SAconnects, Volume 1, Number 7

VOL. 1, NO. 7 • NOVEMBER 2015

the magazine en sus palabras

El General

André Cox Dios, el Ejército y la Familia página 10

in his words

General

André Cox God, the Army, & Family page 8

STANDING on

faith Clifford Lancaster’s story of courage under fire page 18

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C A N D I D AT E S S E M I N A R

February 5–7, 2016 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time —2 Timothy 1:8–9 (NIV)

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IN focus

hope

a seed planted After returning home to the United States from a short trip to Zimbabwe, Africa, I paid a special visit to a grocery store. As I walked through the doors, I tried to imagine what it would feel like to enter as a Zimbabwean who had just arrived here for the first time.

I thought, the sheer volume and variety of produce would be quite overwhelming, I’m sure!

Our trip to that southern African country had ended just before the rainy season began. But throughout the rural areas, we witnessed farmers planting maize (corn) and soybeans. We learned that they plant seeds on the parched soil, and then hope that the rains will come. The trouble is, often the rain comes so hard and fast that it washes away the seed before it can actually sink into the soil.

Now, I am not a farmer. I don’t even have a vegetable garden, although someday I’d like to try to grow tomatoes.

But during this season of plenty in the United States, as we’ve been “bringing in the sheaves” and planning for our Thanksgiving “feast,” I vividly recall those people whom I saw struggling to survive in Zimbabwe.

I am drawn to the conclusion that, today, Christians are to be constantly reminded of all the good things, both spiritually and materially, that God offers to His people.

Meister Eckhart, the German theologian, wrote, “If the only prayer you say in your life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” I am grateful for the freedom I enjoy in this country because of the sacrifices of other people; for the gift of “Living Water” (the Holy Spirit) who flows through each of us; and for the assurance of hope in Jesus Christ, one seed planted at a time.

— Lt. Colonel Renée Lance / Tte. Coronel Renée Lance Territorial Pathway of Hope Coordinator Coordinador Territorial de “Pathway of Hope” (Camino de Esperanza)

la esperanza

una semilla plantada Luego de regresar a los Estados Unidos tras un breve viaje a Zimbabue, en África, visité un almacén de comestibles. Al ingresar al local, traté de imaginarme lo que sentiría un zimbabuense que hubiese llegado a nuestro país por primera vez. ¡Se me ocurrió pensar que el increíble volumen y variedad de productos agrícolas, sin duda, le resultaría sobrecogedor!

Nuestro viaje a ese país del sur de África terminó justo antes del inicio de la estación lluviosa. Pero en todas las áreas rurales pudimos ver a los agricultores que plantaban semillas de maíz y soja. Pudimos constatar que plantan las semillas sobre la tierra seca y luego esperan la llegada de las lluvias. El problema está en que, muchas veces, las lluvias son torrenciales y arrastran lejos las semillas antes de que estas logren asentarse en la tierra.

Ahora bien, yo no soy agricultor, ni siquiera tengo una huerta de vegetales, aunque algún día me gustaría cultivar tomates. Pero durante esta temporada de abundancia en los Estados Unidos, conforme vamos cosechando el grano y preparándonos para nuestra “fiesta” de Acción de Gracias, no puedo sino recordar a esas personas que vi esforzarse por sembrar sus campos confiados en que podrían cosechar más tarde los frutos de la tierra.

Por eso siento la necesidad de concluir que se les debe recordar a los cristianos todas las cosas buenas, tanto espirituales como materiales, que Dios les ofrece.

Meister Eckhart, el célebre teólogo alemán, escribió: “Si la única oración que dices en tu vida es ‘gracias’, eso debería bastar”. Estoy agradecido por la libertad que gozo en este país gracias a los sacrificios de otras personas;también por el don del “Agua viva” (el Espíritu Santo) que fluye a través de cada uno de nosotros y por la promesa de la esperanza en Jesucristo, que se planta con una semilla a la vez.

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Vol. 1, No. 7

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2015 8

IN focus

1 leader letter 4 from the editor

ON file

5

5 relevents Major Richard Lopez shares his love of electronics and the U.S. Navy.

26 wholly living Exciting recipes for joy, self–esteem, and daily living.

28

6

unity

Officers share what makes them feel grateful during this Thanksgiving season.

features

30 testimony A miracle: Major Robbin Eckhart’s amazing story.

FAITH in ACTION

13 28

6 Visit of Pope Francis

The Army’s PENDEL Division works behind the scenes during this event.

24 Eighty New Cadets

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Cover photo by Susan Magnano

El General André Cox comparte su sabiduría y sus pensamientos sobre el Ejército de Salvación hoy.

13 The Army Remembers

Veterans from all wars are honored at The Salvation Army’s Camp Ladore in Waymart, Pa.

College for Officer Training holds a ceremony to welcome new recruits.

nds fi 31 Serving Out

General André Cox shares his wisdom and his thoughts on today’s Salvation Army.

10 Habla el General

23 Music to Their Ears The Salvation Army helps to provide MP3 players to veterans.

8 The General Speaks

COVER STORY

30

of the Territory

Send a Christmas greeting.

32 Services for Veterans The Salvation Army’s programs for veterans.

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19 Serving Two Armies

Clifford “Ron” Lancaster lost a leg in Vietnam, but he also found The Salvation Army and has been involved ever since.

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2015 NOVEMBER ISSUE

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IN focus

from the editor the magazine

your connection to The Salvation Army

¿Qué viene ahora?

Durante los próximos cuatro meses, brindaremos alternativas positivas a las noticias de hoy. Revelaremos cómo pueden los ministerios deportivos ayudar a salvar vidas y hasta te haremos viajar en vivo a otras partes del mundo.

En diciembre, podrás leer acerca de Mercy Ships (un ministerio de misericordia que utiliza barcos para socorrer a los necesitados) y su misión de sanar las heridas de los pobres y de las personas marginadas. Robert Mitchell, director editorial de SAConnects, ha seguido su historia y dice: “Las fotos harán que broten tus lágrimas y sus relatos te inspirarán a embarcarte mañana mismo en un viaje misionero”.

En nuestra edición combinada de enero/febrero, los ministerios deportivos ocuparán los titulares. Willie Pyle, “mariscal de campo” de fútbol americano, te asombrará con su revelador testimonio personal, en el cual describe la manera en que su mamá (que trabaja en el Ejército) ayudó a impulsar su carrera profesional en dos continentes.

Reportaré sobre los esfuerzos que realiza el Colegio para Entrenamiento de Oficiales en esta área.

Y, en marzo, verás Salvacionistas que cruzan los océanos, las fronteras y las barreras culturales e idiomáticas.

Hugo Bravo, nuestro editor y corresponsal hispano, que el año pasado trajo una historia sobre Honduras, retomará esa misma función, esta vez con nuevas narraciones sobre jóvenes que viajan a ese país y a otras partes del mundo a servir. “Estos jóvenes Salvacionistas hablan de dejar las comodidades de sus cuerpos a fin de ayudar a los menos afortunados y difundir el mensaje de Dios. Es algo realmente inspirador”, afirma Bravo.

“Ellos son el futuro del Ejército”.

What’s next?

During the next four months, we’ll offer you positive alternatives to today’s news, reveal how sports ministries can help save lives, and even take you on vicarious journeys to other parts of the world.

In December, you’ll read about the Mercy Ships and their mission of healing to poor and marginalized people.

Robert Mitchell, SAConnects managing editor, has followed this story and says, “The photos will bring tears to your eyes and the story will inspire you to leave tomorrow on a missions trip.”

In our combined January/February issue, sports ministry will be the headline. I’ll report on the College for Officer Training’s pursuit of this endeavor.

Willie Pyle, a quarterback, will wow you with his revealing testimony in which he describes how his mom (an Army employee) helped launch his professional career on two continents.

And in March, you’ll see Salvationists as they cross oceans, borders, and linguistic and cultural boundaries. Hugo Bravo, our editor and Hispanic correspondent who brought you last year’s story on Honduras, will reprise that role with new stories on young people going there and to other parts of the world.

“These young Salvationists talk about leaving the comfort of their corps to help the less fortunate and to spread God’s message. That’s inspiring,” says Bravo.

“They’re the Army’s future.”

Warren L. Maye

Editor en Jefe / Editor in Chief

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 PHOTOGRAPHER Keri L. Shay CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brenda Lotz, Major Young Sung Kim CIRCULATION Deloris Hansen COMMAND NEWS CORRESPONDENTS ARCC Major Charles Deitrick

PENDEL R andall Thomas Major Kathryn A. Avery EMP Jaye C. Jones

MASS Drew Forster

NEOSA Major Thomas Hinzman NNE Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI Linette Luna SNE James Gordon

WEPASA Captain Kimberly DeLong NJ Siran Farrar

Territorial Music Liaison Ronald Waiksnoris

Territorial Youth Liaison Captain Gillian Rogers New command correspondents will be appointed soon for

CFOT, GNY, SWONEKY

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. 7, November 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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relevents

ON file

interview by Hugo Bravo

Photo by the Communications Department

Major Richard Lopez talks about serving in the US Navy, the importance of technology in ministries, and how God brought his wife Linda into his life.

My parents showed me the importance of hard work. My father was an engineer. Until the time of his death, he was always learning. Despite his problems with alcohol, he was an intelligent man. Even at his lowest point, he continued to provide for his family.

But ultimately, he needed help. And my mother knew that she had to take charge. She found work and even though she started with little experience, she reached manager and supervisor positions. Both of my parents dealt with their obstacles and kept going. So whenever there are times in my life when I feel less than at 100 percent, I push through, because they did.

Computers have always been a part of my life. My dad and his four brothers were computer engineers. When they were together, they would tinker with a broken computer or a VCR, trying to get it to work. Today, I can put a computer tower together in about 8 minutes—up and running! Engineering probably would have been my path too, but I’ve been called to be an officer. I admire corps ministries that invest in technology. It attracts brilliant minds to the Army, and new hearts to Christ.

I’m proud of my children Richard, Marcos, and Christina. They are all involved in ministry. They know that their parents are called into officership, and they also have a calling to serve.

They look for where their talents fit into the ministry. Christina, who is now a cadet in her second year, is amazing at video production. Richard is a great drummer and bandleader. And Marcos plays guitar and teaches younger soldiers.

In high school, I took a lot of extra credit courses and was able to graduate early. My father had served in the Navy. And so with my parents’ blessings, I also decided to join. I became an operation specialist, maintaining electronics on ships. I saw many parts of the When I was 16, I had prayed to the Lord that He would send someone for me. world and went up in rank quite fast.

That person was actually this girl I had met when I was 8, and she was 6. Back then, By 19, I was in charge of an entire divishe had thought I was serious and boring, and I had thought she was nosey and sion. On my last day of service in the loud. Today, Linda is my wife and we’ve been married for 26 years. In our marriage, Navy, I cried. Serving my country was we have a saying, “At the end of the day, it’s you and me.” When our kids began their really the only thing I knew how to do. adult lives, we remained at home. And no matter how busy we are, we make time to just escape together—to a Philadelphia Eagles game or to just walk around the mall.

At one point, my DVD collection became a bit of an addiction. When I noticed I had run out of storage space, I sold most of them and gave the rest to my children. But I still love movies, and I’ve seen every Star Trek episode, old and new, several times. It’s a wonderful escape. I love sci–fi, especially when it touches on ethics and what it means to be human.

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BEHIND the SCENES Salvation Army Supports Papal Visit On the afternoon of Saturday, September 26, 2015, Spanish Heritage Month, Pope Francis drew the attention of an estimated 800,000 people who had convened in Philadelphia to see and hear him speak. As leader of the Catholic Church, he was making a historic visit to the United States to share a message of love, cooperation, and hope.

And behind the scenes, a parallel story quietly unfolded. Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander; Lt. Colonels Janet and Stephen Banfield, leaders of the Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division (PENDEL); and a small entourage walked along South 18th Street. As they entered the Parc Bistro for lunch, their blue and white uniforms caught the eye of a man seated at the sidewalk café. When he shouted, “It’s The Salvation Army!” people erupted

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Photos by the Communications Department; (Top Middle) Andrew Burton/Getty Images

FAITH in ACTION

by Warren L. Maye

into spontaneous smiles and applause.

A woman said, “Thank you, for all the good work you do!”

“Today, walking around, I get a wonderful feeling of affirmation that says, ‘Thank you, Salvation Army, for being there!’” said Commissioner Swanson.

“The Papal visit coincides with the practical, interfaith work that we always do here in the PENDEL Division and in other communities. If there’s a need, we’ll say, ‘yes!’”

That weekend, The Salvation Army said “yes.” During the course of four days, as many as 100 volunteers supported emergency and security personnel by delivering a total of 93,000 meals, including pre–packaged lunches and hot dinners, courtesy of Wawa Inc., a popular chain of convenience stores and gas stations along the East Coast.

Army volunteers traveled throughout FBI– secured areas, serving people at 50 sites.

Although Swanson recognizes that theological differences exist between the Army and the Catholic Church, he acknowledges that, when it comes to meeting human need, they concur.

“What I’m seeing here is the way I think our relationship ought to be,” he said, “where, if the Army had a pressing need, our Catholic brothers and sisters would be right there for us too.”

“The Salvation Army is in the business of assisting first responders,” said Lt. Colonel Stephen Banfield, who, in the aftermath of 9/11, served as incident commander. “Today in Philadelphia, we have 9,000 responders. Our support of them allows the city to see that The Salvation Army is more than a seasonal, Christmastime

Reflections

by Hugo Bravo

The Pope and The Salvation Army “ The differences between Catholics and Salvationists on theological and ecclesiological questions must not impede the witness of our shared love for God and for our neighbor, a love that is able to inspire energetic efforts in the commitment to restore the dignity of those who live on the margins of society.”

— POPE FRANCIS*

Last December, General André Cox met at the Vatican with Pope Francis for the first private meeting between an Army General and a Pope. They discussed the Salvation Army’s and the Catholic Church’s shared love of God and of people around the world.

The General presented the Pope with a gift of two books, The Salvation Army Year Book 2015 and the newly published Conversations with the Catholic Church, which documents public discussions that have taken place between Army and Catholic Church leaders.

“These talks have revealed so many points of faith that connect us together,” the General said.

Pope Francis spoke warmly about his first encounter with El Ejército De Salvación (The Salvation Army) in Argentina. At age four, Jorge

The Salvation Army’s strong emphasis on families was evidenced by as many as eight family groups representing the PENDEL Brass and Singers. Shown among others are the Collier, Myers, Kelly, Avery, Laidlaw, Burgmeyer, Ferriera, Spencer, and Clark families. Also pictured are the Lt. Colonels Banfield, divisional leaders, and Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander (center).

(Far left) Commissioner Swanson thanks volunteers and (left) gathers with Rev. Bonnie Camarda and Lt. Colonel Stephen Banfield at the Festival of Families.

organization, but rather we are behind the scenes, 24/7, year round. The unsung heroes are the volunteers working at the feeding hubs, driving forklifts, and serving food and water. So, this is a great opportunity and we are honored to support it in this way.”

Lt. Colonel Janet Banfield, who could recite each step taken since the initiation of the Army’s involvement in the Papal visit, said, “No matter what The Salvation Army does, the keys to success are always the recognition of opportunity, early organization, flexibility, ease of deployment, and all done in a spirit of ministry.”

Michael A. Orfitelli, Disaster Services coordinator, thanked Bobby Myers, the PENDEL Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) director, for giving volunteers from throughout the territory an opportunity

to be involved. “The operation was extremely successful, and provided a terrific learning experience for those people who served,” said Orfitelli.

IMMIGRANTS AND FAMILIES “This is breathtaking, that The Salvation Army can participate in the World Meeting of Families,” said Rev. Bonnie Camarda.

“This is historic for us!” Camarda, who is the PENDEL division’s director of partnerships, continued, “This city is very Catholic. As a Cuban, I find it fascinating that there are a lot of Latin Americans and 50,000 Mexicans in Philadelphia. The Salvation Army is doing God’s work.”

David Burgmayer, director of service extension for the PENDEL Division, said of the PENDEL Brass and Singers, “We are moms and dads, sons and daughters.”

The group performed on a

* A statement made last year by Pope Francis during a meeting at the Vatican with General André Cox. It was the first private meeting held between a Pope and a General of The Salvation Army (see sidebar).

Mario Bergoglio, saw two Salvation Army women wearing bonnets and uniforms. His grandmother told him that they were not Catholics, but were still “good people.” This encounter and his grandmother’s subsequent response awakened him to the Army’s presence.

“This was the first sermon I had ever heard about ecumenism, and it has influenced my ecumenical walk,” said Pope Francis. grandstand across the street from the Basilica where Pope Francis spoke.

Later that evening, he attended a star–studded “Festival of Families” celebration, which was part of the first “World Meeting of Families” held in North America.

The theme emphasized the importance of ministering to families across ethnic, linguistic, national, and cultural boundaries.

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THE GENERAL SPEAKS

interview by Hugo Bravo

During his visit to San Juan, P.R., General André Cox talked to SAConnects about the Army’s disaster recovery efforts, his message to officers and new cadets, and making time for God.

ON THE SALVATION ARMY

ON BEING A FAMILY MAN

ON OFFICERSHIP

ON A CHANGING WORLD

Yes, we are a Christian church.

Is this a Non–Governmental Organization (NGO)? It is, with respect to many of our programs. Is it a social welfare organization? I suppose you could put that ticket in as well. The reality is, you cannot separate any of it. You can’t label us. If only one ticket is stuck on us, you do not tell the whole story of the Army.

Next year, I will be married for 40 years. The secret to our marriage is that we have built a relationship based on trust, respect, and listening. In a Christian marriage such as ours, there is always an extra dimension that we were both called together for a wider purpose that goes beyond my wife and me.

What you are called to do is not easy. Life will have its difficulties, whether it’s in health, family challenges, personal doubts, or challenges that come as they try to serve human suffering in parts of the world.

The redefinition of marriage does not pose any significant challenge when it comes to our delivery of service or employment. Our political masters may be greatly enlightened, but I don’t see how you can redefine marriage.

When the call came for me to serve, it literally changed the direction of my life. But it has been that strong sense of calling that has been an anchor throughout my days as an officer.

But we should also not become bigoted or biased. We should not be discriminatory. The Salvation Army should be a place where people can feel secure, safe, and well.

I’m pleased to see that The Salvation Army has, since its earliest days, had a strong bias towards the poor and the marginalized. And that bias has remained unchanged in 150 years of ministry.

“

Another secret is that I always have the last words, and those words are: “Yes, dear.”

I also have three girls, so I know how to live in a female-dominated household. I rejoiced when I got

”

We are always a work in progress.

In the DNA of The Salvation Army is a need to roll up our sleeves and get to work when something happens in our community.

Being in 127 countries translates directly to the grassroots level— people engaging in community.

Motivated to serve, day–in–and– day–out, are our officers, soldiers, volunteers, and employees. Just being a listening ear to someone in times of crisis helps make the impact for which the Army is known.

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three sons-in-law, thinking they had evened the numbers in our family. Then they each went on to have daughters! That was until last December, when I was blessed with my first grandson.

To be a good father is to be genuine. You cannot play the role of a father, or the role of a Salvation Army officer for that matter, if you are not authentic. Your kids will soon remind you of that reality. They can see right through the fakeness.

When you know the Lord has you in His arms, that’s when you need to get out of your comfort zone. You must allow yourself to be stretched. God works through that faith, to develop and to equip us.

First and foremost, we are individual, unique human beings, made by God. We need to allow Him to mold us and shape us, so that our lives can make a difference.

We are always a work in progress.

Officers should never think that, for their lives to be a success, they need extra recognition on their shoulders. There are some officers whom I am not worthy to tie their shoelaces, because they are saints—just as they are. The success or failure of your life and your ministry depends on your personal relationship with God.

I say again, we are a church. It is the foundation of what we are.

From a spiritual point of view, the changing world does pose a problem.

You are changing the fundamental beliefs that many people firmly have.

We have rights to our understandings.

Yet, I also believe that every human being has human rights, rights to financial security, and other benefits.

That is not in debate.

I am not a gatekeeper to the kingdom of God. You don’t pick and choose who comes into His Kingdom, or into our Church. We ought to be careful about throwing stones. The Africans taught me that when you point the finger at someone, you have three pointing back at you.

In all that we do, whether it be our spiritual or our social programs, we will continue to be a place of welcome.

“

I am André Cox, the way God made me. And I am privileged to have had Him call me. Not worthy, but privileged.

Photos by the Communications Department

”

ON THE NEEDS OF THE WORLD I made it an aim of my position to visit places a General can’t always get to. The General needs as broad an understanding of the world as possible.

Look at the state of the world.

In many developed nations today, there are social problems and economic crises. The reality is that poverty is almost as strong today as in the days of William Booth in 1865.

In the UK, we have introduced breakfast clubs in schools because teachers realized that children were not eating anything before coming to class. This happens in some of the most developed countries in the world. It is a confirmation that, in the battle to build a better world, there is still a lot to be done.

Part of me understands the feeling of lost hope when a natural disaster strikes. It’s always

ON HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD the poorest of the poor who are hit the hardest when the misfortune of storms and destruction arrive.

One of the strengths of The Salvation Army’s recovery efforts is that no matter the cost, time, and work, we are happy to stay with the people in disaster areas long after the cameras are gone. Who still talks about the disasters in the Philippines, or the earthquake in Haiti? Even after the outpouring of public charity and media coverage, The Salvation Army remains a presence in those communities. We were there, we are there, and we will be there.

It’s not just about giving handouts to people. Yes, in the emergency stage, you need to do that. But you also need to stick with them to rebuild society, and more importantly, to rebuild hope.

We have to set God as a priority.

We have to set the time aside for meditation and prayer. We have to plan ahead for those moments. Rather than curse at your diary for your heavy schedule, use it as a tool to block off time in your day, a time where people can’t get to you, and you can just be in the presence of God. Let us look at the example of Jesus in His own ministry.

Throughout His life, Christ showed us there is no substitute for those quiet moments in prayer before God.

have no security unless we have a good financial plan behind us.

I pray that we realize that our successes, our strength, and our hope are not things of this world, but rather of God’s presence. He is the only object of our worship.

More wonderful than the promise of prosperity is God’s amazing willingness to enter into a covenant relationship with people like you and me.

People who trust in the Lord will prosper. And prosper means more than to prosper in materials.

Prospering means to prosper in our life, our joy, our peace, and our faith.

God chose us to be in His service, and that is an honor. It is a privilege and it comes with responsibility.

We should pray not only that God will use us, but that God can use us. And He can only use us if our relationship with Him is right.

We live in a materialistic world where one is defined by the things they own, or by the things they do not yet have. We’re told that we

I never forget that, first of all, I am André Cox, the way God made me.

And I am privileged to have had Him call me. Not worthy, but privileged.

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HABLA EL GENERAL Entrevista realizada por Hugo Bravo

Photo by the Communications Department

sido una alegría para mí llegar a tener tres yernos, pues así se restableció el equilibrio en nuestra familia. Pero luego ¡cada uno de ellos tuvo hijas! Eso hasta diciembre pasado, cuando fui bendecido con mi primer nieto.

Durante su visita a San Juan, Puerto Rico, el General André Cox conversó con SAConnects acerca de la ayuda que ofrece el Ejército cuando surge un desastre natural, sobre su mensaje a los oficiales y a los nuevos cadetes, y en cuanto a la necesidad de dedicar un momento a solas al Señor.

SOBRE EL OFICIALATO

SOBRE EL EJÉRCITO DE SALVACIÓN

Cuando fui llamado a servir, literalmente, cambió la dirección en que se movía mi vida. Pero ese llamamiento ha sido para mí un ancla a lo largo de mis años de servicio.

Sí, somos una iglesia cristiana. ¿Es esta una Organización No Gubernamental (ONG)? Lo es con respecto a muchos de nuestros programas. ¿Es una organización de servicio social? Supongo que también se la podría etiquetar de esa manera. Pero la verdad es que no se pueden separar unos aspectos de otros. No se nos puede etiquetar. Si se nos aplica una etiqueta, no se da una idea de todo lo que es el Ejército.

Me complace ver que el Ejército de Salvación, desde sus inicios, ha tendido a enfocarse en los pobres y en los marginados. Y esa tendencia ha existido siempre, a lo largo de nuestros 150 años de ministerio.

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Ser un buen padre es ser genuino.

No se puede cumplir el papel de padre o el de oficial del Ejército de Salvación si no eres una persona auténtica. Si no lo fueras, tus hijos pronto te lo enrostrarían. Ellos perciben la falsedad de inmediato.

NOVEMBER ISSUE 2015

SOBRE EL HECHO DE SER UN HOMBRE DE FAMILIA En el ADN del Ejército de Salvación yace la necesidad de arremangarnos las camisas y poner manos a la obra cada vez que ocurre algo en nuestra comunidad.

El hecho de estar presentes en 127 países se traduce directamente en trabajo en el aspecto más inmediato, como son las personas que participan activamente en sus comunidades.

Motivados para servir, día tras día, están nuestros oficiales, voluntarios y empleados. El hecho de estar presentes para escuchar a alguien en momentos de crisis contribuye a ejercer el tipo de impacto por el que el Ejército de Salvación es conocido.

El próximo año cumpliré 40 años de casado. El secreto de nuestro matrimonio es que hemos construido una relación basada en la confianza, el respeto y en escucharnos el uno al otro. En un matrimonio cristiano como el nuestro, hay siempre una dimensión extra en que ambos hemos sido llamados a servir a un propósito superior que va más allá de mi esposa y de mí.

Otro secreto es que yo siempre tengo las últimas palabras, las cuales son: “Sí, mi amor”.

Y, además, tenemos tres hijas; de modo que sé cómo vivir en un hogar dominado por mujeres. Ha

Aquello que eres llamado a ser no es fácil. La vida tiene sus dificultades, tanto en cuanto a la salud, los desafíos familiares, las dudas particulares, como a los retos que surgen al servir a las personas que sufren en distintas partes del mundo.

Cuando sabes que el Señor te tiene en sus brazos es el momento en que debes abrirte a nuevos desafíos. Tienes que estar dispuesto a superarte. Dios obra a través de esa fe con miras a desarrollarnos y a capacitarnos.

Somos seres tanto individuales como únicos y hemos sido hechos por Dios. Debemos dejar que Él nos modele y nos forme para que nuestras vidas puedan ejercer un impacto real en los demás.

Nosotros siempre somos una obra que está en proceso de formación.

Los oficiales nunca deben pensar que, para que sus vidas sean exitosas, necesitan que se los reconozca más de la cuenta.

Hay algunos oficiales a los que no merezco anudarles los cordones de los zapatos, pues son verdaderos santos; tal cual como son. El éxito o el fracaso de tu vida y de tu ministerio dependen de tu relación personal con Dios.

pueden entrar a su Reino o a nuestra Iglesia. Debemos guardarnos de lanzar piedras. Los africanos me enseñaron que cuando apuntas con el dedo a alguien, tendrás a tres dedos que te apuntas a ti.

SOBRE UN MUNDO QUE CAMBIA

SOBRE LAS NECESIDADES DEL MUNDO

La redefinición del matrimonio no plantea ningún desafío significativo cuando se trata de ofrecer nuestros servicios o empleos. Puede que nuestras autoridades políticas sean muy sabias, pero yo no veo cómo se puede redefinir el matrimonio.

Me propuse como una de las metas de mi puesto visitar esos lugares a los que un General normalmente no puede ir. El General necesita tener un entendimiento acerca del mundo lo más amplio posible.

Sin embargo, tampoco debemos ser prejuiciados ni parciales.

No debemos discriminar a nadie. El Ejército de Salvación debe ser un lugar en el que las personas se puedan sentir seguras, cómodas y a gusto.

Lo digo una vez más, somos una Iglesia. Ella es el cimiento de lo que somos. Desde un punto de vista espiritual, el mundo en constante proceso de cambio ciertamente nos presenta un problema. Se están cambiando creencias fundamentales a las que muchas personas se aferran con fuerza. Tenemos derecho a entender las cosas a nuestra manera. Sin embargo, también creo que cada individuo tiene derechos humanos, el derecho de contar con seguridad financiera así como muchos otros derechos. Eso no está sujeto a debate.

Yo no trabajo de portero en la entrada del Reino de Dios.

Tú no eliges a las personas que

En todo lo que hagamos, trátese de nuestros programas espirituales o sociales, continuaremos siendo un lugar donde se acoge a las personas.

Mira el estado en que se encuentra el mundo. En muchas naciones desarrolladas hoy en día existen problemas sociales y crisis económicas. La realidad es que la pobreza sigue siendo tan avasalladora hoy como lo era en tiempos de William Booth, en 1865.

Una de las fortalezas del Ejército de Salvación, en cuanto a los esfuerzos por la recuperación, es que no importa cuál sea el costo, el tiempo ni el trabajo que se requiera, nosotros nos sentimos felices quedándonos con la gente en las áreas golpeadas por los desastres mucho tiempo después de que las cámaras y la prensa abandonan el lugar. ¿Quién sigue hablando hoy día de los desastres en las Filipinas o del terremoto en Haití? Aun después de la llegada de la ayuda brindada por la caridad pública y por los medios de comunicación, el Ejército de Salvación sigue estando presente en esas comunidades.

Nosotros estuvimos ahí, estamos ahí y seguiremos estando ahí.

No se trata sólo de repartir volantes. Sí, en la fase de emergencia, tienes que hacer eso. Pero también tienes que permanecer junto a la gente afectada para ayudarles a reconstruir la comunidad y, más importante aun, para ayudarles a reconstruir la esperanza.

SOBRE SU RELACIÓN CON DIOS En el Reino Unido, hemos introducido los clubes de desayuno en las escuelas, pues los maestros se dieron cuenta de que los niños no estaban comiendo nada antes de acudir a clases. Eso sucede en algunos de los países más desarrollados del mundo. Es confirmación de que, en la batalla por construir un mundo mejor, todavía queda mucho por hacer.

Entiendeolo que es sentir la pérdida de la esperanza cuando un desastre natural golpea a una comunidad. Son los más pobres entre los desposeídos quienes sufren el mayor impacto cuando sobreviene la desdicha de las tempestades.

Debemos hacer de Dios una prioridad. Debemos dedicar un momento a la meditación y a la oración y planificar de antemano esos momentos. En vez de culpar a tu agenda por lo repleto que está tu horario, úsala como una herramienta para apartar un momento durante el día, un instante en que no haya personas a tu alrededor, en el que puedas estar a solas ante la presencia de Dios.

Las personas que confían en el Señor prosperarán. Y prosperar significa más que sólo progresar en cuanto a cuestiones materiales.

Significa prosperar en nuestra vida, nuestra alegría, nuestra paz y nuestra fe.

Vivimos en un mundo materialista en el que se define a una persona por las cosas que posee o por las que todavía no posee. Se nos dice que no podemos vivir seguros a menos que tengamos un buen plan financiero que nos respalde.

Oro para que nos demos cuenta de que nuestros éxitos, nuestra fuerza y nuestra esperanza no son cosas de este mundo, sino más bien la muestra de la presencia de Dios. Él es el único a quien adoramos.

Más maravilloso que la promesa de una prosperidad material es la extraordinaria voluntad que Dios tiene para establecer una relación basada en un pacto con personas como tú y yo.

Dios nos elige para que le sirvamos a Él, lo cual es un honor.

Es un privilegio que requiere que seamos responsables. Debemos orar no sólo para que Dios nos use, sino para que Dios pueda usarnos.

Y Él sólo puede usarnos si nuestra relación con Él es la correcta.

Nunca olvido que, antes que nada, soy André Cox, tal como Dios me hizo. Y me siento privilegiado de haber sido llamado por Él. No me siento digno, sino privilegiado.

Consideremos el ejemplo de Jesús en su ministerio. A lo largo de su vida, Él nos mostró que no hay nada que pueda remplazar esos momentos de quietud en que oramos delante de Dios.

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The Salvation Army

Photo by Susan Magnano

remembers

by Robert Mitchell

a

pianist played slowly, starting with just a few measures of the classic and patriotic song “You’re A Grand Old Flag.”

Someone began singing the words. Then another person joined in, and then another. Soon the entire audience inside the chapel was singing boldly.

On Aug. 5 in The Salvation Army’s chapel at Camp Ladore in Waymart, Pa., a special service to honor veterans was underway. It was attended by seniors and was happening in the middle of a week reserved just for them. Their day included a flea market, a classic car and motorcycle show, ’50s music, a community lunch, and pontoon boat rides.

Also available were Ladore’s pool and patio, complete with a picturesque

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The Salvation Army

remembers

view of the mountains.

“Today when the veterans walked in, there were tears in our eyes,” says Shirley Thompson, who attended the service and lives in Easton, Pa. Among the seniors who shook hands with the veterans was Salvationist Eleanor Roskilly, who attends the Bethlehem, Pa., Corps and has been a soldier for 40 years.

“To [the veterans] it’s pride and joy and we show pride back to them,” she says.

The tradition of honoring veterans on this day began a year after the 2001 terrorists attacks, says Barbara Korteling, director of sales at Ladore and the event’s 13–year organizer.

“It just seemed like we needed to do something as an organization to thank the veterans for everything they’ve done for us,” she says.

“I would say the day is a spiritual day. We’re grateful to God for all the blessings He has given us, such as this beautiful, free country we live in.”

The first year, the event started with only 25 people.

“I think we had five cars,” Korteling recalls. “It was really small. But since then, every year it has grown.”

This year, the event drew 500 people from northeastern Pennsylvania, including many veterans from the local Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals, as well as members from local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapters.

GETTING OUT

“It’s a really good time for the veterans to have a little camaraderie and to reminisce,” Korteling says.

James English, a resident of Lake Ariel, Pa., and a deputy commander of Pennsylvania’s District 15 of the American Legion, recalls Korteling telling him how back in 2002 The Salvation Army wanted to do something for veterans.

“I said, ‘You’re the lady I’m looking for.’ We went in and sat down and that’s how we got this started,” he says.

English had no war stories as did many of the other men

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at the event, but, during his military days, he did meet two Commanders–In–Chief. He worked security aboard the White House helicopters serving presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy.

“It was good duty,” he says. “A little extra pay. It was better than being a grunt.”

English helped unload the buses that came to Camp Ladore carrying men from the area’s VA hospitals.

“They’re locked up there at the VA hospital and this is a chance to get out,” English says. “They get out of there and get to do something. They’re able to talk to somebody and share war stories.”

‘THEY NEVER FORGET THIS’

Scottie Ogden, a resident of South Canaan, Pa., who served in the Marine Air Corps during World War II, said he was pleased to see so many hospitalized veterans attend.

“These guys really appreciate it,” he says. “They’re stuck down there in the hospital and this is a good day out. They get good treatment and they never forget this. They talk with each other, they have something in common, they bond, and later, they have a meal. This is great.”

One of those men was Gordon Whitsitt, a Vietnam veteran and a former Air Force paramedic who injured his spine on duty and is now confined to a wheelchair.

“We get support here and we recognize it,” Whitsitt says.

“It’s a good activity.”

Marian Skomsky, a recreation therapist at the VA hospital in Wilkes–Barre, Pa., escorted Whitsitt and six other veterans.

Photos by Susan Magnano

SMALL BEGINNINGS

HONORED GUESTS

“It’s just about showing our recognition and appreciation for the veterans,” she says. “It’s a beautiful area, a beautiful place, and a beautiful day. Who could ask for more? There’s sunshine and trees and nature and a lot of good people.”

John O’Connor Jr., commander of American Legion Post 807 in Hamlin, Pa., agreed.

"It’s a great feeling to bring these guys up here,” he says.

“It’s always great when the citizenry of the country turns around and honors you for the service you gave.”

The speaker for the afternoon service was Stan Pratt, a Vietnam War photographer. The Honesdale, Pa., resident called the event “fabulous” and also enjoyed seeing the veterans get a day.

“This gives these men the ability to come, to talk to their peers, to meet other people on the outside, and to associate with veterans from all the conflicts [and wars] that we have had,” he says.

A SOLEMN TIME

The service concluded with prayer. Salvation Army chaplains were on hand to mingle and to pray with veterans who asked for such assistance.

“I think this is a great way to show respect for those who served our nation,” says Major Glenn Snyder, a Salvation Army officer and Camp Ladore’s administrator. “It’s also an opportunity for a number of the local veterans groups to come together. People in the community tell us how much they enjoy this and are grateful that we do this for the veterans.”

Majors Bob and Kathy Myers were the chaplains for the week. Kathy said the event “could have results that we may never see.”

Marie Stern, a resident of Philadelphia who once lived at The Salvation Army’s Markle Residence in New York City, was impressed by the service.

“The Salvation Army to me is a wonderful organization,” she says. “They do so much for people. I can vouch for it.

They should have this everywhere for veterans.”

TAKING IT ALL IN

Veterans from all branches of the service walked the grounds to take in the flea market and the classic cars and motorcycles.

Among those strolling hand–in–hand and wearing their U.S. Army hats were veterans Robert and Gladys Cunningham of Stroudsburg, Pa. Both served during World War II, when Gladys was a nurse.

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The Salvation Army

remembers

“I think it’s very nice to get this recognition after all these years, considering it was World War II,” Robert says. “We’re pretty well vintage.”

Gladys wasn’t the only female veteran on hand, as Joan Chapman of Wilburton, Pa., toured the flea market. She was a photographer in the Navy during the Korean War.

OLD CARS, OLD TIMES

“It’s a wonderful event and I come up every year,” she says.

“We should honor our veterans a lot more.”

Mary Kyler of Williamsport, Pa., said her husband, Ralph, was in the military during World War II and loved The Salvation Army.

“This event is wonderful, but The Salvation Army has always done good things for people,” she says. My husband was in the Marine Corps and said The Salvation Army was wonderful to all the troops.”

World War II veteran Frank Carra and his wife, Dolores, showed off their 1933 Ford—decked out with American flags—during the car show.

“We need the veterans and we need God,” Dolores says.

The community lunch drew a huge crowd in the dining hall at Ladore.

Werner Korteling, a member of American Legion Post 807 in Hamlin, Pa., who was in the Navy during Korea and Vietnam, said he remembers past events where the veterans were served thick pork chops.

“They looked like a bunch of kids around a Christmas tree waiting for the presents to be opened,” he says. “They really appreciate this."

“

I think it’s very nice to get this recognition after all these years, considering it was World War II. We’re pretty well vintage. ­— Robert Cunningham

Joseph Tunis, a resident of Lake Ariel, Pa., who served in the Pacific during World War II, said The Salvation Army sent him packages with toiletries and other needed items.

“That was 70 some years ago,” he says with a smile. “To me, [The Salvation Army] is okay.”

Tunis, proudly displaying many of his medals while eating lunch, said he was happy to see the veterans get recognition.

“They deserve it,” he says. “They’re locked up. Freedom is great. We saved the country. These boys did their duty and they deserve everything they get.”

Farrington Case, a member of VFW Post 5635 in Lackawaxen, Pa., and a World War II veteran who fought in the Pacific, displayed his 1984 Cadillac in the classic car show, but took a break to enjoy lunch.

“This is a very patriotic thing to do to honor us veterans,” Case says. “There are a lot of people that kind of forget about us, I guess. But The Salvation Army remembers and that’s great. All of us veterans who come here appreciate it.”

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Photo by Susan Magnano

WAR STORIES ABOUND

Robert and Gladys Cunningham of Stroudsburg, Pa. Both served during World War II, when Gladys was a nurse.

”

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Photo by Susan Magnano

SERVING two

Armies

by Robert Mitchell

C (Left) Clifford Lancaster stands in front of The Salvation Army Corps in Beacon, NY.

lifford “Ron” Lancaster, who held a Specialist Grade 4 rank, had been a soldier in Vietnam for 10 long months. But he was hopeful about his future after learning that he would soon be shipped home to be a 175–mm gun instructor at Fort Sill, Okla.

But just a few days later on Feb. 4, 1968, everything changed. It was during the Têt Offensive.

Commenced on the day of Vietnam’s Têt holiday, it became one of the largest military campaigns of the Vietnam War. Lancaster and his U.S. Army unit were on the infamous “Rockpile,” a 790–foot solitary rock outcropping near the then–Demilitarized Zone. His unit was providing support for the Marines when a 105–mm artillery shell hit his legs.

“We were receiving incoming rounds. We were being overrun,” Lancaster recalls. “I took a direct hit from a short–round 105. It hit the right leg and then hit the left leg and then went straight into the sand.

“Knowing the round was still live, no one came near me. But I never lost consciousness. I always carried bandages in my flight jacket. I applied my own tourniquets and dragged myself away from where I had been injured.”

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Clifford Lancaster with his wife Dolly.

Lancaster, who had previously called for a medevac helicopter to carry other injured personnel, soon found himself on that same chopper headed to a hospital 100 miles south in Da Nang.

“They were pretty sure that I would lose my right leg,” Lancaster says. “The left leg also had quite a bit of injury.

After 13 months in the hospital, the left leg healed, but I lost the right leg from the knee down.”

Lancaster was later sent to a hospital in Zama, Japan, where a meeting with The Salvation Army would forever change his life. He remembers that several organizations greeted the troops, but only one actually helped him.

“This little lady came from The Salvation Army and asked if there was anything she could do for me,” Lancaster says. “I said, ‘Well, I don’t have any money on me. All I have are my dog tags.’

She said, ‘We’re not asking for any money. Is there anything we can do for you?’ I remember the cap she wore. It was unique.”

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CALLING HOME

Lancaster asked if there was any way he could make a phone call home to Dolly, his wife. The woman, who was an American, replied, “Well, of course.”

“She allowed me to call my wife and to tell her I was injured and that I would be coming home in four or five days,” Lancaster says.

Lancaster knew he was losing his leg, but during that first call, he spared Dolly the news. When the woman from The Salvation Army came around the next day, Lancaster asked if he could call Dolly again to tell her.

When the woman returned a third day, Lancaster called Dolly and his mother.

“This phone had a long cord and was on a carriage. She was taking it around,” Lancaster says. “She would wheel it from bed to bed and help whomever she could help. She was a nice lady and the fact that she came to me three days in a row was terrific.”

Photos by Susan Magnano

DIVINE APPOINTMENT

“

Lancaster knew he was losing his leg, but during that first call, he spared Dolly the news. When the woman from The Salvation Army came around the next day, Lancaster asked if he could call Dolly again to tell her.

GIVING BACK

”

Lancaster, who earned two Purple Hearts for his injuries, spent the next 13 months in various Army hospitals in the United States.

“While I was in the hospital, I was trying to think how I could repay The Salvation Army for what they did for me,” he recalls.

Lancaster called The Salvation Army in Beacon, N.Y., where he lived.

“I told them, ‘I can’t walk, I can’t stand too much, but from the waist up, I’m fine.’ They asked how I was at math,” he says. “I started with counting kettles.”

For the next 25 years, Lancaster would frequently be in the office counting money, afternoons and nights. As he saw the giving increase, he would often get Dolly and other relatives to help.

“After doing kettles for 25 years, it was time to move on and let someone else take over,” he says.

‘TEAM LANCASTER’

Lancaster has been an advisory board member for 25 years.

Dolly, his wife of 53 years, has often served with him. Major James C. Kisser Jr., the corps officer in Beacon, says Lancaster serves as the “unofficial historian” of the advisory board and has introduced Kisser to many civic and business leaders.

“It has been a real pleasure getting to know Ron Lancaster and working with him on the advisory board,” Kisser says.

“His energy is inspiring and his love and respect for The Salvation Army are humbling.

“Ron and his wife, Dolly, really are a package deal, and it is like getting two advisory board members for the price of one.

Over the years, they have stood at countless kettle stands,

served as the drivers to get kettle workers in and out, and have recently given long hours to counting kettle collections.”

Lancaster’s connection with The Salvation Army actually goes back to his childhood. Born in July 1942, Lancaster’s father was shipped out for World War II later that month.

At the time his mother lived in Ellenville, N.Y. There she received help from The Salvation Army and later, in Peekskill, N.Y., when the family moved.

‘I’M STILL HERE’

“I guess The Salvation Army is in my blood,” Lancaster says.

Lancaster has an interesting religious heritage. One of his grandmothers was Jewish, while the other was Southern Baptist.

His wife is Roman Catholic, but he has found himself drawn to The Salvation Army, part of the Protestant holiness movement.

“For the last 20 years, if I was going to church, I came right here to the Beacon Corps,” Lancaster says.

“I’m still here, so God has been here with me. The doctors are surprised that I’ve been here this long.”

In the 1970s, Lancaster ran into cardiac problems when he was told he had the arteries of a 70–year–old man despite being 34. That’s when he underwent his first heart bypass surgery.

“One doctor told me, ‘You should really put all your important things in order.’ I’ve been told that a couple of times,” Lancaster says. “I’ve had a few heart attacks and a second bypass.”

SERVIR a dos

EJÉRCITOS

IN THE MOMENT

En Clifford “Ron” Lancaster se da el siempre llamativo hecho de alguien que ha servido con honra tanto al Ejército de Estados Unidos como al Ejército de Salvación. Lo primero lo hizo en la Guerra de Vietnam donde, al inicio de la ofensiva del Têt, sufrió la pérdida de parte de su pierna derecha. Fue en el hospital en Zama, Japón, mientras yacía postrado en cama, que pudo apreciar en persona la obra social del Ejército de Salvación. Una señorita salvacionista lo ayudó a mantener el contacto telefónico con su esposa, Dolly, que esperaba noticias de él en los Estados Unidos.

Agradecido por la ayuda del Ejército de Salvación, Lancaster decidió que una vez repuesto de sus heridas ofrecería sus servicios al Ejército de Salvación en la ciudad donde vivía. Comenzó así una relación de toda la vida con el Cuerpo del Ejército en Beacon, New York.

Lancaster ha trabajado contando los montos recauda-

Lancaster has suffered from prostate cancer and a stroke, which he believes was due to his exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange while in Vietnam. During one ordeal, a priest read him his last rites.

Lancaster is also often in pain from the injury he suffered to his left leg. He has developed bursitis and arthritis, but because of the injury, doctors have recommended against him getting a knee replacement.

“They tell me if it hurts, to suck it up,” Lancaster says with a laugh.

Lancaster is the Salvation Army’s representative to the Castle Point VA Hospital near Beacon. He visits the men and volunteers.

“I have about 5,000 volunteer hours as a veteran with the VA,” Lancaster says. “I was doing a lot of volunteer work with spinal cord patients. I enjoy helping them.

“It was getting a little bit too hard because they are all my age and we started losing a lot of them. It felt like losing a brother, so I had to stop my volunteer work.”

While the VA may be in the headlines these days, Lancaster says he has no trouble receiving benefits. He often uses doctors outside the VA system because he found he often needed help on weekends and in emergencies.

“The VA is very good to me,” he says. “I have no problem getting benefits. They will give me anything I ask. I just call them or go [to Castle Point] and the trucks are here the next day.”

STILL GOING STRONG

Even before Lancaster was drafted in 1967, he worked for Con Edison at the Indian Point Energy Center, a nuclear power plant in Buchanan, N.Y. After leaving the military, the VA helped Lancaster go to school to obtain his nuclear license. He completed a 21–year career, working his way up from a janitor to a control room operator.

“My last two years, they opened a purchasing department and promoted me to purchasing agent,” Lancaster says. “I knew a lot of merchants from my days growing up in the area.”

In 1984, Lancaster retired and increased his volunteer work at the Beacon Corps and at the VA. Today, he helps when he can, but standing for long periods is a problem, due to his injuries.

Still, he soldiers on while displaying an infectious smile.

“I don’t know how much longer I can assist the corps and The Salvation Army, but I will certainly do it as long as I possibly can,” Lancaster says.

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Photo by Susan Magnano

HELPING HIS BROTHERS

dos en la campaña de la Olla Roja, y ha participado junto con su esposa en la junta asesora del Cuerpo.

Ese mismo espíritu de agradecimiento y generosidad con los demás lo ha llevado a trabajar como voluntario en el Hospital de Veteranos (VA, Administración de Veteranos de Guerra, por sus siglas en inglés) en Castle Point, cerca de donde vive. Su relación con VA, siempre fluida, se remonta a su regreso a los Estados Unidos, cuando esta organización lo ayudó a seguir sus estudios y a conseguir su licencia nuclear. Eso le ha permitido seguir una carrera en la que llegó a completar 21 años de profesión en la planta nuclear de Buchanan, New York. Aquejado en la actualidad por varios problemas de salud, Lancaster sigue aquí, siempre con fuerza, ayudando en todo lo que puede a los demás.

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FAITH in ACTION

music to their ears The Salvation Army Gives Back to Veterans

by Robert Mitchell

“It’s about time to re–engage with the military and to bring the Gospel to them through missions.”

Last November, author Dan Perkins got a message from the Lord. It happened while traveling a desolate stretch of Route 75, Florida’s “Alligator Alley.” He was on his way from Sanibel Island in the northwest to Miami Beach in the south.

“About 45 minutes out, I started to get cold and clammy and sweaty. And my vision started to blur,” Perkins recalls. “I pulled over to the side of the road. I don’t know what happened next, but after about 15 minutes, everything cleared up. And that’s when I realized the Lord had told me the name of a foundation, ‘Songs and Stories for Soldiers,’ and what I was supposed to do.”

Songs and Stories for Soldiers, a 501(c)(3) non–profit corporation, was formed to provide free, customizable electronic entertainment to active and retired members of the military. A small package given to each veteran includes an MP3 player with ear buds and a USB connection cable.

Perkins soon met Dr. Norman Raymond, the corps sergeant major at the Chapel at Worthington Woods in Columbus, Ohio. Raymond, after hearing about the foundation, introduced Perkins to Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, and Lt. Colonel Kenneth W. Maynor, territorial program secretary.

“I was a Salvationist ‘connector,’” Raymond says.

The group met for breakfast to discuss how The Salvation Army might help.

“That went very well and everyone thought it was a great idea,” Raymond says.

Perkins, who served stateside during the Vietnam War, said whether veterans “have bodily scars or emotional ones, each vet is changed by war.”

“We know the price every active duty member of the armed forces pays,” Perkins says on his website (www.danperkinsatsanibel.com).

“We want them to know we are working to do something for them. By providing this customizable MP3 player, veterans wounded on duty will have soothing songs, stories, and their own type of music that they enjoy. While not an answer to all their needs, it is something we can do to remind them that someone cares.”

So far, the foundation has distributed about 3,000 MP3 players in VA hospitals around the country. The Salvation Army is responsible for giving out about 900, mostly in Cleveland and in Dayton, Ohio.

Major Diana Capanna, who handles community care ministries in the NEOSA Division, said that each month, Salvationists visit the local VA hospital in Cleveland.

“We meet, pray together, and review the guidelines before we split up and minister on separate floors in the hospital,” she says. “During our monthly visits, we distribute gifts and the War Cry magazine.

“Our gifts usually consist of puzzles,

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pens, crosswords, lap robes, socks, and toiletries. We do our best to find out what the veterans need and want and order these things for them.”

Perkins said that’s why he wants to work closely with the Army.

“We’re going to work with The Salvation Army to look at every hospital that they have a relationship with in the territory and try to launch Songs and Stories in all of them,” he says.

Raymond said that, during WW1, WW2, and the Vietnam War, The Salvation Army was involved in helping veterans. During Christmas, Raymond stands kettles to raise donations for the Army. He said that many aging veterans often stop and talk to him about The Salvation Army’s kindness to the troops.

“It got me thinking, Are we connected at all? Are we supporting the troops like we used to and how our heritage calls us to?’ ” Raymond says.

Raymond remembers a childhood friend, Rick Knickerbocker, who died in Vietnam.

“When I heard about the MP3 program, I thought, Wow, what a great way to re–engage in a major way with all of our units,” said Raymond.

“The fellas who are in the hospitals, they spend many hours alone. The medical staff does what it can, but otherwise, they’re alone. We need troops to take these [packages] into the hospitals, and who better to do it than The Salvation Army?”

Photo by iStock

—DR. NORMAN RAYMOND, CSM, CHAPEL AT WORTHINGTON WOODS

2015 NOVEMBER ISSUE

23

FAITH in ACTION

Eighty ‘Joyful Intercessors’ Welcomed “God is waiting for you. In that right moment, and in the fullness of time, He is going to move on you.”

Photos by PhotoBureau/Joe Vericker

by Warren L. Maye

The USA Eastern Territory recently celebrated the arrival of 80 new cadets to its College for Officer Training (CFOT) as part of “Impact 150,” a cadet recruitment initiative that had been underway since November 2014.

At that time, Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, made it clear that he was counting on every Salvationist to make a significant impact on the Salvation Army’s future. “God has placed upon my heart a burden to pray for 100 new cadets to join the Joyful Intercessors session of 2015,” he said. “With the number of cadets and spouses currently at CFOT, this would represent a total of 150 cadets in preparation for officership.”

On September 11, 2015, that impact was richly apparent during a public Welcome to Cadets meeting at

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Centennial Memorial Temple in New York City. On that historic night, the new cadets ceremoniously and with great fanfare marched enthusiastically into the Temple and took their place on the platform beside the Messengers of Light session.

“We thank you, Commissioners Swanson, for your vision, said Colonel William A. Bamford III, chief secretary.

“God will bless us in a marvelous way.

We present to you and to God this wonderful session!”

Bamford also gave thanks to Majors Laura E. and Thomas M. Lyle, associate candidates’ secretary and candidates’ department secretary, for their tireless efforts and effective recruitment campaign.

Bamford reminded everyone how, 14 years ago, a similar session found

itself responding to the horrific terrorist attacks of 9/11. “And many of you are right here in this room,” he said. To honor the Americans who lost their lives on that fateful day, Bamford invoked several minutes of prayerful silence.

‘LORD OF ALL’ “Jesus Christ is Lord of the nations!” proclaimed Colonel Janet Munn, the newly–appointed CFOT principal. Munn, who recently returned to the USA Eastern Territory after having served for eight years in Europe and Australia, prayed purposefully and passionately

When God Intercedes for this racially, ethnically, nationally, and linguistically diverse cadet body.

“Jesus Christ is Lord of Haiti, Colombia, Jamaica, Argentina, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Spain, St. Thomas & the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the United States,” she said.

“We may speak and act differently, but we are one. We’re from so many nations, but we’re one session.” Quoting the book of Romans from the Message, Munn concluded, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer!”

‘THE ORIGINAL JOYFUL INTERCESSOR’ “What is a ‘Joyful Intercessor’ anyway?” asked Commissioner Barry Swanson rhetorically. The answer came through the Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM) team, who dramatically and literally put a spotlight on Simeon, a Bible character whom the Apostle Luke described as deeply religious, devout, quiet, patient, and holy.

Said Swanson, “Simeon was who he needed to be, when he needed to be it, and where he needed to be.” Although theologians consider Simeon an obscure and minor person, Swanson said that Simeon’s sensitivity to God’s leading and his deep knowledge of Scripture made his appearance on the biblical timeline both relevant and purposeful.

Swanson said of the man who had waited for that moment when he would look into the infant face of Christ, “Simeon was the prophetic link between the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament realities.” Swanson said that, at the right moment, in the fullness of time, God revealed to a seemingly insignificant person his role on the stage of history.

Indeed, when Simeon’s life’s purpose was fulfilled, he sang out to the Lord.

Commissioner Swanson’s message offered a personal word of encouragement to everyone who wondered where his or her life fitted into God’s plan. “We have no idea how, but God is orchestrating the events of our lives,” he said.

THE ‘WEIGHT’ OF THIS FLAG When Commissioner E. Sue Swanson, territorial president of women’s ministries, solemnly presented the session flag, she said to the flagbearer, “I give its full weight to you, of living up to the standard and leading the session, as well as leading other people who will follow in your train.” Her words came slowly and carefully. “Lead joyfully. And lead with the power of the Holy Spirit!”

Cadet Yuco Hall, who hails from the Harlem Temple Corps, took the flag in his hands. He had been born in New York’s notorious “Hell’s Kitchen” and, some years ago, felt the weight of his call to officership.

“But at the time, I wasn’t ready to let go of my lifestyle,” he had said during a farewell sermon at the corps. “I was afraid to try and I didn’t want to do what the Lord was calling me to do.”

Then one day, a series of events changed his perspective forever. A dear uncle passed away. He had taught Yuco as a young boy to play chess during a three–year stay in the Dominican Republic. At the same time of his uncle’s death, Yuco lost a close friend. And then he lost his job.

A seemingly defeated Yuco returned home to live with family. “This was a difficult time for me. I felt so depressed,” he said. However during this time, he finally learned to trust God’s plan for his life. “That’s when He began to see me through,” remembers Yuco.

The birth of a nephew also helped renew Yuco’s faith. No more excuses, he promised himself. Today, as he took the flag firmly into his white–gloved hands, he also accepted the “weight” to which Commissioner Swanson had so purposefully alluded. He carried the flag carefully, placed it in its brass stand, and adjusted its soft red, yellow, and blue folds. Then he straightened its golden tassel, stepped back, and snapped a Salvation Army salute.

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The following cadets reflect on the moment God revealed His purpose in their lives.

Her call to officership came through a dream and through subsequent conversations with her officers.

Marie Montour is a soldier of the Westbury Corps in the Greater New York Division.

She has been involved in The Salvation Army since her youth in Haiti. Her strengths include being patient, kind, and flexible.

“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all your wonders.” — Psalm 9:1 Hearing the Lord’s voice during a divisional men’s camp changed the life of Michael Blanchette, a soldier of the Brockton, Mass., Corps.

He felt the Holy Spirit burning in his heart saying, “I am calling you to officership.”

The Lord began to give him hope. Michael was obedient to God’s voice and has chosen Isaiah 6:8 as his life verse. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I, Send Me!’” A graduate of the Brockton, Mass., ARC, he wants to help other people in recovery grow in their faith.

“He was this very nice young gentleman bank officer,” remembers an elderly Hortence Stamp, a soldier of the New Rochelle, N.Y., Corps. “Then one day, I see him as a soldier at the corps!”

Shean Bolton, a former assistant branch manager for a bank, says he fell in love with The Salvation Army as a child while attending Sunday school in Kingston, Jamaica. He is an encourager and a planner who loves to share his faith while helping people. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6.

ON file

wholly living

JOY? Searching for

by Chris Stoker

We’ll sing about it. We’ll talk about it. It’ll be written on Dunkin Donuts® cups, displayed in storefront windows, featured on radio broadcasts, and scripted on Christmas cards. And during this holiday season, it’s supposed to come to us naturally. But, does it?

Is joy your natural response when another driver cuts you off? Does joy come to mind while standing on a long checkout line? Is it joy, or something else that is most easily felt when you’re required to be in two places at once? Perhaps in those instances and especially during this season, you’re actually spending a lot of time searching for joy.

Take a look at these words:

.

Your roadmap for JOY

Joy is and has always been about God, rather than about us, our way of doing things, our traditions, or our history.

Start with an eternal perspective and realize our place in the grand scheme of things. There’s a divine process to understand and to honor.

joy “ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.”

—1 JOHN 1:1-4

Other people need to hear God’s word. The Gospel is visceral and accessible. We’ve heard it. We’ve seen it. We’ve touched it and it has touched us. The Gospel reaches deep.

It completes, heals, redeems, and makes us new. We’ve touched and been touched by grace.

You have been given life, so be a life-giver to others.

Share more than words. Let your life be a proclamation of transformation. You have been given a second chance, so freely give second chances to other people. You know what it means to be widely and deeply loved. So love others in the same way. Share what you have, as well as what you know.

As grace has found its way to even you, share it with others.

Remember the heart of fellowship. The Scripture says “We proclaim to you … so that you may have fellowship with us … and our fellowship is with the Father.”

Joy is all about His restorative presence.

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NOVEMBER ISSUE 2015

‘Five–Minute Meal’ Spiritual food for your soul

‘Less Than’ a battle for self–esteem

by Major Lauren Hodgson

There is an ongoing battle raging within the souls of men and women and, if allowed, it will overtake the soul health that Jesus died to give us. It’s the battle against “less than.” The constant struggle of trying to measure up to what we perceive to be acceptable in the eyes of family, friends, coworkers, God, and ourselves.

These deadly mind games affect everyone, but are particularly prelevant in the souls of women and are expressed in these and other familiar thoughts:

“You’re not quite measuring up.”

“You’ve missed the mark.”

“Almost, but not quite.”

“Failed again.”

“Why keep trying?”

Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring your mind and body the nourishment they crave in the midst of our busy and distraced lives.

Follow this recipe to begin or to strengthen your time with God. It takes only five minutes a day for you to see what God can bring to your entire life!

ingredients ❑ Bible ❑ Favorite Bible translations/paraphrases ❑ Devotional book ❑ Related resources

You may add thoughts of your own to the list that negatively influence your self–esteem and make you feel less than who you truly are. We must take a good, hard look at these phrases of condemnation. They promote an ongoing feeling of denunciation with no redemption in sight.

In the battle against “less than,” we must have the conviction that God’s word is true. Here is some truth from His word:

“ So now I put you in God’s hands. I entrust you to the message of God’s grace, a message that has the power to build you up and to give you rich heritage among all who are set apart for God’s holy purposes.”

—ACTS 20:32 (VOICE)

God also directs us to be aware of our thought patterns at their earliest inception so that we successfully avoid a dark, destructive path that leads us away from His purposes for our lives. So, think on those things that are “pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8) and let those thoughts take root in your mind.

The Dove Movement for Self–Esteem has some amazing resources to help get you started. Go to the link below and share them today with a girl or woman who needs encouragement to win the battle against “less than.” realbeautysketches.dove.us

❑ Journal ❑ Pens, pencils, highlighter ❑ Bookmark(s) ❑ Note cards ❑ Other reading material

directions Answering these simple questions—when, where, and what—is a great way to maximize your time with God. Start with a one–week commitment and build from there.

WHEN Find the optimum time by setting an appointment (in writing) with Him.

Keep your appointments with God. WHERE Establish a quiet place, away from distractions.

Keep the space sacred.

WHAT Have the proper tools (your ingredients) readily available.

Keep them close to your space.

2015 NOVEMBER ISSUE

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ON file

unity

누가 늘 감사할 수 있을까?

The Thanksgiving season is a time to reflect on the blessings, gifts, and special people in our lives.

This month’s Unity brings together officers who share with SAConnects for what, and for whom, they give thanks to the Lord this November. 결실의 계절 11월과 한해를 마무리하는 12월은 어느 때보다도 감사할 일들이 많은 때입니다. 11 월은 한 해의 결실을 바라보며 감사하는 때이고,

Gratitude

12월은 나의 구원자요 왕으로 오시 예수님의 탄

When people ask me “what I am grateful for?,” I quickly think of my immediate and my extended family. One tradition in the Lyle family is to spend time together outdoors.

I remember a time when I was around 7 or 8 years old. I sat in the woods with Major LeRoy Lyle, my grandpa, listening for turkeys to roost. As darkness came upon us, we listened closely as they flew up and into the trees. In addition to hearing the turkeys flap their big wings, we also heard a bunch of howling coyotes.

Some were even close to us.

I was frightened. I asked Grandpa, “Can we go back to the cabin?”

But that day, Grandpa taught me a lesson that I have since taught to my children. He told me that I don’t have to be afraid of anything. As the sun slowly disappeared beneath the horizon, he softly sang the chorus “Jesus Loves Me.” He also told me that we could walk through the woods with confidence—even in the dark. And when we are afraid, all we simply need to do is to draw nearer to God, because His word says that He will draw near to us (James 4:8).

Now as an adult, this simple lesson has helped me get through some tough times during the past two years. It may sound simple, but I’m grateful for having a family that loves one another during such times. I’m thankful for moments I had as a child that today still shape me. And I’m thankful for simple moments with my grandfather, a man whom I dearly love.

Just as I sat a little closer to Grandpa when I heard those coyotes, I need to draw closer to God when fear and difficult moments come my way. When I’ve passed through those times, the result is my testimony of God‘s love, revealed and lived out in my life.

“Yes, Jesus loves me,” this I know.

영국의 유명한 부흥사 스펄전은 이런 말을 했습

생을 기리며 감사하는 때입니다.

— Major Joshua D. Lyle

니다. “별빛을 보고 감사하는 사람에게는 달빛을 주시고 달빛을 보고 감사하는 사람에게는 햇빛 을 주시고 햇빛을 보고 감사하는 사람에게는 해 와 달이 필요 없는 영원한 빛을 주신다.” 감사하 는 마음은 더 큰 감사를 불러일으키고, 감사하는 사람들에게는 언제나 감사의 조건들이 더 많이 만들어지도록 하는 것이 하나님의 법칙입니다. 그렇다면 누가 늘 감사하며 살 수 있을까요? 먼저, 항상 믿음의 눈으로 세상을 보는 사람입 니다. 우리가 믿음의 눈으로 세상을 보면 하나님 으로부터 받은 은혜가 보입니다. 그래서 그 믿음 때문에 우리는 더욱 감사할 수 있는 자가 되는 것입니다. 그러므로 감사에는 믿음의 비밀이 숨 어 있습니다. 또한 믿음은 받은 은혜뿐만 아니라 앞으로 받을 축복도 보게 합니다. 시카고에 대화 재가 났을 때, 시가지 한복판에 있던 무디 목사 의 교회도 모두 불타버렸습니다. 기자들이 무디 목사 곁으로 다가가 “목사님, 하나님께서는 왜 교회가 불이 타 없어지는 것을 가만 두십니까?” 라고 빈정거렸습니다. 그래도 무디 목사님은 “ 나는 오히려 하나님께 감사합니다. 벌써부터 하 나님께 큰 교회를 달라고 기도해 왔기 때문입니 다. 여러분은 얼마 안가서 불에 탄 교회보다 더 크고 훌륭한 교회를 볼 것입니다.” 그 뒤, 하나님 께서는 무디 목사님의 부흥회를 통하여 은혜 받 은 영국교회들의 건축헌금을 통하여 옛날 교회 보다 훨씬 크고 아름다운 교회를 짓게 하셨습니 다. 믿음의 눈으로 세상을 보면 악조건 속에서도

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NOVEMBER ISSUE 2015

하나님의 은혜가 보이고, 그 하나님의 은혜 때문 에 더 감사할 수 있게 되는 것입니다. 두 번째로, 하나님의 은혜를 잘 기억하는 사람이 감사도 잘 하는 사람이 됩니다. 우리 옛말에 “은 이 있습니다. 우리가 살면서 하나님과 주위 사람 들에게 받은 은혜가 많음에도, 은혜는 물에 새기 기 때문에 금방 잊어버립니다. 그러나 원수는 돌 에 새기기 때문에 섭섭했던 것, 속상했던 것, 상처 받은 것들은 잘 잊어버리지 않습니다. 그러다 보 니 살다보면 은혜 받은 사람은 적고 원수만 늘어 가는 것입니다. 그러므로 은혜를 잘 기억하는 것 이 감사하며 살 수 있는 비결입니다. 구약성경에 서 하나님이 추수 감사절을 재정하신 의도도, 바 로 “은혜의 기억”에 있습니다. 이스라엘 백성들의 가장 큰 단점은 하나님의 은혜를 너무 잘 망각하 는 것이었습니다. 홍해를 가르는 기적을 베풀어도 3일 이후에 마라에서 불평하며 원망하고, 만나를 줘도 또 고기가 먹고 싶다고 불평하고, 메추라기 를 줘도 또 불평하고 원망하고... 이렇게 하나님의 은혜를 너무 쉽게 잊고 불평하는 것이 이스라엘 백성들의 특징이었기에, 가나안 땅에서 소산을 거두고 살면 반드시 하나님의 은혜를 기억하라고 추수감사 절기를 제정하신 것입니다. 하나님의 은 혜를 잘 기억하면 불평은 쉽게 사라집니다. 오히 려 입에서 감사가 나오는 것입니다. 마지막으로 감사의 마음을 어려운 이웃과 함께 나누면 감사는 배가 됩니다. 11월의 추수감사 절 기와 12월의 성탄감사 절기에 더욱 하나님의 은 혜를 기억하고 감사하며, 어려운 이웃과 함께 감 사의 마음을 나눌 때, 우리의 감사는 더 큰 감사 로 이웃에게 전이될 것입니다. 그래서 구세군은 Thanksgiving day를 맞아 이웃을 섬기는 각종 행사를 갖는 것이며, 또 구세군 자선냄비 봉사의 손길로 어려운 이웃들과 함께 감사의 마음을 나 누는 것입니다. 특히 저희 구세군 뉴욕한인영문 에서는 감사의 마음을 이웃과 함께 나누기 위해 해마다 “이웃사랑 나눔축제”를 열고 있습니다. 감사의 마음이 배가 되기 때문입니다. 우리가 살아가는 삶을 늘 믿음의 눈으로 볼 때, 그리고 하나님의 은혜를 잊지 않고 늘 기억할 때, 더욱 감사할 줄 아는 복된 인생이 되는 것이 며, 또한 이 감사의 마음을 이웃과 함께 나눌 때, 그 감사는 더욱 배가 되는 것입니다.

Diariamente Agradecida ¿Por qué estoy agradecida?

Son tantas las cosas que sería imposible nombrarlas todas. Hace ya varios años que el Espíritu Santo puso en mi corazón el deseo de anotar, cada día, una razón por la cual estoy agradecida.

Tengo una libreta que contiene más de mil anotaciones dando gracias a Dios por sus bondades para conmigo.

Cada 31 de diciembre me tomo el tiempo para leer mi lista y para recordar lo bueno que Dios fue conmigo en ese año. El día 1° de enero de cada nuevo año comienzo una lista nueva. El Salmo 103:2 dice: “Bendice, alma mía a Jehová, y no olvides ninguno de sus beneficios.”

Ahora, si me preguntaran qué es lo que más le agradezco al Señor, tendría que decir que siento gratitud por poder abrir mis ojos para ver que Él contesta todas mis oraciones. Sé que aunque mis ojos físicos no lo puedan captar, mis ojos espirituales ven la mano de Dios obrando.

El Dios Todopoderoso a quien servimos está presente y activo en medio de cualquiera que sea la circunstancia por la cual le estemos pidiendo. Aunque a veces no sabemos cómo obra Él, o aun cuestionamos sí realmente está escuchándonos, Dios nos asegura que está actuando como solo Él puede hacerlo. Es por eso que Su Palabra nos dice en 1 Tesalonicenses 5:8: “Dad gracias en todo, porque esta es la voluntad de Dios para vosotros en Cristo Jesús”.

Es posible que, para nosotros, sea un misterio; pero los planes de Dios son perfectos. Y esos planes son “de bienestar y no de calamidad, a fin de darnos un futuro y una esperanza” (Jeremías 29:11).

Al final de este año tendré que añadir hojas en blanco a mi libreta para comenzar mi nueva lista del 2016. Cuánto le agradezco a Dios porque “toda buena dádiva y todo don perfecto descienden de lo alto, del Padre de las luces, en quien no hay cambio ni sombra de variación” (Santiago 1:7). ¡Gracias, mi Señor y Rey!

— 참령 이상정 (구세군 뉴욕한인영문 담임사관)

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

—Mayora Edelweiss G. Díaz

Photo from Left to Right: Courtesy of Joshua D. Lyle; Courtesy of Sang-Jung Lee; Keri Shay

혜는 물에 새기고 원수는 돌에 새긴다.” 라는 말

2015 NOVEMBER ISSUE

29

ON file

testimony

‘It was a miracle’

by Warren L. Maye

Early one morning in April 2009, Major Robbin J. Eckhart, assistant to the food services director at Territorial Headquarters, was injured when her car collided with a sanitation truck in front of the headquarters building.

Eckhart, 46, was on her way to work. However, glare from a golden sunrise belied the approaching disaster as she commenced a left turn onto the parking lot ramp. Emerging from the blinding haze, the 32–ton truck struck Eckhart’s car. The truck rolled over the car’s hood and cab. It continued on, finally coming to rest 700 feet down the road. The truck driver escaped injury, but emergency workers had to use the “Jaws of Life,” hydraulic cutting and spreading tools, to pry open the collapsed car. They eventually freed Eckhart. She recalls, “They said I should have been dead.”

Paramedics then rushed Eckhart by ambulance to Nyack Hospital. “I remember Major Joan Brewer was on the scene. And I said to her, ‘please don’t leave me!’” Brewer, who also witnessed the accident, rode with Eckhart.

She phoned Eckhart’s husband, Major Bruce Eckhart. An auditor, he was en route to an assignment.

“To avoid getting me too upset, Joan told me to just turn around and

meet them at the hospital,” recalls Bruce.

Doctors put Robbin on morphine and treated her for broken tibia and fibula bones and internal injuries. “At that point, everyone wondered if she’d even survive,” said Bruce.

The accident, which delayed traffic for several hours, was an uncanny reminder of the tragedy that took Robbin’s brother’s life just six years earlier. In 2003, Major Terry McKay, 50, of Norwalk, Ohio, was promoted to Glory when he was struck by a truck that was towing a 15–foot construction trailer. Ironically, he was returning a library book entitled In His Presence, by Charles Stanley. Police found the book near his body. Said Robbin, “So, my mother had already lost one child. She didn’t want to lose me too.”

Eckhart recalls her survival as “a miracle that day.” But her two– week treatment at the Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Center was slow and painful. “I couldn’t put any weight on my leg.” The multiple breaks required setting and surgery. “I had a plate screwed in with pins. I was not able to walk for four months.”

“I had to exercise at home,” said Eckhart, who remembers how The Salvation Army provided her with a

first–floor walk–in apartment at the College for Officer Training.

Bruce felt overwhelmed. “Taking on all the household chores as well as helping her in and out of the wheelchair, cars, and up and down ramps was a challenge,” he remembers.

But gradually, she began to see substantial improvement. “The doctors were amazed that there was no limp in my leg. I told them that I have angels watching over me!”

Many people prayed for her recovery. “From the accident, to the surgery, to the rehab,” she said. “And when I got back home, my husband, family, friends, and Salvationists helped and supported me. I thank God for them.

Yes, the Army does ‘the most good!’”

Today, Eckhart walks, has moved back into her multistoried residence, and has gained the power to predict the weather. “I know when it’s going to rain,” she says. “Because I get arthritis in my knee.” Her ordeal has also resulted in changes in traffic laws on West Nyack Road. “There’s a traffic light at the intersection. They put it there because of me,” she said.

“Miracles still happen,” said Eckhart.

“Put your trust in the Lord, because He will renew your strength!”

serving out of the territory

k ee Officers serving out of the territory often want to be reminded of home. Drop them a friendly greeting or blessing in the mail, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas!

h c u o t p in

CAPTAINS TIMOTHY & EVELYN CLARK Pronksi 7/9–46 Tallinn 10412 ESTONIA

MAJORS JAMES & MARCIA COCKER Bala Keselamatan Jalan Jawa 20 Bandung, INDONESIA 40117

CAPTAINS CHERYL & ROGER COMPTON The Salvation Army P.O. Box F–44287 Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island THE BAHAMAS

MAJOR A. VICTORIA & WILLIAM EDMONDS The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission 221 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022

CAPTAINS ANNALISE & WILLIAM FRANCIS The Salvation Army College for Officer Training at Crestmont 30840 Hawthorne Boulevard Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

LT. COLONELS MIRTHA & RICARDO FERNÁNDEZ Ejército de Salvación Casilla de Correo 2240 (C1000WAW) Buenos Aires–ARGENTINA

MAJOR ANA FRAZER The Salvation Army 101 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EH UNITED KINGDOM

CAPTAINS SUSANNE & WILLIAM GERACIA P.O. Box 8306 Blacktown, NSW 2148 AUSTRALIA

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

finds

LT. COLONELS DAVID E. & NAOMI R. KELLY The Salvation Army 615 Slaters Lane Alexandra, VA 22314

COMMISSIONERS CAROLYN & JAMES KNAGGS The Salvation Army 180 E Ocean Boulevard Long Beach, California 90802–4709

CAPTAINS KEITH & PAMELA MAYNOR The Salvation Army 615 Slaters Lane Alexandria, VA 22314

MAJOR LORAINE MEDINA Ejército de Salvación Apartado Postal 125–1005, Barrio México San José, COSTA RICA

MAJORS ANDREW & BECKIE MURRAY P.O. Box 49187 Rosettenville, Johannesburg SOUTH AFRICA 2130

COLONELS MARTHA & TITO PAREDES Ejército de Salvación Apartado Postal 125–1005 Barrio México San José, COSTA RICA

COLONELS MARK & SHARON TILLSLEY The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters 2 Overlea Boulevard Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4 CANADA

CAPTAINS NESTOR & TERESA VALVERDE Ejército de Salvación–Division Peru Calle Zaragoza 215 Pueblo Libre, Lima 21 PERU 15084 Lay Personnel

MS. JENNIFER MORETZ Ejército de Salvación Casilla de Correo 2240 (C1000WAW) Buenos Aires–ARGENTINA

2015 NOVEMBER ISSUE

31

finds

services for veterans

“

”

To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.

—President Abraham Lincoln—

Booth Haven, an emergency

Operation Red Shield provides

shelter for men in Rochester, N.Y., offers 39 beds, 7 of which are set aside for veterans.

has 41 beds specifically for homeless men and women.

direct assistance to current military personnel and dependent family members, including help with rent and mortgage, food, and utilities. The division also provides information and referrals, advocacy, and pastoral counseling.

Salvation Army officers and volunteers in the New Jersey Division also visit veterans at VA hospitals in East Orange, N.J., and in Lyons, N.J.

The East Northport, N.Y., Corps

The Perth Amboy, N.J, Corps

donated board games to veterans at the Northport VA Medical Center.

for many years has administered Care House, a transitional residence for homeless men. Partial support for the construction came from the Veterans Administration (VA).

The facility has 18 beds, 11 of which were reserved for homeless vets. While that agreement has changed, Care House is still operational as a transitional residence and is sometimes used by homeless vets.

Safe Haven, also in Rochester, N.Y., a transitional housing program, has 16 beds, 4 of which are for veterans.

The Northport Veterans Residence in Northport, N.Y.,

The New Jersey Division has an extensive program that provides emergency assistance to both active duty military personnel and to veterans.

Need help?

To find more information about services to veterans through the Community Care programs in the USA Eastern Territory, go to easternusa.salvationarmy.org/ use/community–care You also can write to or call: Major June Carver Community Care Ministries Dept.

The Salvation Army Eastern Territorial Headquarters 440 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 10994 (845) 620–7287

Each summer, The Salvation Army conducts a “Vets Camp” for veterans and their families at Camp Tecumseh in New Jersey. The five-day camp serves vets from East Orange and from Lyons VA hospitals.

At the Newark, N.J., Westside Corps, The Salvation Army holds a Christmas party each year for veterans and their families.

The SWONEKY Division’s Columbus Area Services recently received a federal Supportive Services for Veterans Families grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The program serves 100 veterans a year within a five–county area in central Ohio.

Camp Ladore in Waymart, Pa., has opened its doors to the program Healing Waters.

Organized by the Trout Fishing Association and the WilkesBarre, Pa., VA Medical Center, this therapy session teaches wounded veterans the art of trout fishing.

In honor of National Salute to Veterans Week each year, the Cincinnati, Ohio, Citadel serves donuts and orange juice to vets and their families at the local VA hospital.

In Cleveland, Ohio, last year, Salvationists distributed blankets, crossword puzzle books, and War Cry magazines at the Louis B. Stokes VA Hospital.

“We are blessed to visit on the average of 200 vets a month,” says Major Diana Capanna, who handles community care ministries in the NEOSA Division.

“Many times the vet would ask one of our volunteers to sit and chat a while and also to offer a

prayer. Our goal is to take our time and spend time with the vets. Many of them have few visitors and we find that they love to share their experiences.”

Volunteers from the Cleveland Harbor Light cook and serve Thanksgiving meals for local veterans. Also, the NEOSA Divisional Quartet provided “A Holiday Music Performance” for vets at Christmas.

The Salvation Army in Sandusky, Ohio, provided visitation and gifts to the large state–sponsored nursing area and residential home. A total of 580 veterans are being served. The Advisory Board in Sandusky marches in the Memorial Day parade each year.

Summit County and Cuyahoga County Salvation Army participates in the Homeless Stand Down each year to serve homeless veterans.

The Newark, Ohio, Corps has a designated room set aside for veterans. The corps also has an emergency shelter that houses 60 people, and 2 beds are reserved for veterans.

The Southern New England Division visits VA hospitals, from the Providence, R.I., Corps; New Haven, Conn.; and the Hartford, Conn., Citadel Corps.

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Early termination of lease/service: Remaining lease payments will be due immediately, and requires device return or payment of purchase option device price in lease. iPhone Forever: Applies to upgrade eligibility on lease. Upgrade does not include same-generation model iPhone. Does not guarantee monthly payment amount, phone selection, or service plan rates. Contingent upon product availability. Not transferrable. $15 Promo: Req. trade-in of smartphone in good working condition that is not on current lease or Sprint Easy Pay. Promo price does not apply to any future upgrades.

SDP Discount: Avail. for eligible company employees or org. members (ongoing verification). Discount subject to change according to the company’s/org.’s agreement with Sprint and is avail. upon request for select monthly data svc charges. Discount only applies to data svc for Sprint Family Share Pack, Sprint $60 Unlimited Plan and Unlimited, My Way plans. Not avail. with no credit check offers or Mobile Hotspot add-on. Other Terms: Offers and coverage not available everywhere or for all phones/networks. Available at participating stores. May not be combined with other offers. Restrictions apply. See store or sprint.com for details. © 2015 Sprint. All rights reserved. Sprint and the Sprint logo are trademarks of Sprint. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. Other marks are the property of their N155484 respective owners.

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