GOOD NEWS! Volume 30 Number 3
APRIL 2013
‘They don’t judge me; they love me’ >> Anti–human trafficking program
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he beaming smiles of Michelle Clark and Karen Jenkins belie their years as sex workers. “I’m clean and I’m loving life,” Clark says. “I’m real happy now. This is the first time I’ve ever been this happy, to
tell you the truth.” Jenkins says, “Christ has brought me up out of a lot of bad things. And now, He’s placing me in a lot of good things. If it wasn’t for God and The Salvation Army, I’d probably be dead.”
ROBERT MITCHELL
The women had just finished a Wednesday morning Bible study at the Columbus (East Main), Ohio, Corps. Both were saved from the streets through an anti–human trafficking program called the Central Ohio Rescue
INSIDE
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Good News! Online: www.SAGoodNews.org USA Eastern Territorial website: www.ArmyConnections.org
Good News! exclusive interview with the Chief of the Staff. page 3
Remembering Major Angelo Rosamilia. page 15
USA National website: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org
FROM THE EDITOR >>
The Giving Pledge
WARREN L. MAYE
GOOD NEWS! USA EASTERN TERRITORY
Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you. —Deuteronomy 16:17
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onventional wisdom says that, to be a philanthropist, one must be rich. When we hear that word, philanthropy, we typically envision people of abundant wealth, such as the late Joan Kroc or, most recently, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. Three years ago, Buffett and Gates launched an initiative called The Giving Pledge, a commitment by the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy. Since then, Buffett and Gates have persuaded a number of American billionaires to sign on to this cause, asking them, in their lifetime or at their death, to give away 50 percent of their wealth. In recent days, Gates and Buffett have expanded the initiative to include wealthy people abroad, starting with 12 pledgers from eight different countries. To date, 105 individuals or families have joined the ranks. Right now, you must be asking, “What does this have to do with me?” Giving at the level of Gates and Buffett seems impossible. But billionaires notwithstanding, you can still rise to a biblical giving challenge. Because the truth is, you can be a philanthropist (patron, humanitarian, donor, sponsor, promoter, contributor, backer, guarantor) right now with what is already in your hand. Your desire to benefit other people as a result of your love for them and for the Lord actually begins in your heart, rather than in your pocket. God wants you to know that you can do great things for the poor, ”… in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” For example, a 21–year–old New Jersey City University graduate student founded and continues to fund a 200–student elementary school in Ghana, West Africa—and she does it with just $500 U.S. per month. In this issue, you’ll read about what The Salvation Army is doing in our territory to combat the global scourge of sexual trafficking of young women. You’ll also read what Commissioner André Cox, the Chief of the Staff (second in command of the international Salvation Army), has to say about the world’s economic crisis, which he calls “a huge challenge” that has a “very real influence on our Army.” It’s great to know that you and I are in a position to do something about it—right now. How much will you pledge?
Letters
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.
BUENAS NOTICIAS!
GOOD NEWS! (Special Edition Good News! on Hurricane Sandy) The stories were moving and documented great examples of the wonderful work being done by The Salvation Army. —Barbara Snyder, Mason, Ohio
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Follow Good News! on Twitter @ GoodNewsSA www.twitter.com/GoodNewsSA Become a fan on Facebook @ GoodNewsSA www.facebook.com/GoodNewsSA
April 2013
vantage point >>
Interview with Commissioner André Cox (part 1)
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his is a special day for The Salvation Army!” declared General Linda Bond at International Headquarters (IHQ) in London on the day she and a large congregation welcomed the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner André Cox, and Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries. They filled the room with an upbeat atmosphere and sense of affirmation. This June, Commissioners Cox will be the guests at the “Proclaimers of the Resurrection” Commissioning events in the Eastern Territory. The following is the first of an exclusive two–part interview for Good News! readers. Good News: Do you have any connections to the USA Eastern Territory? Do you have an anecdote to share from a previous visit? Commissioner André Cox: We have always enjoyed our visits to the USA and particularly enjoy visiting the city of New York. We do not have any direct connections to the USA Eastern Territory but have friends from the territory that we have met or worked with in different places around the world. We would have loved an opportunity to live and work in the USA at some point! It certainly is no hardship for us to come on this visit and we are very much looking forward to this. GN: You have the unique experience of stepping into a position formerly held by your father. How has seeing him serve the Army world as Chief of the Staff helped prepare you for this appointment? Has he given you any particular words of wisdom? AC: It certainly does feel strange to be following so closely in my father’s footsteps in this appointment. My parents were UK officers, whereas Silvia and I are officers of the Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary Territory, which means that our paths within the Army very rarely crossed. While my father was the Chief of the Staff, we were serving in Zimbabwe but I certainly realized something of the huge responsibility and workload that is part and parcel of this appointment. I also learnt from him not to take myself seriously. It is not about playing a role but about being everything that God knows I can be in fulfilling the responsibilities that are now mine. My father was always an idealist, and he believed that God is in control and something
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WARREN L. MAYE
of that is certainly in my DNA! He had a good sense of humor, which I also seem to have inherited, and that certainly helps. My father unfortunately was promoted to Glory in 1995, so I will never know what he would have made of my current appointment. It would have certainly been wonderful to be able to talk with him about his experiences. I know his faith in God was unshakable; that is a tremendous legacy for me today, and that is an essential thing when you are the Chief of the Staff! GN: The world is forever changing. The climate, demographics, international relations, the economy, etc. all influence us in some way. Do you see these factors affecting the way the Army ministers to people in need? AC: The present economic crisis is a huge challenge. We have perhaps come to rely on our social institutions to deliver the “serving suffering humanity” aspect of our unique mission. In many places, however, corps are now in the frontline of delivery of social programs. I think that if William Booth were to return today, many of the social problems and injustices in the world today would be familiar to him. This inevitably leads us to rediscover our roots and our God–given mission to “save souls, grow saints, and serve suffering humanity.” So to answer your question, yes there is a very real influence on our Army as we must arise to the challenges of the present age and be relevant for today’s needs. Unless we are constantly learning and adapting we run the risk of becoming ineffective in spreading the Gospel message but we also run the risk of failing in our ability to meet human need as well. A significant challenge for us is the effective use of our significant administrative structure to support, resource, and empower people to achieve our God–given aims of “saving souls, growing saints, and serving suffering humanity.” It seems to me sometimes that there is a constant danger that great amounts of time, energy, and money can be expended on developing and maintaining our administrative structures rather than [keeping] a clear focus on the primary mission of The Salvation Army. There is always a tension here that needs to be kept in a right balance. Part 2 of this interview with the Commissioners Cox will include: a discussion of Scripture and its role in their spiritual formation, people who have contributed to their growth as officers, how they have successfully crossed cultures, and their vision of the Army’s future. Be sure to get the next Good News! for this and more! 3
vantage point >> Prayer & Praise
www.armyonitsknees.org
In praise of personal testimony
COMMISSIONER ROBERT E. THOMSON
prAyer reQuests territorial worship Arts Convocation April 5–7 youth Councils Eastern Pennsylvania/ Delaware Division April 19–21 Northeast Ohio Division April 26–28 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. —Psalm 100 (NLT) —Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor, Territorial Ambassador for Prayer and Spiritual Formation
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e was a young man, perhaps in his mid–to late 20s, neatly clothed in dress shirt with tie and sport jacket. Joy was evident in his face as he stood to give his witness during a Sunday morning worship meeting at the Detroit Harbor Light Center. “I’m one grateful, messed–up–but– getting–better–better–every–day man,” he said. He was talking about his past, which had been dominated by drugs and booze, and his newfound deliverance through faith in Jesus Christ. His testimony, though uniquely stated, was right in step with Salvation Army tradition. Personal witness has always been a hallmark of Army meetings. William Booth, the Army’s Founder, made contact with his earliest recruits by giving his testimony when Gospel missioners invited anyone among their listeners to “have a word.” As a result of his powerful words, within a few days he was drafted to “take charge, temporarily, of the Tent Mission.” And so was born the globe– encircling Salvation Army. Our history is replete with examples of people who were converted as the result of personal testimony. One of the best– known cases was Richard Slater, a musician of considerable stature who was also an atheist. He was deeply moved to hear a servant girl testify that, since finding salvation, she no longer swept dirt under the rug, but picked it up. Such a change in the life of that young woman led Slater to reconsider his views on religion. Eventually he was converted; later, he became the head of the Army’s international music department. To give witness to the goodness of God is scriptural. Said the Psalmist: “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” (Psalm 107:2, KJV) That is exactly what a recent convert
did when he said, “Tomorrow will be the first day in 14 years that I haven’t either been in jail or on probation.” That transformation, accomplished because the longtime jailbird had surrendered his life to Christ, certainly is worth sharing with others. Testimonies of newborn Christians often have a ring of excitement and drama. But the expressions of longtime followers also bring confirmation to the faithfulness of God. Recently, in a Sunday evening meeting, an aging Salvationist was speaking of her lifelong journey with Christ. She told of hardship and trial, and she also recounted times of great joy. “Sometimes He carried me,” she said, “and sometimes we danced. But in every circumstance, He has been there by my side.” Confirmed Christians, as well as seekers after truth, find such testimonies stimulating and challenging. Let’s revive the old–fashioned testimony meeting. We may just find that in doing so, we will be revived ourselves.
April 2013
transformations >>
‘God wanted me more’
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efore coming to the United States from Zimbabwe, Chakanaka Watch was a prominent radio and television personality, Gospel singer, and songwriter. One of Watch’s more popular radio sermons was about forgiveness, and he used Jeremiah 29:11 as his text, urging anyone contemplating suicide not to go through with it. Several people later told him the sermon saved their lives. “I became a national icon because of that sermon,” he says. However, Watch admits he let the success go to his head. “Everything was about me, me, and me,” Watch says. “I have since realized that victory or success results when we depend on God, and failure follows when we depend on ourselves. “Even though I worked for God, I didn’t realize I had a calling. I was young. You’re a little prideful. You’re a little arrogant. You’re still working for God, but you don’t understand this is for the glory of God and has nothing to do with you as an individual.” Watch, a third–generation Salvationist, once received a prophetic word from his father that he would someday be a Salvation Army officer or a lawyer. “I laughed at him,” says Watch, who today is a Salvation Army envoy. Watch was insistent on being a radio and television personality and musician and he fulfilled those dreams, even recording albums in Zimbabwe. He also fulfilled a dream of playing professional soccer, but God was always calling. Watch’s life changed in 1997 when then–General Paul Rader called for an International Youth Forum in Cape Town, South Africa. Watch was chosen as a delegate from Zimbabwe. “It was a life–changing experience that made me a committed Salvationist and a better Christian,” he says. “It gave me the worldview of God’s Army.” Watch led a missions team that included many Americans, an experience he called “humbling.” “I had dreamt of coming to America, and here I was leading people from a superpower,” he says. “God was trying to tell me something about myself that
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I didn’t know: If He could use a stick in Moses’ hand, He could use me on any platform. “Meeting youths from all over the world was an eye–opener and a sermon for me. I went home a committed evangelist.” Watch said he also learned at the event “the color of God and the language He speaks.” “I learned that it’s not the uniform that makes us special; it’s not the blue or the red epaulets that make us unique but the holiness that we are preaching to the world,” he says. “This experience showed me that when William Booth was talking about the whole world for God, it was not his mind but God’s thought. “I learned that God was far much more than the colors of our skin, the languages we speak, or the culture with which we are comfortable. God was bringing us together from all corners of the world to unite us in His spirit.” Today, Watch and his wife, Envoy Emeline Tsitsi Watch, are the corps officers in charge of the Peekskill, N.Y., Corps. The couple has a son, C.J., who is 4. Watch knows he has great influence as a pastor. “Everything that you say, people are listening,” he says. “Whatever you do, people are watching. You become a Bible that everyone is reading. You have to ask yourself, what kind of a Bible am I? You have to be the right Bible. That transforms you.” Watch is still writing Gospel songs for the glory of God. Ronnie Murchison sang one of Watch’s songs, “I Will Fight,” at last year’s commissioning. Watch also wrote “Orphan Song,” based on Psalm 139:14, for orphans and abused women. Looking back, Watch is happy to be serving God as a pastor, just as his father said, and making music for the glory of the Kingdom.
ROBERT MITCHELL
“Unbeknownst to me, God wanted me more,” he says. “He wanted me in full–time ministry—following His spirit— and doing what I’m doing now.” “Orphan Song” is on YouTube and on CD. The profits from the sale of the CD will go to help orphans in Zimbabwe. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eW4YVDaQ_g
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territorial news >>
Commissioners Swanson to headline OOB
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ommissioners Barry C. and Sue Swanson, the new territorial leaders, will highlight this year’s Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings by speaking at the opening weekend and throughout the week. Since 1885, Salvationists have gathered in the town of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, each summer for spiritual renewal, reflection, and study. This year’s meetings run from Saturday, Aug. 3, to Friday, Aug. 9, under the theme “Army Essential/Essential Army.” The Swansons will open the camp meetings at 7 p.m. on Aug. 3 in the Pavilion, along with the International Staff Band (ISB), Eastern Territorial Songsters (ETS), ARC Chorus, and the Territorial Arts Ministry (TAM) team. Commissioners Swanson will also speak on Aug. 4 at the Holiness meeting at 10 a.m. and again at 7 p.m. The ISB will present a concert at 3:30 p.m. at the OOB Pier, followed by the annual march through the main street of town. The ISB will return on Aug. 5 for a concert at 7 p.m. in the Pavilion. Dr. Bill Ury, who will lead the daily Bible study in the OOB Corps this year, will speak at 7 p.m. on Aug. 6. That
meeting will also feature LEAD delegates and testimonies from Hands On Mission team members. Ury, who received his undergraduate degree from Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky., is a professor of systematic and historical theology at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Miss. While Ury leads his Bible study at 10:30 each weekday morning of the camp meetings, another Bible study will take place on the beach at the same time, led by Majors Thomas and Laura Lyle. It has become an OOB tradition to
have the Creative Arts Services Team (CAST) perform on one night of the camp meetings. This year’s CAST performance, at 7 p.m. on Aug. 7, will be “Kairos,” led by Doug Berky. Berky, a professional mime and expert in mask creation who first appeared at the TAM Conservatory in 2009, designed the masks for last year’s OOB performance of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” There will be no meeting in the Pavilion on Aug. 8; everything will move to the Pier as an outreach to crowds of beachgoers who gather there each summer. Commissioner Sue Swanson will give the challenge, and vacationers will see the best in Salvation Army singers, dancers, illusionists, and actors. Cross Fire Brass will perform several numbers. The Pier Ministry Team, featuring members of the Vancouver War College and Summer Brass, will perform at the Pier each evening from 6–10 p.m. The camp meetings will close on Friday in the Pavilion with a guest appearance by actor Jodi Benson. She was the voice of both Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” and Tour Guide Barbie in “Toy Story 2.”
Teen skips prom; chooses men’s camp instead
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arry Patterson, who attends both the Asbury Park and Red Bank corps in New Jersey, had quite a dilemma on his hands last year—go to his senior prom or to men’s camp. Patterson, a graduate of Monmouth Regional High School, eventually chose the men’s camp, where he heard a sermon by Oscar Roan, former star of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. Roan’s message, “Press On,” deeply inspired Patterson. “I am very grateful to the Lord my God that He has allowed me to experience what He had in store for me at the Salvation Army Men’s Camp program,” Patterson said. “It was encouraging and motivating.” Patterson graduated from high school www.sagoodnews.org
ROBERT MITCHELL
ROBERT MITCHELL
on June 15 and worked at Camp Tecumseh’s summer camp program as a counselor from June 18 to Aug. 18. “The people who were in charge of [the camp] did an outstanding job running it for the entire summer,” he said. “I have great respect and admiration for all of them. They all have taught me many important things, and I am very grateful and humbled that they trusted and hired me for the job. “During my employment, I encouraged, motivated, and ministered to many young campers. I also emboldened them to believe in themselves. “It was an experience that I will never forget and [one] that I will always treasure in my heart.” 7
territorial news >>
Anti–human trafficking program
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and Restore Coalition new apartment through coordinated by the the program. SWONEKY Division. “They’ve come to trust The program helps The Salvation Army,” says victims of forced labor Smouse. “We’re there to and sex trafficking, but show them love and supmost of the clients are port.” young women caught up Caroline Moore, a case in the sex trade, accordmanager for the program, ing to Trish Smouse, the said “outrage” leads her program director. to help the women. She is Erin Meyer, who had confident such inhumanity once worked on the will end someday. Salvation Army’s national “Because I believe so anti–human trafficking strongly in Jesus and that hotline, leads the program He will set every wrong Lieutenant Swetha Vincent (right) talks with Karen Jenkins. in the Cincinnati area and thing right, I believe that reports to Michelle HanHe is going to set this right nan, who is the director of professional burly pimp made her life a living hell. someday, whether I’m alive to see it or and community services for the Army in “I had a guy that used to beat me not,” she says. “I know that.” Central Ohio. up and take my money and take all the Christina Conrad, another case manHannan said a drop–in center and street food,” she says. “He told me I had to get ager for the program, helped organize outreach program are planned for Cincinout there in the streets if I wanted to eat the street outreach. The women get a nati; those two elements are already mak- and have a place to stay.” gift bag that includes a meal, beverage, ing great headway in Columbus. It was Jenkins would sleep all day and work at snacks, female hygiene beauty items, and those programs that reached both Clark night. Her pimp would wake her at 8 p.m. a “note of hope.” and Jenkins. and give her an hour to get ready. “We want to give them their dignity Clark tells of a harrowing life that “I can remember times when it was back,” Conrad says. “It’s really amazing involved drugs and alcohol, incest, rape, raining and thundering and I wanted to see just how much that restores them and domestic violence. She was caught up to go home and he wouldn’t let me,” just having a little bit of lotion, toothpaste, in prostitution for 20 years. she says. “He just bought me a bigger food. It just makes them feel like they’re “I’ve been through a whole lot,” she umbrella. worthy of dignity again.” says. “I just couldn’t find my way. I tried to “I had to stay out there until he said commit suicide a few times.” I could go home. If the money wasn’t Christina Conrad prepares a gift bag. When Clark finally had enough of the right for him, he would wake me streets, she went to a domestic violence and make me go back out. If I shelter, which referred her to The Salvadidn’t, I got beat up and [had] tion Army. guns pulled on me. He monitored Clark visited “The Well,” a drop–in cen- who I talked to and when I talked ter for sexually trafficked women, where to them. I was afraid of him.” she found love and acceptance and an She met the Army though its invitation to attend church. Wednesday night street outreach “I got freedom in Christ and a new beprogram. ginning,” she says. “They don’t judge me. “I love the outreach compoThey love me. They’re teaching me how to nent of our work,” says Smouse, love. I get a chance to fit in, for a change, who saw sexual trafficking firstinstead of being the odd ball. I don’t have hand while on a mission trip to to pretend anymore. Thailand. “Most of them know what I’ve been Smouse oversees a team of through. I don’t have to hide. I don’t have young caseworkers, who help the to feel ashamed or guilty. It just makes a women with everything from furhuge difference. I’m not judged or treated thering their education to finding badly. I’m real comfortable here.” jobs and apartments. On a recent The story is similar for Jenkins, whose Wednesday, Clark moved into a 8
April 2013
Lieutenant Swetha Vincent, the corps officer at Columbus East Main, said restoring the dignity of the women is one of her main goals. She quickly learned that the women’s self–worth was determined by how much money they used to make on the streets. “It was a skewed sense of identity,” she says. “I just felt the Lord saying to me, ‘Find the intrinsic value.’ I wanted them to make that connection. I wanted them to move from everything on the outside to ‘I am important because I’ve been created and I’ve been created by a God who cares and a God who gives me purpose.’ That’s my driving force.” Vincent says another goal was to bridge the program to the corps. Six women from the program now attend the corps, and many like to cook on Sunday mornings for everyone. “You would have never been able to pick out who came through the trafficking program and who didn’t,” she says. “That is amazing to me. That is beautiful to me.” Both Clark and Jenkins say they want to help women still stuck in the sex trade. “I want my test to be a testimony,”
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Trish Smouse (left) reads the Bible with Michelle Clark. Clark says. “I want to help people. I want them to know that no matter how far down you are, you can always come up being around the right people, which is The Salvation Army.” Jenkins would like to see a safe house for women in Columbus and she wants to be the “house mom.” She also is hoping to organize an anti–human trafficking
program in Akron, Ohio. “I don’t want to die and my obituary say that I lived a tragic life,” Jenkins says. “God has forgiven me and put The Salvation Army in my life, and He is showing me a better way of handling things now.”
Caroline Moore (right) helps Clark shop in the corps food pantry.
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Corps News >>
Community service, hall for Generals, and programs for teens
Bridgeport, CT Corps honors volunteers Bridgeport, CT—The corps decided it was high time to honor its many volunteers with an appreciation dinner on Feb. 8. Major Lydia Pearson, corps officer and one of the organizers, said the corps provided a souvenir, a certificate of appreciation, and a meal for all volunteers who helped the Army in 2012. “We find that it is necessary to have this event every year,” Pearson said. “We are not sure of any future dates, but we are sure that we would love to continue this gesture for our volunteers.” Divisonal Headquarters representatives included Lieutenants 10
Dayton, OH Anthony and Stephanie Rivera, Majors Valerie and Steven Lopes, and Lisa Cretella. Members of the local Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Bridgeport Fire Department, and the Nutmeg chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma, a national service sorority, were honored. “We regularly receive donations from Starbucks, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Red Lobster,” Pearson said. “We decided to make those wonderful donations our menu for the night. We also had some wonderful teens serve as waiters and help with the cleaning after the event was done.”
More time with God Franklin, PA—The corps has started a Sunday afternoon and evening service that begins at 5 p.m. and concludes with a meal. “This is new to the Franklin Corps and we had 19 people our first Sunday!” said Captain Kevin Brennan. “We are asking one person a week to give a testimony. People are also sharing praise reports and prayer requests. “This is the result of prayer and the desire of the Franklin people to have more time with God and with each other.” Brennan and his wife, Captain Leslie Brennan, are corps officers.
Black History MONth marked at Hough Cleveland, OH—Black History Month may be in February, but the folks at The Salvation Army’s Hough Day Care Center were still celebrating on March 1. The center hosted a Black History Month celebration at the Hough Corps with students presenting reports, dancing, and singing to honor luminaries of African– American history, says Brian Pfeiffer, director of education at the center. “This gives our students a chance to explore African–American history and realize the contributions African Americans have made to society,” he said.
Helping at–risk kids Wadsworth, OH—The city’s school district, in collaboration with The Salvation Army, has mobilized a Care Team to help at–risk kids. Major Debbra Grace of the Wadsworth Corps says it’s a unique partnership. Professionals representing different disciplines and agencies provide services to middle–school students in various areas, including academics, family issues, and behavioral concerns. Grace said the team includes kids from the juvenile courts, a behavioral health agency, the police department, local schools, and The Salvation Army. “Strength is derived April 2013
Philadelphia, PA from the unity of this team,” Grace said. “This also offers opportunity for the family to be assisted by the Army through other services we offer.” School officials refer students to the program. The team meets bi–weekly to discuss each student and to determine what services can be provided by agencies that are present and what referrals are necessary. Grades, attendance records, and disciplinary actions are also reviewed. Grace said a family engagement specialist, employed by the Army, meets with parents to register their children in the Care Team program. A key component of Care Team is the after–school program, in which students receive www.sagoodnews.org
a blend of homework help and therapeutic activities. The program is housed in the middle– school building. Students spend half of the allotted time period working on homework with a tutor, an Army employee, in a group setting, and the other half of the time in group sessions and activities such as art, recreation, and cooking. Kip Moore now an ‘Olympian’ Dayton, OH—William “Kip” Moore, the director of performing arts at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Dayton, Ohio, will represent Team USA in Hollywood, Calif., at the 17th annual World Championships of Per-
forming Arts (WCOPA). In an acceptance letter to Moore, WCOPA says it is often called the official “Olympics” for aspiring performing artists. Moore will join contestants from around the country and 40 nations for nine days of Olympic–style competition for $150,000 in scholarships. The competition will feature dancers, singers, models, actors, instrumentalists, and a variety of other artists. Managers, agents, casting directors, producers, and music industry representatives from Hollywood, Nashville, and New York are invited to judge, to conduct seminars, and to cast. Moore, who was featured in the September/
October 2012 Good News!, will also go through an educational “boot camp” taught by some of the best industry coaches in Hollywood. Making waves at Philly Kroc Philadelphia, PA— Things are going “swimmingly” at the new in Philadelphia’s Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. During Presidents Day weekend, the Kroc Center’s swim team held its first meet with coach Jim Ellis. “It was a big success and we have had wonderful comments from the visiting teams who are looking forward to the next meet,” said Major Lynn Gensler, the associate administrator
of the Kroc Center. The event drew more than 400 swimmers and 2,400 entries during Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. “We were able to have some of the swimmers come and join us for part of our Worship Service on Sunday during the break,” Gensler said. On Feb. 23, The Kroc Center hosted a Kids Council, sponsored by the division’s Youth Department. “We had a registration of 323 for the day’s event that offered challenging games and emblem work, which included writing letters to the President and even a visit with Benjamin Franklin,” Gensler said. “The kids also had a chance to swim in our water park.” 11
territorial news >>
Starting a small group at your corps (part 1)
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ast fall, The Salvation Army’s Eastern Territory published its first small group study in both English and Spanish focused on the theme “Army Essentials/ Essential Army.” The four– week study covered topics ranging from the role of the Mercy Seat and Holiness to Discipleship and Evangelism. I interviewed Captain Jason Price, corps officer in Salem, Ohio, who talked about the influence this study has had on the congregation he and his wife, Captain Kristin Price, pastors. Chip Kelly: How has the Army Essentials Small Group Study Guide been used in your corps? Jason Price: The Army Essentials Group Study Guide was used as a small group study. The opening discussion questions were an open forum to discuss and answer the questions. While the questions were being answered new questions were asked. It allowed us to go deeper into that week’s topic or focus. It took us two weeks to get through each section. CK: How was this material beneficial to your corps? JP: It was beneficial to the corps because it allowed questions to be asked that corps members wanted the answers to. This study allowed us to discuss Salvation Army doctrine without actually calling it a doctrine class. CK: Which groups in your corps used this study guide?
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*http://www.library.armyconnection.org/ **http://mission.use-salvationarmy.org/curriculum/
JP: We opened this study up for anyone who wanted to attend. The first week we only had a few people show up but by the end we had a full room of people.
but the history in the United States and in other countries.
CK: What topics would you like to see covered in future small group studies?
JP: I was thinking about doing a study on the Psalms. At the Training school my wife took an elective on Psalms and I thought it might be interesting to look closer at Psalms with the corps members.
JP: I would like to see topics on doctrine, holiness, and Salvation Army history, not just the beginning of the Army
CK: What do you plan to study next with your small groups in Salem? Why?
CHIP KELLY
CK: Captain Price’s last response reminds us that we are called to grow continuously in our walk with God. We have resources available from our Small Group Lending Library at Territorial Headquarters, which allows you to borrow a small group study and use it in your corps. Simply return it to us in the mail. Go to the Army Connection website for further information.* Have you thought about starting a small group at your corps? I trust you have found Captain Price’s words reassuring. Included in this study is a short video explaining what happens in small groups and the scriptural foundations of living in biblical community. We have used a short acronym that provides a basic overview of a host for small groups: HOST (Have a heart for people, Open your home or the corps, Serve a snack, Conduct a Q&A, and/ or turn on the DVD). If you can master these basics, you can begin a small group in your corps, neighborhood, or community. I invite you to visit our website to view this short video and see the resources available to help you get started. There is also a list of other people around the territory engaged in small group ministry.** This spring, we will release two new small group studies. The first will be the next installment to the Army Essentials for an Essential Army series that will focus on six corps across the Eastern Territory that are living out the Great Commission and Great Commandment in their communities. The second study will be an 8–session study that will explore the foundations of our faith and what that means for us in today’s world. April 2013
territorial news >>
‘No Bible, no breakfast …’ A Bible–reading campaign for spiritual renewal
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alvationists are people of the Bible. It is no accident that the first doctrine of The Salvation Army says, “We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.” In this affirmation, all Salvationists will agree that one of the most critical mandates we have is the need to disciple and to nurture our soldiers as Bible–reading Christians. Unfortunately, we are not exempt from the issue of biblical illiteracy, and we need to correct this urgent problem. For this reason, we are promoting a new campaign under the slogan, “No Bible, No Breakfast! No Bible, No Bed!” Lt. Colonel Lyell M. Rader Sr., a legendary evangelist, used this as a teaching slogan in his evangelistic campaigns. Truly, we need to allow God’s Word to shape our lives. Catherine Booth, “the Mother of The Salvation Army,” read the Bible eight times by the time she was 12. After his conversion, William Booth committed himself to read four chapters of the Bible daily and read the entire Bible in one year. In The Soul–Winner’s Secret, Samuel Logan Brengle testifies, “Personally, for years I have given the best hour of the day to the Bible, and now I want it more than I want my food.” This is the Army in which God has called us to serve. Our slogan conveys the idea that, before starting the day (or during any moment of the day!), we will find the best time and place for meditating on God’s Word, and spend time reading the Bible with a prayerful heart. Through exercising this spiritual discipline, God will speak to us, perhaps in a still small voice. We are then called to pass this blessing along to someone else as a way of affirming our faith in the Word. www.sagoodnews.org
MAJOR YOUNG SUNG KIM
living God.” This reading plan starts on Jan. 1, but you’re free to join in at any time! You will also want to check out our new campaign T–shirt at Trade. Wear it proudly as a witness for the new Bible– Reading campaign. Get ready for the incredible journey of reading through the entire Bible in one year, one day at a time! Get fired up in your desire to become a Bible–reading Christian, and to allow God’s Word to shape your life and to enrich our territorial vision of “Army Essential/Essential Army.” —Major Young Sung Kim is the As a practical step for participating in territorial ambassador for holiness this new campaign, every Salvationist should be made aware of the impor*www.oneyearbibleonline.com tance of being a Bible–reading Christian **www.armyonitsknees.org through continuous teaching and field training. Then, while individual Salvationists are encouraged to find the best ways to discipline themselves, the various formats or options of “The Bible Reading Plan” can be introduced as handy, applicable, and practical tools in our Our Journey in a Bible Shaped front–line ministry. Life of Holiness We have prepared a one–year Bible–reading plan for Salvationists, THQ Conference Center Featuring: April 10-11, 2013 adapted from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.* You can download this material from the Salvation Army website, FUSION.** It is our hope and prayer that this calendar for daily Bible President of Booth University College (Canada) reading will encourage and help us all to experience the sanctifying life (John 17:17) through daily devotional reading of “the live word of the
Holiness Symposium
Dr. Donald E.
Burke
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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
promoted to glory >>
‘A gifted visionary’ Major Angelo Rosamilia
COLONEL FRANK PAYTON
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learned that Major Angelo Rosamilia was in the hospital when I called him by telephone to ask a favor. It was a few days prior to his promotion to Glory. When it happened, I was as surprised as everyone else. I had great respect for the major; for his ministry at the Queens, N.Y. (Temple), Corps; and for his positive attitude and personality. How many corps officers in the territory can say they have more than 400 soldiers and almost 100 junior soldiers? During a regular week at the Rosamilias’ corps (his wife, Major Antonietta Rosamilia, has always been a vital partner in the ministry), there are numerous activities for adults, youth, and children, including music and other arts classes whose students participate in Sunday meetings. Which other officers in the territory can say that they have sent 70 candidates, including three of their own children, to the School for Officer Training (SFOT) from one corps? Under Rosamilia’s direction, the Sunday meetings have been a celebration. Even on one bitter–cold morning, I saw the chapel filled with people; I saw God blessing this corps, and I thought, “Why is the major having such a successful ministry?” Major Rosamilia was a visionary, musician, entrepreneur, and gifted evangelist, and he knew how to use his gifts for His glory. Rosamilia was unorthodox. He was willing to try new methods and to do things differently. In the church, we tend to follow a certain routine, which can sometimes limit the intervention of the Holy Spirit. But Rosamilia knew that God, through the Holy Spirit, was ultimately in charge. By encouraging others to accept
ministry responsibilities and by giving them the liberty to fulfill them, the major permitted the Holy Spirit to do His will. Rosamilia was appreciated by divisional and territorial leadership, as evidenced by how they allowed him to pursue his unconventional but effective approach to ministry. The tendency of successful pastors is to focus on their own ministry. But the major encouraged the formation of others, as demonstrated not only by the candidates he sent to SFOT but also by the soldiers he sent to start or support other ministries. For example, when Mrs. Angelita Rosario was returning to the Dominican Republic, he convinced her to initiate the work of The Salvation Army in her country. Today, that nation has seven corps.
tributes Major Rosamilia received recognition and tributes for his ministry in Queens from local and state government entities, as well as from The Salvation Army. Perhaps the greatest tributes came from his former divisional commanders who
attended his funeral service. Colonel Raymond Wood, his first divisional commander, said, “Giving Major Rosamilia the opportunity to provide leadership to this Hispanic ministry was one of the most important decisions that I ever made in my officership.” Colonel Nestor Nuesch said, “The Major was the ‘King of Queens.’ Everybody loved and respected him. Frequently, he would call me and ask to enroll soldiers—and he always had at least a dozen prepared.” Lt. Colonel William LaMarr shared one anecdote from an occasion when an important Salvation Army leader visited the Queens Temple. “During the meeting that lasted several hours, they enrolled soldiers and junior soldiers and dedicated children. After the meeting, Rosamilia invited the visitors to participate in a soldiers’ gathering and then have lunch at a local restaurant. On the way, he greeted everyone, including business people, with comments such as, ‘God needs you and your ability in the Army; I’ll look for you next week!’ ” Major Rosamilia had many abilities and gifts, but the most important one, according to everyone who knew him, was his willingness to be guided by the Holy Spirit. Colonel Guy D. Klemanski, the current commander for Greater New York Division, conducted the committal service. He closed it by praying, “God, comfort and bless each of us as we miss Angelo’s presence among us.” Buenas Noticias!, Colonel Raymond Wood, Colonel Nestor Nuesch, Lt. Colonel William LaMarr, and the Greater New York Division contributed to this article.
All dates are subject to change
ENVOYS DOUGLAS & HÉLÈNE KORNWOLF 05/12–14 Hernandez, FL Corps
www.sagoodnews.org
MAJOR DONNA PETERSON 4/19–21 4/24–28 5/3–5
ARC Women’s Retreat Harrisburg, PA ARC ARC Holiness Retreat
5/15–21 5/31–6/2
Bath, ME NEOSA Women’s Getaway
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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Performance Polos for Men and Women Available in Red or Blue
$24.95
Non–Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Beaver Dam, WI Permit No. 577
GOOD NEWS! THE SALVATION ARMY 440 WEST NYACK ROAD WEST NYACK, NY 10994–1739 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Check out the Trade Spring Catalog with your Smart Phone! t he tra d e e – C at alo g i s online: armyconne c tion s .org/tra d e toll Fre e (8 8 8) 4 8 8 . 4 8 8 2
COMMISSIONING June 14 –16, 2013 Star Search
Commissioning & Ordination
Saturday, June 15, 9:00 am
Sunday, June 16, 10:00 am
Hilton Rye Town Rye Brook, New York
Territorial Musical: Stoned* Friday, June 14, 7:30 pm Saturday, June 15, 7:30 pm
Appointment Service Sunday, June 16, 3:00 pm Westchester County Center White Plains, New York
Purchase College Performing Arts Center Purchase, New York *This ticketed event is SOLD OUT.
led by
Commissioners Barry C. & Sue Swanson
Territorial Leaders
special guests
Commissioners André & Silvia Cox
Chief of the Staff World President of Women’s Ministries