New frontier 3105

We’re feeding the poor not just food, but spiritually, as well.

newfrontierpublications.com

The Western Territory’s news source

~

—Chef Tony Simmons

for 31 years

March 22, 2013 Vol. 31, No. 5

Living life with God n Workshops during Commissioning weekend have life-changing potential.

How can we become more like Jesus in our thinking, acting and living? How do we see God and find balance in our daily lives? How can we develop character and build community?

Discover answers to these and other crucial spiritual life questions at the Life with God seminar June 15, during Commissioning weekend in Pasadena, Calif.

Hosted by the Western Territory’s Spiritual Life Department, the sixsession seminar presents a revolutionary concept from the Aprentis Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. It is based on a series of books, “The Good and Beautiful God,” “The Good and Beautiful Life,” and “The Good and Beautiful Community,” by James Bryan Smith. He and his team will present the seminar series. Topics include: • The most important thing about you (and your church) • What is the kingdom of God? • What can we do to grow our relationship with God? • The number one spiritual illness of our day • The power of community Learn how to fall in love again with the God Jesus knows, how to put on the character of Christ, and how to follow the Spirit, extend grace and demonstrate love.

“This seminar comes at a critical time in our history,” said Spiritual Life Development Secretary Major Steve Bradley.

“A time to feed our hunger for holiness, and to experience the total transformation God always intended for us!”

Each session is designed to equip, encourage and empower officers, ministry leaders and local officers to become more Christ-like themselves, and to help them help our people experience total transformation. Spiritual formation expert Dallas Willard calls this “the best practice I have seen for Christian spiritual formation.”

Army attends UN’s Commission on the Status of Women n More than 6,000 delegates from around the world were present at this year’s event.

BY JESSYCA ELGART, MAJOR Thousands gathered March 4-16 for the 2013 Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York City, including 16 Salvation Army representatives from the four U.S. territories and the International Social Justice Commission.

Created by the Economic and Social Council (EOCSOC) to prepare recommendations and reports for the council on promoting women’s rights in political, economic, civil, social and educational fields, the CSW consists of 45 member states elected by the EOCSOC and meets annually for 10 working days.

This year’s topic, “Ending Violence Against Women and Girls,” brought the CSW’s largest ever crowd. The majority of the 6,000 delegates participated in nearly 400 workshops held inside the UN. The Western Territory sent four delegates: Col. Sharron Hudson, territorial secretary for women’s ministries; Stephanie Freeman, program assistant for social justice, Alaska Division; Major Jessyca Elgart, social services coordinator, Sierra del Mar Division; and Major Nila Fankhauser, community care secretary, Alaska Division.

“Although I have read a great deal, seen films and previously attended conferences upon the subject of human Stephanie Freeman being interviewed by MTV.

Photo by Jessyca Elgart

Educating against addiction stigma n The Salvation Army Western Territory develops an ARC education plan for officers and soldiers.

BY DEREK LINSELL Apricot Consulting developed an education plan for Western Territory officers and soldiers on the adult rehabilitation centers (ARCs), addictions and the recovery process with a goal of breaking down the stigma attached to ARC beneficiaries and creating a platform to initiate constructive relationships.

Specifically, the education plan will provide an overview of the ARC program with an emphasis on the nature of addiction and recovery. Workshops will explore ways to help integrate members of the ARC into the corps, and investigate challenges that come from building new relationships with individuals who are focused on their own recovery. In a ADDICTION STIGMA, page 8

Photo by John Docter

Youth promise strong future for Casa Grande

Inside:

n Corps enrolls new junior soldiers.

Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Prayer Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Spice Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Find us on the web: www.newfrontierpublications.org Facebook: tsanewfrontier

STATUS OF WOMEN, page 4

Lt. Colonels Al and Sherryl Van Cleef welcomed nine children into membership at the Casa Grande (Ariz.) Corps March 3. After several years of building programs, Corps Officers Captains Bill and Elizabeth Welch were thrilled to see youth take this important step.

“In 2009, we started youth programs by handing out water after school,” Elizabeth Welch said. “After a month, we advertised a Thanksgiving Party. Thirty-two people, including parents, showed up to roll frozen turkeys down the hallway.

This was more than the Sunday attendance.”

Photo by Gloria Storie

CASA GRANDE, page 2

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Doing the Most Good

March 22, 2013 New Frontier

NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life...whoever believes in me will never die” (John 11:25 NIV).

DENVER—After watching “Courageous,” Karen a movie depicting po- Gleason lice officers dedicating their lives to God and Editor showing it in everyday life with their wives and children, most of the men from the Denver Adult Rehabilitation Center indicated their desire to make the same commitment.

Chaplain Major Wes Sundin started a Restoration class and held a dedication service with each man receiving the same certificate as in the movie. The men meet weekly for accountability and to encourage and pray for each other.

PHOENIX—The Phoenix South Mountain Kroc Center will hold its first Easter Eggstravaganza March 30, featuring an Easter egg hunt, parade, music, games, Easter bunny tea party, splash pad and refreshments. The games will include a sack race, egg and spoon race, wheelbarrow, water tower and Easter egg toss.

Majors Guy and Denise Hawk are the corps officers.

WRANGELL, ALASKA—Since The Salvation Army’s past Easter egg hunt on the nature trail was so successful, this year the corps will have it downtown with the help of the local businesses. The Chamber of Commerce is excited to help with the event.

Captains Ronnie and Debra Davis are the Wrangell corps officers.

Community finds‘Easter in the Courtyard’ n Reno Corps reenacts the events leading up to the first Resurrection Day. “Easter in the Courtyard” at The Salvation Army Reno (Nev.) Corps started as a way to fill the time between the family Easter breakfast and the 11 a.m. worship service.

In 2012, many neighborhood families— about 275 people with corps members— showed up on Easter Sunday.

“We noticed that the kids had a lot of energy and the parents wanted to do something meaningful as a family on Easter morning,” said Major Janene Zielinski, corps officer with her husband, Michael.

“These observations led to the idea of using the corps’ courtyard to ‘stage’ events leading up to the first Resurrection Day as an outreach to the community.”

With so many young children excited and restless, the Corps Council planned purposeful sights, sounds and movement to keep families together and engaged, while explaining the real meaning of Easter this year.

The council planned four vignettes, to be performed by council members and other interested corps members, each with a corresponding symbolic activity.

The story of Jesus praying alone will be narrated and acted out. Guided by corps cadets, families will then enter an area of the courtyard with a firepit, where a narrator and actors will tell the Bible story and visitors will be invited to reflect on Peter’s feelings after he had denied Jesus. They may take a twig, remember a time when

A group stops for prayer at the Garden Tomb.

they let somebody down, and drop the twig into the fire as they listen to Bible readings reminding them of God’s forgiveness. Then they will come across three crosses and the story of the penitent thief.

“When they see and hear Jesus speaking to the thief on the cross, people are going to want to pray,” said Adherent Jeff Mitchell. “We better be ready to pray with them.”

Families may plant flower seeds and construct their own crosses to leave as a reminder to all who pass by of just how much God loves them. Finally, visitors will

REDWOOD CITY, CALIF.—The corps teamed up with American Red Cross Bay Area to shelter 19 people, including four children, who were displaced by a fire in East Palo Alto.

Captain Andres Espinoza, Sr., is the corps officer.

SAN DIEGO—Community Care Ministry participants Mary Johnson and Joy Romey celebrated Valentine’s Day at the Centre City Corps, serving a meal to over 100 homeless people. Men from the Lighthouse program and teenage boys from McAlister Institute helped them.

Afterward, they had a friendship circle with their helpers, who reported following through on a previous challenge to contact their mothers and express their love, and to do something helpful for a woman they didn’t know. They also brought a long-stemmed white rose for both Johnson and Romey.

enter the Garden Tomb to find it empty, with Christ risen.

“I’m so excited about this! God is blessing Reno Corps with people stepping out in faith to do new things,” said Corps Council member and Young People’s Sergeant Major Barbara Pengilley.

After each Sunday service in March, the committee met for prayer and planning.

“We expect this to be a meaningful time for those who attend,” Zielinski said, “as well as a wonderful time for ‘hands-on’ involvement and fellowship.”

New Frontier welcomes Majors Kevin and Linda Jackson

CARSON CITY, NEV.—Lieutenant Mark Cyr, corps officer with his wife, Leslie, has been appointed the official clergy for the Nevada State Senate. So far he has given the invocation at three different sessions.

AURORA, COLO.—During the corps’ ministry at a local prison, 161 women inmates attended the service, and 23 gave their lives to Christ. After the service, two prison guards asked some questions and upon hearing the answers, then gave their lives to the Lord as well.

Lieutenants Randy and Sheryl Skelton are the Aurora corps officers.

Photo by Janene Zielinski

Photo by Liane Newcomb

Hoonah Sunbeams show ‘fashion sense’ The Hoonah (Alaska) Corps’ Sunbeam Sprinkles recently held a fashion show for an audience of 55 family and friends wearing clothes and accessories from the Hoonah Baptist Mission Thrift Store. Each of the 10 girls earned an emblem they came up with, “Fashion Sense,” emphasizing creativity, good sense and modesty.

Since September 2012, the Sunbeam troop doubled in size, and one Sunbeam family now attends the corps. Lt. Liane Newcomb is the corps officer.

CASA GRANDE

Majors Kevin and Linda Jackson recently joined the staff of New Frontier Publications with the title Pro-Tem Associate Editors for Book Publishing.

The Jacksons have a strong history with The Salvation Army.

After being commissioned with the Crusaders for Christ Session in 1994, they served in corps appointments for eight years, then returned to the College for Officer Training in the curriculum department for eight years.

They spent the next three years at the Billings Corps in Montana, where they established entrepreneurial projects including hydroponic gardens, a community garden and fertilizer production for the gardens and the community. They also began networking

with the local Crow Nation and Northern Cheyenne Busby tribe, inviting them to participate in the Celebrate Recovery program held at the corps.

In their new capacity, the Jacksons will review and edit manuscripts under the New Frontier Publications publishing arm, Frontier Press.

from page 1

By March of the next year, almost 20 elementary students were attending Homework Club, Art Smart and troops.

Sunday success did not happen right away. It was about 18 months before any youth came to Sunday school. The Welches believe that Sunday happens daily at the corps; fellowship and praising God is not an event, but a lifestyle.

“Communicating this to young people makes such a difference in how they look at church. We love God and we love them,” Welch said.

Van Cleef challenged the youth to be pure in heart, body and soul. He delivered these words with resounding confidence and a promise that God would honor such a commitment.

“These were not hollow words. The Van Cleefs have been such a support to us over the years. Spiritually, they made a commitment to us. Naturally, we wanted them to be a part of this meaningful moment,” Bill Welch said.

Several parents and family members came to witness the enrollment and stayed for Van Cleef ’s sermon, “Come and Dine,” and for a potluck lunch.

Photo by Ron McKinney

Denver ARC welcomes Brownie Troop 4282 The Salvation Army Family Store in Parker, Colo., welcomed 14 Brownies (Troop 4282) from Denver’s Pioneer Elementary School and their den mothers Diane Chapman and Julie Griffith. Store Manager Lorraine Wilson greeted them, along with Captain Ron McKinney, community relations manager for the Denver Adult Rehabilitation Center. Wilson conducted a tour and a question and answer time, and McKinney presented a brief Salvation Army history lesson. The girls then learned about donation production methods and uses of donated items. At the end of the visit, the Brownies received their Philanthropy badge.

Doing the Most Good

March 22, 2013 New Frontier

‘READY to EAT?’ Napa chef makes his patrons feel at home when they come in for a meal.

BY SYDNEY FONG

“How are you doing?

Ready to eat?” is how chef Tony Simons greets people every weekday afternoon at the Napa (Calif.) Corps. He is a cook for the corps’ Lunch Table program, serving needy families and individuals with a free warm meal.

“It’s awesome coming in and serving food to the people because I know where they are at and I know a lot of their struggles,” Simmons said.

He speaks from first-hand knowledge as not too long ago, he was one of the many standing in line for lunch.

“I lost my job, couldn’t secure another

job and ended up homeless,” he said. “I was just a victim of circumstances. But God has a purpose for everything, and he brought me here. “ Simmons decided to make the best of the situation and his decision led him from a person getting fed to a volunteer helping to feed others.

“He would do anything we asked and then look for other things to do,” said Corps Officer Captain Trish Poochigian.

“We found out that he had some cooking skills and we had a need for a cook at that time, so we hired him. Tony’s work ethic is great. He’s not here just to do his time, but he’s here to help.”

The job has also helped Simmons rediscover his love for ministry work. “We’re feeding the poor not just food, but spiritually, as well,” he said. “When I see people waiting in line, I can joke with them and tell them that I love them. I think the opportunity is awesome and a blessing.”

Tony is now a soldier at the Napa Corps and is looking into officership.

“God has always called me to be in the Army, though I thought he meant the military version, not The Salvation Army,” he said. “I’m think I’m called into seminary and to be trained. God has closed some doors, but he has lined up other opportunities. I know better than not to listen to him.”

Social services director honored in Mesquite n Roberta Franco named 2012 Distinguished Citizen of the Year.

Roberta Franco, director of The Salvation Army’s Mesquite, Nev., social services office, was named 2012 Mesquite Distinguished Citizen of the Year at a city council meeting in February.

“I couldn’t be happier with this choice,” said Mayor Mark Wier, as he made the announcement.

Franco has directed the office there for two years and is well known around town for her work with people from all walks of life.

“Since taking over the leadership of The Salvation Army in Mesquite, Roberta Franco has turned the charitable organization into the preeminent provider of services and assistance to those less

fortunate in the Virgin Valley,” Wier said. With the support of the Board of Directors, she implemented the unit’s move to a vacant storefront in the Brickyard, significantly Roberta Franco reducing operating expenses.

“She efficiently utilizes every available resource to extend a hand up, rather than a hand out, to those in need, empowering and educating parents and the community,” he said. “She supplements meager grants with donation programs such as the

annual kettle drive, assistance from groups such as Living Waters Fellowship and the Exchange Club, and discounts from local merchants like Walmart. All local donations are kept within the community for the community.”

In an interview with the Mesquite Citizen Journal, Franco said that she is proud of the individuals and families that she has helped. Many of them have gone on to pay it forward, helping others in need of assistance.

Keeping in mind the motto of “a hand up, not a hand out,” Franco said she teaches clients how to become more selfsufficient: “We are helping these families find different solutions to their problems and to improve their lives.”

From Mesquite Citizen Journal

Watsonville Home League brings women ‘home’ to Christ n The ministry makes community outreach a priority.

BY VIVIAN GATICA Twenty-five women from the Watsonville (Calif.) Corps’ Home League accepted Christ in late February.

Corps Officer Captain Melissa Viquez, who leads Home League, said the goal of the ministry is community outreach and to involve more women with the corps.

“Our strategy is to be present in our community no matter what,” Viquez said.

“All the participants and members of the congregation are working very hard to make this dream come true.”

Watsonville’s Home League is primarily a Spanish-speaking ministry with 40 to 55 women in attendance each Wednesday.

According to Viquez, 97 percent of the group are Hispanic women, but the ministry is open to anyone and translation is available.

“For the Latino community, this pro-

gram means a lot. The ladies have the opportunity to build new friendships, and for many of them the Home League ladies are their family here in the USA, simply because their relatives may live in Mexico or Central America,” she said.

The group has an upcoming service project to pick up trash in two local parks.

“Together we have the opportunity to do different activities that bring joy to our community,” Watsonville Home League member Rosario Rosales said.

During the Wednesday meetings—held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—the women discuss various topics and learn how to apply new knowledge in their daily lives.

“It’s always nice to come to Home League knowing that God is going to speak to us through his Word, and that we will receive an extra portion of happiness and love by sharing with the other ladies that come to our program,” said Esperanza Garcia.

Future goals of the ministry are directly

Home League members work on a community service project.

Photo by Melissa Viquez

involved with community outreach.

Viquez said that her primary focus is to improve the community’s relationship with the Watsonville Corps, and she plans to do this with the help of the Home League.

“We believe that God’s amazing and transforming power can empower us to make a difference in our community,” Viquez said. “God called us to be the light of the world.”

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developing News

Engaging time, talent and treasure for maximum results n A case for “friendraising,” part 2

BY CHRIS DOYLE Good boards don’t just happen any more than a church service just happens.

Planning, preparation and prayer go into any good thing that we do. The same holds true for boards.

Part 1, in the last issue, explored how to build a board. The next step is to engage your board. Typically you are looking for board members to give three things: time, talent and treasure. An A+ board member contributes all three. But that level of engagement takes time. As your board member increases his or her involvement, other things follow.

TIME: Time is valuable and good board members are naturally busy people. But if they’re willing to give up part of their lives to be engaged in your board, it is critical you make wise use of their time. Generally, boards meet once a month, but members should also be encouraged to serve on committees, come to functions and events and be available for phone call consultations.

Here are a few tips to ensure good time management: • Plan for efficient board meetings. Have an agenda and keep to a pre-determined timetable. Only meet when you need to meet. Boards should do board work, not committee work. Send out board meeting notices at least two weeks in advance. Remember, busy people have busy schedules. They need dates well in advance to plan.

• Form committees to do work outside of the regular board meeting. This keeps the regular board meetings at a higher level. Committees should meet and report back to the board. If a committee is not functioning it needs to be re-energized or disbanded. Don’t keep committees going if they have served their purpose. Good committees include: Public Relations, Events, Finance, Property and Red Kettle.

• Keep minutes and distribute them promptly. Minutes are the record of decisions and the assignments. It does no good to take minutes and then wait until the next meeting to hand them out.

It is good practice to have the minutes distributed within a week. For those who could not attend, it brings them up to speed. For those who did, it is a good reminder of actions they need to take before the next meeting.

TALENT: As you select board members you should be looking for various talents, backgrounds and expertise that you need. A diverse board will broaden the potential for assistance to your corps.

• Besides people with connections, it is important to have a board member comfortable with networking. This is the person who may not have a particular expertise, but through their networking process, can find the person who does. Professional backgrounds that make for good board members are attorneys, those with a marketing or PR background, people with connections to other social service agencies, small business owners, those in the education field and folks with other church contacts.

• Think about the talents you want and then make a plan to find those kinds of people. You will have a better and FRIENDRAISING PART II, page 11

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Doing the Most Good

March 22, 2013 New Frontier

Major Jessyca Elgart, Stephanie Freeman, and Major Nila Fankhauser in the General Assembly at the opening session of the Commission on the Status of Women

STATUS OF WOMEN trafficking and violence against women, this experience was more powerful,” Fankhauser said. “As I listened to women from all over the world, in different languages, from many cultures, the evil of trafficking and violence became much more vivid and real. The importance of doing whatever possible to continue this fight became most evident.”

Some workshops were country-specific, while others highlighted effective initiatives. Many focused on the contributing factors of gender-based violence and the role of various media in human trafficking. Speakers also screened documentaries and shared study results.

In one session, an advocate spoke of the

Susan Sarandon and Yoo Soon-taek, wife of UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon, lead the march to end violence against women.

Photo by Jessyca Elgart

from page 1

importance of words and definitions.

She said it is offensive to hear “sex worker” in reference to her former life. Prostitution is not an occupation, she explained; there are no benefits, no protection of labor laws, no sick time or vacation, and little monetary compensation, if any. The term, she said, “legitimizes, normalizes, minimizes and sanitizes the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people.”

Dr. Linda Burkle, divisional director of social services for The Salvation Army in Omaha, Neb., also spoke at the commission on the topic of “Violence Against Women and the Church’s Response: A Salvation Army Perspective.”

“The goal of the panel is to demon-

strate how The Salvation Army is involved in preventing violence against women and helping those who have been victims,” Burkle said.

Freeman led a workshop on what The Salvation Army is doing to combat violence, sharing information and statistics about various programs such as the Catherine Booth Home in Seattle, Wash., which provides shelter and recovery for those escaping domestic violence.

Several workshops touched on the role religion plays in trafficking. While it can be a place of comfort and peace, religion has also been used as a means to normalize violence against women and girls.

“Traditional values or religious beliefs

cannot justify the acceptance of violence against women, nor can they be accepted as limitation on women’s rights and freedom,” said Dr. Isabel Apawo Phiri, associate general secretary for Public Witness and Diakonia for the World Council of Churches. “Women as well as men are created in the image of God and deserve to be respected, protected and cared for...We the people of the UN have a shared responsibility to protect, defend and expand women’s rights and freedom.”

Attendees made final resolutions at the conclusion of the CSW, which will be presented to the EOCSOC and then to the General Assembly where member states will be asked to ratify the resolutions.

Grand opening held at Memphis Kroc Center n More than 5,000 attend open house of new facility.

The Salvation Army’s Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Memphis, Tenn., officially kicked off its grand opening with an open house of the 100,000-square-foot facility, which will serve as a source for recreation, education, worship and arts.

“From the moment RJ Kroc arrived on a helicopter on Saturday morning until the altar was lined with seekers on Sunday morning, we knew that we were witnessing the coming together of a community, energized by the love of Christ, to celebrate and hope for a brighter future for Memphis,” said Captain Jonathan Rich, area commander. “We believe that God was glorified, the mission of the Army was propelled forward and now, the real work begins!”

Texas Army cheer squad seeks first place

The center includes NBA-quality basketball courts, soccer fields, aquatic features, fitness center, worship area, theater, meeting rooms, classroom facilities, referral programs and food services.

Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton and County Mayor Mark Luttrell joined in on the festivities, attending both the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication service. Over 5,000 people from all walks of life came through the doors to take part in more than 35 events, from hip hopping to acro dunking to opera singing to ducks marching, culminating in an evening worship service.

“From the very beginning of the Memphis Kroc development the overriding theme has been ‘come together,’”Rich said. “Our grand opening weekend was a celebration and demonstration of that dream coming true.”

Social media draws donation

n Irvington Corps Panthers compete in nationals The Salvation Army’s Boys & Girls Club cheerleading squad— known as the Panthers around the Irvington Corps Community Center in Houston, Texas—competed with teams from across the country on March 13.

The Panthers traveled to South Carolina, where The Salvation Army brings together its cheerleading squads from different parts of the nation annually to compete.

Cheer instructor Geneva Roberson was preparing to take her squad from Texas to South Carolina.

“It’s a work in progress,” Roberson said. “We’re trying to raise the money to get what we need

and to get the Panthers to the competition. They love it though.

They are all so excited to be a

part of this squad.”

The 31 members of the squad range from 6 to 15 years old.

Papa John’s Pizza asked for Facebook and Twitter users to “like,” “share” and comment on its pages to raise awareness of America’s hunger problem on Feb. 26. With every re-tweet and thumbs up, Papa John’s pledged to donate $1 to The Salvation Army’s feeding programs.

In just one day, over 70,000 likes and 15,000 shares were received on Papa John’s Facebook page—which means The Salvation Army received a $50,000 donation from the company that will help feed Americans in need.

Doing the Most Good

The World

After the waves receded, The Salvation Army remained n Japan tsunami recovery continues with help from The Salvation Army.

BY BRIAN SWARTS Two years ago, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan creating a tsunami large and powerful enough to rush several miles inland and cover the rooftops of five-story buildings. Nearly 19,000 were left dead or missing and over 300,000 were displaced. In Japan this day is remembered as 3/11.

On that day, thousands were forced out of their homes into temporary shelters.

Most of these people lost not only their homes, but also their livelihoods and their friends. Yet, in the midst of this tragedy, The Salvation Army was ready with open arms and helping hands from the very beginning, and we continue today walking alongside communities as they strive to rebuild their lives.

Immediately after the disaster hit, Salvation Army corps opened up their doors to provide food and shelter to victims and our canteen (mobile kitchen) vehicles traveled from shelter to shelter to share hot meals and words of comfort with those who were suffering. The Salvation Army also provided heaters and other essential items to help elderly citizens and families prepare for a harsh winter in their temporary homes.

Since 3/11/11, we have been working hand-in-hand with several hard-hit fishing villages on the northeast coast, offering hope and vital resources for recovery. In the town of Onagawa, The Salvation Army has worked with city officials, the chamber of commerce and a local company, Trident Seafoods, to build a temporary shopping center so business owners could get back to work and locals would have a place to meet their basic needs. We have also supported the local fishermen’s union, the lifeblood of this small community, to replace lost boats and equipment so they would not miss the

The General sends words of welcome to Pope and Archbishop of Canterbury General Linda Bond, international leader of The Salvation Army, sent messages of welcome to Pope Francis I and to the Rt. Hon. and Most Rev. Justin Welby, enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England, on March 21.

To Archbishop Welby she wrote: “The Church universal faces great challenges as we seek to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ and so I want to assure you that Salvationists stand with their Anglican sisters and brothers in the cause of Christ.

God bless and keep you and grant you wisdom, courage and strength.”

In her message to Pope Francis I she said: “My prayer is that God will give you physical and spiritual strength, as well as holy courage, so that you might stand firm as a true soldier of Jesus Christ. God bless and keep you always and grant you his peace.”

The Salvation Army donated forklifts and other essential equipment to devastated villages.

Photo courtesy of National Headquarters

fishing season. Similar efforts have been undertaken in other towns, such as Ofunato and Mininamisanriku, which even has a campaign to promote tourism by building a tsunami remembrance hall and inviting outside visitors to celebrate important Japanese festivals in solidarity with their town. It is the temporary shopping center, supported by The Salvation Army, which is at the heart of all of these efforts.

Yet, the most memorable gestures of support are smaller ones. They are the stories of Salvation Army officers celebrating Christmas with elderly citizens isolated in temporary housing shelters or the support that The Salvation Army has given to a woman helping youth with developmental disabilities—she is the only source of comfort and support in her small town for many who are dealing with the tragedy.

Doing the most good we can for those in greatest need is central to the mission of The Salvation Army and we have a vision to continue doing this in Japan as communities recover. After two years most victims—many of them elderly and alone— are still displaced from their homes and hometowns. The Salvation Army has been requested by the local government to visit and provide counseling to these residents to ensure they know that they have not been forgotten and they do not lose hope for the future.

If you would like to support The Salvation Army’s continued recovery efforts in Japan and around the world, please donate to The Salvation Army’s World Service Office at: donate.salvationarmyusa. org/SAWSO. From blog.salvationarmyusa.org

Ex monk inspired to help his homeland n A former Burmese child monk asks God how he can help his people.

Tun Lin Nuang trained from infancy to be a Buddhist monk in his homeland of Burma (now Myanmar). He discovered a better way of life, however, when his family relocated to Australia. Introduced to Christianity in high school, he and his friends formed a Christian group called Rabbit Hole, taken from “Alice in Wonderland.”

“Although Alice didn’t know where she was going, she kept going and discovering along the way,” Tun Lin said. “We saw that as a leap of faith in Christianity and living changed lives.”

In late 2007, 16-year-old Tun Lin watched in disbelief as television news reported the massacre of Burmese monks as they silently protested one of Burma’s extreme injustices. For the first time he felt a strong bond with his people. His friends repeatedly asked him, “Do you care?” So he began asking God how to put his faith into action to help his people.

While taking a business class at the uni-

versity, he volunteered at The Salvation Army’s Streetlevel Mission in Sydney, soon landing a job in its finance department.

One day he came across a “Gifts That Keep On Giving” pamphlet. This particular brochure asked for donations to help build a water tank in Burma, with a gift of $600 to build one tank. Tun Lin had visited his dying grandmother when he was 8 years old and remembered how hard it was to get water. “I knew right at that moment I was called to give to that cause,” he said.

For his 22nd birthday, he requested his friends and family not buy him presents, but instead donate toward his contribution to the well. And they did.

Through Tun Lin’s example, his mother became willing to listen to him talk about Christianity. She is impressed with the Army’s commitment to build wells in her native country and is proud of her son for being a part of it.

Tun Lin said, “God showed me that I may not be able to change a whole country, but I can help one individual, one village, and trust God to do the rest.”

From Pipeline

March 22, 2013 New Frontier

5

Elsewhere in the world SCOTLAND—The Salvation Army in Glasgow is gearing up to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games (multisport). The sports ministry strategy is complete with a sports ministry coordinator, who will help church leaders throughout Scotland connect and build relationships.

The Army in Glasgow is also creating a sports ministry hub at its Laurieston Centre to create a base for sharing best practices and resources. Notable athletes will visit the center, providing incentive for the next generation of sporting talent.

From news.salvationarmy.org.uk/ sport TASMANIA—Salvos Stores in Tasmania choose one day at the end of the year to raise funds for the needs of someone within their “family” of employees. In 2012, the goal was to raise $2,000 to purchase a bodysuit for one manager’s 11-year-old granddaughter who has muscular degeneration.

The planning committee created a ‘70s night with games, speeches, recognitions, photo shoots, bestdressed prizes and a DJ. The event raised $2,090.

From onFire BERMUDA—The Bermuda Division of The Salvation Army recently received a $10,000 donation from HSBC Bermuda’s directors, management and staff. Bank officials presented the check to Divisional Commander Major Shawn Critch.

“The Salvation Army touches the lives of so many people in Bermuda,” said Richard Moseley, chief executive officer, HSBC Bermuda.

“We hope this check brings some relief to the Army’s...fundraising appeal.”

From Salvationist CANADA—Volunteers from the Penticton, British Columbia, Salvation Army began a prayer shawl ministry. The group meets weekly to knit and crochet shawls to give to people to help them feel “warm and loved.” Each shawl comes with a number of prayers for the recipient to read and reflect on while wearing the shawl.

“The shawls are made in prayer for prayer,” Corps Officer Major Jo Sobool said. “We hope everyone who receives one will feel the love, concern and prayer support of those who have taken the time to make them.”

From Salvationist PHILIPPINES—The Salvation Army immediately responded to Typhoon Bopha, a category five “super typhoon” in December 2012 with winds up to 160 miles an hour.

Funds from International Emergency Services provided food to almost 500 families. After registering 1,820 families who remained vulnerable, The Salvation Army World Services Organisation (SAWSO) supplied food staples, sleeping mats, blankets, buckets and water dippers.

The need continues and the Army’s aid will be ongoing. Donations can be made via salvationarmy.org.

From Salvationist

Per Welinder

PAGE 6—NEW FRONTIER • MARCH 22, 2013

MARCH 22, 2013 • NEW FRONTIER—PAGE 7

Passion incites solution

First-ever Aspiring Entrepreneur Day focuses on innovators

Aaron Chang Photos by Christin Davis

Christopher Pratt

Aspiring Entreprenuer Day presenters

PER WELINDER, president of Blitz Distribution (blitzdistribution.com), a two-time World Champion Freestyle Skateboarder and stunt skater in Back to the Future AARON CHANG, CEO of Aaron Chang Gallery and former long-time senior photographer for Surfing Magazine (aaronchang.com) CHRISTOPHER PRATT, founder and president of CandyWarehouse, which started from his apartment and is now the country’s largest online candy retailer (candywarehouse.com) DANIELLE GANO, CEO of Elle Communications, which she founded to work with innovation, social enterprise and non-profit clients (ellecomm.com) GAVIN SCHOFIELD-SMITH, private school owner and life-long Salvationist NIKOLE LIM, founder and executive director of Freely in Hope (freelyinhope. org)

Nikole Lim

“The reality is that ‘entrepreneur’ is not a job title.

It is a state of mind of people who want to alter the future.”

- The Art of the Start

BY CHRISTIN DAVIS It was sometime during the Industrial Revolution— when creations ranged from anesthesia, to the photograph to the steam engine—that entrepreneurship first came to be noticed. Regarded as the main instruments of change, entrepreneurs were enterprising in their exploit of commercial opportunities.

“Entrepreneurs are innovators,” said Larry Cox, professor of entrepreneurship at the Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business Management. “They aren’t thinking about the economy or what industry is hot. Entrepreneurship is a very personal thing; you have a problem and a solution to it that you think others may want.”

It’s personal, and it starts with passion.

“The drive comes from finding a problem you care about enough to solve,” Cox said.

The Salvation Army Western Territory brought together ambitious and successful entrepreneurs March 9 for the first-ever Aspiring Entrepreneurs Day, a joint effort between the Territorial Youth Department and the flagship Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in San Diego, Calif.

The event featured a six-person roster, including entrepreneurs across spectrums—from branding, the story of creating identity, ecommerce, publicity, education, to using entrepreneurship as a ministry.

The idea originated with Per Welinder, pro skater and brand entrepreneur, who became interested in The Salvation Army after meeting Jim Sparks, youth development and leadership director in the Western Territory.

“He talked about how he’d started doing entrepreneurship talks at UCLA, and I asked if he’d want to do something similar with The Salvation Army,” Sparks said.

Legendary surf photographer Aaron Chang then signed on, and Sparks soon had more entrepreneurs willing to participate than would be possible.

“As a whole, it turned out to be a well-rounded group, encompassing the spirit of entrepreneurism, some from a Christian perspective,” Sparks said. “It ended up becoming a neat evangelistic meeting.”

Sparks said the event was a natural fit for the Youth Department.

“Each of these presenters started young with a concept,” he said. “A lot of people have an idea, but are not sure how to get going on it. This opened up a new door for us to broaden our teaching, especially considering entrepreneurship is the foundation of The Salvation Army.”

Seven tips to entrepreneurship

By Gavin Schofield-Smith 1. Dream big, but know where you want

to end up.

2.

Build your confidence through experience in the field.

3.

Make a commitment, then be prepared to work hard and make sacrifices.

4.

Take action; your dream won’t realize the goal without the middle action.

5.

Persevere.

6.

Be caring.

7.

Use your intuition.

From a matchbox factory to soup kitchens, The Salvation Army has a long history of finding solutions to problems—all starting with passion, something these entrepreneurs know well.

Chang, long-time photographer for Surfing Magazine and now CEO of the Aaron Chang Gallery in Solano Beach, Calif., said he wanted to do nothing but surf, so he left for Hawaii just three days after graduating from high school.

“When I went to the North Shore for the first time at age 17, it was everything my heart desired,” he said. With no supported industry around surfing in the mid 1970s, Chang took pictures of tourists at luaus for $10 per night and worked at a camera store for $1.75 per hour.

“It takes desire, fortitude, conviction and dedication to have success,” Chang said. “Entrepreneur equals really, really hard to do.”

Chang said your community and character are critical.

“Your brand is you. Once you are known, it’s difficult to rebrand,” he said.

What surfing was to Chang, skateboarding was to Welinder. Two-time World Champion Freestyle Skateboarder, Welinder was sponsored by Swatch Watch and performed stunts in Back to the Future. He started his first business, Birdhouse Skateboards, with Tony Hawk, and today is president of Blitz Distribution.

“A brand is a collection of shared associations,” he said.

“It should boost recognition, reputation and rewards.”

Welinder said it’s important to remember that everything you display to the outside world will brand you, including those you associate with.

“Think of it as a draft and pull, like a bicycle,” he said.

“Where do you want to go? Who do you want to work with? Set a timeline to implement your goals.”

For some, these goals are dreams. But others, as Gavin Schofield-Smith, a Salvationist and private school owner, said, wake up and work hard to achieve it.

“So many times people say, ‘I could’ve done that,’ but they have some excuse why they didn’t,” Schofield-Smith said. He outlined seven steps for would-be entrepreneurs.

“Find a mentor and draft behind him or her,” Sparks said. “What are they doing right? What are their mistakes, and how can you avoid doing the same?

This kind of observation, Cox said, can be invaluable.

“Entrepreneurs approach problems differently, and sometimes can’t articulate what they know,” Cox said. “It can be like watching a really good basketball player to see what they do. There’s tremendous value in seeing someone do what they do well.”

Yet, Sparks cautioned not to assume a mentor will find you.

“The mistake is to believe someone will seek you out and take you under his or her wing,” he said. “You have to go out and ask questions and make the connections.

Talk to your corps officer. Maybe there’s someone on the advisory board you could connect with.”

Sparks said other Kroc Centers and camps have expressed interest in hosting future Aspiring Entrepreneur Days.

“Because you do what you’re passionate about, being an entrepreneur is an opportunity to really change the world in whatever way you want to,” Cox said. “Starting your own company is great way to express your own values, and entrepreneurs are the ones positively effecting change in their communities.”

8

Doing the Most Good

March 22, 2013

Joe Hoogstad, Sr., a patriarch of the Spokane (Wash.)

Citadel Corps, was promoted to Glory Jan. 7, shortly before turning 88. He was a soldier for over 70 years and served as bandmaster, songster leader and in other

local officer positions.

Hoogstad was born Jan. 26, 1925, in Spokane, the fourth of eight children of Karel and Marie Hoogstad. He married Maude Miller in 1943. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy for three years.

After his military service, he resumed work in the meat industry, eventually finishing his career at S & P Foods.

Excelling in both instrumental and vocal music, Hoogstad served for decades using these talents in various ways and mentoring others.

ADDICTION STIGMA practical sense, corps members will be able to discuss concerns, explore stereotypes and learn how to assist in the recovery process.

“We hope that following the rollout of this education plan, corps members will have developed a clear understanding of the ARC program and feel positive about their role in the recovery process of individuals who are in need of love, support and acceptance as they journey toward a clean, sober and independent life,” said Major Man-Hee Chang, Western Territory adult rehabilitation centers commander.

In recent months, a number of intentional programs were set up between the ARCs and the corps—a result of Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs’ harvest initiatives. Participating ARCs currently include Anaheim, Pasadena and San Diego, Calif.; Portland, Oregon; and Honolulu and Phoenix. Integration initiatives are reporting positively, including increasing numbers of ARC alumni attending corps services, with no obvious segregation of ARC alumni.

“We are already seeing tremendous

Hoogstad is survived by his wife, Maude, and seven children: Major Joe (Eileen) Hoogstad, Terry (Beverly) Hoogstad, Dan (Char) Hoogstad, Pam (Barry) Bean, Kirk (Anice) Hoogstad, Darleen (George) White, and Jan (Carrie) Hoogstad, 19 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and two greatgreat-grandchildren.

Great-granddaughter Cadet Sarah Ward is currently training for officership at Crestmont.

Captain Kyle Smith officiated at a memorial service at the Spokane Citadel Corps.

Del Oro Divisional Headquarters Sacramento, CA

Del Oro Youth Department Youth Program Specialist Candidates should possess strong knowledge of Salvation Army Youth Ministries, have demonstrated leadership abilities, be proficient in desktop publishing and computer graphics, and must be creative “out of the box” thinkers. If you have what it takes to be part of the exciting, innovative and challenging ministry of the Del Oro Youth Department contact Captain Michael Halverson at: michael.halverson@usw.salvationarmy.org

National Headquarters • Alexandria, VA

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results from our expanded efforts to work more closely with the ARC and minister to ARC alumni,” said Major Lee Lescano, Sierra del Mar divisional commander.

“Corps officers, staff and soldiers are actively engaged in making sure graduates find a home at the corps and receive the added support they need in building a future. With more officers and soldiers gaining understanding of the rehabilitation process and our place in this ministry of redemption, I believe we will see a new kind of ‘revival’ in our corps.”

The Salvation Army injects over $150 million into ARCs across the Western Territory every year. Within the territory, 7,500 men and women are admitted to the ARC each year with around 2,500 (30 percent) of these members graduating at the end of the six-month program. Experienced professionals and officers work with individuals from all walks of life to help them recover from addictions and prepare for reentry into the community.

Studies have shown that following the initial, six-month phase of treatment at the ARC, only 10 percent of the 2,500

program graduates remain clean and sober after one year. However, this figure increases to 69 percent if graduates remain at the ARC for an additional six months, and to 86 percent if graduates remain connected to the ARC for two years.

An 86 percent success rate for addicts, clean and sober after two years, is encouraging but necessitates connection to the corps and to the wider community.

This connection needs to be meaningful—where positive, healthy relationships are formed and where ARC alumni feel a real sense of belonging within the corps community. In addition, the 86 percent success rate is aided by the latter stages of the ARC program, where alumni have the opportunity to move into sober living accommodations and focus on employment.

Find New Frontier on the web: newfrontierpublications.org Facebook: tsanewfrontier

Director of Digital Communications Services in the National Community Relations and Development Department Immediate opening at National Headquarters.

Responsible for the development, implementation, and management of an effective, efficient, and state-of-the-art network of Internet/ Intranet applications to effectively support the advancement of internal/external communications and online fundraising for all levels of Salvation Army administration and advisory organizations. Participates in the development and execution of a long-range plan that will lead to the centralized collaboration of all four territories in the management of a singular national web site for the Army in the USA. Minimum education & qualifications: bachelors degree in related field (masters degree preferred), fiveseven years progressive work as a network administrator, network analyst, online fundraiser or similar internet-related experience. I-Net+ Certification. Benefits after 90 days. Free underground parking and lunches offered. Hiring range: $3,434.77-$3,864.12 bi-weekly.

If interested in applying, please email cover letter and resume to usn_recruit@usn.salvationarmy.org or fax to (703) 302-8688.

New Frontier • March 22, 2013—PAGE 9

10

Doing the Most Good

March 22, 2013 New Frontier

Getting out of the driver’s seat inProcess O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint. O Lord, heal me, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long?

Turn, O Lord, and deliver me. Save me Glen because of your unfailing love (Ps. 6:1-4 Doss NIV).

Major Sometimes the way to victory is by surrender. My bones are troubled is a Hebrew way of saying, “I am wracked with pain.” David, the valiant warrior, by confessing his helplessness, has placed himself in the strongest position possible—he is now free to draw on God’s abundant resources.

This valid spiritual principle—that we win by giving up the control of our lives to God—is modeled for us again and again by the great Bible characters. Paul exulted, I no longer live but Christ lives in me. Yet experience shows us that a sincere commitment to truly give up our right to ourselves to God—though discussed often in Christian circles—is a rare commodity indeed.

Following a recent evangelistic crusade, an impressive number was announced of those who had “made a decision for Christ.” I quipped: “I wonder how many will follow through with their decisions.” The fact is that effecting the self-surrender essential to tap into God’s immense reservoir of strength is by no means as straightforward as it may seem. Many well-intentioned people fall short, I believe, because merely making the mental decision to give up our self-control and hand the reins of our lives over to God is never enough. All our natural instincts rebel against such a yielding; our mere mortal identity adheres to us more stubbornly than glue. Such dependence upon ourselves to run our own lives is a deeply entrenched habit which only God can put down.

However, truly fortunate people eventually arrive at a point where they realize that running their own lives is neither possible nor even desirable. They have come to the end of themselves—in recovery vernacular they have “bottomed out”— and from this clear vantage point are able to make an honest assessment of their circumstances. Carefully surveying their lives, they discover to their shock that no human remedy will suffice. The only logical alternative at this point is to turn to the supernatural, to God himself.

As we admit our weakness, we embark upon a solution.

We want to get out of the driver’s seat, but how? We are faced with the universal question: how to “let go and let God.” Ultimately, the key is full willingness. The proof of this almost self-evident fact is in the hundreds of personal testimonies of individuals. They share that they finally, prayerfully cracked open the doors of their minds ever so little, then felt the wind of the Holy Spirit breeze in and take up long-term residence in their lives.

Once God resides within us, he commences a training regimen intended to rebuild us according to his own plans.

Paul was blunt when he instructed the young church in Philippi: …[A]s you have always obeyed…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Phil. 2:12-13 NIV).

At a recent Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, one of my friends shocked us all with his opening remark: “I thank God for my alcoholism.” You could have heard a pin drop in that room. Every eye was focused on the speaker. My friend continued: “The reason I say this is because I’m such a pigheaded, obstinate person that were it not for the horrendous circumstances—the mess made of my life by my hard drinking lifestyle—I know that I would never have given my heart to Christ 30 years ago. I thank God for the disease of alcoholism that finally drove me to my knees.

“For years I resisted surrender to him because I knew that if God were in control of my life, then I would not be in control and, therefore, would not be able to have things the way that I wanted them. I was in such full denial that only a very painful encounter with the consequences of my limitations finally prompted me to make an honest assessment of my life.

“At that point I bent my knees and submitted to God and his total reign in my life. Because of this decision made out of necessity three decades ago, today I can say sincerely with the apostle Peter that I have been filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy [1 Peter 1:8 NIV]. Therefore, thank God for my alcoholism.”

He walked into the forest And he shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water (Ps. 1:3a).

I recently read that longtime Alaskan Salvationist, Clarence Jackson, 78, Tlingit Eagle tribal leader of the Tsaagweidí—or Killer Whale Clan— quietly “Walked Into the Forest.” This Alaska Native euphemism for death Lawrence resonated in my heart, for it evoked an imagery of walking into a forest Shiroma and leaving behind all that was a part Major of one’s earthly life.

Scripture promises us that Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor. 2:9 NKJV). More than once during times of personal reflection have I pondered about the ever-nearer future to come, now that I’m a bit closer to it than when I was in my 40s and 50s. It was when I turned 60 that my thoughts began to dwell upon the mortality and the fragility of life. My brother Richard, was lost at sea at the age of 61. My dad James, died of cancer at the age of 69, and my mother Daisy, passed away several years ago at the age of 86.

But we have the lives of others in Scripture to encourage us along our way, like Queen Esther, who, when faced with a difficult, life-threatening situation, cried out, “If I perish, I perish” (Est. 4:16). We have the unwavering determination of our Lord and Savior who, when at the Garden of Gethsemane just prior to his arrest, prayed “Father, if you will, take this cup of suffering away from me. Not my will how-

sharperFocus ever, but your will be done” (Luke 22:42 GNB). Our cup of suffering may come to us in a number of ways before we undertake that final Walk in the Forest but as the Psalmist proclaimed, The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps. 27:1).

Lt. Colonel Victor Newbould said, “None of us are immune from the burdens of life.” In other words, loneliness, frustration, guilt, isolation, failure and discouragement are all a part and parcel of life, but Jesus is our great “burden bearer” to help us through difficult times. I know my feet have faltered many times along the pathway of duty. I have let others down and have felt unworthy and inadequate, but during seasons of dryness, when all seemed lost, the Word of God has been my source of comfort and solace.

In a beautiful ceremony some years ago during an Alaska Congress in Juneau, Clarence Jackson adopted me into the Killer Whale Clan. Looking back at that experience, I can only marvel at how God allowed my life’s journey to briefly come alongside that of this godly Tlingit Eagle tribal leader.

Lord, help me to be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water (Ps. 1:3a), trusting and relying upon you in all that I do and say, and let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer (Ps. 19:14).

Have you made preparations for that final walk into the forest?

The Army of the open door “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

I celebrate with you a Salvation Army that opens its doors to all of humanity. In our meetings, SalvationEdward ists delight in hearing the stories of folks who have joined our fellowship Hill from a variety of entry points and Lt. Colonel various stages of moral purity. We are an inclusive Salvation Army. With that truth in mind, may I humbly suggest the time is now for The Salvation Army to fling open its doors a bit wider and more aggressively reach out to groups not traditionally identified with our movement? I’m speaking of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community.

Connecting the LGBT community with The Salvation Army will be no easy task. Part of the problem is perception. A sizable portion of the LGBT community views The Salvation Army as being hostile. This perception of the Army is both inaccurate and unfortunate.

The reality is that the vast majority of officers, soldiers and employees of the Army are anxious to positively engage the LGBT community. Indeed, The Salvation Army carries out many programs and services that directly benefit the LGBT community and does so, as The Salvation Army mission statement declares, “without discrimination.” However, I think it is still up to us to be proactive in breaking down barriers in order to more effectively communicate our best intentions.

Not every Salvationist will be anxious to see the Army reach out to the LGBT community. Much of that reticence is based on the interpretation of the Bible by many sincere and mature believers. I am not insensitive to the theological difficulties that the issue of homosexuality raises for many, but my view is that Salvationists need to think differently on this subject as we move into the 21st century. The time has come for us to engage in a meaningful internal dialogue (without rancor and judgment) that focuses less on the theological or Biblical arguments for or against homosexuality (and there is a wide interpretation on the subject among many Salvationists and Christian denominations) and more fully on how Christians can meaningfully and lovingly engage members of the LGBT community seeking a closer relationship with Jesus. Indeed, Wesleyan Christianity has long demonstrated that Scripture ought to be constantly reexamined and re-applied in light of the ministry of the Holy Spirit and in tandem with human reason, church tradition and experience. The cheerful

inclusion of the LGBT community into our fellowship does not require every Salvationist to change the core principles of faith or interpretation of the Bible. What is required, in my view, is that God’s people put aside the stereotypes and biases of the past that have often made the church an obstacle, rather than a haven, for members of the LGBT community seeking fellowship in the body of Christ.

The LGBT community makes up a small percentage of the population and, despite our best efforts, few are likely to flock to The Salvation Army anytime soon.

And yet, a proactive and accommodating response to the holistic needs of the LGBT community, sprinkled with a heavy dose of God’s love and grace, will send a powerful and positive message to a community that is generally untrusting of our great movement. The answer to the question of how The Salvation Army ought to best engage the LGBT community is not going away.

How will we respond?

The generations of young people coming up in the Army show evidence of being more passionate about their faith, biblically centered, and accommodating to different communities than mine. My expectation is that these emerging generations of young Salvationists are going to exceed my best efforts in every way, including a nobler embrace of the LGBT community. However, I’d like to show my kids that even dad can rework his paradigm.

I’ve been on a journey of faith for 50 years. Along the way, I’ve had to address my own personal struggles, prejudices, phobias and biases. While still a work in progress, I declare with the hymnist that, “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how he could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean.” My prayer remains, “Create in me a new heart Lord, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10).

Friends, I want to grow, mature, and be more loving, particularly toward those to whom I have been less than sensitive and understanding.

Here is my final challenge to anyone still reading (and I am speaking only for myself): If God has a place for me to worship and serve alongside my family in The Salvation Army, why not equally a member of the LGBT community? The impulses of my heart lead me to make an urgent call on the Army of the West to fling open the front entries of its chapels a little wider. Let’s send a clarion call that everyone is unconditionally welcomed to enter, fellowship and serve in The Army of the Open Door.

Doing the Most Good

March 22, 2013 New Frontier

On seeing the forest There’s an old adage about not being able to see the forest because the trees keep getting in the way. Failure to look at the greater picture because we get so caught up in the details is not uncommon. In fact, if we habitually look only at solving the conundrum immediately before us, we too often fail to recognize the impact (positive or negative) Sharon our clever conclusions may have on our children, or our Robertson children’s children. In the interests of expediency, we fail to Lt. Colonel ask ourselves, “Will the world be a better place—will the kingdom of God be advanced—as a result of my decision today?”

I suspect each of us could cite examples of how a rash decision based on too little information—and too little attention to possible consequences overall—has contributed to unforeseen and undesirable results. It is easy to criticize our predecessors for lack of foresight but not quite so easy to apply the same scrutiny to our own decisions.

It has been said that “the devil is in the details,” meaning that good, noble goals and plans can get fouled up or derailed by lack of adequate attention to the nitty-gritty details of planning and implementation. Certainly the devil has had a great deal of input into a good many of our most promising Christian endeavors simply because we failed to take into account the contingencies, especially those contingencies relating to human emotions, actions and reactions.

There is a certain very human tendency to impose our will and decisions on others, implying, “Here, take this. It will be good for you!” and an equally human tendency to react negatively to the imposed plan, as a child may spit out a dose of ill-tasting but well-intended medication.

For the Christian it is critical that the devil doesn’t get a chance to foul up the details. This can only be realized by making certain that in every endeavor “God is in the details”—that we make certain our plans, our thoughts, our decisions, our actions and our reactions have been made in partnership with God himself, that he has tutored and guided us as we explore options and work out details for implementation. We are responsible, not only to lay out our plans before him for approval, but to consult with him at every step, on every detail, recognizing that where “God is in the detail” God will also be in the overall outcome. Our God is incapable of not seeing the greater picture; when we are attentive to his direction, he will see his purposes achieved.

FRIENDRAISING PART II stronger board as you add diversity of skill sets to the mix. Once you get them on the board, then find good ways to engage the members to maximize their talents.

TREASURE: Some of the people you add to your board will already be donors. Some may never have given before.

But generally speaking, “share of heart” means “share of pocketbook.” As board members give of their time and talent, they see the giving of their treasure as a natural next step.

• Have an annual board giving campaign. Set a goal that is attainable but challenging.

• Make sure you are sharing the need. If the board never hears about need, they will think they don’t need to give.

• See if they will adopt a specific project and either give

from page 3

or find the funds in the community.

• Include your board in events. Perhaps ask them to sponsor one.

• Engage your board in the Red Kettle program. Ask the board to match whatever comes in through the kettles for a day or a week.

• Thank board members for each gift. A personal thank you note or call is best.

Serve a suffering humanity I’m sure you’re aware of our Army’s mission, and the interpretation of it made by John Gowans.

Just to remind you, he said: “The Salvation Army exists to save souls, grow saints, serve suffering humanity.” Simple. Straightforward. Specific. This is who we are and what we do. I buy it.

I wonder, though, are these expressed in a particular order? Do they all have equal emphasis?

Are we left to choose among them? Is one more important than another?

I see them as having equal emphasis, but I wonder how “the field” sees them—how they are actually implemented in practice. I believe that the emphasis varies widely with most corps emphasizing the first one—saving souls; not too sure about the second one—growing saints; and delegating the third one to a qualified employee—serving suffering humanity.

I see the “growing saints” part of our mission as discipling. Facilitating growth is critical in the life of the new believer. If it is their intention to attend regularly, give them a responsibility.

It was in October 1890 that Booth published his major social work treatise, “In Darkest England and the Way Out.” This book underlined his Army’s commitment to the poor and caused us to have the third statement of our mission: serving a suffering humanity.

What does that mean? It means we meet the needs of those in distress through multiple approaches depending on the needs of the population served.

How might we identify this “suffering humanity”? We need to know a lot more about what it means “to suffer.”

The characteristics of today’s suffering humanity are much like those of the people William and Catherine Booth found in East London 150 years ago—what he called the submerged 10th—the poor. This population, today, has now grown in this country to the forgotten 15th. More than 15 percent of today’s America live below the poverty line. They are the poor, the hungry, the homeless, the unemployed, the frightened, the ill, the elderly, the addicted, the marginalized, the disenfranchised—the 46.2 million people today living below the “poverty line.” That line, for a family of four, represents an income around $22,000 per year for everything.

Originally, when this “line” was created it represented 50 percent of the median income of a family. Today, that figure represents only 30 percent of median income. This amount is far below the actual amount for a family to survive. These are the

Start small and build.

Generally people give because they are asked. We are not asking people to serve only because they can donate. But we do want to engage people on all three levels.

If you find the right people and engage them in the right way, you will see them share their time, talent and treasures.

Then, as they say, your board will be firing on all cylinders.

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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:

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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 Jared McKiernan, Editorial Assistant • 562/491-8345 email: jared.mckiernan@usw.salvationarmy.org LAYOUT & DESIGN/ADVERTISING Kevin Dobruck, Art Director • 562/491-8328 email: kevin.dobruck@usw.salvationarmy.org Adriana Rivera, Graphic Designer/Web coordinator • 562/491-8331 email: adriana.rivera@usw.salvationarmy.org CIRCULATION Arlene De Jesus, Circulation • 562/491-8343 email: arlene.dejesus@usw.salvationarmy.org new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org Member - Evangelical Press Association

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people that some in Congress, in order to balance the budget, believe need less money.

Actually, I doubt that we have any idea how to measure poverty.

I don’t think it’s quantifiable.

How does one put a number on survival? Can you figure the cost Robert of being poor?

Docter The church, including the Editor-In-Chief Army, cannot confront poverty by itself. We must share that responsibility with others; including the federal government. It needs to be involved, but so do we. As discussion continues on budget-balancing issues, we must join other churches and organizations equally committed to the poor in advocating for those living in poverty. That’s a place to start.

I firmly believe that, in many cases, the Army has become much too insular. The poor are our people, yet the tactic we use to relate to them seems to be built on a waiting strategy. When they come to us for some kind of help we will aid them. We need to design a tactic of going out and exploring how we can become more inclusive and feed the poor a lot more than simply food.

For some reason our current image of a “poor person” is rarely seen as elderly. This must change.

James Firman, president of the National Council on Aging, stated that official measures of poverty levels are inadequate in that they underestimate the 20 to 40 percent of total income that those 65 and older currently have to pay out of pocket for health care.

Alicia Munnell, director of Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, stated that credit card debt is rising faster among the elderly than any other groups because of demands to pay high medical fees.

Our image and our reality must be perceived as the primary advocate for the poor—the poor in spirit, the poor economically and anyone else the culture denigrates unfairly.

Who speaks for the poor? Whose voice will be most trusted? It is the voice that speaks with accurate authority and has assembled the facts, understands how they are misused or kept secret, a voice without any gain other than serving a suffering humanity—one of our missions.

In this nation, the Army needs some kind of data-gathering agency whose responsibility will be to keep us apprised of issues we face in the present and the near future. We need a think tank.

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