GOOD NEWS! Volume 32 Number 1
JANUARY 2015
INSIDE
NEW MEGA MAGAZINE COMING!
It’s designed to connect you to the USA Eastern Territory as never before! Photo by Bill Rollins
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‘He’ll make a way’ STRIKEPOINT IN DAYTON
An incarnational ministry in Dayton, Ohio, that meets all four strikepoints! PAGE 8
SEE THE WORLD
Jon Avery takes you on an amazing journey to 11 countries around the world. PAGE 12
Good News! online: www.SAConnects.org USA Eastern Territorial website USA National website: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org
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mpowerment 2014, held October 23–26 at the Camp Ladore Lodge and PARC (Performing Arts & Recreation Center) in Waymart, Pa., is a biannual retreat of Salvationists of African Descent and people desiring to encounter the praise, worship, and cultural interests of Salvationists of African heritage. This event, themed, “He’ll make a way,” was one of the largest such gatherings in recent years. Guest speakers included Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander; Majors Clement and Evangeline Leslie from Tuscon, Arizona; Major Donna Peterson, territorial evangelist; and Cadets Chakanaka and Emeline Watch, originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, now at the College for Officer Training in Suffern, N.Y. They provided an inspirational, an educa-
ENVOY VANGERL PEGUES
tional, and a spiritual experience. Major Peterson opened the weekend with a variety of musical arrangements focusing on the power of Christ. Conference delegates sang repeatedly, “What can wash our sins away? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!” The miracle of a life washed free of sin stirred their emotions and prompted them to flood the altar in prayer. That moment set the tone for spontaneous visits to the mercy seat throughout the weekend. Delegates had their choice of workshops designed to address many issues that African Americans face in The Salvation Army and beyond. In “Coping Strategies for Officership Retention,” Majors Clement and Evangeline Leslie, who currently serve in Tucson continued on page
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from the editor >>
Our New Year’s resolution
WARREN L. MAYE
GOOD NEWS! USA EASTERN TERRITORY
“We’re a united Army that also acknowledges and celebrates its cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity.”
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—Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander
tarting next month, between the covers of one magazine, you’ll have an unprecedented opportunity to see who the Army is made of—and other Salvationists will also have a chance to see you as never before.
New magazine coming! To accomplish this ambitious goal, we’ll launch SAConnects, a monthly magazine that will eventually become trilingual, multicultural, informational, and evangelical. SAConnects will evolve into a compilation of the best human–interest features previously found in Priority! magazine; the devotionals, corps and community news, and historical offerings of ¡Buenas Noticias!; the territorial and corps news and events published in the English Good News!; and the cultural, global, and theological articles presented in the Korean Good News! Selected articles will appear in English, Spanish, and Korean. You hold in your hand the final publication we will offer under the name Good News! The availability of a dedicatory issue designed to pay tribute to our contributors down through the years will be announced at a later date. The last Priority! magazine is now available as a commemorative issue that reflects its 15–year history. Copies are available by contacting Doris Marasigan in the Communications Department. ¡Buenas Noticias!, our Spanish language magazine, will also cease publication and be incorporated into SAConnects. The theme of our first SAConnects will provide a window through which you’ll examine successful marriage relationships. You’ll read how actual couples from our territory have made the commitment, weathered the storms, and are enjoying the rewards of a sacred union ordained and blessed by the Lord. Subsequent themes such as women’s history will follow in future issues as our phased rollout of this new magazine continues. So, that’s our New Year’s resolution! Please know that I’ll pray that the Lord will give you the strength and the grace to fulfill your commitments this year. And also know that we’ll count on you to pray for us as we continue, as our purpose statement says, to “inform, inspire, and equip you to grow in holiness, to serve together in supportive, healing communities, and to reach others for Jesus Christ!”
LIVESTREAM SERIES
Commissioners Barry C. and E. Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders Colonel William A. Bamford III Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor Secretary for Communications Warren L. Maye Editor–in–Chief Robert Mitchell Managing Editor Hugo Bravo Hispanic Editor Reginald Raines Art Director Keri Johnson Senior Graphic Designer Lea Greene Graphic Designer Karena Lin Graphic Designer Joe Marino Graphic Designer Javier Gonzalez–Rivera Photo/Graphic Specialist Doris Marasigan Photo Archivist Nanette Morales Production/Web Specialist
Divisional News Correspondents CFOT—Major A. Kenneth Wilson ARCC—Major Charles Deitrick PENDEL—Randall Thomas, Major Kathryn A. Avery EMP—Jaye C. Jones GNY—Captain Gillian Rogers MASS—Drew Forster NJ—Bramwell Applin NEOSA—Major Thomas Hinzman NNE—Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI—Linette Luna SNE—James Gordon SWONEKY—Major Faith Miller WEPASA—Captain Kimberly DeLong Territorial Music Liaison—Ronald Waiksnoris 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.
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January 2015
territorial news >>
Seminar to explore God’s will for you
WARREN L. MAYE
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he annual Candidates Seminar will be held this year from February 6–8, hosted by the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Suffern, N.Y. As the most important Salvation Army officer/employee/ volunteer recruitment event all year, participants will enjoy “one–stop shopping” as they contemplate becoming an officer, a professional employee, or an emergency disaster/social service worker or volunteer. Army leaders from every discipline will be on hand to give advice, answer questions, give direction, and share personal anecdotes that will help delegates better understand what the Army offers. Under this year’s theme, “Do Something!” based on Isaiah 61:1, guests Majors James P. and Patricia J. LaBossiere, Northern New England divisional leaders; Lt. Colonels Donald W. and Renée P. Lance, territorial secretary for business administration and territorial pathway of hope coordinator; and Colonel Janice A.
Making an ‘impact’ On September 11, 2015, the Eastern Territory will celebrate ‘Impact 150,’ a cadet recruitment initiative, now underway. The public welcome of Cadets meeting at Centennial Memorial Temple will serve as the venue. When Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, launched ‘Impact 150’ last November, he said, ‘God has placed upon my heart the burden to pray for 100 new cadets to join the “Joyful Intercessors” session of 2015. With the number of cadets and spouses currently at the College for Officer Training, this would represent a total of 150 cadets in preparation for officership.’ He made it clear that he was counting on every Salvationist to make a significant impact on the Salvation Army’s future (see Good News! Nov./Dec. 2014).
www.saconnects.org
Howard, secretary for spiritual life development, will motivate delegates to fulfill their dreams. The Afters, special musical guests, will perform their new CD, “Life Is Beautiful.”
ARC beneficiaries invited For the first time, beneficiaries from the Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC) will participate as delegates. “The weekend is a time for people to worship together with CFOT cadets and with other believers and to listen to God’s voice and receive His direction for their lives,” said Major Thomas Lyle, territorial candidates secretary, who is excited about the new ARC connection.
Scheduled events The seminar begins on Friday evening with a trip to the Army’s historic Centennial
Memorial Temple in New York City. Delegates will participate in an exciting spiritual praise & worship meeting with The Afters. On Saturday, delegates will have a choice of three tracks—”Exploring,” “Discovering,” or “Accepting.” The Exploring Track will help them learn more about specific areas of Army ministry, particularly as officers. The Discovering Track will give delegates an overview of everything. The Accepting Track is for people who have already applied for and are in the process of becoming officers for 2015. “These three areas are vital,” said Lyle. “This will be an intense weekend during which we pray that the Lord will clearly speak.” Sunday morning will consist of united worship with Commissioners Barry C. and E. Sue Swanson, territorial leaders.
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prayer & praisE >>
Call to the Inner Life We call Salvationists worldwide to enter the new millennium with a renewal of faithful, disciplined, and persistent prayer; to study God’s word consistently and to seek God’s will earnestly; to deny self and to live a lifestyle of simplicity in a spirit of trust and thankfulness. We affirm that the consistent cultivation of the inner life is essential for our faith life and for our fighting fitness. The disciplines of the inner life include solitude, prayer, meditation, study, and self–denial. Practicing solitude, spending time alone with God, we discover the importance of silence, learn to listen to God, and discover our true selves. Praying, we engage in a unique dialog that encompasses adoration and confession, petition and intercession. As we meditate, we attend to God’s transforming word. As we study, we train our minds towards Christlikeness, allowing the word of God to shape our thinking. Practicing self–denial, we focus on God and grow in spiritual perception. We expose how our appetites can control us, and draw closer in experience, empathy, and action to those who live with deprivation and scarcity. “The disciplines of the inner life, when applied, help us to discover what God wants to give us and make us. They can draw us closer to him, make us more aware of him, and improve our perspective on life.” —Called to Be God’s People
COLONEL JANICE A. HOWARD
This is the yearning of many Christians. The difficulty in this equation is discipline. We discipline ourselves to bathe, to eat, to go to work or to school, and to pay our bills. Why is it difficult to discipline ourselves in the areas that speak to our inner lives, especially when we desire to be more like Christ? Could it be that we view prayer, Bible reading, and a host of other spiritual disciplines as a chore instead of as part of a loving relationship? John 17 reveals that, long before we were born, Jesus prayed for each of us. In that scripture, Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and all believers. Jesus prays for “those who will believe in me through their [disciples] message, that all of them may be one” (v 20–21). Amazing! Jesus taught the disciples how to pray. Jesus modeled prayer as He spoke to His Father, as He invited His disciples to pray in His name, as He asked Bartimeus what he wanted and then He healed him. That same resource is available to us today. May we pray for the desire to pray and to commune with the Lord. “The Call to the Inner Life” is a call to consistently study God’s word, which will help our prayers to be grounded in the values of God. This is part of a love relationship; studying God’s word assists
us to know God and His ways. This Call mentions several other disciplines, which are of benefit to our inner life. They include but are not limited to solitude, spending time alone with God; silence, listening to the Lord; self–denial, forgoing nonessentials in order to focus on the Lord; fasting, doing without to be in the presence of God; mentoring, obtaining spiritual assistance from another Christian for spiritual development; and spiritual retreats, providing a means to draw closer to God and to other people. Why spend time developing our inner lives? We are in a love relationship where we desire to be more like Christ; the disciplines provide a means for that to take place. For a continuation of this article including related scripture and questions, please go to www.armyonitsknees.org. —Colonel Janice Howard is the Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development.
vantage point >>
Cultivate!
CHRIS STOKER
Have the roots of your being firmly and deeply planted in Him ….
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—Colossians 2:7
ultivate is a one–year (February 2015 thru January 2016), online spiritual life development course for soldiers and officers. If you are hungering for more of what the Lord has to do in you and through you, Cultivate will help you fulfill this desire. The course, which includes a 4–day
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retreat in October for 20 students, is designed to facilitate the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2), the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16), the role of spiritual disciplines (Romans 12:1), being part of community (1 Corinthians 12), and living out our faith for the sake of others (Matthew 28:18–20). Course instructors include Colonel Janice A. Howard, assistant chief secretary and secretary for spiritual life development; Major Lauren H. Hodgson,
assistant secretary for spiritual life development; and Major Young Sung Kim, territorial ambassador for holiness. Colonel Howard and Major Hodgson each have backgrounds in spiritual development and personal spiritual formation. Major Kim has taught two holiness modules. —The Cultivate program is a service of the Eastern Territory’s Spiritual Life Development Department. For further information,potential cohort members can call (845) 620–7676 or go to saconnects.org/cultivate January 2015
Thinking out of the ‘Red Box’ GNY holds annual gala
WARREN L. MAYE
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he Salvation Army Greater New York Division’s 67th Annual Gala on December 1 served as the launch pad for its second annual Red Box Campaign. Held at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, this year’s event featured a return of the Red Box, a “Christmas–in–a– box,” containing non–perishable foods, seasonal gift items, and holiday treats for families in need. Just a $65 donation provided one Red Box for a family. By the end of the evening, Gala guests had donated funds to provide for many boxes. Cindy Monroe, founder, president, and CEO of 31 Gifts, purchased 153 Red Boxes (a nearly $10,000 donation). Gala co–hosts Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford of NBC’s “Today” show offered a warm welcome to attendees and introduced special guests for the evening. Each attendee and people who made a minimum contribution of $65 to support the Red Box campaign received a complimentary copy of Gifford’s book, Good Gifts: One Year in the Heart of a Home. The book celebrates the 20th anniversary of life in her family’s Connecticut home through a collection of photos (many snapped with her iPhone), sweet
Cindy Monroe, Hoda Kotb, Keisha Sullivan, Jameel McClain, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Lt. Colonels Guy D. and Henrietta Klemanski gather at the Gala.
anecdotes, her song lyrics, and recipes. Kotb and Jameel McClain, star linebacker of the New York Giants, an ambassador for the Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, as well as this year’s “Greater New York Community Service Award” honoree, visited guests at their tables, encouraging them to contribute to the Red Box Campaign. Jonathan Plotkin, senior managing director of Colliers International and a member of the Army’s advisory board, had presented the award to McClain in recognition of his many humanitarian efforts. This year’s recipient of the Pinnacle of Achievement Award was The Actors Fund, a national nonprofit human services organization that has provided for the welfare of entertainment professionals for more than 130 years. Accepting the award on behalf Joseph P. Benincasa is flanked by Lt. Colonels of the Fund was Joseph P. BeHenrietta and Guy D. Klemanski.
nincasa, president and CEO. Lt. Colonels Guy D. and Henrietta Klemanski, GNY divisional leaders, presented the award. Lt. Colonel Guy Klemanski also presented a plaque of appreciation to Michael King, case manager for HIV Health Home Services, for his “indelible spirit, immense heart, and tremendous compassion” during his 14 years of service with The Salvation Army.
A taste of Broadway In addition to the Greater New York Youth Band & Chorus ministering in song, Carol Jaudes, territorial special events and arts ministries director and former star of the Broadway hit musical CATS, performed “Accentuate the Positive.” Tony Yazbeck, currently starring on Broadway in the critically acclaimed revival of On the Town, also performed. And the husband–and–wife duo of Marin Mazzie (Bullets Over Broadway; Ragtime) and Jason Danieley (Curtains; Candide) who starred together on Broadway in Next to Normal, performed a host of musical numbers to the delight of the audience. Kotb and Gifford led everyone in the singing of the Gala’s closing song and the beloved Christmas favorite, “Silver Bells,” inspired by the sight of Salvation Army bellringers on the streets of New York. —Kenneth Speranza contributed to this article. Visit SalvationArmyNY.org.
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territorial newS >>
Roxborough celebrates 125 years
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eeing so many people from the past reminded me that there is a great cloud of witnesses who have gone on before us,” said Major Glenn Snyder, then corps officer, who, along with his wife Major Bonnie Snyder, had commanded the Roxborough (Citadel), Pa., Corps for the past eight years. Last Memorial Day weekend, past and present corps officers, bandmasters, bandsmen, songsters, soldiers, and friends from around the country gathered “on the Ridge” in Philadelphia to celebrate the corps’ 125th anniversary. “People who were nurtured in the corps have gone on to impact other corps and communities in a positive way,” continued Major Snyder. “God has placed different people here at different times and worked through the unique gifts He has given them.” David and Donna Burgmayer, local music leaders, recruited an excellent 35–piece reunion band and a 45–voice songster group for the event. While Roxborough alumni arrived from as far away as Virginia, Michigan, and Maine, Bill Flinn, special guest for the weekend, traveled the farthest. Flinn is bandmaster (B/M) of the celebrated Pasadena Tabernacle Band and executive director of the Tournament of Roses Parade in California. Other former bandmasters taking their
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turn with the baton included Patrick Morris, Keith Morris, Major Bernie Meitrott, and Major Terry Wood. Former corps officers who participated were Majors JoAnn and Larry Shade and Majors Alma and Paul Cain. On Saturday afternoon, the Praise Band, the Reunion Singers, and the Reunion Band rehearsed. Donna Burgmayer conducted and Major Susan Wood, former pianist, accompanied the Songsters while each bandmaster led selected pieces during the rehearsal. B/M Patrick Morris, supported by the Reunion Band and Songsters, led the “Walk Down Memory Lane.” The alums shared humorous, poignant, and spiritually uplifting moments, some dating back to the 1950s. The mood was casual—like a family. The Sunday morning service was especially moving. The Reunion Songsters created an atmosphere of worship and praise, surrounding the congregation as they sang, a capella, “He Has Done Marvelous Things.” Other Songster selections included “We Fall Down,” “Your Grace Still Amazes Me,” and “This Day.” B/M Flinn led the Reunion Band in Robert Redhead’s “Reflections in Nature” and Ken Downie’s “There Is a Redeemer.” But the musical highlight on Sunday morning was the premiere performance of the hymn tune arrange-
DAVID BURGMAYER
ment “Roxborough.” The tune was written by former Roxborough soldier B/M Ivor Bosanko to the words “Thou Shepherd of Israel.” This was composed at the request of Brigadier Donald R. Lance, former corps officer and father of Lt. Colonel Donald W. Lance, then PENDEL divisional commander, who with his wife, Lt. Colonel Renée P. Lance, also participated in the weekend celebrations. B/M Flinn, as he introduced the selection, explained how the composer wrote both this tune and the more well–known “I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord” in just 2 days. Major Paul Cain delivered a message entitled “Full Commitment, Full Surrender.” In response, many former and current corps members came to the altar. The richness of God’s blessings during the anniversary weekend continued as the Reunion Band and Songsters joined with the ARC Choir to present a concert in nearby Gorgas Park. As it was Memorial Day weekend, it was fitting for B/M Patrick Morris, who had served as a musician in and had recently retired from the U.S. Army, led the band in “Armed Services Tribute” and “God Bless America.” The band was also led by B/M Flinn in Bill Gordon’s march “Heavenward,” Kevin Larsson’s “Fill the World With Glory,” and Andrew Mackereth’s “Ein Feste Burg.”
January 2015
territorial newS >>
Scandinavian Congress 2015 will end an era
COMMISSIONER BARRY C. SWANSON
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or as many as 160 years, a tenement on Manhattan’s Lower East Side had housed countless immigrants. Upon arriving on these shores, wave upon wave of Irish, Jewish, Greek, Italian, Swedish, Polish, Puerto Rican, and other families lived in the cramped quarters of this residential building. Today, it is preserved as the New York Tenement Museum. Their stories are remarkably the same. As people came seeking a better life, they found both extreme hardships along with unimaginable opportunity. They worked hard, sacrificed, and slowly moved into the mainstream of American society, finding new places to work, live, and worship. Since 1885, The Salvation Army has been there to welcome, serve, and save these “huddled masses.” We preached to them in their language, worshiped in their accustomed style, and respected their culture. It can accurately be said the Army in America was built on its commitment to “multicultural ministry,” even before someone coined that phrase. We simply knew it as “evangelism” and that it was what Jesus taught us to do. Our specialized ministries to ethnic groups would continue as long as the need was there. As particular immigration patterns diminished and people assimilated into the American culture, many of the unique accommodations fell away. Second and third generations no longer required or expected the Army to provide the comforts and customs of the homeland. For instance, our Scandinavian work flourished for many years, following the pattern of other immigrant cultures. It remains a beautiful and meaningful tradi-
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Commissioners E. Sue and Barry C. Swanson, territorial leaders (second row, center) are flanked by Majors Sidney and Betty Anderson during the 2014 Scandinavian Congress held at the Ladore Lodge and Conference Center in Pennsylvania. tion enjoyed by many Salvationists and friends across the territory, as previous Good News! articles have described. We especially recognize Majors Sidney and Betty Anderson, who, in their retirement, have supported this work for many years. Recognizing that there is no longer a need for a dedicated ministry to Scandinavian people in the USA (the original language/cultural barriers no longer exist), the Eastern Territory announces that after
the 2015 Scandinavian Congress in May, it will no longer sponsor a formal ministry to and for people of Scandinavian descent. Our multicultural ministry remains as vigorous and as vital as ever. The Salvation Army will continue to serve those people who, because of language or other cultural distinctions, require customized services in order to meet their material and spiritual needs. — Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, Territorial Commander
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territorial newS >>
Hitting all Strikepoints
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hey bag groceries at local supermarkets, serve free coffee from their front porch, and distribute food boxes in the neighborhood they now call “home.” Meet the new “Strikepoint” urban mission team based at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Dayton, Ohio. The initiative, which began in October, meets all four “Strikepoints” unveiled last year by Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, which include “Integrated Urban Mission,” “Deeper Discipleship,” “Skilled Leadership,” and “Young Adult Empowerment.” Salvationists Zach Smith and Thomas Eller, the 2–person college–aged team, rent an apartment near the Kroc center. Major Thomas Duperree, center administrator, said that, in today’s church, “We typically ask people to come to us. But this church goes to the people. “That’s exactly what Jesus did,” he said. “He ministered to the people right where they were. That’s what the urban missions team is about. It’s about taking the worship and the service right to the very streets and homes where the people live.” The mission team is the brainchild of Major Larry Ashcraft, divisional commander in SWONEKY. Ashcraft said as far back as the Project 1:17 program he had started at the College for Officer Training, his vision was to move the concept to a more urban setting. “This [Dayton urban mission team] takes it a step further to expose them to the totality of ministry that The Salvation Army offers, especially in these really tough neighborhoods,” Ashcraft said. “These guys went into neighborhoods with about 200 boxes of prepared food. As they walked in and started distributing, some of the people said, ‘We didn’t know tonight where our meal was going to come from.’ ” “A similar ‘Strikepoint’ mission team operates in a tough neighborhood near the Cincinnati Westside Corps,” Ashcraft said. Smith and Eller both grew up in The Salvation Army and understand its mission. Eller also is a Dayton native. 8
Major Barbara Duperree, the corps officer at the Dayton Kroc center, said the two have gone door to door to introduce themselves and to serve free hot chocolate and coffee from their front porch in an effort they call “Grounds for Grace.” “It’s just an opportunity to draw peo-
ple toward them and kind of get to know the neighbors they’re working with,” she said. “The goal eventually is to befriend them and tell them about the Lord. “We’re hoping to plant a Sunday school and a young adult worship in the neighborhood.” January 2015
ROBERT MITCHELL
Smith, who traveled with the Creative Arts Service Team (CAST) last summer, called the urban mission team another “perfect” opportunity to share God’s love. “It’s unique to be in a situation where your job is just to go and minister to people,” he said. “You don’t have to www.saconnects.org
worry about doing anything else and you can really put your ministry first.” Smith said when people saw them move into the neighborhood, “That definitely takes off some of the edge or some of the reserve that they might have.” Eller, who is attending community college while on the mission team, said he wants to “get people into the church who don’t even know what The Salvation Army is.” “I’ve always been told to follow what Jesus has planned for you and to obey what He has for you,” Eller said. “When they asked me to do this ministry, I thought that this is what God wants me to do right now. “The people are seeing us around
more and more. We’re starting to build relationships.” The initiative clearly meets the urban mission and young adult empowerment priorities of “Strikepoint,” but Major Thomas says you can’t leave out deeper discipleship since Smith and Eller meet weekly with a mentor from the corps. “While they minister, they are being ministered to,” he said. “We have several people in the corps who have the responsibility of caring for these young men as they care for other people.” Major Barbara said the congregation has come alongside the team. “Serving is such an important part of discipleship,” she said. “Getting your people from a place of sitting in a pew on Sunday morning to going and serving, that’s a challenge for any corps officer. “This idea of inspiring our corps people on to greater service … that’s discipleship. We’re meeting all of these Strikepoint initiatives through the urban mission team.” Major Barbara said she leads Smith and Eller in a weekly Bible study and thus trains them to be leaders, fulfilling yet another “Strikepoint.” “They’re developing their own leadership skills through this ministry and maybe one day they will become Salvation Army officers or great local officers,” she said. Smith, who draws people to Christ through the Gospel arts, said he wants to touch lives through the stage—or urban mission. “Any way possible,” he said. “I love acting and I love being able to reach out to people and make friends. What we’re doing is what The Salvation Army is all about.” Ashcraft said he has always believed that the Millennial Generation (people born from 1982 through 2004) will “buy The Salvation Army mission of service ‘hook, line, and sinker.’ “I see this step of urban mission teams as the first stop in engaging Millennials in the ‘nitty-gritty’ of The Salvation Army,” Ashcraft says. “I think in the future it will be a different–looking Army. I think it will look more like it did back in William Booth’s day.” 9
corps newS >>
Standing kettles, running 5K, sewing quilts, and celebrating Chri
Augusta, Maine 100 KETTLES! Augusta, Maine— Gov. Paul R. LePage helped The Salvation Army kick off the Christmas season and kettle campaign at the Statehouse. “For more than 120 years around the world, Salvation Army red kettles have been linked to the Christmas season,” said Governor LePage. “Mainers are generous people known to help our neighbors, and the kettle campaign is one way to help people who need help most.” The Salvation Army had more than 100 red kettles throughout the state on street corners and in shopping areas through Dec. 24.
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White Plains, NY KICKING OFF WITH KETTLES Concord, NH—The Salvation Army kicked off its annual Christmas kettle campaign for the state on Nov. 9 when Gov. Margaret W. Hassan brought greetings in a brief ceremony at the Statehouse. A brass ensemble played carols. “We invite all community residents to join us in this effort to ensure that marginalized people of our communities receive the assistance they need at Christmas and throughout the year,” said Captain Steve Warren, the corps officer in Concord. Portland, Maine— The Army officially launched its annual Red Kettle Campaign with a dinner and a concert
on Nov. 15 at the First Baptist Church. Guests and friends of the Army enjoyed hearing the New York Staff Band, led by Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris, and music from the University of Southern Maine’s Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Robert Russell, professor of music. PRAYER NIGHT White Plains, NY— Young Salvationists gathered at the corps on Oct. 31 for a night of prayer, music, and artistic expression. The event provided an opportunity for the youngest members of the congregation to gather on a Friday night to praise God. Doug Berry, territorial contemporary music di-
rector, said that he and Felipe Concha, program director for the corps, wanted to have an event solely dedicated to prayer, worship, and Scripture, without the time constraints and format of a regular church service. “We wanted to take the most fundamental aspects of church, and just do more of it for one night, ” Berry said. The event was divided into a time for praise & worship, Scripture readings, and a rotation of three different prayer stations. The first, to pray for souls and their salvation; the second, for inward prayer and personal reflection; and a third, for self–expression through visual art. Captain Margareta Ivarsson, territorial as-
sistant program secretary, who led one of the prayer stations for the children, said, “The prayer gathering was an opportunity for them to both lead and be led by the Spirit in worship, for the Glory of God.” KIDS ‘LIGHT UP’ NY Haverstraw, NY—The Haverstraw Center in Rockland County, N.Y., has begun hosting youth programs, making it the third location in the county to host Salvation Army events for children. With the assistance of the Army’s Spring Valley, N.Y., Corps, the center now offers music lessons, karate classes, and Sunbeams programs. The first night of youth January 2015
hristmas!
Portsmouth, Ohio programs this October brought 24 children to the events, and numbers have increased week to week. The Suffern, N.Y., Temple Corps, which shares a building with the Spring Valley Corps, has been holding youth programs in the Corps building. The Spring Valley Corps also uses the College for Officer Training as a hosting location. With Haverstraw’s new youth programs, there are now over 100 young people involved in Salvation Army events in Rockland. “This new ministry initiative provides opportunities for more local leaders and cadets to be involved in showing and sharing the love of Christ to children and teens,” www.saconnects.org
said Major Marcus Jugenheimer, Rockland County coordinator and Spring Valley corps officer. The Rockland County Advisory Board has encouraged The Salvation Army to continue its services in the county. The Haverstraw Center has hosted Army service ministries since May of 2013.
“Part of the race course ran near the Ohio River,” Smith said. “We’re looking forward to having this race again next year. It was a lot of fun, participation doubled, and we hope to see it double again.”
A ‘CIRCLE OF HOPE’
Brooklyn, NY—The Bay Ridge Corps held an exciting three–week basketball clinic, which drew 50 children between ages 8–14. “Our neighborhood is one in which there aren’t many low cost/ free activities for children to participate in,” says Lieutenant Joel Ashcraft, the corps officer. “We had a vision of creating a free clinic
Portsmouth, Ohio— During the summer, the Donut Run Circles of Hope 5K helped The Salvation Army raise money for the needy. “It’s a great community event that allows us to raise funds for the local homeless,” said Lydia Smith, the corps’ community resource coordinator.
LIFE AND BASKETBALL LESSONS
in which children would be able to learn about teamwork, discipline, and hard work through playing the game of basketball.” A councilman helped secure funding for the camp, which also involved teen volunteers. Ashcraft said the corps secured 20 new top–quality basketballs that remained with the corps, but “more important, they give the corps an opportunity to reach 50 new families with the love of Christ.” MENDING CLOTHES Massillon, Ohio— Maybe you don’t have to throw out that old sweater after all. The women and some children of the corps started a sewing
class to help young mothers save money by making alterations and by fixing clothes for their children, said Major Linda-Jo Perks, corps officer. “We are also quilting, making Christmas gifts, aprons from a pattern, and selling things at Home League Camp for World Services,” she said. “We are seeing the joy of women who are fixing clothes they thought they had to throw away.” Perks said the idea came from a woman who formerly lived in New York where she attended a design school and stayed at a Salvation Army women’s residence. “Her dream was to give back through the Army,” Perks said.
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The global language of love
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n 2013, Jonathan Avery, divisional youth program specialist for the PENDEL Division, embarked on the trip of a lifetime to 11 countries in 11 months. His trip, organized by Adventures in Missions, an inter–denominational missions company, focused on prayer, discipleship, and building relationships with less fortunate people from all over the world. Avery and a team of 39 other travelers from the U.S. and Canada visited countries in Asia and in Eastern Europe. They taught local residents English, helped build orphanages, maintained churches, and prayed for anyone who requested it. In less than a year, Avery had visited Mozambique, Swaziland, South Africa, India, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Moldova, and Romania. His travels gave him a glimpse of the world outside his home of Philadelphia and strengthened his faith in the power of prayer and in the blessings of God.
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‘God provides’ In January, Avery left for Mozambique. “Mentally, the first month was the most difficult,” he said. “We had to get used to what we were going to deal with for the next year, such as bucket showers and toilets that didn’t flush themselves.” Despite the culture shock of being in a new land, his first stop was a rewarding one. He found himself a participant in the creation of an orphanage. “Our contact, Eli, found out that in college, I had about half of a semester of architecture.
Immediately, anything I said regarding the design, he took into account,” said Avery. His presence and knowledge was a blessing to the project, and by the time that he left Mozambique, the building’s foundation was completed. Eli’s dedication to the project left a strong impression on Jon. “[Eli] doesn’t have a job and has devoted his life to the orphanage,” said Avery. “He lives completely by faith. Anytime he’s needed money for something, God has always provided.”
‘He redeems’ In March, Avery and his team stayed in Muizenberg, South Africa, where they partnered with their contact Malcolm, who is involved with local ministries and churches. Through one of Malcolm’s connections, Avery worked with a local afterschool program that hosts computer classes for teens. Instructors hope that youth participation will lessen the brutal gang violence that plagues the area. Despite the danger of the zone, Avery knew that the Lord would guide him in even the most dangerous of places. “I never felt scared. I knew we were there for God and doing His work. If something January 2015
HUGO BRAVO
were to happen, it was part of His plan, and He would redeem anything that occurred,” he said.
‘Praying for understanding’ Avery’s month in India was physically challenging. The local cuisine also left much to be desired. “Every meal was rice, even for breakfast,” he said. Ministering in longsleeved shirts and pants only made the heat worse. “I think they don’t consider you as much of a man if you wear shorts,” he said. “If we wanted to be respected and to be listened to, we had to wear pants.” Despite the physical hardships, he traveled to surrounding villages and went door-to-door, asking the local residents if they needed prayer. “We didn’t always understand what they wanted, but we prayed nonetheless. Sometimes they just pointed to a part of their body, and we prayed for God to heal or remove the pain,” Avery said. In India, “Johan,” as is Jon’s name translated in the Indian language of Telegu, witnessed the healing power of prayer and of love. “One day, one of our contacts grabbed me and another member of the group and took us to see a man who was lying in bed, paralyzed from the neck down. They asked us to pray for this man, and as we did, his legs began to straighten. By the time we were done, he was lying completely flat on the bed, and had started to move his legs. I had seen some healings, but nothing to that extent. When we were done, our contact just said, ‘Ok, next house!’ and took us out of there as quickly as he brought us in.” “I was in shock, yet no one in the village dwelled on the fact that this had happened. It was because no one www.saconnects.org
was surprised it happened,” Avery said. “Their faith is just so much stronger than anything we can imagine. They just rely so much on God.”
Equally important work By the time Avery’s trip came to an end, he had been a field worker, an architect, a healer, a teacher, and a counselor, all in the name of God. But it was at his last stop of Draganesti, Romania where he learned the importance of even the most menial tasks. “Most of my time was spent on my hands and knees, cleaning and scrubbing the floors of a church. It was definitely hard to go from doing all these wonderful jobs for the last 10 months, and then literally be brought back down from a spiritual high. It was very humbling. But it was God’s way of telling me, ‘This work isn’t above you. It’s just as important as all the other work you did.’”
‘Everybody is a missionary’ God’s plan for Avery wasn’t quite finished when he returned to America. One of the most important lessons that he learned was to never put God in a box, or constrict what you think He can do for you. “In other countries, they rely solely on God. In that reliance, He does so much more for their lives. Why do we put our own limits on Him?” Avery asked. God’s plan continues today. Avery has used this experience to tell everyone that we can all be missionaries in our own way, without having to take a plane to a for-
Highlights • Nepal: ‘In a village, we talked to people about Jesus. One woman, in tears, asked us, ‘What can we do for Jesus?’” • Thailand: ‘The men did mostly manual labor, but the women went to the cities to minister to other local women.’ • Cambodia: ‘I taught English to kids for the first time.’ • India: ‘Through a translator, I asked a man, “Why do you pray? Is it because you believe your gods aren’t truly gods?” He just looked at me with sadness.’” • Vietnam: ‘As it is a communist country, ministering was prohibited. So we worked in a coffee shop, telling people what we believed. Other times, at a local English club gathering, we used Bible stories to teach English.’
eign land. “Everybody is a missionary for the Lord whenever they show love to anyone, whether it be to a homeless person or to a rich guy in a limo. Everyone needs Jesus and is worthy of the same love.” 13
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‘He’ll make a way’ Empowerment 2014 conference as city coordinator and as director of special services, stressed the importance of African–American officers working together and encouraging each other. “We have overcome some of the barriers that have prevented African Americans from obtaining divisional headquarters (DHQ) and territorial headquarters (THQ) positions, but work still needs to be done,” said Major Clement Leslie. He encouraged officers to be visible and to voice their desire to assume DHQ and THQ positions, rather than shy away from the limelight. “Worship Relevancy for Multicultural
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Congregations,” led by Major Peterson and Bandmaster Bill Rollins, stressed how different worship styles offer an important opportunity for people to praise God through varying generational, ethnic, and cultural expressions—a growing dynamic in our territory. In “The Godly Life in Youth Culture” workshop, Cadets Watch defined culture and how it affects worship. Cadet Chakanaka shared an example of what a godly life looks like. The Watches gave real–life examples of how they shielded themselves from harmful influences. They stressed
the need to stay focused on and to spend time with Christ–centered youth. Cadet Chakanaka also said that the number of African Americans in officer training must increase. “If you feel called [to officership] you must talk to your corps officers or other officers of color,” he said. In the session, “Back to the Future,” led by Lt. Colonels Abraham and Louise Johnson, delegates went on a historical journey. The Johnsons shared a wealth of knowledge and reminded everyone of their rich Salvation Army heritage.
Why a conference? The consensus is that people of African descent face unique challenges. For instance, despite Founder William Booth’s commitment to racial and ethnic diversity, as well as his enthusiastic support of the participation of African Americans in the formation of The Salvation Army in the United States, today they still struggle to fit into an organization that has historically excluded them in significant ways. Sometimes, even their music and their culture are seen as nontraditional. Other officers and soldiers struggle to fathom the challenges African Americans face. This conference, which brings together older and younger Salvationists of African heritage, continues to empower them to bring help and healing—in Christ’s name—to all people in need.
Cadet Watch shares an example of a godly life. 14
Majors Evangeline and Clement Leslie, and soldiers Valencia and Bill Rollins minister to delegates in word and in song. January 2015
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Promoted to Glory MAJOR WILLIAM E. ASH
June 19, 1924—October 31, 2014 Major William Ash was promoted to Glory from the Grantsbrook Rehabilitation Center in Grantsboro, N.C. William (Bill) Eugene Ash was born to George and Melvina Ash in Concord, N.H. Bill connected with The Salvation Army through Sunday school. At age 18, he felt God calling him to officership, but he kept putting it off. Finally, his desire to share Christ with others convinced him. Upon answering the call to full-time service in 1949, Bill and his wife, Grace, entered officer training from the Concord, N.H., Corps as members of the “Standard Bearers” session. Commissioned in 1950, the couple served as assistant corps officers in Connecticut and Massachusetts and later as corps officers in Maine and Vermont. In 1967, William was transferred to Territorial Headquarters, (THQ), where he served as assistant territorial auditor (1970) and territorial auditor (1974). They retired in 1989 to Plant City, Fla. Survivors include three daughters, Jennifer E. Walsh of Oriental, N.C., Stephanie L. Edelman of Las Vegas, Nev., and Melanie J. Modeen of Waterbury, Conn.; a brother, Clifford Ash of Earl, Pa.; and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His wife, Grace, predeceased him in 1996. Cards may be sent to Jennifer E. Walsh, 12 Cove Court, Oriental, NC 28571.
MAJOR OPAL PEARL JOHNSON
MAJOR LAURA MARIA MCEWEN
May 22, 1934—December 3, 2014
September 23, 1928—November 11, 2014
Major Opal Johnson was promoted to Glory from her home in Greensburg, Pa. Opal was one of eight children born to Herman and Myra Johnson in Marietta, Ohio. She met The Salvation Army while attending an open–air meeting, which was held across the street from her home. She began attending the Marietta Corps and was active in all programs. Opal worked as a nurse’s aid at a local hospital after high school, but she heard the call to officership during a revival and gave her all in complete surrender to the Lord. Opal entered officer training from the Marietta Corps as part of the Soul Winners session. She was commissioned in 1955 and served as an assistant officer and corps officer in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, and New Hampshire. She retired in 1999 and settled in Greensburg, Pa. Survivors include her close friend and associate for 55 years, Major Lillian Martin of Greensburg, Pa.; a sister, Mona K. Barnett of San Tan Valley, Ariz., and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents, Herman and Myra Johnson, brothers Dean, Orville, and Dewey Johnson, and sisters Roberta Noland, Lagatha Powers, and Alta Burge all predeceased Opal. Cards may be sent to Major Lillian Martin, 526 Farview Dr. Greensburg, PA. Email LillianJMar@msn.com.
Major Laura McEwen was promoted to Glory from the Monarch Center in Saco, Maine. Laura was born to John and Cleo Brennan Ferreira in Boston, Mass. In 1942, she was converted at the East Boston Corps. After responding positively to the call to officership in 1947, Laura joined the King’s Messengers session from the East Boston Corps. In 1948, she was commissioned as an assistant corps officer serving in the Bronx and in Brooklyn. Upon her marriage to Clyde McEwen in 1950, the couple served as corps officers at several corps in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. After the promotion to Glory of her husband, she served as assistant director and director of the Camp Connri Lodge and Conference Center. In 1989, Laura was appointed to the Booth Memorial Medical Center, where she served as patient representative until her retirement in 1993. Survivors include two daughters, Susan McEwen of Farmingdale, Maine, and Jan McEwen of Waterville, Maine; a son, Daniel McEwen of Philadelphia, Pa.; two sisters-in-law, Major Barbara Ferreira of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and Lillian Ferreira of Tewksbury, Mass.; and five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Cards may be sent to Daniel McEwen, 7828 Lexington Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19152–3501.
TERRITORIAL EVANGELIST SCHEDULE 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.
CAPTAINS ANGELO AND VIRGINIA BERMEO
All dates are subject to change
Feb. 19–22
www.saconnects.org
Jan. 13–15 Jan. 31–Feb. 7
Hempstead, N.Y., ARC Medical Missions Trip, Honduras Humacao Corps, PR/VI Division
MAJOR DONNA PETERSON Jan. 20–23 Jan. 26–27 Jan. 26–28
NEOSA Divisional Officers Retreat Regional Single Officers Retreat Western Pa., Officers Retreat
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GOOD NEWS! THE SALVATION ARMY 440 WEST NYACK ROAD WEST NYACK, NY 10994–1739
Non–Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Beaver Dam, WI Permit No. 577
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
The Salvation Army
Post Congress Heritage Tour July 6–15, 2015 Hosted by: Commissioner William W.
FRANCIS
Dr. Roger
GREEN
St. Paul’s Cathedral and Salvation Army International Headquarters
To view this information online and register, go to:
www.eotours.co/slvtnarmy