GOOD NEWS! Volume 30 Number 7
SEPTEMBER 2013
INSIDE
TC SHARES HIS VISION
Commissioner Barry C. Swanson shares his vision for the U.S.A. Eastern Territory. PAGE 4
COX ELECTED GENERAL
General AndrĂŠ Cox is the 20th General of the International Salvation Army. Old Orchard Beach photos by Gary Curtis and Robert Mitchell
PAGE 6
ROBERTS APPOINTED CHIEF OF THE STAFF
Commissioner William Roberts, national commander, will become the next Chief of the Staff at International Headquarters. PAGE 7
Good News! Online: www.SAGoodNews.org USA Eastern Territorial website: www.ArmyConnections.org USA National website: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org
Old Orchard Beach 2013 coverage begins on page
12 > >
FROM THE EDITOR >>
Are you among the ‘14 percent’?
waRRen l. Maye
“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you…. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” — John 13:13–17 (ESV)
A
recent study from the Barna Group, a research company considered to be a leader in examining issues of faith and culture, explored how well Christians mimic the actions and attitudes of Christ in their relationships with other people. Last year from Nov. 11–18, researchers interviewed by phone a representative sample of 1,008 adults over the age of 18 from each of the 50 United States. They responded to 20 questions that were carefully designed to reveal hidden biases, values, and beliefs. The results indicated that, from among the self–identified Christians interviewed, only 14 percent of them—one out of seven—reflected both the attitudes and actions of Christ. A whopping 51 percent responded in ways that revealed that their attitudes and actions toward other people were actually self–righteous and hypocritical (Pharisaical). The other 35 percent surveyed fell somewhere in between, with a percentage having the actions but missing the attitudes of Christ, and another percentage having the attitudes but lacking the actions of Christ.* When I read this report, I thought, “Thank God for the 14 percent that have both the actions and attitudes of Christ!” In this Good News!, Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, shares his vision for the territory in an exclusive interview. Among other things, he sheds light on how Salvationists can be counted among that 14 percent. Be sure to read what he says about being “gracious” (“Room to grow,” p. 4). In our extensive coverage of this year’s Old Orchard Beach Camp meetings, Lt. Colonel Howard Burr discusses how effective Christ–like action literally changes the beach culture when The Salvation Army shows up (“Carnival of evangelism,” p. 18). And Mike Orfitelli vividly describes how actions and attitudes meld when Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) personnel go to work as emotional & spiritual caregivers in the aftermath of natural and manmade tragedies (“Taxed by multiple disasters, EDS still helps others,” p. 22). Reaching people through graciousness, evangelism, practical help, and emotional & spiritual care may sound like a huge challenge, but that’s because it is. That’s why only 14 percent of us Christians are really doing it. However, it’s my hope and prayer that this Good News! will inspire you to stand up and be counted among those Christians who display both Chistlike attitudes and actions. *Read the full report, “Christians: More Like Jesus or Pharisees?” at www.barna.org.
BOUNDLESS the whole world redeeming
The Salvation Army International Congress
150th Anniversary | 1-5 July 2015 | London, UK
GOOD NEWS! USA EASTERN TERRITORY Commissioners Barry C. and Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders Colonel William Carlson Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor Secretary for Communications 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 CFOT — Major A. Kenneth Wilson ARCC — Major Charles Deitrick PENDEL — Randall Thomas, Major Kathryn A. Avery EMP — Jaye C. Jones GNY — Captain Gillian Rogers MASS — Drew Forster NJ — Bramwell Applin NEOSA — Major Thomas Hinzman NNE — Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI — Linette Luna SNE — James Gordon SWONEKY — Major Faith Miller WEPASA — Captain Kimberly DeLong 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! Follow Good News! on Twitter @ GoodNewsSA www.twitter.com/GoodNewsSA Become a fan on Facebook @ GoodNewsSA www.facebook.com/GoodNewsSA
2
September 2013
prayer & praise >>
Prayer of Consolation
W
hen we find the Lord as our personal Savior from sin there is a passion to connect with Him in prayer. The level of fervor and intimacy is ignited and seems as if it is an eternal flame that will never die. As we travel this lifetime way of praying it is important to remember that beyond the times of meditation and contemplation is not always a splendid oasis of delight for the soul. Rather it is a vast desert of purifying dryness with, perhaps, occasional small oases to sustain the spirit. It is only when we come to love the desert, and prefer it to the oases, that we are well on the way to God. There are those moments on our prayer journey when our throats are
parched and our eyes are filled with sand! In the writings of Teresa of Avila, a 16th century Carmelite nun, on the subject of prayer she uses the illustration of watering God’s garden as a metaphor for the prayer of consolation (comfort, solace, or support) to get us through those dry times. “But let us see now how it must be watered so that we may understand what we have to do, the labor it will cost, whether the labor is greater than the gain, and for how long it must last. It seems to me the garden can be watered in four ways.” These methods are drawing from the well, using a hand water pump, situating the garden by a stream with irrigation paths, and using water provided by a great deal of rain Each one of these methods draws water that is the life-giving source for the
thomas green
garden. You will note that each succeeding method needs less and less “work” by the individual yet more and more water is received. So, is your prayer life another act of works on your part? ... Do you find yourself thinking ‘If I just pray hard enough, long enough, passionately enough, God will answer?’ The Prayer of Consolation puts the control back in the hands of the Almighty. Where are you on the “water continuum”? Go to www.armyonitsknees.org to read more from Green’s book When the Well Runs Dry. You’ll also find updated territorial prayer requests. —Colonel Janice Howard is the Territorial Ambassador for Prayer and Spiritual Formation
transformations >>
‘I don’t want to die like this’
P
ittsburgh’s Homewood Brushton Corps has always had a special place in Phillip Martin’s heart. Growing up, Phillip could see the corps from his front porch. As an adult, during the lowest points of his life, Phillip would get high across the street from the corps. Today, after an amazing transformation, Phillip is the social services case manager at that same corps. “The Salvation Army has always been a refuge in our community,” Phillip says. “It was a safe place full of many wonderful people who were willing to lend a hand or an ear whenever it was needed.” Phillip started drinking in his teens and also experimented with marijuana, cocaine, and crack cocaine. He dropped out of school in the 12th grade. He later committed an armed robbery and was sentenced to six months behind bars. In 1999, Phillip sat in a crack house and cried out to God. “One night I said, ‘Lord, I don’t know what you’re going to do, but I need you to do something because I don’t want to die like this,’ ” Phillip says. www.sagoodnews.org
Phillip had a friend who had gone to the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Pittsburgh and he felt God also telling him to go. Once Phillip showed up at the ARC, he made a vow.
“I committed to Him as my Lord and Savior.” Phillip also read the entire Bible during his six–month stay at the ARC. “It kept me focused. It gave me direction,” he says. “I was getting familiar with my Lord,” he says. “By the time I got to the New Testament … then I really knew I was truly set free. I’ve been clean and sober ever since.” Phillip had earned his GED while
Robert Mitchell
incarcerated and he went on to get an undergraduate degree in drug and alcohol counseling and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration. Phillip was in his fifties, but he was motivated. “I didn’t want my son to say, ‘Daddy, you’re a dropout, so why do I have to go to school?’” Phillip says. Phillip is now married with three children and is amazed at how God has blessed him. “I have a home. We have a dog. We have fish. We have a car, you know, all those things I thought were out of reach,” he says. “I have a light that I can follow. I can fulfill some of those things that I wanted to fulfill in life and I don’t have to be discouraged or think I’m less than others. Then I can actually do something to help other people. “I minister to some of the people I got high with,” he says. “Sometimes I get them to come to church and I give them cookies and sandwiches when I’m out in the street. I give them a ray of hope. They all see me and say, ‘You know what? If he can do it, I can do it too.’ ” 3
vantage point >>
‘Room to grow’
The Territorial Commander shares his vision “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21 The following is Commissioner Barry C. Swanson’s exclusive interview with Good News! regarding his vision for the U.S.A. Eastern Territory.
Good News!: Commissioner Swanson, tell us what excites you about our territory. What are your concerns about it? What is your vision for it? And how will your vision address those concerns?
‘vibrant, diverse, solid’ Commissioner Swanson: [Commissioner Sue and I] have found the Eastern Territory to be vibrant. There are good things happening and a rich Army history here. [The territory is] also contemporary and future–oriented. I resonate with that. We have a rich ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity. In saying that, there is room to grow. But it’s [already] in a growing pattern and I’m happy to see that. I look at the makeup of our various cadets’
sessions and I see that we have a good representation of cultures and people groups that bodes well for the future. The musical talent and the gospel arts are an asset in terms of programming, worship, and evangelism. The territory is solid financially. Globally, we’ve come through difficult economic times, which has affected all organizations. But we’ve come through in a good way. We are being careful stewards. I’m encouraged by the quality of our cadets, both young and older, in terms of their education, life experience, and skills. We’ve recently entered into an agreement with Asbury University for a continuing education program for [all] officers within their first five years of service. I think that will have a great impact.
Big in service, small in numbers We have to be careful that we don’t become complacent. The Lord has blessed this territory. And it would be a temptation to rest in that and to take satisfaction and pride in what we already are. We have to realize that in this quadrant of the U.S.A., including Puerto Rico, we have a tremendous concentration of people. And The Salvation Army is still a very tiny denomination. We have a large “footprint” in terms of social services and disaster services. But if you take a look at our membership, we are still not large. There are large urban areas that have very tiny expressions of Army ministry going on. We need to recognize that and to accept that challenge and not be satisfied with what we’ve done.
Building on a firm foundation I want to build upon the foundation laid by others. Commissioners Larry and Nancy Moretz, Commissioners Steve and Judy Hedgren, and Commissioners Israel
ESSENTIAL ARMY ‘STRIKE POINTS’
‘S
ee this harpoon?’ asked Commissioner Barry C. Swanson to a room full of the Eastern Territory’s top leaders. ‘It is an amazing instrument, perfected over thousands of years.’ He held high a long wooden shaft bound by many turns of rope. Extending several feet from one end was a metal spear. ‘It is exactly what it needs to be in order to accomplish its intended purpose,’ Swanson said. Members of the Territorial Executive Council were
i.
now on the edge of their seats and hanging on his every word. ‘To me, it represents our mission. Every part is necessary. Nothing can be omitted.’ Looking at the barb at the tip of the spear, he continued, ‘I draw your attention to the point where penetration occurs. It must be sharp and strong. To function, it must have unique qualities.’ Swanson simplified those qualities into four elements of the harpoon metaphor he called ‘Strike Points.’
greater evangelistic effectiveness with an emphasis on youth under the age of 30
ii. enhanced leadership development emphasizing candidate recruitment iii. expansion of urban ministries emphasizing integrated mission iv. Deeper discipleship through Bible study and prayer
4
September 2013
warren l. maye
‘Keeping a fresh spirit, fire’
and Eva Gaither have brought much to the territory. We’re riding a good wave of momentum in terms of our mission, “Army Essential/Essential Army.”
YS 30 We need to focus our attention on young people under 30. How do we give them the opportunity to express their Christian faith in a manner that’s consistent with who they are? My generation cannot effectively reach that generation. We need to pass the message on and then allow the younger generation to bring the Gospel to their peers. We need to equip them and not hinder them with traditions that are no longer effective or with structures that don’t fit.
GN!: What can the older people do to support the younger generation?
BS: We need to be gracious. It’s so easy to be judgmental about their music, about their appearance, or about certain cultural expressions that they adhere to. And a lot of times, it is just that—cultural. There is nothing inherently wrong, evil, or non–Christian about it. We ought to accept people and realize that we must be opening new work. It’s www.sagoodnews.org
not reasonable to expect people from a different culture, which young people are, especially unchurched young people, to fit right in. It’s not realistic. So we have to give an opportunity for other expressions to arise that will feel more comfortable for them.
GN!: Is there any place in the Army world where you’ve seen this kind of outreach to the under–30 generation? BS: Because of social and cultural differences, outreach is going to be unique. But I have seen in all territories in varying degrees this spontaneous eruption and wonderful expression of youth ministry—young adults being involved in missions and truly evangelistic in what they are doing and why they are doing it. Now, this expression may look nontraditional from the perspective of our Army “box” but when you look at the essence of it, it is absolutely Salvation Army. It’s William Booth personified in the 21st century. If you see people coming to Christ, growing in faith, being transformed, caring for one another like Jesus taught us and like He did, then we need to celebrate that rather than feel defensive or critical about it.
Now that the Army is approaching 150 years old, some places are showing signs of age. And where that tendency is left unchecked by leadership, or where leadership perpetuates those views, you find The Salvation Army becoming marginalized as far as our ability to be effective in ministry. So we have to be careful. While some of the most traditional corps that go back a century or more are just barely hanging on, other corps are reinventing themselves. They have a fresh spirit, a fresh fire, and they are wonderfully alive and thriving. God has a unique purpose for the Army. We can be true to that, if we are adaptable. Obviously, we’ve survived this long, so we can do it. And we definitely need young people who feel called to be Salvationists—and to give it 100 percent. That might mean serving as a local officer, in the Sunday school, or being an officer.
GN!: How will the territory benefit from energizing and mobilizing youth? BS: A future for The Salvation Army, number one. But the most important thing is not whether The Salvation Army has a future. The most important thing is the mission of God in this world. The question is, “What role are we going to play in the larger, ongoing mission of the Lord?” I believe the Army does have a role to play; that’s why we are still here.
‘Urban ministry is our strength’ Because of our Salvation Army’s founding principles, we have a responsibility to especially target urban areas. Historically, urban ministry has been one of our strengths. If we can get back to that strength, we can be a practical Christian agency in the cities. We need to move forward but not to compete with other urban ministries. The Lord knows, there is enough work out there for all of us to do. But we, as the Army, should be doing more. 5
international news >>
Commissioner André Cox Elected General
Major Sandra Welch
O
n Aug. 3, Commissioner André Cox, a Swiss–British Salvation Army officer, was elected as the Salvation Army’s 20th General. The election took place at the High Council, which saw 117 of the Army’s senior leaders gather just outside London for the sacred task of choosing the next international leader. The General accepted his new responsibility in a spirit of humility, saying that, irrespective of the rank he held, he had not moved away from his original calling to officership—to be God’s servant and to proclaim the gospel. General Cox shares his ministry with his wife, Commissioner Silvia Cox, who is the World President of Women’s Ministries. Together General and Commissioner Cox will lead the 1.5 million–member–strong worldwide church. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, to an English father and a Swiss mother, André Cox spent his childhood years in Zimbabwe and in the United Kingdom before moving to Switzerland, where he met his wife and from where they entered training to become Salvation Army officers, taking up their first appointments in 1979. At age 59, General Cox has vast experience with the Army’s international min-
istry. In the early years of his officership, Cox held appointments in Switzerland and in Zimbabwe. More recently, he served as commander of the Southern Africa Territory, the Finland & Estonia Territory, and the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. In February 2013, he was appointed as Chief of the Staff, second in command of the international Salvation Army. On being announced as General, Cox told more than 10,000 people from
around the world (watching via a live webcast) that he was thankful to God but aware of the “awesome task that has been placed upon our shoulders.” He continued, “I pray that The Salvation Army will be known for being a force for good in the world … that The Salvation Army will be a force for positive change and transformation in the communities in which we serve … [and] that Salvationists will live up to the spiritual values we proclaim."
Welcomed to IHQ The meeting on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013, led by Commissioner William Cochrane, International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff, began with a rousing song, 'Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation,' and was followed by a prayer from Major Julie Forrest, personal assistant to Commissioner Sylvia Cox, who prayed that the General and Commissioner Cox would live lives worthy of the Lord and continue to grow in the knowledge of God. Commissioner Dorita Wainright, Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Europe, in welcoming Commissioner Silvia Cox said that, although this was not a new appointment for her, it was the beginning of a new chapter in her service for God in which there would be more opportunities to share her passion for women’s ministries by inspiring and encouraging Salvationists. In her response, Commissioner Cox said that she was thankful to God for the opportunity to continue in this appointment, and that for her and the General, this is an awesome responsibility, but they would do it in God’s strength. She concluded by saying: 'I pray God will be the one who directs us.'
6
The IHQ Gospel Choir added to the celebratory atmosphere with a bright and exuberant performance of 'Lead me to the Rock.' Commissioner Joash Malabi, the International Secretary for Africa, welcomed the General, saying that he is a man who leads with openness and transparency and is a determined leader who will work to see things through. He reminded the congregation that the General comes with vast experience and will thus be able to handle any challenges the Army faces, both now and in the future. He repeated the General’s words: 'The Salvation Army should be at the frontline to serve the world.' General Cox said that this was an unreal time for them, and continued, 'As we take up new responsibilities, way beyond anything we can do, we do it trusting in the Lord. He is the one who ultimately leads us. Our lives are defined by our desire to follow Him—it’s not about us!' —Major Sandra Welsh is the Editor–in–Chief at International Headquarters
September 2013
international news >>
Roberts appointed Chief of the Staff
A
ugust 9, 2013—You will understand that within a very short time of accepting my election to the office of General, I began to give serious thought to whom I might ask to work alongside me as the Chief of the Staff. After several days of prayer, reflection, and wide consultation with a number of senior leaders, I have decided to appoint Commissioner William Roberts as Chief of the Staff, effective October 1, 2013. Commissioner Nancy Roberts is appointed as World Secretary for Women’s Ministries. Commissioner William Roberts returns to International Headquarters (IHQ) with a wealth of experience and knowledge of the international Army. After initial appointments in corps ministry, he served in divisional finance appointments for a number of years, before being appointed as a divisional secretary in two divisions and then as divisional commander in two
divisions. Commissioner Nancy Roberts shared those years of ministry, involving herself also in the leadership of the League of Mercy and the Home League, and as Social Concerns (Moral and Ethical Issues) Secretary. December 2001 saw Commissioners Roberts move to the southern part of the Americas and Caribbean zone, when they were appointed respectively as territorial commander and territorial president of Women’s Organizations, South America East Territory. Four years later, the
General Andr’ E Cox
commissioners reported for duty ministries, leader development, at International Headquarters, evangelism & church growth, Commissioner William Roberts and social service. as International Secretary for With such a background, Business Administration and and a commendable record of Commissioner Nancy Roberts as service in North America, South IHQ Chaplain and Secretary for America, Africa, and at IHQ, I am IHQ Staff Development. confident that the commissioner In March 2008, the comis more than well prepared for missioners became the first the task to which he is now territorial leaders of the newly appointed, as is Commissioner formed Kenya West Territory, Nancy Roberts, who will work where their leadership and alongside Commissioner Silvia ministry made a deep impact Cox in the interests of Women’s on Salvationists in the western Ministries around the world. part of Kenya. From there they Please join me in praying returned to their native USA as God’s rich blessing upon the national leaders. Commissioners Roberts as they Commissioner William Roberts take up their significant leaderis a leader of varied expertise ship roles at the heart of our and wide knowledge. As well Army. God bless you. as having a bachelor's degree in business Commissioners David and Barbara administration and Jeffrey, Southern territorial leaders, a master's degree in are appointed as the U.S.A. national religious studies, the leaders, effective Nov. 1, 2013. commissioner has Commissioner Barbara Jeffrey interested himself will serve as national president of in minority minisWomen’s Ministries. —NHQ tries, cross–cultural
Mind the Gap signs are posted throughout London to remind commuters to step carefully over the abyss that forms between trains and crowded platforms.
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMME www.sagoodnews.org
The Salvation Army is using that message as a metaphor for the financial “gap” that could potentially sink a delegate’s chance of attending its 2015 International Congress. That’s why the Army has established an International Congress Sponsorship Program to cover the estimated $3,000 for each delegate, and is asking for help from every financially solvent corps around the world to sponsor at least one delegate through this program. The Congress Office is requesting responses by January 1, 2014. All monies raised must be in the Congress account by January 1, 2015. For further information, contact Lt. Colonel Kenneth W. Maynor, territorial program secretary and congress liaison officer, via email at Kenneth.Maynor@use.salvationarmy.org.
7
youth councils 2013 >>
Lookadoo, Brown challenge NEOSA Youth Division launches ‘High Five’
K
alahari Resorts was the backdrop for Youth Councils 2013 in April. All 538 NEOSA delegates enjoyed this indoor tropical paradise in Sandusky, Ohio. Power–packed speakers Justin Lookadoo and Amena Brown challenged youth to become AWAKE! in all areas of their lives, ensuring they are wholeheartedly listening, following, and walking with Christ. During the Saturday morning session, Lookadoo set the tone when he challenged delegates through some very blunt and honest conversation to be “Dateable.” When Amena Brown took the stage, her message and
bottom line were perfectly cohesive with those of Lookadoo; they echoed the same thoughts, the same challenges, and, at times, the same language. God was
truly taking care of business in that room! The delegates’ response on Saturday night culminated the event. They erected 10 tents around the perimeter
Commissioners Swanson at WEPASA
T
he youth of the Western Pennsylvania Division gathered at Camp Allegheny with special guests Commissioners Barry C. and Sue Swanson, territorial leaders. Under the theme “AWAKE!,” the weekend was filled with music and ministry from Marty Mikles, the Southern Territory’s worship & music evangelism specialist, and transMission, a Salvation Army worship band also from the Southern Territory. Majors James and Sue Ellen Betts, then–territorial youth leaders, also joined in. Major Jim gave the devotional on Friday evening, while Major Sue Ellen served as “quizmaster” for the divisional Bible Bowl championship. Cadets Staci Ferreira and Frenie Antoine welcomed each
8
Janette Kirk
of the room and challenged themselves to listen carefully to God’s prompting and deal with specific or potential life issues, such as addictions, sexual sin, relationships, family problems, and salvation. That night, delegates spent time at the tent, where they felt the Spirit’s leading. They prayed and took care of business— with God. NEOSA’s High Five initiative launched during Youth Council weekend. Over the coming months, camp staff, division leaders, and youth will challenge themselves to spend five minutes, five days a week in one of five areas: Thanksgiving, Prayer, Worship, Service, and Bible Reading.
Major Mark S. Mackneer
delegate by praying over each vehicle as it entered the camp. On Saturday morning, “WAKE UP!” interest sessions challenged delegates to revive their spiritual lives for Christ. Saturday evening’s program featured a concert by transMission, which included expressions of worship and original songs from Marty Mikles. On Sunday, Majors William and Joan Bode, divisional leaders, led the concluding morning worship service. Commissioner Barry Swanson, territorial commander, brought a stirring morning message. At the altar, many young people sought the Lord as they rededicated their lives to service, and some answered the call to officership. September 2013
youth councils 2013 >>
Wide awake with the ‘Harlem Shake’
C
amp CONNRI, Ashford, Conn.— Rolling hills on 272 acres, complemented by a pristine 50–acre lake, was the setting for the Southern New England Division’s Youth Councils. As many as 160 delegates from Connecticut and Rhode Island were inspired by the theme, “The Salvation Army of God, Awake!” On Friday, delegates sang the chorus “Happy Song,” led by Major Philip Ferreira, divisional music director. That night, Commissioners Barry C. and Sue Swanson, territorial leaders, brought a wonderful message. They also welcomed two of the division’s newest accepted candidates. Following the meet-
ing, many delegates took part in making a “Harlem Shake” video. It was a blast!
the topics “Awake to What God Has For You” or “Awake to the Army Way.”
The next morning, Cadet Allison Ward (Disciples of the Cross session) challenged us to be “wide awake” spiritually. We then joined breakout sessions covering
During free time, we engaged in activities ranging from basketball to pool to miniature golf to paint ball. Saturday evening, Captain Margareta Ivarsson, assistant
An ‘exposition’ in SWONEKY
T
he SWONEKY Youth Councils 2013 took place April 26–28 as more than 250 delegates gathered at Camp SWONEKY. “AWAKE!” was the theme from Ephesians 5:14: “This is why it is said: Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” The weekend began with a prayer walk during the registration period for the delegates to experience and awaken their senses. This was time to foster unity and encouragement for each corps. Then–Cadet Kenneth Cleveland stated, “This is a great way to start the weekend!” On Friday night, the keynote meeting featured a powerful message from Cornell Jordan focusing on darkness being exposed in our lives. Coincidence Maybe, a contemporary Christian worship band, led a powerful
www.sagoodnews.org
Berri Velasquez
time of worship during the prayer meeting. They led the theme song, “Christ Is Risen From the Dead.” Many young people responded to the challenge to break free from spiritual darkness. Highlighting the Saturday morning session led by Majors Doug and Deborah Burr of the Asbury Student Fellowship was a focus on our prayer life as we listen earnestly to God. Other sessions included “Christ Exposed,” led by Lt. Colonels Kenneth W. and Cheryl A. Maynor, territorial program secretary and territorial communications section secretary; “Satan Exposed,” led by Captain Shaun Belanger, divisional youth and candidates secretary;
territorial program secretary, brought a message on spiritual discipline. Later that night, Eli Morgan, a talented illusionist from the PENDEL Division, treated everyone to an entertaining show. Sunday morning began with a FOF/Corps Cadet/Bible Bowl Breakfast. Cadet Jessica Rock (Disciples of the Cross session) challenged us to live our lives by following God’s path. During the Holiness meeting, Captain David Childs, divisional youth & candidates secretary, explained what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus. He then led us in a time of prayer. Nearly 35 delegates responded to the call for officers.
Captain Shaun P. Belanger
and “Sex Exposed,” led by Cornell Jordan, a former Salvation Army youth pastor and now an accomplished traveling evangelist; and Captain Kimberly S. Smith, Cincinnati (Westside) corps officer. The weekend culminated on Sunday morning as Lt. Colonel Kenneth Maynor delivered a
passionate message on “Living in the Light.” Major Thomas Lyle, territorial candidates secretary, echoed the “Living in the Light” theme as he welcomed seekers to the mercy seat. Delegates boldly proclaimed through song that they would “Storm the Forts of Darkness!”
9
Corps News >>
Urban ministers, suburban heroes, and rural campers!
Indiana, PA Beating the heat Camden, NJ—When temperatures hit triple digits in July, members of the Servant Corps, an urban mission and discipleship program in Camden, N.J., were out nearly every day offering a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name. Majors Bill and Sue Dunigan, the Servant Corps supervisors, said the team set up and served commuters at a local transportation center. “Some days, they distributed over 60 gallons of water,” Major Sue Dunigan said. “Servant Corps is doing the work of The Salvation Army by serving the local community and meeting needs without discrimination. We provide cold water, 10
Portsmouth, OH a smile, and a willingness as we listen and pray with people. It’s simple, effective, and at the heart of the Army’s mission.” Servant Corps is an urban missions and discipleship program attached to the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. Participants live and serve in the local neighborhood a few blocks from where the center is being built. Serving 1k meals! Derry, NH—The Derry, N.H., Corps is in its third year of serving lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays to school–age children at a nearby apartment complex and park. “2011 was our first year getting the program off the ground, and each year we have
grown,” says Lieutenant Chris Wilson, corps officer. “Our goal this summer is to provide at least 1,000 meals (more would be wonderful). Next summer, we would like to increase the number of days and locations where we serve.” Wilson says advisory board members and local volunteers take part in the ministry, which starts the week after school ends and stops the week before classes resume. Campers tour museum Indiana, PA—Kids attending the Indiana, Pa., Salvation Army Summer of Arts and Science Day Camp went on a field trip July 18. The destination? The Children’s Art Museum in Pittsburgh.
“Children ages 5 through 12 toured the museum to learn about art and how fun God’s creativity can be seen in it,” says Captain Erin Brand, corps officer. Brand said the advisory board of the Indiana, Pa., Corps sponsored the trip. ‘Superheroes!’ Massillon, OH—This summer, the Massillon, Ohio, Corps held a “Superhero Academy” Day Camp to empower young people, ages 5 to 12, to be witnesses for Christ. Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8 provided the theme: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you POWER. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and ev-
erywhere in the world!” “The Day Camp program ensures that our children are connected to the corps during the summer months,” says Nate Hinzman, the corps’ youth ministry coordinator. “Just because they’re vacationing from school does not mean that they should take a vacation from church. “We are excited because [the children have] had the opportunity to explore how they can use their individual gifts and abilities to become the hero of faith that God has created them to be.” Involving the Corps Cadets as helpers, the corps developed an action–packed program. The children attended from noon to 4 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday during July. September 2013
Camden, NJ Each day’s lunch included singing “Jesus You’re My Superhero,” Bible Hero review, prizes, faith application through Marvel Comics video clips and slideshows, snacks, crafts, sports & games, and even the opportunity for children to create and design their own Superhero costumes. ‘Yarn bomb’ explosion! Montclair, NJ—The women in the “Knit Together” group at the Montclair, N.J., Corps developed a “Yarn Bomb” to lift the spirit of a member in need. Major Janet Ashcraft, the corps officer, says that Major Barbara Kelly, corps member, is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. www.sagoodnews.org
“As the treatment continues, the effects build up,” Ashcraft says. Late one night, Knit Together, led by group leader Linda Baker, “yarn–bombed” Kelly’s house. In the morning when she opened the door, she discovered a beautiful garden of knitted flowers, butterflies, and grass. Ashcraft called it “a beautiful expression of God’s body—the Church—ministering to and loving each other in a unique way.” Doughnuts for dollars Portsmouth, OH—The Salvation Army in Portsmouth, Ohio, held a 5K Doughnut Run on June 8 in celebration of National Doughnut Day.
“It’s a fund–raiser that allows the community to participate,” says Lieutenant Mark Ferreira, the corps officer. “It brings people together in a fun and unique way. It’s also a chance for people in the Portsmouth area to work toward a healthy future.” The run, which followed a route along the scenic Ohio River and the historic Portsmouth Floodwall Murals, drew more than 80 runners and walkers. Ferreira said the event required “lots of prayers, volunteers, planning, work, and energy drinks.” “It was a two–hour event that incorporated a run, an awards ceremony, a meal, and, of course, lots of doughnuts,” Ferreira said.
Sunbeams camp overnight Camden, NJ—Thirteen Sunbeams, four leaders, and three Girl Guard helpers from the Camden, N.J., Kroc Center Corps spent the night at Belleplain State Park on a camping trip. They learned how to set up a tent, cook over the campfire, and swim in the lake. “This was an easy and fun way to keep our Sunbeams engaged during the summer when troops do not meet regularly,” says Josephine Morton, the young people’s sergeant–major at the corps. Making new friends Lancaster, Ohio— The Lancaster, Ohio,
Salvation Army and Samaritan Center held a “Friendship Carnival” on June 8 for neighborhood families. “More than 80 kids and their families joined us for this one–day carnival,” says Hannah Huntt, the center’s public relations and fund– raising coordinator. “Several families from the community who had no connection to the church attended.” The event featured food, games, prizes, and an inflatable waterslide. Huntt called it “just a day of giving back to our community and spreading awareness of our mission. “We advertised in local papers and on radio stations, but signs placed in the front yard of the corps drove a lot of the traffic,” she said. 11
oob camp meetings 2013 >>
‘A new thing’ Ashcrafts kick off OOB 2013 We stand on the shoulders of giants…. This pavilion stands as a testament to all that has gone on before us.
Salvation Army!” he said. “He is waiting to do a new thing in us, to perform a monumental work—to thunder a loud message of salvation. This is why we are here today. Do you believe that, family?” As people prayed, Ashcraft, who serves with his wife, Lieutenant Kathleen Ashcraft as corps officers of the Brooklyn (Bay Ridge) N.Y. Corps, challenged them to plead with the Holy Spirit to make the camp meetings a “monumental moment where we look to the future for the great things that the Lord has in store for us!”
—Lieutenant Joel Ashcraft
L
ieutenant Joel Ashcraft, a newly commissioned officer and valedictorian of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection session, delivered a message during the opening night of Old Orchard Beach Camp meetings that honored the Salvation Army’s past and embraced its future. Lt. Colonel Kenneth W. Maynor, territorial program secretary, invited Ashcraft, who had delivered a stirring commencement address at the College for Officer Training. “Just 48 hours after being commissioned an officer of The Salvation Army, I received a call to speak at OOB. It was no prank. It was for real!” Ashcraft said. It was a humbling experience for the new lieutenant, who stood where such Salvation Army luminaries as Samuel Logan Brengle had spoken. This night, he stood in for Commissioners Barry C. and Sue Swanson, territorial leaders, who were in London participating in the High Council with other Army world leaders. (See sidebar.) “This altar is stained with the tears of victory that can only come from the power of Christ,” said Ashcraft. Ashcraft reminded his audience that although the Pavilion and other monu-
12
waRRen l. Maye
the ‘highway of holiness’
ments serve as appropriate remembrances, Salvationists must continue to look forward. He turned to 1 Samuel 7:12, saying, “ ‘Thus far, the Lord has helped us’ (referring to the rock, Ebenezer). But we cannot allow ourselves to get stuck in the past and miss the ‘new thing’ (Isaiah 43:19) God has in store for our future.” Ashcraft reflected on how he had spent many of his formative years at Old Orchard Beach while visiting his grandparents. “Friends and family, I stand here today and say to you that God is not done with us; He is not done with The
On Sunday, Lieutenant Joel’s mom and dad led the camp meetings. Major Larry Ashcraft, Montclair (Citadel) N.J. corps officer, delivered a powerful morning message designed to simplify the theological complexities of holiness, which he compared to the bewildering “spaghetti” highway system in New Jersey, his home state. Using the analogy so vividly described in Isaiah 35, Major Ashcraft encouraged his audience to follow the Holy Spirit onto the “highway of holiness” and look to the Lord for divine direction. In his opening prayer, Ashcraft asked the Lord to “get us on the right road and be the people You want us to be.” “We’re 10th doctrine people,” Ashcraft reminded everyone. Then he asked
September 2013
everyone to recite the Salvation Army’s 10th doctrine, projected on large screens: “We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” “Over the last three or four years of ministry,” Ashcraft said, “The Lord has really placed a burden on my heart to share just a very simple message. I’m convinced that today more than ever, we don’t need a fancy slogan or a big campaign to get us on track. I believe we need to do one thing. You and I, as the Salvation Army, need to embrace our roots of teaching, preaching, and living lives of practical holiness unto the Lord!” Ashcraft said that getting on “the highway” was a threefold process: 1. Looking to the Lord for direction; 2. Giving control to God, “for what you try to control will ultimately control you”; 3. Leading a life of joyful obedience to the Lord, for “The kingdom of heaven is a party, it’s joy in knowing that we’re free from sin and free to follow Him—no time for sour, gloomy people!” As his audience sang choruses calling for full surrender to Jesus, Ashcraft
encouraged them to join the Lord on this highway of holiness. “Whether you have blue or red on your shoulders, or you’re in civilian clothing, come! We need holy people in The Salvation Army!”
Where are your affections? On Sunday evening, Major Janet Ashcraft challenged the congregation to examine the focus of their affections. “We should keep our feet on earth, but our minds on heaven,” she said. Using the Apostle Paul’s writings in Colossians 3:1–17, she pointed out how overcoming sin requires an inward transformation. “We need to set our affections on the things of God,” she said. “Where are your affections?” she asked rhetorically. “I wonder if we love the Army more than the things of God? He must be at the center! “Our attention must not wander. At times, Jesus may be out of sight, but He must still remain in our hearts and in our minds,” she said. The meetings were supported by the music and arts ministries of the ARC Chorus (on Saturday evening), the International Staff Band, the Eastern Territorial Songsters, and the Territorial Arts Ministries Team.
Karios: Seeing the Gospel in a new way
R
emember when your Sunday school teacher told a story by attaching Bible characters to a flannel board? That’s how Doug Berky, a professional mime and expert in mask creation, described “Karios,” which he performed at the OOB Camp Meetings on Aug. 7 with the support of the Creative Arts Services Team (CAST). “We’re painting pictures and telling a story with large masks. We’re using the masks to create images that make you think of other parts of the Gospel and not just that one story,” Berky said. “There’s a lot in seeing the characters as human beings.” “Karios,” the story of Jesus of Nazareth as found in the first four Gospels, was told through the eyes of Berky, an
www.sagoodnews.org
impressionist. The production used large stylized masks and symbolic visual images to help the audience consider the Gospel story, its context, and popular cultural assumptions. Before the performance, Berky said, “I hope they see the Gospel in a new light, to possibly see things that they might not have seen before. “Each of the Gospel writers chose different events in order to talk to different people. In the same way, I chose different stories from the Gospel that I felt we in the States need to see, hear, and remember.” The CAST team supporting Berky included Isaac Fowler, Aja Wallace, Eli Morgan, Sarah George, Evan Rieder, Carina Rieder, Karin Tillsley, Jacki Bond, Jimmy Hughes, Zach Smith, and Belen Baigorria.
Swansons return from the High Council ‘We got here as soon as we could!’ said Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, on Tuesday evening of the camp meetings. He and Commissioner Sue Swanson, territorial president of women’s ministries, had returned from the High Council, where they participated in electing the Salvation Army’s 20th General. The territorial commander was one of five candidates for General; the former Chief of the Staff was also nominated for General at the last High Council. The Swansons expressed their gratitude for having had the privilege of being part of the process. Said Commissioner Sue Swanson of the High Council meetings, ‘God has been good. … We are blessed with our new leaders!’
robert mitchell
In 2009, Berky was a guest at the TAM Conservatory. At last year’s OOB Camp Meetings, he designed the masks for CAST’s performance of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”
13
oob camp meetings 2013 >>
Chapel, beach Bible outreach
J
oseph Garabedian, better known in Salvation Army circles as “Joe the Turk,” ministered between 1890 and 1925, but his legendary influence was still felt at this year’s OOB Camp Meetings. Major Thomas Lyle, who with his wife, Major Laura Lyle, led a Bible study on the beach, said that one morning, two women joined the gathering and shared that their grandfather had come to the Lord through the ministry of Joe the Turk while in Washington State. “To even think that the influence of that great man of God is still being seen today is amazing,” Major Thomas Lyle said. During the Bible study, the Lyles prayed with the women. The study focused on the word “logos” from John 1. “It’s really been based on being people of the Word of God,” he says. “You’re out
14
here in public and everyone is enjoying the wonderful weather and the beach, but we’re also enjoying the presence of the Lord. This is really a holy place. We’re just excited to be a part of it.” Lyle said the beach study was “almost walking hand–in–hand” with another Bible study at the OOB Corps led by Dr. Bill Ury. Ury, a graduate of Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky., and a professor of systematic and historical theology at Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Miss., taught on the love of God. Ury said the “beauty of the [Maine] coast mixed with the open hearts of those people who participated” made the Bible study an enjoyable week for him and his wife, Diane. “Although I came with trepidation due to the fact that I knew that it would be
Robert Mitchell
primarily the faithful that would be in attendance, it became very clear that the Lord had guided my preparation,” Ury says. “There was a sense each morning that His face was shining upon us. His presence was unmistakably real. As we reflected on His holy love, He met us with insights, conviction, honesty, and recommitment. “I have never been to an Army event where I did not find a hunger and thirst for righteousness, but OOB was a uniquely intimate and responsive context. The Lord has great things in store for the Eastern Territory. “As He offers to fill us with His love and to show us His face, it became our prayer through the week that He would continue to pour that love through our lives to all around us.” September 2013
oob camp meetings 2013 >>
Don’t stay parked! Keep moving!
“I
’ve finally arrived,” Dr. Bill Ury quipped as he opened his message at the Seaside Pavilion. “I’m in Old Orchard Beach. I know the next step from here is heaven!” Setting the tone for worship were the Queens Temple Praise Band and Crossfire Brass, as well as video testimonies and dances from the Hands On Mission teams that visited South Korea and South Africa. Well aware that Salvation Army officers move frequently, Ury also offered a warning to them as he began his powerful talk on moving and growing. “Just because you move physically doesn’t mean that you’re moving spiritually,” Ury said. “You can move 16 times in your ministry and not grow a whit.” Using as a backdrop the Old Testament account of the Israelites wandering in the desert, Ury said God had shown him three different signs: “No Parking,” “No Loitering,” and “Caution.” Ury said after people accept Christ, they often “park” in the emotion of their salvation. “You and I know we can’t live there,” Ury said. “Israel couldn’t live there.” Ury also warned against “loitering,” calling on Christians to read more about their faith. “No one’s reading anything, it seems to me,” Ury said. “No one’s deepening their thought life.
www.sagoodnews.org
“It just seems to be one high to the next, and the church is getting more and more ‘emotive’ in culture and less and less ‘transformative.’ The devil has us by the throat, looking for the next high, [but] God says, ‘Will somebody press on with Me? Will somebody go into the desert for Me? Will somebody suffer in My name so that the world might know who I am truly and completely?” One area where Christians shouldn’t loiter, he said, is in guilt over their sins. Ury says he hears a constant refrain from pulpits, “You’ll never truly be free of your sin. You’re always going to have something to drag you down, so buckle up and hang on for heaven.” He called that “heresy.” “It spits upon the blood of our blessed Savior,” he said. “It says to the
Robert Mitchell
crucified Christ, ‘Your work on that Cross cannot handle the likes of me. I am too big for you. My problems, my sin, my self is too big for you.’” Christians should also heed the “caution” sign about returning to sin. “Don’t go back to your old ways of Egypt,” Ury stressed. “Jesus is the victor over every temptation,” he said. “Is He in your heart or not?” Ury said people must abandon all selfish ambition and pride. “Life is certainly going around in circles, around a mountain. Sometimes the Lord says, ‘I want to move. This is the day I want to move. Will you move with Me?’ It becomes our choice.” One of the closing songs was “He Is Able” and people moved forward to pray. Lt. Colonel Kenneth W. Maynor, territorial program secretary, closed the meeting with 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 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. Besides his sermon, he also taught a weekday Bible study at the camp meetings.
15
oob camp meetings 2013 >>
Old Orchard Beach photos by Gary Curtis and Robert Mitchell
From the Pavilion, to the Chapel, to the open air ...
16
September 2013
... Salvationists bring the Gospel to Old Orchard Beach
www.sagoodnews.org
17
oob camp meetings 2013 >>
‘Carnival of evangelism’
Lt. Colonels Burr say ‘farewell’
“K
nock ‘em dead” is a famous show– business expression. But when the OOB Pier Ministry team gathers to pray each night before taking the stage, Lt. Colonel Howard Burr always ends the prayer with “Knock ‘em alive!”—hoping that many passersby will be moved by the ministry and find new life in Jesus Christ. This year, Burr said those words for the last time. On Dec. 1, he and his wife, Lt. Colonel Patricia Burr, are retiring from active officership. “We’re leaving [the Pier Ministry] in the hands of people who have caught the vision and who have the skills to present it,” Burr said. “We know it’s going to go on. We’ll miss it.” The Burrs, who met and fell in love at Asbury College, are retiring to nearby Lexington, Ky. The Pier Ministries at OOB have exploded under their leadership. “This is all for the glory for God,” Burr says. “We want God to be honored and God to be lifted up. When you let God blow your mind on a regular basis, you can’t imagine what He comes up with, but He does. For us, it’s just a thrill to be a part of this.” On Thursday, The Salvation Army moved its camp meetings from the Seaside Pavilion to the Pier to better reach vacationers in the heart of this beachfront town. The “Praise Gathering at the Pier” drew a standing crowd and featured the music ministries of Crossfire Brass, Summer Brass, and the Queens Temple Praise
18
Band. The night included a dramatic presentation from the Creative Arts Services Team (CAST); testimonies from Jonathan Evans and Bethany Nelms of the War College in Vancouver; and two shows by territorial evangelists and illusionists Envoys Doug and Helene Kornwolf. Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, addressed the crowd. (See “Jesus: our evacuation plan,” p.19) The “Praise Gathering at the Pier” was a reflection of the “carnival of evangelism” that went on each camp meeting day from 7–10 p.m. During the week, the evangelism team entertained children with face painting, balloon sculptures, and bubbles. “All week long, we had lines at almost every station,” Burr said. Last year, the prayer tents collected a record 250 requests during the camp meetings. But this year, that number was surpassed after just four nights, Burr said. “They’re both continuously packed,”
Robert Mitchell
Burr said of the prayer tents, one for “spiritual readings” and the other for practical evangelism. One evening, Burr said, people had to be turned away from the prayer tents because the lines were so long. “God is just giving us a great ministry here. There is a tremendous receptivity among the Old Orchard Beach community. I think we literally change the [beach] culture when we’re here. It has become a family night.” When asked to what he attributes the success, Burr says, “We believe it’s prayer. We pray over the Pier before we come. We believe it belongs to The Salvation Army in the spirit world. We just take possession of it and pray that whoever comes on the cobblestones of the Pier just comes under the influence of the Holy Spirit.” Burr said the Pier Ministry has three purposes: evangelizing, demonstrating that The Salvation Army’s open–air ministry is alive and well, and training the next generation. “We believe the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings start and end in evangelism,” Burr said. “It’s what we’re here to do—share the Gospel. Not just to Salvationists, but to the lost of the world.” Burr said the open–air meetings “must change to draw crowds, but as you can see we have no problem drawing crowds.” Burr said the young people who participate are an encouragement to him and Patricia. “We are training the next generation of street evangelists in practical evangelism,” he said. “We’re thrilled about that.”
September 2013
oob camp meetings 2013 >>
‘Little Mermaid’ visits OOB
Robert Mitchell
I
n interviews, Jodi Benson frequently talks about her family. At the close of the OOB Camp Meetings, Benson, the voice of Ariel in the Disney film “The Little Mermaid,” had her family with her on stage. A packed Seaside Pavilion audience was delighted to see them perform—in concert. First, 12–year–old daughter McKinley wowed the crowd by playing “Amazing Grace” on piano; son McKinley, who is 15, accompanied his mother on the song “When She Loved Me” from “Toy Story 2” (in that film, Benson was the voice of Barbie). “You don’t know what it’s like to sing your whole life and dream of the day your kids can join you,” Benson said, wiping tears from her eyes. Both of her children, who are home–schooled by Benson, drew standing ovations from the huge crowd. It was their first time appearing together in concert. “I trust you guys,” she said. “We thought this was a safe environment.” Benson later closed the
show by singing with her husband, Ray, who called his wife a “Proverbs 31 woman and an incredible mother.” Jodi, a former Broadway performer, opened with a selection of hits, including “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and a medley from “Crazy for You,” “Disneyland,” and “The Wizard and I.”
Her second set included songs from several Disney films, including a medley from “Beauty and the Beast,” “Just Around the River Bend,” “Colors of the Wind,” “Circle of Life,” and “When She Loved Me.” On “Circle of Life,” Benson invited all the children in the audience to join her on stage. She grabbed a baby named
‘Jesus: our evacuation plan’
C
ommissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, told a crowd of vacationers at the OOB Camp Meetings that it was his first time visiting Maine and he was surprised to see signs for an “evacuation route.” Swanson then told the story of Jesus walking on the water and calming a storm, urging His followers to “take courage” and not to be afraid. “I just want to remind each of us that we face storms in
www.sagoodnews.org
life,” he said. “Not the storms of the weather, but the storms of personal circumstances—when life doesn’t go right, when life goes bad, when we lose our health, when we lose a friend, when we lose a family member, when we lose a marriage, when life gets really dark and dangerous and we don’t know what to do. That happens to every person here. “I’m here to say—and we’re all here to say tonight
Levi from the crowd and held him as she sang the theme song from “The Lion King.” “You were so kind to let me use you as Baby Simba,” she said. The crowd also saw a video of Benson recording the voice of Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.” Then she sang her hit song, “Part of Your World.” “I never get tired of singing it,” she said. Another video showed Benson and her family’s work with World Vision. Many times during the concert she spoke of her passion for children and how much she enjoys being “salt and light” to the world as a performer. Benson said God impressed on her during her quiet time to share the uniqueness of each person with the audience. “He created you with a purpose,” she said. It was Benson’s first trip to OOB. Her family enjoyed the shore and the Palace Playground in town. “We absolutely love it [here],” she said.
Robert Mitchell
through our presentation and our music—that God knows that and God cares about each and every one of us and God loves us. The same Jesus that we talk about and hear about in the Bible is the Jesus that is with us today.” Swanson reminded the crowd that Jesus is the “evacuation plan” for the storms we face in life. “He’s the one that makes a difference in life,” Swanson said. “He’s the one that can
calm the storm. He’s the one that can be with us every moment of our lifetime, in the good days and in the bad days. He’s there for all of us.” Swanson also urged vacationers to visit the tents for prayer and spiritual readings. “I just want to assure you that God loves you and that God has a plan for your life and you can find that plan in Jesus Christ,” he said. “Take courage; don’t be afraid; Jesus is with you.” 19
RETIREMENTS >>
‘Our Faith Journey’
Majors Les and Bonnie Bussey retire I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. —Psalm 32:8 (KJV)
O
n May 18, Majors Les and Bonnie Bussey officially retired from active officership after serving in a combined total of 19 corps appointments. “Bonnie already had four appointments before marrying Les,” pointed out Colonel Mark Tillsley, then–territorial personnel secretary, who conducted the retirement ceremony. He continued, “It is a high and difficult calling to serve that many appointments. We are so grateful for your faithfulness.” Tillsley noted that Major Bonnie Bussey was commissioned as a member of The Witnesses session in 1967; Major Les Bussey, as a member of the Undaunted session in 1970. “I’m grateful that we have godly people who are mature in Jesus whom we can imitate,” said Tillsley of his fellow Canadians.
In his prayer of dedication, Major Philip Lloyd, territorial youth and candidates secretary, thanked the Lord for the Busseys’ family, who participated in the ceremony with dance, instrumental and vocal solos, and a video presentation. “We thank you for the legacy that Les and Bonnie have left for their children and grandchildren who love and serve You as well,” Lloyd said. In her remarks, Major Bonnie Bussey said, “Our journey of faith has been exactly that [a journey].” After reflecting on monumental moments she experienced while serving in Zimbabwe, Africa, she
Warren L. Maye
said, “I want our retirement to be the most fruitful years of our ministry as we continue to walk with Him.” “What do you say on a day like this?” said Major Les Bussey. He paid tribute to his family; his sister Hazel, who was present; and his hometown of Newfoundland, Canada. He then told the story of his faith journey, which he said “has taken us places where we thought we would never go. We have proved that God is a God of grace, goodness, and guidance.” Bussey thanked everyone in attendance for helping to celebrate his and Bonnie’s faith journey, including their three children, their spouses, and seven grandchildren. Regarding the future, he said, “We are eager to see what God has in store for us, in grateful service to Him.” The Busseys will soldier on in post–retirement service at Territorial Headquarters, with Major Les continuing as director of the Overseas Bureau and Major Bonnie as assistant retired officers’ representative.
Surprised by ‘flash mob’
Major Pamela McKee retires We’ve heard the Lord’s command to go to every land and preach the Gospel unto all. —Witnesses to the Faith session chorus
O
n May 19, Major Pamela McKee retired from active officership in a contemporary and memorable ceremony. Originally from the Eastern Territory, she had served in the Southern Territory as an education officer at the Evangeline Booth College. The Proclaimers of the Resurrection session cadets honored her years of service to God and to The Salvation Army by singing to her, “I will never be the same without you” (Usher) in a seemly spontaneous performance popularly known as a “flash mob.” “When we asked her what she wanted to do for her retirement service,” said then–Cadet Nick Hutchinson, “Major McKee said she wanted us 20
to do something that was ‘our session.’ This was the result!” The rendition culminated with the entire cadet body embracing McKee on the platform. Born in Lima, Ohio, McKee learned of the Army through its summer camps. In 1965, she graduated from Bloomfield High School in New Jersey and entered officer training
Warren L. Maye
as a member of the Witnesses to the Faith session. Commissioned in 1967, she served in Pennsylvania, Maine, and Vermont. She spent some years away from Salvation Army officership as a U.S. military officer’s wife and mother of three children. Her travels took McKee to the south as well as to Japan. During this time, she earned a master’s degree in leadership from Greenville College in Illinois and a master of divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. Ultimately, she was reinstated as a Salvation Army officer and was appointed as training principal in Liberia, Africa. Now retired, McKee looks forward to spending a year working in Liberia before settling in the United States to enjoy frequent visits from her children and 10 grandchildren. September 2013
HolinessInstitute “Our Journey in a Bible Shaped Life of Holiness� USA Eastern Territory Commissioners Barry C. & Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders
What : Holiness Institute for Soldiers When : September 26 - 29, 2013 Where : The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory Conference Center West Nyack, NY Cost : $150 k *To attend, please see your Corps/ARC officer
territorial news >>
Taxed by multiple disasters, EDS still helps others
robert mitchell
“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” —1 Corinthians 12:10
M
ichael Orfitelli, Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) coordinator (second from right in photo), says he worries about “disaster fatigue” among Salvation Army staff and volunteers. “I don’t ever remember being as busy as we’ve been for the last couple of years, and weather patterns are changing,” he says. “The craziness of this world also continues to [increase].” On the heels of Superstorm Sandy, which hit in late October, Orfitelli was sitting at the office Christmas party when he started getting news alerts on his phone about the school shooting in Newtown, Conn. The Salvation Army would be called on to respond to that disaster too, sending officers to memorial services and providing emotional and spiritual care. “Here it is Christmastime, and I thought that month would be a little less busy, and here we had a disaster of that magnitude,” he says. “It was mind–boggling.” In April, the Boston Marathon bombing called for more Salvation Army help, including emotional and spiritual care. “The public perception of The Salvation Army is incredible,” Orfitelli says. “They see us as a major player. The Red Cross sees us as their number one partner.” However, Superstorm Sandy has taken center stage this year for emergency disaster services officials.
‘Our Katrina’ Orfitelli, who helped the USA Southern Territory during Hurricane Katrina, called Sandy the worst disaster he has seen here. “Sandy, for us, was sort of our Katrina,” he says. “It was a devastating disaster in several areas.” Orfitelli says the territory and its divisions had learned a lot from Hurricane Irene in 2011 and made recommendations that were put into place for Sandy. “There was a sense that we needed to be more engaged here at Territorial Head22
quarters (THQ), so I took that to heart,” he says. “We brought together a very, very vibrant team of people. We were very engaged here right from the very start. It was really a team effort. “We set up a full incident command center here at THQ. That was the big difference between Irene and Sandy. Our responsibility was to coordinate all three divisions (New Jersey, Greater New York, and Southern New England), get personnel in, and get resources in, whatever they needed. “I’m really hoping that for major disasters, we’ve established now a model that we’ll follow for the future.” Orfitelli says the territory has “seen great things happen spiritually” through EDS the last few years. He said one trend is that FEMA has begun requesting emotional and spiritual care after years of asking religious groups to avoid the “S word” (spirituality). “It’s really a viable service in the eyes of the government these days,” he says. “They realize we’re not there to proselytize; we’re not doing church growth; but we’re showing God’s love and compassion, which means we’re dealing with some of the basic needs people have.” With changing weather patterns, Orfitelli says he knows EDS troops will be stretched again, perhaps by another hurricane.
‘God shows up’ Speaking of the battered New Jersey Division, for example, Orfitelli says, “How much more can one division take?” “Some days you wonder where your next bit of strength is going to come from,” he says. However, Orfitelli says he and others
leaned on 2 Corinthians 12:10 during Katrina (“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”), and he notices that verse comes up a lot in disasters. “I see it in disasters all the time,” he says. “Despite our inability to do simple things, God uses us in a powerful way and while I think it’s total chaos, God shows up and we impact people.”
Are disasters on the rise? According to statistical reports, the number of weather–related disasters has increased dramatically in the last 30 years, due partly to climate change, and also to growing populations in disaster–prone areas. Current climate change theory predicts a rise in the number and intensity of weather events, including floods and storms (except tropical cyclones, which do not currently appear affected). ‘It was not possible to directly analyze the effect of climate change on disaster trends’ says a carefully worded OxFam report. ‘However, there is insufficient evidence to exclude the possibility that climate change is increasing hazards and hence trends in reported disasters.’
For more information contact Derek Lance at D e re k . lan ce @ us e. s al v ati o nar my.o rg
September 2013
Territorial News >>
Promoted to Glory MAJOR RODNEY PHILIP FOWLES
LT. COLONEL MARTHA FRIAS
MAJOR MARIO NORBERTO JOURDAN
Major Rodney Philip Fowles was promoted to Glory from his home in Geneva, N.Y. Rodney was born in Liverpool, England, to Philip and Joan Fowles. In 1956, he went to Canada and gave his heart to Christ at The Salvation Army in Midland, Ontario. He earned a degree in business management from LaSalle Extension University and worked as a service station manager and executive assistant at the Canandaigua, N.Y., Corps before responding to the call to officership. Fowles became an auxiliary captain from the Fulton, N.Y., Corps, and in 1991 was appointed an assistant corps officer in Binghamton, N.Y. He later became a corps officer in Jeannette, Pa., and in Cohoes, N.Y. In 2001, Fowles was commissioned a lieutenant with the “Followers of Jesus” session and was appointed to corps in Pennsylvania and in New York. Those assignments were followed by a pro–tem appointment at Long Point Camp and Retreat Center. Fowles and his wife, Major Cindy Fowles, retired in March. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Lieutenant Danielle Hopping of Nanuet, N.Y.; a son, David Hopping of Glenside, Pa.; and two grandsons. Cards may be sent to Major Cindy Fowles, 52 West St., Geneva, NY 14456. E–mail: tadpolecfowles@aol.com.
Lt. Colonel Martha Frias was promoted to Glory from a hospital in Mexico. Martha Guerrero Gomezgil was one of seven children born to Manuel and Celia Gomez Gil Guerrero in Mexico. She was 9 years old when she was invited to Sunday school at the Mexico City Corps. In 1958, Martha Guerrero entered officer training from the Mexico City Corps as a member of the Pioneers session. She was commissioned a year later and in 1960 married then–Second Lieutenant Roberto Frias. The Friases served together at several appointments in Mexico, including at the School for Officer Training. They also served at several divisional and territorial appointments in the Latin America North Territory and the South America West Territory. The couple later served as territorial evangelists in the U.S.A. Eastern Territory. They retired in 2003 and settled in Mexico. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Martha Lidia Frias Guerrero Arellano and Eunice Frias Guerrero, both of Mexico; a son, Roberto Frias Guerrero of Mexico; and a grandson, Omar Perea Frias of Mexico. Cards may be sent to Lt. Colonel Roberto Frias, Playa Lagosta, #227, Coloniai Militar Marte, Delegacion Iztacalo, Mexico. E–Mail: robertofrias_ mexico@yahoo.com.mx.
Major Mario Jourdan was promoted to Glory from Fairfax, Va. Mario Jourdan was born in Montevideo, Uruguay. He discovered The Salvation Army through the Spanish version of the War Cry (El Cruzado). He visited the Central Corps in Montevideo in 1942 and met a young officer, Loida Lundgren, who in a few years would become his wife. Mario entered officer training in Argentina from the Montevideo Central Corps in 1943. He married Loida in 1947. Over the next decade, the Jourdans had various appointments in Argentina and in Uruguay. In 1958, they were transferred to Paraguay, where Mario was divisional commander. The couple was later deployed in Buenos Aires and in 1967 began a steady march north with appointments to Peru, Panama, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Jourdans were then transferred to U.S.A. East and continued their mission with appointments in Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The couple retired in 1988. Survivors include his wife; a son, Pablo Jourdan of Columbus, Ohio; two daughters, Lily Hidalgo and Ada Clark, both of Fairfax, Va. A daughter, Miriam, preceded him to Glory. Cards may be sent to Major Loida Jourdan, 9805 Five Oaks Rd., Fairfax, VA 22031-1036. E–Mail: valdense@ cox.net.
february 6, 1947—may 13, 2013
april 15, 1937—april 23, 2013
august 11, 1924—may 8, 2013
All dates are subject to change
ENVOYS DOUG AND HELENE KORNWOLF
CAPTAINS ANGELO AND VIRGINIA BERMEO
Sept. 3–5 Sept. 10–12
Sept. 14
Worcester, MA New Castle, PA
www.sagoodnews.org
Southern New England Division Family Camp Sept. 26–29 Bronx (Citadel), NY
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.
23
Salvation Army Champion Hoodies! Pink, Blue or Black
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
$29.99 (Sm to XLarge) $32.99 (3XL)
Check out the Trade e–Catalog with your Smart Phone! vi sit u s online: armyconne c tion s .org/tra d e toll fr e e (8 8 8) 4 8 8 . 4 8 8 2
®
Fall 2013
L I FE STO R I E S
OF
G O D’S PEO PL E
Pick Up
The Fall 2013 Edition of
After Sandy ear The First Y
f o n o i t i d E l a Speci ors perstorm Surviv Su r Fo e op H nd Offering Help A
This issue marks the 1st anniversary of this devastating storm with stunning photos and features from New Jersey, Greater New York, and Southern New England. get your o t e r u s e Mak py today! o c e k a s p kee
The Salvation Army was there in the beginning. We’re still there. And we’ll continue to be there, as long as storm victims need physical, emotional, and spiritual care.