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Please continue to pray for those dramatically impacted by this tragedy.

newfrontierpublications.com

The Western Territory’s news source

~

—David E. Kelly, Major

for 31 years

April 19, 2013 Vol. 31, No. 7

Army responds to Boston Marathon tragedy n Salvation Army staff provides physical and spiritual care to victims.

Army braces for sequester’s brunt n Housing programs will be heavily impacted.

BY JARED McKIERNAN While much of sequestration’s impact has yet to penetrate The Salvation Army, substantial declines in funding are looming.

The automatic federal budget cuts to foreign and domestic spending—that went into effect March 1—are projected to total $1.2 trillion. When Congress failed to reach a deal that would revise the budget prior to the New Year’s Day deadline, they extended the deadline to March 1, which also came and went.

The cuts could impact the nonprofit sector indefinitely, depending on future Congressional action.

Until then, nonprofits like The Salvation Army are left scrambling to reallocate funds and seek new avenues of private support to compensate for the dropoff as seamlessly as possible.

Each program in the Western Territory is funded uniquely, those with heaviest dependence on federal funding experiencing the sharpest cuts.

“I know Congress has to cut the budget,” said Major Sherry McWhorter, Southern California divisional social services secretary. “I just wish they wouldn’t do it on the backs of the poor.”

Despite a “slight uptick” in private support in the last year, McWhorter anticipates it will be offset by an increase in demand for services in the next year.

The entire nonprofit sector saw dramatically increased demands for services at a rate of more than 70 percent each of the last four years, according to the National Council of Nonprofits.

The Western Territory’s social service department receives $47.8 million in federal funding and expects to see a $2.4 million drop-off overall as a result of SEQUESTER, page 4

Inside: Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 From the Board Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Spice Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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

After two explosions injured more than 170 people and left three dead at the Boston Marathon finish line April 15 in Boston, Salvation Army first responders provided support for survivors. Canteens supplied food and Army staff offered emotional and spiritual care.

“We thank God for the meaningful conversations that occurred during this difficult time,” said Major David E. Kelly, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. “I am deeply grateful for the quick response, compassionate spirits, and heart for ministry with which our officers, staff, and volunteers responded.”

The canteens were positioned at various sites throughout the city, including the Unified Command Post, the Family Assistance Center at Park Plaza Castle, and Kenmore Square, where meals, snacks, and beverages were served to survivors, families and first responders. As of April 16, more than 2,000 meals and drinks had been distributed.

Army personnel were also stationed at area hospitals to be on hand for pastoral care.

The Salvation Army serves food and drinks at the Family Assistance Center at Park Plaza Castle in Boston.

The Salvation Army is collaborating with the Office for Emergency Management, the Boston Fire Department, the Boston Police Department, Sparks, the American Red Cross, the Department of Child, Youth and Families (DCYF), Riverside Trauma and the Boston Public Health Commission, and will remain on site at the Family Assistance

L-r: Lt. Colonels Joe and Shawn Posillico, Commissioner Jean Ludiazo and Lt. Colonels Magali and Zoilo Pardo at an African International Ministry event.

Photo by Daniel Ramón

Phoenix Central brings African flavor to The Salvation Army n New ministry reaches out to the growing African population in Phoenix.

BY VIVIAN GATICA The Phoenix Central Corps, led by Majors Gil and Elvia Roman, made history in March by launching a unique African International ministry. Its goal is to introduce African immigrants to

The Salvation Army, and to bridge the gaps in community.

Approximately 12,000 Africans live in Phoenix, according to the latest American Community Survey of the United States Census Bureau.

“We feel blessed to have the opportunity to be part of [African International Ministry], and I believe this is an

When Envoys Steven and Sharon Bussey felt inspired to assist corps officers in the Eastern Territory with their ministry, they were unsure of specifically how this calling would materialize.

They certainly didn’t anticipate then

The Salvation Army’s property in Angoon, Alaska.

Photo by Dave Kyle

Salvation Army to reopen Corps in Angoon n Opening slated for July.

that bobbleheads would be part of the solution.

Last September, the husband-andwife team launched Salvation Factory, an “imaginarium” focused on generating evangelistic, digitally accessible resources for corps officers, particularly in soldier training. According to Steven Bussey, they want to utilize new media

The Salvation Army will reopen its corps in Angoon, Alaska, July 7, after promising village residents “we’ll be back” during the Living Water Evangelistic Boat Tour in autumn 2012.

Although the Alaska Division closed the Angoon Corps in 2004, its soldiers continued to meet, praying that the Army would someday return. The town—a quiet fishing community of about 450 people located on Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska—has other churches, but they are served by part-time preachers. The Salvation Army was the only full-time ministry.

During the Boat Tour, Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs, inspired by the

SALVATION FACTORY, page 4

ANGOON, page 3

AFRICAN MINISTRY, page 3

‘Salvation Factory’ revives history n Two envoys aim to lighten officers’ loads.

Center as long as support is needed.

“Please continue to pray for those so dramatically impacted by this tragedy,” Kelly said.

Donate to The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services efforts at donate. salvationarmyusa.org.

2

Doing the Most Good

April 5, 2013 New Frontier

NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me (Ps. 119:133 NIV).

BEAVERTON, ORE.— In March, Jason Zacher ran 100 miles—from Karen Portland to Lincoln Gleason City—to raise money for Editor two charities, including The Salvation Army Veterans and Family Center in Beaverton.

He ran the “Angels Flight 100” in about 23 hours.

Donations are still being accepted for a wheelchair ramp and a handicap accessible shower. Checks may be mailed to The Salvation Army Cascade Divisional Headquarters, 8495 SE Monterey Ave., Happy Valley, OR 97086, with “Angels Flight 100” in the memo line.

Richard Stoller is director at the Veterans and Family Center.

MONTEREY, CALIF.—Coffee Mia in Marina, Calif., celebrated five years of successful business with a gift to the Monterey Peninsula Corps. Business owner Horace Mercurio wanted to honor his deceased mother, Gloria Mercurio, who served for many years on the corps’ advisory board, holding many offices including chairperson. Mercurio held a birthday party raffle and was able to present a $400 check to the corps.

Majors David and Gaylene Yardley are the corps officers.

EL CENTRO, CALIF.—Corps Officers Captains Jerry and Vicky Esqueda reported that a newly-married couple called the corps to inquire if The Salvation Army does marriage counseling. After hearing more about the Army, the couple came to the Sunday service. At the altar call, both of them came forward to receive the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

WRANGELL, ALASKA—The Adventure Corps Rangers are working on the lifesaving badge. Captain Debra Davis, corps officer with her husband, Ronnie, arranged for the group to take a CPR/first aid class with the local fire department. Five teens and three adults participated and are now certified.

Guardian Flight (an air ambulance service) provided a grant to fund the class. The gentleman processing the grant remembered being helped by The Salvation Army and was eager to provide the assistance.

ANTIOCH, CALIF.—The corps celebrated the one-year anniversary of its new building on March 3 with a celebration including a brief history of the corps’ early days. It originally opened in 1887, but closed in 1890. In 1991, 101 years later, the work reopened, first as an outpost of the Concord Corps and then as a corps. Since then, it has grown and now conducts programs for all ages and provides social services to Antioch and the surrounding Delta communities Majors Neil and Beth Saunders are the corps officers.

MODESTO, CALIF.—Salvation Army youth director Wade Patton and seven kids from the corps, ages 7-12, created a full-color activity brochure and assembled 60 bags of candy to give to children who come to the corps’ social services office, hoping to interest them in the corps programs and activities.

Lt. Colonels Richard and Bettie Love are the interim corps officers.

Army of Hope open invitation n Yuba-Sutter service campaign aims to involve the community.

BY CHAYA GALICIA The Yuba Sutter (Calif.) Corps is inviting the community to be a part of The Salvation Army—to come alongside it bringing hope to people in need whether physically, emotionally or spiritually.

The invitation is to join the “Army of Hope.”

“My vision for the Army of Hope is that it will be a universal campaign,” said Captain Tom Stambaugh, corps officer. “We’re bringing in people from the community to help us provide the goods and services we’re known for, which in turn brings more impact and hope to those we serve.”

The Army of Hope campaign offers four areas of service from which people can

choose.

Giving: Encouraging donors to give financially to local Army programs, ensuring community needs will continue to be met.

Volunteerism: Inviting people to actively join us in fulfilling our services, whether by

filling food boxes, stocking shelves or helping at outreach events.

Engagement: Providing opportunities to help lead groups in the areas of life management (budgeting, nutrition, parenting), self-sufficiency (vocational education, high school diploma/GED, higher education) and youth mentoring (Salvation Army youth programs).

Projects: Appointing groups to use their talents to sponsor a room at the shelter, refurbish a house at the Transitional Housing complex, conduct canned food drives or assist in landscaping and painting projects.

The corps has challenged the YubaSutter community to find where they fit in the Army of Hope with a goal of community involvement, at various levels, serving people in need through The Salvation Army.

Caldwell’s Baby Haven strengthens families n The program helps approximately 120 families each year.

BY VIVIAN GATICA The Salvation Army’s Baby Haven has provided a resource for families in Caldwell, Idaho, for the past seven years. In March alone, the Caldwell Corps, led by Lts. Brent and Kristy Church, linked five new families to the program.

Baby Haven is an incentive-based two-year program that offers education, connections to local family resources and economic help for families with children under 2 years old.

“Due to the uncertain job market, many clients do not have the education, skills or transportation to find jobs within their community, which may cause stress that can lead to neglect and child abuse as well as domestic violence,” said Rebeca Johnson, Baby Haven program director. “Baby Haven protects children from child abuse by helping to relieve some of the economic and financial stress caused by uncertainty in our communities.”

Classes provided by the ministry are tailored to teach parents how to overcome obstacles that may come with parenting. They are taught in both English and Spanish, and guests occasionally speak on topics ranging from nutrition to budgeting. Childcare is provided so that parents can attend classes.

“The goal is to educate families on how to become self-sufficient and advocates for their children by giving them value and support,” Johnson said.

Ashley Kate Whittaker, a parent enrolled in Baby Haven, is a single mother who works part-time at Sizzler and attends school full time. Since joining the program, she has become an advocate

L-r: Lt. Kristy Church, Rebeca Johnson, Ashley Kate Whittaker and baby Photo by Angie Tovar

on creating healthy lifestyles for families in her community. When Whittaker graduates from the program this summer, she plans to mentor new moms and continue to volunteer.

“You [Baby Haven] are truly a godsend in my life,” Whittaker said.

The program, created by previous Corps Officer Captain Ligia Ambriz, helps approximately 120 families yearly. As parents achieve their goals, they are rewarded with baby necessities, alleviating some of the economic stress.

“The goal is to help parents, including single moms and dads, become the best parent they can be,” Johnson said, “and to encourage, empower and equip families through knowledge and community resources.”

SAROA welcomes West’s groups to Florida Risk Management n TYC and TCAE minister during annual aims to decrease meeting of retired officers. accident claims

BY MEJEE LUTCHER The Territorial Youth Chorus (TYC) and Territorial Creative Arts Ensemble (TCAE) supported territorial leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs as guest speakers for the annual weekend meeting of The Salvation Army Retired Officers Association (SAROA) in Tampa, Fla. “It was fitting for the groups to interact with the retired officers at an event themed ‘Generation to Generation,’ emphasizing the need to intentionally pass on our faith to the next generation,” said Joy Lee, territorial creative arts director.

After rehearsing for a day, TYC and TCAE performed in a series of concerts and spent time with young musicians from the Florida Division.

Representing every division in the Western Territory, TYC meets a few times every year for ministry weekends.

“Sharing our experiences with retired officers gave them an opportunity to share their stories and give advice to us,” said Alexa Morris, TYC member from the Salem (Ore.) Kroc Center.

TYC member Kaila Ogletree said, “This weekend was a blessing and something has changed in our hearts. I can’t wait to see what God changes in our lives.”

Four of the five TCAE soldiers traveled to Florida. During the main concert at the St. Petersburg

TCAE members (l-r) Isaac Fowler, Mejee Lutcher and Joy Lee perform a skit during the SAROA retreat.

Photo by Todd Smith

Corps, TCAE member Alexandra Van Cleef gave a moving testimony, bringing many to tears and intensifying an already powerful spiritual movement.

“No matter how faithful or unfaithful I may be, God is always faithful, and he has a plan for me that is bigger than I could have ever imagined,” she said.

TYC member Sophie Yalden said “If...Then,” a song by Leonard Ballantine, captures the weekend experience: “I want to know Christ, his power in my life, his confidence to fight and win; for the struggle to take hold, to press on toward the goal is worth anything! He’s worth everything to me.”

BY CRAIG NICLES With a fleet of over 2,600 Salvation Army vehicles, the Western Territory reported over 500 auto incidents in 2012, including 100 incidents of the driver (not including ARC truck drivers) hitting stationary objects. These accidents cost the Army $2,000 each on average.

This total exceeds the national average for similar fleets, and so the Risk Management Department at Territorial Headquarters, led by Lt. Col. Walter and Ardis Fuge, aims to decrease such incidents in 2013 with assistance from the field.

The department also identified three other areas of loss— property (i.e. water damage to buildings), general liability (i.e. customer falls in thrift stores), Worker’s Compensation (i.e. employee injures back)—and will develop ways to decrease claims this year.

Doing the Most Good

April 5, 2013 New Frontier

Cadet Spring Campaigns 2013 n Cadets take to the field to assist corps and witness to God’s love.

al settings. They visit local communities and corps—conducting services, preaching and teaching, and assisting with children’s

BY KEILAH TOY, MAJOR ministries, community outreach, The cadets’ annual Spring service projects, nursing home Campaigns are upon them—April visitations and more.

1-8—and they are ready, after a The Western Territory’s Spring time of active preparation at the Campaigns 2013 will take place in College for Officer Training at these locations: Crestmont (CFOT).

Life Brigade—Glendale, Ariz.

As part of their comprehensive Devoted Brigade—Watsonville, Field Training program, cadets Calif. minister in local communities Awakeners Brigade—Yuma, around the territory during the Ariz.

“The Less Than Brigade,” one of the 12 brigades of cadets serving in the week-long Spring Campaign Unified Brigade—Boise field this spring Photo by Chris Stillians exercise. Alongside experienced and Caldwell, Idaho officers, they not only gain practical ministry experience, but more Theosis Brigade—Victor Valley, Calif. importantly, they are able to share the love of Christ with others.

Jars of Clay Brigade—Carson City and Reno, Nev. Traditionally, cadets travel to the front lines in Field Training ILKOP Brigade—Modesto, Calif. brigades, made up of both first and second-year cadets. The current Unity Brigade—Various locations on Oahu Island, Hawaii sessions—the Proclaimers of the Resurrection and the Disciples of Heirs to the Throne Brigade—Seattle the Cross—number 120 cadets and comprise 12 brigades. Brigade iServe—Portland members hold specific brigade and are led by a cadet sergeant and “Less Than” Brigade—Santa Barbara, Calif. a brigade officer.

The “Last” Brigade—Denver CAMPAIGNS, page 4 Throughout the year, the brigades work in corps and institution-

Sermon podcast attracts hundreds n Envoy Roger McCort utilizes social media to expand his congregation.

Envoy Roger McCort is spreading his sermons to 300 listeners each week beyond Envoy Roger McCort those who attend Photo by Frank Desplancke the service at The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Center in San Francisco.

“Several years ago I began occasion-

ally recording my sermons,” McCort said.

“Mostly for my own use, but partly because I had a number of soldiers who were homebound and asked if copies of the messages could be passed on to them. I also tend to preach in series and some regular attendees liked to have the opportunity to hear what they might have missed if they didn’t make it.”

Initially, McCort said, the response to his postings were meager at best, but he kept at it.

He faithfully posted week after week despite little interest seen from the online community. McCort began posting links to the sermons on Facebook and Twitter to help spread his message.

“For some time the number of down-

Photo courtesy Topanga Women’s Circle

Furnishing for families n Topanga Women’s Circle partners with the Army.

BY DORIS HALL-TUNER The Topanga Women’s Circle (TWC), an organization of more than 60 volunteers, and The Salvation Army Westwood Transitional Village have partnered for the past four years to assist families with home furnishings including pots and pans, bedding, curtains and towels.

“Homelessness is not tidy,” said Karen Sherwood, co-chair of TWC. “You can’t just wrap it up with a pretty bow and consider it a job well done, but we try.”

TWC is the brainchild of Arlette Parker, whose husband was involved with housing the homeless on the west side of Los Angeles. Parker noticed that when families moved in, they often had no more than the clothes on their backs and a black plastic

bag full of their belongings. A group of 10 women volunteers emerged, believing every family deserves a place to call home.

When the Parkers moved back to France, she approached Sherwood and Linda Ilsley, active TWC volunteers, to take over management of the charity. The level of community activism, membership and volunteerism has since quadrupled. In the last three years, TWC has helped over 150 families.

“Our primary focus is serving veterans and families at The Salvation Army Westwood Transitional Village and young children at the Bessie Pregerson Child Development Center,” Ilsley said. “We have the absolute, very best volunteers in the whole entire world! We may be small, but through generosity, time and commitment, we are mighty!”

loads each week hovered at about eight to 10,” McCort said. “After about a year, I moved to a paid podcast host as I saw the number of downloads growing toward 50 a week.”

Now, more than two years later, McCort’s sermons are pulling in over 300 listeners each week. In the past month, the site received more than 1,000 unique visitors.

“Ideally, every pastor and officer would make all of their messages available online,” McCort said. “Not only would that benefit people from their home congregations, but it could reach someone they’ll never meet with the message that God loves them.”

Listen to McCort’s sermons at rmccort.podbean.com

Front row (l-r) Lt. Colonel Helen Starrett, Alyssa Mauck, Nichole Wilson, Major Geraldine Leonard; back row: Kiani Mauck, Dawn Mauck (youth leader), Theresa Atwell (youth leader), and Tina Wilson Photo by David Leonard

Sheridan Sunbeams awarded Two Sunbeams, a character-building program for girls in grades one to five, from the Sheridan (Wyo.) Corps earned the Commissioner’s Sunbeam Award, the highest achievement possible for a Sunbeam.

Lt. Colonel Helen Starrett, Intermountain divisional director of women’s ministries, awarded medals and certificates to Alyssa Mauck and Nichole Wilson during a holiness meeting at the corps with Corps Officers Captain David and Major Geraldine Leonard.

“Both young ladies are outstanding examples of the youth of the USA Western Territory,” Starrett said.

The girls said they liked learning about Jesus, going to camp and helping people.

“I love to do projects and crafts to take to the nursing homes, and to see how happy it makes them,” Mauck said.

Wilson said, “When I can I would like to be an officer for the Army and help others.”

3

Sometimes, you can go home again n ARC beneficiary revisits innocence of his childhood.

BY JERRY D. BLOOM, CHAPLAIN Max was a broken man, addicted to methamphetamines.

He showed up Max at the doors of the Canoga Park Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) six months ago. Since then, the look, walk and talk of his old life have been fading. The smile on Max’s face, the strength in his voice, the sound of his laughter and his words of gratitude are evidence of the new man Max is becoming.

In counseling sessions, Max often spoke of his childhood—as a teenager he was introduced to crack cocaine, and a life of crime and insanity followed. He spoke of other times— memories of growing up in the San Fernando Valley and the freedom of innocence he had as a child. He wished he could retrieve the reality of those days.

One Sunday afternoon, Max was working at the ARC donation center.

Two men drove up in a pickup truck with a couch to donate. While chatting with Max they mentioned that they had come from the eastern side of the valley—specifically, the city of Pacoima.

“That’s interesting,” Max said.

“Pacoima is where I grew up.”

The older man inquired, “Where did you go to grammar school?”

Max replied, “Telfair Elementary.”

The older man responded, “That’s a coincidence. I taught school there for many years. Do you remember any of your teachers?”

It didn’t take Max long. “My favorite teacher was Mr. Melon, from first and second grade. He would often help me put my skates on so I could skate around the schoolyard at recess. In my mind I can see the color of the skate wheels and the cracks in the pavement I skated on.

Mr. Melon would give us a treat of ice cream when we were extra well behaved. I can almost feel in this moment the excitement I had seeing Mr. Melon scoop out ice cream for each us. I remember once when Mr. Melon took us on a field trip to the snow, and we had to return home because someone got sick on the bus.”

With that, the older gentleman broke into Max’s recounting his memories of better days and with teary eyes put his hand on Max’s shoulder.

“I am Mr. Melon,” he said.

Suddenly, for Max, all the ugliness, wrongs, addiction and crimes— including 19 years of prison—weren’t there anymore. “I was 6 years old again,” he later said, “a small little boy looking up into the eyes of his hero, a good and kind man.”

After the donated couch was unloaded, Mr. Melon climbed back into the pickup truck as the younger man reached out and shook Max’s hand, saying, “My dad needed that today. My mother recently died and he has been feeling down lately.”

4

Doing the Most Good

April 19, 2013 New Frontier

The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Program includes work therapy, with many participants learning new skills for a better future.

Recognizing National Alcohol Awareness Month April marks the 27th annual National Alcohol Awareness Month, sponsored by the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD); a nationwide campaign intended to raise awareness of the health and social problems that excessive alcohol consumption can cause for individuals, families and communities.

This year’s theme, “Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow,” is focused on underage drinking and the particularly dangerous effects alcohol can have on a young person’s health, safety and future.

According to the NCADD, alcohol and drugs are the leading cause of crime and factors leading to youth suicide, with approximately 23 million people over the age of 12 now suffering addiction. Studies show that people who drink before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop abuse issues than those who start at age 21 or older. Researchers are learning that alcohol can be particularly detrimental on a young person’s developing brain, limiting its proper growth and potential.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 51.5 percent of American adults regularly consume alcohol.

In the U.S., the CDC reported 79,000 total deaths due to excessive alcohol consumption.

For over 100 years, The Salvation Army has helped individuals in their struggle with alcohol abuse. The Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center programs consist of counseling, good food, work therapy, life skills classes, leisure time, group bonding and spiritual direction. Approximately 350,000 individuals all over the country are successfully treated through these centers.

If you know of someone who would benefit from treatment at these centers, visit satruck.org.

From blog.salvationarmyusa.org

NSSDMC 2014 announced n Conference to be held in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The 2014 National Social Services and Disaster Management Conference—“The Power of One Army, Transforming Our World”—is slated for March 25-28 in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The biennial gathering is a meeting of representatives from Salvation Army social and disaster services programming in North America, including front line social workers, case managers, teachers, counselors and corps officers.

The conference will feature exhibits, workshops, institutes, keynote sessions and forums on hot topics impacting Salvation Army stakeholders with an objective to network, share best practices, spread innovative ideas and identify trends in social work and disaster management.

For additional information contact usn_social_services@usn.salvationarmy.org.

Left: Salvation Factory’s bobblehead figurines are $24.95 each or two for $40. Right: Major Federico Larriniga records the first Spanish voiceovers for Salvation Factory.

Photos courtesy Salvation Factory

SALVATION FACTORY in ways that amplify the mission and message of The Salvation Army.

“Corps officers are some of the busiest people in the world,” Steven Bussey said.

“Not only are we generating ideas to lighten their loads, we have the combination of people tools, time and space to do it.”

Based out of the School for Officer Training in Suffern, N.Y., Salvation Factory is now six members strong and the team is currently working to launch an official website to showcase the content.

Since the program’s inception, they have generated numerous projects, including Genesis of Salvationism, in which they revive historic speeches and writings by influential Salvation Army leaders and present them in digital format through social media.

“We’re combing through that material to try to get a sense of, ‘What is the DNA of Salvationism?’” Bussey said. “Nothing

from page 1

gets us more forward-oriented than going back to our past.”

They also developed a series of short videos, including mini-biographies on Evangeline Booth and George Railton.

Through a partnership with the East’s trade department, they created a line of apparel and merchandise complete with nearly a dozen different Salvation Army bobbleheads—the basis for a series of 3D animated videos they are creating.

Though seemingly frivolous, Bussey said the bobbleheads are intended to be a means of evangelism.

“I know it sounds ridiculous, but imagine the heroes that kids look up to,” Bussey said. “As opposed to Phineas and Ferb, why not aspire to be like Joe the Turk or Evangeline Booth?”

What began strictly as a service to the Eastern Territory soon became internationally accessible once they realized social

media’s capacity of connectivity.

“There are so many territories around the world that don’t have the finances to develop the resources that we can,” Sharon Bussey said. “To just do it for the Eastern Territory seemed a little selfish. Anyone with wi-fi has access to these resources.”

They are also translating much of their content into other languages—including Spanish, Swedish and Greek—with hopes of expanding the gospel to unreached areas.

“If a person gets saved and becomes a Salvationist [in New York], you helped shaped that value system,” Steven Bussey said. “Then, they’ll go back to the Middle East or a place where the gospel is closed, and spread the gospel and that culture of Salvationism to places we never even imagined.”

—­Jared McKiernan

Fraternity helps Army n Pi Kappa Alpha hosts in annual food drive.

The Salvation Army of Omaha, Neb., partnered with the University of Nebraska (UNO) Greek students to raise awareness for homelessness. Members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity slept outdoors for a week in cardboard boxes at the Crossroads Mall parking lot as part of their 10th annual “Just Can It” food drive that benefits The Salvation Army.

The collection of monetary and food items were donated to the Army’s food pantries, which help provide several feeding programs for local families and children. Over the past 10 years, the fraternity has collected almost 100,000 items of food for The Salvation Army’s two food pantries.

SEQUESTER

Photo courtesy FOX4 News

from page 1

the sequester. Housing, child care and substance abuse figure to be the most heavily impacted programs.

“We’re going to have to close beds; I don’t know at which facility,” McWhorter said.

“We’re funded facility-by-facility. It might be one bed in one facility and 30 in another.”

Child care programs will either be fully funded or entirely unfunded, depending on whether the Army is issued a funding “slot,” according to McWhorter.

“There are a limited number of slots, so if we lose ours, there’s no way of getting it back,” McWhorter said.

Substance abuse programs not including Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC)––which generate the entirety of their funds without government assistance––expect to lose over $337,000.

Disaster relief is susceptible to narrowed funding, but since Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief funds are not assessed in advance, there is no way to project the blow that victims of floods, fires and earthquakes could sustain. The territory will also lose support for its veteran aid

“I know Congress has to cut the budget. I just wish they wouldn’t do it on the backs of the poor.”

—MAJOR SHERRY McWHORTER

programs, according to McWhorter.

Due to the staggered timeline of expiring federal contracts including pass-through dollars to states and municipalities, McWhorter said the sequester’s effects will gradually surface. Programs like Silvercrest, which provides independent living facilities for self-sufficient seniors, may particularly feel the sting of the cuts, granted its heavy reliance on federal contracts.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) covers up to 75 percent of the operational costs for Silvercrest through its Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, according to Susan Lawrence, executive director of Silvercrest Management for the Western Territory. HUD has devised a plan to decrease its year-round support to an average of eight-and-a-half months of funding. The actual amount will vary

depending on each contract’s expiration date, according to HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary Marie Head. All contracts will be funded through the end of the 2013 calendar year, but support for many contracts expiring beyond December is uncertain.

“The residents themselves won’t be at jeopardy,” Lawrence said. “As far as the cuts to the operational costs, we don’t know what those cuts are going to look like or what that’s going to mean.”

Despite warnings from HUD, Lawrence is optimistic that HUD will reallocate funds so Silvercrest management won’t have to internally.

“The last thing HUD wants to do is impact Section 8 contracts,” Lawrence said.

“They know that could have dire effects on the affordable housing industry.”

The World

Doing the Most Good

The U.K. encourages: ‘Cut It Out’ n A Salvation Army anti-trafficking group campaigns against newspapers that run trafficking information.

The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom recently launched “Cut it Out!,” continuing its campaign to raise awareness of human trafficking.

With a goal to put an end to sexual services ads in newspapers, the Army focused its efforts on fighting big newspaper business by generating publicity.

In conjunction with International Women’s Day March 8, the Army urged its members to scour their newspapers looking for sexual services ads. If found, they were to cut the ad(s) out and send them to the editor along with a letter explaining their reasons for wanting these advertisements removed, reminding them of potential

criminal liability in publishing materials that support or promote offenses associated with trafficking, exploitation or proceeds of crime. By doing this, they deprived the editors of making claims they were unaware of such ads.

The campaign also targeted pop-up advertising on websites.

“On the day that people across the world celebrate the rights and achievements of women, it is vital that we remember that there are women everywhere—possibly only a few doors away—who are being forced against their will to work in the sex trade,” said Major Anne Read, anti-trafficking response coordinator for The Salvation Army. “At The Salvation Army, we encounter the devastation to innocent people’s lives through sexual trafficking on a daily basis. We have been heartened by people’s

response so far to the ‘Cut it Out’ campaign and would encourage everyone who can to join us in combating this crime against humanity.”

The desired campaign outcomes of ‘Cut it Out’ are: 1. Raise awareness of the global issue of human trafficking, 2. See the advertising of sexual services in magazines and newspapers made illegal across the U.K., 3. See an end to pop-up advertising of sexual services/pornography online, 4. Create an ongoing positive impact in communities throughout the U.K. due to the formation of ACT groups and new members of Start Freedom (both Stop the Traffik initiatives).

HODDERS

from page 1

The General chats with a group of young people at the Seoul Broadview Children’s Home.

Photo courtesy of International Headquarters

The General visits the Korea Territory n General Bond leads commissioning meetings and addresses many groups in Korea.

General Linda Bond shared The Salvation Army’s International Vision—One Army, One Message, One Mission—with Salvationists and others during her visit to the Korea Territory. She also visited social service centers, encouraging staff members and residents.

Bond led the Territorial Silver Star Fellowship Meeting and Luncheon at the Officer Training College before conducting the Commissioning, Ordination and Appointments meeting of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session of cadets.

At the invitation of Senior Pastor Lee, Young-hoon, of the Yoido Full Gospel Church (the world’s largest church), the General preached “Send the Fire” to a congregation of 20,000 people.

The church gave The Salvation Army a donation of $10,000.

Bond also led a United Divisional Rally at the Yung Deung Po Corps. At a welcome reception, hosted by the Territorial Corps Sergeants-Major Fellowship, she received approximately $26,000 for ministry in a non self-supporting territory.

Korean youth gathered at the Territorial Youth Vision Rally, along with 57 overseas delegates from the Australia Eastern; Japan; Singapore,

Malaysia and Myanmar; The Philippines; Papua New Guinea; and Indonesia territories, from Taiwan Region and from Mongolia and the Kingdom of Cambodia, for a total of 1,300 delegates.

The General opened the youth rally, leading the Spiritual Meeting and Welcome Festival, where she spoke about the Lord’s vision for young people.

At a later meeting, Bond shared the International Vision Plan’s 12 Mission Priorities, followed by a two-hour question and answer session with the young people. Reminding them that they were the next Army as well as the present, she encouraged them to dedicate their talents and lives for the Army with one mission and one message.

Chief of the Staff Commissioner André Cox presides over the installation of Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder as Kenya West territorial leaders.

Photo Courtesy of International Headquarters

Chief reminded the 400 officers present that good leadership requires commitment to one’s calling, purity of heart and worthiness in the Church and community.

In the afternoon, the international leaders joined hundreds of Salvationists to officially open Shikulu Outpost. After dedicating the building, the Chief of the Staff congratulated members of the outpost and the community for diligently working to build the hall.

On Sunday, the installation of the Hodders took place in Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega. Having previously served in Kenya, it was like a homecoming for them.

“It is with joy and confidence that I commend to you your new territorial leaders. I call upon all Salvationists to receive your new leaders with Christian love and joyful expectation.

Please support them in prayer and in dedicated service,” André Cox said.

In his response, Kenneth Hodder said that he and his wife were humbled to be back in Kenya and serve as leaders in the territory. He told the congregation: “God will bless you more as you continue to work towards glorifying him...Our faith in God should not be swayed by earthly things and thoughts. Believe in Jesus Christ who answers all who call on his name.”

The Hodders are USA Western Territory officers serving overseas.

Thanks to the generosity of Woolworths Australia’s Fresh Food People and its customers, The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory received a donation of $1 million. The check came in support of the Army’s Disaster Relief Appeal for recent floods and bushfires, and helped provide immediate assistance.

Major Kevin Unicomb (front far right), Bundaberg corps officer; Major Glenn Whittaker (back second from left), Emergency Services coordinator, Central and North Queensland; and Major Heather Unicomb (on Whittaker’s left), Bundaberg corps officer, joined Salvation Army and Woolworths employees to accept the check.

Photo courtesy of Australia Eastern Territory

April 5, 2013 New Frontier

5

Elsewhere in the world

U.K.—The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd. (SATCoL) partnered with Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealerships to encourage increased clothes donations to the thrift stores.

Customers, staff and passersby can now donate unwanted clothing at their nearest Harley-Davidson dealership in one of SATCoL’s “re:fill” containers.

“We’re very excited to be working with The Salvation Army and encouraging our owners to give something back,” said Allan Brownridge, brand manager for parts accessories and general merchandise for HarleyDavidson UK. From SALVATIONIST CANADA—In Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, a crowd of about 50 people attended the grand opening of the Bedford MacDonald House, the only men’s shelter on the island.

The Army acquired the sevenbed shelter in 2012 when an Island businessman anonymously donated $200,000 to help repair it and cover five years of operational costs.

“Bedford MacDonald House represents a wonderful addition to our ministry,” Corps Officer Captain Jamie Locke said. “We are excited to offer this shelter and support to those in need in our community.”

From salvationist.ca NEW ZEALAND—Territorial Commander Commissioner Don Bell and Public Relations Director Shane Chisholm traveled to Auckland to thank Heinz Wattie’s for their longterm support.

Heinz Wattie’s, New Zealand’s leading food brand, partnered with The Salvation Army to sponsor the 19th annual “Wattie’s Cans Film Festival.” For the price of a can of food, a person received a free movie ticket. Heinz Wattie matched the number of cans donated; a total of 43,604 cans stocked the Army’s food bank shelves.

From WarCry TONGA—Vava’u is responding to its new Salvation Army church plant.

Known as the “Paradise of Tonga,” Vava’u is accustomed to tourists, but most residents were unfamiliar with The Salvation Army. Corps Officers Captains ‘Ofa and Sinoti Tomu found them eager to learn.

They started prayer meetings with four families, including eight youth.

The Magistrates Court referred four clients for counseling and training under the corps’ Alcohol and Drug Awareness Centre program. Land is available for the corps to farm to bring in income for future work on the island.

From WarCry MYANMAR— Yangon Girls Home recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. Territorial Commander Colonel Gillian Downer and regional leaders Majors Amaro and Susan Pereira attended the event, which began with balloons containing prayers and thanksgiving launched into the air.

Children from the girls’ and boys’ homes entertained guests that included past and present managers plus community members and former residents.

From WAR CRY

PAGE 6—NEW FRONTIER • APRIL 19, 2013

APRIL 19, 2013 • NEW FRONTIER—PAGE 7

“Life” brigade—In Glendale, Ariz., cadets

conducted community prayer walks, a homeless feeding ministry at the park, a children’s carnival, a youth scavenger hunt, and a gleaning from an executive advisory board meeting and retired officers dinner. They spent time with eight potential officership candidates, answering questions and offering encouragement.

“We [cadets] have discussed and debated the relevance of social services and the lack of a Christian influence in many Army social service programs,” Cadet Joshua Hamilton said. “But today, I was able to see the value of having pastors present in the social services lobby, talking and praying with people.”

“Devoted” brigade—In Watson-

Above: Cadet Francine Huck prays with a lady at Modesto Citadel’s daily Homeless Feeding program. Right: Cadet Sam Snyder giving “Goliath” devotional at the Santa Barbara Carnival

ville, Calif., cadets participated in feeding the homeless, an evangelistic campaign, Home League, united meeting and leading praise and worship in English and Spanish. Their faith was stretched when, after long, hard preparation for the “Superhero Day Camp,” the opening moments saw only four children…then nine...then 12...and by week’s end, a total of 50 contacts, with 10 children accepting Christ.

Cadet Susan Cassin describes a pivotal moment when the brigade conducted a nursing home meeting. “As we passed out socks to the residents, I came upon Marguerite sitting in her wheelchair,” she said. “As I got down to her level to talk to her, I don’t think I’ll ever forget the moment of pure joy in her eyes when I began to talk to her…

God reminded me in that moment that it is the people that matter. You can have all the programs in the world, but if you don’t care for people—if you don’t do it out of love— then it is worthless.”

“Awakeners” brigade—In Yuma,

Ariz., cadets served in corps programs, a block party, sock hop, Spanish Bible studies, soup kitchen and a mother/daughter tea.

Before the cadets departed for Yuma, they had received specific prayer requests for Yuma corps members. At week’s end, Cadet Regina Verdugo testified, “God showed himself faithful in answering prayer and allowed me to be a part of what he was doing in this family’s life. What a blessing!”

Cadets Todd Lovelady and Richard Wang teach Glendale, Ariz., children to say “Hallelujah” in Chinese.

Cadet Theresa Williams speaking with a corps member in Reno, Nev.

Cadet Helden Ainios listens at a Spanish Women’s Bible Study in Yuma, Ariz.

Above: Cadet Arwyn Rodriguera helps clean up at the Turlock Corps Community Center Homeless Feeding program. Right: Cadet Hye-Mi Lee sings “Amazing Grace” at a Modesto nursing home.

“Unified” brigade—In Boise and Caldwell,

Idaho, cadets visited veterans, dressed up in fashion runway attire for a women’s high tea, poured beverages at a mother/daughter tea for teen mothers from the Marian Pritchett School, barbequed for a carnival and made popcorn for family movie night.

Cadets discovered the influence of wearing a Salvation Army uniform. “We have been stopped several times this week by people who recognized the uniform,” Cadet Joe West said. “Most of them were givers.

All were very grateful.”

“Theosis” brigade—In Victor Valley, Calif,

cadets served and sang in English and Spanish, stacked wood with young people, gave a presentation at the Kiwanis Club, witnessed eight kids accept Christ at the Son-Seeker Saturday Event and two people accept Christ at a nursing home meeting.

While feeding the homeless, the cadets met Jerry, who had been on the streets for years and wanted to be back in a home. A cadet invited him to the adult Bible study, and Jerry showed up. When asked how he came to be there, Jerry said, “I was invited.”

“Sometimes that’s all that has to be done,” Cadet Katie Breazeale said. “We have to just ask. Because of one cadet’s bravery, Jerry was found and brought into the corps where he was accepted, given a hot meal and a chance to hear the Word of God.”

“Jars of Clay” brigade—In Reno and Carson

City, Nev., cadets’ ministry included making sandwiches for the breadline, hearing the testimonies of adult rehabilitation program graduates, bowling with the youth fellowship, mixing “marriage ingredients” at the women’s fellowship “Bridal Shower,” visiting the police department with the Day Camp kids, and seeing nine children accept Jesus.

Reflecting on a nursing home visit, Cadet Daisy Gaytan said, “It wasn’t the gifts that we brought that made a difference; it was the presence of someone who cares. Their faces lit up when they saw our faces, when we drew closer, when we gently touched their hands, when we said ‘hello.’ It was a beautiful reminder that the ministry of presence is important. It’s not who we are, but the love of God that shines through us and his rays of love that touch those around us.”

Cadet Spring Campaigns

ball with youth, picked up kids for the after-school program and assisted them with their studies.

The cadets reexamined their thoughts about homelessness after interacting with men at the William Booth Center. “The homeless population is so often looked at with disgust or loathing, but I don’t think they planned on their lives being this way,” said Cadet Brenda Morthland. “I became convicted of not loving all of God’s people. These are the people that Jesus would be hanging out with, walking with, talking with and healing. These are ‘the least of these’ that Jesus refers to. These are the people that we are called to love.”

“iServe” brigade—In Portland,

2013

BY KEILAH TOY, MAJOR • PHOTOS COURTESY CFOT AT CRESTMONT

t

he Western Territory’s 120 cadets, as part of their field training at the College for Officer Training at Crestmont, gained program experience and sharpened ministry skills at 40 corps and units April 1-8. They led and preached in 18 worship services, conducted corps programs, taught Bible studies, and participated in children’s ministries, community outreach, service projects and nursing homes.

Most importantly, the cadets shared the transforming love of Jesus. Here are a few of their stories.

Watch the 2013 Spring Campaign Rewind at youtu.be/xu9q6hUiwH8.

“ILKOP (Seven)” brigade—In Modesto,

Calif., cadets observed the Modesto Advisory Board in action, serving as security for the transitional shelter program by manning the metal detector, breathalyzer, and contraband search, then switched roles to serve a hot meal along with the Word of God to the clients.

Cadet Hye-Mi Lee, from Korea, shared her struggle with communicating in English. Tasked with leading the closing song, “Amazing Grace,” at a nursing home, she sang nervously, and then noticed an elderly woman next to her shedding tears. She learned that the woman had wanted to go to church but couldn’t, and was grateful for the worship time. Lee prayed for her in English, then Korean, and both women shed tears, realizing that the love of God transcends language barriers.

“Unity” brigade—In Oahu, Hawaii, cadets

ministered at different Army facilities: preparing Camp Homelani for summer by cleaning out the cabins and tarps, “talking story” with the Revolution Hawaii team, leading and preaching at the ARC chapel, serving at adult day care and the Kroc Center preschool, and conducting a worship service on the beach.

At the Kauluwela Corps’ Upper Room service, Brigade Sergeant Cadet Troy Cook watched a man approach many people wanting to talk. He didn’t connect with anyone and appeared mentally disabled.

Later, Cook approached the man, and discovered he had a speech impediment and just wanted to share his story. After prison, he had entered the ARC, where a tutor taught him to read the Bible, which he carried everywhere. “God used The Salvation Army to help this man learn how to read,” Cook said. “The only book he wanted to read was God’s Word.”

“Heirs to the Throne” brigade—In Se-

attle, cadets served at the Seattle Temple Corps, Seattle White Center and the Federal Way Corps. They sang songs and played Bingo with seniors, talked to people in the food pantry line, played basketball and volley-

Ore., cadets danced with active seniors, led a cultural dinner, coordinated a youth carnival, gleaned from the wisdom of 600 years of combined retired officer service, and ministered to 13-18-year-olds at the JDH-Youth Correctional Facility.

Cadet Judah Young was apprehensive before giving his testimony at the correctional facility, worried that the residents wouldn’t relate to him. As he shared his story he felt God’s Spirit speaking through him. After the meeting, one young man, facing 18 years of prison time, sought him out. He wanted what Young had, and the cadet led him to make a decision to give his life to God. “This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life,” Young said, “and I am honored and humbled that God would choose to use me.”

“The Less Than” brigade—In

Santa Barbara, Calif., cadets led worship at an Alzheimer’s Care Home and chapel services at the Hospitality House, made vacation Bible school props, served soup and bread to those on the street, and held a day-long carnival for 100-plus visitors.

“While I was sitting with the after-school kids, a couple of them discovered that when they touched my hand a white imprint lasted for a few seconds. ...I informed them this was because I was dehydrated; I had not had enough water that day,” Cadet Rebecca Lewis said. “Before I knew it one boy, Christian, had brought me a cup of ice cold water.

Sometimes I hear of or even see a need and do not respond to it. This 7-year-old heard about something lacking in my life that day and provided it, blessing me with the best cup of water I had all week.

It reminded me that the simplest act—no matter how simple—can make a difference.”

“Last” brigade—In Denver, cadets ministered

at 18 corps and facilities, and led four worship services in the Metro Denver area. They handed out sandwiches and visited with homeless people, led vacation Bible school outreach at the Denver Red Shield, and participated in youth and ARC programs.

One assignment found the cadets at a shopping mall with $5, tasked with engaging someone in conversation and inviting him or her to have coffee or a drink. Cadet Caleb Montes stopped at a sunglasses booth and initiated a conversation with the salesman, Jeremy, who began to open up about his life. He had quit his previous job and sold everything to move to the mountains of Colorado, seeking purpose. They continued to talk for an hour and the cadet shared God’s hope, love, purpose and salvation. Montes bought Jeremy a cup of coffee and Jeremy accepted the cadet’s offer to pray for him.

“Protectors” home brigade—In Southern

California, cadets had a diverse schedule, traveling to a different corps or unit every day. They visited Seal Beach’s Leisure World senior community, served lunch to Bell Shelter residents, prepared sandwiches for distribution at Los Angeles’ skid row, visited families at Alegria, evangelized at a college campus, and helped at the Compton Corps Community Basketball Tournament.

“I have to admit some pride in being a part of an organization that reaches out without care of who you used to be and helping you help yourself to a better life,” said Cadet Edith Dye-Mabie. “What a testimony to God’s amazing power that his presence alone overcomes the boundaries of what is allowed because of government regulation and shines through those who have found hope with help!”

8

Doing the Most Good

April 5, 2013

Losing BIG in Alaska n Members of Petersburg Women’s Ministries fitness group selected for city challenge.

pion, chosen by popular vote. She lost 12 pounds during the competition adding to another 20 pounds lost previously in Fit Club. Her grand total weight loss was 32 pounds.

“We learned a lot about overall health and wellness, including things that you know but don’t always keep in mind like stress relief, target heart

The Salvation Army Petersburg Fit Club started with the mission: to take care of the temple—the human body the seat of the soul. Founded by the Petersburg Alaska Women’s Ministries in 2012, members of the club meet three to four times weekly for an hour of aerobic exercise. Each session includes a devotional, time for prayer and encouragement.

In January, the club saw increased incentive to join when the Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department accepted applications for a six-week health and fitness program called “Losing Big Petersburg,” inspired by the reality TV show “Biggest Loser.” During the program, which began Feb. 6, participants followed 12 rules including meal planning, exercising, journaling, drinking three liters of water per day Christin Fankhauser and maintaining honesty with L-r: Christy Ware, Veronica Maldonado, Lt.Photos

by Veronica Maldonado and Christy Ware teammates and staff.

Corps Officer Lt. Christin Fankhauser and club rate, and taking good care of your feet,” Fankhauser member Veronica Maldonado applied and ensaid. “We made some new friends through the procouraged the other women to do so. Limited to cess, and people in the community were genuinely 10 participants, Losing Big Petersburg randomly interested and supportive of the program.” selected Fankhauser, Maldonado and Christy Ware The grand prize included a one-year gym memas contestants for the city challenge. bership, a $300 fitness equipment package, an iPad, a Ware quoted 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and said, “I sport fishing trip for two, a jacket and a new pair of want to treat my body as Christ’s temple and to show shoes. Although the competition is over, Fankhauser my children that you can be healthy and an athlete and several of her team members are training for a even when you’re as ‘old’ as mom.”

May 4 triathlon.

Losing Big Petersburg split the 10-person group “The competition is over, but our desire for into two teams of five. All three women were on the achieving our health and fitness goals is still there,” same team. In the end, Fankhauser was the chamshe said.

City of Inglewood (Calif.) Police Chief Mark Fronterotta visits children at Inglewood Citadel Corps’ Spring Break Day Camp—Cool Adventures. A supporter and friend of The Salvation Army, the newly-appointed chief worked with the corps on major projects including the Miracle on Manchester and Operation Christmas Toy and Joy Center. Lt. Chris Golden is pictured far right.

Photo by Joanne Golden

VENTURA

from page 1

assassin Art Blajos gave his testimony, drawing out those surrounding gang members onto their porches to listen.

They would not come to the park since it’s a popular battleground.

The men of Casa de Vida continually walked around, evangelizing and praying.

Thirty neighborhood children received new bicycles. Volunteers passed out Bibles and church flyers, while many prayers were lifted up in the prayer tent.

Jensen had heard that many churches used to go into this area, but stopped in recent years as the violence increased. After seeing the potential during the outreach event, he said it is a new location on the corps’ ministry list.

“As violence increases, and as the tensions between warring gangs and families rise, the church should feel the call to go in all the more,” Jensen said. “Apathy is not an option.”

HAWAII

from page 1

team pump-up and blessing followed by entertainment in the courtyard, featuring Hawaii’s own Kapena, a Tahitian dance team.

In the Worship and Performing Arts Center, local illusionist Mr. O performed.

The center’s first year had challenges, starting with a leak under the Adventure Cove swimming pool, which includes the water slides and interactive water features. The pool and slides were shut down for repair for several months, reopening March 1.

“This first year has been quite an adventure,” said Corps Officer Major Phil Lum, Kroc Center administrator. “As the Hawaii Kroc Center presses forward into the second year—with the mission of The Salvation Army in the forefront of all that we do—we anticipate more growth and assimilation into the community.”

New Frontier • April 17, 2013—PAGE 9

10

Doing the Most Good

April 19, 2013 New Frontier

Summertime a view from the Board Side

“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.”

So went the lyrics of that Nat King Cole song popular many years ago.

Dick Many of our advisory organizaHagerty tions view summer as just that— lazy and hazy—and suspend Advisory board meetings and operations for the member summer months. That is a trap we need to avoid. In fact, summer can be our most productive time of year when we put our minds to making it so.

The tradition likely started because of vacations, on the part of board and council members, and also the weeks that officers are away on annual leave. But, our community needs never take a vacation, and the reality of meeting those needs knows no season.

In some cases, boards will suspend meetings for July and August. I do not recommend this practice, but if that is the case it is doubly important that you have a well-organized and functioning executive committee to pick up the slack, to meet regularly and to take care of any business that may occur.

Summer presents its own special community service needs. Many of our Western Territory locations experience hot summertime conditions.

Several years ago the heat wave was especially fierce here in California’s Central Valley, and local governments asked any and all charitable organizations with proper facilities to open as “cooling centers.” These are much like the “warming centers” that we often operate in below freezing conditions in winter.

Our local Army unit did just that, but it took some quick reaction time on the part of the board as the officers were away on vacation. Staffing, proper facilities, cooling capacity—all had to be quickly evaluated and put into operation. During that particular heat wave more than a dozen people died in our surrounding area, and our cooling center was well used each and every day until the heat abated.

Summer is when the children are out of school and most need access to any recreational and safe facilities we may have available. Again, this takes planning, budgeting and the ability to fit these special needs into our already overstressed programs. Kids who would normally receive their only nutritious meals at school must be considered as we plan feeding programs for street people and homeless individuals.

Summer is also camping season for The Salvation Army. Find out when your young people are attending camp, take a day off and drive to your divisional camp and experience what they are enjoying in this great annual outing. Camp leaders are thrilled to know that advisory board members care enough to drop by and observe these important activities.

Summer is the best, in fact, the only time to begin planning for Christmas. Our Christmas committee starts planning six months out. Wait until September and you will never catch up with the planning process.

Donations and contributions typically drop off in summertime. This puts a greater load on balancing budgets. Creative ways to generate summer income should be aggressively explored. We try to find special fundraising events for the summer doldrums, such as golf tournaments, gourmet dinners, and so on.

And, of course, in great Army tradition, officer moves normally occur in the summer. So every few years your board must gear up for the special needs attendant to the arrival of the new officers.

Perhaps this is a good moment to remind our readers of the document “The First 30 Days,” discussed and presented in this column last year.

If you are getting new officers, email me for a copy that will guide this transition.

So, enjoy the slower pace of the coming summer months, but remember that the calendar gives no breaks for those whom we serve.

Contact Dick at rghagerty@aol.com.

Poles in the road You can tell when it’s election time in the Philippines. That’s when the signs come out and the roads get fixed. Manila is only about 36 miles from the training college. A trip that should take about 45 minutes takes between two to three hours.

This is because of the traffic and road conditions.

Linda Recently, in some sections, the narrow two-lane road has been widened and Manhardt another lane added. However, it does Major little good to ease the congestion. Why? Because when the new lanes were added, instead of relocating the telephone poles, they simply paved around them. Consequently, there are now poles in the middle of the road all the way to Manila.

These poles slow traffic down as people try to move back into the only free lane. The effort and expense of widening the road is wasted, because the poles defeat the purpose. In addition, they cause irritation because of the drivers suddenly cutting into the moving lane as the poles interrupt the flow of traffic. They are also extremely hazardous. Can you imagine what would take place if you’re moving along and not paying attention and a pole suddenly appears in the lane? Disaster!

I understand why the poles were not moved. There are literally hundreds of wires extending in different directions on each pole. The complexity of trying to sort out all the wires would cause all sorts of cuts in different types of service.

Life is sometimes like that. On the road of our Christian journey, there may have been complicated mistakes that may seem better left untouched. Perhaps it seems better just to skirt around them and move on toward the goal. But the poles (mistakes) don’t just go away. Unless you deal with the issues, and reconcile the complicated “mess,” it is still like a pole in the road, waiting to slow you down or stop you short.

These unforgiven or unreconciled issues are a danger to the spiritual life of a growing Christian. The Holy Spirit will not dwell where sin remains in the heart of a believer. If you have been seeking sanctification (or the holiness experience), and it somehow eludes you, perhaps it is because of some undealt sin in your life or some issue, attitude, or habit that you have not placed on the altar. You feel defeated as a Christian and perhaps you don’t realize why.

Deal with the poles that block you on your spiritual journey. Don’t skirt around them and leave them untouched.

If you do, they will continue to pop up in the form of guilt, self-doubt, fear and a negative self-image. Remove them completely. Surrender them to the One who can forgive, remove and cleanse.

As you seek and surrender, he can remove your sins completely and make your way clear to an intimate relationship with himself. This is the beginning of the journey to a victorious Christian life.

The fellowship of believers Having just recalled and celebrated the Easter season, I am reminded of the Scripture in Acts 2:42, which is the definition of the early Christian church: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. This verse of Scripture occurs just after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and Carolyn they were set on a path to win the world Knaggs for Jesus.

Commissioner These individuals who walked with Jesus during his ministry had now experienced the truth that Jesus was alive.

They knew without a doubt that God had fulfilled his promise of a Messiah who would redeem the world—and them.

One of the phrases in the New International Version of this account of Pentecost is that the disciples were all together in one place. While this implies that they were in the same room, I think about us as his disciples, hoping that the “one place” we are together is in asking for the Spirit to guide, teach, and encourage us in our faith.

In recent days, we had the opportunity to visit the corps in Bishop, Calif. This is a relatively new corps, deep into the canyons of the beautiful state where we live. In a storefront building, this Sunday about 60 people gathered to worship and to share in breakfast together. Actually, the day began with coffee brewing and the smell of bacon filling the few rooms called a corps. We noticed that a few families began to arrive and many single individuals, who we soon learned were members of the homeless population in that small town of 4,000.

Someone once told me that the only difference with homeless

people and the rest of us is that they do not have an address and we do.

As breakfast was being prepared, Sunday school classes began with studies that would encourage our faith and understanding of God’s love for us. Soon there was a lively discussion of God’s provision and evidence that those in the room were hoping that these truths would pertain to them.

We then began to break bread (in reality) together. Plates were piled high with eggs, bacon, French toast and pastries.

Men, women, and children had enough to eat with food enough for “take-out” when the service was over.

We began to sing and praise, and listen to the Word of God. The atmosphere in the room was one of reverence even though the occasional sip of the coffee cup could be heard. As the message was being preached, I noticed a young woman weeping at the table where her empty plate sat. A soldier of the congregation slipped next to her and simply held her hand. It was a sign of beautiful fellowship.

When the invitation was given to pray at the mercy seat, without hesitation, people went to seek the Lord. As I prayed with a young woman, her prayer was simple: she said she had been pushing the Lord away from her and just didn’t want to do that anymore. She asked Jesus to come into her life and her tears were for remorse and release.

We were all together in one place. God was present and moved in the hearts of all of us. We found ourselves living the Scripture in Acts 2:42: we were devoting ourselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Reflections on ‘Serve a suffering humanity’

BY DANA LIBBY, CAPTAIN I am grateful for all that The Salvation Army is and the good that we have been able to extend for the well-being of the spiritual and physical lives of our neighbors.

Conversely, I am grieved by the missed opportunities and willingness to settle for what looks good on the surface, but lacks substance and life-changing capacity.

In my brief 10 years as a soldier and officer in the Army, I have struggled with the inner-focused perspectives and entitlement attitudes that are encountered at too great a frequency in corps and among officers. There are many shining stars that the Founder would say of their work: “That and better will do!”—our

comrades who understand the importance of a truly holistic engagement with the body, mind and spirit of those we are called to serve.

We have too many corps and officers that are not comfortable with “those people,” who have forgotten (or never knew?) that “those people” are indeed God’s people.

Several months ago, I had two newly created positions at Seattle Social Services with the primary responsibility of community outreach through the food bank, on the streets and in the tent cities. I made area corps officers aware of the openings. I made the divisional youth secretary aware of the openings. Not a single Salvationist applied. Eventually we filled the position

with two local community members who are doing a fine job—but they are not (yet) Salvationists.

When we arrived in Seattle Social Services, God was not welcome in a number of the programs that had been relinquished to our highly educated social services professionals. I spoke in Occidental Park last summer, at an open-air event to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the first Holiness Meeting in Pioneer Square. The prepared remarks provided by our development department carefully left out any reference to our spiritual calling, to avoid giving any offense to the government officials present—an “error” that I corrected with a clear proclamation of the gospel and a HUMANITY, page 11

Doing the Most Good

April 19, 2013 New Frontier

On seeing the trees While sometimes we may have difficulty seeing the forest because the trees get in the way (i.e. getting so caught up in the details that we fail to see the larger picture), we are faced with equally troublesome isSharon sues when the converse is Robertson true: those times we get so Lt. Colonel focused on the forest that we miss the trees altogether!

In other words, we look with consternation on the immensity of our mission (i.e., winning the world for Christ and meeting human need in his name), and are overwhelmed and immobilized by the apparent impossibility of achieving our objectives. We stare in wide-eyed, petrifying panic at a sinful, self-destructing world, and are convinced in our innermost being that we are fighting a losing battle.

Satan appears to be winning on every side, and we cry out for reinforcements that we don’t really expect to show up. We dream of a world at peace, and wake up daily to a nightmare brought home to us in living color by the relentless and depressing reports of the news media. We want to retreat into a protective cocoon of home and family, to leave the ills of the world to be solved by someone better prepared to deal with them, but no one is stepping up to take up the fight. We want to cry out with Elijah, “I have worked very hard for the Lord God of the heavens; but the people … have broken their covenant with you … and only I am left” (1 Kings 19:10 TLB).

I wonder sometimes if we think we would be happier to be David, playing his harp and singing the Lord’s song as he cared for the flock in his care, rather than to be like the David who took only his sling and a few stones to face the fearsome Goliath, representative of the might of the Philistine military, because he was convinced that his God was ready and able to overcome the enemy. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands (1 Sam 17:47 AMP).

Sometimes we forget that young David

HUMANITY

Transformation

challenged not only the mighty Goliath, but the might of the entire military force of the Philistines. He was so certain that the outcome of the battle was entirely in the hands of Jehovah God that he refused the protective armor King Saul tried to force on him and actually ran toward the battle line to confront Goliath! David knew without doubt that God was able to use him, an adolescent untrained in the art of war, to do the impossible! Goliath was brought down by a single stone, slain with his own sword, his army was fleeing in panic—all because a boy trusted God to defeat an apparently invincible army.

David understood clearly the situation. It was unreasonable to believe that a boy could defeat a mighty army—but God is not limited by the perceived “reasonableness” of any situation. He was—and is—capable of bringing glorious victory over a seemingly insuperable foe.

In those moments when we gaze upon a lost world and sigh at the enormity of the task, when we weep helpless tears and fear that the devil is gaining the upper hand—when we throw up our hands, and say,“Lord, I just can’t!”—that’s when the Lord reminds us: The battle is the Lord’s!

So, we assess, we analyze, we plan, engaging God in every detail. We recognize the enormity of the challenge, and strategize to break down the immense task into doable steps. And then, armed with the grace of God and the power of his Word, filled with renewed vision, we march out to confront the enemy and reach the lost with his message of love. We cannot, in good conscience before the Lord, do otherwise.

Edward Everett Hale, a 19th century clergyman, expressed the situation clearly: I am only one, but I am one.

I can’t do everything, but I can do something.

And that I can do, I ought to do.

And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do.

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reminder that we were called by God to our mission.

Bob Docter, in his New Frontier “On the Corner” column entitled “Serve a suffering humanity” (vol. 31, no. 5), wrote: “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.”

If the Army moves ahead with such an newfrontierpublications.com

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,

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endeavor, it must not be simply a sterile analysis of statistical information. Like Darkest England, such a modern-day effort must cloak those cold numbers in the rags and tears of poverty, in the pain of untreated PTSD and TBI, in the anguish of a family watching a child whither away from addiction. It needs to be an impolite, politically incorrect advocacy arm that can unflinchingly hold a mirror up to society and help us understand painful truth—and the reason for hope.

Until we as individuals and we as an Army consistently live and breathe our mission, our message will remain unheard.

Thanks, Bob, for continuing to shout from the corner!

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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11

Two articles in the current edition of The Officer magazine emphasize the Army’s commitment to the process of human transformation—a changing of one’s belief system and lifestyle. One, by General Linda Bond, titled “I Believe in Transformation,” focuses on her hopes for the international Army’s accomplishment of one of her 12 goals: “We will reaffirm our belief in transformation.”

In her article, she speaks poignantly of her great friend, General John Gowans, recently promoted to Glory: “He experienced the ultimate transformation, that dramatic change, ‘...the perishable clothed with the imperishable, the mortal with immortality...death swallowed up in victory’” (1 Cor: 15:53, 54).

Bond considers a number of dramatic accounts of different individuals who, themselves, were transformed. “Let’s never shy away from our belief in transformation,” she writes.

“What God has done, he still can do; his power can fashion lives anew” (Salvation Army Song Book, no. 335).

The second article, by Lt. Colonel Laurie Robertson, questions the reader: “Are people being transformed by God?” “The Salvation Army exists because God still wants to use it to transform people— which means getting people saved and living holy lives,” Robertson writes. “It involves a complete change.”

Both Bond and Robertson refer to John Gowans’ song in our Song Book (no. 324): I believe in transformation, God can change the hearts of men, And refine the evil nature Till it glows with grace again.

Others may reject the weakling, I believe he can be strong, To the family of Jesus All God’s children may belong.

It’s evident here that the word “transformation” as used by these writers has spiritual intent, probably based on Romans 12:2, where Paul urges: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Anything that can change can also be transformed. Also, anything that can be transformed can also be converted. These are all synonyms. Webster’s Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language contains more than two pages of words beginning with the Latin prefix “trans.” The prefix itself has multiple meanings as does the word “transform.”

Paul’s phrase “the pattern of this world” indicates anxieties found in various religious circles concerning aspects of “worldliness.”

The Army perceives itself as “in” but not “of” the world. Thus, we circulate among sinners.

The concern here is negative incursion on

individuals by the common culture. The “new” becomes threatening and, therefore, often receives the label of “sin.” There has always been, and there is now, great tension between the enticements Robert of some facets of the common culture and the Docter belief systems of religious Editor-In-Chief groups. This fact has not changed since the beginning of time.

Paul, himself dealt with it in Galatians 1 as the Christian churches he had initiated in this region were confronted by Judaizers, Jewish Christians who believed that a number of ceremonial practices of the Old Testament were also required by the New Testament churches.

For instance, if a group holds values that demands strict separation from a society that embraces the values of the common culture, it would isolate itself and resist anything that facilitated information about or connection with others acting on those values. No telephones—wireless or wired. No television—cable, satellite or regular transmission.

No newspapers or magazines. (My grandfather, a retired Salvation Army lt. colonel, was shocked that my father allowed my brother and me to read the comics in the Sunday paper.)

The culture grows. Some call it progress.

Others call it sin. Each must test God to determine for himself or herself right action versus wrong action.

Let’s explore, now, factors of a spiritual nature related to Paul’s phrase “the renewing of your mind.”

The prefix “re” comes to English usage through the Latin and means “again” or “again and again.”

Paul writes that the means by which one is transformed comes with mind renewal. We must change the way we think. Thought triggers feeling, and feeling triggers behavior.

Referring to our first parents, he writes of the godlessness of mankind: Since (mankind) did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind to do what ought not to be done (Rom. 1:28).

We must, therefore, grow in knowledge of God and, thus, make our minds new.

From this, I presume that Paul saw the relationship between thought and behavior.

Belief is “mind” driven. We use our cognitive processes, our minds, both to maintain a strong belief system in a God we’ve never seen as well as to justify mind slippage as the culture presents us with a wide array of choices—some very good, and some very harmful. To achieve transformation, we must change the way we think as we seek to test and approve God’s will for us.

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