SAconnects, Volume 3, Number 10 by The Salvation Army: SAconnects

IN focus

the General’s Christmas message

Truth for Today We pause once again in the busyness of our hectic and frenetic lives to give thanks to God for His wondrous gift. It was the greatest gift ever given to humankind—a gift of healing, wholeness, restoration, love, reconciliation, and relationship with the God who created the universe and our world. The apostle Paul reminds us of just how awesome that gift is: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). It is sad how many people fail to recognize and experience the truth of the gospel message—a message of good news reminding us of God’s love and provision for whoever chooses to believe and take Him at His word. At the trial of Jesus, Pilate asked, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Today, increasingly, we ask ourselves that same question. In recent months, we have had to expand our vocabulary to accommodate concepts such as alternative facts, false news, fake news. Little wonder that we live in a generation that is more and more skeptical and suspicious of any claims of absolute truth. For many, truth has become relative and subjective; it is what feels right for them or what they choose it to be on any given day or in any given situation. In fact, subjective approaches to truth are nothing new. People of all generations have chosen to read and interpret truth as they see fit. How desperately we need to hear and live truth in a world that has lost its moral compass. Some would question the relevance and importance of Jesus and yet we see through the life He lived that God was truly with Him. When we look at Jesus, we see evidence of God working in and through Him. His life reveals the truth of God’s promise and message for the world. Living in the confusion of this 21st century, it can be hard to distinguish truth, yet Christmas is about God breaking into our world in the gift of His Son, Jesus. The angels broke into the world of the shepherds to announce the birth of our Savior and those shepherds then went to the manger to experience the truth of what they had been told. Jesus came and walked among us, died on the Cross that we might be saved, then rose again, and ascended to Heaven where He reigns at the right hand of God. We know that one day He will return again to establish God’s reign on earth —and what a glorious day that will be! By returning to the Father, however, Jesus did not abandon or forget us. He said, “I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you. This Friend

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is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!” (John 14:16–17 The Message). The challenge for us is to allow ourselves the space to be aware of and experience the presence of Jesus, which can be as real as that first Christmas. We need to be His followers and His disciples in this generation, and He has promised us that, “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you” (John 8:31–32 MSG). Christmas is God’s greatest gift because we can know truth— truth that is more than abstract concept, a truth that is real and alive, embodied in Jesus and imparted by the Holy Spirit. “And we know that the Son of God came so we could recognize and understand the truth of God—what a gift!—and we are living in the Truth itself, in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. This Jesus is both True God and Real Life. Dear children, be on guard against all clever facsimiles” (1 John 5:20–21 MSG). I pray that you will experience the Truth this Christmas season.

— General André Cox

2017 DECEMBER

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our leaders

IN focus

Your Loving Deeds Tus Actos de Amor As we move toward a new year, we are encouraged as we also look back at God’s faithfulness. We are comforted by the reality that in 2018, He will continue to be with us in ministry, service, and outreach! In the coming year, our 20/20 VISION emphasis for the USA Eastern Territory will remain focused on: PEOPLE – Our mission is to reach people! What is God calling you to do in this new year to reach the lost? PROGRAMS – Our movement has used a wealth of programming to reach the masses of people! What is God asking you to initiate in order to impact your community for His Kingdom? PROVISIONS – Our mandate is to support the less fortunate. How will you respond to God’s leading when He calls you to sacrifice for others? Mark 6:30–44 speaks to these areas of focus in Jesus’ own ministry: Jesus “… saw a large crowd” (vs. 34a). He saw PEOPLE and invested in them. He “… began teaching them many things” (vs. 34c). Jesus used PROGRAMMATIC opportunities to reach people. Christ “… gave them (fishes and bread) … to set before the people” (vs. 41b ESV). He shared the PROVISIONS that had been gathered and gave to those in need. Thank you for all that YOU have done for the Kingdom of God in 2017. We rejoice in knowing that in 2018, the officers, soldiers, adherents, employees, and volunteers of this territory will be faithful to God’s leading! “We always thank God for you and pray for you constantly. We never forget your loving deeds as we talk to our God and Father about you, and your strong faith and steady looking forward to the return of our Lord Jesus Christ” —1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 (TLB).

— Commissioners / Comisionados Bill y Lorraine Bamford Territorial Leaders / Líderes Territoriales

A medida que nos acercamos a un nuevo año, lo hacemos alentados por la fidelidad que Dios nos ha mostrado. Nos sentimos confortados por saber que, en el 2018, Él va a seguir con nosotros en nuestro ministerio, en nuestros servicios y en nuestro trabajo de evangelización. El año que viene, el énfasis de nuestra VISIÓN 20/20, para el Territorio Este EUA, seguirá estando en: LAS PERSONAS. ¡Nuestra misión es alcanzar a las personas! ¿Qué te está llamando Dios a hacer este nuevo año para alcanzar a los perdidos? LOS PROGRAMAS. ¡Nuestro movimiento ha usado un gran número de programas para evangelizar a grandes cantidades de personas! ¿Qué te está pidiendo Dios que emprendas para impactar a tu comunidad en áreas de su Reino? LAS PROVISIONES. Nuestro mandato consiste en apoyar a los menos afortunados. ¿Cómo responderás a Dios cuando te inste a sacrificarte por los demás? Marcos 6:30-44 apela a esas áreas de enfoque en el ministerio de Jesús: El Maestro “… vio tanta gente” (v. 34a). Vio a la GENTE y se entregó a ella. “… Así que comenzó a enseñarles muchas cosas” (v. 34c). Jesús usó oportunidades PROGRAMÁTICAS para evangelizar a la gente. Cristo “… se los dio (los panes y los peces) a los discípulos para que se los repartieran a la gente” (v. 41b). Compartió las PROVISIONES que se habían juntado y se las dio a quienes tenían necesidad de ellas. Gracias por todo lo que TÚ has hecho por el Reino de Dios este año 2017. ¡Nos regocijamos al saber que en el 2018 los oficiales, los soldados, los adherentes, los empleados y los voluntarios de este territorio se mantendrán fieles a la instrucción de Dios! “Damos gracias a Dios por todos ustedes cuando los mencionamos en nuestras oraciones. Los recordamos constantemente delante de nuestro Dios y Padre a causa de la obra realizada por su fe, el trabajo motivado por su amor, y la constancia sostenida por su esperanza en nuestro Señor” —1 Tesalonicenses 1:2-3, NVI.

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2017 DECEMBER

IN focus

from the editor the magazine

AIR, JESUS! ¡AL AIRE LIBRE CON JESÚS! “ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” — Hebrews 12:1–2 Our first SAconnects for 2018 will leave the starting blocks with a bang, a ball, and an open–air meeting concept that will freshen your mind. From traditional sports such as soccer, football, and basketball to the ever–popular pickleball (a mix of tennis and ping pong), we’ll show you how sports ministry is being enjoyed by everyone—in the open air and to the glory of God. We’ll share with you best practices for improving your mental, spiritual, and physical health through various organized sporting activities and lifestyle adjustments. You’ll also get the inside story on how some well–known professional athletes build their spiritual strength through locker room Bible studies. Among other things, the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers have become sport hubs in many communities, providing state–of–the–art exercise and gym facilities and swimming pools. In a few days, 2018 will be here. Are you excited? You will be, when you breathe in God’s fresh air, and focus on the race before you!

— Warren L. Maye Editor in Chief / Editor en Jefe

your connection to The Salvation Army

USA EASTERN TERRITORY TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioner William A. Bamford III Commissioner G. Lorraine Bamford CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel Kenneth O. Johnson, Jr. COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY Major Tonie Cameron EDITOR IN CHIEF Warren L. Maye MANAGING EDITOR Robert Mitchell

“ Por tanto, también nosotros, que estamos rodeados de una multitud tan grande de testigos, despojémonos del lastre que nos estorba, en especial del pecado que nos asedia, y corramos con perseverancia la carrera que tenemos por delante. Fijemos la mirada en Jesús, el iniciador y perfeccionador de nuestra fe.” — Hebreos 12:1–2 Nuestro primer número de SAconnects para el año 2018 será espectacular, expondremos un novedoso concepto de reunión al aire libre muy refrescante. Te mostraremos cómo están todos disfrutando el ministerio deportivo —desde los deportes tradicionales como el fútbol, el básquetbol y el fútbol americano, hasta el siempre popular “pickleball” (una mezcla de tenis y pimpón)— en las reuniones al aire libre, para la gloria de Dios. Compartiremos contigo las mejores prácticas disponibles para mejorar tu salud mental, espiritual y física mediante una variedad de actividades deportivas bien organizadas y algunos ajustes a tu estilo de vida. También conocerás a fondo la manera en que algunos deportistas profesionales muy conocidos desarrollan su vida espiritual participando en estudios bíblicos que realizan en los vestidores. Entre otras cosas, debes saber que los Centros Comunitarios Ray & Joan Kroc se han convertido en las sedes deportivas de muchas comunidades, brindando instalaciones de última generación para el ejercicio, como gimnasios y piscinas. En pocos días, llegará el año 2018. ¿Te emociona eso? ¡Te emocionarás al respirar el refrescante aire de Dios y al enfocarte en la carrera que tienes por delante!

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 STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Ryan Love CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brenda Lotz, Major Young Sung Kim CIRCULATION Doris Marasigan COMMAND NEWS CORRESPONDENTS PENDEL Major Kathryn A. Avery EMP Jaye C. Jones GNY Major Susan Wittenberg MASS Drew Forster NNE Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI Linette Luna SNE Laura Krueger WEPASA Captain Kimberly DeLong Territorial Music Liaison Derek Lance Territorial Youth Liaison Captain Gillian Rogers

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. 3, No. 10, December Issue 2017. Printed in USA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to: SAconnects, 440 West Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994–1739. SAconnects accepts advertising. Copyright © 2017 by The Salvation Army, USA Eastern Territory. Articles may be reprinted only with written permission. All scripture references are taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless indicated otherwise.

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DECEMBER 2017

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Vol. 3, No. 10

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2017

features

IN focus

1 our leaders 4 from the editor 6 ethically speaking

12 Another Set 8

ON file

7 relevents Soldier Rafael Nuñez talks about his love for volunteering.

15 The ‘Small Signs’

of God’s Presence

8 In the Aftermath of Maria

Reaching out to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Daily signs help open spiritual doors. CHRISTMAS 2017

19 Making Christmas

great moments

Memories

Remembering two stellar literary pioneers.

Vision 20/20 Champions

Captains Doug and Patty Richwine don’t let the busyness of Christmas detract from its real meaning.

20 Yuletide Stories

26 The making of a relevant

from KY to NY

community ministry.

From soup kitchens to Angel Tree programs, The Salvtion Army is there.

FAITH in ACTION

27 Six Tips for Orange Sunday School

In York, P.a., Roxie Brought turned bell ringing into a ministry where everyone does their part.

28 Q&A Major Sue Dunigan serves as a passionate advocate.

Cover illustration by Joe Marino

Isaiah Allen shares a look into Christ’s incarnation.

24 Driven to Help

The Salvation Army in Punxsutawney, Pa., has a unique relationship with the area’s Amish community.

OVIE review M 32 Actor Kevin Sorbo’s movie sheds light on the life an athiest, turned believer.

22 Lessons from the Kettles

Captain Stephen Mayes on running one ‘smoothly.’

30 LEAD

of ‘Officers’

Pat and Green Sexton are mainstays at the Columbus, Ohio, Hilltop Corps and are showing no signs of slowing down.

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* Our cover illustration features Major Robert Mac Kenzie, a Canadian officer. This image was also used to make a snow globe issued by the USA Western Territory.

2017 DECEMBER

IN focus

Ethically Speaking by Colonel Richard Munn

PRINCIPLED PROTEST LA PROTESTA INSPIRADA POR PRINCIPIOS The Bible is filled with people who protest. Scripture records one individual after another who—often against powerful and dangerous forces—initiates cultural change based on the principle of God’s truth and justice. Each person echoes Peter, “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29). Jesus incarnates principled protest. As the embodiment of truth and justice, He exposes inequity, discrimination, bigotry, and corruption. He confronts these ideas with the full knowledge that taking such action comes with a price. Continued through the centuries, from Roman martyrs to Martin Luther King, the very fiber of Christianity is to challenge injustice. Even Protestantism derives its name from the principled stand of Martin Luther. Principled protest will sometimes impact millions. The Salvation Army is the direct result of principled action. William and Catherine Booth resigned from the relative security of pastoral ministry to serve the destitute. Principled protest can be forceful and calm, and it can be a lifetime commitment. There are numerous and varied ways to protest. When the cause is just, and the means do not violate the end, a final question remains, “Am I willing to face the consequences of the action?” Injustices exist in many places; you have to decide which ones God is calling you to stand against. You have to decide if you are willing to face the consequences. Gandhi called it satyagraha, or “truth force.”

DECEMBER 2017

La Biblia está llena de personas que protestan. La Escritura habla de muchas personas que inician cambios culturales —a menudo contra fuerzas avasalladoras y peligrosas— basados en el principio de la verdad y la justicia de Dios. Esas personas se hacen eco de las palabras del apóstol Pedro: “Es necesario obedecer a Dios antes que a los hombres” (Hechos 5:29). Jesús encarna el principio de la protesta. Como encarnación de la verdad y la justicia, desenmascara la iniquidad, la discriminación, la intolerancia y la corrupción. Además, confronta esas ideas consciente de que el hecho de desafiarlas tiene un costo muy alto. A lo largo de los siglos, desde los mártires romanos hasta Martin Luther King, la esencia del cristianismo consiste en oponerse a las injusticias. El protestantismo, incluso, deriva su nombre del principio sostenido por Martin Luther. La protesta inspirada por principios puede llegar a impactar a millones de personas. El Ejército de Salvación es resultado directo de la acción inspirada por principios. William y Catherine Booth renunciaron a la relativa seguridad de su ministerio pastoral para dedicar sus vidas a servir a los desposeídos. El principio protestante puede ser enérgico, sereno y, además, un compromiso de por vida. Hay muchas y variadas maneras de protestar. Cuando la causa es justa, y los medios empleados para impulsarla no desvirtúan el fin, nos queda una pregunta que responder: “¿Estoy dispuesto a enfrentar las consecuencias que ello trae?” En muchas partes hay injusticias, por eso tienes que decidir cuáles son las que Dios te llama a desafiar. Tienes que decidir si estás dispuesto a enfrentar las consecuencias. Gandhi decía que eso era satyagraha o “la fuerza de la verdad”.

An Avenue of Grace USA East Reformation 500 Theological Symposium (October 26, 2017, Territorial Headquarters) provided an avenue of grace for spiritual formation, self–understanding, and ongoing mission.

Three motivating factors combined to bring this event into being: 1. The understanding that salvation by grace through faith is central to our mission and identity 2. The belief that followers of Christ should exercise theological understanding 3. The conviction that familiarity with theology liberates the people of God for greater service. We were honored to have had as our presenters Captain Andy Miller, USA South; Major Young Kim, USA East; and Major Amy Reardon, USA West. They represented and modeled for us theological acumen, scholastic credentials, and missional integrity. We’re thankful that our audience was stretched, and that the rigor of academic content was refreshing. That day, we sat in the lecture hall. Regularly, we find ourselves in the sanctuary for worship. Tomorrow, we will undoubtedly engage in another day of service. All scenarios are vital to fully condition the soldiers of God. —Colonel Richard Munn Territorial Secretary for Theology and Christian Ethics

relevents

ON file

interview by Hugo Bravo

Rafael Nuñez, a soldier at the Manhattan Citadel Corps, talks about why Thanksgiving and Christmas are his favorite holidays, the importance of leaving hard times in God’s hands, and the homeless outreach ministry he looks forward to doing again in February. Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite holidays because they both celebrate the family. Every year, I look forward to being with my two families—my wife and daughter, and my extended Salvation Army corps family. These holidays are also the busiest times for me. There are donations to pick up, kettles to set up, dinners to prepare, and food baskets to give away. Seeing the Army help people during this season is a wonderful feeling, as is seeing my two families come together to celebrate and to serve.

Before I came to Manhattan Citadel, I had attended the New Brunswick, N.J., Corps. Since childhood, I was heavily involved in the ministry. But when I moved to the Bronx, I stopped going to church. For years, while on my bus ride home, I would notice the Manhattan Citadel. One day, I decided to visit it with Victoria, my daughter. The people were as welcoming and as family–oriented as I remembered The Salvation Army to be. Victoria eventually became a junior soldier. Today, she is as dedicated to the Manhattan CItadel as I was in New Brunswick when I was a child.

I’m a believer in leaving hard times in God’s hands. At my most difficult time in life, I was renting a room in a shelter with my family. One day, we heard a knock at our door. City marshals broke the lock and rushed in. They said we had 10 minutes to get our things and leave. From there, it was shelter to shelter, filling out applications for apartments and for low–income housing. Finally, when we acquired a living space through a lottery, I held back tears and thanked God for helping us get through this. When I left our most difficult times in His hands, He took care of my family.

Volunteering is one of the most important things in my life. In New Brunswick, I worked the Army canteens at fires, serving coffee to firemen and the people affected. After school, I’d go straight to the canteen. At night, while still smelling like smoke, I’d come home to do my homework. Now, my favorite way to volunteer is by helping with the feeding program for children and their families. Every one of them is so grateful. Letting them eat at their own pace is just as important as the food we give. Hungry children never want to be rushed while eating.

“Don’t Walk By” is a program that The Salvation Army, along with other local churches and charities, participated in last February. Every Saturday, Victoria and I drove an Army van through upper and lower Manhattan. We picked up homeless people who needed a ride to local shelters, churches, or our corps to get help. One week, my wife also helped us, seated next to me and handling the GPS navigation duties. The last weekend of the month, we picked up 50 homeless people in one night. I thought Victoria would be scared because she had to sit in the back with strangers. Instead, she embraced the service that we were doing in God’s name. We both can’t wait to participate again this February.

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2017 DECEMBER

ON file

In the AFTERMATH of MARIA

Satellite image provided by NASA

THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Top: Hurricane Maria completely engulfs the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the east coast of the Dominican Republic as a category 5 storm. Above: the path and intensity of Maria.

DECEMBER 2017

by Hugo Bravo

Hurricane Maria was on the way as Alastair Bate reached the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a member of a Salvation Army disaster relief team, he saw firsthand the damage that Hurricane Irma had done—and now the wind was blowing stronger again. “Irma had stripped the leaves right off the trees,” says Bate, Territorial Risk Management Secretary for the USA Eastern Territory. “The storm had tossed small planes in the airport and flipped them over. Any structure that hadn’t been made with concrete was ripped apart.” Bate had flown from Puerto Rico to St. Thomas with two Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) workers from the Southern New England Division. They joined with Michael Schiffler, another EDS volunteer from Hawaii, and Craig Arnold, who, along with Schiffler, had worked with Bate in 2015 when Cyclone Pam hit the Republic

testimony

of Vanuatu, a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean. Arnold is Vice President of Enterprise Sales at UPS.

THE FIRST NIGHT Bate and the team stayed at one of the few AirBnBs on St. Thomas that was still accommodating guests. The owner, a contractor who had installed steel shutters on his home before the storm, gave them a reduced rate when he learned they were with The Salvation Army. “Craig and Mike had already found the house, which had been hard to do,” said Bate. “Irma had knocked down every street sign.” The owner had to put up a piece of plywood with a giant asterisk written on it so they could find the house. During their first night at the house, as they were preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Maria, the generator that provided power to the home broke. Then, the storm hit. For 10 hours, it raged. Bate said it sounded like a jet engine screaming at full throttle outside their door. It kept them awake all night. “We had to shout to communicate with each other, due to the rain and loud winds, which reached 150 mph,” he said. The next morning, Bate looked into the valley and saw roofs torn from buildings that had previously survived Hurricane Irma. They were without power and running water for three days.

Red Cross and FEMA, who had sent 10,000 boxes of meals to the island. Each box contained a dozen meals filled with pastries, tortillas, beans, and rice. The Salvation Army helped coordinate meal distribution for FEMA across St. Thomas and St. John. The team used a chainsaw to cut trees that had fallen across the roads. They chartered a speed boat to travel to and from St. John; the storm had stopped all ferries. To help with the logistics of the recovery, Craig Arnold arranged to have UPS trucks distribute goods across the island.

FROM RESPONSE TO RECOVERY The Salvation Army in the Virgin Islands is transitioning from an emergency response mode to recovery operations. Its corps building in St. Thomas is home for an enhanced feeding program. Salvationists and volunteers are helping

families on a case–by–case basis. Recovery will also mean rebuilding damaged buildings and infrastructure. Home Depot®, which had been closed for at least a month, donated supplies to The Salvation Army to begin the rebuilding of homes on the island. Although the U.S. Virgin Islands have a long road to recovery, Bate believes he will see the people there rebuild just as he saw Vanuatu’s population emerge victorious after Cyclone Pam. “The looting and post–hurricane crimes always make news, despite the small percentage of people who take such advantage in disaster situations,” says Bate. “The truth is, most people are immediately engaged in helping each other after these events. “When people consistently come to you to ask, ‘What can I do to help?’ it speaks of the goodness of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Photo by Bill Kisser

A NEW CHALLENGE Hurricane Maria had also brought an unexpected challenge. Typically, supplies to St. Thomas came through Puerto Rico. However, Maria devastated that island and essentially cut off supply lines to St. Thomas. “None of us were expecting Puerto Rico to be hit like it was,” said Bate. “By our second day, the mission had taken a completely different turn.” So, the team worked daily with the

Alastair Bate unloads a boat of supplies on the shore of St. John.

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2017 DECEMBER

In the AFTERMATH of MARIA

PUERTO RICO

by Majors Eric and Yolanda Rodriguez

The day after Hurricane Maria hit the island of Puerto Rico, we saw the devastation the winds and rain had wrought upon the beautiful island. We stood in the midst of immeasurable damage, and thought, we cannot get through this alone. We don’t have the resources, the capacity, or the supplies.

At that moment, it was easy to feel hopeless. People had lost everything; some even lost their faith. But as the days passed, we also saw many people come together. We realized that we were not alone; we had never been. That brought hope.

church. Their parents were away from the island, and the children had nowhere to stay. The officer and the kids withstood the storm in his house. For two weeks, we did not hear from him, until, by the grace of God, he found Wi-Fi on the island and messaged us, “I am okay.”

A COMMITMENT TO MINISTRY

HONORED TO SERVE

Even before the first Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team arrived, officers on the island did everything they could, despite limited resources. The bigger corps focused on rebuilding ministries and helping the smaller corps. Members of the San Juan Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) cooked food for the Loiza Corps members, the San Juan Corps cooked for Fajardo Corps, and Caguas Corps cooked for Humacao Corps. Although the homes and families of many corps officers had also been affected by the storm, they continued to serve. They worked, cooked, and improvised in any way they could. For example, one officer who had no access to a kitchen made a fire outside with wood and matches, just so he could feed other people. Our many young officers in the Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands Division served their corps with such commitment, it was as if they had been there for many years. Before the storm hit, we offered an officer in St. Croix an opportunity to come to Puerto Rico. It would have been safer for him to be with us. However, he told us he would stay in St. Croix. He was taking care of three children from his

We are honored to serve alongside the people who minister through The Salvation Army. There are volunteers in Puerto Rico who help us during the day—and sleep in their cars at night— because it is all they have left. We never hear a complaint or a negative word from them, only a desire to help people who have even less than they do. We have Army employees who stand on line for 13 hours just to get $20 worth of gasoline; or they stand in front of a supermarket for food, only to see when they arrive that all the food is gone. The next day, they come back to do it again. We are grateful for The Salvation Army’s EDS team, because they reached victims who had been isolated because of flooded roads. With the help of EDS, we are now distributing close to 100,000 hot and cold meals to people affected by the storm. The young people are some of the most dedicated to the mission. The love of Jesus shines in everything they do, from cleaning tables so 600 people can sit and eat comfortably, to playing music for them to lift their spirits. When we delivered food to a seniors’ community, we saw children as young as 12 carry heavy boxes of water. When they came back after a long day of work,

DECEMBER 2017

they turned to us and asked, “Many of the residents have had their apartments flooded. Can we return and help them get the water out of their rooms?” Those wonderful young people are the future of Puerto Rico and of The Salvation Army.

REMIND THEM THEY ARE LOVED Right now, much is being done to help, but we know that the work is far from over. After the day is done and we return home, we sit in the dark and eat two of the same box meals that we gave out throughout the day. Yet, we are filled with gratitude. We pray to God, “Lord, thank you for this meal, because we know there are many souls in Puerto Rico who are without food tonight. Tomorrow, please help us get to them. Take us to feed them, to give them hope, and to remind them that they are loved by us and by You.” When The Salvation Army helps people in need, there are no headliners or protagonists. Nobody who wears our shield is interested in being the first, the best, the most newsworthy, or the most brilliant. The Army comes with just one goal: to show every person who suffers and who is in need that we care about him or her, and that we all stand together. Every day brings a new challenge, but with God’s help, we will all rise as one and create a stronger, safer, and better Puerto Rico. Whether serving food to a hungry family, or hugging someone to remind them they are loved—every hand counts. — Majors Eric and Yolanda Rodriguez are the leaders of the USA Eastern Territory’s Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands Division

testimony

Majors Eric and Yolanda Rodriguez pray at Territorial Headquarters before returning to Puerto Rico.

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2017 DECEMBER

Another Set of

‘officers’ by Robert Mitchell

FAITHFUL SERVANTS

On Mondays, the Sextons pick up bread and pastries for the pantry, which is open Monday to Friday. The feeding program, which draws about 50 people, is on Wednesdays and Fridays. The Sextons are there to help serve. The Sextons return to the corps on Friday night so Green can call Bingo at the senior fellowship. If you think Pat and Green might take Saturday off, think again. They come in to clean up and restock the food pantry. Sunday, of course, is for church. “We’re basically here seven days a week,” Pat says. “We both enjoy it. It’s keeping us young. Because if we were at home all

DECEMBER 2017

the time, I think we’d give in to our aches and pains. Here, we don’t have time. We’re always on the go.” Green, a man of few words, handles the food pantry and makes sure everyone fills out the proper paperwork. “We put the bread on the racks,” he said. “We also make up bags for people who need the food when they come through. It’s a lot of fun. We get to meet a lot of people.”

CHRISTMAS BELLS

Over the years, Pat has also been a junior and senior soldier. She later taught Sunday school, Sunbeams, Girl Guards, and junior soldier classes. Green has also served in a slew of unofficial roles. “I’ve been a little bit of everything,” he says. The couple met and married 57 years ago. Green played basketball in a church league at the former Pontiac Corps and Pat attended the now–closed Goodale Corps. Those two corps combined in 1980 to form the Hilltop Corps. “My sister brought Green out on the kettles where I was working and we met,” Pat recalls. “We dated and then got married on my dad’s birthday.” Pat worked for the former Big Bear grocery store, which later became Giant Eagle. “They would offer me different foods and that’s where the feeding program got started,” she said.

ENCOURAGING WORDS

Pat said the feeding program is an example of The Salvation Army at its best. “I’ve done what the Lord expects us to do,” she says. “He tells you in His Word, if you see someone hungry, feed them.

Photos by Robert Mitchell

f the walls at the Hilltop Corps in Columbus, Ohio, could talk, they would have nothing on 76–year old Patricia Sexton. “I was brought here when I was two weeks old,” Pat says. “I’ve been here ever since.” Pat and her husband, Green, are mainstays at the corps. She is the record sergeant and the couple also runs the feeding program and food pantry. “I just feel the need to do this and keep busy,” Pat says. “I believe the Lord put me here for a purpose, and until that purpose is done, I’m here. Why not do things around the corps and for people who need it?” When Pat was in her 60s, she retired from the Giant Eagle supermarket chain, but maintained a relationship with the grocery store that is still paying off. “We pick up stuff from Giant Eagle four days a week and bring them over here to give to the feeding program,” she said. “If we have anything left, we give it to the food pantry.”

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2017 DECEMBER

PRAYER WARRIORS

The Sextons show no signs of slowing down in their golden years. “I don’t have to stop just because I’m a little older,” Pat says. “When I do stop, that’s when I get sick, so I keep going.” Pat has had her share of health issues over the years, including five strokes. She also suffered a heart attack after falling at church and breaking her hip. Then there was her bout with uterine cancer, a disease that took the lives of two of her sisters and a daughter. Pat most recently has dealt with a painful thumb that caused her to be hospitalized. However, when the trials come, she knows where to go. “Without prayer, you can’t survive,” she said. “There are many times I’ve prayed, ‘Lord, I need your help. Get me through this.’” The faithfulness of the Sextons has impressed the corps officers, Lieutenants Christopher Hinzman and Nate Deming.

ALWAYS HELPING

Hinzman, who arrived in June from the Cleveland West Park Corps, said he often wondered during his days in Cleveland how he would fare someday at a smaller corps with fewer soldiers. “They cover the work of many soldiers,” Hinzman said of Pat and Green. “It’s just endless service, but beyond the service, it’s their hearts and joy. We make jokes constantly. It’s a great friendship. I’ve come to love them as friends and almost family.” The Sextons also open the church on Sunday mornings to allow the corps officers to pick up people in a neighborhood troubled by poverty, drugs, and prostitution. “Pat and Green are the kind of people who, while they’re here, are making coffee and putting out desserts,” Hinzman said. “Sometimes, it’s like having another set of officers. “They’d be the last people to say they’re ‘something special.’ They’d be the last people to realize how God is truly using them for the people in our community.”

DECEMBER 2017

‘They’re with the Lord’ Pat and Green Sexton have lived through their share of tragedies. They lost a daughter to heart failure and another to uterine cancer, a disease that also claimed two of Pat’s sisters. The couple has leaned on prayer, each other, and their church family to see them through. “It wasn’t easy,” Green said. “For either of us,” Pat added. The couple, who also has two sons, believes strongly that God has sent messages to let them know their loved ones are in heaven. “The Lord gave us different signs that they were OK and it was all right,” Pat says. “He called them home and we knew we’d see them again.” The couple’s youngest daughter, Cindy, died in 1980 at age 13. “She loved church,” Pat says. “She would go up and down the aisles and sit with people and make friends.” Her favorite song was “Climb Up Sunshine Mountain.” When the congregation would sing, Pat remembers her daughter going to the pulpit and directing the singing. When Pat’s father, Earl, was on his deathbed in 1977, he told her he would return for Cindy someday. The night Cindy died, Pat says she had a vivid dream. “I saw my father walk down a hallway with Cindy and he was holding her hand,” Pat says. “On the other side of Cindy was a man in a long white gown that glowed in the dark. Dad turned and said, ‘See, I told you I’d come back and get her.’ And he did. I knew she was in heaven.” The couple’s other daughter, Nancy, died of uterine cancer in 2000. A few years later, Pat’s nephew Steven was laying on a trampoline looking at the clouds when he said, “Nancy is up there with a little girl walking through the clouds. What did Cindy look like?” Pat replied that Cindy had short brown hair. “He described my daughter ‘to a T’ and he had never met her or even seen a picture of her,” Pat said. “I think God gives us signs that our loved ones are OK and we’ll see them again one day. You know deep down, they’re safe. They’re not going through this world with all this torment and anger and frustrations. You have to let them go.” Pat said it’s difficult even today thinking about her daughters. “It brings back the memories,” she said. “They’re not dead as long as we don’t forget them. They’re just in a better place and they’re with the Lord. “When I complete the task He’s put me here for, I’ll go join them and it will be like they’ve never been gone.”

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If you see somebody in need, take care of them. That’s what we’re trying to do; help somebody that might need it.” Pat and Green enjoy mingling with the crowd at the feeding program and praying for the various needs they hear about. Sometimes, they’re just there to listen. “If it makes somebody feel better that someone is listening to them, or talking to them, or saying a prayer for them, then that’s what you should do,” Pat says. “I’ve told our officers time and time again that the feeding program is the best thing we have because you can go around and talk to people. “There’s people out there who have nobody to talk to. We let people know we’re here if they ever need anything. That’s what they want. They want somebody who is here for them and someone they can go to and have them listen.”

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B co uy fo ffe r e pe the r s t so an n d in in g be lin hi e yo n u. d

Talk less.

Give something away— your place in line, the remote control, or your parking space.

the ‘small signs’ of

let another driver merge ahead of you.

Listen to a recording of familiar Christian Christmas music such as Handel’s Messiah or a genre that is new to you.

God’s Presence

Advent is a time of waiting. Get up 15 minutes earlier or go to bed 15 minutes later. Henri J.M. Nouwen writes, “I keep expecting loud and impressive events to conSpend that time serving vince me and others of God’s saving power … Our temptation is to be distracted (waiting) on the Lord. by them … When I have no eyes for the small signs of God’s presence—the smile

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Spend an entire day without complaining about anything or anyone.

of a baby, the carefree play of children, the words of encouragement and gestures of love offered by friends—I will always remain tempted to despair. The small child of

Bethlehem, the unknown man of Nazareth, the rejected preacher, the naked man

on the cross, he asks for full attention. TheNight work of our .salvation takes place Enjoy amyFamily

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lights.

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H y w u h o m h u r in is r is o t r p t f l u m a e a b v a s l o k ic s r s c it t . a a e If e r b l o o l s l u C o t t h m h r i e e o m t, m is n t e w m e a h a n y a s s o t u t o .

presence of God every day. As you engage in these Scriptures, remember the promyour life. Share that a snackchild and is to the world. May your participation in these ise and the gift thatPack the Christ sign with someone. to a panhandler “small signs” leadgive you itfurther into salvation and help open the door for others. or homeless person Send a Christmas (include a Christmas card)

Today, try to encourage everyone you see.

card and/or a small package to a soldier or to a Christian engaged in ministry overseas.

a game, take a ride, and

look at Christmas lights.

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Pack a snack and give it to a panhandler or homeless person (include a Christmas card).

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Give a Christmas card and a treat or gift card to your postal carrier, mechanic, waiter, or other servers.

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Enjoy a Family Night. play

Look for a sign of presence in your life. Share it with someone. Send a Christmas card to a soldier engaged in ministry overseas. Turn the page for a list of officers.

Give away your place in line, the remote Clean the snow off of a neighborâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s control, or your parking space. co Star windshield.

Listen more, Talk less.

Make a list of things you already have that are a blessing to you.

Advent is a time of waiting. Get up 15 minutes earlier or go to bed 15 minutes later. Spend time waiting on (serving) the Lord.

Give thanks all days for everything.

Spend an entire day without complaining about anything or anyone.

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he g in y t Bu for din ou. n y e fe sta nd f co on ehi rs e b e p in l

t nver sat a ion a s with tra nge r.

DECEMBER 2017 SACONNECTS the magazine

keep in touch AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY Captains Susanne & William Geracia P.O. Box 8306 Blacktown, NSW 2148 Australia

CARIBBEAN TERRITORY Captains Cheryl & Roger Compton The Salvation Army PO Box F-44287 Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island The Bahamas

Commissioners Mark & Sharon Tillsley The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters for Canada and Bermuda 3 Waterloo Road Kingston 10 Jamaica, W.I.

IHQ Lt. Colonels David & Naomi Kelly 1 Brantwood Road London SE24 0DH

INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE FOR OFFICERS Majors Deborah & Douglas Burr The Salvation Army Sunbury Court Lower Hampton Road, Sunbury–on–Thames TW 16 5PL United Kingdom

Major Ana Frazer The Salvation Army Sunbury Court Lower Hampton Road, Sunbury-on-Thames TW 16 5PL United Kingdom

JAPAN TERRITORY Colonels Cheryl & Kenneth Maynor The Salvation Army 2-17 Kanda-Jimbocho Chiyoda – Ku, Tokyo 101-0051 Japan

LATIN AMERICA NORTH Commissioners Martha & Tito Paredes Ejército de Salvación Apartado Postal 125-1005 Barrio México San José, Costa Rica

SOUTH AFRICAN TERRITORY Lt. Colonels Dennis & Lynn Gensler The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters 119-121 Rissik Street Braamfontein, 2001 South Africa

SOUTH AMERICA EAST Jennifer Moretz (Lay Personnel) Ejército de Salvación Casilla de Correo 2240 (C1000WAW) Buenos Aires, Argentina

SPAIN & PORTUGAL COMMAND Majors Gerardo & Monica Balmori Calle Benito de Castro 7 Planta 5C 28028 Madrid, España

USA Captains Maurice & Sherry Moukangala 3901 East 28th Street Tulsa, OK 74114

Lieutenant Pierson Vincent The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission 221 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022

USA NHQ Captains Keith & Pamela Maynor National Headquarters 615 Slaters Ln. Alexandria, VA 22314

USA WESTERN TERRITORY Captains Annalise & William Francis The Salvation Army College for Officer Training at Crestmont 30840 Hawthorne Boulevard Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 HAWAIIAN & PACIFIC ISLANDS

Majors Irma & Steven Pearl

The Salvation Army P.O. Box 1485 Weno, Chuuk Island, FSM 96942

An Advent Prayer by Henri J.M. Nouwen

We welcome you, small child of Bethlehem, whose coming we await with quiet attention. Shield us from the shouts, the screams, the empty promises of the season, and encourage us to turn our hopes to your coming. We know that the promise is hidden in the stable in Bethlehem and rooted in the offspring of Jesse; let us look for our salvation there. Amen.

CHRISTMAS 2017

Making Christmas Memories

by Captain Doug Richwine

Captains Doug and Patty Richwine are the corps officers at the Cincinnati West Side Corps.

Christmas lights. Turkey dinners.

Family. It was the Christmas season, but I felt lost. Patty and I had taken the year off for sick leave. We didn’t have the usual gifts to collect, parties to throw, or kettles to deal with. We didn’t have to carve out time to plan a worship service and construct a meaningful, and biblically–correct message, in the midst of everything else. On the other hand, it was actually nice to leisurely enter the Christmas season, enjoy Thanksgiving, drive along while looking at Christmas lights, and get together with family. For a Salvation Army officer, Christmas is a time of extreme busyness and distraction. It takes a Herculean effort to plan family time and to enjoy the holidays. For many of us, keeping our eyes on the prize of doing the work of the Lord during Christmas is the only way to make sense of the busyness of the season. Patty and I wanted to have a “normal” life for our children, but serving the Lord through the Army makes this impossible. They sometimes get left behind. They don’t have a Christmas like other kids. Their parents are busy. These kids are at the corps when other children are at home making Christmas cookies. It doesn’t seem fair. The way we handled it was to include our two girls in every aspect of the Christmas season. They worked with gift collection. By their early teen years, they were running the gift collection effort. They were directing adult volunteers, working with clients, and doing the behind–the–scenes work that takes

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so much energy and mental exertion. They rang bells, helped count money, and gathered supplies for the kettle season. They were with us every step of the way. It was truly a family effort. We were close–knit, frequently exhausted, but a family pulling in one direction. We had the same experiences, the same frustrations, and the same pleasures of the season. Working together at Christmas remains one of our family’s strongest memories. Today as adults, our children still love the Christmas effort. They know that Christmas is more than family and friends, food and gifts, and lights and trees. For example, seeing a mother cry as she receives gifts from us for her children makes up for all the craziness of the season. Witnessing this as a family is the best. It makes all our hard work worthwhile. When we finally get to Christmas Day, being together is natural. We’ve been together the entire season so winding down together is easier. We understand each other. No one is left out. The week off between Christmas and New Year’s is appreciated by all.

2017 DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS 2017

Yuletide Stories

from Kentucky to New York

Finding a Church Home

When Lisa Tryon applied for Christmas assistance from the Salvation Army in Oswego, N.Y., last year, she was well aware that the Army is a church. Two of her three children had been junior soldiers when the family lived in Florida. When Tryon’s sister fell ill last October, the family moved to New York and attended the corps in Oswego. “It’s pretty much our home away from home,” Tryon said of the corps. “It’s family. They’re people whom we care about.” Captain Wendy Senior, the assistant corps officer in Oswego, said Tryon and her three children are quite active. “She volunteers in the soup kitchen and in the food pantry,” Senior said. “She’s involved in all the programming.” Tryon said Captain Senior and Captain Heather Odom, the corps officer in Oswego, are always willing to talk with her. So is Tina Farr, a senior soldier who signed up Tryon. “They might not always agree with what I do in my life, but they don’t judge me for it,” Tryon said. Tryon’s son Anthony is a corps cadet, while daughter Zoey is a junior soldier. Peyton, another son, is a prospective junior soldier. Tryon found The Salvation Army after moving to Stuart, Fla., when her housing plans fell through. She spent a year and a half in a Salvation Army shelter for women and children. Captains Andrea and Scott Hoover

DECEMBER 2017

gave Tryon a job standing kettles, which she has done in both Florida and in New York. They also encouraged and helped her to write a resume and eventually become a licensed day care provider. “They found us at the lowest point of our lives, but always had an encouraging word,” she said.

Bright, Cheerful Faces

It’s a year later, but Faith Travick has not forgotten the holiday help she received from The Salvation Army of Central Ohio last December. Faith and her two daughters, Isabella, 12, and Da’Nae, 6, were blessed by the Christmas Cheer program. They received a box full of all the fixings for a holiday meal including a family game to play. Each girl also received a toy. “I wish you could have seen their faces light up,” Faith said. One of their favorite gifts was a gingerbread house kit. She and her girls worked for hours decorating it while creating special family memories. Faith is a single mom who has faced many challenges. At one of her lowest moments, she had to live in a shelter because of limited income and no transportation. Last December, she had just secured an apartment and was barely making ends meet. Like every mom, she desired to give her kids everything they need and want

by Robert Mitchell

(especially during Christmas). The Salvation Army stepped in and helped. “If I could talk to a donor, I would say, ‘I’m so thankful for everything they have given … their time, their finances, to allow my child, and other people’s children, to be happy and excited during those times that we feel like we might not be able to do for our children.’ I couldn’t be more thankful and appreciative to those donors,” Faith said.

Officers Leave, Team Stays

There is a dedicated group of volunteers in the soup kitchen at the Riverhead, N.Y., Corps on Long Island. They’ve been together for more than a decade. They make the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays special. “They have remained dedicated to feeding the community of Riverhead day in and day out amid the changing of several commanding officers,” said Taylor Quaranta, the social ministries coordinator at the corps. The team includes Jeanie Lopez, John Camara, Mary Palmer, Dolly McManus, and Miller Gilbert, a 15–year employee and former volunteer. “Our soup kitchen volunteers treat our patrons with love and support as if they were feeding their own family,” Quaranta said. “They bring in games for the kids, clothes for the adults, and are always trying to make sure the patrons are well fed and cared for.”

One Last Performance

Each Christmas season, The Salvation Army of Greater Hartford, Conn., holds a toy drive at various locations. Last year, one of the spots was the lobby of City Place, an office building. “As people arrive to work, they drop off toys, as well as put something in the kettle,” said Michael Baldelli, a public relations specialist for the Army. Amid the hustle and bustle, Major Wesley Geddes decided to treat everyone by singing Christmas carols. “This was a powerful moment, not only because of Major Geddes’s beautiful voice, but also because Major Wes was battling cancer at the time,” Baldelli said. “It was completely spontaneous. Major Wes loved to sing. His heart was filled with the Christmas spirit and he wanted to share that with all of the passersby that morning.” A few months later, on May 5, Geddes was promoted to Glory after fighting a long, courageous battle. “Right up until the end, he was dedicated to fulfilling The Salvation Army’s mission,” Baldelli said.

Camara is known to bring in games, Palmer brought in socks for the patrons, and Lokpez made sure there was hot sauce and guacamole available at every meal because she noticed that it’s a favorite. Gilbert noticed a patron who was redeeming bottles, so Gilbert started saving them himself. He later gave the patron a full sack of bottles. “It’s these small acts that truly build a wonderful community in our soup kitchen,” she said. “They are an incredibly thoughtful bunch. For example, they make sure there are always vegetarian options on the menu and manageable food for people with dental issues.”

Finding Healing at Christmas

Last Christmas, Majors Susan and Thomas Hinzman, corps officers in Lexington, Ky., hosted an Angel Tree table. Unexpectedly, they noticed tears running down the cheeks of a woman who had been looking through the many stacks of Angel Tree tags. After a few moments passed by, the Hinzmans saw her literally break down and cry. A friend wrapped her arms around the woman. When she could regain her composure, she looked at the Hinzmans and said, “I have picked the child that I want to help this year.” She continued, “You see, my son

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was 12 years old when he died. I found this 12–year–old boy’s tag here. He needs help this Christmas and I want to help him.” The Majors Hinzman offered their condolences for the loss of her son. Major Susan then asked, “What did he die from?” “Suicide,” she said. In reflection, Major Thomas said, “Angel Tree reaches down deep. It helps thousands of children during the Christmas season. I also think of the countless people who choose a child to help while additionally hoping to experience healing in their own lives.”

2017 DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS 2017

Lessons from the Kettles

by Hugo Bravo

For more than four decades, Roxie Brought has attended the Salvation Army’s York Citadel Corps in York, Pa. In 1995, she became the corps kettle coordinator. The 2017 kettle season will be her final one before she retires. The following are some of the lessons she learned along the way.

Remember that God chose you Brought remembers feeling nervous when her corps officers asked her to organize the kettles. “I had a medical administrative background. Fundraising and preparing kettle workers to go out in the name of the Army was new to me,” says Brought. She admits this was not what she would have chosen for herself, but she remembered words from the book of John, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last …” (John 15:16). “The volunteers that were coming from the streets and shelters were bedraggled, and not the best dressed or the cleanest,” says Brought. “Many of them had received help from the York Citadel Corps in the past; they said this was their way of giving back. They all had a heart for the mission of The Salvation Army.”

Everyone can help

When a local biker club came to the corps with a desire to help, Brought put them outside of a Salvation Army thrift store. When an employee asked why so many men on motorcycles were in the parking lot, Brought asked if they were creating any trouble. “When the employee said they were not, I replied ‘Good, because they’re ready to ring bells,’” says Brought. That day, the bikers, wearing long beards, dark shades, and leather jackets, raised significant money for the cause. Rodney, another worker, is confined to a wheelchair. His physical limitation had kept him from being hired by other York businesses. The first time he stopped by the corps to ask if he could be used for the kettles, Brought said they had no way of transporting him. The corps van did not have the lifts needed to accommodate a wheelchair. “That’s okay,” Rodney said. “Where am I going?” Brought said, “When I talked to Rodney, got to know him, and realized what he was capable of, I thought, if I was him, I would want someone to give me a chance too.” Brought assigned Rodney to ring the bell at a local mall. Bright and To Brought, the men and women who have come for kettle season early, he took the bus by himself to his have become family. From the beginning, she came to know every post—even on days when the weather person she hired and invested valuable time and effort into their lives. was harsh. Those mornings, Brought Ishmael, one of Brought’s first kettle workers, was proof of her would call him to say that it was okay connection to the team. to skip a day if he couldn’t make it. “One January when kettle season was already over, Ishmael passed “He would reply to me, ‘I’m on my away unexpectedly,” says Brought. “When he died, his loved ones way to the mall already. I’ll meet you reached out to me directly. I had never met any of his family, but his there,’” says Brought. sister said that he always talked to them about me.” The corps helped “How folks like Rodney can be Ishmael’s family secure a gravesite and to arrange his funeral. there, for 8–10 hours a day, in the “Once you have Roxie Brought’s trust, you have an ally for life,” says name of God, inspires me.” Major Dennis E. Camuti, corps officer of York Citadel. “She has a pastoral spirit and will help lift you up in any way she can.”

Get to know (and love) your kettle workers

DECEMBER 2017

The kindness will surprise you

“York has been very supportive of the work of the Army,” says Major Dennis Camuti. “They know us, and they all know Roxie Brought.” During the Salvation Army’s kettle season in York, everyone, from the local TV station anchor to the Girl Scout troops, makes room in their busy schedules for the campaign. For example, employees at a nearby Volkswagen office came to the corps to help ring bells for two days. A manager of a local Harley–Davidson motorcycle dealership placed a kettle inside the store so any employees and customers could donate on the spot. Sometimes, the donations aren’t what one would expect. People have given jewelry, rare coins, and envelopes stuffed with 100 dollar bills. “One time, someone even gave us their gold teeth, wrapped in a tissue!” says Brought, laughing.

Turn fundraising into ministry During her first years as coordinator, Brought noticed that some of the kettle workers lacked a personal connection with God. “Even though they were going out and doing their best, faith was an important component that wasn’t always there,” says Brought. She developed morning routines, which the workers did before they went to their posts. They set aside two hours every morning for devotionals, prayers, and coffee. It was a time to socialize, develop their personal faith, and talk about how the Lord was present in their lives. “These mornings became something we all looked forward to,” says Brought. This ministry focus had another positive effect on the team. They became more connected to their roles. They took an interest in analyzing how well each kettle worker was doing, and cheered each other on when they reached their monetary goals.

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2017 DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS 2017

Driven to Help by Robert Mitchell

The Amish don’t drive cars, but they sure know how to make sturdy highend furniture. Don and Loretta Shaver, soldiers at The Salvation Army in Punxsutawney, Pa., have formed a symbiotic relationship with the area Amish that is a win–win for everyone. Don, 74, and Loretta, 65, have been married for 49 years and have three children. He’s from Virginia and met Loretta when they both worked at a Maryland nursing home in her home state. They moved to Punxsutawney at the recommendation of Loretta’s brother. Don worked in a sawmill before retirement while Loretta was a housewife. They’ve been attending the corps off and on for 30 years and have been soldiers for two decades. The Shavers drive the Amish to the grocery store and to medical appointments. The Amish, in turn, donate to the Army’s fall auction, which funds the meals and gifts the corps gives away to needy people at Christmas.

DECEMBER 2017

“They donate furniture, tables, stools, benches; you name it,” Don says of his Amish friends. Loretta added, “The Amish donate to us and we should give them something back in return. We drive them to places out of appreciation for them donating to our auction. They’re happy when they see our van coming.” The Amish, Christian followers of Jacob Amman who in 1693 emerged from the Swiss Anabaptist movement in Europe, are a common sight throughout rural Pennsylvania. They live and dress plainly and reject most modern conveniences, including driving automobiles and using electricity in their homes.

horse and buggies traversing the back roads of Pennsylvania, traveling on Interstate 80 is out of the question for them. That’s why Don and Loretta’s service is invaluable. Lieutenant Dawn Carter, the corps officer in Punxsutawney, said some locals will offer the Amish rides, but the cost is often high. “It’s hard for the Amish to be able to afford all the groceries and the ride out there,” Carter said. “Our 12-passenger van is big enough to bring a group and has room for the groceries. “Don and Loretta have a really unique relationship with the Amish and they can ask them personally for donations.”

A HUGE LIFT

LEAST OF THESE

Loretta said she and Don drive the Amish to do grocery shopping in nearby Knox once a month, as well as to a Sam’s Club near Pittsburgh. The Amish, who have large families and are known for thriftiness, like to buy in bulk. While it’s common to see Amish

Carter said the Amish also donate fruits and vegetables to the corps. The auction, which is held in the corps gymnasium, is broadcast live on a local radio station and the Amish goods are popular items. “We go around to the whole

community and we ask for donations,” Carter said. Besides the outreach to the Amish, the Shavers also pick up children for all of the corps activities. On Groundhog Day, one of the biggest events in this small town, Loretta helps with the corps breakfast; Don parks cars for the event and then joins his wife to help at the breakfast. Once a month, the Shavers take the canteen to a local food bank and distribute hot dogs, coffee, and juice. Many of the recipients—some transporting their food in laundry baskets or wagons—stop to talk to the Shavers.

‘FOR THE LORD’ “That gives us a chance to talk about God,” Loretta says. “I believe people should turn their lives over to Jesus Christ. “There are a whole lot of people who appreciate what we do and you see the smiles on their faces.” Loretta, who has suffered strokes and heart problems, said her health

won’t slow her down. “I enjoy doing what we do. We both do,” she said. “I do it for the Lord. I’m trusting God and doing what He wants me to do. If it wasn’t for Him, I wouldn’t be able to do anything.” Don admits he could retire and enjoy the good life, but that’s not his style. “I do this to keep me going,” he said. “If I sit down, I’m going to die for sure and I’m not going to do that. I’m going to keep moving as much as I can move. If the good Lord will let me move, I’m going to keep moving.” When asked why he does it, Don replies simply, “I love the Lord.” Carter said the Shavers are model soldiers. When Carter mentioned wanting to start a prayer group at the corps, Loretta was enthusiastic, given the victories she saw while praying for her health. “She really does trust and believe in prayer,” Carter said. “She will ask anyone for prayer. She takes any prayer request to heart. She spends time with God and

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makes sure that she covers any request or concern she sees in prayer.”

WILLING SPIRITS Loretta added, “I really love praying. When things went wrong, I used to get really mad and angry, but I have tried to learn that God is always there and He listens. Maybe it’s not the answer I want, but I have to depend on Him to get through things. Jesus always gives us what we need, not our wants, and we should trust Him with all our heart and love Him and serve Him.” Carter said the Shavers are constantly moving—never staying in one place long enough to cast a shadow like Punxsutawney Phil, the famous local groundhog. “Don and Loretta are always here,” she said. “They’re always willing to do anything I ask. I don’t think they’ve ever said no to me. They’re always going. They really take their soldiership to heart. “Retirement doesn’t mean that you stop. You keep working for the Lord.”

C H A M P I O N S SAconnects magazine presents its first Vision Champions installment, where selected officers and lay leaders share best practices. In this issue, Captain Darell Houseton talks about the vision. He and Captain Willow Houseton are corps officers at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Boston, Mass. How did you become a Vision Champion? Colonel Paula S. Johnson, territorial secretary for Women’s Ministries, asked if I’d be willing to participate on the committee. Field officers and soldiers and most other people affiliated with the Army want to have a voice in determining the direction of what they’ve invested so much of their life. I thought it would be a great opportunity to represent some of them. As officers, we don’t know how long we’re going to be at any given appointment, so its important that our local stake holders have a say in the vision we’re casting. What do you find exciting about the 20/20 Vision? What excites me most is that the vision is outcome–based. This is an opportunity to be productive, versus just being busy. I see the vision as a tool that will allow us to set goals and base our ministries around what we want our outcomes to be. The 20/20 Vision Kit has been helpful. We immediately disseminated that information through our corps council and other persons. It was important for them to be on the same page. The vision plan is open and public. I think our territorial leaders have done a great job of releasing that information through SAconnects magazine and on

DECEMBER 2017

other platforms such as social media and on SAconnects.org. At our corps council meetings, we developed evaluations and narratives as they relate to our community and we set goals. To ensure the members’ input, we released information ahead of time. They recognized the evaluation component is not a damnation of the things we don’t do, but shines a light on the areas that can grow. Once we made that clear, people bought in. What does the community say it needs? We heard the desires of their heart, which is to have good local leaders. Dorchester is one of the largest Cape Verdean communities in the country. Although we also have a diverse corps, we’ve yet to reflect the number of Cape Verdeans who live here. The Cape Verdean culture is unique in that, when people see them, they assume they’re from a small island in the Caribbean. But the island country is actually in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa. The language barriers are also unique in that the people speak Portuguese, Creole, and broken English. The good news is they use our Kroc facilities. Hundreds of people come each day. But we also realize we need to get into the community and reach people who don’t walk through our doors.

How will you reach them? One of the people tools included in the 20/20 Vision Kit is cross–cultural ministry. We want our programming to generate the right kind of cultural response. For example, our community is big on food. So maybe we prepare some Cape Verdean dishes or invite them to cook a dinner for us. We’ll also invite them into our services, which will allow them to recognize we are a church as well as a community center. Sports, such as soccer clinics and league play, are a large portion of what we offer, and they speak directly into the community. For the older generation, we’re hoping to start English classes to improve their literacy. Our social services manager is Cape Verdean. He speaks all the languages in our neighborhood. My wife, Captain Willow Houseton, speaks Spanish. At any given moment, there is someone in the building who can speak your language. We’re thinking of having our signs translated into Portuguese and Creole to help people feel welcome. They’ve retained their language and culture throughout the span of their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations in the United States, which is impressive. What will success look like? It will be a work in progress. But in five years, what I’d like to see here is a congregation that represents all the cultures outside our building. What is the takeaway for readers?  Programming needs to be based on achievable outcomes.  If you want more young people, you need to put more of them in leadership of what you are doing.  Be willing to take the risk of doing something new and different.  Make this plan yours. Make it applicable to your community. Get people involved; don’t try to do it yourself.

FAITH in ACTION

Six tips to help orange run smoothly! by Captain Stephen Mayes

As I entered my fourth–period class, something happened that left my stomach in knots. After two years of mastering the clarinet (the definition of “mastering” is admittedly loose), my band conductor handed me a new instrument—the tuba. It wasn’t its bulkiness and weight that made me nervous; the music was completely different. My participation in the fall concert was in serious jeopardy. Or, at least, so I thought. Surprisingly, however, by the time the concert rolled around a couple of months later, I was able to play each piece with my bandmates. Once I started practicing, what seemed overwhelming and impossible turned out to be easier than anticipated. Day by day, my playing grew easier until it was as if I had been playing the tuba for years. Has this ever happened in your life, when something that first seemed impossible actually ended up being easier than you anticipated? As the ORANGE Sunday school rollout continues across the territory, many people are discovering a similar experience. While ORANGE is new and different, mastering it isn’t as challenging as once thought. Below are six tips that will help you discover this truth. As you continue to learn, your ability to harness the power of this incredible new resource will grow.

Tip 1: Positivity Is Powerful Few things are as powerful as a leader with a positive attitude. When a leader chooses optimism and positivity, the entire class or corps is affected. So whether you are the corps officer, Sunday school teacher, or a student— practice having a positive attitude! The results will surprise you! Tip 2: Start Small You don’t have to use every piece of material included. Each week of ORANGE is packed with more resources than most teachers can utilize in a single class. Like an overstuffed suitcase packed to the limit, each week’s lesson overflows with loads of incredible resources. However, don’t feel pressured to use it all. Put together the best experience for your class and look for opportunities to use the leftover material later (more on this in Tip #4). Tip 3: Enlist the Youth Are you scared of not knowing the difference between a PDF, an MP4, or a DOC file? Ask for help from the youth in the corps. They speak the “techie” language. Giving them an opportunity to help is empowering, and, oh yeah, the task won’t stress them out! Your youth can make light work of this job. Tip 4: D on’t Stress About Technology While we’re discussing technology, please feel free to refuse any other stress connected to it. While each lesson

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comes with videos, your corps doesn’t have to utilize them. So whether you have teachers who prefer to teach the lesson themselves, or if your corps can’t afford the necessary equipment, everything you need for a fabulous Sunday school is packed inside each week’s material— video, music, or nothing at all. Tip 5: U se ORANGE with Midweek Programs In the coming months, each 252 Basics lesson (elementary school) will come with two teaching videos: the movie and the story. Consider pairing the movie teaching with the activities left from Sunday to create engaging and memorable teaching time during your midweek programs. The experience will be new even to students who attend both events and will require less prep time! Tip 6: Ask for Help You aren’t alone! If you have questions, there are places where you can turn. First, ORANGE has a staff of “ORANGE Specialists” (OS) whose sole purpose is helping leaders with any questions that arise. For The Salvation Army, ORANGE has hired Jackie, a Salvationist OS who is specifically assigned to help corps. You can reach the OS team by emailing Jackie (jackie@ thinkorange.com). Also, you can find help, day or night, on the Facebook group called “Thinking ORANGE in The Salvation Army.” Check it out for quick feedback from the ORANGE team and other Salvationists!

2017 DECEMBER

“ Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” —PROVERBS 31:8-9

DECEMBER 2017

FAITH in ACTION

Q&A by Robert Mitchell

Major Sue Dunigan is passionate about many things—Major Bill Dunigan, her husband of 39 years; her three adult children and their spouses; and a granddaughter, Ruby. Dunigan also loves her two golden retrievers, as well as urban farming and hospitality. The Dunigans, who met at Asbury College, have been Salvation Army officers for 32 years. They’ve shown hospitality while serving in urban ministry and sometimes while living “incarnationally” in Boston, Mass., and Camden, N.J. Most of all, Dunigan is passionate about Jesus Christ and in sharing His love, grace, and mercy. This is her mission in life. Recently, she assumed a new role at Territorial Headquarters (THQ) and took a few moments to discuss it with SAconnects.

Tell us about your appointment, which I understand specifically addresses social justice issues. In June, I was appointed as the Territorial Social Justice Secretary. My role is to support the officers and staff through advocacy. I’ll also help further their knowledge, education, and participation in current issues. I’ll help the divisions and support the corps and service centers by implementing programs and ministries pertaining to social justice. I’ll be the voice for people who cannot speak for themselves—and will encourage others to do the same. I’m a member of the Salvation Army’s North American Anti– Trafficking Council and I represent our territory on a national level. What excites you about this role? I’m constantly reading and studying and educating myself about the topics that come under the large umbrella of social justice. I’m encouraged by many of the wonderful ministries that our territory uses to combat human trafficking as well as other social justice issues. I’m inspired by the passion I see in many of the young adults I’ve encountered across the territory who desire to stand up and be counted in the arena of social justice. I’m even more impressed by those who wage the battle on their knees and humbly serve in the trenches for the “least of these,” people overlooked by the world. What kinds of things will you do? I’ll travel around the territory and visit corps and service centers. I’ll see the types of ministries they have and how I can support them. I’m in the process of planning some regional anti–human

trafficking trainings to educate officers, soldiers, and staff. They’ll learn to help and support and minister to victims of human trafficking. I also want to encourage corps officers who are already involved in the fight for social justice. Many of them at mainline corps are doing outreach programs. I want to help mobilize them further to seek justice for people in their community, as the Lord leads them. In addition to human trafficking, what other issues will you combat? Under the social justice umbrella are other issues such as hunger, poverty, homelessness, the environment, education, and the current economic crisis, to name a few. I take my cues from the International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) based in New York City and under the jurisdiction of the Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) in London. ISJC is the primary international advocate and advisor to the General on social, economic, and political issues that lead to the perpetuation of human injustice in the world. They are the strategic voice to advocate for human dignity and social justice. What do you bring from past appointments that will help you? My husband and I have served as corps officers for 33 years. For the past 22, we’ve been on the front lines and involved in incarnational urban mission. We’ve walked alongside marginalized people as their neighbors and friends. We’ve served them as corps officers in a pastoral role. We’ve seen firsthand the many injustices people experience in our nation’s cities. That awareness has motivated us to do what we can to empower communities.

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What gives you a heart for social justice issues and to fight human trafficking? As a young man, Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision, wrote in his Bible, “Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.” For me, the fight is personal. These “issues” have faces and names. I have friends and family who have been directly affected by human trafficking, as well as by many other social justice issues. I will do whatever it takes to be the voice, the advocate, and the prayer warrior against these heinous injustices. My heart goes out to the men, women, and children impacted—all sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, and sisters. When I see people as people, not just as statistics, it becomes personal. What would you do for a family member? What would be your motivation? What can soldiers, officers, employees, and others do to help? Pray! Then ask the Lord what to do. The ISJC has produced a book entitled Go and Do Something. It is a practical guide for Salvationists and other Christians to mobilize and seek justice together on many different issues. There are articles as well as ways people can pray and take action. Tell us about the LEAD evangelism experience you conducted recently at Old Orchard Beach (OOB) camp meetings. I was in support of my husband, Major Bill Dunigan, who is the Integrated Mission officer at THQ, as he taught relational evangelism to our class at LEAD. That evening at the OOB Pier ministry, we put into action what the students had learned in class. It was a powerful time of connection for the evangelism boot camp teams. This was the first time many of them felt comfortable in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to strangers. The students built so many wonderful relationships during the week as people heard of the love of Christ for the first time through them. The Lord was truly glorified by their efforts and we pray that He continues to use them in their home corps and communities.

2017 DECEMBER

FAITH in ACTION

LEAD

CHRIST’S INCARNATION They asked basically the same question. Zechariah, the elderly man and Mary, the young woman, were both promised a miracle child. He’d be the father of John the Baptist. She’d be the mother of Jesus Christ. Understandably, they both responded, “How?” (Luke 1:18, 34). So why was the angel Gabriel stern toward Zechariah but gentle toward Mary? I won’t pretend to fully know the answer to that question, but part of it may involve the level of personal impact each person would experience. For example, although Zechariah had lived uneventfully, John’s birth was unusually pivotal. Whereas sons were normally known because of their fathers, this father would become known because of his son. As John gave his father Zechariah joy and a legacy, he gave his mother Elizabeth (through his birth) a miraculous infilling of the Holy Spirit and the unprecedented challenges of elderly motherhood (Luke 1:15, 41–42). On Mary’s lips, the question “How?”

DECEMBER 2017

had deep, personal implications. The miraculous, unpredictable, and challenging birth of Jesus would affect her young life even more drastically than John’s birth on Zechariah and Elizabeth. Gabriel seemed to understand this. He responded to Mary with tenderness and empathy. Hear Gabriel’s poetic answer: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35). As with Hebrew poetry, the parallelism suggests that the angel references a single reality from two perspectives. How can divinity be expressed through humanity? It’s unfathomable. But, it begins when divine reality overshadows human circumstance. Can a poor, unwed mother give birth to the most influential person who ever lived, even the incarnate Son of God? Yes, if the Holy Spirit’s activity in her life overshadows her humble status (Luke 1:48). Can a poor, misunderstood, wandering rabbi, born in the humblest circumstances imaginable, save the world and call it to Himself (John 3:2, 14–16; 12:32)? Yes, by the power of the same Holy Spirit. Can an average person like you or me defy the expectations of this world and live above sin’s grip? Yes, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit makes the impossible possible—in morality and in mission. Christlikeness, another word for holiness, involves our spirit, our society, our inward conviction, and our action. Can ordinary people really “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18–20)? We may think we need

profound ideas, sophisticated technologies, cunning language, compelling visions, privileged knowledge, stringent regulation, or radical freedom. These might have their place, but they will not vitalize mission. They never could. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit, alive within us, active among us. As sure as the Father’s love is His promise to give the Holy Spirit to all who ask (Luke 11:13; see also John 20:22). Jesus assured His followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). “The Holy Spirit … is no ethereal, effervescent influence ... He is himself God. The miracle and mystery of the incarnation … are reflected in … the coming of the Holy Spirit … in our hearts … that we may go out to live Christ–like lives, representing Him to the world. It is God’s design that … deity shall be continuously made manifest in human flesh, in the lives of Spirit–filled Christians.” —Ralph Earle, “The Holy Spirit in the Scriptures” The Preacher’s Magazine, May/June 1948

WHAT CAN I DO? MAKE 2018 a year for seeking the

Person and work of the Holy Spirit. GET TOGETHER REGULARLY for prayer

and learning with a handful of trusted friends who desire to flee sin, seek God, and make disciples. FOCUS ON GOD’S POWER to work

through humble, trusting lives rather than focus on human frailties, shortcomings, strengths, or achievements.

iStock

by Isaiah Allen

Literally, putting into flesh; the practice of making a spiritual truth tangible, concrete, actual; the event of eternal, global significance whereby God was made known through the human life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

ON file

great moments

–30–

And the LORD answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” – HABAKKUK 2:2

SAconnects would be remiss if it were to overlook the promotions to Glory of two beloved editors of Salvation Army publications, Lt. Colonel William D. MacLean and Major Charles F. Olsen. Hopefully, their legacies will inspire young writers to pick up their pens, boot up their tablets, and take firm hold of the Army’s literary baton.

‘Hot off the press!’ Lt. Colonel William D. MacLean March 16, 1933–April 24, 2017 “The preparation, production, and distribution of publications in The Salvation Army is a privileged ministry,” wrote Lt. Colonel William D. MacLean in his final “Edlines” column for Good News! Under his leadership as literary secretary (1990–97), the territory’s monthly paper of record went full color. In a decade of natural disasters, particularly Hurricane Andrew in Florida and “The Storm of the Century” in the East, as well as acts of terrorism (first World Trade Center attack), MacLean focused on timely reporting of the Army’s response to such horrific events. Perhaps the most exciting instances of well–timed internal reporting were the first–ever Commissioning editions, covering the Army’s graduation services for new officers. The issues featured the new lieutenants and their first appointments. Good News! staff distributed copies immediately following the announcements. During his career, MacLean served as editor and/or editor–in–chief of 14 official Salvation Army publications in

by Warren L. Maye

English, French, and Spanish. During his tenure in Canada, the War Cry magazine received the Canadian Church Press “Best Cover” Award in 1984 and the “General Excellence” Award in 1985. His writings were also published in local newspapers. He was an event speaker and served on the Salvation Army’s National Scouting Commission, the Boys Scouts of America National Commission on Scouting, and the New York Staff Band (NYSB). He was a devoted husband to Lt. Colonel Barbara MacLean and a loving father.

‘G.I. Jesus’ Major Charles F. Olsen July 11, 1932–February 7, 2017 In his early years, Major Charles F. Olsen served as the Good News! production manager. It was on his watch that the paper, started in 1978, evolved into a public relations newsletter in 1984. “The then–territorial commander, Commissioner Paul Carlson, asked Colonel Paul Seiler if I would start a newsletter with up–to– date information on fundraising, public relations, USA East missionaries, and territorial news,” Olsen wrote in 2004. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Olsen was a proud New Yorker. He first heard the Gospel as a child at a Presbyterian church. At the age of 13, his parents passed away. He and his two younger brothers went to live in a childrens’ home. He received music instruction there and joined a band. His teacher later secured a job for him at the

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Salvation Army’s Star Lake Camp. By the invitation of a NYSB instructor, he attended the Brooklyn Citadel Corps. In 1947, he became a soldier. He also met Bernice (Bunny) Ellis, the love of his life. Olsen served in the U.S. Navy. Many sailors who sought his advice nicknamed him “G.I. Jesus.” The chaplain said, “he was different from the others; they knew it, and they liked it. They said to him, ‘You are not talking your religion, but living it.’” Of this, Olsen replied, “This was the nicest thing that could ever happen to me.” In 1952, Olsen joined the NYSB. He secured work in the Public Relations Department, where he loved working for the then–Major Andrew S. Miller. Charlie and Bunny entered the School for Officer Training and were commissioned as officers in 1963.

End of an era This article is entitled “–30–” because in journalism and in public relations, that number, appearing at the end of an article, denotes completion. MacLean also used “–30–” as the title of his final “Edlines.” Olsen and MacLean have surely competed their work. May they forever be remembered as stellar literary pioneers.

–30–

MOVIE review

SHEDDING LIGHT IN A DARK PLACE “I’ve been revived, redeemed, and reborn—through faith,” said actor Kevin Sorbo. Best known for his role on TV as the mythical hero “Hercules,” today he plays characters in movies who most resemble redeemed sinners, saved by God’s grace. Following in the footsteps of his earlier Christian film successes, “Soul Surfer” and “God’s Not Dead,” his newest movie project, “Let There Be Light,” hit the theaters for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a story of hope designed to dispel the darkness lurking in the hearts of unbelievers and to reaffirm the message of Christ for believers everywhere. The movie’s plotline focuses on Sorbo’s character, Sol Harkens, a best– selling author and speaker of immense success. Angry with God for the loss of his only son to cancer, Harkens has become a bitter and outspoken atheist. As the story miraculously unfolds, Harkens is confronted with a new spiritual reality that transforms his life. The story loosely resembles Sorbo’s own testimony. The son of Lutheran parents, he grew up in Mound, Minnesota. In the midst of Sorbo’s meteoric rise as a Hollywood actor, his Christian identity diminished. “At the time, ‘Hercules’ was the number one TV

by Warren L. Maye

show in the world. So, an invincible complex, anyone?” he has jokingly said.

THREE STROKES, BUT NOT OUT However, Sorbo developed a tingling sensation in the fingers of his left hand, which slowly grew cold and numb. Then a throbbing pain moved up his arm. “But I blew it off,” he said. “I told myself, ‘I’ll be fine.’ I really didn’t have time to be sick.” Indeed, Sorbo was scheduled to begin promoting his first big–budget film, “Kull the Conqueror,” and would soon begin production on yet another film. He was having the time of his life, appearing on the “Today” show, the “Tonight Show,” and every other talk show in between. On his list were the likes of Leno, Letterman, and Oprah. If only Sorbo had realized that an aneurism was developing in his left shoulder. Three blood clots had caused the numbness. The clots would eventually trigger three strokes. He lost his sight, speech, and ability to even stand. For the next three years, he struggled through difficult therapy. During that time, Sorbo renewed his relationship with Christ. His outlook on Hollywood, career, relationships, and indeed life, changed.

“I prayed a lot to God, who had seemed so cruel and capricious to me,” Sorbo said. As his recovery gradually seemed possible, he also recognized smaller miracles taking place daily, such as the intrepid optimism of Sam, who would soon become his wife. “God provided her,” he said. “She saw recovery in me when I couldn’t see it in myself. She had faith in a loving Creator when my faith in Him faltered. Her uplifting voice soundly approved any small improvement that I had. Her voice countered the negative voices in my head.” Sam also encouraged Kevin to write the book True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal—and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life. In “Let There Be Light,” Sam plays Katy, the ex–wife of Sol, Kevin’s character. Executive Producer Sean Hannity of Fox News highlights a number of endorsements, including one from Commissioner James M. Knaggs, former commander of the Salvation Army’s USA Western Territory. “‘Let There Be Light’ is an inspirational journey of faith that will encourage you in your own path. It’s a ‘must see’ for the believer and the believer’s friends,’” he said.

Go to lettherebelightmovie.com for video, social media, and church study resources on the film.

DECEMBER 2017

Tom is making a difference…

and so can you. I didn’t give millions to The Salvation Army in my will, but I gave a gift in my late wife’s name and that means the world to me. – Tom from Portland, Maine

Like Tom,

You can leave a legacy that transforms By the simple act of remembering The Salvation Army in your will or estate plan you will provide love and support to future generations . . . to future victims of hurricanes and floods, to the hungry, the homeless and the abused. Your gift can be the channel for God’s grace.

Mail to

Yes, please send me free information about a gift through my will or estate plan.

The Salvation Army

Department of Planned Giving 440 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 10994 (845) 620-7297

Name Address City

State

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Date of Birth 17PG5SA112

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CANDIDATES’ SEMINAR 2018

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said,

‘ Here am I. Send me! ’ –ISAIAH 6:8

be Available

FEBRUARY 2–4 COLLEGE FOR OFFICER TRAINING 201 LAFAYETTE AVENUE SUFFERN, NY 10901

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