Vol 30 No 04

Our Emergency Disaster canteens are in the hardest hit communities providing food and supplies .

CELEBRATING OUR 30th YEAR

The Western Territory’s news source

~

— Major Lonneal Richardson on tornado relief

for 30 years

March 13, 2012 Vol. 30, No. 04

Ready to gather n Details on The Gathering: June 7-10

BY MARTIN HUNT In June, a gathering of Salvation Army soldiers, officers and friends from all corners of the 13 western states, Guam, Marshall Islands and Micronesia will assemble—an expected 5,000-plus people descending on Pasadena, Calif., awaiting and expecting God’s moving.“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mat.: 18:20 RSV).

The Gathering begins Thursday, June 7 at 7 p.m. and concludes Sunday, June 10.

General Linda Bond is the visiting leader, and she will share powerful messages from God’s Word throughout the weekend.

As corps and divisions prepare to send delegates to The Gathering, remember that the ability to be connected to one another is greater today than at any other time in history. Salvationists can “gather” online at The Gathering’s Facebook page—facebook.com/thegathering2012—to share in weekly prayer meetings (a Facebook account is not necessary). If possible, take a moment to share a prayer on this site, and “like” it for all your Facebook friends to see.

Registration Registration is currently over fourfifths full; interested individuals should register without delay. The deadline for registration is May 1—don’t wait until the deadline passes or the Congress is full.

To register go to uswevents.org. You must also register your children. Ask your corps offficer for help.

Be sure to indicate on your registration form if you want to attend Commencement, Officers Kids’ breakfast (6-17 years old only), Future Officers Breakfast or the Recovery Ministries Breakfast. All other events are automatically included in your registration.

You will receive an email confirmation, but no tickets. Upon arriving at the congress you will receive a name badge that provides access to all the main events, Men’s Rally or Women’s Tea, and any special events that you requested.

Main meetings The main meetings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights will feature music THE GATHERING, page 9

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

On the web: www.newfrontierpublications.org Facebook: tsanewfrontier

Major Bill Dickinson

Major Lisa Dickinson

Dickinsons installed as Del Oro leaders n New divisional commander seeks innovation, creativity.

Major Stephen Kiger talks with a tornado survivor. Below: a bus is lodged into a house in Henryville, Ind. Photos courtesy of the Indiana Division

Army responds to tornadoes

At least 39 people have been killed, following the deadly tornadoes that swept through the Midwest and the South.

On Feb. 29, The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services teams (EDS) mobilized to provide aid to those affected in Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Alabama, Tennessee and Indiana.

“Our Emergency Disaster canteens are in the hardest hit communities providing food and supplies,” said Major Lonneal Richardson, divisional commander in Missouri and Southern Illinois. “We are there to provide a hand up and relief to those in need.”

Salvation Army canteens deployed to Branson, Joplin, Kimberling City, and Lebanon, Mo.; Harveyville, Kan.; Harrisburg, Ill.; and Athens and Meridianville, Ala., to provide meals, snacks and drinks to first responders, survivors and clean-up crews along with TORNADOES, page 4

BY SYDNEY FONG The Del Oro Division’s new leaders, Majors Bill and Lisa Dickinson, divisional commander and divisional director of women’s ministries, respectively, received official installation by Western Territorial Leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs March 3 at the Sacramento (Calif.) Citadel Corps.

The Dickinsons have held appointments in North Las Vegas and Prescott, Ariz., and the Southwest and Northwest divisional headquarters.

“It’s wonderful to look back and see God’s fingerprints, molding and shaping my life,” Dickinson said, reflecting on his call to officership in the mid-1980s at the Spokane (Wash.) Corps. When he heard Major Bill Nottle speak on “serving,” he imagined himself as part of the Army’s ministry, thinking, “Hey, I can do that.”

And he has been doing it for over two decades, most recently as divisional secretary in the Northwest Division.

“Being a divisional commander is a big role for sure,” he said. “I want to continue to be a servant and to be accountable to the corps within our division.

“My vision for Del Oro is that we’re a division that’s innovative, creative—that’s bold in order to tell the Good News of Christ to other people. I believe God is DICKINSONS, page 3

Over 200 delegates talk Kroc in Denver n Kroc and Community Center Conference builds personnel skills

BY CHRISTIN DAVIS Just over 200 people from throughout the U.S. attended the 2012 Kroc and Community Center Conference, held in Denver, Colo, in late February.

“It’s fitting that this conference meets in the West in the 10th anniversary year of the first Kroc Center in San Diego,” said Colonel Dave Hudson, chief secretary in the Western Territory while greeting delegates at the opening banquet.

That evening, Kay Coles James, president and founder of The Gloucester Institute, told the room of Kroc and community center personnel, “The work you do is making a significant difference in communities around the nation…and it’s a jungle out there.” James said she grew up in a public housing project in Richmond, Va., and first learned of The Salvation

The National Kroc Task Force (l-r): Steve Bireley, Commissioner Carol Seiler, Lt. Colonel Stephen Banfield, Major Bert Tanner, and Major Jorge Diaz Photo by Collette Webster

Army when her mother dressed her from the local thrift store. Eventually working for the government, James said, “It was my job to deliver social services to the neediest among us to bring a kinder, gentler nation,

but I learned that the kind of social services that do the most good—got that?— are in the private sector.

“When it comes to understanding human KROC CONFERENCE, page 4

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Doing the Most Good

March 13, 2012 New Frontier

NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Ps. 51:10 NIV).

ROSEVILLE, CALIF.— Beautiful Feet, a group of students from William Karen Jessup University dedi- Gleason cated to serving the local homeless population, Editor assisted the Roseville Corps with its shower ministry for the past two months. The students counsel and pray with the homeless individuals who come to the corps for a free shower.

Besides the shower, this weekly ministry offers a free lunch and an afternoon worship service.

Lts. John and Angela Morrow are corps officers.

RIVERSIDE, CALIF.—The local Curves selected The Salvation Army as a recipient for its annual March food drive. Curves is partnering with the Feinstein Organization in its annual $1 Million Giveaway to Fight Hunger. The organization will donate $1 for every pound of food collected.

“This support is especially important after the holiday season, when our food supplies are dwindling. We have just as many families that we serve, but with fewer resources,” said Captain Keith Bottjen, Riverside corps officer.

Rescued to recscue n Bucky, along with Major David Ebel, helps a man recover.

Bucky was training to become an assistance dog when his previous owner struck him, causing Bucky to suffer from severe anxiety attacks. He was then too nervous and frightened to be an assistance dog.

Hoping to help rehabilitate him, Escondido Corps Officer Major David Ebel adopted the shy puppy and took him to visit patients at the hospital. There, they happened to peek into Michael’s room.

Michael had been badly injured. According to a witness, during a pick-up game of pool, a player became angry and suckerpunched Michael. He was knocked out, fracturing his temporal lobe and cracking his skull. When he awoke, he could only move his thumb. Progress was slow and Michael became depressed and discouraged.

The first time Bucky and Michael met at the hospital, they were both shy; but Michael asked if Bucky could come back.

On the next visit, both man and dog were transformed.

“I lifted him and immediately Bucky

Bucky, Michael and Major David Ebel

cuddled Michael with his back resting against Michael gently,” Ebel said. “Michael whispered to Bucky, ‘You’re beautiful.’ They were that way for 20 minutes, with Bucky licking Michael’s hands.”

Michael says Bucky helped him turn the

CENTENNIAL, COLO.—The Centennial Corps’ Sergeant-major Ray Wright faced a tense situation when two rival gang members attended the same Bible study at the Arapahoe County Jail.

One of the men announced that he had wanted to shoot the other over $3,800, but subsequently became a Christian and God convicted him to forgive his adversary. When the other man said he, too, had accepted the Lord, the Bible study began.

Captains Nigel and Stacy Cross are the corps officers.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—Major Nila Fankhauser and Captain Julie Cornett attended the Anchorage Log Cabin Quilters’ annual tea on behalf of The Salvation Army to receive handmade quilts for the children at the Army’s McKinnell House—the only facility in Anchorage providing shelter for homeless two-parent families or single parenting fathers.

When they transition from the program back into the community with their families, the children take the quilts with them.

SAN FRANCISCO—The SoMa (South of Market) Corps celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Corps Officers Majors Frederick and Debora Wong are inviting past members and friends to a reunion picnic and family day on May 12, featuring guests Majors Ron and Keilah Toy. They have requested help in reaching people who may be interested. Please email your contacts as soon as possible to Victor Chin at vchin50@gmail.com.

PORTLAND, ORE.—Lauralee Balash, longtime soldier at the Portland Tabernacle Corps, participated in the 2012 Mrs. Oregon International Pageant on March 10.

She got all her outfits for the event at The Salvation Army’s Happy Valley Family Store.

Active at the corps, Balash leads women’s ministries and helps with office work.

Lt. Raymond and Major Nancy Dihle are the corps officers.

Photo by Michael’s wife Brittany

corner in his recovery. His wife agreed saying, “Michael’s happier! Bucky has helped his entire perspective. I think part of it is seeing the puppy that was hurt and knowing that he made it. Bucky gives Michael hope.”

Captain Dwaine Breazeale (Fresno County coordinator), John Alkire (Big Fresno Fair) and Andy Souza (Community Food Bank) with the Merrill Award.

Photo courtesy of the Golden State Division

Lt. Michelle Josephson (left) and Sandy Tyrer (right) connect prayer ties to a quilt.

Photo by Patricia Kennedy

Quilters create a patchwork of prayer n Homer Corps quilting outreach covers people in prayer.

MICHELLE JOSEPHSON, LT. In Homer, Alaska, The Salvation Army women’s ministry group is using its quilts as an outreach to area women.

The monthly quilting class is open to any woman who wants to learn how to quilt—all are welcome, from beginners to longtime quilters and daycare is provided. Since it began, the group has attracted new members and found a way to use the quilts in a unique prayer ministry.

The group makes a tie quilt made for individuals in need of prayer and support during a crisis, usually an illness. Once the quilt is complete, it is placed on the mercy seat during the corps’ Sunday service. While the pianist plays, the congregation comes forward to pray for the member and attach a tie. Each tie is a personalized prayer on the individual’s behalf; the recipient is covered in prayer every time he or she uses the quilt.

Five quilts have been completed and shared, with two more currently in progress. One quilt was recently presented to a member of the congregation diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

“The love of the church body and the unity of the Spirit showed me how God can take broken pieces of patchwork and create something new,” the recipient said. “When I put it on I’m reminded of the covering of his blood and his holiness. The acts of love will continue to show Christ Jesus through us if we lay down our lives to serve him.”

His wife said that the quilt means so much to him that he never lays down without it.

‘Feed the Need’ community food drive honored n The Salvation Army and partners are recognized for commitment to feeding the hungry.

A total of 134 tons of food, or 268,000 pounds, collected through the efforts of the “Feed the Need” community food drive in Fresno, Calif., during the last three Big Fresno Fair food drives have helped feed thousands of area residents. The Salvation Army partners with The Big Fresno Fair, the Community Food Bank and other local sponsors to make the drive successful.

In February, the Feed the Need community food drive received the Merrill Award, given by the Western Fairs Association (WFA) as its top award presented to fairs that demonstrate innovation, vision and excellence. The group received the tribute for its “unparalleled success achieved” during its annual food drives.

“The Salvation Army is grateful to have partnered with organizations such as the Community Food Bank and The Big Fresno Fair for

an event that puts the community first,” said Captain Dwaine Breazeale, Salvation Army Fresno County coordinator, who was present for the award presentation.

“What an excellent opportunity for people to make an impact for their neighbors.”

Fresno County Supervisors Henry Perea and Phil Larson and City of Fresno Councilmember San Quintero dedicated the Merrill Award to the entire community, challenging them to do even more: If every Fresno resident donated $1 to a non-profit, it would help the Community Food Bank and The Salvation Army provide $4 million worth of food to help hungry people, since every $1 donated buys $8 worth of food.

Other partners in the food drive included Kaiser Permanente, HandsOn Central California, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Univision Fresno, Peak Broadcasting and CBS 47. Over the past three years, Feed the Need has grown into the largest single day, single location food drive in the nation.

Doing the Most Good

March 13, 2012 New Frontier

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In one accord—praying for the community n Whittier Corps partners with others for a day of united intercessory prayer.

More than 30 Christian church representatives from various denominations gathered at The Salvation Army Whittier (Calif.) Corps Feb. 11 for the 14th annual Whittier Area Prayer Summit to ask for divine intervention for the Whittier area at large.

The 11-hour event addressed several topics, including children, political leaders, first responders, teachers, soldiers, families and those suffering from HIV. The occasion attracted an estimated 500 people.

“In the time I had in the pulpit, I thanked the congregation assembled for their attendance and indicated that The Salvation Army building is more than a church facility,” said Corps Officer Major David Sholin. “It is a community center, built by many of our church supporters throughout the city of Whittier.

It is a community building to be used for prayer and spiritual celebration. With that, it is our full intention to honor God firstly through our spiritual presence in our community.”

Rev. Dwight Sullivan of the Whittier Evangelical United Methodist Church and event co-founder, said, “There aren’t

too many communities that have something like this.” He noted that the event is just one example of the close relationship that different denominations have forged in Whittier. “It seems to be growing each year,” he said.

“We believe in the power of prayer because we believe in the one who answers prayer.”

It appears that the group is beginning to see the fruit of its labor.

“We’re seeing the manifestations of the prayers we’ve been praying all these years,” said Rev. Ralph Pacheco of the First Christian Church International of Whittier and also a co-founder of the summit.

Rev. Charles Woody (center back) of Cornerstone Celebration Center prays over: (l-r) Ralph Pacheco of the Whittier Union school board, Whittier Councilman Joe Vinatieri and Rev. Dan Pryor.

Whittier Daily News staff photographer Sarah Reingewirtz

Santa Rosa Kettles turn green n Red kettles are painted green to raise donations on St. Patrick’s Day. To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, The Salvation Army in Santa Rosa, Calif., is “going green.”

Red kettles—now painted green—are ready for corps members and community volunteers to stand and ring the bells at 17 sites throughout the city.

When Corps Officer Captain Mark Gilden was looking for creative ways to raise funds and generate positive publicity in 2009, he read an article about The Salvation Army in Kansas placing green kettles along its St. Patrick’s Day Parade route. He liked the idea.

Now in its third year, Santa Rosa’s green kettles have raised nearly $8,000 total with an additional $5,000 expected this year from the online Green Kettle option. To donate to the Green Kettle, visit salvationarmysantarosa.org.

n The Salvation Army White Shield Center provides more than rehab.

Captain Mark Gilden and Bob St. Clair, NFL Hall of Famer and former San Francisco 49er, man a green kettle.

Photo by Wayne Rowlands

DICKINSONS

Majors Bill and Lisa Dickinson are installed as Del Oro divisonal leaders by Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs.

Photo by Sydney Fong

from page 1

doing great things in Del Oro and I want to continue that.”

He knows, however, that a stagnant and struggling economy will be a major hurdle for the division. “Finances are tough, but they’re tough everywhere,” he said.

“I know God will supply for our needs. He’ll send us the resources to do the work, if we’re faithful.

“I never claimed to be smartest guy here,” he said. “I need to continue to learn from those around me. I have confidence in the abilities God has given me, but I have more confidence in God, that he promises to equip us for what he’s calling us to do.”

Major Lisa Dickinson also spoke about her new role as a divisional leader, finding encouragement from Joshua: “Be strong and courageous, Do not be afraid... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9 NIV).

Junior soldiers at Reno Corps look to the future n Reno young people contemplate what God has planned for them.

During a junior soldier class at the Reno (Nev.) Corps, a worksheet prompted the children: “God’s plan for me. Write what you think God has planned for you. Include all the things you hope for as you grow up.”

The varied responses included: “I think God has planned for me to advance technology for him” (James).

“I believe God’s plan for me is to be part of The Salvation Army and spread the word.

He wants me to be a doctor and save people’s lives” (Kripash).

“I think God has planned for me to be kind. I hope as I grow up I will be smart like college people. And be good, kind and respectful” (Vhalerie).

“God has planned for me to be grateful.

He gives me hope and joy” (Destiny).

The Reno Corps has 19 active junior soldiers, who just finished studying “The

Saving at-risk young women in Portland

These seven Reno junior soldiers received certificates of perfect attendance for a recent unit of study.

Pictured with them is Corps Officer Major Janene Zielinski.

Photo by Rachel Johnson

Holy Spirit in You.” The group’s most recent service project involved making 1,500 Valentine cards for community members who attended the free dinner sponsored by the corps at the Reno Events Center Jan. 31 in

conjunction with Reno’s Homeless Awareness Day. Majors Michael and Janene Zielinski are the corps officers in Reno.

Two-thirds of the residents at The Salvation Army Portland White Shield (PWS) are pregnant teens or teen moms, while the remaining third are teen girls with high-risk emotional and behavioral issues—all have experienced significant trauma through abuse, neglect, abandonment or exploitation. Here, they find a stable center of support and healing.

The Salvation Army maintains the facility for adolescent girls in custody of the State of Oregon through the Department of Human Services or the Oregon Youth Authority. The center has provided residential services to marginalized girls, women and their children for nearly a century.

“One of the things that strikes me most is how powerful White Shield Center is in the lives of girls and women who have passed through its doors,” said Diana Brandsma, executive director since 2009.

Nicky, a former teen mom resident, explained that before coming to PWS she envisioned a limited future for herself, one involving victimization and exploitation for her and her daughter. PWS changed her perception of what was possible. The center opened “a whole new world to me,” she said, a world offering safety, security and access to resources.

Spiritual counseling is a vital service at the center that helps bring the healing process full circle, and provides tools for the young women in transition to a healthy lifestyle.

Annie came to the center after attempting suicide. Her father abused her from a young age and her relationship with her mother was strained. While at PWS, she learned new ways to cope with her negative life experience. Her relationship with her mother improved, and Annie is now excited about the future and is on a path to attend college.

The daughter of a past resident recently called PWS seeking information on her mother who had entered the facility as a pregnant teenager and received a new start to life. “My mother went to a Christian college, got married and had several children and grandchildren—all steadfast in the Lord,” the daughter said. She ended the call by thanking The Salvation Army for its positive impact on her family.

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Doing the Most Good

March 13, 2012 New Frontier

Salvation Army Family Store opens on eBay

KROC CONFERENCE

The Salvation Army stores in Northern Virginia are the most successful Family Stores in the United States. Now they’re leading the pack with the first official online thrift operation on eBay. The eBay site, named “The Salvation Army Northern Virginia Adult Rehabilitation Center,” launched in late 2011. Derek Anderson, a graduate of the Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center, runs the online store along with three other staff members. Together, they are responsible for finding items appropriate for eBay, photographing them, writing descriptions, posting them online, managing payment, packing and shipping sales, and customer feedback.

Anderson said one of his favorite sales involved a vintage Omega watch. After inspecting the watch and doing a bit of research, his team was convinced that they could get more for it by selling it online. Typically, this watch would sell for $39 at one of the stores. However, once it was placed on eBay, the Omega watch fetched an impressive $4,050.

Hoping to replicate that success, The Salvation Army Family Stores are set to launch additional online versions in Houston, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Every item donated or bought from the Family Stores helps fund residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment for men and women in the community.

From salvationarmyexpectchange.org

need, I’ve come to understand that what people need most is redemption,” James said. “A government program cannot put the arms of Jesus around a person.”

She challenged the delegates to have the high skills needed to run a major business. “The public expectation is that if it’s Christian, it’s mediocre at best,” she said. “It is therefore incumbent on us to be excellent.”

Various general sessions and workshops throughout the conference instructed delegates on the details of their work, from recognizing key indicators for financial performance, to integrating the corps into the center, to marketing or facilities management.

Ruby Newell-Legner, an international speaker who helps facility managers build better relationships, provided the sevenstep process to seven star service to “turn every customer into a fan.” She explained how relationships, knowledge and standards are key to providing outstanding customer service, and urged delegates to write down a few things to improve in his/her center’s service before returning.

“The conference addressed a wide range of significant topics that will help Kroc Centers, divisions, and territories to optimize programming and fulfill The Salvation Army mission,” said Steve Bireley, Kroc Center coordinator in the Western Territory. “Perhaps the most important element was the opportunity for officers and staff to share experiences and lessons learned at Kroc Centers across the nation. Relationships made at the conference have created a total that is more than the sum of the parts, and the

from page 1

Western Territory delegates at the 2012 Kroc and Community Center Conference in Denver, Colo.

Photo by Collette Webster

continued sharing and development of ideas will help us to deliver our programs and services with maximum efficiency.”

Eight currently efficient programs from across the U.S. were presented in a best practices poster session, including Kroc Crew Work Experience (Ashland, Ohio); Youth Express Scholarship initiative (Augusta, Ga.); building a proactive customer service campaign (Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho); municipal partnerships (Grand Rapids, Mich.); positive behaviors, interventions and supports (Green Bay, Wis.); marrying marketing and programming (Kerrville, Texas); the Kroc K Club Scholarship fundraising campaign (Omaha, Neb.); and the Kroc Fit Kids program (San Diego, Calif.).

Immediately following the conference, the National Kroc Task Force met.

"It was energizing for our Kroc Center

teams to be able to talk with others doing the same type of work in this new venture,” said Commissioner Carol Seiler, chairperson of the task force and territorial leader in the Central Territory with her husband, Commissioner Paul Seiler.

“All around there were clusters of people in earnest conversation. There is uniqueness to the intensity of this ministry and in these early years it is essential to share in discovery and learning together. I am grateful to the task force members for the professional collegial efforts to improve our mission impact through the Kroc Centers."

This summer, Caring focuses on “All Things Kroc.” To subscribe, email caring@ usw.salvationarmy.org, call 562-491-8723, or visit facebook.com/CaringMagazine.

Radiothon raises $1.7 million n Celebrities and politicians lend a voice to annual event.

Salvation Army personnel assist in the Harrison/Ooltewah areas of Tennessee.

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army Chattanooga

TORNADOES

from page 1

emotional and spiritual care to anyone in need. In Chattanooga, Tenn., more than 200 meals were served at the evacuee center, and The Salvation Army of Cleveland, Tenn., served as a shelter for those seeking refuge from the storms.

In Henryville, Marysville, and New Pekin, Ind., the Army served more than 5,100 meals to survivors and emergency workers. The number of meals is expected to increase as survivors return to their homes. An EDS Warehouse and Command Center in Jackson, Miss., is also being utilized to manage the widespread response across Alabama and Mississippi.

“We are here to serve in whatever way

we can,” said Dee Smith, EDS director out of Topeka. “And we will not leave until all the needs...are met.”

Supporting the tornado relief efforts of The Salvation Army, Local TV Station FOX 59 in Indiana, hosted an 18.5 hour telethon. Beginning March 5 at 4:30 a.m. and running until 11 p.m. (CST), the telethon raised $236,598 to assist the survivors of the deadly storms.

“There’s an awful lot going on in the state, but I don’t know anybody that’s done any more or more quickly than you guys have,” said Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana, during the telethon.

March is Minnesota FoodShare Month As part of Minnesota’s annual FoodShare campaign, the largest food drive in the state, The Salvation Army is asking that you “like” its Facebook page (facebook.com/thesalarmy). For every new fan on Facebook, one meal will be

donated to a hungry Minnesotan.

The Salvation Army is one of thousands of groups participating in the campaign, which will restock approximately 300 food shelves across Minnesota.

The 25th annual Salvation Army Bed & Bread Club Radiothon raised more than $1.7 million to fight hunger and homelessness in Southfield, Mich. The 16-hour event aired live Feb. 24 from the Oakland Mall on News/Talk 760 WJR. A variety of celebrities and politicians were featured on the radio show, including Tim Allen, Kid Rock, Bill Cosby, Ken Holland, Gov. Rick Snyder, Mayor Dave Bing and best-selling author Vince Flynn.

“We are overwhelmed with the kindness and support that has been expressed and we can’t begin to describe how grateful we are to our donors and WJR for the good they have done,” said Major Mark Anderson, general secretary and area commander for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division.

Some of the top contributors to the program were Ford Motor Company Fund, Michigan Financial Companies and Garden Fresh Gourmet.

Every dollar raised during the Radiothon goes directly to the Bed & Bread program, which serves approximately 5,000 meals to the hungry each day. A portion of funds

Major Mark Anderson, general secretary and Metro Detroit City commander, talks on WJR.

raised during this year’s Radiothon will also support the opening of a new Drop-In Center being established with Christ Church Detroit.

“Hunger and homelessness in our community is a huge, but not impossible, problem to fix,” Anderson said. “By donating to The Salvation Army Bed & Bread Club Radiothon, the people of metro Detroit have truly become heroes in the fight against poverty.”

Teen style icon shops Salvation Army Family Store At just 16 years old—Meredith has already become a fashion star. Her YouTube channel, “StilaBabe09,” has attracted 58,000 subscribers and more than 4 million views. Every Friday Meredith posts beauty advice for her peers about fashion, hair and makeup.

Recently, she and her mom went to The Salvation Army Family Store near their California home, where Meredith purchased two outfits. With the help of her parents, the style guru shot “Thrift Haul: Salvation Army Spring Outfits” about her latest fashion finds. The video has already received more than 34,000 views and is growing daily.

To view Meredith’s video, visit salvationarmyexpectchange.org.

Doing the Most Good

March 13, 2012 New Frontier

IT’S OFFICIAL

Salvation Army in Hungary granted church status n Hungary’s parliament grants The Salvation Army legal recognition.

Salvationists in Hungary celebrated, thanking God for answered prayer after the country's parliament granted The Salvation Army legal recognition as a church.

New legislation effective Jan. 1 cut the number of officially registered churches from 300 to 14. The Salvation Army was not among this number, despite having worked in Hungary from 1924 to 1950 and again since 1990. An amendment made to the legislation on Feb. 27 named The Salvation Army as one of a further 17 organizations to be granted church status. Sixty-five groups were unsuccessful in their applications.

Captain Andrew Morgan, regional officer for The Salvation Army's Hungary Region, said: “For The Salvation Army this means that our ministries continue unimpeded. We continue to enjoy privileges as a recognized church in areas of taxation, government funding of our social services, and funding of clerical activities such as teaching of Christianity to young people.

The confirmation of our church status also opens the way for further expansion of our ministry and services with the full backing of the state and in some areas—with com-

SLOVAKIA

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mensurate state funding.

“The heightened media exposure and parliament's affirmation of The Salvation Army's legitimate status as a church will further endear us to the people and open greater opportunities to present the gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said.

Morgan requests continued prayer for The Salvation Army in Hungary—particularly for “wisdom and guidance in decision making and allocation of resources” so that the current momentum will lead to the further expansion of God's kingdom.

From International Headquarters

Salvation Army facilities damaged in Republic of Congo explosions

n The Salvation Army responds after explosions rock Brazzaville.

A Salvation Army team investigated how best to help people forced from their homes by a series of massive explosions in the Mpila area of Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo. Up to 200 people were killed in the disaster—though this number will likely rise—with more than 1,500 injured. Many of the dead were worshipping in a church that collapsed.

The government called for calm and the defense minister told state radio that the explosions were the result of a fire at an

arms depot at the Regiment Blinde base near the city center. Residents immediately fled Mpila, which is a densely packed neighborhood, as a series of smaller explosions continued. A plume of gray smoke still hung over the city hours later.

When the first explosion occurred, Lt. Colonel Daniel Moukoko, chief secretary of The Salvation Army's Congo (Brazzaville) Territory, was in another area of Brazzaville preparing for the welcome meeting of the Messengers of the Resurrection Session of cadets. He reports hearing “at least five or six large explosions, which blew out the windows of our building at Potopoto The cloud from the explosion was visible for miles.

Photo courtesy of International Headquarters

The Sunday school classes at the Bkataiabad Corps, Karachi Division, Pakistan, recently completed the quarterly 1st Decision Sunday. Teachers devote the week preceding Decision Sunday to praying for the hearts of the young students and the opportunity each will have to accept Christ.

Photo courtesy of the Pakistan Territory

Corps…One explosion destroyed the roofs of Ouenze Corps hall and officers' quarters and the roof of Talangai Corps hall.”

Moukoko said that the Regiment Blinde base and surrounding neighborhood resemble a war zone, with many buildings leveled, burned or badly damaged and the occasional flame still flickering in the debris. According to local reports, many bodies remain at the scene. Weeping relatives of the dead gathered outside the hospital to mourn while others tried to find family members who had become separated in the chaos.

It is not thought that any Salvationists were killed in the disaster but a Salvationist from Ouenze Corps lost three grandsons and her daughter lost a leg. Some Salvationists from Talangai Corps sustained property loss.

Moukoko concluded: “We thank you for your assistance in prayers—we really appreciate them.”

From International Headquarters

5

Elsewhere in the world CANADA—Lt. Colonel Raphael Mason, Canada and Bermuda Territory multicultural ministries secretary, dedicated nine new brass instruments at Yorkwoods Community Church, an area in Toronto known for its diversity.

Mason believes the instruments, made possible by a legacy donation, will enhance the corps’ ministry to the community.

“We can reach out to people. Our music ministry will contribute to the moral and spiritual development of our community,” said Corps Officer A/Captain Alain Suammunu-Luasu.

From Salvationist.ca AUSTRALIA—Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) teams in New South Wales responded to floods in southeast Australia; some areas experienced the worst flooding in more than 150 years.

Rising river levels forced thousands of people from their homes after torrential rains. The situation was aggravated by run-off from flooding in the north in February.

Volunteer-supported Army teams established and manned evacuation centers for displaced residents.

From an international news release UKRAINE—Women, children and a few men celebrated International Women’s Day—a state holiday—on March 8 at The Salvation Army Kharkov social center.

The one-day festival included crafts and refreshments. Every woman—mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, wives and girlfriends—received flowers, gifts and cards from the men in their life.

International Women’s Day is considered the first spring holiday in Ukraine. It originated as a day for supporting women in the struggle for equality but evolved into an event less political and more personal.

From ua-traveling.com UNITED KINGDOM—The Salvation Army Eastbourne Corps held the world premiere of the 45-minute film “Marching to Music,” from the Riot Film Group—a local movie club—that relates the corps’ fight for the freedom to march the streets and hold open-air meetings.

Based on the diary of Salvationist Walter Guy, the movie highlights the lengths to which officers and soldiers were prepared to go to share the gospel, including inprisonment.

From Salvationist, Feb. 18 SOUTH PACIFIC/EAST ASIA (SPEA)—General Linda Bond joined leaders from the SPEA zone at a conference in late February, themed “Leadership in the 21st Century,” and focusing on the spiritual life of the 42 delegates and those they lead. “[Bond’s] teaching, based on biblical insights and her own vast experience as a leader, was forthright and thought-provoking,” said Commissioner Alistair Herring, SPEA zonal secretary.

The General will attend all five zonal conferences in her first 18 months in office.

From salvationarmy.org.nz

PAGE 6—NEW FRONTIER • March 13, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO’S HARBOR LIGHT CEN

a beacon of

hope in the THE SALVATION ARMY’S SAN FRANSISCO HARBOR LIGHT CENTER provides comprehensive alcohol and chemical dependency treatment for men, women, families and veterans through progressive care, education, workforce development and personal growth.

“Serving persons with a variety of social and spiritual afflictions for over 100 years, the Harbor Light program is a model residential adult rehabilitation program for those suffering from addiction to alcohol and drugs,” said Dr. David Pating, who is in charge of the Kaiser Permanente department that refers clients to the center. He was recently awarded the David Lawrence Community Service Award for exemplary service and efforts to improve the health of the community and is donating the award’s cash prize to Harbor Light.

“Their heart-felt warmth and nuturance provide opportunity for our clients and others to be ‘habilitated,’ receiving nurturing for the first time in their lives through the power of the ministry of service,” Pating said. “Countless times I have referred clients to this program who failed [other programs] and were deemed ‘hopeless’—equally as often, this program has made the difference in turning failure into success. Their formula is simple, never give up! And it shows."

Envoy Jack Clitheroe, executive director of the Harbor Light Center, oversees three distinct units: Harbor Light, Harbor House, and the Lighthouse Corps. The center’s residential capacity is 106 people for Harbor Light and 82 for Harbor House, with plans to add 20-22 beds within the next year.

First, the Harbor Light program, led by Stephanie Hall, offers single men and women a licensed residential recovery program of up to two years in length. Its sub-unit, Harbor Light Detox serves single men and women for up to 90 days. Clitheroe said the alcoholics and drug addicts who walk through the front door are usually in desperate shape both spiritually and physically.

While in residence, clients receive the nourishment they need to allow a focus on transformation and lasting recovery. The staff partners with organic vendors, local farmers, the San Francisco Food Bank, Foodrunners and Feed the Bay to give Harbor Light clients the chance to fall in love with tasty greens, sugar-free cereals, wholesome breads, baked goods, nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, juices and herbal teas.

Second, Harbor House, led by Marcy Orosco, serves single-parent households, providing a licensed residential recovery program and a re-entry phase, for up to two years. Within it, Harbor House Childcare is licensed to care for up to 31 children—infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

In 2011, the “Gateway to Quality” team inspected the Harbor House Childcare facility using the Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scale (ITERS) and Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS)—a rigorous, comprehensive examination. The program scored so well that it became eligible for increased local grant funding. It recently received a grant to build a garden, which the children care for and watch as the plants grow.

Third, the Lighthouse Corps Envoy Roger McCort and Corps Assistant Trey Hiller, offers residents and neighbors a spiritual home. In its homeless street outreach program, volunteers roam the local streets three nights a week to distribute food, blankets and friendship to some of San Francisco’s most destitute and forgotten residents: the homeless alcoholics and drug addicts, prostitutes and the mentally ill people living on the streets.

“We also find parents with little children—families that have run out of options,” said Shawne Bradley, Harbor Light food services manager. “We take our well-equipped mobile canteen, filled with food we cooked in our kitchen, and drive to some of the tougher neighborhoods. We go to places that most people avoid so we can serve healthy hot meals, bread, fruit, coffee and water to those in need. This is some of the most rewarding and inspiring work I do.”

In 2011, roughly 1,100 volunteers donated 8,800 hours to deliver over 85,000 sandwiches and hot meals, 14,541 items of clothing, and 10,061 comfort kits and gifts.

On Sundays, the Lighthouse Corps’ total attendance in 2011 reached 3,247 individuals, many of whom are residents of the Harbor Light Center and the nearby Adult Rehabilitation Center. In addition to Sunday services, McCort and Hiller offer weekly Bible studies, soldiership classes and Christian-based recovery meetings. Corps youth programs are also growing. Aided by volunteers from The Salvation Army’s Bayview Center, a neighborhood outreach at Hunters Point and led by Jen Arens, corps staff worked with 50 children last year. Once a week, Arens coordinates activities for for elementary-age children who live with their parents at Harbor House.

The hard work and generosity of Harbor Light Center’s community partners and volunteers play a major role in the center’s success. Over 70 local companies and volunteers, including Rodan + Fields Prescription for Change Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs, supported its work during 2011.

Rodan + Fields, a non-profit foundation that supports programs promoting meaningful change in people’s lives, holds several annual events for Harbor House, and some of its consultants have virtually adopted Harbor House families.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) works closely with the Harbor Light Center as veterans comprise a significant percentage of its population.

TIFFANY’S STORY

Photo by John McKnight

When enough is enough Tiffany, a San Francisco native, grew up in the Potrero Street Projects. She never graduated from high school. From age 15 on, she turned to drugs, alcohol and a life of petty crime that kept her locked into the county penal system—first in the juvenile system and later the city jail. She saw as much time in the system as out. To her, it seemed life would never change.

In 2008 Tiffany received a nine-month sentence for car theft. During the sentencing phase she had a moment of clarity—she felt saw her life passing her by. “Enough is enough,” she thought. Seeking a change, she asked for help.

Her public defender offered her the chance to enter a program rather than jail.

Jumping at the chance, Tiffany entered the program at Gracenter, a women’s recovery home in San Francisco. She made progress there, but after the sixmonth stay, knowing her journey was not complete, Tiffany asked her counselor to help her find another program.

She entered the Harbor Light Center in 2009, and admittedly, did not want to be there.

“To me, this was just another institution,” she said. “I was ready to leave when I got there. My counselor, Barbara, saw this and she pulled me aside. She asked me a simple question: ‘Where are you going to go?’ And I broke down crying.

I knew I couldn’t go back to where I came from. Now seven months sober, my mind was clearer than it had ever been. So, despite how I was feeling, I decided to stay. I am so glad that I did.”

Life at the Harbor Light was challenging. Tiffany had to break down barriers that she had used to keep the world out, and she learned the value of committing to a full day’s work. Despite struggling with these changes, Tiffany persevered.

The Harbor Light program works because it does more than provide a safe haven; it provides an opportunity for changing one’s whole life. Tiffany embraced the change and faced her fears, discovering her true self in the process.

In 2011, after two years and two months as a resident, Tiffany graduated.

She left only after she was ready to move on, and now has her own place, sober friends, and a job working at the front desk of Harbor Light.

By John A. McKnight

NTER

March 13, 2012 • NEW FRONTIER—PAGE 7

e city

In 2011 Harbor Light added a full-time VA contracts coordinator to work with Harbor House veterans to make the best use of the workforce services component, including resumes, employer linkage and on-the-job training. In October 2011, the VA held its West Coast “Ending Veteran Homelessness” kick-off event at the Harbor Light Center. With participation from Representative Nancy Pelosi, State Senator Marc Leno, and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, the event brought over 80 organizations and 300 guests to the Harbor Light Center campus to discuss plans to address the tragedy of veteran homelessness.

The San Francisco community is no doubt impacted by the resources, motivation and real life change that Harbor Light, Harbor House and the Lighthouse Corps provide.

CHUCK’S STORY

Vital lights for veterans All Chuck Hughes wanted was a retreat from the pain of his situation.

And though he had once served as a source of support to returning Vietnam soldiers, assisting with their debriefs—recalling vivid eyewitness accounts of warfare and murder—he wasn’t prepared to deal with death in his own world.

Hughes met Katie in New York. He was a military veteran, having served four years in the United State Air Force. He had attended Rutgers University and was an aspiring copywriter for an advertising firm.

The couple wed, and as Hughes’ career progressed, they decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue greater opportunities.

Soon he was using his talents to promote the movie industry; his successful career provided a nice car and comfortable home.

Chuck and Katie Hughes had a great life.

In 1993, Hughes’ world took a tailspin when Katie was diagnosed with a hereditary from of leukemia. She fought back, achieving remission a couple of times. In the fall of 1993, however, her doctors determined that she would not make it through Photo by Michael Mustacchi her current hospitalization.

That year, Chuck attended a holiday gathering at an executive’s home. He walked into a room where many people were free-basing (smoking the non-salt form of a drug). Overwhelmed by his situation with Katie, Hughes decided to give it a try.

“That was the first day I could put my wife’s death out of my mind,” he said.

Hughes’ drug use quickly spiraled out of control. One day, as Katie lay on her deathbed, she gave her husband a choice: It was the drugs or her. Although she wanted him by her side during her final days, she couldn’t stand seeing him this way.

He sided with his addiction, walking away from his wife. Hughes was not there when she died, and the guilt and shame of abandoning Katie on her deathbed sent him spiraling further down into 15 years of substance abuse. He lost everything, and later relocated to San Francisco, where he continued his drug use.

“I had a bad habit of thinking I knew best as to what I needed and I didn’t need anyone to tell me otherwise,” Hughes said.

He was in and out of rehab. A return to the Department of Veterans Affairs led him to The Salvation Army. Although he was resistant, the Harbor Light Center staff talked him into giving the program a chance.

Today, Hughes is a counselor at Harbor Light’s detox unit, where he encourages participants to stick with the program and stay on a focused path toward recovery. He plans to return to school to obtain certification in drug and alcohol counseling.

“I started here, never having any intention of pursuing this as a vocation, but just a job,” Hughes said. “In the past, I defined success in material terms. I never imagined success as helping others. However, showing people that there is another way—that their lives can change if they’re open to the possibility and are willing to undergo an adventure—is one of the things I find most fulfilling. The need is here. A number of returning vets are going to need the same sort of help and the same opportunities that were given to me.”

By Laine F. Hendricks

Far left: Envoy Jack Clitheroe at the Harbor Light Detox gate, the first point of entry to recovery. Above, top to bottom: Courtyard entrance to the chapel (Harbor House building on right); walkway outside of Harbor Light dining room; Harbor Light dining room.

Photos by Laine Hendricks

PAGE 8—NEW FRONTIER • March 13, 2012

THE GATHERING THE GATHERING JUNE 7 - 10, 2012 PASADENA, CA

{

And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there.

— Matthew 18:20 JUNE 7 - 10, 2012

}

PASADENA, CA

June 3 6:30pm

SunDAY Pre-Gathering Concert Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus {Pasadena Tabernacle Corps}

June 4 - 6 9:00am

MonDAY — WeDneSDAY Boot Camp

June 7 9:00am 10:00am 1:30pm

ThurSDAY Boot Camp The Gathering registration opens Officers’ Councils* {First united Methodist Church} reception The Gathering Main Meeting refreshments & Concerts Prayer Gathering

5:30pm 7:00pm 9:00pm 9:00pm

June 8 FriDAY (ConTinueD) FriDAY Korean Prayer Gathering 5:30pm reception The Gathering Main Meeting Prayerwhen Gathering two or three 7:00pm And of you are together 9:00pm refreshments & Concerts recovery Ministry Breakfast because of me, you can be sure I'llGathering be there. {hilton hotel} 9:00pm that Prayer 8:00am Officers’ Kids’ Breakfast — MatthewJune 18:20 10:00am Seminars 9 SATurDAY 5:30am Korean Prayer Gathering 10:30am Commencement 7:00am Prayer Gathering {First united Methodist Church} 10:00am Family Gatherings - Women’s Tea, 12:30pm Silver Star Banquet*

Men’s Rally, Kids’ Carnival {hilton hotel} 1:00pm encore! {Brookside Park} 1:00pm encore!

1:00pm Latino Praise and Worship Meeting 1:30pm Seminars 1:30pm Seminars 3:00pm Musical – “Spirit! ii: empire” 3:00pm Musical – “Spirit! ii: empire” Divisional Gatherings – Alaska, 3:00pm Divisional Gatherings – Golden State, 3:00pm

Cascade, Del Oro, Hawaiian and Pacific Sierra Del Mar, Southern California islands, intermountain and northwest and Southwest 5:00pm Long Service Dinner* 5:30pm reception 7:00pm The Gathering Main Meeting {hilton hotel} 9:00pm USA WESTERN TERRITORY refreshments & Concerts 9:00pm Prayer Gathering June 8 5:30am 7:00am 8:00am

{

}

June 10 5:30am 7:00am 8:00am 10:00am 12:00pm 3:00pm 3:00pm

SunDAY Korean Prayer Gathering Prayer Gathering FoF Breakfast Commissioning & ordination The Gathering Lunch Service of Appointments Kids’ Worship Meeting

*by invitation only Translation will be available in Spanish, Korean and Chinese for all major events if requested at registration.

All events to be held at the Pasadena Convention Center unless otherwise indicated.

To register for all events, visit www.uswevents.org.

USA WESTERN TERRITORY

RegisteR BY May 1, 2012 at www.uswevents.oRg visit www.faceBook.com/thegatheRing2012

Doing the Most Good

THE GATHERING

March 13, 2012

9

from page1

and arts groups, worship music and presentations from God’s Word. Sunday’s two meetings will focus on the cadets. General Linda Bond will commission the Western Territory’s newest officers during the morning meeting, and in the afternoon Commissioner James Knaggs will announce their first appointments.

Rallies On Saturday morning the entire Congress will meet at the Rose Bowl Stadium and Park for a time of celebration. Women will attend a morning tea in the park, while men will attend a tailgate party in the stadium, which includes a message from Oscar Roan.

Children ages 6-13 will enjoy carnival-type games and activities in a secure location, with activities for younger children at the Convention Center.

Childcare Professionally staffed childcare—by Corporate Kids, under the leadership of the Territorial Youth Department—will be available for children ages 0-11 during all the main meetings and the musical.

Children ages 12 and above will attend the main meetings. Those who choose not to place their children in the provided child-

care will have to make other arrangements, as the younger children will not be allowed in the main meetings.

If you register your children for the congress, they are automatically registered for childcare.

Transportation/Accommodation The only transportation provided during the congress is to and from the Rose Bowl on Saturday. All other transportation is your own responsibility. All major hotels are within walking distance of the congress venues. You can book your room at these hotels via uswevents.org.

will feature vocal, brass, piano, guitar, singing company and drama.

Musical The world premier of Spirit! 2: Empire occurs during congress. Delegates will be assigned by division to attend one of the two presentations. Presented by the Southern California Division, the musical is in the style of classics such as Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Wicked.

site day of the musical attendance. More information will be available from your divisional headquarters.

Prayer While the prayer time for the congress has already begun, specific rooms in the Convention Center will be dedicated to prayer. A twice-daily prayer meeting will take place, led by senior leaders, and a 24/7 prayer room will be available for individual reflection and prayer.

Divisional gatherings Each division will meet on the oppo-

Seminars Three seminars are currently scheduled: Friday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday at 1p.m. No additional registration is required for these. Specific details about the seminars will be in the next issue of New Frontier, March 23.

Encore!

The Territorial Music Department is producing a new talent competition— Encore! The goal is to encourage young people in their involvement in the creative arts. On Friday and Saturday, showcases

RITA CORPS GROWS The Rita Corps (Majuro, Marshall Islands) enrolled 10 senior soldiers Feb. 5. Majors Fred and Patty Rasmussen, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divisional secretary for business and secretary for program, respectively, were special guests. A/Captains Hittai and Maryrose Silk are the corps officers. Pictured are (l - r): Major Fred Rasmussen, Telina Komen, Glorina Lejka, Enita Erakdrik, Ongra Agrippa, Ranson Balos, Edwin Betti, Jerus Komen, Moses Leban, Telly Komen, Major Patty Rasmussen, Jason Lairkin and A/Captain Hittai Silk.

Photo by Robert Steiner

BOLD BOOT CAMP 4 YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER JUNE 4-7, 2012

SAYNETWORK.COM/BC4

10

Doing the Most Good

March 13, 2012 New Frontier

How to work a tight recovery program inProcess “I’m uncomfortable with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) because of their vagueness about the nature of God, the saving power of Jesus Christ, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. I’ve stopped attending their Glen meetings and have followed my pastor’s advice. I’ll stay sober through God alone.”

Doss I cringe when I hear such a remark, for Major it has been my experience that relapse is but a hair’s breadth away. Why? Because well-meaning Christian preachers and teachers often advise addicts to keep their sobriety intact by “simply praying, reading the Bible and attending church.” But this is never enough for true recovery to take place.

Even the assortment of “Christian 12-step programs” you find in some churches nowadays—while often helpful to those with other addictions—are frequently death to the recovery of drug addicts and alcoholics. These programs take the addicts’ eyes off the ball—their specific addictions— focusing instead on a general “tendency to do the wrong thing” or “the effects of our separation from God.” This is not to say that Christian 12-step programs cannot be helpful to this population—as long as one continues to participate in AA and NA. My concern is primarily for the person who chooses to attend them in lieu of AA and NA—but there appear to be many who do just this.

The lure of the drug—whether in solid or liquid form (alcohol)—is a tremendously powerful attraction that sucks the addict into an inextricable quagmire, and is a far more potent force than the lure of most other addictions. The magnetic draw is virtually irresistible and not at all comparable to the usual Christian temptations. The recovering drug addict must walk on eggshells, especially during the early years of sobriety. It truly is a one-day-at-a-time, onefoot-in-front-of-the-other, program—each step placed very, very carefully.

Two memories compete persistently for dominance in the mind of the recovering addict or alcoholic: that of the great pain resulting from his or her past addictive lifestyle and the extreme pleasure and escape of the intoxication high. Sobriety depends upon keeping the memory of the pain dominant.

When one fails to work a tight recovery program, the disease will always see to it that the first memory fades and that of the pleasure and escape of the intoxication high is magnified many times over. At this point relapse is imminent. Regular attendance at AA and NA meetings, where one interacts with “newcomers,” helps keeps the memory of the pain dominant, maintaining intact a mindset of “I don’t need to drink or use today”—a state of mind called “sanity.” Focusing sharply on the addiction is critical to maintaining this mindset.

When Christians argue that NA’s and AA’s vagueness about the nature of God prohibits them from participating, I reply: “When you seek out medical doctors to treat a sickness, are you concerned about their faith?” AA and NA meetings can be compared to a hospital where one goes for treatment for a chronic disease. To decide to remain clean and sober “through God alone,” meaning participation in a church and its affiliated Christian 12-step program, makes as much sense as treating diabetes through the same approach.

Just as God has provided us with hospitals to help with other illnesses, he has given us the programs of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous to help with the serious, often deadly, disease of drug and alcohol addiction.

While this disease has no cure—by this we mean the addict or alcoholic can never safely resume drug or alcohol use— and can even be fatal, fortunately it is treatable; it can be kept in check by working a tight recovery program.

Such a program has three components—regular attendance at AA or NA meetings, a home church, and active involvement with the AA or NA 12-step program. The third element is key, for it is through working the 12-step program with the aid of a sponsor that the Holy Spirit transforms the personality of the addict. To ignore this component is to condemn the addict to a life as a “dry drunk”—a condition in which he or she, although not getting high, still carries within the seeds of relapse.

By working the AA/NA 12 steps, addicts employ the spiritual disciplines of self-examination, confession, submission, making amends, and carrying the message to others. As character transformation results, sanity also kicks in: God delivers from the desire to get high. They are in recovery!

People Count Throughout the territory there's a renewed buzz about People Count. Taken from a theme of a previous time in the territory, this label identifies an effort to affirm mission imperatives and establish that people are important.

Each corps and social service James institution is being asked to submit a weekly report, providing the folKnaggs lowing four numbers that reflect Commissioner the priorities of our mission in The Salvation Army.

1. People saved: This is a count of those individuals, young and old, who have come to saving faith in the past week. We are The Salvation Army. This is our mission. Typically, these numbers would come from the section 1 and section 3 seekers.

2. People in worship: This is a count of the attendance at worship meetings through the previous week.

If there is a Sunday morning meeting and a Salvation meeting, add them together. Don't forget any mid-week worship meetings as well. This is an attempt to measure something of the discipleship-making that is taking place, not unlike that which is mentioned by Jesus in the Great Commission.

3. People made members: This is a composite count of newly enrolled junior soldiers, senior soldiers and adherents. For social programs this number would be those clients who have been referred to a corps. People need to belong. We want them to belong to The Salvation Army.

4. People helped: As The Salvation Army, we help people. How many were helped last week? This remains an important part of our ongoing mission and should be connected at least in some way to the three previous mission priorities.

In addition to these numbers, we are asking for short stories about how God is moving in these corps and institutions. These are two or three sentences reflecting an abbreviated version of what God is doing among us.

Following the submission of these four numbers

each week, the corps or social institution will receive an email that includes: a short video from me or another territorial leader to give a fresh update, a graph of the four mission imperatives revealing weekly progress over a two-year period, a random recounting of the short victory stories that have been submitted, and hyperlinks to corps and institutions where people have been saved in the past week. When you click on these links, an email is generated for each of us to drop a simple note to those identified ministries to express gratitude to God for those saved and an affirmation to those who have had a part in a person's salvation.

What will this do?

It will be a regular reminder of what's important in all that we are doing, stressing our role in helping people toward salvation, discipling them and welcoming them into our fellowship. With all the things we do from day to day, we need to be reminded of our true objectives.

In all this, people count. The Scriptures are replete with examples of the importance of counting people to demonstrate the glory of God. We need to do so willingly and gladly to give factual representation of God's great work among us.

These records, including the graphs, are available online so that every soldier and every officer can witness the grace of God in this way. Salvationists can reflect on their corps, other corps, institutions, the divisions and the territorial counts as well. In all, we can celebrate together what God is doing.

Last year in the territory, 38,000 people were saved within our ministries. That is wonderful. When you look at it in other ways, that means more than 700 each week and more than 100 people each day on average are coming to life-changing faith. By the way, that adds up to a person being saved every 13 minutes and 50 seconds. Praise the Lord.

In the USA Western Territory, people count.

Visit peopelcountusw.org

Amazingly made!

“My poor brain cells just can’t absorb one more thing!” That was my thought today as I walked out of the office to head home. After a day spent in conversation and problem solving, peering over multiple piles of papers strewn across the desk, I actually laughed to myself wondering if I’d reached maximum brain Kelly cell utilization. Is that even possible?

Pontsler Apparently not!

Major Writing online in Scientific American in May 2010, Paul Reber (professor of psychology at Northwestern University) explains that we don’t have to worry about running out of brain space in our lifetime: “The human brain consists of about one billion neurons. Each neuron forms about 1,000 connections to other neurons, amounting to more than a trillion connections. If each neuron could only help store a single memory, running out of space would be a problem. You might have only a few gigabytes of storage space, similar to the space in an iPod or a USB flash drive. Yet neurons combine so that each one helps with many memories at a time, exponentially increasing the brain’s memory storage capacity to something closer to around 2.5 petabytes (or a million gigabytes). For comparison, if your brain worked like a digital video recorder in a television, 2.5 petabytes would be enough to hold three million hours of TV shows. You would have to leave the TV running continuously for more than 300 years to use up all that storage.”

That’s quite a mouthful of explanation but it’s reassuring. There’s still plenty of room up there to absorb new ideas and the names of new friends. I’ve got a way to go before things are completely full up there between the ears. Whew!

Wrapping up my first month in a new appointment, I

tell you it’s been a whirlwind ride. Anyone who’s moved house, changed jobs, or changed schools knows what it’s like. There is just so much information to learn. Where are the library and the supermarket? Who do I ask about the computer? Where is my mailbox? Can I park here? I am very proud to report that I have now found the dry cleaners (and in the pouring rain, no less). But between employees and church attenders, I still have about 400 names to learn and that is not going nearly fast enough.

All of that learning can be exhausting. And if I’m honest, I left the office feeling pretty weary today. But just as I finished chuckling to myself about the fading capacity of my brain cells, a line of Scripture flicked through my mind: I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well (Ps. 139:14 NCV).

Amazingly and wonderfully made.

This was no accidental, haphazard smashing together of some random bits of matter. The human body is an intricately woven tapestry of elements that is constantly growing, developing, absorbing and changing. There are many days that I launch in, hoping that a few bites of toast and a cup of coffee will keep it fueled and firing on all cylinders while I run from meeting to meeting. There are other days when there is time to slow down long enough to really soak things in. And all the while, a mere three pounds of cerebral tissue miraculously record and absorb the observations, information and experiences that are the stuff of life. All of it the evidence of a master designer.

I look forward to putting this weary head on the pillow tonight. And as I do I will lift my own words of praise to the Creator. Amazingly made, the psalmist said. Now that’s something I can wrap my head around.

Doing the Most Good

March 13, 2012 New Frontier

Sir, we would see Jesus

Character—what is it?

Once upon a time (it seems millennia ago) a cadet stood for the first time in a Salvation Army pulpit at the San Francisco Harbor Light Corps. She was new to this Army of ours, still feeling her way Sharon through a foggy tunnel of tradition, unfamiliar Robertson practices and strange Lt. Colonel terminology. Suddenly a church was called a “corps,” a member was a “soldier,” a hymnbook was a “songbook,” and lay leaders had strange titles like “sergeant-major” and “League of Mercy secretary.”

As the cadet stood trembling with apprehension over the great responsibility of preaching to the crowd of hungry men who were more interested in the meal that was to come than the meeting that came first, her gaze dropped to the pulpit, and there she saw something that was to change her approach to reaching forever. A bit of paper was taped to the pulpit; on it was printed in large letters the message, “Sir, we would see Jesus.”

Perhaps she was a slow learner; perhaps she had simply missed out on the most important part of her calling. No matter, now she understood: the most critical thing she could do for anyone, ever, was to introduce a man, a woman, a child to Jesus. Forget the fancy words, the intellectual exercises, the clever devices, the dramatic delivery; they had not come to listen to a sermon. God had brought them to that place in that moment to meet Jesus, and it was my (oops, her) mission to introduce them to him, as clearly and simply as she knew how.

“Sir, we want to see Jesus.” The Greeks who approached Phillip were apparently proselytes to the Jewish faith and had come to Jerusalem in order to worship and celebrate the Passover festival. Certainly they had heard of Jesus; perhaps they had even been present and witnessed his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Whether out of mere

curiosity or a sense of spiritual need, they wanted to see him. To that end, they spoke to Phillip, one who knew Jesus personally.

Makes sense.

Phillip wasn’t sure what to do about these foreigners who wanted to see Jesus. Was it appropriate? Why would Greek-speaking strangers come looking for the master? The chief priests were known to be conspiring against Jesus; could it be that these men were mercenaries, hired to do him harm?

Phillip went and told Andrew; they decided the right thing to do was to tell Jesus.

Jesus was known for his approachability.

His invitation to all had been clear: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:28-30 NIV).

To Jesus, no one is a stranger. If the Greeks desired to come to him, they were welcome. If they wanted to become his disciples, they were welcome, and God would honor them for their decision.

"Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me” (John 12:23-26 NLT).

And so it is our sole mission: to introduce the lost to him, Jesus Christ, crucified, risen and coming again. We are to study, we are to pray, we are to prepare, we are to preach— not that we ourselves might be recognized, but because those to whom we speak have come, saying, “Sir, we would see Jesus.”

Thank you This is to express my sincere thanks for receiving the New Frontier regularly.

Be assured that each article is read and that I am always happy whenever I receive

your publication.

Please be assured of my prayers for the written word.

Major Frank lin Sumter Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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11

My dad used to emphasize general principles like: “Bob, always have strong character, be proud of what you do, always do the right thing and do it well.”

He never explained completely what character meant, but somehow, I put together some do’s and don’ts that seemed to spell out certain behaviors. For instance, don’t cut across a lawn, finish what you start, clean up your mess.

Thinking back, I realize most of these rules came from my mother, and the principle of character got lost. Rules alone do not Robert build character.

Docter Along with trying to find an understanding of the concept Editor-In-Chief “character,” my brother and I were heavily into a basement printing business. We had two presses—one a hand press and the other powered, many fonts of type organized in cases, blank business cards and other paper stock, various ink colors, a composing stone and several typesetting “sticks.”

In those type cases were hundreds of “characters”: letters, punctuation marks and various other symbols.

The concept “character” has multiple meanings.

Once, we got a very important job from my dad, and a critical character flaw in me revealed itself in a highly blatant manner. My dad, the territory’s public relations secretary, wanted to publicize the approaching commissioning excercises, so he gave us the job of printing 12 x 16-inch cards to be placed in streetcars all over San Francisco.

He was a very trusting man.

Along with a picture and various information in black ink, were two words in two-inch wooden type to be run through the center of the page in a brilliant red ink. While setting the type, my brother yelled over to me: “How do you spell ‘exercises’?”

With great confidence, I immediately replied “E-X-C-E-R-C-I-S-E-S.” We printed several hundred of these cards and showed the print job to my dad who read the copy (black ink) very carefully and skimmed the red. He then took the job to territorial headquarters to brag about his highly skilled sons, and the commissioner said: “Great job—but how do you spell exercise?

That night, we were up late and out a lot of money re-printing the job.

(By the way the word “exercises” is misspelled twice above. Did you see it both times? What might be evidence of one or two of my character flaws?)

Moreover, we had several friends in the neighborhood—Archibald Feeney Watson, George (Crazy) Carozzi, and many others whose names fade. They were all “characters.”

So, we speak of “character” and have a sense of the word and its multiple meanings, but rarely do we attempt to examine its precise meaning as it becomes a major contributor to our identity. This is where we need to start if we are to understand its power in defining us.

Webster’s short version defines it as: “the aggregate of features and traits that form the apparent individual nature of a person or thing.”

Our character gives us a “distinctive mark” that represents our “moral and mental constitution.” It makes visible to those with whom we associate a “detailed report of our qualities” (Oxford Universal Dictionary).

So, our character is visible in our behavior and presents something very basic concerning aspects of our personality. It sends either positive or negative messages concerning our values, the criteria we use in making choices pertaining to “right action,” and our general attitude toward ethical behavior.

Character needs to be relatively consistent, but consistency must be defined “from the subjects point of view” (Likona) rather than simply behavioral. Choosing right action must be principled rather than rigid. The rationale for the choice is crucial.

How much does the anticipation of guilt and the desire to avoid it impact character and our choices? Some see it playing a major role while others see it only as a debilitating influence in choice making that leads to a lack of spontaneity and a loss of the generosity of love. Others see it as a major influence playing an essential role in moving from thought to action.

Gordon Allport defines guilt as “a sense of violated value, a disgust at falling short of one’s ideal self-image.” He says that moral integrity needs an emotionally compelling sense of one’s self, ” and that this self-respect “precludes certain actions.”

This sense of self can be a basic source of moral consistency.

Strength of character, then, is much more than a list of don’ts. There must be compassionate commitment to certain values like basic human love, respect for others, fairness, freedom, the pursuit of truth. It broadens the focus to include otherness. It is, I believe, the essential aspect required to defeat a flawed character.

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