New Frontier, Vol 29, No 15

Jesus calls us to something of greater significance then we might have found with our own choices.

The Western Territory’s news source for 29 years

~

—Colonel Dave Hudson

September 23, 2011 • Vol. 29, No. 15

West welcomes 61 cadets

Hudsons installed

n Colonels Dave and Sharron Hudson take on new leadership roles in the West.

BY CHRISTIN DAVIS With 36 years of experience as officers in the Western Territory, Colonels Dave and Sharron Hudson were officially installed as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, respectively, at the 2011 Welcome of Cadets.

“You each bring your own special gifts to your appointments, and they will prove to be a strong source for service,” Commissioner James Knaggs said in the installation ceremony. “We urge you, above all, to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might (Eph. 6:10).”

Knaggs charged the Hudsons to preach the Word and uphold its principles, to stand by the flag, to develop officer candidates and other leaders, to minister to the ministers, to empower the people of God, and to administer the work of the Army in the West.

“Who would’ve thought, 38 years ago, that a naive young woman from Santa Ana and a goofy guy from the Portland Tab would meet in San Francisco to be welcomed HUDSONS, page 8

The 61 cadets of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session are joined onstage by the Friends of Christ Session at Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena.

Photo by Tim Schaal

BY BOB DOCTER More than 100 cadets, training to become officers in The Salvation Army, filled the platform of Pasadena’s Ambassador Auditorium as the 61 Proclaimers of the Resurrection joined the 47 Friends of Christ for a service extending a “welcome to the college and the territory.” The event followed a catered dinner and a red carpet entrance filmed by the territory’s new international communications vehicle, SAVN.tv— Salvation Army Vision Network.

Following the traditional entrance of territorial and divisional leaders, the new

cadets were introduced and marched down the aisle. Once assembled in mass, the 61 session voices individually identified him or herself with a simple sentence that began with: “I was once…” and ended with the statement: “Now, I’m a Proclaimer of the Resurrection.” With this statement each cadet affirmed membership in a worldwide fraternity of Salvation Army cadets and firmly identified as a future officer.

Majors John and Pamilla Brackenbury, territorial candidates and recruitment secretary and associate secretary, respectively, presented the session to Commissioner James Knaggs, territorial

commander. With Crestmont leaders, Majors Timothy and Cynthia Foley, Knaggs accepted the session and presented its flag to the flag sergeant, Jeremy Baker.

Lt. Colonel Doug O’Brien offered a prayer for the new cadets.

Waiting on the Lord Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs, territorial president of women’s ministries, spoke of Accepted Candidate Lura LeMar, who, with her husband, Cadet Sam LeMar, was accepted to begin training with the session. However, she was promoted to

WELCOME, page 7

On the web: Find more stories and features at newfrontierpublications.org • One Ambition: To Be Like Christ • Bandmaster retires after 66 years service • Photo gallery: Welcome of Cadets 2011 • General Bond launches ‘Freedom Bible’ and welcomes cadets in USA Eastern • Newest Kroc Center opens in Augusta • Remembering 9/11 • New writer for Words of Life • Oasis in a thirsty land

Soldiers walk in a March of Witness to honor of the San Francisco Chinatown Corps’ 125th anniversary.

Photo by Michael Mustacchi

Inside:

San Francisco Chinatown Corps reaches 125 year milestone

Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

n Hong Kong Island East Musical Force is a featured guest.

The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 West/Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Promoted to Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Prayer Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Life Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Doing the Most Good www.newfrontierpublications.org Facebook: tsanewfrontier

BY LAINE HENDRICKS The San Francisco Chinatown Corps—the first Chinese Salvation Army Corps in the world—celebrated its 125th anniversary in August.

“God, Our Help through the Ages,” from Psalm 90:1, was the celebration theme: Lord, thou has been our dwelling place in all generations (KJV). For Corps Officers Majors Thomas and Joy Mui and Lt. Colonel Check Hung Yee, Order of the Founder—who served at the San Francisco Chinatown Corps for 67 years—this is a vivid scriptural reference that reflects the historical significance of the San Francisco Chinatown Corps’ 125 years of service.

“The purpose of this celebration is to let people know that the SAN FRANCISCO, page 3

Passing out donuts in the early morning at Spokane’s Downtown Bus Station.

Back Row: Sophia Hoogstad, Sheila Geraghty, Major Lisa Smith, Sarah Hoogstad, Divisional Commander Major Doug Tollerud, Heather Byrd, and Captain Kyle Smith Front Row: Mimi Millmore and Vaitiare Millmore Photo by Shelley Hartmann

Spokane Corps celebrates 120 years of service n The Salvation Army salutes the past and looks to the future in Spokane, Wash.

BY LISA R. SMITH, MAJOR Spokane Citadel celebrated 120 years of Salvation Army ministry in the community Aug. 22, along with Territorial Leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs and newly appointed Divisional Leaders Majors Doug and Sheryl Tollerud.

Opportunities for celebration and service abounded, beginning with an early-morning distribution of doughnuts and flyers at the downtown bus station, just a few feet from where the first Salvation Army open air took place 120 years ago. Several participants donned old-fashioned navy blue uniforms with

SPOKANE, page 9

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Doing the Most Good

September 23, 2011 New Frontier

NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST

Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil (Luke 11:4 MSG).

TURLOCK, CALIF.— The Turlock Salvation Karen Army hosted “Pull for Gleason The Salvation Army,” a sporting clay tourna- Editor ment fundraiser, on Sept. 10. Sporting clay is like skeet shooting, except the shooter fires from 15 different stations and at different types and sizes of targets.

The fundraiser benefited the Turlock Community Center’s programs for at-risk and needy children; the center offers them a safe place to “hang out.”

At this year’s meet, the Turlock Corps had 63 shooters and raised $7,800.

SAN DIEGO, CALIF.— This year, the San Diego Kroc Center’s American Camp Association Accredited Day Camp Program had a record 2,950 enrollments, with an average of 250 campers each week.

Day Camp Manager Joe Muth attributes the success to amazing staff and a values-based program, “Our program strives to develop the whole child, within their environment, to help them grow physically, mentally and socially.”

Thanks to support from the community, members and donors, 2,000 children received full or partial scholarships to attend camp.

PORTLAND, ORE.—The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) partnered with 15 students from Multnomah University for “Design a Dorm Room on a Budget.”

Three teams received $250 each from the university to decorate a dorm room using only items purchased from seven local Salvation Army stores.

The teams had one week to purchase items and design their 10 ft. x 12 ft. rooms, which were then displayed for public voting. Voters chose the “Goose Hollow” themed room as the winner.

Winning team members were Monica Winders, Mickey Fernandez, Amy Simmons, Kenzie Halbert and Russell Woods.

BELL, CALIF.—Alexandra Tostes, a director at the Bell Shelter homeless center, understands the benefits that residents receive from watching and caring for aquarium fish, activities known to create calmness.

Maintaining a saltwater tank is expensive, however, so Tostes held a fundraising barbecue at the shelter to “save the fish.” The event raised $600, and Tostes plans to continue fundraising for a new aquarium and supplies.

BILLINGS, MONT.—The Billings Corps has announced “A Little Night of Music” for mid-November, a fundraiser by and benefiting the corps’ Billy Booth Fine Arts Factory, which offers piano, voice, drawing, book/paper making and 3D art classes, free for local youth.

All funds received will support the classes and needs of the Factory.

The recital evening will include dinner sponsored by local restaurants, with vegetables from the corps’ gardens.

WESTERN TERRITORY—Major Kevin Hanson of Hayward, Calif., has received his Master of Business Administration (MBA), with emphasis in non-profit management, from Corban University in Salem, Ore.

Sierra del Mar welcomes new opportunities, new leaders n Division dedicates Pine Summit Camp and installs divisional leaders.

BY SUZI WOODRUFF LACEY Behold the former things have come to pass. Now I declare new things. Before they spring forth, I proclaim them to you” (Isaiah 40:9 NAS).

The Salvation Army’s newest camp, Pine Summit, in Big Bear Lake, Calif., Sierra del Mar Division, received its official dedication on Sept. 3, before 750 people from across the division and beyond.

Divisional Commander Major Lee Lescano spoke on celebrating the new— new leaders, the new camp and all the new opportunities Pine Summit will bring to the entire Western Territory.

Referring to the imagery of Isaiah 40.9, Lescano said, “God brings newness and freshness and beauty when there was nothing there…we see lives without hope…and our job, from the Lord, is to bring transformation, to bring a new, fresh start to those lives.”

Colonels David and Sharron Hudson, territorial chief secretary and secretary for women’s ministries, installed Majors Lee and Michele Lescano as the new leaders of the Sierra del Mar Division, which encompasses Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.

Major Stephen Ball from San Bernardino welcomed them on behalf of the officers; Renee Howard from El Cajon represented soldiers; Cesar Segura from Riverside represented youth and Evelyn Vasquez from Ontario represented junior soldiers.

Dave Patton gave a brief history of Wildwood Ranch, the division’s previous

Majors Lee and Michele Lescano kneel at the mercy seat as they are installed as divisional leaders.

Photo by Suzi Woodruff Lacey

camp, and Captain Erin Kauffman related the history of Pine Summit. Hudson spoke the official words of dedication and presented the Pine Summit flag to Captains Dave and Erin Kauffman, corps officers of the camp.

Framed by two giant pine trees, Segura and Vasquez performed the ribbon cutting, surrounded by the mayor and other officials of Big Bear Lake, along with the Hudsons, Lescanos, Captains Osei and Lynn Stewart and Captains Ken and Jennifer Perine. Michele Lescano gave the prayer of dedication and Sharron Hudson the closing prayer.

“All the music for this dedication was

spectacular,” said Soldier Amy Ball. The divisional band, with hula and timbrels, presented the prelude; Osei Stewart led the guests in “O God of Love Eternal” and the Divisional Youth Chorus performed.

The Ontario Corps provided praise and worship music. Jennifer Perine led the singing of “Thy Presence” and the divisional band played the postlude.

After lunch, Family Fun Day began, with activities ranging from soccer to the zip line, the ropes course to paintball.

Many families visited the snack bar, not only for the food, but to purchase Pine Summit tee shirts and the camp’s mascot, “Little Bear.”

Children welcome at ‘Hometown Nazareth’ n Colorado corps unites vacation Bible school and back to school.

The Salvation Army in Grand Junction, Colo., led by Captains Dan and Terrie Wilson, reinvented vacation Bible school (VBS) this summer, piggybacking it with their back-to-school program for phenomenal results—approximately 1,200 attended the week-long VBS compared to 12 in 2010.

Last year, back-to-school backpack distributions grew so big that the corps’ chapel could not accommodate the crowd. Captain Terrie Wilson suggested combining the 2011 backpack event with VBS and revamping the entire program.

“Hometown Nazareth”—the grade school children’s program—was the brainchild of Corps Assistant Nathan Trujillo, who wondered, “What would Disney or Nickelodeon do?” The program’s first hour included worship songs, puppets, drama and Native tribal competitions. The second hour offered thematic games, Bible memory activities, snacks and crafts.

Each day included a special event—a concert, Christian magician, local ministry “Defy Gravity,” bounce houses and “water wars.” Over 400 middle school/ high schoolers attended “Defy Gravity” day, with BMX bike ramps, acrobatics and an 18-foot-high aerial act, and 300 kids received backpacks.

After lunch, a final tribal wrap-up

Many children and parents commented, “If this is what your children’s church and programs are like, we want to keep coming.” Even better news is that approximately 160 children and parents made decisions for the Lord.

This year, the corps distributed 720 backpacks, up from 504 in 2010.

newAppointments Appointments effective October 19, 2011 unless otherwise noted.

ARC COMMAND Captain Anthony F. Markiewicz Administrator Designate, Riverside ARC Captain Jessica Markiewicz Director of Special Services, Riverside ARC A member of local ministry “Defy Gravity” performs acrobatics on a BMX bike as part of VBS program Photo by Terrie Wilson

concluded the day’s events.

The corps distributed backpacks on Monday-Wednesday of VBS week. Parents were invited to the sessions on those days.

On Thursday, 60 children attended and 80 came on Friday, even though backpacks were not given out then.

The attendance total of 1,200 includes staff, volunteers, children and parents who participated. Sunday morning’s service featured VBS graduation with 101 in attendance and 55 visitors.

NORTHWEST DIVISION Cadet Dawn Paulson Cadet on Non-Residential Training, Seattle Temple Corps Effective August 16, 2011 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION Captains Ezekiel & Diana J. Guevara Assistant Corps Officers, Pomona Corps Responsible for Hispanic Ministry Lieutenant Robert D. Davidson Corps Officer, Compton Corps Cadet Jennie T. Davidson Cadet on Non-Residential Training, Compton Corps

Doing the Most Good

September 23, 2011 New Frontier

EAST MEETS WEST n Hong Kong’s “Musical Mission Force” visits Oakland Chinatown Corps.

BY SARA TARANO The Salvation Army Hong Kong Island East Corp’s “Musical Mission Force” visited the Oakland (Calif.)

Chinatown Corps and made several appearances with them in the Greater Bay area. The group came to the U.S. to help the San Francisco Chinatown Corps celebrate its 125th anniversary.

On Aug. 18, they presented an openair concert at the Pacific Renaissance Plaza followed by a special performance at the Oakland Chinatown annual fundraising dinner. Over 400 donors, community members and city leaders attended the nine-course traditional Chinese banquet. Oakland Mayor Jean Quan expressed her continued support of the work the Army is doing in Oakland.

On Aug. 21, more than 30,000 people flooded the downtown area around the corps for a community festival. The

My first year as an officer

BY JUAN ARGUMEDO, LT. Before I start my story, I want to thank New Frontier for the opportunity to share my challenges and triumphs in my first year as an Army officer.

Hong Kong Island East Corps’ “Musical Mission Force” performs at Pacific Renaissance Plaza in Oakland’s Chinatown.

Photo by Sara Tarano

band participated in a march of witness parade through the streets led by Del Oro Divisional Commander Major Doug Riley and over 100 additional Salvation Army officers, soldiers and

The march of witness as seen from above

friends. The Oakland Fire Department led the procession.

The afternoon closed with an openair meeting led by Oakland Chinatown Corps Officer Major Grace Tse.

Photo by Michael Mustacchi

CHINATOWN CORPS mission of The Salvation Army never changes,” Thomas Mui said. “We are always extending our service hands to the community wherever and whenever there are needs.”

At the opening event Aug. 13, San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee proclaimed the day “Salvation Army San Francisco Chinatown Corps Day.” Lee recalled many corps memories including the American Cook School that equipped Chinese immigrants with necessary culinary skills to find employment and his own marriage 31 years ago at the corps with Yee presiding over the ceremony.

Lee then joined Lt. Colonel Samuel Pho, commanding officer of the Hong Kong and Macau Command, in the traditional Chinese “waking the lions” ceremony.

The nine-day celebration included two open-air meetings, five public concerts, two marches of witness, two worship services, two banquet dinners and a community health fair.

Western Territorial Leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs attended the march of witness through San Francisco Chinatown.

A brass band, songster and timbrel brigade and a worship team from the Hong Kong Island East Corps joined in the milestone occassion. The group—the “Musical Force USA Mission Team,” comprised of 49 youth and adults under the direction of Majors Tony and Elen Ma—performed at Pier 39, the Bayview

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Opera House, the San Francisco Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, San Francisco Silvercrest Residence, the Pacific Renaissance Plaza (Oakland), Portsmouth Square and the streets of San Francisco. Lt. Colonels Samuel and Donni Pho accompanied the ensemble with their daughters, Naomi and Hannah, who performed duets throughout the week.

Army’s service to the community recognized At a banquet at the Empress of China in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Golden State Divisional Leaders Lt. Colonels Steve and Marcia Smith and San Francisco Supervisor David Chiu presented a certificate of honor to the corps on behalf of the Board of Supervisors. A team from Wells Fargo Bank presented a check for $15,000 for the corps’ afterschool program. Also, 15 advisory board members and soldiers were honored for outstanding service to the corps.

Accolades went to Kit Har Pong, a Salvation Army soldier who has served the Army in China and San Francisco faithfully for 73 years. Yee delivered the message.

“Today, we celebrate not what we have accomplished, but praise to God for his leading,” Yee said. “He is faithful.

If he has led us this far, he will do the same in the years to come. In as much as there is nothing new under the sun, so the love of God endures forever.”

Del Oro Divisional Leaders Majors Doug and Colleen Riley joined the parade through Oakland Chinatown Members of Salvation Army corps throughout the Bay Area participated; each march included over 150 Salvationists.

This corps has a rich history in the “Old Gold Mountain,” a name still used by corps members. During the California Gold Rush in 1883, The Salvation Army began planting ministries along the West Coast.

Legendary Dr. Fong Foo-Sec was one person touched by the Army’s zeal toward God and people. Overcoming his childhood of poverty, he earned a Ph.D. and LL.D. before becoming an officer in The Salvation Army. He is famous for planting ministries in San Francisco’s Chinatown in 1886.

San Francisco Chinatown Corps members are known for providing assistance to disaster victims. They have been present at and/or held relief fundraisers for the San Francisco Earthquake in 1906, the Mexico and China earthquakes in the 1980s, the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, the South Asia Tsunami in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005. The corps is a resource center to the local Chinese community, providing educational opportunities for new immigrants in addition to its regular service and ministry programs.

I would like to start my testimony with a Bible verse that quotes Jesus Christ. Matthew 16:24 says: Then Jesus said to his followers, “If people want to follow, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me.”

To be honest, I never did understand how deep Jesus’ words were—and still are—for his believers. To deny oneself and leave everything behind for Jesus and his ministry is one of the most difficult challenges that we have to face today.

To deny onerself is more than just being an officer. It’s more than being a good administrator or a good accountant. It’s more than having good public relations. It’s more than just being ready for the Sunday sermon each week and more than meticulously following the agenda. To deny oneself is surrendering everything for the cause of Jesus Christ. It’s serving without expecting to be served, offering oneself with passion for those in need, being radical in the calling of the Lord and living an intense life in the presence of the Lord.

Who wants to come before Christ?

I have learned much through my errors and mistakes in my first year. I learned to value the time dedicated to the ministry and souls. Like any good officer, I have learned to balance my time with God, my family and my ministry.

Approximately four years ago I heard someone say that the most difficult career is to be a pastor of souls, and I believe he was right. As we came to our first appointment at the Albuquerque Temple (N.M.), we came with the illusion of being conquerors. Little by little we started to see that ministry would never be “conquered,” but that it never ceases.

After our first year we realized that rather than running through our ministry, we must FIRST YEAR, page 9

Recently on

TCSPEAK with Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs Internet TV SAVN.tv is hosting great shows and music videos. I really enjoyed the Red Carpet show...

Cutting Edge The Salvation Army is keeping track of the best ways to engage the public...

Sunday School Teacher We attended the Adult Bible Class in Sunday School at our home corps. Carolyn and I are beautifully impressed with...

Find Commissioner Knaggs’ blog online at tcspeak.com.

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Doing the Most Good

September 23, 2011 New Frontier

Register now for The Gathering n Online registration now open for the June 2012 event Registration for “The Gathering,” the first full territorial congress in the West in 15 years, is now available at uswevents. org. Any soldier, officer or member of a congregation can register online for the June 7-10, 2012, event in Pasadena, Calif.

Like others, this congress will be a time of celebration, worship and fellowship.

If you have never been to such an event, ask around; you will learn that they have always resulted in changed lives!

Registration is $50 per adult and $25 per child, including all meetings, several meals, and a delegate bag full of gifts and tools for ministry.

Officers councils will be held June 7 prior to the start of The Gathering.

Childcare is available for those also registered for the congress.

Make your travel plans now. A link to local Pasadena hotels can be found during online event registration.

In addition to The Gathering, you can now also register online for the 2012 Western Bible Conference, slated for Aug. 24-29, 2012, at Mt. Hermon, near Santa Cruz, Calif.

National poverty rate climbs to record 46 million Americans While the economic recession may have formally ended in June 2009, families across America are continuing their struggle to recover. The U.S. Census Bureau announced in a Sept. 13 report that the portion of Americans living in poverty in 2010 climbed to 46.2 million people, representing 15.1 percent of the country, at the highest level since 1993. That’s 1 in 6 people living below the poverty line of just $22,113 a year for a family of four.

The Salvation Army has witnessed this increased need firsthand while serving communities throughout the nation. The Army’s “Feeding the Need 2011” food survey earlier this year found that 94 percent of Salvation Army food service programs saw an increase in demand for food assistance in 2010. In addition, nearly 60 percent of Salvation Army programs saw donations remain flat or decline from all funding sources, including government, public and private sectors. The Salvation Army in Auburn, Calif., for instance, has said it may have to start turning away those in need if its resources continue to decline.

With record numbers of Americans living in poverty, it’s more important than ever to help those who are struggling to make ends meet. Donors and volunteers can learn more about supporting The Salvation Army at salvationarmyusa.org.

From blog.salvationarmyusa.org

Hot dog boys n Salvation Army tradition takes a new twist at Vacaville fundraiser.

With the “hot dog boys,” The Salvation Army in California’s Solano County put a new spin on an old classic, the doughnut girls, who served soldiers in World War I, nourishing both bodies and spirits.

In a national effort to raise funds for after-school and other social service programs, Sam’s Club stores partnered with The Salvation Army to create innovative fundraising campaigns for the summer months.

Sam’s Club representative in Vacaville was on board, and its representatives immediately began talks with Suisun City Kroc Center Corps Officers, Captains Jonathan and Vickie Harvey.

The store offered to sell hot dogs and hamburgers at its exit doors with proceeds supporting Kroc Center programs.

“The Salvation Army is grateful for service partners like Sam’s Club stores,” said Del Oro Divisional Commander, Major Douglas F. Riley. “We appreciate the chain’s willingness to think outside the box. But thank God for young men like Zacharie who spent a week representing Christ to those whom he served. That’s outside the box evangelism.”

After the initial request from Sam’s Club, The Salvation Army began contacting volunteers to staff the campaign.

Since he was on summer break, the Harveys’ son, Zacharie, volunteered his time. He spent a week staffing a table and helping Sam’s Club employees cook and sell the hot dogs and hamburgers.

Jonathan Harvey said, “Serving others is what we do as a family—it’s in our blood and we love it. Zacharie has grown up living a life of service to others. To him, this is natural and the only right response to the blessings in his life. My wife and I are proud of his eagerness to serve.”

Zacharie Harvey serves hot dogs outside a local Sam’s Club to benefit Suisun City’s Kroc Center facility.

Photo by Jonathan Harvey

Zacharie is not new to volunteerism. As an officers’ child he is often called upon to help out at events and community activities. When the corps officers presented the plans for the Suisun City Kroc Center to the city council, Zacharie was there by his parents’ side, helping wherever needed. During the reception that followed, he mingled among the guests, answering questions about the center and serving food.

Regarding Zacharie’s commitment to the Sam’s Club project, Vickie Harvey said, “We didn’t have to ask him or persuade him, he was excited to participate.”

At last count, Sam’s Club had raised over $4,000 and will present a check to the Kroc Center team at the Very Cherry Red Kettle Kick-Off at the Jelly Belly Factory in November.

‘Creating a shared future’ is vision for Central Territory

General Linda Bond (second from right) releases doves at the conclusion of an event outside the American Bible Society—that included a commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the launch of “The Freedom Bible.“ Photo by PhotoBureau

General Bond launches ‘Freedom Bible’ and welcomes cadets in USA Eastern In her first official visit to the U.S. as the international leader of The Salvation Army, General Linda Bond was the keynote speaker Sept. 9 at the American Bible Society (ABS) in Manhattan, N.Y., helping to launch The Freedom Bible, Global Edition, and to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

ABS Executive Vice-President Robert Briggs called the Bible “a new resource of hope.” It highlights 3,500 liberating verses and is endorsed on the back cover

by Commissioner Christine MacMillan, director of the Army’s International Social Justice Commission.

“The Freedom Bible spells out what it means for us to accept God’s gift of freedom, and it is a Bible to energize and transform the lives of the captive and those fighting for freedom,” MacMillan writes.

“The week before 9/11 we shared the gospel with 10 guys,” Jerry Sillcocks, President of Firefighters for Christ’s New York Chapter said at the luncheon. “Half of them went to their death within a week. It was their first fire.”

Bond spoke of the Army’s response to the 9/11 attacks. Addressing the question: “Where was God on 9/11?” she said: “He

was in the stairwells; he was running up the stairs with the firemen; he was on Flight 93 when they decided to say: ‘Let’s roll!’ The God we serve is there with us.”

Later that evening, a capacity crowd filled Centennial Memorial Temple for the Eastern Territory’s welcome of its 39 cadets of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session with territorial leaders Commissioners R. Steven and Judith A. Hedgren and USA National leaders Commissioners William A. and Nancy L. Roberts.

“I appreciate the welcome and the honor you show me as the international leader of The Salvation Army, but please remember, all the glory goes to Jesus,” Bond said. “The one thing we really must do tonight is lift up the name of Jesus!”

In her message, Bond said, “The Salvation Army has one message: the transforming message of Jesus Christ. We are people of the Resurrection!” She emphasized the importance of the Army continuing to proclaim that Jesus is alive.

“We must be faithful to the work and do our duty,” she said. “I believe if we do that, revival will come.”

From an international news report

In the August edition of Central Connection, Central Territorial Commander Commissioner Paul Seiler released his vision: “creating a shared future,” which is based on input from officers, soldiers and employees.

“We flourish when we have bright and committed officers, employees, soldiers and volunteers working side by side for the Lord,” Seiler wrote. “We have a shared future because we collaborate rather than compete. This Army must be more interested in making a difference in the lives and communities around us than in outdoing each other. Each of us is integral to this faith community.”

Seiler laid out five principles in the shared vision: 1. Pursue mission—ask how actions, programs and plans contribute to the mission outcomes; actively seek new opportunities to connect with people; have passion for mission so as not to be side-tracked; be accountable for stewardship of resources; and be intentional about how time and money are spent.

2. Ignite creativity—celebrate past successes that allow present innovation; do not engage in impulsive actions or tolerate status quo; acknowledge that a “stable movement” can foster fear of change and rigid thinking; strive to be a learning organization; believe entrepreneurial creativity can propel mission forward; and seek new ways to reward creativity.

SHARED FUTURE, page 11

Doing the Most Good

BY CHRISTINE MANLEY

IN

September 23, 2011 New Frontier

El Dia de los muertos

America death is black, or preferably grey. It is a shadow in the corner of a dusty room, an unpleasant smell discretely ignored, a spell that casts us into a gloomy depression and awkwardness. It is the uncle we don’t talk about, the great injustice we avoid because we feel powerless to change it. Death is that elephant in the room; if we pretend it isn’t there perhaps it will leave.

In Mexico death is none of these things. It is golden, red, fiery. It is a zealous love affair, a fire that is danced around, the playmate taking a turn to swat at the piñata. And on this one certain day, death wildly dances about and the Mexican people can’t resist the fiesta, and they join in. On this Day of the Dead, past deaths and future life come crashing together into the present and suddenly there is context, and then sadness and joy mix together to make sweet, spicy chili tears.

Octavio Paz captures these ideas in a hypnotic essay about the Mexican culture: The Mexican…is familiar with death, jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it; it is one of his favorite toys and his most steadfast love. True, there is perhaps as much fear Above: Revelers dance during “Day of the Dead” celebrations in Los Angeles in 2010. Below: A display in his attitude as in that of of sugar skull candies, a trational treat during the celebration.

Photos by Anna Logan others, but at least death is not hidden away…rather than as Cheery songs belted out by children seeking the fruition or end of life, [it] candy and money invaded every meal. Even in is death as origin. The ancient, the cemetery, I couldn’t help but feel a strange original source is the grave, not warmth and peace as I walked amongst the a womb. tombstones.

These words ring true and deep Somehow this blatant festivity shakes all the within Mexico, and they are not dust off of death. With some help from Paz I feel beyond the tasting of our own able to really mourn, and with that mourning senses. On this day in Oaxaca, comes wild relief. We can stop whispering and Mexico, smiling skulls littered shout out death’s name, relieving all the tension every corner, like flowers in spring, that comes from hiding, ignoring, remaining the very focus of each party. The silent. I saw this in the eyes of the families that golden-mustard “cempazuchitl” hovered around tombstones, drinking hot and blood-red “cresto de gallo” chocolate and laughing, celebrating with death. flowers coated each altar, laughing This one day, the Day of the Dead, not in spite of away any claim of morbidity. but because of facing death, was filled with relief.

All types of grain, corns, beans, somehow captured death, life, Day of the Dead, a national holiday in growth, dust, in one single state.

Mexico, is celebrated annually Nov. 1-2.

A CULTURAL CELEBRATION OF REMEMBRANCE

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Elsewhere in the world SAIPAN—The Saipan Corps (Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division) runs a soup kitchen, “Guma Yo’ Ase” (House of Mercy), in a twostory building with the kitchen on the second floor and a rummage sale area on the ground floor. Proceeds from item sales support The Salvation Army’s various programs.

The facility also houses a homeless drop-in center.

Wayne and Anne Gillespie lead the Saipan Corps, and the women’s and community care ministries sponsor the program.

For more information visit them on Facebook at “CNMI Salvation Army.”

From saipantribune.com AUSTRALIA—Operation Reinforce—a major Salvation Army cyclone relief effort in Queensland—has concluded.

From late June through Aug. 26, volunteers gave financial, material, emotional and spiritual aid to thousands impacted by Cyclone Yasi.

Commissioner James Condon, International Secretary for South Pacific and East Asia, assured residents that The Salvation Army will stand with them as they rebuild their lives by providing trauma counseling, financial counseling and a 24-hour disaster hotline.

From WARCRY/au, Sept. 10, 2011 issue U.K.—An eight-person team—women and men from Bolton Citadel, Lancashire—took a zip line across the Manchester Ship Canal from the Imperial War Museum North to near the Lowry Theatre.

Their goal was raising money for the corps— and having fun doing it. They planned to raise over 1,000 pounds (approximately $1,363).

The distance over the canal from the museum to the theatre is approximately half a mile.

From Salvationist, Aug. 27 CANADA—Tenth graders Brianne Zelinsky— daughter of North Toronto Corps Officers Captains Rick and Deana Zelinsky—Shane Wright, Robin Nicholson and Jacque Gigan reported on a charity for a Youth Philanthropy Initiative contest with a $5,000 grand prize.

Choosing The Salvation Army, the students made a video and outlined the organization’s history. They highlighted North Toronto’s Open Door, where they volunteered.

Their project placed in the top three, and although they didn’t win the prize money, they did develop a new outlook on the community and the homeless. They plan to continue volunteering, and recently began their own outreach—making lunches to hand out on the streets.

From FAITH & friends, September 2011

Salvation Army continues drought response in Uganda n Lives at risk as drought expected to continue for some time The Salvation Army in Uganda continues to respond to the drought conditions affecting much of the Horn of Africa.

Children are particularly vulnerable, and malnourishment has increased dramatically among youngsters under 5 years old.

In one district the government now uses two health centers—Magada and Nsinze Clinics—solely for the purpose of dealing with malnourished children. The Red Cross and UNICEF are providing food but children and their families have been sleeping on the ground, and with no water, hygiene is a major problem. When Salvation Army assessment teams became aware of the situation they stepped in to provide 200 mattresses, 200 jerrycans, 200 wash basins, 500 long bars of soap and 100 jerrycans of liquid soap. Plans are under way to sink a borehole to provide a constant supply of clean water.

The support of The Salvation Army is making a small but significant difference to the children and their families.

The staff in these compact health centers work day and night to look after more than 250 children. The night before The Salvation Army delivered the mattresses one child had died. Another nine were buried only a few days earlier. But the problem seen in the health centers is just the tip of the iceberg. A large number of malnourished children live in

Salvation Army team members give out mattresses, soap and jerrycans to families of children being treated at two clinics in Uganda.

Photo courtesy of International Headquarters

the surrounding villages. The local government has started a campaign to encourage villagers to bring their children to the health centers before it is too late.

In one of the villages a Salvation Army project officer met a young woman, Nalongo. Her name means “mother of the twins.” She told him that her breast milk had run dry, probably because she had not eaten sufficiently. Once a day she tries to feed the babies porridge made of cassava flour, which is not

very nutritious—but it’s all she can afford.

Mothers like Nalongo are in a very difficult situation. The project officer encouraged her to go to the local health center with her children. In the meantime she was one of the more than 700 families who benefited from food provided by The Salvation Army. Each family received 15 kg of maize and 10 kg of beans.

More projects are planned and an international Salvation Army team is on its way to assist the Uganda Command.

The drought in east Africa is expected to last for some time.

Donations to The Salvation Army’s Africa Disaster Fund will allow teams in Uganda and other east African countries to provide vital assistance. Support has been offered from around The Salvation Army world, with donations already received (as of Sept. 6) from Salvationists and members of the public online as well as from The Salvation Army’s Australia Eastern; Australia Southern; Canada and Bermuda; Hong Kong and Macau; India Central; Indonesia; The Netherlands and Czech Republic; New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga; Southern Africa; USA Central; USA Southern; and USA Western Territories.

Report by Damaris Frick International Emergency Services Donations to the Africa Disaster Fund at International Headquarters can be made online at www.salvationarmy.org.

8

Doing the Most Good

September 23, 2011

Left: Colonels Dave and Sharron Hudson are installed as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries by Commissioner James Knaggs. Right: Colonel Sharron Hudson speaks during the service.

HUDSONS

Photos by John Docter

from page 1

into training,” Sharron Hudson said in her response that evening. “We have both experienced the guidance of our heavenly Father and have truly seen his hand direct the path he has chosen for us. We have known pain, joy, sorrow, comfort, and can testify of his presence alongside us the whole way.”

Following their commissioning in 1975 with the Soldiers of the Cross Session, the Hudsons served as corps officers for 14 years and in territorial and divisional appointments, including divisional leaders of the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division.

“Knowledge of the territory cannot be minimized—someone from the outside just doesn’t have the same historical knowledge as we do after spending 36 years serving in the West, in most of the divisions,” Dave Hudson said. “It’s our home; we love the West.”

Hudson said he aims to assist the territory in running as efficiently as it can, while being willing to take risks and a good steward.

“I’m fortunate to work with

PROCLAIMERS

Commissioner Knaggs, who is a man of vision,” Hudson said. “I will work alongside him to help fulfill the dreams God has given him.”

Hudson said he is particularly excited for The Gathering in 2012 and will be hands-on in the planning stages.

“One of core strengths of The Salvation Army is its network of belonging—if you say you’re a Salvationist anywhere in the world, you instantly belong,” he said.

“That happens because of events and strategy. Next year, we’ll gather together and anticipate our future together.”

He is also interested in looking at how to better connect adult rehabilitation center graduates with local corps.

“Thousands graduate every year but not a lot stick in our corps,” he said. “We need to figure out what obstacles there are in keeping men and women coming to the corps. Perhaps they feel that going to the corps is simply part of the program.

I believe we need to be more purposeful in connecting with them to provide a support network during and after the program.”

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for a lie (Rom. 1:25).”

“If you are anything like me, sometimes a course correction is needed. Jesus is keeping Peter focused on the main thing; keeping Christ in the center,” he said. “The gospel is about the centrality of Christ. Ask the world today who Jesus is and you will get all kinds of answers, but this evening, ­Jesus asks you ‘who do you say that I am?’ God, give us grace to answer as Peter did—to say to him: ‘All that I have and all that I am is yours.’”

The third encounter takes place also at the sea of Galilee, following the crucifixion. When we struggle we go back to a comfortable place, and Peter picked up his nets. Jesus appeared to him and three times asked him the same question: “Peter, do you love me?” (John 21:15).

Each time, with increasing emphasis, Peter assured him: “you know that I love you.” Three times, Jesus answered and told him to feed his sheep. Then, Jesus commanded Peter with his final words: “Follow me” (21:19).

“Can you imagine the guilt Peter must have felt during that moment with Jesus—knowing he had denied him three times?” Hudson asked. “Rather than judgment, Jesus simply asked: ‘Peter, do you love me?’

“We tend to think of God as waiting for us to make a mistake to pounce on us and remind us that we are not good enough,” he said. “Yet, the story of the prodigal son’s father is one of undying love. God, who gave his son, is eager to forgive and restore. We are not to fear him, but to run to him and embrace him.

“God has plans for you,” Hudson said. “He knows you.

He constructed you. He formed your heart. He knows your name. He is eager to embrace you—to welcome you with celebration.”

With this invitation, people lined the altar seeking or becoming reacquainted with God’s will for their lives.

In conclusion, Training Principal Major Timothy Foley led the congregation in a rousing song, “Sound the Battle Cry,” and Major Cynthia Foley pronounced the benediction.

Sharron Hudson’s role is to oversee and resource divisional women’s ministries throughout the territory.

“I hope to be an encouragement for each division in their vision for working with women individually and not just as a group,” she said. “There’s something about when women get together—especially Christian women—the friendships that are there, the encouraging each other, and hearing the good and bad. Our goal is to bring women to Christ and to bring families to the Army through women’s ministries.”

Separately, both of the Hudsons said they felt they had the most impact while corps officers for five years at the Huntington Park Corps (now called Southeast Communities Corps).

“We were there for five years and experienced great growth in the corps and youth and women’s programs,” Dave Hudson said. “Interestingly, a third of the corps spoke no English, a third no Spanish, and a third were bilingual, but they were adamant about not wanting to separate.

“I’ve never felt more at home,” he said.

“Now, 20 years later, I’m still in contact with about 20 people from the congregation.”

As the divisional commander of the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, Hudson submitted a successful bid for a Ray and Joan Kroc Corps and Community Center, which is now slated to open in late 2011, and started RevHI, a one-year island discipleship program for young adults.

The Hudsons are passionate about their family; they have two daughters, Amy and Jennifer. Both like to read and are soldiers at Pasadena Tabernacle; Sharron is a member of the Tabernacle Songsters and is working on a master’s from Fuller Seminary. Dave Hudson said he feels guilty when he doesn’t exercise, so he regularly enjoys cycling, hiking and running.

He said he’s also trying to play the guitar more often.

In the upcoming weeks, the Hudsons will participate in the installment of Majors George and Jeanne Baker as leaders of the Alaska Division, and will represent the West at a congress in India.

SAVN.tv— a virtual street corner The introductory “volley” of the Western Territory’s SAVN.tv occurred at the Welcome of Cadets event, with promos and introductory content airing on the network, including a live stream of the premeeting red, yellow and blue carpet event, along with specials commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11/2001.

SAVN.tv—not only are these Internet TV call letters an acronym for Salvation Army Vision Network, they are also a contraction of the word, “salvation.”

SAVN.tv is a Salvation Army Internet mission station where salvation can be found.

Jesus first cast the vision for this mission station with the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

William Booth carried the vision into the 19th and 20th centuries with his proclamation: “We are a salvation people. This is our specialty—getting saved, keeping saved, and getting other people saved.” Commissioner James Knaggs contemporizes the vision for the 21st century: “The

Interviews at the Welcome of Cadets are taped for broadcast on SAVN.tv.

Photo by John Docter

Internet and cyberspace are our contemporary, virtual street corners ‘into all the world’ and ‘getting people saved.’”

Consider the 2.1 billion or so Internet users worldwide—growing exponentially—with 273 million users in North America.

Purpose-built Facebook pages have created more than 5.3 billion fans. About 70 percent of Facebook users are outside the

U.S.—a plethora of virtual street corners for us to stand and share the gospel.

The implementation phase of SAVN.tv began in March of this year. The network is launching in three phases (volleys)—the first happened at the Welcome of Cadets—culminating with a Grand Premiere Gala in 2012, details forthcoming.

Commissioner Joe Noland

Doing the Most Good

September 23, 2011

Captain Korina Perez Acosta was promoted to Glory Aug. 24 from Joliet, Ill. Korina Perez was born Oct. 20, 1979, in Chicago, Ill. Her parents attended the La Villita Corps, Chicago—her mother was a soldier—and they raised Perez and her four siblings there.

At age 7, Perez turned her life over to Christ.

In 1994, she felt the call to officership while attending an Army congress in Chicago.

After her father’s death in 2000, Perez moved to El Paso, Texas, where she met Luis Acosta. They married in 2002. Together they accepted the Lord’s call to be Army officers and enrolled at the College for Officer Training in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. They were commissioned in 2005 with the Preparers of the Way Session.

Acosta and her husband served as corps officers in Caldwell, Idaho; and the Long Beach Temple and Santa Fe Springs corps, Calif. They then transferred to Chicago, in the Central Territory, to be closer to her family. She was serving as corps officer with her husband at the Irving Park Corps at the time of her death.

Acosta is remembered for her selflessness—despite her illness, she always put the needs of her family and others ahead of her own. She was strong and steadfast—a fighter who never gave up.

Acosta was preceded in death by her father, Roberto; sister, Mina; and nephew, Joshua Trevino.

She is survived by her husband, Luis Acosta; her children, Luis Jr. and Andrea Joy; her mother, Maria Perez; siblings Linda, Nancy and Robert; her husband’s parents, Armando and Martha Acosta; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service took place Aug. 31, in Joliet, with Lt. Colonels Victor and Rose Marie Leslie presiding.

SPOKANE

Major Roberta Eleanora Downey was promoted to Glory Aug. 26 from San Diego, Calif.

Roberta Eleanora Lee—known as Bobbie—was born March 27, 1939, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Dewitt and Alfreda Lee, the sixth of their seven children. She was raised in a Christian home and gave her life to the Lord.

Always an advocate for education, she established and became the director of the first Head Start program for children in Lockport, N.Y. Lee always had a servant’s heart and a desire to help others. She was a breast cancer survivor and became a caregiver for cancer patients.

Lee met William Tedford Downey, whom she later married, in Buffalo. The couple had five children.

The Downeys became soldiers in Chula Vista, Calif., then auxiliary captains in 1989. They served as assistant corps officers in Chula Vista from 1989-1990, and then as Compton, Calif., corps officers.

They became full captains in 1994. In 1996, they were appointed to Inglewood (Calif.) as corps officers, where they served until their retirement in 2005.

During the 1992 riots in southern Los Angeles—considered among the worst civil disturbances in the U.S.—the Downeys’ efforts helped to reunite the community.

Lee is survived by her husband; two sisters, Florence Burrough and Alfreda Johnson; five children: Tracey, Robin, Dawn, Lynn (Captain Lynn Stewart), Preston; 12 grandchildren, one greatgrandchild and many nephews and nieces.

The San Diego Citadel Corps held a Celebration of Life service Aug. 26 with Captain Osei Stewart, Downey’s son-inlaw, officiating.

from page 1

bonnets, while others wore WWI doughnut girl khaki. Spokane’s citizens welcomed the free treats and many expressed appreciation for the work of the Army in their city.

During an anniversary luncheon at the historic Davenport Hotel, Knaggs spoke about the mission of the Army to a full house of 150 community leaders, top donors, local government officials and Spokane Advisory Board and Women’s Auxiliary members. Advisory Board member Carl Lind received the William Booth Award for his support of the Spokane Salvation Army over the past 31 years.

Later that afternoon, the Spokane Brass Band and Timbrels joined other corps members to proclaim the good news of salvation through Christ in the streets of downtown Spokane. Several passersby stopped to hear Captain Kyle Smith, corps officer, preach the gospel message.

After the open air, everyone was invited back to The Salvation Army campus, a city block containing the Spokane Corps Community Center, Family Resource Center (food bank and social services office), Sally’s House (24/7 emergency foster care receiving unit), Family Shelter (18-unit emergency shelter), and Stepping Stones (30-unit transitional housing program). A crowd of over 300 gathered for a barbeque and praise rally in Sally’s Park, a field the corps uses for outreach events all summer long. Spokane Corps music forces, including the brass band, timbrels, praise team, gospel choir and singing company joined soldiers and friends to praise the Lord for his faithfulness and to proclaim again the gospel of Jesus Christ.

During the praise rally, long-time

soldiers of the Spokane Corps were honored, including Joe Hoogstad (76 years of soldiership in Spokane), Maude Hoogstad (74 years), Helen Dorman (74 years) and Marge Prothero (67 years).

Before Knaggs gave his Bible message, Spokane soldiers and employees presented a drama depicting the history of the Army’s ministry from its earliest days all the way to the current ministries of the Spokane Salvation Army in 2011.

“It was a great day of celebrating the past while looking forward to the future,” said Klye Smith. “The Salvation Army in Spokane has always been known for reaching out to include the excluded.

We’re not a club here, we’re a frontline ministry seeking out the vulnerable and the hurting—the ‘whosoever!’ With God’s help and by the leading of his Spirit, we will continue this effective ministry. The words we sang at our praise rally sum it up, ‘Greater things are yet to come!’”

FIRST YEAR from page 3

walk in order to accurately hear and understand what Jesus is saying to us.

When we do that and are obedient, he will bless everything we do.

For us it’s a great honor to be called as officers and ministers of the Word—first,

by God and secondly, by The Salvation Army—and to help others in their daily walk with Jesus. Everything we do inside the ministry, we should do it in the name of Jesus Christ. Placing him before anything else will bring his blessing to our works. When we do this, my family and I are serving the Lord.

God bless you.

9

Helping people find help n Yuba/Sutter Corps works with other agencies in the community for maximum impact.

The Salvation Army Yuba Sutter (Calif.)

Corps participated in the United Way Community Fair Sept. 10, which aimed to inform residents of services offered by local agencies that receive funding through United Way. Many people came by The Salvation Army booth seeking help with shelter or rehabilitation, along with some donors who thought highly of the Army’s programs, and others who had received help in the past and expressed their gratitude. Numerous children received invitations and flyers for the corps’ weekly youth programs and church services.

“Connecting with other agencies is crucial, as resources are diminishing and the number of those in need continues to rise,” said Chaya Galicia, development assistant at the Yuba Sutter Corps. “Organizations strive to work together in our community, to maximize the impact we have on this increasing population. As The Salvation Army collaborates with other agencies, we are able to see the gaps in service and attempt to fill those gaps through programs we offer.

And we offer so many great programs!”

The fair provided an opportunity to get The Salvation Army’s name in front of the residents of Yuba Sutter, reminding them that the Army is changing lives, 365 days a year.

Bakersfield ARC • Bakersfield, CA

Shown at the United Way Communtiy Fair are (l-r) Elias Galicia, Jason Kidder, Ricky Dwayne Millholin, Sr. and Chaya Galicia.

Photo by Terry Raley

Intermountain Div. Headquarters • Denver, CO

DIVISIONAL MUSIC DIRECTOR & MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST Under the supervision of the Divisional Secretary, the Divisional Music Director is responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of the music and worship arts department as well as the preparation of materials for multi-media projects. The position requires that the individual be an active, uniformed Salvationist.

The Salvation Army, Intermountain Division Headquarters, is located in beautiful downtown Denver, Colorado. The Headquarters is close to abundant skiing, mountain hiking/biking and national park opportunities. Position is full-time salaried with an attractive benefit package and competitive salary. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

ASSISTANT RESIDENT MANAGER

If interested, please provide a letter of introduction, salary requirements and resume to:

Bakersfield Adult Rehabilitation Center is seeking a full-time Assistant Resident Manager. For more information or to receive an application packet, contact Tamatha Salada at 661-3258626 or you may fax a cover letter and resume to 661-631-2815.

Senior Human Resources Coordinator– 1370 Pennsylvania Street, Denver, CO 80203 cannon.bundy@usw.salvationarmy.org Fax: Senior Human Resources Coordinator at (303) 866.9263

10

Doing the Most Good

September 23, 2011 New Frontier

A worldwide prayer meeting prayerPower

Mervyn Morelock Lt. Colonel

General Linda Bond has invited every Salvationist in the world to join a weekly, worldwide 30-minute prayer meeting for The Salvation Army.

Salvationist will cover a multitude of needs in these meetings, uniting to seek God’s direction and blessing.

We need to bring to the Lord in prayer the following needs:

1. Deepening our spiritual life personally and as a people of God, 2. In this economic climate, finding financial resources for our worldwide mission, 3. Igniting a renewed passion to bring people to Jesus and lead them to maturity in him, 4. Inspiring courage and compassion across the Army to stand for and serve the marginalized.

Instructions How are we to do it? Paul’s letter to the Ephesians provides direction: Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out (Eph. 6:13-18 MSG).

Stuart Briscoe wrote, “Prayer is the talking part of the divine-human relationship. That means that our prayer life is a part of our ongoing relationship with Christ.”

Jesus told his disciples that they ought always to pray, and not to faint.

Rev. Charles Finney tells of a church that had a revival for 13 years and then the revival stopped. Everyone feared and questioned why. One day, a tearful man arose and told how for 13 years he had prayed every Saturday night for God to glorify himself and save the people.

Two weeks before, he had stopped.

[Men] ought always to pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1 ASV).

Now, if God will answer prayer like that, what responsibility rests upon us all to pray?

Jesus prayed. We need to model the Master in prayer and teach our people how to pray through example.

Why is public prayer so hard?

I’ve often asked myself why, in a corps meeting when voluntary, open prayer is requested such a heavy, pregnant and embarrassing silence ensues before someone prays?

Although curious, I’ve never openly asked the question, “Why is it that there is such a long silence before someone is brave enough to begin a prayer?”

Are we reluctant to pray because we do not wish to appear too sanctimonious, or because we are afraid that our simple prayers will reveal that we are far from where we ought to be spiritually? Or perhaps it is because we feel prayer is a sort of competition and others have such a flow of language that our poor prayer would not count for much?

Perhaps some people seem to feel that prayer is a public performance and they cannot pray until the words are written and polished and rehearsed?

A Salvation Army leader wrote: “It is our desire to encourage a passion for prayer in the hearts of all our people. We need to live our lives in the power of prayer.”

The Bible encourages us to pray, “If my people, who are called by name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (II Chron. 7:14).

General Bond writes: “As we pray together across the Army world, I know the Lord will unite us in a special way as we seek his direction and blessing.”

To request prayer and view other prayer requests and praise reports visit saprayusw.com.

Do mercy!

Is mercy out of date?

While you ponder that question, let me throw this fact at you: This summer we have logged well over 14,000 volunteer hours in the San Francisco Metro area. It would take one person (working a standard 40-hour week) seven years to log that amount of Kelly time on the job. Think about it, seven years’ worth of work accomplished in Pontsler just three months’ time. Incredible!

Major Even more interesting is the variety of people represented in that volunteer corps—some younger, some older; some were students, some corporate professionals. Some share our Christian faith, others do not; some had volunteered many times before and others walked in our door for the very first time. Some spent a couple of hours, some spent a whole day, but every one of those 2,450 volunteers signed up and showed up because they wanted to do something for the greater good of the community.

Mercy is the compassionate treatment of those in distress. It’s an act of kindness toward those who are in need, even when it seems least deserved. It shows up in the Bible as hesed. One definition of that Old Testament Hebrew concept is this, “When the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything.” In the New Testament it appears as grace or mercy. It’s a small word with huge significance.

Even more interesting is the variety of people represented in that volunteer corps. Some younger, some older; some were students, some corporate professionals.

Some share our Christian faith, others do not; some had volunteered many times before and others walked in our door for the very first time. Some spent a couple of hours, some spent a whole day but every one of those 2,450 volunteers signed up and showed up because they wanted to do something for the greater good of the community.

sharperFocus A verb?

I am studying my way through the Gospel of Luke again, using a recent book by the Christian recording artist and Bible scholar Michael Card (Luke: The Gospel of Amazement). Repeatedly throughout the commentary this simple thought stands out and it has caught my attention: Hesed is something you do. You would recognize it if you saw it. Think about the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10).

“The wounded man on the ground has no right to expect anything from a no-good Samaritan, behold he receives over-the-top mercy: first aid, a donkey ride to the hotel, room and board, and the promise that the Samaritan will be back to check on him. And when Jesus forces the legal expert who called for the story in the first place to decide who his neighbor is after all, he is forced to mumble, ‘The one who showed mercy’ (Luke 10:37).”

Then Jesus told him to go and do the same.

Do mercy. The dictionary describes mercy as a noun; perhaps it’s time we made it a verb. When was the last time you or I “did” mercy’? When was the last time we committed any act (much less an over-the-top act) of kindness for a person in need, just because we could?

In many instances the volunteers helping us through the summer had limited interaction with the children and adults who are the beneficiaries of the Army’s family and social services in the city. Their tasks were practical in nature: rolling paint onto walls, planting gardens, stocking shelves and prepping materials for future events. But I tell you—those volunteers have been without a doubt a band of mercy deliverers! I know we don’t use the title “League of Mercy” any more to describe our compassion in action ministry on a corps level, but I wonder if maybe we should?

Is mercy out of date? Make it a verb, sign up and show up, and I think you’ll find the answer! I have.

Never alone Recently, I bolted up in the middle of the night, woken by a searing pain in my right side. So crippling was this pain that I could barely stand, much less move or even think.

Eventually, it simmered down and my life returned to normal. I did consult my doctor, who gave me a long list of Tim potential things it could be. He prescribed an ultrasound. The results pro- Foley duced a long, low whistle from him. It Major seems that he had never seen a gallstone the size I had growing in me. Surgery was scheduled immediately to take care of the problem.

I have been blessed to have a history of good health to this point in my life, so undergoing major outpatient surgery was somewhat of a big deal to me. Fortunately, all the procedures went well and after a week or so I was

pretty much back to full strength.

Looking back, I recall my gurney ride to the surgery room. It was a rare moment when I felt really alone. I was surrounded by strangers, and although they were friendly, professional and skilled in their assigned tasks, they were still not my friends or family. It was one of those moments in my life when even though I was by myself, so to speak, God was right there with me.

In this journey we are never alone. We have the promise from the writer of Hebrews: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5 ESV).

God’s abiding presence is sufficient for all our needs and whatever life throws at us. My prayer is that you can experience this reality even in the midst of your deepest, darkest moments.

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Doing the Most Good

September 23, 2011 New Frontier

11

The unlikley ones We often listen to fellow Scot Alistair Begg on the radio. He’s from Glasgow like me, but only made it as far as Cleveland, Ohio. And his accent is a little more refined than mine because Ian he’s from the wealthier north of the River Clyde Robinson Major and I was born on the poorer south side.

The other day he was talking about the kind of people God calls into his service.

He used the term, “unlikely ones,” and immediately my mind flashed back almost 23 years. We were attending the Santa Ana Corps and felt the need for something more than the Sunday sermon for spiritual food. So a few of us started a home Bible study, because none existed at that time in the corps.

After several weeks the corps officer decided to pay us a visit. Whether it was, as he said, to share in our study and fellowship, or, as we thought more likely, to see if we were a renegade splinter group planning to break away and start a contemporary corps, we never found out.

Because the members of this small study group were not the movers and shakers of the corps, we were branded “an unlikely group,” and the name stuck. In fact, we began calling ourselves “The Unlikelies,” and became rather proud of that badge.

More and more unlikely people joined us until we were too big for the house in which we met and had to split into two groups.

Those groups grew, others were added, and today the Tustin Ranch Corps boasts at least 12 midweek Bible studies for all ages and levels, and people are growing as they are fed a steady diet of God’s Word.

All because a handful of unlikely people

SHARED FUTURE

lifeLines decided they wanted to know more about Jesus and how he can help us in our daily living.

Of course we should not be surprised.

God has been calling unlikely men and women throughout history to do extraordinary things for his kingdom.

Look at Jacob, the conniving and deceitful mommy’s boy who was father to the 12 tribes of Israel. Or his son, Joseph, who was daddy’s favorite, hated by his brothers, and yet rose to be second in charge of all Egypt, saving his family so they could grow into the nation Israel. Then there’s Moses, the reluctant stutterer who led Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Rahab was a prostitute, Samson was a longhaired fool, and David had a roving eye for beautiful women, yet they are all listed in the 11th chapter of Hebrews as heroes of the faith.

The 12 disciples were a very unlikely group of men chosen by Jesus to spread the Good News. And of course the apostle Paul was a fierce and dreadful persecutor of Christians until Jesus called him on the Damascus Road and turned him into the greatest evangelist and church planter the world has ever known.

Maybe we are not so unlikely after all.

The Bible clearly shows that anyone who responds to God’s call to serve him, no matter what background or skill set, can be used by him to accomplish wonderful things. The key is in the word “respond.”

He already knows what he wants us to do and has equipped us to do it. All we need to do is answer the call and we can’t go wrong!

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10 NIV).

from page 4

3. Uplift consistently—uplift holiness teaching and living; understand that hope is found in Christ even in the reality of life; build up and not destroy; uplift others in prayer and actions; lift individual and corporate worship to God; seek to strengthen and encourage those in worship; and welcome stranger and friend into congregational life.

4. Serve vigorously—work to change circumstances with grace and dignity; engage in sustainable service locally and globally; promote the development of individual character and skills; retain vigor with a force that is spiritually nourished, emotionally mature, relationally healthy and physically prepared; acknowledge God is not honored by spiritual exhaustion; and resist spiritual stagnation.

intentional about stopping as starting; handle stewardship of resources seriously; and examine financial patterns to identify areas that can be more fruitful. “[These principles] have been part of our thought process and internal discussion at territorial headquarters this past year,” Seiler wrote. “Decisions made weekly can be tied to these principles.

“Let’s move together to create a shared future,” he wrote.

CORRECTION New Frontier regrets any inference readers might have drawn relative to the erroneously reported medical leave of Commissioner Steven Hedgren (New Frontier, vol. 29, no. 13). He fulfilled his duties during this period.

5. Invest intentionally—be as

New Frontier is published twice a month by The Salvation Army USA Western Territory

Commissioner James Knaggs,

Territorial Commander

Colonel Dave Hudson, 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.

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Friendship and Facebook I just looked at my email.

I’ve had a number of “notifications” from Facebook which I inadvertently subscribed to a year ago in support of my grandchildren’s school. Ten or 11 notifiers want something.

One person wants to give me a poke. A couple want to make suggestions, and 97 want to be my friend. I tried to navigate to the “poke” without success. If I’m going to use Facebook I guess I better learn how. Fortunately, I have several teachers Robert here in my own house. But, very frankly, I don’t really have that much spare time to learn it and use it. My family life, my Docter Editor-In-Chief work at THQ, my university teaching and my activities at the corps have priority. Maybe later. Maybe much later.

Two email services are enough.

You know, Mr. Zuckerberg and Mr. Saverin, creators of this message sending monster and later participants in Zuckerberg vs. Saverin—(oops, maybe they aren’t friends)—have changed the way we communicate with one another, and, maybe, even the way we think. I also know they’ve made a lot of money. I read the other day that Zuckerberg is the fastest personal income generator of any of the billionaires.

Good for him.

I don’t want to sound negative about Facebook. It already has several imitators, but, let me tell you, I resent him co-opting the word “friend.”

This is a wonderful word.

The most quoted definition of a “friend” comes from Aristotle: a friend is “a single soul dwelling in two bodies.” You see, it’s a spiritual connection, it’s time spent sitting in the shade with a friend on a warm summer day, neither saying a word, but having the greatest conversation imaginable. Friends enrich life, sweeten it, bring an inner confidence, demonstrate trust—and, as Aristotle also said, friends are a sure refuge in time of trouble.

I think Cole Porter got it right in his musical Anything Goes. We must like it, because it’s had about a half dozen revivals on Broadway since its 1934 debut.

In the second act a couple of characters on this ocean liner crossing the Atlantic take pleasure in the bond that puts them together as they sing to each other Porter’s song, Friendship:

If you’re ever in a jam, here I am

If you’re ever in a mess, S.O.S

If you’re so happy you land in jail, I’m your bail

It’s friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship

When other friendships are soon forgot, ours will still be hot

Ah, loddle doddle woof woof woof!

Friendship—a perfect blendship—a guaranteed place of refuge—unified openness that allows individuals the intimacy of sillyness, woof, woof, woof.

True friendship demands a relationship built on trust and depth over time.

There’s no question that Facebook has had a significant impact on our culture. It facilitates the potential of rapid change. Whether that change is positive or negative is as yet undetermined. While it facilitates written cognitive connection, it also can isolate people when the Facebook addiction consumes them.

Facebook does a wonderful job providing connections. I don’t believe it can strengthen existing friendships. I don’t think it will facilitate making new friends, and I’m pretty sure it’s not gonna help me make bail.

Many people I know enjoy being on Facebook and reading about their friends and responding to messages sent—that’s its basic function. It, also, presents many opportunities for research into the culture: the norms that seem to be accepted; whatever traditional norms are abandoned; how the norms are changing; the language used, sometimes even in a “texting” idiom; the variation and unknown nature of a message sender’s age; and most of all, the speed and reach of the transmission.

The message once sent is irretrievable. It can’t be called back. When you hit the send button, there’s no second chance. It’s gone—on the wind—to the world. There’s no way to “explain” the communication; no way to read the non-verbal messages of either the sender or the receiver; no way to interpret the feelings triggered by the message.

There is a feeling of safety in sending a message. A confrontation can be as strong as the writer wishes. Praise can be as powerful or shallow as desired.

The writer creates the message alone. It’s sent by machine. When it’s read is determined by the reader, and its impact on that reader, personally, may never be known.

A Facebook message activates our brain. It’s totally cognitive. We understand the words used. It’s almost impossible, however, to infer accurately the feeling tone experienced by either the message sender or receiver. For me, often the messages I read come across as clipped, short sentences—maybe ending with a question mark or an exclamation point—sometimes even a period, and sometime, nothing at all. The focus seems to be on the content. I don’t sense any affect.

I am blessed with riches beyond measure, immersed in the reality of family and friends. They send unspoken messages to me of safety and trust that bind us together with a cohesion both flexible and firm, tight yet freeing; empathic yet confrontive. I count my family among my most intimate friends. I sense no obligatory interaction, as I look around a crowded, noisy room and realize— they like each other—they’re friends.

I find it hard to think of that power word “friendship” without the following lyric by Porter, just a perfect blendship.