New frontier 3113

I want this Army to be a force for good throughout the world...

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The Western Territory’s news source

~

—General André Cox

for 31 years

August 16, 2013 Vol. 31, No. 13

ANDRÉ COX NAMED GENERAL High Council elects 20th General

BY CHRISTIN DAVIS AND ROBERT DOCTER The vision is clear: André Cox stood at the entrance of a James Bond film and saw himself in uniform, preaching the gospel in Africa.

It was an image that would become reality, and the first step in one Salvationist’s impact on an Army.

On Aug. 3, the 18th High Council elected Cox, 59, as the 20th General of The Salvation Army. He assumes international leadership following 34 years as an officer, most recently serving as Chief of the Staff at International Headquarters in London.

“Rank and position don’t amount to much,” Cox said in an interview with New Frontier Publications. “I’ve never felt called to rank and position. God called me as an individual, and he created me the way he created me… I’m not important, God is important and I want to follow his leading.”

In his first 100 days as General, Cox said he plans to focus on four aspects of The Salvation Army—administration, youth, spirituality and leadership development.

First, he said he will look at the Army’s administrative structures.

“I want to see how appropriate those are. Our administration really only exists to support the frontline ministry and I hate with a passion unnecessary bureaucracy,” he said. “I understand the need for good administration and we will do that but [will look at] how we can facilitate things at the front line.”

Roberts named Chief of the Staff

Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts Photo by Christin Davis

USA National Commander Commissioner William Roberts will be The Salvation Army’s Chief of the Staff effective Oct. 1. Commissioner Nancy Roberts is appointed as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries.

General André Cox made the announcement Aug. 9, six days following his ROBERTS, page 4

Jeffrey named U.S.A. National Commander

General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox

Cox said he and wife Commissioner Silvia Cox, who will continue in her current role as World President of Women’s Ministries, have a “particular heart for young people.”

“I’d like to see how we can encourage and develop programs for the teaching,

Mile-high mileage n Denver ARC merges running with recovery.

BY RON McKINNEY, MAJOR The Denver Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) joined with Feet on the Street Inc. to develop a running program that includes training, nutritional advice, health supplements and activewear. Eighteen beneficiaries are participating, including five women.

“There is the holistic impact on mind, body and spirit,” said Nick Sterner, owner of Feet on the Street Inc., which organizes MILEAGE, page 9

GENERAL COX, page 6

JEFFREY, page 4

Photo courtesy of International Headquarters

FBI trains campers n Bureau gives at-risk youth a lesson in lawfulness.

3rd place winner Johnny in SandCreek 5K run Photo by Ron McKinney

Inside: Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 From the Board Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

the discipling, the mentoring of our young people,” Cox said. “I don’t consider our young people to be the Army of tomorrow, they are already the Army of today and they need to be reaching today’s generation effectively.”

Following recent changes in international leadership, Commissioners David and Barbara Jeffrey Commissioners David and were appoint- Barbara Jeffrey ed USA national leaders and Commissioners Donald and Debora Bell as territorial leaders in the South, effective Nov. 1.

From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Spice Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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BY JARED McKIERNAN Children living at The Salvation Army’s Westwood Transitional Village in Los Angeles got a changeup from the quintessential summer camp experience this year––complete with SWAT Team training and bomb-sniffing dogs.

For the second straight year, Westwood Transitional Village and its community partner, the FBI, joined forces to encourage approximately 30 children between 7 and 11 years old to keep out of trouble and stay on the right side of the law. At the end of the weeklong mentor program, the children graduated as junior special agents and accepted their new badges.

“These junior special agents will carry what they learned with them into their future endeavors,” said Bill Lewis, assistant director FBI, page 9

A Los Angeles SWAT Team member explains the safety equipment to the children.

Photo courtesy of the FBI

2

Doing the Most Good

August 16, 2013 New Frontier

NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Ps. 119:105).

HOBBS, N.M.—Captains Les and Susan Spousta partnered with Isaiah’s Kitchen to hold Karen vacation Bible school Gleason (VBS) at the site of Editor the homeless feeding kitchen. Nine adults helped implement “The Fruit of the Spirit” VBS program for a total of 28 children.

Located in a former Abundant Life Church, Isaiah’s Kitchen serves about 1,000 individuals a month, Monday to Friday and Sunday after church.

Nine children asked Jesus into their lives. The youth ministry will continue at Isaiah’s Kitchen on Tuesday evenings throughout the summer.

PORTLAND/BEAVERTON, ORE.— An unexpected donation showed up July 25 at the Veterans and Family Center in Beaverton. Tess, a young girl about 11 years old, stopped by with her mother and a sibling and donated over $200 to the center. She spent the July 4th holiday baking and selling cupcakes so she could honor veterans with the donation.

Rick Stoller is director at the Veterans and Family Center.

SALINAS, CALIF.—The Salvation Army supported 200-plus volunteers at the Spirit West Coast annual Christian music festival Aug. 1-3 in Monterey, Calif., serving them breakfast, lunch and dinner. The event is the biggest and only multiple-day Christian music festival in the southwestern U.S., with attendance of about 20,000 people over the three days.

Majors Kris and Camie Potter are the Salinas corps officer.

SANTA ROSA, CALIF.—The Santa Rosa Corps hosted its second annual Custom Car Show, featuring over 60 vehicles including a classic 1913 Buick.

Members of the corps’ advisory board and staff helped put together the community event, which included a bounce house, pie-eating contest, boxing matches and door prizes. About 200 people attended, and $2,300 was raised for the Transitional Living Program through car registration fees, food, Tshirt sales and donations.

Majors Joseph and Florence Murray are the corps officers; Jon George is director of the Transitional Living Program.

HANAPEPE, HAWAII—The corps recently started a morning Bible study for people who go to its soup kitchen for lunch. Themed “Questions about God,” the apologetics Bible study addresses concerns and questions that may hinder faith. The growing ministry currently has 12 participants.

Lts. Austin and Nayomia Anderson are the corps officers.

TURLOCK, CALIF.—The Turlock, Modesto Citadel, and Modesto Red Shield corps participated in the “Christmas in July” toy drive at the Stanislaus County Fair in Turlock. People who donated toys received two free carnival ride tickets.

The Salvation Army collected 300 toys, and $300. The goal was to get the Christmas toy drive off to an early start.

The Salvation Army returns to Angoon n Angoon Corps reopens after being closed since 2004.

Major Cathy Quinn uses the drum to call the village to worship.

Photo by George Baker

More than an eighth of the population of Angoon, Alaska, joined in the July 14 reopening of the Angoon Corps.

Corps Officers Majors John and Cathy Quinn, Divisional leaders Majors George and Jeanne Baker, and divisional Secretary Major Daniel Freeman welcomed friends from the neighborhood and others from as far away as Juneau and Sitka.

Major Cathy Quinn called the village to worship with a drum, walking through the town to rhythmically encourage everyone to come to church—56 of the island’s 400 residents attended.

“You can feel the anticipation in the village, and the excitement that people have expressed in having ‘their Army’ back has been heartwarming and uplifting,” Major George Baker said.

“Today is proof that ‘he makes all things beautiful in his time.’”

Retired Corps Sergeant Major Cyril George, presently living in Juneau and a prior Salvationist in Angoon, provided music and thanked the Army for returning to the town.

Having served in Kodiak for the past six years, the Quinns began efforts to replant the church in Angoon with a July 4 meeting in the home of a Salvationist. Following a time of worship, the group began planning the upcoming installation service.

Instrumental outreach for new moms n A new program for mothers and babies has everyone singing.

When Lt. Kristy Church arrived at the Caldwell, Idaho, corps last year, she brought with her a vision for outreach.

She wanted to implement a program for mothers to bond with their young children where they could play instruments and sing along together. They could even make their own homemade instruments and it would be open to anyone who wanted to join.

Despite budgetary constraints and little certainty for a sustainable future, the corps brought this vision to life in June. Unsure of how the community would embrace the program, Church opened the doors and waited for people to fill the room. One by one, clients trickled in with their children and by the start of the class, the space was sprawling with 31 participants.

“This was totally a God moment because with limited resources we were just not sure how people would embrace this addition to our programs,” Church said.

Shortly thereafter, the Baby Song program was born to a soundtrack of laughter and homemade shakers. Now, every other Tuesday, parents and their children learn to interact with each other and create educational crafts that they can take home to use until the next meeting. “[The] Baby Song program is very new, but so far, my 2-year-old daughter loves it,” said participant Ashley Fruitchantie. “I

Mothers at the Baby Song program bond with their children and each other.

Photo by Brent Church

think her favorite part is being able to play with the instruments along with the songs.”

Many are now attending Baby Song faithfully. The group meets right before the corps’ Baby Haven program so that clients can conveniently attend both back-to-back.

Baby Haven is an incentivized program for pregnant women or mothers with children up to 24 months old.

Mothers accumulate points for attending educational classes, doctor visits and other outreach programs. Unlike Baby Song, Baby Haven is specifically for

members of the Caldwell Corps.

Church said she is brewing more ideas for Baby Song activities that will involve mothers making sensory projects so they can play with their children at home.

“It is such a blessing to see these children’s smiling faces and their excitement as they sing along with music,” Church said.

“We are looking forward to growing this program and making it an integrated part of our ministry here in Caldwell.”

Oceanside Corps celebrates its centenarian volunteer Long-time Salvation Army volunteer Bessie Harwick celebrated her 100th birthday with the Oceanside (Calif.) Corps and its new Club 60, a senior lunch program.

“This was spectacular. I can’t thank you enough. My day was full of joy and happiness,” said Harwick, who has volunteered since the corps began. Over 60 people celebrated with her, including Annebell Espinosa, Club 60 manager; Cadets Edward and Stella Oware, and Corps Officers Lts. J. and Ashley Koebel.

L-r: Cadet Edward Oware, Bessie Harwick, Cadet Stella Oware, Ethel Pennington Photo by J. Koebel

Doing the Most Good

August 16, 2013 New Frontier

Cathedral City Corps receives $1 million donation n Money to be used to build a corps youth center

BY VIVIAN GATICA Longtime donors Dick and Beverly Davis donated $1 million to the Cathedral City Corps (Calif.) fundraiser to build a new youth center facility for its thriving after-school program.

“We believe in the children,” Dick Davis said. “[We] can’t have a growing country if the children don’t have a legitimate education.”

The goal of the fundraiser is to fund the construction of a 10,000-square foot building that would include a gymnasium and three classrooms for the corps’ Tutor, Enrich, and Mentor (TEAM) after-school program.

The Davises started donating to The Salvation Army in Cathedral City in the 1990s, and were the major funders of the new corps facility. In 2005, the new building was dedicated and named the Dick and Beverly Davis Corps Community Center.

“We believe in giving to others,” Beverly Davis said. “We started to donate when the corps was still small, and it just progressed from there.”

The corps must raise $3 million in order to begin construction on the youth center.

While 35 percent of the money has already

Lt. Sean Kelsey receives the million-dollar check from Dick and Beverly Davis.

Photo by Jeff Hesseltine

been collected, the corps hopes to reach the fundraising goal by August 2014.

“If we are to foster a generation of leaders for the world of tomorrow, we must be willing to invest in the youth of today,” Corps Officer Lt. Sean Kelsey said. “This fundraiser has the potential to change lives.”

The future youth center would give the highly demanded TEAM program an expanded space to reach out to more elementary stu-

dents, as well as provide athletic, music and arts classes that have been cut from local schools.

“Both Dick and Beverly Davis have a heart for this community and see a need for intervention in the lives of children and their families,” Kelsey said. “The new facility would provide a place for learning, sports, and other recreational activities away from the influences of gangs, guns, and drugs.”

El Cajon soldiers visit Salvationists in Zimbabwe n 16 corps members travel to their corps officers’ home country.

A team of 16 individuals from the El Cajon (Calif.) Corps, led by Corps Officers Captains Terry and Rutendo Masango, traveled to Zimbabwe, the Masangos’ birthplace, June 10-30.

“My wife and I witnessed extreme poverty, disease and hunger while growing up in Zimbabwe,” said Terry Masango. “We bring our teams to Zimbabwe not only to provide for the needs of the people, but to show them that they are also losing brothers and sisters in Christ every day, and have the power to do something about it.”

Group members led and participated in Sunday worship services, vacation Bible schools, village meetings and a marriage enrichment seminar. The team also helped at Home League, men’s fellowship and corps cadets meetings.

“The love of Jesus here is shown everywhere, and the people are so thankful” said team member Dan Garrett. “I now wish that we could have done more.”

The team received an invitation to visit a private school, where Masango taught the

Members of the El Cajon Corps recently traveled to Zimbabwe, the birthplace of Corps Officers Captains Terry and Rutendo Masango.

Photo courtesy of the El Cajon Corps

prefects (student leaders) about leadership.

“It was heartwarming watching these 12-year-olds cast a vision of their leadership,” Masango said.

El Cajon’s mission team also made a series of donations to Salvation Army efforts in Zimbabwe, providing musical instruments, clothes, Bibles, craft materials and even

goats, which along with other livestock are a source of wealth in Africa. The goats will provide protein in milk and income from the sale of offspring; their skins can be used to make drums and sleeping mats.

The most significant contribution made, however, was $30,000 to help complete EL CAJON, page 9

3

bookReview

Writing the vision: Collected Writings

BY KEVIN JACKSON, MAJOR Wesley Harris’s writings provide comfort food for the soul of the Salvationist. His words challenge the reader, while resembling sage-like, grandfatherly advice to a loved one. “Writing the Vision: Collected Writings,” by Harris (Salvo Publishing, 2011), an anthology of Harris’s work, includes selections from a variety of publications over 60 years.

Some writers possess the ability to say volumes in a small amount of space; so it is with Harris and this collection: short, thoughtful, insightful and challenging pieces that did not take the author 300 pages to make his point. In some ways Harris’s writings resemble a Salvationist version of Oswald Chambers.

“Writing the Vision” contains essays Harris composed for the Internet’s “Journal of Aggressive Christianity,” along with selections from books penned on his own or with a co-author, and finally his poetry.

In the chapter entitled “Dear Paul,” Harris’s novel idea of writing personal letters to the Apostle Paul reads splendidly.

Harris deconstructs the Pauline writings and interjects both personal comments as well as theological questions from a 21st century perspective. I have probably read 50-60 scholarly books on Pauline theology, and Harris’s masterful, simple style makes this material accessible to all, and his writing worthy among the best of those works.

Harris ends this volume with several poems penned through the years. His poetry, as with his other writing, is highly readable.

It appears that he desires to keep the readers (mostly Salvationists) honest in their attempt to serve humankind and the kingdom of God. With a deceptively simple style, Harris’s “Writing the Vision” is a worthwhile read that presents a deep, enriching challenge to the individual and The Salvation Army as a whole.

Stockton Salvation Army Kids College n A summer day camp with well-rounded activities Stockton Corps Officers Captains Cristian and Rebeca Sibaja created a Salvation Army Kids College to provide educational activities during the summer for children in Stockton, Calif.

“We work with a lot of children who have fallen behind in the public school system because they do not possess the skill sets or follow the academic pace of their peers,” Rebeca Sibaja said. “As a former educator, I have always seen a need to start motivating children at a young age so that they can dream big, and create their own visions for their futures. ” More than 50 children attended the day camp for Bible studies, science labs, scrapbooking, cooking, art, music appreciation, hygiene and first aid lessons, sports, literary com-

prehension, and language classes in Spanish, Vietnamese and Tagalog.

“I am certain that 90 percent of the parents in our community would not be able to afford art or dance classes for their child, let alone the expenses that come from enrolling them in a sports team,” Sibaja said. “We wanted to give these children the opportunity to explore different things that they might not have had economic access to before.”

Twenty-five volunteers from Delta College, University of the Pacific, University of Reno, and local high schools assisted in creating lessons for the children.

“The program could not be going better,” said Jimmy Vang, a volunteer from University of the Pacific. “It is very impressive to see how the Bible lessons are incorporated into the other STOCKTON, page 9

Children participate in a science lab workshop, part of the Kids College curriculum.

Photo by Cristian Sibaja

4

Doing the Most Good

August 16, 2013 New Frontier

Camden Kroc set for 2014 opening n The new community center will create 160 jobs.

The 27th Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in the U.S. has announced it will officially open its doors in Camden, N.J., in October 2014.

The 120,000 square-foot facility is currently being constructed on 24 acres of land previously used as a landfill. Once finished, it will provide families a safe place for learning, exercising and community-building. It figures to be a welcome addition to one of the poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods in America, where 35 percent of families live below the poverty line.

“It’s hard to find good news in

ROBERTS

from page 1

election as the 20th international leader of The Salvation Army.

“As Salvation Army officers God has called us to make ourselves available to serve wherever the Army believes we can best support the mission,” Roberts said. “I take up these new and significant responsibilities in assisting the General in realizing his vision for The Salvation Army around the globe with no pretense about myself, but only wanting to do the best I can for God and the Army. It will be my extreme privilege to do so.”

Originally from the USA Central Territory, Roberts has extensive experience and knowledge of the international Salvation Army.

Commissioned in 1971 with the Victorious Session of cadets, the Robertses served in corps and divisional appointments, prior to

JEFFREY

Camden,” said Major Paul Cain, Camden Kroc Center administrator. “This Kroc Center is indeed good news; good news built with bricks and concrete but also with love.”

The Camden Kroc Center will create 160 jobs as well as countless opportunities for healing, growth and education in Camden.

Major Cain sees the baseball, basketball and soccer fields, swimming pool, client choice food pantry, day care center, pond, and solar panel field soon to come.

Thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors, political leaders like Mayor Dana Redd, Wells Fargo, Campbell’s, and the city of Camden—this center is becoming a reality.

assuming territorial leadership of South America East in 2001. Four years later they went to International Headquarters (IHQ), where he served as international secretary for business administration and she as IHQ chaplain and secretary for IHQ staff development. In 2008, they took leadership of the newly formed Kenya West Territory, before returning to the U.S. in 2010 as national leaders.

Roberts has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in religious studies; his interests include minority ministries, cross-cultural ministries, leadership development, evangelism and church growth, and social service. She holds a bachelor’s degree in early elementary education and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling.

from page 1

The Jeffreys currently serve as territorial leaders in the South and the Bells as territorial leaders in the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory.

As the new national leaders, the Jeffreys return to National Headquarters having previously served as National Chief Secretary and National Women’s Ministries Secretary, respectively.

Before entering the College for Officer Training, the Jeffreys were in charge of a corps outpost in West Virginia. As cadet-lieutenants and following their commissioning, the couple served at corps in West Virginia and Maryland.

They held divisional staff appointments including divisional youth leaders, divisional secretary and assistant Home League secretary, and general secretary and Home League secretary. He also served as Metro Area Commander in the Georgia Division, including oversight of 11 corps, five boys and girls clubs, six emergency services offices and a 250-bed homeless shelter.

She also led the Atlanta chapter of the Women’s Auxiliary.

The Jeffreys served as the personnel directors, and then as the assistant principal and director of special services at the Evangeline Booth College. In addition, they have served as the divisional commander and director of women’s ministries

for the Kentucky and Tennessee and Texas Divisions.

Commissioners Don and The Debi Bell Jeffreys were married in 1969 and have two sons, David and Mark.

Commissioners Bell were appointed territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries for the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory in March 2009, after eight months’ service as chief secretary and territorial secretary of women’s ministries there. Since August 2012, he has also served as President of Bible Society New Zealand.

Prior to their appointments in New Zealand, the Bells served as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries for the USA Western Territory.

They have 35 years in ministerial and administrative positions with the Army in California, Arizona, and at National Headquarters in Alexandria, Va. The Bells were married in January 1979. With this appointment, their active service is extended to October 2017.

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army DFW

Landscape job training at work in Dallas The Salvation Army in Dallas, Texas, launched a new commercial landscape management business to help companies keep their facilities looking sharp while also providing jobs, training, counseling and income for people who would otherwise be unemployed.

The Socially Responsible Landscape Management Company has two crews of 12 workers who live at a Salvation Army homeless shelter where they are trained in lawn mowing, sprinkler installation and repair.

“The workers are overcoming many barriers to employment, including the very fact that they are homeless,” said Donnie Freeman, social enterprise manager for The Salvation Army Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex Command. “Some have had issues with drug and alcohol abuse, and even though they’ve completed treatment,

the stigma remains.”

A professional lawn care supervisor trains each employee to gain experience and selfsufficiency so he or she can move onto other full-time work.

“By working on a landscaping crew and proving they are reliable, they become eligible to receive letters of recommendation and assistance in attaining full-time employment,” Freeman said.

The entire project was funded by donations from local advisory board members, who helped purchase equipment and find management. The company is working to add more jobs, in hopes of providing employment for a greater number of homeless individuals in Dallas.

Salvation Army opens Sandy Recovery Center n New center will provide long-term support in New York.

The Salvation Army Greater New York Division held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of its Long Island Sandy Recovery Center, which will offer long-term assistance to survivors of the fall 2012 storm.

Unique to the area, it will provide disaster case management to help eligible survivors find resources for rebuilding their damaged homes.

“We wrapped up our shortterm relief efforts in 2012, then entered a recovery phase, and now have officially switched our operations to long-term recovery, as we, together with our partners, work to get people back into their homes or into a new permanent home,” said Major Steven Stoops, associate social ministries secretary for The Salvation Army Greater New York Division.

Over the past eight months, The Salvation Army has provid-

State and local officials join Army leaders for the official ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on July 11.

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army Greater New York Division

ed financial assistance, referral services to the hardest hit areas of Staten Island, Queens and Long Island, while also playing an active role in bringing funding and services to those affected through partnerships with other nonprofit agencies.

As the state continues recovery operations, homeowners like Ellen Levitsky are grateful for the support of The Salvation Army, which helped clean up her storm-ravaged home.

“I never thought anyone would come to help,” Levitsky said. “I feel like I should be

pinched. I’m so thankful for the help that The Salvation Army has provided, and how quickly.”

Two more Salvation Army Sandy Recovery Centers are in the works for Staten Island and Far Rockaway, which will replicate the case-management model of the Long Island site.

Both centers are in need of staff.

To support The Salvation Army’s continued Sandy recovery work, please visit salvationarmyny.org. For information on eligibility and available assistance, call the center’s main number at (516) 478-4166.

The World

Doing the Most Good

Fundraising campaign launches in Chile n Money raised will benefit social service projects.

n Momentum building for the 2015 International Congress

n The Salvation Army sends disaster assessment team.

A 6.6-magnitude earthquake hit Dingxi City, in the Gansu Province of China, July 23, causing infrastructure damage and leaving many people homeless. The Salvation Army quickly dispatched a disaster assessment team from the Hong Kong and Macau Command.

The quake left at least 75 dead, 450 injured and many unaccounted for.

Local officials met the Army team and took them directly to the Ma Jai Ko village of Mai Chun town-

ship, one of the worst affected areas.

Army personnel conducted a comprehensive needs assessment for the survivors and visited the hospital to see quake victims.

Led by Envoy Simon Wong and Major Tony Ma, the team distributed instant noodles and preserved vegetables to community members most affected. They also provided bereavement counseling.

After its evaluation on long-term requirements, the team returned to Hong Kong and submitted a proposal to the government for funding to assist the survivors in the next phase of recovery.

Elsewhere in the world

ZAMBIA—Major Beryl Pierce, director of The Salvation Army’s Mitanda Home for the Aged, struggles to maintain the facility and meet clients’ needs.

Recently, negotiations began with an individual who wants to rent a corner of the Mitanda property for a filling station and shops. If this transpires, Mitanda will receive enough rent to meet its monthly shortfall and become fully self-supporting. Pray for this plan to become a reality.

From Beryl Pierce

‘Boundless’ logo revealed

Quake hits China

5

CANADA—The Salvation Army Gladstone Church serves vulnerable people in the Centretown area of Ottawa, Ontario. Many members are homeless or on the verge of homelessness.

“Captain Ginny” asked the church to support the Partners in Mission program by raising $500 for work in Malawi, Africa. “A penny in Canada isn’t worth much, but it is in Malawi,” she said, asking only for their pennies.

The pennies added up. By the end of the event, the church raised $2,130.

From ottawacitizen.com

The Salvation Army Chile Central Division launched a campaign to raise funds for current and future social service projects.

“Chile has proved to be a prosperous nation, but there is still tremendous need in its poor communities,” said Major Hernán Espinoza, divisional commander for central Chile.

“The overall financial support for The Salvation Army, as well as other organizations, has reduced significantly, leading us to create local donation campaigns.”

The Salvation Army is seeking to re-establish its image as the leading social services organization in the nation, funding projects to support work in education, emergency preparedness, homeless outreach and housing.

According to Fernando Villegas, divisional development director, volunteers and personnel took to the local streets and metro stations to pass out flyers and spread the word about the fundraiser. Posters, bus rolling ads, and billboards promoting The Salvation Army campaign will be visible around the region, and the division is using social media as a tool for promotion.

“This campaign will allow us to strengthen our donation base and refresh the public on the work of The Salvation Army in Chile,” Villegas said.

Salvation Army officers, members of the Evangelical Church of Chile, and assessment boards from the cities of Santiago and Valparaiso recently met to celebrate 104 years of The Salvation Army in Chile.

“Throughout its 104 years of service in Chile, The Salvation Army has been reaching out to the community humbly and efficiently, and has been recognized as a historic and important organization for the country,” Espinoza said. “However, there are few people that know what The Salvation Army actually does, and this campaign will help change this.”

Salvation Army team members comfort Madam Bao who was injured when her house collapsed.

Courtesy of International Headquarters

August 16, 2013 New Frontier

The Salvation Army International Headquarters unveiled its official logo for the 2015 International Congress—“Boundless.”

Slated for July 1-5, 2015, in London, the congress will mark the Army’s 150th anniversary.

Designed by Kim Hansen and Jan Aasmann from Norway, the logo is comprised of dove-shaped images in yellow, red and blue interwoven to form a circle with a star in the middle.

“We are a holiness movement and this congress will express that from the outset,” said Commissioner William Cochrane, international secretary to the Chief of the Staff.

“Additionally, the interlocking shapes in the traditional Salvation Army colors of yellow, red and blue infer the unity that is ours through our diversity. The Salvation Army is at work in 126 countries around the world, yet we are one.”

The logo’s circular shape is reminiscent of the earth and ties in with the Congress theme, “Boundless—the whole world redeeming,” reinforcing the Salvationist’s desire to win the entire world for God. “This circular shape, which has no beginning nor ending, reminds us of the words ‘eternal,’ never-ending,’ ‘limitless’...‘boundless,’” said Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood, International Congress 2015 coordinator. “God’s love, his salvation and his grace are indeed boundless and worthy of our acknowledgement and celebration during the course of our five days together in London.”

The International Congress Planning and Advisory Council, working with international leadership, chose the logo from approximately 40 submissions from around the Salvation Army world.

For the latest International Congress news, follow @Boundless2015 on Twitter.

MALAYSIA—The city of Melaka’s “Open Day,” a charity event for The Salvation Army, featured 54 vendors selling food, drinks, plants, clothing and crafts to support the Army.

Chief Minister YB Datuk Latipah binti Omar, a city representative, officiated at the opening ceremony. Later, she visited an exhibition highlighting the Army’s service there. In a speech, she complimented the Army’s good work.

The event raised almost $20,000.

From WAR CRY SCOTLAND—The Salvation Army announced a five-year plan to expand the current social work in Scotland’s communities to help combat drug and alcohol abuse.

Phase one will position experienced drug and alcohol workers in three key towns: Greenock, Stirling and Falkirk.

Phase two will extend the plan further by developing more satellite hubs across the country.

From news.salvationarmy.org.uk SINGAPORE—The Bishan Chinese Corps held a dedication ceremony to open its new sanctuary. Territorial Leaders Colonels Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham attended, along with Program Secretaries Majors Raelton and Lynn Gibbs.

The celebration included an Old Testament reading, a plaque presentation and prayer. The gospel choir and timbrel group performed.

Daniel Lim’s Bible message from 1 Chronicles 29:10-14, “His sanctuary of glory,” encouraged corps members to know God’s guidance.

From Salvationist UK—Gloucester Corps Officer Major Adrian Allman participated in a church leaders’ “Great Bake-Off ” to launch Christian Aid Week. The bake-off ’s motto was “Bite Back at Hunger.”

Bakers included Allman, Right Rev. Michael Perham, Rev. Noel Sharp, Linda Anderson and Rev. Alison Evans.

Allman—scoring 8/10 points—came in second, just behind Sharp with 8.5 points. The cakes were then sold to raise additional money for the campaign.

From SALVATIONIST

PAGE 6—NEW FRONTIER • AUGUST 16, 2013

AUGUST 16, 2013 • NEW FRONTIER—PAGE 7

GENERAL COX

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He said he is also concerned about the spirituality of the Army’s ministry.

“We need to rediscover, I think, faith and confidence in the authority of Scripture as being the divine revelation given to us by God and we need to be serious about that,” Cox said. “A lot of our people are fed on sermons from Sunday to Sunday. We want to be people rooted, grounded in the Word of God.” And he said leadership development is a key issue.

“I am concerned about how we prepare people for future leadership, for present leadership and how we could do that better,” Cox said.

As a member of the High Council’s questions committee, Commissioner Carol Seiler of the USA Central Territory, said, “The discussion before and during the High Council, as well as questions posed, clearly show an increasingly complex context for mission, which is being grappled with around the world by officers and soldiers who show great diversity threaded through with a sincere love of God and the Army. The General has no easy road as he negotiates complex cultural, financial and spiritual issues.”

The council’s 117 members (64 women and 53 men) nominated five commissioners—three Americans and two Europeans. On the sixth day of meeting, each member cast a ballot in secret before High Council President Commissioner William Roberts, USA National Commander, announced the results.

Six days after his election, Cox appointed Roberts as Chief of the Staff, effective Oct. 1.

Roberts presented Cox, wearing the uniform trim of a General, to the council members immediately after his election. “You have placed an awesome task upon our shoulders,” Cox said. “I want this Army to be a force for good throughout the world, transforming communities and living up to the spiritual values we proclaim.”

These values are part of Cox’s roots.

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, to a Swiss mother and an English father, Cox spent his childhood in Africa and the U.K. prior to moving to Switzerland, where he met his wife. Commissioner Silvia Cox (nee Volet), who also had officer parents, was born in Argentina in 1955, but her home was Switzerland.

The couple trained at the Army’s International Training College in London, each one commissioned in 1979. They served in two corps appointments in Switzerland and then moved to Zimbabwe in 1987 with their three daughters: Myriam, Esther and Sarah. The Coxes served at Zimbabwe Territorial Headquarters for 10 years in the public relations, finance and trade departments; she also served as superintendent of Braeside Social Home.

Previous appointments Switzerland and Austria Territory Corps (June 1979) Zimbabwe Territory PR (July 1987), THQ (June 1992) Financial Secretary (April 1994) Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory Head of Communications Department (October 1997) Business Administrator (February 2002) Finland and Estonia Territory Territorial Commander (July 2005) Southern Africa Territory Territorial Commander (October 2008) United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland Territorial Commander (May 2012) International Headquarters Chief of the Staff (February 2013) General (August 2013)

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We are first and foremost a people to whom grace has been shown...

Getting to know the new General

Date of birth: July 12, 1954 Nationality: British/Swiss Home corps: Genève 1, Switzerland & Austria Territory Commissioned: May 25, 1979 Married: Silvia Volet, September 25, 1976 Favorite book? “A Far Off Place” by Laurens van der Post.

It raises many echos of a happy childhood in Africa.

Favorite movie? I’m quite partial to James Bond movies,

but the last movie I saw was “Les Miserables”

and I quite enjoyed that.

Favorite sport? It’s what we Brits would call proper

football, and as long as I can remember I’ve

supported Manchester United.

Favorite snack? Swiss chocolate Favorite activity? Walking, reading, and photography Wisest thing someone ever told you? Don’t take yourself

too seriously, wisdom I received from my father.

One word to describe yourself? Relational Your best advice to a frontline corps officer? Don’t do it

all yourself. You need to empower, train and

enable others to grow and develop in their own abilities.

LISTEN

as General André Cox responds to questions during our interview:

newfrontierpublications.org/nf/general-cox-speaksto-new-frontier-publications/

From Africa, the pair returned to the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory in 1997 and held headquarters appointments in the mission and public relations departments; he also served as head of communications and head of business administration. They were then appointed territorial leaders to the Finland and Estonia Territory in 2005, the Southern Africa Territory in 2008 and U.K. Territory with the Republic of Ireland in 2012. In February 2013, he was appointed the Chief of the Staff and she the World President of Women’s Ministries.

“Diversity is one aspect I love the best about The Salvation Army,” Cox said. “I’ve seen the beauty of cultures, and how much we are conditioned by the environment we grow up in. Such diversity should be celebrated…it’s exciting to see how our different cultures—as they are exposed to the light of the gospel—all begin to move toward the values of the kingdom.”

Cox also acknowledged challenges facing The Salvation Army today—from perceptions, to poverty and rotating leadership.

“Of course we are guided by our own understanding of Scripture,” Cox said of the Army’s relationship with the LGBT community. “We are first and foremost a people to whom grace has been shown. If God held you or I to account for the things we have done, our past sins, we would stand condemned before him. God has shown us great grace in Jesus Christ. Then I think that first and foremost our reaction should be to show grace, to reflect grace.”

He said we need to embrace anyone who seeks God with integrity and not stand in judgment, but we do need to reflect on our theology in order to feel confident in our understanding of the authority of Scripture for our own lives.

“I don’t think we can simply impose our own understanding on others,” Cox said. “I think there is a real danger that we can now, having been shown grace, say that we are the religious people of today and stand in judgment of others. We need to be careful about that... We are a people to whom grace has been shown and we need to reflect that grace.”

In our corps, Cox said, we’ve evolved to a more comfortable or middle-class style of living, which in some ways challenges the corps in reaching those in need.

“We are in danger in our corps of being very comfortable with ourselves, enjoying our music, enjoying our sermons, enjoying the routines of the Sunday worship and missing the point,” he said. “People think that William Booth was a great social reformer, but he himself said that our social ministry actually stems from our own spiritual experience. It’s because Christ called us that we do reach out to those in need.”

Cox said the Army should work with communities and help people find solutions to problems rather than tell them what they need.

“The poor should not be looked at as a subject of pity; they are extremely resilient and very often have ideas about how they can improve their situation,” he said. “First and foremost, we should come alongside them; we should seek to understand what their situation is and to try and help them to identify how they can help themselves.”

Cox said we need to better use our influence in the political sphere and work with politicians on policy issues in order to find long-term solutions.

Recognizing rotating leadership in the office of the General in recent years, Cox said this fact has both positive and negative implications.

“New leadership sometimes brings new impetus, sometimes new vision,” he said. “I think the fact that there is a rotation can be positive. I agree, though, that too rapid change is obviously not good because we’ve all seen evidence of lack of continuity when that happens, so I think there needs to be a balance.

“When I look at myself, I like to think that...none of us should be indispensible,” Cox said. “We should all be working ourselves out of our jobs, in a way, so that someone else is ready to take over for us.”

All photos courtesy International Headquarters

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Doing the Most Good

August 16, 2013

Reader’s Theatre seniors perform “What’s on TV?” L-r: Major Carol Pontsler, Judy Daigle, Babe Wood and BJ Fawver

Puyallup Valley Corps provides second home for seniors n The center’s new Reader’s Theater is a hit among members.

BY CAROL PONTSLER, MAJOR Every weekday, you will find seniors at The Salvation Army Senior Activities Center in Puyallup, Wash., participating in fun, evangelical activities that build character.

“It presents the opportunity to speak life into the seniors,” said Carleta Alexander, a cook at the senior center. “I love to quote God’s Word at work and [to have] the opportunity to enlarge the kingdom.”

A variety of activities are scheduled throughout the week that include crocheting, ceramics class, woodcarving, sumi-e art, line dancing, and bingo. Bible study classes take place twice a week, along with monthly trips to Tacoma Little Theatre.

“How wonderful that we have such a variety of things to share,”

said Jan Rusler, activities director at the Senior Activities Center.

“Everyone is welcome.”

New this year is a Reader’s Theater group. The group performs a 20 to 30-minute presentation every six to eight weeks. The beauty of this type of entertainment is that cast members do not have to memorize their lines, but can act with script in hand. The group is working on its fifth production.

Their last presentation, “What’s on TV?,” featured a senior trying to watch four of her favorite programs at once. As she clicked through the stations, each program finished the sentence the previous program started, resulting in many laughs.

Center members are also active in giving back to the community.

The crochet group has contributed several dozen handmade lap robes to a local nursing home. Others participated in The Salvation Army camp walkathon last fall to raise money for local camp sponsorships.

newAppointments TRANSFERRING OUT OF TERRITORY Captains Joel and Rhonda Harmon Corps Officers Egersund Corps in the Western Division Norway, Iceland and the Faeroes Territory Effective Nov. 1

NORTHWEST DIVISION Majors McKinney and Debra Dove In-Charge Walla Walla Outpost Effective Sept. 11

Southern Territory Headquarters • Atlanta, GA

Multi-Media Ministries Editor/Ministry Tool Kit Community Relations & Development Department (Communications Bureau Section) Southern Territory Headquarters Atlanta, Georgia Description: Plans, develops, facilitates, coordinates, implements and evaluates the production of multi-media materials submitted for the Ministry Tool Kit website; ensures materials posted on the website meet established standards. Develops and administers a marketing plan to constantly grow awareness and usage of the Ministry Tool Kit. Provides administrative, marketing, and web-development support for ministry leaders submitting materials for The Salvation Army’s Ministry Toolkit (MTK) website and Southern Spirit Online (SSO). Facilitates the approval process for materials submitted for posting on the MTK, and monitors all communications. Seeks to improve all aspects of the MTK, including the creation of rich content and developing the appeal and functionality of the MTK. Develops communications and marketing tools for MTK to enhance and grow the users list. Serves as key participant in the Southern Spirit Online creation team, which includes the provision of rich content. Provides technical and creative assistance with other media creation opportunities within the Communications Bureau.

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field AND Two years experience producing a variety of multi-media productions and/or ministry resources specifically for a web-based environment, OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Bona fide Occupational Qualification: This position requires an active, uniform-wearing Salvationist in good standing.

Certifications: Valid State Driver’s License To apply, please complete our online application at www.salvationarmycareers.org (Job ID 166172). For additional information, contact Debra Elder at debra_elder@uss. salvationarmy.org Application Submittal Period: July 15, 2013 - September 30, 2013 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Doing the Most Good

August 16, 2013

9

MILEAGE A/Captain William Ladlow Bearchell was promoted to Glory July 20 from Menifee, Calif.

Born Oct. 9, 1929, in New York, N.Y., Bill Bearchell was the oldest of a set of twin boys. He grew up in The Salvation Army, becoming a senior soldier of the Jamaica (N.Y.) Corps in 1944 and graduating from corps cadets in 1948.

In 1953, Bearchell graduated from Springfield College (Mass.), married Grace Emily Aitkin, and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a second lieutenant, enrolling in flight school.

Bearchell had several careers. After the Marine Corps, he became a pilot with TWA in 1957. He took on education administration in 1973. Finally, in 1982, he became an auxiliary captain in The Salvation Army. During his 12 years as a Salvation Army officer, he and his wife served at adult rehabilitation centers (ARCs) in Seattle and in Canoga Park, Pasadena and Oakland, Calif.

According to his family, the lifelong career that mattered most was that he was a dedicated Christian, husband, Salvationist/bandsman, father, mentor and friend.

Bearchell is survived by his wife Grace; sons Craig Bearchell and Major Brian Bearchell; daughters Janice Freeman and Joanne Callaway; his twin brother Robert (Bob) Bearchell; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service took place July 27 at the Riverside County ARC with Lt. Colonel Doug Riley presiding.

A/Captain Hubert (Bert) Lohman was

promoted to Glory June 11 from Napa, Calif.

Hubert (Bert) Lohman was born in Hildesheim, Germany, Jan. 12, 1922, to Friedrich and Auguste (Duwe) Lohman. He graduated high school in Camden, N.J., and volunteered for the U.S. Army in World War II. Because he was fluent in German, he was assigned to work with British intelligence.

After his military service, Lohman worked nights while attending the University of Illinois.

Graduating Phi Beta Kappa, he hoped to be a German professor. However, he became ill and a doctor told him he did not have long to live.

He moved to Arizona where another doctor advised him he had been misdiagnosed.

Lohman met his wife, Jean Pettit, in Douglas, Ariz. They wed in 1950 and had three children: David, Darrell and Lisa.

The Lohmans served in The Salvation Army as auxiliary captains for over 12 years at the Napa (Calif.) Corps, retiring in 1987.

They were known for their love of the people, including the advisory board and Kiwanis and Rotary clubs.

The First Baptist Church in Clearlake, Calif., held a memorial service June 29. Pastor Larry Fanning presided and Major Joy Brown gave a eulogy.

Major Bill Lane was promoted to Glory July 23 from West Jordan, Utah.

Bill Ray Lane was born Jan. 18, 1930, in Tulsa, Okla., to Harry Beryl and Grace Anne Lane. In 1937, the Lane family moved to Bell Gardens, Calif.

As a teenager, Lane met his future wife,

Viola “Bunny” Angel, at The Salvation Army camp in Redondo Beach, Calif. He joined the Marines in 1948, becoming the cook at Camp Pendleton during the Korean War. Bill and Bunny Lane entered The Salvation Army Officers Training College in 1953 and were commissioned with the Shepherds Session in June 1954.

During his 40-year career, Lane served in corps, adult rehabilitation centers (ARCs) and divisional headquarters (DHQ) appointments throughout the Western Territory.

Corps appointments included Havre, Mont.; Walla Walla, Wash.; Kahului, Hawaii; Riverside and Merced, Calif.; Reno, Nev.; Albuquerque, N.M.; and Salt Lake City. He served as administrator of the Long Beach, Calif., and Tucson, Ariz., ARCs; and as service extension director, city coordinator and emergency disaster coordinator at Intermountain DHQ. After retiring in 1994, the Lanes continued to minister in Utah in Salvation Army corps and the First Church of the Nazarene. Lane filled in at corps in Ogden, Utah, and Grand Junction, Colo.

After his wife’s death, Lane later married Marian Mepham of Amherst, Mass., a former Shepherds Session mate.

Lane is survived by his wife, Marian; daughter, Becky Lane; sons, Mark (Laura) Lane and Kevin Lane; brother, Ken (Lea) Lane; three step-children, four grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.

A memorial service took place at the Salt Lake City Corps on July 29 with Corps Officer Major Richard Greene presiding.

10,000 SCOOPS To kick off a new fundraiser called “10,000 Scoops,” Salvation Army volunteers in Portland, Ore., gave out 10,000 free scoops of ice cream to 10,000 people in downtown Portland on July 23.

Denali Flavors, partnering with Safeway Consumer Brands, donated its “Moose Tracks” flavor for the event. For every scoop dished out, Denali donated $1 ($10,000 total) to the Greater Portland Area Salvation Army.

Captain Raymond and Major Nancy Dihle are the Portland Tabernacle corps officers. Captains Dwayne and Hilary Patterson are the Portland Moore Street corps officers.

EL CAJON

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the construction of the local Highfield Temple.

“The soldiers of the Highfield Temple were overwhelmed with the funds collected to help finish their chapel, and we were overwhelmed with their gratitude as they cheered, hugged, and thanked us for what seemed like an eternity,” said Renee Howard, a mission team member. “We were humbled, knowing that we were representing all of

those who helped send us to Zimbabwe and raise the money for the projects.”

The team also visited corps construction sites in Marikopo, Mungate and Braeside, where The Salvation Army plans to build halls to expand its ministry.

Masango said, “It was a breath of fresh air watching God grow his church, and to be part of enabling their growth [in Zimbabwe].”

The Tucson Temple Corps held a weeklong vacation Bible school (VBS)—its first in five years—from July 15-21. Spearheaded by Corps Officer Major Evangeline Leslie, the summer program welcomed 26 elementary school-aged children.

Themed “Kingdom Rocks, Where Kids Stand Strong for God,” the program offered Bible stories, singing, dancing, arts and crafts and skits. The week concluded with a graduation ceremony during Sunday service, with 98 people attending. The service included VBS singers doing praise and worship, a video, a Kingdom Rock live game and Devotion in Motion.

FBI

from page 1

in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Fostering a positive relationship with law enforcement early on will help them stay drug and gang free and understand that respect for both themselves and others is paramount.”

The program educated the children on issues including the history of the FBI, anti-bullying, conflict resolution, civil rights, abstinence from drugs and gangs and Internet safety through several interactive exercises.

Lisa Chan-Flagg, a Westwood Transitional Housing Advisory Board member and president of the FBI Citizens Academy, helped catalyze the partnership.

“We wanted to do something out in the community,” Chan-Flagg said.

“Prior to last year, there were no camps.

There was nothing for these kids to do.”

All of the kids who participated in the weeklong training academy are full-time residents of the Westwood Transitional Village––a 40-unit residential housing facility that offers support services for homeless families.

Families can spend up to two years there while they stabilize and prepare for independent living. Approximately 150 individuals live at the Westwood Transitional Village, two-thirds being

children.

Underprivileged youth are twice as likely to get expelled, suspended or drop out of high school, according to the National Center on Family Homelessness. The FBI partnership aimed to counteract this risk factor, exposing the campers to positive career choices.

One day, the children participated in FBI-simulated tactical exercises, fully decked out in official protective gear.

The FBI brought bomb-sniffing dogs to the camp to greet the children.

“We even got to walk them,” said 7-year-old Solomon, a first-time camper.

Aside from the rigors of training, the campers also relaxed in Santa Monica.

Many of the kids had never seen the ocean before.

“The best part [of the week] was going to the beach,” said 9-year-old Diamond, a return camper.

Chan-Flagg said she would like to see the partnership continue so the kids at Westwood have something to look forward to every summer. Lewis, meanwhile, has high hopes for the newly named junior special agents: “We may even see some of these promising children one day join the ranks of the FBI.”

from page 1

5K and 10K races in Denver. “The way the program is designed offers beneficiaries an opportunity to engage in a healthy, active lifestyle and effectively puts them in touch with a community that is making positive health choices.”

When the individuals began training, many struggled to run a quarter of a mile in Denver––an already challenging environment for cardiovascular training due to its mile-high elevation. Yet, Sterner said in a few weeks of training, they advanced to running up to three miles.

“If we can latch on early, you see a lot of [the beneficiaries] translate the incremental goal setting of athletics into other areas of their lives,” Sterner said. “We’ve had a lot of guys tell us that [fitness] is why they stay in the [ARC] program.”

Since the program’s start in May, ARC beneficiaries have participated in two public races––the Cops and Robbers 5K Road Chase and the Sand Creek 5K, notching female second-place and male third-place individual finishes in the latter.

Sarah Lewis, a recent ARC graduate, was hired as a Feet on the Street Inc. employee shortly after finishing the program. She explained how the fitness component was key in her recovery.

“I played soccer and I was running a lot...I lost that part of myself in my addiction,” Lewis said. “My addiction was a way of numbing out my pain. Now, I don’t want to numb it out. I want to feel pain. I want to feel the pain of running.

Even when I know it hurts, I want to finish what I started.”

Samantha Peel, Denver ARC program manager, noted that while physical health is key, the program is about much more than releasing endorphins.

“They make a commitment and that commitment becomes a goal,” Peel said. “That goal then becomes structure and that structure becomes hope.”

Training sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday for men and every Thursday and Sunday for women. Sterner said the “goal race” for beneficiaries is a half marathon at Denver’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in October. Those who compete in that race will then be encouraged to train for a full marathon in spring 2014.

“This is a dream job for me,” Lewis said. “After we run, it’s amazing how everything seems better.

It’s just a different coping mechanism. Running helps you process everything.”

STOCKTON from page 3

activities to help the children in the long run.”

The corps officers hope to implement the program on a year-round basis, but are waiting for funds and grants that will allow it.

“We do not have the words to express our gratitude to God for the success of our program this summer,” Cristian Sibaja said. “We are now just waiting for the Lord to provide us with the funds to continue it, and we know nothing is impossible for him.”

Doing the Most Good

August 16, 2013 New Frontier

a view from the Board Side

In early July a newly commissioned friend of mine, Lt. Sid Salcido, called me asking for help. His first day at his new post he met informally with his board; all 11 members were present. Then he Dick received the stunning news that nine had Hagerty been inducted at the previous meeting.

“Can you come up and meet with Advisory board them right away?” was his plea. member Yes, I will come, but first he needs to spend a few months with them, giving them a clear view of who we—The Salvation Army— are, and of all the dimensions that we encompass. He needs to get them on committees, plugged into programs, and actively meeting as a new team. Only then will the details of organization, policy and program really matter to these folks.

Nothing is more discouraging than to sit in a board meeting where only a handful of members are attending and participating. Having staff outnumber board members is no way to run an organization; yet that often becomes reality.

How do we keep our board and council members energized, excited and involved as participants in our activities and our meetings?

This question is asked frequently, and while there are no easy answers, I believe it starts right at the beginning with the introduction and induction. Assignment to an active committee must follow immediately.

We recently changed our local rules concerning the process of bringing a new member onto the board. Prior to being voted on, the prospect must attend a community awareness meeting that we hold monthly—the leadership luncheon—where we give community leaders a clear and detailed view of who we are and how we serve the community at large. The event includes brief videos, reports and a tour of the facilities. This format not only gives an overview of our function, but also allows a prospective member to see in some detail what we are about.

The prospective candidate then must serve on an active committee for a minimum of six months. Since most of our committees meet monthly, and some nearly every week, we will get a very real view of the dedication, effectiveness and commitmentment to attendance that this person brings to the tasks at hand.

Here are some specific suggestions that may help keep up interest and attendance: • Keep accurate attendance records of all board and committee meetings.

• Publish these records at mid-year and again at year-end so that each member sees his or her level of participation. The entire board also sees the attendance of each of their fellow members—a bit of peer pressure never hurts.

• Use these records when the nominating committee meets in the fall to determine whether or not to renew a member for another term.

• Email, call or mail out clear invitations and reminders prior to each board and committee meeting.

• Make sure that the meetings are well organized, start and end on time, and leave all those who attended feeling that positive things were accomplished.

• While finance is critical for board attention, too many boards focus on this to the point that strategic planning and reporting on results are overlooked. Be sure your board is well informed on all aspects of the local work and results.

• Pay special attention to keeping the new member feeling involved, informed and needed.

• Ask an active board member to team up with a new or lagging member, calling to remind that person of meetings, and otherwise making the member feel wanted and needed.

A week later my young officer friend called me right after his first official full board meeting—he was elated. He said that he followed my coaching and encouragement and that the meeting was filled with good cheer and anticipation. Plus, they will immediately begin forming and meeting as an executive committee. After a couple more meetings, they will be ready for a full mentoring time where we will begin to build them into an active and involved team.

Contact Dick at rghagerty@aol.com.

Another look Summer around here means buckets of fruit. Drive along just about any road in our part of the state and you will see the signs: upick, we-pick, fruit ahead. Cherries and berries, peaches and grapes— Oregon explodes in the colors and smells of summer as the tiniest of Kelly blossoms grow into balls of fruit and ripen in the warm summer sun. (In Pontsler case you haven’t figured it out, I love Major summer fruit.)

So, a few days of vacation unfolded naturally into some berry picking and jam making.

Heading out into a brilliant and hot, sunny day, I found myself 10 minutes down the road at a fruit farm just outside of town. I’d been there last year and knew this was the place for me.

I checked in at the counter in the small enclosed fruit stand. My buckets were weighed and I was asked which fruit I was hoping to get. Raspberries! I had no idea how far along the season was, but as the berries were noted on the board as available for picking, I figured I had a chance. The staff girl smiled and said yes, there were still some there but “you have to hunt for them.” I wasn’t in a rush and figured time was not an issue. So off I went, down the little straw-covered road, through the orchards and beyond to the berry section, ready to get to work.

I planned my attack and decided to start on the last row and work down and back. At first glance, I didn’t see much fruit. The bushes, cultivated to reach up a bit over my head, were a couple of feet deep. Where was the fruit? The first 20 feet of berry bushes yielded about a handful of raspberries, and I thought, “this may not have been a great idea.” But then some little splashes of red color caught my eye, as I glanced back over my shoulder.

Catching a glimpse of the fruit tucked behind and well up into the green bushes, I discovered loads of berries.

One glance wasn’t enough; I had to have another look.

I worked my way forward another five feet and then

looked back. Again, what appeared to be bushes completely barren of fruit in fact had an impressive amount still to give. Another look. A change of position and perspective. Several rows later, my buckets were full and I was on my way home.

There must be a lesson in that, right?

How often do we walk the path of daily life, staring straight ahead, scanning quickly for some easily spotted fruit and seeing nothing, to give up or move on? Some of the best leaders may not be the most obvious. Some of the best ideas may not come from those who speak up first. Some of the most effective ministry action we have may not have much visible pizzazz to it. Perhaps we need to take another look.

We’ve been working our way through the Sermon on the Mount this summer as the focus of our Sunday worship. It’s an amazing passage—Jesus’ first big sermon. “Here is what the kingdom of heaven on earth is supposed to be like, and it’s not what you think.” The crowd gathered around him knew the Scripture texts of the Old Testament writings. And they had heard the religious leaders of the day giving interpretation that often compacted the teaching into an endless litany of limitations. They didn’t quite understand yet, but there was something different about this teacher.

To those listening that day, Jesus was very clear. He wasn’t there to throw out all that was known. As they leaned in to hear better, Jesus looked into their eyes and said, “there is much sweet fruit there, take another look.” Many of them got it, and their lives were changed forever.

Not seeing any low-hanging fruit around you at the moment? Have a walk around the block, move your chair, lean in, get a new perspective. I tell you the truth, the fruit is yours for the picking.

By the way, those raspberries? I’ll be enjoying homemade jam until next season. Yum!

Not seeing any low-hanging fruit around you at the moment?

Have a walk around the block, move your chair, lean in, get a new perspective.

I tell you the truth, the fruit is yours for the picking.

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#WWJP One day when I have absolutely nothing to do I am going to conduct some serious research on a day in the life of my Facebook newsfeed. I think it would be an interesting case study to document the types of postings that appear, the reasons the post was made, and the attitudes generated from a simple status update.

Tim It’s very interesting what pops up Foley on my newsfeed. Sometimes it’s a disMajor couraging read that quickly gets my blood boiling. Other times it saturates my soul with joy, especially to see what God is doing in the life and ministry of many of my former students.

Here are some examples of the attitudes and things I read in a common day: cynicism, self promotion, conspiracy theories, snarkism, current health status, world travels, Scripture verses, beautiful photos of God’s creation, what people eat, pictures of kids playing or napping, and ads for products I have no interest in. The list can—and does—go on.

What gets to me are the Salvationists who continue to make flippant comments about things pertaining to Salvation Army ministry, whether it be on policy and procedures, uniform wearing, and what not. In the back of my mind I think if it troubles you so much, why in the world are you still sticking around? And for goodness sake, why are you posting it for the world to see? It really doesn’t change anything other than allowing the person to vent. And worse, it makes them look really bad. At least my perception of them is bent.

I have developed a love-hate relationship with all of

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Energizing your board members

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10

this social media stuff. In 2006, when I came as staff to the training college, I was asked to develop a course that explored current trends. We are now in our eighth year of this course simply called “Emerging Trends.” Back then I required all of the students to keep a Xanga account, which was one of the first major blogging sites. What cutting edge stuff that was!

Of course now the Internet is exploding with Facebook, Vine, Tumblr, and, as my father likes to call it, “Tweeter.”

In a weird way I sort of regret that we have all of this, and that I have actually encouraged people to use it. I am rapidly moving in the other direction now as I have seen too much negative impact from a sour posting by a person having a bad moment. Relationships have been broken and reputations damaged because of status posts in various social media sites.

I make a concentrated effort to post on the positive side of things on my Facebook or blog. I don’t want to be cheesy or come across as super spiritual, as that is really nothing but hiding behind my false self; it reeks of Phariseeism. One needs to be intentional and mindful of a posting because you never know who may read it or what sort of lasting impression it will leave.

So here are a few hashtags I would love to see pop up: #endingthenegative or #sanctifiedposts.

My new crusade is for #wwjp—What would Jesus post?

Let’s keep the negative thoughts we have buried in our hard copy diaries. Remember those? When we post for others to read on our various social media outlets, let’s do so with keeping the glory of God in mind. My aching heart will thank you.

I make a concentrated effort to post on the positive side of things on my Facebook or blog.

~

Doing the Most Good

August 16, 2013 New Frontier

Putting scholarship in its place I’m always intrigued by the “how’s” and “why’s” of things. I was one of those annoying children who always wanted to take things apart to see what made them tick. It was Sharon never enough to have Robertson someone explain the Lt. Colonel mechanics behind the operation of a toy or piece of equipment—I wanted to see inside.

Wonderful things are found inside of stuff.

One of my early treasures was the coil of copper wire I found inside a radio. (Unfortunately, I was a whole lot more interested in taking things apart than I was at putting them back together.) I was always challenging my teacher’s statements: “So, if hot air rises and cold air sinks, why is it colder at the top of a mountain than in the valley?” Being a good teacher, she made me look up the answer and bring back a report.

At Simpson Bible College (now Simpson University), I enrolled in a course that really intrigued me and changed the way I approach biblical studies: sacred hermeneutics, the application of scientific principles to the study of sacred Scripture. The basic idea is to seek first of all to understand what the writings would have meant to the original readers, and listeners, in the context of their day—their own milieu, their own culture, society, historical and geographical setting, political and religious influences, etc.—and then use that understanding to help in applying the message to today’s life situations.

I still enjoy applying those interpretive principles to my personal study of Scripture, and enjoy the process and the results. Yet I have found that there are times that it is helpful to set aside the challenges of scholar-

Greetings, I just looked through the current issue of New Frontier...and am concerned about overweight folks. I strongly suggest that you encourage your Christian [officers and] soldiers to lose weight.

Meanwhile, I’ll keep praying that our precious Lord helps his children to be well.

God bless, Fred Miller Ketchikan, AK Dear Bob, Your “On the corner” column is always worth reading, but I especially enjoyed your “Developing character” recounting of memories of your dad.

His birth and upbringing demonstrate once again how God reaches down and plucks his “Davids” as his choice for leadership that will impact countless lives, and your dad’s life continues to

ripple through the 21st century through his son.

Your recounting of that episode of “corporal punishment” in the bedroom trumps the plots of most of our 2013 sit-coms. I was reading it all alone, and I laughed out loud. Comical as it was, it spoke volumes about your father’s balance between devotion to your mother and compassion for you. Those same qualities carried through his officership.

By the way, you are absolutely incredible. I don’t know your age, but your sharing of the anecdote during the 30s proves you are older than I, and at nearly 75, I am certainly “enjoying” the “advantages” of growing older.

Well, good friend, keep pumping out those scintillating, titillating, charming and inspiring columns. You have a worldwide audience.

Blessings, Colonel Dennis Phillips

ISSN 2164-5930 New Frontier is published twice a month by The Salvation Army USA Western Territory

Commissioner James Knaggs,

Territorial Commander

Colonel Dave Hudson, Chief Secretary We welcome submissions of news stories of interest to the Western Territory. If you have something you’d like to share, submissions can be sent electronically to:

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Bill

ship, and simply relax and enjoy the reading of the Bible.

There is something special about just sitting back and reading the Bible as you would read any book—enjoying the story, the message, as you would enjoy a novel or a letter from a good friend. To do so provides the continuity, the overall message that we sometimes miss out on in our more critical, more scholarly studies. Instead of reading a few verses with the goal of finding something to preach on, or reading a few verses devotionally and taking time to meditate on them, just read. Get the broader picture, the whole story, instead of concentrating on a fragment out of context. A question comes to mind? Just make a note of it for later study, and continue reading.

When you get tired reading, just stop and set it aside as you would set aside your novel, marking the place so you can pick it up where you left off. It’s not a marathon, it’s a pleasurable walk through the Scriptures, taking time to savor the experience. Forget about looking for things that you can use in your teaching; forget that you are a leader; just read, letting the Spirit speak as he will.

Read for personal growth and development, because you know, deep down, that you need to grow in grace, and in your understanding of what God has to say through his Word. Forget it’s your work, your responsibility, and that you need to learn all you can so that you can teach others—just read, and let God bless.

And then, get back to work, refreshed by your spiritual sabbatical with the Word of God—and let God bless others through you.

CELEBRATING OUR 30th YEAR

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 • 562/491-8782 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

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Sweet is the scene where genial friendship plays the pleasing game of interchanging praise (Oliver Wendell Holmes).

Friendship goes deep when the parties share life experiences, live common values, and have a loving attitude toward one another. I shared such a relationship with Bill Bearchell (1929-2013). Our families caught the flavor of our joy and found the same refreshment—wife to wife, child to child, family to family—and allowed us to generate our own rich memories from common experiences. All of those memories bring a warm smile.

Our families did much together and knew each other well. Our moods moved in parallel. We never lived close. It was always a drive, but the arrival was always worth it. When the children were young, the entire group was present everywhere we traveled. As they grew older, the size of the group diminished until it was just we few, we happy four, we band of brothers and sisters in his giant motor home.

During a few decades we traveled through all of the states in the western U.S., Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, and in the later years two cruises. During the first one, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversaries.

We were both married the same year, and we celebrated our 25th anniversaries together by reciting our vows in Honolulu at a Salvation Army chapel officiated by then Divisional Commander Major Glenn Austin. The audience consisted of a single stray dog who followed both couples down the aisle and wandered around during the recitation of our vows. The dog confused Glenn so much he had me marrying Grace and Bill to Diane.

We corrected him, but at that point the decorum of the process went to the dogs.

We had a few other breakdowns of the vehicle type along the way, and each time while sitting along the road we directed Grace to start praying. Invariably, within less than five minutes, an unbidden rescue vehicle appeared around a curve. That’s power. On these trips we never overspent; Bill was never frivolous with money. He was an interesting combination of both frugal and generous.

I’m fairly certain the only thing Bill enjoyed spending money on was his rolling stock. He always had great cars—up-to-date and comfortable—but I think his favorite might just have been his rebuilt 1928 Model A Roadster.

As we finished each trip, while saying good-bye, Bill would always say, “another link in the chain of memories.”

He said the same thing to me in 1964 in transit as the Tabernacle Band returned to Los Angeles from our first European tour.

We sat next to each other in an old threetailed, prop-driven Lockheed Constellation on take-off from Gander, Newfoundland, when the engine outside our window blew.

POW! Gander has a long runway, so the pilot had room to abort the takeoff. With the

plane now under control and coming to a stop, Bill looked over and said those words: “another link in a chain of memories.”

He was an amazing man—oops, there’s that word, “amazing”—often Robert uttered, it seems, about almost anything. On hear- Docter Editor-In-Chief ing it, Bill and my wife, Diane, would add words from a play written (I think) by Bob Tobin for the Hollywood Tabernacle. As the word, “amazing,” was used, they would always add: “But it’s true.”

And, of course, in the life of Bill Bearchell, it is “true.” He lived a complete life, a life of integrity. He succeeded at everything he did and seemed so blasé about it.

He completed his formal education with a doctorate.

As a Marine officer, he flew fighters off aircraft carriers—the most desired job in the corps.

As a musician, he played the most challenging, visible and difficult instrument in the brass band—the soprano cornet—and loved playing the piano and organ.

As an educator, he knew how to relate to youth and rose to become the principal administrator of a large school.

As a husband, Bill was warm, loving, protective, caring, considerate and patient. His love and concern for Grace and her continued care were among his final words.

As a father, he and Grace raised a family, and at an appropriate age their children spread their wings because they gave them the love and confidence necessary to seize their freedom. There was always humor in the house, always love, always fun, and always discipline.

Bill was deeply spiritual. Every morning began with devotions—studying, making notes, praying. He was consistent in his faith.

His belief system was solid. He lived it in a manner that caused others to want it. He never imposed it.

As an officer in The Salvation Army, he brought his entire history, his ethos and ethic, to the men and women with whom he worked in the adult rehabilitation centers of the West. They enjoyed him and respected him.

In retirement, he and Grace filled in at many appointments, especially if there had been a recent breakdown, and always left them sometime later with the flag flying higher and brighter.

Of all his many skills and attributes, all of his professional positions, I think he and Grace loved this responsibility of Army officership more than any other.

And now, this link in a chain of memories—formed with our own memories—lives on as we cherish the contribution of Bill Bearchell to the life of each of us.

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