GOOD NEWS! Volume 29 Number 9
DECEMBER 2012
INSIDE
HOPE—ESSENTIAL FOR CHRISTMAS 2012
Commissioner Gaither’s Christmas message
PAGE 3
Commissioners Barry C. and Sue Swanson to be installed PAGE 4
A CHRISTMAS EMBRACE
General Linda Bond’s Christmas message
PAGE 16
Good News! Online: www.SAGoodNews.org USA Eastern Territorial website: www.ArmyConnections.org USA National website: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org
FROM THE EDITOR >>
‘Storefront’ church
warren L. Maye
USA EASTERN TERRITORY
”You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Commissioners Israel L. and Eva D. Gaither Territorial Leaders Colonel William Carlson Chief Secretary Linda D. Johnson Literary Secretary
—Matt. 5:14
T
he other day as I drove to a church to attend services, I saw a man on the corner dressed in a vested suit and tie. In his right hand, he held a cornet; in his left hand, a Bible. He was a friend from 30 years ago. In those days on a Sunday afternoon, we handed out tracts to passersby, and, if granted the opportunity, engaged them in conversation about the Bible. If trusted further, we went on to hold candid discussions about our spiritual lives. Today, my friend appeared older, but he was essentially the same courageous Christian I knew back then—somewhat eccentric, intellectually brilliant, and a wonderful baritone soloist. He played “Old Rugged Cross” and then shifted his attention to the Bible. With a strong, deep voice, he read Scripture above the din of traffic and urban hum. He stood alone but unfazed by the city’s hubbub. A tourist eagerly raised her camera to capture images of my friend as he toggled from Bible to cornet and back again. His open ministry stood in stark contrast to the one going on in the stone church behind him. Hidden behind ornate wooden doors, ancient limestone walls, and beautiful but opaque stained glass windows, choirs sang,
GOOD NEWS!
Warren L. Maye Robert Mitchell Keri Johnson Reginald Raines Saoul Vanderpool Karena Lin Nanette Morales Joe Marino
musicians played, and a preacher prepared to deliver God’s Word. I thought, Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people walking by saw and heard the entire service? What if these walls came down and the stained glass was replaced with the clear glass of a Macy’s or a Bloomingdale’s display? Suddenly in my mind the meaning of a “storefront church” changed. What if churches really looked liked storefronts? Passersby could look in and see the service. Windows could entice “customers” to enter the “store.” As you walk by storefronts this Christmas, imagine seeing your church service going on inside. Imagine seeing Bibles on display in the window, your congregation singing, and the musicians playing for passersby to hear. Then, imagine how you could really make your church’s ministry more visible to people! After all, isn’t Christmas about the best “offer” ever made?
Editor Associate Editor Art Director Associate Art Director Senior Designer Graphic Designer Production Specialist Production Assistant
Divisional News Correspondents SFOT — Major A. Kenneth Wilson ARCC — Major Debra Taylor PENDEL — Randall Thomas, Major Kathryn A. Avery Empire State — Jaye C. Jones GNY — Jennifer Groff Mass. — Major Kathleen Klenk NJ — Tricia Pellegrini NEOSA — Major Lurlene Johnson NNE — Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI — Linette Luna SNE — James Gordon SWONEKY — A/Captain Jean Thornton WEPASA — Captain Paul R. Pelletier All articles are copyrighted by The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and can be reprinted only with written permission. Also available in Korean and Spanish.
Statement of Purpose Good News! is the official publication of The Salvation Army of the USA Eastern Territory. The purpose of Good News! is to inform, inspire, and equip Salvationists to grow in holiness, to serve together in supportive, healing communities, and to reach others for Jesus Christ.
For mailing list changes, write: Good News!, 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994–1739.
Letters I think that the new format is excellent. Everything is laid out perfectly and is so easy to follow. GN! contains more of what is happening in the Eastern Territory. The articles are well written and interesting. We feel proud of our territory. Your editorial ‘After “the Election,” then what?’ (GN! Sept./Oct. 2012) is appropriate. Similar to our slogan ‘Doing the most good.’ —Major Margaret K. Michaels
2
BUENAS NOTICIAS!
GOOD NEWS! Follow Good News! on Twitter @GOODNEWSSA.
Become a fan of Good News! on Facebook.
December 2012
christmas message >>
Hope—Essential for Christmas 2012
coMMiSSioner iSraeL L. Gaither
A
s you read this Good News! message it will be a few weeks following the devastating visit of Hurricane Sandy to the Eastern region of the USA. The force of the storm’s toll has not yet been fully determined. I imagine that Christmas 2012, depending on the personal impact of Sandy, will be received very differently by many of us living in the reportedly one third of our nation that was affected. There is one word that defines the essence of Christmas—especially this one. The word is Hope! Amid the tragic loss of life and property resulting from the storm, there were also many inspirational stories of individuals and families who simply refused to give up, though facing the most disastrous time of their lives. They would not lose hope. The first chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke is a story of hope fulfilled—through doubt. Zechariah is told that his elderly wife Elizabeth is going to have a child. He had prayed for it, but they were old, and Elizabeth was barren. Why hope and pray for that which seems impossible? Where is hope to be found in the loss of everything one owns; or through loss of life; or among a community of people who have lost most of their town? Where do you find hope in such distressing circumstances? And even when a signal is given that hope is not lost—it still might be hard to accept. When the angelic messenger announces that Elizabeth will bring “John the Baptist” into the world, Zechariah says, “How can I be sure?” (Luke 1:18) In other words, Prove to me that I have a reason to hope! Mary isn’t quite certain of what she is told either. An angel not only announces to her that she will bear a child, but even more astounding, that He is to be named Jesus, and furthermore, that He will reign … over everything! He will reign over every spiritual, emotional, and physical storm that would turn a life upside down. But Mary also questions hope when she responds, “How will it be possible?” (Luke 1:34) Those two questions springing from doubt remind me of two things that ought to never be forgotten when hope is on the verge of being compromised—as in a post–Hurricane Sandy experience. First, our circumstances are never larger than God’s ability to usher a miracle into our lives. And second, the angel’s response to Mary shows us that the best news we can receive when trying to find a way to recover from the unexplainable is, “Nothing is impossible with God.” When it seems as though there is no reason to hope any longer, keep on believing, because what is unimaginable to you, with God, is doable. The birth of the Christ is the great reminder that God’s purpose in coming to us in human flesh was for our full redempwww.sagoodnews.org
tion. He is our divine rescuer. There is a reason to place our hope in The One in whom our lasting hope is found. Although the future might be clouded with uncertainty and fear, there is hope of a magnitude waiting to be discovered through a personal relationship with the Christ—the Savior of every man and woman, boy and girl. If you give permission to God, His purpose for your life will ultimately be served. In Him, hope reigns! It did in the first century for a poor teenage girl and an old priest. And it can for you right now—even as you read this article. As did Zechariah and Mary, you too can sing a song of the goodness of God—even in desperate times.
In christ, hope always prevails! In the days and weeks following the devastation of October 31, 2012, Christmas Angels were visible. And they shall continue to be visible in the months to come. Many of these “angels” wear the uniform of The Salvation Army. And a lot of them are volunteers. But all of these modern–day bringers of hope are living and serving the reason for the coming of the Christ. They are speaking hope into people on the verge of giving up. They are an “Army of Angels” delivering hope! Christmas is the time for seeing and listening and responding to the promptings of God who wants to engage with His most valuable creation. Despite the often–cried “why?” of life, Christ is born, and hope is alive. Will you be a messenger of hope? It’s an essential—especially this Christmas. Commissioner Eva Gaither and I join in prayer that every Good News! reader will enjoy the blessings of Christmas joy— and hope! 3
Prayer & Praise
territorial news >>
www.armyonitsknees.org
Enrollments!
Prayer focus
The Greater New York Division enrolled 105 senior soldiers and 56 junior soldiers in October during its ‘Great Salvation Rally.’
Hurricane Sandy relief • Homeless and displaced people, God’s provision —Psalm 132:15 • Disaster relief teams; God’s good– ness and kindness; Christians to show the love of Christ —Ephesians 5:1–2 • Recovery of businesses and people getting back to work —Psalm 1:3 Christmas provision • God’s abundance • People to be touched through many seasonal expressions • Health and safety • Cadets on Christmas assignments Our leaders • General Linda Bond • Commissioners Israel L. & Eva D. Gaither • Commissioners Barry C. & Sue Swanson “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” —Jeremiah 1:5 (NLT) —Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor, Territorial Ambassador for Prayer and Spiritual Formation
Public Welcome and Installation of Commissioners Barry C. and Sue Swanson USA Eastern Territorial Leaders
PENDEL’s Philadelphia Kroc Corps & Community Center enrolled 12 junior soldiers, 38 senior soldiers, and six adherents in September. NEOSA’s ‘Soldier Enrollment Day’ welcomed 100 junior soldiers.
Friday, February 1, 2013 Centennial Memorial Temple New York City 7:25 p.m.
4
December 2012
Transformations >>
‘It’s changed me’
K
arima Blaize recently walked away with only minor injuries from a car accident, but the experience caused her to rethink her priorities. She had been resisting God’s call to become a senior soldier at The Salvation Army’s Newburgh, N.Y., Corps, but that was about to change. “[The accident] made me really think about where things are going,” she says. Blaize, who lives in Newburgh, has worked at the Salvation Army’s Eastern Territorial Headquarters (THQ) for almost five years and is currently the territory’s immigration specialist. Three years ago, Blaize, a divorcee, was too inundated with the responsibilities of raising four children on her own to attend church. But she instinctively knew that there was something important missing from her spiritual life and that she needed to make a change. When Blaize volunteered at the corps for Christmas, Lieutenant Sheila Gage, the corps officer, told her, “Karima, you live too close to the corps not to be attending regularly.” Blaize promised to go but didn’t. Each week that she was absent, Gage told Blaize she would keep praying for her to come. Blaize did attend devotions periodically at THQ, but when she had surgery and had to stay home, she felt alone. Blaize called Gage, who promptly took it upon herself to visit. Once again, she urged Karima to attend church, which she did. If Blaize missed a Sunday, Gage would call her house, her cell phone, and her job and ask, “Why didn’t you come to church?” Then one day, Blaize called Gage and suggested that the corps needed a sewing class. Gage’s response was, “Great! What day are you available to teach it?”
Lieutenant Sheila Gage
Blaize now teaches sewing, and her youngest son is a mentor in the summer program and teaches dance. Blaize also chaperoned 40 children to the Territorial Star Search competition and has driven the corps van to transport women to the division’s Women’s Camp. And Gage registered Blaize as a camp delegate. It was while attending this year’s commissioning of new officers that Blaize decided to become an adherent, which Gage called “a start.” Blaize calls herself “a work in progress,” and has found a church home in The Salvation Army. “I like it,” she says. “I like the extended family I’ve found.” She also has found a deeper walk with God. “I certainly believe I’m more spiritual by going to church,” she said. “It’s changed me. I find that I have to be more of an example for my children.” Karima says her biggest fear was having those “S’s” (uniform epaulettes) placed on her shoulders. But, she says, “I’m not fighting it, because my lieutenant has God on her side and with His help, she’ll get me in that uniform before I know what hit me.” She was enrolled on Nov. 18. “I’m just praising God I found a place to belong and to be accepted. I’m coming to a better understanding of what God wants for me and my life,” she says. According to Blaize, “Those people in The Salvation Army will put you to work and before you know it, you’re bringing someone else in. Just like God, they can use anybody,” Blaize says. “You can’t run from God. He’ll just send somebody to bring you back to where you belong.”
vantage Point >>
My holiness journey
A
bout three years ago, I felt called to preach the Gospel. The call happened at a Men’s Camp in the Pennsylvania & Delaware Division (PENDEL). It’s hard to explain the feeling that came over me as I knelt at the Mercy Seat. I just knew God was speaking to me and calling me to do His work. The following year at Family Camp, I enrolled as a senior soldier. For the past two years, I’ve been involved in corps and Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) ministry. Simmering inside me was this burning desire to let others know about Jesus and The Salvation Army. Finally, at Holiness Institute (at Old Orchard Beach, Maine) I came to terms with what God had called me to do. Colonel Lyell Rader, Jr., and other officers with the institute encouraged me to fulfill my call to duty. In the prayer tent and at the Pier, Majors Andrés and Norma Lugo, territorial evange-
www.sagoodnews.org
robert walter
lists, prayed with me. Major Andrés Lugo knew what was on my heart before I even told him what I had decided to do. This is God at work— at His best. We prayed that I could continue in my ministry with music and in sharing the message. The chorus “I Believe God Answers Prayer” is always on my mind. I have to give a shout–out to Majors Young Sung Kim, our territorial ambassador for holiness, and his wife, Major Soo Jung Kim, secretary to the territorial commander, for planning and coordinating an excellent week of spiritual awareness and education. My heart is with every delegate and officer who attended. —Robert Walter, of the Wilkes–Barre, Pa., ARC, has applied for a position as a territorial envoy. 5
territorial news >>
Mission Advance: ‘Salvation, grace, and holiness’
“O
beying the Great Commission is the first step toward corps health,” said Dr. George Hunter, professor emeritus of evangelism from Asbury College and a special guest for the fifth annual Mission Advance Conference, which took place at Camp Ladore on October 9–11. He challenged delegates, through the book of Ruth, to remember that evangelism is a process. He said that unbelievers can come to faith over time through their relationships with believers. The theme of the conference, “Inertia: Movement and Momentum,” captured the three points of John Wesley’s theology: Salvation, Grace, and Holiness. Delegates found themselves experiencing and learning about these topics each day as the theme was woven through keynote sessions, small groups, and seminars. On the first day, Lt. Colonel Kenneth W. Maynor, territorial program secretary, spoke from Matthew 13, where Jesus describes a field where both weeds and wheat had grown together. Maynor compared them to people and challenged the delegates to be careful not to pull up “weeds” (as we all once were) but rather to live alongside them and be witnesses so that they might one day be transformed. Delegates attended a total of 7 ½ hours of training in specific areas: Small Groups Essentials, Small Groups Experience, Small Group Networking, Natural Church Development Basics, Corps Mission Essentials, and Coaching 101. Salvationist and non–Salvationist guest teachers taught these classes. Making their fifth appearance at Mission Advance were Steve Gladen, a small groups pastor from the Saddleback Church, and Dave Wetzler, owner of Churchsmart Re-
6
sources. Jonathan Reitz, owner of Coachnet, and Rick Howerton from Navpress also participated. Major Joyce Hartshorn, the NEOSA Division’s lay development secretary, said, “The material and whole experience was something officers can take home, implement, and use to make an immediate impact on their corps.” These experiences were balanced by the inclusion of a prayer room, “Playback Theater” performed by the Territorial Arts Ministries Bureau, and music by the worship band led by Doug Berry, territorial consultant for contemporary music.
jason pope
Melissa Murray of the Empire State Division added cello parts to the songs, giving the band a unique sound. Many delegates found the music innovative and inviting. Hartshorn, who attended the corps mission essentials class, said she was excited to see the conference recognize that every corps is different, rather than stress a “one–size–fits–all” approach. Major Betty Pate, territorial Mission & Culture Department secretary, said that the event was a vital opportunity for her and the department to connect with people in the field. Her hope is that the event will give officers and soldiers the confidence to implement the ideas shared. Chip Kelly, lay leadership & small groups coordinator, and Jason Pope, corps health coordinator, organized the event and sought to balance the emphasis on small groups and corps health. Kelly said that he was pleased to see small groups interact at dinner, while praying, and during discussions. He said that even during seminars, “the presence of the Holy Spirit was powerful.” Pope was happy to see people explore the new tracks and respond to the challenge to view their communities as mission fields. Dr. Hunter revealed two misconceptions. The first is that in Christian culture, we believe we should love our neighbor but hate ourselves. “We can’t love our neighbor if we don’t love ourselves,” said Hunter. The second, and perhaps more prevalent, misconception is that we must be perfect before we can effectively reach people. Hunter reminded delegates that Jesus is a “wounded healer” and challenged delegates to advance God’s mission while being fully aware that they are indeed “an Army of wounded healers.” After the conference, Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor, territorial ambassador for prayer and spiritual formation and associate program secretary, said that Hunter continually challenged the delegates to remember their first love and their calling as Salvationists—“to win souls for Christ.” December 2012
territorial news >>
‘Leaving a legacy’
Empowerment 2012 inspires delegates “ … not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interests of the others. In our relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus …” — Philippians 2:4–5
“I
can’t wait to get back to my corps to start using some of the things I’ve learned at the seminar!” said an enthusiastic soldier from the Manhattan (Citadel), N.Y. Corps. She and the 250 delegates attending “Empowerment 2012” were only halfway through its scheduled events, but were already discussing new possibilities. Kenneth Burton, O.F., overheard her remarks and said later, “That one moment summed up the whole weekend for me!” Burton had just participated in Captain Dennis G. Young’s workshop “Community Capacity Building.” He shared a vision for the Salvation Army’s incarnational presence in African–American neighborhoods. Young and his wife, Captain Sharon L. Young, are corps officers at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps and Community Center in Philadelphia. When Burton repeated the soldier’s remark to Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, territorial commander, he said, “That’s what we want!” He and Commissioner Eva D. Gaither were special guests for the weekend. The seminar, entitled “Legacy: Goodness, Integrity, Humility” and held Oct. 26–28, proved to be a “mountaintop experience.” The Salvation Army’s Camp Allegheny, nestled among the purple peaks of Pennsylvania, was a fitting location that allowed delegates to focus on the essential practices for sustained corps growth. “What the [Territorial Committee for Salvationists of African Descent] wanted most was for the people to take what
www.sagoodnews.org
they learned back to their corps and put it to use” said Burton, committee chair. On Friday evening, Lt. Colonel Kenneth W. Maynor, territorial program secretary, delivered a message that aptly expressed God’s intention to equip all people for service. At 7 a.m. Saturday, Envoy Tony Lewis of the Philadelphia (West) Corps Community Center and chaplain for the weekend, uniquely prepared the tabernacle for worship. “I will never forget,” said Burton, “seeing Envoy Lewis walk through the Tabernacle, touching and praying over
Warren L. Maye
retary for personnel, moderated a lively and relevant panel discussion and interest session. The evening Praise Festival, organized by Bandmaster Bill Rollins, included traditional and contemporary vocal and instrumental music as well as the oratorial ministry of Poet Leon LaBastide, author of Breath of Life Poetry. Commissioner Gaither challenged each delegate to consider the legacy he or she will leave. He spoke to the old as well as the young. “There are three ways to live,” he said, “God first, God second, and God third. You can’t lose if you place God in each of those positions in your life.” Eric Dina, NEOSA’s divisional music director, served as worship leader for the weekend, a panelist, and workshop leader.
Young people respond
each chair in each and every row.” He then turned to Lieutenant Constance Graham, Captain Juanita Stanford, and Burton, who were preparing for the morning’s event. “When he got to us, he prayed specifically for each of us!” Burton said. Colonel Mark Tillsley, territorial sec-
During the altar call, many young people sought God. Their presence was a culmination of much preparation. As many as 40 Youth Track participants delved into topics during two interest sessions and enjoyed a schedule that allowed ample time for informal discussion and fun. During the panel discussion earlier in the day, the question “What do you want to see in your corps that will encourage you to stay?” solicited their opinions. While most workshops focused on recruiting people of the African diaspora, presenters taught common strategies used to attract anyone. “At the outset, one of our goals was to show that this was a seminar to teach not just the old, but the young; not just those of African descent, but those of all races and nationalities,” said Burton. “It is my prayer that God will embolden the delegates to directly apply what God has taught them at this seminar.” 7
territorial news >>
Pittsburgh’s Caring Center Shelter in time of need
W
hen families come to Pittsburgh’s Caring Center, Major Asenath Clarke looks for opportunities to contribute to their lives. “What I’ve learned in my ministry is to capture the moment because you might not see that person ever again,” Clarke says. “In a setting like this, you only have 60 days to work with that person. You can’t put it off until tomorrow. You have to be really sure that you capture that moment because that is your time with that person.” The Caring Center, which is in a new building that was dedicated in 2009, is unusual because it accepts entire families. As many as 150 families a year find refuge at the center; many find a new start. “There is no splitting up of the family circle,” Clarke says. “They need each other for support during the time when they are homeless.” The center’s staff helps develop a plan to get the family back to independence. Residents are taught life skills and receive counseling and education in parenting, budgeting, nutrition, and more.
Resumé assistance John Knipper, the center’s Learning
Center coordinator, helps the school–age children with homework and assists adults in writing resumés and using a computer. Knipper noted that one of Pittsburgh’s leading employers, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), receives 500 resumés a day. “We want to make sure that these clients have a fair shot,” he says. Knipper says he studies the latest trends in resumé writing to help clients. About 70 percent of the clients who stay 60–90 days at the shelter land jobs. “I’d like it to be 100 percent,” he says. “They need to apply themselves. The tools are here. I’m here as an advocate.”
Much more than advisor Another advocate is Pamela Abdalla, a member of both the Salvation Army’s Western Pennsylvania and National Advisory Boards (see Fall 2012 Priority!), who began volunteering and raising funds for the center 16 years ago. However, she sees her role as much more. “What I consider my main role [to be] is coming here and being a part of things,” she says. Like Clarke, Abdalla sees an opportunity to reach the center’s homeless children
with cultural, educational, and social opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience. “I looked around at the kinds of things my children are exposed to on a daily basis and I realized that, while you have this audience here, you have children who may not have been exposed to the kinds of things my children are blessed enough to have experienced,” she says. “It’s a window of opportunity. You can bring in all kinds of community resources.” Abdalla has had Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Science Center make presentations. She has also organized ice cream socials, Bingo, and a visit by the Pittsburgh Opera, where the children tried on costumes and got to sing. Abdalla organizes a Christmas party each year. The 18 or so children in the center at any given time are asked in November to fill out their Christmas “wish list.” The party is so popular that even former residents want to take part. “For many, many years we’ve had children come back just for the party,” she says. Abdalla called the center a “well–oiled
John Knipper
Pamela Abdalla 8
Major Asenath Clarke
Robert Mitchell
machine with a lot of heart behind it.” “I walked in 16 years ago and found a dedicated, caring, professional, efficient, integrity–filled, purpose–driven staff to help these people,” she says. “It’s just a fantastic thing to be around; I can’t get enough of it. I love it. I love being here and watching the families
interact together and Major (Clarke) interact with the families.”
Meeting spiritual needs Clarke looks out for the spiritual needs of the families. The center offers Bible studies for all ages during the week, and Clarke takes anyone who wants to go to
church to the Braddock, Pa., Corps on Sunday mornings. Clarke says she loves seeing someone get back on his or her feet and begin walking with God. “It’s like one of the points you always look forward to,” she says. “Sometimes you’re not always there to see it at that moment, but you hear about it from another person. It is one of the best feelings you can have that some person you have helped has been drawn closer to God.”
‘Garbage Bag Gala’ The center could really use a boost this year, as it recently lost a $35,000 federal grant. One of Pamela Abdalla’s more creative ideas to raise money for the Pittsburgh Family Caring Center was to organize a ‘Garbage Bag Gala’ in the fall. ‘It is the most important one ever,’ she says. ‘This will be the 11th one, so we’re entering our second decade.’ The gala involves people dressing up in trash bags and donating money to The Salvation Army that they would have spent on an expensive dress or suit. ‘[The bags] have evolved over the years into high fashion,’ Abdalla says. In the gala’s early days, most participants chose the traditional black bags; some got creative by turning them into statements about the Pittsburgh Steelers, their hometown team. Today, colorful bags abound. Margo Perot, the wife of former presidential candidate H. Ross Perot and one of Abdalla’s friends from the Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board, was this year’s keynote speaker at the new Fairmont Hotel on Nov. 1.
www.sagoodnews.org
9
Corps News >>
Ray & Joan, Town & Country, ‘Kicks for Kids,’ and a ‘mountaintop e
Camden, NJ
God is moving in Camden Camden, NJ—The Salvation Army is on the move. “We listen to people, we pray with people, and we invite them to our corps,” said Mark Morton, program director at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. On the last Saturday of each month, members of the Camden, N.J., Citadel Corps meet at 10 a.m. to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the needy. They also bring toiletries, socks, and beverages—water in summer and hot chocolate in winter. “The idea is simple: show the love of Jesus Christ in practical ways 10
Portland, ME
to those in need,” says Morton. He said staffers then head downtown, where, on a recent Saturday, they were “literally swamped with people in need.” The food and socks were gone in an hour. The next day, 11 people who had been served showed up for church. Meanwhile, the Kroc Center operates an intern program called “Servant Corps,” in which volunteers, 18 and older with a heart to serve God in an urban setting, live in the neighborhood (incarnationally) and serve the local population. Servant Corps interns are discipled by Majors Bill and Sue Dunigan,
associate Kroc Center officers for neighborhood ministries. This past summer, the Servant Corps hosted a monthly barbecue. The last one of the season drew 100 people, some of whom are now attending church at the corps as well as soldier classes. Anyone who is at least 18 years old can apply for a short–term, summer, or one–year internship. Contact the Dunigans at 856–338– 1700. Town & Country helping in Maine Portland, ME—Nicole Lemieux, assistant branch manager of Town & Country Federal Credit Union,
presented Major Steve Ditmer, commanding officer of the Portland Citadel Corps, with a $500 check. Town & Country selected The Salvation Army as the nonprofit charity it wanted to support. “We know that The Salvation Army of Greater Portland serves many individuals and families in need and we wanted to be a part of this effort,” Lemieux said. Town & Country is a member–owned, not–for–profit financial cooperative.
‘Kicks for Kids’ in Indiana, Pa. Indiana, PA—They call the program “Kicks for Kids” and the theme is “No Feet Left Behind.” Needy families applied for new shoes at the Indiana, Pa., Worship and Service Center and came on Sept. 28. “At that time, we had a variety of new shoes that the children could try on,” says Denice Conner, social services and program coordinator for The Salvation Army in Indiana, Pa. “If they didn’t have any to fit them, they were given a voucher to a local department store for new shoes.” Conner said about 100 school–age children received shoes; September 2012
p experience’
Tonawanda, NY
she hopes that number increases by 50 percent next year. Teaming up with the Army for the program were two Indiana, Pa., churches and Sheetz, a local business. Tonawanda Corps helps Walmart, installs CSM Tonawanda, NY—The Corps Band helped open a new Walmart in North Tonawanda in August. Major Celestin Nkounkou, corps officer, called it an “opportunity to witness for the Lord through music in the community, and mark our presence and raise awareness of ministry possibilities. “It felt so special to play music inside www.sagoodnews.org
Walmart in addition to standing our traditional Christmas Kettles,” says Nkounkou. The audience included a host of Walmart officials, politicians, non–profit groups, and the community. Walmart presented a $1,000 grant to The Army. In other news at the corps, on Oct. 7, 20 new leaders were installed, including a corps sergeant–major and an assistant CSM. “The Church is the body of Christ,” Nkounkou said. “It’s a blessing to have members using their spiritual gifts for the extension of God’s kingdom in a variety of ways.”
Seniors strive to live holy Ashford, CT— Twenty–eight delegates representing 10 corps from the Southern New England Division enjoyed a “mountaintop experience” during the third annual Senior Holiness Advance at Camp CONNRI, Sept. 10–14. The guest facilitator was Major Lauren Hodgson, assistant territorial ambassador for prayer & spiritual formation. Each day included a teaching on a Psalm, followed by a “Departure of Silence” and a “Directive,” which included prayer, meditation, and journaling. Each evening began with a time of united
reflection based upon the day’s directive and went into a time of worship from special guests that included Major David Champlin, divisional commander, and Majors Phil and Susan Ferreira. The week concluded with a hand–washing ceremony and a rededication of senior soldiers and adherents. The Aymer J. & Louise Beecher Memorial Endowment sponsored the event. Dover Corps marks 110th Dover, DE—The corps marked its 110th anniversary on Oct. 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn. The event also served as the official kickoff
of the kettle campaign season. Corps members honored neighbors, partners, supporters, and friends for their loyalty to the community. Receiving the Service Award of the Year were Anton Mollegard, an advisory board member; and the Kiwanis Club of Sparta, N.J., represented by Robert Seigal. Martin Cormier of Customized Distribution Services of Wharton, N.J., and Donna Testa of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals received the Corporate Partners of the Year Award. Peg Feyl received the Humanitarian of the Year Award.
11
World services >>
Changing lives in Québec
D
on and I are starting our seventh year in the province of Québec, Canada. Our first two years were spent in Montreal as assistant divisional secretary (Don) and divisional youth secretary (me) and as pastors of the Montreal Citadel Corps. We are now starting our fifth year in beautiful Québec City. Our responsibilities are primarily administrative. We have chaplains who conduct the Sunday services, a store, family social services, as well as the recycling of used clothes, metals, furniture, and computers. We also have a transition house for women and a transition house and emergency shelter for men. We have 40 employees who help us. Much of our work is routine and seemingly mundane, but we still have the joy of seeing God at work. I have recently sent to a Canadian monthly magazine, Faith and Life, the testimony of one of the women who stays in Maison Charlotte, our transition house. It is truly inspiring to see how God has brought new life and hope to someone formerly plagued by an abusive childhood and addictions. Now she has
Jesus, has finished her schooling, and works as a nurse’s aide. Another resident who had prayed with the intervention worker gave her life to God. At l’Hôtellerie pour Hommes, the men’s transition house and shelter, we see God at work as men are discovering their gifts and talents and expressing themselves through art. At the weekly Overcomers Outreach Meeting, the chaplain helps residents see how God heals broken hearts and lives. We have many activities leading up to Christmas, including several fundraising events, Christmas baskets, parties, and, of course, kettles. Visit Armée du Salut— Ville de Québec, our Facebook page, for upcoming activities and past events. Even if you can’t read French, you’ll understand the pictures! We have appreciated the many cards we have received from divisions and corps remembering us in prayer. We hope you will continue to pray for us and the ministry. Your prayers have sustained us in a different country, culture, and language.
‘A great blessing!’ in Costa Rica
I
t’s been an exciting year in the Youth & Candidates Department of the Latin America North Territory. God is working with our young people in a special way. God has given me the opportunity to be part of our “Holiness Ablaze” Youth Councils. We’ve encouraged our people to live holy lives in the presence of God. For the first time in our territory, seven divisions and regions are studying the book of 1 Corinthians in preparation for the first Territorial Bible Bowl, to be held in 2013. What a blessing! Throughout the territory, God has been faithful. Young people lacking basic resources take part in the Youth Councils. When I see the sacrifice they have
12
made to attend these events, it really blesses my life. God makes provision for His children. I saw some of our young people dedicate their lives to officership and answer God’s calling.
major June Carver
We thank God, who is able to do, by His power in us, far above and beyond what we can even dream of asking Him—Ephesians 3:20 (my paraphrase).
Captain Loraine Medina
God has blessed us with 16 candidates for the new session, Disciples of the Cross. In February, cadets will come from Colombia, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Some have already started in the Cuba Division. In 2013, the Youth Department will work in our first Territorial Youth Congress in Costa Rica, “SHINE 2013.” We’ll encourage our youth to raise the Salvationist spirit during Oct. 10–13, 2013. We are praying for 400 delegates to come from various countries including Cuba, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Please pray for us as we prepare for this great blessing. December 2012
World services >>
Melding message & mission in South America West
P
reaching the Gospel is our message. Meeting human need on a practical level is our mission. What a blessing we see unfolding here in the South America West Territory as we witness the beautiful intertwining of our message and mission in the programs. Within the countries of Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, which make up our territory, we operate 16 schools as well as numerous after–school programs. Many of you support these institutions as sponsorship partners, and we thank you! Most South American countries offer public education, though in some
Lt. Colonels William and Lorraine Bamford
locations it is not adequate to meet the needs of the numbers of children. The Army is recognized and accredited as a faith–based educational entity. This means that for little or no tuition, parents can enroll their children in our schools and receive a quality Christian education. In some countries, the government will support our schools with a small per capita subsidy. In other cases, we fund the tuition cost. But it’s worth it! The Army has developed its own government–approved Christian education curriculum that is a vital component of our programming.
But the real blessing for us has been to see the integration of message and mission between the corps and the schools; between the school and the home; and between our mainline programming and our after–school programs. Clothes for children: One Peruvian mother shared that the funds she earns through her participation in the Army’s Fair Trade Sally Ann ministry have enabled her to buy school clothes for her children, which she otherwise would not have been able to do! (All children in both public and private schools must wear school uniforms.) New junior soldiers: While visiting one of our schools in southern Chile, we were introduced to some students who identified themselves as soon–to–be junior soldiers! Raised by the Army: A bank manager in Bolivia shared with us that he and his brother had been raised in a Salvation Army boys’ home and attended our nearby school! He now returns to the home to give support as an adult. From students to officers: In Chile, one of our teachers asked us to relay her greetings to a set of Salvation Army officers who were, at one time, her students! Melding the message and the mission … it couldn’t get any better than that! We are blessed!
‘A brighter future’
Sally Ann comes to Kenya East Territory
T
his past year, I have had the privilege to be involved in setting up and coordinating Sally Ann in the Kenya East Territory. Sally Ann is the Salvation Army’s Trade for Hope initiative, which links producer countries like Kenya with markets for unique, handmade products. The beauty behind these products is the story of the women who make them, the hope they are receiving through this initiative, and
www.sagoodnews.org
the sharing that is taking place among their families and communities. Currently in Kenya East, we have four producer groups with about 150 women actively involved. An important part of Sally Ann is to integrate product development with the core mission of The Salvation Army. As part of this expression, group members care for others through home visiting, counseling, and spiritual discipleship.
April Foster
We are proud of the progress we have made and the development that is taking place. In the words of one of the Sally Ann group members: “Before Sally Ann started, I was sitting idle at home. I couldn’t support my children to go to school, or to buy basic things for my household. Now, I see that I can create beautiful products that are appreciated all around the world and there is a brighter future for me and my family.” 13
World services >>
KEEP IN TOUCH
Officers serving out of the territory Lt. Colonels william & Lorraine Bamford Ejército de Salvación Avenida España 44 Casilla 3225 Santiago, CHILE Lt. Colonels Stephen & Janet Banfi eld 615 Slaters Lane Alexandria, VA 22314 Captains Robyn & Stephanie Bridgeo The Salvation Army 1001 N. Richey Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85716–4323 Majors Douglas & Deborah Burr Moulton Memorial Student Center 402 West College Street Wilmore, KY 40390–1059 Majors Donald & June Carver The Salvation Army 1125 Chemin de la Canardière Québec, Québec G1J 2C3 CANADA Lt. Colonels Edmund & Carolynne Chung The Salvation Army 101 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EH UNITED KINGDOM Captains Roger & Cheryl Compton The Salvation Army Post Office F–44287 Freeport, Grand Bahama Island BAHAMAS Major a. victoria Edmonds International Social Justice Commission 221 E. 52nd Street New York, NY 10022
14
Lt. Colonels Ricardo & mirtha fernández Ejército de Salvación Casilla de Correo 2240 (C1000WAW) Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA Captains william & annalise francis The Salvation Army College for Officer Training at Crestmont 30840 Hawthorne Boulevard Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Captains william & susanne Geracia PO Box 8306 Blacktown, NSW 2148 AUSTRALIA captain anna Hawkins 6 Shipeolu St. Igbobi, Shomolu Lagos Box 3025 Shomolu Lagos NIGERIA Captains angel & maría Hernandez The Salvation Army Naples Corps 3180 Estey Avenue Naples, FL 34101 Major Betty Israel 615 Slaters Lane P.O. Box 269 Alexandria, VA 22313–0269 Commissioners James & Carolyn Knaggs The Salvation Army 180 E Ocean Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90802–4709 Majors Timothy & nancy Lants The Salvation Army ARC 13815 N. Salvation Army Lane Tampa, FL 33613–2205
Major Pamela McKee Evangeline Booth College 1032 Metropolitan Parkway, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30310 Capitán Loraine Medina Ejército de Salvación Apartado Postal 125–1005 Barrio México San José, COSTA RICA Lt. Colonels Richard & Janet Munn International College for Officers The Cedars, 34 Sydenham Hill London, SE26 6LS UNITED KINGDOM Major Teresita Pacheco International Social Justice Commission 221 E. 52nd Street New York, NY 10022 Coroneles Tito & Martha Paredes Ejército de Salvación Apartado Postal 125–1005 Barrio México San José, COSTA RICA Major Deborah Sedlar The Salvation Army 101 Queen Victoria Street London, EC4V 4EH UNITED KINGDOM
LaY PERSonnEL Miss april foster The Salvation Army Kenya East Territory P.O. Box 24927 Karen 00502 KENYA Updated 10/17/12
December 2012
Territorial News >>
Promoted to Glory BRIGADIER MARGARET AUGUSTA BROADLAND
BRIGADIER E. VIRGINIA CAREY
AUXILIARY CAPTAIN DOUGLAS CHARLES ROCKWELL
(november 13, 1910—august 5, 2012)
(august 8, 1920—July 30, 2012)
(January 1, 1956—august 29, 2012)
Brigadier Margaret Augusta Broadland was promoted to Glory from the Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven, Mass. Margaret was born in New Bedford, Mass., to Terry and Augusta Broadland. She was one of six children and attended church with her family at the New Bedford Corps. Margaret applied for officer training in 1933 and was put on a waiting list because there were too many applicants. She was finally accepted in 1934 from the New Bedford Corps. Commissioned in 1935, Margaret served as an assistant officer at several corps in New York. She was then transferred to the Women’s Social Services Department and served at Salvation Army homes and Booth hospitals in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Massachusetts. She retired from active service in 1974, but remained active at the New Bedford Corps. Margaret was well known for standing kettles for 30 years at Shaw’s in Fairhaven, Mass., until her 95th birthday. In rain, snow, sleet, and hail, she is said to have never moved from the Christmas kettle. Survivors include nephews Bruce Sturtevant of Fairhaven, Mass., David Sturtevant of Attleboro, Mass., and Wayland Sturtevant of Dartmouth, Mass. Margaret was the sister of the late Martin, Charles, William, and Thomas Broadland, and Gladys Sturtevant. Cards may be sent to Bruce Sturtevant, 22 Briercliffe Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.
Brigadier E. Virginia Carey was promoted to Glory from the McCall Hospice House in Greenville, S.C. Virginia was born in Logan, W.V., to Martin and Glee Kitchen. She was one of 10 children, eight of whom became Salvation Army officers. She entered officer training in 1939 in Atlanta, Ga., from the Logan Corps as part of the Holdfast session. She served as an assistant officer in Virginia and in West Virginia. In 1943, Virginia married Adjunct Howard Carey and the couple served as officers at corps in Ohio. Howard was promoted to Glory in 1953 and Virginia had to care for two young daughters as she carried on as an officer. In 1959, she transferred to Women’s Social Services and served at the Booth Hospital in Flushing, N.Y. She married Brigadier Alfred Davey in 1964 and served with him in Augusta, Maine, until retiring in 1971. He was promoted to Glory in 1991. Survivors include three brothers, Dr. Klon Kenneth of San Antonio, Texas; and Majors Raymond and Robert Kitchen, both of Greenville, S.C.; three sisters, Major Minnie Smith of Clearwater, Fla., Frances Hines of Greenville, S.C., and Phyllis Anderson of Simpsonville, S.C.; and several grandchildren and great–grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her two daughters, Patricia Ann and Phyllis Geraldine. Cards may be sent to Frances Hines, 690 Ivybrooke Ave., Greenville, SC 29615. Email: gfranceshines@charter.net.
Auxiliary Captain Douglas Charles Rockwell, the commanding officer at the Bradford, Pa., Corps, was promoted to Glory from the Bradford Medical Center. Douglas, who had battled a serious illness a few years ago, had recently been gallantly fighting its reoccurrence. Douglas was a wonderful and valued local officer. He served at the Kingston, N.Y., Citadel Corps as corps sergeant– major (CSM) for 20 years before entering officer training in 2009 as a member of the Ambassadors of Holiness session. Unfortunately, soon after entering training, he was forced to temporarily step away from his life’s calling because of serious health issues. He had written on his candidate’s application: “I no longer belong to myself but rather to God. All my desires are to be obedient to Him and for Him. My life is set apart now for God’s purpose.” While he was not able to complete training, Douglas served as the program assistant at the New Kensington Corps, Pa., before being accepted as an auxiliary captain in July 2011. His first appointment as an auxiliary captain was as corps officer in Braddock, Pa. On February 11, 2012, he was overjoyed to marry Lieutenant Paulette Rickman of Bradford, Pa., where they joined in love and ministry together as the corps officers. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Princess Weinberger of Kingston, N.Y., and numerous other relatives. Cards can be sent to Lieutenant Paulette Rockwell, 7 Woodland Lane, Bradford, PA 16701. All dates are subject to change
MAJOR DONNA PETERSON
www.sagoodnews.org
12/10–22 Akron, OH ARC
Territorial Headquarters will be pleased to schedule the territorial evangelists to appear at your corps or unit at no cost to you. Please call the territorial evangelists’ office at (845) 620–7676 for more information.
15
SEE TRADE ADS ON THE WEB! GOOD NEWS! THE SALVATION ARMY 440 WEST NYACK ROAD WEST NYACK, NY 10994–1739 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Non–Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Beaver Dam, WI Permit No. 577
Visit the Good News!, Twitter.com, or Facebook.com sites on the Internet for links to the latest Trade Department offerings. www. twitter.com/Goodnewssa • www.facebook.com http://www.facebook.com/GoodNewsSA
GOOD NEWS!
christmas message >>
A CHRISTMAS EMBRACE
T
he small boy was obviously lost. Standing in the shopping mall with crowds of people rushing by, he looked terribly anxious, glancing all around for a familiar face. It was Christmas time and the worst time of year to be in the midst of a rushing crowd, disconnected from a family member. Yet, standing beside The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle, I could see what he could not—an elderly man standing not far away with eyes fixed on the boy. I thought to myself that this was his grandfather. Sure enough, their eyes met and the older man ran to embrace the boy. “You thought you were lost, didn’t you? Well, I knew where you were all the time.” No scolding of the boy for wandering off. No embarrassing lecture in front of strangers. No reprimand of any sort. For so many people, Christmas time only accentuates their sense of loss—of being alone in the crowd. The emphasis on family, happy memories, celebration, and giving just reminds them of their isolation and that life has not been like that for them. Perhaps that is why The Salvation Army has made Christmas a major focus of its year. Perhaps that is why we arrange special meals in the community, Christmas assistance, and the giving of toys. We
want to replace the sense of loss or meet the urgent need and display the spirit of Christmas in the most practical ways. Yet in spite of all we do, we cannot fix broken lives or heal the deep wounds of the heart. Sometimes we are surprised to discover that the people who feel most lost in this Christmas maze are not the economically strapped. Sometimes the hurting, broken, lonely, and lost are actually the ones who appear to have it all together. The Bible tells a story of such a man— Zacchaeus. He was actually very prosperous. However, his profession as a tax collector ostracized him. But Jesus, like the doting grandfather, saw where he was all the time and connected with him in a life–changing way. When criticized by the
GeneraL Linda bond
people because he was having a bite to eat with a “sinner” like Zacchaeus, Jesus declared emphatically that He had come into the world to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10) Zacchaeus changed from the scheming deceiver that he was to a generous, responsible citizen. Why? Not because he was publicly shamed, reprimanded, or made to feel like an outsider, but because Jesus was on the lookout for him. He gave him a sense of dignity. He knew he could be different. It is so important that we don’t get carried away with nostalgia when it comes to the Christmas story. We can romanticize the scene of Jesus’ birth and miss the power of its message. God took on human flesh, moved into our neighborhood, and spent His life in search of those who needed to reconnect with their Maker. Maybe some of us would never admit to being a lost soul, but we would admit to a loss of our idealism, values, faith, or hope. Maybe we would even venture to admit that we have lost much of our love for ourselves or others. It’s not something we declare to everyone. We may feel like the young boy, unnoticed by the crowd but frantically needing to be found. Well, friends, Christmas is about the coming of the Savior of the world—the loving Savior—the one who searches out lost people, embraces them, and gives them the best sense of belonging they could ever imagine.