SAconnects, Volume 1, Number 3

VOL. 1, NO. 3 โ ข JUNE 2015

the magazine

six days:

a medical

MISSION health & hope to Hondurans in need

Envoy Pegues in relevents

page 6

OOB preview

page 20

an excerpt from ยกTriunfarรกn!

page 30

SACONNECTS.ORG

T.A.M.

z CONSERVATORY 2015

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2

“...the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”

—Walt Whitman

AUGUST 1-8, 2015 Finale performance August 7, 6:30 & 8:30pm

at The Salvation Army College for Officer Training 201 Lafayette Avenue

•

Suffern, NY 10901

our leaders

IN focus

THE FOUNDERS’ VISION LA VISIÓN DE LOS FUNDADORES “Where there is no vision, the people perish …”

“Donde no hay visión, el pueblo se extravía”.

— PROVERBS 29:18 (KJV)

— PROVERBIOS 29:18

Salvation Army Founders General William and Catherine Booth took this scripture to heart so many years ago. Their centuries–old vision of a worldwide Salvation Army has stood the test of time. Today, Salvationists are blessed with the privilege of helping and serving people all over the globe.

With this passion and desire at heart, my wife and I were privileged to lead a medical team, which traveled to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, for a week in February. Initially, we believed that we would bless and help the people in need.

When we left San Pedro Sula, however, our hearts were broken and blessed beyond measure because the people we met were a blessing to us. They were ever so grateful for the help we offered them!

Help came in the form of medication, shoes, toiletries, school supplies, vitamins, as well as Bibles. Doctors saw so many people and treated them for their ailments. Folks walked miles to receive these items. Their yearnings to read the Word of our Heavenly Father and find within its pages His promises for them made the trip all the more worth it!

Everyone should have the privilege to be a part of a medical team such as this one.

When you see, as I did, an elderly woman walk miles just to receive a pair of shoes, or see a mother walk through cold, torrential rain so that her child, who shivers with fever, can receive help from a medical team, your life is touched, perhaps even changed.

Catch the vision. Get involved. Help save the people from perishing. For as Proverbs 29:18 continues, “ … but he that keepth the law, happy is he (or she).”

Hace muchos años, los fundadores del Ejército de Salvación el General William Booth y su esposa Catherine, tomaron este versículo muy en serio. Su visión centenaria de un Ejército de Salvación a nivel mundial ha sobrevivido al paso del tiempo. Hoy en día, los Salvacionistas son bendecidos con el privilegio de ayudar y servir a las personas alrededor de todo el mundo.

Con esa misma pasión y deseo en nuestros corazones, mi esposa y yo tuvimos el privilegio de liderar un equipo médico, el cual viajó en febrero por una semana a San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Al principio creímos que bendeciríamos y ayudaríamos a las personas necesitadas.

Sin embargo, dejamos San Pedro Sula con el corazón roto y bendecidos sobremanera porque la gente que conocimos fue una bendición para nosotros. ¡Estaban infinitamente agradecidos por la ayuda que les brindamos!

Ayudamos con medicinas, zapatos, artículos de aseo personal, materiales escolares, vitaminas y también biblias.

Los médicos vieron y trataron a mucha gente enferma.

La gente caminaba kilómetros para recibir todos eso. Su anhelo de leer la Palabra de nuestro Padre celestial y de encontrar en sus páginas Sus promesas, hizo que el viaje ¡valiera la pena!

Todos deberían tener el privilegio de formar parte de un equipo médico como este. Cuando ves a una anciana caminar kilómetros solo para recibir un par de zapatos o ves a una madre caminar en medio de una torrencial lluvia fría para que su hijo temblando de fiebre pueda recibir ayuda del equipo médico, como lo vi yo, te toca el corazón y hasta te transforma.

Capta la visión. Involúcrate. No permitas que el pueblo se extravíe. Porque, como promete Proverbios 29:18: “¡Dichosos los que son obedientes a la ley!”

— Mayor / Major Federico Larrinaga Director de los Ministerios Hispanos / Hispanic Ministry Director

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2015 JUNE ISSUE

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‘Be generous with your prayers and with your financial support to Salvation Army World Services’ — COMMISSIONER BARRY C. SWANSON, TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

If you are a soldier, an adherent, or a person attending a corps (church), please know that your response to World Services links you to a spiritual initiative shared with other Christians around the globe.

Prayerfully consider this cause in your personal and corps/center giving!

For more information, go to SACONNECTS.ORG

WORLD SERVICES Partners In Mission

Vol. 1, No. 3

CONTENTS JUNE ISSUE 2015

IN focus

1 leader letter 4 from the editor 6 letters from you

ON file

5

5 relevents Envoy Vangerl Pegues’ love for the outdoors, and for her husband.

26 wholly living Matt Hodgson’s family is supported by a loving community.

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7

unity

Three officers share their experiences living overseas.

15

30 great moments The pioneering spirit of Roque and Josefina Ortiz.

22

31 testimony William “Kip” Moore honors his mother.

8 Six Days in Honduras:

FAITH in ACTION

una misión médica

7 missions

The Honduras Corps welcomes you to its ministry.

24

20 OOB Preview The camp meetings are right around the corner.

of God’s Love

Visits ARC

Cover Photo by Javier Gonzalez-Rivera

Salvation Army officers and doctors traveled to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to provide physical and spiritual healing to the country’s most needy residents.

15 The Language

22 Brigade 2

The Cadets of Brigade 2 spend a week at an ARC and are richly blessed.

features

Houston’s International Corps features 26 nationalities and 16 languages. What can the Eastern Territory learn from this diverse and effective ministry?

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24 corps news What’s happening in a corps near you?

finds 32

Unity in diversity resources

Para leer más artículos en español por favor visite

31

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SACONNECTS.ORG/ENESPANOL

2015 JUNE ISSUE

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IN focus

from the editor the magazine

your connection to The Salvation Army

your ‘return on investment’ la ‘rentabilidad’ de tu inversión “ The Salvation Army’s medical teams are stronger when combined.”

— LT. COLONEL TITO PAREDES, COMMANDER LATIN AMERICA NORTH TERRITORY

Our cover story, “Six days in Honduras: a medical mission” (p. 8) reminds us that being unified as a team can create extraordinary results and in a short time. When men and women of various cultures, languages, and skills come together, tedious work goes faster and becomes easier.

This allows us precious moments for ministry—such as listening to the concerns of people, sharing the Gospel of Christ with them, or just quietly being there for them. As Lt. Colonel Paredes said, we “… are stronger when combined” (p. 7).

Our story “The language of God’s love: Houston’s International Corps” (p. 15) further illustrates how long–term ministry can be accomplished when diverse people invest their time and come together.

Welcome our Korean SAConnects magazine! Edited by Lt. Colonel Chongwon D. Kim, it is the only Korean language publication serving the Salvation Army world outside of South Korea. We will also make it available on saconnects.org.

We’ll keep you posted!

— Warren L. Maye

Editor in Chief / Editor en Jefe

“ Los equipos médicos del Ejército de Salvación son más fuertes cuando trabajan en conjunto.”

— TTE. CORONEL TITO PAREDES, COMANDANTE, TERRITORIO LATINOAMÉRICA NORTE

Nuestro artículo de portada: “Seis días en Honduras: una misión médica” (página 9), nos recuerda que estar unidos como equipo nos da el potencial para producir resultados extraordinarios y en un período de tiempo breve.

Cuando diversas culturas, idiomas y habilidades laboran en conjunto, el trabajo se realiza más rápido.

Esto deja a nuestra disposición momentos valiosos que dedicamos al ministerio, por ejemplo, a escuchar las preocupaciones de la gente, a compartir el Evangelio de Cristo con ellos o a estar dispuestos para ayudarles con nuestra solícita presencia. Como afirmara el Teniente Coronel Paredes: “Nuestros equipos médicos ‘son más fuertes cuando trabajan en conjunto’” (página 8).

Nuestro artículo “El lenguaje del amor de Dios: El Cuerpo Internacional de Houston” (página 15), ilustra en detalle cómo se puede lograr un ministerio a largo plazo cuando diversas personas se reúnen e invierten su tiempo y su trabajo en el ministerio. ¡Le damos la bienvenida a la revista SAConnects coreana!

Dirigida por el Teniente Coronel Chongwon D. Kim, es la única publicación del Ejército de Salvación en idioma coreano que se publica fuera de Corea del Sur. La subiremos a nuestro sitio web saconnects.org. ¡Los mantendremos al corriente!

USA EASTERN TERRITORY TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioner Barry C. Swanson Commissioner E. Sue Swanson CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel William A. Bamford III SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor EDITOR IN CHIEF Warren L. Maye MANAGING EDITOR Robert Mitchell EDITOR / HISPANIC CORRESPONDENT Hugo Bravo KOREAN EDITOR Lt. Colonel Chongwon D. Kim ART DIRECTOR Reginald Raines PUBLICATION DESIGNER Lea La Notte Greene GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Keri Johnson, Karena Lin, Joe Marino CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brenda Lotz, Major Young Sung Kim CIRCULATION Deloris Hansen DIVISIONAL NEWS CORRESPONDENTS

CFOT Major A. Kenneth Wilson ARCC Major Charles Deitrick PENDEL Randall Thomas Major Kathryn A. Avery EMP Jaye C. Jones GNY TBA MASS Drew Forster NJ TBA NEOSA Major Thomas Hinzman NNE Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI Linette Luna SNE James Gordon SWONEKY Major Faith Miller WEPASA Captain Kimberly DeLong Territorial Music Liaison Ronald Waiksnoris

THE SALVATION ARMY

MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

SAConnects is published monthly by The Salvation Army USA’s Eastern Territory. Bulk rate is $12.00 per month for 25–100 copies.

Single subscriptions are available. Write to: SAConnects, The Salvation Army, 440 W. Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994–1739.

Vol. 1, No. 3, June Issue 2015. Printed in USA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to: SAConnects, 440 West Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994–1739. SAConnects accepts advertising. Copyright © 2015 by The Salvation Army, USA Eastern Territory. Articles may be reprinted only with written permission.

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JUNE ISSUE 2015

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relevents

ON file

Interview by Hugo Bravo

Photo by Ken Gabrielsen

Envoy (Pastor) Vangerl Pegues from the Troy, N.Y., (Temple) Corps shares with SAConnects her love for the outdoors, for the teachings of Salvation Army Founder William Booth, and for the man whom she fell in love with and married.

Thirteen years of running the corps ministry myself was overwhelming. James, now my husband, was corps sergeant major (deacon) in one of the corps where I pastored.

When his wife passed away, I helped him with the burial proceedings. Within the next year, he lost two sons to gang violence (one of whom had been my first junior soldier). I had loved those boys. Their deaths felt as if I had lost two of my own children. A friend, who could see that I clearly loved James, advised me that James needed someone to be there for him after so much loss. I called James and told him that I loved him and that I wanted to be with him.

Five months later, we were married. We are both envoys now, and we share the ministry and its responsibilities. It has been such a joy to see James become a pastor, and to lead this corps.

My love for hiking and the outdoors came to me when I was a child. That’s when I discovered New Hampshire’s White Mountains and fell in love with them. The first time I climbed them, I said to myself, This is where I belong. Now, I always meet God in the mountains. I can connect with Him so powerfully there.

Geocaching is a game like Treasure Hunt, and anyone in the world can play it. It makes the outdoors even better!

Through the Geocaching app on my phone, I look for hidden objects—whether they are overseas or near a local road from other gamers. The

corps is using Geocaching to celebrate the Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary by putting “caches” all over New York State. Anyone who finds them will learn about the Army turning 150 years old.

I’ve been blessed by God to have two wonderful children, and I continue to be blessed with many “adopted” children. Through working in the community, I have been able to welcome and raise them in my home. Although separated from their families, they’re just as dear to me as my biological children. We also adopted a grown man. He’s 42! When an adult becomes

part of your family, there can be damage and trauma from childhood. We help such people get past that pain.

Since age 9, I’ve tried to be involved in my community and make wherever I am a better place. In Boston’s

Roxbury community, I helped a man named Charlie maintain a public park. We put the swings out and helped prepare and serve lunch to the local children. Sometimes, Charlie was absent, and I was the person who did all the work. One summer, Charlie went missing for a few weeks. Thinking he might be on vacation, I just kept doing my job. One day, a local man saw me working at the park and said, “You know, Charlie died recently.” Word got out that a nine–year–old girl had been maintaining the local park for the whole summer. As a result, I became Boston’s “Citizen of the Year.”

You can hear the voice of Founder William Booth at the Salvation Army Museum in London talking about his trip to India and the importance of being “transcultural.” Booth says in the recording, “Although Christianity is the blanket we wear, we also need to explore a person’s culture and learn to respect it and to see how we can utilize it to introduce Christianity to that person. Never strip someone of his or her culture or identity.”

What Booth was saying is what I have been saying my whole life. Christ says, “Come as you are.” He will never make you ashamed of who you are or where you’re from.

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2015 JUNE ISSUE

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IN focus

letters from you

new beginnings I congratulate Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, for launching this initiative, the publishing of SAConnects.

I really enjoyed reading the first issue of this magazine!

— CAPTAIN DANIEL DIAKANWA New Rochelle, N.Y.

Congrats and blessings on the 2nd issue of SAConnects. You’re doing a great job at combining a number of functions and languages to effectively communicate to the territory.

In the “Women in the Army” issue (May 2015), on the “Contents” page, under “Sisterly Love,” it notes “Founder William Booth.” I do believe that The Salvation Army would consider both William and Catherine to be founders, especially in an issue that has the theme of “Women in the Army.” We have an amazing heritage in the lives of the women in the Army, both in our history and today.

— MAJOR JOANN SHADE Wooster, Ohio

Glad to see the momentum on this great new publication, SAConnects!

—DENISE RICHARDSON New York, N.Y.

Congratulations on the premier issue of SAConnects. You have managed once again to provide a quality production packed with valuable information for Salvationists and friends. The side–by–side translation is an excellent innovation. We commend both you and your staff for the care and attention to detail that is evidenced in this fine production.

We wish you every success as you continue to share the work of God through The Salvation Army.

God bless you.

— LT. COLONEL ALLEN SATTERLEE Editor–in–Chief and National Literary Secretary Alexandria, VA

I’ve had a look online at your new magazine. It looks exciting with some very pertinent and interesting subjects.

Congratulations, Commissioners Swanson, upon the release of the new and wonderful premier issue of SAConnects! I am thoroughly enjoying every bit of it. The timeliness of the subject matter is surely welcome to many, and my prayer is that the ministry of this publication will be wide and deep! Thank you and all of the staff involved in providing for the frontline such a helpful, comprehensive, and hope–filled, mission priority tool.

The battle is fierce but the victory is the Lord’s!

— COMMISSIONER NANCY A. MORETZ Lancaster, PA

I just want to acknowledge your hard work on publishing the new SAConnects magazine. It looks beautiful and exceptional! It must be the result of sustained team work.

I hope and pray it will serve as an effective means for communicating many news and Gospel–centered messages.

— YOUNG SUNG KIM, MAJOR Territorial Ambassador for Holiness

— MAJOR HOWARD P. WEBBER United Kingdom

KeepSAfe will include: • Policy standards, including a Code of Conduct • The Salvation Army National Code of Conduct for Electronic Communication with Minors • A video–based training system

The Eastern Territory’s KeepSAfe system has been developed to safeguard children and vulnerable adults, programs, and personnel from abuse and abuse allegations.

KeepSAfe provides a framework to build solid best practices designed to reduce risk, boost awareness, and maintain safe programs that are essential to our mission.

A LAUNCH DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

• A web–based reporting system and a hotline • Implementation process and protocols

missions

FAITH in ACTION

Doing ‘wonderful things’ for God bringing hope & healing to Honduras

by Hugo Bravo

Photos by Javier Gonzalez–Rivera

On Sunday, February 1, 2015, Salvation Army personnel gathered in prayer and worship in the slums of San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

They were Honduran Salvation Army soldiers, officers, and doctors from the USA Eastern Territory, as well as nurses and other support personnel from the Latin America North Territory.

Their earnest praying marked the start of a weeklong medical mission, which, for the past 18 years, has provided much–needed surgical procedures and pharmaceuticals for children and adults living in impoverished areas.

Soldier Sara Flores welcomed guests to the corps. “As the daughter of Army officials, I have been part of many different corps,” Flores said. “But I have felt so happy in each one of them because they have all been my home.”

She asked the visitors from the United States to consider making the San

Major Richard Shaftstall (second from right) prays with members of the Honduran ministry.

Pedro Sula Corps their “home.”

Majors Federico L. and Marie C. Larrinaga, USA Eastern territorial director and assistant director of Hispanic Ministries, led the Soldier Sara Flores welcomes guests to the San Pedro Sula Corps.

Honduras team for the first time. They acknowledged each Demonstrating the Raymond family’s member of the medical team. many talents, the brothers performed, “Our purpose when we get together a cappella, a rendition of the hymn “Let like this, no matter where we are, is to Us Break Bread Together.” worship Him, to honor Him,” said Major Major Richard Shaftstall, a retired Federico Larrinaga. “But this week, it’s officer from Erie, Pa., also received something even more. This brigade recognition for his participation and comes to be a ministry of physical and generosity toward the Honduran holistic healing.” people. Fluent in Spanish, Shaftstall had Lt. Colonel Tito Paredes, comled the medical team in previous years. mander of the Latin America North Still nursing an injury from a fall the day Territory, thanked everyone for bringing before, he was grateful for the opportuhope to Honduras. He said that the Salvation Army’s medical teams were nity to again be in Honduras. stronger when combined.

“I didn’t know if I would be here this “Mother Teresa used to say, ‘You can year, but God said ‘yes,’” said Shaftstall. do certain things I cannot do. I can do “It’s a pleasure to see Honduras and all certain things that you of you.” cannot do. Together, we This event was the first to be held at can do wonderful things the Army’s corps in San Pedro Sula. It for God,’” Paredes said. had been a residence, with the garage Paredes awarded as its sanctuary. Lieutenant Sarai a plaque of recogAlmendares, the first Honduran–born nition to doctors Salvation Army officer in the region, Norman, Russell, and said, “This brigade will help The Salvation Cliff Raymond, brothArmy grow. When people come to us ers whose Raymond during these missionary trips, they witFoundation has provided ness the love and concern that comes humanitarian services to with the medical help. The community is the people of Honduras grateful. Now we have an official place in for two decades. which to welcome them.”

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2015 JUNE ISSUE

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six days in

HONDURAS

una misión médica Interviews by Hugo Bravo

In February, Salvation Army officers from the USA Eastern Territory accompanied doctors and nurses from the Raymond Foundation to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The ‘Honduras Medical Brigade’, along with the Honduras Corps, spent a week providing health services, medical supplies, and a message of hope to many people in need.

Para leer el artículo completo en español, visite saconnects.org/enespanol y busque Honduras.

To read the complete article in English, visit saconnects.org/magazine.

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JUNE ISSUE 2015

Honduran women receive blood pressure tests from Ann Biery, RN, on the first day of the Medical Brigade’s mission trip. Residents received long–awaited care and supplies from the doctors, nurses, and officers.

SUNDAY

CAPTAINS ANGELO & VIRGINIA BERMEO

Photo by Javier Gonzalez–Rivera

ANGELO BERMEO: When we arrived at San Pedro Sula in

Honduras, I felt my heart full of expectation of what I hoped to do for the people. I wanted to touch their lives.

VIRGINIA BERMEO: God calls us to go to the outermost parts of the world and to preach the Gospel. It’s the only hope.

AB: One of the many blessings we shared was to see how receptive the people were to the Gospel.

VB: In a country such as the United States where there is plenty, people forget that God has blessed them. In places like Honduras, they know that it is only by God’s grace that they survive. This makes them more sensitive to the Gospel and to the peace and the hope that is found only in Christ.

AB: I had an opportunity to do an evangelism seminar for the youth of the Salvation Army Honduras Corps, where I demonstrated a “balloon ministry” to the soldiers and officers.

On Sunday, I presented the ministry to the children and to their families as they waited for medical care. One of the soldiers, a young lady named Elizabeth Madrid, was so interested in balloon sculpting that she took the time to perfect the technique. I have no words to describe the satisfaction I feel at having developed a “disciple”!

VB: Upon our return to our quarters, we were happy to hear that the youth had already scheduled an outreach at an

orphanage. Elizabeth was able to teach balloon sculptures and to give each child a balloon.

AB: Through this incredible experience, I learned how God shows up when His people are willing to serve humanity without discrimination. I’m happy that we can make even a little difference for the people in Honduras, and I pray that we can continue to do this in the years to come.

VB: I would recommend that everyone who calls himself or herself a follower of Christ go on a mission trip like this one. They will come back with a renewed commitment to God’s people.

AB: I was impressed with the corps youth from San Pedro Sula. They were so mature, and they are filled with Christ’s love. What a blessing these kids are!

VB: Youth ministering to youth is powerful. The youth group was eager to work for the Lord and quickly learned how to use the evangelism tools that we presented to them.

AB: It was a privilege to work with the amazing medical team; the doctors, nurses, translators, and officers all came with a desire to serve. Priceless was their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to help the most needy people.

VB: People cared and were cared for, and, I believe, all were changed because of it. This time in Honduras was a catalyst for awakening the missionary spirit.

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2015 JUNE ISSUE

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six days in HONDURAS: una misión médica

MONDAY

CAPTAIN SANTA CORREA

On Monday, an elderly woman with melanoma came alone to see us. She had a large mark on her cheek. She told the doctors that she had it for quite a while. Of course in Honduras, our medical resources were small compared to what we have here in the U.S. But we did have experienced doctors. And we had hope.

Right then and there, the woman allowed the doctors to remove the melanoma from her cheek. Using a local anesthetic, they got to work.

I described to her in Spanish what the doctors were doing.

While the anesthesia set in, I held her hand, gave her comfort, and encouraged her to tell me about herself and her family. Team members used smartphone flashlights to give the doctors light while they prepared for surgery.

The doctors removed a football–shaped chunk of flesh from her cheek to get rid of the melanoma. They cleaned the wound, sterilized it, and then sutured it with several stitches from the inside and then from the outside.

Pediatrician Dr. Bethany Mikles and Captain Miguel Robinson check a young girl’s lungs.

And to dress the wound, we gave her antibiotics, gauze, and bandages. We also gave her a pair of reading glasses.

She was so grateful to have this done. And she was amazed that we did it for free. Prior to seeing us, she had thought she would die from the melanoma. She was so brave.

Raymond Foundation doctors and Salvationists go to Honduras to be God’s hands and feet. It’s amazing to watch what they do with such limited resources.

Think of something as simple as a Band–Aid. In the United States, you can probably buy a pack of 60 for pocket change. In Honduras, a single clean Band–Aid is too expensive to give to patients, even after they receive important medical injections.

At the College for Officer Training in Suffern, N.Y., we were able to send 5 pieces of luggage full of supplies to Honduras.

There are so many ways to contribute, even if you can’t make the trip.

Coming home to the United States is humbling. Doing so makes me grateful for things I’m tempted to take for granted, such as having a bed to sleep in and a house to live in. I make sure that my family feels the same gratitude. It’s a blessing to have what we have.

Captain Santa Correa and a woman who has just received surgery to remove melanoma from her cheek.

HOW CAN I HELP? Photo courtesy of Captain Santa Correa

WRITE: Major Federico Larrinaga

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JUNE ISSUE 2015

Hispanic Ministries Director Eastern Territorial Headquarters 440 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 10994 Federico.Larrinaga@use.salvationarmy.org CALL: 845.620.7361 for more information on

how you can help the Raymond Foundation.

Photo by Javier Gonzalez–Rivera

THIS WAS MY SIXTH MEDICAL MISSION TRIP TO HONDURAS.

MARTES (Above) Honduran residents wait on line to see the doctors.

(Left) Dermatologist Dr. Alok Vij from Cleveland, Ohio, examines a man for head lice.

CAPITÁN MIGUEL ROBINSON UN MIEMBRO DE LA CONGREGACIÓN ME DIJO: “Pastor, ¿va

usted al país con el índice de violencia más alto del mundo?”

A lo que respondí: “Así es, pero yo sé en quién confió y quién va conmigo”.

No importa lo difícil que sea la situación. Si vamos a servir al Señor.

Cuando llegué, vi la diferencia. Por cada sector del país en el que impera la violencia, hay otro que es muy precioso por lo que la gente tiene en su corazón.

El pueblo hizo un gran esfuerzo por ayudar a la mayor cantidad de gente posible. Los servicios de taxi se brindaron para llevar los pacientes a los médicos. La policía nos protegió de las gangas que vivían cerca de donde estábamos. Hasta el alcalde acudió a hablar con nosotros. Todos sabían a qué vinimos.

Una niña acudió a nosotros el martes para que la ayudáramos con un caso de piojos. Su hermana menor tenía lombrices en el estómago. Cuando terminamos de ayudarla, me dijo: “¿Les puedo dar un abrazo a usted y a la doctora, por lo que han hecho por nosotros?”

Nos dio un abrazo lleno de amor y de gratitud. Aunque sabía lo que tenía, no pensé en eso y la abracé. Era un sentimiento muy puro y genuino. Fue inolvidable.

Ella me dijo que había recibido tratamiento con otros médicos que van a Honduras ocasionalmente, pero que esta vez sintió que el amor que los doctores y los miembros del Ejército de Salvación muestran con los pacientes es más fuerte.

Yo le diría a cualquiera que, si tiene la oportunidad de ir a Honduras a ayudar, que lo haga. Visitar Honduras es una experiencia que te impresionará para siempre, ese viaje te transformará.

Aprendes a expresar el amor de Dios de una manera mejor.

Aquí, en nuestro edificio, nos quejamos si el aire o la calefacción no trabajan. Si el minivan se accidenta hoy, no vamos a la iglesia. En Honduras carecen de todo, sin embargo lo tienen todo, porque tienen el amor de Dios.

Aquí, en nuestro país, necesitamos cosas para alabar a Dios.

En Honduras, la gente solo necesita a Dios para alabarlo.

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2015 JUNE ISSUE

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six days in HONDURAS: una misión médica

MIERCOLES

CAPITÁN OMAR ROLÓN

Photo courtesy of Captain Santa Correa

EN EL CUERPO DEL TABERNÁCULO DE FILADELFIA HAY DOS SOLDADAS HONDUREÑAS. Ellas me contaron que su país es

“

peligroso y que también hay mucha necesidad. En lo particular, no vi mucho peligro, aunque la necesidad se refleja en muchas personas.

Cada día había gente esperándonos. Estaban pendientes ya que era una gran oportunidad para recibir ayuda. Para nosotros la gran oportunidad era servir a aquella gente.

El miércoles fuimos a un orfanato. Ese día, una señora se me acercó y me enseñó una cicatriz en el estómago. Me informó que hacía un mes asesinaron a su esposo en San Pedro Sula y que a ella también le dispararon. Así que huyó hacia el pueblo de San Rafael. Ahora no tenía trabajo, por lo que cocinaba y vendía arepas para sobrevivir.

Yo no andaba con dinero pero, ese preciso día puse 6 o 7 dólares en mi bolsillo. Cuando esa señora me contó lo que le había pasado, le di todo el dinero que cargaba. Ella me dijo

Uno tiene que pasar por una experiencia como esa para percatarse de que hay gente que está en situaciones peores.

Después de mi viaje a Honduras, me percaté de que lo que hacemos en cada uno de nuestros ministerios es solo una

”

pequeña parte de la gran necesidad que el mundo tiene.

— Capitán Omar Rolón

que no había comido en tres días; con ese dinero, ella y sus niños, iban a poder comer al menos dos o tres semanas.

Cuando fuimos a la montaña, la situación era más difícil aún. Uno no encuentra agua limpia, un baño que funcione, ni siquiera privacidad para usar el baño.

Vimos a una chica que había caminado cinco horas para ver a los doctores. Tenía un cáncer en la cara que le estaba carcomiendo los huesos. Su pelo estaba cambiando de color.

Tenía canas y manchas blancas en la cabeza. Cuando los dermatólogos la examinaron, se quedaron impresionados. Uno de ellos me dijo que solo habían leído acerca de ese tipo de cáncer óseo en revistas y periódicos especializados. Algunos hasta pensaban que ese tipo de cáncer no existía. El cáncer estaba muy avanzado. Los dermatólogos lloraron cuando se percataron de que no podían hacer nada para tratar a la chica.

Uno tiene que pasar por una experiencia como esa para percatarse de que hay gente que está en situaciones peores. Después de mi viaje a Honduras, me percaté de que lo que hacemos en cada uno de nuestros ministerios es solo una pequeña parte de la gran necesidad que el mundo tiene.

Y ¡nos quejamos tanto! Que no tenemos un carro, un edificio, un escritorio para trabajar. El oficial directivo del Ejército de Salvación de Honduras trabaja con casi nada, sin embargo aquí le ponemos muchos ‘peros’ al Señor.

Llegué a Honduras como oficial, pero regresé como alguien diferente.

These shoes (left) belonged to a Honduran man suffering from a foot ulcer. After doctors treated him, a medical student from the brigade (right) gave his own shoes to the man.

JUEVES

MAYORA HILDA SANTIAGO

Photo courtesy of Captain Santa Correa

guntaban a qué iba a ese país, empezando por el médico que me puso las vacunas preventivas. A este, en particular, le dije que iba a prestar servicio misionero y que, como yo también soy enfermera, puedo ayudar un poco más. Él me contestó que Honduras era uno de los lugares más peligrosos del mundo. A lo que respondí que “Dios va con nosotros”.

Cuando le informé a mi esposo, que también viajaba conmigo, lo que el doctor me había dicho, nos reímos. Y nos reímos mucho más cuando me dijo que su doctor le informó lo mismo. Hasta le enseñó algunos artículos de internet que confirmaban el peligro de viajar a Honduras.

He ido a Honduras nueve veces. Mi esposo ha ido diez.

La primera vez que fue, él les dijo a todos que su esposa —es decir, yo— debía estar ahí también.

Lo prioritario siempre es la salud. Con esta clase de ayuda el paciente se siente más cómodo, más dispuesto a hablar con sus interlocutores y más receptivo.

El servicio que prestamos puede ser algo tan sencillo como darle una bienvenida a una persona. Con solo decirle que Dios le bendiga, la gente sonríe. Abren sus ojos, sus mentes y sus corazones.

Un día, acudió al lugar donde estábamos, una señora que había dado a luz a sus siete hijos sola, en su cama, sin ayuda. Estaba embarazada de su octavo bebé y había caminado más de dos horas para vernos. Le dimos sábanas, medicinas, guantes y artículos para los bebés. Conocerla fue una experiencia muy linda.

Hasta las doctoras que la trataron lloraron cuando la mujer contó la historia de su vida. Nos dijo: “Le doy gracias a Dios porque todos mis hijos han gozado de buena salud”. Dios le dio fuerza y sabiduría; además, ha protegido a sus niños de complicaciones. Cuando acabamos de ver su estado de salud, oramos juntos.

Es muy bonito reconocer que hay un Dios protector que nos cuida.

Al día siguiente vimos a un señor que tenía una úlcera en el pie. Usaba unos zapatos viejos y rotos; parecía un indigente. Los doctores le limpiaron los pies, le untaron crema

Photo courtesy of Hugo Bravo

DESDE LA PRIMERA VEZ QUE FUI A HONDURAS, todos me pre-

A father and his son share a granola snack after visiting the Medical Brigade.

Left: Medical student and Salvation Army soldier Michael Winters gives his own sneakers to a man with a foot ulcer.

y le dieron unos calcetines para cubrirle el vendaje. Además le dimos unas zapatillas; aunque no de los que llevamos. Un estudiante médico llamado Michael Winters, que viajaba con nosotros, se quitó sus propias zapatillas y se las dio al hombre.

Este estaba muy contento y agradecido.

Si uno va a un lugar como Honduras con temor seguramente ha de reflejar ese miedo a la gente que trata de ayudar.

Además, no podrá dar el cien por ciento. Si estás nervioso e intranquilo, eso proyectarás. Pero si vas contento, con confianza y con ganas de servir, la gente verá eso y se te acercará, confiará en ti, y recibirán tu ayuda y tu amor con agrado.

Lo poquito que tiene la gente de Honduras, lo comparten con los demás. Sea con la familia, con los vecinos y hasta con los extranjeros. Tienen sus puertas abiertas. Se cuidan mutuamente. En cambio aquí —en nuestro medio—, mientras más tenemos más queremos. Eso es un daño no solo a la vida física sino a la vida espiritual.

Mientras camino en los pasos del Señor, le doy gracias a Dios por las oportunidades que me ha dado para servir con un corazón gozoso.

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2015 JUNE ISSUE

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six days in HONDURAS: una misión médica

FRIDAY

MAJOR MARIE C. LARRINAGA

me. We had received the leadership of this project from Major Tracy Hughes, who is now directing the Overseas Children Sponsorship Bureau. We had heard that this medical mission was a wonderful opportunity to help people who really needed it, medically and spiritually.

Rain fell all day on Friday, our final day. We left our quarters before 7 a.m., for a 2 ½ hour drive—the longest ride to any location we had visited. We actually hiked the final 45 minutes of the trip up a mountain—on foot in the rain— because our bus failed to make the climb.

We were fortunate to meet a gentleman from the village who owned a pickup truck. He was kind enough to take some of our equipment up the mountain to the school where we would be working. We asked the doctors to ride up with him, so they could start organizing the medical team. By the time the last of us had arrived at the school, the rain was pouring.

We tried to see as many folks as we could that day. But two hours into our time there, we had to stop. The rain was too strong; the townspeople were drenched. So we gave away to the crowd as many vitamins, supplies, and snacks as we could. We distributed everything to the people still waiting on line.

The parents also received school supplies for their children. We distributed pencils, rulers, and crayons.

As we made our way down the mountain in the truck, we encountered a young woman who was hiking up the

Photos courtesy of Captain Santa Correa

THIS WAS THE FIRST TRIP TO HONDURAS for my husband and

Captain Santa Correa and Lieutenant Sarai Almendares ride to the top of a mountain. (Left) A mother waits with her child to be seen by a doctor.

(Below) The Honduras Medical Brigade celebrates the goodness of God.

mountain to see a doctor on behalf of her baby, who had been sick for a week. The driver put her and the baby in the truck. We took her down with us where she finally saw the doctors. They gave her antibiotics for the baby, who we learned had pneumonia, and some snacks and ponchos for her and her family.

Many of us felt frustrated, wishing we could have done more. Even though our time was short and the weather was so bad, it still turned out to be a beautiful day spiritually for all of us. We rejoiced in that the mission team had visited a new site.

People in the U.S. know The Salvation Army primarily as a social service organization. Some people know us as a church. In Honduras, many people are now becoming aware of us for our social services and for being a church.

When we tell them who we are and what we do, they ask us for Bibles. They always want to read the Word of God. They want to know more.

in six days,

the Honduras Medical Brigade:  served 2,841

Photo by Javier Gonzalez–Rivera

 donated 300

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people

pairs of shoes

 used $10,000 worth of

medical supplies  gave away 1,317

Bibles

the

language of God’s love Houston’s International Corps

Photo by Eric Kayne

by Robert Mitchell

Captains Stephen and Sujung Na (front) with some members of the corps (church).

the language of God’s love

c

ecilia Dube smiles widely as she surveys the rainbow of people filing into the Houston International Corps, a church family comprising 26 different nationalities and 16 languages.

“It reminds me of what it’s going to be like in heaven, where everybody of all nationalities will be there,” says Dube, a native of Zimbabwe.

Nestled among several apartment complexes in the Southern Territory’s Houston, Texas, one of America’s most diverse cities, the corps opened a new $8.3–million building last April with a joyous service and ribbon–cutting ceremony.

Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, says the Eastern Territory is “exploring that particular model of ministry.

“I’ve heard about it for a number of years; I’ve met the officers and I was quite taken with their vision for ministry,” Swanson says. “They’ve been able to accomplish what very few churches have accomplished and that is to have a truly multicultural expression of ministry—in one congregation.

It’s pretty rare when you find that.”

ROAD TRIP

Swanson sent Lt. Colonels Cheryl A. and Kenneth W. Maynor, territorial secretary for communications and territorial program secretary, to Houston last year to see the corps and to share their findings.

Swanson said, “My idea was, what can we learn? What are they doing that we could do where we are? What could other Salvationists do in their communities and in similar situations?”

The answer is—plenty.

Major Chris Flanagan, area coordinator for the Greater Houston Area Command, said the corps started 12 years ago

“

It reminds me of what it’s going to be like in heaven, where everybody of all

”

nationalities will be there.

— Cecilia Dube

Cecilia Dube hugs a friend at the corps.

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El Lenguaje del Amor de Dios Cuerpo Internacional de Houston on the second floor of the command building. Corps leaders soon began renting space in a part of town with a large Asian and Hispanic population.

“It just began to grow,” Flanagan says. “They will have over 250 strong here on a Sunday.”

The new chapel will seat 450 people. The corps also has a large fellowship hall and kitchen; a gym; an education wing, including a library and computer lab; and a music and performing arts area. The 10–acre site also includes a soccer field behind the building. “[The corps] is going to have a great impact in this community,” Flanagan says, “an even bigger impact than it’s already having.”

FROM MANY, ONE

Each week, sermons from Captains Stephen and Sujung Na, corps officers, are delivered in English. But then everyone reports to Sunday school, where Korean, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese are spoken.

“The worship is in English because they’re trying to emphasize ‘many languages, but one voice.’ That is just a beautiful expression of what our city is about,” Flanagan says. “Houston is a very diverse city. This is just a great example of that.”

The Nas are Korean and the corps includes several people who speak Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, Burmese, Vietnamese, and Indonesian.

While the relations between those countries are sometimes challenging, “Their people blend here very well,” Flanagan says.

The corps also has a large African contingent, including worshipers from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Ghana. The Spanish–speaking congregants come from Panama, Cuba, El Salvador, as well as from many other countries.

“It’s been unique how all of them have come and blended together, and yet they still represent their cultures,” Flanagan says, noting that many wear clothing from their home countries.

El éxito y vitalidad del Cuerpo Internacional de Houston ha captado la atención del mundo salvacionista por algo realmente único que lo caracteriza y que el Comisionado Barry C. Swanson, Comandante Territorial del Territorio Este, se ha propuesto investigar de cerca para aprender más de él. Se trata de un Cuerpo internacional que viene a ser en efecto un ministerio multicultural en una misma congregación. Para interiorizarse en la historia y presente de este Cuerpo, Swanson envió a los Tenientes Coroneles Cheryl A. y Kenneth W. Maynor a Houston a recabar información de primera mano. Consultado por ellos, el Mayor Chris Flanagan, coordinador de área para el Comando de Área del Gran Houston, describe los inicios y expansión del Cuerpo Internacional, liderado en la actualidad por los Capitanes Stephen y Sujung Na, oficiales directivos oriundos de Corea. Emplazado en un área de la ciudad de mayoría hispánica y asiática, pero también de otras comunidades étnicas provenientes de países de África, y rodeado de numerosos complejos habitacionales “maduros para la cosecha”, el Cuerpo ha llegado a ser un lugar donde todas esas comunidades étnicas extremadamente diversas encuentran un foco de acción común en torno a las enseñanzas y misión evangélica del Ejército de Salvación.

Para todas esas personas tan diversas que impulsan en la ciudad de Houston los numerosos ministerios y servicios sociales del Ejército, el Cuerpo Internacional es un lugar donde se pueden reunir bajo un espíritu de confraternidad, respeto y alegría, unidos todos por el evangelio del Señor en un solo y mismo Cuerpo, pero en el que a la vez cada persona y cada grupo étnico preserva sus propias tradiciones y usanzas.

Para leer más artículos en español por favor visite saconnects.org/ellenguajel.

Photos by Eric Kayne

BRING THEM IN

The Nas said their vision has always been to reach out and to have a “community church.” That has already started with outreach to one elementary school.

“We want to reach out to all different ethnicities around here,” says Captain Stephen Na. “There is a lot of need in this area for after–school programs.”

The corps is surrounded by apartment buildings, which the Nas see as ripe for the harvest.

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2015 JUNE ISSUE

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the language of God’s love

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Jihong Park in worship.

When you look at The Salvation Army, if we’re doing our job right, you should

”

Katherine Diaz

“Every Saturday, we go out and knock on doors,” Captain Stephen says. “They are very receptive. They welcome us.

We want our church to be a magnet. We expect the chapel will overflow.”

The corps also offers a food pantry, computer classes, Tae Kwon Do, soccer, and basketball.

Captain Sujung said the kitchen would be used for fellowship, which is extremely important in many cultures. The past buildings were small. Missing was a fellowship hall where people could eat together on special occasions.

“We could not actually sit together and eat and have fellowship,” she says. “We had to sit on the floor or in classrooms. But this is perfect.”

‘WE ARE ONE FAMILY’

It’s clear that the soldiers of the corps agree on the mission.

They commonly use the word “family” in describing the corps.

Katherine Diaz, whose parents came from Honduras and El Salvador, has attended the corps for three years. She is an usher and helps with Sunday school and considers the corps a “blessing.”

“One of the things that impresses me every time I come here is how loving everyone is,” she says. “We’re such a big family. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak.

We speak the language of God’s love, which is the most important thing. You can feel it here every day of the week.”

Diaz said the corps is going to bless the area.

“We get the opportunity to meet new people and extend the Gospel,” she says. “God has placed us here for that reason.

We’re excited about what God has in store for us.”

Jesus Soriano, who hails from Mexico City, has been coming for four years and helps teach Tae Kwon Do, among

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Photos by Robert Mitchell

see all nationalities and all cultures.

— Commissioner Barry C. Swanson

many other responsibilities.

“It’s so exciting to have all of these countries together,” he says. “We are one family. My hope is that many people around this area come and join us to praise the Lord.”

Christine Andal, who is from the Philippines, has been coming to the corps for three years. A teacher, she is involved in everything from Home League to the food pantry to teaching computer classes and toddlers.

“I like the diversity and the peace I feel here,” she says. “It’s like home.”

Obot Ekwere, a native of Nigeria, has been attending since 2003. She sings in the choir and teaches Corp Cadets, but it’s the spirit of the place that she loves.

“For me to come in here and have an opportunity to worship with people of different nationalities, it makes me see how heaven will be,” she says. “Everybody is the same in the eyes of God. The way we are here, we are like one big happy family.”

BUILDING UNITY

Ekwere also has high hopes for the corps.

“We are going to influence this community,” she says. “I am believing that God is going to use me to leave a legacy for this generation.”

Dube, who has been attending the corps since 2008, agreed. She sings in the choir, teaches children, and is the Home League chaplain.

“My hope is to bring all people closer to God in the community and for the soldiers to really know God and to have a closer relationship with Him,” she says.

Swanson said the Houston International Corps model could work “everywhere in [the Eastern Territory].”

“Everywhere I go, I see mixed cultures,” he says. “I see

multiethnic communities. I see just a spectrum of groups of people.”

While the Salvation Army’s social services programs reach a diverse group of people, on Sunday morning, the congregations tend to be largely white, Swanson said.

organization that we too are open to all people.

“When you look at The Salvation Army, if we’re doing our job right, you should see all nationalities and all cultures.”

Swanson said that every community in the Eastern Territory has a high level of diversity that needs to be grasped.

REACHING THE WORLD

COMING TOGETHER

“Some people see [diversity] as a problem,” he says. “Other people see it as a great opportunity. I think that the people in Houston see it as a great opportunity to build unity, not only within their church, but within the social fabric.”

Swanson said he would like to extract the best principles from what the Houston International Corps has learned to make the Eastern Territory more effective.

“We’re not here to change people culturally or socially,” Swanson says. “That’s not the point. We’re here to celebrate the various cultures, and that’s all wonderful, but it doesn’t mean we have to be apart from each other.

“Apparently in Houston, they’ve figured that out and God is blessing them in a unique way.”

Photos by Eric Kayne

“Given the diversity of the communities, I think there is room to improve on that,” Swanson says. “I think if we were more sensitized, if we were more aware, if we could do something different than we’re doing now, I think we might see different results and attract more people.”

Swanson said the goal is not just to grow church attendance, but also to “really reach more people for Christ and be more effective in proclaiming the Gospel.”

He has been emphasizing unity in the territory.

“That is the kingdom of God,” Swanson says. “That’s the essence of the Gospel: Jesus loves everyone, Jesus died for everyone and it’s a universal offering. We have to take care in our presentation and we have to take care within our

(Top, from left) Cecilia Dube, Christine and Chris Andal lead worship. (Bottom) Captain Stephen Na and (right) Captain Sunjung Na also participate.

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2015 JUNE ISSUE

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Photo by Jon Knaggs

FAITH in ACTION

OOB 2015 preview Colonels Munn to highlight camp meetings

by Robert Mitchell

A Salvationist gathering such as the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings (OOB) will be familiar ground for Tom Walker and his Gospel Train Big Band.

They are scheduled this year to minister at the meetings.

Walker was born to Salvation Army parents in Columbus, Miss., and got his musical start in Army corps and camp programs. He is looking forward to bringing his band’s unique sound to OOB. “If people liked the big bands of the ‘40s and ‘50s and ‘60s, that is the sound they’ll hear, mixed with some of the great hymns and tunes of the Church,” Walker said.

Tom Walker’s Gospel Train Big Band will be one of several musical groups at this year’s camp meetings, scheduled for July 25–31 in the beachfront community.

The guests for this year’s meetings will be Colonels Janet A. and Richard J. Munn, who are longtime Eastern Territory officers. Colonel Janet Munn

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is returning to the territory as principal of the College for Officer Training, while Colonel Richard Munn will serve at Territorial Headquarters as the secretary for Theology and Christian Ethics.

At OOB, the Colonels Munn will lead a daily Bible study at the corps.

And each morning, Lieutenant Stephen Mayes, corps officer of the Stapleton Corps on Staten Island, N.Y., will be in charge of the beach Bible study.

Musical guests on the opening weekend will be the Greater New York Youth Band, Youth Chorus, Dance & Drama Team, and a massed choir from the Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers.

On Saturday, July 25, Colonel Janet Munn will speak at 7 p.m. Colonel Richard Munn will speak on Sunday at 10 a.m.

Lt. Colonel Guy D. Klemanski, commander of the Greater New York Division, will speak on Monday at 7 p.m.

Tuesday will feature Family Fun Night from 5:30–6:50 p.m. before the

Colonels Munn take to the podium.

Summer Brass will provide music.

Wednesday will spotlight Tom Walker’s Gospel Train Big Band at 7 p.m.

Founded in January 2009, the 18–piece band shares the Gospel “through great hymns of the church in the exciting style of big band jazz,” according to the group’s Facebook page.

Walker said the band includes his wife, Marsha, a daughter of Salvation Army officers; his brother, Jim; and Broadway trumpeter Chris Jaudes.

“The reason we do what we do is to get people’s attention and to tell them about the love of Christ,” Walker said.

Walker is a member of The Salvation Army’s St. Louis Gateway Citadel Corps Band and teaches the adult Sunday school class.

The camp meetings will move to the Pier on Thursday at 7 p.m. The Pier

Colonels Janet A. and Richard J. Munn, guests

Ministry team will share the Gospel each night through music, dance, acting, and testimonies.

Envoy Steve Bussey, who leads the Pier Ministry, said this year’s event will offer the talents of David Cain, a world–record juggler, as well as world– renowned guitarist Phil Keaggy.

The popular Christian singing group Point of Grace will close the camp meetings at 7 p.m. on Friday.

—For this year’s OOB schedule, go to www.salvationfactory.org/know-the-secret and saconnects.org

OLD ORCHARD BEACH C amp Meeting s 2 0 1 5

Led by Territorial Leaders

COMMISSIONERS BARRY C. & E. SUE SWANSON

Guest Speakers & Bible Study Leaders

COLONELS JANET A. & RICHARD J. MUNN Beach Bible Study Leader LIEUTENANT STEPHEN MAYES with Musical Guests GREATER NEW YORK DIVISIONAL YOUTH BAND, YOUTH CHORUS, DANCE & DRAMA TEAM TOM WALKER’S GOSPEL TRAIN BIG BAND POINT OF GRACE

USA Eastern Territory Commissioners Barry C. and E. Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders

www.seasidepavilion.org

July 25–31

Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris is looking for YOU! Don’t miss an opportunity to play in CrossFire Brass at this year’s Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings.

The band is for Salvationists of all ages who play brass or percussion instruments. Players need to be willing to rehearse each morning, starting Monday, July 27th from 8:30–10:00 a.m. in the beautiful Old Orchard Beach Pavilion. The band will participate in meetings on Thursday and Friday evening that week. If you’d like to participate, contact Karen Shaffstall in the Territorial Music Department, Karen.shaffstall@use.salvationarmy.org ...and remember to mention the instrument you play!

FAITH in ACTION

BRIGADE 2 visits ARC

by Robert Mitchell

Syracuse, NY—When cadets from the College for Officer Training (CFOT) go on a spring campaign, the assignment is usually to a Salvation Army corps.

This year, the 10 cadets of Brigade 2 spent a week at the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), and came away as blessed as the beneficiaries.

“Every morning when we walked in, [the beneficiaries] greeted us,” says Cadet Gene Spence. “I think that’s the best thing we’ve seen.”

Spence said that the relaxed, informal fellowship was invaluable, whether playing video games with them or simply watching the NCAA basketball tournament.

“They’ve opened up to us and we’ve opened up to them,” he says.

Major Robert Miga, the ARC’s administrator, said the cadets had a busy week, leading devotions and counseling beneficiaries. They also worked in the ARC’s warehouse and family store,

Cadet Trishia Smouse (middle) works in the ARC warehouse with the beneficiaries.

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driving trucks, hanging clothes, and doing everything a beneficiary would do.

HARVEST FIELD Miga said the cadets took part in a “Strikepoint” integrated mission initiative designed to connect the corps with the ARC. While a television played videos inside the store, the cadets offered tracts to shoppers to let them know that the Army is a church.

“In our thrift stores, we have thousands of people shopping and they’re not Christians,” Miga says. “They don’t even have church homes.”

The cadets also helped organize a “Salvation Army History Night” and a rally of several ARCs from upstate New York. However, it was the counseling and spending time with the beneficiaries that touched each cadet the most.

“We gave them feedback and spiritual advice,” says Cadet Barri Vazquez–Brandon. “I just love seeing

change and the fact that people are searching. Being here, they can find that what they’re really searching for is Christ. They don’t need to fill themselves with other worldly things.”

NEW CREATIONS Cadet Trisha Smouse organized a “cardboard testimony” exercise during a study she led. On one side of a simple piece of cardboard, the beneficiaries described who they were before finding Christ. Then they flipped the cardboard over and described who they are now.

The exercise fit perfectly with the week’s theme of “identity.”

“We tried to carry that theme of identity throughout the week and to emphasize transformation and change and who they are in Christ,” Smouse says. “Those stories really touched my heart because—that’s my life too.

“I love getting to know people and hearing where they’ve come from and

Beneficiary Jessica Morlock works on her ‘cardboard testimony.’

“

I love getting to know people and hearing where they’ve come from and where they are today. Just watching that transformation is an absolutely beautiful thing.

Cadets Joseph Smith (left) and Taylor Senak (right) counsel beneficiary Darren Scheffey.

”

— CADET TRISHA SMOUSE

where they are today. Just watching that transformation is an absolutely beautiful thing.”

GOD’S PLAN Cadet Angelica Spence said she was touched by the cardboard exercise, especially as the beneficiaries revealed who they are now.

“You could just see the smiles on their faces as they know they are loved

by God and that they’re a child of Christ,” she says.

Spence said she later saw God at work when she prepared a devotional, but was not sure who the audience would be. However, God knew.

“It was perfect for the group of guys in there who I got matched up with,” Spence says. “It was amazing to see how God worked.”

Spence called working in the warehouse, sorting donations, and the counseling sessions a “blessed experience.”

“The people in here just have their arms wide open and it’s just been a blessing to be able to see that,” she says.

“You can see how great God is moving.”

BLOOD AND FIRE Cadet Grace Cho said that her gift of counseling was confirmed.

“I didn’t realize the gift was really in me but then I meet people in the real world and I hear what they are going through,” she says. “All of the things that we learned at the [CFOT] about the Bible and doctrine, they all just came to apply to their situation. It was really nice.”

Cadet Joseph Smith said the “Holy Spirit was moving” at the meetings and in the counseling sessions. “[The beneficiaries] were actually able to talk to us, with no judgment,” he says. “Just to hear their stories and be able to interact and find out where they are physically, mentally, and spiritually was fantastic.”

Cadet Taylor Senak, who played William Booth on Army history night, said he enjoyed hanging out with the beneficiaries and getting a first hand look at an ARC. “I’ve never seen the day–to–day operations,” he says.

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IMPARTING WISDOM Cadet Rebecca Smith said she enjoyed sharing fellowship with the beneficiaries, including just playing pool or Ping–Pong.

“I felt able to engage the beneficiaries and to hear how they came to The Salvation Army,” she says. “It was a wonderful time.”

Cadet Chelsey Crawford planned the history night, which included cadets portraying William and Catherine Booth as well as other luminaries. As did other cadets, she enjoyed the one–on–one time with beneficiaries the best.

“I had the chance to give them feedback or read them an encouraging Bible verse,” she says.

Cadet Ingrid Moreno sang at one of the events and enjoyed her time working in the family store, where she noticed that many shoppers know the beneficiaries. “That shows me there is something brewing inside here,” she says.

She sees big things ahead.

“People know The Salvation Army is in the community and we are here to do something.”

2015 JUNE ISSUE

23

FAITH in ACTION

corps news

In ‘Corps News’ we share grassroots stories of how God is working in your corps and ARCs.

BASKETBALL PROGRAM CHANGES LIVES Lynn, MA—This past March, the Lynn Corps celebrated the 6th anniversary of a unique ministry, where rival gangs have been peacefully playing basketball every Friday night.

To celebrate this milestone, Judith Kennedy, the mayor of Lynn, presented six official NBA basketballs to the players. Kennedy, who knows the value of this program, gave a short speech.

“She mentioned that she could raise local taxes and hire 100 new police officers and they would not have the effect on our city that this program is having,” said Major David Payton, corps officer.

Major David Davis, divisional commander, congratulated the guys, and actually played in a couple games.

“There were about 40–45 guys there from various gangs,” Payton said. “The evening included special food and a huge cake in their honor.”

LOVE BEGINS EARLY

24

NEW SOLDIERS

NO DRESS? NO PROBLEM!

Albany, NY—Palm Sunday was a special time at the Temple Corps, where several senior and junior soldiers and adherents were enrolled.

The senior soldiers are Candido Rodriguez, Julio Rodriguez, Nasir Villegas, and Crystal Rosario. Junior soldiers are Antonia Torres, Brooklyn Corrodore, Mathew Chisholm, Juan Cotto, Jayson Corea, and Michael Cotto. William Reyes is the new adherent.

Majors Martina and Paul A. Cornell, women’s ministry secretary and financial secretary for the Empire State Division, officiated the enrollments. The flag bearers were Jennifer Polanco and Lieutenant Isaac Santiago, corps officer.

“Three of the kids came to the Army via Vacation Bible School last summer and now they are junior soldiers,” Santiago said.

Portsmouth, OH—If buying a prom dress is beyond your budget, The Salvation Army is here to help.

“Young girls in high school who do not have the money to purchase a dress for prom had the opportunity to receive a free prom dress,” said Lydia Smith, community resource coordinator.

“We set up a prom dress store and let girls come and pick dresses for prom.”

Smith said the giveaway was in March and involved the corps and local student Melissa Gambino.

JUNE ISSUE 2015

Photos courtesy of the Salvation Army Corps and ARCs.

Malden, MA—Rachel Joy Leslie, who is 19 months old, is getting an early start in ministry.

The toddler participated in a League of Mercy visitation to the Glen Ridge Nursing Home on Easter and even presented a flower to a 102–year–old resident.

Rachel is the daughter of Paul and Emily Leslie and the granddaughter of Major Joy and Lieutenant James Labbe, Mystic Valley Corps commanding officers.

“She was so excited to walk around and give gifts,” Joy Labbe said. “The residents responded to her with joy.”

HOLY WEEK EXTRAVAGANZA

Akron, OH—The corps officer is a certified Zumba instructor. Every Tuesday evening in the gym, women “sweat it on” with Captain Malinda Jones.

Marian Calvin, director of development for Summit County Area Services, said the first class on April 7 was a success.

“Our first dance fitness class featured 16 women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. They participated by dancing, moving, waving, shaking, laughing, sweating, stepping, shimmying, and laughing to Latin and world rhythms beats!” she said.

Tonawanda, NY— This year, Holy Week was a time of deep meaning at the corps.

Every evening, corps members retold the miracles of Jesus and then on Good Friday, they re–enacted the crucifixion. On Resurrection Sunday morning, they presented of the musical “Jesus Folk.”

Major Celestin Nkounkou, corps officer, said that through the musical the congregants demonstrated how “He came to give us Life in all its fullness.”

COME JOIN OUR ARMY Wilkes-Barre, PA—The corps enrolled three senior soldiers and two adherents, but the big story was how each person found The Salvation Army.

The soldiers are Mark and Jean Marie Jacukowicz, and William Femea. The adherents are Carl and Georgette Lamb.

Lieutenant Sharon L. Tressler, corps officer, said, “This is exciting to us because we have been working with these folks for over a year, and each has a unique story,” The Jacukowiczes came to the Army two years ago as Christmas bell-ringers.

Femea returned to the corps following the death of his grandmother.

The Lambs came to the corps after their daughter, Jordan, went to summer camp and started attending children’s programs.

CELEBRATING THE RESURRECTION Glens Falls, NY—Major David Dean described it as a “glorious” Resurrection Sunday at his corps.

“The day began with 43 children and teens singing in the musical, ‘Let Us Sing,’ and 134 worshippers attended,” Dean said. “The morning worship featured a huge floral display as 40 people donated flowers in memory of loved ones.

“The cross was draped with purple and white, replacing the black shroud of Good Friday.”

Dean said during the holiness meeting that morning, worshippers were offered a spiritual challenge.

Registration & Auditions

deadline

August 1st

October 9-11

2015

Join the Eastern Territorial Songsters for three days of music making during our Singing Stars weekend. You will enhance your vocal talents and musicianship and IGNITE your passion for singing.

For AUDITION and registration materials, VISIT our website.

Location

Star Lake Lodge COST

$75.00 ages

13-21

100 YEARS YOUNG Cleveland, OH—Ann Koller, who attends the senior program at the West Park Corps, was honored in May when she turned 100 years old.

“She’s awesome,” says Pamela Jones, director of the senior program. “She is such a sweetheart. She will do anything for anybody.” She just stopped driving last year at age 99.

Jones said Koller has been attending the program since 2007 and enjoys crafts and playing Bingo with the other seniors.

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Registration & Auditions deadline st

August 1

www.music.use-salvationarmy.org/ETSSingingStars

‘SWEATING IT ON’

ON file

wholly living

God ‘bees good to us’ thanking Him for community

Seeing and hearing her video filled my heart. I loved the sentiment in her words and her view of God. Love was at the center of that view. Amen! Her last line, about God getting “the best life,” is our part. God deserves our best.

So, here’s the thing, I’m wondering where she learned that view of God. My wife Meg and I certainly run a Christian household. But where did Grace get those specific phrases? My best guess is that a Sunday school teacher taught them to her. But is that what happened?

This Easter, I heard John 15:13 used in a sermon.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” I’ve heard it before, but for some reason, the verse jumped out at me. I thought, Yes, Jesus did it for us, but now, we are to do the same for one another.

sy of Matt Ho

Matt and Meghan in Montclair, N.J., on Easter Sunday with (l–r): Keira, Ella, Whitney, Grace, and Olivia.

Photo courte

I’m surprised at the things my kids pick up.

Recently, I had a “Where did you get that?” moment when Grace, my five–year–old, took my iPhone and made movies of herself. Among the videos that featured her toys and a “game show,” Grace also preached a mini–sermon:

“ God will love you forever.

Even though He died on the cross, but He’s alive.

He takes care of us and He’s always on your side.

He never forgets anyone. He remembers you every day.

He also bees good to us.

And make sure God gets the best life.”

dgson

by Matt Hodgson

NO GREATER LOVE For the past nine months, I’ve seen people “lay down their lives,” so to speak, for my family. Besides Grace, we also have Ella, 4. And nine months ago, we had triplets—Olivia, Keira, and Whitney. Five girls—pray for me! These months have been challenging. But we’ve had a loving community who has “laid down their lives.”

I know that phrase sounds extreme, but I’ve seen it. For example, two ladies did it by helping Meg with the babies— every day. Other people offered gifts for clothing and diapers (my God, the diapers!). People have delivered meals.

And, yes! I’ve seen Sunday school teachers show–and– tell Grace, my oldest daughter, just how much God loves her.

I thank God for my community. I thank them for the way they have laid their lives down for us, every day—and far beyond what I’ve been able to see. When responsibilities abound, you feel you’re always forgetting something. But God provided a community that has helped see us through.

Or as Grace would say, “He bees good to us.”

NEW! Salvation Army Performance T–Shirt Starting at $12

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wholly living

Called to Cultivate Faith We call Salvationists worldwide to explore new ways to recruit and train people who are both spiritually mature and educationally competent; to develop learning programs and events that are biblically informed, culturally relevant, and educationally sound; and to create learning environments which encourage exploration, creativity and diversity.

We affirm that our mission demands the formation of a soldiery who are maturing, and are being equipped for faithful life and ministry in the world. In strategic and supportive partnership with the family, the Christian community has a duty to provide opportunities for growth into maturity by means of preaching and teaching, through worship and fellowship, and by healing and helping.

—Commissioner Robert Street, Called to Be God’s People It is important to notice the verbs used in the Call to Cultivate Faith, such as “explore,” “develop,” “create,” and “encourage,” writes Commissioner Robert Street, author of Called to Be God’s People.

In this 10th “Call,” he says that such words summon us to intentionally grow our faith. This call to cultivate faith requires the assimilation of a personal, spiritual growth plan for our lives.

MIND & HEART To cultivate faith, Street says, one must be open to new ideas and concepts. The Christian who makes faith a matter of mind as well as of heart will eventually be able to give

by Major Lauren Hodgson

logical and convincing reasons for possessing faith. Street writes, “The Apostle Peter encourages us to always be ready to give a reason for the faith we hold dear (1 Peter 3:15). The Apostle Paul promises that if we stay close to God, His peace will guard both our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

“Intellectual laziness has nothing to commend it, yet the very busyness of Christian service can sometimes appear to encourage it. Almost imperceptibly, what began as Christian service can become activity for activity’s sake,” warns Street.

“The heresy of trying to earn or work our way into Heaven takes over and is never satisfying—because it can’t be done.”

At this point, life becomes a roller coaster of discontent.

Therefore, “quiet times, study of the word of God, consistent openness to learning more about our great God and His ways, are essential to spiritual development,” Street writes.

CULTURALLY RELEVANT TEACHING “Where our faith is weak, our biblical understanding is exposed as being weak too,” writes Street. “The challenge to make learning programs culturally relevant calls for imagination and a real understanding of the world in which we live. The intellectually lazy or self–centered will not accept the need for cultural relevance. But it is essential if the Army is to make any meaningful impact at local level. And just what is culturally relevant is best decided at corps level—but always with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

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2015 JUNE ISSUE

27

IN focus

unity

In this month’s Unity section, we meet three Salvation Army officers who serve as shining examples of the Army’s international presence. These Salvationists let God guide them in new countries, following His call to serve away from home.

축복된 나그네의 삶 14시간이 넘는 비행이 마무리 되어갑니다. 열려진 창문으로 비행기가 어디쯤 떠 있는지 확인해보니, 지면과 꽤 가까운 높이까지 내려온 것 같습니다. 한국과는 다른 풍경의 모습이 눈에 들어왔습니다. 방금까지 가지고 있던 설레임은 사라지고 순간 두 려움이 느껴졌습니다. 그토록 기도하며 준비했던 미국행이었고, 하나님께서 이끄신 길이라고 확신 하며 한국을 떠났지만, 낯선 땅에서 이방인이 되

Living in Pakistan

어야 한다는 사실에 직면하니 두려움이 생겼습니

For two years, my wife and I had an opportunity to minister in Pakistan.

Living in many parts of that country is akin to stepping back into the Bible days.

Have you ever dreamt what your life would be like if you lived when Jesus walked on this earth? Living in such an ancient and different culture from the one we were accustomed to proved life–changing.

One of the things that I came to realize is that, even though we are of a different culture, there is so much that we have in common with the people of Pakistan.

We worked side–by–side with them, shared meals in their homes, and worshiped together. We asked many questions and shared answers among us that allowed us to learn from each other.

We enjoyed fun and laughter as well as suffered sorrow and wept together.

We were challenged by a language we tried so hard to learn, but often needed proper interpretation to understand it. When I preached, I hoped that my interpreter understood what I was saying accurately enough to share my heart with the congregation in his or her own language.

I found souls that were hungry and longing to be fed the Gospel as well as tender hearts wanting to love and to be loved.

One day, a terrible flood brought death and destruction to Pakistan. The Salvation Army provided relief to thousands of people, thanks to generous gifts from all around the world.

I saw gratitude in the faces of survivors, many of whom were of a different faith than mine, but knew that Christians who wanted to do what was possible to help them represented The Salvation Army.

This is love in action. I’m glad to have served God in this way.

Today at this very moment, hungry souls and tender hearts are within walking distance of you.

지금도 생생히 기억됩니다.

다. 벌써 10년도 더 지난 이야기지만, 제가 미국에 도착했을 때 느꼈던 그 낯설고 두려웠던 마음은

—Major Dennis Gensler

Photo courtesy of Major Dennis Gensler

사회복지석사를 공부하기 위해 뉴욕에 왔지만 “The Salvation Army” 말고는 아니는이가 있는 것도 아니었고, 언어 소통이 잘 되었던 것도 아니 었습니다. 지금처럼 SNS가 발달했던 시대도 아니 었기에 가족과 연락을 하려고 해도 전화카드를 사 서 통화를 했어야 했고, 화상채팅으로 가족의 모 습을 보려면 PC방을 이용해야 했습니다. 날이 갈 수록 가족들은 그리워지고, 제가 계획했던 것들 은 빠른 진척을 보이지 않는 것 같아서 제 마음은 점점 더 불안하고 조급해졌습니다. 순간 순간 타 국에서의 삶이 두려워질 때마다 하나님께서 제게 주신 약속의 말씀을 붙들며 버텨냈지만, 시간이 지날수록 제게는 이마저도 힘든 일이 되었습니다. 그런데 놀라우신 하나님께서는 제 영혼과 마음이 지쳐 있던 그 때에, 제가 계획한 미국에서의 삶이 아닌 하나님께서 예비해 두신 삶으로 인도하셨습 니다. 창세기 15장에서 하나님의 약속의 말씀을 확신하지 못한 아브라함에게 하나님의 언약을 새 롭게 보이신 것처럼, 하나님께서는 제가 살던 아 파트에 침입한 강도와 대면하고 안전하게 보호받 은 사건을 통해 늘 저와 동행하시는 하나님을 만 나는 은혜를 허락 해 주셨습니다. 뿐만 아니라 그 사건을 통해 하나님께서 예비하신 하나님의 사람 들이 저의 나그네의 여정에 동행 하고 있음도 깨 닫게 해주셨습니다. 저는 이 기억의 끝에서 아브라함을 생각해 보 았습니다. 어느날 갑자기 하나님께 받은 명령과 약 속의 말씀만 가지고 고향을 떠나 길을 걷는 아브 라함의 삶이 충분히 이해가 되었습니다. 그리고 약속의 땅에 들어가기 까지 그 길을 포기 하지 않 고 계속 걸을 수 있었던 원동력이 무엇인지도 분 명히 알 수 있었습니다. 저의 미국 생활이 낯설고

28

JUNE ISSUE 2015

Photo courtesy of Captain SunKyung Simpson

Un Peregrinaje de Bendición

두려웠던 것처럼 아브라함의 가나안까지의 여정 도 두려움의 연속이었을 것입니다. 하나님께서 분 명 약속의 말씀을 주셨지만, 그 약속이 언제 이뤄 질지에 대한 불안함도 있었을 것입니다. 그런데 하 나님께서는 아브라함에게 끊임없이 약속의 말씀 을 하시고(창12:1-3, 15:1,5,9-11), 예비 된 사람들 을 통해(창14:17이하) 아브라함의 나그네 여정을 이끄셨습니다. 미국이란 나라에서 저는 나그네의 삶을 살고 있었습니다. 그런데 하나님께서는 이런 제 삶을 통해 한국이라면 이해하기 힘들었을 천국백성이 살아가는 진정한 나그네의 삶이 무엇인지 가르쳐 주셨습니다. 제가 만약 그저 이방인의 삶만을 살 았다면, 이국의 문화와 생활에 압도되어 모든 것 을 포기하고 한국으로 돌아갔을지도 모릅니다. 그 러나 모든 것이 두렵고 혼란스럽던 그 삶 속에서 하나님께서는 “내가 너를 불러냈고, 너를 버려두 지 않았고, 너를 혼자 걷게 하지 않았다. 너는 내 것이며, 내가 너를 지명하여 불렀기 때문이다.”라 는 음성을 듣게 하셨습니다. 한국에서 겪었어도 힘들었을 일들을 이 땅에서 겪으며 모든 것을 포 기하지 않고 지금까지 하나님의 이끄심을 의지하 의 살아가는 삶의 원리를 알았기 때문입니다. 하 나님께서는 오늘도 제게 말씀하십니다. “내가 너 로 큰 민족을 이루고 네게 복을 주어 네 이름을 창 대하게 하리니 너는 복이 될지라”(창12:2) 저는 이 말씀을 통해 제가 축복된 나그네의 삶을 살아가 며 이뤄나가야 할 사명의 메시지를 듣습니다. 녹 록치 않은 이 세상 가운데 저의 입술과 삶을 통해 하나님 나라를 확장시키시며 주의 복음이 곳곳에 심겨지게 하시는 하나님이 예비하신 계획을 보게 됩니다. 이로서 저는 하나님 나라의 축복된 나그 네이며, 이 땅에서 복음의 사명을 맡은 복의 근원 이 되었습니다. 동일한 은혜가 여러분의 삶 가운 데 가득하길 기도합니다.

Photos courtesy of Lorraine Medina

며 설 수 있었던 것은 바로 이 축복된 나그네로서

Estoy agradecida a Dios por nuestro Ejército de Salvación, en el que tenemos oportunidad para servirle.

Cuando tenía 19 años, tuve la primera oportunidad de servir como misionera en la Guayana Holandesa, a través del Corps Summer Service.

Aquella fue una experiencia extraordinaria que impactó mi vida. Sentí con toda claridad que Dios me llamaba al campo misionero.

El tiempo transcurrió con algunas sorpresas, al punto que olvidé mi anhelo de servir en el campo misionero. Para entonces batallaba en cuanto a servir al Señor o seguir en mi vida normal con un buen empleo.

El Señor tuvo que trabajar fuertemente conmigo, como lo hizo con el apóstol Pablo, que fue arrojado de su montura. Tuvo que derribarme, por lo que caí de rodillas y le pedí perdón por lo que sucedía conmigo. Dios me perdonó y me recordó su amor de Padre misericordioso, de modo que le ofrecí mi vida para servirle a tiempo completo.

Luego de 9 años como Oficiala activa, al fin tuve la oportunidad de servirle en el campo misionero. Dios tenía todo preparado, los arreglos previos se conjugaron de una manera asombrosa y, poco tiempo después, el 2 de diciembre de 2009, llegué a Costa Rica, un precioso lugar en Centroamérica.

Aunque al principio pensaba que podía servirle en otro país, el plan de Dios para mi vida tenía un nombre: Costa Rica, una de las diez naciones que componen el Territorio Norte de Latinoamérica.

Dios me ha dado el privilegio de servirle cinco años en este precioso Territorio. Tiempo durante el cual me desempeñé como Oficiala de Educación y Entrenamiento en el Colegio de Entrenamiento, y Secretaria Territorial de Juventud y Candidatos, en el Cuartel Territorial.

Como Secretaria de la Juventud pude llevar el evangelio de Cristo a través de los diez países de LAN. Pude ver pequeños de 9 años aprendiendo y compartiendo las 11 doctrinas antes de ser enrolados como Jóvenes Soldados.

Fui testigo de la manera en que Dios trabaja con los jóvenes llamados al Oficialato. Los jóvenes en LAN acuden al Colegio de Entrenamiento desde diferentes países, solo traen consigo dos maletas y una fe firme en Dios como su proveedor y sustentador hasta completar su entrenamiento. Como Oficiala del Colegio pude participar en la formación de los jóvenes que fueron mis Candidatos, una experiencia muy especial para mi vida.

Son muchas las razones por las que tengo que agradecer a Dios por LAN. Él me trajo a este lugar, estoy segura de que lo ha hecho todo por mí. Como el apóstol Pablo, me he sentido un instrumento inútil en sus manos.

— 정위 임선경(Capt. SunKyung Simpson

—Capitana Lorraine Medina

구세군 동군국 사관대학 교관)

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2015 JUNE ISSUE

29

ON file

great moments

a pioneering Spirit ¡Triunfarán! (Triumphant! in English), written by Colonel Frank Payton, chronicles the history of The Salvation Army and its growth within the Spanish–speaking community of the United States and Puerto Rico.

In this excerpt from Chapter 1, entitled Modestos Comienzos (Small Beginnings), we meet Roque and Josefina Ortiz, officers who started a southwestern Spanish–speaking ministry in 1929. ¡Triunfarán! will be available in both Spanish and English later this year.

Roque y Josefina Ortiz poseían un espíritu de pioneros. Se integraron por primera vez a las filas del Ejército en 1924 en calidad de enviados a cargo de la obra en Globe, Arizona. En 1929 inauguraron un Cuerpo en Nogales, Arizona, junto con una Avanzada justo al otro lado de la frontera, en Nogales, México. En ambas localidades, el ministerio del Capitán Ortiz y su señora se desarrolló en español. En los Consejos Anuales de la Juventud celebrados por la División de la Frontera en Phoenix, Arizona, El Mayor A. W. Brewer, Comandante Divisional, explicó a la audiencia que colmaba el Salón cómo el Capitán Ortiz, gracias a su trabajo concienzudo y práctico, se había ganado la confianza de los lugareños de Nogales, tanto del lado mexicano como del lado estadounidense de la frontera, e informó que junto con llevar a cabo su obra de asistencia social, había tenido la gran alegría de ver que cuarenta y cuatro personas se habían convertido durante el pasado mes.

—War Cry del Territorio Central, diciembre 13, 1930

El Comandante Territorial del Territorio Oeste, el Teniente Comisionado Benjamin Orames, visitó el lugar en compañía de su esposa en 1933:

Roque and Josefina Ortiz possessed a pioneering spirit. They first came into the Army ranks as envoys in 1924, in charge of the work in Globe, Arizona. In 1929 they opened a corps in Nogales, Arizona, with an outpost just across the border in Nogales, Mexico. In both locations, the ministry of Captain and Mrs. Ortiz was in Spanish. At an Annual Young People’s Councils for the Border Division held in Phoenix, Arizona, Major A. W. Brewer, the Divisional Commander, explained to the audience that taxed the seating capacity of the Hall how Captain Ortiz, through his conscientious and practical work, had won the confidence of the people in Nogales on both the Mexican and American sides, then reported that in addition to his welfare work he had had the joy of seeing some forty-four people converted during the last month.

—Central War Cry, December 13, 1930

The territorial commander of the Western Territory, Lt. Commissioner Benjamin Orames, visited along with his wife in 1933: It is impossible to describe in cold print the happy time experienced in Nogales.

Here and across the border, a splendid work is being carried on among the Mexicans. The Corps Officers are Captain and Mrs. R. Ortiz, the work of God is progressing mightily under their direction, and no more loyal Salvation Soldiers can be found anywhere in the Territory. Right from the very moment the Commissioner and party entered the Meeting, it was a time of blessing, and the presence of God was manifested mightily. Picture if you can a well– filled Hall of native–born Mexicans, both young and old, singing as only they can—and such singing!

—Western War Cry, February 18, 1933

To read a second excerpt from ¡Triunfarán!, visit saconnects.org/magazine.

Para leer el segundo extracto del libro ¡Triunfarán!, visite saconnects.org/enespanol.

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JUNE ISSUE 2015

Es imposible describir con palabras el feliz momento que vivimos en Nogales. Aquí y al otro lado de la frontera, se ha venido desarrollando una obra espléndida entre los mexicanos. Los Oficiales Directivos son el Capitán R. Ortiz y su señora. La obra del Señor avanza poderosamente bajo su liderazgo, y no se podrá hallar Soldados salvacionistas más leales en ningún otro lugar del Territorio. Desde el momento mismo en que el Comisionado y su acompañamiento ingresó a la Reunión, hemos vivido un tiempo lleno de bendiciones, y la presencia del Señor se ha manifestado en todo su poder. Imaginen si pueden un Salón colmado de mexicanos de nacimiento, tanto jóvenes como adultos, cantando como sólo ellos saben hacerlo— ¡y vaya cómo cantaban!

—War Cry del Territorio Oeste, febrero 18, 1933

testimony

to honor one’s mother

ON file

Kip prays along the Kroc Center’s prayer trail.

“ Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.”

—ISAIAH 26:4

William “Kip” Moore has played many roles as an actor and director of performing arts at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Dayton, Ohio.

However, his latest role is being played on the stage of life to a precious audience of one. He’s the primary caregiver for his 82–year–old mother Geraldine, who is in the beginning stages of dementia.

“I never thought I would have to deal with this issue,” Kip says. “This was something I watched other people deal with. Not me.”

Each day, Kip drives 30 minutes south of Dayton to his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, to check on his mother and to take her to the grocery store, shopping, and to church. Kip’s father, William, died in 2007.

“We have good days and bad days,” Kip says. “Now, she needs help doing the little things, the day–to–day things, that she used to do independently.

“No matter what she goes through, I can still hear her praying and thanking God every day for just being able to do the

Photo by Robert Mitchell

by Robert Mitchell

little things. I just want to keep her happy. I want her to keep her independence.”

Kip has fond memories of his childhood and how his mother shared Christ with him and his sister, Andrea.

“Growing up, my mother always took my sister and me to church,” he says.

“She shared the importance of being a follower of Christ. Christ was always present in our lives. Not going to church was never an option.”

As a single mother, Mrs. Moore raised Kip and Andrea and worked two jobs to make ends meet.

“She later worked as a social worker and helped many families with their needs,” he says.

Kip said his mother also insisted that her children go to college. Andrea went to Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati and Kip attended the University of Cincinnati.

“Great education was important to my mother,” he says. “She was unable to go so she made sure my sister and I went.”

Kip said it hurts to see his mother, who was “once a strong, African-American

find us on facebook / estamos en facebook / 페이스북 방문 환영 www.facebook.com/saconnects

woman,” now need help paying bills and remembering the days of the week. His advice to other people going through similar trials is to “continue to trust in God.” “He will see you through any kind of difficult times,” Kip says, “and no matter what obstacles come up, it seems like He moves them. I’m able to continue to do what I need to.”

Kip, who has, for now, cut back to part–time hours at the Kroc Center, says he sometimes gets tired. But he finds strength from Christ and from clinging to verses such as Isaiah 26:4.

“My strength to continue to help her comes from Him,” Kip says. “Without Him, I don’t know if I’d be able to do it.

“Every day, I look forward to going down to see her and making sure that she’s OK. I get tired, but the next day, I’m rejuvenated and ready to go back and do what I need to do.

“She tells me every day that she thanks God that I’m here to help her. My job is to continue to make her happy and comfortable, and as long as I have God in my life, I know I can continue to do that.”

2015 JUNE ISSUE

31

finds rightnowmedia.org

YOUR RESOURCE

saconnects.org

In every SAConnects, you’ll find resources on this page that will enrich your ministry and your life. For example, take a careful look at these videos and books (below) designed to help you understand the need for multiethnic corps.

The ‘One Anothers’ Tony Evans

Rightnowmedia.org

In our individualistic society it is easy to lose sight of the fact that Christians are bonded together in a relationship of unity as members of one another (Romans 12:5). In fact, so critical is this relationship that our horizontal fellowship with the family of God even influences our vertical fellowship with the Father. In this life-changing teaching series, Evans explores the benefits, blessings, and power of living out the “one–anothers” as found in Scripture.

Building a Healthy Multi–ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments, and Practices Mark DeYmaz, foreword by George Yancey

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Through personal stories, proven experience, and a thorough analysis of the biblical text, Dr. DeYmaz illustrates both the biblical mandate for the multiethnic church as well as the seven core commitments required to bring it about. Mark DeYmaz, pastor of one of the most proven multiethnic churches in the country, writes both from his experience and his extensive study of how to plant, grow, and encourage more ethnically diverse churches.

JUNE ISSUE 2015

Charles R. Foster Foster explores a variety of approaches congregations have taken to embrace differences, identify leadership issues associated with diversity, and discover programmatic suggestions.

This book is a guide for gathering diverse people Amazon.com into the life and mission of the congregation.

See, Know & Serve the People Within Your Reach Thomas G. Bandy Tom Bandy demonstrates how our communities and congregations are changing, and how our reliance on “best ministry practices” must change accordingly. Our congregations are different from one another, and our communiAmazon.com ties are diverse. Bandy presents new ways to view congregations and communities, enabling leaders to understand the people within their reach. He demonstrates with real–world examples how organizations can translate this information into practical strategies and tactics. Bandy shows how we can see the people in our communities with unparalleled clarity, so that we can serve them effectively.

Being the Church in a Multi–Ethnic Community: Why It Matters and How It Works

Crossing Cultures: How to Manage the Stress of Re–entry

Gary L. McIntosh

Edited by Margaret Burt and Peter Farthing

The face of America is growing rapidly more diverse, and many churches are wondering what it means to carry out the Great Commission in a community where different ethnicities are represented.

McIntosh provides an introductory guide, a basic primer for pastors and congregation leaders who are wrestling with how to reach the ethnic groups next door and welcome them into the multiethnic body of Christ. Rather than being one–size–fits–all, this book describes a variety of approaches for bringing multiple ethnicities together into a single congregation.

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Embracing Diversity: Leadership in Multicultural Congregations

“Reading through this down–to–earth handbook for coping with the stress of reentry into one’s home country and culture will provide a healing and helpful experience for anyone who has shared the adventure of crossing cultures,” Salvationarmy.ca/store writes General Paul A. Rader in his foreword.

Burt and Farthing bring together the insights of 17 Salvationists who have crossed cultures during their long–term missionary service and survived. In easy–to–read chapters and brief personal stories, they share their insights and offer practical suggestions, which will help you to cross cultures.

USA Eastern Territory Commissioners Barry C. & E. Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders