CELEBRATING OUR 30th YEAR
The Western Territory’s news source
for 30 years
June 22, 2012 Vol. 30, No. 11
General Linda Bond enrolls 350 soldiers, junior soldiers and adherents during The Gathering.
Photo by Nikole Lim
The Gathering inspires thousands
International vision is key
Friends of Christ Session commissioned by the General
n General Linda Bond speaks on “One Army, One Mission, One Message.” BY CHRISTIN DAVIS The Gathering 2012, the Western Territory’s first congress in 15 years, brought 5,400 people from throughout the territory to Pasadena, Calif., to reunite with Salvationist friends and to hear in person General Linda Bond’s vision for The Salvation Army. Each of the three evening meetings focused on one element of Bond’s vision— “One Army, One Mission, One Message.” (Find coverage of the first meeting in New Frontier vol. 30, no. 10.) The second meeting stressed the Army’s single mission. Massed music and worship groups including the Seattle Temple Band started the evening with a rendition of “The Power of Your Love,” followed soon THE GATHERING, page 5
n General Linda Bond urges new lieutenants, and all assembled, to “get the message right.”
ARC men’s chorus members salute at the end of their performance.
Photo by Nikole Lim
Suisun City Kroc Center opens in the West
Over 1,000 community members came to the new Suisun City Kroc Center for the public dedication May 26. Photo by Christin Davis
n The territory’s final Kroc Center is dedicated. BY ERICA ANDREWS The Western Territory dedicated its final of seven Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers May 25-27—the Suisun City Kroc Center—a $44 million, 60,000-square-foot facility in this small Northern California community. “We’ve been given a unique opportunity in Solano County with the amazing gift of the Kroc Center, all we have to do is choose to step through the doors and do something with it,” said Captain Jonathan Harvey, Suisun City Kroc Center corps officer with his wife, Vickie. The Salvation Army purchased the one time YMCA-owned building in December 2009. It began renovations in January 2011, after receiving $44 million through funding from Ray and Joan Kroc—who bequeathed $1.5 billion to The Salvation Army to construct 27 such centers nationally. SUISUN CITY KROC CENTER, page 2
BY KAREN GLEASON The chorus “All That I Am” provided the background music and theme of the solemn and sacred Commissioning and Ordination service June 10 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Major Timothy Foley, College for Officer Training (CFOT) principal, commended the Friends of Christ Session to General Linda Bond and Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs, Western territorial leaders. Foley recalled people asking him: “Is God really calling all these people? Can they not get a job somewhere else?” He also remembered when then Territorial Commander Commissioner Phil Swyers secured funding to construct additional housing at the Crestmont campus. “At the time,” Foley said, “it seemed crazy.” Swyers’ vision has since materialized. “Now, we are running out of room at COMMISSIONING, page 4
Inside: Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Prayer Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Life Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
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Doing the Most Good
June 22, 2012 New Frontier
NEWS BRIEFS OF THE WEST
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy (Ps. 5:11 NIV). LODI, CALIF.—With the opening of three units for single-parent Karen families, The Salvation Gleason Army in Lodi completed its shelter and Editor celebrated on June 20 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The final phase also includes a classroom for the culinary program and a workout room. Corps Officer Captain Dan Williams thanked God for his faithfulness and the community for its support in bringing the project to completion. NAMPA, IDAHO—Sunbeam member Jillian Miller received her Commissioner’s Sunbeam medal before a full house at the Nampa Corps’ third annual music recital. The corps invited the community to attend, using the occasion as an outreach opportunity. Corps officer Major Brenda Hathorn shared the history of the Sunbeams, The Salvation Army’s character-building program for girls, as well as other resources offered at the corps. ROSWELL, N.M.—The Roswell Corps traveled to Hobbs, N.M., to help the corps there with outside evangelism. About 80 people came to an open-air event, including kids, teens, families, the elderly, and the occasional drunk or pot smoker. One man accepted Christ and promised to “bring 100 people” with him next week. Captains Ramon and Amanda Perez are Roswell corps officers. DENVER—To assist The Salvation Army in responding to recent Colorado wildfires, United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) secured a 53-ft. truck and a driver to transport emergency supplies from Southern California to Denver. “UPS has been a great partner to The Salvation Army, stepping up in time of need,” said Intermountain Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Daniel Starrett. To help those affected by the wildfires, visit imsalvationarmy.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). BOISE, IDAHO—Fifteen students graduated from The Salvation Army’s Marian Pritchett School—part of the Boise Independent School District—at the Booth Memorial Campus. Since 1964, the school has provided a safe haven for pregnant and parenting young women who want to earn a high school diploma. Continuing many years of success, 100 percent of the 2012 class graduated with job offers, continued employment or plans for further education. With minimal government funding, the school remains open through private donations and a continued partnership with the school district. PORTLAND, ORE.—Corps Officers Lt. Raymond and Major Nancy Dihle hosted the Portland Tabernacle Corps’ first ever “Star Gazing” parents’ evening to thank them for the blessings their children bring to the corps. The evening’s grand finale was a showcase of every Wednesday night activity, from junior band to puppets.
Left: General Linda Bond makes a special appearance at the men’s tailgate party accompanied by Colonel Dave Hudson. Right: Major Lorraine Hart, Commissioner Nancy Roberts, General Linda Bond, Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs and Colonel Sharron Hudson attend the ladies’ tea. Photos by Ron Bawden and Nikole Lim
Thousands attend ‘Family Gatherings’ n Something for everyone: a tea party, tailgate party, and kids’ carnival BY KAREN GLEASON The “Family Gatherings,” on June 9, during the Western Territory’s congress included a women’s tea, men’s rally and kids’ carnival in Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, Calif. “We don’t do this often enough,” said Commissioner Jolene Hodder, a Western Territory officer serving as associate international secretary for personnel. Women in garden party attire arrived for the “Grace at the Gathering” tea. They chose seats at 250 perfectly appointed tables amidst swings and benches and surrounding a stage where pianist David Dunford and students from the Pioneer School of Music (Tustin, Calif., corps) performed. “Joyful Noise,” the ladies’ chorus from Territorial Headquarters, sang, splitting into small groups and moving throughout the tables. General Linda Bond brought greetings, sharing humorous hat stories from her past. She donned a green hat and posed for photos with attendees. The traditional tea fare, included finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and
While adults attended their events the kids at The Gathering enjoyed a carnival designed especially for them. Photo by Nathan Wild
lemon curd, fruit tarts and chocolate-covered strawberries. Table hostesses led a devotional time featuring Scripture verses about God’s grace. Each lady left the event with her own teacup and memories of an elegant affair. Meanwhile, 2,000-plus men met for a tailgate party. Upon arriving, they received a Men’s Rally baseball cap that served as their meal ticket. The rally began with the posting of the colors by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Color Guard, followed by two
SUISUN CITY KROC CENTER The new Suisun City Kroc Center offers stateof-the-art fitness and aquatic centers, a large kitchen, a multi-use gymnasium, dining facilities and a soon-to-open theatre, along with a wide variety of learning programs. Captains Harvey, along with Suisun City Kroc Center employees, greeted 200 guests as they came to celebrate the new building at the donor reception over Memorial Day weekend. The reception gave thanks to the many people who have helped in the building of the new center—including GRA Architects, Ascent Builders and BRS Design. Jelly Belly’s Herman Rowland was honored with the Champion Award for his support of the Suisun City Kroc Center. Advisory Board Member Suzanne Bragdon, Divisional Leaders Majors Bill and Lisa Dickinson, and Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs spoke at the event. “Mrs. Kroc pointed us in the direction of this extraordinary gift and asked us to be more extravagant, to be more creative,” Knaggs said, “so that when young people come into these facilities, they’ll not only get a sense that the place is special, but that they can become special as a result.” The following morning, more than 1,000 residents of Suisun City as well as a number of local politicians, including Advisory Board Chairman
musical numbers from the OCFA Pipes and Drums Band. The Territorial Staff Band played, and the Pasadena Police and Fire departments displayed their vehicles and equipment. After event Chairman Warren C. Johnson, O.F. (Order of the Founder), welcomed guests, Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs presented awards to 11 Heroes of the Faith—one from each division (including an ARC) and one from Crestmont—recognizing faithful and dedicated service to The Salvation Army
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Steve Lessler, Congressman John Garamendi and Mayor Pete Sanchez, attended the public dedication of the facility. The official opening day also included a fair with live music provided by local groups including the USAF Band of the Golden West; bounce houses, a climbing rock wall and a zip line. “Through this extraordinary building will be coming children from all over this area,” Garamendi said. “This is a good day for all in this area.” On day three of the opening, 166 residents of the area attended Sunday morning worship service held in the multi-use gymnasium of the center. Harvey led worship was lead with Christian reggae music by local community members. Knaggs spoke from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV). “I think that’s something of our own hope and our own future for this core community center,” Knaggs said. “That people will begin to understand that this is a safe place...where they can prosper and where they can grow in mind, body and in soul.” See more in the special pull-out section inside.
(see New Frontier, vol. 30, no. 10). Knaggs introduced General Linda Bond, who spoke of the many excellent men of God who helped shape her life. Guest speaker, former Cleveland Browns football player Oscar Roan, shared his story, challenging listeners to overcome obstacles and reach for their dreams by taking hold of God’s promises. National Commander Commissioner William Roberts prayed over the barbecue lunch. “As a young adult, I was glad to be part of a men’s rally—not a boy’s or a guy’s rally,” said Mathijs Arens. “This was an opportunity for my spiritual life to meet who I am as a male adult.” The children possibly had the most fun of all! The younger ones, ages 0-5, attended an indoor carnival at the Pasadena Convention Center, with a variety of games and activities, face painting, balloon animals and a juggling show. The older kids, ages 6-13, had an outdoor carnival at Brookside Park, whith jump houses, climbing walls, water wars, bungee trampolines and a BMX show. They enjoyed traditional carnival treats including snow cones and popcorn.
new Appointments DEL ORO DIVISION Majors Frank and Susan Severs Associate Corps Officers Sacramento Citadel Corps Major Kit Wetter Corps Officer, Red Bluff Corps Lieutenant Heather Paap Assistant Corps Officer Reno Corps INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION Captains Eric and Janet Wilkerson Associate Corps Officers Colorado Springs Corps Lieutenants Randall and Sheryl Skelton Corps Officers, Aurora Corps Lieutenants Karl and Misty Raup Assistant Corps Officers Grand Junction Corps Appointments effective June 27
The Gathering
Doing the Most Good
June 22, 2012
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“Spirit! II: Empire” takes Army musicals into new era n General John Larsson (Ret.) reviews the premiere of a new Army musical. BY GENERAL JOHN LARSSON (RET.) At 3 p.m. on June 8, when the house lights of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium went down and the scarlet stage curtain went up to reveal the stunning opening scene of the musical “Spirit! II Empire,” Salvation Army musicals entered a new era. What hit the eye was the realism of the Roman sailors trying to save their storm-battered ship against a constantly moving backdrop made possible by the latest projection mapping technology. Throughout the musical this technology was to turn the stage in an instant from a storm at sea to a pastoral scene, a bustling city, a palace hall, or a prison cell. What hit the ear was the glorious sound of a full orchestra depicting the scene in music, soon to be joined by the full-bodied voices of the cast. The sheer quality of the live vocal sound and the beautifully crafted pre-recorded orchestrations raised the bar for Army musicals. The original musical “Spirit!,”
Western Territorial Youth Chorus
Western Territorial Staff Band
Western Territorial Staff Songsters
written by John Gowans and myself, ends with the conversion of Paul. In “Spirit! II Empire,” Karl Larsson makes that his starting point as, with his gift for drama and ear for dialogue, he brings the rest of the Book of Acts to life on stage. We watch Paul traveling through the Roman Empire, performing miracles, battling demons, planting churches, writing his epistles, facing increasing persecution from a nervous Rome, and finally being martyred. Kevin Larsson, with his gift as a composer, takes hold of Malcolm Westwood’s vivid and sensitive lyrics, and with melodic inventiveness, harmonic boldness and rhythmic audacity turns them into superb songs that move the dramatic story along and convey the message of the musical. The creative staging and choreography devised by co-directors Barbara Allen and Karl Larsson for the premiere of the musical at the congress made full use of the excellent staging resources of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, with the action not only taking place on stage but also on the two front side wings and on a specially designed front-of-stage extension.
Paul (Major Steve Bradley, center) and Barnabas (Joshua Tangermann, right) observe as Elymas (Karen Gleason, left) is struck blind by the power of the Holy Spirit. Aquila (Justus Bradshaw I, far left) also looks on. Photo by Tim Schaal
The large, highly professional and beautifully costumed cast was drawn entirely from the Southern California Division. There were many outstanding individual performances, but towering above all others was that of Major Steve
Bradley as Paul. “Spirit! II: Empire” is a musical about the Holy Spirit working through the Apostle Paul, and there is hardly a scene in which he is not the dominant speaker and singer. From now on, my mental picture of Paul the Apostle will be
of Steve Bradley in that role! In the thunderous standing ovation that followed the musical reaching its climax with its sung hallelujahs and a final amen, the audience thanked not only those on stage but also Producer Jacqui Larsson, Stage Manager Pili Martinez Moore, and the other members of the production team. Freda and I, the parents of Karl and Kevin, were part of that standing ovation—and we joined in the clapping with no little pride. For us it has been fascinating to watch the development of the musical from its birth as a concept to its first public performance, and we are delighted to see our two sons combining their respective gifts in this way. We are also delighted that the musical will be made available for use by Army centers and other churches, not only in the Western Territory but also around the world. The script, music, backing CDs and DVDs of the backdrop images will shortly be on sale, and with the musical being adaptable to virtually any circumstances, we wish it a long and useful life in the service of the Lord.
Gathered together to praise the Lord n Music and arts at The Gathering
Photo by John Docter
Photo by Nikole Lim
Photo by Nikole Lim
BY NEIL SMITH From Alaska to San Diego, San Francisco to Albuquerque, Hawaii to the Republic of the Marshall Islands—and points in between—the Western Territory’s musicians and creative artists shared their talents with delegates at The Gathering. With four separate concert venues plus the main meeting site there was something for everyone. Thirty groups participated, representing almost every division and command in the territory. One high point was the enthusiastic and sincere singing of “Redeemed” by the men of the adult rehabilitation centers, which brought the congregation at Friday’s main meeting to its feet. The newly renamed USA Western Territory Staff Band and Staff Songsters supported most meetings and participated in late night concerts. The Territorial Youth Band supported several events and the Territorial Youth Chorus gave impromptu concerts and sang at the Future Officers Fellowship breakfast. The Territorial Creative Arts Ensemble gave thought-provoking dramatic presentations in each main meeting based upon the themes of the evening. Joy Lee and her five-member team will also be at this year’s Western Bible Conference.
Before General Bond’s final message, Major Denise Hawk performed a dramatic Scripture presentation of “One Holy People” at Sunday morning’s ordination service. The young people from the Marshall Islands gave a lunchtime concert on Sunday and sang with the Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus during an evening meeting. The Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division also sent its gospel choir and the Hula Halau. From the Northwest Division, the Seattle Temple Band and Songsters took part in main meetings and several addition-
alconcerts, while the Cascade Division sent its fairly new gospel choir for two concerts. The Del Oro Division’s 60-strong youth chorus participated, along with Larry Dayton on guitar and Chaya Galicia with her vocal and piano talent. Commissioner James Knaggs, territorial commander, invited Galicia to share an original song during the prelude of a main meeting. Participating from the Golden State Division were hip-hop dancers from Sunnyvale, Calif., and dancers and drummers from the San Francisco Korean Corps. MUSIC AT THE GATHERING, page 6
General Linda Bond cuts the ribbon to officially open TradeWest, a new initiative begun to meet the supplies and purchasing needs of the Western Territory. Shown with the General are Piers Fairclough (left), director of enterprise development, and Commissioner James Knaggs. “We were privileged to have General Bond officially open TradeWest during The Gathering,” said Fairclough. “The positive response, including feedback and suggestions, was encouraging. Sales were over $80,000, indicating we had items that officers and soldiers in the West wanted.” The website, TradeWest.com, launches on July 1. Photo by Tim Schaal
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COMMISSIONING
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A CONG TO REM
Crestmont,” Foley said. The Friends of Christ Session includes 41 cadets plus four auxiliary captains. The cadets affirmed their faith, reciting The Salvation Army doctrines and their oath before National Commander Commissioner William Roberts. Bond then commissioned and ordained the session members. “We rejoice that God has called you,” she said. “We believe God has equipped you for this sacred service. It is my privilege to ordain you as ministers of Jesus Christ and to commission you with the rank of lieutenant.” Referring to Hebrews 12:1-3, Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs addressed the new lieutenants. “You will be asked to carry the flame of hope to the world in the name of Jesus,” she said. “I invite you, as your first act of worship, to go to the mercy seat and present yourself in service to the Lord.” After Bond handed a certificate to each lieutenant, the Western Staff Songsters performed “Set Apart” (Westwood/ Larsson) from the musical “Spirit! II: Empire.” Lt. Javier Castro gave his testimony, based on Proverbs 3:5-6, to trust in the Lord and in all ways acknowledge him. Seven years ago, after the miraculous healing of his wife, Castro surrendered his life to follow Jesus. Now he can’t imagine doing anything except helping others. Castro knows God still has more to teach him. “I am proud to be a ‘Friend of Christ,’” he said. “And I am looking forward to ongoing training for the rest of my years of service.” Major Denise Hawk presented a dramatic Scripture interpretation, illustrating God’s eternal power and love. Bond began her message in prayer, asking God to speak to all attendees—to prompt them, and for them to obey. “You need to get the message right,” she said, talking to both the lieutenants and the assembly. She recalled Luke 24:36, when Jesus appeared to the disciples after his death and resurrection. “What a gathering that must have been,” Bond said. “Jesus wanted to tell them that all Scripture bears witness to Jesus Christ as the Son of God—the whole Old Testament. “You’ve got to get the message right: Christ is the savior of the world and the living Lord. Our hope is in the fact that Jesus is alive and that we will live eternally with him,” Bond said. “This includes repentance, which is a great gift of God’s grace. You can’t brood on the past; you must go forward— you are a forgiven sinner,” she said. “You must be the embodiment of that message. You must know Jesus Christ in a personal way. The Holy Spirit empowers and purifies. You are empowered for a purpose. You need to preach the gospel in the name of Jesus; preach it to all nations.” Bond said it takes “All That I Am.” “The holiness experience really relates to the surrender n The Gathering’s Tabernacle of Prayer leads visitors of your will—giving all your desires and passions to the back to the foundation of their faith. Lord,” she said. Commissioner James Knaggs concluded the meeting with a call to prayer and a call for officer candidates, which BY LINDA MADSEN, MAJOR Delegates at The Gathering, the Western Territory’s 2012 elicited the largest response in recent history. congress, could experience God at the “Tabernacle of Prayer,” a room at the Pasadena (Calif.) Convention Center set aside for people to pursue a journey toward the heart of God. For the original Tabernacle of the Bible, where God first chose to dwell among his people, his specific instructions in the book of Exodus revealed a profound love—he was willing to “move into their neighborhood.” At The Gathering’s Tabernacle of Prayer, every element was a prayer station where visitors could reflect, making personal applications in their minds and hearts, and then allowing God to speak new life and meaning into who he is and who they are. From the Brazen Altar to the Holy of Holies, the “Sanctuary,” all were welcome to be refreshed, renewed and recommitted. “It is so powerful. This place is truly anointed. I must bring my people here. Thank you,” stated one officer as he exited the area. Two other individuals confessed a call to officership. In the Sanctuary, people could post their praises and thanks for God’s work in their lives on a “praise arbor.” By Sunday afternoon, this canvas was covered.
Journey toward the heart of God
Inside the prayer room
Photo by Dianne Madsen
Visitors could also view another section, “Stay on the Wall— to Set the Captives Free” Prayer for Social Justice, coordinated by Major Noreen French. French has extensive experience in the fight against human trafficking. She spoke with many people, explaining how they can engage in ministry and make an impact to set the captives free in the name of Christ. With its air of prayer and solitude, the Tabernacle of Prayer allowed people to meet with God in his Sanctuary and feel his palpable presence. God was faithful, bestowing his love and mercy upon everyone who entered.
Friends of Chr n Army’s 41 newest lieutenants charged with service
The Officers’ Kids Breakfast, June 8, was a time of fun and fellowship set to a medieval theme, complete with a live knights’ tournament. In attendance were 179 officers’ kids, watching the competitions during a buffet breakfast. Photo by Tim Schaal
BY CHRISTIN DAVIS Anticipation ran high for the Service of Appointments, the concluding meeting of The Gathering 2012, with 5,400 attendees from across the Western Territory. A parade of previous session flags and announcement of the long service awards preceded the entrance of the Friends of Christ—The Salvation Army’s newest lieutenants. Along with the now second-year Proclaimers of the Resurrection cadets, the College for Officer Training Chorus sang this year’s session song, “Friends of Christ.” “Our session name is one that sets a different tone than most sessions,” Lt. Caroline Rowe said in her speech as the session representative. “Some would say it sets a softer tone, but to me I look at our session name as a challenge
GRESS MEMBER
Clockwise from upper left: General Linda Bond speaks to the new lieutenants during the commissioning and ordination service. Cadet Matthew Morrow reads a letter to his parents Majors Thomas and Crystal Morrow at the Silver Star Banquet. Lieutenent Violet Aird prepares for the appointment service. Stacie Brown, from the territorial officer care and development department, reads to Samantha and Matthew Kelley from their unique First Appointment Resource (F.A.R.) packet. The packets help prepare new officers’ kids for their first move. Maddy Madsen listens to General Bond during her enrollment as a junior soldier. Lt. Aeran Oh and Chae O. Anoia participate in the worship during a general meeting. Photos by John Docter, Nikole Lim and Tim Schaal
Find more coverage of The Gathering online at newfrontierpublications.org and thegatheringpix.com.
New ‘stars’ revealed at exclusive luncheon n Cadets recognize the support and encouragement of families and mentors at the Silver Star Banquet. BY BUFFY LINCOLN Membership in the Fellowship of the Silver Star grew by 80 on June 8 as the members of the Friends of Christ Session met their parents and mentors for the Silver Star Banquet in the Pasadena (Calif.) Hilton International Ballroom to thank and honor them for their support and prayers. Joining them were General Linda Bond, National Leaders Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts, and Western Territorial Leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs. Major Mariam Rudd, territorial Fellowship of the Silver Star secretary, welcomed the group and gave a brief history of the fellowship. Major Timothy Foley, training principal at the College for Officer Training at Crestmont, gave the invocation. After lunch, William Roberts led everyone in singing “Fellowship with Jesus,” and the cadets sang “Lord, I Lift Up Your Name.” James Knaggs then introduced Bond and the visiting leaders. “Parents are the stars in children’s lives,” Bond said, thanking the guests for being active and purposefully involved in their children’s lives. “The results of your commitments can be seen
in this room,” she concluded. Carolyn Knaggs introduced guest speaker Nancy Roberts, whose words dovetailed with those of Bond. Roberts referenced the biblical account of the childless Hannah’s prayer to God for a son. Hannah promised God that if she could bear a son, she would give that son back to God. Roberts noted that not only is it important for parents to nurture their children, but also to be willing to return them to God for his plans. Calling them “balcony parents,” she explained they should sit close enough to steer and guide, but far enough away to allow God to work. The cadets individually made their way to tables along each side wall, retrieving Silver Star pins and membership certificates, and letters they had personally written. Back at the tables, they presented the pins and certificates to the guests and read the letters to them. Carolyn Knaggs offered a prayer of dedication and a cadet ensemble sang “You Know That We Love You.” During the “White Rose” ceremony, Commissioners Knaggs delivered a white rose to each cadet with a deceased mother or father. A vocal solo by Cadet Cathie McCulley followed, and a group singing of “I Must Have the Savior With Me.” Major Cindy Foley closed with the benediction.
ist appointed set before us. There have been warriors, famous people in the Bible that were called friends of God, and they set for us a standard or example to follow if we want to live up to our name, the Friends of Christ.” Rowe gave examples of these biblical friends including Abraham, who lived in faith; Enoch, who fellowshipped with the father; and Moses, who had a teachable spirit. “To my fellow session mates, let us boldly declare that we are the Friends of Christ, not just because it is the name of our session but because of our faith in God, our walk with the Father and our teachable spirits,” Rowe said. In her charge to the lieutenants, General Linda Bond gave the new officers five pointers. First, be yourself. “Don’t try to be like anyone else,” she said. “Learn who you are and be yourself.” Second, be holy. “Be like Jesus, set apart for his service, separate from sin,” Bond said. “This means integrity…that your APPOINTED, page 7
JUNE 22, 2012 • NEW FRONTIER—PAGE 5
THE GATHERING
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after by an Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) chorus of men singing “Redeemed.” Commissioner James Knaggs, territorial commander, then introduced and prayed over the 2012 Service Corps teams and announced the West’s World Services contribution this year: $6,905,762. General Linda Bond enrolled 350 junior soldiers, senior soldiers and adherents—the most, she said, she’s ever enrolled on one stage at one time. In a surprise presentation, Bond admitted Warren Johnson, soldier of the Tustin Ranch, Calif., corps to the Order of the Founder, the highest honor a Salvationist can receive. “It has to be a soldier we think William Booth would say, ‘now there’s a soldier that goes above and beyond,’” Bond said. “We believe you are such.” (Read a profile on Johnson in New Frontier Vol. 30 No. 10.) In her message, Bond spoke from Mark 10:46-52. “People around The Salvation Army world are taking mission very seriously,” Bond said. “Now, what are you doing for The Salvation Army?” Bond said mission requires action, and also calls for vision. The story of Bartimaeus, Bond said, changed how she sees life. “I wonder if everyone here needs to see ourselves as Bartimaeus?” she asked. “In doing mission, sometimes we can be condescending—we think that we have it together and they don’t…but we are the hurting, the broken, the lost.” “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see” (Mark 10:51 NIV). “We need to see the world as God does,” Bond said. “We need to see every man, woman and child as one person for whom Christ died.” Bond said sometimes the world is so dark that when we look at doing mission, we wonder what we can do. “We need to see that God can use the candle, the match, the light in our life to do something amazing and bring light to the darkest of places,” she said. “We are an Army because we are a missional people of God.” The following evening, day three of The Gathering, concentrated on “One Message” beginning with performances from “Dance Like David” by the Territorial Youth Band, “Wonderful Story” by massed singing companies, a newly arranged rendition of “O Boundless Salvation” by the Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus, and “My Life Must Be Christ’s Broken Bread” by the Western Territorial Staff Songsters. Commissioner James Knaggs and New Frontier Publications Editor-in-Chief Bob Docter presented the 2012 Trailblazer awards, given annually by New Frontier Publications for innovative and exceptional service in The Salvation Army, to Major Linda Manhardt, Ted McClure, George Walker, and Lorrie Davis. In her fiery message, Bond spoke on the root of our salvation—the sacrifice Christ made in dying on the cross. “We mess about with Satan. We flirt with evil. We dance with darkness. This is what darkness does; it brutalizes goodness,” Bond said. “The whole physical, emotional, spiritual pain of our Lord Jesus Christ continues to upset me. I pray that Jesus would keep me near the cross. “The lamb of God was slain before the foundation of the world that you would be saved,” she said. “That I would be saved...It would be at the cross that we would first see the light. “We’ve got a battle on our hands; why is that?” Bond asked. “Because we are justified by the blood of Jesus. Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the lamb?” Bond said that cleansing happens all by grace, which is undeserved merit. “If it’s not amazing, it’s not grace,” she said. “The whole Bible has one storyline: God’s relentless pursuit for relationship. He wants us so badly that he gave his only son so that we may be reconciled by his blood.” She said the cross of Jesus is at times an offense to people, to other religions, to religious people, and even Salvationists. “You can be wrapped in a Salvation Army flag from birth, but if you’re not in relationship with Jesus you’re not saved,” Bond said. “The Salvation Army is not an ark of safety.” The Salvation Army, Bond said, has always faithfully preached the cross of Christ. “Unless you realize, beloved, that your sin is against God and you repent and confess your heart before him, you cannot be saved,” Bond said. “I pray tonight that this would really be a salvation meeting and you would come to Jesus.” The final evening meeting of the Western Territory congress resolved with a colorful, streamer-filled, brass, hula, and voice finale—“Fire in the Blood.” Watch the meetings at SAVN.tv and see more photos at thegatheringpix.com.
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Doing the Most Good
June 22, 2011 New Frontier
prayerPower
Miracles “There are only two ways to live your life. One, as if nothing is a miracle. Two, as if everything is” (Albert Einstein). Billy Graham writes in Mervyn Hope for the Troubled Heart, Morelock “I have found that people are the same the world over. Lt. Colonel However, in recent years I find that there is an increasing problem that I would sum up in the word, ‘hopeless’. ... People in the most affluent societies are feeling this sense of despair and hopelessness.” Graham continues, citing cardiologist Dr. McNair Wilson who noted in his autobiography, Doctor’s Progress: “Perhaps the greatest psychological, spiritual and medical need that people have is the need for hope. Hope is the medicine I use more than any other—hope can cure nearly everything.” Life can become pretty dreary and hopeless if one lives as though there are no miracles. It’s a boring and dull existence, marked more by despair and sadness than joy and adventure. Too many people go through life believing that there are no miracles. I look at the faces of men and women who, five days a week, line up early each morning seeking admission to our adult rehabilitation center (ARC). They are, for the most part, just hoping for a bed, sick and tired of their lives, an expression of hopelessness on their faces. There is little reason for hope; they’ve been rejected too many times. We are in the business of creating “miracles” for these men and women. We’ve witnessed the change that happens in the life of an alcoholic or drug addict when they begin to allow the Spirit of God, the “miracle” of hope, to come into their lives. The other Sunday in our ARC service we had a time of sharing. We asked if anyone had celebrated any milestones in their life that week. Immediately several men and women stood and shared the miracle of that happening. One woman stood and stated, “I’ve just celebrated a miracle. I’ve had six months clean and sober this week!” Everyone applauded. Next was a man who said, “I’ve just had one full week sober!” Then another said, “I just received my green lanyard for one full month being clean and sober. I praise God for the miracle happening in my life!” Again, the audience applauded. The sharing closed with a woman, not in the program and unknown to us, who said, “My son, who was lost, has just had 30 days drug and alcohol free. My son is back. It’s a miracle of God for our family.” Our beneficiaries are encouraged with these words: “When the going gets tough and you are tempted to leave, give the program just one more day. Don’t leave until the miracle happens.” This month thousands of Salvationists and friends met in Pasadena for The Gathering. They heard the message of Jesus’ love, and many decided to invite him to become Lord of their lives and to accept God’s challenge to share the miracle of his love and transforming grace with others. General Linda Bond, Commissioners Jim and Carolyn Knaggs, with a staff of presenters, youth leaders and musicians, led the event, and there was a continuing sense of the presence and power of God in Pasadena that will be carried back to far-flung places in the Western Territory. The power of prayer was experienced in a powerful way at every event. Live your life as if everything is a miracle— for, you see, it is!
The cross: mythological relic or molecular rebar? Is the cross a mythological relic, an idea forged out of the Bronze Age, but now meaningless and obsolete in the 21st century? Did you know that Scripture agrees in part with this? 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (NASB). Lawrence “What is life?” What would be your oneword response to that question? I asked it Shiroma in a recent chapel service, and one particiMajor pant said, “Life is...everything.” In a sense this is true; life is everything. The world, the universe, all that is in, around and through us, comprises life. But what saith the Lord, Paul asked in Philippians 1:21. For what is life? For me it is Christ (GNB). John 1:3-4 also tells us that All things were created by him, without him nothing was made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. Life is...Christ! If so, shouldn’t there be some hard evidence of his existence embedded within the building blocks of life itself? If the cross is not a mythological relic, is it a molecular rebar, something that gives support and structure to all that we see in life? If so, how is this possible? Two years ago, while I was serving on the staff at Crestmont College for Officer Training, a cadet led me to the answer. My men’s discipleship group included then Cadets Dan Whipple,
Joel Boyd, Mark Cyr, Se-Weon Han, and Carlos Armendariz. It was Dan’s turn to lead the discipleship group.The last time we met in his home we played fun, competitive team games on his massive flat-screen television. But this time Whipple pulled out a dynamic, mind boggling video clip of Louie Giglio, pastor and founder of the Passion Movement, that explained how each of us is held together by molecular rebars, called laminins. What are laminins? They are a family of super glue-type adhesion protein molecules that holds things together in our bodies, without which we would be literally at loose ends. But it is the shape of the laminin molecule, the molecular rebar, that is startling. If you google “Louie Giglio Laminin” you can see it for yourself. Scripture confirms Christ is life, and there is no life apart from him. It also tells us that like laminin, Jesus is the glue that keeps us from falling apart. Colossians 1:17 reads, He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. In these times of turmoil, anxiety, and uncertainty, rather than trying to make a go of things on your own, and often times falling apart in the process, endeavor to live life at the foot of the cross. May you claim this promise as your own from Psalm 91:1: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (AKJV).
Presence In our busy day-to-day life, sometimes it’s difficult to just “be” and not “do.” What do I mean by that? We are called to spend quality time with the Lord in quiet, reading his Word, listening for his instructions for our lives. Psalm 37:7 says: Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their Sharron wicked schemes. Hudson And the Lord says to us through Psalm Colonel 46:10: Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. As a result of following the Lord’s instruction we are then able to fulfill our calling to “do the most good” for the people and communities that he has entrusted to us. When we sit before the presence of the Lord, we are refreshed and renewed by his word to us. The result is then to live the “ministry of presence” to those people in our lives—in our homes, work, neighborhood, corps and community. In the gospels we read of the way Jesus spent time with people. First we read of him taking the time to be alone with his heavenly Father. Then he fulfilled his ministry and mission by his presence with his disciples, the people in the various towns he passed through and with friends like Mary, Martha and Lazarus. He focused on the individual—the Samaritan woman at the well, Zacchaeus, the woman who touched the hem of his garment, the blind, the lame the demon-possessed—all of these people experienced Jesus Christ’s presence in their lives
MUSIC AT THE GATHERING The Southern California Division made a major contribution to the weekend with two showings of the original musical, “Spirit! II: Empire.” In addition, the Pasadena Youth Chorus; Captain Billy Francis on piano; and David Dunford, Sarah Koo and cellists from the Pioneer School of Music provided musical support at events including the women’s tea and pre-meeting concerts. Koo also performed a cello solo at the start of the cadets’ processional on Sunday morning. Written by Ivor Bosanko for the occasion, the Staff Band eventually joined Koo and Dunford (on piano) for “All There is of Me.”
and were changed! Henri Nouwen speaks of the “ministry of presence” in this way: “More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. “My own desire to be useful, to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them.” Where do you live? Who are the people with whom you come into contact? How do you share the love of Jesus with them? First, take the time alone with the Lord to listen to his voice and follow his word—then go out into the world and don’t miss the opportunities the Lord places before you to share the “ministry of presence.” from page 3
The Sierra del Mar Division sent its timbrels and divisional band, while the Southwest Division sent the Phoenix Citadel Songsters, the Young People’s Band from Las Vegas Citadel and the praise team from Albuquerque Temple. The Alaska Division sent the Anchorage Korean Corps songsters. Throughout the weekend, the music of Bandmaster Ralph Pearce, from the Southwest Division, was heard: “Spirit of Salvationism” medley, Friends of Christ session song, singing company competition set song and the arrangement of the Congress Chorus for brass band. ENCORE!, the first annual youth mu-
sic and arts competition, similar to the Eastern Territory’s Starsearch program, had over 46 participants. Although the young people did compete, the real goal is for them to contribute regularly at their own corps. For the winners’ list, see newfrontierpublications.org/nf/2012/06/ encore. Musicians from around the territory supported events including the Officers’ Kids Breakfast, Future Officers’ Fellowship, Silver Star Banquet, Long Service Dinner, and the men’s rally and women’s tea. Music was truly everywhere at The Gathering—around every corner Salvationists offered praises to the Lord.
Doing the Most Good
June 22, 2012 New Frontier
7
Easy Street
APPOINTED
lifeLines
Family
cit and the possibility of closing the San Gabriel Youth Learning Center! I know it’s not always that easy. My mother used to tell me, “Money doesn’t grow on trees, you know!” Yet today so many people want to live on Easy Street where you don’t have to work hard, and the money miraculously rolls in. Two characters in the musical “Annie,” Rooster and Miss Hannigan, sing about their sainted mother who told them how to get to Easy Street. “You don't get there by playing from the rule book. You stack the aces, you load the dice.” How sad it is to watch those who can least afford it throw their money away as they pin their hopes on a lottery ticket or a slot machine. They are more likely to end up on Skid Row than Easy Street. God never promises us that we will live on Easy Street when we follow him. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Christians are not immune to trials and tribulations. In fact, God’s Word frequently reminds us that this is how God shapes and molds us into his likeness. There actually is an Easy Street in the Bible, and it’s not hard to find. Despite life’s troubles and struggles, regardless of our personal difficulties and problems, Jesus gives us a wonderful promise in Matthew 11:29-30: “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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” That’s the Easy Street where I want to live, don’t you?
Over the past few weeks I have been blessed with a magnificent celebration of family. It brought home to me the value of life within my nuclear and extended family. Events this June surpassed my wildest expectations. Look at it! June 3 the Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus presented its bon voyage concert. Technically, we’re related by blood to only one member of this 70-voice choir—our grandson, Robert, my namesake and the tallest guy on the back row. Barbara Allen has “whipped” this bunch into a “class act” not just in terms of performance, but also in relation to positive internalized beliefs. Diane and I Robert have seen the group mature and develop over the past decade and have attachDocter ments to each member. They are good—really good. Editor-In-Chief Our Tab family is keeping them in prayer on their trip to Finland, Estonia and England. They are our kids, and we are family. From June 7-10 the Western Territory celebrated “The GathGo to the Army anywhere ering,” and the General was here. It was a remarkable event, a in the world and you feel great success and chance to renew acquaintances with our for“at home.” I think it’s called mer territorial commander and now General Linda Bond. Well over 5,000 people showed up. Somehow, I felt a connection “acceptance”—of each with many of them, some from my distant and recent past as other and a common Jesus well as my immediate present. It is a certainty. There absolutely is something about the international Army that welds people ethic. It’s a big family. together with feelings of family. It’s more than fellowship, although that is very present. It’s more than a single corps. Go to the Army anywhere in the world and you feel “at home.” I think it’s called “acceptance”—of each other and a common Jesus ethic. It’s a big family. On June 12 Diane and I celebrated (rather quickly) 59 years of marriage. It’s not divisible by ten, so it didn’t get a big wing-ding. However, every day is a celebration with Diane. Her love spreads equally among our six children, their spouses, our 15 grandchildren and, of course, me. That love keys the entire family. She’s the anchor, the stabilizer, the pilot, the values “expector” who seems, simply by her presence, able to maintain a steady course. I’m sure she communicates some non-verbal expectation that assumes whatever the issue may be will be resolved with people doing the “right” thing. She hardly ever tells anyone what to do. She’s somethin’ else, indescribably wonderful. On June 16 we celebrated the 60th marriage anniversary of my twin brother, Richard, and his wife Shirley. He’s as successful as I am in picking out a wife. His whole family was present: four offsprings and a number of grandchildren. We spent almost the entire day together. It’s a family with genuine love for each other. On Father’s Day we celebrated the birthday of our third daughter, Sharon—my Father’s Day present on June 18, 1961. Sharon seems to leap into leadership roles wherever she is: the corps, the university, the Girl Scouts, but not our family. Our family has 29 leaders, which makes them all equally autonomous. Therefore, family decision making sometimes becomes difficult—until Diane speaks up or I impose. Back to Father’s Day. We also took time to celebrate me. It was terrific—best one yet. Our oldest son, Richard, never buys greeting cards. Instead, he designs cards with family pictures organized in exceptionally creative ways. This year the inside of the card included a number of small pictures, historic images of both of us, surrounding a big one in the middle. It showed my dad—his grandpa—holding his first grandchild, my son’s first son. It revealed a strong commitment to family over time and pleased me immensely. Each of my children expressed love with wonderful gifts, and I reminded them that my birthday is still a month away. I began to wonder why I have such strong positive feelings and beliefs about my nuclear and extended family and why I transfer those feelings to the broader family of the Army. So, I decided to look at it from an objective, professional way. Within my nuclear family, I discovered we are all different, yet the same. We both like and love each other—two different relationship patterns—both essential. Each of us has assigned him or herself a role within the family and within life in general. We are a very independent bunch with considerable autonomy in the face of mutual respect and love. Most of the time, when confronted with a difficult situation, we don’t mix emotions and rational thought. We’re able to differentiate which of the two fits the situation. We’re polite to each other and gentle with ourselves. We seek growth in all dimensions of our being. We avoid rigidity and know how to manage conflict. We don’t invade the space of others. We practice courage and give our selves away generously. We act in relation to our values, which enshrine both morality and honor within the Christian ethic. For the most part, we tend to make wise choices and express remorse and regret when we don’t. We see the Army as a place that nurtures these dimensions and seek with our behavior to spread the love of Christ.
from page 5
words match your walk.” Third, be faithful. “Be faithful to the tasks of your office and to preaching and teaching the word of God,” she said. “Work hard.” Fourth, be loving. “Make life an adventure,” Bond said, instructing the officers to invest in their children, family, friends and their people. Fifth, be his. “You belong to him; be his first and foremost,” Bond said. “Spend time sitting with the Lord. Cultivate relationship with him.” Bond said there are 366 verses in the Bible that instruct us not to fear, but to be strong and courageous. “Trust me, whatever this appointment is, you can do it,” she said. “Be
strong and courageous.” Standing before Territorial Leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs and 5,400 anxious onlookers, each of the 41 new lieutenants received his or her first appointment as an officer in The Salvation Army. In appreciation for her participation in The Gathering, the Knaggs presented Bond with a framed photo of Evangeline Booth with Booth’s original signature. The crowd gave her a standing ovation. “I'll remember these days for a long time,” Bond said, “and I pray that people will keep getting saved.”
ISSN 2164-5930 New Frontier is published twice a month by The Salvation Army USA Western Territory Commissioner James Knaggs, Territorial Commander Colonel Dave Hudson, Chief Secretary We welcome submissions of news stories of interest to the Western Territory. If you have something you’d like to share, submissions can be sent electronically to: new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org or by postal service to: New Frontier, P.O. Box 22646, 180 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802 The editor reserves the right to edit material submitted. Articles should be roughly 300 words in length.
www.newfrontierpublications.org Facebook: tsanewfrontier
EDITORIAL STAFF Robert L. Docter, Editor-In-Chief • 562/491-8330 email: bob.docter@usw.salvationarmy.org Christin Davis, Managing Editor • 562/491-8723 email: christin.davis@usw.salvationarmy.org Karen Gleason, New Frontier Editor •562/491-8332 email: karen.gleason@usw.salvationarmy.org Buffy Lincoln, Associate Editor • 562/491-8329 email: buffy.lincoln@usw.salvationarmy.org Erica Andrews, Assistant Editor • 562/491-8334 email: erica.andrews@usw.salvationarmy.org Edie Jenkins, Editorial Assistant • 562/491-8785 email: edie.jenkins@usw.salvationarmy.org LAYOUT & DESIGN/ADVERTISING Kevin Dobruck, Art Director • 562/491-8328 email: kevin.dobruck@usw.salvationarmy.org Adriana Rivera, Graphic Designer/Web coordinator • 562/491-8331 email: adriana.rivera@usw.salvationarmy.org CIRCULATION Arlene De Jesus, Circulation • 562/491-8343 email: arlene.dejesus@usw.salvationarmy.org new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org Member - Evangelical Press Association
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Development professionals throughout the Western Territory know how difficult it is to raise funds in these challenging times. It can take years of care- Ian ful cultivation to get a donor to that Robinson mysterious point Major they call “the ask.” Even then the donor might say “No” or give less than expected. It’s a tough business. A few weeks ago I called a number given to me by one of our officers, Captain Timothy Hsu, San Gabriel, Calif., corps officer. The lady on the other end of the line said the CEO of her company, M.C. Gill Corporation, wanted to make a donation to The Salvation Army. On his instruction she had called the nearest corps, which passed the number to me. We talked briefly about the Youth Learning Center at the San Gabriel Corps, and she said she’d call back after speaking to her boss. The very next day she called me to say Mr. Gill wanted to make a $25,000 donation to the corps. As I hung up the phone I saw a couple of our major gift officers standing around and just had to tell them how easy their job was. A few days later I drove to El Monte with Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Doug Riley to pick up the check. To my great surprise and amusement the company was located on Easy Street! It is ironic that when Captain Hsu gave me M.C. Gill’s phone number he was at Divisional Headquarters to discuss his $25,000 defi-
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PAGE I—New Frontier Publications • June 2012
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory
KROC
CENTER SUISUN CITY
A new source of light
“Transform yourself in body, mind, and soul.” • 5,200-square-foot fitness center • 3,143-square-foot group fitness rooms • 7,010-square-foot gymnasium • 20-foot rock climbing wall • 75-foot lap pool • Therapy pool and spa • Cafe • 299-seat theater • Class and community rooms • Child watch room
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTIN DAVIS In a small northern California community of just 28,000 residents, down a winding residential road where many houses show tangible effects of the recession, a new $44 million, 60,000-square-foot Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center signals new found resilience to the community. Here, in Suisun City, the unemployment rate is higher than the national average (currently 11.5 percent compared to 8.1 percent nationally), the foreclosure rate is twice that of the state’s (1 in 161 housing units compared to 1 in 351 in California), and the high school dropout rate is an alarming 28 percent. After slashing $34 million dollars from its budget in the past three years, the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District plans to cut another $6.5 million this year by eliminating its athletic programs. In the heart of the community, next door to the city park, library and fire department, a YMCA closed its doors in May 2008 during the height of economic decline. When a purchase proposal from The Salvation Army later landed on City Manager Suzanne Bragdon’s desk, she asked a staff member to double-check its accuracy. “Community centers are not what The Salvation Army does,” Bragdon recalls saying. Yet, the Army secured the space in December 2009, and began remodeling. Continued on page II
PAGE II—New Frontier Publications • June 2012
101
1) Captains Jonathan and Vickie Harvey with Congressman John Garamendi 2) The front entrance to the Suisun City Kroc Center 3) A zipline at the community fair 4) Chris Audette 5) The center’s 75-foot lap pool
Suisun Ci Kroc Cent 101
Left to right: Majors Lisa and William Dickinson, Commissioner James Knaggs, Congressman John Garamendi, Captains Jonathan and Vickie Harvey, Jason Perkins, and Mayor Pete Sanchez cut the ribbon.
San Franc
This summer:
“To say this is a good day is an understatement; it’s a great day for the city and the region… It’s a shot in the arm for this community.”
• Zoo-niversity camp • Bugged out camp • Tricked out magic camp • Science camp • Art-rageous camp • Trekking the globe camp • Olympics camp • Basketball camp
—PETE SANCHEZ SUISUN CITY MAYOR
June 2012 • New Frontier Publications—PAGE II
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Napa
y r 680 3
Vallejo
San Pablo Bay
Suisun Bay
780
4
Antioch
80
Concord
Richmond 5
Berkeley 80
680
Oakland
co
580
205
880
0 San Francisco Bay
580 580
580
Hayward
Continued from page I
“We believe this is not just going to be a community center, but the center of the community,” said Captain Jonathan Harvey, corps officer with his wife, Captain Vickie Harvey. Seventy-five percent of Suisun City residents can walk or bike to the facility, and the neighboring 110,000 Fairfield residents are only a few miles away. In January 2011, the project officially received Kroc funding. Joan Kroc, widow of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, donated $80 million in 1998 to build the first Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in San Diego, Calif. She wanted all people to have recreational, educational and cultural arts opportunities. The center opened in June 2002, and just over a year later, in October 2003, Kroc left a $1.5 billion bequest to The Salvation Army to build similar community centers around the country. The Suisun City Kroc Center is the final of seven in the Western Territory, and the 22nd of 27 nationally. Bragdon, having spent the past two years as a member of the Solano County Advisory Board, now knows the Army well. “To have a facility like this that is interested in working outside of its building is amazing,” she said. At a donor reception during the center’s dedication weekend May 25-27, Bragdon said, “It hasn’t even opened yet, and it is already immersed in the community; what they’re doing is critical.” A slew of public sector representatives came to support the Kroc Center along with Bragdon, including two mayors, two vice mayors, city council members, members of the Solano County board of supervisors, the district attorney, president and three members of the school board, community college trustees, and Congressman John Garamendi. “The great city of Jerusalem was once in a bad state, but the leadership came together and assigned jobs to rebuild,” Garamendi said at the center’s public dedication May 26. “That is what The Salvation Army is doing in this community today: building it one brick, one family, one child at a time.” The $44 million center, including a $22 million endowment—with a 5,200-square-foot fitness center and 3,143-square-foot group fitness rooms,
7,010-square-foot gymnasium, café, 20-foot rock climbing wall, a 75-foot lap pool, a therapy pool and spa, 299-seat theater, classroom and community rooms—was completed by BRS Design, GRA Architects, and Ascent Builders. While under construction, and with no previous presence in the community, Captains Harvey spent the past two years building relationships. “We literally sit in the middle of a housing neighborhood, which has had its challenges over the years but is coming back alive,” Jonathan Harvey said. “The Kroc Center will help bring the neighborhood alive even more.” It’s a reality familiar to Chris Audette. The former insurance and investment salesman was unemployed for two years before stopping by a Kroc Center job fair; he is now the center’s marketing manager and one of its 62 staff members. “The Kroc Center is providing services in Suisun City that would otherwise not be available in a tough economy,” said Audette, who says his own life is being enriched by this job. “I no longer have to be a salesman; I truly believe in what we’re doing and that is easy to convey.” Jelly Belly’s Herman Rowland also believes in the center’s mission and wants everyone in the community to experience it. The local-based candy company committed $50,000 over the next three years to support a scholarship fund for memberships. At the reception, The Salvation Army presented Roland with a Champion Award from for his generosity and dedication. The center now continues raising money for the fund. “To say this is a good day is an understatement; it’s a great day for the city and the region,” said Suisun City Mayor Pete Sanchez, whose daughter works at the Kroc Center. “This is not just a promise…it’s here and we can enjoy it now. It’s a shot in the arm for this community.” This center is now more than just a place to become physically fit, Major Bill Dickinson, Jr., Del Oro divisional commander, stressed. “The goal here is to provide transformation for people in body, mind and soul,” he said. Continued on page IV
PAGE IV—New Frontier Publications • June 2012
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory
Upcoming opportunities: • Gluten-free class • Beginning hip-hop dance for adults • Homeschool enrichment • Financial workshops • Discipleship groups and Bible study • Drum circle • Worship hula • Iron sharpens iron young adult group
Left to right: Commissioner James Knaggs, City Manager Suzanne Bragdon, Jelly Belly’s Herman Rowland with the “Champion Award,” Captain Jonathan Harvey, and Advisory Board Chairman Steve Lessler Continued from page III
The Harveys began holding worship services in October 2011 at a strip mall storefront location and have an active congregation of roughly 75 people. They recruited local musicians to further the ministry including a family reggae band to help lead worship. “When you make a promise, you need to keep your word,” said Commissioner James Knaggs, territorial commander, at the donor reception. “The Salvation Army made a promise in this community.” Knaggs referred to John 1 when the Word became flesh. “God keeps his word; his word became his son,” Knaggs said. “In a way, this promise of The Salvation Army has taken on flesh—dance floors, a rock wall, swimming pool—and it’s only just begun. The real thrill will be in the hearts of those who come through the doors, who dare to enter this place of promise.” Following a public dedication before 1,000 people and a community fair attended by more than 4,000 people, the Suisun City Kroc Center opened its doors May 29 with 1,300 members. “This Army didn’t come to invade, but we’ve come to offer you an opportunity to enhance your experience,” Knaggs said. “As you approach this great facility, at least in your mind, I would like to suggest that you take off your shoes because this is holy ground. “Come with an openness and understanding that this is a place where you can be free,” Knaggs said. “Here, you will become strong in body, mind and soul.”
The lighthouse in Suisun Harbor is a symbol of turnaround for the community, symbolizing how far Suisun City has come since its days of dilapidated docks, vacant commercial space and vandalism. The 1989 Specific Plan began improvements including a new City Hall, 150-berth marina, revitalized Main Street and a 5,000-foot long promenade. The lighthouse, completed in 2006, does not guide ships, but “it does intend to draw people closer, welcoming locals and visitors alike to enjoy the waterfront and all it has to offer,” according to a Patch article from the time of its unveiling.
“We believe this is not just going to be a community center, but the center of the community.” —CAPTAIN JONATHAN HARVEY, SUISUN CITY CORPS OFFICER
Connect with the Suisun City Kroc Center: Website: gokroc.org Facebook: SuisunSalArmy Twitter: @GoKroc YouTube: GoKroc Phone: 707. 439.7880 Address: 586 E. Wigeon Way Suisun City, CA 94585