its people,” said Major Doug Tollerud, divisional commander. “It is a place of hope, health and wholeness in Christ!”

The 18,000 sq. ft. building includes The Salvation Army’s first gymnasium in Alaska, with six basketball hoops, locker rooms and showers. An exercise room, game room, computer lab, library, multi-purpose classrooms and chapel make the facility ideal for use in corps programming, as well as community outreach.

Listen to a KSKA public radio piece about the center: http:// bit.ly/kihDZV.

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n University students crusade to raise money for food and mission awareness.

BY KELLY MASON Advanced public relations students at California State University, Fresno, implemented a campuswide campaign to raise as much food, money and mission awareness as possible within the Fresno State population to benefit The Salvation Army. They named their program “iCAN: Fight Hunger” with a slogan of “iCAN. youCAN. weCAN.” For the weeklong campaign, students set up red kettles, food collection barrels and “text to donate” signs around campus and placed display tables in two prominent locations.

“These young adults…brought energy, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the project. They volunteered to feed our homeless and pack emergency food boxes in order to get a better understanding of the need in our community. What a great example of young people striving to make a difference in the lives of others!” said Captain Dwaine Breazeale, Fresno Citadel corps officer and Fresno county coordinator Two local radio stations—KISS Country and Y101—broadcast live twice during the week to help the outreach. Chaparral, a local country rock band, held an on-campus concert benefiting the Army. As food items came in, students used them to build a giant food pyramid in the university library.

The iCAN: Fight Hunger drive partnered with Vintage Days—an annual Fresno State festival—for a weekend booth. Balloons, kettles, a huge prize wheel and T-shirt giveaways attracted people’s attention.

Promoting their project via social media, students created an iCAN: Fight Hunger Facebook page, a Twitter account and their own website at iCANfight hunger.com.

The promotion generated more than 700 pounds of food and more than $1,600 in donations.

BY LISA VAN CLEEF, CAPTAIN A lust for vindication.

That’s what Oswald Chambers calls the overriding temptation we have to defend ourselves. So accurate. So tangible. We deeply desire to change people’s perceptions to match our own. To overcome the temptation is to let go of what Brennan Manning calls “the tyranny of the approval and disapproval of others.”

And yet, I find myself with a deep desire to explain who I am and what I do. John Maxwell talks about the loneliness of leadership. I don’t think it’s that people intentionally pull away from leaders. Rather, I think that the ability for leaders to reveal their own heart and be seen as an individual, rather than a position, is limited. Leaders are left to realize: there is no vindication. No one can sit in the chair and see what they see. Leaders are often talked about, but not talked with.

Few will know what is happening behind the scenes or the reason for decisions. Leaders are left with the realization that to vindicate themselves with each person would indeed be tyranny—one they would create and need to control, thus making them into a tyrant.

So, here I sit on a sunny San Diego morning, feeling alone. I want so much to get a megaphone and explain to anyone who will listen who I am, what I feel, why I do the things I do. And yet, to do so would be folly.

Things I say to clarify can only muddy the waters more. Things I say to defend cause me

CORPS OFFICER, page 9

newAppointments ADULT REHABILITATION CENTERS COMMAND Majors Michael and Jennifer Bates Chaplains—Stockton ARC Effective August 24, 2011 COLLEGE FOR OFFICER TRAINING Lieutenant Loreen Petzing Field Training Officer Effective June 29, 2011 ALASKA DIVISION Captains Kevin and Tina Bottjen Corps Officers—Fairbanks Corps Effective August 24, 2011 Captain Terrance and Major Evadne Wright Corps Officers—Sitka Corps Effective August 24, 2011

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The Musician

June 12, 2011 New Frontier

ISB CELEBRATES Earlier, during music councils, Japan Staff Bandmaster Hajime Suzuki testified and thanked Salvationists for their prayers and support for his country after the earthquake and tsunami. He said that he came to the Lord from a non-Christian family through music, after a professor introduced him to Salvation Army music.

The General shared how God in love can transform those who fail him. Many people came to the mercy seat.

The previous day, the staff bands each presented a 20-minute concert at the Royal Albert Hall, introducing themselves to concert goers.

That evening, some 5,000 ticket holders returned for a massed bands festival— among them the General, the Chief of the Staff Commissioner Barry C. Swanson and Commissioner Sue Swanson (world president of women’s ministries), territorial leaders Commissioners John and Betty Matear, General John Larsson (Ret.) and Commissioner Freda Larsson.

Doing the Most Good

from page 1

After the bands’ triumphal entry, a prayer by ISB Executive Officer Lt. Colonel David Hinton and a welcome

by International Staff Bandmaster Dr. Stephen Cobb, each staff bandmaster took the baton to lead the massed bands. The International Staff Songsters added two contributions.

Commissioner John Matear reminded the audience of The Salvation Army’s dedication to the task God has set it.

Referring to 1 Corinthians, he emphasized that the war The Salvation Army is committed to is one of peace and righteousness.

The evening concluded with the festival march “Celebration.” As fireworks went off and a large Salvation Army flag descended from above the stage, the bands sang out: “We’ll keep the old flag flying, flying round the world.”

BBC Radio 2 broadcast a 30-minute program about the celebrations on June 8. The program will be available online

Eight Salvation Army staff bands from around the world march down the Mall in London to celebrate the International Staff Band’s 120th anniversary.

Photo by Paul Harmer

for seven days at bbc.co.uk/programmes/ b011mcpn.

For more information visit salvationarmy.org.uk.

Compiled from various reports from the UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland

Read a first-hand account of the celebration by Neil Smith, Western territorial music secretary, online at newfrontierpublications.org.

Voice of a Savior—Sydney Staff Songsters n Group performs at Pasadena Tabernacle Corps in their only Western appearance.

Photo by Charles Desiderio

Southwest Youth Band takes center stage n Band performs at Las Vegas’ Fremont Street Experience.

The Southwest Divisional Youth Brass Band recently gave an outdoor concert on center stage at the renowned Fremont Street Experience, arranged by Clark County Development Director Charles Desiderio and Captains Rob and Monica Covert.

Over 40 young people from around the division including Tucson, Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler and Sun Cities, Ariz., and Las Vegas as well as a few senior band members participated. They traveled up to 450 miles to Las Vegas for this opportunity to play in a professional atmosphere.

Jason Feinberg of FOX 5 TV guest conducted and—not to be outdone by the youth band—played a recorder duet with Major Robert Lloyd, Clark County coordinator.

Divisional band plays at community event n Sierra del Mar Divisional Band performs in annual music festival.

The Sierra del Mar Divisional Band—led by Divisional Music Director Stephen Yalden—took part in the Southern California Community Band Festival on May 15 in Poway, Calif., for the second year running.

The weekend event featured 16 area groups. The Sierra del Mar Divisional Band was the only Salvation Army band invited.

The band began their 45-minute concert with the march, “Manhattan,” followed by “Music-Maker,” “Hine e Hine,” “El Es el Senor” and “Crimond.” The timbrelists then performed to the march, “God’s Children.”

Captain Ken Perine, Sierra del Mar divisional secretary, addressed the crowd, giving historical information on The Salvation Army, including open-air meetings and how music and timbrels were used to attract the attention of passersby so they could hear the gospel message. He explained that even the bass drum was used as a mercy seat to lead people to Christ.

The music continued with the Army classic, “Sound Out the Proclamation,” and concluded with “Dance like David.”

Before the festival was over, Yalden received an invitation for the group to play next year.

The Sydney Staff Songsters, led

by Songster Leader Graeme Press, were in top form during their recent appearance at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps (Calif.).

Pasadena Tabernacle Songster Leader Martin Hunt said, “The SSS invigorated the audience with their energy, passion and witness, through song, testimony and personal communication.”

At the start of the evening and then again at the end, the songsters sang words arranged by Carol Cymbala: Thou, O Lord, are a shield for me My glory and the lifter of my head.

As the concert began, the songsters invited the congregation to sing with them as Press prayed and invited the Holy Spirit in. Along with the energy and excitement in the room, the presence of God was evident as songsters and congregation worshipped together.

“I can honestly say that this was the best communication between singers and congregation I have ever seen. It was like an interactive experience—completely incredible!” said Neil Smith, Western territorial music secretary.

During the evening, the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters also came to the platform to sing. In June, just after Commissioning, the Tab Songsters will be in Sydney on their Australia and New Zealand Tour.

At the conclusion of the concert the congregation shared in a time of reflection and prayer. The members of the songsters left the platform and prayed all around the chapel with attendees who were requesting

prayer in a moving and memorable part of the event.

“In this world of instant communication, it would be almost impossible to beat the level of communication shown by the songsters,” said Smith.

“The Sydney Staff Songsters gave a virtual clinic on how to engage others through music, effectively communicating the gospel to a responsive audience. The group’s musical presentations demonstrated a wonderful versatility of style and listeners were touched and moved by their genuine expression of joy and passion for Christ,” said Major Steven Bradley. “They ‘rocked the house.’”

Tustin Ranch Spring Music Festival n Young musicians from the Pioneer School of Music participate in this year’s concert.

Led by Bandmaster Edward F. Freeman, the Tustin Ranch Band (Calif.)—after the National Anthem— kicked off its annual Spring Music Festival with a march by Captain Martin Cordner containing the tune, “Yellow Star and Red and Blue,” indicating the colors in The Salvation Army flag.

Warren Johnson, the band’s executive officer, welcomed the crowd, noting that it was 17 years ago that the corps met in this facility for the first time.

Trumpet soloist David Hall performed “Flourish” and then young pianist Emma Lee presented Mozart’s “Piano Concerto in C.” Lee was 4 years old when the the Tustin Ranch Corps’ Pioneer School of Music started approximately eight years ago.

As well as featuring newly published music, the band played the Army classic, “The Present Age” (Leslie Condon), which tells the story of a young Christian who sets out to confidently proclaim his faith, only to be greeted by all kinds of worldly things. Eventually he pledges, “I’ll follow thee,” then reaffirms “It is well with my soul,” finishing off with the challenge of “Courage brother, do not stumble.”

David Dunford, pianist, and Sarah Koo, cellist, were featured soloists. Dunford played the “10th

Transcendental Etude” by Lizst.

“As always,” said Western Territorial Music Secretary Neil Smith, “his playing was full of energy and flawless. It truly is fascinating to watch him!”

Koo and Dunford together performed a tribute to Majors Lee and Michelle Lescano, who will be leaving shortly to take up a new appointment after almost 20 years at Tustin Ranch. The music, arranged by Dunford, featured the song “How Deep The Father’s Love for Us.” The sound of 16 cellos from the Pioneer School blended in a medley. In the last two years, this group has grown from two to 16.

The evening concluded with Wilfred Heaton’s classic march “Praise.”

Doing the Most Good

The West&The Nation

Flinn installed as chair of CFOT Crestmont Council n Commissioners Knaggs and Majors Foley conduct installation.

BY JIM HARTMAN William B. Flinn is the new chair of the Crestmont Council—the educational authority for the College for Officer Training at Crestmont. His installation—

by Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, territorial leaders, and Majors Tim and Cindy Foley, training principal and director of campus services, respectively, occurred during the council’s May meeting.

“The appointment of Bill Flinn to this leadership role enables the college to continue the excellent work of the council while positioning the faculty, staff and the council to address new opportunities for training additional cadets for officership,” said Knaggs.

The college will be well served under the mission-based leadership of Flinn, who said, “I am looking forward to serving in this role and am pleased to be in a position where I can serve the college and the territory.”

Flinn is the chief operating officer for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and is active in musical ministry at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps.

Currently, he is bandmaster of the Pasadena Tabernacle Band, which has been asked to perform this summer at the Old Orchard Camp Meeting in Maine, the first time a band from the Western Territory has received such an invitation.

Previously Flinn served as music director for numerous Salvation Army groups.

Under his 23-year leadership of the Tabernacle Songsters,

William B. Flinn

the group became one of the leading vocal ensembles in The Salvation Army, with numerous recordings and international tours. Recently, International Headquarters selected Flinn to produce the 120th Anniversary of the International Staff Band in London.

Flinn has received numerous awards and recognitions for community service including The Salvation Army National Award for Exceptional Service.

His blend of corporate and non-profit experience and his knowledge and commitment to The Salvation Army are evidence of his talents. His expertise in communication, public relations, special event production and non-profit management will enable him and the Crestmont Council to move forward strategically. The college has had record enrollments the last few years and is expecting one of the largest first year classes ever for 2011-2012.

Knaggs and Foley also commended the former chair, James Reeves, vice president at Marymount College, for his service as chair since 2005 and his service as a board and council member since 1992.

TORNADOES

BY CARL DARBY The Salvation Army’s annual National Seminar on Evangelism (NSE) will convene Aug. 6-13 at the Glen Eyrie Conference Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Attendees from the four territories will join with one mission—not some everyday opportunity, but a once-in-a-lifetime transformational experience.

The seminar, offering a track in English and Spanish, leads delegates in a study of common-sense systematic and non-intrusive ways to share their faith.

“The Lord used NSE to plant seeds from which my passion for evangelism flourished,” said Cadet Matt Jensen, who will be commissioned in 2011. “I spent my free time in some of the worst places

of Los Angeles to love the most neglected and hurting people.

From that grew my awareness of God’s call for officership. I’m humbled when I reflect upon how mightily the Lord uses NSE for his greater glory.”

NSE teaches delegates how to be aware of the moments of opportunity that occur daily in our lives, and how to overcome timidity, embarrassment, lack of knowledge or denial.

“I was convicted to ask myself if I was politely ‘excusing’ myself of the Great Commission because I have ‘other’ duties at church,” said Raven Gillies, who attended from the Northwest Division. “People are top priority to God and so they should be mine also. We are to always move in the Holy Spirit’s prompting, to always keep in step with the Holy Spirit’s leading in opening doors for planting, sowing, watering or harvesting of souls

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and hydration units were dispatched to bring relief to victims and first responders.

The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) is helping survivors locate family and loved ones with its ham radio service.

The Central Oklahoma Area Command is posting regular online updates to Twitter.

Tornadoes hit Kansas and Missouri on May 21-22. The Salvation Army was the first relief agency on the scene— immediately deploying four mobile feeding units, which served meals, snacks and cold drinks to more than 250 people.

At least six canteens continue to feed survivors throughout Joplin, Mo., and the Army is offering emotional and spiritual care.

To date, The Salvation Army has fed at least 7,500 responders and victims in Kansas and Missouri. Caseworkers are providing financial aid to help with immediate needs such as food, clothing, medicine, shelter, bedding and baby products. Kansas City Television station KSHB-TV supported the Army’s efforts with a weeklong phone marathon.

Sedalia, Mo., was hit on May 25. One refectory from the Kansas City team was sent to feed and assist victims and volunteers.

The Army immediately responded to north Minneapolis (Minn.) on June 1 when a twister left at least four dead in its path.

An Army mobile kitchen served 3,300 meals and refreshments— more than 800 on the day of the calamity.

Accustomed to an occasional hurricane, Massachusetts was in shock when a tornado struck the Springfield area on June 1. The Army has provided over 1,800 meals and 200 cots to victims and first responders.

Alabama is slowly recovering from the treacherous tornado that hit on April 27. The Army’s properties in Tuscaloosa were completely destroyed; however,

Not some everyday opportunity? n National Seminar on Evangelism (NSE) to meet in Colorado Springs

June 12, 2011 New Frontier

for Christ our Lord.”

If your heart is beating to this opportunity, act. Ask your corps officer about the possibilities… imagine the corp(s)porate bite that could impact your community upon return from NSE. Corps involvement, shared vision and transplantation of knowledge to implementation are vital.

“The sanctuary called Glen Eyrie was dripping with the presence of God—from the visible, natural order to the invisible, spiritual realm,” said Captain John Van Cleef, who is currently stationed in the Sierra del Mar Division. “It provided me a protected place where I could first lay down my business, burdens and bothers; and press through the rush of ‘doing the most good’ to worshipping him from whom all goodness flows.”

Destruction in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Salvationists continued offering support even though their own facilities were gone. Emergency Disaster Services personnel continue to meet the emotional, material and spiritual needs of the survivors there.

Thirty-eight mobile feeding units and one shower trailer currently serve Alabama and Mississippi, reinforced by units from Florida and Georgia.

The destruction from the April 27 tornado is still evident.

Relief efforts remain in force and the Army continues to ask for donations.

The Salvation Army will con-

Photo by Jason Koenig

tinue to provide assistance where needed, as resources allow.

To donate to The Salvation Army’s relief efforts, please visit salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Keep up with the Army’s latest national news at blog.salvationarmyusa.org.

Read first-hand accounts of Western Territory Salvation Army volunteers serving in Alabama at New Frontier online: newfrontierpublications.org.

A list of the Western Territory volunteers serving at the disaster sites is also online.

From emergency news releases

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Doing the Most Good

June 12, 2011

Long Service 2011

These former A/Captains were commissioned as part of the Ambassadors of Holiness Session.

The following summer internships are effective Wednesday, June 15, 2011.

25 YEARS Major Hendrik Aalders Major Susan Aalders Major Steven Bradley Major Carole Abella Major Daniel Abella Major June Nicloy Major Dennis Trimmer Major Diana Trimmer

DEL ORO DIVISION Cadets Jeremy and Violet Aird Concord Corps Cadet Dawn Paulson Reno Corps Cadet Adam Poe Chico Corps Cadet Leslie Zimmerman Lodi Corps

35 YEARS Commissioner Alicia Burger Commissioner Kurt Burger Major Joe Frank Chavez Major Dixie Dabis Major Warren Dabis Major Joseph Huttenlocker Major Nila Huttenlocker Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs Commissioner James M. Knaggs Lt. Colonel Douglas O’Brien Major Anna Phillips Major Jack Phillips Major Cathyrn Russell Lt. Colonel Pamela Strickland

Captains Ned and Mary Ortiz Corps Officers, Springfield, Ore.

40 YEARS Major Marina Lacey Major Cindy Lowcock

Captains Hermes and Rufina Otis Corps Officers, Chuuk, Marshall Islands

*Serving in the Central Territory

COMMENCEMENT

On the way to ordination Friday evening, the 60 voices of the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters, under the leadership of Martin Hunt, presented a concert revealing the remarkable and saving “amazing grace” of Christ in music, dance, drama and testimony. The group featured a number of soloists and varied their presentation with use of brass, percussion, choreography and visuals. The program, on the eve of the group’s departure for a tour of New Zealand and Australia, concluded as Commissioner James Knaggs, territorial commander, prayed for a blessing on the group’s ministry.

The drama on Saturday evening, Brengle: My Life’s Ambition,

CASCADE DIVISION Cadet Anna Phrasavath McMinnville Corps Cadet Christopher Ratliff Gresham Corps Cadets Jonathan and Nichole Woollin The Dalles Corps Cadet Melissa Xiong Portland Tabernacle Corps

Captains Marcelo and Odila Goncalves Corps Officers, Redondo Beach, Calif.

30 YEARS Major Alan Fones* Major LaVonne Fones* Major Linda Markiewicz Major Elicio Marquez Commissioner Carol Seiler* Commissioner Paul Seiler* Major Carol Southard Major Samuel Southard

into such a cadence that our esteemed cadets are about to march.” He urged them to “set the pace…be the servant that lights the way.”

Preaching is a “key part of that weekly worship-Scripture tandem,” Munn said. The tension between what blinds the minds of unbelievers and what illuminates God “is present in the weekly gathering of a congregation.” His plea to all soldiers and church attendees: “to treasure, nurture and esteem the regular proclamation of the gospel from the pulpit, lectern and music stand. It is a light that illumines the path ahead.”

Cadets summer internship 2011 FRIENDS OF CHRIST SESSION

GOLDEN STATE DIVISION Cadets David & Mary Kyle Fresno Citadel Corps Cadets Dustin and Caroline Rowe Monterey Peninsula Corps Cadet Cathie McCulley Salinas Corps Cadets Kalani and Jennie Onitsuka-Adams Santa Clara Citadel Corps Cadet Clinton Trimmer San Francisco City INTERMOUNTAIN Cadets Javier and Irene Castro Casper Corps Cadets Doug and Betzy Hanson Colorado Springs Corps

First assignment Lt. Sean Kelsey spoke for his session in Sunday afternoon’s service of appointments: “We have given God our best and will continue to do so because we take the opportunity to serve God by serving others very seriously,” he said. “We are Christ’s Ambassadors, and we go forward representing him.”

NORTHWEST Cadets Timothy and Diana Danielson Spokane Citadel Corps Cadet Megan DeLapp Bellingham Corps Cadet Felicia Grant Yakima Corps Cadet David Harth Kalispell Corps SIERRA DEL MAR Cadet Latisa Mason Centre City Corps Cadets Tony and Tammy Poe San Bernardino Citadel Corps SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Cadets Jared and Christina Arnold Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Cadet Marianne Brands Santa Barbara Corps Cadet Brian Campbell Oxnard/Port Hueneme Corps Cadet Jenny Davidson San Pedro Temple Corps Cadets John and Kyna Kelley Santa Monica Corps Cadets Matthew and Charleen Morrow Redondo Beach Corps Cadets Ryan and Allison Struck Glendale Corps SOUTHWEST Cadet Kathleen Griffiths Tucson Amphi Corps Cadet Kenneth Kaurasi Roswell Corps

Can you help?

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featured cadets along with the playwright, Colonel Edward Hobgood, who played the elder Samuel Logan Brengle. As a young man, Brengle desired fame and riches until he was confronted by God and became the Army’s foremost preacher, teacher and writer on the doctrine of holiness. Directed by Joy Lee, Cadet Joel Boyd performed the play’s leading role as Brengle, the young man. Neil Smith directed the music, with orchestrations by Stephen Bulla.

On Sunday morning, CFOT Principal Major Timothy Foley commended the cadets on successful completion of college work and preparation for this moment—to be commissioned and ordained as Salvation Army officers. Commissioners Knaggs individually commissioned and ordained the Ambassadors of Holiness in a sacred service of dedication.

A period of response and commitment for all worshippers followed the ceremony.

Cadets Blair and Lisa Mielke Bozeman Corps

Colonel William Harfoot, chief secretary, charged each lieutenant with John 14:12: “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing.” He urged the new officers to be like Jesus and explore the behaviors and beliefs required to accomplish this.

With music by the Territorial Band, conducted by Bandmaster Neil Smith, excitement in the

audience mounted as each cadet marched before Commissioners Knaggs and received their first appointment as Salvation Army officers. They report for duty on June 29.

Find extended coverage of all commissioning events at newfrontierpublications.org and in the next issue of New Frontier.

SESSION SPEAKER of God.” Isn’t that what this is all about? His presence is what we long to reap.

Our greatest lessons here came from each other, the staff and the employees. Of course, that didn’t keep our homework from preventing sleep or lively discussions on what we believe. A friend of mine aptly described our learning as being “like a crop-dusting of seeds.” The learning was so much more than academic…it challenged our hearts and spirits.

A cadet’s life here is about examining the heart and mind

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in preparation to serve God and you. That’s right—to serve you.

We came here because God called us to serve. It is our desire to see every corps, every person and every leader “experiencing the empowering presence of God.” I pray that today, as we begin to make official the commitment that God has put on our hearts to serve you that you also commit or recommit to serving and building up that same body, as we seek God’s presence. I look forward to seeing what fruit this body can bear.

Find more Commissioning weekend coverage at newfrontierpublications.org Follow us on facebook: tsanewfrontier

n Faithful soldier needs a kidney transplant.

Chom Yamagami could have given up in 2010 after her diagnosis of kidney failure, but that was not the case.

Yamagami is a dedicated member and volunteer at the San Francisco Korean Corps.

The 60-year-old self-employed Korean-American businesswoman is a staunch Christian.

Knowing she needs a transplant has not slowed her down.

Even though she undergoes three-hour dialysis treatments three days a week, she continues to serve countless hours at her corps. Currently, she is the women’s ministry leader.

“Chom has been one of the most faithful soldiers of our corps and is wishing for more opportunity to work for the kingdom of God and the Army,” Corps Officer David Oh said.

Other corps soldiers have offered to donate their kidneys; however, none of them were a match for Yamagami. The search is now reaching out to Army families nationwide.

For more information or to be considered a possible donor, contact Oh at 415-407-4889 or by email at david.oh@usw.salvationarmy.org.

Doing the Most Good

GATHERING

June 12, 2011

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territorial commander.

“As a body of believers there is a real sense of excitement as we have the opportunity to gather together, from all corners of the territory, to be unified in our worship and praise of God,” James Knaggs said. “The Gathering will be a spiritual experience that you will not want to miss.”

The Gathering will feature invigorating preaching, dynamic worship and enrollment of new soldiers, and will culminate in the commissioning and ordination of the Friends of Christ Session of cadets. Bond will share from God’s Word during the congress, and will hold officers councils with all officers in the territory. Other planned programs include men’s and women’s rallies, junior soldier and young adult events, celebrations of recovery and a new Larsson musical. The innovative and inspirational meetings will feature some of the territory’s finest music and arts ensembles.

Prior to the event, youth leaders and corps officers from across the territory will be invited to attend Boot Camp, a dynamic youth leadership training event. More information will be available about this event soon.

If you have ever attended a congress, you know that this is an event not to miss.

Between 1973–1997 there were seven such events where soldiers, officers and friends gathered together in unity of worship, praise, challenge and celebration. It is the hope and prayer of our leaders that the 2012 Congress will be a spiritually invigorating, motivating and inspirational time for all generations.

Event organizers are anticipating a crowd of 5,000 people. Registration details, along with hotel accommodation information, will be available in the weeks to come. Start planning now to be part of this historic event in the Western Territory, recruit your friends and fellow soldiers, and come share in The Gathering.

COME JOIN OUR ARMY During a visit to the Rita Corps (Marshall Islands), Western Territorial Leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs and Majors Edward and Shelley Hill, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional leaders, enrolled 108 junior and senior soldiers.

The new members represented four atolls: Majuro Atoll: Rita Corps and Laura Corps; Kwajalein Atoll: Ebeye Corps; Arno Atoll: Arno Corps; and Jaluit Atoll: Jaluit Corps.

Photo by Henry Mark

CORPS OFFICER

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to seem harsh, rather than passionate. Questions I ask of my leaders are viewed as challenges rather than sincere inquiries. I risk a lot by talking.

Yet I must talk about just one thing.

To those who will listen, please know this: I am a corps officer.

The last word says as much as the first. I am a Salvation Army officer. Ordained. Obedient. Trained.

Appointments along the way have added personal experience to book knowledge. I’ve seen the same people in four cities but by different names, teaching me that the human condition is wrapped up in different packages.

I’ve learned that people around the world have basic needs and temperaments.

The key need I see is a need to be loved. As an officer, my job is to love.

Simple. Hard. My mom used to say, “Jesus says we have to love one another.

But we don’t have to like everyone.”

She was usually telling me that when I’d done something only a teenager could do

to a parent. The message was clear: she loved me. She didn’t like my attitude or my behavior, but she loved me. I learned a lot from that. People may disappoint or mislead or hurt me, but I still love the person Christ created.

I am an officer at a corps. Here comes the temptation to vindicate: If leaders are misunderstood, Kroc leaders seem doubly so. At our first officers’ councils in this division, an officer approached us and said, “What are you doing here? Aren’t you THQ officers?” Did I ever want to defend myself! Jump up on my soapbox and defend this corps! Instead, I took a deep breath— I often do. This lovely place I serve is a corps. Take off the first four words (Ray and Joan Kroc), and what’s left? Corps Community Center. I could rattle off a lot of things to defend my beliefs and opinions, but those three words say it all. There is a lot of talk, many rumors, speculation and even disagreement. I can’t answer or defend them all. I can simply

point out the obvious: this is a Corps Community Center, just like those in cities across this great territory.

After serving for five years as corps officers and administrators at the San Diego Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, Captains John and Lisa Van Cleef will become corps officers at the Tustin Ranch (Calif.) Corps in July.

NOAH’S ARC

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winner was named on May 21. ASID professionals acted as judges.

Each piece of furniture and item of decor was part of a silent auction to raise funds to support The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center in Anaheim, Calif., which can accommodate 147 men and 28 women.

The Rustic Tuscan room team won the overall contest by snagging the “Best Representation of Genre” award. The Eclectic Modern raised the most money, $1,080, from the auction of furniture and accessories used in the design.

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June 12, 2011 New Frontier

The search for a spiritual experience “Chaplain, I know now I can’t run my life on my own. I need God’s help, and I’m genuinely seeking to know him. But I’m lost. I haven’t had that ‘White Light’ experience that Bill Wilson had. How I can have such a spiritual Glen experience so I will know God is real and is Doss there for me?”

Major This is a question I hear every day. Men and women seriously seeking God are floundering, lost in the dark, not knowing where to turn.

They don’t know how to have a perceptible encounter with Jesus.

Many are familiar with the account of the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson—his experience as he lay in a hospital bed recovering from his latest bout with the delirium tremens: “My depression deepened unbearably, and finally it seemed to me as though I were at the bottom of the pit. I still gagged badly on the notion of a power greater than myself, but finally, just for the moment, the last vestige of my proud obstinacy was crushed.

All at once I found myself crying out, ‘If there is a God, let him show himself! I am ready to do anything, anything!’

“Suddenly the room lit up with a great white light. I was caught up into an ecstasy which there are no words to describe.

It seemed to me, in the mind’s eye, that I was on a mountain and that a wind not of air but of spirit was blowing. And then it burst upon me that I was a free man. Slowly the ecstasy subsided.

I lay on the bed, but now for a time I was in another world, a new world of consciousness. All about me and through me there was a wonderful feeling of Presence, and I thought to myself, ‘So this is the God of preachers!’” (Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, p. 63).

My first encounter with God 25 years ago was similar to that of Bill Wilson. An atheist, suicidal, under psychiatric care for posttraumatic stress disorder, I was, needless to say, a mess. One night, alone in my car, in desperation, I took a leap of faith and addressed a God I doubted was even there. Later I described the experience: “In the grips of a suicidal compulsion, I clasped my fists together and silently prayed: ‘God, if there’s the remotest chance you do exist, please let me know you now—for I don’t want to die!’ Shuddering, as the waves of despair washed over me the way an ocean swell overtakes a drowning man, I voiced silently, slowly and repeatedly the words: ‘I will be still and know that you are God.’ “Then when I thought I could fend off the suicidal impulses no longer, I was able—for a moment—to still my mind. And suddenly, shockingly I was vividly aware of God’s presence with me—a warm, reassuring, ever so compassionate and welcome Presence! How can I explain what it was like to consciously encounter God for the first time? Let me begin by acknowledging it was a warm feeling of familiarity—for I had known his presence as a small child, though I had completely forgotten him! On the other hand, this experience was different: I had since known life’s hard knocks—a devastating war experience and a heart-rending divorce—therefore I saw God through very different eyes. I saw him as a fountain of grace freeing me from a crushing burden of guilt; a counsel to guide me through muddied waters; a protector from a threatening world; and a source of inner peace in the path of the storm.”

To those struggling for a conscious contact with God, who are looking for a clear spiritual experience as evidence they’ve encountered him, I offer this advice: Address God submissively with gut-level honesty. The Bible tells us in multiple places: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5, Prov. 3:34). The biblical definition of humility is to make a right estimate of one’s self—in other words, to show a sincere consciousness of one’s own shortcomings, accompanied by a deep respect for God. Many of us call ourselves reaching out to God when all our efforts are centered within our intellect: out of lifelong habit we try to understand God, rather than simply surrender to him. But God can never be encountered that way; it’s a spiritual experience we seek. Jesus said, God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

Some of us first met God as we cried out desperately for him from a jailhouse floor, a hospital bed or a homeless shelter. At that point it was not understanding we were seeking—but simply help. That attitude of desperation, when we finally let go and let God, with genuine humility and awareness of need, is what it takes for first contact—and is all that is required to keep connected with God. Our “white light” experience is only the beginning of a wonderful walk that continues for a lifetime.

SEVENTY-FOUR YEARS AGO…

Guardians of the Covenant A charge to the cadets of the Guardians of the Covenant Session commissioned in Royal Albert Hall, May 3, 1937. It was General Evangeline Booth’s expressed desire “that it should be regarded by the cadets of the 1937-38 sessions everywhere as addressed equally to each.”

Evangeline Booth

My Dear Cadets: General This is a great day in your history. 1934-1939 I think—apart from the day upon which there dawned the morning of your salvation—this is the greatest day that will ever come to you, for it is the day upon which you pass through the gates of your officership in the worldwide Salvation Army. It is the day when you push off from the shores of the loving and protecting harbor of the Training College upon the seas of service over which you must navigate your own voyage.

I remember when this day came to me. My commission was handed to me by my father. My recollection of the occasion is so vivid that my whole being thrills as I think upon it. My fingers never felt quite the same holding anything before, nor have they since, as when I took that simple but momentous document from his dear hand. They felt as though they entwined around something of heaven as well as earth, of eternity as well as time.

Now this day has come to you; the day upon which you receive your first commission for the sacred and important position of an officer in The Salvation Army. In the name of him who has called you to the office; by the heroic warfare and blameless example of a multitude of officers of our worldwide Army who have gone before you; by the thousand toils and hopes and expectations of the Principal and staff of the training college; by ten thousand prayers of loved ones—mothers, fathers—who sent you forth; by the desperate needs and sorrow and sins of the people who await our ministry, I charge you, be faithful Guardians of the Covenant into which you have entered.

I commission you for the one great mission to which you were called: to preach Christ and him

crucified! In this day of attack upon the Christian faith; this day of seductive and pernicious teaching; this day of contradiction of the Word of God; this day of the rebuttal of the story of Bethlehem— preach him! Preach Jesus Christ!

Preach his birth. The manger, the shepherds, the wise men, the angelic announcement to the world of the nativity of the Child King. Preach his boyhood: at 12 years of age confusing and confounding the professors in the Temple. Preach him at Jacob’s well, where with exquisite tact he revealed to the poor woman her soul’s thirst and gave her the Water of Life. Preach him meeting the widow of Nain and turning her mourning into song. Preach him curing the lepers of their diseases and causing the lame to leap for joy as they threw away their crutches. Preach him with his arms around the little children, their heads upon his breast, while they look into his lovely face. Preach him in the boats of the fishermen, filling up their empty nets. Preach him gathering the poor and the sick and the troubled and the hungry, and soothing all their sorrows.

My officers-to-be, I charge you: Preach his life!

Preach his death! Preach him falsely accused at the great tribunal, with pale face and silent lips! Preach him praying in the Garden. The heart agony, the bloody sweat, the “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done!” Preach him the victim of a traitor’s diabolical plot! Preach him thrust and pushed in the crowd, the blood surging from his temples, the hardstruck cheek, the stone-bruised feet, the shoulders bent low under the Cross burden. Preach him suffering.

Preach him dying on Calvary: his broken heart, his lacerated form, suffering and sorrow heaving up against his Cross in one wrathful, foaming, gory, omnipotent surge!

Preach the Risen Christ. Conqueror of sin and death, the Savior of all who will turn to him, the all sufficient Keeper of those who put their trust in him! Christ the Redeemer! Christ the King! Christ the everlasting Word, the Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, who was and is and ever shall be.

Preach him! Preach him!

I shall pray for you. I shall trust you.

Evangeline Booth, General

What would happen?

Each day—between 5:30 and 6 a.m.—at the Training College in the Philippines, the cadets have a time of personal prayer.

Monday is my day to be “officer on duty.” This means making sure that the daily schedule is followed, instructors have what Linda they need and the many small details of college life are dealt Manhardt with.

Major One Monday morning at 5:30 while making my rounds, I saw the light on in the chapel. Usually the cadets remain in their rooms, and I was ready to admonish whoever was in the chapel for not having their devotions.

What I found was humbling.

Cadet Imie was on her knees before the Lord. In tears, she cried out to God to meet her needs. As I quietly left the chapel, I decided to talk with her later in the day.

I found that Imie had absolutely no resources. She had no money for haircuts, toiletries or any of her needs. Yet in spite of her desperate situation, she was worried about her mother and feeling the responsibility to care for her. She felt the pain of not being able to help.

Until this point, I was not aware of her situation.

I gave her 1,000 pesos (about $18), and her tears became tears of joy. She kept half of it for herself and sent half to her mother.

I was struck by Imie’s strong sense of duty to her family. Here she was, with such limited resources for

herself, yet her greatest joy was in sharing what she had been given with her family.

Throughout the session, this scenario repeated itself time after time as cadets received and shared with their loved ones.

The Filipino culture is one of a strong sense of responsibility for caring for your family. If one sibling has resources, s/he will pay for the college education of all of his/her siblings. They will go without to make sure that the family is taken care of. It is a wonderful thing to witness—this sense of duty that is lived out on a daily basis. People think of themselves not as individuals necessarily, but as a part of a family unit. So there is no pain in sharing resources.

In giving to the family, they are giving to themselves.

There is joy in being able to share.

I have so much to learn from this culture—so much to apply to my own way of viewing the world.

What would happen if we began to apply this sense of duty for others to those outside of our immediate family—a neighbor or friend in need or even people we don’t know. Isn’t this how Jesus lived? Isn’t this how he expects us to live—sharing what we have with those who don’t, and actually doing so with joy?

Lord, help us to take more responsibility for those around us, to feel a sense of duty for others, known and unknown.

What would happen if we lived that way?

For one thing, I think God would smile.

Doing the Most Good

June 12, 2011 New Frontier

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Rust happens Though we would like to believe otherwise, the mysteries of perpetual motion and of absolute selfsufficiency remain thus far secrets known only to God. Both sciSharon entific theory and the Bible bear witness to Robertson an awareness that the Lt. Colonel universe as we know it is neither infinite nor static—deterioration is a part of the natural order.

Auto mechanics tell me that even though my car appears to be running smoothly I need to take it in for periodic checkups. Even though I may not be on the road as much as I used to, the car requires routine servicing to keep it operational. Even just sitting in the driveway bad things can happen—tires can go flat from undetected leaks; the battery may lose its charge and I will never realize it until I turn the key in the ignition and nothing happens. Rust happens.

Actually, there are a few things I can do to keep at bay the malevolent beasties that attack my machines: use common sense in the way I use the equipment; pay attention to the warning signs that not all is as it should be; don’t put off what needs to be done; study the manuals and handbooks to learn how to achieve optimal operation; consult the experts when I don’t understand what the manual is trying to tell me (and follow their instructions); don’t be too proud to seek assistance (that one is a real problem for me—I don’t like to confess that I don’t know the answers); and most of all, keep up the maintenance schedule, even when it may be inconvenient or may not appear to be a priority. (In practice, I tend to put it off and hope for the best.)

Sadly, in the spiritual realm the natural tendency toward deterioration and potential for atrophy holds true.

I do not have to get in an automobile accident to damage my car: I can do real damage just by neglecting it, leaving it sitting in the driveway. Nor do I have to be involved in a traumatic event to damage my spiritual life: I can destroy it with no effort at all,

Aspects of leadership simply by neglecting the “maintenance schedule.”

It was (and is) God’s intent that humanity should have the opportunity to transcend the natural tendency toward deterioration. He created man with a great capacity for goodness. He chose to gift mankind with the ability to make moral choices, and gave access to the spiritual power to make those choices. He saw to it that a manual of guidance was available to maintain and optimize the gifts given.

According to God’s maintenance manual, his Holy Bible, a few critical actions can hold back the “malevolent beasties” that would attack my spiritual life.

• Keep up the maintenance schedule.

I may be pressed for time and tasks may need to be done, but my daily moments at the foot of the cross must take priority.

• Pay attention to the warning signs—those things that are trying to alert me to a spiritual malfunc- tion. Am I too uptight to function effectively? Is my temper taking over? Do my fears and anxieties get in the way of furthering God’s purposes? Are my own emotions or personal issues ruling me?

• Don’t put off what needs to be done.

• Study the guidebook to learn how to achieve optimal efficiency; avoid the tempting shortcuts to spir tuality. Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a wor- man that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15 ASV).

• Consult the experts when I don’t understand what the manual is trying to tell me.

• Pray without ceasing! Keep in touch. It is to my advantage to listen to and heed God’s advice.

Rust happens, systems fail—it takes God himself to keep the Christian operating at full power.

Major Glen Doss received the following letters regarding his recent column in New Frontier, Vol. 29, No. 8 (May 9, 2011).

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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Glen, I just read your article in the latest addition of New Frontier—and have to add my hearty “Amen!”

Let those who have ears to hear listen to what Christ is saying to his church!

LeAnn M. Trimmer, Major Corps Officer Murrieta, Calif.

Dear Glen I just had an opportunity to read your article in New Frontier. I couldn’t agree with you more!

I’ve told you before, I love my corps but my heart is with the ARC. When officers, whether active or retired, make comments like “We’ve grown away from the traditional Army,” my reply will be William Booth was ANYTHING but traditional! When he and Catherine were told to stop helping the “misfits of society,” she made it clear by yelling out NEVER! And so began this wonderful army of Christians.

Coleen C. Jove Corps Assistant/Youth Pastor Murrieta, Claifornia

The driving metaphor of our church portrays its members and leaders as an “army.” We have officers and soldiers, divisions and corps, uniforms and commissioning.

So here we are, enjoying the ceremony and celebration as a session of cadets—Ambassadors of Holiness­—becomes officers in this Army.

Robert Docter

Editor-In-Chief The military metaphor The military metaphor works well for us except when leaders— either officers or soldiers—use it in a “command and control” manner. The metaphor fails in church leadership where the common culture is built on concepts such as liberty, freedom, equality and individualism. These values dominate the American ethos. New officers cannot come into an appointment and begin giving orders, making decisions, administering discipline and assuming that they are “in charge.” To do so is fraught with danger.

Subcultures differ Up front, your initial task will be to “know the territory.” No two corps are completely alike. While each corps embraces the Army’s basic theological principals, each, also, has developed its own “subculture” in respect to the means by which those principles become articulated to the congregants and the community. This is the way the corps operates. It has, over the years, developed its own set of “norms.”

These are the unwritten rules and customs that guide the group’s operation. When you know the norms you begin to have a general idea about the nature of the subculture. Respect the norms.

The new corps officer begins to impact the norms at the welcome meeting— whether you are visible and friendly prior to the meeting—whether your conversation with people seems genuine—whether you seem trustworthy—whether your acceptance of people is nonjudgmental. By the way, never discuss with a second person a prior conversation with someone else. When you do, trust evaporates. Also know that your non-verbal behavior speaks volumes more than what you say.

So, the individual subcultures have much in common related to the foundation principles that guide the belief system and the value orientation of the group—but this does not mean two different appointments are alike. To assume that they are, also, is very dangerous. Each is unique.

Goals Goals are broad, over-arching statements. Objectives indicate the means by which goals are achieved. You will have some personal goals, and the corps membership will have some of their own. There will, we hope, be considerable overlap. Usually, neither you nor they have them written down. Everyone thinks that they are all on the same page, but it’s often not the case.

Do not start thinking about fundamental change until you are completely aware of the culture and the personalities that impact it.

Relationships People seem to achieve at higher levels when they feel a warm, personal and caring connection with leadership. A connection like this requires contact—being together. This demands visiting people, building small groups of people who will share feelings about Scripture and about themselves. Christianity is a relationship religion, and we are in the business of building relationships.

Concentrate on careful listening with your ears, your mind and your heart.

People trust those who are able to paraphrase a point of view expressed by another.

It affirms the other, gives them confidence and builds the relationship.

Heart and soul Don’t forget that you are also in the “heart and soul” business. The doorway to spiritual development is through emotions. Daft and Lengel in their book Fusion Leadership state: “The energy that moves people forward with enthusiasm is not intellectual or rational, but comes from feelings.”

I pray you have access to your feelings and that your first sermon will not sound like a term paper but, instead, will reach out to the feelings within the congregation you serve. I hope you will work to bond with people, build attachments and remember that the entire reason religion exists is to build positive, caring relationships.

Except I am moved with compassion, how dwelleth they spirit in me? (Orsborn) The third verse of Albert Orsborn’s memorable and moving song begins with this sentence:

It is not with might to establish the right, Nor yet with the wise to give rest; The mind cannot show what the heart longs to know Nor comfort a people distressed.

Don’t worry about objects and things, build emotional energy with acceptance, forgiveness, nonjudgmentalism and powerful relationships. Effective corps officers have abandoned the norms of the common culture that emphasize ideas that thinking is much more important than feeling. They’ve put aside their fear of revealing feeling and discovered the bottomless reservoir of leadership energy found in emotion. Always remember—love is a feeling word.

Be assured of the continuing affection with which we hold you close to our hearts.