NEW BEGINNING NEW YEAR
At the stroke of midnight on December 31, many of us start the year with a bang, with shouts of “Happy New Year!” as the familiar notes of Auld Lang Syne play in the background.
We greet the new year with joy, celebrating the promise of what could be. We make resolutions, reflecting our desire to do better, to be better, to make a difference.
A new year offers us a chance to set a new direction for our lives, one brimming with possibilities. What path will you choose in 2025?
The Bible tells us that, in Jesus, we find the path of life and, in His presence, we are filled with joy (see Psalm 16:11).
Choose the way of Jesus this year. There is forgiveness, redemption and transformation—a new life, full of joy.
“YOU MAKE KNOWN TO ME THE PATH OF LIFE; YOU WILL FILL ME WITH JOY IN YOUR PRESENCE.”
—PSALM 16:11
To find out how Jesus can give you a fresh start this year, visit our website at faithandfriends.ca or contact us at: The Salvation Army Editorial Department, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4.
BEYOND BORDERS
5 Team Effort
As part of The Salvation Army’s international development department, Major Elaine Locke is helping to make a better future for thousands of people in Africa.
BIBLE 101
8 Where to Start?
Learning to read the Bible for all its worth.
FAITH BUILDERS
11 Bearing Up
In Paddington in Peru, our marmaladeloving hero tackles his most dangerous mission yet.
12 Searching for “Something”
It took Janice Keats two years to find what she was looking for.
16 Grad Dad
With its first male graduate, The Salvation Army’s Grace Haven facility in Hamilton, Ont., continues its long tradition of student success stories.
22 Birth of a Street Ministry
The Salvation Army brings God’s love and a hot meal to the downtown core of St. John’s, N.L.
SOMEONE CARES
25 Christ, Coffee and Classes
English Café program helps connect immigrants such as Hurmat to The Salvation Army.
LITE STUFF
28 Eating Healthy With Erin Word Search, Sudoku, Quick Quiz.
A GLOBAL LENS
31 Flowing Smiles
The Salvation Army’s efforts to improve water access and provide hygiene education are fostering healthier, happier communities.
“Love and Support”
When Kathryn Goegan photographed the high school graduation ceremony of 10 young mothers who received their diplomas in 2016 with the support of The Salvation Army’s Grace Haven facility in Hamilton, Ont., she didn’t expect to attend the same event eight years later. But this time, something was different.
Kathryn was thrilled to see a young father receive his high school diploma, the first to do so with the support of Grace Haven.
What hadn’t changed, however, was the caring and support of the Grace Haven staff.
“The overall mood was even more upbeat than when I was last here,” she says. “The energy was exuberant and inclusive, more like some cheerleading squad. It was beautiful to see the support from the staff, teachers, friends and family. I took photos of the pre-event meeting, and you could see how everybody trusted and cared for one another.
“It was a truly beautiful day full of love and support,” Kathryn concludes. “I’m very fortunate to have had the opportunity to capture some of the moments in my photographs.”
Kathryn’s photos accompanying the story by Chris McGregor are on page 16.
Elsewhere in this month’s Faith & Friends, see how a Salvation Army English café is changing lives in Winnipeg, read how one woman’s search for “something” led her to an Army church, and find out from Major Elaine Locke how much good The Salvation Army is doing in Africa.
Ken Ramstead
Mission Statement
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ISSN 1702-0131
Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray, director, international development, and Major Elaine Locke visit a graduate from Bacongo Vocational Centre Beauty School. Mavougou-Zack graduated in September 2023 and worked hard to establish her own beauty shop
Tailor-Made
Major Heather Matondo, assistant director, international development, and Major Elaine attend the graduation ceremony at the Bacongo Vocational Centre, celebrating the achievements of students who completed various vocational programs. In the photo, a model showcases an innovative design created by a tailoring class graduate, highlighting the skill and creativity fostered within the program
Team Effort
As part of The Salvation Army’s international development department, Major Elaine Locke is helping to make a better future for thousands of people in Africa.
by Elaine Locke
Photos: Courtesy of International Development Department
Graduation Story
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change on a global scale. ELAINE LOCKE
How quickly time has passed!
It’s hard to believe I have been a Salvation Army pastor for 20 years. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with adventure and blessings at every turn. Over two decades, I’ve served in church ministries, public relations, communications and fund development. Each role has been profoundly rewarding, shaping me into the person I am today.
This past June, I was thrilled to hear the voice on the other end of a phone call say, “Major Elaine, you have been appointed to international development as project campaign manager.” After hanging up the phone, I sat in my office, to reflect and process the flood of memories that filled my mind.
Providing Dignity
As a child, I enjoyed taking part in the Sunday school activities dedicated to raising money to help others overseas, and buying gifts that benefit people living in low-income countries. Each year, my mother and I would review the gift options and select something special for our family members. I particularly enjoyed giving gifts such as a goat or
chickens, and my heart was always full knowing that our contribution made a big difference in the lives of others.
I realized that the cherished memories that had brought me so much joy as a child would now be part of my job!
For more than 60 years, The Salvation Army’s international development department has been supporting emergency and development initiatives to help break the cycle of poverty. Throughout the year, funds are raised through various awareness and fundraising campaigns, such as Partners in Mission, Gifts of Hope and Brighter Futures. Each campaign plays a crucial role in addressing global needs and striving to transform lives and communities. The core of international development work is to provide children and adults with the dignity they deserve and hope for a better future.
Creating Lasting Change
My new role has afforded me the opportunity to visit with individuals who work tirelessly in Salvation Army medical clinics,
(below) Overseeing Progress
Major Elaine visits Lou Primary School in Brazzaville, capital of Republic of Congo. During the school year, more than 200 children fill the grounds with laughter and vibrant energy
(above) Morning Conference
Major Elaine and Major Heather talk with Salvation Army personnel and Eric Christian, chief of The Salvation Army Health CentreMoukoundzi-Ngouaka Clinic, about the medical support provided to the community and future initiatives
schools and churches around the world. Their stories have been both heartbreaking and inspiring.
I have walked through fruit orchards that fuel hope, seen children gathering around a borehole for relief from the scorching sun, and heard and experienced the powerful prayers of 800 women in the depths of an African forest under the night sky.
I have witnessed the strength and tenderness of a mother holding her newborn on a small hospital bed. And even in the times when I have been overwhelmed by sadness and intensely challenged, it has been a profoundly humbling and transformative experience that has left a lasting impact on my heart and forever altered my perspective.
I have only been in this position
for a few months, but I have quickly become immersed in the work. My role primarily involves overseeing fundraising campaigns and managing emergency projects. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change on a global scale, knowing that our efforts within The Salvation Army are making a lasting impact on communities around the world.
This month, Faith & Friends debuts a new department that showcases the global work of the Army (see page 31). Behind the photos and captions are a dedicated team helping to make a difference, and I am excited to be a part of it.
I encourage everyone to support our international development campaigns to help further our mission and create lasting change.
Where to Start?
Learning to read the Bible for all its worth.
by Mal Davies
In the first of a three-part series, Major Mal Davies talks about the world’s bestselling book, the Bible, how to get started on reading it and what it’s all about:
If you do a Google search on “the Bible,” you will get nearly two billion (not million, billion) results. For the sake of comparison, a search on “Shakespeare” will give you half a billion results, as will a search on “Harry Potter.”
The Bible is history’s bestselling book and is the most read, studied and taught book ever. There is simply no comparison to the book; nothing even comes close.
Clearly, there is some value in reading the Bible, but it’s also a large
So, if your “why” is you want to learn about Jesus, your “where” is to start at the Gospels. MAL DAVIES
book, imposing for non-readers, and so the challenge is: How do I read the Bible?
The answer depends on what you’re trying to find out and, so, perhaps the first question is: Why do you want to read the Bible?
For the vast majority of people, the interest is in finding out about Jesus. Who was He? What did He say? What did He do? Why is He important? Why did He die on a cross? Did He really come back to life? What was He like?
Starting Point
To get to the heart of this, you don’t want to start at Genesis, the first book of the Bible. (In case you don’t already know, the Bible contains 66 different books, 39 of which are in the Old Testament with the other 27 in the New Testament.)
You want to start at a series of books called the Gospels.
“Gospel” comes from an old word meaning “good news.”
In the Bible, there are four books named after their authors: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books are each someone’s version of the
life of Jesus; they tell the gospel/ good news of Jesus and His life and ministry.
We’re fortunate to have not just one person’s take on the life of Jesus but different views that give us a fuller, more complete picture of His life.
The books (Gospels) are quite short and easy to read. The shortest one is the Book of Mark at just 16 chapters and about 100 pages long. If I’m with someone who says they want to read about Jesus in the shortest possible time, I give them a copy of Mark’s Gospel. If, as I’ve suggested, you want the full picture, read all four Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus.
All About Jesus
So, if that’s the important stuff— learning about Jesus—what’s the rest of the Bible about?
Well, to really confuse you, it’s also about Jesus.
Let me explain that. The key figure in world history is Jesus, and He lived on earth for about 30 years. Reading the Gospels will tell you what He said and did while He
was alive. However, for such an important figure, He’s more fully understood if we know the context for why He was important and what the impact of His life was.
manusapon/stock.Adobe.com
The Old Testament—the first part of the Bible—tells the story of the Israelite people (Jesus, you might know, was a Jew from ancient Israel) and their relationship with God. As you read their history, you come to an understanding of why we needed a saviour, someone just like Jesus.
After the Gospels, the rest of the New Testament expands on Jesus’ teaching and tells us what
happened in the following years. We read about the birth and growth of the religion named after Christ— Christianity—and we see the impact Jesus had on the world, an impact that continues to reverberate even today.
So, if your “why” is you want to learn about Jesus, your “where” is to start at the Gospels. To get the bigger picture, you can read the rest later. And please do so.
It’s great reading!
Reprinted from Salvos Magazine (Australia), April 13, 2024 (salvosonline.org.au/salvos-magazine)
(left)
Major Mal Davies is a Salvation Army pastor and writer living in Australia.
Photo:
PBearing Up
In Paddington in Peru, our marmalade-loving hero tackles his most dangerous mission yet.
by Diane Stark
addington in Peru, in theatres now, is a live-action animated adventure film based on the beloved children’s book character.
Paddington Bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) was found lost and alone in Paddington train station in London, England, by the Brown family, who named him after the place where he was discovered. In the third movie in the series, the marmalade-loving bear and his adoptive family return to Peru, Paddington’s birthplace, to visit his Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton). But when they arrive, they discover she is missing.
“Aunt Lucy found me when I was a cub,” Paddington says. “I have to find her.”
Their search takes them through the Amazon rainforest and the mountains of Peru, but Paddington is determined to complete his mission, no matter the cost.
“Please Look After This Bear”
Author Michael Bond published the first Paddington book in 1958.
The character’s backstory as a lost, lonely bear with a suitcase and a tag around his neck was inspired by something Bond saw during the Second World War: frightened Jewish refugee children arriving in Britain, and children from London who had to be evacuated to the countryside during the war.
Paddington was found with a similar tag around his neck. It read: “Please look after this bear.”
So the Browns did.
Caring for the Least of Us
In the Bible, Jesus tells us how we should take care of people in need: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). When we care for “the least of these,” it’s as though we did it for Jesus Himself.
If we’re ever unsure if we should help someone who needs assistance, we can picture the person with a tag around their neck that reads: “Please look after the least of these. Love, Jesus.”
Searching for “Something”
IT TOOK TWO YEARS TO FIND WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.
by Janice Keats
“Why is it that when I’m in church, I feel really good, and when I’m away from church, the emptiness I feel comes back again?” I remember asking a friend one day, She replied, “You know Jan, you can take Jesus home with you.”
Truth is, I was living two different lifestyles—and my friends outside church were noticing a change in me, baffled at the half-good, half-bad Jan they were seeing. I wanted to be free of the heartache I was experiencing. But how?
There and Back Again
Embarking on a journey of a lifetime at the tender age of 18 was a thrill with no worries attached.
My future husband and I met on a blind date in Gander, N.L. Six weeks later, we were en route to Fort McMurray, Alta., where Gerald was confident he could easily secure employment. Fort McMurray was a boom town, and the economy was flourishing. Gerald was employed in
no time, and we were enjoying life.
But I began to feel homesick, being so far from home and soon caring for three babies. I believed if I could just return and live near family, the loneliness would go away. It took six years and some persuasion on my part, but we made the decision to move back to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Half and Half
Soon after our return to Gambo, N.L., my mother-in-law suggested I take my children to Sunday school at the local Salvation Army church. Like a good mom, I sent them with someone else. But it wasn’t long before I was going along to watch my children’s performances in the choir and other events at the church.
From the very first service I attended, I felt something within me that I hadn’t felt before. I couldn’t describe it, but it made me curious enough to want to go back, and I soon became involved in church activities.
On my own secret mission, though, I studied the people at church to try and discover what brought them the joy I didn’t have. I purchased books and borrowed tapes to learn about the Christian life. I was still living my life, enjoying the party scene, the nightlife and all that goes with it. But at the same time, I was yearning for something else—I was drawn to church without understanding why.
Against the Wind
By now, I felt so disillusioned with my life. I’d persuaded my husband to move back home, thinking that was the answer, but I still felt empty. I decided to quit trying and gave up attending church. I stayed away for three weeks—but I soon was back again.
I was yearning for Jesus to come into my life but it felt like I was walking against 100-kilometre-anhour winds to get to Him.
Home at Last Janice Keats with her husband and grandchildren. “God provided answers for me, and He will do the same for you”
God Is Real
It had been two years from that very first Sunday of “unknowingly” searching for that something.
The moment had come. It was Sunday, October 4, 1992. As the congregation rose in worship, I cautiously stood, too, hoping for strength to acknowledge God’s presence. My legs were weak and my heart was pounding. A friend noticed my struggle and, placing his hand on my shoulder, said, “God bless you, Jan.” With that, I asked him to lead me to God. We went to the mercy seat, at the front of the church, together.
I immediately felt God’s presence and peace. What an incredible sense of freedom I experienced. I’d been carrying a burden for so long; suddenly it was gone! I realized after all this time who was knocking on my heart’s door!
Now I know for myself that God is real! I thought. I was at peace.
New Direction
My new morning routine after getting the kids ready for school now consisted of prayer and reading the Bible. Previously, I’d drank coffee and smoked cigarettes, so this was a drastic change.
One morning as I was reading, I snapped the Bible closed and wondered, Why is it that I have to pray to God anyway? Why do I have to do this every day? Without knowing why, I opened the Bible again to the Book of Job, where I found this verse: “Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? What would we gain by praying to Him?” (Job 21:15).
Yikes! I didn’t know that God really spoke to people through His Word. It was both startling and awesome to actually witness that.
It’s amazing how God can bring out the best in you. My writing career began immediately after I became a Christian. I wrote a poem about my testimony entitled, fittingly, Where Is God? I wrote so many poems that my file folder overflowed. My husband suggested I write a book, so I self-published a collection of my poetry. It was the first of three books and remains my personal bestseller.
I suddenly had a keen interest in a writing career, so I studied creative writing. Soon after, I landed a job as a reporter and photographer for a newspaper. It was an unexpected new direction and I enjoyed it.
Saying “Yes”
When I look back at my life, I chuckle that my favourite Bible verse is, “May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed” (Psalm 20:4). Over the years, I have grown and learned so much about myself and my faith, but there was a time when my heart did not know what it desired, and the plans I had seemed not at all successful.
You may have questions for God as I did. Perhaps God has spoken to you but you remain unsure of how to follow Him.
God provided answers for me, and He will do the same for you. It all comes down to trusting Him enough to yield to Him.
You don’t need great faith to meet Jesus; you only need enough to say “yes.”
He may even surprise you when He answers your prayers!
(left) Janice Keats is the emergency disaster services trainer for The Salvation Army’s Atlantic Division. Residing in Conception Bay South, N.L., she has authored three books and is actively engaged in sharing her faith story.
Grad Album
Some snapshots of the special day include (clockwise from top left): A hug for the graduate; Keith Tilton‘s family takes photos of the event; Kimberley Norgate, Grace Haven's program liaison lead, at the podium as Keith and his supportive family look on; Lori Fiddy and Allison Cillis, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board teachers, share the stage with Keith
Photos: Kathryn Goegan
Grad Dad
WITH ITS FIRST MALE GRADUATE, THE SALVATION ARMY’S GRACE HAVEN FACILITY IN HAMILTON, ONT., CONTINUES ITS LONG TRADITION OF STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES.
by Chris McGregor
DRESSED IN FORMAL CAP AND GOWN,
Keith Tilton strolls across the stage, smiling, confident and proud, to accept his high school diploma, while his girlfriend and family applaud with pride from the front row.
Hundreds of young women have been through the doors of The Salvation Army’s Grace Haven facility in Hamilton, Ont., during its 128-year history. In all those years of assisting young parents and parents-to-be, there has never been a dad enrolled in any Grace Haven program, ever.
That all changed this past June, when 20-year-old Keith accepted that valued piece of paper, making him the first ever “Grad Dad” at Grace Haven, which provides education instruction, case management, supportive counselling, life skills and caregiving training, child-development resources, and parent readiness classes for young and expecting moms, and now, dads.
Congratulations!
Keith‘s grandmother, mother, girlfriend and father gather around the proud young man
Grace Haven programs place a strong emphasis on the overall personal development, health and wellness of participants.
“If you have the right support, you can do anything that you put your mind to. I’m proud of what I accomplished. I love my daughter and I graduated high school,” Keith says.
Innovative, Relevant, Inclusive
As a 16-year-old Grade 10 student, Keith and his then-girlfriend were expecting his now three-year-old daughter, Rosalie, born in March 2021. Keith left high school to start working to provide stability and financial support for his new family. He wished for nothing more than to ensure a good life for Rosalie.
“Being so young, I kind of realized that if I'm going to do this, then I have to put all my focus on doing it right,” Keith says. “When I found out I was having a daughter, I really wanted to step up and take the next step in life, support my daughter and be there for her.”
His former girlfriend, the mother of his child, told Keith about Grace Haven, as she also graduated from the high school program.
When the staff first met Keith, there were no resources available in the community for a male student, but Grace Haven made the decision to quickly adapt, creating progressive programs that work for a young dad.
“We have evolved to offer groundbreaking programs and services that were not available in the community before,” says Stephanie Amos, program manager at Grace Haven. “We are the only agency in Hamilton providing remote education for young parents and, without that availability, Keith would not have graduated from high school.”
Grace Haven partners with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, which provides three board certified teachers to guide both moms and dads through their studies, while ensuring nurturing care and supports for the participants’ young children.
Photo: Kathryn Goegan
“Grace Haven has always been about mom and baby. To be relevant today, we must have innovative programs that are inclusive of fathers,” Stephanie says.
Progress and Evolution
Over the years, the agency has moved from a residential model to a day-program service, an evolution that continues with online virtual learning and away from a traditional, in-person style of education and instruction, though that
is still available through printed lessons and one-on-one teaching for students.
“We made a commitment several years ago to renew our mission, rejuvenate and redesign to enhance our services and create the best possible opportunities for parents and children we support,” Stephanie explains.
The shift to remote learning started during the COVID -19 pandemic and remains a popular and preferred study method for students
“If you have the right support, you can do anything that you put your mind to.”
KEITH TILTON
Family Time
Keith, Rosalie and Emilie Loboda share a happy moment
who feel very comfortable with being online. Enrolment numbers at Grace Haven are on the increase, a rise which Stephanie attributes to the agency’s creative use of technology for education.
Grace Haven is currently assisting 79 clients—40 adults and 39 children—in a variety of programs and services for adults and kids.
“We now have students reaching out and other agencies referring clients to us, so our numbers have gone up significantly as a result,” Stephanie goes on to say. “Those agencies have witnessed the progress made by Grace Haven and now many are taking steps to include dads in their programs.”
Graduate-in-Waiting A current student and her daughter watch the proceedings
“A Better Future”
The small but mighty two-person 2024 graduating class also included 19-year-old Kalthar Ismail, who completed her high school education while caring for her 11-month-old daughter, Amira.
“Life for me today has me proud and happy for me and my baby,” Kalthar says, “because what I thought not possible for me turned out to be possible.”
Grace Haven’s flexible and innovative teaching methods catered to her individual learning style, and she is thankful for the teacher who helped her through a curriculum that she felt would be too challenging.
Photo: Kathryn Goegan
“We
have evolved to offer groundbreaking programs that were not available in the community before. To be relevant today, we must have innovative programs that are inclusive of fathers.”
STEPHANIE AMOS
“Grace Haven provided me with help, support and hope. My goals are to keep learning and studying,” Kalthar says. “I will have my chance to do more with my life and build a better future for my daughter.”
Pride and Commitment
Last year, 18 students took part in Grace Haven’s high school education program. Stephanie says Keith has paved the way forward for male participants in all day programs.
There was lots of good-natured ribbing about Keith being the only male in the program in a class of 10 women. Kimberley Norgate, young parent program liaison at Grace Haven, would joke with him, “If you leave the seat up in the bathroom,
they’re going to know who it was.”
Keith took it all in stride, replying, “It’s OK, Kim. I grew up with all sisters, so I know what to do.”
Stephanie says the 2024 graduating class continues Grace Haven’s long tradition of student success stories.
“Keith and Kalthar are a testament to perseverance and dedication. High school is a challenge for any teenager, but when you’re a parent, it’s even more challenging due to the additional stresses of being a young parent,” Stephanie says.
“They both faced many obstacles; they did not give up, and we’re extremely proud of their commitment to providing for themselves and their children.”
(left)
Chris McGregor is a content marketing specialist for The Salvation Army’s Ontario Division.
Birth of a Street Ministry
THE SALVATION ARMY BRINGS GOD’S LOVE AND A HOT MEAL TO THE DOWNTOWN CORE OF ST. JOHN’S, N.L.
by Bruce Cluett
It all started with a vision to serve. It was always the goal of Steven Hynes, emergency disaster services (EDS) director of The Salvation Army’s Atlantic Division, to expand the EDS ministry to get out into the streets of St. John’s, N.L. He was determined to help those in need, as General William
Booth, the Army’s co-Founder, had envisioned.
When Steven called and invited me to become the local EDS co-ordinator, I was ready to do all I could to help. It was new territory for me, as my background is in commerce and engineering, but I accepted with eagerness.
All Aboard
The EDS team and local volunteers prepare to head out to provide service to those they encounter on the street
We took a step of faith with this new venture not really knowing how it was all going to unfold, but this is ministry in action!
BRUCE CLUETT
Preparation
My initial desire was to launch food services and emotional support in the downtown core. I felt that focusing on a team approach would be the only way to achieve this. With the support of Steven and my wife, Sharon, off I went.
I met Major Steven Barrett, executive director for The Salvation Army’s Ches Penny Centre of Hope/ Wiseman Centre, who had significant experience and the desire for street ministry. It was a team spirit from the get-go—Steven Hynes had inputs, Major Steven Barrett had knowledge, food resources and professional staff, and I had experience in growing things outside of plants.
My first goal was to put everything in place. We made sure that the community response unit was service-ready, the kitchen staff certified and the drivers trained. With Major Steven’s support, we took the necessary steps for further crisis training at the Centre of Hope, and I had ongoing support from John Bignell, territorial manager of EDS training and development, and Jan Keats, EDS trainer in The Salvation Army’s Atlantic Division.
Ready to Go
We started our trial runs in downtown St. John’s on Water Street with Major Steven, my wife and myself, ready to share God’s love with a hot meal.
The first night we worked in the freezing rain, the second night we had snow and, yes, we wondered what God was doing to us. But we kept going. We solicited the metro area Salvation Army churches for volunteers, and we were successful in making that happen.
Our mission begins at 4 p.m. at the fire hall, to prepare the truck for the evening. We ensure the water tanks are filled and the propane tanks are installed on the truck.
We proceed to the Centre of Hope, where we pick up the hot food that has been prepared and snacks to pack on the unit.
Then we make our way to the designated area to meet up with the other volunteers. After laying in various supplies of Bibles, blankets and EDS vests, we are ready for a 6 p.m. start.
Meeting a Need
One of the key elements of our
outreach that was consistently encouraged by Major Steven was ensuring we would be totally led by God with His presence guiding us.
Ministry in Action
... And Delivery Street ministry volunteers hand out Bibles and blankets
We begin and conclude our evenings with prayer, asking God to guide our teams. We head out with two teams walking down Water Street in different directions, looping back to the original starting point. On the route as we encounter people, we give out Bibles, clothing, blankets, snacks and sanitary products, while other volunteers remain at the truck serving hot meals.
The teams are equipped with radios in case they need to contact the Centre of Hope staff in the event someone needs lodging. The largest nightly number to date has been 56 clients assisted. Demand for our services is very high.
Every evening is a different experience. Sometimes we hear from distraught men, while other evenings we see women collecting Bibles to give to others in their housing facility. Whatever the experience, our volunteers are filled with hope and joy for the work they have observed and accomplished.
This vision has become a reality for us. We took a step of faith with this new venture not really knowing how it was all going to unfold, but this is ministry in action! God knows the needs of His people. We plan to continue this ministry and train more volunteers with hopes of expanding to include more routes.
Takeout ... Sharon Cluett serves meals to those in need in downtown St. John’s, N.L
Photos: Courtesy of Janice Keats
Say “Cheese”
English Café participants assemble for their close-up
Christ, Coffee and Classes
English
Café program helps connect immigrants such as Hurmat to The Salvation Army.
by Nathan Reid-Welford
Founded 20 years ago by pastors and students to serve the needs of newcomers in the area, Winnipeg’s English Café has become a vibrant connection between the community and The Salvation Army.
Full Service
Offering informal and conversational English programs, the café is a welcoming destination for anyone who wants to improve their English, be they recent immigrants or anyone
who has been in Canada longer and is looking to strengthen their skills.
The English Café aims to provide accessible learning, with weekly classes hosted every Tuesday night. Children’s programs allow parents to take part in classes without having to find alternative care.
Outside of classes, participants can get help filling out and filing government documents such as citizenship forms, creating résumés and even reading mail.
Building Community
But being an extension of The Salvation Army, the English Café’s goals stretch far beyond the language barrier. “People don’t come to the English Café just to learn English,” says Hurmat Habib, volunteer engagement co-ordinator at The Salvation Army’s Living Hope Community Church in Winnipeg.
Though this may be a primary reason, they also come to socialize and make friends.
“People see other participants they recognize and realize they are neighbours or live nearby. Then they’ll talk about getting coffee or going shopping together.”
But community building does not just pertain to relationships between participants, but also with the participants and Living Hope Community Church. As Hurmat explains, many retired pastors and members of the congregation have been involved in the English Café over the years. Participants are rarely familiar with The Salvation Army and, as they encounter these volunteers, they begin to understand the organization’s structure.
“People tell me that even though some volunteers are majors or captains or lieutenants, they are humble and willing to help,” Hurmat says. “The participants appreciate how they try to get to know and understand them, form bonds and make them open to the idea of church.”
Since the official merger of the English Café with Living Hope, the weekly classes have opened with prayer.
“Everyone participates,” says Hurmat. “Even people from different religions and cultures.”
In fact, the program has experienced a positive problem—it has run out of Bibles because newcomers keep asking for them.
Such community-building actions have created a favourable culture that helps people attending the English Café feel safe and trusting. From there, many have been led to come and see what the church is like. Currently, 11 people from the café’s programs now attend Living Hope, helping with greetings and reading devotions.
A Personal Journey
This process of finding and becoming involved with The Salvation Army is one that Hurmat certainly understands.
Immigrating to Canada from Kyrgyzstan with her family in 2005, Hurmat unknowingly moved near a Salvation Army church in Winnipeg. Her children first brought the organization to her attention.
“They mentioned there was a place they could go for a kids’ club. But when I learned that it was called ‘The Salvation army,’ I said no.”
Hurmat’s rejection of the organization—something not uncommon
among immigrants who have a negative connotation with any type of army—did not last long, however. After developing a better understanding of the word “salvation,” she decided to check it out.
“I liked the people. They were open. How they greeted us made me stay and love them,” Hurmat says. “I trusted the people, I trusted them with my kids, and I learned it was safe.”
Hurmat began using the food bank and attending the café. Her English improved, and she came to fully understand The Salvation Army’s mission.
“I love them,” she smiles. “I asked if I could volunteer because I wanted to give back.”
Within a year, Hurmat began attending the church and helping with the kids’ club and the food bank. When her English improved, she began working at the café and has been the volunteer co-ordinator since 2012.
An ideal candidate due to her experience with the program, the multilingual Hurmat—she speaks English, Persian, Russian, Kyrgyz and Uzbeki—creates learning materials, topic activities and lesson plans for the different English levels and supervises the Tuesday-night program.
Changing Lives
Hurmat’s work with The Salvation Army makes her proud.
“Back home, we don’t know about volunteering. It was something new for me. But I like not only earning to make a living, because I have to think about my soul and my faith. This life is short. We have to face God, and we should try to do what God tells us.”
As such, Hurmat cares about the impact of her work with the English Café. For her, there is comfort in the fact that listening to people and praying for them can help play a part.
“It’s what keeps me going, knowing I’m changing someone’s life.”
(left)
Nathan Reid-Welford enjoys writing about people’s initiatives, journeys and passions. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English writing from Redeemer University, where he also studied business and history. Nathan enjoys creative, fictional and promotional writing, and playing the drums and guitar.
Eating Healthy With Erin
MILD CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
TIME 40 min MAKES 6 servings SERVE WITH salad
30 ml (2 tbsp) butter
125 ml (½ cup) onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, diced
1 red pepper, diced
5 ml (1 tsp) cumin
5 ml (1 tsp) oregano
5 ml (1 tsp) paprika
5 ml (1 tsp) chili powder
750 ml (3 cups) chicken broth
1 L (4 cups) passata or strained tomatoes
500 ml (2 cups) rotisserie chicken, diced
375 ml (1½ cups) mixed beans
250 ml (1 cup) frozen corn
250 ml (1 cup) shredded cheese
1 L (4 cups) sliced tortillas
45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil
sour cream and cilantro to garnish
BERRY YOGURT BARK
1. Over medium-high heat in large pot, add butter, onion, garlic, pepper and spices, and cook, stirring often, until aromatic, about 5 minutes.
2 Add chicken broth, passata/strained tomatoes and chicken, and cook together for 20 minutes on mediumlow heat, stirring every couple of minutes.
3 Add beans, corn and half of the cheese, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
4 Heat a pan over medium heat with olive oil. Arrange sliced strips of tortillas and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Flip halfway through and place on a paper towel to drain oil.
5 Pour soup into bowls and garnish with crispy tortilla strips, remaining cheese, sour cream and cilantro (optional).
TIME 5 min and 3 hrs to set MAKES 6 servings SERVE WITH fruit salad
500 ml (2 cups) 3% vanilla Greek yogurt
250 ml (1 cup) raspberries or berries of choice
60 ml (1/4 cup) granola
30-45 ml (2-3 tbsp) maple syrup
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread yogurt evenly using a spatula.
2. Evenly spread berries and granola over yogurt, then drizzle with maple syrup.
3. Place in freezer to set for 3 hours.
4 Remove from freezer and break with hands. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
QUICK QUIZ
Word Search A Very Cheesy Word Search
Flowing Smiles
Students at SMP Kristen Bala Keselamatan Palu in Indonesia wash their hands with clean, safe water. Through The Salvation Army’s efforts to improve water access and provide hygiene education, these simple yet powerful tools are fostering healthier, happier communities.
Winter Hits Hard for Vulnerable People
