SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS COVERAGE
BOUNDLESS BOUNDLESS the whole redeeming the wholeworld world redeeming
2015INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS 2015 CONGRESS th | | 150 th Anniversary
1-5 July 2015
London, UK
150 Anniversary | 1-5 July 2015 | London, UK AUGUST 2015 Volume 33, Number 8
COMMEMORATING
INSIDE this issue: Founder’s Day
THE PAST COMMEMORATING
A statue of Catherine Booth is unveiled in East London on Founders’ Day. PAGE 5
THE PAST
Covenant premieres
CELEBRATING
A feat of the West, congress musical features seven showings in London. PAGE 6
CELEBRATING THE PRESENT
United Army
THE PRESENT
Seven general congress sessions, based on General André Cox’s dream for the Army, bring Salvationists together. PAGE 8
INNOVATING
March down the Mall
FOR THE FUTURE
INNOVATING
PAID
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NON PROFIT US POSTAGE
A 2,500-Salvationist march from London’s Horse Guards Parade draws thousands of onlookers. PAGE 12
FOR THE FUTURE
The road to Boundless For the latest information about the 2015 International please The Salvation Army celebrates its 150thCongress, anniversary in its birthplace, London’s visit East End.
www.boundless2015.org For the latest information about the BY CHRISTIN DAVIS
F
lowing through London, the River Thames is a longstanding maritime route, boundary and economic resource. As merchant ships sailed throughout the world, they brought back its riches to store in the City—the financial heart of the British Empire. Yet the area is flanked by London’s East End, long synonymous with poverty, overcrowding, disease and criminality. As the river brought treasure from the empire, it also brought an expanding population to the East End. Waves of immigrants—French Protestant Huguenots, Irish, Ashkenazi Jews and Bangladesh—poured in and general conditions worsened.
According to the 1881 census, more than 1 million people lived in London’s East End, where the life expectancy of a laborer was less than 19 years. Two out of every 10 children died, and diseases like tuberculosis, rickets and scarlet fever were common. “In that context began The Christian Mission,” said Lt. Colonel Alex Morrice, who served as an officer from Scotland to Japan and retired as assistant chief secretary of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland in 2001. A self-described historian, Morrice leads Salvation Army-focused tours through the East End. “If you don’t know our roots—where we’ve come from—you don’t know where we’re going. We get information and inspiration from our history, and while we can’t be imprisoned by our past, it gives us signposts for the future.” ROAD TO BOUNDLESS PAGE 3
2015 International Congress, please visit boundless2015@salvationarmy.org.uk
www.boundless2015.org Boundless 2015
@Boundless2015
Speak to yourMY Corps Liaison Officer: DRE AM FOR THE SALVATION ARMY boundless2015@salvationarmy.org.uk BY ANDRÉ COX, GENERAL
Boundless 2015
@Boundless2015
P.O. Box 22646 Long Beach, CA 90802-9998
These words are from a speech given by then-Commissioner André Cox to the 2013 High Council that elected him as General. They framed the focus of each of the seven main sessions at Boundless 2015.
“I dream of a committed, effective and joyful Army, rooted and confident in the word of God and on its knees. I dream of an Army that truly reflects the mind of Jesus in our commitment to the poor and the marginalized. I dream of an Army that practices what it preaches from the top leadership down, an Army that is a visible and living example of Kingdom values. I dream of an Army that values its youth where our young people feel that they have a voice. I dream of an Army with strong relevant and streamlined administrative structures and a much more effective use of our financial and material resources. I dream of an Army where all cultures are equally accepted and celebrated through the spiritual ties that bind us all together. I dream of an Army that shuns the dependency culture.”
The Salvation Army
Speak to your Corps Liaison Officer:
Page 2—New Frontier CHRONICLE • August 2015
A congress reflection BY JAMES KNAGGS, COMMISSIONER The Boundless 2015 Congress in London will remain as a significant historic event for The Salvation Army. More than any other gathering in the history of the movement, we joined with Salvationists and friends from around the world in amazing new ways, with extraordinary participation and unequaled historic reflection. Not disparaging any other congress or international event, it’s not so hard to realize that the broadcast and social media features available to us have given this congress a reach beyond what we’ve ever experienced. Over 1 million people connected through these means from 157 countries, making it monumentally global. When you consider that #Boundless2015 was trending larger than the world famous Wimbledon Tennis Matches, you begin to understand the enormous reach of the gospel through this event. Another fresh approach to the ministry of The Salvation Army was the diverse representation in the people who gave the major addresses at this congress. Appropriately, the General was featured and challenged us all with holy living and service to others as Salvationists. Other speakers represented a cross section of generations, cultures, races, gender and ge-
ography. This only happens with a carefully identified plan and conscientious implementation. I salute the General for his leadership in this area. We must listen to the whole Salvation Army to make our way forward in glorifying God. The third aspect of the congress that caught my attention was the repeated consideration of our historic background and the warriors who paved the way for The Salvation Army today. Each meeting included this feature to the glory of God, as did the exceptional musical, “Covenant.” The tandem value of such is found in the reliable recording of each of the congress events. Cameras and technicians present in the congress used technology to keep the account of this historic occasion in formats that will be retained for ages to come. The USA Western Territory was deeply engaged in the congress and had one of the largest delegations in the world. Our people gave themselves to support the meetings and events in many ways that enriched the experience for all. Carolyn and I were humbled by the receptivity to the contributions of the territory and the effusive reports given to us about our people throughout the experience. The investment into the global Salvation Army and on behalf of our own territory has been worth it. We will see the many outcomes in years to come. For this and all the congress activities, we thank God.|NFC
West soldier admitted to Order of the Founder William Flinn and two others join 269 members In the second of three Order of the Founder presentations during Boundless 2015, General André Cox admitted Western Territory soldier William Flinn to the Army’s highest award for distinguished service. Inaugurated in 1917 by General Bramwell Booth with the first awards made in 1920, just 269 people are members of the Order of the Founder today. Born in Darby, Pa., Flinn moved to Southern California in 1976 and has led songster and band groups for more than 40 years. He first became bandmaster of the Roxborough Citadel Band at the age of 16, and today is bandmaster at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps. He has served on the corps advisory board, and is the first soldier to be inducted as a U.S. National Advisory Board member. He worked in the Southern California Divisional public relations department with additional duties as divisional music director, and led the Army’s Tournament of Roses Rose Parade band for a number of years. Now as chief executive officer of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, he continues to respond to invitations to be guest conductor, speaker and faculty member at various Salvation Army music schools, institutes and conferences throughout North America. Flinn is actively involved in the weekly
APPOINTMENT CHANGES Effective November 1 COLONELS DAVID AND SHARRON HUDSON, currently serving respectively as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the USA Western Territory, are appointed to USA National Headquarters. Colonel David Hudson is appointed as National Chief Secretary and Colonels David and Colonel Sharron Hudson as National Secretary Sharron Hudson for Women’s Ministries.
Lt. Colonels Doug and Colleen Riley
LT. COLONELS DOUGLAS AND COLLEEN RILEY, currently serving as Southern California divisional leaders, are appointed respectively as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, USA Western Territory, with the rank of colonel.
USA West makes strong showing at Boundless 15,000 delegates 1,260 from the West 126 countries represented 40 participating music groups 4 West music groups 1 congress musical 53 West cast members
is published monthly by The Salvation Army USA Western Territory P.O. Box 22646, Long Beach, CA 90802-9998
General André Cox (right) admits William Flinn to the Order of the Founder.
worship activities of the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps, having also served as songster leader there for 23 years and as youth band leader. He is a member of The Salvation Army’s Crestmont Council at the College for Officer Training, and currently serves as chairman of that body. He was awarded The Salvation Army’s National Award for Exceptional Service as well as receiving numerous other awards and recognition for his community
service. Cox admitted Flinn to the Order of the Founder during The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary congress alongside General Eva Burrows posthumously, the 14th General of The Salvation Army, and the United Kingdom’s divisional Envoy Iris Jones, who has led ministry in her corps, including a public house ministry three nights a week, for 30 years.|NFC
Commissioner James Knaggs, Territorial Commander Colonel Dave Hudson, Chief Secretary
newfrontierpublications.org Member of the Evangelical Press Association EDITORIAL STAFF Robert L. Docter, Editor-In-Chief 562/491-8330 bob.docter@usw.salvationarmy.org Christin Davis, Managing Editor 562/491-8723 christin.davis@usw.salvationarmy.org Erica Andrews • 562/491-8334 erica.andrews@usw.salvationarmy.org Vivian Gatica • 562/491-8782 vivian.gatica@usw.salvationarmy.org Karen Gleason • 562/491-8332 karen.gleason@usw.salvationarmy.org Major Kevin Jackson • 562/491-8303 kevin.jackson@usw.salvationarmy.org Major Linda Jackson • 562/491-8306 linda.jackson@usw.salvationarmy.org
The photos in this issue were taken by a Boundless photography team of six (see page 19). Find more photos from throughout The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary congress at boundless2015.org/ photos.
Jared McKiernan • 562/491-8417 jared.mckiernan@usw.salvationarmy.org ONLINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA Shannon Forrey, Web Editor • 562/491-8329 shannon.forrey@usw.salvationarmy.org LAYOUT AND DESIGN Kevin Dobruck, Art Director • 562/491-8328 kevin.dobruck@usw.salvationarmy.org Adriana Rivera, Graphic Designer • 562/491-8331 adriana.rivera@usw.salvationarmy.org ADVERTISING/BUSINESS Karen Gleason, Business Manager • 562/491-8332 karen.gleason@usw.salvationarmy.org CIRCULATION Arlene De Jesus, Circulation Manager • 562/491-8343 arlene.dejesus@usw.salvationarmy.org ISSN 2164-5930
To donate to a Salvation Army project or program, visit salvationarmy.org and click “Donate.” Specify name or location as desired.
August 2015 • New Frontier CHRONICLE—Page 3
ROAD TO BOUNDLESS
FROM PAGE 1
Today, as in the 1800s, vendors peddle everything from produce to household supplies in market stalls down Whitechapel Road. It’s alongside these stalls that the East London Revival Association first held an open-air outside the Blind Beggar pub. “The slums were indescribable with dreadful squalor,” Morrice said. “Large families lived in tiny apartments with no water or heat. They were the neglected poor, the outcasts of society.” It was a life so bad, the pub advertised: “Get drunk for a half penny; blind drunk for a penny.” When the leader of that revival meeting asked if anyone wanted a word, William Booth stepped forward. The following Sunday, July 2, 1865, he preached his first sermon under the association’s tent in Vallance Gardens. History holds that Booth returned home that night and said to his wife, “Kate, I have found my destiny.” He became its leader, and so began what was renamed The Salvation Army in 1878. “The Salvation Army—what a strange name!” Booth wrote after The Christian Mission’s renaming. “What does it mean? Just what it says—a number of people joined together after the fashion of an army; and an army for the
purpose of carrying salvation through the land…” The Blind Beggar still operates today. Two nearby statues commemorate Booth’s work in the area, and a street mural features influential people—from Queen Elizabeth, to George Bernard Shaw and Booth. Two corps, the longstanding Cambridge Heath and the more recently opened Stepney, work in this community, along with the 150-bed Booth House for homeless men. This is the birthplace of The Salvation Army, and in 2015—the organization’s 150th year—Salvationists gathered July 1-5 at The O2 in southeast London for Boundless – The Whole World Redeeming. The 20,000-capacity arena hosted to representatives from each of the Army’s 126 countries of work. “It is an event to inspire the entire Salvation Army world, and for the first time we truly had the capacity to reach the entire Salvation Army world,’ said Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood, congress coordinator, a USA Southern Territory officer who has spent most of his service in event-planning roles. Only the seventh international congress—the last was in Atlanta, in 2000—this anniversary congress was named after Booth’s timeless song, “O Boundless Salva-
tion,” which has been called the anthem of this army. “When William wandered into the East End and saw the poverty and neglect of the church he was moved to do something,” Hobgood said. “We believe very strongly the call to save the world is as strong today and The Salvation Army needs to sometimes be reminded of what we’re all about. ‘Boundless’ is a call to continue into the next 150 years.” Seven main sessions featured various aspects of General André Cox’s dream for the Army, leading to a one-mile march down The Mall from Horse Guards Parade to Green Park, beyond Buckingham Palace on July 5. “The Salvation Army has a remarkable testimony of trust in God. When the first Salvationists gathered in the East End, they had nothing—no place to call their own, no building, no money, and very few people—but somehow God took the commitment of those few people and multiplied it,” said Commissioner William Cochrane, international secretary to the Chief of the Staff and chairman of the congress planning and advisory council. “It was an inspiring moment when we all gathered in what is possibly the biggest tent in the world— The O2—just a short distance away from where they held those first meetings.”|NFC
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Participants reflect joy and diversity. BY JANE KIMBERLEY General John Larsson (Ret.) played “They Shall Come From the East They Shall Come From the West” on piano as Western Territory Staff Songster leader Barbara Allen sang the words to open the International Music Festival June 30 at The O2 arena in London. Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs welcomed international leaders General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox, world president of women’s ministries, along with international leaders and guest musicians: the International Staff Band (ISB), the Angola National Band, the South America East Territorial Band, the Waverley Temple Timbrels, and the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters and Youth Chorus. The musicians’ contributions were interspersed by video presentations highlighting the 126 countries in which The Salvation Army is at work and depicting the Army’s worldwide caring ministry. Knaggs acknowledged the role of bands in the Army throughout its history and referred to the words of the Psalmist, “Sing to the Lord a new song,” noting that witnessing comes naturally when our hearts appreciate what he has done. The new song is not limited to music, but is as the life we live, he said. The final item, “A Worldwide Army,” united all musicians featuring the great song of praise, “Eternal God,” with the congregation joining the final verse and declaring “Christ has overcome the world.”
Page 4—New Frontier CHRONICLE • August 2015
Spirit of the Founder captured in Māori haka
New Zealand Salvationists declare, ‘I’ll fight!’ BY CHRISTINA TYSON, MAJOR Although the fierce display of power and purpose of the Māori haka is seen as an attempt to intimidate the opposition, it is actually meant as a good-spirited challenge and declaration of national pride in New Zealand’s sporting matches. But did you know that The Salvation Army has its own haka (war dance), inspired by William Booth’s ‘I’ll Fight’ speech? Kapa haka performers aim to have their whole body speak, employing postures, gestures and facial expressions to daunt an enemy or excite an audience, explained Valance Smith who lectures in Māori and Indigenous Development at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. Historically, a tribe’s reputation rose or fell on its members’ ability to perform the haka. The early Christian missionaries in New Zealand tried to eradicate the haka, believing it was in conflict with Christian beliefs and practices, says Valance. Instead of singing the haka, sacred waiata (songs) and other traditional chants, missionaries promoted hymns with European-style harmonies. Māori proved skilled at singing in harmony and began singing their own songs to English melodies. Since the 1980s, kapa haka has experienced a popular renaissance. In its early days in New Zealand, The Salvation Army— or “Te Ope Whakaora” in Māori meaning “‘the Army that brings life”—was committed to Māori and several European officers learned the Māori language, translating Salvation Army songs into Māori, and establishing a Māori Division and a Māori Training College. Yet, with some exceptions, this early passion and organizational commitment for working alongside Māori did not last. General Eva Burrows’s 1987 “Agenda for the Future” provided a timely reminder to the international Salvation Army to give greater attention to all forms of racial prejudice. This, along with an increased fight for justice and equality for Māori within wider New Zealand society, led The Salvation Army to renew and strengthen its commitment to work alongside and serve Māori over the past decades.
The Salvation Army haka debuted at the Mission 2010 congress in New Zealand with choreography to a translated version of William Booth’s “I’ll Fight!” speech. It was a powerful testimony that Māori were once more at home within The Salvation Army, and a rally for Salvationists to fight for the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in society. This is a fight that is deeply personal to Māori, who are over-represented in hardship statistics, including lower life expectancy and poorer health outcomes, as well as being disadvantaged in areas such as housing, education, income and employment. Comprising just 15 percent of New Zealand’s population, Māori people make up more than 50 percent of the country’s prison population. Fifteen members of the haka group performed at
Dancers make debut
Boundless 2015, representing their own culture and the New Zealand Salvation Army. “It’s a real privilege for our group to showcase Māori culture to people from around the world. Boundless is about bringing together people of different races, cultures and understanding, but with Christ at the center—and when we do everything for the glorification of Christ, that’s where the power comes,” said Lieutenants Tau and Trish Mataki, who assumed national leadership of Māori ministry this year and performed with the group. “The Salvation Army is ‘whakawhanaungatanga’ (relationships) at its best. This is what William Booth was talking about in his ‘I’ll Fight’ speech: the gospel is for everyone, wherever our arms can reach.” |NFC
Hong Kong and Macau Praise Dance Group offers a cross-cultural performance. BY LAURA BOOTH The Hong Kong and Macau Praise Dancers were so keen to keep their routine a surprise that their performance at Boundless was their debut. “In Hong Kong, people like to take lots of photos and videos and put them on Facebook, so we decided to keep our routine top secret,” said group member Lisa Shiu. “That meant we had never performed in public before, so we were very nervous.” Keen to bring a flavor of the Far East to congress, the group of 29 members formed especially for Boundless 2015. They have practiced since last September, and from Easter had weekly rehearsals. The group offered two routines, one to “O Boundless Salvation!” featuring traditional Chinese instruments, and “Jehovah Is My Shield” with Taiwanese influences. The cross-cultural style is also reflected in the group’s membership,
BAMBOO ORCHESTRA OFFERS DISTINCT SOUND BY KERSTEN RIEDER
which includes dancers aged from seven to 67 years old, with four males. Two members from mainland China learned the routine from Major Jeremy Lang, who travels back and forth between the Chinese capital, Beijing, and Hong Kong. It is extremely rare for a Salvationist from mainland China to be able to attend an international event such as this. “Everything for me is new and so exciting,” said Vida Li. “This is an unforgettable experience.: Hui Yan echoed this sentiment: “This is my only chance to be part of congress. It’s my honor to represent the Hong Kong and Macau Command.”|NFC
More than two decades ago, Ernest Baginda’s idea of a bamboo orchestra came to life when the government facilitated a group to perform at a festival at Lake Poso, right in the center of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Twenty-three years later and now officially known as Musik Bambu “Sangkurio” Berdikari, the group seeks to praise God using traditional musical instruments made of bamboo. Most are members of Berdikari Corps, where they play regularly at public and church events. Amid the breadth of musical variety offered at Boundless, Musik Bambu “Sangkurio” Berdikari hoped to make a unique contribution using bamboo instruments and expressing the joy that comes with their message of praise. “Being able to come to London and perform at congress [was] a remarkable opportunity, a great motivation and tremendous encouragement to further develop our ministry and service in our church and society,” said leader Max William Baginda. “We are most looking forward to seeing how the worldwide Salvation Army services have developed and are praying for renewed spirits.”|NFC
August 2015 • New Frontier CHRONICLE—Page 5
FOUNDERS’ DAY EVENT HONORS CATHERINE BOOTH
Statue of Army Mother unveiled on Mile End Road in East London. BY CHRISTIN DAVIS
L
eaders of The Salvation Army from across the world met on Mile End Road in the East End of London July 2 to commemorate Founders’ Day and unveil a statue of the Army Mother, Catherine Booth, next to one of William Booth erected in 1979. “This is a special day as we recognize the remarkable contributions Catherine Booth had in shaping The Salvation Army to be what it is today,” said General André Cox in welcoming attendees—Army officers, local religious leaders, city workers and Booth family members alike. Known for her partnership in beginning the ministry that would become The Salvation Army 150 years ago, Catherine Booth is heralded today for advocating for women’s equal right to preach. The statue, a depiction of Catherine in bonnet, hand extended and clutching a Bible to her chest, was funded by women of The Salvation Army in the United States. “One of the things that attracted me to the Army at age 11 was that both of the [male and female] officers were ordained and spoke at the corps,” said Commissioner Debora Bell, USA Southern Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. “I
felt a calling to be a woman preacher. Because of what Catherine did, I can do what I do.” Down the road, past the Blind Beggar public house where William held street meetings, a tent meeting at Vallance Gardens, a disused Quaker burial ground, recreated the earliest form of Army ministry with songs, testimonies and a message by Chief of the Staff Commissioner William Roberts. “We can celebrate what is happening today in the East End,” said Major Nick Coke, corps officer of the nearby Stepney Corps, which he and Major Kerry Coke started 12 years ago. “The Founder said he found his destiny in the East End and I’ve felt a little of that, too.” Ashley Green, a cadet in the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland from Stepney Corps, said the Cokes embody
Booth’s vision for the Army’s mission, particularly for building relationships with the community that is largely Muslim today. “I want to be an officer who is intentional about getting to know people, too,” Green said. “Here it’s a religious difference, but in some places it might be age or something else. I want to be willing to reinvent what needs to be done to reach people.” For Colonel Ted Horwood, Territorial Commander, Tanzania, the commemorative event marked an opportunity to look forward. “The Salvation Army is well positioned today in what God is doing in society,” he said. “For me, this is not so much about looking back but is a chance to look with great expectation at what God has in store in the next 150 years.”|NFC
‘BOUND-LESS’ INSPIRES WOMEN ‘Let God use you!’ says Commissioner Silvia Cox.
BY CHRISTINA TYSON, MAJOR “We, the women of The Salvation Army, can change the world—one person, one family, one village, one community, one country at a time,” declared Commissioner Silvia Cox, world president of women’s ministries, to more than 2,100 women at ‘Bound-Less’, the congress women’s gathering July 3. “I believe we are here today because we have a heart and a passion to reach lost souls,” said Barbara Allen of the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps in Southern California. “God is moving with power among his women.” Opening with an explosion of color and energy as the African Praise-Hosho Timbrel Brigade sang and played to “O Boundless Salvation!,” the audience also welcomed performances by the Vasa Gospel Choir and the Hawaii Hula Hālau group. A Boundless 2015 version of ABC Television’s “The View” panel—Commissioner Janine Donaldson (New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga), Major Maria Galinou (Italy and Greece), Dr. Cathy Tsikirayi (Zimbabwe),
and Captain Angelica Correa (Canada and Bermuda)—shared brief perspectives on ministry. They described some of their own “Catherine calls,” touching on a monologue of Catherine Booth recalling her fight against keeping quiet in church when God’s spirit compelled her to stand and speak, played by Claire Brine. “We try to follow the Holy Spirit in what he is doing—this leads to ministry every-
where,” Galinou said. She talked about the Army’s work with women and their babies in Athens, noting that Greece started its first home league two months ago. “Maybe it’s a drop in the ocean, but drops make an ocean. And we’re going to make a difference.” Major Kerry Coke (United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland) said her passion for sewing turned into a ministry as
she worked with women to make bunting and used it as an opportunity for people to share their stories. She thanked women’s groups from around the world that sent bunting to London for the congress, some of which were displayed at the unveiling of Catherine Booth’s statue on Founders’ Day. The Bill Booth Theater Company explored some of the fears and anxieties of women, showing how—when these are taken to God in prayer—“less becomes more in the boundless love of God.” “God is blessing women’s ministries and we can learn from each other,” Cox said. “I celebrate you because you are faithful women, witnessing to the power of Jesus Christ in your lives.” She reminded her audience that they had been released to tell people about Jesus’ love. “We are Jesus’ mouthpieces,” she said. “Your personal testimony is your best story, so tell people how you met God. Liberated, unrestricted, released—that’s what you are.” Each woman secured a bracelet with “Bound-Less” around her neighbor’s wrist, and then spent time praying for one another.|NFC
Page 6—New Frontier CHRONICLE • August 2015
COVENANT AT THE O2 A feat of the West, congress musical features seven showings in London. BY JOY YI
EIGHT
extraordinary real-life stories of 20th-century Salvationists were brought together to form a moving, compelling whole in “Covenant,” the Boundless Congress musical, threaded together with scenes of Founder William Booth working on his funeral covenant, his vision for the Army, in his final days. A production of the Western Territory, the musical debuted June 30 in indigo at The O2—the first of seven performances during the international event. “It’s about what is going on now but also for the past 150 years, how people stepped up to do what needs to be done,” said Kevin Larsson, musical composer and director, who wrote “Covenant” with playwright Karl Larsson and lyricist Commissioner Keith Banks. In writing the music for 16 tracks, Larsson said he was influenced by Russian composer Shostakovich, to an African version of the Cuban rumba and the Paraguayan polka. “The inspiration for the music came out of the stories and the country in which the stories were set.” The power of this production is in the real-life stories of Salvationists. In between each scene, videos of the real-life character—or someone who knew the character—briefly share a personal story. What seems to be a transitional element of the musical is key in providing context for the story if the audience misses any words or story points in the scene. “To think these stories were actually true!” said co-director Barbara Allen, who staged and choreographed the musical. “The musical is a wonderful vehicle to tell the stories and for the cast to get to know them so well.” In the context of these stories, giant blank polygons serve as a canvas for projected backgrounds—from illustrative modern layers of moving images to pictures that evoke dimensions of realism—created by the West’s Multimedia Ministries Department. The costumes support each scene, complementing the muted oppression in prison yards and the Nazi regime or the vibrancy of tropical forests and South American streets. But some scenes were so raw that the simplicity of it hit the audience in the gut even without the extravagance. The cast of 53 people and a support staff of eight are soldiers from the Southern California region, ranging in age from eight to 76. The performances of several strong soloists takes one out of an evaluative mode to simply enjoy the show as they unveil the heart of the characters. The rehearsal process started in January and, though exhausting, cast members said it was an enriched and joyous experience, prompting personal reflection. “I really think this musical will minister to the global Salvation Army to give them a sense of commitment and holy pride,” said Major Tim Foley, who played Old Gunter. “I’m enjoying playing a small part in a production that is bringing that spirit of encouragement.” The Larssons said they hope that the vignette format will allow pieces of the musical to be performed individually elsewhere, hopefully extending the musical’s life beyond the international congress. All orchestrations, books and background images are available for purchase. As I watched the scenes unfold, I acknowledged the wonderful history of The Salvation Army. We look back longingly at the early days of the Army, wishing that today’s Army could have the same fire and spirit. The stories portrayed in this musical reveal that the Army has faithfully served with the same blood of Christ and fire of the Holy Spirit throughout the 20th century. They may not have been told as often or revered as much as the stories of the early days, but these stories are a testament to how Booth’s vision and Christ’s command have been manifested in our time. I wonder how many marvelous, yet unnoticed, heroic works of love and sacrifice are taking place all over the world. Beyond these eight stories, there are so many more that will never get recognition. To end the show, audience members were invited to stand and read William Booth’s covenant together—a covenant penned in his final days. It was a challenge. It was an invitation to move the Army— the love for God and people—forward from the visions of the early days into the future. |NFC
“The Covenant musical was exceptional with seven showings to the thrill of the audiences of sold out performances. The story by Karl Larsson, the music by Kevin Larsson, and the lyrics by Commissioner Keith Banks rang true to those who attended from the very cultures depicted. Many of the stories were not known before this. The exceptional service of regular Salvationists through our history is an encouragement to us all.” —COMMISSIONER JAMES KNAGGS
August 2015 • New Frontier CHRONICLE—Page 7
Scenes from “Covenant,” a musical of the Western Territory that premiered in London during The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary congress.
Page 8—New Frontier CHRONICLE • August 2015
GENERAL UNITE ARM UNIFIED
JOYFUL SESSION 1: A JOYFUL ARMY
The Salvation Army commenced its 2015 international congress, Boundless – The Whole World Redeeming, on July 1 at The O2 Arena in London. With approximately 15,000 delegates in attendance, the opening session commemorated the joyful manner in which The Salvation Army has spread the gospel over the past 150 years while also imploring delegates to continue that mission. After performances by the International Staff Band, transMission and London Citadel Timbrels, the celebration got underway with a video clip of General André Cox’s dream of “a committed, effective and joyful army, rooted and confident in the Word of God.” Representatives from all five Salvation Army zones entered the arena carrying flags from each of the countries represented at the congress, channeling the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Each zone delivered a performance showcasing an element of its culture, including representations by ballet dancer Shaw Coleman, the South America West Dance Troupe and the kapa haka group. The sequence offered a snapshot of the vast expanse of the Army’s international ministry as the blood-and-fire flag was placed onstage to Dean Goffin’s arrangement of “O Boundless Salvation.”
SESSION 2: A UNIFIED ARMY
The second session, “A Unified Army,” was a reminder that the Army expresses God’s love in practical ways—such as through emergency response, a hospital, a children’s home, by the digging of a village well, in the ministry of a rehabilitation center. Performers included The Amsterdam Staff Songsters, Phil Laeger, transMission, the Paduan Suara Korps Palu singers from Indonesia, the Hong Kong and Macau Praise Dancers, and the Bill Booth Theater Group. The Army’s work in communities with deep needs was highlighted in video reports and testimonials, from the Sand Dam Project in Kenya, the Tekokatú
SERVING
EMBRACING
Read detailed reports of each meeting at n
CARING
August 2015 • New Frontier CHRONICLE—Page 9
SESSIONS MY WORLD
Clinic in Paraguay, to a street hospital for drug users in Norway, a children’s home in Kandhamal, India, and two reservoirs collecting water in an area with dry soil in the Qingquan Village in China’s Sichuan Province. Captain Diana MacDonald, territorial secretary for personnel in Pakistan, concluded the session with a reflection on Jesus’ contact with the Samaritan woman at the well, noting he treated her with respect and built a bridge across a cultural divide.
SESSION 3: A SERVING ARMY
The message from the Founders’ Day evening session was clear—William and Catherine Booth began The Salvation Army exactly 150 years ago, but the call to win the world for Christ must be answered by today’s Salvationists. Highlights of the evening included the posthumous admitting of General Eva Burrows to the Order of the Founder, The Salvation Army’s highest honor, and the launching of the new song book. General André Cox asked: “What better day than today to renew our commitment to salvation and the fight?” Tribute was paid to Catherine Booth, who was recognized as equal partner in her husband’s work. Never commissioned, the congregation heard, she never held a rank—except for Mother of The Salvation Army. With the backdrop of a giant “blood-and-fire”-emblem star, Commissioner Silvia Cox, world president of women’s ministries, closed the session by offering praise through prayer in passionate French, thanking God for all he is doing.
SESSION 4: A CARING ARMY
The theme “A Caring Army” marked session 4, highlighting the compassion with which The Salvation Army serves humanity. Xyloband LED wristbands worn by attendees lit across the arena as SalvationSESSIONS PAGE 10
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Xyloband LED wristbands worn by attendees lit across the arena as Salvationists from around the world sang together in their own language “How Great is Our God” with the New York Staff Band, transMission, the Amsterdam Staff Songsters, the Indian Mizo singers and Ayoung Lee. The session featured both individuals engaged in caring service and modern large-scale efforts to enact change. “We want to be known as a caring Army, individuals and communities who understand God’s heartbeat and make his Kingdom a reality here on earth right now,” said Commissioner E. Jane Paone, territorial president of women’s ministries, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory, in the message. “Here we are, gathered together as a global Salvation Army to celebrate God’s goodness and faithfulness. Each day, at a local level, and at an individual level, we are to show Christ’s love. He is the One on whom we depend completely, our source of love and light. He depends on us to act with compassion and justice. “God so loved the world that he gave!” she said. “He counts on our response.”
SESSION 5: AN ALL-EMBRACING ARMY
Salvationists entered for session 5, “An All-Embracing Army,” in vibrant outfits from around the world. General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox entered on a simulated jet, stepping off the plane to greet the audience. Captains Nokuthula and Themba Mahlobo from the Southern Africa Territory hosted the gathering, which highlighted The Salvation Army’s cultural diversity. “Tonight we are going to take you on a journey around The Salvation Army world,” Nokuthula Mahlobo said. The performances sampled the 126 nations where the Army is at work, including Hong Kong and Macau Praise Dancers, Ontario Central East Youth Chorus, Paduan Su-
ara Korps Palu singers from Indonesia, Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters, Los Angeles Korean Fan Dancers, South America West Dance Troupe, Vasa Gospel Choir from Sweden, Hawaii Hula Hālau dancers and Waverley Temple Timbrels from Australia. General Cox closed the night with a benediction. “Reject every type of evil,” he said. “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole soul and body remain blameless. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. Amen.”
SESSION 6: A YOUTHFUL ARMY
“In 1844 at the age of 15, William Booth gave his heart to God. We’re here tonight—thousands of us—because one young man, one teenager just like me, gave his heart to God.” This statement by 15-year-old Sean Voeller, a Salvationist from the USA Central Territory who accepted God at the age of five, marked the beginning of session six, “A Youthful Army.” The session consisted of various testimonies reflecting different youth perspectives. Speaker Captain Marion Platt presented delegates with a global challenge to “arise and shine.” General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox gave their testimonies. “Young people are extremely precious,” he said. “I don’t believe they are the future of the Army— they are the Army of today.” The General challenged those who did not have existing development programs for youth to fix that in a year. A musical finale of “Shine, Jesus, Shine” followed and Rebecca Barton, alongside the Coxes, concluded with a benediction. Performers included Charlie Green, the Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Chorus, Phil Cobb, Judith Lal-
remruati, Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus, India Central Youth Singers, New Generation Brass, Mazowe High School Contemporary, Second Mile and Chicago Staff Band.
SESSION 7: AN ARMY OF INTEGRITY
The screens displayed an international Army at prayer as people offered prayers in different languages to start the final session of Boundless 2015. Soloist Ayoung Lee started to sing the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” and was joined by a virtual choir of Salvationists from around the world whose individual images appeared on the screens. “What has this celebration been all about?” asked General André Cox. “‘What is going to change? What is God calling you to do?” He said the dream will only become a reality when lives are transformed by the Holy Spirit and that holiness is the visible sign of salvation. “We must be totally committed and dedicated to the task assigned to us. If we’re convinced of our call we will live lives fully surrendered to God,” he said. “Our worship needs to be more than speaking or listening to God. It must be about total surrender. We need a sense of urgency in a world where there is so much injustice and need.” “We are still an Army that rescues those who are damaged by life…,” he said. “Our lives can point people to Christ… All our programs are but a gateway to the hearts and minds of people.” The finale delivered a focus on God’s Kingdom with “They Shall Come From The East, They Shall Come From The West.” Performers included the Vasa Gospel Choir, the International Staff Band, the International Staff Songsters, and the Bill Booth Theater Company.|NFC
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Crossing borders for faith Junior Soldier fights hardship, becomes Salvation Army leader BY VIVIAN GATICA
Jude St-Aimé as Gracia Matondo in “Covenant”
Lt. Colonel Gracia Matondo—a Congo native born into an Angolan refugee family—overcame everything for his faith: the early death of his father, getting arrested, being forced into military service in Cuba because of his religious beliefs, and fleeing a near-death experience by firing squad at the Zambian border. He is now in a leadership position serving as business secretary for The Salvation Army in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I was and still am a product of boundless grace,” Matondo said. “While singing The Salvation Army founder’s song, I use to review steps, events, obstacles, despondency, dying alive...and coming back to life and finally a shaped tool for God’s purpose.” His story is one of many featured in “Covenant,” the Boundless congress musical. Matondo’s experience in The Salvation Army started at age 7. Commissioners John and Veronique Ludiazo, now leaders of The Salvation Army African International Ministry in Phoenix, Ariz., enrolled Matondo as a junior soldier at age 12 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I feel very humbled that God used our ministry for such an unknown but great future, full of unbeatable faith and courage—like a mustard seed by the divine transformation becoming a big tree,” John Ludiazo said.
“As his own name Matondo means thanksgiving, let it be so in the presence of God.” Southern California Salvationist Jude St-Aimé plays Matondo in the musical and feels he has the responsibility of interpreting his story in the best way possible. “Initially, I felt overwhelmed. It’s a big story with lots of personality and a great message. I didn’t want to fail at communicating Gracia’s story or the message. I am privileged to be a part of a story of such strong spiritual endurance,” St-Aimé said. “I like that although he had such a tumultuous life, something as simple as the junior soldier’s promise served as his reminder of God’s love and plan for his life.” Playing Matondo has been a learning experience, StAimé said. “I’ve been reminded to not overlook the simple things or what we consider at times to be simple in ministry,” he said. “This role reminds me daily that God has a plan for my life and that his way is best.” St-Aimé said that he enjoys playing the role of Matondo and sharing his story with audiences through his performance. “I hope they are reminded to give time, give love, and care for people. If you can help someone, help,” he said. “Also, I hope the audiences are reminded of God’s promise for each and everyone one of us. We might struggle at times and want to give up, but I hope they remember that joy comes in the morning, and that God is faithful and will always see them through whatever obstacle they might be facing.”|NFC
Angola National Band stirs hearts Group receives standing ovation after first performance. BY LIVESON MUSHAYAKARERE, CAPTAIN The little known Angola National Band received a standing ovation as the first note held attention, the sweet melody ministering to many hearts during the Boundless Congress. The band originated in 1979 with seven Salvationists returning from Democratic Republic of Congo to Angola who came together and formed the first ever group of bandsmen. Today there are 36 members, 20 of whom are local officers in various corps, under the leadership of bandmaster Raimundo Nkuansambu since 2005. The band defied the odds of civil war between 1986 and 2002, and in March 2008, when Angola became a command, the group became known as the Angola National Band. The band holds concerts, spiritual meetings and participates in government celebrations. It is the only
group that plays when churches hold interdenominational gatherings, ministering to many through music, a universal language. Anchoring on discipline and high grade instrumentalists like Patricio Mpanzu Mateta who plays the euphonium, the group has successfully toured Zimbabwe and plans to visit Southern Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo. “We have received words of encouragement from Salvationists all over the world,” Nkuansambu said at the Boundless congress. “I surrender all to God so that he gives us wisdom, and use us as his instruments to bless his people and glorify his mighty name.” Major Friday Ayanam, Chief Secretary of Nigeria Territory, appreciated the discipline and coordination, and said he is considering inviting them to Nigeria’s centenary celebrations in 2020. Southport Citadel bandmaster Brian Johnson from the United Kingdom said, “They have brought energy and vibrancy and a different style of music with an African flavor to this Boundless Congress.”|NFC
A TIMBREL TRIUMPH London Citadel Timbrels connect with daring routines. BY LAURA BOOTH
|Photo by Brent Forrest
The London Citadel Timbrels from the Canada and Bermuda Territory is one of the largest timbrel groups in the Army world—26 members all from one corps. The all-female group kept busy at congress, performing every day in the main sessions or at concerts. Their concert with the Angola National Band in the Boundless Theater was memorable for its members. “It was everyone’s highlight. You could feel the excitement,” said timbrelist Emily Thornburrow. Sherry Thornburrow agreed. “The energy from the crowd … we’ll never have another con-
cert like it. It was phenomenal,” she said. The timbrelists practiced their drills since last October, gradually increasing their rehearsal time to twice-weekly 90-minute sessions, and the investment of time paid off as not one member dropped a timbrel in one of their daring routines. “We have fun with everything that we do and try to offer a wide range of motions, and make everything distinct and fun for the audience,” Emily Thornburrow said. The group also appreciated being part of a massed timbrel brigade at the congress. “I didn’t know there were so many timbrelists,” said Emily Mayer. “It’s nice to see how everyone can come together to perform.” Michelle Sangster believes it’s crucial to connect. She said, “It’s important for Salvationists to realize how closely connected we are, even though we are so spread out around the world.”|NFC
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March down the Mall caps off Boundless Celebration draws thousands to Horse Guards Parade. BY JARED McKIERNAN Droves of Salvationists poured onto the streets of Central London for the final day of Boundless – The Whole World Redeeming July 5. Over 2,500 representatives from each of the Army’s 126 countries marched from Horse Guards Parade Ground, down The Mall, toward Buckingham Palace and lastly to Constitution Hill, with an additional 10,000 members cheering on the celebration. Organized by Paul Gunnell, assistant events manager for the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland Territory, the 45-minute march was led by General André Cox, Commissioner Silvia Cox (World President of Women’s Ministries), Commissioner William A. Roberts (Chief of the Staff), and Commissioner Nancy Roberts (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries). The international leaders ushered in seven bands—including The International Staff Band (ISB), the Angola National Band, the New York Staff Band, the Chicago Staff Band, the South America East Territorial Band, the Melbourne Staff Band and Regent Hall Corps Band—as well as timbrelists, soldiers, adherents and congress staff and volunteers. “In 1865, The Salvation Army was born on the streets of London,” Cox said. “It is entirely appropriate, then, that we should return to those streets to conclude our 150th anniversary celebrations. We have had a wonderful week of fellowship and worship at The O2 but now—as is our tradition—we want to share our joy and faith outside our own walls.” The Army has an extensive history of marching on the streets of London. Its offi-
cers, soldiers and adherents have marched during previous international congresses —including in 1978 and 1990—as well as in 2011 for the ISB’s 120th anniversary celebration. Major Carol Horton of the Australia and New Zealand Territory was among those cheering on the festivities. “It’s always really exciting to see,” she said. “It reminds you of how vast the Army is.” Lt. Hean Suk Choi, South Korea native and corps officer in the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland Territory, likened the march to an open-air. “It’s our unique expression to the public to share with everyone the culture of The Salvation Army,” she said. Her husband, Lt. KookHwan Rho, added, “We have been given an opportunity to meet Salvationists from 126 countries, but we feel like there are no strangers. Everyone immediately felt like brothers and sisters.” Major Russell Czajkowski, San Antonio (Texas) Area Commander, said he was impressed by the congress’ offerings, particularly session seven. “The General’s message to submit ourselves was very inspirational,” he said. “That was my favorite part of Boundless.” Lt. Colonel Seth Apeeteng of the Rwanda and Burundi Command said, “Everything about the congress was fantastic. My spirit was moved. Now, I’m going to call my people to go out into the streets and share Jesus Christ.” The General added, “The march marks the end of the anniversary celebrations but it is also a start—a launching point as members of God’s Army return to their homes and neighbourhoods across the world, ready to continue serving God and mankind.”|NFC
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EMBRACING DIVERSITY
A multicultural Army gathers in London. BY VIVIAN GATICA
Entering the O2 Arena in London July 1-5 were crowds of Salvationists from all over the world coming together as “one Army” to celebrate The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary at Boundless–The Whole World Redeeming. “The diversity evidenced within Boundless [was] amazing. The uniforms, the music, the artistry, the interaction—all express an incredible spectrum reflecting the true internationalism of the Army,” said Commissioner Charles Swansbury, international secretary for program resources at International Headquarters. “There is a well known theory called the Six Degrees of Separation. This proposes that any two people in the world are separated by no more than six links of relationship. Within the Army the separation seems to be no more than two. Colleagues from the past, links through corps and sections, former appointments— there are innumerable bridges across time and continent that astound those outside our movement.” Swansbury said that the event broke the physical barriers within the Salvationist world. “[The] diversity [witnessed] says a huge amount about the Army,” he said. “It shows that the Army can be reflective of local culture and expression, yet remain one in purpose and principle; it demonstrates that despite differences that might ordinarily divide there is far more than unites us.”
Captain Begoña Carnés and Ignacio Fernández Carrión traveled to Boundless from the island of Majorca in Spain, where they say the Army is small. “After feeling isolated and alone at times, it’s great to come here and reunite with so many Salvationists, especially with those I had not seen in a long time,” Carnés said. “Coming here and seeing the Salvationist world at such a grand scale fills you with satisfaction and blessings,” Carrión added. “Many times we think that we are alone, but The Salvation Army is so big at a worldwide level.” Major Colleen Michaud, originally from
Guyana, found her time at Boundless enlightening. “My experience has been boundless, and I’m serious when I say that,” she said. “I feel so empowered to go back as an officer. After 40 years of service, I feel like I just commissioned and I feel like I’m going back to win the whole of my community for Jesus.” Michaud was impressed by the diversity at Boundless and said, “It just reminds me of what heaven will be like.” Swansbury said that the multiculturalism seen at the international event should not end in London.
“We must not be fearful of our diversity. A color photograph is more illustrative than a monochrome picture,” he said. “Of course, there remain unchartered waters and those who might seek to divide on a number of current social issues. But there is a strong identification in our being ‘one Army’, there is a powerful motivation to reach across borders and to express our Christian love in service and fellowship...There is opportunity in our diversity, there is promise in our diversity, and there is hope in our diversity.””|NFC
Boundless grace Salvationist theology for today BY MARTIN GOSSAUER, MAJOR
OLD DOCTRINE MADE NEW Concert sets beliefs to music. BY JANE KIMBERLEY, MAJOR New and old can be a powerful combination, as I discovered at the July 3 doctrine concert with Atlanta-based worship band transMission. I was about to experience this type of concert for the first time and wondered if it was for me. Lights were flashing and the beat was pounding, but as I looked around I was surprised to see congress-goers of all ages arriving in the theater. The first number helped ease me in, with the familiar words of “How Great Thou Art.” The band’s creativity, with old words in a new idiom, continued with “A Mighty Fortress is our God.” Who would have thought than an ancient hymn of the Church could successfully be adapted to suit an all-age audience partying with Phil Laeger and Co.? It seemed to work, and the fortress theme continued with “Stand up and Bless the Lord.”
More of the familiar woven into the new continued. When did I last sing “In my Heart There Rings a Melody”? The mood then changed to something far more reflective with “You Took up Your Cross” and the response “I Surrender my Everything for You.” Here was praise and worship coupled with the challenge of commitment. Laeger said he could think of nothing better than introducing Jesus to those in need. He explained how transMission started 13 years ago with the aim of transforming worship in mission and that it was not about throwing out the old music, but just “making it cooler.” The band’s project at the moment is teaching Salvation Army doctrines through song. The rest of the concert did just that, treating us to the mystery of the trinity, God’s gift of grace to the whosoever, entire sanctification, and eternal life with the words: “Life is lived beyond the years no longer in death’s sway … Death is dead, sin defeated—our God has won.” This was old doctrine made new. Listen to transMission at transmission.virb.com|NFC
The Salvation Army is known as a hands-on Army, a people who live their faith by action. However, we also need to constantly reflect on what we believe, reconnect with Scripture and express it in a language for our generation and culture. The Boundless seminar “Salvationist Theology Today” helped attendees focus on doing so. Hosted by the International Theological Council (ITC), an advisory council to the General, and moderated by its chairperson Lt. Colonel Karen Shakespeare, the seminar started with a presentation on the theme “Boundless Grace.” Lt. Colonel Ian Barr, a UK officer and member of the ITC, emphasized the broad and generous dimension of Salvationist teaching on salvation for all—”so that whosoever will may be saved” (doctrine six)—not only in terms of a personal conversion experience but for the whole of humankind and creation. Barr encouraged a more communal approach to entire sanctification, and a move away from the individualistic perspective of Western culture. “Salvationists preach a gospel that reaches into every society and announces that the saving power of Jesus is at work transforming every culture,” he said. He also urged Salvationists to listen more to voices from the Southern hemisphere—embracing Christ as healer and life giver, as do Africans, or Christ as liberator, as do South Americans. The enthusiastic public response during the open forum indicated Salvationists’ desire for a better understanding of our doctrines.|NFC
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“We depend always and utterly on God, and if we ever forget that we are doomed to fail.” —GENERAL ANDRÉ COX
PRAYER WAVE LANDS IN LONDON The General urges Salvationists to keep praying. BY CHRISTINA TYSON, MAJOR The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary celebrations came after a year of nonstop prayer. “Boundless – The Whole World Praying” began at International Headquarters on July 1, 2014. The prayer wave swept to New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, and around the world with the final prayer vigil falling to the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. “The response toward ‘Boundless – the Whole World Praying’ has been overwhelming,” said Lt. Colonel Deborah Cachelin, international secretary for Spiritual Life Development. “We believe that something has happened, is happening and will continue to happen as a result of the prayers during this time—not just for our congress, but for salvation, holiness and justice in The Salvation Army and throughout the world.” The prayer focus ran alongside the Worldwide Prayer Meeting, which began in 2012 and is held on Thursday mornings in every territory and command each week. Because the Army serves in so many time zones, the Worldwide Prayer Meeting staggers Salvationists at prayer throughout the day. “It has been exciting and energizing to see the prayer wave going around the globe,” said General André Cox. “I want to encourage Salvationists to keep praying—personally and corporately—for the
Thursday Worldwide Prayer Meeting at Boundless
worldwide mission of the Army.” He noted that Paul, writing to the Thessalonians, said, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:16-18 NKJV). “I encourage all Salvationists to join in the Worldwide Prayer Meeting as it spans the globe,” Cox said. “We are seeing incredible spiritual victories and evidence of lives being touched and transformed. “There is a danger that we become
complacent and think we can do everything in our own strength, but we are a people who daily depend upon God’s presence, mercy and grace—and we do well to remember that,” he said. “We depend always and utterly on God, and if we ever forget that, we are doomed to fail. If we want to see continued growth and expansion of God’s work through The Salvation Army, it will be through prayer and the surrender of our lives to the will of God.”|NFC
INTERNATIONAL PRAYER MEETING Salvationists from all corners of the world gathered on Founders’ Day for the International Prayer Meeting. General André Cox urged Salvationists to open their hearts and offer their lives to the Lord, and through William Booth’s assertion that “God shall have all there is of William Booth,” he encouraged Salvationists to follow in the Founder’s footsteps and surrender their all.
Boundless connections bring reconciliation BY NIKOLE LIM
|Photo by Nikole Lim
London: As we were walking out last night, my grandfather was stopped and shown a powerful gesture of humility. “Colonel, I want to say that I am sorry. The Japanese did terrible things to you and your people during the war, and for the sins of the generations before me, I bow in forgiveness,” said a Japanese-Brazilian officer. My grandfather, Lt. Colonel Check Yee, O.F., known for his groundbreaking work as a missionary pastor in Chinatown, San Francisco and in mainland China, has told the world of his story on fleeing from the violence of war, the deprivation of communism and the hope of The Salvation Army. His writings have reached so many in the
world, but have added value with leaders of Asian descent as they are able to identify with his story. This Japanese-Brazilian pastor has read my grandfather’s books, amazed at what he has overcome to bring the message of hope to his people. Rooted from experiences that are too painful to remember, in that moment, my grandfather returned to the memory of his poverty-stricken life as a little boy. He said that even though the Japanese took away his childhood during the war, he is grateful for this Japanese-Brazilian man and his symbol of brotherhood. What took place was not just a cultural greeting, or a gesture of humility, it was an act of reconciliation. My Chinese grandfather stood up from his chair and bowed with him.|NFC
Pursuing opera solos with a congress stop Korean Salvationist Ayoung Lee now studies opera in Rome. BY LAURA BOOTH Singer Ayoung Lee grew up in Korea, a child of Salvation Army officers with a dream of working in the opera. She started her opera training in her home country, but knew she needed to move to Italy, the home of opera, to make her dream a reality.
Determined, she quickly overcame her first hurdle— learning Italian. She was then accepted as a student at the prestigious Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, which necessitated a move halfway around the world. She studies there with the hope of conducting and directing an opera. During her studies, she has joined the Rome Corps, where she is the pianist. Through her involvement with the corps, she was invited to sing during General André Cox’s visit to the Italy and Greece Command. After that performance she was a soloist at the European congress in Prague, Czech Republic, and most recently at Boundless.
Despite her busy schedule of performing and studying at the conservatory, and her commitments at the corps, she happily took on the challenge of performing at congress—even committing to learn the songs in English. “I want to share this gift that God has given me—this ability to sing, and to share in ministry with everyone at the congress,” Lee said. “It’s really fun singing with people from other countries and other languages. There are lots of people here who are not trained musicians, but they’re brilliant. It’s great to be here together.”|NFC
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Kids experience Boundless Planners aim for memorable youth experience BY VIVIAN GATICA AND ERICA ANDREWS “Growing up, most of us could recall that when we went to big Salvation Army events it changed us,” said Major Denise Cooper, territorial children’s ministries officer for the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland Territory. “We want [the children at Boundless] to have that as well.” An interactive Boundless Kids area gave children at this congress the opportunity to paint a canvas, decorate biscuits, construct a mosaic or make a candle—activities that related to the general themes of Boundless. The “I Think” zone included a space for kids to share ideas through conversation cubes or table talk cards, while the “I Chill” zone catered to kids wanting to read a book, color or play games. Jordan, 9, said her favorite thing was meet-
ing people and working on the mosaic. “I really like it because I get to meet new people and do other things that I never got to do before,” Jordan said as she glued tiles to a mosaic. Aliyah, 6, had a different take on her favorite part of Boundless. “I have a hotel [and] I get to explore more things and it’s a new place,” she said. Aliyah’s mother, Captain Heather Matondo, was glad the sessions had options to hold the children’s attention. “There’s been singing; there’s been dancing; there’s been band music,” Matondo said. “So it’s something that keeps her attention. When we get to the message, having those other elements of interest to her, even at 6 years old, has been great.’
Elijah, 10, also attended sessions with his family. “Well, they’re very creative and very long,” he said. “I actually like the big O2.” Cooper said she hopes when kids go home they will remember what they’ve seen and be inspired. “We don’t know what they’re taking in, but we know that we made important decisions when we were little so we want to make sure that they have the opportunity to hear the message,” she said. If nothing else, the scale of the event alone will leave an impression on kids like Emmanuel, 7, who flew from Australia for the big event with his family. “It’s really big,” he said. “London is bigger than Australia, I think.”|NFC
“I have a hotel, [and] I get to explore more things and it’s a new place.” —ALIYAH, 6
Army youth glows NEON provides teens with fun worship and messages.
BY VIVIAN GATICA A neon-clad youth gathering aimed at 11 to 16 year olds—led by ALOVE, the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland’s Youth Department—held three afternoon events at Boundless 2015. On July 3, “A Multicultural Army” gathering focused on embracing diversity. It opened with teenagers dividing up by home country to play games, including a language challenge and “just dance” session. One of NEON’s guest artists for the day was Te Ope Whakaora, performing a Kapa haka Polynesian dance to “I’ll Fight.” Following the performance, the group gave delegates a brief history of the Haka dance and a dance lesson. 2nd Mile led worship with three songs—”Blessed be your Name,” “This is Amazing Grace” and “Ancient of Days.” “We get to see that The Salvation Army is made up of many ethnic and cultural groups,” said Major Janet Robson, International Headquarters children’s and youth coordinator. “I think we can celebrate our diversity and the ways we are all different.” She challenged attendees to celebrate the Army’s diversity and commit to its unity, and stressed the importance of love without discrimination, referring to John 3:16. “God loves us all without discrimination,” she said. “We are all equally in need of that love. He needs us to love each other that same way.” Each teen received a puzzle piece to write their name on the back of and to give to someone they had not yet met. Finally, “Glozones” allowed everyone to engage in activities together. |NFC
Zoo Boogie delights BY CHRISTINA TYSON, MAJOR Since the children’s entertainment group was launched in New Zealand in 2012—with help from a Salvation Army “entrepreneurial mission” fund—more than 70,000 people have seen Zoo Boogie across the country. “We’re really excited to take Zoo Boogie offshore, to see what different cultures think of it and if it has international appeal,” said Blair Dale, who plays Zookeeper Dale. Zoo Boogie began after Dale and his wife took their two children to a live show by children’s entertainers The Wiggles. He was inspired by the group’s popularity with its young audience, but noticed the Wiggles also had a wider influence—parents and grandparents were singing along to every song. “I had one of those light-bulb-above-thehead moments,” he said. “I started to wonder: what if there was a brand like The Wiggles
which was equally influential but with a deeper purpose? And what if, at the heart of that group’s music, was an underlying message that helped shape the character of our children?” Zoo Boogie shows feature catchy songs and energetic dancing, along with relatable characters. Each Zoo Boogie animal is learning to display the Holy Spirit’s fruit of patience, self-control, kindness and joy. Children meet Levi, the young lion who can’t wait to become king and boss people around. Max the monkey finds it hard to stay still—he’s developing self-control. Boris the polar bear is working on keeping his joy levels up, because sometimes he gets a little down in the dumps. And Ella the elephant can sometimes be a bit selfish and self-absorbed, so Zookeeper Dale is encouraging her to be kinder. “We’re talking about values that are important for any kid,” Dale said. “We’re sowing seeds and we trust God to water those seeds.”|NFC
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International ‘O Boundless Salvation’ recording available Download the song and video. A new version of “O Boundless Salvation” by Richard Phillips pays tribute to Salvation Army Founder William Booth’s original and features the international congress music participants from around the world. The track and video can be purchased online via iTunes,
Amazon or Google Play by searching for “Boundless 2015.” Organized by the UK’s Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd (SP&S), the recording includes contributions from: Amsterdam Staff Songsters, Angola National Band, Ayoung Lee, Bill Booth Theater Company, cast of the congress musical “Covenant,” Charlie Green, Chicago Staff Band, Hart Triplets, Hawaii Hula Hālau, International
Staff Band, International Staff Songsters, London Citadel Timbrels, Mannssambandet, Melbourne Staff Band, Mizo Singers, Nigel Mapes, Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Chorus, Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters, Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus, South America East Territorial Band, Paduan Suara Bala Keselamatan, Vasa Gospel Choir and Waverley Temple Timbrels.|NFC
(William Booth)
Published in All the World magazine: www.salvationarmy.org/alltheworld
Artwork by Berni Georges
‘For strength to ever do the right, for grace to conquer in the fight, for power to walk the world in white, send the fire today!’
Page 17 August 2015
AN HISTORICAL JOURNEY ‘Our Boundless Story’ led visitors through interactive history of The Salvation Army. BY LAURA BOOTH Recently uncovered photos, artifacts on loan from collectors and interactive videos took Salvationists on a journey through the history of The Salvation Army in “Our Boundless Story,” an historical exhibition at Boundless that included a pair of Founder William Booth’s boots, to memorabilia from past congresses and relics from the Hadleigh Farm Colony. “Some artifacts are unique,” said Congress Coordinator Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood, who helped curate the exhibition. “I consider myself a bit of an Army historian, but I’d never even seen or heard of one of the artifacts on display. I was really excited to get my hands on it.” To have a refined, open experience that isn’t cluttered with display cases, Hobgood said the congress team decided to make the exhibition a portrait gallery. Getty Images uncovered a number of rare photographs that are believed to be more than 100 years old. Ala Lloyd, an architect and production designer from Corporate Magic, the congress production company, helped craft the experience.
“My job was to make sure the theatricalness came across,” Lloyd said. “It is a positive, progressive experience rather than just a bunch of old photographs. It’s an emotional journey. I’ve been really touched by some of the imagery.” Hobgood noted that the photos move from black and white, to sepia and then color as a visitor progressed through the exhibit, a symbolic walk through the Army’s history and into the future. A self-led experience, Army historians were on hand to provide additional information, along with the film William Booth – A Passion For The Poor, produced by the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, which contains rare footage of William Booth’s funeral. To highlight the Doughnut Girls and the Army’s wartime ministry, a canteen was situated inside the exhibition. The Salvation Army partnered with Krispy Kreme, which donated 20,000 doughnuts that were given out from the canteen. Situated in a public quarter of The O2, the exhibition was accessible by delegates and non-delegates alike. “That’s one of the great things about The O2. There were some 16,000 Salvationists, but there were also thousands of people that came in and out of the facility every day,” Hobgood said. “We felt like this was a really good opportunity for us to raise non-Salvationists’ awareness of who The Salvation Army is why we were there at this specific moment.”
Top: The entrance to “Our Boundless Story.” Bottom: General André Cox explores the exhibit.
The Whole World Remembering History buffs chat with hologram of the Founder. BY CHRISTINA TYSON, MAJOR It was a case of “back to the future” at Boundless - The Whole World Remembering, the congress historical convention June 30, with the surprise unveiling of an interactive William Booth hologram, the brainchild of the New York-based Salvation Factory. The evening formed the 2015 convention of The Salvation Army Historical and Philatelic Association, the only international group devoted to Salvation Army history and memorabilia. While there are many Salvationists among its 1,500 members worldwide, it is run inde-
pendent of The Salvation Army. Its major aim is to educate people in how to recognize and care for items of historical interest and has a book publishing arm and SAWiki, the largest visitor-edited site about The Salvation Army. Chairperson Dr. Glenn Horridge, who holds a doctorate degree in Salvation Army history from the University of London, is a history teacher who includes the Army in his syllabus, bringing in artifacts, sharing stories and teaching about the Army’s impact on society. “We are wanting to promote the Army’s message to people around the world,” he said, putting out a call for more members. Speakers included Dr. Roger Green, Order of the Founder admittee and vice president of the association; Envoy Steve Bussey, co-di-
rector of the Salvation Factory; and Jack Kerr, director of the USA Eastern Territory Heritage Museum. Green said the Booths developed an intentional ministry, founded on the authority of the Scriptures, including those that attest to the equality of women. They had a clarity of purpose: to repent and believe the gospel, and serve the Kingdom of God by caring for one’s neighbor, especially the poor. Most of all, he said, William and Catherine Booth had “a great loyalty to the God who redeemed them and who called them to bring an army of salvation into a world in need of redemption.” Inspired by William Booth’s rallying cry that “we must have new inventions of every kind” Bussey said Salvation Factory forges creative ideas into reality, then dis-
tributes them for free. He asked Salvation Army historians and fans of history to tell the best stories from the past to inspire the next generation of blood-and-fire Salvationists, and emphasized the importance of rediscovering what The Salvation Army is and displaying it in the most creative, attention-grabbing ways. Bussey unveiled an interactive hologram of Booth and proceeded to “interview” him. The hologram remained on display in the Boundless Experience throughout the event. Kerr said Salvation Army museums are often underutilized. “We teach people the history of The Salvation Army, but it’s just words,” he said. “But when a Salvationist can get up close and touch that history, it’s a wonderful, wonderful thing.”|NFC
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Lessons from the future Officer shares hopes and thoughts on
children’s ministry in The Salvation Army. BY JARED McKIERNAN Throughout Major Janet Robson’s series of appointments over the past 20 years, she’s encountered models of honesty, humility and how to worship. What she’s learned: you don’t have to look too far for them—just look down. “God is challenging me all the time about what children can teach us and the contribution they have to make to the life of the church,” she said. “I think we tend to view them as consumers and not participants.” Now the international youth and children’s secretary at International Headquarters, Robson argues that we have as much to learn from children as we have to instill in them. “I think there’s a spontaneity in which children generally are not afraid,” she said. “If they feel it, they’ll say it. When you think of that in a worship context, how beautiful is that? Children will put God before themselves.”
Her calling toward children’s ministry started in college, while she was working at a summer camp in the U.S. “I fell in love with the whole program, but just seeing what God could do in the life of a child in one week really inspired me,” she said. At Boundless – The Whole World Redeeming, she coordinated Late Night Alive, a late-night talk show to conclude each day’s offerings, and she spoke at NEON, a youth gathering led by ALOVE—the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland’s youth department. She was pleased by the amount of content available for children at Boundless as well as the General’s strides to make youth a priority in The Salvation Army. Still, she’s eager to flesh out the Army’s children’s ministry and help each territory move beyond mere verbal support. “I honestly believe that a 4 year old can a make a contribution to the life of The Salvation Army that is as important as the one that you or I or anyone else can make,” she said. “It’s just figuring out how we wrap our heads around that, how we help them.” |NFC
Others supplies delegate products BY LAURA BOOTH Attendees of Boundless 2015 received red canvas delegate bags and namecard lanyards that were both produced by men and women in Pakistan and Bangladesh as part of Others, an international social enterprise of The Salvation Army. Formerly known as Sally Ann, Others offers artisans a fair wage for their products. “Others is all about creating jobs with a fair wage for people who struggle to find fair employment,’ said Bo Christoffer Brekke, global administrator for Others. “This could be people who come through Salvation Army community projects, corps, or in some other way find their way to the Army in need of a job. We create jobs for them and market their products in different parts of the world.” The name Others is taken from a telegram William Booth famously sent to inspire and motivate his people. This telegram contained just one word: Others. “Others is a perfect match with the Army’s mission and goals,” Brekke said. “It’s about dignity, and the dignity that’s in a job and earning your own living, which was always important to William Booth.” For five months, over 300 Others producers in Pakistan created the 15,500 lanyards. Just 15 women in Bangladesh
Panel explores justice and accountability General encourages soldiers to engage. BY JENNIFER BYRD
created the 15,500 bags. “We want to get people to understand how much it means to the people on the other end; it’s not just a product and it’s not just something nice, but it’s something that can change somebody’s life,” Brekke said. “It’s something that can give people opportunities to a better future and that’s what The Salvation Army is all about. Others is a great embodiment of the Army’s mission.”
How can people of faith better fight for social justice in the 21st century? That was the topic for a panel from the International Social Justice Commission, moderated by Director Lt. Colonel Dean Pallant, and including General André Cox, Andrew Felton (Head of the World Bank, London), Commissioner Robert Donaldson (Chair, International Moral and Social Issues Council), Commissioner Lalngaihawmi (Territorial Commander, India Eastern Territory) and Chris Brekke (Others - Trade for Hope). The session opened with a video greeting from former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown who congratulated the Army on its 150th anniversary and commended the organization for pledging its support to one of the biggest petitions in history, #UpForSchool, which demands that world leaders take immediate action to get every child into school. Felton talked about the World Bank’s recent religious initiative to end extreme poverty by 2030. The plan revolves around three core elements, including ensuring a more climate-smart agriculture, improving nutritional outcomes and strengthening value chains, and improving market access. “Why should Salvationists fight for social justice?” challenged General Cox. “Social justice is at the very core of who and what we are as an organization.” The General said that to be more effective in its work, The Salvation Army needs to have more engagement in legislation and policy design. “We should be willing to reach out to politicians and people of different faiths—we need to get out there!” The question-and-answer session was thoughtful and included debate about religion and government, and whether the Army should get involved in abortion legislation in South Africa. The session ended with a question about the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage, how this could affect the work of the Army and how it manages its relations with the LGBT community. “The decision does not affect the work of the Army,” said the General. “The gospel is preached to whosoever, no matter race, culture, gender or sexual orientation. It is a hugely complex area, but if we are going to be true we have to build bridges and engage in dialogue. We have to face we are all sinners, and we have received God’s grace and therefore we should offer God’s grace wherever we go.”|NFC
August 2015 • New Frontier CHRONICLE—Page 19
CAPTURING A MOMENT Photography team succeeds in documenting the pivotal experiences of congress. BY ERICA ANDREWS Sore joints, tired feet and 15-hour days were some of the obstacles faced by just six photographers who captured the vast events at Boundless 2015 at the O2 arena in London. Director of Photography Tim Schaal, the Western Territory’s Director of Information Technology, led the small team, which included John Docter, Bruce Redman, Berni Georges, Brent Forrest and Major Mark Brown. New Frontier Chronicle sat down with Schaal after the event to find out how he handled the crucial mission to cover the entire congress through images. How did you come about accepting this role? I’ve done it before at the congress in the west in 2012 and I’ve done it for commissioning events. I’ve worked well with the [New Frontier Chronicle] staff, so Christin Davis, who served as co-managing editor at Boundless, suggested to International Headquarters Communications Secretary Major John Murray that I head up the team. Basically they had a team of a bunch of photographers and they needed someone who understood photography, but who could be more of an administrative type of person and interact with the editorial staff and the various other media outlets. Were there any unforeseen challenges to the role? The biggest challenge was only having six photographers. Our squad was too small really...It made it so every guy ended up working 15-hour days to cover everything. Because it’s not just taking the photo, once you come back you have to edit it, you have to figure out which ones are the good ones and then you have to appro-
Photography team for Boundless: Brent Forrest, Berni Georges, Major Mark Brown, Tim Schaal, John Docter and Bruce Redman.
priately post produce them to make them look to the professional level that people are expecting and want to see. It doesn’t just pop right out of the camera perfect like you see it. What kind of feedback have you received? Wonderful. People can’t believe the number of amazing photographs and how good they are and the quality of them. I’ve only heard good stuff. What was it like working as a team with everyone? Oh, it was great, they’re a great group of guys. I was lucky that I just got to point them to make sure you get those shots and they would get it. They’re all so talented. I mean, really that’s the nice part—even though there was only six of us, we had
great photographers. Really dedicated people, all of them are dedicated Salvationists as well. John Doctor from the Western Territory was on your photography team. What was it like working with a close friend? John and I have been doing photography together for years; we had a great time and we have a great friendship. It’s really fun because we both have different styles and so even though we’re both taking photos, our photos look really different. Of course John has done this for years and he’s far more talented than I am, and so I just try to learn from him and watch what he does. What did you think of Boundless overall? The enthusiasm was wonderful. It was fascinating to see all the different people
See photos from The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary congress at boundless2015.org/photos. from all of the different cultures and different countries being together and the joy and happiness in just about everyone was really great to see. It was sort of surreal that in a couple of hours, I ran into four generals. The current general and then three retired generals. That doesn’t happen often, so that was really interesting. I think people have built memories of a lifetime here and the nice thing with the photography is that we now have a way to go back and look at those photos to spark those memories again by looking at them. That’s the nice thing about a photograph— it allows you to capture a moment.|NFC
Performing at Boundless Western Territory music and dance groups take congress stage. BY VIVIAN GATICA The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary celebration brought together the talents and cultures of Salvationists around the world, and the universal language that brought life to Boundless - The Whole World Redeeming were the arts featured in the sessions. Four of these performance groups represented The Salvation Army Western Territory: the Los Angeles Korean Fan Dancers (Southern California Division), the Hawaii Hula Hālau dancers (Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division), and the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters and Youth Chorus (Southern California Division). “All of our groups performed wonderfully to the glory of God,” said Commissioner James Knaggs, Western territorial commander. Performing at multiple sessions throughout the congress, either in the preliminary music performances of each session or the general sessions themselves, the dance groups said they aimed to highlight the congress theme in their movement. “The Hula Hālau was a cultural offering in grace. As they conveyed the story of the music with their artistic movement, the audience was captured by their beauty, peace and joy. One cannot observe these women in motion without thanking God for his love expressed here in purity,” Knaggs
said. “The LA Korean Fan Dancers brought their own flavor to the congress as they synchronized their colorful fans to accentuate the story of the song. Identified by their beautiful costumes in the Korean culture, they amazed the crowds with their fluid movement and remarkable images. They
were appreciated by all.” Through their musical presentations, these performers, in addition to those from other territories, showed that although every country is different, The Salvation Army is “one Army.” “Being [chosen] to perform at Boundless for the Western Territory was amazing, especially coming from a small place in the territory. It was emotional and I was truly blessed to have the opportunity to share the gift that God has given me to dance hula and share it with the world,” said Kylie Leong, a Hula Hālau dance group member. “There is nothing I love more than dancing hula and being able to do what I love for Jesus and with my hula sisters. This was the best thing that I have ever done in my life and I will never forget it. God is truly amazing!” Additionally, the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters and Youth Chorus each had their own concerts during Boundless. “The Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters came to the congress with a stellar reputation as a world class songster brigade. In the many places and times where they participated, the crowds were delighted and inspired by their USA Western style music and worship. Both the congregants and the members of the group were blessed by their intricate involvement in the congress,” Knaggs said. “The Pasadena Youth Chorus showed the world what can happen with dedicated young people from one corps. Their energetic singing and sensitive portrayal of God’s love in music was exciting to hear. Their music was affirmed with thunderous applause everywhere they went.”|NFC
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Territorial leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs catch up with Southern territorial leaders Commissioners Don and Debi Bell at The O2 arena.
General Andrﾃｩ Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox are interviewed in a live pre-show with Gavin Schofield-Smith and Major Danielle Strickland of SAVN.tv.
Colonels Dave and Sharron Hudson with Majors Thomas and Joy Mui.
General Andrﾃｩ Cox and international leaders pose with Boundless staff and volunteers.
Officers from around the world met together July 1 for an International Officers Councils.
The West
August 2015 • New Frontier CHRONICLE—Page 21
The Chicago Staff Band plays inside the gates at Buckingham Palace.
Delegates break into spontaneous dance in the O2 arena.
General André Cox cuts the ribbon to open the Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd (SP&S) shop as Commissioner William Roberts and Commissioner Silvia Cox look on.
Salvationists head toward the O2 arena in London.
t at Boundless 2015
Page 22—New Frontier CHRONICLE • August 2015
BOOK REVIEWS
Salvation Books and Frontier Press partner to publish books by three former generals Books released at Boundless will soon be available in North America.
‘Crown of Glory, Crown of Thorns—The Salvation Army in Wartime’ BY WILLIAM COCHRANE, COMMISSIONER I read “Crown of Glory, Crown of Thorns – The Salvation Army in Wartime” (Salvation Books/Frontier Press, 2015) by General Shaw Clifton (Ret.) immediately after returning from participating in the centennial commemoration of the death of my great-uncle George in Flanders during World War I. With the help of an ingeniously designed museum in Ypres, Belgium, not only the scenes but also the sounds and smells of battle had left an indelible impression on me, giving this book an even greater poignancy and personal relevance than I might have anticipated. This fresh understanding of the realities of war added weight to the rightness of the dedication of this work to Salvationists who served in three wars between 1899 and 1945, as well as those who did not enter combat on the grounds of conscience. Based on his 1988 doctoral thesis, Clifton provides us with the only comprehensive analysis ever compiled of The Salvation Army in wartime. As the author discovered, it was not possible to “simply read off Salvationist attitudes to war from official Army statements in wartime,” as records such as these do not exist. Instead, and thanks to the writer and his painstaking and meticulous research, we are now able to analyze the three main principles that governed Salvationist war reactions between 1899 and 1945—the spiritual priority of Christian evangelism and soul-saving, the practical priority of compassionate good works, and the upholding of Christian internationalism. Any sense that a doctoral thesis is not material for the ordinary reader is quickly dispelled. In a literate and engaging manner, Clifton takes us on a journey through the dark days of three wars. With leaders (Founder William Booth, General Bramwell Booth and General George Carpenter) seeking to ensure that the Army both served humanity and spoke with a voice showing favor to no one side, the tension between political neutrality and the demands of patriotism placed them and the movement under great strain. So acute is the writer’s sense of the burden carried by the three Generals, it is easy to forget that this body of work was written some 18 years before he was elected to the highest office in The Salvation Army. Not only is this an invaluable addition to the annals of Salvation Army history and a work of substantial scholarship, but it is thoroughly readable, stimulating and challenging. History, biography and theology combine to explore periods in the life of the Army until now barely explored beyond stories of the doughnut girls and Red Shield clubs. Instead we discover directives from International Headquarters for prayers that “a revulsion against war” would be created in the hearts of all. Also revealed are the serious tensions arising from disparate views among the senior leadership of the Army around the world; tensions not surprising when pacifist principles and the concept of “just war” collide. When the world is at war and narrow nationalism and xenophobia are rampant, the gift of internationalism is hard to embrace. This book is the story of the survival of this gift and reveals the care with which it must be handled.
General Shaw Clifton (Ret.) signs his book.
General John Larsson (Ret.) signs his book for Commissioners Bill and Marilyn Francis.
‘Those Incredible Booths’ BY WILLIAM COCHRANE, COMMISSIONER Lift a large stone that has rested in the ground for years, and you are almost certain to find signs of life, something that moves, providing a fascinating and intriguing glimpse into a hidden world. BOOKS PAGE 23
General Paul Rader (Ret.) and Commissioner Kay Rader at the book signing event.
August 2015 • New Frontier CHRONICLE—Page 23
BOOKS
FROM PAGE 22
In his book, “Those Incredible Booths” (Salvation Books/Frontier Press, 2015), General John Larsson (Ret.) has masterfully turned an historical stone which, though not lying totally undisturbed, has rarely yielded so much of such interest all at the same time. Larsson’s gripping, “hard to put the book down” style of writing is legendary. He does not disappoint with this work. With art and skill, and some well chosen archive photographs, he turns the stone of a century and a half to reveal the light and shade of the family that God used to birth, shape, nurture and energize The Salvation Army. William and Catherine Booth and their eight children were one of the outstanding families of their generation. In this book, Larsson gives absorbing insights into the godliness, religious fervour and spiritual development of this Victorian family. After describing William and Catherine as parents, he devotes a chapter to each of their eight children: Bramwell, the born organizer; the talented and attractive Ballington; the charismatic Kate, who had the face of an angel; Emma, the more shy and reserved daughter; Herbert, the gifted lyricist and musician; Marian, so sadly handicapped; the flamboyant, strong-willed Eva, who figured prominently in the crises of 1929 and became the Army’s fourth General; and Lucy, who faced the loss of so many loves throughout her life. Having turned the stone, the author skilfully and sensitively disturbs the ground so that the everyday human side of the Booth family is revealed and released from a cloak of secrecy. We are given glimpses into the strict discipline of daily life in the Booth household, the education of their children, their antics and their developmental challenges. We learn of their natural and spiritual gifts and how these gifts enabled such notable achievements. We are given insights into the cast iron will that ran through the family, and the resulting acrimony that at times painfully cut though the bond of family relationships. We are granted access to some of their disappointments, sorrows, personal pain and frustrations as well. There are some fascinating glimpses into how, for some members of the family, romance and love developed from a spark into a flame. We also become privy to some deeply personal and tender moments of human devotion. Readers will be captivated by some intriguing asides, like William Booth’s stance on smoking, his love of animals and the way he would sing while dressing. We learn how the young family would spend Christmas, about Bramwell feeling certain that he was not destined to be a leader, about Herbert becoming a pioneer in the film industry, and Eva making an entrance into a meeting through a window. Readers are also introduced to Harry, and there is a not-to-be-missed endnote about Georgie, both accepted by the family as sons. The life stories of the children have a worldwide dimension, and we see them pioneering or leading the Army in places as diverse as continental Europe, the U.S., Canada,
Australia, India and South America. Many books have been written about the Booths, most of them focusing on one individual member of the family, but this book is different. Held within its covers is a finely crafted image of the whole family in one place. “Those Incredible Booths” makes no attempt to hide us from the realities of Booth family life. Like any family it had its ups and downs, its tension and trauma. But what Larsson does in such a compelling and readable way is to reveal the truly outstanding qualities of mind and heart of every member of the family, leaving us to reflect in wonderment and amazement at their collective genius. Their deep, passionate love for God and commitment to the mission of Christ, coupled with their determination to do whatever they believed God was leading them to do, made them remarkable in their time. The Booths really were incredible, and as time will surely prove, indelible too.
‘To Seize This Day of Salvation’ BY ROBERT DOCTER, DR. General Paul Rader (Ret.) and Commissioner Kay Rader urge The Salvation Army to immediate action with their “carpe diem” call “To Seize This Day of Salvation” (Salvation Books/Frontier Press, 2015). Together, they have never played a waiting game. Their message means now—today—and pushes us to do so. Upon assuming command of the USA Western Territory in 1992, Paul Rader wrote a framework of faith within which he was called to work and to define his mission. How wonderful it was for officers and soldiers to hear the factors of his own accountability. Under the title “This I Believe,” he articulated the belief system that guided his life and, thus, laid out criteria for individuals to use in examining their own. What a way to begin. This framework of faith appears first in the book. The first of 16 points in the credo states: “I believe that in winning souls, the service of people and the building of the Army, our ultimate concern must be for the glorification of God. More important than doing the work of God is doing the will of God.” Second, he wrote: “I believe that our primary task is to lift up the Lord Jesus Christ, to glorify him, to proclaim him as our risen Lord and present, powerful Saviour. Christ is Head of his Church and Captain of his Army.” In reading his credo, I pondered what the factors might be in my own belief system. I have strong beliefs, but have never written them. I suspect I reveal much in my writing for New Frontier Publications. Perhaps, you will wonder as well. Each of his points began with “I believe…” Some of his
Delegates wait in line at General John Larsson’s (Ret.) book signing.
SAVN.TV HOSTS GAVIN SCHOFIELD-SMITH and Major Danielle Strickland interviewed General Paul A. Rader (Ret.) and Commissioner Kay F. Rader about their new book, “To Seize This Day of Salvation” (Salvation Books/Frontier Press, 2015), in a live pre-show at Boundless 2015. Throughout their leadership, the Raders pushed for lively involvement in the development process for the success of the mission, and the book explains why the mission is significant for them both. As Paul Rader wrote, “I am not a mindless proponent of expansionism, but…I am committed to strategic advance. We need a new birth of evangelistic innovation and daring.” points concern the authority of Scripture, the centrality of the cross, the nature of salvation, the power of the Spirit, world evangelisation, growth, the value of persons, and integrity of the family. The Raders have always encouraged active participation in the planning process for the accomplishment of the mission, and the book explains why this word takes on important meaning for them both. They continue to pursue the achievement of the Army’s reason for being. Paul Rader writes: “I am not a mindless proponent of expansionism...I am committed to strategic advance. We need a new birth of evangelistic innovation and daring.” I worked under the Raders leadership during the planning of “Mission 2000” in the West. Its boldness frightened some traditionalists, however it achieved great success in expanding the number of corps and modifying worship style to the 21st century. In section three, the reader finds important information relating to our Wesleyan heritage and a chapter titled “Lest we Lose Our Legacy – the Place of Women in Salvation Army Ministry.” Two inspiring and informative speeches to the High Council bookend this volume. The first, delivered in 1993, carries the identical title to this book: “To Seize This Day of Salvation.” Beginning with quotes from 2 Corinthians 6:2 concerning a forward push now, Paul Rader details the daunting challenges and exciting opportunities the Army faced during that time. He deftly revealed his knowledge of the terrors and triumphs of every region of the world. He said then: “I am committed to the intentional invasion of the King of Darkness,” and urged his listeners to “hear anew the call of the streets and slums, the barrios and favelas, the highway and the hedges and the haunts of sin and shame.” Then, I imagine with power, he stated: “Our unity is our strength.” The book closes with “A call to Prayer from Lazarus’s Tomb” wherein Rader reports on his final visit with his father Lieut-Colonel Lyle Rader prior to his promotion to Glory. A fantastic evangelist, Lyle Rader gave his son his orders and identified subject for prayer: “We need to pray for the purity of our movement. Then we can pray for renewal and revival in our corps and among our people.” This book is a valuable read for all people interested in the development of this Army of salvation, of a world for God, of our commitment to the forgotten.|NFC
General Shaw Clifton (Ret.) salutes.
Page 24—New Frontier CHRONICLE • August 2015
ILD SPO CH
ORSHIP NS
OVERSEAS
Graham, 5 years old, walks home from school in K ibera, Africa’s largest slum. He is fortunate. Most of the children in his school are AIDS orphans. Graham’s mom is HIV–positive, but she is healthy. She is grateful that The Salvation Army helps with Graham’s school fees. You can help children like Graham all around the world through Overseas Child Sponsorship. Call Today!
USANortheast: West Overseas Child620–7237 Sponsorship | phone: (562) 491-8409 | email: child.sponsorship@usw.salvationarmy.org (845) | Program South: (404) 728–1366 | Central U.S.: (847) 294–2065 | West: (562) 491–8301