VOL. 2, NO. 5 • JUNE 2016
the magazine
THE COMMISSIONERS SWANSON, THEN AND NOW walking into
retirement continuing their
SACONNECTS.ORG
commitment page 7
The kingdom of God is within you.
LAY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2016
–Luke 17:21
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YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
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JU D LY O R 30 C H –A AR UG D B US EAC T H 5
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COLONEL RICHARD MUNN
Empower
Encourage
OX X& AC S CO V I E R S L R É S Y A D EADER L & ND R LE L E I E L IA R L A ON A IN , II TO & R A S S I I O N TERRI R A R D D ITH E I T W OR FO N W M A AN L NE GE M RN O F G. A M FB N CO T E B AF AL TIO L S . A IN LA ST ORI AL NE M ST RK IT LO IA IN C O I L L E D BY Y O E R R T W EW N T S OR PP E N ER ER SU TH ST ST EA ONG S
our leaders
IN focus
Only One Life Una Sola Vida Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Una sola vida,pronto ha de pasar; lo que hagamos por Cristo, sólo eso ha de durar.
—C.T. Studd
Since discovering this simple couplet written over 100 years ago, it has helped to keep me centered in my calling as a Christ follower. It captures both the brevity and the ultimate purpose of existence while reminding me that I am accountable for the life God has given me. We have each been given only one life. How will we invest this precious gift? Is there not more to life than pleasure, possessions, and social status? We are called to live beyond ourselves, to put the needs of others ahead of our own, and to become a source of blessing to people around us. Our purpose on earth is to know and to love God. We do this only by establishing a relationship with His son, Jesus. So it stands to reason that Jesus Christ is the only absolute reference point we have for living. We must not allow ourselves to become distracted from the main goal. Now, I say good–bye as your territorial commander. It has been a great privilege to serve you in this way. As Commissioner Sue and I retire from active service, I believe, on the authority of God’s word, the best is yet to come as we faithfully seek to build His Kingdom. I leave you with Paul’s words from Ephesians, Chapter 6: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” You have one life to live. Your armor is ready. Put it on. Go to war.
— Commissioner / Comisionado Barry C. Swanson Territorial Commander/ Comandante Territorial
—C.T. Studd
Desde que leí por primera vez estos versos, escritos hace ya más de un siglo, me han ayudado a mantener el foco en mi llamado como seguidor de Cristo. En sus pocas palabras, estos versos describen con toda justeza el propósito esencial de la vida humana y me recuerdan a la vez que debo responder ante Dios por la vida que Él me ha dado. A cada uno de nosotros se le ha dado una sola vida. ¿De qué manera invertiremos este preciosísimo don? ¿Acaso no hay otra cosa en la vida que el placer, las posesiones y el estatus social? Hemos sido llamados a vivir más allá de nosotros mismos, a poner las necesidades de los demás por delante de las nuestras, y a ser una fuente de bendición para las personas que nos rodean. Nuestro propósito en la tierra es conocer y amar a Dios. Hacemos esto sólo a partir del establecimiento y la consolidación de nuestra relación con su Hijo, Jesús. Así se entiende que Jesucristo sea el único y absoluto punto de referencia que tenemos para nuestra vida. Y debemos evitar distraernos de perseguir en todo momento ese, nuestro principal objetivo. Ahora bien, ha llegado la hora en que, en mi calidad de Comandante Territorial, debo despedirme de todos ustedes. Ha sido para mí un enorme privilegio servirles en esta función. Al retirarnos la Comisionada Sue y yo del servicio activo creo, a partir de la autoridad de la Palabra de Dios, que lo mejor está por venir en tanto continuamos nuestros esfuerzos por construir Su reino. Quisiera dejarlos con las palabras que Pablo les dirige a los seguidores de Cristo en Efesios, capítulo 6: “Por último, fortalézcanse con el gran poder del Señor. Pónganse la armadura de Dios para que puedan hacer frente a las artimañas del diablo”. Tienen una sola vida por vivir. Su armadura ya está dispuesta. Póngansela. Vayan a la guerra.
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2016 JUNE
1
Vol. 2, No. 5
CONTENTS JUNE 2016
IN focus
1 our leaders 4 from the editor 6 sound doctrine
ON file
5
5 relevents Major Raphael Jackson talks about serving in the Northeast, fatherhood, and the rewards of pouring one’s life into others.
26 wholly living
28
14
30
“ Cultivate Young Adult” online spiritual formation course will begin Cohort 2 in September.
features
unity
Three officers share how their walk with the Lord has influenced their roles as fathers.
30 great moments
COVER STORY
7 The Swansons Retire
19
For four decades, the Commissioners Swanson have traversed 40 countries while wearing the uniform of The Salvation Army like a banner of hope to people in need. Now they begin a new chapter of life as retired officers.
In 1967, then–Captain Brian Figueroa started a café ministry in Greenwich Village, N.Y.
31 testimony Major James Foley shares the joys of being a father to his son JJ.
14 Java & Jesus
22
The Salvation Army is reaching out to a new generation of Christians with several café ministries in the Eastern Territory. They’re all unique, but coffee & Jesus are their mainstays.
FAITH in ACTION
Cover photo courtesy of Commissioners Swanson.
22 Q&A
After 33 years, Rev. Bonnie Camarda returns to her home country of Cuba.
24
24 A Chaplain’s Promise
finds
themes grow in popularity.
Binghamton
The Binghamton, N.Y., Corps is constructing a building that will allow it to better help the economically disadvantaged people in this upstate community.
Lieutenant Kathryn Mayes talks about her role as chaplain for the Derry, N.H. Fire Department.
32 Movies with Christian
19 A Boost for
Para leer más artículos en español por favor visite
32
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SACONNECTS.ORG/ENESPANOL
2016 JUNE
3
IN focus
from the editor
letters from you
Evidence of His Love Evidencia de Su Amor In the July/August issue of SAConnects, you’ll witness how the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC) continue to help rebuild troubled lives. You’ll also see new evidence that the love of God is working in the lives of people and in their families. One such family is that of Colonels G. Lorraine and William A. Bamford lll, who will soon be our new territorial leaders. Although they’re already serving at Territorial Headquarters as territorial secretary for Women’s Ministries and as chief secretary, respectively, you will be fascinated to learn from where they’ve come. Their family’s story, written by managing editor Robert Mitchell, will take you five generations back to England where the Bamford and the Brown families got their start. And among other stories, we’ll share an amazing transformation in the life of Timothy Humphrey, an ARC beneficiary who, through the help of The Salvation Army, turned his life around. For years, he struggled with addiction but ultimately found victory through recovery and faith in Jesus Christ. Upon graduating from the program, Humphrey found employment at a construction company. Ironically, The Salvation Army contracted that company to build a chapel in Wilkes–Barre, Pa. The Army helped Humphrey build a new life. In turn, he helped build a new chapel for the Army.
— Warren L. Maye Editor in Chief / Editor en Jefe
4
JUNE 2016
En el número de julio/agosto de SAConnects, serás testigo de cómo los Centros de Rehabilitación para Adultos (conocidos como ARC) siguen ayudando a reconstruir vidas aquejadas por todo tipo de problemas. Dios ha estado obrando en las vidas de muchas personas y de sus familias. Una de esas familias es la de los Coroneles G. Lorraine y William A. Bamford lll, quienes pronto serán nuestros nuevos líderes territoriales. Si bien ya se encuentran sirviendo en el Cuartel Territorial en calidad de Secretaria de Ministerios Femeninos y de Secretario en Jefe, respectivamente, te resultará interesante saber más acerca de su procedencia. La historia de su familia te remontará a la Inglaterra de cinco generaciones atrás, que fue donde se originaron las familias Bamford y Brown. Compartiremos contigo una transformación asombrosa en la vida de Timothy Humphrey, un beneficiario de uno de nuestros ARC que, gracias a la ayuda del Ejército, logró darle un vuelco positivo a su vida. Por años, vivió presa de sus adicciones, pero lograría una victoria definitiva sobre ellas recuperándose mediante el poder de su fe en Jesucristo. Tras graduarse del programa, Humphrey halló empleo en una compañía de construcción. Lo irónico de esto es que el Ejército de Salvación había contratado a esa misma empresa para construir una capilla en la ciudad de Wilkes–Barre, Pensilvania. El Ejército ayudó a Humphrey a construir una nueva vida. Y él, a su vez, ayudó a construir una nueva capilla para el Ejército.
Many thanks for the articles about the Staff Band’s visit to Cuba (SAConnects, May 2016). For Yvonne and me, Cuba is a special place. We had the opportunity of visiting there twice when we were stationed in the Caribbean Territory. We always came away from there appreciative of the courage of the Cuban Salvationists. the magazi ne
4 • MAY 2016 VOL. 2, NO.
Staff Band’s The New York to Cuba historic trip page 14
SACONNECTS
.ORG
—COLONEL FRANK PAYTON
I wanted to thank you for the great piece “A Pathway of Hope: two women tell their stories (SAConnects, a pathway of May 2016). It was very HOPE well done. Please pass A on my appreciation to the team. I have just had an inquiry from another territory asking if we have any Pathway of Hope stories or videos in Spanish. Peace and every good.
Tanya Linsinbigler
Two women tell
their stories.
story and photography
Audree Weirick
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by Robert Mitchell
udree Weirick had always worked and supported her two children, but last year, a left her with failing bad car accident health and a limited The Toledo, Ohio, income. woman, who also elderly father, was takes care of her finally overwhelmed by the entire ordeal. “We were having a hard time,” Weirick frustrated and says. “I was pretty upset. I was having health issues, but get to work to make money to needed to support my children “I was unable to and me. work and my kids needed school Weirick, 29, went supplies.” to The Salvation Corps for “back Army’s Toledo to school” supplies Temple when someone introduced
om/saconnects
2016 MAY
9
—LT COLONEL RENÉE LANCE Territorial Pathway of Hope Coordinator
via Social Media We are thrilled that the Salvation Army magazine (SAConnects, May 2016) helped us honor Joanne Featherman’s 30 years of service. She was a longtime volunteer, so we were proud to have honored her at our volunteer recognition dinner. She has been an inspiration to so many people and has given of herself tirelessly to help us fulfill our mission of “Doing the Most Good” in Monroe County. — East Stroudsburg, Pa., Salvation Army
You can also send a letter to: Warren L. Maye Editor in Chief SACONNECTS Magazine Communications Department 440 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 10994
relevents
ON file
Major Raphael C. Jackson is the divisional commander designate for the Northern New England Division (effective July 1). He shares with SAConnects why he is excited about serving there, his experience as a father, and the spiritual power that is released when one pours one’s self into the lives of people.
Today, I am a father, and in more ways than one. I was the first child of a teenage mother who had seven more children after me. Although we had four fathers, I still lacked a real father figure in my life. My mother was only 38 when she died. My wife and I have actually raised my youngest brother and sister. Two years ago, I became a grandfather. And in a few months, a second grandchild will enter the world. Learning to be a dad has not always been easy, but if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. The journey has been such a pleasure.
Photo by Susan Magnano
All my siblings are technically my half–siblings. But that has never been an issue for us. Family is far broader than that. As anyone who comes from a big family will attest, it can be a challenge to keep everyone from getting on each other’s nerves. But my family extends well beyond “blood.” We are part of the “blood of Christ.” Yes, as siblings, it is the blood of our mother that biologically connects us. But as Christians, it is the blood of our Heavenly Father that spiritually unites us.
One of the reasons I am here today is because of the people in my life who have poured all they have and all they are into me. And a great benefit of being in The Salvation Army for me has been having the opportunity to pour myself into the lives of other people. You can build structures, programs, and organizations. And all of them are important, but they are also fleeting. If you pour yourself into the life of an individual, that influence will last long after the program is done or the building is torn down or used for another purpose.
In 2008, I watched Barack Obama become President of the United States. To be quite honest, I was a registered Republican. But this event had nothing to do with political party affiliation. It had all to do with reviving my belief in the American Dream. In school, kids are told that they can one day be president, but it’s difficult to believe that when none of the presidents have ever looked like you. A fundamental change such as Obama’s election to the presidency or my appointment to divisional leadership gives folks hope that they can also break through boundaries in their lives.
Soon, I will be the divisional commander for the Northern New England Division. Before I became a cadet at the College for Officer Training, I worked during the summer at the Army’s Camp Sebago in Standish, Maine. In the process, I fell in love with Northern New England. I also fell in love with a woman who would become my wife. As a young officer, I was told that there would never come a time when I could serve in that part of the country. They said they needed me in more “urban” areas. Sometimes you hear people wish for the “good old days.” But they seem to forget that those days weren’t good for everybody. For some of us, those days were limiting, to say the least. I am happy that I will serve in my wife’s home division, but even more so, receiving this appointment shows me that the world is changing for the better.
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2016 JUNE
5
IN focus
Sound Doctrine by Colonel Richard Munn
the magazine
UNIVERSALISMO La cristiandad siempre ha reflexionado sobre la tensión real entre la gracia salvífica de Dios y Su juicio eterno. El relato de la Escritura enseñan que nuestras decisiones en la tierra tienen consecuencias eternas y que rechazar la gracia de Dios redunda en nuestra separación de Él, la que a su vez se extiende por la eternidad, al infierno. En vista de ello, resulta entendible la pregunta. “¿Cómo puede un Dios amoroso permitir que su pueblo pueda llegar a experimentar un sufrimiento interminable?” Las imágenes medievales que muestran a los justos mirando a los pecadores sumidos en los tormentos en los fuegos del infierno nos resultan intrínsecamente repulsivas. Como reacción ante ello, el universalismo sostiene que por la misericordia y la gracia de Dios, “al fin y al cabo, todas las personas se han de salvar”. La conciencia de otras fes religiosas y el desinterés en la idea del infierno llevan a “la afirmación positiva del amor de Dios, más que a las implicaciones negativas del rechazo a ese amor” (Alister McGrath). Sabemos que los actos humanos tienen consecuencias. Desprovistos de esta verdad, caemos en la anarquía. La corriente central del pensamiento cristiano considera que el universalismo redunda en un marco moral críticamente defectuoso y en un sentido de misión inherentemente debilitado. Ante la ausencia de la exigencia de responder ante Dios y los demás por los propio actos, ¿para qué preocuparnos por cómo nos comportamos? Si los actos no tienen consecuencias, ¿para qué preocuparnos del bienestar eterno de los demás? Sólo Dios es nuestro juez. Quizás la brillante respuesta de Jesús a la pregunta de Pedro sobre el destino de Juan pueda moderar cualquiera de los juicios subconscientes que abrigamos contra los demás. “¿A ti qué? Tú sígueme, no más”, le dijo Cristo.
6
JUNE 2016
your connection to The Salvation Army
USA EASTERN TERRITORY TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioner Barry C. Swanson Commissioner E. Sue Swanson
UNIVERSALISM
CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel William A. Bamford III
From 3rd century theologian Origen to contemporary writer Rob Bell, Christianity has pondered the very real tension between God’s saving grace and God’s eternal judgment. The narrative of Scripture and the historic creeds teach that our choices on earth have eternal consequences and that to reject the grace of God results in a separation from Him that also reaches into eternity—hell. The question is understandable. “How can the God of love allow never–ending suffering to happen to his people?” The medieval imagery of the righteous as they watch sinners being tormented in the fires of hell is intrinsically repulsive. In reaction to this, Universalism holds that by the mercy and grace of God “ultimately all people will be saved.” In our day, an awareness of other religious faiths and a declining interest in the very idea of hell results in “the positive affirmation of the love of God, rather than on the negative implications of the rejection of that love.” (Alister McGrath) And yet, instinctively, we know that human actions have consequences. Without this truth, we have anarchy. Mainline Christian thinking holds that Universalism results in a critically flawed moral framework and an inherently weakened mission. In the absence of accountability, why bother worrying about how we behave? Without the consequences, why care about the eternal well–being of others? Ultimately, only God is judge. Perhaps Jesus’ brilliant answer to Peter’s question regarding John’s destiny can moderate any of our subconscious judgments towards others. “What is that to you? Follow me,” Christ said.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Warren L. Maye
SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor MANAGING EDITOR Robert Mitchell EDITOR / HISPANIC CORRESPONDENT Hugo Bravo KOREAN EDITOR Lt. Colonel Chongwon D. Kim ART DIRECTOR Reginald Raines PUBLICATION MANAGING DESIGNER Lea La Notte Greene GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Keri Johnson, Karena Lin, Joe Marino 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
GNY Major Susan Wittenberg MASS Drew Forster
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, NEOSA, 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. 2, No. 5, June Issue 2016. 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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A MINISTRY JOURNEY
together
Commissioners Swanson retire
Photo courtesy of Commissioners Swanson
by Warren L. Maye
T
hey walked hand in hand through soft sands along a Puerto Rican beach, comfortable companions for life. Dressed in casual slacks and short sleeves, the couple may have looked like tourists. But in fact, they were a pair of branded warriors who, for the past four decades, had traversed 40 countries while wearing the uniform of The Salvation Army like a banner of hope to people in need around the world. Walking has always been their way of connecting to each other.
UNA JORNADA MINISTERIAL
compartida
Comisionados Swanson pasan a retiro
por Warren L. Maye
Caminaban tomados de la mano sobre la suave arena de una playa puertorriqueña, compañeros inseparables de toda la vida. Vestidos de pantalones informales y camisas manga corta, la pareja podría haber pasado fácilmente por turistas. Pero eran nada menos que dos guerreros experimentados que, en las últimas cuatro décadas, recorrieron 40 países vistiendo el uniforme del Ejército de Salvación como estandarte de esperanza para las personas necesitadas en todos los rincones del mundo. El hábito de caminar siempre ha sido su manera de conectarse mutuamente. Para continuar en español, vaya a la página 11
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2016 JUNE
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And now as they approach the end of a storied career as Salvation Army officers, Commissioners Barry and Sue Swanson say they are walking together into a new era. They will retire July 1 and move to Chicago. Just like that day in Puerto Rico, when they shared a quiet moment after an annual review of the Division, no matter where they are in the world, the Swansons ground themselves with reflective walks and their care for each other. “As Salvation Army officers, we’re in this together as a couple. That makes us unique because most other denominations don’t deal with that. It’s a tremendous privilege and strength, but it also requires that officer couples understand their personalities well and that they adapt to each other,” Barry says, adding that he and Sue have enjoyed walking through the communities where they’ve served, interacting with people. Sue notes, “We intentionally walk together. It’s a physical activity. He slows his pace so that we can walk together. Sometimes when we walk, we share our lives in ways that surpass what we’d normally say to each other if I were at home doing the laundry, or if he were at a computer doing his work. Walking is something we decided to do 15 or 20 years ago, and our marriage has greatly benefited from it.”
president of Women’s Ministries. Their previous appointments have taken them through five divisions in the USA Central Territory; National Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia; and International Headquarters in London, England. They’ve served as corps officers, as administrators, as well as divisional, territorial, and international leaders (see sidebar). Because the Swansons have traveled so much during their officership, they’re excited about the prospects of finally enjoying traditional family gatherings. Commissioner Sue says, “We’re looking forward to being in Chicago as a family, rather than as visiting grandparents.” All four of the Swanson’s children are married, and among them, they have five children. William teaches severely disabled students in the Chicago school system. Joan is a social worker for The Salvation Army in Metropolitan Chicago. Michael is the divisional social services director in the Heartland Division. And Andrea is the administrative assistant to the training College principal in Chicago. The Swansons are honored to love their children, but also to like them. “They are amazing!” says Commissioner Sue.
A MINISTRY AND MISSION FOR GOD
In the 1950s, when Barry was a shy, 14–year–old Salvationist and bandsman on the Southside of Chicago, his corps officer suddenly asked him to share his faith. “And after we play this song, Barry will give his testimony,” the corps officer announced. Before that moment, Barry had been acting like a typical teenager, minimally engaged in the meeting. But now he had suddenly been asked to speak in public for the first time in his life. He felt panic at the prospect of actually having to speak in front of people.
Since 2013, Commissioner Barry Swanson has served as territorial commander of the USA Eastern Territory and as the administrative and ecclesiastical leader of The Salvation Army in 12 Northeastern states, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with headquarters in West Nyack, N.Y. The territory includes 1,600 active and retired officers, 369 corps, and as many as 1,000 other centers of operation. Commissioner Sue Swanson has served as the territorial
HOW THE JOURNEY BEGAN
“
As Salvation Army officers, we’re in this together as a couple. It’s a tremendous privilege and strength, but it also requires … that [we] adapt to each other. — Commissioner Barry Swanson
”
THEIR MINISTRY JOURNEY | EL CAMINO RECORRIDO EN SU MINISTERIO The Swansons marry. Commissioned as lieutenants and serve 12 years in corps in Michigan The Captains Swanson are appointed to Heartland Divisional Headquarters, followed by an appointment to the Duluth, Minn. Corps. 1975
1978
Son comisionados con el grado de tenientes y sirven durante 12 años en Cuerpos en Michigan Los Capitanes Swanson son nombrados para servir en el Cuartel Divisional de Heartland, seguido de un nombramiento al Cuerpo de Duluth.
1995
Son promovidos a mayores y nombrados líderes de la División de Heartland.
1999
Reciben nombramientos al Cuartel Territorial Central y son promovidos a tenientes coroneles.
2001
La Tenienta Coronela Sue pasa a ser la Secretaria Territorial de Candidatos.
2006
Son nombrados al Cuartel Nacional en Alexandria, Virginia. El Teniente Coronel Swanson sirve en calidad de Secretario Nacional en Jefe, y la Tenienta Coronela Sue sirve como Secretaria Nacional de Ministerios Femeninos.
2007
Son promovidos a comisionados y nombrados al Cuartel Internacional en Londres, Inglaterra, donde el Comisionado Swanson sirve como Secretario Internacional para las Américas y la Zona del Caribe, mientras la Comisionada Sue es nombrada Secretaria Zonal de Ministerios Femeninos.
2008
Regresan a los Estados Unidos para asumir responsabilidades como líderes territoriales del Territorio Central. Además de servir como Presidenta Territorial de Ministerios Femeninos, la Comisionada Sue es nombrada Embajadora Territorial de Oración.
Return to IHQ, where Commissioner Barry serves as Chief of the Staff (second in command of the worldwide Army and chief administrative officer), and Commissioner Sue serves as the World Secretary for Women’s Ministries and then (under General Linda Bond) serves as World President for Women’s Ministries and World President, SA Scouts, Guides, and Guards.
2010
Regresan al Cuartel Internacional, donde el Comisionado Swanson sirve en calidad de Jefe del Estado Mayor (segundo al mando del Ejército a nivel mundial y oficial administrativo en jefe), y la Comisionada Sue sirve como Secretaria Mundial de Ministerios Femeninos para convertirse más tarde en Presidenta Mundial de Ministerios Femeninos y en Presidenta Mundial de Scouts, Guías y Guardias del Ejército de Salvación (bajo la Generala Linda Bond).
Appointed as territorial leaders of the USA Eastern Territory.
2013
Son nombrados líderes territoriales del Territorio Este de Estados Unidos.
2016
Se retiran del oficialato activo.
Promoted to major and appointed as leaders of the Heartland Division.
Lt. Colonel Sue becomes the territorial candidates secretary. Appointed to National Headquarters (NHQ) in Alexandria, Va. Lt. Colonel Barry serves as national chief secretary, and Lt. Colonel Sue serves as national secretary for Women’s Ministries. Promoted to commissioner and appointed to International Headquarters (IHQ) in London, England, where Commissioner Barry becomes international secretary for the Americas & Caribbean Zone, while Commissioner Sue is appointed as zonal secretary for Women’s Ministries. 2013
Los Swanson se casan.
1990
Received appointments to Central Territorial Headquarters with promotions to lt. colonel
1990
1975
Return to the United States to assume responsibilities as territorial leaders of the Central Territory. In addition to serving as territorial president of Women’s Ministries, Commissioner Sue is appointed as territorial ambassador for prayer.
Retire from active officership.
Photo courtesy of Commissioners Swanson
ADDITIONAL FACTS | DATOS ADICIONALES COMMISSIONER SUE Earns a bachelor’s degree in social work from Asbury College (now Asbury University)
1972
COMISIONADA SUE Obtiene una licenciatura en trabajo social de Asbury College (ahora Asbury University)
Attends the International College for Officers (ICO)
2000
Asiste a la Escuela Internacional para Oficiales (ICO, por sus siglas en inglés)
COMMISSIONER BARRY Earns a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University
1973
COMISIONADO BARRY Obtiene una licenciatura en mercadotecnia en Northern Illinois University
Attends ICO
1990
Asiste a la Escuela Internacional para Oficiales (ICO)
Commissioner Barry is nominated for General (international leader of The Salvation Army)
2011 y 2013
El Comisionado Barry es nominado a General (líder internacional del Ejército de Salvación)
THE OFFICE When I first visited Commissioner Barry Swanson’s office at Territorial Headquarters, it was clear that he had already begun to make his mark. His office was modestly appointed. Family photos adorned a bookcase near a scenic picture window. A large and imposing crosspiece of carved wood hanging on the wall caught my attention. It had two thick metal rings attached to it. After further examination, I realized I was looking at a real oxen bow yoke, traditionally used by farmers. Affixed below it and sealed under Plexiglas were words from Matthew 11:29–30: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me…. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Jesus. A second wall hanging appeared to be a brass plaque upon which the words ANCORA IMPARO were engraved. I later learned that the phrase came from Renaissance painter and inventor Michelangelo. And they meant, “Still, I am learning.” Indeed, Swanson’s quest for learning took him out of the office and into the territory, where he formulated a plan for “Strikepoint,” an initiative that stirred the development of projects that focused on one or more of four Strikepoints —“Integrated Mission,” “Young Adult Empowerment,” “Skilled Leadership,” and “Deeper Discipleship.” “It’s been such an honor to be the leaders of this territory,” says Swanson. “It’s such a wonderful place. We have so many resources to apply to the mission and to the Kingdom work. One day, someone asked me, ‘what’s the best appointment you’ve ever had?’ I thought; every appointment has been good. And there’s no appointment that we haven’t learned something from. And then I replied, ‘Truthfully, there is no other appointment that I would’ve rather had than where I am today.’”
Sensing his dilemma, an older gentleman and fellow bass player named Robert Hedgren leaned over and whispered to him, “Just say, ‘I’m glad I’m saved tonight!’” Soon the time came for Barry to speak. He took a deep breath, and then he spoke. That was the beginning of his public ministry and the launch of a long–term prayer bond with Robert Hedgren, father of retired Commissioner Steven Hedgren. As a youngster attending salvation meetings, Barry recalls hearing many testimonies from senior saints in the corps who helped shape his own developing faith. Barry was deeply stirred to realize that the stories of these people, so committed to Christ, could continue to inspire the younger generation. Attending such meetings regularly created for him a healthy environment in which to grow spiritually. Evangeline Sue Swanson recalls how, as a young girl, she was greatly motivated by spirit–filled people in her life. Her dad, Commissioner Andrew S. Miller Sr., a former USA national commander, had an immeasurable influence on her.
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During every morning, “Dad” would wake his daughter by singing creative songs that let her know how much she was loved. Sue remembers many times hearing him preach, which was always a blessing to her. A charismatic leader, he always had family at the core of his life. Sue’s mother and father worked as a team and served as an excellent model for her practical and spiritual life.
BARRY MEETS SUE
In the mid 70s when Barry was an employee of The Salvation Army and Sue was a first–year cadet at the training college, they met while attending a Bible study. As their relationship grew, Sue realized that God was telling her that a godly man could be in her life and that she didn’t have to settle. And at the same time, God was speaking to Barry’s heart, planting in him a purpose, a vision, and a calling on his life to be an officer in The Salvation Army. In addition to sharing their faith in Christ, they also shared an eclectic phonograph record collection. Spun on their turntable was everything from LPs to 45s of groups such as Peter, Paul, and Mary; the Pointer Sisters; and even Michael Jackson in his early days. Sue’s daring, spontaneous, and enthusiastic temperament was matched by Barry’s methodical, thoughtful, and soft–spoken disposition. “We must realize that part of God’s creative genius is giving us different personalities,” he says. “And it allows us to talk to one another about why God has us here.”
WALKING BY FAITH
When dark times visited the Swansons, they courageously walked by faith, rather than by sight. When doctors diagnosed then–Colonel Sue with cancer, rather than shrink from view when the resulting chemotherapy took its toll, she boldly went bald. Ironically, when a dear friend had come down with the same dreaded disease, Sue had declared that, if it were to happen to her, she would be just as brave. And when she faced the challenge herself, Sue maintained the unchanged demeanor that has become her trademark. During that time, a loving and cherished source of encouragement came from Sue’s sister, Martha. When Barry reflects on how he had been inspired by the testimonies of Salvationists of past generations, he passionately exclaims, “What does my testimony mean to people in 2016?” He believes that such spiritual truth telling is at the heart of holiness and the mission of The Salvation Army. “It is a form of generational transmission of what God has done,” he says. “And if we don’t share those testimonies—if none of us share them, or have the opportunity to share them, then where does that leave us? We must tell our faith stories to one another.”
Y ahora que se acercan al último tramo de 15 o 20 años, de lo cual nuestro matrimonio se una ilustre carrera como oficiales del Ejército ha beneficiado enormemente”. de Salvación, los Comisionados Barry y Sue Swanson dicen que se dirigen juntos de la UN MINISTERIO Y UNA mano hacia una nueva etapa de sus vidas. MISIÓN EN NOMBRE DE DIOS Ambos pasarán a retiro el primero de julio y se Desde el año 2013, el Comisionado Barry mudarán a Chicago. Swanson ha servido como Comandante Al igual que ese día en Puerto Rico, cada Territorial del Territorio Este de Estados Unidos vez que compartían juntos un momento de y como líder administrativo y eclesiástico del tranquilidad —tras cumplir la revisión anual Ejército de Salvación en 12 estados del noreste, de la División, dondequiera que se enconincluido Puerto Rico, en el cuartel general trasen en el mundo—, los Swanson se reensituado en West Nyack, New York. El territorio Ministering in the open air. contraban consigo mismos retomando juntos incluye un total de 1.600 oficiales activos y retiMinistrando en la reunión al aire libre. sus caminatas de reflexión, acompañándose rados, 369 Cuerpos y no menos de 1.000 cencon cariño y atención mutua. tros de operaciones. La Comisionada Sue Swanson ha servido “Como oficiales del Ejército de Salvación, estamos en esto como Presidenta Territorial de los Ministerios Femeninos. juntos, como pareja. Eso nos distingue pues la mayoría de las Sus nombramientos previos los llevaron a cinco divisiones otras denominaciones no se preocupan por esto. Es un tredel Territorio Central de Estados Unidos; al Cuartel Nacional mendo privilegio y una fuente de fortaleza, aunque también en Alexandria, Virginia; y al Cuartel Internacional en exige que las parejas de oficiales comprendan bien sus personLondres, Inglaterra. Ambos han servido en calidad de oficiaalidades y que sean capaces de adaptarse uno al otro”, cuenta les directivos, administradores, además de líderes divisionales, el Comisionado Barry, y agrega que él y Sue han disfrutado territoriales e internacionales (ver barra lateral). sus caminatas en todas las comunidades en las que han serDebido a que los Swanson han viajado tanto durante sus vido, interactuando con la gente. años como oficiales, están muy entusiasmados con la posibLa Comisionada Sue, por su parte, indica: “Caminamos ilidad de finalmente poder disfrutar de las reuniones familjuntos intencionalmente. Es una actividad física. Él aminora iares tradicionales. La Comisionada Sue afirma: “Estamos el paso para que no nos distanciemos. A veces, al caminar, expectantes al poder regresar a Chicago como familia, no ya hablamos de nosotros en maneras que van más allá de lo que como abuelos que sólo vienen de visita por unos días”. normalmente solemos hacer si estamos en casa, él sentado Los cuatro hijos de los Swanson están casados y, entre delante de la computadora haciendo su trabajo y yo lavando todos, tienen cinco hijos. William enseña a estudiantes discaropa. Nuestras caminatas son algo que decidimos hacer hace pacitados en el sistema escolar de Chicago. Joan se desempeña
Photo courtesy of Commissioners Swanson
LA OFICINA Cuando visité por primera vez la oficina del Comisionado Barry Swanson en el Cuartel Territorial, me quedó claro de inmediato que él ya había empezado a dejar su huella. En su oficina, varias fotos de su familia adornaban una estantería al lado de una ventana que ofrecía una vista panorámica. Una gran e imponente pieza de madera labrada, una suerte de travesaño, que colgaba de la pared captó mi atención. Tenía dos gruesos anillos de metal fijados a ella. Tras examinar la pieza un poco más de cerca, vi que lo que tenía delante era un yugo para bueyes, del tipo que tradicionalmente usaban los agricultores antiguos. Fijadas debajo del yugo, y selladas con Plexiglas, estaban las palabras de Mateo 11:29–30: “Carguen mi yugo y aprendan de mí … Porque mi yugo es suave y mi carga es liviana”. — Jesús. Otro elemento que colgaba de la pared parecía ser una placa de bronce con las palabras ANCORA IMPARO grabadas en ella. Me enteré más tarde que la frase había sido expresada por el pintor y escultor renacentista Miguel
Ángel. Traducida del italiano, esa frase decía: “Todavía estoy aprendiendo”. Sin duda, el deseo constante de aprender sacó a Swanson de la oficina y lo llevó al territorio, donde formularía un plan para la iniciativa “Strikepoint”, que conduciría al desarrollo de proyectos enfocados en uno o más de los Strikepoints: “Misión integrada”, “Capacitación de jóvenes adultos”, “Liderazgo especializado” y “Intensificación del discipulado”. “Ha sido un inmenso honor servir como líderes de este territorio”, afirma Swanson. “Es un lugar realmente maravilloso. Tenemos muchísimos recursos que podemos aplicar a la misión y a la obra del Reino. Un día, alguien me preguntó: ‘¿Cuál es el mejor nombramiento que has tenido?’ Pensé antes de responder: Cada nombramiento ha sido bueno. Y no hemos cumplido uno en el que no hayamos aprendido lecciones valiosas. Tras lo cual, contesté: ‘La verdad es que el único nombramiento en el que me gustaría estar es este, en el que me encuentro hoy’”.
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Photo by Keri Shay
como trabajadora social en el Ejército de Salvación en el área metropolitana de Chicago. Michael es el director divisional de servicios de la División Heartland. Y Andrea es asistente administrativa del director del Colegio de Entrenamiento para Oficiales en Chicago. Los Swanson se sienten honrados de amar a sus hijos, pero también de disfrutar de ellos. “¡Son maravillosos!”, dice la Comisionada Sue.
CÓMO INICIARON SU CAMINO
En la década de 1950, cuando Barry era un tímido salvacionista de 14 años de edad e integrante de la banda en el Southside de Chicago, su oficial directivo le propuso inesperadamente que compartiera su fe. “Y luego de que toquemos la siguiente canción, Barry les brindará su testimonio”, anunció sin previo aviso el oficial. Antes de ese momento, Barry se había estado comportando como el típico joven adolescente, participando escasamente en las reuniones. Pero ahora se le había pedido de repente que
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hablara en público por primera vez en su vida. Sintió pánico ante el hecho de tener que hablar frente a la gente. Viendo el aprieto en que el muchacho se encontraba, un caballero mayor —que era uno de sus compañeros de banda—, llamado Robert Hedgren, se inclinó y le susurró al oído: “Simplemente diles esto: ‘¡Esta noche estoy feliz porque soy salvo!’” Al fin llegó el momento en que Barry debía dirigirse a la gente. Respiró bien hondo y comenzó a hablar. Ese fue el inicio de su ministerio público y el lanzamiento de un compromiso de oración con Robert Hedgren, padre del Comisionado en retiro Steven Hedgren. El Comisionado Barry recuerda haber escuchado, cuando asistía en su juventud a las reuniones de salvación, muchos testimonios de santos adultos del Cuerpo que le ayudaron a consolidar su fe en su fase inicial de desarrollo. Barry siempre se sintió profundamente emocionado por las historias de esas personas —tan comprometidas todas ellas con Cristo—, y el que pudieran seguir inspirando a la generación más joven. El hecho de asistir a esas reuniones con regularidad le creó un entorno sano en el cual poder crecer espiritualmente. Por su parte, Evangeline Sue Swanson recuerda cómo, siendo niña, se sintió muy motivada por las personas espiritualmente plenas que la rodeaban. Su papá, el Comisionado Andrew S. Miller, antaño Comandante Nacional de Estados Unidos, ejerció una influencia decisiva en ella. Durante momentos de aprobación matutina, “Papá” despertaba a su hija cantándole canciones muy creativas que le manifestaban lo mucho que era amada. Sue recuerda las muchas veces que escuchó a su papá predicar, algo que siempre sintió como una bendición para ella. Más allá del líder carismático que era, él siempre consideró que su familia era lo más importante de su vida. La madre y el padre de Sue trabajaron como equipo y sirvieron como excelentes modelos para la vida práctica y espiritual de su hija.
BARRY CONOCE A SUE
A mediados de la década de 1970, cuando Barry era empleado del Ejército de Salvación y Sue cursaba su primer año como cadete en el Colegio de Entrenamiento para Oficiales, se conocieron mientras asistían a un estudio bíblico. A medida que su relación fue desarrollándose, Sue se dio cuenta de que Dios le estaba diciendo que un buen hombre bien podía formar parte de su vida, que no se conformara con menos. Al mismo tiempo, Dios le hablaba al corazón de Barry, plantando en él un propósito, una visión y un llamado para que dedicara su vida a servir como oficial en el Ejército de Salvación. Además de compartir a diario su fe en Cristo, también compartían una selecta colección de esos discos que se tocaban
CAMINAN GUIADOS POR LA FE
Photo courtesy of Commissioners Swanson
Cuando los Swanson enfrentaron tiempos difíciles, caminaron guiados por la fe más que por la vista. Cuando los doctores le diagnosticaron cáncer a la entonces Coronela Sue, en vez de evitar que la vieran después que perdiera el cabello por efecto de la quimioterapia, ella optó con valentía por dejar al descubierto su calvicie. Lo que no dejaba de ser irónico, pues cuando, algún tiempo antes, una querida amiga se vio golpeada por esa misma enfermedad, Sue declaró que si algo parecido llegase a ocurrirle a ella, lo enfrentaría con valentía. Y cuando tuvo que enfrentar ese desafío, Sue mantuvo inalterable esa compostura suya que es una marca de su carácter. En todo ese tiempo, Sue halló en su hermana Martha una fuente de amor incondicional y de cariñoso aliento. Cuando Barry reflexiona en la manera como él se ha sentido inspirado por los testimonios de salvacionistas de generaciones pasadas, exclama con pasión: “¿Qué significa mi testimonio para las personas hoy, en 2016?” Él cree que expresar esa verdad espiritual yace en el corazón mismo de la santidad y la misión del Ejército de Salvación. “Es una forma de transmisión generacional de lo que Dios ha hecho”, afirma. “Y si no compartimos estos testimonios, si ninguno de nosotros los difunde o tiene la oportunidad de compartirlos, entonces ¿en qué nos deja eso? ¡Tenemos que contarnos nuestras historias de fe unos a otros!”
The Swanson family circa 2006.
La familia Swanson, circa 2006.
testimony Photo by iStock
en fonógrafos. Sobre el plato de su fonógrafo giraban todo tipo de discos, desde Long Plays hasta los de 45 revoluciones por minuto, de grupos tan variados como “Peter, Paul, and Mary”, las Pointer Sisters, y hasta Michael Jackson en su etapa inicial. El temperamento audaz, espontáneo y entusiasta de Sue armonizaba con la disposición metódica, pensativa y de palabra serena de Barry. “Debemos darnos cuenta que parte del genio creativo de Dios es darnos personalidades diferentes”, dice. “Y eso nos permite hablarnos uno al otro acerca de por qué Dios nos tiene aquí”.
Fingerprints by Commissioner E. Sue Swanson
Whenever my grandchildren come to visit, they leave fingerprints everywhere. I jokingly tell my husband, “I can’t clean the house. There are fingerprints on the front door, on the tables, on just about everything!” However, I find each of those fingerprints to be so beautiful. Those little hand marks are signs that someone was there, reaching out in his or her own way. Earlier this year, we held the annual Candidates Seminar weekend event for young people who are thinking of attending the College For Officer Training to become Salvation Army officers. In one of the college meeting halls, stood our Holiness Table. On Saturday morning before the meetings were underway and before so many people filled that hall, I noticed how the table was beautifully made of thick, clear, and spotlessly clean glass. On Saturday night, after our gatherings had concluded, and after everybody had gone to the altar for prayer, I took another look at the table. It was now covered in the fingerprints of all those people who had touched it. Yes, the Holiness Table was dirty. But it was made dirty by beautiful hands that had reached out to it. And in doing so, they had reached out to God. I thought, I want to touch that table one more time, for myself. On Sunday morning, I noticed that someone had cleaned the Holiness Table to prepare it for the day. Once again, it was spotless. I then reached out and put my hands on the table. I wanted there to be evidence that someone had reached out to God and had left a mark. The touch of my dirty hands is made clean by the blood of Christ. Through His sacrifice, He has brought us all closer to Him. I will continue to pray that there is always evidence on display of our reaching out to the Lord. But for now, as promised, I must go home—and clean my house.
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JAVA
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JESUS
cafés open around the territory by Robert Mitchell and Hugo Bravo photography by Susan Magnano
D
uring the 60’s and 70’s, the Christian coffeehouse movement energized a generation and reached many seekers who never would have set foot in a traditional church. Today, the movement still lives in The Salvation Army. Several corps are using it to appeal to the millennial generation with a mix of live music, coffee, and Jesus. At the Montclair, N.J., Citadel Corps, about 20 people gather once a month for “Sunday Night Renewal” in a café space at the corps called "The Coffee Booth" (playing on Army founder William Booth’s last name). Why Sunday? “The Bible is pretty clear about our need for Sabbath, but so often for many of us, Sunday is a day filled with many duties,” says Chuck Goodin, the organizer of the event and the territory’s young adult, camp, and sports ministries director.
GOD’S POWER, NOT MINE
Goodin explained that Sunday night becomes a time when people “start ramping up their schedules to take on the coming week.” “Adam and Eve’s first full day was a day of rest,” Goodin says. “Starting from a place of rest in God seems to be His plan. So ‘Sunday Night Renewal’ is about starting the week and the month from a place of rest. “When we start from a place of assurance and security, then we are ultimately saying, ‘I entrust my life to the living God, not to my own strength and abilities.’ ” Jim Bailey, a member of the corps, leads the praise & worship each week, but guest worship leaders are often invited. “It is very informal and musicians are invited to show up at will and to join the band,” Goodin says.
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The Café crowd gathers to hear the Word.
COMING TO THE CROSS
RELATIONSHIP EVANGELISM
A FRESH START
BRINGING THEM IN
Goodin said the format changes, but it often involves extended and meaningful contemporary worship, the reading of Scripture, a devotional by a guest speaker, and prayer. “There is a significant amount of prayer and Bible reading in every one of those meetings,” says Major Kevin Stoops, Montclair Citadel’s corps officer. Goodin adds, “The goal is to foster renewal among the participants and to make sure that people know that they can leave their burdens at the Cross.” Goodin said the people who come to the café “feel more connected” to the corps. “Their growth is deepening rather than expanding,” he says. “I have received testimonies from people saying they feel more connected with other believers since we started this.”
Other people have shared with Goodin that they were burned out 20 months ago, but “Sunday Night Renewal" came along to meet a need. “There is also a sense that people are returning to their different corps to better serve the mission from a place of abundance,” Goodin says. The story is quite different at the Devo&Donuts Café at the Pottsville, Pa., Corps. Café organizer Ashley Hermany said she wanted to create a “safe alternative for young adults” in an area with a lot of drinking and partying. “We were looking for some place where people could come and not be involved in that sort of thing,” she says. “A safe place where they would feel welcomed, and in a relaxed environment.”
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The group prays for Chip Kelly.
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The café started last June; Hermany keeps in contact with the participants through social media and through her weekly devotional essays. About 10 people come every Sunday from 6–10 p.m., to enjoy free Wi–Fi and to sip coffee while working on their laptops. While half the gym is set up for basketball, the other half offers a coffeehouse with low–key music, free doughnuts, and popcorn. Patrons of the café also enjoy some fun with art supplies, board games, and card games. Other benefits include cell phone charging stations, a television, a PlayStation 3, and a Keurig coffeemaker. There is no devotional, but Hermany works the crowd, making sure everyone feels welcome. She also has a “prayer box,” in which guests can leave prayer requests.
“It’s not your Sunday church service, so I don’t go preaching to people all the time,” Hermany says. “But before people leave at the end of the night, I always ask everyone if I can pray for them,” she says. “I’m very evangelical. I’m constantly talking about the love of God and that sort of thing. There’s definitely a spiritual aspect to it. “It really is a freeing atmosphere to be who I am and to share the love of Christ without having any holdbacks.” Hermany, a substitute teacher, recently spent a month in Thailand counseling human trafficking victims and teaching them English. She is committed to the Devo&Donuts Café and believes
Praise & worship is always part of the café experience.
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JAVA y JESÚS
There is a significant amount of prayer and Bible reading in every one of those meetings. —Major Kevin Stoops
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Durante las décadas de los 60 y los 70, el movimiento cristiano de los salones de café vigorizó a toda una generación y ayudó a evangelizar a muchas personas que estaban en busca del Señor, pero que en su mayoría evitaban adorarlo en las iglesias tradicionales. En la actualidad, el movimiento de los salones de café sigue vivo en el Ejército de Salvación. En el Cuerpo Citadel de Montclair, New Jersey, unas 20 personas se reúnen una vez al mes para participar en una actividad de “Renovación del Domingo por la Noche” en un salón de café ubicado en el mismo Cuerpo. Este salón es conocido como “The Coffee Booth” o “La cabina del café”. “En cada una de esas reuniones muchos oran y leen varios pasajes de la Biblia”, explica el Mayor Kevin Stoops, oficial directivo. En el Devo & Donuts Café en Pottsville, Pensilvania, Ashley Hermany, su organizadora, dice que su intención fue crear una “alternativa sana y segura para adultos jóvenes”. Unas 10 personas se presentan cada domingo desde las 6 de la tarde en adelante para disfrutar de Wi-Fi gratis y para beber un rico café mientras trabajan con sus laptops. “Hablo constantemente con cada uno de ellos acerca del amor de Dios y de todo lo relacionado con ello”, comenta Hermany. El Cuerpo de Red Bank, New Jersey, ofrece un pequeño salón de café con seis mesas y un par de máquinas de café Keurig. El salón es la vía de acceso al Cuerpo en el que las personas se detienen durante el día para servirse ellos mismos su taza de café. El concepto es bastante similar en el "Safe Haven Café" en Ponce, Puerto Rico. “El objetivo es hacerles saber que somos una iglesia en la que se predica el Evangelio de Jesucristo y en la que ellos pueden tener un encuentro personal con el Salvador”, dice la Mayora Teresita Pacheco, oficiala directiva del Cuerpo. Este es un resumen del artículo. Para leerlo completo en español, por favor visite saconnects.org/enespanol .
Ladies enjoy coffee at the Safe Haven Café in Ponce.
it will “rocket” when more people hear about it. Captain Kevin Polito, the corps officer in Pottsville, agreed. “I think the whole idea was to build relationships with people. As those relationships build, we ask them to consider coming to church here or joining some of the programs,” Polito says. “I see this as a bridge to bring people to the corps.”
OLD SCHOOL, ARMY STYLE
Hermany said the Salvation Army’s famous Donut Girls from WWI inspire her, and she uses a poster with their photos to promote the café. “So in terms of the café, we thought, why not go back to the roots of The Salvation Army and offer free doughnuts and share the love of Christ with anyone who would be willing to come and hang out?” she says. Hermany said her past is another motivating factor. Before she had a relationship with Christ, she felt lonely and longed to belong to a solid community. “When I look around at my hometown and the community that’s here, I feel like people are just crying out for God,” she says. “They don’t know what it’s like to have strong friends in a Christian community.”
‘YOU’RE WELCOME’
“Most of them don’t realize that there are things to do and ways to have fun that don’t involve drinking and doing drugs. And so I really want to share the truth and love of Christ with them.” When it comes to reaching out to the community, the
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Photos courtesy of the Ponce Corps
Food coordinator Alexandra Marrero and Soldier Tere Rigual prepare a meal at Safe Haven.
Red Bank, N.J., Corps offers a small café with six tables and a couple of Keurig machines. It is an entryway to the corps; people stop by the café during the day and help themselves. “When you walk into our building, it’s the very first thing that you see,” said Lieutenant Brennen Hinzman. “It’s created a welcoming atmosphere and connects us with the community.” The theme is similar at the Safe Haven Café in Ponce, P.R., which got its start thanks to a Strikepoint grant. Major Teresita Pacheco, the corps officer in Ponce, said four soldiers attended Strikepoint conferences and returned to the island with the vision to start a café.
NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL
“Our vision was to create a space where people in our community can find a comfortable place outdoors where they could take a break from their hectic life. Here, they can relax, build relationships, and buy a light meal,” Pacheco says. “This allows members of the Ponce Corps to approach them in a casual way and to build relationships informally. “The goal is to let them know that we are a church where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached and that they can have a personal encounter with the Savior.” Pacheco said that as members of the corps mingle, they hear people share stories of life’s trials and their victories. Sandy Cancel came to the corps feeling overwhelmed by a family situation. She and her husband went to the altar for prayer. Today, they volunteer at the corps. Cancel takes food orders at the café and her “soft and gentle personality” is a blessing to the people, Pacheco says.
CHANGING LIVES
Juanita Jorge, an adherent at the corps, used to be quiet and depressed. But since she began volunteering at the Salvation Army’s thrift store, she is a changed person. “She is happy and this has helped her to communicate and express herself more,” Pacheco says. Teresa Mattei, a retired schoolteacher, calls the café a “beautiful place.” “You feel peace, love, and contagious joy,” she says. “I have told my friends that we should meet here to talk and have a nice leisurely time.” Eudadlia bought a snack for her son at the café and also shared a heartfelt story of surviving cancer. She now brings her son to a program called Club 3:16 on Fridays and volunteers at the corps. “We are more than grateful for this opportunity to serve,” Pacheco says. “In all these testimonies, we see the hand of God bringing people to the café who have spiritual, social, and emotional needs.”
A BOOST for
BINGHAMTON by Robert Mitchell
Binghamton, N.Y., is emblematic of a depressed upstate economy, where 47 percent of local schoolchildren live in poverty and 87 percent qualify for the free or reduced meal program. The existing 13,000–square–foot Binghamton Citadel Corps has also seen better days. Dedicated in 1905 and remodeled in 1959, the corps is in a downtown commercial section on a narrow street with little parking. The facility is cramped and chopped up into small spaces and corridors. “There are barriers to our ministry here in the downtown area,” says Major Ronald Heimbrock, the corps officer in Binghamton, along with his wife, Major Ruth Heimbrock. The current two–story building is not wheelchair–accessible and many of the mechanical systems are old and expensive to maintain. And due to a lack of air–conditioning, an upstairs gym is virtually unusable in the summer. “It’s very difficult to do some of the programs,” Heimbrock says. However, that’s all about to change.
A NEW DAY COMING Photo by Robert Mitchell
The Salvation Army hopes to break ground later this year on the new Binghamton Center for Worship and Service just a few miles away. The 30,000–square–foot building will be a one–stop shop that offers a host of
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“ support services for people striving to advance economically. The vision of the corps is to transform the North Side from one of perpetual poverty “to one of economic opportunity and personal empowerment,” the vision reads. “Working together with the community, The Salvation Army will embrace anti–poverty initiatives and collaborate with program partners and service providers to offer sustainable, transformative programming, specifically designed to help individuals and families escape hunger, unemployment, and ongoing poverty.”
COMMUNITY NEEDS The Salvation Army hopes to break ground later this year and open the corps and community center in the fall of 2017. “A lot of the people who come here for our services right now are having to take one or more busses or they drive,” Heimbrock says. “They live within close range of the corps. We don’t get a lot of
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families here downtown. “When we move to the North Side, we’ll be right in the middle of a neighborhood where children play and families live and where there are a lot of community needs. Our ministry will take on a whole new dynamic. We’ll be able to reach out to a new group of people with many more programs.” Michele Tarnow, director of community engagement for the Salvation Army’s Empire State Division, said, “Our program study showed that Binghamton is in need of comprehensive programming across all aspects of life: economic empowerment, lifelong learning, community building, recreation, food service, and health and wellbeing.”
A CHANCE TO ADVANCE “People need better jobs and more steady jobs with opportunities for growth,” Tarnow says. “That’s our focus.” To that end, the new center will offer job training, a technology center, and two computer labs.
”
— Major Ronald Heimbrock
“The new community center will enable us to do things that we could never do in our current location,” Helmbrock says. “We’ll offer programs that lift people up and help them meet their practical needs to utimately thrive economically.” Also on the premises will be two commercial–grade kitchens offering meals twice a day and a culinary arts job training area.
ON–THE–JOB TRAINING Binghamton is home to several food manufacturers. The Binghamton Food & Beverage Incubator will have a presence at the center through partnerships with Cornell Cooperative Extension and SUNY Broome. “We’ve been working with local employers to make sure that they’re aware and ready to hire local people as we train them,” says Laura Hamilton, capital campaign director for the Army’s Empire State Division. “We asked the community, ‘What
Photos by Robert Mitchell
(L-R) Laura Hamilton, Michele Tamow, Chet Schultz, and Major Ronald Heimbrock look over plans.
We’ll offer programs that uplift people and meet their practical needs by helping them climb the economic scale.
does it really need?’ Then we thought outside the box,” Hamilton says. “We’re taking what we’re doing well here and bringing it to the new space. We’re also partnering with other community agencies to bring strong, successful programs to the new community center.”
THE PLACE TO BE Among the organizations that will have a presence at the community center are Binghamton University, Broome County Health Department, Healthy Lifestyles Coalition, VINES, Office for the Aging, and many more. “The people who have the resources and willingness are already there. They’re ready. They see the value of the space as we do,” says Chet Schultz, vice president of First Niagara Bank in Binghamton and chairman of the local Salvation Army advisory board. The center will also include a 135– capacity sanctuary and a playground, basketball court, and soccer field. Other features include food service
and a pantry, health checks and management, music and band programs, a community garden, a full-sized gym with rock climbing, community meeting space, and licensed programs for youth and seniors.
REFRESHING THE GATEWAY Tarnow said the center will sit next to a complex with about 400 apartments. “We’re really moving where we need to be to serve the whole community,” she says. Schultz, who helped start a church in Binghamton and knows the community well, said the programs will be “life–changing” for families. The new location is at the northern “gateway to the community” that includes several shuttered stores, Schultz said.
BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD “This is going to be a catalyst for that entire gateway,” he says. “What this is going to mean is that hundreds of people will be able to take advantage
of services that will be available at one location so that they can see an improved quality of life.” Hamilton said the fundraising for the center is unique. “We hope we can take this into other corps,” she says. “We’ve really immersed ourselves here and built partnerships in the community.” State funding will bring in about 20 to 30 percent of the $5.6 million cost with the rest coming from local foundations, corporations, individual contributors, and the sale of the curent corps building.
RELEVANT AGAIN Schultz said he interviewed volunteers last year when one told him, “We need to be relevant. I’m afraid we’re losing our relevancy in the community.” Today, Schultz is buoyant about The Salvation Army’s future in Binghamton. “This project and the expansion of the programs … put The Salvation Army in the center of relevancy as a leader in this community,” Schultz says.
(Right) Schultz points to the location of the new corps. (Below) Major Ronald Heimbrock and Chet Schultz, chair of the local advisory board, look over the community garden.
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook / 페이스북 방문 환영 www.facebook.com/saconnects
2016 JUNE
21
FAITH in ACTION
In 1967 and at the tender age of 15, Bonnie Camarda left the political turmoil in Cuba with her family to start a new life in Madrid, Spain. She later graduated from the University of Madrid with a degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in administrative science. Camarda moved to the United States to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. She also received a master of divinity degree from the Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida. After having a successful business career internationally, Camarda returned to the U.S., where she served as a pastor in Philadelphia. In 1984, she became an advisory board member with The Salvation Army in Greater Philadelphia. Since 1999, “Rev. Bonnie” has served as the divisional director of partnerships and government relations for The Salvation Army’s Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division (PENDEL). In the following interview, she reflects on her first visit to Cuba in 33 years.
Bonnie Camarda
Q&A
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Before you traveled to Cuba in February with the New York Staff Band (NYSB), your last visit had been in 1983. In your view, what has changed there since then? There’s definitely a wider acceptance today of Americans and their culture. And the people are open to The Salvation Army. When you left Cuba to live in Madrid, did you understand the severity of the political climate that you were leaving? I didn’t quite understand that I might never see my father and other family members again, or understand the complexity of becoming an immigrant. We already had family who had left for Spain, such as my grandfather, who stressed that he wanted us to live there with him. How has growing up in Cuba and in Spain influenced your ministry today? It has helped me see people through different lenses. It gave me an aspect of culture that I didn’t have as strongly in Cuba. In Spain, I lived in a Hispanic culture and in a European culture. And travel between European countries was easy. How important is music in Cuban culture? It’s important. And it’s something that The Salvation Army can help Cuban soldiers do more of to lift their spirits and their corps. For example, when I visited the College for Officer Training, they had one guitar and one flute, which belonged to the teacher. The New York Staff Band left a beautiful drum set in Cuba for the soldiers, but I would have liked to have given them something myself. Here in the U.S., guitars aren’t expensive; we could have brought a few to Cuba.
by Hugo Bravo
MOSES
T H I RT Y M I N U T E S O F O R I G I N A L M U S I C A N D M O V E M E N T
A N O L D S T O RY
A NEW TELLING
O L D O R C H A R D BE A C H S E A S I D E PAV I L I O N
AUGUST 3, 2016 7PM What else did you notice about the College for Officer Training? There weren’t many Bibles in the college. They are hard to get in Cuba. Here in Philadelphia, we are trying to organize ways to send Bibles, instruments, and even vitamins, which are also in short supply, to the Cuban people. What would you say is the biggest misconception people have about Cuba? Because the government provides education and health care, that all the peoples’ needs are met. Actually, in return for that education, graduates are legally required to work for the government for two years. As a matter of fact, the Cuban people are hardworking and have a great sense of entrepreneurship.
What was the highlight of your trip with the NYSB? Apart from being with family whom I thought I would never see again.* I would have to say it was Saturday night at El Teatro De Miramar, when the NYSB gave its first performance. The people in the audience, although many were poor, wore beautiful clothing and welcomed us with joy. They took it all in, and danced the Conga with the visiting officers. In a room full of Cubans and Americans, I felt that we were all the same—human beings who followed Christ and who wanted to do His work. * Rev. Bonnie’s dad, sister, stepmother, two cousins, a niece, and a 90–year–old aunt welcomed her upon her return to Cuba. They took her to see markets, landmarks, and the church where her parents were married.
Photo by the Communications Department Staff
How would you like to see The Salvation Army help Cuba? First of all, the Army can help the younger generation learn to play instruments and teach them the importance of music in Salvation Army culture. And secondly, work with Lt. Colonel Julio Moreno, the divisional commander, to help support the Central Corps and its building project.
s cript and concept de veloped by C A ROL J AU DES s taging and choreography by KATH RY N H IGGI NS USA EASTERN TERRITORY COMMISSIONERS BARRY C. & E. SUE SWANSON TERRITORIAL LEADERS
music by JO SEPH SK I NNER video by J E ROME GR EEN
Photo by Doug Kerr
FAITH in ACTION
A Chaplain’s Promise by Lieutenant Kathryn Mayes
Meeting people at their point of need, particularly in the midst of tragedy, can be one of the most important aspects of being a Salvation Army officer. In June of 2015, when I arrived at my first appointment in Derry, N.H., I promised myself that I would be a pastor to all the people who walk into our corps and to everyone in the community. Serving as corps officer (pastor) along with the additional role of chaplain for the Derry Fire Department has allowed me the opportunity to keep that promise. As chaplain, I was privileged to speak at the 9/11 ceremonies for the department during my first year. And I performed the opening and closing prayers at celebrations and when firemen were promoted. Less than a month into my appointment as chaplain, I received a call at midnight about a fire in town. At that point, the severity of the fire was a mystery.
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And I was nervous. I thought, what do I wear? What do I bring? What do I say? A major part of the chaplain’s role is to provide spiritual, practical, and emotional support to the firemen for the duration of a difficult fire. Such fires typically take days before they are brought to an end. A chaplain can assist by offering coffee, water, and snacks. Or he or she can be an encouraging presence for the men and women of the fire department and the affected families. That’s what I was prepared to do. When I arrived, the firemen told me about Rex and his wife, an elderly couple that owned the house. Both were wheelchair bound, and had lived there for 40 years. For the past 15 years, they rarely traveled beyond the front door. Rex stayed on the first floor and his wife resided on the second floor where the fire started. The firemen believe that a flame had struck her oxygen
tank, which ignited. Rex saw the flames consume the second floor and make their way down the stairs, but he was powerless to stop them. He was able to make it out of the house, but his wife perished in the flames. I went to the hospital where doctors were treating Rex for smoke inhalation. It was still too soon for him to fully comprehend and accept the reality of what had happened and who and what he had lost. “I’m a pastor,” I told him. He made it clear to me that he was not a believer. This was the first time in my life that I had been in such a situation. I was consoling someone who had lost almost everything. As much as I wanted to, I knew there was nothing I could say to make his pain disappear. So I made him a promise that I would be there for him, and I would pray for him. During the next few days, Rex would call me via public phone to update me on what he was doing and how he was getting along. He told me how charity organizations helped retrieve his belongings that had survived the fire. He was making plans in the coming weeks to move in with his sister in Ohio. And he asked me to continue to pray for him. This man, a non–believer, was reaching out to me for prayer. Officership is a unique adventure. In the opportunities and challenges that arise, the reality is that those magical words that will immediately help someone after a tragedy escape us. But as officers, we must continue to trust and seek God, even if people affected by calamity, at that moment, resist His love. As a pastor, I must trust God that He will lead me to people who need me the most. And that He will equip me with the words, wisdom, and strength for every situation. I must believe in God’s strength rather than in my own.
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Centennial Memorial Temple New York, N.Y.
1 4 2 4 :
USA Eastern Territory Commissioners Barry C. & E. Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders
ON file
a review
Cultivate Young Adult
online spiritual formation course
by Chris Stoker
Do you want more from your spiritual life? Is your soul running on “empty” more than on “full”? Do you want to connect with God more deeply, more often, and more intentionally? Over a year ago, we started asking young adults these questions. In May of this year, the first “Cultivate Young Adult” online spiritual formation course came to a close. Now, we’re looking toward beginning Cohort 2 in September. During Cohort 1, which began last September, we spent the final nine months studying Scripture, engaging in spiritual disciplines, and exploring individual and community perspectives. Our members represented 10 of the 11 divisions of the territory. Module facilitators consisted of employees and officers from Territorial Headquarters (THQ), divisional commanders, corps officers, and retired as well as active officers. They led us brilliantly through the book, A Holy Longing, by Ronald Rolheiser. In March, the cohort met at Camp Ladore in Pennsylvania for a three– day retreat. It was an incredible time devoted to the topics of “Self, Service, and the Sabbath.” On Friday, we explored best practices for individual spiritual formation
such as Lectio Divina, and Visio Divina (various forms of prayer, spiritual direction, silence & solitude, and fasting). Members of the territorial Spiritual Life Development Department (Colonel Janice Howard, Major Lauren Hodgson, Chris Stoker, and Matt Hodgson) led our times of teaching and worship. On Saturday, we went to the nearby West Pittston Corps and assisted Captain Misty Coffelt during the Greater Pittston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. On behalf of the West Pittston Corps, we helped distribute hot chocolate and snacks to hundreds of parade participants and onlookers. Sunday was a beautiful day in the Poconos. We worshiped together and reflected on God’s presence during the course and in our lives. We could go on about Cultivate Young Adult, but we thought you might prefer to hear a couple of the cohort members themselves describe what challenged them the most.
DAN JILLETT, CSM corps sergeant major
Brockton, Mass., Corps Brockton ARC employee Adult Rehabilitation Center
“I joined Cultivate Young Adult in order to deepen my relationship with Jesus. I have a passion for learning and experiencing all that God has to offer. This course seemed like a perfect opportunity for me to get to know other believers and to be challenged on a spiritual level. I also embraced other perspectives on the nature of holiness. “Throughout the course, I have been challenged by the various leaders to express my faith in bold terms. Because of their care and careful questioning, they have helped me grow in many ways.”
We’re currently accepting applications for Cohort 2 of Cultivate Young Adult, which will begin in September 2016. You can find more information at saconnects.org/cya-cohort2
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wholly living
Detoxifying Your SOUL
C U LT I VAT E y o u n g a d u lt
EVELYN STICKLAND
“Through Cultivate Young Adult, God has shown me that I am not alone in my struggles. I've read a lot of discussion board posts about the experiences of other members. As I read them, I thought that I could have easily written the same things. God has also been showing me how important it is to set aside time to be with Him, especially when I'm faced with challenges and with difficult questions. “Setting aside enough time to really wrestle with the material and with the discussion questions was most challenging for me. For those of us who are churched (and perhaps Corps Cadet and Bible Bowl veterans), it is tempting to answer questions quickly and simply with typical Sunday school answers. But Cultivate Young Adult really challenged me to make time to explore the answers. I had to come to terms with the fact that my spiritual life is defined by knowing Jesus rather than by just knowing answers.”
Background photo by iStock; inset photos courtesy of the Spiritual Life Development Department
soldier Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Corps
As we think about the detoxification of our soul—eliminating the impurities—we see much that needs to be thrown away. But don’t throw away the important lessons learned from your “pre–Christ days.” Recalling those lessons is God’s form of recycling. He doesn’t waste anything, including our mistakes. Everything that has happened in our lives can be reused for our growth and for His glory. Have you seen the “I Want to Be Recycled” campaign on TV? In one of the commercials, someone faithfully recycles a plastic bottle. At the end of the ad, we see that the bottle, along with other recyclable items, has been transformed into support beams for a new park bench. What catches my eye every time I watch these advertisements is their slogan: “Give your garbage new life.” Clever, huh? Every time I read that, I think about the “new life” my “garbage” has received. I’m not speaking of the bottle and cans I’ve placed in a recycling bin. I’m talking about all my bad decisions, hurtful words, and selfish actions. I’m
Recycle Your Garbage part five of a five–part series by Major Lauren Hodgson
talking about the sins I’ve committed. If they aren’t “garbage,” then I don’t know what is! Maybe we ought to add recycling to our confession process. Once we are aware that we’ve yielded to temptation, and then, through confession, sought and found God’s grace, we ought to spend time looking at our pattern of sin with eyes eager to see transformation. What can we learn from our sin pattern that will make us spiritually stronger and grow deeper in our relationship with Christ? When I look back at my selfishness and see the garbage I’ve left in its wake, I want to make changes—to my words, thoughts, actions, and reactions. And to go deeper, I need to know what I want to change, and why. To follow Christ more closely means changing my motivations, intentions, and expectations. All of that can come, if I willingly participate in the transformation process. Have you looked at your garbage lately? How can it be recycled into something that reflects Christ? How can you give your garbage a new life?
A Note of Thanks Thank you for reading “Wholly Living” and for following our “Detoxifying Your Soul” series. We hope you’ve found meaning and gained inspiration from reading these articles and that you’ve courageously implemented some or all of the strategies. Until next time, blessings to you!
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook / 페이스북 방문 환영 www.facebook.com/saconnects
2016 JUNE
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ON file
In celebration of Father’s Day, three officers share their thoughts and experiences on fatherhood and how their relationship with our own Heavenly Father has been part of their roles as dads.
두려움에서 관계로 짧 지 않은 지금까지 삶을 살아오 면서 저도 나름대로 여러 모양의 두려움들을 느껴왔습니다. 그 두 려움들에는 제 건강과 장래의 삶 에 대한 두려움도 있었고 하나님
Fatherhood
에 대한 두려움(경외)도 있었습니
The deepest and most profound lessons I’ve learned in Christian ministry and in my personal walk with God have been the result of my successes and failures as a father. I have five children who are as different from one another as the parts of the world in which they were born. In a house full of children, there is an abundance of humorous stories and possible sermon illustrations. But on a deeper level, fatherhood allows me to connect naturally with our community through the lives of my children. I’ve met with their doctors, teachers, and coaches, as well as with other children and their parents. On the one hand, I never realized how profound a sense of love and protection I could feel for another human being until I became a father. On the other hand, I’ve never had my patience so profoundly tested. God reveals to us the depths of our capacity to love. And with His help, our need to grow into the image of Christ can be realized through the ministry of parenting. Recently, I’ve been reading about the stages of life. First, we search for meaning and purpose. Second, we find a career to pursue and a community in which to live, and perhaps a spouse with whom to share our lives. And then we raise a family, through which we learn to give ourselves away. Finally in our senior years, we try to live with meaning and purpose and to leave an enduring legacy. In some ways, the parable of The Prodigal Son represents these stages. We can identify with him through our longing for meaning and purpose. We can relate to the elder brother as he attempts to be a responsible member of his family and community. However, what can we see in the role of the father? As for me, I see him as a father who was present and engaged. He didn’t leave his son, his son left him. And when his son finally returned, the father was there for him. He actually ran to greet his son. He was a father who sought to restore relationships with both his kids. I deeply desire to emulate such a compassionate father and to leave an enduring legacy for my children. —Major Paul Pelletier
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다. 결혼하고 한 여자의 남편이 되 면서 왔던 두려움도 있고, 아이의 아버지가 되면서 느낀 두려움도 있었습니다. 20여 년 전, 제 첫 딸이 태어났을 때, 그 순간 큰 기쁨과 동시에 이제부터 이 아이를 전적으로 내가 책임지고 양육해야만 한다는 생각에 잠시 두렵고 무거운 마음이 들었던 기억이 지금도 생생합니다. 아이를 키우면서 그제서야 부모 님의 마음이 이해되기 시작했고, 아버지의 책임이 얼마나 크고 소중한 것인지도 느끼게 되었습니다. 동시에 우리 인간에 대한 하나님 아버지의 마음도 이러하겠구나 하면서 하나님의 마음이 조금이나마 이해되고 와 닿게 되었습니다. 그러면서 성경에 나 오는 하나님의 모습에 대한 이해의 폭도 새롭게 가 지게 되었습니다. 구 약 성경에 나와 있는 하나님은 나를 위해서 무 엇인가를 해 주시는 분으로 묘사되어 있습니다. 우 리의 보호자 되시고, 공급자 되시고, 양육자이시 고, 평화를 주시고, 승리를 주시고, 구원해 주시는, 나를 위해서 뭔가를 해 주시는 책임자로서의 하나 님의 모습이십니다. 그런데 신약 성경에서는 하나 님을 전능자 여호와로 부르기 보다는 나의 위로자 되시고, 나와 늘 가까이 함께 하시기를 원하시는 그 냥 친밀한 관계의 아버지로 소개합니다. 심지어 사 도 바울은 아버지라는 호칭에서 한 걸음 더 나아가 서 ‘아빠 아버지’ 라고 까지 최고의 친밀감으로 고 백합니다. 전능하시고, 보호자와 책임자 되시지만 그분은 또한 나의 마음을 잘 아시고, 내 앞길을 살 피시고, 나의 위로자와 힘이 되시며, 나를 사랑하
unity
La locura de ser padre
시며 나의 사랑을 바라시는 분이시라는 것입니다. 그러기에 집 나간 탕자가 다시 돌아오기를 집 밖에 서 기다리고 계시고, 돌아온 탕자를 아무런 조건 없이 그저 다시 받아주십니다. 또한 잃어버린 한 마 리의 양을 찾기 위해서 다른 모든 것도 마다하지 않 으시는 분으로 소개합니다. 제 가 아버지가 되고 아이를 양육하면서 이처럼 신 약에 묘사된 하나님에 대해 더 절실하게 느끼게 되 자 자녀에 대한 책임감에서 오는 두려움보다는 자녀 와의 아버지와 자녀의 친밀한 관계에서 오는 기쁨이 훨씬 더 크다는 것을 알게 되었습니다. 또한 이런 생 각은 제 목회 방침과 자녀 양육에 대한 생각에 변화 와 영향을 주었습니다. 그 이전까지 조금은 율법적 이고 원리원칙적인 구약적 하나님의 접근 방식이었 다면, 이제는 신약적 아버지 하나님의 마음으로 성 도들과 자녀들을 대하려는 태도를 가지려고 노력하 게 되었습니다. 왜냐면 하나님의 조건 없고 희생적 인 사랑으로 말미암아 우리들이 하나님의 자녀가 되는 특권을 얻었기 때문이며 사랑의 그 어떤 것도 궁극적으로 다 이길 수가 있기 때문입니다. 이 런 모습의 아버지로 자녀를 양육하려 하지만 여 전히 저의 부족한 점이 많음을 느끼며 오늘도 다시 성경을 말씀을 붙들며 나의 아버지 하나님의 도우 심을 구해봅니다. “또 아버지된 이 여러분, 여러분 의 자녀를 노엽게 하지 말고, 주님의 훈련과 훈계로
El 15 de mayo de 1991 mi vida tomó un giro dramático. Ese día nació mi primogénito, Alexander. Aunque junto a mi esposa Lydia pensaba que estábamos listos para este paso, la llegada de Alexander cambió mi vida. Ser testigo de su nacimiento y estar allí en esos primeros momentos, tomarlo en mis brazos y ver que esa nueva vida era una nueva responsabilidad y una novedosa aventura, ciertamente me marcó para siempre. Luego llegaron Christian (1992), Alan (2000) y la preciosa princesa Rebecca (2002). La casa de la tribu Mercado nunca ha sido una de mucho silencio sino más bien de risas, gritos, bromas y amor. Ser papá es extraordinario. Y también es una locura. Al principio es como que no hay otro padre más en el mundo y tienes que proteger a tus hijos de todo. Que no se caigan ni se lleven nada a la boca, ni se aventuren a nada que uno piense que les puede hacer daño por pequeño que ello sea. Luego te encuentras pensando cómo criarlos, qué deporte les vas a enseñar y cómo vas a pagar sus estudios. Fue así que fui entendiendo que mi principal rol como padre no era el de protector o proveedor, sino el de ser un buen ejemplo, un modelo. Así que voy a amarlos, enseñarles acerca de Dios y confiar que sean personas de bien. Gran parte de esta aventura me hace pensar en nuestro Dios. Él, como nuestro Padre, también nos ama, nos provee, nos protege, sin embargo nos da oportunidad para que nos aventuremos, para que decidamos, para que busquemos alternativas. Pienso que igual que los hijos, a veces somos desobedientes y, aun así, Su amor permanece y sigue esperando lo mejor de nosotros. Mi ministerio ha sido bendecido, tanto que poder contar con esta hermosa familia que Dios me ha dado, lo enriquece. Debo terminar diciendo que me siento orgulloso de cada uno de mis hijos, de lo que son y están haciendo con sus vidas. Soy un hombre bendecido y un padre feliz. Espero seguir viviendo y seguir siendo ejemplo para ellos de lo que es ser un hombre de Dios. Oro para que mi vida también sea de agrado a nuestro Padre celestial y al fin todos juntos celebremos en Su Reino. Hay una canción que dice: “Sí, lo sé, yo soy feliz, un poco loco, pero feliz”. —Mayor Juan Mercado
기르십시오”(에베소서 6:4, 표준 새번역) —김종우 사관 (참령, 동군국 사관대학 인사 담당관)
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2016 JUNE
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ON file
great moments
The Army’s first
Café Ministry by Warren L. Maye
In 1967, young people came from all over the country to enjoy the urban and bohemian culture of Greenwich Village in New York City. They sought adventure, social connection, and answers to the questions of life. Albert Ayler, a jazz saxophonist from Cleveland, Ohio, released an album entitled “Albert Ayler in Greenwich Village.” Recorded live, it touched the pulse of the youth flooding there and was hailed as his best album. That same year, another young man, age 23, walked into “The Village” wearing a Salvation Army uniform. In the midst of the music, Captain Brian Figueroa greeted a group of “hippies.” Their conversation gradually segued from music to ministry, to the questions of life, and finally to the answer—Jesus Christ. Soon after, Salvation Army leaders asked Captain Figueroa to start a youth ministry in The Village. On July 31, his 23rd birthday, he opened “The Answer” café, a storefront at 105 MacDougal Street. The 7 by 24–foot space that the Army had rented for $500–a–month
quickly filled with teenagers looking for a cool place to hang out. Yes, the coffeehouse was cool. And the young adults were free to adorn it with psychedelic art and even a huge poster of Army Founder William Booth. They talked, sipped soft drinks, played games, and recited poetry. They also enjoyed an open mike performance from anyone who wanted to play an instrument or sing. Figueroa began to dress in casual clothes, but by then, it was clear to everyone that “The Answer” was about Jesus. Youth flocking to the café made it a spiritual oasis in a community filled with illegal drugs, alcohol, wanton sex, and secular music. Under the leadership of “Captain Brian” and his 23–year–old assistant, Ed Herzberg, The Answer held informal church services and “Bible time” and often took kids to nearby Salvation Army corps (churches). By 1968, hundreds of teens had visited The Answer. The New York Times, the Village Voice, and other publications had written stories about it. Local and national TV also aired stories. The Answer also attracted many youth who had run away from home. Figueroa, who had ministered to such kids in Providence, R.I., knew how to spot them and how to persuade them to call home. He sat with them in wooden folding chairs, or leaned against the graffiti–decorated walls, or in dimly candle–lit rooms to talk, sometimes for hours. He posted a bulletin board and covered it with notes from their friends and family,
Then–Captain Brian Figueroa welcomes visitors to The Answer.
pleading with them to make that call themselves or give Figueroa permission to do so on their behalf. Here are just some of the messages. “ Hilary: Call home soon, please. Mom wants to talk to you. Please.” — Don “ Bobby Hopkins: Call dad. Everything can be worked out.” “ Eleanor, We’re looking for you. Cops are after you. We want to get you out of here. We have money. Get in touch with Audrey or call Zeena, collect.” — Steve, Karen, Laurie, Zeena
The Army eventually opened a 10–room youth hostel. It was in its old Bowery Mission, complete with security and a Salvationist social worker. In subsequent years, Figueroa received many letters of gratitude from people who had visited The Answer.
To see more on this story, go to saconnects.org and search for Finding ‘The Answer’ in Greenwich Village.
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testimony
JJ & me
“
Your family may not literally call out for your attention, but they are calling you in their minds and in their hearts.
JJ (James John) at age 3.
”
Photo courtesy of Major James Foley
by Major James Foley
Before we were officers, my wife Sue and I were parents to James John, whose nickname is JJ. I remember us being at Camp Ladore in Pennsylvania. We were getting an orientation on cadetship when our 3–year–old started crying as he left the room. The camp workers were taking him to the south side of the camp. I can still hear him call for me. His little voice rang out all the way down the road and from across the lake. My heart ached and I wanted to go after him. But the calling to become a cadet seemed louder and more important. For that moment, I resisted the opportunity to be with my son. After my wife and I completed our cadet training, our first appointment was in Milton, Pa. We lived next door to the corps and even though JJ had started preschool, it was easy to spend time with him. JJ and I were best friends. We referred to each other as “Auggie Doggie” and “Doggie Daddy,” names of popular cartoon characters in the early 60s “The Quick Draw McGraw Show.” I made the area where the corps resided into our own playground. We played with his toy trucks and occasionally went fishing on a nearby lake. One time while playing basketball, I wore a dark plastic sweat suit to help me lose a little weight. Unfortunately, the workout proved too intense due to the heat of the game, and I nearly passed
out. So James, now 5 years old, took me by the hand and walked his tired dad back to the corps. We were regular pals who had just played basketball together. However, my wife and I wondered about the future. How would we all adjust to the officer lifestyle of moving from appointment to appointment? Would JJ have the chance to grow up as a normal teenage boy? In our 4th appointment in Johnstown, Pa., JJ started high school. He was finally able to have something that had been elusive in his younger years—a circle of friends who lived nearby and who went to the same school. They were good Christian young men who read the Bible together and discussed God as often as they played sports. I let JJ and his friends have sleep overs at the corps on the weekends where they played basketball and shot pool late into the night. As in our first appointment, we had turned the corps building into a place that he could enjoy. Around the end of his sophomore year, we received notice that we would be leaving Johnstown for our 5th appointment in Oil City, Pa. One day when we were practicing driving in the high school parking lot, I realized how hard this move affected my son. In the middle of the lesson, one of his friends approached us. He had just graduated and was college bound. They said their goodbyes. And the fact that we
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were moving made things even harder. JJ’s friend reached for the tassel on his graduation cap and gave it to JJ as a souvenir of their friendship. As his friend walked away, I could see my son try to hold back tears. Just as when he was 3 years old, it was devastating for me to once again feel as if I was at least part of the reason for his pain. But as with most teenagers, he learned to adapt. At our new appointment in Oil City, he made new friends, while staying in touch with his old ones; broke athletic records at his new school; and met Melinda, who is now his wife of 14 years. Yes, James grew to be a normal guy and a great father. Today, JJ and I are as close as ever. Fathers would give anything for their children, but it’s also beautiful how I can say that I love my son as a dear friend. My advice to any officer or cadet with children at home: Strive to make your children’s lives as normal as possible, and do not let the ministry interfere with that process. It should never be a burden on them. Do not let Army responsibilities consume you. It’s easy to jump in response to every call because those responsibilities cry out to you. Your family may not literally call out for your attention, but they are calling you in their minds and in their hearts. Answer those calls. Doing so will make you a better parent, spouse, and follower of God.
2016 JUNE
31
finds
YOUR MOVIE WATCH LIST by Warren L. Maye
In today’s visual media culture, movies based on Christian themes are growing in popularity. And in selected ones, The Salvation Army is showing up in significant scenes. Some of these movies are premised on actual testimonies from Christians. Other movies are based on Bible stories and attempt to carefully follow Scripture. Still others fall into the realm of biblical fiction. In these films, writers and directors take artistic license in crafting cinematic dramas that “wow” audiences with amazing special effects and unusual and creative plot twists. This year’s film projects have attracted several of Hollywood’s best writers, actors, directors, special effects artists, and producers. Some critics have called the films “preachy,” others have withheld judgment while acknowledging the films’ success at the box office. One movie even caught the satirical eye of TV’s “Saturday Night Live.” As movies based on Christian themes roll into the limelight, they challenge viewers to distinguish fact from fiction and the sacred from sarcasm. And Christians have an opportunity to help non–believers draw these critical distinctions. Here are just a few films for your “watch list.”
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GOD’S NOT DEAD 2 This film, which reprises the successful “God’s Not Dead,” stars Melissa Joan Hart (“Melissa & Joey”). Elizabeth Hatcher–Travis is the producer. Harold Cronk directed it. He also directed “Silver Bells,” which featured The Salvation Army and starred Bruce Boxleitner (“The Huntsman”) and Antonio Fargas (“Starksky and Hutch”). In “God’s Not Dead 2,” Brooke, a high school student, asks Catherine, her Christian teacher, a question about Jesus. Her response—made while in class—lands her in deep trouble. Outside of school, Catherine learns more about Brooke’s troubled family life. In a particular scene, Brooke is distraught over her brother’s death. As she cries in his room, a Salvation Army truck arrives to take his donated belongings. One woman who carries away boxes gives Brooke her brother’s Bible. “Your family probably wants this,” the woman says. Brooke and her parents are surprised to learn that he had a Bible and believed in God.
THE YOUNG MESSIAH Adapted from the book Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt by Anne Rice (“Vampire Chronicles”), “The Young Messiah” is an account of what might have happened in Jesus’ childhood. At age 7, He returns from Egypt to His home in Nazareth with His family to discover the truth about His life. He learns that He is the Son of God, sent by God to be the Savior. The story’s controversial premise is based on conjecture, which in essence, contradicts Scripture. Viewers are left wondering, How can Jesus be so knowledgeable about Scripture, yet be so clueless about who He is? Indeed, Scripture clearly states that when Mary asks Jesus why He is in the temple, He says, “I had to be in my Father’s house.” (Luke 2:49)
MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN The book Miracles from Heaven: A Little Girl, Her Journey to Heaven, and Her Amazing Story of Healing written by Christy Beam (mom of Annabelle) inspired DeVon Franklin and SONY Pictures to produce this film. It stars Jennifer Garner (“Alias”) and Queen Latifah (Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for “Chicago”). Franklin said, “The Beam family liked the movie. And for me, that is the true test of the production. But to be honest with you, we did a poor job of showing what this family really went through. If you knew that, then you would know what a miracle this story truly is.”
BEN–HUR, COMING THIS SUMMER Based on the book Ben–Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace, the screenplay by Keith Clarke and John Ridley (“12 Years a Slave,” 2013 Academy Award winner for Best Adapted Screenplay) stars Jack Huston and Morgan Freeman (2–time Oscar nominee). Producer Roma Downey (“The Bible”) said, “We’ve hired the ‘best of the best’ to deliver this story about a man who meets Jesus.” “Ben–Hur” will be in theaters August 12, 2016.
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“
I wanted to make gifts during my lifetime. Charitable gift annuities are a way that works for me. - Milan Busta
”
We Couldn’t Agree With You More, Milan.
The Salvation Army is excited to have a giving opportunity that furthers our mission AND benefits our dedicated and generous donor friends and members. Our work could not reach all those who need our ministry and services if it weren’t for “the army” of support we have. It is an honor to have the trust of Salvation Army Gift Annuity donors, like Mr. Busta, and it gives us great satisfaction to know they are pleased with the way this gift opportunity meets their needs for income and for putting their money where their values will be reinforced for generations in the future.
Our Gift Annuity can provide 4 Fixed Payments for Life
4 A Charitable Deduction
4 A Solid Rate of Return Based on Age*
4 Peace of Mind & Accomplishment
* e.g., at age 75 the payment rate is 5.8% and at age 85 the rate is 7.8%
For further information, please contact: The Salvation Army, Department of Special Gifts 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994 (845) 620-7297
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