Good News! November 2011

GOOD NEWS! Volume 28 Number 7

NOVEMBER 2011

INSIDE

PHILADELPHIA KROC CENTER ENROLLS 59 RECRUITS

Forty–nine new senior soldiers and 10 new junior soldiers, all in uniform, marched proudly into the sanctuary singing “We Are Soldiers in the Army.”

PAGE 8

HURRICANE IRENE RESPONSE

Lieutenant Francisco Rivera has seen hurricane damage in his home of Puerto Rico, but nothing prepared him for Hurricane Irene in Prattsville, N.Y. PAGE 14

USA East welcomes General, ‘Proclaimers’ >>

LINDA D. JOHNSON

A MINISTRY OUTREACH AT OOB

“We are here for one single purpose, and that is to share the claims of Jesus Christ,” said Commissioner R. Steven Hedgren, territorial commander, as a large crowd of vacationers gathered to listen in the heart of this beachfront town.

PAGES 16–22

Good News! Online: www.SAGoodNews.org USA Eastern Territorial website: www.ArmyConnections.org USA National website: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org

capacity crowd filled Centennial Memorial Temple in New York City for a grand USA welcome for General Linda Bond and the 39 members of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session from the USA Eastern Territory.

The meeting opened in a festive spirit, with upbeat songs from the New York Staff Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris; the Eastern Territorial Songsters, led by Bandmaster Bill Rollins; and a contemporary Worship Band led by Douglas Berry.

Then came the entrance of Commissioners R. Steven and Judith A. Hedgren, territorial leaders; Commissioners William A. and Nancy L. Roberts, national leaders; and the General.

“I’m getting used to the pomp and circumstance,” General Bond said in response. “I appreciate the welcome and

the honor you show me as the international leader of The Salvation Army, but please remember, all the glory goes to Jesus. The one thing we really must do tonight is lift up the name of Jesus!”

Commissioner Steven Hedgren said that, if any group of cadets could have said, “I’m not coming!” it would have been this one, but they arrived despite the onslaught of Hurricane Irene.

Hedgren also commended all the Salvation Army officers, soldiers, and volunteers who have been serving around the territory, helping people who lost so much as a result of the storm.

“You’ve given people a taste of the ministry of The Salvation Army that will last a long time,” he said.

Then the General and the territorial continued on page 12 > >

FROM THE EDITOR >>

¼ iܽÊGood News!

WARREN MAYE

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

—Isaiah 55:11

W

e’re excited that our new Good News! magazine is finally off the press and in your hands. As you can see, we’ve redesigned it for you—inside and out.

We’ve heard from you by way of focus groups composed of Good News! readers like you, conducted in New York, Buffalo, and Philadelphia, and we’ve made changes based on the most commonly voiced suggestions.

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Thank you Lord! vÊÞ Õ½ÀiÊÜ `iÀ }ÊÜ ÊÌ ÊÌ > Êv ÀÊ> ÊÌ Ã]Ê ÕÃÌÊÌ> iÊ>Ê ÊÌ ÊÞ ÕÀÊÀ } ÌÊ>ÌÊÌ iÊ > iÃÊ ÃÌi`Ê Ê the masthead. I’m honored to have this special opportunity to thank our territorial administration > `Ê ÕÀÊ ÌiÀ>ÀÞÊ i«>ÀÌ i ÌÊÃÌ>vvÊv ÀÊÌ i ÀÊÛ Ã ]Ê`i` V>Ì ]ÊV «iÀ>Ì ]Ê> `Ê >À`ÊÜ À ]ÊÜ V p > }ÊÜ Ì ÊÌ iÊ À`½ÃÊL iÃà }p >ÃÊ >`iÊ> `ÊÜ ÊV Ì ÕiÊÌ Ê > iÊÌ ÃÊ«ÕL V>Ì Êv ÀÊÞ Õ° I hope you’ll join us in praying that these graphics, photos, and words will do the work that God has sent them and complete the assignment He has given to them!

GOOD NEWS! USA EASTERN TERRITORY Commissioners R. Steven and Judith A. Hedgren Territorial Leaders Colonel William Carlson Chief Secretary Linda D. Johnson Literary Secretary Warren L. Maye Robert Mitchell Keri Johnson Reginald Raines Saoul Vanderpool Dave Hulteen, Jr. Karena Lin Nanette Morales Joe Marino

Editor Associate Editor Art Director Associate Art Director Senior Designer Graphic Designer Graphic Designer Production Specialist Production Assistant

Divisional News Correspondents SFOT — Major Christine J. Rock ARCC — Major Debra Taylor PENDEL — Chaz Watson Empire State — Jaye C. Jones GNY — Jennifer VanderWeele Mass. — Major Kathleen Klenk NJ — Tricia Pellegrini NEOSA — Major Lurlene Johnson NNE — Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI — Linette Luna SNE — James Gordon SWONEKY — A/Captain Jean Thornton WEPASA — Major Lynette Reel All articles are copyrighted by The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and can be reprinted only with written permission.

Also available in Korean and Spanish.

Statement of Purpose Good News! is the official publication of The Salvation Army of the USA Eastern Territory. The purpose of Good News! is to inform, inspire, and equip Salvationists to grow in holiness, to serve together in supportive, healing communities, and to reach others for Jesus Christ.

For mailing list changes, write: Good News!, 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994–1739.

Letters I bumped into your website in error and thanked God when I saw the article on then–Commissioner Linda Bond (Good News! March 2011). The messages she delivered when she came to Zimbabwe for a Bible convention are still keeping me strong in the word and continue to talk to me daily. Wishing you the best in the mission. I’m really inspired. Thank you. I’m so happy God is great.

—Eunice, from the Internet

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Territorial news >>

GNY thanks supporters

T

he Greater New York Division’s 64th Annual Luncheon (GNY) honored Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera, memorialized radio station owner Richard D. Buckley, and recognized Citibank, the official sponsor of the GNY Division’s 2011 Red Kettle Campaign. This year, the New York Staff Band (NYSB) sat directly behind a dais of special guests and, as always, provided uplifting and stirring music during the event.

Lt. Colonel Guy D. Klemanski, divisional commander, passionately articulated the division’s commitment to its humanitarian work and spiritual care ministries. A compelling video presentation followed.

Rivera, affectionately known as “The Closer,” humbly accepted the “Pinnacle of Achievement Award” for being the “greatest relief pitcher of all time,” and for his Mariano Rivera Foundation, which helps children cope with medical, social, and economic

WARREN L. MAYE

challenges. The foundation provides scholarships and sponsors youth centers and churches. Lt. Colonel Henreitta Klemanski, associate divisional commander, presented the Community Service Award (In Memoriam) to the family of Richard D. Buckley, owner of NewsTalk Radio 710 WOR. The station has served as the division’s “media partner,” broadcasting “Beyond the Bells” with host Denise Richardson (aired Sundays from 6 to 7 a.m.), and sponsored the division’s 3rd Annual “Radiothon.” Buckley’s wife Connie and daughter Jennifer accepted the award.

Citibank, the first global corporation to exclusively sponsor the Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, was represented by Robert Koar, president of the bank’s eastern region. He accepted “The Corporate Partnership Award.”

On Nov. 29, Citibank employees joined the Army’s kettle campaign launch held at Citibank’s Union Square branch.

Vantage Point >>

Why they rang the bells

A

ll around the nation and the world this holiday season, dedicated volunteers rang bells in spite of unfavorable weather and harried shoppers who didn’t always stop to drop money into the Salvation Army red kettle.

Last year central Ohio groups and individuals contributed 4,300 hours of volunteer service at kettles. Some rang by themselves while others came with a group of friends, family, or co–workers.

Some even added a personal touch by singing, playing an instrument, or sharing a talent. Most volunteers agree that the experience is both fun and fulfilling—a

BINDHU PARAIL

chance to help the community and create a tradition of service.

Volunteer Paul Pope said he enjoyed his weekly shifts at the kettle because he met a variety of people. In his experience, people were very friendly. Pope estimates that about half the people who walk by make donations, and many of them go out of their way to do it. As for his motivation to ring year after year, Pope says, “It’s the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping and giving to a great cause.”

—Parail is a Columbus Area Services Development Department volunteer

Anecdotes from the field Western Pennsylvania: Majors William and Joan Bode, divisional leaders, report that a mom and son came to the local corps for food. She had been evicted and her home was padlocked. The corps officer gave her food and a new winter coat for her son from “Project Bundle Up.” When he put it on, he said, with tears in his eyes, “I have a coat—and it fits—and it’s brand new!” The boy also received a new toy, and the family was signed up for Christmas assistance.

The Bible says we are our brother’s keeper, and when we have done unto the least of these, we have done it for Jesus. We thank God for the opportunity of sharing His love in such practical ways and praying with people.

Southern New England: Majors David and Eunice Champlin, divisional leaders, report that the Torrington Corps received a kettle gift of 14 $20 bills wrapped together in a bundle.

Massachusetts: Majors David and Naomi Kelly, divisional leaders, attended the kettle kickoff in downtown Boston. As Mayor Thomas Menino rang the kettle bell, a little boy and his mother stopped to watch. Danielle Degnan, development director, gave the boy $1 to put in the kettle.

The boy, about 3, put “his” dollar in the big kettle, then gave a “high five” to the mayor. When he walked back to his mom, Major Naomi Kelly was there, and she knelt down to say hello. He promptly walked over to her, put his arms out, and gave her a big hug. When the major stood up, with a bit of a surprised look, the mom explained, “He attends the Salvation Army’s day–care center for homeless families in Cambridge.” To explain her son’s comfort in giving a perfect stranger a big hug, she said, “He knows he can trust the people in the uniform.”

—From the Territorial Commander’s Prayer Letter

Prayer & Praise >>

www.armyonitsknees.org PRAYER REQUESTS UĂŠ Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session 2011–2013 UĂŠ Friends of Christ Session 2010–2012 UĂŠ Candidates Lord Jesus, we join together in prayer for those who have responded to a call for full–time service as Salvation Army officers, and for those, even now that the Lord is calling, “Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time—pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.â€? pĂ“ĂŠ/Â…iĂƒĂƒ>Â?œ˜ˆ>Â˜ĂƒĂŠÂŁ\ÂŁÂŁ]ĂŠ/Â…iĂŠ iĂƒĂƒ>}i

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of Godâ€? p >ĂŒĂŒÂ…iĂœĂŠx\™

“I have come that they may have lifeâ€? p ÂœÂ…Â˜ĂŠÂŁĂ¤\£ä

PRAYER INITIATIVES “In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.â€? pÂŁĂŠ/ÂˆÂ“ÂœĂŒÂ…ĂžĂŠĂ“\nĂŠ(NLT)

Worldwide Prayer Meeting Every Thursday Morning: “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.â€? p ÂœÂ?ÂœĂƒĂƒÂˆ>Â˜ĂƒĂŠĂ“\Ă“ —Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor, Territorial Ambassador for Prayer and Spiritual Formation 4

Transformations >>

‘No one was left out’

R

amona Ganesh had been teaching cultural dance at the Hough Corps in Cleveland when Major Diana Capanna, corps officer, asked her to chaperone a group of girls to Youth Councils last year.

Ramona, 21, says she didn’t know what to expect, but it ended up being a life–changing experience. A sermon that weekend “overpowered everyone,” including Ramona.

“I have never experienced anything like it,” she says. “People gathered together and it was powerful. No one in the room was left out. It was just beautiful. I just started crying and I thought it was amazing how everything happened.”

That day, she saw her own need for salvation and accepted Christ as her Savior.

Ramona, who grew up in New York City and moved to Ohio in 1998, was raised in a home with a Hindu father and a Christian mother. She attended church, but says her family was only nominally Christian.

ROBERT MITCHELL

Today, her life is totally transformed.

“I go to church every week,” she said. “I do a lot of seeking in the Word before I make my own choices. It feels good.”

Ramona teaches praise dance to youth at the Hough Corps and is a tutor at the learning center. That’s also where she has been worshiping for about the last year.

“It was free and basically ‘come as you are.’ It’s a very non– judgmental church,” she said.

Ramona received her teaching degree this spring from Cleveland State University. She attended the Candidates Seminar and Railton Weekend event and is considering becoming an officer.

“She’s growing,” Capanna says. “She loves the Lord.”

Last Christmas, she became a senior soldier.

“I’ve been attending The Salvation Army a little bit over a year,” she says. “I see how Major Diana and everyone all do things to take part.

“My whole entire life, I’ve always wanted to help people.

I’ve always wanted to be the one that, if I can’t give a donation, I want to at least give a helping hand. I can see through The Salvation Army how you can do that.”

vantage Point >>

The promise on a plaque

I

am reminded over and over again of God’s promises in His Word. Yet one promise that I had not read in the Bible came to my attention in a most unusual way.

My wife and I were attending the finale of Star Lake Musicamp and were blessed by how open the wonderful young people of our territory were to allowing God to use their musical gifts for His honor and glory. During the performance I noticed for the first time a plaque mounted on one of the two pillars on the platform of the tabernacle. On it are these words from Ezekiel 37:26: ‘I will make a covenant of peace with them and set my sanctuary in the midst of them forever.’

I was intrigued by the verse, and after returning home, I looked it up to understand the context. Chapter 37 tells of the vision of Ezekiel for the “dry bones” that represent an unrepentant nation of Israel, and how God wanted to “breathe” new life into them and return the people to the land they loved.

The covenant as described in verse 26 is one of a “peace” that God alone can give, as well as the establishment of His sanctuary, which represents the very presence of God in our midst. www.sagoodnews.org

LT. COLONEL JAMES REYNOLDS

After reading more of this promise from God in the book of Ezekiel, I couldn’t help but ask the same for the officers and soldiers of the Eastern Territory. If only we would allow God to “refresh” us with His very presence and then enjoy the peace and power that this brings, what a different Army this would be! In addition, the promise of God, as seen in Ezekiel’s prophecy, reminds us again that His blessing will be upon those open to His leading “forevermore.”

As I contemplated the challenge given by God through the prophet Ezekiel, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the words of William Booth found in SASB Song #203: ’Tis fire we want, for fire we plead, Send the fire!

The fire will meet our every need, Send the fire!

For strength to ever do the right, For grace to conquer in the fight, For power to walk the world in white, Send the fire!

So, amid the challenges of life that can so easily crowd out the fire of God’s Holy Spirit, may we be reminded of the promise on a plaque, and know that the God who spoke these words to the prophet Ezekiel those many years ago, will also see that they are available to us today, just as He has proclaimed in His Word!

—Lt. Colonel Reynolds is territorial secretary for business administration.

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Corps News >>

Block parties, Boot Camp, and back to school

Philadelphia, PA

BLOCK PARTY FOR 250 Lynn, MA—In four hours, an Aug. 13 block party called Family Fun Day drew more than 250 people to the corps parking lot.

Planned as a kickoff for VBS, it was a great success, report Captains David and Marika Payton, corps officers.

“We had two 6

Sandusky, OH

bouncy houses, a DJ, several carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs and hamburgers, face painting, and more,” says Captain David. “Kids had a great time. Parents were very impressed.

We signed up new families for VBS and gave out information for our Kids Club (after–school program) and Sunday school.”

10,000 HOME VISITS

GEARING UP FOR FALL

Philadelphia, PA— Talk about “preparing the way”! Over a two–month period, 87 volunteers from the Philadelphia Citadel Corps and community visited 10,000 homes in the neighborhood to let people know about VBS. The result? Major Andrew Murray, corps officer, reports daily attendances from Aug. 15–19 hovering around 300. Kids could attend either in the afternoon or in the evening. On Sunday, Aug. 21, kids from both sessions came for graduation.

Sandusky, OH—As back–to–school day approached, 270 children signed up to receive book bags along with an invitation to programs at the Sandusky Corps. One fun–filled morning, corps members also got the chance to go

school shopping with kids at TargetTM, which sponsored the program, along with the corps advisory board and United Way. It was also time to stock the food pantry, which will be open twice a week, with a hot meal served once a week. Each month, a nutritionist comes to the pantry to provide healthy meal suggestions that people can make with ingredients they have at home.

“The best volunteers in the community run our programs and as corps officers, we work hand in hand with them to serve our community,” say Lieutenants Mike and Angie Smith. www.sagoodnews.org

Tonawanda, NY

JUNIOR SOLDIER BOOT CAMP Springfield, OH—Say “boot camp,” and you can’t help but think, “intense.” The Springfield Corps Junior Soldier Boot Camp (Aug. 9–14) was just that, reports Captain Stephen Carroll, corps officer.

“We used the ‘Totally His’ junior soldier prep material, spending four hours on each lesson.

The format was similar to VBS with more of a discipleship focus and more intensity.” The final lesson, “Totally Committed,” was integrated into Sunday morning worship.

The 15 students who completed the program www.sagoodnews.org

continue to participate in junior soldier prep and are slated to be enrolled in December.

The kids chosen to participate in boot camp were identified from the corps’ four weekly SONday’SCOOLTM programs.

“The Springfield Corps has a history of fantastic outreach, with more than 600 children in the corps’ four SONday’SCOOL programs that meet every week, most in local schools,” says Carroll.

BACK–TO–SCHOOL GENEROSITY Cincinnati, OH—One mother at a backpack distribution in New-

port, Ky., said she wasn’t looking forward to the start of school.

“It’s so expensive to send them back to school that it’s very stressful.” she said.

Thanks to generous corporate partners, The Salvation Army in the Southwest Ohio and Northeast Kentucky (SWONEKY) Division has been able to ease that stress. Project Backpack, a regional program implemented

by Huntington Bank, provides backpacks

and school supplies to needy children, and Target’s Back–to– School Shopping Spree, a national initiative, provides children with $80 Target gift cards.

In greater Cincinnati and in northern Kentucky, about 500 backpacks were distributed, including almost 200 to kids who participated in Salvation Army Summer Enrichment programs. The other 300 were distributed at public events at Cincinnati Citadel, Westside Corps, and the Newport, Ky., Corps.

One hundred twenty children participated in the shopping spree.

“This better prepares them for the school year and helps them

focus on learning,” said Captain Kim Smith of the Westside Corps.

PARADES OF WITNESS Tonawanda, NY— Three parades of witness showcased the Tonawanda Corps on the streets of Tonawanda, Buffalo, and North Tonawanda on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and at late July’s Canal Fest.

“The Salvation Army was seen and appreciated more than ever for its brass, drums, timbrels, and wonderful colors marching as to war with the Cross of Jesus,” says Major Celestin Nkounkou, corps officer.

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Corps News

continued

>>

>> continued from page 7

Philadelphia, PA

‘AN AWESOME SIGHT!’ Philadelphia, PA— Forty–nine new senior soldiers and 10 new junior soldiers, all in uniform, marched proudly into the sanctuary singing “We Are Soldiers in the Army.”

“They were an awesome sight,” said Captain Dennis Young, corps officer of the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Philadelphia, “to see them all in uniform, marching with their heads held high, singing praises unto the Lord and proud to be a soldier in The Salvation Army!” The senior soldiers come from all walks of life; 8

they include teachers, nurses, police officers, a beautician, a caterer, computer technicians, college students, and retired people.

Since its opening almost a year ago, the Philadelphia Kroc has enrolled 8,661 members in social service, recreational, and educational programs. The Scholarship Member program continues to grow with 942 members. Staff is also expanding, with as many as 140 team members working in various departments, meeting the needs of all age groups. But Captains Dennis and Sharon Young say that the corps is at the heart of it all.

“We went into the community, beat the pavement, knocked on doors, and let people know that we are as much of a church as any other,” said Captain Dennis Young.

“Jesus didn’t build a church and then wait for people to come by.”

Lt. Colonels Donald and Renée Lance, PENDEL divisional leaders, enrolled the new soldiers. As each soldier received a signed soldier’s covenant, family, friends, and adherents numbering 287 expressed their approval and support with praises to God. The senior soldier ceremony concluded with a heartfelt singing of “I’ll Not Turn Back.”

The junior soldier ceremony quickly followed. The young people stood proudly and recited the Junior Soldier Promise. As they accepted their covenants, the audience responded with an emotional standing ovation.

“Sunday will be forever etched in our hearts and minds as a mighty movement of the Holy Spirit,” said Young.

Regarding the future, Young believes the best is yet to come. “We are just getting started.

God gave us a dream that we were going to do a work for Him in Philly. [These enrollments] are a down payment on that dream!”

KIDS’ NIGHT Hackensack, NJ—“Sir, Yes, Sir!” is the shout from 30 children as Lieutenant Paul Valverde calls the group to order. The children, ages 6 to 13, have been playing indoor soccer, gyrating in hula hoops, throwing foam footballs, and playing hard. But the Hackensack Corps’ “Kids’ Night” program is about much more than play. It uses games and projects to teach the children important lessons and bring them closer to Jesus.

The driving force behind the program is Lieutenant Eileen Valverde, who started www.sagoodnews.org

Hackensack, NJ

the program by reaching out to families of children receiving gifts in the Angel Tree Program and assistance from the food pantry.

She recognized that, while those programs filled material needs, the corps needed programs that would meet people’s spiritual needs and bring them to the corps.

Kids’ Night sessions involve a teaching lesson, a prayer, a group activity, and songs with Lieutenant Eileen and volunteer and advisory board member Russ Passamano. The activities and the songs are designed so that every part of the session will relate to the lesson.

The activity this www.sagoodnews.org

session involves the children competing in teams to see who can finish a puzzle first. When everyone has finished, Lieutenant Paul asks them if they noticed anything strange about the puzzles. The children from every group say the same thing: “A piece was missing.”

Lieutenant Paul then talks to them about what it means to have a piece missing and what that can mean in a person’s life. Then he talks about how Jesus is the piece that a lot of people are missing from their lives.

The children are young, but they get the message.

NEW PITTSBURGH CORPS DEDICATED Mt. Lebanon, PA— On May 9, 1925, National Commander Evangeline Booth dedicated the downtown Pittsburgh Temple.

This rich history of the Temple was revisited on Oct. 2, 2011, with an overflow crowd at the dedication of the new Pittsburgh Temple Corps Worship & Service Center, now located in Mt. Lebanon.

The congregation was a finely woven “people” tapestry of past and present soldiers from both the Pittsburgh Temple and Carnegie Corps, which have merged; new advisory board mem-

bers, and territorial and divisional headquarters staff.

In his message, Commissioner R. Steven Hedgren, territorial commander, brought home a solid exposition of I Kings 8: 41–43, a prophetic word to remember the foreigner.

Hedgren couldn’t have known that sitting in the back row was a Christian woman refugee from Iraq who had never been in a Salvation Army building. She listened intently to the Word for God’s people to be a lighthouse to

those seeking refuge.

The new Mt. Lebanon building, which includes an exercise facilty sponsored by the Pittburgh Steelers, is perched in the midst of thick residential neighborhoods and near a large senior living facility. The relocation from downtown provides opportunity for a wide variety of ministries and social services that will meet the social, educational, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of a much larger population.

What’s news in your corps?

Send your reports, along with photos, to Linda Johnson: linda.johnson@use.salvationarmy.org.

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Territorial News >>

‘Good old days’

T

he theme of this year’s Star Lake Musicamp, “These Are the Days of Our Lives,” continued its rich 75– year heritage.

“So often when we think about a place of tradition, we talk about the good old days, but these are the good old days,” said Ronald Waiksnoris, territorial music director, at the start of the Aug. 13–21 camp meetings.

Waiksnoris said an abundance of younger campers experienced spiritual highs at this year’s camp.

“Every year has its own life, and they’re all unique,” he said. “This year was very interesting because it was a younger group and they were incredibly responsive. The progress that they made in one week’s time was more than remarkable. They did really well.”

Each August since 1935, the Salvation Army’s best young musicians make a pilgrimage to the idyllic camp in the mountains of New Jersey to hone their music skills and deepen their spirituality. This year, Waiksnoris said the mountains were more than a

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backdrop as many campers to me. That particular Gospel and staffers found a “mouncontinues to speak,” he said, taintop” spiritual experience. urging the young people to The theme verse this year start their Bible reading in was Psalm 90:12: “Teach us John. to number our days aright, Eric Dina, director of music that we may gain a heart of for the NEOSA Division, came wisdom.” to Star Lake in 1989 and has “I think the young people been on staff for 15 years. He were striving for that,” Waiksaid he always gets a “spirisnoris said. tual high” at “There were Star Lake.

‘Teach us spiritual highs “I find that throughout every time I’m to number the week. We here at Star our days had moments Lake or at any aright, in morning camp, it’s a worship when mountaintop that we we all were experience,” looking to meet may gain a he said. “It’s heart of Jesus on a special. Every personal level, time, I have wisdom.’ and I think that a chance to —Psalm 90:12 happened in a spend eight or beautiful way.” nine days foCommissioner R. Steven cusing on my life with God.” Hedgren, territorial comStar Lake always has a mander, led the Sunday morn- large contingent of foreign ing holiness meeting and told campers. Joao Hamalainen of campers how, as a youngster Finland said he found himself at a music camp similar to Star getting emotional at morning Lake, he went to the front worship. and prayed. He then returned “It’s really affected everyhome and read the Gospel of body,” he said. “Everybody John. could feel the Holy Spirit pres“The Scripture came alive ent. It was a blessing.”

ROBERT MITCHELL

The special guests at this year’s camp were Majors Len and Heather Ballantine from Yorkshire Citadel in Toronto.

Major Len, a Star Laker camper in 1969, is the former leader of the International Staff Songsters and well known in The Salvation Army for his choral and brass compositions.

“It’s nice to know that the heritage and traditions have remained,” he said. “I was able to give from my heart something to the kids that is very important in this day and age. They’re part of the continuity that we see so preciously passed forward from one generation to the other in The Salvation Army. That’s what keeps us going.”

Waiksnoris said the number of younger campers from 13 to 15 years old is a positive sign.

“As I watched them doing so well, I was thinking, ‘Well, we’ve got some years ahead of us that will be really, really good.’

“They played and sang and did everything with great gusto and openness to learn.

That certainly made me feel like we’ve got a great future.”

www.sagoodnews.org

Territorial News >>

TAM Conservatory 2011

REBECCA PHILLIPS

‘TAM Conservatory Chapter Eleven Here in Suffern it’s a lot like heaven…

God gets glory— we get tasty chow!

Learn your lines and break a leg— Then take a bow!’

D

oes God own a cell phone?

Take a minute.

Think.

Literally—how many times in one day do you check your email, send text messages, update your Facebook status, or use your cell phone? For most of us, I dare say that our cell phones are more like an appendage than a device that we use occasionally. If we were willing to admit it, we probably spend more time online than we do in direct conversation with others on a daily basis.

On Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, students and faculty from across the territory and abroad gathered at the School for Officer Training in Suffern, N.Y., for a week of intensive arts training—with a very specific theme: Pay Attention! Quite simply, we were challenged to pay attention by being more intentional about being in the moment, mentally present, face to face with one another, not so immersed in our cellular technological culture, and to pay attention—not just to one another, but to the Living God. The week began with a specific spiritual exercise: a technology fast. Every person was www.sagoodnews.org

encouraged to turn off their cell phones, secure them in an envelope, and lock them up for safekeeping for 24 hours.

The results were astounding.

People were shocked at the authentic interactions they had with their peers—and how quickly they were able to silence the noise within and make a real connection with God. That experience plunged us forward into a week saturated with divine, holy appointments. From the anointed performance ministry “Shattered Silhouettes” of Naima Imani to a night of profound theater at the Lincoln Center with “War Horse”—we were paying attention. We were present in our laughter during Solo Night and we were stunned at how the Lord Himself was clearly paying attention to us in precious moments of deliberate sweet quiet.

It was all so remarkable.

It was truly a week of gazing inward, being mindfully aware of others, and centering our thoughts on the God who

is greater than comprehension. We were refreshed by His presence and confronted with the need to remain there, despite the distractions that can so easily deter us.

As the week came to a close, we were blessed to have the ministry of Commissioners R. Steven and Judith A. Hedgren, our territorial leaders, and we were challenged to know God, know ourselves, and know our purpose. We can know Him by paying attention to His Word;

we can know ourselves by paying attention to what He is doing in our lives and choosing to look through the lens of righteousness; and we can know our purpose by paying attention to His calling.

Perhaps that means we should spend a little less time staring at a screen and more time staring into the Eyes that created the heavens and earth and everything in between.

Not too difficult—or is it?

—Rebecca Phillips was an instructor at TAM Conservatory

‘Pay attention! Are you deaf?

Open your eyes! Are you blind?

You’re my servant, and you’re not looking!

You’re my messenger, and you’re not listening!

The very people I depended upon, servants of God, blind as a bat—willfully blind!

You’ve seen a lot, but looked at nothing.

You’ve heard everything, but listened to nothing.

God intended, out of the goodness of his heart, to be lavish in his revelation.

But this is a people battered and cowed, shut up in attics and closets, Victims licking their wounds, feeling ignored, abandoned.

But is anyone out there listening?

Is anyone paying attention to what’s coming?’

—Isaiah 42:18–20 (THE MESSAGE) 11

USA East welcomes General, ‘Proclaimers’ continued from page 1

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leaders stood on the steps leading to the platform, where they exchanged the Salvation Army salute with the cadets as they marched in behind their divisional youth leaders and divisional leaders. When the cadets had all taken their place on stage, loud cheers went up from the congregation.

“Don’t we need them?” exclaimed Commissioner Judith Hedgren. Before she presented the session flag, she displayed two other Salvation Army flags—one that had been to the moon and one that was tattered with 130 years of use. This session’s flag, she said, “is about victory, as you march forward to proclaim the Resurrection.”

When the General spoke, she said she is “mission– focused.”

“The Salvation Army has one message: the transforming message of Jesus Christ. We are people of the Resurrection!”

The evening before, at a welcome dinner for cadets at the School for Officer Training, she had told the Proclaimers that their name would define them.

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That message also came from Major Thomas Lyle, territorial candidates secretary.

“You have a good name, and you will be branded by that name,” he said. “You are not only a resurrection people; you are people who will proclaim the truth with resurrection power.”

The General said that, out of duty, the cadets would want to live up to their name.

“But I have to say to you, that will not be enough. You must have a burning heart” like those of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. When they realized that it was the resurrected Jesus who had spoken to them, she said, “They went immediately to Jerusalem to say, ‘Jesus is alive!’ ” At the Welcome, the General

emphasized the importance of this proclamation.

“The book of Acts is about the name of Jesus being proclaimed. Without the Resurrection, there would be no Church … and I’m wasting my time preaching to you tonight. …

“If The Salvation Army ever drifts from this truth, I wish God would put us to sleep. …

Oh, God, help The Salvation Army to keep faith with the mission You’ve given us: saving souls, growing saints, and serving suffering humanity.”

Then the General called for everyone to seek a deeper walk, to “find a home in the Spirit of Jesus.”

She said, as she had at the welcome dinner the evening before, that she had been deeply moved to read in Good

News! and The War Cry of the Army’s service following the 9/11 attacks 10 years before.

“What I have to say to you is, ‘Thank you.’ You are on mission. You are doing it!”

Then she asked, “Are you all on mission here? Wouldn’t that be wonderful, if every Salvationist were on mission?”

She called for Salvationists to sign up for prayer on Thursday mornings from 5–8 a.m., so that prayer will circle the world for the Army.

“We must be faithful to the work and do our duty. I believe if we do that, revival will come!”

When General Bond issued an altar call, large numbers came forward in response, and as the worship band led “Knowing You, Jesus,” hands went up in praise throughout the temple.

To seal the General’s call, Commissioner Judith Hedgren led the rousing “Marching On in the Light of God,” and Commissioner Nancy Roberts said as she pronounced the benediction, “It’s time to march on!”

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Territorial News >>

Responding to Irene in Upstate New York

L

ieutenant Francisco Rivera has seen hurricane damage in his home of Puerto Rico, but nothing prepared him for Hurricane Irene in Prattsville, N.Y. “Never have I seen devastation like this,” said Rivera, a corps officer in Geneva, N.Y. “You can feel the people struggling, the desperation.

It’s something that hits you very hard inside.”

For several days after the storm, Prattsville was acces-

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sible only on foot, as all roads and bridges in the area were closed. Many homes were destroyed, and furniture and other belongings littered front lawns.

“This is by far the most overwhelming disaster I think these folks have ever experienced,” said Envoy James Brennan of the Salvation Army’s Liberty Pole Way Corps in Rochester.

The Salvation Army served

hundreds of meals each day from a mobile canteen, and Rivera, Brennan, and Captain David Hernandez of the Rochester Temple Corps were available for spiritual counseling.

Not far away, The Salvation Army was also on the scene at a FEMA command center at the Belleayre Mountain Ski Center in Highmount, N.Y. Lt. Colonels Eugene and Edith Pigford helped volunteers deliver cleaning supplies,

health kits, and gift cards to the FEMA site. They also delivered supplies to canteens in area towns such as Phoenicia, Margaretville, and Arkville, all hard–hit by the hurricane.

“We’re also here just for people to come and talk to us,” Colonel Edith Pigford said. “We’re here to provide emotional and spiritual counsel for them.”

Peg Tillapaugh of Oneonta talked about why she was

ROBERT MITCHELL

volunteering for The Salvation Army for the first time at the FEMA site.

“The need is so great,” she said. “I just like people and these people are in need. God loves His people and so do I.” Another volunteer, Howard Scott of the Binghamton Corps, had similar sentiments.

“A person who is eating might have gotten that meal from us,” he said. “That might be the only reason why

they received a hot meal.”

Areas throughout the Northeast, including New Jersey, New York, and Vermont, are still dealing with the devastation caused by the hurricane’s wrath.

“While we are grateful that some of the more dire predictions about Hurricane Irene did not materialize, I don’t want to downplay the continued and serious need we’re seeing,” said Major George Hood, national community relations secretary. “A lot of these communities will take months or even years to recover—and we’re committed to being there with them throughout.”

Traveling into the hard–hit village of Margaretville, N.Y., from the incident command center in Oneonta, Mary Jo Barnello said a cheer went up from a crowd when a Salvation Army box truck loaded with supplies arrived. More than 15 firefighters leapt into action to unload water, cleaning kits, baby supplies, pet food, and canned food.

The firefighters worked side by side with Army volunteers to distribute the goods.

“We really appreciate The Salvation Army being here helping our community. We need it, and you guys are a great support,” said Mike Porter, president of the Margaretville Fire Department.

—EDS contributed to this report.

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Bill Flinn conducts ‘Proclamation’

From Pasadena to OOB ROBERT MITCHELL

B

andmaster Bill Flinn of the Pasadena Tabernacle Band brought a piece of his past to the Monday evening concert in the Pavilion.

Flinn treated the crowd to a color 8mm film of him at OOB as a youngster in

the 1950s. His mother, a retired officer living in Florida, told Bill that he picked up a stick every time the band played.

“I came back to Old Orchard with a stick (baton) and a band,” he told the audience

in the packed Pavilion.

Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris said that the “Tab Band” includes three former members of the New York Staff Band (NYSB) and that many other Tab Band members had attended the Eastern Territory’s Future All–Stars.

Waiksnoris noted that Flinn had honed his musical talents in the Eastern Territory.

“Many of you in this room influenced my life greatly,” Flinn said. “I’m grateful for that.”

That was evident on the song “Sounds of California,” arranged by Salvationist composer Stephen Bulla, who was in the audience. Flinn’s daughter, Meredith, left her seat in the band to introduce the song, which included bits of “Hooray for California” and “California Girls.”

“You might leave tonight wishing you too were from California,” she said.

Flinn noted that the band, with members ranging in age from 14 to 83, is a real “family affair” with fathers and daughters, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, a three–generation family, as well as many siblings among them.

“It’s all intentional. The whole idea is many of us were mentored,” he said, “and

now it’s time to continue that tradition.”

One of the band’s performances included confetti and a small explosion.

Later, kids from the children’s program came onto the stage as a Tab Band member, wearing Mickey Mouse ears, explained that Pasadena is near Disneyland. The band played a medley of Disney songs and presented the kids with “Just Imagine” wristbands.

As the concert ended, the audience responded with a standing ovation. Commissioner R. Steven Hedgren, territorial commander, thanked the band for its “great fellowship, musical ability, and Christian example.”

To remember the visit, Hedgren presented the band with a picture of OOB. In turn, Flinn offered a book about the Tournament of Roses Parade that features a picture of the Tab Band.

Commissioner James Knaggs, a USA East officer who is now territorial commander of the USA Western Territory, closed with a short devotional from Psalm 1.

Knaggs, who said that Billy Graham reads a Psalm a day, challenged everyone by asking, “What do you read every day of your life?”

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‘God’s power for a godly life’

S

eekers flooded the mercy “To say there are many people.” Although we seat to pray as Commispaths to God is all hogwash,” may feel compelled to sioner James M. Knaggs, Knaggs said. “There’s only “worship” our hobbies, Western territorial commandone way to the Father. It’s work, and other things, er, led choruses following his through the Son. Amen?”

Knaggs said we are powerful sermon on the sufKnaggs spoke from 2 Peter able to stop. ficiency of God’s power.

2:1–4 and stressed that the As an example, he “This is the best use of your Lord “has given us everything told a story of a former time. ... We’re in the house we need for a godly life.” drug addict and prosof the Lord tonight,” Knaggs “God’s power is abundant,” titute who received a said as the audience sang “All he said. “God’s power is seen Bible, found the power That I Am” by William Himes. in the death and resurrection of God, and ultimately beAs people came forward, Earlier that evening, perof Jesus Christ. came a Salvation Army officer. Knaggs said, “He is willing to formances by the Queens trust you. Are you trust‘It wasn’t the nails that held Temple Praise Band and worthy? You know you Him to the Cross; it was His Crossfire Brass created a can trust Him. Can He trust worshipful atmosphere. love that held Him there. Jesus you?”

The night included testiLt. Colonel Mark Tillsley, loves you. He died for you. He monies and songs from the territorial secretary for died for me. That’s power.’

Hands On mission teams personnel, prayed for the that had recently returned “It wasn’t the nails that held “God gave us these promcrowd that knelt at the altar. from Costa Rica, Singapore, Him to the Cross; it was His ises so that, through them, “Help our answer to be and Malaysia. Also taking part love that held Him there. Jesus we might participate in the ‘yes’ to what you have called were delegates from the LEAD loves you. He died for you. He divine nature,” Knaggs said. us to tonight,” he said.

Where You Are Conference. died for me. That’s power.”

“God will never let you Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs, a USA Eastern Knaggs also quoted Ledown and provides all we Knaggs offered a closing Territory officer, began by viticus 26:12, God’s promise need for holiness. The miracle prayer, thanking God for the emphasizing Christ as the only to “walk among you and be is that He trusts us! That’s people who came forward. way to salvation. your God and you will be my the miracle.”

“You are able,” she said.

‘Colorful’ night for CAST

T

he USA Eastern Territory’s Creative Arts Services Team (CAST) lit up the Pavilion at this year’s Old Orchard Beach (OOB) camp meetings with a presentation of the Andrew Lloyd Weber® musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which puts a modern spin on the biblical story.

In introducing the musical, Lt. Colonel Mark Tillsley, territorial personnel secretary, reminded everyone how Stephen (Acts 7) had used the story of Joseph and his family to illustrate the preeminence of Christ.

“I pray tonight that God

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will again speak to this gathering,” Tillsley said.

CAST, under the direction of Rebecca Phillips, included Paula Baigorria, Erin Burgmayer, Taylor Darden, Mitchell Duperree, Casey Fletcher, Emily Furman, Jessica Hodder, Caitlin McDonald, and Karin Tillsley.

Directing the music was Jason Collier, keyboardist, who called the musical “a ton of fun from beginning to end.”

Joining him in the band were Jonathan Collier, Aaron Maloney, Ashley Morgan, and Alberto (Tito) Suarez.

As the play opens, the actors are seated in a movie

theater. But when the film projector breaks, the moviegoers themselves tell the Joseph story through lively song and dance, choreographed by Marques Johnson.

The production team also included Major Hollie Ruthberg, costumes; Major Steve Ditmer, set; and

Ian Evans and Ebony Vines, company managers.

The territory’s Creative Arts Services Bureau, led by Carol Jaudes, produced the musical.

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Sandi Patty wows crowds

T

hey stood in line for more than an hour to hear Sandi Patty’s concert in the Pavilion, and they gave the Christian singing legend as much love as she gave to them.

Patty asked the capacity crowd to sing along with her classic hit, “We Shall Behold Him.” The singalong was a concert first for her.

After a standing ovation, Patty said, “Can I have a few more moments of your time?”

“Take an hour!” someone yelled out.

“I just needed you tonight,” Patty said, wiping away a tear.

“We love you!” someone else yelled out.

It was that kind of night for Patty, who waded into the crowd and bonded with the audience while singing a medley of Gospel hymns.

Among Patty’s songs were “Praise to the Lord Almighty,” “Sing to the King,” “Edge of the Divine,” “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” “Operator, Information, Get Me Jesus on the Line” and her signature “How Great Thou Art.” Patty also told several poignant stories, including how she got her start. She grew up in California and dreamed of singing and dancing at Disneyland, but was not chosen after a tryout.

She cried for days and eventually decided to attend Anderson University in Indiana to earn a degree in teaching music. While teaching voice at Bill Gaither’s studio, Gaither heard her sing and asked if she would like to tour with his group.

“I said, ‘Well, Bill, let me pray about it—yes!”

Patty said that while she thought losing the Disneyland gig was a major setback, it was actually “something divine.”

‘...in His eyes we are beautiful and lovely.’

“If we will just fall into His divine arms, we will hear that in His eyes we are beautiful and lovely,” she said.

Patty also told about moving her family recently from Indiana to Oklahoma City.

Friends told her to visit a church that had been damaged in the 1995 bombing of a federal building in that city.

A stained–glass window was destroyed, except for a piece from the face of Jesus. The church used that piece in its new stained–glass window.

“He takes our broken pieces and by His love makes us whole,” Patty said. “He has gathered my broken pieces.”

There was a time in Patty’s career when she feared she had “lost the music,” but God was faithful.

Taylor Darden, as Joseph in his ‘dreamcoat,’ leads TAM’s performance.

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Old Orchard Beach > > > > > > > >

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At the Pier

A

s the 2011 Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings (OOB) ended with a huge praise gathering at the Pier, Commissioner R. Steven Hedgren, territorial commander, reminded everyone why The Salvation Army was there.

“We are here for one single purpose and that is to share the claims of Jesus Christ,” Hedgren said as a large crowd of vacationers gathered in the heart of this beachfront town to listen.

Hedgren quoted several well–known Scriptures, including John 3:16, 10:10, and 14:6.

“That’s what we’re going to minister about tonight in music, song, video, ‘magic,’ and in all kinds of other things,” he said.

Hedgren also invited people to enter a nearby prayer tent where Salvationists were ready to talk to them.

“We have people here who are anxious to tell you

20

Commissioner R. Steven Hedgren, territorial commander

about their own personal relationship with Jesus Christ,” he said.

“If you want to spend a few moments just talking to someone about your spiritual journey and to gain an understanding of what it means to have a relationship with God, then tonight is your night!”

The program also included the Crossfire Brass, the Queens Temple Praise Band, a dramatic presentation from the Creative Arts Services Team (CAST), illusionists Envoys Doug and Helene Kornwolf, and a sacred dance.

“Do you know where you will spend eternity?” Doug Kornwolf asked the crowd.

“You need Christ in your life.”

The praise finale at the Pier was a reflection of the “carnival of evangelism” that went

on each night of the camp meetings from 6–10 p.m. under the direction of Lt. Colonels Howard and Patricia Burr.

“This is actually the best year we’ve had,” Howard Burr said. “There’s really an openness for the moving of the Lord here on the Pier. It’s just a wonderful opportunity.”

Burr said the evangelism team collected more than 40 prayer requests a night, which were recognized in prayer the next day.

“People ask for prayer,” he said. “They’re open if you just ask them. We have had huge

crowds listen to the Gospel being proclaimed.”

During the week, the evangelism team also entertained children with face painting, balloon animals, and bubbles.

Burr said the Queens Temple Praise Band “rocked the Pier” every night. Romina Morton, one of the band’s leaders, said the members “get so much more than what we give.

“We came to minister to people who don’t know Christ and to be used of God through our music, dancing, and testimonies, and it’s a great feeling to be here,” she said.

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The Bible—inside and out

E

nvoy Steve Bussey called the Bible study he and his wife, Sharon, led on the beach each morning at the OOB Camp Meetings a “fiveday open air.”

Each weekday morning at 10:30, at the Union Avenue entrance to the beach, several people set up umbrellas and chairs in a circle to hear God’s Word. The Busseys, who lead the Railton School for Youth Worker Training, led praise and worship, interactive games, and a Bible study.

Sharon Bussey said being on the beach was relaxing.

“It’s just a fantastic place because we’re surrounded

by God’s creation,” she said.

“We can see the beauty of God’s grace and gifts just flowing over to us. It’s a real blessing just to be here.”

The Bible study focused on the grace of God, and Steve Bussey said he wanted to impart that “grace isn’t just reserved for when they go to heaven, but grace is about how we live today and that we can live the optimum life, we can experience the most incredible journey in this lifetime, if we allow the grace of

ROBERT MITCHELL

God to pervade every part of who we are.”

He called the beach study a “great witness” to the community as several passersby stopped to join.

“We’re able to let people know that not only is The Salvation Army here, but the Lord is here and present in Old Orchard Beach,” he said.

A more conventional Bible study was held in the Old Orchard Beach Corps each day at the same time, led by Salvation Army author Dr. Roger Green, a professor at Gordon College.

The study, based on the Gospel of John, included several portraits of Christ, including Jesus the Compassionate Christ; Jesus the Prophetic Christ; Jesus the Enlightened Christ; Jesus the Concerned Christ; and Jesus the Suffering and Victorious Christ.”

While the audience featured many seasoned Salvation Army officers, Green noted that he also was preaching to others who were perhaps not as familiar with the Gospel.

“With an audience this large you’ve got some people who have read the Gospel of John and studied it carefully and you’ve got other people who have maybe not read it or read it very little,” Green said, “so you have to try to get some major themes across to people and to develop enough interest so that the people who have read the Gospel of John a lot can find things for them to dig into it.”

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God made me!

W

ith the ocean nearby, teaching children about creation as they attended the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings seemed apropos.

While their parents were attending the meetings in the Pavilion, children’s programs were organized for children up to age 14.

The 6–10 group, which is usually the largest, learned about God’s creation and

ROBERT MITCHELL

love, said Captain Sue–Ellen Betts, the territory’s associate youth secretary.

“They learned about God’s creation, how God loves us and how He created everything we see,” she said.

Betts said one grandmother was impressed when her grandson, on his next trip to the beach, yelled, “God made the oceans! God made the waves! God made me!”

Territorial News >>

Majors Groff Retire

A

t a luncheon attended by a large group of fellow officers, family, and friends at the Nyack Seaport restaurant in Nyack, N.Y., Majors William and Sylvia Groff entered retirement after 86 years of combined service.

Their daughter, Jennifer, presented a “Groff Family Album” on screen. Then came a tribute from Jay Sinclair, who came to know the Groffs as a college student working at Camp Tecumseh.

“They modeled the love of Christ, and I am closer to Him because of them,” Sinclair said.

Majors Charles “Chuck” and Barbara Kelly, in dialogue, reflected on 40 years of friendship. Barbara said that she and her husband had followed the Groffs in many appointments.

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LINDA D. JOHNSON

“I always tell Bill that I’ve been going around cleaning up his successes,” said Chuck.

He described the days when the Kellys participated in the Groffs’ adoption of their son, Jonathan, and daughter, Jennifer.

He then spoke of the Groffs’ being “severely tested in the crucible of Jon’s untimely death” at age 24 (in 2001) and how their friendship deepened during this period.

In his response, Major Bill Groff said that he and his wife had “spent most of our adult lives doing something that we love. … We believe any other vocation would have been second best.”

After Warren L. Maye brought a stirring rendition of “My Tribute” by Andraé Crouch, Commissioner Lawrence R. Moretz, former USA Eastern territorial commander, performed the retirement ceremony.

He called the Groffs “children of the regiment” who had been born into The Salvation Army, Bill in Portland, Maine,

and Sylvia in Hartford, Conn. Bill was commissioned in 1966 as a member of the Defenders of the Faith session; Sylvia joined the officer ranks in 1970 as a member of the Undaunted session.

For the past 11 years, the Groffs have served at Territorial Headquarters. At the time of their retirement on July 1, Bill was mission and culture secretary and Sylvia was private secretary to the territorial commander.

Eight of the nine years Sylvia served in that post, she worked for Commissioner Larry Moretz. He commended Commissioner R. Steven Hedgren for his “wise decision” in having Sylvia continue in that role in post–retirement service. Major Bill will also work in post–retirement service as corps growth and leadership development director for the Greater New York Division.

Commissioner Larry spoke of the long and close relationship he and his wife, Commissioner Nancy A. Moretz, have had with both Bill and Sylvia.

“The Groffs were our home base,” he said. He said that the Groffs provide a witness that “following His way is enriching and satisfying.”

Commissioner Larry Bosh, international secretary for the Americas, left everyone with this challenge: “Be extravagant with the love of God you have received.” www.sagoodnews.org

Territorial News >>

Promoted to Glory BRIGADIER MILDRED ELAINE BAKER

MAJOR EDGAR TAYLOR MCGOWAN

MAJOR PAUL ELVIN HODGES

Brigadier Mildred Baker was promoted to Glory from her home in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

Mildred was born into the family of Theodore and Barbara Daisy in Egg Harbor, N.J. She found The Salvation Army through the Girl Guard program in Pottstown, Pa., where she accepted Christ.

In 1935, Mildred entered the New York Training School from the Pottstown Corps as a member of the World for God session.

Commissioned in 1936, she served as an assistant corps officer in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she met her husband, Robert Baker. Robert’s brother, who attended the corps, had introduced him to Mildred.

Mildred continued to serve in Ohio as an assistant corps officer while Robert received his call to officership and went to training. The couple married in 1941 and served together as corps officers in Vermont, Maine, Ohio, and Massachusetts.

The Bakers retired in 1982.

Survivors include a daughter, Major Florence Dodridge of Portland, Maine; two sons, Robert M. Baker Jr. of Duxbury, Mass., and Dr. Joel D. Baker of Edmond, Okla.; a sister, Barbara Sweet; seven grandchildren; and eight great– grandchildren. Messages may be sent to Major Florence Dodridge, 10 Meadowbrook Lane, Portland, ME 04102.

Major Edgar Taylor McGowan was promoted to Glory from Sewell, N.J. Born into the home of Majors William and Maude Amelia Taylor McGowan in Kittaning, Pa., Edgar was involved in all corps activities.

While in the military, he would read The War Cry in India and felt the Lord leading him toward officership. He and his wife, Dorothea Atherton, were married in 1948 and entered The Salvation Army Training College in 1949 from the Geneva, N.Y., Corps as members of The Standard Bearers session.

The couple assisted at the Reading, Pa., Corps before commanding corps and serving at divisional appointments in Pennsylvania. They also served at the Philadelphia Harbor Light and at Booth Memorial Medical Center in Flushing, N.Y. Retiring in 1985, the McGowans settled in Philadelphia and became dedicated soldiers of the Roxborough Corps.

Mrs. Major McGowan was promoted to Glory in 2002.

Survivors include two daughters, Lily–Jean Mazur of Sicklerville, N.J., and Margarite Richardson of Baltimore, Md.; a son, Edgar Taylor McGowan, Jr., of Pennsville, N.J.; five grandchildren; and seven great–grandchildren. Messages may be sent to Lily–Jean Mazur, 1606 Beacon Hill Drive, Sicklerville, NJ 08081.

Major Paul Elvin Hodges was promoted to Glory from Tidewell Hospice in Palmetto, Fla. Paul was born into the home of Elvin and Elizabeth Hodges in Malden, Mass. He was introduced to The Salvation Army when he was 3 years old. That was when his family moved to Bridgeport, Conn., where Paul became active in all corps activities.

Paul served eight years in the U.S. Air Force. After he married Beverly Ann Bryant in 1957, the couple tried several churches, but nothing fit until the family attended The Salvation Army.

In 1965, Paul and Beverly entered officer training in the Bronx, N.Y., from the Bridgeport, Conn., Citadel. Commissioned in 1967, they served as corps officers in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and in New York; at divisional headquarters in Greater New York; at men’s social service centers in New York and in New Jersey; and at Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) in Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania. They retired in 2002.

Survivors include his wife Beverly; three sons, Paul Edward of Oakton, Va., David Eugene of Wyndmoor, Pa., and Mark Allen of Orinda, Calif.; and a daughter, Cheryl Ann, of Wappingers Falls, N.Y. Messages of prayer support may be sent to Major Beverly Hodges, 278 Gardenia Lane, Parrish, FL 34219.

ENVOYS DOUGLAS & HÉLÈNE KORNWOLF

MAJORS ANDRÉS & NORMA LUGO

All dates are subject to change

11/7–13 Albany, NY – ARC 11/14–20 Springfield, MA – ARC 11/21–27 Hartford, CT – ARC

11/8–13 Newark NJ – ARC 11/15–20 Brooklyn NY – ARC

Territorial Headquarters will be pleased to schedule the territorial evangelists to appear at your corps or unit at no cost to you. Please call the territorial evangelists’ office at (845) 620–7676 for more information.

August 14, 1914—April 17, 2011

www.sagoodnews.org

January 30, 1924—May 21, 2011

June 8, 1937—June 5, 2011

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‘Freedom BIBLE” >>

G

eneral Linda Bond, making her first visit as the Army’s international leader to the United States, was the keynote speaker at the American Bible Society (ABS) in Manhattan on Sept. 9. The occasion was the launch of The Freedom Bible, Global Edition, and a commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

USA Eastern Territory leaders as well as the New York Staff Band (NYSB) joined in the official launch of what ABS executive vice president Robert Briggs called “a new resource of hope.” The Bible, inscribed with the word of Jesus, “The truth will set you free,” has 3,500 highlights of “liberating verses.” The back cover car-

ries the endorsement of Commissioner Christine MacMillan, head of the Army’s International Social Justice Center.

Jerry Silcocks, president of Firefighters for Christ, offered a compelling and compassionate rationale for why Christians must share the Gospel. “The week before 9/11, we shared the Gospel with 10 guys. Half of them went to their death within a week. It was their first fire.”

General Bond spoke of the Army’s immediate response to the 9/11 attacks.

She said that then, and now, “God is our refuge and strength—‘A very! Present!

Help!’ in times of trouble.”

Answering the burning question,

WARREN L. MAYE

“Where was God on 9/11?” the General said, “He was in the stairwells; He was running up the stairs with the firemen; He was in the cockpit of the planes; He was on Flight 93 when they decided to say, ‘Let’s roll!’ The God we serve is there with us!”

After R. Lamar Vest, ABS president, offered a gift to General Bond, the NYSB and the entire group went to the streets of Manhattan, spoke to passersby, and wrote prayers on white doves affixed to the plate glass windows of ABS headquarters.

Finally, real doves were released from a basket and flew away into the sky.

Photo by Photo Bureau

SA and ABS launch new Bible edition, commemorate 9/11