GOOD NEWS! MARCH 2013
Installation and welcome photos by Joe Veriker, PhotoBureau.
Volume 30 Number 2
New leader calls for ‘purpose–driven people’ Commissioners Swanson welcomed, installed >>
Warren L. Maye
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” —Proverbs 19:21
“D
o you know God’s purpose for your life?” asked Commissioner Barry C. Swanson of a capacity crowd at Centennial Memorial Temple in
New York City on Feb. 1. He had just been installed as territorial commander, along with Commissioner Sue Swanson as territorial president of women’s min-
istries. Commissioner Barry Swanson opened his arms wide and raised his palms high to deliver his first message to the territory.
INSIDE
continued on page
General Linda Bond offers an Easter message: ‘Never the Same Again.’ PAGE
4
7 >>
‘Servant Corps’ is clearing the way in Camden, N.J.
ARC opens its new ‘campus’ in Wilkes–Barre, Pa.
PAGE 16
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FROM THE EDITOR >>
March on!
Warren L. Maye
GOOD NEWS! USA EASTERN TERRITORY
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me: As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, While God is marching on. — “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” Julia Ward Howe, 1861
M
arch has always been a significant month in Salvation Army history. It was 133 years ago, on the 10th day of this month, when Commissioner George Scott Railton; Captain Emma Westbrook, a 10–year Christian Mission veteran; and six women Salvationists arrived in New York City. The women wore blue uniforms with high–collared tunics with the name “The Salvation Army” embroidered in large letters. When the “invasion party” marched onto the docks in Battery Park, they boldly proclaimed the name of Jesus Christ and sang “Way Down on the Suwannee River” and Old Kentucky Home.” Although Railton had planned to locate the Army’s national headquarters in New York City, local ordinances on street preaching and public assembly restricted such privileges to clergy of already–established denominations. To his dismay, Railton was prohibited from holding further open–air meetings. Undaunted, he headed for Philadelphia, where Eliza Shirley and her family had conducted their breakthrough open–air meeting just six months earlier. It was a historic moment for The Salvation Army in the United States when Railton’s contingent met Shirley’s followers in Philadelphia on March 24, 1880. They held a special public meeting so that Railton could formally present the Army flag sent by Catherine Booth. “This was the biggest meeting of my life,” Railton later wrote. Approximately 1,500 people, of all colors, including 200 soldiers wearing Army hatbands, made their way into the Athletic Hall, rented for the occasion. They cheered and sang the spiritual “My Lord, What a Morning, When the Stars Begin to Fall!”* The determination to march on in the face of setbacks and loss is a daily challenge for all of us. From something as profound as mourning the loss of a Salvation Army icon such as Major Angelo Rosamilia** (as I did recently at Kensico Cemetery), to something as trivial as locking your key in the car (as I did the morning after), God has called us to be “transfigured” by His glory, to stay the course, and to march on. In this Good News!, you’ll see the Army as it continues to march forward—with the installation of new territorial leaders, the invitation to prospective officer candidates, and the opening of new and refurbished facilities in the Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command. God’s Truth keeps marching on!
Commissioners Barry C. and Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders Colonel William Carlson Chief Secretary Linda D. Johnson Literary Secretary Warren L. Maye Robert Mitchell Keri Johnson Reginald Raines Saoul Vanderpool Karena Lin Nanette Morales Joe Marino
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 Thomas Hinzman 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.
*Soldiers of Uncommon Valor: The History of Salvationists of African Descent in the United States (The Salvation Army, 2008) **Major Rosamilia sent 70 cadets to training!
Letters I read the Good News! Special Edition 2012 and got a good view of what The Salvation Army has done in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. I was deeply inspired by the stories. I could relate to them because my daughter is a resident of the Red Hook Projects in Brooklyn. —Mr. E. Byrd, Woodbourne, NY
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March 2013
Prayer & Praise
TRANSFORMATIONS >>
www.armyonitsknees.org ‘Let me die or show me prayer reQuests future all star Weekend with the new york staff Band March 14–16 Cadets’ spring Campaign March 18–24
Locations by Brigade:
#1 Portland Citadel Corps, NNE #2 Columbus Area Services, SWONEKY #3 Cleveland West Park Corps, NEOSA #4 Oswego County, Empire #5 Pittsburgh Homewood Corps Pittsburgh Westside Corps Harbor Light Center Brushton, WEPASA #6 Manhattan Citadel, GNY #7 Quincy Corps, MASS #8 York Citadel, PENDEL #9 Bayamon Corps, PR/VI #10 Atlantic City Corps, NJ holy Week, good friday, and easter—resurrection day! March 25–31 “Will you not revive us again, O Lord that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, Lord, and grant us your salvation.” —Psalm 85:6–7
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” —Psalm 51:10
Worldwide prayer meeting Thursdays 5–8 a.m.
—Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor, Territorial Ambassador for Prayer and Spiritual Formation
www.sagoodnews.org
how to live’
roBerT MiTCheLL
s a young woman, fashion model Kimberly Felder appeared in two magazines and a TV commercial. “I went from a fashion model to a drug addict,” says Kimberly, who today works for the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Philadelphia. Kimberly came from a loving, religious family (her grandfather was a pastor), but because of drugs and alcohol, she found herself living on the streets. “I went the other way,” she says. “I was rebellious and I did my own thing.” During her darkest days, Kimberly lived in abandoned houses and ate out of the trash. She would go to a nearby church, sit in a pew, and cry, asking God to take her life. “I was hurting, ” she says. “My life had become totally unmanageable.” On the night of Feb. 13, 1994, snow was falling when Kimberly called her Aunt Mary, who agreed to take her in, as long as she sought help the next day. Kimberly agreed and, after a 30–day stay in detox, she entered the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) program in Philadelphia. Kimberly was assigned to the ARC’s sorting room. “I didn’t know if I wanted to stay,” she says. “Prayer was the key that kept me there. My prayer was, ‘Lord, let me die or show me how to live.’ ” Kimberly says her aunt always told her that when she got anxious, she should pray Psalm 23 and the Lord’s Prayer. “I prayed. I stayed. It got better for me.” Kimberly not only earned her GED at the ARC but also was soon offered a job dispatching ARC trucks. She later became a house resident supervisor, a post she held until 1998. “I stayed because I was afraid to go out in the world again,” she says. “Once I started to get stronger, I wanted to stay that way. There’s nothing like being clean and walking with God and having friends and being able to be in touch with your family.” Kimberly worked in several retail management positions after leaving the ARC and always returned at Christmas to stand kettles as a form of payback to the Army. When the Kroc center opened in Philadelphia, Kimberly volunteered. Her effort eventually landed her a job as a staff assistant for the corps officers. Kimberly also leads Sunbeams and works with pre–teen youth. “My life is different and has been transformed because I have a passion to help other people,” she says. “It comes natural for me now, whether I’m on the clock or off. “I talk with other young mothers who might be going through some troubles in their marriage. I have a moral obligation, a covenant I made to God years ago, that I will always give my time to help someone else.” Kimberly credits several people with helping her along her journey, including Majors Earl and Deloris (Dee) Schaffer, now retired, and Majors Robert and Gayle Miga. “They were the first to believe in me,” she says. “Being ‘Saved to Serve’ is my lifelong journey.” Kimberly is a senior soldier and attends the Kroc Center corps with her two boys and husband. As an usher, she greets people on Sunday mornings. “I have visited and even joined other churches, but the teaching and the love has been nothing like the love that I get from The Salvation Army,” she says. Kimberly sees herself as someone who has been through enough battles that she can help others. “I just know I never have to live that way again,” she says. “However God needs to use me to be a preventive or supportive measure for someone else’s life, I want to be that voice. I want to be that living example that there’s a way out—and it’s not suicide.”
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the general’s easter message >>
Never the Same Again
Such stories not only make for powerful sermon material but are at the heart of Christian music. The Salvation Army, like most of the Christian churches, loves to sing what it believes. Stories about Jesus, put to music, are forever etched in our memories. As we sing them we are called again and again to reflect on Him, His life, death, resurrection, and what this all means to us today. One line of an Easter song keeps playing in my mind: “Alone on the road, oppressed by my load, Jesus Himself drew near and walked with me.” This line captures the event recorded in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 24), and it also speaks powerfully to us today. The story is of two followers of Jesus returning home after His crucifixion, with their hopes dashed. The horror of the crucifixion was enough to shatter anyone, but when it happened to one you loved, one who was innocent, not only innocent but absolutely perfect in your eyes, then how could you put it all together? Their grief was compounded by the fact that they had believed Jesus was their Messiah, the hope for their world. The light for which they had waited for so long was now snuffed out. Everything was darkness and despair. They were overcome and overwhelmed, blinded by this ghastly and unexpected reversal.
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Illustration by Mark Payton. Editor’s note: He also illustrated the General’s Christmas Message “A Christmas Embrace” (Good News! Dec. 2012, p. 16)
S
everaL years ago, when attending a sunday morning worship service at a salvation army corps (church), i heard one of our leaders preach. it was not a typical sermon, in fact it seemed too simple, especially for this seasoned preacher. But his first language was not english–so i suppose for this englishspeaking congregation, he had to play it safe and not try to be too theological, using words that he was unfamiliar with. he simply told stories about Jesus. it may not have been a sermon that won a best preacher’s award, but it was one that moved me to tears and remains an unforgettable experience.
Perhaps for many reading this article, this Christian story does not make sense: God loved us so much that He sent His Son to earth. Jesus comes in flesh as the babe in the manger, lives an exemplary life, healing, preaching, performing miracles. Then He dies the criminal’s death, takes our sin upon Him and breaks its
March 2013
GeneraL Linda Bond
power by His sacrifice. Through Him a relationship is restored with God and through Him we can know forgiveness, freedom, and life to the full. And maybe the biggest stretch is this belief that He rose to life again and appeared bodily, to His followers. No ghost or apparition but a real live Jesus! Please don’t dismiss these facts as either fanciful or irrelevant. Just for this moment, hold on to them as truth, real Truth. Not fiction but facts. Now here in Luke’s story is the Lord, the Savior of the world, the resurrected Jesus, taking time to walk down a lonely road with two shattered people, to open their eyes, to give them cause to hope again. This same living Jesus spans the ages. He walks your path today, hoping only that you will open your eyes to see Him, your ears to hear Him, and your heart to receive Him. That song’s phrase “alone on the road, oppressed by my load” may be describing you today. “Aloneness” is not numerical. If I am by myself, then I am alone. No, you and I know of times when we were surrounded by people and felt an “aloneness,” an emptiness that all the human bodies in the world could not fill. The weight on our shoulders, the burdens we were carrying seemed to separate us from the smiles and light–hearted fellowship experienced by others. Perhaps illness, financial worries, family concerns, addictions, failure, or even limitations imposed by others contributed to dreams unfulfilled. Maybe we have felt deluded by life and by people. Friend, Easter is about life, life with its tragedies and triumphs. Despair need never be an option. You don’t need to be a theologian to understand Jesus. Let His story be your story, Jesus Himself is with you. He draws near, as the song says. Not at a distance, shaming you for your depression or your limited expectations. Not at all! He died for you, and believes in you. He wants you to believe in Him, to see Him as the Constant Companion, your Savior. Don’t take my word for it. Take His— and life will never be the same again.
New personnel secretary, NEOSA divisional leaders
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n early January, the General appointed Lt. Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries in the Canada and Bermuda Territory, effective June 1. Lt. Colonel Mark has served as personnel secretary and Lt. Colonel Sharon as Officer Wellness Bureau director, assistant medical consultant, and Medical Fellowship secretary since 2006; she has also served as executive officer of the Eastern Territorial Songsters since 2008. Later in January, Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, then–territorial commander, announced that Colonel Steven M. Howard, currently Northeast Ohio divisional commander, will be Colonel Mark Tillsley’s replacement. Colonel Janice A. Howard will serve as assistant chief secretary. Both appointments are effective July 1. Lt. Colonel Barbara A. Hunter will continue in the appointment of assistant chief secretary in post–retirement service from April 1–June 30. Majors Evan P. and Suzanne R. Hickman, currently general secretary and secretary for program in Greater New York, will replace the Howards as divisional leaders in NEOSA, with Major Evan Hickman as divisional commander and Major Suzanne Hickman as director of women’s ministries. Both appointments are effective July 1.
Major Naomi Kelly to attend ICO Major Naomi Kelly, divisional director of women’s ministries and divisional retired officers representative in the Massachusetts Division, will attend the 217th session of the International College for Officers in London, England, from April 10 through June 3, 2013.
www.sagoodnews.org
Colonels Janice A. and Steven M. Howard
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Salvation Army
Writers Conference
eatured
2013
F
Five days of learning, sharing, inspiration and recreation for the advancement of the Salvation Army’s publishing ministry.
SHERATON ST. LOUIS CITY CENTER 400 S. 14TH Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
Speakers and Presenters Keynote Speaker Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander.
Patricia Hickman Award winning fiction and nonfiction writer, including her acclaimed novel, Painted Dresses.
Bob Hostetler Best selling author of thirty books, including his latest, How to Survive the End of the World.
James Watkins Writer, editor, humorist, professor and minister of communications.
WIN ATTENTION SALVATIONISTS in the USA
A SCHOLARSHIP Contest Categories: Fiction and Nonfiction Deadline March 31, 2013. (Must be 18 years old or older) Visit http://publications.salvationarmyusa.org/writersconference-scholarship/ for details.
Conference Cost: $650, includes all meals and a Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi.
Reserve your hotel room (group rate) by visiting https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/savarmy or call 888-627-8096 – Please ask for “The Salvation Army Writers Conference” Single and double rooms and suites available on first come first served basis.
Visit http://publications.salvationarmyusa.org/writers-conference For further information about the conference. CAPTION TEXT MAY GO HERE OR IN MOST LEGIBLE PLACE PER IMAGE.
territorial news >>
Commissioners Swanson welcomed, installed continued from page
1 >>
The music performed by the New York Staff Band, the Greater New York Youth Chorus, Unbound, and the dramatic Scripture reading presented by the Territorial Arts Ministries Team had laid a foundation for worship and prepared the audience for this special moment. “Do you really believe you can know God’s purpose for your life, or are you stuck doing pointless, fruitless planning? Are you going through the motions of life that are not taking you where God wants you to go?” Swanson’s rhetorical questions echoed through the Temple. Officers, cadets, soldiers, adherents, prospective and accepted candidates, and visitors sat quietly, contemplating their answers. He continued, using the Apostle Paul’s life and ministry as a compelling example. “He was a great planner, organizer, and evangelist—but he was no fool. He always planned with God’s purposes in mind.” Swanson referred to Colossians 1 and 2, which he said clearly describe Paul’s commitment to God’s purposes. Swanson reviewed the suffering of Paul that led to his discovering God’s purpose in his life. “True planning requires a purpose; otherwise, it is an exercise in foolishness,” said Swanson. “We don’t plan for the sake of planning; we plan for the sake of positively affecting the future.” Swanson praised Pastor Rick Warren’s
www.sagoodnews.org
best–selling book, The Purpose Driven Church, but said, “If you really break it down, there is no such thing as a ‘purpose– driven church.’ There are only purpose– driven people. And when you bring such people together, you have a church with purpose; you have an army with purpose; you have a territory with purpose.” Swanson also paid tribute to Major Angelo Rosamilia, the Queens Temple Corps officer who was recently promoted to Glory. “Here was a man who knew God’s purpose. He knew why he was living.” Swanson said he wants the territory to live for God’s purpose and not fall into the trap of planning just for the sake of planning. “Some of you are here for the Candidates Weekend, but God is saying to you and indeed to the larger congregation—the territory, ‘Do you know My purpose?’ ” “That is my starting point. This is where I stand,” said Swanson. “I want to
invite you to make that surrender in your life, direct all of your planning, organizing, and energy toward God’s purpose.” In response, people from all over the Temple came and knelt at the mercy seat for prayer. Earlier in the program, Commissioner William A. Roberts, national commander, speaking on behalf of himself and his wife, Commissioner Nancy Roberts (who was absent due to illness), described the Commissioners Swanson as “personal friends of ours of long–standing. We have served together and hail from the same territory.” Roberts acknowledged the service of Commissioners Israel L. and Eva D. Gaither, who had, at the request of General Bond, served as leaders of the Eastern Territory for the past five months, “with passion, conviction, and a great desire to see the Army advance here in this territory.” The audience responded to his remarks about the Gaithers with loud and sustained applause. During the installation ceremony, Roberts said to Commissioners Barry C. and Sue Swanson, “In welcoming you, this congregation acknowledges your years of dedication and service given freely and willingly to God.” Roberts reflected on the “lifelong covenant” the Swansons had made with God: the promises they had made as junior soldiers, their Soldiers’ Covenant, and their Officers’ Covenant, which Roberts said “has been at the heart of all you are and all you’ve done in The Salvation Army.”
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Corps News >>
Community service, hall for Generals, and programs for teens
Malden, MA Community service on MLK holiday Malden, MA—Rather than just take off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Salvation Army in Mystic Valley (Malden), Mass., Corps held a second–annual day of community service. “We gave away coats, clothes, toys, and prepared a meal in our newly remodeled kitchen,” says Lieutenant James Labbe, the corps officer. “We had people from Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, and Somerville. There were groups that worked together, went to school together, and were families and corps members.” Labbe said the corps spread the word about 8
Rome, NY the Jan. 21 event and asked for volunteers. The city of Malden helped get the word out, and a few elected officials helped. “This event brought the community together, something that would have made Martin Luther King Jr. proud,” Labbe said. “As you looked around at lunchtime, you could see the diversity and that people cared for each other.” Holy Spirit visits Cleveland West Park Cleveland, OH— On Jan. 20, something special happened during the debut of the West Park Corps’ new praise & worship band, says Captain J.R. Fritsch.
“[It] has always been a prayer of mine to be blessed in a corps with lots of musically talented people,” Fritsch says. “Cleveland West Park is also blessed with leaders who are passionate to teach their groups.” Fritsch said the meeting was “enveloped by the Holy Spirit from start to finish.” One testimony led a visitor to accept Christ. “Members from the corps got up and laid hands on him while Captain Harry Dwier prayed for him,” Fritsch said. “Then came time for testimonies. A gentleman got up and said he was being touched by the Spirit. He also gave his life to Christ. “There is new excitement at West Park and
we are prayerfully waiting to see what God will do next.”
and expand into safe and clean spaces.”
Marking 129 years!
Music & Bible At Buffalo Temple
Rome, NY—The Rome, N.Y., Corps marked its 129th anniversary on Jan. 20 with two soldier enrollments. The new soldiers, Shirley Vandall and Corey Smith, helped rededicate the renovated Generals Hall, named in honor of The Salvation Army’s international leaders. “The renovations over the last two years refurbished seven classrooms, a kitchen, and a storage room,” said Major Leonard Boynton, the corps officer. “Our growing Sunday school and youth programs can now operate
Buffalo, NY—The Temple Corps is offering a music and Bible program every Tuesday from 7–9 p.m. Captain Arlene Di Caterina said the program begins with Singing Company at 7 p.m., led by Eric Carvill. The kids then break into Bible, Corps Cadets, or brass and guitar classes. “This is actually the second year of the program, with an excellent participation of 25 kids from 6–15 years old,” Di Caterina said. “They love to sing. So last Christmas, they went to sing during a nursing home visitation.” March 2013
Columbus, OH Teens ‘locked-in’ Columbus, OH—“A great night of fun, faith, and fellowship” is how Rachel Horner, who leads the Teen Club from the Chapel at Worthington Woods, described the Jan. 18–19 “Minute to Win It Teen Lock– In” held at the corps. Captains Shaun and Kim Belanger, who serve as divisional youth leaders, shared a devotional with the teens. Tim Holmberg offered music and led praise & worship. Curt Overstake told the teens how important spending time with God is and that the answers to life’s problems are in His Word. Horner and the Teen Club competed in www.sagoodnews.org
various “Minute to Win It” challenges. Various corps members, including YPSM Jackie Raymond and the corps officers, Majors Terry and Susan Wood, volunteered throughout the night. “The teens had a great time and stayed up the entire night!” Horner said. The lock–in was from 9 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Saturday. “There was a lot of prayer and preparation involved,” Horner said. “The corps family generously donated many of the supplies.” T.N.T. program ‘explodes’ Lancaster, OH— Captain Jeffrey Stacy says the T.N.T. (Thursday Night Teens)
program at the corps continues to thrive. “We continue to grow in numbers, with an attendance of 27 at our latest meeting [on Jan. 9],” he said. “The kids enjoy having a place to hang out and learn about God in a fun way, and they have invited friends to be a part of it.” Teen night ‘a hit’ Cincinnati, OH—The Cincinnati, Ohio (Citadel) Corps started a new “Teen Night” last October, and Debra Thomas, program administrator, says she is excited to see the teens taking ownership. “It’s a new program we started to help our young teens who were involved in the after–school program
and volunteered at our summer day camp,” Thomas says. The 18 teens meet on Thursdays from 6–8 p.m. and learn leadership and conflict resolution skills. They also enjoy computer time, gym activities, and outings such as basketball games and musical events. Thomas says a sex abstinence program is planned for the future. Army leads coalition Lima, OH—When residents of Lima, Ohio, need assistance, they call on A.C.C.A.—the Allen County Christian Aid, which is headed up by The Salvation Army’s Lima Citadel Corps. The A.C.C.A., begun
in May 2012, is a coalition of more than 30 churches, according to Major Paul Tamayo, the corps officer. “This is a coalition and we are the central point!” Tamayo says. “Area churches give us the money to assist local residents with rent, utilities, gasoline, and other needs. “Churches approached us to see if we would be willing to collaborate and be the central point for a coalition. We gladly accepted and have been busy ever since!”
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territorial news >>
‘A Sacred Romance’ at Camp Connri
Ashford, CT—It wasn’t Valentine’s Day yet, but it was time to be drawn into a “Sacred Romance.” That’s what Majors Bill and Sue Dunigan did for the soldiers and officers of the Southern New England Division who came to the Word & Worship Conference at Camp Connri Feb. 1–2. Throughout the weekend, the team of Envoy Patricia Wood, Mike Wood, and Major Bill Dunigan, supported by Majors Steven and Valerie Lopes, led in praise and worship. The Dunigans are connected to the Kroc Center in Camden, N.J., where they live. (See article on page 16.) Based on John Eldredge’s book The Sacred Romance: Drawing Closer to the Heart of God, the retreat was about “Pursuing Intimacy with God.” The opening session invited the group of about 20 to ponder the role God had played in their lives and share their stories with one another. The next day began with a time of focusing on each one in the room as “the beloved.” Bill Dunigan introduced a clip from the movie “The Last of the Mohicans,” in which a young woman and the hero are in grave danger behind a waterfall. Their only hope is to leap into the waterfall. Just before they do, the hero says, “I will find you.” That’s just like God, Bill said. “God loves you,” said Sue Dunigan, “exactly as you are.” She talked about the “mess” she often perceives herself to 10
be, but she knows that God loves her, just as she is. “God doesn’t recognize the person we want people to see,” said Bill Dunigan. “He doesn’t know that person. He knows you. And he loves you.” That idea resonated with Eddy Santos of Norwalk. “God accepts me as I am. He loves me like I am. I like that.” Sue Dunigan went on to emphasize the need to have a true “heart–to–heart relationship” with the Lord, who sees us as His beloved. Part of the “Sacred Romance” is that a villain is always waiting in the wings. The group discussed what fictional villains have in common, then listed words that describe our true enemy, Satan, such as liar, accuser, tempter, intimidator, deceiver, and seducer. Sue Dunigan talked about some of the strategies the enemy uses to intimidate us. She called them “dragons” (big life events that seem to overwhelm), “dogs” (smaller problems that don’t really hurt but do “nip at our heels” constantly), and “gnats” (annoying problems that are just in our faces all the time). The enemy, she said, also tries to seduce us as we indulge in things we shouldn’t, get distracted from the Lord, and have “affairs” with “less wild lovers.” (God is the “wild lover.” Like Aslan in “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” he is good, but not “safe.”) Sue said that we need to be aware of the enemy and take precautions, just as we would if we knew there was
Linda D. Johnson
a mugger in our neighborhood or if we lived in a “war zone” (which we do). She suggested we put on the “full armor of God.” (Ephesians 6) When we do, Sue said, we don’t have a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self–discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7) This session was particularly “enlightening” for Karen Walton of Hartford Citadel. “Sometimes things such as depression mean that Satan is tempting us,” she said. “I never thought about that.” “I have a good idea now of Christ vs. the adversary,” said Sherrie Scalzo of Norwalk Corps. “I also have a good idea of who I am in my walk with God.” Bill Dunigan led “The Rescue” session of the “Sacred Romance,” in which Jesus, the “Lover of My Soul” comes to take His bride. He encouraged everyone to meditate on several Scriptures about becoming the Bride of Christ. Eldredge writes, “The Spirit uses the most secret and tender experience on earth—the union of husband and wife—to convey the depth of intimacy that we will partake with our Lord in heaven. He is the Bridegroom and the church is his bride. There we shall receive our new name, known only to our Lover, which he shall give us on a white stone.” (Rev. 2:17) In the closing session, everyone had the opportunity to seal their relationship with the Lord in a “betrothal” ceremony, lighting a candle and receiving a key to a “ransomed heart” that belongs now to God alone.
COMMISSIONING June 14 –16, 2013 Star Search
Saturday, June 15, 9:00 am Hilton Rye Town Rye Brook, New York
Territorial Musical: Stoned Friday, June 14, 7:30 pm Saturday, June 15, 7:30 pm
25 cast members from six divisions * Ticketed Event Make reservation by e-mail: stoned.themusical@use.salvationarmy.org Group reservations preferred Purchase College Performing Arts Center Purchase, New York
Commissioning & Ordination Sunday, June 16, 10:00 am
Appointment Service Sunday, June 16, 3:00 pm Westchester County Center White Plains, New York
led by
Commissioners Barry C. & Sue Swanson
Territorial Leaders
special guests
Commissioners Andre & Silvia Cox
Chief of the Staff World President of Women’s Ministries
USA Eastern Territory
Commissioners Barry C. & Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders
Candidates seminar 2013 >>
a
‘Courageous’ Weekend By roBerT MiTCheLL
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UFFERN, NY—Delegates to the 2013 Candidates Seminar got a firsthand look at The Salvation Army’s rich history. And on Saturday night, they received an invitation to help write the next chapter. Carol Jaudes (accompanied by Karen Krinjak on piano) performed her one– woman play “The Three Bonnets,” which celebrates the lives of Salvation Army luminaries Catherine Booth and Generals Evangeline Booth and Eva Burrows. In the play, Jaudes wears the bonnets of each of the women and, in each case, is transformed into them. Right after the play, Commissioner Sue Swanson, the territory’s new president for women’s ministries, used hats as a metaphor in her meditation. Swanson, reading from 1 Samuel 17, described how in preparing David the 12
shepherd boy for battle with Goliath, King Saul dressed David in his own tunic, helmet, and armor. “David could not wear Saul’s equipment for battle,” Swanson explained. “When that helmet was put on his head, I think it would be almost like me putting on a straw hat. “The helmet did not work for David because it wasn’t his. It didn’t fit him. It didn’t belong to him and he could not win the battle wearing somebody else’s straw hat or somebody else’s helmet, or somebody else’s tunic.” Swanson said that the Candidates Seminar was a time for delegates to discover that perfect–fitting hat. “We’ve all come here for the weekend to keep tasting and saying, ‘God, what is the right fit for me? What is it going to
be?’ You can’t wear anybody else’s hat, but God has some hat for you that is just perfect.” Swanson said she had to “try on some different hats” before becoming an officer, including a stint as a social worker when she helped open a home for runaway teen girls. “I’m proud to say that [officership is] the right fit for me. I am so fulfilled. “I keep wanting to go up again,” she said. “They say, ‘Would anybody like to be an officer?’ I say, ‘Well, I’m going up.’ I went up once and they sent me back.” Swanson urged delegates to keep trying on different hats and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading as they ponder the important decision of becoming an officer. “God is saying to each one of you, ‘I’ve got a perfect hat for March 2013
Carol Jaudes protrays Catherine Booth ...
General Evangeline Booth ...
Commissioner Sue Swanson uses hats as a metaphor for her message.
and General Eva Burrows.
Candidates seminar 2013 >>
you,’ ” she said. “We’ve seen the testimonies of three women from generation to generation to generation … and we’ve got the next generation. It might be your story that could end up there,” Swanson said of “The Three Bonnets” play. “What have you tried on? What are the hats you’ve been trying on? Maybe this is the time for you to say, ‘Yes, this is the right one. To-
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‘digest it, meditate upon it, obey it’ — Commissioner Barry Swanson
night, I want to testify to God, if that’s the hat You want me to wear, I want to wear it.’ ” The night closed with several delegates coming forward to pray at the altar and to listen for God’s calling on their lives. “I Surrender All” and “All That I Am” were among the songs played as delegates prayed. “Father, we pray that we will hold nothing back tonight,” said
March 2013
Be strong, courageous
The territorial leaders encouraged everyone in the room to use the authority of the Great Commission—“digest it, meditate upon it, obey it” said Commissioner Barry. He reminded everyone of God’s promise of His presence: “You are not alone—I will be with you!” —WLM Candidates Weekend photos by Captain Richard Sanchez, Cadet Giovanni Romero, Robert Mitchell, and Warren L. Maye.
Major James LaBossiere, Northern New England divisional commander. Lt. Colonel Kenneth W. Maynor, territorial program secretary, urged delegates to keep coming. “There is a divine destiny He has for you,” Maynor said. “Courageous” (from Joshua 1:6) was the theme of this year’s Candidates Seminar, held the weekend of Feb. 1–3.
The weekend began at Centennial Memorial Temple in Manhattan on Feb. 1 with the installation of Commissioners Barry and Sue Swanson as the territory’s new leaders. On Saturday, delegates had a choice of three tracks—“Exploring,” “Discovering,” or “Accepting.” The Exploring Track was to help delegates learn more about specific areas of Army ministry. The Discovering Track gave inquisitive delegates an overview. The Accepting Track was for people who have already applied for and are in the process of becoming officers for 2013. Ramiro Enamorado of the Norwalk, Ohio, Corps rode a bus for nine hours with other delegates from the Northeast Ohio Division. He has already decided that being an officer is a perfect–fitting hat for him, but said he was at the seminar to pray about timing to apply. “I’m just seeking God’s guidance in my life and seeking His will in my life,” he said.
During the Sunday morning meeting, the Commissioners Swanson concluded the Candidates Seminar Weekend activities with powerful messages entitled ‘Be strong’ (Commissioner Sue) and ‘Be courageous’ (Commissioner Barry). They were rooted in Scripture and heard by a capacity crowd of fully uniformed officers, soldiers, candidates, as well as prospective candidates in the School for Officer Training (SFOT) gym. The SFOT Band, Praise Band, Dance Team, and Brigade set the tone for worship. Major Margaret Davis also rendered a solo that prepared hearts for the Word.
SWONEKY seminar delegates conclude the weekend events with laughter, prayer, and a ‘big squeeze.’ www.sagoodnews.org
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territorial news >>
Servant Corps prepares the way Camden, nJ—Major Paul Cain says the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center that will open here next year is so unique that it will be like “a spaceship landing in the city.” As the new Kroc center construction continues along the Delaware River in the shadow of Philadelphia, The Salvation Army’s “Servant Corps” program, started last year, is laying the groundwork for ministry in that community. Described as a team of urban missions interns living in Christian community, its purpose is to carry out the Army’s mission of evangelism, discipleship, and meeting human need as servants of Jesus.
“This is our advance team,” Cain says, continuing the spaceship theme. “They’ve moved into the neighborhood to prepare the way. A whole house full of John the Baptists. “I knew that we had to have a presence in the community. We couldn’t have this spaceship—this Kroc center—land and all of a sudden everything is better. We really needed to get involved in ministry within the neighborhood. The best way to do that is to live there.” Majors Bill and Sue Dunigan lead the Servant Corps team, which currently consists of three interns—Candace Horsman, 20, of the Brockton, Mass. (Citadel),
roBerT MiTCheLL
Corps; Leandra Garcia, 19, of the Hartford (Citadel), Conn., Corps; and Monica Gelnett, 22, of the Philadelphia (Citadel), Pa., Corps. This mission is accomplished through following a ministry model called C.R.E.E.D.: • Contacting pre–Christians • Relating to people in the neighborhood (such as inviting neighbors to dinner) • Educating them in terms of who Jesus really is and what it means to follow Him • Evangelizing them and leading them into a saving relationship with Christ • Discipling them into Christian maturity The Dunigans came to Camden after 14 years of urban ministry at the Jubilee House in Boston. They have been to several developing nations and liken Camden to the urban areas they saw in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, and Haiti. “There is great need in Camden, and what better place for the Salvation Army Servant Corps to be?” Major Sue Dunigan
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March 2013
says in a documentary about the program. Major Bill Dunigan adds, “The needs here are tremendous—they’re huge—but the opportunities are tremendous as well.” The experience in Boston led the Dunigans to believe there “was a need for a specialized urban ministry,” Major Bill Dunigan says. Little did he know that Cain, the corps officer in Camden, N.J., had the same vision. “We were in completely separate places with the same idea,” Dunigan says in the video. “God really put it together and made it happen. In very miraculous ways, God opened the door for us to come to Camden.” Cain said he had been raising the issue with divisional leaders for years and they arranged for the Dunigans to come to Camden and oversee the interns. Despite Camden having some 300 abandoned houses, The Salvation Army couldn’t find any worth repairing. The Army built its own “mission house” for the officers with room for 12 interns. The typical day for the interns involves physical fitness and personal devotions in the morning; class time; and neighborhood outreach, which on a recent day included picking up trash and crack vials (see top photo) in a local park. They also help with corps youth programming. Horsman said Servant Corps has taken her out of her comfort zone. “You learn how to be true servants and not just do things a servant does, but to have the heart of a servant,” she said. “I’ve just grown a lot spiritually.” Garcia echoed that sentiment, saying, “I’ve learned to be a leader and not only to serve the corps, but [also] the neighborhood.” Gelnett, who hopes to be a missionary pilot, said she joined for the ministry experience and to serve others, but “I didn’t realize that the people were actually going to bless me.” The interns also said they were unprepared for the poverty they saw in Camden, which is also one of the most crime–ridden cities in America, with 64 murders last year. Cain said downtown Camden has seen significant investments, including an aquarium, concert hall, and minor league www.sagoodnews.org
baseball. There is also the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, but Cain says the neighborhoods of row homes are the “real Camden.” “Downtown is starting to revive,” he says. “So far, it hasn’t affected the neighborhoods.” “[God] really needs The Salvation Army here,” Major Sue Dunigan says in the video about the Servant Corps. “He needs people who will be willing to get dirty for Him, and get among the people and love the people, and that’s what we can do. That’s what we can bring to the table.” Cain agreed, noting that many growing churches today tend to move to the suburbs and leave a major gap in America’s urban areas.
“The Salvation Army is better positioned for urban ministry than any other church or organization I know,” he says. “We’re part of the fabric of the neighborhood. “You have to be there. You can’t just swoop in and do good deeds and go home. I think that’s why it’s so important that we have this ministry here.” Anyone 18 and older who is interested in a short–term summer or one–year internship can contact Majors Bill and Sue Dunigan at (856) 338–1700.
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territorial news >>
ARC dedicates Wilkes–Barre ‘campus’
O
n Jan. 18, The Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Wilkes–Barre, Pa., officially dedicated its new campus on Hill Street after having spent many years at the nearby Hazle Street address. Just a day after the dedication ceremony, all 50 residents, relocated to what had just recently been the BridgeView Youth Residential Treatment Center. “It’s actually a campus,” said Lt. Colonel Timothy Raines, leader of the Adult Rehabilitations Centers Command (ARCC). The complex includes a residence, administrative offices, and a third building slated to be the chapel and dining room. “This is definitely not the norm,” Raines said, pointing out that most ARCs in the Eastern Territory are one building or, at the most, two. “We’ve been looking for a new property for the ARC for years,” said Raines. “Even over the past couple of years, we had properties that we were close to getting, but local zoning and opposition to the plan caused us to look elsewhere.” Fortunately, the 35,000–square–foot Hill Street property, which was only 10 years old, became available. It is just a few blocks away from the old ARC and was occupancy ready. And because it had been residential, little work was needed to prepare it for the ARC beneficiaries. 18
Those benefits include housing, food, psychological therapy, professional counseling, and spiritual care for residents challenged with homelessness, alcoholism, and drug addiction. “We had a grand dedication,” said Raines. Presiding over the event were Colonel William R. Carlson, chief secretary, and Colonel Marcella Carlson, territorial secretary for women’s ministries. Also participating were Lt. Colonel Lynda L. Raines, ARCC director of women’s ministries; Major Charles J. Deitrick, ARCC general secretary, and Major Christine A. Deitrick, ARCC assistant director of women’s ministries; Jerry Balara, the Wilkes–Barre ARC business administrator; and Major Kathleen K. Wadman, program and residential services director. Supporting the event were representatives from the offices of the Honorable Tom Leighton, mayor of Wilkes– Barre, and the Honorable Tom Corbett, governor
Warren L. Maye
of Pennsylvania, both of whom sent proclamations. The estimated 300 people who attended the morning event included members of the local Salvation Army advisory board, representatives from the architectural firm, and Lieutenants Theodore III and Sharon Tressler, Wilkes–Barre corps officers. That evening, ARC beneficiaries enjoyed a private ceremony. Ninety percent of the current facility’s residents are from northeastern Pennsylvania. Residents follow a daily schedule of work therapy, classes, and support group sessions. “It did not take the residents long to adjust to the new environment, which offers more opportunity for recreation and better accommodations for sleeping,” said Major Kathleen Wadman. “It is with grateful hearts we look forward to greater things here at the Wilkes–Barre ARC. After 100 years in Wilkes–Barre, we move forward with renewed commitment to services for those people in need.”
March 2013
territorial news >>
‘Lasting Impressions’ Greece and Turkey educational tour
O
n Sept. 22, 2012, a plane bound for Athens lifted into the night sky over New York City. Among the passengers were 32 Salvation Army officers from the USA Eastern Territory, led by Majors Robin and Gail Lyle, directors of the Territorial Education Department. The next day, at the Athens airport baggage claim, the officers met John (Yannis) Ventiroso, their tour guide, whom they soon learned was fluent in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Italian. They boarded a coach and rode many hours through northern Greece. They finally arrived in the small, beautiful village of Delphi, believed by ancient Greeks to be the “center of the world.” During the next few days, the group toured historic landmarks, visiting such biblical sights as Berea, Thessoloniki (Thessolonica), and Philippi as they followed the path of the Apostle Paul’s third missionary journey. Other sites included the city of Meteora, where the officers visited beautiful Greek Orthodox monasteries built into and on top of majestic mountains.
www.sagoodnews.org
Then the coach arrived back in Athens, where the group said goodbye to Yannis. Artin Sevaslian, a new guide, continued the journey. The next day, the group stepped aboard a cruise ship and sailed to Turkey, where they visited the great city of Ephesus. After this, they traveled to the isle of Patmos, where the Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation, and then on to the beautiful isles of Mykonos and
CaPTain PaUL PeLLeTier
Santorini. The biblical sights, picturesque waters, flawless weather, scenic islands, and attentive cruise ship service left lasting impressions on the officers. On Oct. 10, the ship docked at Athens, but the tour was far from over. Exciting day trips to parts of Athens and the famed Acropolis, as well as to cities such as Corinth, filled the remainder of a most memorable tour.
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Staff Band New York
Sunday, April 14, 2013 5:30pm
126th Annual Festival
Centennial Memorial Temple 120 West 14th Street New York, NY 10011
With Special Guest
Michael W. Smith
Tickets available at nysb.org Ticket Prices $15.00 – 25.00
For more information contact Derek Lance at D e re k . lan ce @ us e. s al v ati o nar my.o rg
lead where you are
Lay Leadership Summit 2013 EVANGELISM • DISCIPLESHIP • CORPS LEADERSHIP
AUGUST 3–10
In conjunction with the 2013
OOB CAMP MEETINGS
It’s better to be wise than strong ... Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel. —Proverbs 24:5 (MSG)
Cost: $100
University of New England, Biddeford, Maine To register go to: www.mission.use-salvationarmy.org
USA Eastern Territory Commissioners Barry C. & Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders
WO RSH I P A R T S
CONVOCATION AT T H E L A D O R E C O N F E R E N C E C E N T E R & PA R C
PSALMS OF ASCENT APRIL 5 -7, 2013 with Special Guest s
Majors Willis & Barbara Howell, TransMISSION,
and
HurleyInMotion
For corps officers, worship leaders, adult/youth vocal and instrumental leaders, accompanists, worship teams, drama teams, dance teams and anyone with a passion for authentic worship. Register through your division. USA EASTERN TERRITORY Commissioners Israel L. & Eva D. Gaither
Contact your Divisional Music Director or Creative Arts Director for more information.
Territorial News >>
Promoted to Glory AUXILIARY CAPTAIN SONIN DELORES DAVIS
MAJOR MARIAN ELIZABETH HARTTREE
MAJOR CHARLES ROBERT BAKER
march 19, 1917—december 11, 2012
June 28, 1931—december 29, 2012
march 25, 1923—december 17, 2012
Auxiliary Captain Sonin Davis was promoted to Glory from Canyon Villas in San Diego, Calif. Sonin Davis was born on the east side of Harlem to Nicholas and Edith Garcia. It was in 1949 in Jamaica, N.Y., that Sonin first encountered The Salvation Army. In 1951, Sonin joyfully became a senior soldier at the Jamaica Corps, dedicating her gifts and abilities to the furthering of the Kingdom of God. In 1954 she lost her husband, Carlton, and dedicated herself and her three children to the Army full–time. Cooking at Ashford Hills Camp for many years, she had a godly influence on many young people and continued her commitments at the Jamaica Corps. In 1971 she was commissioned an auxiliary captain and served at Jamaica Citadel, Philadelphia Germantown Corps, and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Corps. She retired in St. Thomas in 1982. She also offered post–retirement service in Boston and Cambridge, Mass., before moving to Arizona, then San Diego. Sonin was predeceased by her son Nicholas in 1983. She is survived by two sons, Kenneth (Carol) Davis of San Diego and Robert, also known as Robin (Nannette) Davis of St. Petersburg, Fla., and one granddaughter, Alissa. Messages may be sent to Kenneth Davis, 5484 Bengl Ct., San Diego, CA 92124.
Major Marian Elizabeth Harttree was promoted to Glory from Manor By the Sea in Ocean Grove, N.J. Marian was born into the Salvationist family of Ivor and Emma Harttree in Perth Amboy, N.J. While attending Sunday School at the Jersey City Corps, Marian opened her heart and accepted the Lord as her Savior in September 1939. It was at Youth Councils in 1949 that Marian received her calling as a Salvation Army officer. Marian entered the Salvation Army School for Officer Training in the Bronx from the Newark (Citadel), N.J., Corps as a member of the Heralds session. She was commissioned in 1953 and appointed to the Women’s Social Services Department (later called Adult Rehabilitation Centers) where she served most of her active years. In 1981, she received a B.A. from Adelphi University. Marian retired from active Service in 1996 and settled in Asbury Park, N.J. In retirement, Marian was a faithful soldier of the Asbury Park Corps, where she also worked in the office. Marian is survived by one brother, Gilbert (Suzanne) Harttree of Morristown, N.J.; two nephews, Michael Harttree of Virginia and Matthew Harttree of North Carolina. Messages may be sent to Gilbert Harttree, 16 Forest Dale Drive, Morristown, NJ 07960.
Major Charles Baker was promoted to Glory from the Arden Court Assisted Living Center in West Orange, N.J. Charles Robert Baker was born to Mary and Charles Baker, Salvationists in Niagara Falls. At 15, Charles made an out–and–out decision for Christ. A few years later he consecrated his life to God. Charles entered the Steadfast Session at the School for Officer Training in 1941. Upon his commissioning in 1942, Charles served in several appointments in New York before marrying Probationary Lieutenant Doris Fitzgerald in 1947. The couple then served as corps officers in New York and Pennsylvania before Charles was appointed to finance posts; he served from 1963–1984 at Territorial Headquarters in the Finance Department. The Bakers entered retirement in 1988. They served as soldiers of the Hyannis, Mass., Corps and later moved to Orange, N.J., where they both became active at the Montclair, N.J., Citadel Corps. His wife preceded him to Glory in 2011. Survivors include his sons, Charles Leon (Michelle) Baker of Leonia, N.J., Richard Francis (Sandi) Baker of Cedar Grove, N.J., and Robert Paul (Shelly) of Memphis, Tenn., 11 grandchildren, and 15 great–grandchildren. Messages may be sent to Charles Baker, 205 Warwick Lane, Leonia, NJ 07605. All dates are subject to change
MAJORS ANDRÉS & NORMA LUGO
ENVOYS DOUGLAS & HÉLÈNE KORNWOLF 03/1–3 03/5–7 03/8–10
Newport, KY Columbus, OH—ARC Columbus, OH Citadel
www.sagoodnews.org
03/13–17 Buffalo, NY—ARC 03/22–24 Lockport, NY 03/26–28 Rochester, NY—ARC
03/4–10 Loiza. PR—Corps 03/11–17 Guayama, PR—Corps 03/25–31 Caguas, PR—Corps
Territorial Headquar ters 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.
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COMMISSIONERS BARRY C. & SUE SWANSON Territorial Leaders
DR. BILL URY Bible Study Leader Supported by the
INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND FROM LONDON, ENGLAND
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USA Eastern Territory