New frontier 3116

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I would like contibutors to speak freely—to give their candid view...

The Western Territory’s news source

—General André Cox

for 31 years

October 4, 2013 Vol. 31, No. 16

How will the shutdown impact The Salvation Army? n Social services may see increased demand, but Army provision of aid unthreatened

BY CHRISTIN DAVIS On Oct. 1, the federal government shut down for the first time since 1996. Some effects are clear—over 400 National Park Service sites are closed and “non-excepted” (i.e. non-essential) federal employees are on furlough, but what is the impact on The Salvation Army?

“Most of our programs are not immediately affected because we are operating on grants and contracts from the FY 2012 and FY 2013 national budgets,” said Major Sherry McWhorter, Southern California divisional secretary for social services. “The impacts won’t really be felt until those grants begin expiring, and hopefully there will be congressional action before then to get funds rolling again.”

Long-term flood relief in Galena,

A screen shot of the USA.gov website announces the government shutdown.

Cox seeks feedback from youth n International leader invites youth to submit 90-second videos.

“Tell the General,” a new initiative launched by General André Cox, gives younger members of The Salvation Army a chance to express their thoughts, ideas and dreams regarding the Army.

By producing a short video of no more than 90 seconds, youth between the ages of 7-25 may share with the General the joys and challenges of being part of the international Church.

“I would like contributors to speak freely—to give their candid view, not just what they think I might want them to say,” Cox said.

While there are no topics excluded, the General devised five questions to help guide contributions.

1) Which activities do you most enjoy taking part in at The Salvation Army?

2) What else could your corps or division do for you and your friends?

3) What’s it like to be a young person in your corps? Do you feel accepted and included? Are your views valued?

4) What would The Salvation Army need to change to be the church of your dreams?

5) If you could say just one thing to GENERAL, page 8

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

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Alaska, for example, continues uninterrupted, according to Major Nila Fankhauser, social services consultant.

“Because what they are working on is a declared disaster they are exempt and currently have everything that they need,” Fankhauser said of the relief efforts.

Not all government services come to a stop in a shutdown—Social Security checks are mailed, the U.S. military continues to operate, and those in charge of safety, like air traffic control, keep working. Unemployment benefits and food stamps will also continue, since the funding was approved in earlier bills.

If the shutdown lasts for more than two to three weeks, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has said that it may not have enough money to pay disability claims and pension payments, which could affect some 3.6 million veterans.

“The biggest issue for folks that we work

SHUTDOWN, page 8

Real Estate Wednesdays n Phoenix couple pairs industry with kettles this December.

BY MARLENE KLOTZ-COLLINS Two new members of the Phoenix Advisory Board, JoAnn and Joseph Callaway, launched a new program to raise the profile of Salvation Army kettles in Arizona this December—Real Estate Wednesdays. Designed to involve the entire real estate industry in Phoenix and serve as a prototype for other markets nationally, the pair has engaged industry volunteers to ring at more than 200 locations on

each of the three Wednesdays prior to Christmas in December.

The Callaways are icons in the real estate industry, having sold $1 billion of real estate in their first 10 years of business and landed on the New York Times Bestseller list for their book, “Clients First, the Two Word Miracle” (Wiley, 2013).

“If you are looking for a good citizen, just look for a realtor,” JoAnn Callaway said.

“They care about their neighborhoods and every member of their community.”

RED KETTLES, page 9

Advisory board members and Salvation Army officers pictured after a Real Estate Wednesdays launch meeting are (l-r) Tom Leyda, Joseph and JoAnn Callaway, Colonel Olin Hogan, Marlene Klotz-Collins, Majors John and Pamilla Brackenbury and Lt. Colonel Joe Posillico.

Photo by Aaron Blackburn

Prison ministry plots new course n West eyes more interaction with inmates.

Delegates of the Western Social Services Councils 2013

Photo by John Docter

Western Social Services Councils 2013 n Delegates discuss a vision to share and galvanize.

BY CHRISTOPHER DOUGHTY More than 80 delegates from around the Western Territory flocked to Redondo Beach, Calif., in mid-September for the biannual Western Social Services Councils (WSSC) to discuss a range of social service issues and promote new territorial social service initiatives.

Comprised of eight united sessions

and 31 workshops over the course of three days, the conference offered participants the opportunity to earn certificates in one of five areas of specialization: MissionBridge Chaplaincy, Human AntiTrafficking, Pathway of Hope New Corps Case Management Tools, Social Service Basic Finance and Business, and Social Service Research. The Territorial Social Services Department aimed to encourage stronger Salvation Army engagement in SOCIAL SERVICES, page 8

BY JARED McKIERNAN The Salvation Army Western Territory is working to retool and revamp its agenda for prison ministry amid record-high rates of incarceration in the U.S. Sparked by the recent appointment of Major Tom Ford, the department— formerly extension studies—assumed Major Tom Ford the title of Corrections and unveiled a strategic plan detailing an expanded, comprehensive approach to prison ministry.

Ford was appointed as secretary of corrections, a position that had been vacant 20 years. The appointment transpired, Ford said, partially due to an increased need for comprehensive services for the incarcerated population. The U.S. has had the highest

PRISON MINISTRY, page 8

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Doing the Most Good

October 4, 2013 New Frontier

NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God (Matt. 5:9 KJV).

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—The Salvation Army’s B Street Shelter holds its summer wor- Karen ship services in the park- Gleason ing lot. The band plays Editor rock and roll music to attract residents, where they find refreshments. At 10 p.m., the service begins with songs and testimonies by members of the Sacramento Adult Rehabilitation Center men’s choir.

Recently, after the message by Sacramento County Coordinator Major Ray Yant, 15 men and women accepted Christ.

BELLINGHAM, WASH.—A young homeless couple found The Salvation Army through the corps’ “I’ll Fight” street ministry. Team members prayed with the pair and directed them to the nearest shelter, which provided clean socks, rain jackets and an invitation to a potluck event at the corps. As they left, they said that finally they found people that live like Christ.

Majors James and Beverley Lloyd are the Bellingham corps officers.

ANAHEIM, CALIF.—Tana Amen, author of “The Omni Diet,” visited the Anaheim Adult Rehabilitation Center, where she spoke about the importance of healthy eating. The center implemented a healthier eating plan as studies show diet plays a role in addiction recovery.

“I used to feel I was in such a fog,” one beneficiary said. “Now I feel that fog has lifted allowing me to have clarity of thoughts and feelings and a sense of purpose.”

Major William Heiselman is center administrator; Major Laura Heiselman is director of special services.

REDDING, CALIF.—More than 100 golfers participated in the sixth Fore Kid’s Golf Tournament, hosted by the Redding Elks Club to benefit The Salvation Army’s youth programs.

The event included lunch in the River Room, overlooking the Sacramento River, and live and silent auctions with prizes including gardening packages, a trip to Cabo San Lucas and a Pacific Amateur Golf Classic entry with accommodations.

The tournament raised more than $12,000 for camperships and local youth programs.

Lts. Daniel and Audra Whipple are the Redding corps officers.

TUCSON, ARIZ.—The Tucson Korean Corps, led by Captains Eric and Amy Park, holds a senior program, Silver College, every Tuesday, which offers a variety of educational and spiritual classes.

Recently, six new students joined the program, which reaches out not only to the congregation, but to the community.

One of the new students said that she feels God’s love through Silver College and now always looks forward to Tuesdays.

MODESTO, CALIF.—The 29th annual Golf Classic sponsored by Valley Lexus for The Salvation Army’s Berberian Shelter raised approximately $52,000, the most in the last five years. A record 144 golfers played the course at Spring Creek Golf and Country Club in Ripon.

Majors Kyle and Martha Trimmer are Modesto Citadel corps officers and Stanislaus County coordinators.

Latino Family Camp unites Southern California families n Event aims at building family altars.

BY AMAURI NERES PEREIRA More that 450 people from all over Southern California convened at Camps Mt. Crags and Gilmore in Calabasas, Calif., for the divisional Latino Family Camp.

“We united as a church family to adore Christ,” said Divisional Secretary for Latino Ministries Major Hector Diaz, who led the event with his wife, Major Ana Diaz. “It helps these families establish bonds among each other for support.”

Special guests included Western Territorial Multicultural Ministries Secretaries Lt. Colonels Zoilo and Magali Pardo and Latin America North Territory Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Josue Cerezo and Territorial Women’s Ministries Secretary Lt. Colonel Ruth Cerezo.

The three-day camp—themed “Biblical Foundations to Build a Family Altar”— consisted of three workshops focusing on biblical precepts and their importance and benefits for families.

Josue Cerezo challenged attendees to remember that God’s purpose is building families (Gen. 1:27-28), while Ruth Cerezo

Children enjoy the inflatable slide at the Latino Family Camp.

cited Job 22:23 to discuss the benefits of building the family altar.

Families also had a chance to enjoy a “carnival” that included games, sports and even shaved ice. One night, delegates convened for a bonfire where many shared testimonies and musical talents.

On the last day of the camp, Southern California Divisional Commander Lt.

Colonel Doug Riley visited and prayed for the families in attendance. The event concluded with 25 people accepting Christ and 150 families signing a pact to build the family altar for Christ.

“Everything went smoothly, and this is the best Family Camp we have had so far,” Hector Diaz said. “We hope to make it better and have more attendees next year.”

Lake Havasu mayor honors corps officer

Mayor Mark Nexsen presents Major Larry Feist with the official proclamation of “Major Larry Feist Day.” Photo by Julie E. Feist

Lake Havasu City (Ariz.)

Corps Officer Major Larry Feist had a birthday surprise this year—the mayor officially proclaimed Sept. 6, 2013, “Major Larry Feist Day.” “Building relationships in your community is key,” said Feist, who serves in Lake Havasu with his wife, Captain Julie Feist.

When the couple arrived in Lake Havasu in 2006, they made meeting people a priority. They began building an advisory board and getting involved in the city— building those relationships.

One special relationship is with Mayor Mark Nexsen and his wife, Eileen. To share his appreciation of Feist, Nexsen made the official proclamation, extending “best wishes to Larry Feist on the occasion of his 50th birthday... with sincere congratulations and best wishes for many more happy and productive years.”

Nexsen presented the proclamation to Feist at City Hall.

Service Corps alumni group formed

BY MEGAN MCQUADE The Salvation Army Western Territorial Youth department—led by Captains Roy and Paula Wild—recently started an official “Service Corps alumni” group for anyone who has ever participated in Service Corps, The Salvation Army’s short-term summer missions program for young adults.

Alumni now have the opportunity to mentor and encourage future teams traveling to the location(s) where they served.

“I was really nervous to be a leader,” said Sarah Wild of the Kauluwela (Hawaii) Mission Corps, who led a team to Kenya in June.

“Having a mentor would be a great way of spiritual encouragement.”

The Youth department hopes to expand alumni activities in the future to include participation in events such as the West-

Photo courtesy of Salvador Gonzalez

ern Youth Institute (WYI), Boot Camp and Commissioning in hopes of bringing together those who share the unique experience of Service Corps.

“The Service Corps Alumni give you a branch of people you can reach out to before, during and after your mission trip,” said Jasmine Moody of the Hanford (Calif.)

Corps, who spent last summer serving in Poland. “They can help you prepare and go through situations you may feel lost in. It’s like an extended family that fights for God.” To sign up to be a Service Corps alumni member, visit saycause.com and click on “Service Corps” under “Opportunities” to fill out a brief survey. Follow updates on alumni activities and keep up with current teams at facebook.com/ServiceCorps.

Foodland supports Army in Hawaii n “Give Aloha” campaign runs through September.

Throughout the month of September, Foodland stores across Hawaii conducted the annual “Give Aloha” campaign, which allowed customers to donate up to $249 to charities, including The Salvation Army, at any checkstand of Foodland, Sack N Save and Foodland Farms.

“It is a broad-based opportunity for the community to support The Salvation Army and other charities in Hawaii, raising over $1 million a year,” said Ron Sauder, development director for the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division.

The campaign is an annual charitable effort available to all Hawaii non-profit organizations. Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will match each donation up to $350,000. The matching gift is divided proportionally among the participating organizations.

“The money [will be] used to support food pantries throughout the state to help alleviate the high percentage of food insecure families in Hawaii,” Sauder said.

The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division received $8,000 over the last two years, and has been supported by the “Give Aloha” campaign since its start in 1999.

“Foodland is a highly recognized philanthropic company in Hawaii,” Sauder said. “The Salvation Army is fortunate to have received over $100,000 in gifts facilitated and matched by Foodland.”

Doing the Most Good

October 4, 2013 New Frontier

Albany youth dress up drawers n High school art students decorate dresser drawers to fund after-school program.

Recognizing the need for an after-school program in Albany, Ore., The Salvation Army Albany Corps came up with a creative way to fundraise when Envoy Brenda Fries, corps assistant, asked local high school art students to decorate dresser drawers.

Two local high schools participated in the fundraiser and contributed all necessary art supplies to turn 13 simple drawers into masterpieces.

“We love projects like these,” said Emily Thomas, a teacher at one of the participating schools. “[Teenagers] are just young people trying to figure the world out.”

Once completed, the drawers were displayed at a local mall and the Pioneer Days Celebration festival for a silent auction. The corps raised $700 for the after-school program, and plans to recreate the fundraiser next year.

“The kids who painstakingly worked on

BY ROBERT BRENNAN On Sept. 21, more than 600 running enthusiasts from all over Southern California converged on the Malibu Canyon location of The Salvation Army’s camps Mt. Crags and Gilmore to take part in the eighth annual Malibu Canyon Dirt Dash and Mud Run. Runners combined passion for the sport with a desire to help children as the entry fees will help provide camping experiences to underprivileged and deserving children during the 2014 summer camping season.

“The goal of the Mud Run was not only to raise funds for next year’s campers, but to let

the general public—like all our runners today—know this special place exists with an equally special mission,” said Camp Director Marty Brown. “That mission is to let young people who live in very difficult circumstances know we love them and God loves them.”

The Dirt Dash/Mud Run was specifically designed to appeal to experienced, dedicated runners as well as to novices. A fitness walk and Kid’s Mud Run focused on family participation.

The traditional 5k/10k Trail Runs as well as a 5k Mud Run were augmented by several components—rope climbs, swings, bridge crossings and a mud pit— to provide seasoned and amateur runners alike a memorable experience.

PORTLAND, page 9

REMEMBERING, page 9

music classes, while providing childcare for parents who cannot afford it elsewhere.

As Fries said, “A lot of kids go home and are by themselves, so this [program] is at least an alternative.”

Runners race through Mailbu Canyon.

Photo by John Docter

Sierra del Mar creates innovative coupon system n Recipients can redeem coupons for immediate needs at Salvation Army divisional locations.

BY PAMELA LENNEN The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary in San Diego, Calif., created a Salvation Army coupon book to sell to those wishing to donate to the homeless without giving them actual money.

“After realizing how much the homeless population has grown over the last few years, we felt compelled to explore a new way of serving the public,” said Major Michele Lescano, divisional director of women’s ministries in the Sierra del Mar Division. “Our coupon book has provided

an opportunity for doing the most good for both the homeless and those who encounter the homeless and want to help.”

Each coupon book is $25, and contains 10 coupons redeemable at Salvation Army centers throughout the Sierra del Mar Division.

Each coupon is for needed items like a bus

pass, clothing, shoes, socks, a meal and even food for a pet. The coupons can be torn out of the booklet and given individually.

When the recipient of the coupon goes to a nearby Salvation Army location to redeem the item, personnel will greet the individual and offer counseling, resources and hope for a better future. All Salvation Army centers are listed on the back of each coupon.

“In this project, we have accomplished the concept of doing the most good in two ways,” Lescano said. “First, we have served the public’s desire to give in the most efficient manner.

Second, we are able to serve the homeless with their immediate needs as well as connecting them with caring Salvation Army personnel.”

Portland celebrates the power of ‘one’ n Annual benefit dinner raises over $455,000 for youth programs.

Becky Tymchuk, Wayne Drinkward, Lt. Colonel Judith Smith and Major Don Gilger after Drinkward received the Atiye Legacy Award Photo by Teresa Steinmetz

BY TERESA ENGEL STEINMETZ The Salvation Army in Portland, Ore., held its 19th annual All About Kids dinner Sept. 24, presented

by Fred Meyer at the Oregon Zoo Cascade Crest Ballroom. Over 350 people attended the dinner themed “It Starts With One.”

Remembering– When I was a new officer

Guests discovered the power they have as an individual to make a difference. By the end of the night, over $455,000 (and counting) was donated to youth programs in the Portland Metro area, exceeding this year’s goal by more than $150,000.

The Salvation Army established three new annual awards to recognize new partners and longtime supporters and friends. The Fred

Photo by Brenda Fries

Dashing through Malibu Canyon dirt n Annual event raises money to send kids to camp.

My firstYear

BY ANTHONY BARNES, CAPTAIN The day finally came. Our uniforms were cleaned and ironed. We had each epaulet and “S” angled and attached perfectly. With bags and Bibles in hand, we left the house and headed to the corps. We arrived at our appointment, the South San Francisco Citadel, with wide eyes ready to take on the ministry that we had been given stewardship over.

My wife and I were led on a tour through the building complete with an explanation of great milestones and minor disappointments.

Without discussion, we could see the look in the eyes of the other, beginning to envision the possibilities for each room and usable space; and then we came to it...the chapel.

The place where countless hours of worship would take place over the course of our appointment was in our immediate grasp. There I stood, using the majority of my senses to become familiar with the chapel. I noted the scent of the room, the feel of the pews, and I spent considerable time taking in the beautiful view of the pulpit and altars.

My son Anthony was able to break my gaze with a question, “Daddy, is that where you are going to do all of the talking?”

I looked at him intending to say “yes,” but I paused, because although I knew he meant the time I spent giving one sermon, his words reminded me that I get to deliver God’s word on a consistent basis. The epaulets on my tunic instantly became just a bit heavier.

Just before exiting the chapel I closed my eyes and silently spoke the words, “Lord, I hope you know what you’re doing.” As I opened my eyes, I viewed a statuette in the rear of the chapel of Jesus passing a shepherd’s crook to an officer. An inscription at its base read, “Feed My Sheep.” This reminded me that not only did God know what he was doing, but he had a specific plan for this corps, which included my family and I being right here where he placed us.

Since that day, we have experienced all and more than what our training could have prepared us for. The past seven weeks have been filled with a fair share of achievements and challenges. While taking the time to celebrate all that the previous officers did, we have come up with small steps to build upon the foundation they set. The congregation has been supportive of the direction in which the ministry is going, and we haven’t often had to use the coined phrase, “We are just lieutenants.”

Being an officer—a new officer— is a responsibility that hasn’t been taken lightly. We were told the stories, and received countless illustrations, but the reality of it all is seen in the actuality—the experience.

A week ago a woman drove up to the building after hours and sat in the driveway with her face buried

High school art students decorate drawers for the fundraiser.

these drawers were so proud,” Fries said.

“It was for a worthy cause within the community.”

Fries said that if everything goes as planned, the after-school program will be established next year to offer tutoring and

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Doing the Most Good

October 4, 2013 New Frontier

Ex-offender heads new correctional outreach in Ohio

STEM program stimulates Philly youth n A new science club directs students to career success.

n A new initiative marks the Army’s first venture into Ohio prisons.

BY JARED McKIERNAN The Northeast Ohio Salvation Army (NEOSA) is preparing to launch The 49-9 Project––the Army’s first in-prison initiative in Ohio, geared toward detained, incarcerated and recently released men in Lorain County.

Mark Fahringer, coordinator of the Oberlin Service Unit and an ex-offender, will work alongside inmates in the Grafton Correctional Institution and Camp (GCI) in Grafton, Ohio, and potentially expand services into the Lorain County Jail.

“I had a number of people come to me and talk to me about how there was very little being done in [corrections] in Lorain County,” Fahringer said. “The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections has a list of every organization that does work inside prisons.

Nowhere in the state of Ohio is The Salvation Army listed as a program provider, which means we’re the first.”

Aside from his own stint in the correctional system, Fahringer has other motives for giving back through prison ministry. One of his family members was once held hostage and shot three times by her ex-boyfriend, who had been released from prison shortly before their relationship began.

“That really pushed me,” he said.

“I don’t want anyone else to have to go through that if I can make a difference.”

Based on Isaiah 49:9, which speaks of bringing prisoners to freedom and those in darkness into light, The 49-9 Project has three main objectives: reduce recidivism, stabilize lives of ex-offenders and spread redemptive messages to the currently incarcerated.

“Our whole idea was to create a Christian-based reentry program that would seek to meet the needs of those returning to society by treating them as fellow human beings rather than stigmatizing them and treating them as a number on a stat sheet,” said Thomas Thurn, service extension director for NEOSA. The 49-9 Project will facilitate The Salvation Army’s Bible Correspondence Courses for inmates, provide them with Bibles and conduct Interactive Spiritual Circles inside local institutions, which will offer inmates an opportunity to speak openly about their spirituality. Once released, inmates will be linked to Christian worship and pastoral care opportunities at local corps.

“Going into prisons helps us have some impact on people’s lives,” said Tom Chmura, regional field representative for Lorain County.

“The question becomes, ‘Are we really helping them become selfsufficient?’”

According to Fahringer, The 49-9 Project is currently awaiting approval for a grant from the Thomas Lyle CORRECTIONAL OUTREACH, page 9

Tamryrah Graves, left, and Keith Bruce, right, of The Salvation Army’s STEM program, don space suits during a visit to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia is helping students get ahead of the curve through its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program.

The Salvation Army launched its STEM program in 2006, funded in part through the Department of Education 21st Century Learning Center. Its purpose is to help kindergarten through eighth-grade students earn higher marks in school and introduce them to potential high-demand careers in math and science. The program, which is utilized by the Philadelphia Temple Corps, West Philadelphia Corps, and Philadelphia Tabernacle Corps, offers students hands-on activities such as constructing volcanoes and building molecular diagrams out of toothpicks. This month, The Salvation Army is launching a STEM monthly science club that will be held the second Saturday of every month until April 2014.

Eileen Hence, director of city education programs and compliance for The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia City Operations, said that parents of children in the STEM program are “ecstatic” about how much it has helped their children.

“Many of our 21st Century students have actually jumped half of a grade or a full grade since being in our program,” Hence said. “One of our strengths is that students we’ve had for four years are still coming back to the program. So we’re actually now seeing our progress, the fruits of our labor over a period of years.”

In an effort to spread awareness of its STEM program, The Salvation Army hosted its second annual Summer Science STEM PROGRAM, page 9

Photo by Robin Albergotti

Puerto Rico opens first Kroc Center n The new facility resides in Guayama.

After three years of construction, The Salvation Army in Puerto Rico opened the doors to its first Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. The new center will provide education, art, music, sports, culture and recreation programs to the residents of Guayama.

The Salvation Army in Puerto Rico received funds for the project through an application process to which 30 other major cities in the northeastern United States applied. Puerto Rico was ultimately selected for the $20 million to fund the Kroc Center.

“As part of the requisites to obtain these funds, we have to submit proof that the Kroc Center would be established in a community where resources are scarce in order to provide them with services,” said Major Jorge Marzán, divisional commander of the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Division.

Marzán said that when choosing where the Kroc Center would be located, they conducted studies to look for cities with the most need.

Guayama fit the socioeconomic profile and was chosen as the new site.

Guayama Kroc Center Administrator, Major Juan Mercado, is also asking for donations and support to provide the community with more programs in order to keep the facility running.

“We count on the continued cooperation [of Puerto Rico] to guarantee the success of the center and its mission to provide social services that help improve living conditions and provide develop-

The new Guayama Kroc Center is the only one in Puerto Rico.

Photo courtesy of Salvation Army Puerto Rico

ment opportunities for disadvantaged neighboring communities,” Mercado said.

The Guayama Kroc Center will offer programs including afterschool care, social work, music, art, recreational classes, activities and a variety of sports. The facility includes a semi-Olympic pool, playground, cafeteria, classrooms and main chapel.

“The Salvation Army is growing and has faith in Puerto Rico and the potential of our people,” Marzán said. “For this reason, we put a lot of effort and heart into this project...to serve Guayama and open doors to neighboring communities and all of Puerto Rico.”

2013 annual report released n The Salvation Army’s report card highlights efforts made across the country.

The Salvation Army served more than 30 million Americans in 2012 and provided details of its operation in the recent release of its 2013 annual report.

“God is truly working through the tireless officers, the compassionate volunteers, and the generous donors who give their time, efforts, and resources so willingly to The Salvation Army,” said Charlotte Jones Anderson, national advisory board chairman of The Salvation Army. “And despite the still-struggling economy, the results are astounding.

“In fact, the Red Kettle donations reached a new record-high for the eighth year in a row––$148.7 million,” Anderson said. “That comes not from an abundance of wealth in our country, but from a rich desire to help others and a confidence that The Salvation Army will use every last penny to do the most good.”

One glance at the news tells a sobering story. Millions are living in poverty. Unemployment is preventing families from putting food on their tables and a disregard for the sanctity of life is resulting in senseless violence. As the report communicates, in the midst of it all, The Salvation Army provides hope––hope that comes from a deep faith in God and an unquenchable desire to do his will by serving others.

“In 2012, we saw great need and distress

met by great compassion and generosity,” said Commissioner William A. Roberts, national commander. “From natural disasters to addiction, poverty to human trafficking, the ills of this world did not relinquish their grip whatsoever. But through the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we were able to offer a refuge of healing for those victims and survivors––a place of shelter, warm meals, helping hands and spiritual strength.”

In addition, The Salvation Army World Services Office (SAWSO) is active across the globe, not just meeting needs, but strengthening communities. SAWSO is leading efforts to eradicate polio in Angola, increase literacy and financial education in Kenya, and help the people of Haiti conserve their natural resources for future generations.

“In all, more than 30 million people experienced the hand of God working through The Salvation Army last year,” Roberts said.

“They were encouraged by his love, they were comforted by his mercy, and they were strengthened by his hope. As a result, lives were changed. For good.”

The World

Doing the Most Good

October 4, 2013 New Frontier

5

Elsewhere in the world U.K.—The Salvation Army’s Sunderland Homeless Shelter is home to two Cameroon boxers who vanished from the Olympic Village last year with five others from their team. The English government granted the two—Thomas Essomba and Blaise Yepmou Mendouo—asylum and secretly relocated them to the Army’s facility.

The group claimed their lives were in danger if they lost their bouts.

Essomba and Mendouo train at a local gym with Phil Jeffries, father of 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Tony Jeffries, who is mentoring them in a bid to make them amateur champions.

Salvation Army officers pray for a victim of the bombings.

Photo courtesy of Salvation Army Pakistan

Salvation Army Pakistan responds to Peshawar church blasts n Officers help perform funerals for victims of the bombings.

Two suicide bombers attacked the All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, Sept. 22, leaving 85 people dead and more than 100 injured. Salvation Army officers in Pakistan assisted in conducting funerals for the deceased.

The attack was allegedly linked to a Taliban group that wishes to rid the country of non-Muslims.

General André Cox asked Salvationists

worldwide to pray for the tragedy in Peshawar.

“These have been challenging days for the Christian Church in Pakistan,” he said. “We thank God for the faithfulness of the Church and Salvationists across Pakistan...their faith has been tested by tragedy and chaos.”

Salvationists across Pakistan joined in protest of attacks against Christians with posters that read “Stop Christian killing in Pakistan” and “We need peace.”

Commissioner Alistair Herring, ter-

ritorial commander for the Pakistan Territory, along with other officers and Salvationists in the country, visited the All Saints Church to pray for the victims and their families. He also joined other church leaders in leading a United Prayer meeting for the affected families at the Saint Cathedral Church in Lahore.

“Please bring the tragic situation in Peshawar before God in prayers,” Herring said via Facebook. “Please pray for peace, reconciliation and harmony in Pakistan.”

Army shares gospel at Sexpo n Officers and volunteers promote Christian values and raise awareness of human trafficking at Sexpo in South Africa.

The Salvation Army’s involvement in the Sexuality and Adult Lifestyle Exhibition (Sexpo) in Johannesburg, South Africa, in late September, was intended to promote a Christian understanding of sexuality and to raise awareness of slavery and trafficking issues in South Africa and around the world.

Not all Salvationists would be comfortable sharing information at an event such as Sexpo, but officers and volunteers from The Salvation Army’s Southern Africa Territory believe that if Jesus Christ were on earth today he would be “stand-

ing beside” them when they take a stall among the hundreds of exhibitors at the event.

“We’re not going there to condemn anyone. We aren’t going to lecture people.

We trust that we will have many meaningful conversations with exhibitors and the public and that many relationships with an eternal value will be built,” said Public Relations Secretary Major Carin Holmes.

She said The Salvation Army wants to “leave judgment aside and ask God for a way to communicate with grace and truth that liberates and sets all people free,” adding that other exhibitors at Sexpo seem pleased to know there will be a Salvation Army presence at the event.

The organizers of Sexpo describe the gathering as “the world’s largest event of

its kind focusing on a broad spectrum of adult-related topics,” which aims to “educate, inform, entertain and celebrate our sexuality.”

Apart from handing out Salvation Army promotional material, officers and volunteers distributed material on human trafficking, the sexualization of girls, and an account of how a porn star found God. Visitors were invited to sign petitions to stop human trafficking.

“Sex trafficking is the truly grim, tragic and hidden aspect of a glamorized industry,” Holmes said. “We believe that it’s not good enough for the Church to sit inside its four walls and expect the community to come to us. We have to get out and be the Church in the community.”

From salvationist.ca

IHQ welcomes visitors during Open House London For the fourth year, The Salvation Army International Headquarters (IHQ) participated in Open House London.

On Sept. 21, the free event celebrated London’s architecture as hundreds of people visited more than 800 buildings in the city, many that are usually closed to the public.

Architects from Sheppard Robson, which designed IHQ, were on hand to explain significant design aspects while Salvation Army staff welcomed people and gave tours.

This year, Salvation Army historian Lt. Colonel Jenty Fairbank offered insight into the history of The Salvation Army at

101 Queen Victoria Street. The current IHQ building is the third to stand on the site, which has been occupied by The Salvation Army since 1881.

IHQ was open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with food available from Café 101 all day and plenty to see in Gallery 101. Outside the front door, music was provided by Hythe Band in the morning and Regent Hall Band in the afternoon.

Major Beverly Ivany, writer of The Salvation Army’s daily Bible reading series “Words of Life,” signed copies of the January–April 2014 issue. A selection of the Salvation Books back catalog was available with special offers.

CANADA—The Salvation Army’s Men’s Hostel and Charlotte House in Quebec City held an art show, showcasing paintings by residents who participate in an art program at the centers.

“The primary purpose of the program is to improve the lives of the participants through activities that help them develop a more positive image of themselves,” said Thomas-Mathieu Fréchette, program coordinator.

The paintings were auctioned, raising $2,500 that will support the program and allow the purchase of art supplies.

From salvationist.ca ARGENTINA—On Sept. 26, The Salvation Army in Argentina inaugurated Hogar Betania (Betania Home) for women living in the streets of Constitución. The home offers shelter, food and emotional support to the women.

Major Dalva Dos Santos, in charge of Hogar Betania, said the goal is to help women in need of emergency housing, so they can get back on their feet and have a voice in society.

From www.ejercitodesalvacion.org.ar MALAYSIA—Members of St. Justin BEC (basic ecclesial community) from the Parish of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Kuala Lumpur visited The Salvation Army’s Joyhaven home for the elderly.

The group found the 17 residents healthy and independent, enjoying a family atmosphere.

The visitors presented the home with a blood pressure monitoring set and assorted groceries. They also treated the residents to lunch and gave them personal gifts of shower cream and bath towels.

From HERALD Malaysia SINGAPORE—Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Dhun Sing was guest of honor at The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal Luncheon, at which Advisory Board Chairman Bill Foo introduced two new programs in the Prison Support ServicesKids in Play (KIP). “Journey with Me” is a befriending initiative to provide emotional support and positive role models for children of prisoners, and “Children Helping Other Children” (CHOC) is a peer mentoring program led by previous members of KIP. From WAR CRY TASMANIA—Salvation Army Emergency Services volunteers joined other volunteers at Clarence City Corps to be recognized for their efforts during bushfires in southeast Tasmania earlier this year. Army volunteers worked in teams in locations including Dunalley and Nubeena.

Some attendees represented businesses, such as Bendigo Bank, Bidvest and McDonald’s, which contributed significantly in goods or money to The Salvation Army’s bushfire response.

From onFire

PAGE 6—NEW FRONTIER • OCTOBER 4, 2013

OCTOBER 4, 2013 • NEW FRONTIER—PAGE 7

IT SEEMS

BY KEVIN in nearly every New Frontier issue JACKSON, of late that the Western Territory is celebrating another 125th MAJOR corps anniversary. It was no coincidence that so many Salvation Army corps were established in the American West approximately 125 years ago and a brief look back in history sheds light on this phenomenon.

The late 19th century was an incredibly exciting time in history, particularly in the American West. Technology made the West accessible to the Eastern United States and people took advantage of the burgeoning technology in transportation and communication, traveling west by train in huge numbers.

Most sought a better life—including in the cattle industry, farming and oil— and were attracted by the raw energy that spirited the Wild West.

Yet as much of an opportunity as the American West was for those seeking a better life—whether greater economic upward mobility, a chance at a new start in life, or a sense of adventure—there was also a dark side to the Wild West.

The big business creating many of the opportunities ran largely unchecked.

The economies of the American West fluctuated, while in economic downturn many individuals, families and whole communities faced uncertain and challenging times. Just as in the more developed Eastern half of the U.S., margins were created by the growth in the West. Prostitution, addictions, poverty, loneliness, exclusion and meaninglessness all manifested themselves during this time of great change.

There were also those already in the West—Hispanics had migrated north from Latin America, Native Americans had been here for thousands of years, and Asian immigrants arrived earlier in the 19th century—who were particularly impacted by the expansion west in damaging ways to their cultural, economic and religious lives.

Salvationists who traveled into the world of the American West sat on the same trains as the other settlers with hopes of opportunity. It was opportunity with different motives, but opportunity nonetheless. The early Salvationists were part of a larger Progressive Movement that rose up in response to the fallout of the industrialized world. Their motive was not simply a secular one, but one motivated by the love of God. They certainly wanted the world, God’s Kingdom, to be a better place, but were seeking a social justice with a strong emphasis on the spiritual conversion of those they hoped to serve.

In his writings, a recently emigrated Irish Salvation Army officer, Alfred Wells, spoke candidly regarding the train trip into the landscape of the American West. His thoughts centered on anxiousness, excitement, wonder, and anticipation of a great adventure—a common theme for travelers west.

Western Territory corps celebrating 125th anniversaries between 2011-2015 Cascade Division Pendleton Corps Community Center (opened 1890) Portland Tabernacle Corps Community Center (1886) The Dalles Corps Community Center (1889) Del Oro Division Chico Corps Community Center (1888) Eureka Corps Community Center (1888) Reno Corps Community Center (1889-1890, 1891) Santa Rosa Corps Community Center (1889) Golden State Division Fresno Citadel Corps Community Center (1890) Modesto Red Shield Corps Community Center (1889) San Francisco Chinatown Corps Community Center (1886) San Francisco Mission Corps Community Center (1890) Santa Cruz Corps Community Center (1886) Intermountain Division Cheyenne Corps Community Center (1889) Colorado Springs Corps Community Center (1889) Denver Citadel Corps Community Center (1887) Fort Collins Corps Community Center (1890) Greeley Corps Community Center (1889) Pueblo Corps Community Center (1887) Salt Lake City Corps Community Center (1887) Northwest Division Centralia Corps Community Center (1890) Salem Corps (now a Kroc Center Corps) (1887-1892, 1895) Seattle Temple Corps Community Center (1887) Tacoma Corps Community Center (1888) Vancouver Corps Community Center (1890) Helena Corps Community Center (1888) Sierra del Mar Division San Diego Citadel Corps Community Center (1888) Southern California Division Hollywood Temple Corps Community Center (1886) Los Angeles Central Corps Community Center (1887) Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Community Center (1888) Pomona Corps Community Center (1888-1890, 1892) Santa Barbara Corps Community Center (1889) —Compiled by the CFOT Library

When the Army moved West

The pattern of movement for The Salvation Army has been described in a variety of ways throughout history. The one I prefer suggests The Salvation Army follows the world as it develops and acts as a compassionate response to suffering, loneliness and loss as it occurs in the wake of modernization. So the development of The Salvation Army corps in a short period of time in the West would demonstrate such a response. The West could be a harsh and difficult place for the marginalized. The rapid movement and development of corps throughout the region were simply a response to those in need.

A part of the myth of the American West was that it was filled with rugged individualists who wanted to experience the freedom and open spaces of the place. While there were such folks there, they weren’t representative of most who came west. Small town communities quickly formed and dotted the landscape because people were created to be social. Salvationists made an effort to move into any community where they felt a need existed and manpower was available. When we study the rapid development of corps during this period in time we see Salvationists following the railways, getting off the train in a community, establishing a corps, and in a few weeks boarding the train again to move forward, leaving a cadet (Salvation Army version of a seminary student) and locals to keep the new corps growing and serving the marginalized.

During those years, the inclusive nature of the local corps was evident and is evidenced in photos of The Salvation Army in communities across the West.

Apparently, everyone—regardless of race, class or culture—was welcome at a time when America was strongly segregated along these lines. Among my favorite photos of early Salvationist work is one from Silverton, Colo., of a Salvationist all-female string band in 1888. Silverton, a mining town, struggled with all of the social issues of the day and the photographed women represent the demographic makeup of the community—Western European, Eastern European and African American—participating together in a corps activity.

While some of these corps no longer exist, as many of the communities where they operated no longer exist, we see in so many 125th anniversary celebrations that many corps continue to serve the same communities.

These 19th century corps of the American West offered any individual, mostly those in need, a place to be welcome and accepted. The corps was a place of safety, belonging and redemption—often the only place serving suffering humanity in these early communities.

The Salvation Army represented common people living out their faith in a manner caring for those who found themselves in need of compassion, material need and meaning for their lives. It was a great formula 125 years ago and it still challenges us in our ministry today.

Wells’ mission West It is difficult to appreciate how different the world was 125 years ago in the American West. It seems fun and adventurous—the stuff movies are made of—but we can only guess the hardship that was part and parcel of everyday life.

Suffice it to say, those few who ventured west in the early days of The Salvation Army entered a landscape that would change their world, and their personal Major Alfred and Mary Wells diaries and memoirs documented many of the adventures of the day.

Major Alfred Wells, a 24-year-old Salvation Army officer working in Ireland, received a telegram requesting him to report immediately to General William Booth in London. Wells left Ireland posthaste and reported to London the next day. Booth met Wells at the door of his lodging and whisked Wells off to headquarters in a carriage. He assigned Wells to the recently established headquarters of The Salvation Army in America, and wanted him to begin the work of the Army in the west. Booth dropped Wells off in front of International Headquarters, provided instructions and was gone. On a liner to North America, Wells was off.

Once in America, the National Commander encouraged Wells to stay with him and engage in the work of the Army on the East Coast. Instead, Wells followed the orders from the General and made his way west to begin the work of the Army. He purchased passage on a train and left for San Francisco. It was an exciting and exhausting ride, during which he noticed a Native American village close to a train stop. He jumped off the train and bartered his bricklaying tools for a tomahawk and other trinkets before continuing on his way. With his partner, Captain Henry Stillwell, San Francisco teemed with overwhelming possibilities for the ministry of the Army.

Before long, the two bachelor officers shared their heartfelt need to be married and have partners in this new and chaotic ministry. The work of the Army was indeed frenzied and bore no resemblance to the highly organized ministry we experience in the present day. In response to their request, two women cadets in London were sent to the American Frontier and the two officers became four when they married just days after the women arrived in San Francisco. The two “Marys”—Mary Wells and Mary Stillwell—also traveled by train from the American East Coast and recorded a difficult journey in their diaries. When their train arrived at the station in San Francisco, the two women were left standing on the platform as Wells and Stillwell forgot about their arrival, being too busy about their work.

In those early days, sophistication may have lacked but adventure was aplenty.

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Doing the Most Good

October 4, 2013

PRISON MINISTRY incarceration rate in the world since 2002, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. In 2010, the U.S. rate was 500 prisoners per 100,000 residents, or about 1.6 million prisoners.

“The department is expanding,” Ford said. “It’s not just extension studies anymore. Now, it’s corrections.”

Prior to Ford’s arrival, the department focused primarily on administering The Salvation Army’s Bible Correspondence Courses, its flagship service to inmates. It will continue to send the mail-in courses, while developing an array of other resources for inmates.

Raising awareness of the department’s work is step one, Ford said.

The introduction of a department newsletter and monthly conference calls with the other U.S. territories figure to amplify communication among those involved in prison ministry.

Through a partnership with the West’s multimedia department, the corrections department is also working to produce training videos that will be made available to any corps demonstrating how to grade a Bible Correspondence Course as well as best practices for entering a jail or prison for ministry. The department will release another video for use as a recruiting tool, showing how The Salvation Army helps “divert” those prone to incarceration.

“We are getting a response from

SHUTDOWN

from page 1

corps that never knew this ministry was available and requesting more info on how they can be involved,” Ford said.

Ford looks to fixate correctional ministry on four of the biggest challenges confronting inmates: life skills, addiction, relationships and spiritual formation. Since the Bible Correspondence Courses are geared toward spiritual formation, many of the new developments align with the other three.

“We realized the courses have a purpose,” said Bob Zerhusen, assistant to the director, “but if that’s all we’re doing, that’s not enough. The courses were helpful with spiritual development, but if you do our courses then get released but you

have no idea how to do a job interview, then you’re in trouble.”

Corrections is developing a series of worksheets for corps to use in one-on-one settings with inmates. The worksheets are designed to help inmates track their progress in each of these areas before and after release. Upon release, chaplains then connect inmates with other support services offered

by The Salvation Army. The sooner chaplains can begin building relationships with inmates, the better, Ford said.

“Trust is a big criminogenic issue,” Ford said. “If [inmates] know you in prison, they’re more likely to want to keep working with you once they get out.”

SOCIAL SERVICES

from page 1

with is that there’s already a huge delay in

processing of disability claims,” said Rick Stoller, director of the Veterans Family Center in Beaverton, Ore. “All veterans that come to us are referred by the VA. If this is a prolonged thing, our monthly billing could be impacted by the furlough of civilian employees who are contracted to process billing…even if payments are delayed, we’re not in danger of closing the doors.”

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be interrupted, but the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which helps pregnant women and new moms buy healthy food and provides nutritional information and health care referrals will not receive funds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that most states can fund this program for a week, but they’ll “likely be unable to sustain operations for a longer period.”

The Northwest Division is anticipating a possible increase in requests for assistance.

“There will be layoffs or suspensions of some federal employees, as well as state employees…Unemployment checks may be suspended depending how long this goes on,” said Tom Walker, Northwest divisional social services secretary. “All that may increase demand at food banks.”

Envoy Roy Snapp-Kolas, director of urban ministry for The Salvation Army Southern California Division, recently began facilitating the Bible Correspondence Courses face-to-face to inmates at the Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles––another outreach the department would like to see mimicked throughout the territory.

“The face-to-face encounters allow me to encourage the guys to keep pursuing this and allow for more immediate feedback on the information that they have put down,” Snapp-Kolas said. “Hopefully, out of that some relationships will develop that might extend beyond someone’s period of incarceration.”

Walker said the division has experienced a huge demand in requests for basic assistance in the past three years.

“We’re working at 110 percent capacity,” he said. Service units have increased hours, and the division’s largest food bank is now distributing food seven days a week.

“We had to increase our effort in soliciting food, and the response from donors has been so good that we have tremendous inkind gifts to give out,” he said. “I don’t know what to expect [of the shutdown] at this point…It’s the beginning of our fiscal year, so we have some flexibility and could conceivably spend up front a greater proportion of the funds budgeted for assistance this year. We would then have less later in the year and would have to do additional fundraising, but we have the capacity in terms of staff and facility to respond to increased demand, should that happen.”

Major Lawrence Shiroma, territorial social services secretary in the West, confirmed that at this point in time, there is no direct impact on Salvation Army programs and services.

“Often we are stretched to a limit in providing financial assistance to people,” Shiroma said. “It may be that we need to turn to our communities for additional help if this continues.”

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social services research.

Dr. Peter Lee, a professor at San Jose State University School of Social Work and member of the conference planning team, said members of The Salvation Army at all levels can contribute to such a testimonial knowledge base.

“We embrace the Army’s promise of ‘doing the most good,’” Lee said. “We do want to celebrate our passion in terms of serving others while being rooted in God’s love. But do we actually consider what it means to ‘do the most good’? What does that mean? And how do we know whether we’re doing the good, best—the goodest?”

Presenters noted the information is useful not only for appeals to grant providers, but for the well-being of the people and communities served, as well as the Army’s public reputation.

“The Salvation Army is in every zip code in America,” said Major Darryl Leedom, national social services secretary.

“We are a garment of compassion that covers the entire nation, but all of this service also brings a responsibility…When we are privileged to come alongside [the vulnerable and the poor], we also have a responsibility to tell their story.”

The conference also served as a launchpad for two new territorial initiatives: MissionBridge and Pathway of Hope.

Presenters keyed in on tackling the underlying issues of those who seek The Salvation Army’s assistance, instead of simply addressing their surface needs.

“The opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is sufficiency,” Leedom said. “Are we creating a mechanism to alleviate poverty, to stop this generational poverty scheme that holds people prisoner?”

Pathway of Hope is The Salvation Army’s answer, providing comprehensive case management for families who receive services through corps social service programs. After three years of development and a year of implementation in the

“[Snapp-Kolas] is kind of a model of what we would like to do,” Zerhusen said. “If we can support the chaplain we have a direct relationship with inmates that way.”

Rather than focusing solely on the incarcerated, Ford hopes to provide the families of inmates a similar lifeline. A partnership with Child Evangelism Fellowship that would offer Bible lessons to the children of inmates is also in the works.

Bertha Salguero, Spanish coordinator, is working to adapt the new crop of initiatives for Spanish corps in the territory. She said she is excited to be able to reach so many more inmates and families.

“It means we’re going to be growing,” Salguero said. “I feel like we were stuck on sort of a plateau for a while so this is a good boost for us. … A lot of [inmates] ask for visitation and up until now we didn’t have anything to offer.”

Snapp-Kolas expects a heavier emphasis on post-release mentoring to play a key role in decreasing recidivism.

“I most desire that there be linkages between the jails and our Salvation Army programs—whether it be residential programs or even corps ministries—so that when someone is discharged, they can connect with those environments that are positive and pointing them to reintegration into society.”

from page 1

Central Territory, the Western Territory selected two pilot divisions to gauge its viability in the West.

MissionBridge is designed to connect designated social service programs and corps ministries through existing Salvationists trained as MissionBridge chaplains. “It’s kind of a takeoff from church planting, but we’re using something we already have,” said Major Lawrence Shiroma, territorial social services secretary.

“Duality of purpose—spiritual and social redemption.”

Dr. Robert Docter, long-time Salvationist and professor emeritus at California State University, Northridge, echoed these sentiments in a keynote address on the future of social services. “A generation ago,” he said, “the social work ministry fed the corps. It needs to do that now.”

The occasion also recognized the recipient of the Western Territory Social Services Award for Excellence in Social Work—Linda Rich, executive director of Family Treatment Services (FTS) in Hawaii. Rich began as FTS clinical director in 1992 and has served as executive director for the past seven years. Under her leadership, FTS has consistently earned high marks from the national Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for its exceptional mental health and substance abuse treatment services.

GENERAL

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the General, what would you want him to know?

Videos must be uploaded to YouTube, then linked to sar.my/tellthegeneral. All entries must be received no later than Nov. 1. Full terms and conditions are available at salvationarmy.org/thegeneral.

A selection of entries will be used to guide discussions at the General’s Consultative Council in January 2014.

Doing the Most Good

REMEMBERING from page 3

in her hands. I witnessed this scene from my office window and went to the front door. As I opened the door and approached the car, she exited the vehicle. I noticed then that she wasn’t alone; several children and an adult male waited in the car.

The woman explained that they had come across some hard times and wanted to know if we could spare some food.

She kept moving away from the car, stating that she didn’t want the children to hear the conversation, and she asked if I could smile, so that those in the vehicle wouldn’t suspect that anything was wrong. She said that the children were not yet aware of how bad the situation had become.

They were dealing with financial troubles because the husband had a surgery that they could not particularly afford—keeping him out of work longer than expected or allowed—resulting in this moment, when she summoned all the courage she could to come and ask for food. I was able to gather enough to feed the family for a few days and pointed her to additional resources.

Before she returned to her car, I grabbed an invitational postcard and invited the woman to bring her family to our worship services. She smiled and thanked me for the generosity. I explained that from the moment we met, her family became our family, and we would be privileged to have them join us. I don’t know whether or not they will ever accept the invitation, but I made the attempt and hope our dedication and concern was evident.

One of the greatest lessons that I have learned as a new lieutenant is that in this ministry we are given opportunities. We have not been tasked with an ultimatum of providing undeniable change. We are not responsible for saving anyone. The saving is done by God; however, we can present the gospel message of salvation.

Attached to that lesson is another lesson I had been taught, but had to experience first hand. Don’t be afraid to get your heart broken. Put your whole self into the ministry that you’ve been given stewardship of. The ability to carry this out this means that we have to be sensitive to the people and places that God leads us, and we have to be prepared to share God’s hope with all whom we encounter.

STEM PROGRAM from page 4

Fair in August at the Philadelphia Temple Corps. The event celebrated the achievements of students in the program and gave them a platform to showcase projects that they worked on over the summer.

Shirley Travis, STEM facilitator, said it’s her job to make science fun, whether by turning popsicle sticks into multiplication problems or teaching kids how plants grow. “[STEM] broadens their interests outside of school,” Travis said. “So as long as the kids keep coming, I’ll keep teaching them. I want to make it enjoyable but also a learning experience.”

In August, several students in the STEM program took a trip to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Hence said she hopes to continue the partnership with NASA, which may take part in next year’s STEM Summer Science Fair.

“When we talk about The Salvation Army, we’re really talking about the whole person,” Hence said. “It’s not just about spiritual and physical well-being, it’s educational well-being as well. We’re guiding our young people not only toward a career, but excellence in a career.”

October 4, 2013

RED KETTLES

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from page 1

The Callaways have encouraged the entire home ownership industry—real estate agents and brokers, title companies, home warranty companies, mortgage lenders, and various other industries affiliated with the process—to participate.

“Our challenge for this first year has been to control the enthusiasm,” Joseph Callaway said. “We want this year to be a model for the future.”

The Callaways made it an easy program for their industry friends to embrace, creating all the collateral material necessary from emails and postcards to flyers and posters, along with a unique website

(realestatewednesdays.com). They are using traditional and social media along with all the personal touches that have become hallmarks of the Callaways’ success.

“We plan to stir the pot—or I should say kettle—with a little friendly competition,” JoAnn Callaway said. She plans to mail more than 6,000 clients to tell them when and where to bring their wallets and checkbooks.

Fellow advisory board member Tom Leyda and others are working closely with corps officers and Real Estate Wednesdays volunteers to personally oversee the coordination and execution of the project.

“This level of involvement is unprecedented in this market and I would deem rare for most cities in America,” said Major John Brackenbury, Valley of the Sun program coordinator and corps officer of the Phoenix Citadel. “Our officers are exceedingly grateful and absolutely thrilled to know such a vast majority of kettles will be covered by such an enthusiastic group of volunteers.”

“This year Phoenix, next year the world,” predicts Joseph Callaway. “The Salvation Army and the home ownership industry—the start of a beautiful friendship.”

new

PORTLAND

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Meyer Founders Award went to Don Pearson of Wells Fargo for “establishing new beginnings for our youth.” The Hoffman Construction Partner in Excellence Award recognized Alec Shebiel of Toys for Kids for “continuous contributions to the physical, emotional and spiritual impact of our young people.” The Atiyeh Legacy Award was presented to Wayne Drinkward of Hoffman Construction for “creating opportunities and lasting changes with your investment through the years.”

Lt. Colonel Judith Smith, Cascade divisional commander, welcomed guests. Becky

Tymchuk, Portland Metro Advisory Board chairperson, emceed the evening and explained how “it all starts with one: one food box, one kind word, one helping hand, one mentor, one volunteer or one donation.”

Attendees watched a video (youtu.be/_ swpRgNTz6k), created by a woman who, along with her mother, received services from the West Women’s and Children’s Shelter.

Entertainment included the Divisional Youth Brass Band and a youth chime group from The Salvation Army Moore Street Corps Community Center.

CORRECTIONAL OUTREACH

from page 4

Williams Fund for Program Enrichment. If all goes as planned, The 49-9 Project should be up and running in the next several weeks.

Fahringer ultimately wants to make reintegration back into society as seamless as possible for men in Lorain County, whether through continued mentoring or even helping inmates get properly groomed.

“We have a local barber that’s willing to do haircuts to help people look decent once they’re released [so they can] go to interviews,” Fahringer said. “Those are the kinds of things that aren’t in directories, but we want to let guys know they are available before they are released.”

Appointments BRAZIL TERRITORY Lt. Colonels Douglas and Veronica Danielson Officers of the USA Western Territory currently serving respectively as Field Secretary and Personnel Secretary in the Brazil Territory, are appointed respectively as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Brazil Territory.

Appointments effective Feb. 1, 2014 HAWAIIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS DIVISION Major Angeline Sholin Corps Officer, Honoka’a Corps NORTHWEST DIVISION Majors Scott & Cherilee Ramsey Corps Officers, Port Angeles Corps Appointments effective Oct. 1, 2013

10

Doing the Most Good

October 4, 2013 New Frontier

God loves a cheerful giver a view from the Board Side

New Frontier recently reported the magnificent and generous gift that the Cathedral City Corps received to jumpstart its capital campaign to construct a new youth center.

Dick The donors, Bay Area residents Dick Hagerty and Beverly Davis, had made a similar contribution to the original construcAdvisory board tion of the existing corps center in 2005. member Dick Davis is a member of the National Advisory Board (NAB) and we have served together for many years. We consider them some of our very best friends and encouragers on the NAB. In his business life, he was a successful land developer and also a minority owner of the Oakland Raiders football team.

The Davises continued generosity should act as an encouragement to all advisory board and council members.

Truly, they possess the “gift of giving” and I salute them for this awesome gift.

Jesus taught in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 that giving and service should be measured “by each, according to his ability.” I am reminded of that verse as I measure the great size of these gifts to those which we of lesser means may give.

And, I am reminded of a very personal parallel story to the Davis’s gift.

Twenty years ago there was no established Salvation Army work in the Greater Palm Springs area. This large region received support out of Los Angeles by service extension.

During those years my parents, Richard and Bernice Hagerty, spent their winters in a mobile home park, close to the location of the present corps facility. Through my membership on the NAB, my parents came to know the then Southern California divisional commander, Lt. Col. Eugene Rice, and a warm friendship developed.

My dad—much like the persistent widow of Luke 18— began to regularly remind the colonel: “The valley needs a corps!” Every time I encountered Colonel Gene he would smile and tell me of my father’s consistent entreaties. One day I received a surprise phone call from him: “Your father has worn me down. We will establish a full corps in Cathedral City.”

My parents were ecstatic and immediately began volunteering to run errands, make deliveries, and attend the corps on Sundays. Led by retired officer Major Oscar Youngquist, the corps was administered out of a small and dusty storefront on Ramon Road. My father was a great gospel music man; my mom played the piano. On the first Sunday about eight people showed up for service. No piano, no instruments—but a beginning.

The next week my parents went out, located a small upright piano, bought it and delivered it for the second Sunday service. For the next two years they continued to support the corps by leading music, teaching classes and making daily runs to the food bank and the local bakeries.

I think the wonderful point of this story is simply this: God does not measure by our standards, nor does he keep score.

Cathedral City and the Palm Springs Valley now have a vibrant corps, led by my good friend Lt. Sean Kelsey. They have an active and engaged advisory board, led by Lothar Vasholz, and our Salvation Army is making a great impact in the area.

All thanks to the vision of Lt. Colonel Rice, the awesome generosity of Dick and Beverly Davis, and the determination and hard work of my late parents, Richard and Bernice Hagerty.

And that is what community involvement is all about.

These are the examples of teamwork that make our Army the great success and witness that it has become.

Contact Dick at rghagerty@aol.com.

Give me Jesus I am sitting in the funeral service.

I hear a soulful choir sing with sympathetic feeling: “In the morning, when I rise, in the morning, when I rise, in the morning, when I rise, give me Jesus.”

The sopranos, poised and graceful, vocalizing each note; the altos, Victor the most animated, resonate with soul penetrating harmonies; operatic Leslie tenors unconsciously lifting their Lt. Colonel heads with each succession of musical tones and gray-haired basses, rooted with harmonic certainty, all blending to create a heartrending and passionate statement of confidence and faith. I am intrigued and helplessly moved to tears as they sing the modern version of an old African-American spiritual hymn. The lyrics are obviously simple, but their spiritual impact is piercing and powerful: “Give me Jesus, give me Jesus. You can have all this world, give me Jesus….”

As the words drop from their lips, I contemplate the message. In the morning when I rise, when I first open my eyes, give me Jesus, the water of life who invigorates my soul. In the morning when I lay bare my aspirations to a new day, give me the sweet fragrance and freshness of his unfailing love; give me Jesus: my reason for living, my source of survival and hope of renewal. In the morning when I rise, I choose not to eat of the bread of idleness or the bitterness of worldly cares; give me Jesus to strengthen my resolve to live a more prayerful, watchful and spirit-filled life. And, my heart reverberates with a gratifying prayer to my Lord and Savior Jesus, Let me rise in the morning and live always with you! (Ps. 139:18 MSG).

The choir continues to solemnly define a resolute trust in Jesus even in the depths of life’s journey. “Oh

when I am alone, give me Jesus!” Time and again we experience being alone in this self-sufficient world.

Sometimes it is by choice, when in solitude we seek a quiet place to step out of the daily grind and to connect with God, to ponder his grace, and replenish our faith.

Clearly the choice then is “give me Jesus.” But there are other times, times when life’s seasons leave us without a sense of connectedness, when everyone seems distant or detached, when there is no feeling of belonging. In these moments when we do not seem to know where to turn or what to do, it is then that the hunger of desire for Jesus must be deep and strong, insatiable. Psalm 139 provides impetus and assurance: “I can never get away from his presence; I can never escape from his Spirit. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there his hand will guide me and his strength will support me.” There is no other argument; there is no other plea—just give me Jesus!

Soon the choir sits reverently to avoid disturbing the liturgy. I am overcome by the wistful cry ingrained in my mind: “You can have all this world; give me Jesus.”

I think of the origins of this anthem. It was first inscribed in the hearts of a people stripped of all human dignity. The life-changing message of who Jesus is and what he brings to a broken life must have resonated in their souls. I hear their voices speak through generation after generation, “Give me Jesus!” Whether I am broken or blessed, whether I experience tragedy or triumph, whether life is full of sunshine or shadow, “Give me Jesus,” from the day of my birth to the day of my jubilee.

I breathe an affirming prayer. “And when I come to die,” give me Jesus, the soul-liberating, all-satisfying, resurrection-bringing Jesus. Jesus whispers in my heart: “All who seek me will find me” (Jer. 29:13).

‘The Devil made me do it’ Flip Wilson’s classic character Geraldine returned home after buying a new dress.

The Rev.: “Another dress? This is the third dress this week.”

Geraldine: “The Devil made me buy this dress. I didn’t want to buy no dress. The Devil kept botherin’ me.”

Douglas The Rev.: “How’d the Devil get O’Brien you to buy the dress?”

Lt. Colonel Geraldine: “The Devil sneaked up behind me...and he shoved me in that door. I said, ‘Devil stop it, please.’ Then he shoved me over to where the dress was.

I said, ‘cut it out Devil.’ He said, ‘you gonna buy that dress?’ I said, ‘I’m not buying no dress, Devil.’ And he pulled a gun. He threatened me and made me sign your name to a check.”

Flip Wilson said his comic female character was honest, frank and affectionate. Frank? Sure. Affectionate? OK. But honest? Really? When Geraldine explained that the Devil made her buy that dress, the Reverend responded, “I’m not goin’ for that. Every time you do something wrong you blame it on the Devil.”

Geraldine has plenty of company. Everybody remembers that Adam blamed Eve and that Eve blamed the serpent for their actions in the Garden. God understood they were to blame for their own actions.

Later generations used scapegoats—real goats in an

attempt to get rid of their guilt. When goats no longer seemed adequate, individuals and even whole nations became substitute scapegoats. People just seem to be quick to point a finger at someone else.

But this blame game is actually a “poor strategy” says Peter Bregman writing for Psychology Today (April 9, 2013). People see through it; it weakens our self-esteem; it’s dishonest; it destroys relationships; it inhibits learning.

Certainly the Bible teaches that there is a real devil seeking to drive us away from God. But the Bible also teaches us about personal responsibility.

Some people may remember how popular President Harry Truman became for displaying a sign on his desk that said, “The Buck Stops Here.” For me the most wonderful example of someone accepting responsibility for his own mistakes was King David.

When the Prophet Nathan confronted David about his relationship with Bathsheba, David’s response was quick and profound: “I have sinned against the LORD.” In the face of that transparent honesty, Nathan spoke God’s forgiveness, “The LORD has taken away your sin” (2 Sam. 12:13 NIV).

And as it was for David, so it is for us when we are honest with God about who we are and what we have done.

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CELEBRATING OUR 30th YEAR

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Doing the Most Good

October 4, 2013 New Frontier

Growing old lifeLines

A colleague mentioned—with some fear and a lot of trepidation—that she would be 50 on her next birthday. It shocked her because she felt no older than 35. I know the feeling. Next month I will turn 65, but I don’t feel a day over 50!

Ian This whole growing old thing has been Robinson on my mind a lot recently. It started when I Major applied for my small British pension, which starts coming into my bank account next month. We have been feverishly looking for somewhere to stay because The Salvation Army’s policies and procedures say I must retire next year, when I turn 66—no ifs, ands or buts. I am still trying to find a loophole around that one. And we are hoping to find a nice job somewhere in Southern California so we don’t have to take trains, planes and automobiles to visit the grandkids. (All offers considered.)

Several years ago I preached a sermon series called “Growing Old without Growing Cold.” One of the illustrations in the first message said, “You know you are growing old when…”

• your knees buckle and your belt won’t.

• you know all the answers but no one asks the questions.

• you finally get it all together and then you can’t remem ber where you put it.

• your pacemaker opens the garage door whenever you see a pretty lady go by.

• the little gray-haired lady you help across the street is your wife!

• the gleam in your eye is just the sun reflecting on your trifocals.

• it takes more time to recover than it did to tire out.

• you sink your teeth into a nice juicy steak and they stay there.

Enoch was one Bible character who knew how to grow old without growing cold. Gen. 5:24 tells us that, Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away (NIV). At the youthful age of 300, Enoch was relieved of all the troubles and tribulations of old age. The book of Hebrews gives us further insight into Enoch’s character. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God (Heb. 11:5b). No wonder God wanted to take him home—the word for “pleased” means “gratified entirely.” Of course, that should be the aim of every Christian. The Apostle Paul confirmed this when he wrote, So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it (2 Cor. 5:9).

Could that be my retirement plan? If I live to please God like Enoch, he will take me home to be with him before I get much older? Sorry, it doesn’t work that way! I only live to please God because of all that he has already done for me. I am saved by grace, sanctified by the Holy Spirit and promised eternal life in heaven—complete with a mansion—when I eventually go home. So I will grow old, gracefully and passionately, without growing cold, knowing that someday I will see my Savior face to face.

My favorite lyricist described it this way:

Someday I will stand before your throne, And I’ll be known.

Someday I will kneel beneath your feet And know I’m home.

One day I will see you and you’ll wipe my tears awe Then my fears and sadness will all vanish on that day.

(Isobel Robinson) 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,

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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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11

Sharing is caring Just a few days after the last full moon of the summer, the “shine on” harvest moon fell into our midst exactly on schedule—1:44 p.m., Sept. 22—and left Southern California two days later. Our summer has not yet relinquished its top daytime spot.

The autumnal equinox provides its two hemispheres exactly 12 equal hours of daylight and darkness.

And so, a natural, mutual sharing of the sun between the hemispheres takes place. If it can take place on the scale of earth’s hemispheres while also enriching the hemisphere in some way in every season, why is it difficult for humans, including many Christians, to share themselves with the less fortunate a few hours once a month or once a week?

We seem content to delegate responsibilities Christ assigned to all of us to a few. We say, “I’m too busy” or “I’ve already got other responsibilities.” “It’ s George’s job.

Let him do it—besides I wouldn’t know how to talk to the people who come for assistance.”

Excuses.

Historically, the Army’s initial intensive focus was on social salvation. Booth’s soldiers were organized to do the job. They had discovered that it was in poverty that sin festered and grew. He and his troops cared for the poor socially and then won them for Christ spiritually. Getting “saved” was a literal event before it was a spiritual change.

Jesus made it very clear that certain requirements existed for entry to “sheep status” rather than classification as a “goat” (see Matt. 25). He gave examples of what needs to be shared, and they are all “hands on” behaviors that cannot be delegated.

“For I was hungry and you fed me.

I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.

I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.

I was naked, and you gave me clothing.

I was sick, and you cared for me.

I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matt. 25:35-36 NLT).

In our busy schedules, we would probably answer: “When did I do all these things?”

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me” (25:40).

Humans rationalize inaction easily. However, some of the “excuses” listed above are actual realities in people’s lives. We fight the battle of the clock and find insufficient time. I’m sure it was similar during William Booth’s time

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

as well. Confronting that mindset defines “otherness.”

We do not need to undertake the task of “sheepness” exactly the same way that Booth did 150 years ago. The Army has always “tailored itself to fit the times,” as Dr. Diane Winston wrote in “Red Hot and Righteous: Robert The Urban Religion of The Salvation Docter Army.” We can learn a great deal by Editor-In-Chief reading our history (see Winston’s text and Roy Hattersley’s “Blood and Fire: The Story of William and Catherine Booth and The Salvation Army”).

Booth’s “Labor Bureau,” described in his book “In Darkest England and the Way Out,” found or created employment for both skilled and unskilled workers in the early 1890s. In America, after the turn of the century, the Army “sought to saturate the secular with the sacred.”

Evangeline, one of Booth’s five daughters and commander of Army activities in the United States, brought the Army to the theatrical stage and to the streets. Fundraising in the theater supported the Army social work. The street meetings, preceded by a parade,“religionized the secular.”

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Army in America had several kinds of slum brigades, slum sisters, slum missions and slum posts in large cities. Soldiers staffed the leadership of these brigades.

So, bringing our Army’s social ministry up to date as well as more present in the corps is an organizational problem. It will test the dimensions of our creativity, the scope of our motivation, the depth of our salvation and the boundaries of our faith. One thing for certain, one size does not fit all—one program won’t do it alone.

Somehow, each Army corps needs to organize opportunities for people to engage in acts of otherness, to visit the homes and camps and gutters of the overlooked and ignored at least as much as we visit the homes of the wealthy.

We need to use the skills that members bring with them.

After all, this otherness behavior is our ethic. It is our identity, our reason for being. Our narrative tells these stories. Our heroes of the past redeemed “trophies of grace.” The world desperately needs what they believe The Salvation Army represents.

Is it still a reality? Have we become the chapel on the corner? Or are we an Army of Salvation?

Let’s get started.

NEW FROM FRONTIER PRESS

walking in white Walking in White tells of Commissioner Jolene Hodder’s experiences as an American Salvation Army officer serving in Africa. Told through letters home, this book gives a glimpse of Hodder’s service to, and love for, the people of Kenya.

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