Faith & Friends May 2021

Mayor Gives to Army

THE RIGHT THING P.26

Gerry’s Story

HERE TO HELP P.12

Making a Difference

ACTS OF LOVE 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

MAY 2021

The Call

IT CHANGED THE LIVES OF TRINA GALLOP BLANK AND HER ADOPTED DAUGHTER, ELLIANA, FOREVER. P.16

The End of Your Rope?

Too many of us look for satisfaction in all the wrong places. Gambling, alcohol, addictive drugs.

They all claim to offer joy but, in the end, their promises are hollow and their enticements only result in despair.

“I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does.”

— Romans 7:24-25 (The Message) Jesus’ promises are as clear as the morning light.

No fine print, no hidden clauses, no limited-time offers. The way of the cross may not be rosy but Jesus offers love and everlasting life to those who follow His Word. It’s that simple.

And that difficult. But the reward is worth the effort.

 T o learn more about Jesus’ promises, visit our website faithandfriends.ca, contact us at The Salvation Army Editorial Department, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ont. M4H 1P4, or visit your nearest Salvation Army church.

May 2021

VOLUME 24 NUMBER 5

SOMEONE CARES 5 Beyond Essential

In meeting the challenge of COVID-19, Judy Peifer leaned on her faith to impact the people of Swift Current.

LAUGHING MATTERS 8 Destination: Gratitude

Joy grows best in the soil of thanksgiving.

8

GOD IN MY LIFE 10 Little Acts of Love

God can use them all.

FEATURES

Mayor Gives to Army

THE RIGHT THING P.26

Gerry’s Story

HERE TO HELP P.12

Making a Difference

ACTS OF LOVE 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

MAY 2021

The Call

IT CHANGED THE LIVES OF TRINA GALLOP BLANK AND HER ADOPTED DAUGHTER, ELLIANA, FOREVER. P.16 P.16 ILLIANA, FOREVER.

12

16

COVER STORY 22

22

“I’m Here to Help Others”

Gerry Mercer has never lost the faith his Salvation Army grandmother instilled in him.

The Call

It changed the life of Trina Gallop Blank and her adopted daughter, Elliana, forever.

Saving Isabel

New movie La Deuda (The Debt) unpacks a biblical parable as a young boy attempts to keep his pet safe.

COMMON GROUND 26 “The Right Thing”

For Mayor Frank Campion, that meant donating his pay raise to The Salvation Army.

LITE STUFF 28 Eating Healthy With Erin

Sudoku, Quick Quiz, Word Search.

NIFTY THRIFTY 31 What (Not) to Wear

How to purchase clothing when you can’t try anything on. faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2021

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Faith&Friends

FROM THE EDITOR

Too Good to Be True? “

W

hen I was first assigned to write a profile of Gerry Mercer, I questioned the entire story,” admits freelance writer Helena Smrcek. “The son of a drug-dealing mother and motorcycle-gang member father turning his life around to become a wonderful husband and proud dad seemed too good to be true, to be honest. But after checking my background sources as well as talking to Gerry, I realized that this guy was for real.”

While Gerry admits he doesn’t have all the answers to his life and is working on them with the help of his Salvation Army church, that’s what makes his story so real and relevant for Helena.

“He’s a fighter and has been through a lot, but he’s come out of it with a sincere desire to help others.

“To me, Gerry’s is an amazing story full of hope,” Helena concludes. “To survive such a harsh environment without rancor, and loving God— well, I truly do admire him.”

Gerry’s story is on page 12.

When Mayor Frank Campion of Welland, Ont., discovered the majority of his council approved a pay raise last year, he wanted no part of it, what with the pandemic and the financially hard time many of his constituents were going through.

Though the pay raise passed despite his protests, the decision on how to spend it was easy.

See what the mayor did on page 26.

Elsewhere in this issue, find out how one call changed the life of three people forever, see our take on the new La Deuda (The Debt) movie and read how little acts of love can make a big difference.

Ken Ramstead

4 • MAY 2021 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 monthly by: The Salvation Army 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto Ontario, M4H 1P4 International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4P 4EP, England William and Catherine Booth FOUNDERS

Brian Peddle, GENERAL Commissioner Floyd Tidd TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Lt-Colonel John P. Murray SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Geoff Moulton, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Ramstead, EDITOR

Brandon Laird SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hannah Saley DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Pamela Richardson, COPY EDITOR, PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Ada Leung CIRCULATION CO-ORDINATOR

Leigha Vegh STAFF WRITER, PROOFREADER

Giselle Randall STAFF WRITER 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

SOMEONE CARES

On the Job Judy Peifer stocks shelves as food requests increase

Beyond Essential In meeting the challenge of COVID-19, Judy Peifer leaned on her faith to impact the people of Swift Current.

by Kimberly McIntyre

J

udy Peifer is the first person many see upon entering The Salvation Army’s church and food bank in Swift Current, Sask. She has a personal mission to make everyone’s day better and to express the love of God to every person she interacts with.

Judy hasn’t always had this specific mission, and it hasn’t always been easy for her to interact with people in such an important way.

“I was very shy growing up. I hardly

said two words in high school. This job with The Salvation Army has brought me out of my shell,” she says.

“I’m Still Here” For 17 years, Judy’s husband was a pastor, and they eventually moved to Swift Current. When it was time to retire from pastoring, Judy looked for a new way to serve, so she applied for a job at The Salvation Army’s church as an administrative assistant.

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Faith&Friends

SOMEONE CARES

“I didn’t think I would get it,” Judy recalls. “There were tons of people who had way more experience than I did. I had worked in retail and didn’t have a lot of office experience, but they chose me.”

After her first day, Judy told Salvation Army Captain Michael Ramsay, the pastor there at the time, “I don’t think this is for me. I think you hired the wrong person for this job.”

able to come into the building, so it was all hands on deck.

“I had to step up,” she continues.

“I stocked shelves, bagged sugar and flour, cleaned bathrooms—whatever needed to be done. I tried to help the food bank as much as I could. We were making sandwiches and putting them outside for people, we were filling hampers … a lot of different things.”

“I always thought I had to preach or sing, but I realized that God can use me as I am.” JUDY PEIFER “No, I believe I got it right,” he replied. Captain Michael had seen a special gift in Judy for compassion.

“Ten years later, I’m still here,” she smiles. “I believe that I am here for a reason and that the Lord put me here.”

Enter COVID-19 Over the 10 years that Judy has been in her position, she’s seen many people come through the doors and has offered service and ministry to each one.

COVID-19 came to Saskatchewan in 2020 and changed the way the church and food bank operated.

“I’ve always tried to pitch in wherever I can,” Judy says. “When COVID-19 hit, volunteers were not

6 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

It was Judy’s roll-up-your-sleeves attitude that truly made a difference to those who were hurting during the pandemic. From simultaneously taking calls on a headset to going directly to the front door during pickups to make sure that people got to see a smile and a wave, Judy continues to do her best to make sure each person who comes into safe contact with her feels special and feels the love of God. “People really need a listening ear,” she says. “Being a pastor’s wife wasn’t much different. The fact that I can pray with people and minister to them is awesome.”

As She Is As much as Judy has made an effort to do her part, it has been challenging

Changing the Narrative “It’s been incredible to have a job that I love to go to with people I love to be with,” says Judy, holding the certificate presented to her by Change the Narrative SC

thought I had to preach or sing, but I realized that God can use me as I am, and that’s incredible. I see people from all walks of life, and I’ve learned to empathize and see where people are coming from. I listen to people, and I don’t judge.”

for her, too.

“You don’t realize how much you miss people and interaction,” she says.

“The fact I can’t hug someone or shake their hand has impacted me.”

Judy leans into her faith to give her the energy and support she needs to face each day.

“You really rely on God during these tough and unpredictable times,” she says. “I pray at the beginning of the day: ‘Lord, give me patience and wisdom, and whatever I need today.’

You have to be patient with people and you have to show God’s love.”

Judy believes God gave her spiritual gifts that have carried her through and helped her grow as an individual.

“I think that my family and other people who know me would say that my gifts are compassion, empathy and caring,” she believes. “I always

Looking Ahead Judy was recently recognized for her inspirational work.

Change the Narrative SC, a program in Swift Current that celebrates essential workers who go the extra mile, especially during the pandemic, presented her with a certificate and gift cards from various local businesses. She was also featured on their Facebook page.

“In her nomination, the long list of co-workers and friends that had overwhelming praise for Judy was mind-boggling,” it stated. “To our dismay, it was impossible to convey just how deeply this individual has impacted us all. Thank you, Judy Peifer. You are beyond essential to our community!”

As for what 2021 forward holds, Judy has no doubt.

“It’s been incredible to have a job that I love to go to with people I love to be with,” she says.

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Faith&Friends

LAUGHING MATTERS

Destination: Gratitude Photo: Paul Bradbury/gettyimages.ca

Joy grows best in the soil of thanksgiving.

by Phil Callaway

T

“

here’s darkness down there,” our four-year-old granddaughter whispered as she peered down the stairs.

She was right. Bright spots on planet earth seem scarce these days.

Hard Times I’m a humorist. I love cheering people up. During COVID-19, I’ve posted things such as, “I miss makin’ restaurant waiters laugh by sayin’ stuff like, ‘Bring me some turtle soup and make it snappy.’ ” In April, I told my wife, “I’m pretty excited about my car. We got 43 days to the litre.”

But life can drain our joy tank. A few years ago, we made a Can’t Miss Investment in a hotel. Believe me, it missed. The bank foreclosed. Thankfully, I diversified and invested in some airline stocks. Oh, wait.

8 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

But friends have lost far worse.

Some have lost businesses; others have lost hope. We know a little about tough times, too. My wife battles epilepsy. We lost five immediate family members in one year.

Comforting Others Two thoughts about hardship have helped bring back the joy: Expect It Jesus never said, “In this world you will have ease.” He said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Wise parents never encourage the notion that everything will be wonderful.

Unrealistic expectations set us up for disappointment. Life is hard. This old world is busted. Whoever said, “If the world didn’t suck we’d all fall off,” was on to something.

Redeem It And Jesus never said, “Be of good fear. The world has overcome me.” He said, “Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 King James Bible).

I sometimes whine. I say, “My

seedless watermelon has a seed in it.”

“My electric toothbrush died. Now I have to move my arm.”

But when I leave Whine Country for a place called Gratitude, everything changes. Joy grows best in the soil of thanksgiving.

Nothing will happen to us that God cannot redeem.

Jesus’ death brought hope, redemption and eternal life. Because we have experienced His comfort in hardship, we are able to comfort others.

directions and, though bankruptcy pushed him off track briefly, Kirk persevered. In time, he staked the firm’s future on some small interlocking plastic bricks and renamed the company “Play Well.” We know the beloved toy manufacturer by another name: Lego. Last year, its sales surpassed $5 billion.

A Real Headache In AD 33, a remarkably mediocre and fickle band of disciples listened

One of my prayers lately is that God would help me use words that build something noble. PHIL CALLAWAY Brick by Brick In 1916, Kirk Christiansen turned his love of carving wood into a tiny company that began in a carpenter’s shop in Denmark. When the housing market collapsed, the shop started manufacturing toys. But in 1924, Kirk’s sons accidentally set fire to a pile of wood chips and the nowsuccessful business burned to the ground, along with the family home.

In 1929, the American stock market crashed. Three years later, Kirk’s wife died. Kirk laid off his staff and struggled to make ends meet. But tragedy laid a foundation for one of the world’s great comeback stories.

Because times were so difficult, he made the tough decision to change

to Jesus’ last words before He left this broken world. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). One by one they lost their lives, but a work had begun that would turn the world right-side up.

Yes, it’s dark down here. But the light of the world has promised His presence. The same God who raised Joseph from prison, Moses from a basket, Rahab from a brothel and our Saviour from the dead is with us today.

And my granddaughter is, too.

Here is her latest prayer, uttered when my son was sick: “Dear God, please take Daddy’s headache away.

And give it to Satan. Amen.”

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Faith&Friends

GOD IN MY LIFE

Little Acts of Love God can use them all, and they can make a huge difference in the world.

by Jeanette Levellie

A

s the pastor’s wife of a rural congregation, I sometimes wonder, Am I making any kind of positive difference in the world? Do the cards I send, the prayers I pray and the smiles I share help anyone in the long run?

I sometimes feel discouraged when I think of all the needs in the world and how little I do to help meet them. My small cheques to The Salvation Army and my donations to thrift stores seem too little.

It’s not applause I crave. But I’d love to think I helped someone know God better or gain hope for his or her future because of something I did or said.

10 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

Worth the Time This morning I opened my cupboard and reached for a ramekin. I use the word “ramekin” loosely to mean any small, colourful container, not simply a cooking dish. I’ve collected these pretty little bowls for more than 30 years. I use them in a thousand different ways for everything from holding a snack to straining a tea bag. My family knows that if someone needs a dipping bowl for raw veggies or a container to hold a few candies, I’ll grab a ramekin. I rarely serve a meal without using one or more. They brighten the table. And my heart.

I found my latest additions, handpainted ramekins from Turkey,

Proud Collector Jeanette Levellie with two of her ramekins

in the corner boutique of an outdoor mall on a dreary, wet day. The salesperson warned me that these beautiful wee treasures should

God Is Love That’s when it hit me.

Just like my ramekins, I can serve others in a thousand little, colourful ways to make a huge difference in my world.

Sharing myself and my faith with others through little acts of kind-

Sharing myself and my faith with others through little acts of kindness can make someone’s day. JEANETTE LEVELLIE be hand-washed, never put in the dishwasher.

“No problem,” I said. “The joy they bring me will be worth the time it takes to wash them. Tiny little dishes like this make me happy.”

ness—giving a compliment to a harried clerk, telling a toddler’s mom that she’s doing a great job, smiling at a downcast stranger—can make someone’s day.

It all comes down to love, I realized, and a Bible quote came to mind: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Aha, I thought. I don’t need to make a big splash to change my world. God can use my every little act of kindness.

For Further Reflection

Ramekins, Ramekins Everywhere ...

Jeanette has been collecting these pretty little bowls for more than three decades

• Have you been blessed recently with an act of kindness?

• Name three acts of kindness you can do for others today.

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

“ I’m Here to

Help Others” DESPITE A HORRIFIC CHILDHOOD, GERRY MERCER HAS NEVER LOST THE FAITH HIS SALVATION ARMY GRANDMOTHER INSTILLED IN HIM.

by Helena Smrcek

G

erry Mercer has a specific Bible verse that has helped him make sense of his life.

“It’s Psalm 27:10 which says: ‘Even if my father and mother abandon 12 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

me, the Lord will hold me close’ (New Living Translation).

“And He did,” Gerry smiles. “Ever since, I have had a burning desire to serve.”

“I Can Take You Out” “My mother is a drug dealer,” Gerry states. “My father wasn’t in the picture. He was a motorcycle gang member.”

When he did show up, there was a party in the house.

“The driveway was lined up with bikes,” Gerry recalls, “and there was alcohol and drugs.”

From a young age, the neglect and physical and mental abuse was at the forefront of his life. In addition, there was a significant stigma attached to being the “Mercers’ kid.”

While his mother binged on drugs during the weekends, Gerry stayed in his grandparents’ house. After the authorities got involved, he was passed back and forth between family members and foster parents.

His mother knew exactly what to say to the social workers, and got him back time and time again, so she could collect the child benefit, Gerry explains.

“I yearned for connection, so I’d return, hoping things would get better. They never did.”

Once, in a rage, his mother charged at him with a large dagger, yelling, “I brought you into the world, and I can take you out.”

Gerry escaped through the window. After that, child services placed him with his grandparents.

God’s Plan “My grandmother, Olive Mercer,

was an official member of The Salvation Army,” says Gerry. “I’d go to Sunday night services with Nan. There, I found family, love and grace.

I went from a young fellow looking for a mother to one who had 40, because the women in the church cared for me.”

After high school, Gerry decided to go to college. He got a job, volunteered with The Salvation Army in St. John’s, N.L., and started to date his future wife.

“My life was busy. I didn’t get to see my mother much.”

She called one November night and didn’t sound well. Gerry decided to check on her.

“The porch light was on, a sign that she was ‘open for business.’ ” Gerry found her in bed. “I woke my mother up, and she started to scream at me, evidently under the influence.” When he decided to leave, she followed him out the door and aimed a gun at him.

“There is a bullet in it. For you,” she said.

He jumped into his truck and took off, then called the police. She was arrested and pleaded guilty to firearms charges.

“My mother used to tell me I was a mistake, that I shouldn’t have been born, that I was never going to make something of myself.”

But God had a different plan. One Sunday, during the service, Major Les Barrow put his hand on Gerry’s faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2021

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FEATURE

Trekking Trio Gerry Mercer, with his wife, Julia, and their daughter, Olive

shoulder.

“I don’t know if God told him I was ready, but that night I became a Christian.”

Unanswered Questions Gerry attended Booth University College and volunteered at The Salvation Army’s Weetamah Corps in Winnipeg.

That year, Gerry stayed there for Christmas. “We served full turkey dinners to the local community. Wanting to show people that I care by meeting their needs was big for me.”

When his grandmother passed away, Gerry went through another difficult period in his life. He worked with the Army in Triton, N.L., as a youth and children’s ministry director, yet had a lot of unanswered questions. He grappled with the understanding that God loved him, but that his mother had put him through such terrible things. Why did loving Nan, a faithful Salvation Army member and follower of Christ, suffer with breast cancer for 10 years?

14 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

“While my mother, a creator of chaos, trauma and pain, is going through life seemingly unscathed.

I still struggle with this. It’s hard to accept.”

A big part of his story was the call to serve others.

“I really wrestled with that,” he says. “How was God going to use me, a young fellow physically, psychologically and sexually abused, who had been through so much, damaged and broken?”

While Gerry worked at a youth camp, one of his colleagues told him that God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Gerry took hold of this truth. Despite his post-traumatic stress disorder diag-

nosis, he now understands why he went through all the hardship.

“I’m here to help others,” he believes. “I’m scarred, but I believe that forgiving someone is for me, not for the other person. In my mind, that is God’s way of giving me the tools.”

many steps you take away from God, it only takes one to get back. I say to them that although you have experienced hardships or significant events in life that are challenging and hurtful, there is a positive in that pain. God is using these experiences to equip them for greater

Gerry’s mother charged at him with a large dagger, yelling, “I brought you into the world, and I can take you out.”

A Positive in Pain Today, Gerry is an official member of The Salvation Army, and he and his wife, Julia, and their daughter, Olive, worship at The Salvation Army’s Conception Bay South church in Newfoundland and Labrador. He works as a youth outreach worker with Eastern Health’s mental health and addictions program.

“What helps me when I sit down to support somebody is that I know what I’m talking about, not from a book but from real life,” he says. “I tell the youth that no matter how

things in this world.”

Gerry never gave up on his call to serve in The Salvation Army. His passion is to be with the community, meeting with people where they are.

“I’m going to be with the outreach centre, the down and outs, as General William Booth, the co-founder of The Salvation Army, called them. When I stand alongside a person who is hurting, I can provide a little bit of empathy and understanding, show people I love them, and that there is a Creator who loves them, too.”

(left) Journalist, author and screenplay writer Helena Smrcek believes in the power of a well-told story.

When not at her keyboard, Helena loves listening to audiobooks, working on her hobby farm and travelling. She lives in Brantford, Ont. faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2021

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Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

The Call

EVERY PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENT WAITS FOR IT, SOMETIMES FOR YEARS. BUT WHEN IT COMES, IT CHANGES YOUR LIFE FOREVER.

by Trina Gallop Blank

IT WAS A FRIDAY NIGHT ON the first weekend of November. It feels like yesterday, though it was three years ago now.

Normally, I would be on my way home from work, but I needed to do some shopping for an upcoming trip I had planned with my husband, Matthew. We hadn’t been anywhere together since our one-year wedding anniversary, so we were both looking forward to a break from work and Winnipeg’s cold winter weather.

I left the mall empty-handed. All the retail outlets were focused on Christmas and not winter-cruise wear.

Little did I know that God had much more planned for us than this winter getaway.

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Unknown Caller When I returned to my car, I noticed that I had missed several calls while shopping. The call display said “unknown.” Not recognizing the number, I shrugged it off and on I went to my next stop before heading home.

En route, my phone rang again.

This time, I recognized the number.

It was our counsellor, Kim, from Adoption Options Manitoba Inc. Matt and I had applied there two years prior. It was probably time for our annual update, I thought to myself, and Kim needed to ask us to send in some paperwork.

The real reason was the furthest thing from my mind.

Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

Special Delivery Little Elliana was two days old when Trina and her husband, Matthew, held her for the first time

Another Year?

Getting “the call” is something you dream about after you’ve completed your adoption paperwork and have been approved to be in what they call “the box”—the place where they pull the files of prospective parents to present to birth parents. In the days after being approved, every time your phone rings, you wonder, Is this it?

No one can ever prepare to hear that birth parents have chosen you to care for their most precious gift.

TRINA GALLOP BLANK

If you have been waiting for a while, like we had, you start to wonder if it will ever happen. You like to think you’re secure in just allowing things to proceed, however they are meant to be. But it’s always there, 18 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

just lurking under the surface. The longer you wait, the more you start to wonder if it will ever happen.

We had waited years. During that time, we had been through several application renewals. Once we even got an inquiry that got us a little closer to being considered by birth parents. But we were coming up on another annual update and questioned whether we had the mental strength to renew our file again.

The Path Chosen While there were other avenues for adoption, we chose this particular journey because we wanted a local, open adoption. We valued the opportunity, if chosen for adoption, to build a relationship with the birth parents and the openness of the decision process, even if it meant that things might take longer. Even if it meant never being chosen by birth parents.

A close friend of mine had confided in me just two weeks earlier that she would be willing to be a surrogate if we wished. I was and

continue to be deeply moved by this completely unexpected gesture. But ultimately, I declined.

I remember how clear everything became in that moment as I said to my dear friend that it felt as if this path with Adoption Options was where we were called to be. If things were meant to happen, they would, and we just needed to be patient.

And if it wasn’t meant to be, we were going to be OK with that, too.

A huge part of my comfort in all of this was knowing that it was in God’s hands.

The conversation with my friend made me more aware of that than

ever. Not that God would make it happen, but that God’s plan for us would come together as He intended. When I included expanding our family in my prayers, it was always to ask God to help me be accepting of whatever that meant for us.

It’s a Girl Fast forward to two weeks following that conversation and that Friday night call I mindlessly answered while out running errands.

I answered the call and Kim asked, in the most nonchalant tone, “What are you doing?” Later, we faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2021

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Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

would learn this was her thing. Start the conversation off casually even though she was bursting with news.

Still thinking this was just a routine check-in, I responded, “Just driving home after running some errands.”

The tone of the call quickly changed as Kim continued, “I think you need to pull over.”

As the realization started to kick in and the tears started flowing, I 20 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

asked, “Is this ‘the call’? ” I pulled into the nearest parking lot and, sure enough, this was the day we had been praying for and dreaming about for years.

I scribbled down the bits of information Kim was able to provide and the first details about our baby.

There was a birth mother who had chosen us to be the family for her baby girl. Elliana was due to arrive in just a few short weeks.

Morning Smiles “Elliana has grown into the most beautiful little person,” says Trina

Answered Prayers Those next weeks were a blur. I made it home and somehow relayed the details to my husband—who was worried I had bad news because I was crying so hard by that point.

There were meetings with the birth mom, work arrangements to make and more.

All the adjustments to our home and lives seemed insignificant the moment all our prayers were answered and that little girl was placed in our arms a mere 20 days later.

No one can ever prepare to hear that birth parents have chosen you to care for their most precious gift.

It is a moment we will never for-

get and will always be a part of our daughter’s beginnings.

We have so much love, respect and gratefulness for her birth parents for making this difficult decision, the most unselfish decision anyone can ever make.

We give thanks to God for the relationship we have with our daughter’s birth mother, which continues to grow. When our daughter is old enough to understand, she will always know how loved she is and how this decision was made out of the greatest love for her.

We are blessed to have this journey be a part of our story. And I am continually amazed at others who share their adoption stories with us.

It is such a gift.

Trina Gallop Blank is the director of communications and resource generation at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in Winnipeg.

“We’re Number One!” Elliana celebrates her pet Bailey’s win in a dog contest faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2021

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Saving Isabel

NEW MOVIE LA DEUDA UNPACKS A BIBLICAL PARABLE AS A YOUNG BOY ATTEMPTS TO KEEP HIS PET SAFE.

Photos: The Salvation Army U.S.A. Western Territory

by Helena Smrcek

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L

a Deuda (The Debt) is a 15-minute short film from The Salvation Army’s Los Angelesbased multimedia team, Share Change. A finalist at the Miami Film Festival in 2020, it was acquired for distribution by HBO and now appears on all its streaming devices.

“We are tremendously blessed,” says Jeff Prahl, producer and director. “HBO has been the gold standard for decades, and it’s an incredible honour to have our film playing on HBO Max and HBO Latino.”

in a poor Mexican village. Caught in the middle of a family crisis, debt collectors threaten his father, Miguel (Paco Mufote), and Victor’s beloved goat, Isabel.

Victor, worried about his pet, decides to take matters into his own hands and goes to see Juan Pablo (Samuel Valdez), a disabled beggar, to demand he return the money Victor gave him only the day before.

In the process, Juan gets hurt in an altercation.

Despite the dire situation, Victor’s father calmly tells him that God is

“ It’s OK to make mistakes, and it’s OK to apologize and accept forgiveness.” MARIA VERA-ROOD Fateful Decision “La Deuda is a fictional story inspired by Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful servant (see Matthew 18:21-35),” says Jeff, “but its setting, Colonia El Niño outside of Tijuana, Mexico, is essential to its fabric and characters. The family of our producer and co-writer, Maria Vera-Rood, lives there and assisted heavily with the production. The film was made with a lot of love, from the community to the talented and dedicated cast and crew from both sides of the border.”

The movie tells a story of Victor (Saul Martinez), a young boy living

good, giving him an assurance that things will work out. Suddenly, help arrives, and the debt is paid. Now Victor must make a decision. Should he take responsibility for his actions and ask Juan for forgiveness?

Uncooperative Goat “La Deuda is a coming-of-age tale,” says Jeff. “A pivotal time in a young person’s life, a story of a boy and his love for his goat.”

The universal theme of love lets the viewers bond with the main characters living in a small Mexican village. The setting is essential to the fabric of the story. faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2021

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

“A lot of people wouldn’t normally visit this area,” says Jeff, “and we tried to tell a story in the most authentic way possible.”

The team decided to shoot the film in Spanish. “I feel very proud about being a Mexican-American,” says Maria. “I’m also proud of where I come from and where my roots are. I thought it’d be a cool opportunity to incorporate my family into the production. This film wouldn’t be possible without their help. The location was amazing and the people in the village were kind and supportive. They stood by the project.”

Filming with an animal brings its own challenges. “It was the funniest, most chaotic experience,” 24 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

Jeff laughs. “We rented the goat and its mother from a local farmer and drove it in our van. It never did what we wanted it to do.”

Biblical Truth Today Maria wanted to focus on biblical truth that applies today as it did 2,000 years ago and to inspire the audience to think about generosity, forgiveness and redemption.

“At times, people who don’t have as much give more generously than people who are richer,” says Maria.

“We wanted to show that, especially with Miguel, the father.”

As Jesus taught about forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-35, Maria elaborates on the main theme of the story.

“Sometimes you mean well, want

Victor’s Dilemma In La Deuda, a young boy must make a difficult decision with biblical overtones

to help out, but then life happens, and you make wrong decisions,” says Maria.

The film portrays the beauty of God’s love and forgiveness. “You want to figure things out on your own, even though God said He has everything taken care of, and that things will work out,” she continues.

“But we are human. We’re not perfect, but we have His love.”

Paid in Full We all must learn not only how to forgive but also how to ask for forgiveness for our mistakes and shortcomings.

“I hope that people are able to relate to the story,” continues Maria, “and that they’re able to be kind to

themselves. I feel we live in a society where we’re so hard on ourselves and others. It’s OK to make mistakes, and it’s OK to apologize and accept forgiveness.”

No matter what difficulties we face, what mistakes we have made or the kind of sin we have committed, God is greater. Our heavenly Father told us through His Son, Jesus, that we need to forgive others, so that we can receive His forgiveness. We often make it too difficult, trying to earn His approval, but the truth is, the debt has been paid.

God’s forgiveness is only a prayer away, offered as a free gift that no one can earn. He offers His unconditional love, through His Son, Jesus Christ, to every one of us. faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2021

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COMMON GROUND

Photo: Kris Dube, courtesy of Torstar

Faith&Friends

“The Right Thing” For Frank Campion, mayor of Welland, Ont., that meant donating his pay raise to The Salvation Army.

by Melissa Yue Wallace

W

hen the mayor of Welland, Ont., discovered the majority of his council approved a pay raise last year, he wanted no part of it.

“There are a lot of people who are out of work right now and having a tough time financially during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I didn’t

26 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

think it was appropriate,” says Mayor Frank Campion. “I also don’t think council should be giving themselves a raise. I have no problem reviewing the pay scale for the position, but they should be approving the raise for the incoming council, so whomever has that position in the next election would get it.”

Handing It Over (left) Mayor Frank Campion gives a cheque to Carrie McComb, The Salvation Army’s community and family services director for St. Catharines and Welland, Ont.

Despite his protest, the council voted to increase councillor pay last fall from $18,981 to $27,884—a 47 percent pay hike—and the mayor’s from $72,995 to $76,208. For Mayor Campion, the decision on how to spend his new and unwanted pay increase earnings was easy.

handed over the first of two cheques as a means of being transparent with constituents, showing he was donating his raise to a local organization.

“The needs of this community are high, especially at such an uncertain time,” says Carrie, who has served with the Army for 16 years in various positions. “Though our service delivery looks a little different due to precautions we have in place to keep everyone safe, we are still on the front line, serving those who need it the most.”

The Salvation Army in Welland

“I wanted the money to go to the right people.” MAYOR FRANK CAMPION “As a child growing up in the City of Welland all my life, I’ve always associated The Salvation Army with Christmas, and I know they collect money and gifts to help out families that are in need,” he says. “I recognized over time how much work they do. I wanted the money to go to the right people.

“And it seemed like the right thing to do.”

Helping Others In December, he organized a photo-op with Carrie McComb, The Salvation Army’s community and family services director for St. Catharines and Welland, Ont., where he

offers a food bank, life-skills training and has plans for street ministry outreach in 2021. The mayor’s gift, says Carrie, is appreciated as it will help stock the shelves of the food bank and fill in the gaps for many who are struggling to make ends meet in Welland.

“I hope things will get better for them, that their lives improve and that whatever difficulties they have will be resolved,” says Mayor Campion. “I also hope that people who have been helped will be able to help others—that they get themselves in order, recognize the help that got them there and do the same for someone else.”

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LITE STUFF

Eating Healthy With Erin CREAM OF BROCCOLI AND ORZO SOUP

Recipe photos: Erin Stanley

TIME 20 min MAKES 5 servings SERVE WITH sourdough bread

30 ml (2 tbsp) butter 1 large onion, diced 2 celery stocks, diced 2 garlic cloves, diced 500 ml (2 cups) broccoli florets 750 ml (3 cups) vegetable broth 250 ml (1 cup) full-fat coconut milk 2 ml (½ tsp) paprika 1 ml (¼ tsp) ground ginger 250 ml (1 cup) orzo 125 ml (½ cup) mozzarella to taste salt and pepper to taste parsley to garnish (optional)

1. Melt butter in large pot and add onion, celery and garlic.

2. Add broccoli, vegetable broth, coconut milk, paprika and ginger. Stir often over medium heat until broccoli is soft.

3. Remove and blend until smooth and return to pot.

4. Add orzo and cook over medium-high heat until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

5. Stir in mozzarella, salt and pepper to taste. Add parsley to garnish (optional).

BAKED DILL AND MUSTARD SALMON TIME 17 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH pasta or rice

1 kg (2 lb) fillet of salmon with skin 5 ml (1 tsp) coarse salt 5 ml (1 tsp) dill 2 ml (½ tsp) garlic powder 5 ml (1 tsp) lemon juice 5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil 15 ml (1 tbsp) mayonnaise 5 ml (1 tsp) grainy mustard pinch of pepper parsley to garnish (optional)

28 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

1. Preheat oven to 175 C (350 F) and line baking pan with tinfoil.

2. Rub both sides of fish with coarse salt and then place it skin-side down and season with dill and garlic powder. Add lemon juice to fillet. Rub olive oil in to skin side.

3. Mix mayonnaise and mustard together, and rub on both sides of fish.

4. Lightly grease pan and place skin-side down. Add pinch of pepper.

5. Bake for 12 minutes and garnish with parsley (optional).

Taking the Stand

EASTER TRIAL P.12

My Son’s Refuge

A SPECIAL PLACE P.22

Teen Helps Army

I, KARLY P.26

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

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APRIL 2021

Anchoring Her Faith

TV HOST MAGGIE JOHN IS PASSIONATE ABOUT FINDING GOD’S STORY IN THE HEADLINES. P.16

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Visit faithandfriends.ca/subscribe or call (416) 422-6119 today!

Sudoku Puzzle

7

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

2

QUICK QUIZ 1. What two planets aligned in December 2020 for a great conjunction?

2. Who had a 2020 hit with the song Blinding Lights?

3. What are the two largest islands of New Zealand called?

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© www.kevinfrank.net

HEAVEN’S LOVE THRIFT SHOP by Kevin Frank

Answers on next page.

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LITE STUFF

Word Search A Whale of a Time K N O T K N A L P O Z R B B F B O W B O W H E A D C Y S B L E U L M E T H M Z E R B R F P N O C C O U I J O A A L B E A K E D W A S L Y K P A O N A N N L D R A H L N C R A E M J T B M T O Y M C O F E F I N N S C I H E Z F W J O L U D P K T O C D R K E S U K L Q E H E L I L D F Y G B O D S O L C I B U E J L E X O R X Q Q D I Z N B I P K O V O V G E P S H T Q O C D A Y D P H L T I Y Q E K N I M W C B R R B Y E K C A B P M U H I I B R E B B U L B R M T K G D D L V L I E I A D K C O O S H C R O K G E T Z X L B N G T W G M A E V I D D H I K Z L U K I L L E R N O F U L G M L G F A J G D I U Q S S Z F U I L L K N A R W H A L S A A B K Z R Q Z N O BALEEN BEAKED BELUGA BLOWHOLE BLUBBER BLUE BOWHEAD BUOYANCY CALF DIVE DORSAL EDEN’S

FIN FLIPPERS FLUKE GREY HUMPBACK JONAH KELP KILLER KRILL LEVIATHAN MILK MINKE

30 • MAY 2021 I faithandfriends.ca

MOBY DICK NARWHALS OCEAN PILOT PLANKTON POD RIGHT SONAR SPERM SQUID TAIL TOOTHED

Quick Quiz Answers: 1. Jupiter and Saturn; 2. The Weeknd; 3. North Island and South Island.

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Faith&Friends

NIFTY THRIFTY

What (Not) to Wear How to purchase clothing when you can’t try anything on.

W

ith the current COVID-19 situation, most retail stores— Salvation Army thrift stores included—have closed their change rooms for the safety of their shoppers.

If you are still looking for great deals but are not sure where to start without trying on clothes before buying, here are a few tips: Know Your Size Take your measurements and look at the sizing guide on the brand’s website. Make a note in your phone of your size in each brand.

What Works Best for You Perhaps you love skinny jeans or flowy tops, button-down shirts or oversized sweaters. Now is not the time to stray from your style. Look for pieces to complement what you already own.

Have a Game Plan In the past, you might have tried on an armload of pieces, but now you must pick and

choose. Take a dream list of what you’d like to add to your closet or brands you would love to find.

You Can Always Return If you picked up an article of clothing in your size but it didn’t fit properly, you can easily exchange it for a new item in store or get a refund.

Happy shopping! Stay safe. * All items pictured have been thrifted from a Salvation Army thrift store.

(left) Tijana McAllister is the frugalista behind A Plentiful Life, a lifestyle blog that shows readers how to live their best life on a budget. She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores.

Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.

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