Faith & Friends January/February 2024

What Will Yours Say?

LIVING THE DASH P.8

Telling a Story

Canstruction Zone

MARGO‘S TATTOO P.5 HELPING THE ARMY P.10

Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

faithandfriends.ca

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY

2024

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NATHAN FURBERT’S LOVE OF SPORTS, PASSION FOR MUSIC AND DESIRE FOR SERVICE MAKE HIM A STAND-OUT ON THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA. P.16

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Love Story The story of Romeo and Juliet is revered as one of the most romantic in literature. So great is the couple’s love for one another, they would deny their own families to be together.

Yet, despite their love, William Shakespeare’s drama ends in tragedy.

By the end of the play, the star-crossed lovers have both lost their

Perhaps Romeo and Juliet is not so romantic after all.

On Valentine’s Day, many of us will celebrate those we love. But any love, no matter how great, pales in comparison to God’s love for us.

As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:38-39, “I am convinced that neither death nor life … nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Now that’s the greatest love story ever told.

To learn more about God’s eternal love for all of us, visit our website at faithandfriends.ca or contact us at: The Salvation Army Editorial Department, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4.

Illustration: jaz_online/stock.Adobe.com

lives.

January/February 2024 VOLUME 27 NUMBER 1

GOD IN MY LIFE 5

Every Picture Tells a Story Margo Goodger’s unusual way to share her faith.

ANALYZE THIS 8

Living the Dash What will yours say?

THE BIG PICTURE 10 Canstruction Zone

In London, Ont., The Salvation Army is using a unique event to raise awareness of food insecurity.

5 FEATURES

What Will Yours Say?

Telling a Story

Canstruction Zone

LIVING THE DASH P.8 MARGO‘S TATTOO P.5 HELPING THE ARMY P.10

Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

faithandfriends.ca

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2024

Triple

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NATHAN FURBERT’S LOVE OF SPORTS, PASSION FOR MUSIC AND DESIRE FOR SERVICE MAKE HIM A STAND-OUT ON THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA. P.16

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COVER STORY

14 Always Extraordinary When it comes to helping others, there is no such thing as ordinary.

16 Triple Threat Nathan Furbert’s love of sports, passion for music and desire for service make him a stand-out on the island of Bermuda.

22 A Sign(ing) From Heaven At a Salvation Army church in Ontario, God used Jimmy to reach out to two other souls.

14

BIG QUESTIONS 25 My Agnostic Uncle

Cover photo: Kiersten Bulloch

How could Jeanette Levellie share her beliefs without offending him?

LITE STUFF 28 Eating Healthy With Erin

Sudoku, Quick Quiz.

NIFTY THRIFTY 30 Shell Game

This simple, low-budget project looks stunning!

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Faith&Friends

FROM THE EDITOR

What Next?

T

his was the question Salvation Army Major Margo Goodger asked herself. She’d spent the better part of her life criss-crossing the country with her husband, Martyn, sharing the gospel with those who would listen and helping all who needed help. But even though she was now retired, the pastor’s need to reach out to people was as strong as ever. Though she was not as spry as she once was, she still had the desire to serve. But how?

You can read all about her inventive answer on page 5.

“What next?” resonated for me in another story in this issue. In a way, Major Beverly Ivany also pondered that question in “Living the Dash” on page 8, where she looked at the unique symbol found on every headstone, and what it signified-or should signify-for all of us.

As a new year begins, we might all ask ourselves, “What next?” What can we do next to help those around us-our family, school, workplace, community, even our country and the world? And it’s not about us, though that would be a wonderful byproduct.

While he may not have uttered those exact words, Nathan Furbert, a young man from the island of Bermuda, has taken that question and answered it in the best way he can. A passionate soccer player and an enthusiastic member of his church band, he brings a desire for service to others that we all can take to heart.

Nathan’s story starts on page 16.

Maybe instead of some vague resolution this year, we might all use “what next?” as a springboard for a deeper discussion of what it means to live 2024 to its fullest.

Happy new year!

Ken Ramstead 4 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 I faithandfriends.ca

Mission Statement

To show Christ at work in the lives of real people, and to provide spiritual resources for those who are new to the Christian faith.

Faith & Friends is published bimonthly by: The Salvation Army 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto Ontario, M4H 1P4 International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4P 4EP, England Lyndon Buckingham, GENERAL Commissioner Lee Graves TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Lt-Colonel John P. Murray SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Geoff Moulton, DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND LITERARY SECRETARY

Pamela Richardson ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Ramstead, EDITOR

Kristin Ostensen MANAGING EDITOR OF SALVATIONIST AND SALVATIONIST.CA

Lisa Suroso GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST

Emily Pedlar JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rivonny Luchas DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Giselle Randall, Abbigail Oliver STAFF WRITERS Scripture Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from New International Version Contact Us P. (416) 467-3188, F. (416) 422-6217 Websites faithandfriends.ca, salvationist.ca, salvationarmy.ca Email faithandfriends@salvationarmy.ca Subscription for one year: Canada $17 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $22; foreign $24 P. (416) 422-6119 circulation@salvationarmy.ca All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064794 ISSN 1702-0131

Faith&Friends

GOD IN MY LIFE

Every Picture Tells a Story Margo Goodger’s unusual way to share her faith.

by Ken Ramstead

Photo: Courtesy of Margo Goodger

W

hat next? thought Salvation Army pastor Margo Goodger. The retired major was not as spry as she used to be, but the desire to do what she and her husband, Martyn, had done for years at churches from coast to coast— spread the Word of God to those who would listen—was as strong as ever.

“We had a wonderful time in ministry,” she says, “seeing people grow spiritually, especially women and children.”

With her outgoing personality, Margo had always had a desire to reach out to people.

What can I do now that will stand the test of time? she thought to herself.

And then the idea came to her: a tattoo.

Don’t Give Up “I reflected on the future and decided that, whatever happened to me, I wanted to be marked for the Lord,” says Margo.

She thought the idea was inspired; her husband, not so much.

“I had to cut Martyn some slack,” smiles Margo. “After all, he is a fourth-generation member of The Salvation Army, and tattoos are frowned upon generally. So I had a challenge on my hands. We wrestled with it for months.”

It finally reached a point where Margo told her husband, “Listen,

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Faith&Friends

GOD IN MY LIFE

“My tattoo had to be personal and universal.”

MAJOR MARGO GOODGER

Photo: Courtesy of Margo Goodger

if you don’t take me to get my tattoo, I’m going myself.”

The couple found a tattoo parlour and drove over to make an appointment, but when they got there, Margo took three determined steps—and went flying face-first into some ornamental bushes.

As she was taking inventory of anything she might have broken, Margo thought wryly to herself, I’m going to hear about this from Martyn!

Sure enough, when she hobbled back across the road and got into their car, an amused Martyn smiled and said, “Well, the way I look at it, that was God telling you not to do this.”

Margo replied, also smiling, “Well, the way I look at it, that was God saying, ‘Be steadfast. Stay with it. Don’t give up.’ ” “For God” It took Margo a few weeks of thought and prayer to figure out what she wanted to get tattooed on her arm (see sidebar on page 7).

“It had to be personal and universal.”

But when she did, the resulting positive feedback pleasantly surprised her.

“I showed the tattoo to an older Salvationist and, to my surprise, he was amazed and thrilled.

“And one by one, people started asking me at church about my tattoo,” she says.

Far from disapproving, her Salvation Army friends thought her tattoo was marvelous.

“I have had so many opportunities to witness,” she says.

At restaurants, wait staff approach her to ask about her tattoo.

“And when I explain its meaning, they reply, ‘That’s beautiful.’ ” Margo will often approach someone who is tattooed and says, “You know, you’ve got incredible tattoos.

How would you like to pick out your favourite, most meaningful one?

Tell me about yours and I’ll tell you about mine.

“And when I share, they listen!”

Margo has interacted with dozens of people in this fashion.

“I’ve had so many different opportunities to speak to people, and I keep at it. Even Martyn has come around!”

“God, use this tattoo for Your honour and glory,” she prays.

“Not my honour and glory,” she is quick to add. “This is for God.”

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EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

Margo Goodger's TATTOO IN HER WORDS

Rejoice!

Butterfly

“I am glad and thankful every day because I belong to God and He belongs to me.”

“I looked at that little butterfly and thought, that’s the perfect picture to explain my joy and how I feel, the flight I feel in my spirit.”

John 3:16 “My faith in a nutshell: ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ ”

Three Dots “The three dots represent the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.”

Hebrews 11:1

Faith, line, two circles and flowers

“This is my favourite verse in the Bible: ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ ”

“The line represents the earth and the two little circles cradle seeds.

Nobody knows they are even there, but you believe they are. It isn't until little bright green shoots break through into the sunshine that the ‘God-mystery’ (faith) is confirmed.”

Heaven “Once we have lived this life, we are eligible for heaven.”

Growth, a tree and a present • Galatians 5:22: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

• “As Christians, we should produce the things that God has designed us to produce. That’s our responsibility.”

• Romans 12:6: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”

• “That is the gift that God provides, taking into consideration our personalities and our growth, and God gives as He sees fit.”

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Faith&Friends

ANALYZE THIS

Living the Dash What will yours say?

by Beverly Ivany

H

ave you ever noticed something common on every headstone? I don’t mean the names. I’m talking about what’s between the dates of birth and death.

It’s the dash. Have you ever stopped to think about that prominent mark?

Photo: lotharnahler/stock.Adobe.com

Beyond the Numbers

I recently read a poem by Jon M. Nelson called The Dash, which speaks to that marking, and what it represents. It got me thinking. What will that dash represent for me when my time comes?

For many, the dash on the stone represents all that particular person has accomplished in their lifetime.

But should the dash represent more than this? Should it not embrace all the qualities of the person’s personality, how that individual has impacted the lives of others—even if only a life in existence for a few days or merely hours?

When people see the dash on our gravestone one day, what will it say about us? How can we live out our dash?

Three things are needed: • Make a Difference The first is to strive to make a positive difference in the world.

Simply being real, being authentic, is an extraordinary quality.

Having a good work ethic is also

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Living the dash is both exciting and exhilarating!

BEVERLY IVANY

vital—whether at work or at home. We also need to be honest and trustworthy, transparent and open. Intentionally desiring to make a positive difference has a meaningful and lasting impact on others—making the world a better place in which to live.

• Care for Others Secondly, we need to develop a deep desire to care for others, to be compassionate and empathetic.

We need to care for everyone, not just family and friends, for each person is God’s child. If we want our lives to count for something, to have meaning and purpose and value, we must always be thinking of those around us, how our actions—or lack of action—will impact others.

• Think Ahead Finally, we must always be looking onward and upward. No matter

our age, we need to always think about what we can do for the greater good. God wants us to use our gifts and talents to benefit His Kingdom in any way possible.

To move onward, as we embrace new ideas for the betterment of humankind, and to look upward, as we daily seek God’s guidance and wisdom for what He desires for our lives.

Living the dash is both exciting and exhilarating! That’s not saying troubles and heartaches won’t come.

They will. But it’s how we cope and embrace life’s challenges that really matters.

When our time on earth has come to an end, hopefully the dash on that stone—separating the dates of our birth and death—will represent a life that has been lived to the full, accomplished through God’s amazing grace and love.

(left) Major Beverly Ivany is a retired Salvation Army pastor and the former writer of Words of Life, a daily Bible reading devotional series published by The Salvation Army.

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Faith&Friends

THE BIG PICTURE

Canstruction Zone In London, Ont., The Salvation Army is using a unique event to raise awareness of food insecurity.

Photos: Courtesy of Canstruction

by Ken Ramstead

Y

ou don’t have to be a globe trotter to take in some of the greatest wonders of the world—the 52-storey F&F Tower in Panama City, Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Rome’s Colosseum—and all conveniently located at White Oaks Mall in London, Ont.

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(Below left) India‘s Pride SBM’s Taj Mahal (Bottom left) Symbol of Singapore Marina Bay Sands Hotel, being assembled by the EllisDon team

A Few Words Nathan Fehrman, Canstruction event planner and founding partner of Michael + Clark, at the awards ceremony

Twisted Masterpiece Zedd Architecture members pose next to their F&F Tower

It’s all part of Canstruction, a global non-profit charity that creates structures out of full cans of food, which raises food, funds and awareness for food insecurity.

In London, The Salvation Army is the chief organizer of this fundraiser to aid the hungry, in collaboration with local firms.

“Canstruction is about people really wanting to get involved in giving back to the community,” says Rebecca Thiessen, integrated missions manager at the London Salvation Army’s community and family services, who oversees the event. “Plus, it’s a really fun event!”

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Faith&Friends

THE BIG PICTURE

New York City‘s Finest The Guggenheim Museum, built

by Matter Architectural Studio

Intricate Installations

Every year, local architects, builders and engineers are invited to participate in the event, where nonperishable cans are used to recreate famous landmarks.

These installations are large and intricate structures that require very detailed and designed plans.

“It takes something like 200 person-hours to make this happen, and that’s before the teams even arrive to build it,” says Rebecca.

“Every year, each team contributes anywhere between 1,000-5,500 cans per structure,” she goes on to say. Added up, the total comes to more than 23,000 cans, which translates to 20-25 skids of food.

The individual teams purchase the food cans that they use in their structure, which represents a huge donation to the community.

“That’s their way of giving money, time and effort back to the community,” explains Rebecca.

Street Cred There are six award categories: Best Meal, Structural Ingenuity, Best Original Design, Most Cans and Best Use of Labels.

“The sixth award is People’s Choice, and this is where the City of London comes in,” says Rebecca.

The public is invited to come out to the mall and vote on their favourite structure.

“We call it ‘donate to vote,’ ” smiles Rebecca. The public can vote as many times as they wish, and each vote costs $5. There is an online voting option as well.

“It’s really about bragging rights, street cred,” Rebecca says. “The winning company can brag to all their fellow construction companies, designers and architects that they won the People’s Choice Award.

‘They liked us the best’—at least, until next year!”

Winners from this competition then go on to compete internationally in these categories.

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Getting the Word Out

“Canstruction is about people really wanting to get involved in giving back to the community.”

REBECCA THIESSEN

Ultimately, the financial proceeds— and all that food—get circled back into Salvation Army programming that fights food insecurity in London.

“There’s so much more need now, and the need is increasing,” says Rebecca. “Every month, there’s a 23 percent increase in clients to our food bank. So that tells us that people that have never needed to use our food bank in the past are now in a place where they’re experiencing food insecurity.

They can’t provide for themselves and their kids, and so they come to us.”

The teams are giving back in a huge way and, by coming out to vote, so are the good people of London.

“We’re excited about what The Salvation Army is doing and how we’re investing in our neighbourhood,” says Rebecca. “And by getting the word out through Canstruction, we want people to know that The Salvation Army and our different services are a safe place for people to come when they need help.”

Photos: Courtesy of Canstruction

Job Well Done Canstruction‘s event partner team pose at White Oaks Mall.

From left, Nathan Fehrman, Jeff Wilson, Nancy Kerr, Rebecca Thiessen, Cassidy Rath-Gregory, Sheryl Rooth and Nathan Tervit faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • 13

Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Always Extraordinary WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS ORDINARY.

by Diane Stark

O Photo: Courtesy of Lionsgate

rdinary Angels, in theatres this February, tells the true story of a troubled woman who rallied a Kentucky community to save a three-year-old’s life.

Fitting Right In In the early 1990s, Sharon Stevens (Hilary Swank) is working as a hairdresser, trying—and failing—to stay sober. A friend advises her to find a reason to live that is bigger than she is.

That’s when she reads a newspaper article about the Schmitt family. Ed (Alan Ritchson) is the father of two young daughters, Ashley and Michelle, who were both born with a rare liver disease.

Two years before, Ashley had undergone a liver transplant. Now, Michelle is on the waiting list, her condition worsening every day. Ed is grieving the sudden loss of his wife, worried about his daughters’ health and drowning in medical bills.

Sharon can’t fix the first two problems, but she can help with the third. She starts soliciting donations for the family, raising tens of thousands of dollars to pay off their medical debts.

Sharon grows closer to the Schmitt family, even helping to care for the girls, but Ed is hesitant to allow her into his daughters’ lives.

“That woman is a mess,” he tells his mother, Barbara (Nancy Travis).

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Even though we can’t fix every problem for every person, we can almost always do something for someone. DIANE STARK Barbara just smiles and replies, “That’s perfect. She’ll fit right in.”

To Save a Life?

Then in January 1994, the Schmitts get the call they’d been waiting for. There is a liver available— in Omaha, Nebraska, almost a thousand kilometres from their home. The transplant could save Michelle’s life, but they have only hours to get there.

Sharon had already arranged for a private jet to fly them to Omaha when the call came. Overnight, however, the worst snowstorm in the state’s history hits the area. The roads are closed, and there is no way Ed and the girls can make it to the airport.

The hospital suggests sending a medical helicopter to pick them up, but with the blanket of ice and snow on the ground, there is nowhere for it to land safely. And Michelle’s life depends on getting to Omaha that night.

Sharon calls the radio stations, asking for volunteers to clear the parking lot of a local church so the helicopter can land there. Despite the unprecedented storm, dozens of people show up with shovels, ready to help.

Will their efforts be enough to get Michelle to Omaha in time to save her life?

Role of a Lifetime Sharon didn’t have her life together when she stepped in to help Ed and his daughters. A friend asked her how it had become her responsibility to save Michelle.

“Because I’m here and because I can,” she answered.

She just did what she could to improve their situation.

As Christians, we’re called to help people when we can. And even though we can’t fix every problem for every person, we can almost always do something for someone.

There are lots of roles to play.

Many of them may appear to be quite ordinary, but never underestimate what we can accomplish when we work together with God’s help.

Our role might be to offer someone in need a meal or a place to stay.

Our part might be babysitting for a single mom or changing the oil in her car. And maybe someday, God might even ask us to shovel out a church parking lot so that a medical helicopter can land and save a life.

Whatever we do in the name of God is always extraordinary!

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COVER STORY

Photo: Kiersten Bulloch

Faith&Friends

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Triple

Threat

NATHAN FURBERT’S LOVE OF SPORTS, PASSION FOR MUSIC AND DESIRE FOR SERVICE MAKE HIM A STAND-OUT ON THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA.

by Jayne Thurber-Smith IN HIS PODCAST “LEARN FASTER,” neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman made the following statement: “If you’re young, what should you do? Learn as much as you can about as many things as you possibly can. Have some sense of what excites you and try and get really good at that thing.”

Twenty-year-old Nathan Furbert is definitely learning as much as he can about as many things as he can. Besides taking business classes at Bermuda College, he is a vibrant band member of the North Street Citadel Salvation Army church in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Like Son, Like ...

Nathan Furbert (right) with his father, Albert, inside The Salvation Army's North Street Citadel church in Bermuda

Music and Sports Love of music and dedication to the church runs strong in the Furbert family—his father plays the drums and his mother plays the trombone in the band. Nathan can play several instruments. faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • 17

Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

Pillars of Strength Nathan and Captain Kendacy Barnes outside the church

“I was playing the baritone, and then switched to the euphonium after my bandmaster asked me to,” Nathan says. “It’s a bit more challenging, but I enjoy it. I’ve been in the senior band since I was 14.

Before that, I played trumpet in the junior band for six years.”

He attended school at Bermuda’s Whitney Institute and Berkeley Institute, before attending boarding school in Maryland at The Calverton School. Nathan was an active participant in both the music and sports programs at each of these schools. Nathan now plays soccer for Bermuda in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) league. Concacaf is one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, servicing 41 member associations from Canada in

the north to French Guiana in the south.

“I like playing in different countries,” Nathan says. “I love all the players on our team, and we’re making our way along. The older guys look out for us younger players, trying to teach us whatever they can. I have also been coaching soccer to eight to 11-year-olds, and it’s rewarding to see their progress.”

Lifelong Connections It’s been a balancing act trying to find time for all his activities, but Nathan feels it’s worth the effort.

“It helps that my bandmaster understands soccer comes first for me right now, so he still lets me play in the band even if I might have to show up a little later,” he grins.

His bandmaster, Sheldon Fox, comments that Nathan has always

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On a Happy Note Nathan playing in the church band

“While in Jamaica, we visited the School for the Blind,” recalls Sheldon. “It was great to see the joy and excitement of the 40-plus students as we served them ice cream at afterschool activities.”

During a Sunday service in Jamaica, Nathan witnessed the enthusiastic expressions of worship and interacted with the many young people in attendance.

“I believe that the connections he made over that weekend can develop

“I have been privileged to be included in this church community I’ve known my whole life.”

NATHAN FURBERT

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Photos: Kiersten Bulloch

had a keen interest in music.

“He’s eager to learn as much as he can about the music craft and continuously seeks opportunities to hone those skills,” Sheldon says.

When Nathan learned about an opportunity to attend a Salvation Army regional youth conference in the Western Jamaica Division, he jumped at the chance to combine his passion for music with his desire for service as a young Salvationist.

COVER STORY

Photos: Kiersten Bulloch

Faith&Friends

Goal!

Nathan at soccer practice. “I love all the players on our team," he says, "and we’re making our way along"

into lifelong friendships around the Salvation Army world,” says Sheldon.

“A Different Lens” Captain Kendacy Barnes was another of Nathan’s supporters at North Street Citadel. Now a Salvation Army pastor in the United States, she believes the secret to keeping young people involved in churches today is to emphasize the greatest commandment: Love the Lord with all our hearts and love each other as ourselves.

“If this command can remain foundational in the lives of our youth,” she says, “then even within the shifting cultures of the world or in personal pursuits, our young people can navigate this ‘me-first’ generation with a ‘God-first’ attitude. We can glory in the truth that

God’s power to transform lives and make impactful changes in communities remains the same throughout all generations.”

Nathan enjoys playing with the Salvation Army band, especially when they visit local neighbourhoods on Christmas Eve to share Christmas music and cheer.

“We played in the evening throughout different neighbourhoods, then ended up at the radio station at 3 a.m.,” he recalls. “The euphonium is kind of heavy to carry around, but it was worthwhile to bring Christmas joy to others.”

He knows whatever time contribution he can make to the church is time well spent.

“This year has opened my eyes a lot, seeing how the church is actually run,” Nathan comments.

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Tricks of the Trade Nathan showing off his skills. “It helps that my bandmaster understands soccer comes first for me right now, so he still lets me play in the band even if I might have to show up a little later”

“It definitely changes your outlook seeing those in need being helped.

So much effort and organization goes into the feeding programs The Salvation Army offers! A lot of work goes on behind the scenes. My dad is the maintenance supervisor for the premises and there was one point when they were trying to hire a cleaner for the building. I helped my parents clean every Friday until they found someone.”

Nathan is proud to be a part of

what The Salvation Army is doing in Hamilton.

“I am at the point in my life where I’m seeing things through a different lens,” he says. “I’m learning to understand the importance of the little things. When I look at my schedule and my life, I know it’s the least I can do to give a few hours a week to outreach. I know I have been privileged to be included in this church community I’ve known my whole life.”

(left) Jayne Thurber-Smith is a wife, mother of four and freelance writer from Nova Scotia who presently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She enjoys tennis, horseback riding and reading. faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • 21

Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Signing On Jimmy leads the congregation in worship by signing

A Sign(ing) From

Heaven

AT A SALVATION ARMY CHURCH IN ONTARIO, GOD USED JIMMY TO REACH OUT TO TWO OTHER SOULS.

by Shirley King

L

ast September, I had the pleasure of meeting a gentle man who had come upon some unfortunate events and needed help.

Jimmy had been living in his car.

During the cool fall evenings and nights, it was manageable, and while I cannot imagine having to live like that, this was Jimmy’s story.

Jimmy came to church and was beaming each time I saw him. I expressed concern for the approaching cold weather and wondered what he was going to do as winter set in.

He graciously accepted help with food and extra clothing and a few dollars for gas.

A Place for Jimmy On Thanksgiving Sunday, Jimmy again attended church. He was hungry and cold, but beamed as he joined in worship and fellowship with the people and declared through signing (Jimmy is hearing impaired) that he had angels watching over him.

It was a miserable, wet and cold

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weekend. The weather changed from cool to freezing. During those drastic drops in temperature, Jimmy had spent one night sleeping in his car on the church parking lot, without warmth due to a defunct heater and no money for gas.

I felt helpless, not knowing the community very well (having just moved here) and what resources were available. But I needn’t have worried. The Salvation Army’s Acton Community Church in Ontario was poised to meet the need in our community. People stepped up to help.

I watched kindness in action as one of the congregants used his own resources to ensure Jimmy had a warm place to stay, a hot meal to eat and dry clothes to wear. But we knew it was a band-aid solution. What about the long term?

After one night in a motel and despite the seemingly hopeless reality of finding a place for Jimmy to be in from the cold, I made a phone call to a Salvation Army program with hope that there was space available for this dear man. And there was!

We got him packed up from the motel and he headed to a very comfortable place of shelter.

A New Community Jimmy has been faithful in attending our worship services. He has eagerly volunteered at the thrift store and loves to join in church fellowship times. The people at our church have been exceptionally accepting of Jimmy. And today, in our church service, a beautiful thing happened!

Jimmy enjoys the singing at the church. He signs through most of the service and, from where I sit, it is beautiful to watch him as he enters into worship with his signing.

As we were singing, I watched as he beautifully signed the words. I felt the urge to have him come to the platform and sign for the congregation. And he did so, willingly and beautifully!

What I didn’t know until after the service was that a young couple, one of whom is also hearing impaired, signed along with him, newcomers to our church.

God spoke through Jimmy to reach two other souls, so that they could follow His prompting and experience a new community. And as with Jimmy, we’ll continue to work with them, as well.

Who knew? God did!

(left) Major Shirley King is the pastor at The Salvation Army’s Acton Community Church in Ontario. faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • 23

Faith&Friends

MAILBAG

“One of Those Thousands” I am writing because of an article in the May/June issue of Faith & Friends entitled “Taking Some Good From the Bad” by Joseph Lauren.

I am currently serving a 20-month sentence in a correctional centre in Ontario. After finally hitting true rock bottom, I realized I needed to start making real changes in my life, and I started asking hard questions. I have been reading all I can about God, Christianity and spirituality, and I am now a Christian.

I won’t lie; it’s hard! But I am taking Bible study courses and I am doing, studying and learning all I can.

Since it’s a Christian magazine published by a Christian organization, I picked up Faith & Friends. I didn’t even notice the article at first. But when I read the last paragraph of the editorial that stated, “discover why a neardeadly prison altercation saved a man’s life instead of ending it forever,” it sounded like something I should read.

To say I was hooked would be an understatement! I kept discovering connections with the writer. I was also at one time an inmate at Kingston Penitentiary, so to read an article about a place where I had been just before it closed was surprising. And I can attest to just how violent a place it was.

Like Joseph Lauren, I had never been much of a religious person. I’m also originally from Toronto, and I was even a resident at a Salvation Army halfway facility.

I have learned recently that a Christian should try to make amends for the things he or she has done.

I believe that my actions are ones that God is calling to my attention. I fully intend to make what amends I can upon my release.

The article made me realize not only the mountain of mistakes I have made in the many, many years of my criminal activity but also how many people have tried to help me—and how many bridges I have burned. I don’t feel I have earned the forgiveness God has given me and that Jesus died for, but I am at least finally aware of the changes I need to make. I have a lot to make up for.

Being a new Christian is hard enough but being uncertain all the time about everything doubles my difficulties.

Joseph’s story and all the little details that we share has let me know that God is there, that I am not alone in my journey and, most importantly, that I am headed in the right direction, especially when I sometimes feel I have no direction at all.

So I want to thank Joseph for his story. If that can be conveyed to him, or this letter finds its way to him, I would be extremely grateful. I feel that God has compelled me to write this letter to let Joseph know how much his story has meant to me.

Joseph stated in the article, “If I can help even one person, out of the thousands of people who have heard me speak, it will be worth it.”

I don’t know if I am the one of those thousands, but the article has certainly helped me.

—Daniel

24 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 I faithandfriends.ca

Photo: InsideCreativeHouse/Stock.Adobe.com

Faith&Friends

BIG QUESTIONS

My Agnostic Uncle How could I share my beliefs without offending him?

by Jeanette Levellie

“W

ow. Uncle Fred really backed me into a corner this time.”

I read my uncle’s e-mail again, trying to figure out a way to answer his questions without offending him.

Change of Heart I loved Uncle Fred like a father.

During my first year of high school, when my parents were talking divorce, I’d lived with Uncle Fred and Aunt Lucy. I even started calling them “Dad” and “Mom.” They’d guided me through a tough time, when I doubted my worth.

Fifty years later, I still used some of the advice they’d given me.

But my aunt and uncle were not believers. They acknowledged that there might be a God, but they’d never felt a need to become Christians. After all, they contended, they were good people.

They helped others, never cheated, stole or murdered. Why should they need a Saviour?

They’d also felt disrespected when the minister at my grandmother’s funeral preached an evangelical message. Uncle Fred sent an angry letter to my mother—who’d planned the service—telling her that in the future they didn’t want to talk about religion, and they refused to argue the merits of Christianity versus any other belief system.

faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • 25

Faith&Friends

BIG QUESTIONS

Would I be risking my close relationship with someone I dearly loved by speaking the truth about God’s Word?

JEANETTE LEVELLIE

Over the last 50 years, I’d prayed that God would send people across their path to share the good news of the Bible in a way that would open their minds to their need for salvation. After all, I often thought, Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Not one of the ways to God, but the only way.

Aunt Lucy had passed away a few months earlier. She and Uncle Fred, college sweethearts, were married nearly 70 years. I wondered if her death caused Uncle Fred to doubt his long-held beliefs. Or should I say, “non-beliefs”? Had he changed his mind about discussing religion?

Perhaps I was now free to share Jesus with him. The big question was, how could I do that in a loving, nonjudgmental way?

Help Me, Jesus!

After I prayed for wisdom using my favourite prayer—“Help me, Jesus!”—I emailed back. I told

Uncle Fred what I believed—that Jesus was the only way to heaven.

Because we believed in Him to save us and forgive our sins, we’d go immediately into the presence of Jesus after we died and live in freedom and bliss for eternity.

Uncle Fred’s reply shocked me.

“You didn’t answer my question, Jeanette. I don’t want to know what you think will happen to you. I wanted to know what you believe about someone who is not a Christian or has no faith at all. I don’t ask for the sake of argument. I would never get mad at you for sharing your beliefs in a non-judgmental way. I’m trying to enlighten myself and have asked several people this same question.”

Now, I really felt cornered. It seemed as if Uncle Fred wanted to know what I thought happened to Aunt Lucy. He had assured me he wouldn’t argue with my answers, but I was still worried. Would I be risking my close relationship with someone I dearly loved by speaking

26 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 I faithandfriends.ca

“Dear Dad” I took a deep breath—several, actually—then asked the Lord to give me wisdom on how to explain my faith to my agnostic uncle. Finally, I sat down at the keyboard.

“Dear Dad,” I started. “Since you asked, I’m going to shoot from the hip. Unlike many Christians, I do not believe that people of no faith will go to heaven. But I’ve come to know, over the decades, the heart of God. He is absolutely good, merciful and love personified. So based on that knowledge, I believe that at the moment of death, Jesus offers each person one final opportunity to give their lives to Him.” And then I held my breath. I knew I may be putting my relationship with my uncle on the line. But perhaps my words would make him thirsty to know more about Jesus.

Photo: InsideCreativeHouse/Stock.Adobe.com

the truth about God’s Word?

I realized this was a test of my belief. If I said, “I don’t know what happens to people of no faith,” I’d be denying Jesus’ claims about Himself.

I prayed so.

The following day, I received Uncle Fred’s reply.

“Thank you, Jeanette, for your honest answer. I truly am seeking to know the truth.”

Relief flooded my heart. But not only relief. Now I felt hopeful that my dear uncle had opened his heart a crack. That he might be willing to listen to the truth of God’s Word, that Jesus is the only way to heaven.

(left) Author of five books and hundreds of published articles, Jeanette Levellie and her husband make their home in Paris, Illinois. Jeanette’s hobbies include spoiling her three grandchildren, pampering her cats and inventing new ways to avoid housework. Find her splashes of hope and humour at jeanettelevellie.com.

faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • 27

Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Eating Healthy With Erin CRISPY TOFU “STEAK”

Recipe photos: Erin Stanley

TIME 20 min

MAKES 4 servings

SERVE WITH stir-fried rice

420 g (13 oz.) package of firm tofu 60 ml (¼ cup) soy sauce 45 ml (3 tbsp) maple syrup 15 ml (1 tbsp) rice vinegar 5 ml (1 tsp) sesame oil 2 ml (½ tsp) paprika 2 ml (½ tsp) red pepper flakes 45 ml (3 tbsp) water 45 ml (3 tbsp) cornstarch 45 ml (3 tbsp) coconut oil sesame seeds to garnish

1. Remove tofu from package, drain, wrap in paper towel and squeeze out liquid.

2. In small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, paprika, red pepper flakes, water and 15 ml (1 tbsp) of the cornstarch.

3. Remove tofu from paper towel and cut into triangles.

4. Place 30 ml (2 tbsp) of cornstarch on a plate and coat each side of tofu.

5. Heat coconut oil in pan over mediumhigh heat and cook tofu on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.

6. Pour marinade into pan and reduce heat to low. Allow it to bubble and then flip tofu so it coats both sides.

7. Place on a plate and garnish with sesame seeds.

SIMPLY STIR-FRIED RICE TIME 10 min MAKES 4 servings

SERVE WITH crispy tofu “steak”

15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil 2 garlic cloves, diced 60 ml (¼ cup) onions, diced 250 ml (1 cup) carrots, diced 250 ml (1 cup) chicken or vegetable broth 250 ml (1 cup) bell peppers, sliced 500 ml (2 cups) broccoli 500 ml (2 cups) bok choy 750 ml (3 cups) cooked rice 5 ml (1 tsp) sesame oil salt and pepper to taste

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1. Heat oil over medium-high heat and sauté garlic, onions and carrots for 5 minutes.

2. Add vegetable broth and remaining vegetables.

Cook for 3 minutes.

3. Add rice and sesame oil.

Fry together for 2 minutes.

4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

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Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 × 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

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9 7 8 3 4 6 2

7 4 6 2 9 5 1

7 2 3 4 6 8 1 9

8 1 6 2 9 7 5 3 4

4 9 3 8 1 5 2 7 6

© www.kevinfrank.net

Quick Quiz Answers: 1. four; 2. Voyager 1 and Voyager 2; 3. books.

HEAVEN’S LOVE THRIFT SHOP by Kevin Frank

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NATHAN FURBERT’S LOVE OF SPORTS, PASSION FOR MUSIC AND DESIRE FOR SERVICE MAKE HIM A STAND-OUT ON THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA. P.16

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Canstruction Zone

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Telling a Story

I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

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What Will Yours Say?

LIVING THE DASH P.8 MARGO‘S TATTOO P.5 HELPING THE ARMY P.10

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QUICK QUIZ 1. How many months of the year have 30 days?

2. What two NASA space probes were launched in 1977?

3. What does a bibliophile love?

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Sudoku Puzzle

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Faith&Friends

NIFTY THRIFTY

Shell Game This simple, low-budget project looks stunning!

I

t’s always fun to take something from drab to fab that is not only decorative but functional as well. I found these shells at my local Salvation Army thrift store and upcycled them into organization dishes for my jewelry.

Supplies Needed: Shells, tissue paper, Mod Podge, sponge brush, gold leaf (optional), acrylic paint (bronze, white, black), scissors, X-Acto knife.

Step 1 Find some large shells at your local Salvation Army thrift store or out in the wild if you are fortunate enough to live by a beach.

Step 2 Gather your materials. I chose a decorative tissue paper for my project, but feel free to try paper, gift wrap, etc. I then used a bronze paint with black as my trim since it matched my tissue paper. Note: I included gold leaf since it added a bit of pizzazz and covered any imperfections when I decoupaged the tissue paper.

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30 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 I faithandfriends.ca

Step 5 Paint the outside of the shell with your chosen accent colour. I used bronze for a couple of my shells and a mixture of bronze and black for the other two shells. Allow to dry.

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Step 3 Use a sponge brush to cover the inside of the shell with Mod Podge. Cut a piece of tissue paper slightly larger than your shell, then massage the paper into the shell. You can use your fingers or a dry sponge brush to help cover the shell and work the paper into the grooves. Allow to dry.

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Step 6 Add a trim around the edges of the inside of the shell. Allow to dry.

Finally, add a coat of Mod Podge to the inside and outside of the shell.

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Step 4 Once the Mod Podge is dry, use scissors or an X-Acto knife to trim the edges of the paper.

Add another coat of Mod Podge and spread pieces of the gold leaf on the tissue paper. Allow to dry.

(left) Denise Corcoran (aka Thrifty By Design) is an author, upcycler, community builder and workshop facilitator based in North Vancouver. She shares her enthusiasm for crafting and upcycling by facilitating “Crafternoons” throughout Vancouver. She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores.

Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.

faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 • 31

Winter Hits Hard for Vulnerable People

For families struggling to make ends meet, winter means precious resources are devoted to keeping warm.

Life’s necessities become harder to afford, forcing the most vulnerable to face hunger and experience homelessness.

Thanks to your generosity, The Salvation Army continues to provide practical assistance to more than 2.7 million people each year, inspiring them to see hope in their future.

Donate today at SalvationArmy.ca/Friends

1-800-SAL-ARMY

PM 40064794

For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6119 or circulation@salvationarmy.ca. Allow 4-6 weeks for changes.