SAconnects, Volume 4, Number 3

VOL. 4, NO. 3 • APRIL 2018

the magazine

Q & A

HUE JACKSON

with

coach of the Cleveland Browns helps survivors of human trafficking page 24

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Special Guests

Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams (Sweden and Latvia Territory)

Bible Study

Beach Bible Study

Band on Duty

Dr. David Rightmire

Lt. Colonel Patricia LaBossiere

Household Troops Band

(USA Eastern Territory)

(UK Territory)

(USA Eastern Territory) USA Eastern Territory • Commissioners William A. and G. Lorraine Bamford • Territorial Leaders

#2020USAEAST

vision perspective

Pathway of Hope Sendero de Esperanza The story is told of a man who stopped to watch a little league baseball game one afternoon. He asked a boy in the dugout, “What’s the score?” The boy answered, “Eighteen to nothing—we’re behind.” “Boy,” said the man, “I’ll bet you’re discouraged.” “Why should I be discouraged?” asked the little boy. “We haven’t even gotten up to bat yet!”

There are many people in our world today who, just like that baseball player, think, Things can be different in my life if I can just get the chance to get up to bat!

One of the key components of the Eastern Territory’s 20/20 Vision is its strong implementation of the Pathway of Hope (POH) initiative. This national program seeks to help families break the cycle of poverty. It does this by collaborating with our community partners to provide the needed case management, timely additional resources, pastoral care, and accountability.

In the book of Proverbs 13:12 (NIV), we read, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

In The Message paraphrase, Eugene Peterson puts it this way, “Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.”

This is what our Pathway of Hope teams are striving to do each and every day. Please join with me in praying for the officers, employees, soldiers, and community friends who are helping families to “get up to bat” and change lives.

May God bless you.

— Lt. Colonel / Tte. Coronel James LaBossiere Secretary for Program / Secretario de Programa

Se cuenta la historia de un hombre que una tarde hizo un alto en su camino para ver un juego de béisbol de una liga infantil. Le preguntó a un niño que estaba en el banquillo: “¿Cuál es el marcador?” El niño le contestó: “Dieciocho a cero, estamos perdiendo”. “Vaya”, dijo el hombre, “te debes sentir un poco afligido”. “¿Por qué iba a sentirme afligido?”, respondió el chico. “¡Todavía no hemos estado al bate!”

Hay muchas personas en el mundo de hoy que, al igual que un jugador de béisbol, piensan: ¡Las cosas serían muy diferentes en mi vida si tuviera la oportunidad de estar al bate!

Uno de los componentes clave de la Visión 20/20 del Territorio Este es su fuerte implementación de la iniciativa Sendero de Esperanza (POH por sus siglas en inglés). Este programa de alcance nacional intenta ayudar a las familias a romper el ciclo de la pobreza. Lo hace colaborando con nuestros socios en la comunidad en la tarea de proveer la asistencia social necesaria, los recursos adicionales oportunos, el cuidado pastoral y lo que se conoce como responsabilidad o la práctica de responder ante los demás por el trabajo que uno hace.

En el libro de Proverbios 13:12 leemos: “La esperanza frustrada aflige el corazón; el deseo cumplido es un árbol de vida”.

En la paráfrasis que la versión bíblica The Message hace de este versículo, Eugene Peterson lo formula de la siguiente manera: “La frustración permanente te deja con el corazón roto, pero un buen logro puede darle un vuelco positivo a tu vida” (traducción libre).

Esto es lo que nuestros equipos de Sendero de Esperanza se esfuerzan por hacer cada día. Por favor, únase a orar conmigo por los oficiales, empleados, soldados y amigos de la comunidad que han estado ayudando a las familias a tener por primera vez la oportunidad de “estar al bate” y transformar sus vidas.

Que Dios le bendiga.

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APRIL

contents VOLUME 4 | NUMBER 3

in every issue 1 vision perspective 4 from the editor 5 relevents 6 army jargon 30 wholly living

departments 7 Christianity in Action April is National Volunteer Month. The Salvation Army continues to serve people in need, thanks to help from dedicated volunteers who cheerfully donate their time and resources. Read how they are making a difference as Sunday school teachers, cooks, bus drivers, coaches and caregivers.

Evangelist Billy Graham admired and supported The Salvation Army.

8 Volunteerism

Salvation Army volunteers talk about the amazing work that changed their lives.

22 FAITH in ACTION

The International Social Justice Commission fulfills the Army’s humanitarian mission.

10 Mother–Daughter duo Georgette and Megan Fields are a generational tag team who minister at a corps near Pittsburgh.

13 A Colorful Path Up

Christine Gordon walked into a pantry looking for boxed and canned goods. In the process, she found food for her soul.

16 More than Basketball

Isaiah Salafia had gotten his identity from basketball. Today, the Yale grad plays a larger role in life.

20 ‘We have so much to teach them’

Timothy Simmons uses his role as a coach to combine basketball and ministry, just as he saw it done for him while growing up in Harlem, N.Y.

Para leer más artículos en español por favor visite SACONNECTS.ORG/ENESPANOL

24 Q & A

Cleveland Browns coach Hue Jackson helps human trafficking victims.

26 great moments

Salvationists from Havana, Cuba, started a Hispanic outpost in Rochester, N.Y.

28 to your health

Captain (Dr.) Cindy–Lou Drummond on eating to live.

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HIGHLIGHTS

Vision 20/20 is starting to impact the USA Eastern Territory.

2018 APRIL

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from the editor

‘Mom’s home!’ ‘¡Al fin, mamá llegó a casa!’

The other day, I waited impatiently for a driver to finally complete a right turn into the flow of traffic. From my view, the way had been clear for at least 10 seconds— ample time to have made the turn. I gave a slight “honk” to facilitate things.

When both our cars were side–by– side, I glanced at the driver who had tried my patience.

When I saw the shriveled, grey– haired lady, her wrinkled hands tightly gripping the wheel, and her chin high as she struggled to see, my heart melted.

At that point, all I could do was pray she got home okay. My discontent was replaced by the thought that some adult son, daughter, grandchild, or husband was probably also praying she would safely survive the drive.

Although my mom never drove a car, or lived to be that old, I still felt the same love for this stranger, who will forever remain oblivious to my existence.

I thought, if I had another chance to be kind to her, I would, because that’s what I would hope someone would do for my mom, if she were alive today.

In the next issue, we’ll take a look at some Salvation Army moms who are young, alive, well, and spreading God’s love to family and others as only they can.

In the process, we hope to touch at least one aspect of motherhood that will resonate with you.

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

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El otro día estaba esperando con impaciencia que un chofer terminara de girar a la derecha para entrar al flujo del tráfico. Hasta lo que alcancé a ver, el paso había estado libre hacía 10 segundos por lo menos, tiempo suficiente para hacer el giro. Toqué la bocina con cierta timidez para facilitar las cosas.

Una vez que los dos carros se encontraron lado a lado, miré con disimulo al conductor que me había colmado la paciencia.

Cuando vi a una señora encogida, de pelo cano, con sus arrugadas manos aferradas con fuerza al manubrio, y con el mentón alzado para poder ver, se me derritió el corazón.

En ese instante, lo único que podía hacer era rogar que esa anciana llegara sana y salva a su casa. Mi molestia fue sustituida por la idea de que algún hijo o hija adulta de esa señora, algún nieto o bien su marido también estarían ansiosos de que sobreviviera a su salida en automóvil y de que regresara a casa a salvo.

Aunque mi mamá nunca manejó un auto ni llegó a vivir tantos años como esa anciana, sentí el mismo amor por esa desconocida, que jamás sabrá siquiera que existo.

Se me ocurrió pensar que si tuviera la oportunidad de ser amable con ella, lo haría, porque eso es lo que habría esperado que otras personas hicieran por mi mamá si estuviese viva.

En la próxima edición, echaremos un vistazo a algunas de las madres del Ejército de Salvación que son jóvenes, saludables y que dan a conocer el amor de Dios a los miembros de sus familias y a los demás como sólo ellas pueden hacerlo.

Mientras eso ocurre, esperamos abordar al menos un aspecto de la maternidad que pueda hallar un eco en usted.

relevents

Jim Waters, a longtime volunteer at the Salvation Army’s Spring Valley, N.Y., Corps, talks about how his food truck ministry has grown over the years, the concept of empaction, and the sign he got from the Lord on the first anniversary of 9/11. interview by Hugo Bravo

For the first 15 years of the Spring Valley Corps Saturday food truck ministry, I did most of the work. But around ten years ago, we saw more volunteers show up on Saturdays. One of those volunteers was married to a dietician who stressed the importance of eating healthy. We then began to serve individually prepared meals instead of canned food. When the number of people we fed grew to around 200, we were fortunate to have a cook on our team who was trained at the Culinary Institute of America. He knew exactly how much food was required for large groups, and made sure everyone was served the right–sized portions. Our volunteers have been a blessing to this ministry.

Today, I would not be able to run the program without them.

My wife Judy and I were asked to represent the Spring Valley Corps at Ground Zero on the first anniversary of 9/11. The day before, we checked into our hotel in Manhattan with enough supplies to serve a thousand people. Later, while walking in midtown, I picked up a newspaper on the sidewalk. On the last page, there was a photo of firemen on 9/11 looking at the second tower. I recWhen I worked as a consultant, I coined the term empaction: ognized one of the firemen as Vincent Princiotta. He lived across a combination of empathy and action. It applies to the world of the street from us and died saving people as the second tower colconsulting, but also to families, with students and teachers, and lapsed. After his death, Judy and I had grown close to his widow even to ministry. When you work with someone, empathize with and their young daughter. Seeing Vinny’s photo in that newspaper them—understand who they are, where they’re coming from, was a sign that God and what they want to accomplish. When you have that knowlwanted Judy and me edge and perspective, you can act on what that person needs. to be there. He was We don’t always take time to get into people’s minds and see I know that there are many preparing us both for things from their point of view. We’ve become an “act, then think” people who don’t look like our work the next day. society. We need to go back to “stop, think, then act.” me or who were not born in my situation who have worked just as hard as I have throughThe food truck feeds many jornaleros, or day laborers. Talking to them, I learned that out my life. Knowing that fact, their families need help with legal counseling and health care. Working with the Rockland it gives me joy to take time to Immigration Coalition, we created resource guides so these families would have lists of help others. The God I love and non–profit, non–fee based organizations they could go to for legal advice, food, health info, believe in cares about how we and educational resources. We pushed these guides to Rockland organizations so they treat His children, rather than could share them with every person they help. My dream is that one day these resource who we are, what our religion guides will be hung wth magnets on refrigerators in the kitchens of immigrant families. is, or even if we have religion.

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2018 APRIL

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ARMY jargon the magazine

your connection to The Salvation Army

USA EASTERN TERRITORY

WAR CRY EL GRITO DE GUERRA Sold in pubs and on street corners by the millions and found in corps lobbies in equal number, the Salvation Army’s War Cry magazine stands the test of time.

It’s a 139–year–old marvel whose name reflects biblical times.

In those days, Spartans were feared for their fighting prowess and renowned for their singing as they sprinted into battle. “Raise the war cry” exhorted Isaiah to beleaguered Judah. “If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?” cajoled Paul.

A perfect question for even a modern army of salvation.

None other than saintly Samuel Logan Brengle entitled an entire book chapter on holiness, “Shouting.”

“Many a prayer meeting has failed at the shouting point,” he cautions. So much for serene holiness.

David, the mighty warrior, instinctively understood the psychology of battle.

From taking the initiative to run toward a startled Goliath, to capturing and converting a Baal anthem we now call Psalm 29, David led in battle and in worship.

We might say, “Why should the devil have all the best war cries?”

The Saturday Review, which reported on boisterous Army meetings in 1879, noted one captain “who vociferated with such zeal as almost to lose the semblance of humanity.”

Today, vociferous people in our midst can take comfort that heaven will likely be a high decibel place. In Scripture, the word loud is used over 20 times.

The song writer says it well: God is with us, God is with us, So our brave forefathers sang, Far across the field of battle Loud their holy war cry rang.

Oorah!

Con millones de ejemplares vendidos en las tabernas y en las esquinas de las calles, disponibles además en los Cuerpos en cantidades similares, la revista El Grito de Guerra del Ejército de Salvación ha superado la prueba del tiempo.

Es una maravilla de 139 años de existencia cuyo nombre evoca tiempos bíblicos.

En aquellos días, los espartanos eran temidos por su bravura en la lucha y conocidos por su costumbre de ir cantando al campo de batalla. “¡Alcen el grito de guerra!”, exhortaba Isaías a los defensores de Judá asediada por los invasores. Y Pablo instaba a los corintios: “Si la trompeta no da un toque claro, ¿quién va a prepararse para la batalla?”

Esta es una pregunta perfecta incluso para un moderno Ejército de Salvación. Nada menos que el piadoso Samuel Logan Brengle tituló un capítulo de su libro sobre santidad: “¡Griten!”

“Muchas reuniones de oración fracasan en cuanto a gritar”, advierte. Lo cual es mucho para una santidad discreta. David, el poderoso guerrero, comprendió instintivamente la psicología bélica. Desde la iniciativa que tuvo al enfrentar con decisión a un desconcertado Goliat, hasta el acto de apropiarse y convertir el himno de Baal que ahora conocemos como el Salmo 29, David lideró tanto en el campo de batalla como en la adoración.

Podríamos decir: “¿Por qué debería tener el diablo los mejores gritos de guerra?”

La revista Saturday Review, que hizo un reportaje sobre las bulliciosas reuniones del Ejército en 1879, menciona a un capitán “que vociferaba con tanto celo que casi no parecía humano”.

En la actualidad, los gritones en nuestro medio pueden sentir consuelo por el hecho de que el cielo va a ser probablemente un lugar con los más altos decibeles. En la Escritura, la expresión “en alta voz” se utiliza más de 20 veces.

El autor de esta canción lo expresó asi: Dios está con nosotros, con nosotros, así cantaban nuestros ancestros, en todo el campo de batalla resonaba en alta voz su santo grito de guerra. ¡Hurra!

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 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. 4, No. 3, April Issue 2018. Printed in USA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to: SAconnects, 440 West Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994–1739. SAconnects accepts advertising. Copyright © 2018

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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Christianity In Action

by Warren L. Maye

Billy Graham and The Salvation Army

Photo courtesy of New Frontier Publications

“ Rev. Dr. Billy Graham was an inspirational man of God with an extraordinary ministry and a passion for revival. I am sure that many Salvationists will be personally grateful to him for his involvement in their own conversion experience. Worldwide, millions of Christians will be reflecting on the global rallies which led so many to faith in Jesus Christ. From preacher and pastor to presidential spiritual advisor, his calling was evident.” — GENERAL ANDRÉ COX In 1972, Billy Graham held a crusade in Cleveland, Ohio. Colonel Henry Gariepy, then co–administrator of the Salvation Army’s Hough Multipurpose Center, received a call from Dr. Howard Jones, associate evangelist of the Billy Graham Association, requesting that Graham visit the center. “He would like you to take him to visit the center and then to a low– income black and a low–income white neighborhood,” said Jones. Graham, before he preached in a city, made a habit of visiting people in the most need.

“This invitation was a great honor and responsibility,” wrote Gariepy in his book Challenge & Response: A Documentary On Christianity In Action In The Inner City, In Response to riots, racism, poverty, crime, and spiritual need. “I served as a member of the executive committee for the Northern Ohio Crusade and was privileged to respond to such a request.”

When Gariepy met Graham and Jones at their motel, he was greatly moved by Graham’s demeanor. “I have never met anyone as open and as relaxed to be with as Billy Graham. He made me feel immediately at ease.” As they rode for 25 minutes into the city, they talked about the Army’s ministry in the inner city, as well as social

and racial issues. “He evidenced a concern for both blacks and whites living in poverty,” said Gariepy. They toured the Hough community where in 1966 a civil rights revolution ignited in anarchic riots. “We witnessed some of the visible signs of urban pathology,” said Gariepy, “vandalized buildings, deterioration, and debris.” Graham visited the homes of local residents who lived across the street from the center.

Graham also saw hundreds of children and youth participating in the Hough Center’s various programs. In the gym, he took off his suit coat and shot baskets with young men. At poolside, he leaned over and chatted with swimmers. Their photo appeared on page one of the Cleveland Press.

After the tour, Graham remarked, “This is really Christianity in action. You are serving where the need is great.

Whenever we think of Hough, we will remember you in our prayers and the work you’re doing here.”

“From the Hough Center, we went to the west side of Cleveland with its low income white neighborhood and diverse ethnic groups,” wrote Gariepy. “It was an

inspiring, unforgettable, and treasured experience that came because of the ministry of the Hough Center.”

During the final Sunday meeting of the crusade, Gariepy and Brigadier Walter C. French, then divisional commander, were privileged to be on the platform with Graham. That day in Cleveland Stadium, 50,000 people witnessed one of God’s miracles. There were 2,531 seekers who came forward to receive Christ. That group was among the 19,828 inquirers during the 10–day campaign. “The greatest joy of all this is to see people brought to God through faith in Christ,” wrote Gariepy.

In 1989, a massive earthquake hit California. Graham spent two days with then Commissioner Paul A. Rader, praying for and encouraging people who had been devastated by the quake. Graham spoke and prayed with families who were temporarily sheltered in tents provided by the Army.

Graham, who donned an SA relief team jacket, said, “I regard it as a great honor and privilege to wear the Salvation Army jacket and to be associated with their work in this disaster. I have always wanted to wear a Salvation Army uniform!” Following this visit, the Billy Graham emergency relief fund donated $100,000 to the cause.

the virtues of

VOLUNTEERISM

by Warren L. Maye

At the height of Victorian England’s volunteer movement in 1878, William Booth dictated a letter to George Scott Railton, his secretary. When Booth said, “We are a volunteer army,” Bramwell, Booth’s son, responded, “Volunteer? I’m no volunteer, I’m a regular!” William Booth then instructed Railton to delete the word volunteer and substitute it with the word salvation. Thus, “The Salvation Army” name was born.

Today, the Army’s “regulars” are called “officers” (pastors). They wear iconic blue uniforms with star–studded epaulettes on their shoulders.

Associated Press

ARMY BEHIND THE ARMY

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However, behind every officer are faithful, hardworking volunteers. Often referred to as “The Army Behind the Army,” volunteers play a crucial role in the Army’s ability to provide quality social services for entire communities.

Volunteers are valuable assets in the Army’s effort to meet the world’s changing needs. Through their skills and experience, they make significant contributions by positively influencing lives. Such volunteers uplift families and communities.

One of the Army’s most memorable volunteer movements occurred in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. They came from far and wide and lined up by the hundreds, seeking an opportunity to put their time, energy, and resources toward rebuilding the American morale and spirit.

The following examples illustrate how, for many of these volunteers, their patriotism proved life–changing.

CHANGED LIVES

During a dedication ceremony of the National September 11 Memorial Museum in Lower Manhattan, images flashed on a massive screen in a great subterranean hall showing men and women at work at Ground Zero’s “Taj Mahal” (the Salvation Army tent so named by the workers).

Also pictured were Army volunteers, writing prayers on battered beams of steel, counseling survivors, offering water, sandwiches, coffee, and words of comfort. Bright red Salvation Army shields affixed to white windbreaker jackets and construction worker hardhats clearly distinguished them.

Just a few days prior to the actual dedication ceremony, hundreds of Salvation Army volunteers previewed the museum in response to a letter of invitation extended to them by the Museum Foundation via the Greater New York Division.

Kelly–Jane Cotter from central New Jersey, reflected on her visit to the museum. “One of the artifacts I most appreciated seeing was the Ground Zero Cross,” she wrote in myCentraljersey.com, “which I vividly remembered from my time as a volunteer with The Salvation Army. Yet while visiting the museum, I walked right past the 17–foot crossbeam.

My mind was reeling, my eyes were filled with tears, and I simply couldn’t see it until I noticed some firefighters aiming their cameras upward.”

Tanya Hoggard, a Cincinnati– based flight attendant, had rearranged her schedule to volunteer with The Salvation Army. She came to realize that children from around the country wanted their messages of thanks and hope to reach the firefighters and rescue workers at Ground Zero.

Through friendships forged with

firefighters who visited the Taj Mahal for coffee, conversation, and snacks, Hoggard learned that firehouses throughout New York City were receiving mail bags containing warm wishes from children—sometimes attached to stuffed animals, candy, murals, flags, and quilts. These expressions of love and gratitude proved overwhelming.

Hoggard thought, Why don’t I collect and safeguard these touching expressions?

With permission, she archived the materials. Her resulting “Dear Hero Collection” is now on display at the museum.

For Sam Potter, Oklahoma’s disaster relief director, the preview day was an emotional one. He had spent a total of 39 days in Lower Manhattan, providing relief in the wake of the attacks. At that time, disaster relief chaplaincy was in its infancy and was yet to be organized nationally.

However, the Oklahoma team carried with them the experiences of ministering to people devastated by the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995.

“I think the biggest thing about the museum is that it truly tells the whole story of what happened that 9/11,” Porter wrote for “theCatholicspirit.com,” an online newspaper.

Jennifer Adams–Webb volunteered in the aftermath of 9/11 for The Salvation Army. She had worked in World Trade Tower One for several years prior to the attack. Today, she is chief executive officer of the September 11th Families’ Association and co–founder of the 9/11 Tribute Center.

Jim Daly, another volunteer, had watched on TV and in horror as the World Trade Center’s twin towers fell.

This parishioner of St. John in

“

Little Canada continues to reflect on time spent as a volunteer at Ground Zero in January 2002. His thoughts are expressed in articles written about him in publications and periodicals.

After answering the Army’s call for volunteers, Daly found himself at Ground Zero staring into “the pit,” a hole the size of a football field, where construction workers, police officers, and firefighters continued to unearth human remains four months after the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

When asked by a reporter how the experience affected him, Daly paused for a moment, then said, “I have an appreciation for every day when I watch the sun come up. I think [the experience] probably just strengthened that.”

THANK YOU!

Recently, General André Cox paid tribute to the men and women who volunteer their service to help advance the Army’s mission around the world. In the aftermath of the hurricanes that hit the Caribbean, Mexico, and the southern United States last year, he acknowledged how volunteers were “quickly on the scene, distributing drinks and food as well as emotional and spiritual support.”

Commissioner Robert A. Watson, former national commander, wrote in his book Leadership Secrets of The Salvation Army: The Most Effective Organization in the U.S., “Volunteerism can be exhausting, emotional work. Yet, their conversations are not about how depressing the experience had been.

Just the opposite. They talk about how their own lives had been changed for the better by the opportunity to help.”

When Booth said, “We are a volunteer army,” Bramwell, Booth’s son, responded, “Volunteer?

I’m no volunteer, I’m a regular!”

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”

2018 APRIL

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like g mother, like daughter

by Robert Mitchell

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APRIL 2018

eorgette Fields is affectionately known as “grandma” to the children of the Allegheny Valley Worship & Service Center in the suburb of Brackenridge just outside Pittsburgh, Pa. Megan, her daughter, is often called “mom.”

Every Sunday, as the offering is taken, many of the kids in the corps scamper back to Georgette’s pew to get a few coins for the collection plate. She is all too happy to oblige.

“I absolutely love that title of ‘grandma,’” Georgette says. “I’m already a grandma to 12 and great–grandma to three. They are the love of my life, but I have plenty of love for hundreds more grandchildren. I absolutely love being with the kids.

“I think all of the programs should involve the kids. I tell them that at the church all the time. We need to do more for the kids, especially the ones who come without their parents. I think we need to make sure they know that someone loves them.”

Georgette, 69, and Megan, 41, have shown the children of the corps love by volunteering to run a host of programs.

“

I absolutely love volunteering.

When they need something, and I have time, I just go.

”

Georgette Fields teaches a group of girls during “Troop Night” at the corps.

—Georgette Fields

NO JOB TOO BIG

As a senior soldier, Georgette runs children’s Sunday school, teaches Girl Guards, helps with drama programs, and is a Vacation Bible School (VBS) leader. She also serves on the corps council and is involved in women’s ministry and as a kettle counter during the Christmas season.

Megan, who is also a senior soldier, helps her mother with Sunday school, drama, and VBS. She also teaches Moonbeams and is a teen group leader who finds time for women’s ministry.

Each year, the two also help with Christmas distribution.

“We’re at the corps quite often,” Megan says. “We do a lot with the kids.”

About a decade ago, the two women started a popular “Back to School Bash” and gave backpacks and school supplies to children in the community. They started it in memory of Georgette’s late husband, Paul Fields.

“The first time, we started with 200 kids getting backpacks. Last year, it went to 450,” Megan said. “My mom and I do fund raisers to raise money for it.”

They started the Back to School Bash in Georgette’s husband’s memory because he provided many of the initial supplies—posthumously.

“After he died, we found all these school supplies that he had kind of hoarded,” Georgette said. “They were under his bed and in the cupboards. I don’t even know when he accumulated all this stuff.

“The Back to School Bash is our little baby. It has just totally blossomed. It’s just grown so much over the years. It’s been such a blessing to us. We start collecting for the next year right after it’s finished.”

Georgette and Megan have been going to the corps for 11 years. Megan’s son, Jayme, who is now 23, would go to children’s programs on Wednesday nights and then begged his grandmother and mother to come on Sunday mornings.

He kept telling his mother that The Salvation Army is a church, but Megan was dubious. “I went with him one Sunday and, lo and behold, it was a church!” she said. “I was

greeted by so many people. They were so glad I was there. I just couldn’t believe it,” she recalls.

“I’ve loved it ever since. I love helping people. I love helping out if someone needs something. I think it’s just the perfect church for me.”

PAYING IT FORWARD

When Georgette’s husband died in 2008, she asked a clergyman in town to perform the funeral. He wanted $200. But at the time, the family struggled financially. Captain David Rhodes, a former corps officer, officiated the service, free of charge.

“I was so impressed by that,” Georgette said. “It was just total open arms from the whole church. I was so blessed because I wasn’t sure how I was going to get this all done and with no money.”

The corps continued to support Georgette and her family long after her husband’s death.

“I wanted to give back for what they had done for us. It just kind of blossomed,” she recalls. “Everybody was just so friendly and wanting to do whatever we needed as a family. I wanted to do that too.”

Captain Pam Rhodes, a former corps officer, asked Georgette to help with Christmas distribution.

“From there, it just went from one thing to another,” Georgette said. “I absolutely love volunteering. When they need something, and I have time, I just go. I try to stay as active as I can.”

Georgette said she never volunteered at her old church, but The Salvation Army taught her a whole new lifestyle.

“At my old church, I went on Sunday, and that was it,” she said. “I tried to live a good life; I took my kids to church and tried to teach them right from wrong. But, that was about the end of it.

“Then when I started going to The Salvation Army, I saw that they helped one another and they helped the community. I learned that there was a great need for volunteerism and also that the Bible told me to help others.”

Georgette is driven by the call in James 1:27 to “look after orphans and widows in their distress.” While none of the

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Megan Fields teaches a Bible lesson to young chidren at the corps using Play–Doh.

children at her corps are orphans, Georgette is moved to help because many come from broken homes. Their parents typically stay home.

SHOWING THEM JESUS

“They need somebody to just love them and give them a little guidance,” Georgette said. “The teenagers are so loving to me.

“The Bible actually tells us we need to help one another.

There’s a great need at our corps for these things and I especially feel compelled to help the kids.”

Megan, who has five children of her own, said she has a simple motivation—to introduce the kids to Christ. About 80 kids come to midweek “Troop Night.”

“I just feel like it’s up to us to make sure the kids know something about The Salvation Army, God, and Jesus,” Megan said.

“I think it’s really important that they do know it.”

Megan was a single mother for 20 years. Now, she can see her own children in many of the kids she helps.

“I’ve always loved kids and wanted to help them,” she said.

“I was a single mother for a long time. I look at these kids and I think, that could be my kid right now if I had not gone to church. That’s why they’re so special to me. I don’t want any of them to turn to the streets.”

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES

Megan said the church is in a challenging neighborhood.

“These kids could be into drugs or anything, but they’re not,” she said. “They’re coming to church and I think that’s important.”

There was a time when Megan didn’t feel as if the children were getting her messages. She also questioned her teaching

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ability. One day, a student overheard her telling someone she might step down.

“This little girl came up and hugged me and said, ‘I think you’re doing a great job. You can hear God talk to you. He’s like the little voice in your head. You don’t think it’s Him, but it’s really Him. I know he’s telling you not to do this.’

That touched me so much,” Megan said. “That was like, the best blessing ever.”

Megan said she volunteers because she has a giving spirit and “that’s why we were put on Earth.”

“I just feel like that’s what we’re here to do,” she said.

“We’re here to help each other. I feel like, how could I even ask somebody to help me when I needed help, if I refused to help someone else?

“We may be taken advantage of, and that’s OK. That’s not what we’re supposed to be concerned about. What we’re supposed to be concerned about is helping our brothers and sisters.”

CONSTANT PRAYER

Megan went to church as a kid, but her spiritual life has intensified since coming to the corps.

“I feel I’ve grown by leaps and bounds,” she said. “I now have a relationship with God. I speak to Him. We just have conversations all day long.”

The two women plan to remain a powerful duo at the corps when it comes to volunteerism and service, despite leading busy lives. Megan works as a bus driver. Georgette is retired, but she can often be found helping her family.

“I’ll never retire from helping kids, though,” Georgette says.

A colorful path up

by Warren L. Maye

A

few months ago, Christine Gordon walked into a Salvation Army food pantry in Chelsea, Massachusetts, hoping to receive a hearty bag of canned and boxed provisions. In the process of gathering those items, she came across a copy of a recent SAconnects magazine and was captivated by its cover story.

While reading about the Army’s ongoing effort to combat sexual trafficking, a flood of similar memories from her own life filled her mind; family dysfunction, abuse, street life, drugs, fear, and unrequited love.

After reading the articles, Christine dialed Territorial Headquarters. “I wanted to tell my story,” she said, “and I needed to get help—for my daughter.”

Christine, now 50, left the street life some years ago, but her pain and repeated brushes with death remain indelible.

“Back in 2013 was my last suicide attempt,” she recalls. “I had gone through two years of suicidal thoughts. I was depressed from my sister’s death (she had taken her life in 2008 with an alcohol and prescription drug overdose). I also wanted to die anyway. I always wanted to die.”

One night while home alone, Christine ingested all her medications, went to a liquor store, and purchased a bottle of vodka. On her way home, the drugs commenced their devastating effect. “The bottle slipped from my hand and crashed against the street,” she said. “I made it home, went to sleep, and didn’t wake up.”

Fortunately, Amber, her daughter, arrived and found her.

“If it wasn’t for my daughter, I don’t think I would be here,”

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Christine said. She spent the next two weeks in a coma. For the next three years, Christine stayed in a Boston psychiatric hospital. After leaving the hospital, she spent the next year and a half in a group home where a staff member encouraged her to attend church.

A LOST SOUL Christine grew up in an abusive home where liquor flowed. “I had a family of alcoholics,” she said. “My father was an alcoholic and my mother was a battered woman who also suffered from mental illness. I had five sisters, three were triplets. I was the baby of them all. I was always a lonely, scared child. I was a lost soul. I never knew or cared about God. “During my first time in a church, I went with my sister to confession. I was forced to go. As I sat there on the pew in the dark, I felt I was a bad girl and God didn’t like me. On my fifth birthday, I remember opening up my gifts while hiding under the table because I felt so ashamed of myself.”

Christine felt deeply ashamed because, that same year, she had been molested by her parents’ best friend. “But I never told them, because I never thought they would believe me,” she said.

HARD TIMES Such incidents with that family friend occurred repeatedly, Christine recalls. “Eventually, during his visits, I would run to the next door neighbors, who were Christians. I would stay with them until he left. My sister, one of the triplets and considered the oldest of the five of us, would hide me in closets or

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under the bed when he came over.”

Christine’s dad couldn’t keep a job because of his drinking.

Eventually, he lost their home. The family then moved into an apartment in Revere, Mass. There, Christine was again molested, this time by a babysitter. “I’ve been through a lot,” she said, “I never knew right from wrong or simply how to control my life or make my own decisions. I never knew how to trust.”

When Christine became a teen, she took life into her own hands. “I became promiscuous,” she said. I would talk to any man.” In high school, she found someone whom she thought was her first love. Unfortunately, that relationship ended tragically when he and another boy gang raped her—at home.

“My sisters were away, my mother was asleep, and my father was deaf in both ears, so he couldn’t hear me,” she said.

That same night, she thought of committing suicide.

“I kept the incident a secret. But when I learned I had become pregnant, and the boy wanted me to end the pregnancy, I finally told my mother the truth about what had happened.”

Christine was in for a devastating surprise when her mom called the police. “The officer asked me, ‘What were you wearing at the time?’” In short order, she was made to believe that the entire episode had been all her doing. “He proved to be another person I couldn’t trust,” she said.

Eventually, the case went to court. “But when they told me that the two boys would get 5 to 7 years in prison if convicted, I couldn’t go through with it because—I thought it was all my fault.” So did Christine’s classmates and even girlfriends.

“When I became 17, I moved again.”

Christine later got involved with a drug dealer. He

Clockwise from left: Christine Gordon and daughter Amber each proudly display photos of their next generation. “This is a brand new beginning for me, my daughter, and my husband to be.” Christine displays My Book of Little Creatures, a children’s book she authored. Coloring plays a large part in Christine’s therapy.

persuaded her to live with him by promising to keep her safe. “He said, ‘I love you. I care for you,’” Christine remembers. “I trusted him.”

Under the spell of an older, experienced man with a dominating personality, she became hooked on drugs. Her chaotic lifestyle took her in and out of motels. But the worst was yet to come.

STREET LIFE “Eventually, he said, ‘you’re going to have to pay me back.’

I asked, ‘what do you mean?’” Soon, his intentions became frighteningly clear. She was so fearful of what he would do to her, that she did exactly what he wanted her to do. He renamed her “Michelle” and put her to work on the street.

For the next three years, he beat her, abused her, and trafficked her. He forced her to meet quotas, and if she failed, he turned her back into the street until she met them.

“At times, he would beat me until I bled,” she said. “I was too afraid and didn’t know how to get out of this situation.

He told me, ‘your family doesn’t love you. I’m the only person who wants you.’

“I believed it, because of how I had been treated as a child at home,” Christine said.

In 1985, he went to prison for murder. But even though he was incarcerated, Christine continued to support him by working Boston’s mean streets. “He said that if I didn’t continue to work, he would find a way to kill me.”

She believed him. Among her many harrowing stories, she remembers an evening when he forced her into the trunk of a car. After a long and terrifying ride in pitch darkness, she found herself in a cemetery, surrounded by grave stones. “He said he would kill and bury me there,” she said.

Christine used her street life to support herself. “I had lost my family. They didn’t trust me.”

Eventually, she aged out of the life that had wreaked havoc on her body, mind, and spirit. “I was always in and out of hospitals. I had been in battered women’s programs. I also suffered from mental illness and suicidal thoughts,” she remembers.

A NEW DAY “Edward, one of the staff members at a group home, got me to come out of myself. I actually started cooking,” Christine said.

Eventually, she attended a Catholic church down the street from the home.

Today, she lives in her own apartment, is employed, and has even written and illustrated two children’s books, My Circle of Friends: Animals with Deficiencies Coming Together and My Book of Little Creatures.

Her attention is focused on helping Amber and her two children find God and move far away from the seductive and dangerous life in the street.

After contacting The Salvation Army, Christine and her family appear to be on a path to healing. “I’m looking forward to attending the corps in Chelsea,” she said.

“This is a brand–new beginning for me, my husband to be, and my daughter,” said Christine. “God has blessed me with The Salvation Army in my life. There is nowhere to go, but up.

“I’m a beautiful person with a beautiful heart. I’ve always had it. I just never knew it.

“I’m glad I’m alive today.”

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MORE THAN

BASKETBALL

by Robert Mitchell

B

asketball has always been important to Isaiah Salafia.

The game not only helped him get a four–year scholarship to Yale University, but also directed him to The Salvation Army, where he leads the territory’s Pathway of Hope (POH) initiative.

Salafia’s story began in Cromwell, Conn., where his grandfather, Jake, is a Hall of Fame high school basketball coach who won seven state titles. The Cromwell High School gym is named after Jake Salafia.

Isaiah also grew up hearing plenty of stories about the basketball exploits of his father, Steve, and Uncle Joe. However, when it was Isaiah’s turn, he scored more points and made more All–State teams than his father or uncle. He also was an All– American nominee and won a state title.

“I had more records than all of them,” Isaiah says with a smile. “Now, I rub that in their faces every now and again.

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“It was difficult at times, living up to the household name and tradition, but it definitely fashioned me into a mature individual much faster.”

Salafia’s mother, Trish, was an English teacher, his father a firefighter in Middletown, Conn. “My parents both made sure I was focused. I was always either on the basketball court or in a book. I got good balance from both of my parents,” he says.

That combination of athleticism and intellect landed Salafia at Yale, where he made the first shot he took in college, a 3– pointer at Mohegan Sun Arena.

But the shot was not a harbinger of things to come. On the next play, Salafia dove for a loose ball, slid into another player, and suffered a concussion.

As his sophomore season progressed, his playing time diminished.

“I didn’t set any records in college as far as basketball went,

but I made some great relationships,” Salafia said.

“Everyone coming in at a Division I level is an incredible player. Something that was difficult for me in the moment was coming to the realization that we all have these identities.

For me, my identity, with my background and family, I was a basketball player.”

HIGHER GOALS

is a similar move for me.

“Although I’m not working with the families in the field, which is obviously rewarding, I felt I could be more impactful, with the perspective and experience I have, if I was at an administrative level.”

A NEW CHALLENGE

Salafia, 26, will now get that chance to be impactful every Salafia said his experience at Yale taught him that he was much day as the POH coordinator. The initative is designed to help more than a basketball player—he was someone who wanted repeat emergency assistance applicants move beyond crisis and to make a difference in the world. overcome the barriers keeping them in poverty.

“Here I was, at one of the most prestigious universities in the From his experience in the field, Salafia said people may world,” Salafia says. “I obviously have a head on my shoulders. I’m think poor families lack the “grit” or motivation to get beyond also an intellectual and I desire to have an impact on society. their circumstances, but he believes what they’re really “Coming to the realization that I didn’t have a lacking is opportunity. one–dimensional identity was huge for me.”

“That is something that has been instilled Still, it was basketball that helped in me through my own good fortune,” he Salafia get his first job out of college. said. “I was provided great opportuWhile working at a summer nities. I see other individuals who basketball camp at Wesleyan are fully capable of achieving University in Middletown, great things who have never Conn., Salafia coached and been given that opportunity mentored the son of Brenda until now. Seeing them take Downing, who is the direcadvantage of it and thrive has tor of social services for The been huge for me. The work is Salvation Army in Southern motivating.

New England.

“Maybe I won’t change the Downing asked Salafia what world. Maybe I’ll just change the his plans were after college. He world for one individual, but maybe had earned a bachelor’s degree in that’s all it takes. I can come in here psychology, but saw limited job prosto a local corps, sit down with a family, pects in that specific field without a and profoundly impact their lives. Why — Isaiah Salafia graduate degree. is that not enough? I think it is.”

“I told her I wanted to immediately impact the world,” Salafia recalls.

THE REAL WORLD The year was 2014 and The Salvation Army was still helping Early in his freshman year after arriving in New Haven, Conn., families recover from Hurricane Sandy, which had hit the East Salafia learned a valuable lesson about poverty. He met an older Coast a year and a half earlier. Downing urged Salafia to apply woman who walked with a cane. She told him she had a check for a case manager position. to cash, but didn’t want to walk six blocks to Western Union.

“That gave me the opportunity I needed and showed me the The good–natured Salafia cashed the check for her, but soon profound impact I could have on individuals and families, even learned it was fake. He lost $700. by just sitting and listening,” Salafia said.

“I was really upset for a couple of days. About three weeks In 2016, Salafia became the regional coordinator in the later, I saw her on the street with no coat,” he recalls. “I realized Southern New England Division for The Salvation Army’s that, if she can put that $700 to better use than I can, then it’s POH initiative. In February of this year, he became the POH better that she has it. coordinator for the entire Eastern Territory.

“Initially there was definitely culture shock, but it’s also been “Going from a disaster case manager to regional coordinator enlightening and revealing to learn how much need there is for Pathway of Hope allowed me to step back and really have in the world and how we can respond to that need at times more of an influence on policies and procedures,” he said. “This without even knowing it.”

“

Just to see two kids sit down and listen to Bible readings who have never heard any Scripture before, it doesn’t really get much better.

”

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With a degree from Yale, Salafia knows he could make more money in the private sector, but that’s clearly not what drives him.

“There are things I value more than economic stability and one is having an impact on society,” says Salafia. “I’m young enough to almost naively believe we can genuinely make a difference.

“We always think we want something or need something.

That’s human nature, to desire things. But I think if you desire change or you desire some impact on society, that’s more beneficial than any material thing you could have.”

Meanwhile, Salafia said employers are not only looking for a quality degree, but also experience. He realizes he’s getting the latter with The Salvation Army.

“With this experience I’m garnering with The Salvation Army, this is invaluable,” he said. “It’s not all about money, it’s about experience. I would never sacrifice my own development for money. It’s not something that’s worthwhile.

“I’m a man of few needs. I don’t really need a lot. I need shelter and a roof over my head. I need a good book and I need people around me who love me. I have a great support system with my family.”

Salafia said while he sometimes worships at The Salvation Army, another support system and motivator is his Catholic faith. While still in middle school, he served on the Parish Council at his local church.

WHAT MAKES HIM TICK

“That’s where I would pinpoint my desire to impact the world in a positive manner and to help people,” he said. “That’s all been instilled in me through my faith. My faith is everything.

It’s my fallback. It’s my strength. It’s my rock.

“If you don’t have faith to fall back on, it’s easy to say why?

Why am I doing this? However, if you have faith and you know this is serving a purpose—and not just my purpose, but a larger purpose—then how can you really wane as far as your motivation? It’s your responsibility to act. My faith has instilled in me a responsibility.”

Salafia said he sees the evidence of the eternal impact he is making every single day. One woman being helped through POH brings her children to the New Haven, Conn., Corps.

“If we can do those type of things by showing up for work every day, I’ll show up for work every day,” Salafia said. “The biggest thing for me is I don’t want a job where my alarm goes off and I’m thinking, how can I get through this? I don’t have to worry about that now. When I can come back to the office knowing I’ve made a difference, that’s invaluable to me.

“Just to see two kids sit down and listen to Bible readings who have never heard any Scripture before, it doesn’t really get much better,” Salafia said. “What type of impact do you want more than that?”

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Coat of arms of the family of Elihu Yale, after whom the University was named in 1718.

A Stronger Faith Yale University was founded in 1701 as a college to train ministers. Today, the university is a rather different and secular place. As a student there, Isaiah Salafia said the give–and–take he experienced in conversation with others about his Christianity only strengthened his faith.

“I value differences of opinion,” Salafia said.

“I may not have the same opinion you have, but I’m willing to listen and try to understand where you’re coming from. Yale really wasn’t a difficulty for me in regards to questioning my own faith.

“Everyone has doubts; doubts are a part of it. It’s in the Bible repeatedly. But in regard to the expansion of my knowledge, in terms of those who have a different mindset, I think that expansion did more to bolster my faith than if I had just stayed within an echo chamber with individuals who have the same beliefs as I do.

“I think a lot of us make that ‘echo chamber’ mistake. In order to keep our faith or our ideas or our values, we never expose them to anything that can challenge them. I think my faith was improved by being challenged.”

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‘ WE HAVE SO MUCH TO TEACH THEM’

by Hugo Bravo

T

imothy Simmons remembers the first time he committed a foul in basketball for cursing during a game.

“I was playing in a tournament organized by a pastor and he did not tolerate that language,” says Simmons.

Today, as the coach of the Salvation Army Saints of Schenectady basketball team, Simmons carries the lesson learned from committing that foul. He encourages his players to fill their minds and mouths with righteous words of positivity.

“When you show players righteousness in a game, they respect the game, they respect their opponents, and the game becomes a ministry. Those players have been called according to His purpose,” says Simmons.

A HARLEM CHILDHOOD

Years before Simmons held his first basketball practice at the Salvation Army’s Schenectady, N.Y., Corps, he was a kid

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from East Harlem, going to weekend music performances at the Apollo Theater and rooting for New York sports teams.

“It was a great time to grow up. There was community interaction in the city that I didn’t see in many other places,” says Simmons. His face lights up as he talks about the encounters he had as a child with celebrities. For example, the great Earl “The Pearl” Monroe of the New York Knicks spoke at his school. Actor Tony Randall, before playing Felix Unger on TV’s “The Odd Couple,” was Simmon’s beloved 2nd grade substitute teacher.

“I was sad when he suddenly stopped coming to class. Later, we all learned that Mr. Randall had gone to Hollywood.”

When Simmons, an accomplished cello player as a child, was given an assignment to write a musical composition about his favorite team, he chose the New York Mets.

“The first time I performed it, [Mets

players] Tom Seaver, Cleon Jones, and Tommie Agee were all sitting in the audience!” says Simmons with delight.

Harlem also had its dangers. People who suffered from drug or gambling addictions, or who were profiting from these illegal endeavors, found themselves regularly thrown in jail, or worse.

“When I came home and saw a city block closed off, I always knew something bad had happened,” says Simmons.

Luckily, Simmons says, he had loving parents who warned him to stay away from such activities. Benjamin Simmons Jr., instilled a deep sense of respect for others in his six children.

NETWORK MINISTRY

“I was the kid who was always getting cut from the teams I tried out for,” recalls Simmons. “But I still loved the game of basketball. Playing in local games and church tournaments was

what led me to Christ.”

When his pastor/coach George Stevens suggested that he consider coaching, Simmons went to games at Madison Square Garden to study the coaches. He paid more attention to them than he did the players.

In 1984, Simmons traveled with Stevens to host community basketball tournaments in Flint, Michigan. Leaders of these tournaments would incorporate ministry into every game. They reminded Simmons of the tournaments he had participated in as a youth.

“We made sure that each player heard the word of God before stepping foot on the court,” says Simmons. “Kids who love sports ministry become adults who love sports ministry.”

Thus began a network of basketball coaches and players from churches, high schools, and even colleges. Kids from those ministry basketball programs who Simmons and his associates led and mentored went on to play for schools such as Syracuse University, Duke University, and the University of Maryland. Some students like Draymond Green of Michigan, who had been part of the Flint tournaments, went on to play in the NBA. “When one of us got a chance to coach for the Manhattan Christian Academy, we thought, ‘Now we’re big time!’ But we made it a point to keep up the Saturday programs for the kids,” says Simmons.

THE SAINTS OF SCHENECTADY Unfortunately, even as the network of coaches thrived, Simmons faced challenges in his life. After being divorced twice, he found himself living in rescue missions in upstate New York. It was there he began attending The Salvation Army. He had fond memories of the Army from childhood. “The pastor from my church would always take us to other churches to hear sermons at different fellowships. That was the first time I visited a corps in downtown Manhattan,” says Simmons.

At a men’s fellowship in White Plains, N.Y., Simmons found himself next to Clarence Gaines Jr., son of college basketball coach Clarence Gaines Sr., and players from the New York Giants. One of the players preached a sermon on the lost axe head from the Book of 2 Kings 6:1–7. In the story, a group of men lose an axe head in a river as they prepare to build a house.

A miracle moves the tool back to them.

When Simmons returned to Schenectady, he sat down with Major Mike Himes. It was the first time they had truly spoken to one another. Himes mentioned that a group of Army kids wanted to learn basketball.

The following week, Coach Simmons held his first basketball practice at The Salvation Army with the “Original 5” players: Anton, Kenny, Peter, Matt, and Alexis. “Every Wednesday for 45 minutes, we went over the basics,” said Simmons.

As the number of kids who wanted to learn basketball and practice grew, the need for talented coaches also grew.

Simmons reached out to his network.

“Come to our church,” Simmons would say. “We’re doing big things with these talented kids.”

They also promoted the Salvation Army’s Saints of Schenectady on Facebook. Paula Alexander, Simmons’ fiancee, live-streamed the games, and set up tournaments with local Christian groups through social media. “We developed a system of players and coaches who were as interested in building up ministry as they were in building up talent,” says Simmons.

Recently, the Saints received an invitation to play at Harlem’s famous Rucker Park, where basketball legends such as Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar participated in tournaments.

“Talk about God bringing me full circle,” says Simmons proudly. “I’ll be taking my team to where I grew up.”

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OPENING DOORS

Simmons believes that sharing time is good for one’s soul, but the effects on other people is even more powerful.

“We can pray for each of these kids, but who’s going to guide them down the road of success, if someone doesn’t share their time with them? Many of these kids come from single parent households.

They don’t have what I was blessed to have. But what we do have are good people who are happy to give their time to mentor and open the door for them.

“This is a sport that everyone can grow from,” says Simmons. “And when we incorporate ministry into it, players learn the true meaning of Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.’”

Coach Simmons acknowledges that some players may lose interest in basketball as they grow older or, like himself, will miss an opportunity to make the team in high school or in college.

“But that’s okay,” he says. “We still have so much more than basketball to teach them!”

FAITH in ACTION

STUDENTS of the WORLD International Social Justice Commission

by Warren L. Maye

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JACOB HEVENOR Jacob studied international affairs in school. “I was thinking, working at the U.N. would be a dream job,” he said. “I grew up as a Salvationist all the way through. So, to work for The Salvation Army while going to the U.N. is a dream come true.”

Jacob acquired an interest in international affairs from studying geography.

“When I was growing up in Massachusetts, I was fascinated by maps,” he said. “I did some traveling when I did a semester abroad.

I went to Madrid in Spain. I also visited the U.K., France, and Italy. I even went down to Morocco and the Mediterranean.”

During his internship at ISJC, Jacob wants to explore New York City. “I grew up in the rural suburbs of Lowell, Mass.,” he said.

Jacob said he attended Gordon College, one of the top Christian colleges near Boston, because it had an international affairs major.

“The department was a combination of political science and economics,” Jacob remembers. “So I had a mix of econ classes with a focus on international business and political science and comparative politics—comparing our government with other governments. It also offered foreign policy and international relations. Foreign diplomacy was also part of my classes.”

After the internship, Jacob wants to go back to college. “I want to pursue a masters, whether it’s in policy or diplomacy. I look to this year offering endless possibilities.”

“My mom started taking me to The Salvation Army when I was about seven,” said Halliday. “I’m from Portmouth, which is a couple of hours drive outside of London.”

Three years ago, Joseph graduated from the University of Kent in Canterbury, where he studied politics. “After I graduated, my corps officer shared information regarding this internship with ISJC. I had never heard of it, but it seemed to fit me almost perfectly. I felt like God was telling me that this is what I should be doing next. I had reached the end of me trying to figure that out. It was time for God to have a say in it. So I applied and got selected.”

Joseph had always wanted to visit New York, but never wanted to live there. “It was quite a big step to leave family and friends behind,” he said. “But I felt like God was going with me. That thought made it a lot easier.”

Joseph feels he’s learned a great deal during his stay. “My faith in God has grown and developed. I’ve made a lot of good friends. I’m more confident, and my skills in the workplace are better.

“For example, I’ve done a lot of writing.

I’ve attended U.N. meetings where I’ve made notes and written reports. I’ve posted on the ISJC website, with the aim of informing the Army world and people who would find that information useful and relevant.”

(Left) Photo by Warren L. Maye; Background: iStock

The International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) is an arm of The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters and is based in New York City. It serves as a think tank designed to bring the Army closer to fulfilling its spiritual and humanitarian mission. The ISJC is also a pipeline for nurturing young Salvationists who, during the process of a year, come to learn more about the United Nations and the Army’s potential influence there. Upon completion, these interns return home inspired to continue their studies in world affairs and to perform compassionate service to others.

Two such interns are Joseph Halliday and Jacob Hevenor. From September 2016–17, Halliday lived at the Williams Residence on New York’s West Side and worked in the ISJC offices on the East Side.

Hevenor now serves at this post until September, residing in an apartment “above the store” at the ISJC offices on 2nd Avenue.

Although Halliday is from England and Hevenor is from the United States, they share much in common as Salvationists and as students of the world.

JOSEPH HALLIDAY

“ Let nothing disturb you; let nothing frighten you…

In Christ, you will find everything you need! Amen!”

— A PRAYER

‘Listen to strangers’

Summit shines light on the plight of displaced peoples

“People get the impression that [relating to strangers] is just an American problem,” said Lt. Colonel Dean Pallant, “But when you travel the world as we have, to Zambia, Kenya, and other countries, you realize that this is a human problem.”

Pallant, director of the Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission (ISJC), says anyone can be forced to leave home and become a stranger. Living in today’s broken world, displacement can happen suddenly and for a variety of reasons.

“We are to listen carefully to what people are saying, be they refugees, migrant workers, or illegal aliens—terms which I prefer to avoid,” said Pallant.

“We are to listen to the strangers. Rev. Dr. Sam Wells, known for his work in Christian ethics, says there are strangers throughout the Bible and God speaks through strangers.”

A GLOBAL CONVERSATION In an attempt to encourage empathetic communication between people during humanitarian crises, the ISJC recently hosted an online Global Interactive Summit on Refugees and Displaced Peoples.

Using Skype and Facebook Live, several panelists from around the world

brought ideas to a virtual table, set at ISJC Headquarters on 2nd Avenue in New York City. The SAconnects Media and Social Media teams facilitated the two–day broadcast.

The summit celebrated what has been achieved thus far in the area of compassionate listening and effective communication and reflected on lessons learned for future action.

Each 90–minute session comprised a panel of three or four people. Each participant made a 10–minute presentation, followed by discussions aided by a chairperson.

Panelists pitched their talks for a grassroots audience rather than for policy or program experts. Observers participated in the discussions by sharing online comments and questions in real time.

“By sharing in this way, Salvationists will be able to go to leaders in their country and say, ‘we should do this, because the Army in other parts of the world are successfully doing it,’” said Pallant.

“Depending on the locations and circumstances, people will implement strategies in different ways,” said Pallant. “Nevertheless, we are trying to keep the focus on people—not as ‘them’ but as ‘us.’”

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THE CHALLENGE Pallant recognizes the tremendous challenge facing a populace that has been conditioned to avoid speaking to strangers, even those seeking help.

“It’s actually easier for people to use the fear and suspicion of strangers to their own benefit. That ‘boogeyman’ image can be easily created.

“So we need to be protesters—in a good way—and sometimes prophets.

It’s principled, it’s determined, but it’s also gracious.

BUILDING BRIDGES “So, how do we build bridges with the strangers in our communities?” Pallant asked. “How do we genuinely engage in a way that will be transformative and Christlike?”

Pallant said research in these areas suggests that Salvationists should talk to their corps officers and other leaders to explore what they can do to build bridges in their own communities around the world.

“That’s the privilege that ISJC has by being a part of International Headquarters—our connection with the world—and this week, the world has joined up with us in conversation in New York City and it has been great.”

2018 APRIL

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“ I am definitely a Christian man.

God is the leader of my life.”

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APRIL 2018

Q & A

Hue Jackson

Cleveland Browns Coach

interview by Robert Mitchell

Tell us about the “Blue Spotlight Challenge.” It was a challenge to all corporate employees in the city to wear blue and to donate $4 to the foundation to fight human trafficking.

I think it was a sensational hit. Many corporate persons within Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio wore blue to shed light on human trafficking.

We wanted to signify that we are standing behind this issue and that we’re making a difference.

What gives you and your wife such passion for this issue? My wife and I thought about what would make an impact, not just for us and our legacy, but also for our children. We’re the parents of three daughters. We’ve witnessed some of this [human trafficking] firsthand.

We thought this was the best place to put our resources and to create a platform.

How did you get involved with The Salvation Army? We partnered with the Army because we have a residence that’s going to go up [at the Harbor Light]. Obviously, the Army is doing so many great things and they were gracious enough to partner with the Hue Jackson Foundation to create a safe place for victims. We want them to get back on their feet physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The residence will also house law enforcement officers and people who will be there to assist victims 24/7. I think it’s a tremendous opportunity for us to do something special.

photos courtesy of the Cleveland Browns

The Hue Jackson Foundation, founded by Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson and his wife Michelle, has partnered with The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland to fight human trafficking. In January, the “Blue Spotlight Challenge” helped raise money for the Hue Jackson Survivors of Human Trafficking Residence, which is scheduled to open later this year at the Cleveland Harbor Light facility. The residence will increase the number of women who can be helped from 6 to 18.

What do you like about The Salvation Army as an organization? They’ve stood for excellence. The Salvation Army is a place you can turn to. They’ve always made a difference in communities. They’ve been outstanding.

What greater partnership to form than with The Salvation Army?

Is human trafficking the primary focus of your foundation? Yes, it’s our focus. We’re “all in” on this problem. We don’t have another issue that we’re involved in or really want to be involved in. This is a big enough challenge all by itself. It’s taken much of our time and resources as we continue to make a huge impact in this area.

Tell our readers about your spiritual life.

I’m a Christian. I normally attend the Church of Christ. Although I have not yet found a particular church here where I feel comfortable, I am definitely a Christian man. God is the leader of my life. I am no different than most Christians.

I must continue to practice and get better at it, each and every day. I try to do things that are good and I give back. I’ve received this [coaching] opportunity and am grateful and thankful to have it. This platform makes it possible for me to give back to people who need assistance.

How long have you been a Christian?

I’ve been a Christian all my life. My mother introduced me to the Church of Christ, and I was baptized when I was nine years old. Just

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like many young men when they’re baptized that early, I was not exactly sure what it meant, but I did it. Obviously, I’ve lived by faith and by the grace of God. I’m no different than anybody else.

I make mistakes, but I know there is a higher Being who I can repent to, as I continue to get better. I know I’m still “a work in progress” as I move through this life, trying to understand how to be better—a better husband, father, and football coach.

The Browns have the first pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Are you optimistic about the future? Yes, absolutely. It’s not so much about the first pick, it’s about turning the corner. We’ve been a football team that, during the past two years, we’ve been 1-31. But we’re still standing. We’re still fighting. That says a lot about the character of the men and the coaches in the locker room. We have to continue to work on things and get better. I think we’re headed in the right direction. We’re really appreciative of [owners] Jimmy and Dee Haslam and their leadership. Now, it’s a matter of going out there and getting the job done.

2018 APRIL

25

great moments

A Cuban Influence in Rochester interview by Hugo Bravo

Digna Betancourt Swingle, director of social services at The Salvation Army’s Albany, N.Y., Corps, reflects on her family’s Cuban heritage and subsequent history in Rochester, N.Y. She tells how her parents, Nicomedes and Evangelina Betancourt, overcame political and cultural barriers to successfully meet the needs of the Hispanic community and to begin the Salvation Army’s Rochester Hispanic Outpost in 1965.

My father was born in Banes, a municipality on the northeast shore of Cuba.

He was the youngest of six children, born to my grandmother Digna, for whom I was named. Growing up, Nicomedes was a street–smart kid.

When he was 10, he hung out at the local grocery store, which had the only telephone in town. When a call for someone came in, he would pick up, put the caller on hold, and run to the person’s house to tell them they had a call. He earned tips that way. He also made money by competing as an athlete in baseball games and boxing tournaments. However, he gave all that up when he discovered The Salvation Army and heard God’s call to ministry.

My mother, Evangelina Reitor, was the middle child of five orphans. They all lived with different family members.

She was raised by an aunt who was an espiritista (spiritualist) and attended a

church devoted to holding séances and ‘talking to the dead.’ My mother never felt comfortable going to such a place, but went because her aunt did.

During one service, my mother witnessed a séance that involved a man with eyes that, by her words, “No longer looked human.” The man turned to my mother and whispered, “You do not belong here with us. You belong to God.” This scared her so much, she left that church and never returned.

Like Nicomedes did in Banes, Evangelina also became a part of the Salvation Army in her home of Manzanillo. As cadets in Cuba’s officer training school, they fell in love and married in 1953. Their first assignment as officers was running a Salvation Army orphanage in Cuba. My mother was also a star fundraiser. She had a charm that would make people running

Nicomedes and Evangelina Betancourt as corps officers of a Salvation Army orphanage in Cuba.

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orphanages from other churches, who didn’t have much money themselves, donate to The Salvation Army.

Unfortunately, my parents’ time as officers came to an end when raising a family and supporting an orphanage became too much for them to handle.

It was a difficult decision for them. But back then, they did not have the help that the Army now gives officer couples. They could not take care of their children and give the orphanage the proper attention it needed. When we all eventually moved to Havana, Cuba, my parents left officership, but remained active soldiers.

LIVING WITH COMMUNISM To support my brother Daniel, my sister Eva, and me, my father worked as a butcher, and my mom became a homemaker. Though they were still involved in the Army, such ministry changed in Cuba when Fidel Castro rose to power.

Christians were persecuted and arrested for preaching the Word of God. Communism also affected my family personally. A journalist uncle on my mother’s side was arrested and later killed by firing squad, only because he worked for a newspaper that had supported Fulgencio Batista, Castro’s predecessor.

Because the schools were indoctrinating children to see Castro as a god, I was home–schooled by Mr. Gonzales, a Christian like me. To this day, he is still one of the best, toughest teachers

I ever had. Years later, I learned that Mr. Gonzales was arrested for passing out Christian tracts in downtown Havana.

He continued to minister in the prison to inmates until Castro’s men killed him.

My father applied for our family to come to the United States on the Freedom Flights of the 1960s. The U.S. government approved my father to leave, but the rest of us had to remain. He refused, knowing that if he came alone, he might never see us again. “God gave me this family,” he told the authorities, “and I choose to stay with them.”

Fortunately, a year after he turned down his flight, our whole family was approved to travel. We left suddenly, without saying “goodbye” to our extended family or telling them we were leaving. This hurt me greatly, but I later learned that I had aunts and uncles on my father’s side of the family who were directly connected to the Castro regime. Fear of the “Communist Next Door” was real in Cuba. Other family members could have reported my parents for what they were doing for us.

ARRIVING IN THE U.S. In February 1962, we arrived in Rochester, N.Y. Members of the local Salvation Army were at the airport to donate coats to travelers coming off the Freedom Flights.

My parents wanted us to have an Army upbringing. Even though none of us knew English, we started attending services at the Rochester Corps. The corps officers were aware that my parents were former officers. But to be officers in the United States, they would have to retake cadet training. Once again, they put family first and turned down the opportunity.

The fire burning inside them for ministry was still alive when Captain Ralph Leidy and his wife Mary arrived in Rochester.

The Leidys valued my family’s love for the Army, and, like my parents, had a heart for the Spanish–speaking community, which had grown in recent years.

Left to right: photos courtesy of Digna Betancourt Swingle (3); ¡Triunfaran!: The Hispanic Ministry of The Salvation Army

Left: Digna (left) and her sister Eva. Right: Salvation Army officers pray before the dedication of the Rochester Hispanic Outpost.

THE OUTPOST MINISTRY In 1965, with the help and support of the Rochester Corps, my parents, as volunteer soldiers, began the Rochester Hispanic Outpost, a storefront ministry in a local Hispanic neighborhood. We held holiness meetings, Bible studies, art programs, and provided assistance and counseling for new immigrants.

I was active at the outpost. I remember Christmas celebrations and being up late wrapping gifts with my mother for all the children of the families that we served. Also, anything that I learned in the corps’ English timbrel classes, I would teach to the younger children at the outpost. At age eleven, I had my own little group of timbrel players.

The Outpost ministry was a gift to my parents. They loved volunteering their time; it was their way of keeping alive the ministry that had meant so much to them in Cuba.

When the Army decided that a recent graduate from the College for Officer Training should take over running the Outpost, the transition proved difficult for my parents. Soon after that, they left

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the Rochester Corps and the outpost.

Despite this, in their hearts, they remained loyal Salvationists, and attended corps in Amsterdam and Schenectady until their deaths. The Army conducted funeral services for both of them.

GIVING OUR TIME After my mother died, my father gave much of his time to volunteer work, not just at the corps, but at any church that needed help. He loved giving rides to people who did not have a car. During his eulogy, I asked, “How many of you knew Don Nico because he gave you a ride to work, to church, or to run errands?” Every hand went up.

The most important lesson I learned from my parents is that you can still do a lot for people, even with little money.

Sometimes we have the mindset that, unless we can write big checks, we can’t help people in the most need. We forget that giving our time to others can be more valuable than money. If there is a need, find a way to meet the need and don’t let the lack of funds, inexperience, or even language barriers stop you.

2018 APRIL

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to your health

don’t live to eat —

EAT TO LIVE

by Captain Cindy–Lou Drummond

OBESITY is one of the issues we struggle with most in American society. The Centers for

Disease Control (CDC) reports that one third (36.5 percent) of adults are obese, which is one of the major factors contributing to Type 2 Diabetes. Just two of the underlying causes of this illness are overeating and a lack of exercise.

The disease can be multifaceted, but obesity is mostly caused by making poor eating choices. Sometimes people make good ones, but undermine their effort by overeating. When we consume too many calories, they are deposited in our bodies as fat.

Doctors are most concerned about people who have Metabolic Syndrome, also known as “Syndrome X.” It is a combination of abdominal obesity, hypertension, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol and/or triglycerides (fatty acids).

When people have these symptoms, then diabetes becomes a major factor.

It increases the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and sudden death.

With diabetes, one’s blood sugar is high, which affects every organ in the body including nerve endings, blood vessels, liver, kidneys, heart, and brain.

It’s one of the worst chronic illnesses.

WATCH AND EAT We should combat diabetes by watching what we eat, having an adequate amount of exercise, and having the mindset that we are to eat to live rather than live to eat.

Sometimes when we’re bored, or in a vehicle quite a bit, or have to wait, which are common scenarios for most Americans, eating becomes a pastime or a hobby.

When we want to celebrate something, we eat. When we want to reward somebody, we have a party, and, we eat.

Eating has become something other than what it was intended to be. We need to think more carefully about what we do, rather than eat mindlessly and ignore the possible consequences.

We need to plan an eating strategy, rather than just roll with life. It’s much quicker to “drive–thru” and get some “fast” food. But failing to carefully plan meals can be disastrous to our health.

We must take the time to think and prepare good food choices.

There are a percentage of people who get diabetes. Family history or ethnicity reveals that some people are at higher risk. Diabetes can also come as a result of a pregnancy. But certainly, being overweight and having a sedentary lifestyle are contributing factors. Even “doers” are subject to such lifestyles.

important. The Fitbit app (see sidebar) has really helped people see how many steps they take in a day. You should shoot for 10,000 steps a day.

If you want your exercise quantified in time, a good rule of thumb is 30 minutes of exercise a day. This can be divided into three 10–minute sessions a day, or one session lasting 30 minutes.

However, studies have shown that people who exercise 30 minutes in the morning, then eat, but are sedentary the rest of the day, may lose the benefit of their morning exercise.

The sedentary lifestyle is the problem, whether we sit at a desk or in front of a computer or in a vehicle.

The human body needs a measured amount of exercise throughout the day to make sure we’re metabolizing and digesting properly, and strengthening bones and muscles.

Eventually, when such exercise—like walking—becomes routine, you will need to go above and beyond that.

There needs to be a progression to more difficult exercise.

For many of us, just walking 30 minutes a day, that really is exercise because we’re not doing anything else.

But once that becomes our norm, then we’ve got to step it up a bit and exercise more intensely.

EXERCISE 30/3

‘AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION ...’

Therefore, exercise becomes key.

Perhaps we will never achieve an adequate amount in our lifetimes, but just doing something—moving—is really

Of all the preventable diseases, diabetes is probably one over which we have the most control. Other problems, such as neuropathy (diseases of the nervous

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iStock (2)

Fitbit is a physical activity tracker designed to help you become more active, eat a more well–rounded diet, sleep better, and ultimately, turn you into a healthier human being. The Fitbit was introduced in 2008 by co–founders Eric Friedman and James Park in San Francisco. In short, it’s a 21st century pedometer. Just wear the wristband or clip on, and go. The Fitbit tracks much of your physical activity and integrates with software.

—HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM

system), heart disease, and fatty liver disease can be minimized or negated by carefully avoiding becoming diabetic.

There are many people who are obese but who are not diabetic. Obesity and diabetes are probably the two big things that are preventable that people can get a hold of and control. It’s just a matter of taking charge of our lifestyles.

Early intervention is a key. For young people, my plea would be that they keep moving. Sitting too much and being overweight does tremendous internal damage.

There are some diabetics who will live a nice, long life and not have any complications. That is rare. However, there are others who will be debilitated and have some real issues while they are still young and long before they retire.

The key is, don’t live to eat—eat to live.

Enjoy the wonderful life God has given you—in good health.

Captain (Dr.) Cindy–Lou Drummond is the former health officer and assistant training principal at the Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training in Suffern, N.Y. She earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is now the divisional secretary in the New Jersey Division.

2018 APRIL

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wholly living

Spiritual Mentors

by Lt. Colonel Patricia LaBossiere

We all have people in our lives who have influenced us in one way or another: coaches, teachers, older siblings, and parents. But what about people who have influenced our spiritual lives?

One definition of Christian spiritual formation is “our continuing response to God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s presence, conforming us to Jesus Christ in a community of faith, for the glory of God and for the sake of others.”

The phrases “in a community of faith” and “for the sake of others” emphasize that our spiritual formation is not a solitary pursuit. Rather, it is something that takes place with and through others. Having a personal, spiritual mentor can be a great help in our walk of faith and in the development of our spirit.

There have been a number of

A mentor is someone who…

ours into a person, walking with them • Pand providing input and encouragement Holds someone accountable, helping • them to form strategic plans that will enhance their spiritual walk

Helps a person grow in character, • calling, and competence

Is a wise and trusted counselor or • teacher; an influential supporter

Is a respected and spiritually mature • leader in a faith community

another developing maturity in • all Supports areas of life

• Teaches spiritual disciplines Builds deeply into the life of another • person for lasting influence Walks alongside and shares life’s • experiences

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women who have been mentors to me throughout my life. I rarely met with any of them on a regular basis; our mentoring relationship was not formal at all.

Yet they all had a profound impact on my spiritual development.

My mom brought us to Mass every Sunday and made sure we went to catechism class each Saturday, but that isn’t what impacted my spiritual growth.

Seeing her on her knees in prayer every night was what made a lasting impression on me. Even at a young age, I could see that prayer was a priority for her. She prayed consistently and her list was constantly growing as she added new people for whom she felt led to intercede. She prayed with great faith and was always happy to record the many answers to prayer in her notebook. From her I learned to establish a pattern of intercessory prayer.

My dearest friend led the way when she fully gave her heart and life to Jesus. She pursued Him relentlessly and I always tried to keep up. She has taught me, challenged me, admonished me, and prayed with me as I sought to grow in my own relationship with Jesus (and she still does).

Commissioner Marilyn Francis showed me, in a striking way, what it looked like to love Jesus. Her love for Him was so genuine and so obvious that I was drawn to her and ultimately to Him. Of course, that was her plan all along. Not only did she love Jesus passionately, she loved others extravagantly. We used to say, “If you walk away from Mrs. Francis without feeling loved, there’s something wrong with

you!” She made me feel loved, valued, as though I made a difference in the Kingdom of God. She brought out the best in me, seeing potential that I didn’t know was there. My hope was to love Jesus and love others with the same passion as Commissioner Francis.

Lt. Colonel Claralyn Lowman has a sweet, gentle spirit that belies a deep, hidden strength. As a young officer, I didn’t want to participate in an ecumenical community prayer gathering because the material being used was not doctrinally sound and I was not comfortable praying as they intended.

Lt. Colonel Lowman said to me, “When you attend, you may have the chance to share Jesus with someone there.”

While I wanted to back away from an uncomfortable situation, she encouraged me to look at it as an opportunity.

By making me attend, she helped me to stretch my thinking and engage people of a different faith.

There have been many others who have made a lasting impression on me and set an example for me to follow. I’m pretty sure that several people whom I consider “mentors” had no idea that they were “mentoring” me. Yet God, in His wisdom, used them and they have had a big influence on my life.

In a letter to his young protégé Timothy, Paul instructs him, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

Do not neglect your gift, which was

TRAITS TO LOOK FOR IN A MENTOR

❚ A companion ❚ Safe, trustworthy, and confidential ❚ Accepts me without judging, while admonishing me to grow ❚ Someone who is willing to be transparent about his/her own spiritual life, recognizing that deep relationships require vulnerability ❚ Affirming, gentle, and kind; firm and direct (we need both)

given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

Even as Paul pours into Timothy’s life, he urges Timothy to pour himself into the lives of other believers.

Dr. Alex Tang says that mentoring is a process of spiritual formation in both the mentor and the protégé. He also points out that a mentoring relationship involves three parties: the mentor, the protégé, and God. Mentor and protégé both need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in their relationship.

Can a friend be a mentor? Friends can be excellent peer–mentors since they journey together with similar experiences; however, older mentors with more life experience can provide a

broader perspective. Both are needed.

Is there someone in your life who can help you grow in your spiritual journey? If not, maybe you should consider finding someone. While it may seem awkward to say, “Will you be my mentor?” you may ask someone to meet you for coffee and to talk about your spiritual lives. If the first meeting is positive, ask the person if they mind meeting again. This may develop into a mentoring relationship of sorts.

Is there someone you can mentor?

Look around you. Are there new believers in your corps? Are there young people who could benefit from building a relationship with an older, more mature believer?

Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Do you need a spiritual mentor in your life? Are you ready to mentor someone else?

May we all try to encourage one another and continue to build each other up. (I Thessalonians 5:11)

❚ Helps me figure out for myself what to do ❚ Helps me know myself better ❚ Is sensitive to the Holy Spirit and speaks into my life ❚ Opens new doors ❚ A man or woman of God who I can look up to and possibly aspire to be like

Mentors might ask ❚ When did you start your journey, recently or long ago? ❚ In what direction are you moving, toward or away from Jesus? ❚ Are you healthy or wounded, rested or tired? ❚ Are you stuck? ❚ What is your season of life? ❚ What is your personality type? ❚ What is your learning style? ❚ How do you hear from God? ❚ What draws you closer to God? ❚ What gets in the way of your relationship with God? ❚ How can I help you get where you are going?

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HIGHLIGHTS Vision 20/20 is in full swing across the USA Eastern Territory. To help keep you informed of its progress, SAconnects magazine will publish highlights throughout the year, starting with these from Tonawanda, N.Y., Rochester, N.Y., Blue Point, N.Y., and Toledo, Ohio.

Members of the Rochester, N.Y., Temple Corps have found a way to reach out to and help kids in their community by providing backpacks full of school supplies.

Captain Dolores Minaya, Rochester Temple’s corps officer, said local businesses donated the first 50 backpacks.

When more were needed, the Home League held a garage sale to buy 60 more. “This was a fun and wonderful activity that gave us the opportunity to reach some families for the Lord,” Minaya said. “We are excited because the community was eager to see the Army at work in their favor.”

FESTIVAL OUTREACH IN TOLEDO

The Toledo, Ohio, Temple Corps and beneficiaries from the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) teamed up for a fall festival that reached out to the neighborhood.

“We came together as a corps body and worked together to make this a great event for our community,” said Captain Angie Smith, the associate corps officer. “This was a way for us to be outside of our building and provide a wonderful opportunity for the children to experience a safe, fun atmosphere— free of charge.”

The corps used funds from the Divisional Headquarters to rent a bounce house and provide cotton

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candy, snow cones, and hot dogs in the parking lot.

“The children even had the opportunity to have their pictures taken alongside a parrot,” Smith said. “For some of the children, this was the first time they had been so close to such a bird.”

SOLDIERS ENROLLED IN TONAWANDA

Commissioners G. Lorraine and William A. Bamford, territorial leaders and authors of Vision 20/20, helped enroll 11 new senior soldiers at the Tonawanda, N.Y., Corps recently.

“As part of Vision 20/20, we are excited that God provided us with people— new souls, new hands, and new feet—serving the Lord as soldiers of The Salvation Army,” said Major Celestin Nkounkou, the corps officer.

Nkounkou said some of the new soldiers teach Sunday school, serve in the band, and take part in Home League and youth activities.

“Our new soldiers are now excited to be part of the Army and serve others through the different avenues of service we offer,” he said.

Testimonies of the new soldiers included a wide range of responses: “This is my family.”

“I found a church home.”

“I’m glad to serve in the band.”

“I’m happy to help out whenever I can.”

Nkounkou said, “We are on a path to equip and empower people through our programs to fulfill the Great Commission.”

SENIORS SEE A BRIGHTER DAY

People in nursing homes sometimes live lonely lives, particularly if visits from family members are rare. Lt. Charmaine Romano and Lt. Frenie Antoine of the Blue Point, N.Y., Corps know that all too well.

Recently, the officers visited 14 women at Cabrini Gardens Senior Citizens Housing. “They were happy and excited,” Romano said.

“They were laughing, smiling, and enthusiastic to share their stories with Lt. Frenie and me,” she said.

The group also sang praises to the Lord.

“We decided that delivering food boxes to the residents was not enough,” Romano said. “Although we love that we are able to provide assistance to the residents by way of food, we wanted to also go out and meet with them.

“We thought the ladies would love to do a craft. So we thought of a great craft they can enjoy, which was making edible arrangements. The women made pretty fruit baskets.”

The Blue Point Corps is located on New York’s Long Island.

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