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We must explore other models that lead us toward creative collaboration.
The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years
—Commissioner James Knaggs
July 15, 2011 • Vol. 29, No. 12
Commissioner Will Pratt promoted to Glory
A ‘joyful noise’ heard in Hawaii
BY ROBERT DOCTER A burst of brilliance shaded by the warmth of gracious humor now shines brightly on heaven’s shore. Commissioner Will Pratt, former Western Territory Chief Secretary and later Territorial Commander (1982-1984), joined colleagues and friends in Glory on July 13 from a nursing home in England. The Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Barry Swanson, writes of Pratt’s promotion to Glory, “We thank God for the life of Commissioner Will Pratt and the impact of his ministry in the name of Christ.” Born in England to Salvation Army officer
From throughout Hawaii, 101 students gathered to make a joyful noise at the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Divisional Homelani Music School. Led by Divisional Music and Creative Ministries Director Crystal Nakamaejo, the school included special guests Kevin and Jacqui Larsson, divisional music directors from Southern California, along with John Opina and Kathryn Loret. “Homelani Music School enrollment has increased by 40 percent over the last three years,” said Nakamaejo. “Children and teens come to a better knowledge of Christ and what it means to use their talents to glorify him.” During the eight-day school, students participated in majors (brass, ukulele, guitar, timbrel and hula; electives (drama, hula, signing, timbrel, percussion, hip hop and gospel choir); and chorus, music theory and Bible lessons focusing on the life of David. “Music school was a humbling experience for me,” said Jensen Tailo, 15. “I came set on my own worldly goals. But God changed my heart midweek and truly blessed me. This year I really learned to
PRATT, page 3
One for All n Commissioner Knaggs’ new book is now available. One for All (Frontier Press, 2011), by Commissioner James Knaggs and Major Stephen Court, contains three separate titles advancing a “collective thought”—one salvation for all the world—which New Frontier explored with Knaggs in a recent interview. The first of the three books, One Day, emerged from a list of hopes, dreams, visions or prayers concerning the future of the Army—that, one day “in its entirety, the Army will be what God wants it to be,” Knaggs said. A different individual writes on each of Knaggs’ 35 prayers for the Army and ends the thought with “brainstorming” questions. Second, One Thing, “puts the dream into perspective: to win the world for Jesus,” Knaggs said. “It’s not my objective to keep The Salvation Army alive, or simply to maintain a fine organization. My goal is to advance the cause of Christ. “God will keep the Army around as long as he has a purpose for us,” Knaggs said. “In many places we’ve become institutionalized as a lovely outfit. That only leads us to perpetuity. I don’t think that’s where God wants us to be.” NEW BOOK, page 7
Inside: Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Promoted to Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Prayer Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Spice Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Doing the Most Good
n Homelani Music School welcomes 101 students this year.
Homelanai Music School participants perform at the Windward Mall.
trust God’s will and the plan he has for me instead of trying to do things on my own.” A grand finale concert took place June 24 at the Windward Mall Centerstage, where students demonstrated their talents with family, friends and mall patrons, sharing this year’s Homelani Music School theme, Make a joyful noise unto God, all the Earth! (Ps. 66:1 ASE).
Photo by Kevin Pontsler
“It is amazing to see how much growth happens in just eight days,” Nakamaejo said. “Some students arrive never having held an instrument before, to being able to play a few tunes. And some come never having heard the gospel, to making a commitment to live their life for Jesus. It really is a life-changing experience.”
Incoming chief secretary salutes Harfoots n Lt. Colonel Dave Hudson reflects on the Harfoots’ three years in the West. BY DAVE HUDSON, LT. COLONEL Colonels Bill and Sue Harfoot came to the Western Territory three years ago from the Colonels Bill and Sue Harfoot salute the Central Territory with crowd at Commissioning. Photo by Luis Uribe a resume of successful Salvation Army service, including corps, divisional, training college and territorial experience. They were, however, relatively unknown to most Western officers and soldiers. Immediately following the announcement of their appointment to the West, myriad calls of inquiry went out to the Central Territory, asking the same question: “What are the Harfoots like?” The reply from the Central was, “You are getting our best.” The last three years have confirmed that reply in all of our hearts and minds—the Harfoots are simply the best.
Over these three years Colonels Harfoot have traveled to every part of the territory, visiting large and small corps and programs. Regardless of where they were, they demonstrated genuine caring ministry. One officer stated, “The thing I appreciate most about the Harfoots is that I always know what to expect when I’m with them; they are the same people when around senior leaders as they are with the newly commissioned. They are authentic— the real deal.” Often, their journeys have been marked with unplanned events, such as a volcanic eruption in Alaska, record snow storms in Colorado and Idaho, a typhoon in Micronesia, lost luggage in Haiti, a bomb scare at LAX and many canceled flights. While the Harfoots are loved, their coworkers often choose to make reservations on separate flights, apprehensive of a perceived Harfoot jinx. Bill and Sue may be loved, but sometimes admiration from a distance is not a bad thing! The Harfoots came to the West with an exceptional reputation and resume; they leave now as members of the family. Colonels Bill and Sue Harfoot are taking up new appointments at National Headquarters, he as National Chief Secretary and she as National Secretary for Women’s ministires.
Suisun City’s first Spring Fling n Community celebrates progress of the currently under construction Kroc Center. BY STEFANIE VRAPI The Suisun City Corps, led by Captains Jonathan and Vickie Harvey, held its first ever Spring Fling—a community carnival and barbeque—in late May with 500 people. Residents came in droves and children ran around the park just outside where the new Suisun City Kroc Center is under construction. Visitors enjoyed a craft booth, live music, three bounce houses with slides and a jousting ring. Both the young and young at heart stayed busy. “Thank you so much for coming to our first Spring Fling,” Captain Jonathan
Harvey shouted excitedly into the microphone. “This is just a small way for us to thank all of you for your patience and support as we embark upon building a state-of-the-art community center for you, your families, your neighbors and your friends to use.” The event was not only a way for Suisun City’s corps officers to get to know their neighbors, but also a great opportunity to show people the Attendees “joust” during the Spring Fling. Photo by Stefanie Vrapi
newest renderings and communicate up-to-date information about the Suisun City Kroc Center. “There’s no better place than right SPRNG FLING, page 2
On the web: Find more stories and features at newfrontierpublications.org
• Western territory retired officers hold retreat • Biking across America to help veterans • How a Salvation Army church opened its heart to a newcomer • NFL Pro Ruben Brown supports Salvation Army with a 7,000-mile motorcycle ride • Racing With Faith In Kentucky • FedEx and Salvation Army–“Building back better” • American Idol “Doing The Most Good” for tornado survivors • Spokane Corps raises leaders • ‘Wild, Wild West’ reaches its World Services goal • Smith Memorial Chapel dedicated at King’s Lake Camp