Our ministry as a Salvation Army officer, more than a profession, will be our passion.
newfrontierpublications.com
The Western Territory’s news source
~
—Lt. Joy Groenleer
for 31 years
June 16, 2013 Vol. 31, No. 10
General Bond retires n IHQ announces her retirement effective immediately.
Following a period of personal reflection and prayer, General Linda Bond decided to relinquish the Office of the General effective June 13. General Linda Bond (Ret.) Her decision to step down comes after 44 years of ministry. As is required by The Salvation Army’s constitution, contained in the Salvation Army Act 1980, the Chief of the Staff—Commissioner André Cox—will perform the functions of the General pending the election of a new international leader. Cox will soon call a High Council to elect the new General. “The USA Western Territory stands united in prayer for General Bond in her decision to retire early,” said Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs. “God has moved in powerful ways throughout the Army world during her tenure. With her, we trust God for her and the future of our movement as we all continue to seek to win the world for Jesus.”
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Inside: First appointments Find out where the lieutenants of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session will be deployed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7 Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 From the Board Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Life Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
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Cadet Joy Groenleer speaks for her session at the commencement service.
Photo by Tim Schaal
Proclaimers of the Resurrection receive degrees at Crestmont n Commencement opens Commissiong weekend festivities. BY ROBERT DOCTER The 58 members of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session of cadets marched through the Crestmont College for Officer Training (CFOT) Rose Garden on June 14, ready to end 20 months of education and training for Salvation Army officership, and begin a new career in service to God and humanity. Immediately, they launched into their session song, “Proclaimers of the Resurrection,” lyrics by Lt. Col. Diane O’Brien, music by Ralph Pearce. Major Brian Jones, CFOT director of curriculum, offered a blessing before Dr. Steven Gray, vice chair of the Crestmont Council,
offered words of greeting to guests and a challenge to the session. “The way we do battle is by doing good wherever and whenever we can,” Gray said. “And that is the profession, the life calling that you have responded to. As a result the more hate and senseless destruction you see on the news, the more you will need to love and care for those God has entrusted to you.” Major Cindy Foley led the congregation in a Fanny Crosby marching song: “We are marching on with shield and banner bright”; each verse ending: “And we’ll work till Jesus calls.” Chief Secretary Colonel Dave Hudson read John 14: 6-14, upon which Territorial President of Women’s Ministries COMMENCEMENT, page 3
View photos from Commissioning at pics.usawest.org.
Cadet Groenleer speaks for session n Excerpts from commencement address The Proclaimers of the Resurrection have been at this training college for 22 months and, as Lt. Joy Groenleer of today, a total of 667 days. We spent approximately 2,382 hours of class instruction time, and did approximately 1,429 hours of homework—some obviously more than others as reflected in our quarterly report cards. We completed at least 98 credit units as well as attended a variety of seminars and lectures to earn the Associate of Arts in Ministries Degree that we will receive today. Everything we studied here in the past 22 months was to equip us to take on the unique responsibilities of a Salvation Army officer. After all this training, the Proclaimers of the Resurrection are ready and eager to take on this profession! More than a profession, our ministry as a Salvation Army officer will be our
GROENLEER, page 10
Freeman honored for New leadership for Staff Songsters musical leadership n Bandmaster reaches 40 years of service. BY KEVIN WHITE Bandmaster Edward Freeman was recognized at this year’s CommissionEdward Freeman ing for his 40 years of leadership of the Santa Ana/Tustin Ranch (Calif.) Band. Commissioner James Knaggs presented him with a commemorative conductor’s baton. Freeman was honored earlier at a Musician’s Luncheon at the Tustin Ranch Corps, a FREEMAN, page 9
Commissioner James Knaggs appointed Songster Barbara Allen to lead the Western Territory Staff Songsters. Allen, a founding member of the Staff Songsters, Barbara Allen brings dynamic and creative leadership to the group as a fifth generation Salvationist. She moved to the U.S. from England in 1995 with her husband, Steve, and two sons, James and Jordan. Singing from an early age, Allen spent much of her youth performing in musical theater. She went on to graduate from Lancaster University with a bachelor’s
degree in music and the Guildhall School of Music, London, where she studied voice performance. Allen has recorded three solo albums and has sung across Europe, Canada, South America and Australia. She is an active member of the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps where she directs the 100-voice Tabernacle Children’s Chorus and the Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus. She works as a professional choral director, voice coach and freelance performing arts consultant including work in the television and entertainment industry. Allen succeeds Territorial Music Secretary Neil Smith, who over the past several years formed and developed the four territorial music groups and the Creative Arts SONGSTERS, page 9
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Doing the Most Good
June 16, 2013 New Frontier
NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And he has become my salvation” (Isa. 12:2 NAS).
Karen Gleason
LAKE HAVASU, ARIZ.—Major Editor Larry Feist is race track chaplain at Havasu 95 Speedway where he has formed strong relationships. Recently he prayed for Street Stick Driver Dave who has lung cancer, although he never smoked. The last PET scan astounded doctors; it showed fewer lesions with several shrinking significantly. Soon after, Dave won the track championship for his class. He lost all his hair, but gained faith! Major Larry and Captain Julie Feist are the corps officers. SEATTLE TEMPLE, WASH.—The Catherine Booth House for domestic violence victims wanted to send kids from the shelter to camp this summer, but had no camping items. The Seattle Temple Home League provided nine new sleeping bags, 12 hygiene kits and several handmade fleece blankets to the shelter so the kids could attend. Major Ron and Ronalee Fenrich are the corps officers. PORTLAND TABERNACLE, ORE.— The corps hosted a Rose Center block party to reacquaint seniors with their services. The senior line dancing group performed, as well as a believeable Elvis impersonator. Approximately 300 people attended. Lt. Raymond and Major Nancy Dihle are the corps officers. ROSWELL, N.M.—The corps is holding its third season of Friday night open-air meetings on the Chaves County courthouse lawn, where recently 24 corps members served 100 people between 7-10 p.m. Several gave testimonies of deliverance from drugs. “I went to the enemy’s camp and took back what he stole from me,” said one individual. The group also prayed for a couple considering divorce. Captains Ramon and Amanda Perez are the corps officers. LANCASTER, CALIF.—During the Powerhouse wildfire on June 3, the corps delivered food and water to first responders and evacuees, and stocked the evacuation center with toiletry items. “Thankfully there has been no loss of life and all the other service organizations are really pulling together,” said Captain Carlos Souza, Lancaster corps officer. “We will be checking in with the first responders and the evacuation centers for as long as this fire burns and will respond to whatever need arises.” WESTERN TERRITORY—The New York Staff Band recently completed a tour of the West. Watch and listen to their concert at the Torrance (Calif.) Corps via onlinecorps.net; scroll down the home page to the “Specials” section. The Western Territory’s own Laura Fyn (Foley) is a band member, with her husband, Adam.
‘Stars’ of the West n The Western Territory recognizes soldiers at the Army of Stars banquet. The Salvation Army Western Territory recognized its “stars” during Commissioning 2013 with an Army of Stars banquet and awards show on June 15. The event honored one soldier from each division who has exemplified commitment, service and Salvationism to his/her corps and division. Alaska Division, Gateway Corps RICHARD ZELLMER has been a soldier for 10 years. He has a passion for people, especially youth, and encourages them in their spiritual walk. He is the thrift store manager but also gives his time to the corps as a Sunday school teacher and youth leader. He joins the Youth With A Mission team in Ketchikan to serve the kids in the village of Saxman. Cascade Division, Grants Pass Corps ROBIN BROKAW is the young people’s sergeant-major (YPSM), teaches corps cadets, serves as singing company and Bible Bowl leader and teaches guitar. A soldier for 35 years, she is a pillar of strength to the youth, teaching and mentoring, and is an inspiration to everyone for her devotion, unwavering faith, encouraging words and prayers. Del Oro Division, Concord Corps BANDMASTER JAMES BLACK is an example of servant leadership. His quiet, godly influence has touched countless lives in Scotland and in Oakland and Concord, Calif. In addition to music, he
contributes to the corps and community through his Bible-based knowledge and gift of wisdom. He offers encouragement to young leaders in living up to their God-given potential. Golden State Division, San Francisco All Nations Corps MRS. KEUM-YEON KIM—When Kim and her husband, Corps Sergeant-Major (CSM) Yun Kyu Kim (promoted to Glory in 2000), came to San Francisco from Korea in 1971, they had a vision for a Korean corps and started meetings in their home. Since the corps was established in 1988, Kim has supported every endeavor, serving as Home League secretary, CSM and youth leader for almost 25 years. Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, Kroc Corps Community Center STEVE LUKE is an example of a faithful soldier and volunteer at both the Leeward Corps and the Kroc Center. A soldier for 12 years, he serves as Sunday school teacher, usher/greeter and chief volunteer. Although he holds a full-time job, he helps at the corps wherever needed with a willing and generous spirit. Intermountain Division, Cheyenne (Wyo.) Corps CSM JIM WEBBER has been a soldier for 50 years and CSM for over 48 years. His dedicated service includes buying a bus at his own expense, picking up children and seniors and faithfully attending and supporting every corps activity. He is an example of Salvationism and a model of Christian faith. Northwest Division, Seattle Temple Corps YPSM CATHERINE DOOLEY has a
heart for mission—whether abroad or in her own neighborhood. A soldier for 33 years, she serves as a youth leader for several programs and gives ongoing support to corps events and fundraising. She is a loyal Salvationist, an engaged soldier, a disciplined financial supporter and possesses a true servant’s heart. Sierra del Mar Division, Riverside Corps PATTY FERGUSON has been a soldier for 44 years, serving as acting Home League secretary, junior soldier sergeant, Sunday school teacher, community care leader, Angel Tree coordinator, Sunbeam leader, cook, and transportation provider. She has a heart for ministry and spends the majority of her time volunteering for the Army. Southern California Division, Inglewood Citadel Corps DONNA MONTGOMERY is an exemplary soldier who participates in every program of the corps. She contacted businesses and schools to donate food for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the food pantry, coordinating the entire program and representing the Army in the community. Montgomery lives every day to serve God, her family and her corps. Southwest Division, Las Vegas Corps BANDMASTER PETE COOPER is the youth and senior bandmaster and leads brass instruction in the afterschool program. He gives tirelessly to these programs and also participates in the divisional music camp. He provides private lessons to young people and often recruits them to play with the Army in order to bring them to the Lord and the corps.
Army gets support from Angels n Salvation Army Night at Angel Stadium generates over $25,000. BY KEVIN WHITE During National Salvation Army Week in May, over 350 Salvationists, advisory board members, friends and volunteers attended the annual Salvation Army Night at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., enjoying an evening of baseball while raising funds for Salvation Army programs across the county. Through special ticket sales and support from the Orange County Advisory Board and the Angels, the effort raised over $25,000. The evening included a pre-game catered dinner at the stadium and a concert by the Tustin Ranch Band, followed by an on-field check presentation to Major Ian Robinson (Orange County coordinator) and Bruce Freeman (Orange County director of development). A post-game fireworks show completed the evening. The event reflected the strong relationship between the Army and the Angels, who provide vital warehouse space and resources each Christmas for the distribution of program items, as well hosting the annual baseball event.
Major Ian Robinson, on the jumbo screen, receives the check.
Robert Alvarado, current vice president of marketing and ticket sales for the Angels and chairman of the Orange County Advisory Board, said, “For many years now, the Angels have been privileged to part-
Photo by Kevin White
ner with the outstanding work that The Salvation Army is doing in Orange County. Army night at Angel Stadium was another example of a mutually beneficial relationship.”
Doing the Most Good
June 16, 2013 New Frontier
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New camp software designed to expand corps n Camps, campers and corps are more connected than ever. BY MILLIE BEARCHELL The Salvation Army Western Territory’s Information Technology (IT) department developed a new Camp Management software program that will be instituted in all 10 divisional camps in hopes of increasing the number of campers that attend corps once they arrive home. The software—accessible to all camp directors— permits easier, quicker registration of campers as well as more open flow of data and information between camps and corps. A database within the program stores information from each camper, including spiritual decisions, prayer requests, participation in camp activities, and disciplinary action taken by the staff. Corps officers, who typically visit campers soon after they arrive home from camp, can reference this information prior to visits. Ed Covert, camp director for Golden State Division’s Camp Redwood Glen in Scotts Valley, Calif., said the new software is a welcome upgrade from “needing two screens to register one child.” “IT created a terrific resource,” Covert said. “We’ve had a need for software that not only allows us to get kids easily registered but also tracks their
journey through our process. And it gives corps officers a lot of context when they go to visit with these kids.” IT began developing the software program after corps officers, divisional youth secretaries and camp leaders gathered for the February 2012 Camp Caucus to discuss ideas for following up with campers once they return home. The caucus was inspired, in part, by a phenomenon that followed the 2011 camp season at Redwood Glen. Twelve of the Redwood Glen campers attended Sunday school and church at the Los Banos outpost the day after they returned home. As a result of that camp experience, six parents are now senior soldiers and several children are studying to become junior soldiers. Camp also played a major role in the lives of 60 percent of present-day cadets in the territory, according to data collected by Candidates’ Secretaries Majors John and Pam Brackenbury. As each camp works to integrate the software, corps officers will be gradually equipped with this new toolset. “There has forever been an expectation for corps to follow up with campers,” Covert said, “and now there’s a more intentional plan in place, we’ll do everything we can to assist corps.”
CBRE’s ‘sweet’ program for shelter kids n Real estate giant provides birthday cakes for homeless children.
A child at the Zahn Memorial Center in Los Angeles enjoys a birthday celebration courtesy of CBRE. Photo by Kathy Lovin
BY KATHY LOVIN Real estate powerhouse CBRE has a sweet program—called Birthday Cakes and More for Homeless Children—as part of its corporate responsibility plan. Volunteers deliver birthday cakes to kids living in homeless shelters in cities across the U.S. where CBRE staff live and work. The program is already active in several cities, but recently CBRE launched it in Los Angeles at The Salvation Army’s Zahn Memorial Center, the only emergency family shelter in downtown. “Most of these children have been homeless since infancy, and birthdays just came and
went,” said Zahn Emergency Shelter program director Ana Aguirre. “Many of these children have never had a birthday cake before.” CBRE is serious about the program. Every cake is decorated with the child’s name on it, and arrives on the day of their birthday. According to Aguirre, CBRE also makes sure that the cakes do not contain ingredients that the children are allergic to. They even call before delivering the cake to make sure the cake is the child’s favorite flavor. If more than one child have the same birthday at the shelter, then each will get their own cake. “[The children] are very happy and surprised when they get their cake,” said Aguirre. “They feel like people actually care for them.”
S.T.E.P.S. members turn tables to say ‘thank you’ n Residents of a Sierra del Mar men’s program honor a couple who has served them for 12 years. BY RACHAEL HOWARD Volunteers Chuck and Eva Noble received Sierra del Mar’s Doing the Most Good Award at the Centre City (Calif.) Corps during National Salvation Army Week in May. The honor came for preparing and serving the annual Alumni Celebration Dinner to graduates of the men’s program, S.T.E.P.S., for the past 12 years. Program residents “turned the tables” on the Nobles by preparing and serving dinner to them. The Nobles, their children, grandchildren and friends have made a traditional holiday dinner for the S.T.E.P.S. Alumni Dinner, held every year before Christmas. S.T.E.P.S.—Shelter Transition Employment Program Services—helps homeless men released from prison rebuild their lives. At the annual dinner, graduates spend time with and share testimonies of hope with current residents and each other. “I see these men as wanting a second chance,” Eva Noble said. “It’s a great program. And I think, ‘that’s someone’s child.’ Anything I can do to help them move on with their life, or feel special, I enjoy doing!” Eva Noble is retired from a food service background,
L-r: S.T.E.P.S. Program Director Edward Rivers, Sierra del Mar Divisional Commander Major Lee Lescano and award recipients Eva and Chuck Noble Photo by Suzi Woodruff Lacey
and her husband is a retired industrial engineer. Some of their grandchildren have grown up serving at the alumni dinner every December, making it a family tradition. “Most of the men in our program are away from their families during the holidays, so this genuine act of love by the Nobles creates a truly meaningful, family kind of celebration,” said Edward Rivers, S.T.E.P.S. program director. “The men are deeply grateful to the Nobles, their family and friends.”
COMMENCEMENT
from page 1
Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs based the commencement address. She began by quoting the first verse of Albert Orsborn’s song, “Greater Things.” What a work the Lord has done by his saving grace Let us praise him, every one, in his holy place. He has saved us gloriously, led us onward faithfully Yet he promised we should see even greater things. Greater thing! Greater things! Give us faith, O Lord we pray, Faith for greater things. “Just over 20 months ago these ladies and gentlemen behind me entered these hallowed grounds, expecting great things,” Knaggs said. “You can have confidence that from the beginning of their time here at Crestmont, there has been a greater influence on their lives. “They have greater knowledge, experience and perspective; they have greater skill, confidence and resolve; and they have greater hope because they know Jesus more completely and have seen the work of the Spirit within their own lives,” she said. Knaggs turned to the expectations we have for them. “You can expect that the Spirit will accompany these travelers to their appointments,” she said. “These committed Salvationists are determined to serve with integrity and purity of heart.” She correlated the cadets’ experience with the growth of Christ’s disciples. “Through three years of Jesus’ ministry on earth, the disciples watched, listened and learned from him...He told them in John 14:12 to expect ‘even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.’ “We can all expect greater things because our faith is in the Lord,” Knaggs said. “These who are before us believe along with 1 John 4:4: You, dear children, are from God and overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Following a choral presentation by the session, Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs, supported by CFOT Principal Major Timothy Foley and Major Jones, presented the academic degrees and certificates. Cadet Joy Groenleer spoke on behalf of her session. “We are ready and eager to take on this profession,” she said. “Our ministry as a Salvation Army officer, more than a profession, will be our passion. We will show up and do what we love doing.” Captain Timothy Carr, CFOT curriculum officer, offered the benediction. The Western Territorial Staff Band, led by Bandmaster Neil Smith, supported the ceremony.
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June 16, 2013 New Frontier
Salvation Army provides emotional and spiritual care in Oklahoma.
Army continues response in Oklahoma n ARC beneficiaries are lending a hand in relief efforts. The Salvation Army continues to provide relief in Oklahoma following the EF5 tornado that struck Moore, Okla., on May 20. Since then, The Salvation Army has provided 48,201 meals, 70,675 drinks, 62,431 snacks, 3,794 clean-up kits and 5,496 hygiene kits, and prayed with 8,567 persons. Volunteers, employees and officers have logged more than 13,543 hours. These numbers are expected to grow over the next several months as families and individuals rebuild, and as others come together to help The Salvation Army meet the need. Beneficiaries of The Salvation Army’s Oklahoma Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) have even joined in on the response, organizing food, bottled water and other goods to be distributed to survivors and first responders. There are currently
80 men in the Oklahoma ARC working toward recovery through life skill classes, counseling, spiritual development and work therapy. “The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center is a place of recovery and healing,” said Major Steve Justice, administrator of the Oklahoma Adult Rehabilitation Center. “Our team will continue serving our neighbors until we are no longer needed.” Many beneficiaries are relishing the opportunity to be of service to those affected by the disaster. “Serving with the recovery effort gives us a chance to give back,” said one program beneficiary. “When we were struggling with addiction…with alcohol and drugs…we weren’t any good to anyone. Now, we are making a difference and it feels great.” The Salvation Army is partnering with local governments and other disaster assistance agencies to provide both finan-
cial assistance and clothing vouchers to Salvation Army Family Stores for tornado survivors in Carney, Shawnee, Norman and Moore, Okla. The Salvation Army’s corporate partners have also played a pivotal role in the response. Polaris Industries Inc. donated 10 off-road vehicles to The Salvation Army for Oklahoma tornado relief. The vehicles, valued at nearly $250,000, will enhance The Salvation Army’s ability to transport food, water and other critical supplies to survivors. “With debris on the ground from thousands of destroyed homes, these vehicles will allow us to serve in places our mobile kitchens cannot,” said Lt. Col. Robert Thomson, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “This is the second time Polaris has come to our aid. They gave a similar gift during Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. They are amazing partners.” Papa John’s is providing aid on the ground while also giving the American
public an opportunity to get involved. In response to the storm, Papa John’s sent a mobile kitchen to Moore to supply hot pizzas to people who lost their homes. Through the mobile kitchen, the organization has made and delivered more than 1,200 pizzas. Papa John’s also facilitated a “Help Oklahoma” fundraiser on May 26. All day, $1 from every Papa John’s order was donated to The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in Oklahoma. John Miller, a longtime Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) volunteer from the Kansas and Western Missouri Division, is in the area offering emotional and spiritual care. “[We’re trying to] help people sort through what has happened, let them share their pain, and in turn, try to share hope.” Help the recovery efforts with a financial donation by visiting salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
Building collapses on Salvation Army Family Store n Army is on hand to provide services to those in need.
Captain Armida Harper demonstrates how to make a healthy Western wrap. Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division
Active Kids Day in Boston n Reebok partners with Army to curb child obesity. Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents has almost tripled in the last 30 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 17 percent (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2 to 19 years old are obese. To help fight this growing epidemic, The Salvation Army has partnered with Reebok and Build Our Kids’ Success (BOKS) to help encourage children to live a healthy and active life through education, fun physical activity and healthy nutrition demonstrations. The Salvation Army and Reebok celebrated this partnership by organizing the second annual Active Kids Day
in Boston. This free, outdoor, family event promotes better fitness and nutrition awareness for approximately 1,500 local and surrounding area children and families. “We love Active Kids Day!” the kids shout as they enjoy healthy snacks and a variety of fun games and activities organized by nearly 120 volunteers. “Helping children grow up healthy is a major focus for The Salvation Army and we are privileged to work with a partner like Reebok,” said Major Ivan Rock of the Massachusetts Division. “Active Kids Day is about getting families moving, eating well and leaving with tools to keep doing just that. Thanks to our friends at Stop & Shop, every family will leave with a cookbook full of healthy meal ideas.”
Emergency Disaster Service (EDS) crews of The Salvation Army were on the scene after a building collapsed in Philadelphia on June 5, killing six people and injuring 14 others. The building, located at 22nd and Market Street in downtown Philadelphia, collapsed onto The Salvation Army Family
Store located next door. EDS supplied food and hydration while emergency efforts were underway. “Our number one concern is for the safety of our customers and the employees who were involved,” said Major John Cranford of The Salvation Army of Philadelphia. “We are coordinating with the police and fire department and local authorities. We ask for the public to pray for those involved.”
Papa John’s donates $50,000 n Social media campaign helps raise awareness.
Papa John’s Pizza handed over a $50,000 check donation to The Salvation Army during a presentation at the company’s headquarters in Louisville, Ky., as the result of a successful social media campaign. In February, The Salvation Army asked Facebook and Twitter users to “like,” “share” and comment on their pages to raise awareness of America’s hunger problem. Every good word, re-tweet and thumbs up garnered a $1 donation for the Army’s feeding programs. Thanks to the power of social media, $50,000 was raised in one day by compassionate supporters and pizza lovers alike.
Major Ron Busroe, The Salvation Army’s national community relations and development secretary, and John Schnatter, founder of Papa John’s Photo by Brian Bohannon
The Salvation Army serves approximately 60 million meals to Americans each year because of supporters like Papa John’s Pizza.
Doing the Most Good
The World
Camp continues thanks to McDonald’s n The Salvation Army and McDonald’s franchises partner to keep camp open for kids.
Camp director Christian Jensen
Photo by Lana De Palma
The Salvation Army in Western Australia is partnering with McDonald’s franchises for three years to operate the Army’s summer camp for underprivileged children aged 10-13. McDonald’s first came to the rescue in 2010, when the Army’s camp was in trouble. Unable to support the facility due to funding cuts, the Army had considered closing it. To prevent this scenario, local McDonald’s franchise owners each donated money and the camp resumed its summer program. Camp activities include abseiling (rappelling), canoeing, mountain bike riding, bushcraft (wilderness skills), archery and an adventure course. Other events focus on team-building exercises, group discussions and challenges meant to
develop leadership skills, improve self-esteem, foster interpersonal skills and encourage teamwork. Camp director Elaine Jensen said one of the most exciting aspects of the program is how past campers return to mentor the new ones. “That’s really encouraging for us as it shows the program is truly doing its job,” Jensen said. “It’s a program providing a holistic leadership track. Each one of our campers has something to contribute to society, whether on a local level or larger scale, and it’s just a matter of giving them some essential skills to realize their potential and bring those leadership qualities—and other abilities—to the fore.” McDonald’s owners’ funding not only enabled the youth camp to continue, but helped to establish a junior camp in 2011. From WARCRY
Salvation Monetary gift reveals extent of Army helps homelessness in Papua New Guinea displaced Malians n The Indian Association donates $2,300 to The Salvation Army to help disabled people.
n Amid conflict, Army implements plan for income and materials. The Salvation Army is implementing a plan to assist people in Mali affected by ongoing conflicts. Following a coup in 2012, rebel groups took control of the northern provinces of the country, driving many people to the south and neighboring countries. In January 2013, France and some African nations deployed troops, attempting to liberate the northern provinces from rebel control. As a result of continued fighting, approximately 475,000 people cannot return home—300,000 of them are internally displaced with the remainder living as refugees in neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso and Senegal. At the request of The Salvation Army’s Mali Region, the Army’s International Emergency Services deployed a team to help internally displaced people and is coordinating with the United Nations to provide assistance. The team is working with local Salvationists in three communities around the capital of Bamako. Plans include a training program to help people generate income through soap making, and to assist 200 families with non-food materials as they live in temporary accommodations. The International Organization for Migration identified those most vulnerable and in need of assistance.
A $2,300 donation from the Indian Association in Papua New Guinea (PNG) enabled The Salvation Army Settlement Ministries Team to purchase six wheelchairs for people who are disabled and living in the Port Moresby area. Captain Michael Dengi, assistant secretary for Program/Mission, greeted guests at a presentation ceremony. Lt. Colonel Neil Webb, chief secretary, thanked the Indian Association, on behalf of The Salvation Army, for the donation. Webb explained that Dengi researched the homeless population in the region with the donation in mind, and discovered that many people live on the streets in the national capital area. A representative from the Indian Association responded. “The people of India have been living here in PNG for the last 32 years and whatever we have
Major Iveme Yanderave, secretary for personnel, and Major Rex Johnson, secretary for program, with some recipients Photo by Serah Abraham
received, we would like to give back to the community,” he said. “The Salvation Army would be better able to help these people through the funds that we give. … [We] look forward to working with The Salvation Army in the future.”
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Elsewhere in the world HAITI—Salvation Army Parenting School provides post-quake support for families. Spearheaded by Major Christine Volet, special project manager, the six-week program meets weekly. Designed to provide alternatives to corporal punishment, it has three themes: to love, to protect and to help to grow. Lessons explore the needs of children and role of parents, managing emotions, positive communication, teaching responsibility and helping children to become autonomous, discipline and problem solving. Approximately 20 parenting schools operate in Haiti today. From Salvation Army Haiti on Facebook TONGA—Regional Commander Lt. Bryant Richards presented certificates of achievement to 15 graduates of The Salvation Army’s Alcohol and Drug Awareness Centre (ADAC) in Nuku’alofa. Curriculum for the 12-week school includes alcohol and drug awareness, anger management and a comprehensive Twelve-Step program. ADAC recently started a Recovery Church for graduates, designed to encourage ex-clients to stay on track. From WarCry URUGUAY—The city of Salto hosted a Divisional Conservatory of Music Festival—themed “One Mission”— with the participation of Divisional Commander Hugo Ramos and staff from the Office of Music and Arts. Workshops took place in singing, percussion, guitar and drama, with each one preparing a festival performance. Six participants received a scholarship for next year’s music and arts celebration. A parade through the streets of Salto concluded the event. From Salvationista PARAGUAY—The Home League at the Villa Morra Corps in Asunción enrolled three young girls as members. Secretary of Women’s Ministries Mirtha de Fernandez led the enrollment ceremony. The Home League is thriving through the participation of young women, with a total of 11 girls and adolescents enrolled. From Salvationista
Salvation Army volunteers distribute refreshments to residents in Puerto Rico.
Photo courtesy of Salvation Army Puerto Rico
Salvation Army in Puerto Rico supports police campaign n Back to Life campaign is meant to combat poverty in San Juan. The Salvation Army in San Juan, Puerto Rico, partnered with the police department in the West Bayamón precincts to promote the “Vuelta a la Vida” (Back to Life) campaign, fighting poverty in the community. The campaign’s main event took place in the Pepín Cestero Colosseum, and drew hundreds of homeless people hoping for change in their lives after sleeping on the streets, begging for food, and living their lives on the margin of society.
Sergeant María La Luz Rentas and police official Héctor Maldonado led the event. Salvation Army canteens were there to feed people in need, and Captain Daniel Gómez offered prayer for each person. In the Coliseum parking lot, Puerto Rico’s family department offered information on programs to help people escape the cycle of poverty, and get off the streets. Aware of and sensitive to the situation on the island, The Salvation Army looks for ways to help and serves the poverty-stricken residents of Puerto Rico as a link to social and economic resources.
CZECHOSLOVAKIA—The Salvation Army in the Czech Republic helped victims of rising floodwaters in Prague and the western part of the country. More than 3,000 people were evacuated from their homes. Many villages were evacuated—already flooded, with waters expected to rise. The Army’s hostel and corps building are in the affected parts of Prague but were not affected (at this time). The hostel and its day care center remain open for homeless people who live under bridges and near the river. From an international news release
PROCLAIMERS OF THE RESURRECTION
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Lt. Jeremy Baker Asst. Corps Officer Salem Ray & Joan Kroc Center Corps
Lt. Brittany Baker Asst. Corps Officer Salem Ray & Joan Kroc Center Corps
Lt. Juan Barriga Asst. Corps Officer San Pedro Corps
Lt. Luke Betti Asst. Corps Officer San Francisco Ray & Joan Kroc Ctr. Corps*
Lt. Crystal Birks Assit. Corps Officer Roseburg Corps
Lt. Jeffrey Breazeale Corps Officer Tucson Amphi Corps
Lt. Katie Breazeale Corps Officer Tucson Amphi Corps
Lt. Justin Docherty Corps Officer Auburn Corps
Lt. Aimee Docherty Corps Officer Auburn Corps
Lt. Michael Evans Corps Officer Kake Corps
Lt. Cheri Evans Corps Officer Kake Corps
Lt. Gabriel Gaytan Corps Officer Oxnard/Port Hueneme Corps
Lt. Daisy Gaytan Corps Officer Oxnard/Port Hueneme Corps
Lt. Shanon Harth Asst. Corps Officer Santa Barbara Corps
Lt. Eun-Chong Lee Asst. Corps Officer San Francisco All Nations Corps
Lt. Hye-Mi Lee Asst. Corps Officer San Francisco All Nations Corps
Lt. Samuel LeMar Asst. Corps Officer Ogden Corps
Lt. Todd Lovelady Asst. Corps Officer Reno Corps
Lt. James Parks Corps Officer Escondido Corps
Lt. Hilda Parks Corps Officer Escondido Corps
Lt. Sidney Salcido Corps Officer Grass Valley Corps
Lt. Reyna Salcido Corps Officer Grass Valley Corps
Lt. Victor Verdugo Trainee San Francisco ARC
Lt. Regina Verdugo Trainee San Francisco ARC
Lt. Lance Walters Corps Officer Juneau Corps
* Effective Aug. 21, 2013
Lt. Susan Cassin Asst. Corps Officer Vancouver Corps
Lt. James Combs Asst. Corps Officer Riverside Corps
Lt. Troy Cook Trainee Portland ARC
Lt. Felicia Cook Trainee Portland ARC
Lt. Nathan Darling Corps Officer Denver Citadel Corps
Lt. Henry Gonzalez Lt. Vanessa Gonzalez Corps Officer Corps Officer San Luis Obispo Corps San Luis Obispo Corps
Lt. Larry Groenleer, Jr. Corps Officer Las Vegas Citadel Corps
Lt. Joy Groenleer Corps Officer Las Vegas Citadel Corps
Lt. Celeste Guess Asst. Corps Officer Mesa Corps
Lt. Joshua Hamilton Corps Officer Missoula Corps
Lt. Karen Lovelady Asst. Corps Officer Reno Corps
Lt. Darla Malone Asst. Corps Officer Anchorage Corps
Lt. Elaine Mansoor Corps Officer Prescott Corps
Lt. Tersy Matto Asst. Corps Officer Chico Corps
Lt. Michael Moore Assoc. Corps Officer Oakland Chinatown Corps
Lt. Mareah Morrow Asst. Corps Officer Prescott Corps
Lt. Brenda Morthland Field Training Officer College for Officer Training
Lt. Ricky Scruggs Corps Officer Pendleton Corps
Lt. Sylvia Scruggs Corps Officer Pendleton Corps
Lt. Bill Simon Corps Officer Farmington Corps
Lt. Cathy Simon Corps Officer Farmington Corps
Lt. Jessica Sneed Corps Officer Glendale Corps
Lt. Micheal Stack Corps Officer Kona Corps
Lt. Jessica Stack Corps Officer Kona Corps
Lt. Robbin Swales In-Charge Cordova Outpost
Lt. Dana Walters Corps Officer Juneau Corps
Lt. Jeffery Williams Corps Officer Fountain Valley Corps
Lt. Regeina Williams Corps Officer Fountain Valley Corps
Lt. Theresa Willams Asst. Corps Officer Phoenix So. Mtn. Ray & Joan Kroc Ctr. Corps
Lt. Darrell Willamson Asst. Corps Officer Grand Junction Corps ARP
Lt. Judah Young Asst. Corps Officer Santa Clara Citadel Corps
Lt. Megan Young Asst. Corps Officer Santa Clara Citadel Corps
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Officers recognized for long service 25 YEARS Major Pamilla Brackenbury Major Beverly Cobb Major William Cobb Commissioner Jolene Hodder Commissioner Kenneth Hodder Major Miriam Keene Major Cheryl Kinnamon Major Randall Kinnamon Major Lee Lescano Major Michele Lescano Major Mariam Rudd Major Robert Rudd Lt. Colonel Judith Smith Lt. Colonel Marcia Smith Lt. Colonel Stephen Smith Major Elaine Wildman Major Ronald Wildman Major Janene Zielinski Major Michael Zielinski
30 YEARS Major George Baker Major Jeanne Baker Major C. Patrick Granat Major Brenda Hathorn Major William Hathorn Major Willdonna Rich Major Merry Svenson Major Steve Svenson Major Donald Takeuchi Major Douglas Tollerud Major Sheryl Tollerud
35 YEARS Commissioner Donald Bell Major Michael Dossey Major Candice Frizzell Major Laura Heiselman Major William Heiselman Major Joy Lum Major William Lum Major Linda Manhardt Major John Reed Major Preston Rider Major Susan Wun
40 YEARS Major Nila Fankhauser
The Disciples of the Cross Session with College for Officer Training leaders Majors Tim and Cindy Foley (front center)
“Disciples of the Cross” to intern Session assigned across the West this summer beginning June 18
Cadets Fabio & Silvia Simoes Suisun City Ray & Joan Kroc Center Corps
Cadet Naomi Kuhlman Seattle White Center Corps
ADULT REHABILITATION CENTERS Cadets Tim & Kim Brown Portland ARC Cadets Craig & Arwyn Rodriguera Pasadena ARC
GOLDEN STATE Cadets David & Sharon Kim Fresno Temple Corps Cadets Stephen & Briana Miller Modesto Red Shield Corps Cadets Joe & Amber West South San Francisco Citadel Corps Cadets Miguel & Maria Pineda Ibarra Tulare Corps
SIERRA DEL MAR Cadets Ruairi & Sarah Ward Hemet Corps Cadets Edward & Stella Oware Oceanside Corps Cadets Peter & Linda Oliver Victor Valley Corps
ALASKA Cadet Samuel Snyder Fairbanks Corps Cadet Sam Fowler Homer Corps CASCADE Cadet Rebecca Lewis Coos Bay Corps Cadets Richard & Edith Dye Mabie Eugene Citadel Corps Cadets Caleb & Iliana Montes Gresham (Metro) Corps Cadets Marcos & Jazmin Roman Idaho Falls Corps Cadets Tim & Kim Brown Portland Tabernacle Corps DEL ORO Cadets Christopher & Eun-Ha Kim Reno Corps and ARP Cadet Martin Jensen Santa Rosa Corps
HAWAIIAN & PACIFIC ISLANDS Cadets David & Dawn Preston Guam Cadets John & Mysti Birks Kauluwela Mission Corps INTERMOUNTAIN Cadets Helden & Alwina Ainios Grand Junction Corps Cadet Shawn Keoho Fort Collins Corps Cadets Kevin & Serina Woods Casper Corps NORTHWEST Cadets Richard & Joanna Wang Bellingham Corps Cadet Carolina Lopez Eastside Corps Cadet Raymond Morris Kalispell Corps
Auxiliary Captains commissioned as Captains
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Cadet Bryan Makowski Lancaster Corps Cadets Andrew & Courtenay Covert Long Beach Citadel Corps Cadets Craig & Arwyn Rodriguera Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Cadet Ben Jones Pomona Corps Cadet Claudia Pardo San Pedro Temple Corps Cadet Brian Orr Whittier Corps SOUTHWEST Cadet Denice Delgado Glendale Corps Cadet Kelly Berggren Roswell Corps Cadet Francine Huck Tucson Temple Corps Cadets Jeremy & Andrea Reedy Yuma Corps
Sacrificial giving helps the less fortunate World service income for 2013 from Western soldiers and officers has provided $7,063,035 to help those in need around the world.
Captains Mioshi M. and Virginia K. Anwot Corps Officers, Laura Corps Majuro Atoll, Marshall Islands
Captain Herine Hampton Corps Officer, Jabor Corps Jaluit Atoll, Marshall Islands
Captain Augustine John Social Services and Property Secretary Captain Tina John Pastoral Care Officer Marshall Islands
Captains Katzuo J. and Rebecca Katjang Corps Officers, Arno Corps Arno Atoll Marshall Islands
Captain Mark Merritt Corps Officer, Casper Corps Wyoming
Alaska $79,851 Cascade $463,634 Del Oro
$424,960
Golden State
$701,218
Hawaii $127,380 Intermountain $474,609 Northwest $662,512 Sierra del Mar
$347,515
So. California
$729,895
Southwest $701,461 CFOT $50,000 Captain Kathy Merritt Corps Officer, Casper Corps Wyoming
Captains Benji and Rosebee Rakin Corps Officers, Inne Corps Arno Atoll Marshall Islands
Captain Taylor Santos Corps Officer, Kolonia Corps and Madolenihmw Corps Federated States of Micronesia
Captain Senelyn Santos Corps Officer, Kolonia Corps Federated States of Micronesia
Captain Hattai Idie and Maryrose Silk Corps Officers, Rita Corps Majuro Atoll Marshall Islands
ARC $800,000 THQ $1,500,000 TOTAL $7,063,035
Doing the Most Good
Commissioner Orval Taylor promoted to Glory Commissioner Orval Taylor, 94, was promoted to Glory June 8 from Phoenix, Ariz. Taylor was born May 21, 1919. He entered the College for Officer Training at age 20, was commissioned in 1940 with the Hold Fast Session and appointed to a corps community center in his hometown of Seattle. In 1943, Taylor married Captain Muriel Upton in a ceremony conducted by Orval’s father at the Seattle Citadel Corps. The Taylors served in a number of corps and divisional appointments before transferring to the USA Eastern Territory in 1971 where Orval became the divisional commander in the Greater New York Unified Command. In 1974 he was appointed chief secretary for the USA Southern Territory and in 1978 became national chief secretary. Taylor then served as territorial commander in the Caribbean before appointment as international secretary for planning and development at International Headquarters. In 1983 he was appointed territorial commander in the USA Eastern Territory. In addition to his regular appointments, Taylor was constantly engaged in state welfare work, including territorial and national committees on children and youth. Throughout his service, he combined a keen analytical approach to his work with a warmth for colleagues and an appreciation for what they did. Incisive thinking was balanced by a compassionate heart. The Taylors retired in June 1986 to Clearwater, Fla., where they continued as active members of the corps and their community. Commissioner Muriel Taylor was promoted to Glory Sept. 14, 2010. Taylor is survived by his son
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Ensemble. His leadership and dedication are of the highest standard. The Staff Songsters recently completed a new recording, “Love’s Call,” and a successful tour of the United Kingdom Territory. The Western Territory thanks Smith for his service, and his willingness to lead the Staff Songsters. Smith remains the Territorial Music Secretary and Bandmaster of the Staff Band.
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appointments CASCADE DIVISION Captains Matthew and Dianne Madsen Corps Officers Bay Communities Corps INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION Majors John and Sabrina Tumey Corps Officers Denver Red Shield Corps Appointments effective July 31
June 16, 2013
Michael and daughter Kathleen Parker. A celebration of life service will be held at the Phoenix Citadel Corps on June 23 with Colonel George Church presiding. A private interment will be conducted in St Petersburg, Fla. Youth director of The Dalles Corps, Joshua “Josh” Davitt, 23, was promoted to Glory from Portland, Ore., on May 7 after a violent altercation with his roommate. Born Aug. 9, 1989, in Brunswick, Maine, Davitt grew up in The Dalles (Ore.), and graduated from The Dalles High School. Two years ago, he accepted employment as donations receiver at a Salvation Army thrift store. After working for a month, he told Majors Kevin and Tammy Ray, The Dalles corps officers, about a DUI conviction he received prior to his employment that required him to serve a two-week jail sentence. Davitt was concerned that he would be let go, but his job was held for him with the condition that he never let this happen again. Following Davitt’s jail experience, he began to attend church at the corps. At the Rays’ invitation, he attended The Gathering, the Western Territorial congress, in June 2012. There he decided that he wanted to become a soldier of The Salvation Army. He began to accept more responsibility with the youth at The Dalles Corps. In September 2012, Davitt became director of The Loft, a teen hangout run by the corps. Instrumental in its success, he was working to develop it into an afterschool center for middle and high school students. Davitt believed that it was his duty to tell others about Jesus. In December 2012, he finally decided that he was ready to become a Salvation Army soldier—ready to
wear the uniform and reveal to the world the changes he had made in his life because of his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was ready to do whatever God wanted him to do. He is survived by his father, Joseph Davitt and his wife, Vicky; his mother, Billie Jo Scott; his four brothers, Nicholas Davitt, Cameron Davitt, Justin Scott and Jarett Scott, and his grandparents, Joseph and Viola Davitt. His memorial service was May 16 at Calvary Baptist Church in The Dalles. Major Edwin Henderson, 88, was promoted to Glory May 8 from Laguna Woods, Calif. Edwin (Ed) Elmer Henderson was born Sept. 2, 1924, to Bessie and Elmer Henderson, in Warren, Ohio. At just 10 years old, he started collecting money for The Salvation Army. Henderson entered the Navy in 1942 and spent four years on a ship fighting in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946 he entered The Salvation Army Training College in San Francisco, where he met his future wife, Eleanor Foubister. They were commissioned in 1947 with the Warriors Session and married in 1949. Ed Henderson was appointed assistant to the San Francisco Citadel Corps; later appointments took him to the Fillmore (Calif.) Corps and to the San Diego Temple Corps. As a couple, the Hendersons served in several corps: San Diego Temple, Riverside and Richmond, Calif.; and Tucson, Ariz. They also served at Territorial Headquarters in the Service Extension department, and in the youth department at Northwest and Southern California divisional headquarters. In addition, they were stationed at the Van Nuys Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). In 1989, the Hendersons retired
from the ARC in Anaheim, Calif. Henderson is survived by his children: Sandra Craft, Jon Henderson and Ed Henderson, and his grandchildren. Major Eleanor Henderson was promoted to Glory in 2011. Commissioner Joe Noland officiated at a memorial service at the Tustin Ranch (Calif.) Corps on June 2. Major Kathie Timpson, 66, was promoted to Glory from Sun City, Calif., May 22, 2013. Kathie Crosby was born in Denver, Colo., April 23, 1947, to Edward and Evelyn Crosby, the first of three daughters. Her parents entered The Salvation Army Training College in San Francisco and were commissioned in 1953. She went with them to appointments in Idaho, California, Montana and Washington. Crosby graduated from Everett (Wash.) High School in 1965 and entered the Training School with the Witnesses to the Faith Session. She was commissioned in 1967 and served as an officer for eight years before stepping out to work
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in the private sector. At the dedication of the Concord (Calif.) Corps in September 1978, Crosby was reacquainted with Neil Cal Timpson, and the two wed in 1979. Neil Timpson entered the training school in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., with the God’s Soldiers Session and was commissioned in 1981. The Timpsons served in corps appointments in Colorado Springs and Englewood, Colo., and in adult rehabilitation center (ARC) appointments in Anaheim, Santa Monica and Long Beach, Calif.; Colorado Springs, and Portland, Ore. They returned to corps appointments at Juneau, Alaska; San Francisco Turk Street and Las Vegas Citadel. The couple retired in 2003 to Sun City, where Kathie Timpson spent nine years as a real estate agent. Timpson is survived by her parents, Majors Ed and Evelyn Crosby; her husband, Major Neil Calvin Timpson; sons, Neil Calvin (Samantha) Timpson II, and Edward (Steffanie) Timpson and their children Brooke-Lynn and Cameron; Neil’s daughter, Lava Timpson; and sisters, Karren Crosby and Linda Chamberlain. Major Edward Covert officiated at a celebration of life service at the Riverside ARC on May 29.
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celebration of over 100 years of combined service from three individuals: Freeman; Roberta Ames, retired songster, who served 59 years with the Inglewood, Santa Ana and Tustin Ranch brigades; and retired Songster Leader Bob Anthony, who led the Tustin Ranch Songsters for five years. Special guests included Al and Christine Stickland, who surprised Freeman with a musical presentation. David Dunford and Sarah Koo Freeman also performed musical selections that were favorites of Freeman. Former corps officers Commissioners Joe and Doris Noland and Majors Lee and Michele Lescano also attended, along with Southern California Divisional Leaders Lt. Colonels Doug and Colleen Riley.
Freeman received a proclamation from County Supervisor Todd Spitzer (Orange County 3rd District), as well as a book of letters and a special “best of” music CD comprised of various tracks from all of the Santa Ana/Tustin Ranch band recordings, including the band’s first recording in 1976. Riley spoke words of gratitude for Freeman’s leadership and example over the 40-year span, not only for the music, but also the lives touched. “Ed, for 40 years you have been impacting lives spiritually,” Riley said. “Forty years of service as a bandmaster—that’s a lot of music, that’s a lot of practice, that’s a wonderful legacy of music ministry. You should be commended for your faithfulness.”
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June 16, 2013 New Frontier
Strategic charity a view from the Board Side
Toxic Charity is the title of a recently published book by Christian author Robert Lupton. In it, he decries the ways that well-meaning charities perform services, finding Dick that these methods perpetuate cycles Hagerty of poverty and do not encourage significant self-improvement. Advisory board Many of the methods that he finds member objectionable are at the very heart of the social ministries of The Salvation Army. As I read and reread the book, I found myself often in full agreement with his premise, yet unsettled at the blanket indictments that he issues against the ways the Army ministers to the poorest of the poor. We recently had similar criticism from the local United Way allocation committee. They met with our board and told us that the results of a community survey indicated their supporters were not interested in supporting charity work that encourages cycles of poverty. But their survey also indicated that The Salvation Army was far and away the favorite local charity among their responding membership. Sobering, paradoxical, puzzling…yes, all of that and more, because truly the Army is the hand that reaches out to the poorest of the poor, who just happened to be Jesus’ favorite people. I think this dilemma should force us to focus even more critically on what we do and how we do it. The new mantra in high-level charitable giving centers on “strategic giving and measurable results.” Superinvestors Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are outspoken in their challenge to major donors: “Be strategic, support those charities which efficiently strategize and execute their vision! Work toward real solutions!” Let’s admit right up front that the Army is always the “safety net” of all charities. That is, when the unfortunate have fallen through all the levels of help and support offered by government programs and other charities, the Army is there at the very bottom of the societal levels to embrace and assist those less fortunate folks. Moving beyond this safety net concept, it is important that our local advisory groups work alongside our officers to meet the challenge of thinking strategically, and to foster efforts that do indeed bring hope and optimism to those who had seemed hopelessly down and out. The first and best example of strategic rebuilding of lives surely comes through the adult rehabilitation center (ARC) programs. We take men and women with shattered, compromised, meaningless, dependent lives, and in six months a new person emerges from the completion ceremony. These ceremonies are some of the most gratifying moments one will ever experience, especially for those of us who serve on ARC councils and/or refer friends or loved ones to these restoration programs. We have a downtown “homeless shelter” where we house more than 100 street people each night during the six months of winter. On the other side of the building, we have housing for transitional and V.A. beneficiaries. Through the efforts of our counselors we are able to find work, permanent housing and new lives for these former street people. Recently, we hired a full-time dental professional to run our various free clinics and to provide dental assistance for the poor—one of the huge gaps in the local welfare program. Our Red Shield Center is not merely a safe place for kids to come and play games. We promote after-hours learning programs involving computers, tutors, literacy materials and a wealth of ways to stimulate the lives of these children from our less advantaged neighborhoods. At the main corps facility we have a team of counselors that works tirelessly with those who drop in from the street. They give aid and advice on subjects as diverse as insurance, social security benefits, income tax assistance, marriage and spiritual counsel and many more services relevant to those who have no access to paid professional help. Yes, we give great attention to those services that only maintain a difficult lifestyle. But we constantly review our programs to see how we can give new life, hope and joy to those less fortunate than us. Contact Dick at rghagerty@aol.com.
God’s great need Weeks have come and gone and I find myself in yet another busy season of life. Toting kids to and fro, from home to school and back again, packing the Wikle world into cardboard boxes with plans to turn an old house into a new home, ending my time in an old job for a new opportunity, testing out the entreErin preneurial waters and launching a new coffee house out of our small Salvation Wikle Army corps. Time is passing, things are Soldier happening, and during certain moments, I’ve barely been holding on. We all have stories like this. Life happens. I need a bumper sticker sprawled across my tiny Toyota. During a momentary lull ‘mid the madness, I sent a quick text to my corps officer that read, “MUST. MEET. FOR. DISCIPLESHIP.” Later that evening, we spent an hour at a nearby park, enjoying the not-yet sweltering weather while swatting mosquitoes out of our faces, sipping iced coffees, and swapping stories. During a quiet moment, she asked the usual question that plunges us from chit-chat to greater depths: “So, how’s your soul?” Ugh. My soul. Well, I knew exactly how my soul was. I wished I could just launch into a little, “It is well...,” but wasn’t sure how that’d fare with the onlookers of the religious South. Instead I took the question seriously, thought for a minute, then began to share. The truth was, I knew that while I wasn’t doing horribly given all that was happening in my world, I wasn’t doing wonderfully. My glass wasn’t even half full! As my dear corps officer put it, “I was down to the dregs.” I expressed my frustration that the recent busy-ness and a temporary change in routine had led to my settling for less and less of the Holy Spirit’s daily filling. I wasn’t trying to fool anyone. And I certainly wasn’t trying to fool the Lord.
And really, I couldn’t have fooled anyone. Little time with the Lord leads to but a few things in my world: a monster of a mommy, a rapidly withering wife, a not-so-neighborly neighbor, and a sorely lacking soldier. I knew full well of my choice: 1) spend time being filled by the Everlasting One and get sucked dry by everything else or 2) Make priority of my Savior and King and stay filled, so that as I pour out, I’m never really empty. God’s mercy is something else, isn’t it? Even when rejecting him (and friends, let’s call it what it is. If you are choosing something else over time with him each day, it’s rejection), he allows us to feel the absence of his presence. That is mercy. I am in the thick of learning (daily) of my great need for a Savior. Not just learning, but feeling/experiencing/being convinced of this need. It’s funny though, while the Holy Spirit is busy daily convincing me that I am nothing without his help, he’s recently begun showing me how much my Savior is in need of me! His great need, his great desire, his great pleasure is time spent with me! While I’ve coveted time with my Father, recognizing that he alone empowers (equips/enables) me to be the gentle mother, the kind wife, the good soldier, and the loving neighbor, he has shown me how much he longs for the time we share as well. While our world may shift and shake, our routines interrupted or thrown out the window, we must make every effort to remain dependent on God and God alone. We cannot be effective otherwise. We cannot parent well. We cannot be good to our spouse. We cannot be loving toward our neighbor. We cannot serve others. We cannot build and expand his kingdom. Make him your all! You are his all, and, in your time spent with him, you are meeting God’s great need to love, adore and cherish his precious child.
Congratulations! This time of year we are reminded through advertisements, greeting cards and the social media that we need to honor grads and dads! We have already received quite a few high school graduation announcements. It seems like we say the same thing: “I can’t believe it—time has passed by so fast. It seemed like yesterSharron day when they were just babies” (Sniff, Hudson tear). Colonel Time does get away from us and that is the reason we need to take advantage of every moment we have with our loved ones. Recently my mom was promoted to Glory. At these times thoughts come to our minds like, “Did I spend enough time with them? And when I did, was it quality time? Did I call them enough? What were the last words I said to them?” We could beat ourselves up with these questions, but then we remember—God’s grace. We are called to live a gracious life as God is gracious to us. Here are a few Scripture verses that tell of God’s graciousness toward us: But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
GROENLEER
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Ps. 86:15 NIV). The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love (Ps. 103:8). The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion (Ps. 116:5). God is not only gracious to us, but also compassionate toward us. How much less shall we live through the Lord’s example? Our friends, loved ones, people we serve and anyone the Lord brings into our lives need to be shown grace and compassion. How do we do this? God’s Word tells us to live a transformed life of holiness demonstrated by the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23: But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Daily we need to ask the Lord how we may express these attributes to those around us—especially when we don’t feel like it! The Lord will give you the strength and grace as you aspire to live a gracious life. Just don’t let those moments get away from you—no regrets.
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passion. It is something that we will love to do. A wise man once said, “Do something you love and you will never work a day in your life.” I know that we’ve been encouraged “to show up and get to work!” But I believe that we as Proclaimers will “show up and do what we love doing!” And we will do this to the best of our abilities with the training that we received at this college. In our “Developing a Healthy Corps” course, we learned that more than half of managers identified inspiration as one of the three most important leadership characteristics. Inspiring others is a skill that cannot be taught in the classroom. It is something that is displayed when one puts others before oneself; when one
walks the talk, is motivated to encourage, and genuinely reflects love. The past 22 months were filled with stories of inspiration. Inspiration is the cadet who experienced health issues with her heart last quarter, and had her session mates in tears when she sang during our session retreat chapel these lyrics, “I have a maker, he formed my heart... He knows my name, he sees each tear that falls and hears me when I call.” Inspiration is the cadet who attended high school 30 years ago—not to learn but because the school lunch was good—didn’t do so well academically then, and was really worried about going back to school here. But after finding a study partner who was in the same situation, and who en-
couraged him throughout, managed to graduate with a B average. Inspiration is the cadet who just graduated with his four-year degree prior to entering CFOT [College for Officer Training] and decided to serve his fellow Proclaimers in a ministry of providing sessions to help others learn effective study skills and habits. Our session verse, 1 Corinthians 15:13-14, says this: If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. Christ’s resurrection from the dead, along with God’s inspired Word and the infilling of his Holy Spirit will stir us to continue to inspire others in our ministry as Salvation Army officers.
Doing the Most Good
June 16, 2013 New Frontier
lifeLines I recently found a book with this title in our corps’ library. Those who know me recognize my affinity for trivia and so understand that this book was written just for me. Its 560 pages are jammed with fascinating nonsense about the best, worst Ian and most unusual people, lifestyles, food, music, Robinson laws and sports, to name just a few subjects. For example, under “The Law,” the best law is Major found in Little Rock, Ark., where dogs are prohibited from barking after 6 p.m. The best forger was William E. Brockway, who, in 1865, printed a bogus $100 bill so perfect that the Treasury Department had no option but to withdraw all genuine $100 bills from circulation. The worst act of diplomacy came during the Middle East war of 1948 when Warren Austin, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations urged Arabs and Jews to resolve their disagreements “like good Christians.” The worst prize fight took place in New Orleans in 1870 when Englishman Jim Mace and American Joe Coburn danced around each other for three hours and 48 minutes without landing a single punch. In the “Government” chapter, Calvin Coolidge is cited for best scare tactics, because he used to hide in the White House shrubbery, then jump out and scare unsuspecting Secret Service agents. The most unusual bank is located in Vernal, Utah, where the local bank building was made from bricks sent through the mail. In 1919, the people of Vernal discovered that it cost less to mail the bricks from Salt Lake City, seven to a package, than to have them shipped commercially. So we come to this wonderful season of officer moves. As you read this, many of my colleagues are up to their eyeballs in packing tape and boxes. It is surprising that people who should have few possessions to call their own end up with truckloads of boxes that get carted from one place to the next, and the contents often never see the light of day. We found that the 30 cartons of books we once had now fit into my iPad. The dishes we were carefully preserving for our retirement brought some much needed revenue to the thrift store. And all those shoes we never wear any more have gone into the “Saving Soles” bin at our corps to generate funds for World Services. Of course, eventually all these officers will arrive at their new appointments, fresh and eager, ready to win the world for Jesus. For many it will be their best appointment. When anyone asks me about my best appointment, I always tell them it is the one I am in now. Maybe a few will find themselves at their worst appointment. I hope not, but if they do they can take heart—it can only get better from here. And even in our worst appointments, God teaches us amazing truths about ourselves and himself that help us to grow in our walk of faith. Lastly, there will be a few who find themselves in the most unusual appointment of their officership. It certainly will not be any more unusual than Ezekiel who was appointed to lie on his left side for 390 days, and then turn over to his right side for another 40 days, facing Jerusalem and surviving on bread and water! We pray that our colleagues will find inexpressible joy in serving God wherever they have been appointed. May God use them powerfully and significantly to impact their corps and their community. May they always have a burning desire to win the world for Jesus. And may they shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever (Dan. 12:3 RSV). CELEBRATING OUR 30th YEAR
ISSN 2164-5930 New Frontier is published twice a month by The Salvation Army USA Western Territory Commissioner James Knaggs, Territorial Commander Colonel Dave Hudson, Chief Secretary We welcome submissions of news stories of interest to the Western Territory. If you have something you’d like to share, submissions can be sent electronically to: new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org or by postal service to: New Frontier, P.O. Box 22646, 180 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802 The editor reserves the right to edit material submitted. Articles should be roughly 300 words in length.
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An open letter to the Proclaimers of the Resurrection It was early morning. The sun, having crept over the mountains surrounding the Galilean Sea, sent its golden path across the water to illuminate a single man standing on the shore building a fire. He looked out about 100 yards from shore at a fishing boat containing a half a dozen or so disgruntled men. He called out to the men, who had been talking less about fish and more about the miraculous resurrection of Jesus, the one they had followed for three years. “How’s the fishing?” he asked. “Awful,” they grumbled in reply. When something’s not working, stop doing it and try something else. So, “Throw the net out on the right side of the boat. Then you’ll find some.” The group’s obvious leader, whom some called Simon and others called Peter, pulled the net into the boat and cast it out as directed. The net began to sink as it filled almost immediately with so many fish they couldn’t pull most of it into the boat. They started rowing to shore, dragging that part they couldn’t get in the boat along the side. John—one of the men who probably best knew Jesus—had been looking steadily at the man on the shore. Suddenly, he exclaimed: “That’s him—that’s the Lord.” Peter, who had been carrying considerable guilt over his self-protective denials of Jesus, couldn‘t wait for the slow-moving boat. He jumped over the side and swam to shore. The others struggled to drag the net in. Reaching the beach, Peter helped them pull it up out of the surf. By this time, Jesus had a little fire going and invited them to come over for breakfast. “Bring a few fish over with you,” he called. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Peter, the disciple who had denied him three times: “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” Somewhat shocked, Peter said: “Yes Lord! You know I love you.” Jesus said: “Feed my lambs.” A second time Jesus said: “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me?” Peter replied with some confusion: “Yes Lord! You know that I love you.” Jesus said: “Take care of my sheep!” A third time, forcefully, he said to him: “Do you love me?” Now, with some anxiety, Peter said: “Lord, you know all things; you know I love you.” Jesus said simply: “Feed my sheep.” Then, satisfied with these replies and with denials forgiven, Jesus said: “Follow me!” Jesus needed to know that they could carry on his work, building a true concept of a loving, living God. He needs to see that in you. He’s asking you the same question. Can he trust you with his lambs? Will you nurture them, facilitate their development, help them to grow? And will you own The Salvation Army’s magnificent double role of both spiritual and social salvation? There are many
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 Vivian Gatica, Editorial Assistant • 562/491-8785 email: vivian.gatica@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
different types of hunger. Some need a literal feeding, and some need a feeding of God’s Word leading to spiritual transformation. Provide both. This was the charge given by Jesus to those who would repRobert resent him in the field, and this is the charge I give to you—feed Docter the flock that is yours. Find the Editor-In-Chief need, both financial and spiritual, in your community. When you nurture someone, you must cherish them. Feeding someone is an act of intimacy. Figure out a way to nurture that flock. To do so, you must relate to them—especially those very different from you—not from obligation, but from desire. Christianity is a relationship religion. Remember, your attitude Be friendly, enjoy reflects a pre-disposition everyone, and learn to behave in a particular how to say “I’m way. Attitudes are easily sorry.” Adopt a service read. What’s your attitude mentality. Love others. Work for justice. concerning being in the Build community. flock-feeding business? Help the flock grow. It doesn’t happen by Develop an attitude of acceptance—unrushed, itself. It takes planning and work. Teach steady. the current flock how to welcome others.
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Remember, your attitude reflects a pre-disposition to behave in a particular way. Attitudes are easily read. What’s your attitude concerning being in the flock-feeding business? Develop an attitude of acceptance—unrushed, steady. To nurture genuinely, you must have the identity of care-giver, of an encourager, of a supporter, of someone who will look after the concerns and plights of others. That must be the real you. You can’t fake it. Be kind. Kindness is contagious. Abandon all of your addictions, like promotions, worry, money, control, approval, perfection, power. None of them nurtures sheep. Figure out what it means to have a “generous spirit.” Consider it essential to build a strong advisory board made up of community leaders. Talk to them. Listen to them. They will tell you what the community needs. Build programs to meet those needs with funding from the community. Be anywhere people find themselves suddenly immersed in hurt. Empathize. Keep the flag up, wear your uniform, say something to some poor sinner every day, and you will not go far astray. (William Booth, April 1911)
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