VOL. 5, NO. 6 • JULY/AUGUST 2019 SACONNECTS.ORG
Follow me to
CHRIST What is evangelism today? page 10
the magazine
JULY / AUGUST
contents VOLUME 5 | NUMBER 6
in every issue 3 from the editor 4 an active army 5 relevents 22 snapshot 30 wholly living
departments 6 LEAD How should we learn to lead? Is it through formal training, then active service? Experience shows us the opposite is actually true.
20 great moments For more than a century, The Salvation Army as been on the cutting edge of the most innovative and groundbreaking strategies for evangelism.
24 what’s the digital It’s a new department designed to keep you informed of the latest Christian movies, books, apps, podcasts, TV and radio shows, internet platforms, and streaming services. Take a look at “Overcomer,” a movie set to release in August!
Cover photo by Ben Glassman; Illustration by Joe Marino
28 Q & A
7 Mission to Honduras
A team of physicians from across the United States traveled to the country of Honduras to provide medical care to people living in remote, impoverished regions.
10 What is evangelism today?
Brian Russell, executive director of YouVersion, talks about the explosive popularity of his app, which has 380 million downloads around the world.
32 20/20 vision highlights Evangelism is exploding around the USA Eastern Territory. See what’s happening near you!
Opinions abound as to how we should effectively do it, but we’re still called to seize the moment and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with a spiritually lost world.
Para leer los artículos en español por favor visite SACONNECTS.ORG/ENESPANOL
2019 JULY / AUGUST
1
WELCOME TO CADETS SEPTEMBER 6, 2019 • 7:25 P.M. Centennial Memorial Temple 120 W 14th St., New York, NY WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis USA EASTERN TERRITORY Commissioners William A. and G. Lorraine Bamford Territorial Leaders
saconnects.org
from the editor your connection to The Salvation Army
USA EASTERN TERRITORY TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioner William A. Bamford III Commissioner G. Lorraine Bamford CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel Kenneth O. Johnson, Jr. COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY Lt. Colonel Kathleen Jo Steele EDITOR IN CHIEF Warren L. Maye MANAGING EDITOR Robert Mitchell EDITOR / HISPANIC CORRESPONDENT Hugo Bravo KOREAN EDITOR Lt. Colonel Chongwon D. Kim HISPANIC EDITOR Minerva Colon–Pino
ART DIRECTOR Reginald Raines PUBLICATION MANAGING DESIGNER Lea La Notte Greene GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Keri Johnson, Joe Marino, Mabel Zorzano STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Ryan Love CIRCULATION Doris Marasigan
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.
www.saconnects.org www.facebook.com/saconnects www.twitter.com/saconnects
More than a Sandwich “Our home is gone!” cries an Ohioan as she stands in slippers under a dark sky, atop shards of rubble that had been her kitchen. That night, the swirling winds of a massive tornado blew her house apart. All her family’s activities there—the meals, the aromas, and the laughter—are now just memories. In the southeast part of the country, a man wades through cold, knee–deep water, trying to load a small boat with belongings from his home. His fear is that the levee will soon break and let the swollen river come in and wash his life away. In Virginia Beach, two women comfort each other in the aftermath of yet another senseless mass shooting. They wait to hear who among their coworkers survived the spree. Soon after I hear such horrific stories, a notification buzzes my cell phone, and I read an announcement, a progress report, or a specific request from the Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) command. They’re deploying trained personnel to the scene to provide practical and spiritual care, as needed. Watching EDS take action is my consolation. Knowing that God will use them to bring care and comfort to hurting people, lifts my spirit and eases my pain. In the next SAconnects magazine, you’ll take the closest look at EDS you’ve ever seen. From its early beginnings, to 9/11, to Superstorm Sandy, to Hurricane Maria, we hope you’ll get a perspective that will cause you to see this work as more than just a sandwich and a cup of hot chocolate in someone’s hand—you’ll see it as the ministry it was meant to be. Join us!
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. 5, No. 6, July / August Issue 2019. Printed in USA. Postmaster:
— Warren L. Maye, Editor in Chief
Send all address changes to: SAconnects, 440 West Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994–1739. SAconnects accepts advertising. Copyright © 2019 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.
2019 JULY / AUGUST
3
an active army
The Old Orchard Beach Pier “If you come back tomorrow, we’ll know how to make it for you,” said Sheila Lucero. A little boy had just asked her how to make a new balloon design. The request had stumped her. That night, Sheila and her husband Alfredo went back to their hotel room and looked up videos on social media until they found one that explained how to make that specific animal with balloons. The next day, the boy returned to the Pier Festival to find the new animal he wanted. “It’s a new balloon, a new skill learned, and a second chance for ministry,” Sheila said. The week Sheila and Alfredo Lucero spend at the Pier Festival at Old Orchard Beach (OOB) Maine has become a summer tradition. Their balloon ministry has grown into one of the most popular attractions at the Pier during The Salvation Army’s week at OOB. Eleven years ago, when they attended The Salvation Army Astoria, Queens Corps, Majors Angelo and Virginia Bermeo, corps officers at the time, convinced them to come up to Maine for the camp meetings. “It was an honor and a blessing to be invited, but we didn’t know anything about Maine, Old Orchard Beach, or the Bermeo’s plans to give away balloon animals to families at the Pier,” says Lucero. “We didn’t have the help of volunteers to set up and prepare everything for us like we do today. We didn’t even have a cart to work out of. It was just us and the officers, loading and unloading our supplies every day.
4
JULY / AUGUST 2019
We were going in blindfolded, but we let God guide the ministry.” Sheila assisted by filling up balloons with air, which Alfredo and Major Angelo would then twist into balloon sculptures. But as the lines of children wanting balloons grew longer as more families approached them, Sheila knew she had to step in to help. “I started with a simple dog design, but my husband had quickly learned to make bunnies and other more complicated animals,” says Sheila. Today, Sheila and Alfredo are well skilled in the art of balloon sculpting. They easily twist multicolored balloons into recognizable shapes and figures for children as they talk to parents about God and The Salvation Army. When the Lucero children, Matthew and Sharlene, first came to OOB, grandmother Gloria and the children would take coffee and water to the parents as they tirelessly worked afternoons and nights at the Pier. Now as adults, the younger Luceros participate in ministry only a few feet away from their parents. Matthew and Sharlene assist at another booth where they do face painting for children visiting the Pier. “I see how God has worked in my children’s lives,” says Sheila. “When Matthew was younger, he was shy around others, but when he arrives at the Pier, he talks to every family about the Army and how they can get balloons for their kids. Every summer when we arrive, he tells me, ‘Mom, I’m ready to do God’s work.’ To hear him say that brings me joy,” says Sheila.
by Hugo Bravo
LIVE AT THE PIER 2019 CROSSFIRE BRASS – From patriotic tunes to traditional marches, the Crossfire Brass band is a Salvation Army staple at fireworks night at the Pier. CAST – The Eastern Territory’s Creative Arts Service Team will perform and witness about God’s love for all. UNBOUND – This Christian rock band delights audiences with their pop and rock music infused with Scripture. PAINTING FREEDOM –Tucker Rodkey began his ministry in Philadelphia, where he would paint in the park and share the gospel message as he created art. BRYAN DRAKE– Illusionist, mentalist, and speaker Bryan Drake’s show is a mix of humor, illusion, and evangelism. The Luceros recognize many of the families that vacation at Old Orchard Beach. They look forward to seeing them. Says Sheila, “That’s when we show them that The Salvation Army is much more than a store, a red kettle at Christmas, or even what they’re seeing here at Old Orchard Beach. We’re a church, and we do this work in the name of God. “When you hand someone a balloon and remind them that Jesus loves them, sometimes they say they’ve never heard those words before,” says Sheila. “That gives me such strength and motivation to come back the next day to work for God at the Pier. It reminds me of why we return to Old Orchard Beach.”
relevents interview by Hugo Bravo
Kathryn Higgins, arts ministries director for The Salvation Army Eastern Territory, talks about her unique path to parenthood, performances at Old Orchard Beach, and how the art of improv guided her path as an actor.
I started as the arts ministries director in December of 2018. I’m enjoying having one foot in production, and another in performance. The Arts Ministries Bureau exists to model and encourage quality creative arts for worship and to spread the gospel of Jesus. We are really excited to reveal a new initiative called the stART Fund, which will help to financially support local corps arts programs.
In high school, I was part of the improv team, which became the foundation of my understanding of acting. The rules of improv are basically the rules of life: accepting and building on other’s ideas, teamwork, and listening. I think improv is a great starting point for young actors, as well as for experienced veteran performers.
Adopting a child can seem daunting. There were definitely issues that we dealt with when we welcomed a child into our home who had a full personality and a life before she met us. When we became parents, my husband and I committed to raising and loving our daughter, no matter what difficulties we would face as a family or as a couple. It didn’t feel as daunting because we had a great support system. How our daughter came into our lives continues to anchor my faith in the Lord. I couldn’t have gone through what I did with her and ever doubt that He is present. I love to share this story; please ask me about it the next time you see me.
Performing aerial silks at the Old Orchard Beach Pier is one of the highlights of my year. Four years ago, after I took my first silks class, I could barely move my arms, but I fell in love. Aerial silk is a circus art that involves hanging from fabric suspended from the ceiling. This year, I’m looking forward to debuting a new silk routine to “You Will Be Found,” from the musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” The story of “Peter Pan” has always been my favorite. I watched the Mary Additionally, I have begun Martin version as a child and memorized every line and step. I pitched the idea to training on the lyra (hoop) Carol Jaudes when she was arts ministries director, and I’m excited to see “Peter and will be performing Pan” come to life through CAST 2019. You can catch their performance at the Old to “Never Enough” from Orchard Beach Pavilion on July 31st at 7:30 p.m. “The Greatest Showman.”
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
2019 JULY / AUGUST
5
LEAD
Learning to lead, Leading to learn TEACHERS tend to learn more than anyone else in the classroom. Several years ago, I taught New Testament Greek. I was hired partly based on my proficiency. But, early on, I remember a senior scholar putting his hand on my shoulder and saying, “You’re learning a lot of Greek, aren’t you?” He knew; he understood. Being responsible for the education of others brought my learning to a new level. Serving in leadership is another irreplaceable learning opportunity. That’s why the normal pattern for local officers in The Salvation Army is to first volunteer in an area of service and then to be commissioned for the role. Serving demonstrates commitment and capacity and becomes a critical training ground. By the same coin, commissioned local officers are not done learning—they’re learning at a new level (Proverbs 4:18). Matt Baker, from the USA East’s Corps Leadership Development team, has a slogan for this concept: “Learning to lead, leading to learn.” Think about it. We typically conceptualize learning for ministry as follows: first, formal training; then, active service. Experience shows us that such a pattern doesn’t reflect reality or best practices. Let’s take for granted that serving in any capacity requires proper clearances, some aptitude, and a good will. However, if we delay placing soldiers or volunteers into roles until they are perfectly formed, we will never have the commissioned local officers and
6
JULY / AUGUST 2019
warranted local leaders we need for a healthy and sustainable corps. We always learn more effectively when we are actually serving. When we serve in such a realistic capacity, we grasp our responsibility for others, which drives our learning and excellence. Here are five recognized best practices for healthy and sustainable corps leadership development: Make learning an exciting discovery Some people learn ideas and skills by simply being told, but most learn more effectively when they discover the idea or when they practice the skill themselves. So, give people well–structured opportunities to encounter and enact the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they are expected to learn. Create intermediate leadership roles Add meaningful steps toward becoming a leader. Doing so decreases the distance between the metaphorical “rocks across the stream.” Each new “rock” in the stream represents a more reachable step in the process of becoming a leader. Encourage people to become coaches, small group facilitators, council members, and student–teachers. Such roles give them a chance to imagine themselves making the move toward greater responsibility and competence as leaders.
by Isaiah Allen
Collaborate with diverse stakeholders To accomplish something worthwhile, involve people who are stakeholders in it from beginning–to–end. Who will be affected by your decisions? Seek their input and support through multiple means, at multiple times. People of different cultures, ages, genders, ethnicities, and socio–economic statuses offer valuable perspectives. Encourage and reward commitment An unmoored world claims that people benefit most from “no commitment necessary” and “cancel anytime” terms. Nevertheless, individuals, families, and congregations flourish when connections are deep and lasting. Local officers elevate the trust and stability needed for sustainable leadership development. Leaders should hold themselves accountable to plan, act, and reflect. Commit to this pattern beforehand. Self–evaluation should be based on this plan. Don’t rush Teachers and trainers at every level frequently experience the same problem: too much what for the when. Don’t overfill. It’s best to learn something of great value deeply and lastingly. “The fruit of the Spirit is … patience,” (Galatians 5:22).
by Major Ismael Correa
I
n January 2019, physicians from the eastern and the central United States traveled to the country of Honduras to provide medical care to people living in remote, impoverished regions of San Pedro Sula, the second largest city of this Central American republic. The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory deployed 14 officers to serve as English/ Spanish translators for the doctors and the families seeking attention. The American team was joined by a team of Honduran physicians, dentists, community leaders, corps officers, and soldiers from the Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula Corps. For six days, the teams visited villages throughout the region, seeing approximately 2,300 men, women, and children with a myriad of health concerns ranging from colds and allergies, gastrointestinal problems, heart diseases, and cancer. Early every morning, the team would rise to have breakfast, devotions, and participate in a briefing. By 6 a.m., their buses would leave basecamp to begin a 129–mile drive to the villages. They
set up a clinic and pharmacy and saw as many people as possible. They then packed, cleaned up, and drove back to basecamp for a debriefing, a dinner, and to prepare for the next day. Majors Angelo and Virginia Bermeo, territorial evangelists, shared the gospel message via their popular and mesmerizing optical illusion show. Prayers, words of encouragement, and comfort were offered throughout the clinic. From intake to consultation and pharmacy visits, there was always a brigade member who took time to share the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. There are four assets that the people of Honduras possess: Perseverance, resilience, and hopefulness through faith in God. Perseverance—regardless of their circumstances, the nation seeks to improve the wellbeing of its families and communities; always pressing forward, leading them toward progress. Resilience—Hondurans have been able to rise above natural disasters such as Hurricane Mitch in 1998, fragile
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
THERE ARE THREE ASSETS THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONDURAS POSSESS: PERSEVERANCE, RESILIENCE, AND HOPEFULNESS THROUGH FAITH IN GOD.
2019 JULY / AUGUST
7
democracies, and uncertain economies. Hopefulness—Hondurans are a hopeful people and many believe that the future will be a bright one. Faith in God is the source of their hope. There is a deep– rooted sense that everything belongs to the Creator and that God sustains life and gives strength to the powerless. The country faces some major challenges. Severe poverty, hunger, and sickness are nothing but the byproducts of social, political, and economic injustice. However, the people of Honduras find ways of maneuvering through life, between the extremes of having assets and facing challenges. They do so by having a strong sense of community; many people the brigade met that week were taking care of children whose parents had abandoned them or had died due to violence or illness. Without any type of outside assistance, these people were providing food, shelter, and love to others as if they were their own flesh and blood. An entrepreneurial and innovative spirit helps them create an income that provides for families. The medical brigade provided relief to families and individuals who are struggling with health matters. Many of them shared that they were ministered to by the people of Honduras through their humility, faith, and hope. They were also impacted by the loving work demonstrated by the local doctors, corps officers, and soldiers of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa Corps. When reflecting on this, many team members shared their desire to transmit these valuable lessons and shared experiences back home to their families as well as to as many people as possible in their workplaces. Ironically, the ones seeking to be a blessing to others (the medical team) became the recipients of God’s blessings through the people deemed to be the least, the last, and the lost.
8
JULY / AUGUST 2019
A Humbling Experience “I felt humbled,” said Major Doris Gonzalez.* She served as a Honduras medical mission team leader with Dr. Russell Raymond, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic. “I’ve worked with the poor in the United States where there is always hope that people can improve their socio/economic status,” said Gonzalez. “In looking at these individuals of Honduras, I could see how grateful they were to be at the mission station and how it raised their hopes too.” “But at the same time, I thought, for many of them, this is it. They don’t have the resources to help them economically. What will be their way out? “So, I felt a great sense of humility because, at the end of the day, we are all equal as human beings. Someone said, ‘they don’t know what they are missing because they never had it.’ But I say, they know the difference between being well and being sick.” Gonzalez (shown left) said she observed how the people, many of whom had walked 4 or 5 hours with their small children to get to the mission station, were happy to receive medications the average American takes for granted or has never seen. “For example, they would come in needing vitamins, parasite medicine, antacid for stomach problems, and basic hygiene information.” The people’s response was heartfelt. “There was a lot of joy when the medical team could solve a health issue,” said Gonzalez. “The people were happy we were there to care for them. Even when we said we couldn’t take any more people, there was no complaining. That showed me just how determined and thankful they are.” Since the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch in 1998, Salvation Army medical teams have ministered in rural Honduran communities. In doing so, they’ve developed a rich legacy that has spanned generations. As many as 60 percent of this year’s team are from the original one. “We had close to 20 teens and young adults from the corps helping us,” said Gonzalez. The team served 400–500 people a day in San Pedro Sula and in Tegucigalpa. As many as 40 percent were children, 4 to 5 kids per couple. “We were grateful to be able to serve,” she said. —Warren L. Maye * Major Doris Gonzalez is the divisional secretary for the Massachusetts Division.
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
2019 JULY / AUGUST
9
What is E·van·ge·lism today? /ə vanjə lizəm/ • noun The spreading of the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness. by Robert Mitchell and Warren L. Maye illustrations by Joe Marino
Evangelism. It’s a familiar word, but what exactly does it mean today? The first New Testament “evangelists” were the shepherds and angels who announced the birth of Jesus Christ to the world. During His earthly ministry, Jesus ordered His disciples to go and make other disciples. But do Christians follow that command in today’s pluralistic and post–Christian society? Studies seem to suggest that today’s Christians, especially the younger generations, are reluctant to do so. Some modern evangelism seems to have moved to social media (see interview with YouVersion Executive Director Brian Russell on pp. 28–29, and comments by author Joe Battaglia, p. 14 ). Believers share Christian– themed material on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but there is still the need to personally share Christ with family, friends, and co–workers, face–to–face. The 18 th century itinerant preacher George Whitefield once said, “God forbid that I should travel with anybody a quarter of an hour without speaking of Christ to them.” The Salvation Army was at the forefront of evangelism efforts in the 19th century. Colorful saints such as Joe the Turk conducted open– air meetings on the streets. The Army’s former
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
“Glory Shop” Corps in Times Square brought the gospel message to thousands, a tradition the Manhattan Citadel Corps in Harlem is keeping alive (see story on page 18). Every year, The Salvation Army sends officer delegates to the National Seminar on Evangelism to learn and practice new skills. Salvationists also participate in the Pier Ministry at the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings in Maine where they share the gospel with thousands of vacationers. Yet, younger Christians seem unwilling to share their faith. A new report from the Barna Research Group called “Reviving Evangelism,” reveals that 47 percent of practicing Christian Millennials agree at least somewhat that it is wrong to evangelize people of another faith. That compares to 27 percent of Gen Xers, 19 percent of Baby Boomers and 20 percent of Elders. Majors Angelo and Virginia Bermeo, who serve as territorial evangelists in the Eastern Territory, agree that younger people are often reluctant to share Christ. “Sometimes I think they’re just intimidated, and they’re shy about it,” Major Virginia said. “Other times, I think once they testify about their faith, others will know they are Christians and will judge them accordingly, even though we know we’re not perfect. I
2019 JULY / AUGUST
11
think sometimes the younger generation does not want to be judged. “I think we need to encourage our youth that God can use them, no matter where they are and what they think of themselves.” Envoys Steve and Sharon Bussey, who lead The Salvation Factory and the Pier Ministry
47% of practicing Christian Millennials agree at least somewhat that it is wrong to evangelize people of another faith. That compares to
27% of Gen Xers, 19% of Baby Boomers and 20% of Elders. Barna Research Group — Reviving Evangelism
at the OOB Camp Meetings each year, are passionate advocates of sharing the gospel and agree with Bermeo. Envoy Steve believes the Church needs a “Josiah moment,” referring to the Old Testament king of Judah who called for a time of national repentance after the Book of the Law was discovered during temple renovations. “A Salvationist who is not doing evangelism is like a fish out of water,” Bussey said. “Being engaged in evangelism is our natural habitat. As Salvationists, who we are only makes sense when we are engaged in mission and sharing the gospel with a lost and dying world.” Bussey said Salvation Army co–founder Catherine Booth once said there is no improving the future without disturbing the present and he believes that must happen when it comes to evangelism.
12
JULY / AUGUST 2019
“My concern is we’re not willing to be disturbed,” he said. “We have become complacent as the Church. As a result, we have to stir ourselves out of this lethargy and this complacency. We have to disturb ourselves. Every single Salvationist has to say once again, ‘Why am I here?’ We are created for the glory of God and the salvation of this world. Everything else is just the details. MORE THAN A METAPHOR “I think we sometimes think being a soldier in God’s army is a figure of speech. But if we are metaphorical soldiers fighting in a metaphorical army, are we fighting in a metaphorical war to save people from a metaphorical hell and battling against a metaphorical enemy? If it’s just a play on words, then what’s the point? “But if it’s real, and Satan and hell are real, then that should alter how we share the gospel with our family and our friends. We often allow people to stroll casually into hell without any concern that they are heading toward ultimate separation from God and an eternity of suffering.” Bussey said while some believe God has not called them to evangelize, the truth is, we are all co–participants in reaching the lost. “The Great Commission and the call to go out and proclaim the good news—it defines in many ways the essence of who we are called to be, not only as the Church, but it’s an essential moral responsibility we have as human beings to help people live the fullest life,” Bussey said. “There is this indifference to the lost that has numbed us from the very purpose for which we were created as a Church. “I think there is nothing more damning to a generation than to think they don’t have a role to play in the gospel going out in this world. I think, as the Church, we’re going to have to answer for that.” Envoy Sharon agreed, saying “apathy is the killer of the Church.” “We’ve got to do more than we’re doing now,” she said. “If we as Christians think Christ came for us and we keep Him to ourselves and we go about our merry parades and activities
on Sunday, of what worth is that? “Christ came for the whole world and it is our job to make sure that message of salvation and the gospel gets beyond our doors. If we’re not doing that, we’re failing as the Church.” A PROVEN STRATEGY Changed lives—redeemed lives—have always been the goal of Salvation Army evangelism from its earliest days. A homeless man extends his cold, shivering hands to receive a hot bowl of soup; an abused mother and her three children enjoy warm baths and clean clothes at a shelter; a young man at a camp in the woods puts down his brass horn, kneels at a rustic altar, and accepts Christ into his life forever. These examples of “Soup, soap, and salvation,” a motto coined years ago, continues to be a simple but proven strategy for evangelism in The Salvation Army. For that reason, among others, management guru Peter Drucker called it “the most effective organization in the United States.” However, most people in the west fail to realize that The Salvation Army is also an active member of the Evangelical Christian Church. Instead, they see it exclusively as an iconic social service and disaster relief provider.
WHAT ARE THE QUESTIONS? In the 1970s, Evangelist Tom Skinner would frequently ask, “If Jesus is the answer, then what are the questions?” Today, people ask, is there a crisis? Are Christians in an age of “post–evangelicalism” or a “crisis of traditional Christianity?” Still others ask if believers are mired in a “spirit of modernity” or “theological rigidity?” Are they more interested in talking about solutions rather than in living them?” Other people question evangelistic strategies: are believers simply pursuing evangelicalism differently in an increasingly technological world? Should Christians more aggressively shift to new paradigms that involve virtual realities on social media platforms? Should avatars
BACK TO THE BASICS Phil Needham, author of Christ at the Door: Biblical Keys to our Salvationist Future, writes, “Membership decline in the Western world has been going on for so long, it should concern us. Maybe God is trying to call us back to things we have forgotten.” In a recent article, Mark Galli, editor of Christianity Today magazine, revealed what many Christians probably agree is a personal crisis of evangelism, that is to say, a feeling of indifference toward the subject rather than a sense of passion or urgency about it, which would be expected of one’s calling as a Christian. In Galli’s case, he says such hunger and resolve to tell souls about Christ has been insidiously replaced by a feeling of professional competency and efficiency in doing God’s work.
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
2019 JULY / AUGUST
13
and artificial intelligence replace face–to–face engagement? Galli says that American evangelicalism is in trouble on multiple fronts—politically, socially, theologically, and morally because paradigms are shifting all over the place. Internally, attitudes toward pastoral care, discipleship, and social justice are also fluctuating. Even more alarming is the trend for churches, traditionally known as havens for prayer, reconciliation, and revival, to actually become soft targets for racial or political retaliation, religious retribution, and even acts of global terrorism. A NEW PARADIGM Given this changing world, how then must Christians live? Joe Battaglia, author of the book Unfriended, believes people need to leave behind the anonymity of the internet and get back to one–on–one encounters. He says Christians need to go beyond the satisfaction of getting “likes” on Facebook to establishing meaningful relationships. In an interview with SAconnects magazine, Battaglia described how evangelicals can get
“ We need to avoid the community of cowardice… As I cower behind this wall of anonymity, I am more likely to disparage you, not care about you, and say things about you. I would not say those things if I had to look right in your eyes.” —Joe Battaglia, author of the book Unfriended
out from behind their computer screens and enjoy God’s creation. “I think the major thing believers can do,” says Battaglia, “is to do what Jesus did when He spoke to the woman at the well. The principle I draw from that is, when we go out of our way to be with people unlike us, they will go out of their way to tell other
14
JULY / AUGUST 2019
people about us.” Battaglia says Christian righteousness expressed in the absence of compassionate tears is seen by the world as arrogance. “If they saw tears and sacrifice, then they would see true community within us and would not battle against us.” Battaglia says Christians need to be extra careful to avoid what he calls “the community of cowardice,” which is found on the internet where Christians “friend” or “follow” only people with whom they agree. “As I cower behind this wall of anonymity, I am more likely to disparage you, not care about you, and say things about you. I would not say those things if I had to look right in your eyes.” Showing up in the real world rather than in a virtual one, Battaglia says, positions believers to be “Good Samaritans” to people in need. “It’s not so much that the Samaritan stopped to help the guy,” says Battaglia, “the biggest point is that the Samaritan was on the road in the first place. If he hadn’t been on the road, there would be no ‘good Samaritan’ to talk about.” TRAINING TO EVANGELIZE Corps Sergeant–Major Cotton Presley, a Salvation Army evangelist and leader of the Army’s National Seminar on Evangelism (NSE), says Christians benefit from training themselves to be effective evangelists. That happens annually at NSE, held in Glen Eyrie, Colorado. “It’s an incredible opportunity for soldiers from all over the country to come together and learn more about what it means to fulfill the first part of The Salvation Army’s mission, which is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Presley. For an entire week, an eclectic mix of ages, experiences, races, and cultures convene to participate in workshops, seminars, and ultimately on the streets of Glen Eyrie. Seminar delegates learn the practical skills of evangelistic outreach. They will courageously walk across a room to tell their story; authentically listen to a woman in tears as she shares her story; and greet a man in Spanish to begin a compassionate conversation about the gospel. A recent Salvation Army Annual Command
Review report described how there’s a concerted effort on the corps (local church) level to ensure that worship and related programs are responsive, inclusive, and sensitive to the diversity within communities. For example, many people who come to the Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers attend church for the first time. Therefore, the worship services are designed to be simple yet meaningful. Rehabilitation programs are built to help transform lives on a foundation of biblical principles. Participants learn how to live Christlike and holy. Some corps (church) centers conduct prayer walks through communities. TIME TO ‘COME OUT’ In Christ at the Door, Needham says Jesus “stands and knocks” so that He can come in and sup with people, but there’s more. He also wants them to come out into the world with Him. Believers must come out of their virtual havens where they’ve found their comfort zones. Needham describes this invitation in three phases: 1.) “The Journey,” Christ invites people to be His disciples; 2.) “The Community,” Christ invites new believers out to be in His Church; and 3.) “The Mission,” Christ invites evangelicals out to fulfill His mission. Finally, Needham strongly suggests that Salvation Army corps (local churches) grow like a movement. “The Church ought to represent a dynamic cultural expression of the people of God in any given place,” he writes. In this age of the avatar, it’s more important than ever for believers to understand that Christ is inviting them out from behind their phones, computer screens, and brick–and– mortar citadels so as to engage with actual people in a literal world. Yes, such an endeavor has its inherent risks and sacrifices, but it also promises exciting rewards. A NEW BIRTH Envoy Steve Bussey points out that evangelism is so important it’s included in Chapter 1, Section 1 of “Chosen to be a Soldier: Orders and Regulations for Soldiers of The Salvation Army.” “The Salvation Army is a fellowship of people who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal
Savior and Lord and whose common aim is to induce others to subject themselves to the lordship of Christ.” “Our job is to find ways to induce the new birth process and to show people how to be born again,” Bussey says. “That’s what drives everything we do in The Salvation Army. If we miss that, we’ve missed the whole thing.” Bussey believes Salvationists are missing that point in their reluctance to evangelize. Bussey said one reason is because Christians sometimes see it as someone else’s responsibility. He says they also tend to believe God only wants them to feel good and to enjoy this life rather than acknowledge the price Christ paid for their souls. “We approach things therapeutically rather than saying, ‘You need to be justified by grace through faith in Christ Jesus and you need to be sanctified by baptism of the Holy Spirit.’ Most people don’t speak that language today,” Bussey says.
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
2019 JULY / AUGUST
15
“ All I’ve ever wanted was to share what God has done in my life.” —Major Virginia Bermeo
A CHANGED MINDSET Younger people, in particular, don’t want to be offensive in today’s pluralistic society, Bussey says. “That mindset is a result of the Church not doing its job.” He continued, “I don’t blame people; I blame us as the Church. We should be transforming the world, not the other way around. The fact that the Church can be so influenced by the culture means the Church is not being transformed by the gospel itself.” Bussey says Founder William Booth and the early Salvationists invented creative ways to spread the gospel. Some of those models are used today during the Pier Ministry. For example, “free and easy” social events were popular in Booth’s time. He held his own meetings but changed the bar tune lyrics to reflect the gospel message. Now at OOB, Bussey and his team frequently modify lyrics of popular songs to carry evangelistic messages. “As we go out and engage people who are lost, we’re trying to attract their attention in a way that makes sense to them,” Bussey says. “That strategy, which is part of our DNA as Salvationists, is what we’re trying to do at Old Orchard Beach.” A VISUAL LANGUAGE The Bermeos, territorial evangelists, have held nearly 500 meetings since 2013 with 2,867 converts. The couple ministers in both English and Spanish. “We’re bilingual and we’re visual so we transcend all language barriers,” Major Angelo says. “People who come to our meetings see something different from just someone holding a Bible.” The couple uses illusions, drama, puppetry, balloon sculpting, and face painting. Major Angelo also presents a drama based on the life of “Joe the Turk,” an iconic Salvation Army evangelist. That presentation is popular with Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) beneficiaries and corps (church) members. Major Angelo says a university study on mental retention reports that people will only retain about 20 percent of what a preacher
16
JULY / AUGUST 2019
says, but that percentage doubles if the presentation is visual. If an audience is involved in a show, the retention rate jumps to 80 percent. “Everything is visual,” Major Angelo says. “Adults and kids are distracted by cell phones, video games, and TVs. To reach them, we need to be more visual. The competition from the devil is fierce and we must be out there. “We let them know we’re not there just to entertain. We have a message. I get their attention and trust. We always do an altar call and usually people respond, especially new people who haven’t been to church. Our passion is really to reach the unchurched. God has taken this ministry and made it beautiful.”
“ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” —2 CORINTHIANS 5:20
FINDING WHAT WORKS While evangelism methods may change from time to time, Major Virginia says the key is finding what works in the moment. “I have seen a change, but everyone is different,” she says. “Some people will respond to in–your–face evangelism, depending on where they are spiritually. Some people will only respond to friendship evangelism; getting to know someone and having that fellowship and bond grow. I believe we should use every method at our disposal. There is an audience for every method. You just have to ask the Holy Spirit what method will work in a situation. I believe there’s nothing new under the sun. You just have to know your population.” For the Bermeos, evangelism has become their life and mission. “My passion has always been evangelism, even as a corps officer and soldier,” Major Angelo says. “It’s always been our desire to share the good news. For us, it became second nature.” Major Virginia calls evangelism “the heart of Jesus.” “I gave my heart to the Lord and ever since that moment, all I’ve ever wanted was to share what God has done in my life; where He took me from, and His love. Sharing the love of God should be every Christian’s desire,” she says. “That’s why we’re saved. We’re saved to help others to become saved and to see Jesus. That is our motivation.”
2019 JULY / AUGUST
17
evangelism
on Display by Robert Mitchell
Photo by Susan Magnano
Captain Antonio Rosamilia speaks at the Manhattan Citadel’s mobile Prayer Station. The Rosamilias were recently appointed to Divisional Headquarters in Greater New York.
18
JULY / AUGUST 2019
i
t was just another Sunday afternoon open–air meetings in Times Square from God put this in my heart, and I try to do for Rosemary Opaye and her three decades past, has been the centerpiece this every Sunday.” children. They were shopping along of a revived open–air ministry at the Rosamilia said he goes out alone or 125th Street in East Harlem, N.Y., when Manhattan Citadel. with a group from the corps. Sometimes they encountered an evangelism team Some of the more recent outreaches visiting missionaries join them. He often from the Manhattan Citadel Corps. include a March 20 th event, which plays music, shares Bible verses, and deliv“We saw them sharing the love of featured a 70–person high school choir ers a mini–sermon to listeners. He also God with people,” says Opaye, an immi- from the Whitesburg Baptist Church gives Salvation Army publications, includgrant from Ghana, West Africa. “They in Huntsville, Ala. The meeting drew a ing SAconnects magazine, to passersby. invited us to come and have fellowship huge rush–hour crowd at the busy Park “We meet this way three or four times with them and so we did. When we Avenue and 125th Street train station. a week,” he said. “It works. The commuwent, we were so happy. The kids were On “Resurrection Sunday,” the corps nity is open to it. so happy, so they go every Sunday.” scheduled a “Witness Parade.” The New “I love it because the people let me do Opaye’s three children, Rachael, 12, York Police Department Band and other this on the streets and they never give Jesse, 10, and Joel, 7, also go to the corps Harlem churches agreed to march from me a hard time. They are open for prayer two days a week to learn how to play the Manhattan Citadel at 125th Street and they listen. It’s beautiful. I’m a big musical instruments. Rachael is learn- and Lexington Avenue to the Harlem believer because God put it in my heart, ing to dance. and it works. We have had a few “I’ve seen a difference in their families who come to church behavior,” Opaye said. “When “ T he love of God is alive there. When today because of it.” they go there, they are being However, there are some we go there, they receive us as family. challenges. For example, a taught the Word of God and how to play instruments. They love It’s like we belong there. They talk to man recently took Rosamilia’s going there after school.” tambourine and smashed it to Opaye has been attending us and they really care. The kids love the ground. church and a Bible study at the “My heart kind of stopped, it. They are always looking forward but I said, ‘I’m going to continue corps. “The love of God is alive to going there. We are grateful to be doing this because the calling there,” she says. “When we go for this is higher than the devil’s there, they receive us as family. threats or any evil spirit trying part of The Salvation Army church.” It’s like we belong there. They to tear me apart,’” Rosamilia —Rosemary Opaye talk to us and they really care. said. The kids love it. They are always He also has had a rock thrown looking forward to going there. We are Temple Corps at Malcom X Boulevard at him, and someone tried to steal his grateful to be part of The Salvation and 138th Street. microphone, but he remains undeterred. Army church.” Captain Antonio said God had placed On those bad days, Rosamilia rememThe evangelistic outreach began open–air ministry on his heart since bers how God allowed him to find that seven years ago when Captains Antonio he and his wife were corps officers unused prayer station. and Jennifer Rosamilia were appointed in White Plains, N.Y. He tried to start “I had a God moment right there,” to the Manhattan Citadel Corps. a similar ministry there, but neigh- he says. “I didn’t know why I had been “When I got to Manhattan Citadel, bors complained about the “noise” and appointed to the Manhattan Citadel, I saw this prayer station that wasn’t absence of a permit. but that prayer station was like a confirbeing used,” Captain Antonio said. “I When he arrived at the Manhattan mation that God wanted me here. was like, ‘Wow! Look at this!’ So I trans- Citadel, Rosamilia read about its rich “Beautiful things have happened,” formed this prayer station. I put wheels history of open–air meetings. That reve- Rosamilia said. “We’ve had people and speakers on it. Some people call it a lation motivated him to renovate and coming to Christ, people crying, and ‘prayermobile.’ I call it a prayer station.” literally transform the prayer station. people asking for prayer. There have The prayer station, which conjures “God is resurrecting this ministry,” been rough times, but also a lot of life– up memories of the “Glory Shop” he says. “It’s something personal for me. changing times.”
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
2019 JULY / AUGUST
19
great moments
Effective Activism, Innovative Evangelism
Published The War Cry, one of the first magazines in the United States (1881). It has outlived The Saturday Evening Post, which began in 1821.
by Warren L. Maye
The ministry of The Salvation Army reaches across the United States and into 131 countries worldwide. However, many people are surprised to learn that the Army is an active denomination of the The catalyst behind Christian church. “National Donut Day” They are also astounded to realize that, because of its ministry for more than a century, The Salvation Army outreach to soldiers in has been on the cutting edge of the most WW1. Approximately innovative and groundbreaking strategies for 250 lassies served up evangelism. Perhaps more than any other to 9,000 donuts daily. Christian denomination, the Army has served millions of people in need through its disaster relief, social justice advocacy, audio/visual technology, and practical and spiritual care, typically in the aftermath of natural and man–made disasters. Imagine: people gathering for open–air meetings in the streets of London in 1865; others worshiping in a small Methodist church in Cleveland, Ohio in 1872; still more attending open–air meetings in New York City and finally in Philadelphia, Pa., where, in 1880, the Army officially established itself. With sleeves rolled up, they became volunteers in Invented the concept of “pro bono” urban, suburban, and rural areas—and many dediwork where attorneys (barristers) cated their lives in service as Salvation Army officers. offered legal services free of charge to the poor. In 1890, Founder William SERVING IN THE TRENCHES Booth proposed the Poor Man’s Salvationists continue to meet human need wherever Lawyer agency. These ideas were it might be. Rather than be on television networks implemented early in the Army’s such as “TBN” or “Word” or “Daystar” or “Hillsong” history. In recent years, such agencies where preaching and singing within the four walls as Salvos Legal in Sydney, Australia, of a megachurch is common, you will instead find and the Booth Legal Aid Clinic in them literally in the trenches, hard at work, behind Detroit, Michigan, handle as many as the scenes, helping the homeless in the aftermath of 2,000 pro bono cases a year. a Superstorm Sandy or a Hurricane Katrina or Maria or earthquakes such as the ones that struck Haiti or Chile. These are the places where they conduct ministry; the places they call “church.”
20
JULY / AUGUST 2019
EVANGELISM ON DISPLAY The first church to use photo/slide projection (limelight) devices for evangelistic outreach. The Limelight Department was one of the world’s first film studios, beginning in 1898 in Melbourne, Australia. It produced evangelistic materials as well as private and government contracts. In its 19 years of operation, the department produced about 300 films and the world’s first feature–length motion picture. “Soldiers of the Cross,” made in 1899, contained 15, 90–second sections and 200 lantern slides, and ran for nearly 2 ½ hours. Limelight was one of the largest film producers of its time. Created one of the early electric powered, public address systems for use in open–air ministry campaigns in 1929. It was known as the “Rader Box,” after its inventor, Lt. Colonel Lyell Rader Sr., father of Lt. Colonel Lyell Rader, Jr., brother of Paul A. Rader, General of The Salvation Army (1994–99) and the president of Asbury University (2000–2006).
Created the first match factory where workers were safe from the deadly effects of yellow phosphorous. In 1891, William Booth purchased a derelict factory and transformed it into a competitor that disrupted the industry in London and changed matchmaking worldwide forever.
The next time you visit Territorial Headquarters in West Nyack, N.Y., be sure to climb the red– carpeted staircase to the first floor and take a journey into the Salvation Army’s fascinating world of evangelical history. You’ll encounter a World War 1 “Donut Girl;” Evangeline Booth as the Army’s U.S. national commander; Thomas Ferguson, the first Salvationist composer and poet of African descent; and Joe “The Turk” Garabedian, an outstanding evangelist of the early 20 th century. Authentic documents, artifacts, innovations, inventions, uniforms, and audio recordings are available in the museum. Also on hand are books, manuscripts, paintings, drawings, letters, notebooks, photographs, microfilm, musical instruments, epaulets, badges, furniture, and ministry tools used by the Army’s evangelical pioneers. Such items appear on the walls and in cabinets, which extend down several corridors. These memorabilia date back to the beginning of the Salvation Army’s ministry in the United States. Each piece has a revealing story that will take you deep into the psyche of the iconic characters whose courageous ministries launched The Salvation Army and made an effective and deeply spiritual influence on millions of lives.
VISIT The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory 440 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 10994 845–620–7228
2019 JULY / AUGUST
21
snapshot
22
JULY / AUGUST 2019
FACE–TO–FACE EVANGELISM! OLD ORCHARD BEACH, MAINE—Create a spectacle and the people will come! The Salvation Army sets a stage for the evangelism of hundreds of visitors to this summer vacation destination. From the Pier to the Army’s convertible platform, singers, dancers, aerial artists, instrumentalists, and illusionists offer a dazzling array of performances designed to arrest the attention and lift the spirit. Uniformed Salvationists mingle with passersby, seeking opportunities to start a conversation that will hopefully lead to a spiritual transformation in someone’s heart and mind. Get excited for this year’s Old Orchard Beach camp meetings at
saconnects.org/oob-2019-introduction
what’s the Digital
is a new department designed to keep you informed of the latest Christian movies, books, apps, podcasts, TV and radio shows, internet platforms, and streaming services. When possible, we’ll also share stories about the spiritually–motivated people behind these exciting projects. Enjoy!
by Warren L. Maye
new movie release
‘Overcomer’ by Warren L. Maye
‘ Overcomer’ hits theaters on August 23. Check your local listings for locations and showtimes.
24
JULY / AUGUST 2019
“Overcomer” is a production of Affirm Films, the faith division of Sony Pictures World Wide Acquisitions and is produced by Stephen Kendrick and Aaron Burns and is directed by Alex Kendrick. In 1999, Kendrick became associate pastor of media at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. He took his brother’s sermons and made them into movies. “The Lord gave Alex story lines, while at the same time, He gave me scriptures about that same topic,” said Stephen. “So, the Lord gives him the ‘Fireproof’ story line while I’m studying marriage, covenant, and love; the Lord gives him the ‘Courageous’ story line, while I’m studying fatherhood at the time. When I was leading the prayer ministry at the church, the Lord gave Alex ‘War Room,’ and so, we’re working together.” “Flywheel,” their first movie featuring a used car salesman, came about after church goers donated $20,000 and volunteered their time and talent. The Kendrick brothers have since produced six films. “On ‘Overcomer,’ I’ve been studying Ephesians 1 and 2 for the past few years,” said Stephen. “Then the Lord gave Alex the story line about identity.” Two years in the making, the project is all about what it means to have an identity in Jesus Christ. “The more we understand what it means to have our identity in Christ, the richer our relationship with Him becomes,” said Stephen at a recent showing of the film. “When you know who you are, it settles a lot of other things.”
PERSONAL IMPACT (L–r) Aryn Wright–Thompson, Alex Kendrick, and Priscilla Shirer discuss a scene in the upcoming film, “Overcomer.”
“There’s quite a bit that I actually drew on,” said Cameron Arnett (“Meet the Browns,” “Stand Your Ground,” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) who plays an amazing supporting role in “Overcomer.” “My father, who is now
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
deceased, wasn’t there for me in my young age.” The Haitian–born actor continued, “I had to chase him down, which is the opposite of what happens to my character in the movie. “When I finally got to my dad, the reception wasn’t exactly what I had wanted. So, I pulled back from him. But then, he died. So, in that process, I realized that I had that opportunity to get to know him when the Holy Spirit was speaking to me, but I wasn’t listening. “Today, I tell young people that regardless of what’s going on or how painful it may feel right now, make sure you keep your relationships intact. I keep a special bond with my mother. I make sure we have that connection.”
A TOOL TO REACH SOULS Stephen Kendrick said, “We try to include the gospel in all of our movies because we know that non–believers are going to see them. We want to make every movie a tool that the church can use to reach their communities and neighbors and friends for Christ. We’ve seen thousands of people come to Christ through the films. “Secondly, we hope you will enjoy and be impacted by the emotional journey, and that the Holy Spirit will speak to your heart while you’re watching the movie. We’ve prayed, ‘Lord, will you put Your hand on this so that, regardless of where people are in their journey, the Holy Spirit will speak to their hearts?’ “I think that at this time, people desperately need to discover who they are in Christ. We’re facing harder and harder opposition; we’re being attacked at every level. Regardless of what’s happening in our culture, we need to come back and say, ‘I know that I am my heavenly father’s beloved child. I’m adopted, and chosen, and forgiven, and sealed, and equipped, and empowered—by His Holy Spirit.’”
2019 JULY / AUGUST
25
what’s the Digital | profile
© Going Beyond Ministries
Priscilla Shirer leads a conference audience in a heartfelt prayer to God. “He has created us to be His daughters and sons.”
Priscilla Shirer: Actor, Mom, Minister, Daughter by Warren L. Maye
Identity is the theme of “Overcomer,” Priscilla Shirer’s powerful and thought–provoking new movie. Its nationwide release is set for Aug. 23. She plays Olivia Brooks, a persuasive and gifted high school principal who helps an athletic coach and his cross–country “team of one” find their way through a challenging spiritual landscape. In the process, they discover their true identities in Christ. Shirer, who also starred in “War Room” and played a prophetic high school teacher in “I Can Only Imagine,” believes “Overcomer” shows how Christians can encourage transformation in a person’s life. “A person’s identity is rooted in the thing that we value and place our significance in,” Shirer said following a recent screening of the film, produced by Stephen and Alex Kendrick (“Courageous,” “War Room,” “Facing the Giants”). “It’s the inherent value that we all have. We have to decide what is going to define us.” Shirer’s gestures are reminiscent of her dad, Dr. Tony Evans, the prolific author and pastor of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. However, as her conversation deepens, her personality emerges. “If what we allow to define us is temporal, we’re going to live in a state of disappointment and insecurity since those things change from one day to the next. “So, there has to be something else; something more that anchors us. As Christians, our ultimate significance is found in the identity we have in Christ. That doesn’t change,
26
JULY / AUGUST 2019
even when everything else does.”
A MOM For Shirer, her identity starts with being a daughter of God and then a wife and a mom. She has been married to Jerry Shirer for 20 years. Between studying, writing, and ministering, she spends most of her time cleaning up after (and trying to satisfy the appetites of) their three boys: Jackson, Jerry Jr., and Jude. How does such an active woman manage raising three rambunctious boys? “Jerry and I both work from home all week long,” she says. “We get to spend a lot of time with the boys throughout the week before we go to a conference on Friday or Saturday once a month. The Lord has also provided me with a mother–in–law who is a professional grandmother. She has been an incredible blessing to our family. She keeps them when we travel. Our trips are normally 1–2 nights, so we are not away from our teenage sons for long. They either travel with us or we get back home to them quickly.” Nothing is perfect, however. There is always room for improvement. Shirer says she worries, as do all mothers, about whether she is balancing everything well. “There are nights that my dishes don’t get washed, my laundry takes a couple of days to complete, and toys are scattered on my living room floor.” Nonetheless, she believes as long as she is taking care of God’s business by keeping her family as the priority, and then focusing on the women to whom she is to minister, then He will make up the slack.
A MINISTER Put a Bible in her hand and a message in her heart and you’ll see why thousands flock to her conferences and dive into her Bible study series and books each year. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Shirer holds a
master’s degree in biblical studies and serves believers from every denomination and culture by helping them know the truths of Scripture intellectually and encouraging them to experience these truths practically through the Holy Spirit. “So, we are made uniquely in our physicality and personality in the image of God and in our faith, we are being conformed in the image of Christ,” Shirer says, “He uses all of that, our gender, our race, and our personalities and weaves them into this beautiful package. I can be proud of who He has made me as a woman and as a woman of color. I know that, as His daughter, I will be a filter through which His image is uniquely reflected to the world.” Many women ask Shirer about how to pursue ministry. “Give back to God the gift that He has given you,” she says. “Let God continue to be in control. If you believe that God has called
for her?” Shirer is also mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Wynter Pitts, her 38–year–old cousin. “I cannot begin to tell you how difficult this balancing act is physically and emotionally,” says Shirer. “Jerry and I firmly believe that God has given us clear direction that this ministry is what He wants us to do, so we assume that He will provide the means for us to do it, and He has.” Priscilla’s siblings and her parents have ministered at Salvation Army camps and at National Advisory Organization conferences. Her dad has shared his Bible knowledge through powerful preaching. “Dad and Mom have always had a true heart for ministry, but my siblings and I never got lost in the passion,” Shirer says. “Even today, we are a close–knit family. I can honestly say that they taught us the true meaning of
Put a Bible in her hand and a message in her heart and you’ll see why thousands flock to her conferences and dive into her Bible study series and books each year. you into ministry, ask Him to open your eyes to the opportunities that He is putting in front of you now to minister to others. Drop any preconceived notion that effective ministry requires a platform and a microphone. Obey His instructions and He will make a way.”
A DAUGHTER Shirer is particularly challenged these days, as her mom, Dr. Lois Evans, is battling a rare gallbladder cancer for the second time. Shirer took to Instagram recently to ask followers to keep her mom in their prayers. “Insta– family, this is my mom. Will you pray
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
integrity in ministry. The same people my parents are on radio and television are the same people they are when no one else is around. This kind of lifestyle is what true ministry is all about.”
A CHILD OF GOD “Our identities are intact, and in all of our ministries (speaking, teaching, and singing), we share this truth with others. I am exactly who God says that I am. Whether or not I feel it is irrelevant, whether or not the culture approves of it is irrelevant, even if I don’t believe it, it does not matter—I am exactly who He says that I am.”
2019 JULY / AUGUST
27
what’s the Digital | Q & A
Brian Russell interview by Robert Mitchell
28
JULY / AUGUST 2019
There was a time when a church or a home was the only place Christians could find access to a Bible. Today, you can easily download Bible apps on your phone and on other mobile devices. One of the more popular ones is YouVersion, whose makers celebrated its 10th anniversary last year and also marked nearly 380 million downloads from every country in the world. The countries showing the largest increase in engagement last year were Japan, Romania, Chile, Nepal, Spain, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Vietnam, Zambia, Portugal, and Italy. More than 27 billion Bible chapters were read on YouVersion in 2018. YouVersion also offers a Bible App for Kids, which is now available in 42 languages. Brian Russell, YouVersion’s executive director, shared his thoughts on this growing ministry with SAconnects:
What is behind the explosive growth of the YouVersion Bible app? I think part of the reason is the easy access people have to it on devices that they carry. The Bible is now at their fingertips every minute of the day. We also introduced features like audio Bibles that enabled people to listen to Scripture as they drive or ride on a subway. We’ve removed barriers between people and Scripture.
are anticipating and tracking toward 1.4 billion completed plan days. We’re seeing 40 to 60 percent growth year after year in Bible Plan usage. Another one that people like is the Verse Image. You can create your own Verse Image through the app or choose one of our professionally designed images. Among the growing number of verses shared outside of our app, verse images are growing the fastest.
How do you get people to be aware of and use the app every day? We create features that throughout the day bring the Bible back to their awareness and consciousness. We offer the Verse of the Day, but also make it easy for someone to receive that verse by text or as an image. If they forget, the app will deliver that verse regardless of whether they open the app or remember to check. As they see the Verse of the Day notification, they’ll be drawn back into the app. Also, our Bible Plan feature is designed to encourage daily connection with Scripture because it’s a daily rhythm and is set up to complete a portion of daily devotional and Scripture readings.
Beyond the impressive engagement numbers, how do you see God changing lives through the app? We celebrate the statistics, but so often we hear stories from users or people who have interacted with users. The growing number of Syrian refugees are among those stories. A surprising number of them have smartphones. They are engaging in God’s Word through YouVersion. Two imprisoned Iranian women came out needing God’s Word for comfort and consolation. Someone introduced them to the Bible app on their phone. They were able to listen to and read Scripture in Farsi. Stories like that blow me away and humble us.
What are some of the more popular features? In addition to the Verse of the Day, Bible Plan is another popular feature and continues to grow. Last year, we saw 947 million plan days completed and this year we
Are you reaching more people than the Apostle Paul did? We’re humbled when we look at the opportunities that are afforded to us. It’s funny that you would mention the Apostle Paul because we sometimes reference Paul and
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
YouVersion Bible App Already installed in almost 380 million devices in more than 1,300 languages worldwide.
Bible App for Kids Engage children with Bible stories at age–appropriate level.
Bible Lens Transform your photos into biblically– based shareable images.
how excited he would be about the technology opportunities and the platforms we have today that can be leveraged to reach people. Obviously, technology and digital platforms can be used for bad purposes, but we also see God redeeming some for His purposes. What is in YouVersion’s future? We continue to work on different features. We’re bringing awareness to people about how often they interact with Scripture or how often they are in the app. Our “Streaks” feature allows them to see how many days in a row they’ve engaged with God’s Word. Launching that feature caused us to see a visible jump in daily active users. People are motivated to stick with it and see themselves succeed in their daily connection with God. It’s also our responsibility as the Church to look at tomorrow’s technologies and make sure we’re leveraging them to help people connect with God. How big of a problem is biblical illiteracy today? I would say that, until everyone is having meaningful, relevant connection with God’s Word every day, then there’s a problem. But it also represents an opportunity and we’re passionate about trying to fill that gap and make it as easy as possible for people to have relevant, meaningful connections with God’s Word every day.
2019 JULY / AUGUST
29
wholly living
Summer reading for you Can you see yourself sitting on a bench, feeling a cool breeze, while reading some wonderful books with your friend? Enjoy these suggestions from Spiritual Life Development (SLD) and have fun! Contributions by: Major Santa Correa, Major Lauren Hodgson, Matt Hodgson, Lt. Colonel Pat LaBossiere, Joanna Polarek, Major Young Sung Kim
Other Voices: Exploring
The Pastor
the contemplative in Salvationist spirituality
by Eugene Peterson
by Major Christine Faragher
Did you know that spiritual formation historically played a role in the life of The Salvation Army? Other Voices contains articles from past Salvation Army leaders about the deeper life. William Booth, Samuel Logan Brengle, and General Albert Orsborn are just a few of the writers who share their thoughts on the subject. Articles include: “The Priority of Prayer,” “Tools for Transformation,” “Our Need of Quietness.” If you love Salvation Army history or want to go deeper in your own spiritual walk, this book is for you.
Social Holiness: The Company We Keep by Dr. Jonathan S. Raymond
This book discusses how holiness is full and complete salvation, which must be reflected in Christlikeness, healthy relationships, and service to others. Dr. Raymond’s thoughtful words help readers journey to where they have been in their past and explore the importance of relationships made along the way. His book also includes personal reflections and group discussions.
30
JULY / AUGUST 2019
From Brokenness to Community by Jean Vanier
We are all well– acquainted with The Message Bible paraphrased by Presbyterian minister, scholar, theologian, author, and poet Eugene Peterson. The Pastor is Peterson’s memoir of his journey in becoming his most beloved role as “Pastor Pete” of a small church outside of Baltimore, Md. Peterson openly admits he wasn’t sure what he “wanted to be when he grew up,” but this book is a story, beautifully told, of his formation as a pastor and how the vocation of pastor formed him. Peterson challenges conventional wisdom regarding church marketing, mega pastors, and the Church’s too– cozy relationship to American glitz and consumerism. He presents a simple, faith–based description of what being a minister means today. In the end, Peterson discovers that being a pastor boils down to “paying attention and calling attention to ‘what is going on now’ between men and women, with each other, and with God.”
“Community is not an end or a final goal in itself. It is the place where we can meet Christ and discover his love for humanity and for every person.”—Jean Vanier Jean Vanier’s From Brokenness To Community (Paulist Press, 1992) is a short book that contains a challenging yet inspiring message about the purpose of Christian life in seeking God’s will for us in this wounded world. Jean Vanier is the founder of L’Arche (Daybreak) international communities where they “seek to create for people with mental disabilities a family–like environment in which they gain a deeper sense of their own worth through the bond of friendship.” The hope is for the reader to grasp a better Christian worldview and spiritual guidance to the issues of human brokenness and sufferings in individual and communal aspects. The book also explores how people can build a missional community of faith and love together out of our own brokenness and vulnerableness in this complexed and secularized society.
Check out this story online for more reading suggestions at saconnects.org.
Grace for the Good Girl
The Road Back to You
by Emily P. Freeman
by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile
“If the masks we wear are the false identities we show the world, then our performance is the rubber band that holds them in place.” The subtitle to Grace for the Good Girl is “Letting go of the try–hard life.” Freeman’s ongoing pursuit to be known as the “good girl” kept her from sharing who she really was. In fact, her desire to be good even kept her from exploring her own opinions as she believed they didn’t matter. This carefully crafted persona helped her avoid vulnerability, fear of rejection or being labeled as “needy.” Good girls aren’t needy, they are needed. Instead of living free, they live safe. The author invites you to release your tight grip on the “try–hard” life and lean into the love of Jesus in a fresh, relatable kind of way that continually gives the reader many “aha” moments.
Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living
There are a million personality tests out there, from the Myers Briggs ISFJ, ENTJ and so on, to the BuzzFeed, “Which Disney Princess are You?” We love to learn about ourselves (even though learning that we’re most like Cinderella is relatively useless information). Maybe one of the most helpful personality tests is called the Enneagram. It’s an ancient personality typing system that suggests that there are nine personality types that people generally fall into. Working with the Enneagram helps people develop the kind of self–knowledge they need to understand who they are and why they see and relate to the world the way that they do. Understanding and then working with the Enneagram can be a large undertaking. The Road Back to You, by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile makes it easy to understand with helpful stories, humor, warmth, and clear language to make this ancient tool accessible to the Modern Christian.
by Shauna Niequist
We live in a society where striving for better, wearing many hats, and busyness is a sign of status. If we aren’t busy then we are labeled as lazy. But, what if busyness, unnecessary chaotic schedules, and trying to obtain perfection could all be stripped away? What if we could instead include words such as peace, rest, presence, silence, and connection into the rhythm of our lives? If you prefer those ideas, then this is a book for you. Shauna Niequist eloquently reveals her journey and how you can go from busyness to being more present.
find us on facebook / estamos en facebook www.facebook.com/saconnects
...and for the kids! The Very Veggie Book of Prayers by Peggy Schaefer
Does your child say “grace” at bedtime because it’s the only prayer they know? Pre–schoolers can learn to pray as you read the Very Veggie Book of Prayers together. Prayers for morning and evening, prayers for when they’re worried, prayers for illness, and prayers of praise are just a few of the many prayers included in this book. The short, rhyming prayers are easy for toddlers to learn and demonstrate that we can talk to God anytime, about anything. Kids will learn to thank God, to pray for others, and to trust God as they bring their prayers to Him.
20/20 vision highlights
Evangelism is at the heart of the 20/20 Vision. In this issue, we see several corps reaching out in unique and creative ways to reach a lost world for Christ.
TOLEDO, OHIO, TEMPLE CORPS 620 N. ERIE STREET
If it’s your birthday, you could receive a greeting from the local corps. Captain Michael Smith, the associate corps officer, said the corps has started community “Birthday Bashes. “We invite families with children on our Christmas distribution list to come and celebrate with The Salvation Army on their birthdays,” Smith said. “We play games, have a short devotional, and share information about our programs. Then we serve a lunch and give out cupcakes. The birthday person even gets a present. Every child receives a goody bag.” Smith said a family of six now comes to the corps through the program. “The parents rededicated their lives to Christ and want to become soldiers,” he said.
ALLEGHENY VALLEY, PA WORSHIP AND SERVICE CENTER 917 BRACKENRIDGE AVENUE
Lieutenant Alexander Senak has begun an outreach program called “Iron Sharpens Iron,” designed to attract and disciple young men through fitness. In this neighborhood where the corps is located, there is hardly anything for teenage boys and young men to do. “Many end up falling into things like theft, burglary, and drug and alcohol addiction,” Senak said. “On top of that, the sedentary lifestyle becomes the norm and their health quickly declines. Iron Sharpens Iron gives many young men a positive environment to thrive physically, socially, and spiritually.”
BENSONHURST, NY, CORPS 7307 18TH AVENUE
Soldiers at the corps invited the community to attend an evangelistic music drama on June 8 that drew about 400 people. “I was excited about this because it functioned as a community program and an opportunity to train soldiers in developing a vision,” said Major Ricky Ki.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, EAST MAIN CORPS 966 E. MAIN STREET
The corps and the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) recently saw three new adherents enrolled: Joseph Buell, Dennis Dixon, and Allen Rosser. Envoys Roger Miller and Robert Walter served as flag bearers as Lieutenant Nate Hinzman conducted the enrollment in front of a corps and ARC audience. “We rejoice alongside our brothers for the commitment that they have made to love the Lord and to serve a suffering humanity through the mission of The Salvation Army,” Hinzman said. “We pray for continued discernment and protection as these men pursue God’s perfect will for their lives.” Hinzman said the corps and ARC are intentionally engaging with each other through a weekly Bible study, combined worship services, prayer breakfasts, and fellowship meetings.
32
JULY / AUGUST 2019
CAMDEN, NJ KROC CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER 1865 HARRISON AVENUE
The Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center hosted a pair of youth nights, known as Undefeated (UNDFTD), for ages 13–23. The program included karaoke, praise & worship, and a devotional message from Captain Jason Knaggs, PENDEL divisional youth secretary. Pizza, games, swimming, and basketball were also offered. “The desire is to bring people in from our community to see on a deeper level who we are,” said Lieutenant Giezi Hernandez, then assistant corps officer. “It’s exciting to have such an opportunity to share the Word of God and to fellowship with kids from our community and from other nearby corps.”
Is your corps or ARC reaching out to the community and evangelizing? Share your story with us at saconnects.org.
We invite you to join our worship service every Sunday. To find a corps (church) near you, go to salvationarmyusa.org and enter your zip code or call 845–620–7200.
Each Salvation Army center provides a sanctuary from the world. We also offer programs designed to enrich your life and the lives of your family members. We have music and arts programs for children, food and shelter for people in need, Bible studies for others who want to know more about Jesus, and rehabilitation programs for people struggling with addiction.
You are our neighbor. We want to meet you. Join us!