New Frontier No 30 Vol 05

Happy UEaster

God demonstrates his love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —ROMANS 5:8

CELEBRATING OUR 30th YEAR

The Western Territory’s news source

for 30 years

March 23, 2012 Vol. 30, No. 05

IT WAS MY FIRST Sunday at

my new corps appointment. When the meeting came to an end, I was told that one family in attendance was facing the impending death of its 14-year-old daughter.

She had been present with her parents that morning.

This family undoubtedly had to be my priority for pastoral visitation. And so a journey lasting a few weeks began, with daily visits and the privilege of walking alongside a family in its darkest hour.

On a very hot, sticky Sunday afternoon in August, I was to visit Sherry for the last time. She lay on her bed agonizing with the heat, the discomfort, the thirst and the pain. Her mother could only look on helplessly. Her dad sat beside her, raising her in his arms every few minutes to give her more ice to crunch, her only relief from the raging thirst. She was dying. We knew we were sharing her final hours. The window of her bedroom was open in the hope of getting some air. But what was coming through the window was the sound of children playing. The joyful shouts and laughter were in stark contrast to the moaning of a dying child. Somehow the sadness was all consuming and anything other than grief seemed so inappropriate. But beyond those bedroom walls life went on as usual.

It strikes me that we are so often unaware of the suffering of others.

We hear of a trial and the news reports give the particular date of when a child went missing. We hear about the anguish of the parents, the details of the horrible crime, the months that went by before the perpetrator was caught. Being reminded of the date the crime happened may trigger a GENERAL’S MESSAGE, page 10

THE GENERAL’S EASTER MESSAGE 2012

TradeWest set to launch n New territorial department will provide mission-critical resources to the field.

After eight years of partnering with the Central Territory for the provision of Salvation Army supplies, the Western Territory will again have its own “Trade” department—“TradeWest.”

Initially, it will be an entirely online enterprise—tradewest.com—that will make use of technology to better serve the needs of the West in supplying “mission critical” items, such as uniforms that are essential to the mission and identity of The Salvation Army, cost-effectively to the field.

TRADEWEST, page 4

Human trafficking cases and services up in 2011 n The issue continues gaining notoriety and response.

In 2011, the U.S. Justice Department initiated a record 120 cases against human traffickers and The Salvation Army’s anti-trafficking programs served 325 victims

of human trafficking nationwide.

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. told The Washington Times this increase is part of the department’s commitment to preventing human trafficking, bringing traffickers to justice and assisting TRAFFICKING, page 4

Japan earthquake—one year later

Seminars for The Gathering, June 7-12, have been announced.

The G

n The Salvation Army makes progress in helping Japan recover.

One year ago, March 11, 2011, a record-breaking earthquake and tsunami struck the coast of Japan, devastating the nation. The Salvation Army immediately mobilized its forces to help individuals and communities overcome the tragedy. Not one to leave when the media attention fades, the Army continued its efforts throughout the year, and today is still present, providing assistance wherever needed.

With a magnitude of 9.0, the Tohoku Earthquake was the most powerful known quake ever to have hit Japan and one of the five most powerful in the world since modern recordkeeping began in 1900. The tsunami that followed it triggered waves up to 133 feet high, and caused a number of nuclear accidents. The evacuation zones affected hundreds of thousands of residents.

Japanese official reports confirmed 15,854 people JAPAN, page 5

Find details inside June 7 - June 12, 2 on page 9

Inside: June 3

SunDAY 6:30pm Pre-Gathering Concert Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 {Pasadena Tabernacle Corps}

The Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 June 4 - 6 MonDAY — WeDneSDAY The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 9:00am Boot Camp Prayer Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 June 7 ThurSDAY Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10 9:00am Boot Camp 10:00am The Gathering registration opens 10 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1:30pm Officers’ Councils* Life Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 {First united Methodist Church} 5:30pm reception On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 7:00pm 9:00pm 9:00pm

The Gathering Main Meeting refreshments & Concerts Prayer Gathering

On the web: As one of many Salvation Army recovery projects, Ofunato’s shopping center is a new hub of trade and commerce after the disaster wiped out this town’s commercial district.

Photo courtesy of National Headquarters

June 8

FriDAY

www.newfrontierpublications.org 5:30am Korean Prayer Gathering 7:00am Prayer Gathering Facebook: tsanewfrontier 8:00am

recovery Ministry Breakfast

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Doing the Most Good

March 23, 2012 New Frontier

NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Peter 1:3 NIV).

Karen

KAHULUI, HAWAII— Gleason During the worship service on Junior Soldier Editor Sunday, Kahului Corps’ junior soldiers prayed, read Scripture and did a hip-hop dance. Majors Brian and Iva West, corps officers, enrolled four new junior soldiers: Esther Ned, Tepni Ned, Hosiana Hosia and Anselynn Chutaro. Thirteen people came to altar.

GREAT FALLS, MONT.—On March 12, a school “free” day, high school senior April Lawrence didn’t sleep in or hang out with friends. Instead, she worked with The Salvation Army, serving breakfast and coffee to volunteer fire crews responding to a fire near Vaughn, Mont.

Lawrence is a Salvationist and Emergency Disaster Services volunteer in Great Falls.

“I enjoy being able to help support the local first responders when called on,” she said.

GRESHAM, ORE.—The Gresham Corps honored 11 outstanding volunteers at its second annual Donor and Volunteer Recognition Luncheon March 13.

Award recipients included Soldier Donald Davis, “Volunteer of the Year”; Cornerstone Church and Smith Memorial Presbyterian, partnership; Howard Huang, FIRST Robotic Team; Burgerville & Gresham Optimist Club, Shop With A Cop program; and Carolina Logistics Services, food donations.

Outstanding individuals recognized were Jackie Muller, Family Services; Elizabeth Hostetler, Christmas; Judy Han, Advisory Council; and Anna Swift, congregation.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—On March 3, the Anchorage Corps hosted a free workshop on bullying for parents of children ages 5-13, providing information, tips and coaching strategies to help kids overcome bullying. Presented by Young People’s Sergeant-Major Joan Green and Envoy Donna Bakke, the workshop was open to the community and made parenting guide books available.

Lieutenants Ryan and Marjorie Miller are corps officers.

YUBA/SUTTER, CALIF.—The Yuba Sutter Corps has a growing couples ministry led by corps members, with a time of Bible teaching at the corps and a time of fellowship at a restaurant. This ministry unites corps members with couples from The Depot Family Crisis Center. Eight couples attended the last meeting, and a newly married couple stated that this was exactly what they needed.

Captains Thomas and Kimberly Stambaugh are corps officers.

SAN FRANCISCO—Members of San Francisco’s Railton Place participated in a street outreach program. The Tenderloin (where Railton Place is located) has the highest number of homeless persons, drug users and street kids in the city. Responding to the desperate need, Railton Place residents are building a strong outreach presence in the neighborhood.

Captain Lisa A. Smith is the program administrator at Railton Place.

The Salvation Army of Ada County, Idaho

125 YEARS YOUNG

n Territorial and divisional leaders join to celebrate the Army’s past, present and future.

BY TRACEY SCHUYLER More than 160 community supporters, staff, soldiers of the Boise Corps and officers from the Cascade Division gathered March 7 at the iconic Boise Train Depot to sing “Happy Birthday” to The Salvation Army of Ada County, celebrating 125 years in the area.

“We hope that, by commemorating 125 years of helping the underserved in Ada County, we’ll raise awareness that the need is not going away,” said Captain John Stennett, Boise corps officer and Treasure Valley coordinator. “The Salvation Army has expanded its local services through the years and continues to offer a safety net for families and individuals so they can quickly return to self-sufficiency.”

In 1887, three years before Idaho became the 43rd state, two officers of The Salvation Army arrived in Boise by train, steaming into the depot that was completed just one day earlier. Within a few weeks, the officers established the Army barracks in a hall at the corner of Idaho and Seventh streets, and held nightly meetings on the street corner, where the music and singing attracted large crowds. The officers and a corps of converts soon began working among Boise's poor. Today, through its array of social services, the Army annually helps more than 20,000 families in Ada County.

At the depot 125 years later, Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, Western Territory leaders, reflected on the Army in Ada County as did Lt. Colonel Eda Hokom, Cascade divisional commander. Boise City Council President Maryanne Jordan delivered a mayoral proclamation commemorating March 7 as “The Salvation Army Day in Boise.” Longtime community member and retired business leader Roger Compton received a Life Service Award for more than

four decades of service to The Salvation Army as an advisory board member.

Captain Candy Stennett, Boise corps officer, expressed appreciation for the faithfulness of both God and the community members for practical support of the work and ministry of The Salvation Army. “God has and continues to reach out to those in need through your hands,” she said.

Ada County Advisory Board President Erik Bolinder is spreading the word about the Army’s efforts to help those in need.

“The challenge is that, at least in the Boise area, the Army has been a well-kept secret... somewhat reluctant to toot its own horn,” he said. “The good news is that, through year-round community events, expansion of our volunteer base and growth of our local advisory board, we’re turning things around and getting noticed.”

The celebration featured a divisional brass ensemble, a musical performance by the Boise Corps Moonbeams (a characterbuilding troop program for young girls), original poetry read by a Marian Pritchett School student and a cake from local specialty bakery Pastry Perfection.

The Boise Corps is planning additional

Top (L to r): Erik Bolinder, president of The Salvation Army’s Ada County Advisory Board; J. Roger Compton, Advisory Board member and honoree; Captains John and Candy Stennett, Boise corps officers Above: Moonbeams from the Boise Corps sing a song.

Photos by Staci Harwood

events throughout the year to commemorate its 125 years, including a governor’s proclamation during National Salvation Army Week in May and culminating with a Harvest Gala dinner and silent auction fundraiser on Sept. 20.

Soldier enters Mrs. Oregon New Antioch campus opens International Pageant

n Facility provides social services, an after-school program and space for worship.

n Wins Mrs. Congeniality award Lauralee Balash, a first-generation soldier at the Portland (Ore.) Tabernacle Corps, walked across the stage March 10 at the Mrs. Oregon International Pageant with determination—not so much to win the crown, but more to check another item off her “bucket list.” Her four outfits—clothing, shoes and jewelry—came from The Salvation Army’s Happy Valley Family Store, which also sponsored her.

Because the pageant was based on what a woman does rather than her appearance, she knew she had to go for it. For years, Balash has lived with a genetic kidney disease and a neurological disorder called Arnold-Chiari malformation. She recently discovered she has multiple sclerosis.

“This is something I knew I was going to do,” Balash said. “The Salvation Army has been a group of sincere believers, and I have been blessed with wonderful people at the Portland Tabernacle Corps who have shown support for me along the way.” Several of those supporters were at the competition to cheer her on, and in the end, Balash won the Mrs. Congeniality award.

Balash is an active corps member, serving in the women’s, youth and community care

Lauralee Balash receives a kiss from her husband at the Portland Tabernacle Corps.

Photo by Kristy Church

ministries at the Portland Tabernacle, where Lt. Raymond and Major Nancy Dihle are corps officers. She recently lost 60 pounds to participate in TV’s “The Biggest Loser” commitment to donate a dollar to the Oregon Food Bank for each pound lost by viewers.

To check off the next item on her bucket list, Balash plans to shave her head for charity.

“That’s just me,” she said. “If it helps somebody else, it motivates me more.”

BY SYDNEY FONG The Salvation Army of the Delta—also know as the Antioch (Calif.) Corps—officially opened its new campus March 4. Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, Western territorial leaders, performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the facility, which houses the Army’s social services, after-school program and space for worship. Majors Bill and Lisa Dickinson, Del Oro divisional leaders, also participated.

“With this campus, we will be able to meet more of the needs in the community,” said Corps Officer Major Jackie Smith. “The Salvation Army does one of the best jobs with all-around social services. We’re always here to serve.”

In relocating, the Army moved about a mile south of its previous site. Smith believes the new facility’s extra space may allow for additional or expanded programs.

“There’s a huge amount of land to expand onto,” she said. “Now we can have a young mothers’ support group, because we have the space to meet in. We have the after-school program but we may be able to do a lot ANTIOCH, page 9

Doing the Most Good

March 23, 2012 New Frontier

3

MY FIRST YEAR AS AN OFFICER

Lts. Jay and Ashley Koebel at officers’ councils, October 2011 Photo by Lynn Stewart Left: Part of the garden farmed by the Long Beach Corps Above: Eggs gathered from the garden’s chicken coop Photos by Gail Crandall

MORE THAN A GARDEN n Long Beach Corps farms two lots to serve the needs of its neighbors.

BY BUFFY LINCOLN At one time, the Long Beach (Calif.) Citadel Corps had received 84 citations and numerous complaints from neighbors and local businesses against the land it owned across the street—a vacant lot landscaped in waist-high weeds and rocks.

A metamorphosis began in 2009, though, when the Long Beach Citadel Corps partnered with the City of Long Beach Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network and Office of Sustainability to use the site for a green jobs training program. Today—thanks to six volunteers from the program working daily for eight weeks—the once-cited eyesore has been transformed into two gardens, totaling 1.5 acres, that produce vegetables and fruit and house chickens, ducks and tilapia.

The main lot contains row after row of the usual garden vegetables: green beans, tomatoes and onions. Farther along are items not usually found in a community garden. On

the right is an orchard with pomegranate, fig, nectarine, pear and peach trees—even a banana tree. The rear yard has a butterfly garden, designed to attract, feed and protect Monarch butterflies.

An alley leads to a smaller backyard—the learning yard—where teaching and demonstrations by Kelli Johnson, better known as the “garden lady,” take place. This area houses chickens, roosters and ducks in coops. An aquaponics system, part of a “going green” project, runs behind the coops. This system purifies and recirculates its water, supplying fresh irrigation to a tilapia breeding tub. Other nature and space-saving features include composting, backyard scale solar, rain garden with collection cistern and swale and vertical gardens.

Garden maintenance is a combined effort.

Long Beach Citadel Corps members, volunteers and neighbors pull weeds, plant and pick. After harvest, the fruit and vegetables are available to the workers and the community.

But the corps’ outreach is more than growing and distributing food. It also donates garden-

ing tools to the community, manure to the city and compost to local schools.

“Our outreach and community support focuses on the ‘Give a Lot, Grow a Lot’ program,” Johnson said. “It encourages landowners to convert empty lots into edible gardens and backyard fruit harvests, directing fresh produce to The Salvation Army food pantry. We encourage the system of square-foot gardening for the home gardener and have a demonstration of how to turn your front yard into a ‘victory garden’ and to share your crops with food banks.”

Johnson noted that future projects are already in the works, including planting a dyer’s garden with how-to dying classes, a pop-up cart for deliveries and street selling, gardening workshops, incubator farms, school tours, urban homesteading classes and a veteran farmer network.

For information on the Long Beach garden or any questions regarding starting your own, contact Johnson at (562) 528-6259 or kellijohnson1@mac.com. Visit her blog at thefarmdesk. wordpress.com.

contact with us. Plus, the presence of the rack with the Army shield gives us 24/7 visibility on the street.”

The newsstands offer the publications to more than 300 people every day who use the transit parking lot and bus stop.

“I’m glad the community has constant access to War Cry and New Frontier,” said Nancy Ritchie, Puyallup Corps soldier. “I am grateful that more people will see the content and begin to look forward, like I do, to new issues. In today’s world, when the news is mostly negative, it’s nice to have something uplifting to read.”

The corps plans to expand the project and ex- The Salvation Army in Puyallup, Wash., found a tend its outreach by purchasing more newsstands. way to share Army publications.

Photo by Premek Kramerius

JASH, page 9

The Salvation Army in the Tri-Cities partners to keep families warm.

Major Karen Vasquez greets families at the Coats for Kids event.

Photo by Robert Guerrero

BY JULIO VASQUEZ, MAJOR Winter comes early to Tri-Cities, Wash., and stays late, so to keep families warm The Salvation Army partnered with Kadlec Medical Center, KNDU Channel 6, Battelle (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory) and the Tri-Cities School District in a Coats for Kids program, collecting thousands of donated jackets for children and adults.

On the morning of the distribution event at the Richland Corps, people lined up early. One woman brought her two little boys to “shop” for jackets, all of which received a professional cleaning. They arrived wearing worn-out sweaters, but after searching through the clothing racks the boys’ eyes grew

big at the sight of a Disney character jacket. One grabbed it and ran to his mom, asking, “Can we buy this one, please?” She agreed and the boys were among the happiest children present that morning.

Tiffany Flagger, Advisory Board member and special projects chairperson, took charge of the Coats for Kids program, contacting donors and sponsors, picking up and often delivering the coats, and securing media attention.

“Tiffany is a remarkable board member,” said Major Karen Vasquez, Pasco Temple corps officer. “Her heart is for the Army and its mission.”

Thanks to so many donors, 3,018 coats were distributed to Tri-Cities families in February; getting through this winter will now be a little bit easier.

Puyallup gets the news out Deciding to try a new approach to distributing Army publications New Frontier and War Cry, Majors Premak and Charity Kramerius, corps officers in Puyallup, Wash., received permission from Pierce County Transit to install outdoor newspaper stands at Puyallup’s transit parking lot and bus stop free of charge.

“People in the community have been talking about it,” Premak Kramerius said. “Most did not know we had these publications. In general, the newsstands have been an effective tool to distribute New Frontier and War Cry to people who otherwise would not come into

BY JAY AND ASHLEY KOEBEL, LTS. Lts. Jay and Ashley Koebel, “JASH,” reflect on their first nine months as Salvation Army officers. They are corps officers in Oceanside, Calif.

June 2011: “Here’s your appointment. Here’s your spouse. Here’s your corps. Here’s your house… .

Our prayers are with you.”

J: The month of June was a whirlwind for us. We had so many lifechanging events occur at one time, but we embraced them as quickly as they came at us. Before I could even catch my breath from commissioning weekend, I found myself throwing the rest of my belongings in a box and rehearsing for a wedding— our wedding.

ASH: It was definitely a whirlwind after commissioning, but it began with what seemed like a lot of waiting. First, I waited to be accepted as a candidate. Then, I waited to finish two years of training. Finally, we waited to get married. After June 12, the turbines began turning, the engines started revving, and this machine was up and flying. In one week, we were commissioned, appointed, married and ready to go.

J: Although the honeymoon could have been longer, we were excited to start our ministry together.

We wanted to do so much, but we needed to remember to sit back and observe. Meeting the people of the Oceanside Corps was great. We were welcomed and quickly became part of this diverse family.

ASH: I love what we do! This is what I know I was meant to do.

There is no denying that there are parts that are not amazingly awesome, but they are usually cushioned in good things. The kids’ programs here have been a fast-paced blast.

Oceanside has a great group of teens who are talented and hilarious.

J: People of all ages pull together here, which was helpful during the holidays. Christmas was a doozy!

We had a fantastic time but definitely encountered some struggles. I know that we do not baptize in The Salvation Army, but this Christmas was baptism by fire. Not only did I learn a lot about other people, but I learned a lot about myself and how important it is to look at each person individually. Often I got hung up in the organized chaos and neglected to seize those moments of compassion that presented themselves. Christianity is relational—I must remember to share God’s love in all I do, no matter the level of craziness.

Getting through the winter with Coats for Kids

n Salvation Army publications are now available in city newsstands.

Lieutenants JASH—the first nine months

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Doing the Most Good

March 23, 2012 New Frontier

National Publications Commission established

Salvation Army brings fourlegged care to Southern Indiana

n Recent Commissioners’ Conference approved group to discuss publishing.

As organizations and individuals continue to assist survivors of a category F4 tornado that swept through Southern Indiana in early March, help is also being delivered not by humans but by animals—specifically, of the canine kind.

In partnership with The Salvation Army, animal-assisted therapy teams from the organization HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) visited residents in the tornado-stricken areas.

HOPE AACR has 100 certified crisis response teams across 34 states, and respond to all manner of crises, including major hurricanes, wildfires, train derailments and school shootings, according to its website (hopeaacr.org).

Gayle Sprinkle with Charlie, and Deirdre Stanon with Brie assisted Captain Cynthia Shiels of The Salvation Army, in bringing joy to the survivors.

“It’s amazing to see. People come up to the dogs and give them a hug,” Shiels

The first-ever Publications Commission, created by the Commissioners’ Conference in early 2012, met for the first time at National Headquarters March 7 with representation from the four U.S. territories and Canada.

“Publications is an interest of the commissioners directly,” said Colonel William Harfoot, national chief secretary. “It is important to think about how we can advance Salvation Army publications in North America, and this commission will be a helpful and historic addition to the process.”

The commission’s purpose is to discuss common concerns in publishing, and provide guidance in using publishing as a means of ministry; it will not be involved in detail management of either national or territorial publications. Under the leadership of Major Allen Satterlee, national editor-in-chief and literary secretary, commission members include: Major Jim Champ, editor-in-chief and literary secretary (Canada and Bermuda); Major Barry Corbitt, Greater Baltimore Area Commander (South); Christin Davis, New Frontier Publications managing editor (West); Elizabeth Kinzie, editorial director (Central); Major Robin Lyle, education secretary (East); and Captain Amy Reardon, Young Salvationist editor (National).

“We don’t want to create a competitive environment, but a cooperative atmosphere between all publications,” Satterlee said.

The commission will also assist in the planning of a national literary conference, currently slated for April 15-21, 2013.

TRADEWEST

from page 1

“We welcome this renewed initiative of the Western Territory, with gratitude to the Central Territory for its partnership through the seasons of availability of Resource Connection,” said Commissioner James Knaggs, territorial commander. “The possibilities before us with TradeWest are missionally focused and grounded in practical service to the territory. I believe it is time for this good step in the right direction."

This enterprise will be operated partly in collaboration with the Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command (ARCC), utilizing space at the Riverside County ARC in Perris, Calif., and providing additional work therapy assignments for beneficiaries of the program. Over time, the relationship between TradeWest and the ARCC will doubtless expand, leveraging the existing expertise of the ARCC in retail and other business areas.

“Our goal will be to provide mission-critical resources to the field in a timely, cost-effective and courteous manner. Our focus will be mission, not merchandise,” said Piers Fairclough, territorial director of Enterprise Development and a soldier of the Torrance (Calif.) Corps, who will provide oversight to the new operation. “Our goal will be to offer fast and friendly service to our Western Territory officers, Salvationists and employees.”

TradeWest will also oversee Trade operations at The Gathering in June, providing a fitting line for uniforms, as well as a range of Salvation Army supplies and apparel for sale on-site.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/tsanewfrontier

n Animal assisted therapy teams visit tornado survivors.

TRAFFICKING

A HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response dog visits with a resident in tornado-stricken Southern Indiana.

Photo by Mike Rowland

said. “You can see their stress start to go down and they just light up. Pretty soon they’re opening up about their experience and their needs.”

To date, more than 150 Emergency

Disaster Service volunteers have put in 2,360 hours in The Salvation Army’s response efforts as the organization continues to help families in tornado recovery.

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their victims. Holder said the commitment has “never been stronger—and our approach has never been more effective.”

The Salvation Army has been fighting for the abolition of trafficking since 1865 through legislative and policy initiatives, awareness raising and training, prevention efforts, and provision of trafficking survivor services.

“The success of the U.S. Department of Justice in prosecuting more human trafficking cases is very encouraging,” said Lisa Thompson, Initiative Against Sexual Trafficking liaison for The Salvation Army in the U.S. “The fact that prosecutions are up

South plans territorial men’s conference The Southern Territory will address the challenges men face in Christian living at its Territorial Men’s Conference at the Atlanta Temple Corps June 1-2. Commissioner Israel Gaither, former chief of staff and U.S. national commander, will join a trio of speakers confronting issues of relevance for Christian men.

John Sheptock, a motivational speaker, will discuss how life obstacles can be transformed into victories for God. David Hodge, senior vice president for Walk Thru the Bible’s North American ministries, will present a strategy for mentoring men through encouragement. David Murrow, television producer and author, will address why many men avoid church and how to make it relevant and appealing for men.

Salvation Army online report features video highlights The Salvation Army 2011 Online Annual Report now includes videos highlighting Harbor Light Centers and Kroc Centers. If you haven’t yet seen it, visit annualreport.salvationarmyusa.org.

demonstrates that efforts to train law enforcement and prosecutors about human trafficking are paying off. The Salvation Army has played an important role in providing such training in various communities across the country...and had significant opportunity to respond by providing victim services.”

This year, trafficking gained notoriety with the “Kony 2012” campaign from Invisible Children, which advocates for the end of child kidnapping by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda that is led by Joseph Kony. One week into the campaign’s 30-minute film release, it was officially named the most viral video in history with over 100 million views on YouTube.

The aim is to “make Kony famous”—an effort to keep pressure on Ugandan government officials and United States advisors to find and arrest Kony.

“Where you live shouldn’t determine whether you live,” cofounder Jason Russell says in the video.

The filmmakers have endured as many criticisms as they have praise, but the film has shed a bright light on the atrocities of child trafficking—an industry that exists in every corner of the world and enslaves approximately 1.2 million children each year.

To learn more or to see the film, visit salvationarmyusa.org or invisiblechildren.com.

VOLUNTEERS UNITE

Papa John’s volunteers and employees came together in Orlando for one purpose—to help The Salvation Army. On March 5, over 800 volunteers visited The Salvation Army of Orlando to landscape, wash, clean and reupholster.

Papa John, himself, worked alongside his employees to paint and build a lawn mower. A brand new playground, benches, privacy fence and mural were also completed. In total, the volunteers logged close to 4,000 hours and spent nearly $55,000 on supplies and materials for The Salvation Army.

“We are blown away by our experience with the Papa John’s team,” said Major Andrew Kelly, Metro Orlando area commander. “It was so wonderful to see so many working to help us improve the facilities we use to serve others every day.”

Photo courtesy of National Headquarters

Doing the Most Good

March 23, 2012 New Frontier

Myanmar Corps prayer hall “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jer. 33:3 NIV).

drum (to accompany worship), chair and Bible. On entering you are greeted by cool, still air, gently illuminated by sun rays filtering through the weave of the walls.

The sense of God’s presence and peace fills the room, drawing people into immediate communion with him.

From The Officer

Live Below the Line 2012 n The Salvation Army is challenging people to swap daily luxuries for a taste of life below the poverty line.

Around the world 1.4 billion people live below the poverty line; in the U.K. this means existing daily on just £1, or $1.58. The Salvation Army is encouraging people to do something about it by taking the Live Below The Line challenge, spending just £5 over five days on food and drink, from May 7-11.

Those accepting the challenge will sign up at livebelowtheline.org. uk/saiduk, where they will create a

JAPAN

fundraising page and get tips on how to live below the line. All donations will support The Salvation Army’s International Development UK (SAID) new farm program that helps small farmers grow enough produce to sustain themselves and their families.

“Live Below The Line is a chance to take one small step toward understanding what 1.4 billion people go through each day, and to raise money to help The Salvation Army in our work to help people lift themselves out of such extreme poverty,” said Carl Jobson from SAID. The challenge has also been issued in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand; find information at livebelowtheline.com.

Read more about the U.K. challenge, including comments from those who participated in 2011, at salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/NewsLiveBelowLine.

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dead, 26,992 injured and 3,155 missing.

Known in Japan as Kyuu-Sei-Gun (Save-World-Army), The Salvation Army has maintained a 117-year presence in the Japan Territory, providing service from 47 corps centers and 12 outposts. The Army’s global presence, in collaboration with The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO), enables the organization to provide hope and relief during times of disaster such as this.

When the tragedy struck, employees at The Salvation Army’s territorial headquarters (THQ) in Tokyo watched the tsunami on television.

“We couldn’t believe it—it was just like a film,” said Territorial Commander Commissioner Makoto Yoshida, in an interview in the U.K. War Cry. “But it was real…we had to do something.”

The Salvation Army opened THQ to commuters who had no way of getting home, since tremors had halted public transport. Employees cared for about 150 people, feeding them meals they had packed for a homeless outreach originally planned for that evening.

The Army’s efforts grew from there, as teams investigated how they could help— providing hot meals, school supplies, and clothes and equipment for fishermen.

Projects ranged from big to small. Hearing of a problem that schools had with mosquitoes, The Salvation Army provided mesh windows that let the air in but kept the insects out.

The international Salvation Army remains focused on Japan’s recovery and development. Working with Salvation Army leaders in Japan, it continues to assist the affected communities by taking part in various development projects.

Elsewhere in the world MEXICO—The magnitude 7.4 earthquake on March 20 was the country’s biggest since 1985, when at least 10,000 people died. But improved construction and the location of the quake—between Oaxaca and Guerrero—left Mexico with limited damage and no fatalities.

U.S. Western Territory officer Lt. Colonel Douglas Danielson, currently chief secretary for the Mexico Territory, said Salvation Army properties and personnel sustained no damage or injuries. As of March 21, the Army was not conducting a response.

BY ASTRID HERRING, COMMISSIONER

In a clearing outside the village of Yee Pyar Chauk, Myanmar, Salvationists built a prayer hall for their community. It sits on four wooden poles, has woven bamboo walls, a timber floor and corrugated iron roof. Dawn prayer meetings for villagers are held daily, before they begin their work in nearby fields.

The sacredness of this place is emphasized as the land around the prayer hall is planted with rows of wild flowers.

The placement of three life-size wooden crosses serves as a reminder of salvation through Jesus and God’s promise to hear their prayers. Each cross is inscribed with a Scripture reference.

Inside the hall is a prayer mat, small

5

UNITED KINGDOM—The United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland will publish “Portraits,” a volume in the Month in the Life of The Salvation Army book project, to coincide with the “I’ll Fight!” Congress in May. “Portraits” depicts Army life and ministry around the territory through images taken during October 2011, and will be a permanent record of the work God is doing through the Army, 100 years after the death of the Founder, William Booth.

The book will be available for preorder after Easter. Email inquiries to month@salvationarmy.org.uk.

From Salvationist, March 10, 2012 INDIA—Delegates from across the India Northern Territory attended training in New Delhi conducted

by U.S. Western Territory officers Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder, currently at International Headquarters as legal and constitutional adviser to the General and international secretary for personnel, and associate international secretary for personnel, respectively.

Supporting the Hodders were Commissioners Kashinath and Kusum Lahase, territorial leaders. In his keynote address, Lahase encouraged delegates to strengthen their skills and talents, referring to Matthew 25:14, in which the servant who received just one talent earned the appreciation of his master for his faithfulness.

From salvationarmy.org/ind

After the disaster, The Salvation Army provided boxed lunches and words of encouragement.

Photo courtesy of National Headquarters

American supporters donated $9.6 million to The Salvation Army’s Japan relief fund, and these funds support projects in some of the country’s hardest-hit fishing towns: Ofunato, Onagawa, Kesennuma and Minamisanriky. The Army hopes that the construction of temporary shopping centers in these villages will revive trade and commerce and support the recovery of local economies.

Among other notable projects, SAWSO supports a meals program in Onagawa that sustains victims of the disaster.

Yoshida noted the changing needs of the Japanese people. “In the initial stage, people needed material help; now the needs of their hearts must be met,” he said. Most of those they serve practice Buddhism or Shintoism. “We are trying to work out how we can give counseling and spiritual help.

“At one of the temporary housing loca-

tions we visited, the people came to know that we are a Christian church, and they asked us to hold a Christian meeting,” Yoshida said. “Our purpose has not been to evangelize but to support people by meeting their physical needs. So when people ask us to help them with their spiritual needs, that is marvelous.”

While various events around Japan marked the first anniversary of the disaster, The Salvation Army kept true to its mission of serving others.

“We will just be getting on with our community work,” Yoshida said. “That is the best way we can commemorate the day.”

Read more of Yoshida’s interview with Philip Halcrow online at http://tiny.cc/ cnnhbw, and contribute to The Salvation Army’s continued relief efforts in Japan via salvationarmyusa.org.

JAMAICA—Bramwell Booth Hall in Kingston was packed with Salvationists and friends from around the island and overseas who came to witness the installation of U.S. Western officers Lt. Colonels Victor and Rose-Marie Leslie as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, respectively, on Feb. 4.

Colonels Onal and Edmane Castor, territorial leaders, conducted the installation ceremony. The Leslies knelt in prayer at the mercy seat, and the congregation thanked God for their willing obedience in serving him and prayed for his vision during their leadership.

From salvationarmycarib.org

PAGE 6—NEW FRONTIER • March 23, 2012

30 of my relatives would regularly gather at my grandparents’ house for family holidays. When we were all assembled, there were far too many of us to fit around one table.

So we set up two tables: the adults’ table and the kids’ table.

The adults ate in the dining room. We kids ate in the TV room.

The adults had pleasant conversation. Somehow our conversation usually degenerated into dinner rolls being thrown at each other and a jello snorting contest.

In theory, we were at the same meal. In reality, we had two very different experiences.

That sounds a lot like how adults and kids experience church today. The adults’ table is in the bigger, nicer room and the kids’ table is down the hall.

Most churches have adult pastors…and youth pastors.

Adult worship services…and student worship services.

Adult mission trips…and student mission trips.

Do 16-year-olds need time to be together and on their own? You bet. But one of my life mantras is that “balance is something we swing through on our way to the other extreme.” I’m afraid that’s what’s happened here. In our effort to offer relevant and developmentally appropriate teaching and fellowship for teenagers, we have segregated—and we use that verb intentionally but not lightly—students from the rest of the church. That segregation is hindering young people’s faith development.

A host of studies suggests that approximately 40-50 percent of kids who are part of a church or youth group will fail to stick with their faith beyond high school. To try to understand more about the current state of both youth and the church, the Fuller Youth Institute studied close to 500 youth group graduates from across the U.S. during their first three years in college. Our primary goal was to identify church and family practices that build lasting faith, or what we call Sticky Faith (see stickyfaith.org).

More than almost any other youth group participation variable, moving kids into an intergenerational context of worship and relationship seems to deepen students’ faith in high school and beyond. In other words, a key Sticky Faith

factor is ending the two-table dichotomy and periodically gathering folks of all ages together for worship, service and fellowship.

A NEW 5:1 RATIO My colleague and the co-author of our parent Sticky Faith book, Chap Clark, says a lot of brilliant things, but I think perhaps his most brilliant insight in the last few years is that we need to reverse the ministry adult/kid ratio.

What does he mean?

Many children’s and youth ministries say they want to have a 1:5 ratio of adults to kids (meaning they want one adult for every five kids) for their Sunday school class or small groups.

What if we reversed that? What if we said we want a 5:1 adult/kid ratio in which five adults are caring for each kid? We’re not talking about five Sunday school teachers or five small group leaders. We’re also not talking about five adults to whom you as a parent outsource the spiritual, emotional, social and intellectual development “We’re talking of your kids. We’re talking about five adults who you about five adults recruit to invest in your kid in little, medium and big ways. who invest in your As the Fuller Youth Institute kid in little, connects with parents across the country, we have seen families medium and make progress toward experiencing 5:1 when they are both intentional big ways.” and explicit.

BE INTENTIONAL Sticky social webs don’t happen by accident.

You need to build those relationships with regular contact. Like most aspects of parenting, we have to be intentional. Just as a spider meticulously creates its web, so we must devote significant time and energy to surrounding our children with intergenerational relationships.

For the 13 years I’ve been at my church, I’ve been inspired by one small group of families who have created a sticky web for their kids. Every three months, they bring their calendars to their small group meeting. As is typical in small groups of busy families, they plan out several months in advance when they are going to meet.

But unlike most small groups, they have taken calendaring to a new level.

This small group has covenanted to make each others’ family events a joint priority. So during their quarterly calendar review, not only do they plan their own meetings, but they also share important upcoming dates and events in their families. All five families mark the Sunday afternoon when Claire has her piano recital. All five families make a note of Mario’s Eagle Scout ceremony. All five families jot down the date and time of Isabella’s middle school graduation. And as much as possible, these five families try to attend these milestone events.

That’s 5:1. That’s Kingdom community.

Two years ago, my husband and I decided to follow their 5:1 example by starting an intergenerational group of families to walk through life together. We invited

By Kara Powell

March 23, 2012 • NEW FRONTIER—PAGE 7

three families to join: one that was in our life stage, one with a newborn, and one couple who is in their sixties and has mentored us since we were engaged.

The group would not be the same without the young family just starting to navigate parenthood. Our conversations would not be as deep without the not-as-young-but-stillyoung-at-heart couple who talks about their love for Jesus and others—both present and past. We could have simply asked three families in our own life stage to meet with us, but we would be the lesser for it.

Maybe that sort of intergenerational small group isn’t an option for your family. The good news is that even if you can’t develop 5:1 from one cohesive small group, you can create a cluster of relationships that form your own 5:1 constellation.

You could go out of your way to personally encourage your child’s teacher (or small group leader or Sunday school teacher) and invite him/her over for dinner or dessert with your family. Or perhaps you schedule regular video conference calls with adult friends and relatives around the country so your kids feel connected across the miles.

With a bit of planning (and perhaps a bit of courage), most of us can develop a web of adult relationships for our kids that will help develop Sticky Faith.

she places those pictures in her frames to remind them of the amazing adults already surrounding their family. The blank picture frames that are yet unfilled reinforce that there are more 5:1 relationships still to come.

This mom understood the power of intentionally connecting her son to other caring adults.

Is gathering all the adults and children around one intergenerational table more chaotic? You bet.

Is it more messy? Sure.

But is it worth the Sticky Faith pay-off for both the teenagers and adults involved? Absolutely.

This article is adapted from Sticky Faith by Kara Powell and Chap Clark (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011). For more information on Sticky Faith and a host of free resources for parents and grandparents, visit stickyfaith.org.

DR. KARA E. POWELL is the executive director of the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI) and a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary. She completed her Ph.D. in Practical Theology from Fuller Seminary with a focus on Pastoral Role Expectations in 2000, an M.Div. from Bethel Theological Seminary in 1994, and a bachelor’s degree with honors from Stanford University in 1991.

In addition to her roles at Fuller Seminary, Kara currently serves as an advisor to Youth Specialties and volunteers in student ministries at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena. She is the author or co-author of a number of books and curriculum guides, including Sticky Faith (parent and youth leader editions and student curriculum, 2011-2012), Essential Leadership (2010), Deep Justice Journeys(2009), Deep Justice in a Broken World (2008), Deep Minis-

BE EXPLICIT There’s no need to keep what you’re doing a secret from your children. We encourage you to let them in on your 5:1 goal (or 7:1, 10:1, or whatever you’re shooting for) and celebrate with you as your family develops its own sticky network. If talking about 5:1 itself feels a bit calculated or forced, you can instead regularly remind your kids of the adults (coaches, teachers, neighbors, church leaders) who care about them. If you pray at meals or before bed with your child, you could even thank God for the sticky web God is helping weave.

I recently met a single mom who had a brilliant idea for helping her son visualize their family’s sticky web. In the hallway between their bedrooms, this mom has hung a few large collage picture frames, each of which has several openings for pictures. As her son builds a relationship with an adult— especially with a man—she takes a picture of her son with that adult. Then

try in a Shallow World (2006), Good Sex Youth Ministry Curriculum (2001, rev 2009), Help! I’m a Woman in Youth Ministry (2004), and Mirror, Mirror (2003). Follow @kpowellfyi on Twitter.

BO

Kara Powell is speaking June 6 at Boot Camp 2012 and the Fuller Youth Institute is directing a learning track about “Sticky Faith.” See more at saynetwork.com/bc4.

BOOT CAMP

PASADENA C

SAYN

PAGE 8—NEW FRONTIER • March 23, 2012

THE GATHERING THE GATHERING JUNE 7 - 10, 2012 PASADENA, CA

{

And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there.

— Matthew 18:20 JUNE 7 - 10, 2012

}

PASADENA, CA

June 3 6:30pm

SunDAY Pre-Gathering Concert Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus {Pasadena Tabernacle Corps}

June 4 - 6 9:00am

MonDAY — WeDneSDAY Boot Camp

June 7 9:00am 10:00am 1:30pm

ThurSDAY Boot Camp The Gathering registration opens Officers’ Councils* {First united Methodist Church} reception The Gathering Main Meeting refreshments & Concerts Prayer Gathering

5:30pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 9:00pm

June 8 FriDAY (ConTinueD) FriDAY Korean Prayer Gathering 5:30pm reception The Gathering Main Meeting Prayerwhen Gathering two or three 7:00pm And of you are together 9:00pm refreshments & Concerts recovery Ministry Breakfast because of me, you can be sure I'llGathering be there. {hilton hotel} 9:00pm that Prayer 8:00am Officers’ Kids’ Breakfast — MatthewJune 18:20 10:00am Seminars 9 SATurDAY 5:30am Korean Prayer Gathering 10:30am Commencement 7:00am Prayer Gathering {First united Methodist Church} 10:00am Family Gatherings - Women’s Tea, 12:30pm Silver Star Banquet*

Men’s Rally, Kids’ Carnival {hilton hotel} 1:00pm encore! {Brookside Park} 1:00pm encore!

1:00pm Latino Praise and Worship Meeting 1:30pm Seminars 1:30pm Seminars 3:00pm Musical – “Spirit! ii: empire” 3:00pm Musical – “Spirit! ii: empire” Divisional Gatherings – Alaska, 3:00pm Divisional Gatherings – Golden State, 3:00pm

Cascade, Del Oro, Hawaiian and Pacific Sierra Del Mar, Southern California islands, intermountain and northwest and Southwest 5:00pm Long Service Dinner* 5:30pm reception 7:00pm The Gathering Main Meeting {hilton hotel} 9:00pm USA WESTERN TERRITORY refreshments & Concerts 9:00pm Prayer Gathering June 8 5:30am 7:00am 8:00am

{

}

June 10 5:30am 7:00am 8:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm

SunDAY Korean Prayer Gathering Prayer Gathering FoF Breakfast Commissioning & ordination The Gathering Lunch Service of Appointments Kids’ Worship Meeting

*by invitation only Translation will be available in Spanish, Korean and Chinese for all major events if requested at registration.

All events to be held at the Pasadena Convention Center unless otherwise indicated.

To register for all events, visit www.uswevents.org.

USA WESTERN TERRITORY

RegisteR BY May 1, 2012 at www.uswevents.oRg visit www.faceBook.com/thegatheRing2012

Doing the Most Good

March 23, 2012

Left to right: Major Jackie Smith, Major Bill Dickinson, Major Lisa Dickinson, Commissioners Carolyn and James Knaggs, Mayor James Davis (foreground between Commissioner James Knaggs and Lt. Robert Alexander Williams) and Lt. Robert Alexander Williams

Gather and learn n Seminars offer discovery and interaction at The Gathering.

In addition to its general sessions, attendees of The Gathering can also participate in 10 instructional seminars that will be offered June 8 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and June 9 at 1 p.m. Attendance is voluntary and requires no additional registration. The topics include: 1) “Thirsting for joy? Renewing your spiritual passion” with Major Clay Gardner. William Booth said, “The tendency of fire is to go out,” but we know that the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “...fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you...” (2 Tim. 1:6 NIV). A student of the Old Testament, theology, Greek and the Gospels, Gardner will explore how to renew spiritual passion.

2) “Can we be holy? A guide for Christian living” with Captain Nigel Cross, D.Min., corps officer in Centennial, Colo.

As saved children of God, Christians are declared to be holy. With Cross, participants will more deeply understand what it means to live a life of holiness.

3) “Deeper prayer life: the gateway for spiritual growth” with Lt. Colonel Mervyn Morelock, Western Territory prayer coordinator who writes a regular “Prayer Power” column in New Frontier and provides a weekly “Call to Prayer” bulletin. Discover how an effective prayer life results in a closer relationship with God. 4) “History matters! The story behind the Salvation Army” with Major Kevin Jackson, corps officer in Billings, Mont., and a Salvation Army historian and educator who helped train nine sessions of cadets at the College for Officer Training at Crestmont. Explore the Army’s heritage and examine its history in the context of the American West, with emphasis on social ministries from pioneering days to the present.

5) “History matters! The story behind the Salvation Army” (in Spanish) with Commissioner Alicia Burger (June 8 at 10 a.m. only). Look at the Army’s history,

JASH

from its start in 1865 in London’s slums to its growth as a worldwide movement, focusing on its relevance in today’s culture.

6) “Feeling lost? The Bible as your guide for personal growth and ministry” with Major John Bennett, El Paso county coordinator and corps officer in Colorado Springs, Colo. Learn to emphasize the importance of reading, studying, praying and living out God's Word, and how to take it home to revolutionize families, corps, neighborhoods, work places and the world.

7) “Breakfast at Sally’s: One homeless man’s inspirational journey” with Richard LeMieux, author. LeMieux was once wealthy, but a change of fortune drove him into bankruptcy, and he moved into his minivan with his dog, Willow. In despair, he nearly committed suicide but was saved

by God’s presence in his life and the love of Willow. Hear his story of recovery from homelessness and hopelessness.

8) “Storytelling outreach: effective techniques for film and media” with Guy Noland, SAVN.tv executive producer.

Examine how professional writers form concepts into concise, entertaining and complete scripts with solid structure and flawless technique. Noland will share secrets of the Hollywood screenwriting model, looking at story analysis and practical application to ministry.

9) “Making a ministry impact in today's digital, distracted culture” with Phil Cooke, filmmaker, media constant and television producer. Discover the new rules for telling your story, including looking at how the audience perceives it. An essential workshop for those who wish to make a film or write a book, and those who want to make their organizations or ministries more effective.

10) “Facebook and faith: living an authentic digital life” with Grant Whitehead, SAVN.tv social media chaplain and creator of iSalvos.com with his wife, Bev. Explore how to use social media to share your faith online and what an online corps might look like.

9

Photo by Sydney Fong

ANTIOCH

from page 2

more. And the kids used to play basketball on the parking lot, so when cars came in, they had to stop. But with all of this land, that can change.”

Antioch residents also welcomed The Salvation Army’s expansion.

“I think this move will help Antioch a lot,” said Nicole, a past recipient of food and utility

assistance. “To have resources to help others is fantastic. I don’t know where I would be without The Salvation Army’s help.”

Smith knows the campus will attract new people.

“This new campus is inviting for volunteers,” she said. “We need volunteer tutors for the after-school program.”

ACADEMIC DEAN Booth University College invites applications, nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Academic Dean effective July 1, 2012.

Booth University College is operated by The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory as an educational expression of the ministry of the Army. The University College serves students on its Winnipeg campus, officers across the Canada and Bermuda Territory, and the international Salvation Army in 35 countries.

The Academic Dean provides leadership to the academic programs of the institution, including the development and maintenance of programs, the recruitment and supervision of faculty, and the cultivation of strong relationships within the academic and other constituencies. The Academic Dean is a member of the senior leadership team of the institution and works closely with the President.

Desired Qualifications: • a Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to the emerging curriculum of the University College, demonstrated success teaching undergraduates, experience in academic administration, and a passion for undergraduate education.

• the ability to provide visionary leadership and to manage the day-to-day operations of the academic program.

• the ability to cultivate relationships with other colleges and universities.

• Salvationist in good standing.

• beliefs and a lifestyle compatible with the mission and identity of the University College.

We encourage all qualified persons to apply in confidence; however, due to federal immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. Consideration of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please submit a letter of introduction, a curriculum vitae, and the names of three references to Dr. Donald Burke, President, Booth University College, 447 Webb Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3B 2P2.

Web: www.BoothUC.ca E-mail: donald_burke@boothuc.ca Phone: (204) 924-4868.

from page 3

ASH: Fire is right! The problem I have when I reflect on Christmas is that I begin to hear and see bells, bell-ringers, vans and van problems. Overall it was a great experience, but if you really want to understand it, you should just volunteer at your corps.

J: Married life is great. I never thought I would get married—then I met Ashley. This big-haired beauty loves to laugh, is passionate about people and is following the plan that God designed for her. Really, what more could I ask for; I married my best friend! Sure, we have had some struggles, but that is bound to happen considering the tornado of momentous experiences we had in such a short time. Every day, we candidly debrief together and pray that God will continue to guide us on this roller coaster.

ASH: Married life is great.

I never thought anyone could stand my gigantic hair, or that I could actually get it into a bun, but both things have happened!

It is amazing to see how God uses marriage. Jay and I are a good match. We knew it when we were dating, but we depend on it in our ministry. God’s not just using Jay or Ashley—he’s making JASH his vessel.

BOLD BOOT CAMP 4 YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER JUNE 4-7, 2012

SAYNETWORK.COM/BC4

10

Doing the Most Good

March 23, 2012 New Frontier

prayerPower

It’s empty Some years ago, an officer friend related the after-church conversation he and his wife had with their daughters. Like many families, they talked with their children about that day’s Sunday school lesson.

Christie, 4, was first. Try as she might, she couldn’t remember the Mervyn lesson.

Her sister, Julie, 6, was next. And Morelock she remembered. It was the Easter Lt. Colonel story. She told it as many little girls will do, with every detail—the Palm Sunday trip, the trial, the cross, the body in the tomb, the first Easter morning. Just then, Christie broke in, “Oh, now I remember—when they got to the tomb and looked in, it was empty. That’s what the story was about—it’s empty!”

Of all the millions of words written about history and religion, these two sum up the essence of this miracle: It’s empty. Our Redeemer lives!

Late one morning, we stood at Gordon’s Calvary in Jerusalem. The garden had a unique quietness. In spite of its location, adjacent to the central bus terminal and a road busy with cars, taxicabs and buses, the Garden Tomb maintains a reverent calm.

Crowds of pilgrims from every continent, speaking myriad languages, make their way there. A spirit of solemnity descends even as visitors wait in line. Upon entering, one sees the small room carved out of native limestone. It contains three coffin-like enclosures, carved out of the rock to bury the dead. On one of the openings lies a broken piece of flat marble, like the lid of a grave.

But it’s empty—no coffin, no skeletal remains.

One can see how the tomb fits the Scripture’s accounts, even to the groove carved in front of the door, where the stone would have been rolled. This tomb was designed as a burial place for the wealthy, like Joseph of Arimathea. Today, it is a quiet place, sacred, but empty.

Luke 24 describes the first Easter morning:“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words (Luke 24:5b-8 NIV).

Even Jesus referred to his death and resurrection.

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life (Matt. 16:21 NIV).

The story of the resurrection still troubles some people who have had no religious experience. For others the name of Jesus Christ is a swear word. One young man asked me, “Chaplain, now tell me, did a Jesus Christ ever live and how could he die and come back to life again?”

Billy Graham once addressed this following a similar question: “Dear Rev. Graham: I’d like to be a Christian, but I have a hard time believing that Jesus rose from the dead. I’m an intensive-care nurse, and I know that once a person dies, that’s the end. Maybe you can help me get past these doubts?”

Graham answered: “The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the most important event in all history, and incredible as it may seem, it really did happen. In fact, it might interest you to know that one of the Gospels was written by a medical doctor (Luke).

Like you, he knew that death is irreversible, yet he also gave us one of the most extensive accounts of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Why? Because he had thoroughly investigated the evidence of the resurrection for himself and he knew only one conclusion was possible; Jesus had come back from the dead.”

Do you believe in Easter? Millions do, including little Christie. As she remembered, the tomb was empty.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26a).

Do you believe?

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

The pensive prayers of a faithless people I just returned from our corps’ weekly prayer meeting. It started at 7:30 p.m., but I left at 9 p.m. to “swap out” with my husband as our children slept peacefully in our still home. Back at the corps, things were getting stirred up.

Tonight, we focused prayer for those within our immediate sphere of influence Erin who either don’t know Jesus, or who know him but aren’t living in fullness (daily obeWikle dience/responsiveness to the Holy Spirit).

Soldier We each called specific people by name, asking God to move in his/her life, to be Lord, to save! Through shouting and proclaiming, weeping and agreeing, by 9 we had prayed for about 30 people. Some call this intercession, some call it “intense and not for me,” but whatever you think it is—it’s war. It’s hard, it’s laborious, it doesn’t make you feel good inside—it’s war.

Despite my fellow soldiers rallying around, I found it hard to focus tonight. As I quickly penned my list of people I regularly pray for, I became frustrated. Discouragement quickly settled in as the Enemy reminded me that so-and-so was still living for himself and didn’t see anything wrong with it, and that what’s her name was still battling deep depression and couldn’t call on the name of Jesus anymore. Oh, and what about that guy who you can’t figure out how to share the Word with?

sharperFocus What’s your problem? Thanks, Devil. Way to be clever.

As others began to press on in prayer, I made attempts to push through the lies that came dripping from the mouth of the loser who had nothing better to do than distract me. I went to war with my fellow soldiers. And together, for a couple of hours we fought for the freedom of our friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and children of our community. Tough, tiresome, and trying…but worth it. Freedom, victory, redemption, fullness…that’s worth it.

Have you gone to war lately? Does your corps meet to pray as a body for others? Are you constantly fighting battles against flesh and blood or warring in the Spirit against the rulers and principalities of this world? What gets your corps council in an uproar? What gets your soldiers’ blood boiling? Who was the last person who was saved at your corps? What unites your corps as a body? Do you pray on your own, in the quiet of the morning or stillness of the night? Do you take those within your immediate sphere of influence before the King and plead his mercy over them?

We. Must. War. A few months ago I found myself in the thick of a situation requiring heavy prayer. During an email exchange with a close friend who was praying alongside me, I realized our mutual, FAITHLESS PEOPLE, page 11

So that whosoever will may be saved Do you have a favorite doctrine? I don't suppose many of you have been asked that before but it's a fair question.

In case you are wondering, the doctrines are our formal articles of faith, the basis of our ecclesiastical position throughout the world. They explain more of our theological position than the mission statement or Diane any motto we have used through the years.

If you need to review them, you can read the O’Brien 11 points of doctrine just inside the cover of Lt. Colonel The Salvation Army Song Book, which you should find in any corps building.

I do have a favorite doctrine. Actually, they are all pretty good—Scripture-based and well-written. They begin with the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, end with the eternal punishment of the wicked and mention everything in between—exciting stuff! But my favorite is number six, the middle one—five in front of it, five behind it. I do not think it a coincidence that within it is the central point of our statement of faith: "We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by his suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world, so that whosoever will may be saved."

Why is this doctrine my favorite? It clearly states our belief in salvation—the doctrinal word “atonement”—which at its

GENERAL’S MESSAGE reflection: Where was I on that day? So often we have a happy memory. But then we realize that while life went on for us—that same day had ended tragically for others.

And so it did many years before when Jesus faced the most agonizing crucifixion experience. A familiar song asks the probing question, “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” More than 2,000 years later, we have to answer “no” if we are thinking in terms of time. But let’s go there in our imagination.

In his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus confesses, “my soul is deeply grieved to the point of death” (Mark 14:34 NAS). He sweats drops of blood. His soul is in agony. He is tormented, but life goes on. The disciples fall asleep. During his arrest, his trial, his whipping, there is a suffering beyond the physical. The grief of aloneness is real. Where are his companions? Are they there? Yes, they are, at least they are in the vicinity. But Judas has orchestrated a betrayal, Peter is denying any knowledge of him and the other friends can’t be seen for dust.

And for others in Jerusalem, life went on, business as usual. There was no awareness that beyond their patch, outside the city, the Son of God was to be crucified. It is the most important day

simplest means that our holy God has provided a way for sinful people to be “at one” with him. It is the good news we have to share. It is the identifying part of our name. There are many armies in the world but we are The Salvation Army, and this doctrine explains the plan of salvation.

During Easter week some people will make their biannual visit to some kind of church service. These are the Christmas and Easter Christians—or maybe they go on Mother’s Day, too. People will drape crosses in purple and buy Easter lilies in memory of those they love. They will talk about suffering on Good Friday and maybe on Sunday the risen Christ will get a mention, unless he’s pushed out in favor of the Easter bunny (or a butterfly, as I heard in one sunrise service from the preacher of a different denomination). Our doctrine teaches that Jesus’ suffering and death make an atonement for the whole world.

It simply states what Jesus did, and then the big question is: So what?

So that whosoever will may be saved!

Whosoever? To quote a popular posting from the Internet: Jacob was a cheater, Peter had a temper, David had an affair, Rahab was a prostitute, Noah got drunk, Paul was a murderer, WHOSOEVER WILL, page 11

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in history but they are not “there.” Even Simon of Cyrene had other plans. He was “passing by on his way in from the country” when he was stopped and forced to carry the Cross and “be there” (Mark 15:21-22 NIV).

To be honest, even if time or geography were not factors, few of us want to enter into the suffering of others. We certainly shrink from suffering ourselves. Yet once we have experienced it, we are never the same again. In some ways, we share in the fellowship of his sufferings (Phil. 3:10) and enter into a knowledge of Christ we never had before. For Christians, the suffering of Jesus on every level—spiritual, emotional, social and physical, speaks to us in a deeper way.

It tells us that he understands. He is not distant, remote, or unfeeling. He is “there with us.” He knows pain. He knows rejection. He knows humiliation. He knows grief.

However, the Easter season calls us to the deepest level of reflection regarding his suffering. We have to understand the purpose for it. It means we must go beyond contemplating the pain endured.

We have to face ourselves, our part in his suffering. No wonder the songwriter says, “Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.” Whether we realize it or not, we were there when they crucified

our Lord. With all our sin, with all our shortcomings, with our rebellion, we were there. And he took our sin upon himself.

He bore its awful penalty. He opened up the way for us to come to the Father, reconciled, redeemed and restored. Now we share his life in a new way. Because of his atoning sacrifice, we are truly never the same again.

This is not a bad news story. This is the good news, the best news! This is a love story! This is the demonstration of the love of God, said the apostle Paul, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8 NIV). The Cross is not the end. It is the beginning and the Resurrection of Jesus announces it in most dramatic fashion. Jesus is alive! This is a story of God with us and God for us.

The amazing consequence of this is our salvation. But it also calls us to seek the salvation of the world. We are a people who share his heart for others, their suffering, and even their apathy, and most certainly their need of a Savior. We serve.

We intercede. We seek justice. We tell the Good News. We believe in transformation for we are also a resurrection people. We share his hope for the world.

—Linda Bond, General

Doing the Most Good

March 23, 2012 New Frontier

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The King’s Highway A few days ago we were traveling by bus on the King’s Highway, an ancient spice route that stretches from Egypt to Damascus.

The Bible’s first Ian mention of the highway is Numbers 20:17, Robinson Major when Moses sends a message to the King of Edom announcing that he and the future nation of Israel, having escaped from Egypt, would “travel along the king’s highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.” The King of Edom refused and Moses had to take another route.

The highway’s name may have originated in Genesis 14 when Lot was taken captive by a coalition of kings who overcame and looted the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. After learning of the abduction of his nephew, Abraham and his 318 trained men pursued the four kings all the way to Damascus to rescue Lot and recover the loot. This involved a journey of several hundred miles over a rough, dusty path from the arid desert of southern Jordan to the lush and fertile north.

Traveling the now well-paved road in reverse from north to south, we saw Bedouins living in tents much as they have for thousands of years. Camels and shepherds with flocks dotted the landscape and as the sun broke through the clouds it seemed only natural for Majors Dusty and Shelley Hill to break into song: “Travel along in the sunshine, On the King’s Highway; Travel along, singing this song…”

Their lovely voices trailed off when no one else on the bus joined in. Maybe they didn’t know the song. Or maybe they were too tired to catch the mood.

What a shame—it could have been a

lifeLines beautiful memory.

Later in the week we travelled along another “King’s Highway,” the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, supposedly the route taken by Jesus as he carried his cross to Calvary. Traversing it is one of the most important things that Christian pilgrims do while visiting the city. I had imagined it as a long, lonely passage over a dusty Roman road, but it is actually a series of narrow lanes twisting and turning through a crowded marketplace thronged with tourists and locals. All along the way stallholders beckon you to come in, look and buy, seemingly oblivious to their position on the road the Savior walked to his death. The route has changed many times over the centuries but always ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the traditional sites of Jesus’ tomb.

It made me think of the “King’s Highway of Life” that many of us travel.

Isaiah described it as the “Highway of Holiness,” which is only for those who walk in God’s ways; fools will never walk there (Isaiah 35:8 NLT). The Easter story reminds us that Christ walked his Via Dolorosa so that he could be put to death as an atonement sacrifice for our sins.

Fortunately it doesn’t end at the cross or the tomb. The story also tells us that after three days in the tomb Jesus rose from the dead so that we would have the promise of eternal life if we are willing to acknowledge him as our Lord and Savior. That’s the glory of Easter!

You, too, can travel along on the King’s Highway of Holiness to that eternal home in heaven by asking Christ into your heart. Would you like to join me today so that we can walk together?

Happy Easter!

Part II of Ian Robinson’s “The new church in America” will appear in April.

FAITHLESS PEOPLE poor posture of, “Oh, man. I feel really sorry for him.”

We were wrong. What kind of soldier chooses the bunker over the battleground? I called it out, “We can’t pray like this! It’s powerless! God doesn’t want or need our pity for this person; he needs us to believe for redemption and agree with him!” So we took a new posture of prayer—one of power, one of authority, and one of belief that God would do as he promised: even greater.

We cannot be a faithless people who offer pensive prayers to the God of the universe, while slowly inching away in hopes that we don’t wake the sleeping giant.

Where’s the power in that? Where’s the authority? Where have we put our faith?

Don’t we believe that if we’re standing firm in his Word and praying his sweet promises over the lost, he might actually be in agreement with us? If God is not dead, we must not present to him faith that is dead.

With boldness, refute the idea that there is any power in passive and pensive prayer. There is power in the name of Jesus—stand upright in this truth and join with me, fellow soldiers, as we war for the lost. This Army ain't for the faint of heart.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” (John 14:12 NLT).

ISSN 2164-5930 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.

www.newfrontierpublications.org Facebook: tsanewfrontier

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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 Erica Andrews, Assistant Editor • 562/491-8334 email: erica.andrews@usw.salvationarmy.org Edie Jenkins, Editorial Assistant • 562/491-8785 email: edie.jenkins@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

Defects of character A character defect is an invalidating flaw in the fundamental nature of a person. When evident, it brings into question the person’s mental or moral constitution. It’s the feature that mars the perfection of objects and people.

Don’t worry, though, you are not perfect, and in fact, striving for perfection is in itself a character defect.

Perfectionism stimulates pathological behavior. We’re never going to have it. Somehow, in our formative years, perfectionists implied a parental requirement to strive for perfection in all aspects of life. We took that Robert injunction and ran with it. It became “be perfect!”

Docter Now, we have perfected it in us and it has become a compulsion to Editor-In-Chief achieve an unattainable goal. We are not perfect creatures. We’re not made that way. We’re never going to get that way.

So, like our parents, we’ve all got some character defects. What we need to do is first, elevate our awareness of them by understanding how this behavior became part of us, and second, with that understanding, work on changing it.

Let’s start with some basics.

Character defects are most evident when you are losing the battle between faith and fear.

Faith provides you with the confidence to surmount the challenges we all face in life. Fear either consumes us or is pushed aside depending on how we deal with the ultimate concerns of our existence.

Ultimate concerns and character defects 1. Death and being. We all face death. There’s no avoiding it. It is such a stark unknown that it elevates our anxiety. Individuals with spiritual commitments construct a belief system that provides a way to confront death more easily.

Some ignore death—just push it aside. Some test its power through engaging in highly dangerous activities. We all must accept the reality of death in our life if we are to achieve authenticity, to be real. If we deny it, our anxiety kicks in and we find ourselves locked into many character defects like: self-centeredness, self-righteousness, prejudice, conceit, gossip, hatred and anger, resentment, and overconfidence.

2. Freedom and responsibility. We strive for structure in our life, for orderliness. We believe there is always solid, unshakable ground beneath us. Then, the earth shakes—not always from an earthquake. Sometimes the quake comes from tragedy, failure, sudden economic loss and other of life’s exigencies that dash our certainty. Nevertheless, we must learn that ultimately, we must take responsibility for the way we live our lives no matter how much guidance and support we get from others.

We discover we, alone, are responsible for who and what we are. Then, with the dread of our human imperfection, we resist awareness of our freedom and become irresponsible.

Responsibility demands commitment to action—change. It requires activation of the will, and this demands accepting the freedom to change. We activate the will first with the wish.

The wish voices an admission that we want the future to have certain characteristics. It relieves the tension of inaction and gets things moving. When we move to the want, a step toward commitment and choice, we then will action. There is no such thing as “effortless change.”

Therefore, we often try to protect ourselves through defects of personality like: self-pity, arrogance, inconsiderateness, irresponsibility, avoidance, self-deception, and dependence.

3. Loneliness: isolation and relationship. “No matter how close I get to other people I must still face life alone.” Loneliness, usually understood as interpersonal isolation, is, actually, much more. It is not appreciating or liking the person you are with when alone—not liking yourself.

With spiritual faith, our walk toward death is never alone.

Irvin Yalom, an existential psychotherapist, said, “No relationship can eliminate isolation.

Each of us walks alone in our existence. Yet, aloneness can be shared in such a way that love compensates for the pain of isolation.” Acknowledging the reality of our isolation can make us able to reach out to others—to achieve a life that includes otherness.

Philosopher Martin Buber gave us his definition of two different types of relationships: Ithou and I-it. The first is built on mutuality. The second is functional, but lacking in mutuality.

We often use these character defects to combat our loneliness: intolerance, jealousy, envy and grandiosity.

4. Meaning and meaninglessness. In describing man’s search for meaning, neurologist and psychologist Victor Frankl wrote that “the human being cannot hope to know with fullness a meaning that exists in a dimension beyond comprehension.” That’s true. I can find, however, the meaning of my life. In my humanness I can grow in my awareness of God by knowing, understanding, and behaving in harmony with Christ. To be like Jesus calls me to be the best I can be, to achieve a full measure of altruism, and in my adult years to be able achieve a stable identity and to transcend “self ” through an otherness that reveals a pathway to meaning for succeeding generations.

I avoid: laziness, ignorance, selfishness, superiority and condescension.

I am I, you are you. While we may never meet, our souls can.

WHOSOEVER WILL

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Zaccheus was short and John was ambitious.

Or examples from within the Army: David was a convict, Leslie was a druggie, Anthony was a cop, Billy was a neglected boy from the neighborhood, Tracy was an opera singer, Kelly was an officers’ kid, Rogerio was a hobo—all people of the “whosoever” for whom Jesus died. No race, age, gender or class discrimination—whosoever.

Then there’s the will. My daughter has often suggested to me that it would be easier if God would just zap us all and make us good.

But of course he doesn’t. It’s not a matter of God’s will. It is our will. It’s simple. You can know all the facts, all the doctrinal statements

and theological words. But unless you choose to accept what he offers, you know only the facts, not the faith.

Finally we get to the really good news, that whosoever will may be saved—saved from all those literally self-destructive behaviors.

Saved from being lost. Saved from the punishment we so justly deserve for all the things we have done wrong.

It is the pivotal point in our faith, not just a belief in a creator God or even a knowledge of his offer of salvation. It is the accepting of Jesus as our personal Savior that is the turning point.

Yes, it’s my favorite doctrine. What’s yours?