Salvationist August 2008

salvationist. august 2008

communicating Passion and mission

ca

Canada and Bermuda

Six Young Leaders to Watch

The Army’s Got Talent • It’s Not Easy Being Green

www.salvationist.ca e-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org

Features

4

A Prayerful Manifesto

For the youth and children’s ministries of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory

8

Six Young Leaders to Watch They’ve got a fearless faith, a global perspective and a burning passion for the lost. Find out how God has gifted young people across the territory Lieutenant Alison Lublink

B o o t h College.ca AREAS OF STUDY

10

Stand By Me

Young people are searching for meaning, purpose and faith.

What role will you play?

Zoe Fay

Social Work Social Sciences Christian Studies English Literature Film Studies 1.877.942.6684 x850 / admissions@boothcollege.ca

NOW HERE!

A new way to share the love of Christ with your neighbours.

Contact the editorial department for further details

Salvationist is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4. International Headquarters: 101 Queen Victoria St, London, England E C 4 P 4 E P. W i l l i a m a n d C a t h e r i n e Booth, Founders; Shaw Clifton, General; Commissioner William W. Francis , territorial commander; Major Jim Champ, editor-in-chief; Geoff Moulton, managing editor (416-422-6226); Major Ken Smith, associate editor (416-422-6117); Timothy Cheng, art director; Pamela Richardson, production and distribution co-ordinator; Major Brenda Critch, Captain Kim Walter, Ken Ramstead, Clint Houlbrook, Carol Lowes, contributors.

2

Salvationist August 2008

Member, The Canadian Church Press. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, Today’s New International Version (TNIV) © 2001, 2005 International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

All rights reserved worldwide.

Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769 All articles are copyrighted by The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory except where indicated and can be reprinted only with written permission.

Subscriptions: Annual: Canada $30 (includes GST); U.S. $36; Foreign $41.

Available from: The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4. Phone: 416-422-6112; fax: 416-422-6120; e-mail: circulation@can.salvationarmy.org.

Letters to the Editor: We welcome your comments. Letters must include name, postal and e-mail addresses and phone number.

News, Events and Submissions: Editorial lead time is seven weeks prior to an issue’s publication date. No responsibility is assumed to publish, preserve or return unsolicited material. E-mail submissions preferred.

Contact Information: Write to the editor at salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org or Salvationist, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4.

Advertising: Enquire by e-mail for rates at circulation@can.salvationarmy.org.

Mission Statements The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Salvationist informs readers about the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda while engaging them with our biblical mission and purpose.

page12

Faith & Friends Are you sharing your faith? When you finish reading Faith & Friends in the centre of this issue, pull it out and give it to someone who needs to hear about Christ’s lifechanging power. You’ll both be glad you did.

Faith &

frıends

August 2008

www.faithandfriends.ca

Inspiration for Living

MarK teixeira First Baseman Leads by Example Kevin Costner’s swing vote

101 Ways to Pray

Saved From Schizophrenia

INSIDE This Issue 12

26

Shooting For Success

The goal of sports ministry is not numbers, but discipleship Michael Burge

13

Giant

August 2008 No. 28

It Starts With One

I don’t know if I would have made it if it weren’t for Lee Captain Stephen Wiseman

A Place of New Beginnings

Youth ministry in Quebec is ready to explode Captain Rachele Lamont

After 30 years of ministry, the Bermuda Harbour Light is still bringing men to a place of spiritual healing and recovery Captain Kim Walter

17

Serving a Hurting World When it comes to social justice, Army young people are taking the lead Lieutenant Peter Lublink

18

A Faith That Overspills Why sharing our faith is more effective through our actions than our words Interview with Rick Tobias

22

Mapping a New Direction—Part Three Salvationists across the territory take stock of how the Army is fulfilling its mission

page 18

Departments

24 Officer Insight

5 Around the Territory

6 Did You Know?

25 Just Between Us

11 As I See It

Getting to That Age Major Kathie Chiu

14 Talking It Over It’s Not Easy Being Green Captain Amy Reardon and Dr. James Read

16 Resources 20 Wildfire

The Army’s Got Talent Clint Houlbrook

A Prayerful Manifesto

27

Wake the Sleeping

Taking Risks Lt-Colonel Donald Copple

Guest Editorial

Considering Officership Larry Jaremko

28 Celebrate Community New candidates, retirements, family celebrations, tribute, gazette, calendar

31 PrayerZone

2008 Prayer Diary

M

anifesto is an edgy word, conjuring up images of bandanas over mouths and revolution. But throughout Scripture we find a number of powerful, prayerful manifestos. The Kingdom parables of Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount, the command to love and the high priestly prayer in John 17 are all calls to action and transformation.

At Innovare II last spring, youth and youth leaders from the Canada and Bermuda Territory met at Jackson’s Point Conference Centre to set a vision for youth ministry that would unite, encourage, inform and inspire the next generation of leaders. What emerged, as we spent time listening to God and to each other, was the Prayerful Manifesto on page 4 of this issue of Salvationist.

This manifesto is an “organizing principle” that young people, youth workers, and indeed all generations, regardless of their cultural context, can apply in their own setting. The “prayerful” aspect helps us to remove our personal agendas and human bias, and it allows God to use us for his own purposes.

Already the manifesto has uniquely inspired some young people in the areas of social justice, discipleship, leadership, resource development and creativity, as many of the feature articles in this Salvationist will attest. In the coming days, action plans will emerge as this prayer is unpacked at various levels in the Army.

The Prayerful Manifesto is a living document. Let’s not forget our own responsibility to live out these prayers by encouraging and empowering our young people. We pledge to do our part. May this manifesto be our heart-felt declaration.

Major David Ivany Territorial Youth Secretary

Correction: In the July tributes, Captain Evelyn Goodridge was incorrectly identified by her middle name, Joyce. The editorial department apologizes for this error.

August 2008 Salvationist

3

A Prayerful Manifesto for the Youth and Children’s Ministries of The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda Territory

Sovereign Lord, we acknowledge that young people and children are precious, significant and a gift from you. We also confess that we have not always treasured this gift with love and care. With sackcloth and ashes heaped upon our heads we ask forgiveness. In humility we bow before you and in desperation we cry out.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, give us your heart and hear our prayer.

God, we lament that we have lost so many that have once walked with us. We cry out to you to help us disciple, love and accept youth with the Father’s heart. May we surround younger generations with mentors that will consistently inspire, encourage and challenge them to grow in their faith.

Help us to practise and pass on your disciplines so that our relationship with you might deepen, that youth might be still

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, give us your heart and hear our prayer.

God, may we value those who have dedicated, are dedicating, and will dedicate their lives to gathering and loving your youth and children. Bless us with the commitment and willingness to invest in them, supporting and providing opportunities for generations to model faith to each other. May we see younger generations rise up and take their rightful place. May we seriously dedicate ourselves to their training and equipping so that at an early age they might be released into their calling and giftings.

May God bless us with anger, frustration and impatience wherever youth are marginalized, exploited and diminished. With prophetic voice may we advocate for abandoned, ignored youth. May we live missionally with youth on the margins, reflecting to them the image of the invisible God. May there be no limit to our inclusion as we realistically embrace the messiness of faith communities.

May we never lose sight of our social justice imperative, fighting hard for those youth who cannot fight for themselves.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, give us your heart and hear our prayer.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, give us your heart and hear our prayer.

4

God, help us to joyfully and extravagantly love our youth while engaging and honouring them. Help us to empower them to live big Kingdom dreams, so that they might discover their purpose, potential and personhood.

May God bless our desire to intentionally and purposefully invest in our youth. We are sorry that we have focused on ourselves to their neglect. Give us the courage to love, journey with and empower younger believers. May the contagious passion that provokes radical, genuine Jesus-living speak into their lives. We know this is risky. Honour our faith in you and our faith in them.

and hear your voice, be drenched in your Word, be strong in prayer and fasting, and live sacrificially. May our children and youth be surrounded and supported by the family of God. May we all journey together, perpetuating the cycle of discipleship and mentoring.

May God bless us with creativity, divine inspiration and humility in all we do.

May God bless us with broad definitions, big ideas and Christ-like examples of youth work.

May God bless us with all of the essence he wants The Salvation Army to be and free us from the trappings of institutionalized form.

And may God bless us with his unfailing love, patience and grace as we work out all that he wants youth work to do and to be.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, give us your heart and hear our prayer.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, give us your heart and hear our prayer.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, give us your heart and hear our prayer.

Salvationist August 2008

Around the Territory

Booth College

Celebrates 26th Graduation Weekend

O

n April 27, a total of 65 certificates and degrees were awarded to this year’s graduating class at William and Catherine Booth College, making it the largest graduating class in the college’s

26-year history. The weekend included a variety of events, including the installation of Dr. David Neale as vice-president and academic dean. Before coming to Booth College, Dr. Neale served as professor and academic dean at Nazarene University College for 16 years.

During the graduation banquet, Booth College President Dr. Donald Burke encouraged the graduates to view their lives from God’s point of view—considering their faithfulness rather than their success.

At the graduation ceremony, Dr. Emöke Szathmáry, president, University of Manitoba, encouraged the graduates to take what they had learned and use it to make the world a better place where poverty and injustice are less prevalent.

A moving moment came when Major Melva Elliott was presented with a posthumous certificate of chaplaincy/ spiritual care on behalf of her her husband, Hector. Major Hector Elliott was nearing the completion of his certificate at the time of his promotion to Glory in June 2007. In addition, Cheryl Penner received the chancellor’s medal for outstanding achievement in her degree program, and Major Patsy Rowe received the General’s medal for outstanding achievement in an extended learning program along with a demonstration of leadership potential.

Left: 2008 Graduating Class; below Cheryl Penner receives the chancellor’s medal

The New Suburbia

O

n May 2-3, the corps ministries department, THQ, hosted the first Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) conference. One hundred and fifty delegates from numerous agencies and churches throughout North America met to be inspired and trained to bring the Kingdom of God to the inner city.

From the 1950s through to the 1970s, people living in downtown neighbourhoods flocked to the newly developed suburbs rapidly taking their place on the outer edges of urban communities in North America. The inner cities were left for the poor to inhabit. Now, however, the trend is to redevelop and rejuvenate downtown areas, subsequently dislodging many of the destitute who have made the streets their home.

Much of the conference discussion focused on how the Church should respond to this trend, reaching out with the gospel and practical support to those who are being uprooted. The Friday evening discussion was especially lively as it addressed the issues of race and class in the context of this new demographic trend.

The Church has been slow to adapt to social changes in the last century. The Salvation Army, as part of the CCDA, is trying to take a more proactive approach to this new trend and find relevant ways to bring

God’s love to those in our cities who are truly in need.

A full report on the New Suburbia conference is available online at Salvationist.ca.

Noel Castellanos, CEO of CCDA, addresses conference delegates

August 2008 Salvationist

5

Around Tag theLine Territory

Sports Ministry

Builds Bridges in North Vancouver

M

ore than 20 children meet each week at the John Braithwaite Gym in North Vancouver to participate in a soccer program operated by Charles MacGregor of North Vancouver Corps.

He felt God’s leading to The Salvation Army while looking for a place to worship. Once there, Charles approached Major David Grice, CO, about beginning a sports outreach program for children in low-income families who did not have the opportunity to join other community sports programs.

From its beginning in a local gym with two boys, the program has grown and benefited from a city grant and the donation of the facility in which to operate.

Organizers will begin a soccer academy this fall with a professional coach and will be

able to make four scholarships available for young people who want to join a local league.

The soccer ministry provides an exciting opportunity for outreach into the surrounding community. Charles and Major Grice appreciate the chance it gives them to get into the community rather than trying to bring the community into the corps. Many in the diverse population would not feel comfortable coming into a church, but are happy to have a program that meets the needs of their children.

Program organizers are pleased to make contact with members of the immigrant community and hope the sporting activities will build bridges to allow future ministry.

A young participant in North Vancouver’s soccer program

Giving God Glory for 100 Years in Dover, N.L.

A

n excited group of 250 people filled the gymnasium of the elementary school, waiting to “Give God the Glory” for 100 years of Salvation Army ministry in Dover, N.L.

The anniversary weekend, March 7-10, looked back on the history of the corps, highlighting the faithfulness of God to his people and the commitment of the people to the Lord’s work.

Dover Mayor Tony Keats, brought greetings from the municipality.

He commended the ministry of the corps and presented a Bianca Collins and Sadie Preston cut the anniversary cake with Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, TC and TPWM, and Cpts Raymond and Denise Saunders, former COs

Did you know…

…20 children and parents attended the Easter Sunday service at Vancouver’s Metrotown Citadel as a result of being introduced to the corps through its kids’ club? …Kathryn Ballantine, daughter of Mjrs Len and Heather Ballantine, is playing the role of Diana in Anne of Green Gables at the Charlottetown Festival this summer? …the Vatican has not ruled out the 6

Salvationist August 2008

possibility of intelligent life on other planets? Rev. Jose Gabriel Funes, Jesuit director of the Vatican Observatory, says the idea “doesn’t contradict our faith” because aliens would be part of God’s creation …Whitby, Ont., community and family services has gone green? It is distributing energy-saving light bulbs to clients, supplying weather stripping to prevent drafts and reusing plastic bags to help preserve the enviroment

certificate of recognition, commenting, “The passion for what you believe is what stands out.”

Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, territorial leaders, were present throughout the weekend. They gave thanks for the past and encouraged the congregation to continue their work for the Kingdom as God’s chosen people. Major Calvin Collins, CO, West Hill CC, Toronto, also returned home to participate in the celebration, sharing in a Thursday evening praise meeting.

Over the four days, dozens knelt in commitment to the Lord. Grateful for the grace of God over the past century, they look forward to what he has in store for the days to come.

…Halifax Booth Centre has received $825,000 from the Nova Scotia government? The grant will allow it to “concentrate on repairing lives rather than fixing roofs” …June Perry will soon publish a book, Victoria Citadel—Marching On, commemorating the corps’ 120th anniversary? To order a copy, contact the author at juneperry@shaw.ca or 250 381-8292

Around the Territory

Scarborough Citadel Celebrates 50 Years of Ministry

Guest leaders join in praise and worship during anniversary celebrations

C

ommissioners Max and Lennie Feener, territorial leaders, U.S.A. Southern Territory, led the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Scarborough Citadel, Toronto, in April. As former corps officers, they reflected on “the great days we spent at this incredible corps.”

Looking back over the ministry of the corps, Commissioner Lennie Feener reminded the congregation, “The key that unlocks the door of hope is remembering that no matter how hard life is, God’s mercy and love are always available; God is faithful.”

Musical guests included vocal soloist Lynn Janes and pianist Charles Gerard. Their selections

added to the spirit of celebration along with favourites presented by the band and songsters.

Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, territorial leaders, were also present to celebrate the milestone. They challenged the congregation to look to the future, saying, “The best days of Scarborough Citadel are ahead and we have the opportunity to proclaim afresh the powerful gospel of Jesus Christ through which people’s lives can be transformed.”

A highlight of the weekend was the anniversary cake, cut by Reg Gray, who was present during the construction of the first corps building, and junior soldier, Courtney Holmes.

Five New Auxiliary-Captains

I

n May, Lieutenants Mary and Dwight Millar, Carol-Ann Scott, and Felipe and Phyllis Vega received their warrants as auxiliary-captains from Major Jean Moulton, secretary for personnel, THQ. She encouraged them to be good shepherds of the flocks God has placed in Auxiliary-Captains with Mjr Jean Moulton, Mjr their care and to continue Cathie Harris, auxiliary-captain coordinator, growing in their faith with CFOT, Mjr Sandra Rice, training principal, CFOT the distinctive marks of CFOT requirement. Auxiliarythose whom God has called. captains are prepared for ministry Auxiliary-captaincy is a path to while working in field placements. officership for those who answer the They also join the CFOT community call to full-time service later in life. for periodic three-week training The program provides education and sessions as they work toward their field training outside the 22-month commissioning as captains.

120 Years of Ministry in Moose Jaw

I

n March, Salvationists in Moose Jaw, Sask., held the first of three celebrations marking 120 years of rich Salvation Army heritage. The weekend began with an open house at its three ministry locations—the corps building, warehouse and sorting facility, and community and family services centre. Guests enjoyed coffee and cupcakes while they toured the facilities, as well as music by an ensemble from Edmonton Temple Band. The band presented a concert of praise on Saturday evening that was enjoyed by more than 130 people.

Major Toni Cartmell, who entered training from Moose Jaw, was the guest speaker for the weekend.

She encouraged the congregation on Sunday morning to continue to invest in people. Taking examples from her own journey, she pointed out the ways in which the influence of many is necessary to help people come to faith as well as to mature as Christians.

Cutting the anniversary cake

Empress of Ireland Remembered

G

uests for this year’s 94th anniversary memorial service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, were the great-granddaughter and great-grandson of Commissioner and Mrs. David Rees, Pamela Kingswood and Leslie Johnson and their spouses, as well as a great-great-grandson, Andy Kingswood. Commissioner and Mrs. Rees were the territorial leaders in May 1914 when the Empress of Ireland sank and were among 167 Salvationists who lost their lives. The family had travelled from England especially to be present for the occasion.

Commissioner William Francis, TC, with members of the Rees family

August 2008 Salvationist

7

Six Young Leaders to Watch

They’ve got a fearless faith, a global perspective and a burning passion for the lost. Find out how God has gifted young people across the territory

I

by Lieutenant Alison Lublink, High Point Community Church, Victoria

t’s often been said that youth are the Church of tomorrow.

But I beg to differ! Youth are the Church of today, and this territory has many fine examples of young people engaged in mission to prove it.

In the early days, Salvationist young people brought change to a hurting world. Many of our first officers were in their late teens and early 20s. William Booth’s own daughter, Emma, took charge of The Salvation Army’s first training school as a teenager.

And Commissioner Thomas Coombs was only 19 when appointed Canada’s first territorial commander.

Youth have so much more to offer, if we only give them a chance. Take a look at these six young leaders. From coast to coast, they are making a difference in their corps and communities.

As you can see, these young people are filled with the Holy Spirit and are spending their energy seeking out a lost world.

Although involved in different ministries, they are all accomplishing the same Army mission to “save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.” They are incredibly talented and gifted, but it is their love for God and others that truly makes them young leaders to watch.

These leaders are just a sample of what God is doing with young people in our territory. We can continue to be inspired by the work of young people like these and continue to empower youth by allowing them to take on leadership and responsibility.

Who knows? Maybe there is someone in your corps who has the experience and godly passion to take on leadership.

Let us heed the words of the Prayerful Manifesto (see page 4): “God help us to joyfully and extravagantly love our youth while engaging and honouring them. Help us to empower them to live big Kingdom dreams, so that they might discover their purpose, potential and personhood.”

Empower Your Young People • Summer Internship—Do you need someone to be in charge of Sunday school for the summer? Allow a young person to take on the role of YPSM for a while. Do you need someone to organize a corps clean-up or white elephant sale? Let a young person rally the troops.

• Apprenticing—Have you considered empowering young people by asking them to apprentice as local officers? With a seasoned lay person as their mentor, young people can learn what it means to be part of corps leadership. Show them they are a valued part of your congregation.

• Mission Board—There are plenty of teens who have served on high-school committees and community boards. Why not allow them to use that experience on the mission board at the corps? Their voice will bring fresh ideas, give them new experiences and encourage leaders of all ages to work together for the good of the corps.

8

Salvationist August 2008

Jill Peddle

Ethan Turley

Age: 18 Corps: St. John’s Temple, N.L. E Div Love in Action: Jill lives by the motto that it is best to show Christ’s love with your own actions. She is readily involved in her corps activities and also in her local community through various committees and groups.

Jill’s passion to serve others is seen through her work with her corps’ vacation Bible school, divisional camps, youth councils and many music groups.

Devoted to Missions: Jill’s desire to serve overseas has led her to work in the Dominican Republic for the past two summers, helping build a community centre. This summer Jill is in Africa, partnering with local Christians in evangelistic and service projects.

Overseas Calling: God has placed a calling on Jill to serve overseas. She believes that spreading the gospel involves going where the Lord sends you.

Jill knows that actions speak louder than words, and through the way she lives others have come to understand her love for Christ. By setting this example, Jill has proven to others that she is a worthy leader.

Age: 17 Corps: Bracebridge Community Church, Ont. N Div Ministry at Newport: Ethan has long been involved with the camping program at the Army’s Camp Newport. “I love camping ministry and being able to show kids starved for love the boundless love Christ has to offer,” he says. This love flows through all of Ethan’s actions as he seeks to minister to those around him.

Music Teacher: As a member of multiple music groups, Ethan spends time once a week at his corps teaching children how to play a brass instrument. He also teaches Sunday school and junior church, where he is able to help grow children in the love of Christ.

A Public Faith: Ethan is not afraid to declare his faith publicly, whether at school as part of a Bible study group, or through Facebook, where his profile unabashedly proclaims his love for Christ. Ethan has a desire to work hard to help others in any capacity, serving as a captain on the school rugby team and twice visiting Jamaica on mission trips to rebuild churches and schools.

Nicole Brindle

Erin Hardman Age: 18 Corps: Suncoast Citadel, Goderich, Ont. GL Div Passion for People: Erin is someone who bridges her community and church life.

Nominated both as school senator and vice-president of her high school, she is viewed by her peers as a local leader.

If there is a music program in her community, you can be sure she is involved. But beyond her passion for music, Erin has a heart to serve the people living in her town.

School Outreach: Erin realized that her corps was not close enough to her high school and knew that she needed a way to reach out to the kids who were there. So she began connecting with her classmates about faith through a small group that met outside class time. Erin then began bridging the kids from her school with a local church where they could continue to grow in faith.

Beyond Borders: Erin lives in a small town some distance from the corps, but her vision of God’s Kingdom is bigger than municipal or denominational lines. As a part of The Salvation Army in Goderich, Erin has partnered with her corps officers to lead youth programs for younger kids. She is also involved with Red Shield campaigns and is working toward a mission trip to Haiti. Erin’s desire to serve her local and global community is a great example to other young people.

Jordan Young Age: 11 Corps: Weetamah Corps, Winnipeg, Man. & NW Ont. Div Never Too Young: Don’t let Jordan’s age fool you—he might be young, but he has a lot of experience as a leader! Jordan is involved in corps activities such as Sunday school and Kids’ Drama Club, as well as being a committed junior soldier.

Drumming Up Support: Jordan has a God-given gift for drumming and helps lead worship through this gift. Coming from Winnipeg’s inner city, Jordan spends a lot of time at the Friday Night Café, a safe place for people to get off the streets.

Jordan makes it his mission to make them feel comfortable and loved by serving them a cup of coffee or playing a game with them. Jordan has been involved with the café for five years and is taking on more responsibility as he gets older.

Loving the Unlovable: Jordan has a sensitive heart for the less fortunate and a keen desire to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Jordan lives out his faith in his school and community as he teaches those around him how to love the unlovable and to see what most people don’t. Jordan’s leadership is evident as he shares the love of Christ with those who are often neglected.

Michael Touzeau Age: 20 Corps: Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby, B.C. Div God’s Student: Michael has had the distinct opportunity to grow up in his corps and learn from his family what it means to be a Christian. In recent days Michael has seen God teaching him more and more about what it means to be a leader.

Camping Ministry: As the program director for the Army’s Camp Sunrise, Michael has learned a lot about leadership and understanding people. He feels that he can lead by example and help young people through their hardships. Life as a teenager in this world is not easy, and Michael seeks to mentor kids who are struggling.

Giving God the Glory: Michael notes that leadership is not all about one’s self. It requires many parts of the body of Christ to work together; it is about Christ’s work in the community. Michael says, “I feel like God has blessed me with numerous leadership opportunities and continues to mould me into a better leader for him. I don’t take any credit for what I do. Everything I have done has been made possible by God. I’m just an instrument that is willing to let the Lord play.”

Age: 23 Corps: Corps 614, Vancouver, B.C. Div Crosswalk Volunteer: Nicole’s mom, a single mother, took her to Moms and Tots Camp when she was a child. It was through this experience that they gained the help they needed and began volunteering with The Salvation Army. At 13, Nicole served her first Christmas meal to the homeless at the Army’s Crosswalk Emergency Shelter in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Ten years later, Nicole is employed there as a residential support worker.

Recruiting Sergeant: Nicole is heavily involved at Corps 614, co-leading weekly knee drill and spearheading various cell groups. She is also the recruiting sergeant for The War College, encouraging youth to come spend a year in Vancouver in service to the Lord. Although Nicole has been a committed Christian for many years, it has not always been easy to be a positive leader.

Perfect Timing: At 14, Nicole accepted Christ as her Saviour, and admits that it was God’s perfect timing that led her into this relationship. God saved her from a potentially dangerous life and she now spends her time helping at-risk youth. Nicole admits that being a young leader can be daunting. She begs you to not watch her, but to keep your eyes on God. Nicole says, “His grace, mercy, faithfulness and love brought me out of the miry clay.”

August 2008 Salvationist

9

Stand By Me Young people are searching for meaning, purpose and faith.

What role will you play?

Zoe Fay, Corps 614, Toronto

G

eneration Y, also known as the Millennials, is the group of the young people born to baby boomers between the early 1980s and mid-1990s. They have been characterized as super-consumers who live comfortably with the new realities of globalization and technology. They are defined by their individuality, optimism and ambition.

But there is a dark side. Too often statistics paint a picture of a youth reeling from brokenness. Substance abuse, suicide, crime and family breakdown are all on the rise for this generation. How can we turn the tide?

Perhaps a better question is: Who exactly is investing in our youth? Are the people of God, the church community, actively creating networks for and with them? Titus 2:6-7 says, “Encourage the young … to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity.”

Mentoring is a structured, trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring elders who offer guidance, support and encouragement.

Mentors help youth by exploring the values of Christian faith, assisting them in life’s concerns and nurturing their leadership potential.

Mentors don’t replace parents, guardians or teachers, nor are they disciplinarians or decision-makers for children or youth.

Rather, they reinforce the positive values and cultural heritage that parents and guardians are teaching. They encourage healthy choices, promote self-esteem, support academic achievement, introduce the young person to new ideas and listen to concerns.

The mentor-mentee partnership could be for a season of a young person’s life or span many years. Mentors can operate individually or as part of a team of caring

10

Salvationist August 2008

adults. The important factor is that mentors consistently invest time in their mentees, meeting with them at least once a month for a few hours.

What does it take to begin a mentoring partnership? It doesn’t have to be complicated or program-based. Rather, the goal is to create a bridge where young people feel connected to community.

Mentoring activities can include going for a walk, getting a milkshake together, talking about goals, reading the Bible, learning a sport, planning a project, watching a movie—any activity that promotes healthy lifestyle choices and can be a catalyst for dialogue.

The trust required for a mentor-mentee connection takes time to cultivate. Maybe there are young people with whom you already have a rapport. For others, the trust element may need time to develop through caring interaction and conversation.

Consider safety when carrying out mentor-mentee activities. Don’t put yourself or your mentee in a situation where your actions could be misunderstood.

Plan activities in public areas. If you are taking kids out as a group, think about the resources and information you will need— chaperones, travel arrangements, meals, medical history and parental contacts.

Was there someone who was instrumental in your life? Someone who nurtured, supported, listened and gave you practical care and advice? Someone who encouraged you in your relationship with God and answered tough “life questions”?

If so, you know how valuable mentoring friendships will be to others. Start the

cycle of mentoring for a young person that you know.

Resources for Mentoring Websites: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada― www.bbbsc.ca Mentoring Canada― www.mentoringcanada.ca Peer Resources― www.mentors.ca Future Possibilities: KidCoach― www.fpcanada.org Prime Mentors of Canada― www.primementors.ca The Mentor Network― www.thementornetwork.com Downloads: • How to Build a Successful Mentoring Program―www.mentoring.org •M entoring At-Risk Youth, lecture by Ruben Austria at the Urban Youth Workers Institute, May 20, 2005, Asuza Pacific University―www.uywi.org (click on resources) Reading: •G rowing Community: Making Groups Work With Young People by Danny Brierley • S uccessful Youth Mentoring 2, Keith Drury and Brett Fish (editors) •T he Greatest Mentors in the Bible: 32 Relationships God Used to Change the World by Tim Elmore Mentoring in the Bible: Jethro and Moses; Moses and Joshua; Joshua and Caleb; Mordecai and Esther; Naomi and Ruth; Elijah and Elisha; Jonathan and David; Paul and Timothy

As TagI See LineIt

Taking Risks

More socially conscious than previous generations, today’s young people aren’t afraid to get involved and make a difference in their world Interview with Lt-Colonel Donald Copple, Chief Secretary

Y

outh today who follow Christ seem to have a “sold out” abandon to Jesus and ministry.

Do you see any significant differences between today’s young people who are involved in Christian service and those in previous generations?

As I look at young people today, I see that their passions, desires and commitment are very similar to the passions, desires and commitment I have observed in my own life and in lives of my contemporaries not too many years ago. The significant change has been in the culture and structure of the local church. In years past, churches, including The Salvation Army, were much more flexible. Congregations were much more willing to risk. They were much more given to innovation and, surprisingly, to change.

Consequently, there was a lot of room for things that would be considered unconventional today within the context of a culture seemingly obsessed with risk management.

In today’s society we have become extremely fixated on the possibility of litigation and liability. Regrettably, we have become cautious to the point where we exasperate our young people in the exceedingly careful approach we take to everything.

it come from a genuine understanding of following Jesus? Should we use this trend to attract young people into Christian ministries within the Army?

I agree that there is a genuine movement among our youth to engage in social-justice issues. But I don’t see it as a fad. If anything, I think it’s a function of the fact that young people today are more highly educated.

Today’s generation is far more informed than we were, primarily because of the huge growth of communications and information technology.

The Internet, for example, provides easy access to a wealth of knowledge on every conceivable subject—and the information comes in much smaller bites, as opposed to

the kind of great poems and massive textbooks we had to read and try to digest.

Young people today have a much broader view of world affairs, making them more knowledgeable and conscious of all kinds of social issues.

Because they are so much more plugged into the culture, they seem to know where to concentrate their efforts.

In spite of the above, we continue to see a decline in traditional Christian activities through which we used to educate our Army youth. How should we capture the imagination and passion of young people today in order to be used for Jesus and his ministry through The Salvation Army?

I think we could be making much more of our corps cadet program. Through the years it’s been invaluable as a means of engaging our own Army young people in hands-on ministry while they were learning. Our youth leaders today need to rediscover this form of training in order to get our young people actively participating in the life of their corps. Youth today are no different than previous generations. They want to be challenged and they need the opportunity to be engaged in spiritual ministry. Leaders should look for opportunities to come alongside and interact with them, caring about them in such a way that they feel valued and included in the discipleship process.

Young people need the opportunity to be engaged in spiritual ministry

Christian young people today seem to have a greater social conscience than youthful believers in previous generations.

Is this a fad? Or does August 2008 Salvationist

11

Shooting for Success The goal of sports ministry is not numbers, but discipleship

S

ports ministry is an exciting new outreach opportunity for churches throughout Canada. Nearly half of all Canadians over age five participate in organized sports or leisure activities.

And many more are getting involved as volunteers, officials and coaches. In my social circles, I hear about sports ministry every other day.

To be honest, I don’t know if all of the hype and attention is a good thing.

Some people might see the numbers and think: “Wow, we should be doing outreach through sports!” It’s true.

Christian sports ministries offer an excellent means to connect with people who would never make their way to church or even to a weeknight kids’ club.

But we also need Christian athletes who are willing to live out their faith in secular leagues, sharing Jesus with those they meet on the field.

Sports create opportunities for people to come together as athletes, officials, coaches or spectators. Parents who stand on the sidelines of their children’s match week after week grow to become friends. People who speak different languages can bring out a ball and immediately connect with one another.

Sports break down the barriers that people naturally put up around themselves.

It’s not enough, however, for churches merely to start another sports ministry program. Too often we think that if people come to our event or attend our program we have succeeded. But true success

12

Salvationist August 2008

Michael Burge, Youth Pastor, Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby, B.C. goes beyond participation to building relationships. As Christians, we need to be

willing to engage people, even when their lives are messy. We need to be there not just for the athlete, but for the person.

Whether you are passionate about sports, music or some other activity, make sure that attendance isn’t your only goal.

Rather, use the opportunity to mentor, disciple and build others up. My life was not

changed by sports, but by coaches and athletes who took time to speak into my life.

Sports ministry is a great tool, but not the final goal.

I hope sports ministry in Canada will grow. But what I truly desire is to see people being discipled in their faith.

Let’s step out to humbly love others as Christ loves us.

Cariboo Hill youth pastors coach at a local rugby club

Prayer is a key component of practice

Wake the Sleeping Giant

Youth ministry in Quebec is ready to explode Captain Rachele Lamont Assistant Divisional Youth Secretary, Quebec Division

Y The Cariboo Hill basketball team in action

outh and chilat the local level by inspiring dren’s ministry in corps people to reach out to Quebec is like a kids in their communities. sleeping giant. In This September, the years past, this giant stood tall divisional youth department and proud, thanks to the faithwill take on the responsibility fulness of local youth leaders, of training youth and children’s the tireless acts of divisional leaders in individual ministry youth secretaries and flourishunits. This will take place over ing corps programs for young a three-month span and focus people. Over time, however, on the leadership qualities, this giant received crushing roles and action plans needed blows in the form of the Silent to place leaders in specific Revolution, limited resources corps and communities. in French and the loss of personnel.

The result was a devastating decrease in youth ministries.

But this sleeping giant is beginning to stir again.

God is working in our division, and he has major blessings in store for the young people of Quebec.

One way that he has Cpt Rachele Lamont with Quebec young people been nudging our sleeping giant is through our In Montreal’s inner city, divisional camp. This summer, a new training school will our camp is poised to make a host young people from huge impact for Christ in this across the territory, helping largely secularized province. them improve their French For some kids, our camp may language skills and engage in be the first time they hear about local ministry. The school will Christ. Our goal is to turn the ground emerging leaders in hearts of a whole generation the Word, help them explore back to God. God’s calling and develop their We are also increasing the ministry style and gifts. number of French camps this We praise God for what he year by offering not only freshis doing now among the youth air camps at Lac L’Achigan but in Quebec and for what he will also week-long day camps do in the future. It’s exciting to through local ministry units. see this sleeping giant arise and We hope these day camps will retake its place in the salvation kick-start children’s ministries war.

August 2008 Salvationist

13

Talking It Over

It’s Not Easy Being

Green

Global warming, melting ice caps, dwindling resources … How worried should we be about the health of the planet?

In this Salvationist series, Captain Amy Reardon, editor of Young Salvationist, U.S.A. National Headquarters, and Dr. James Read, executive director of The Salvation Army Ethics Centre in Winnipeg, dialogue about moral and ethical issues.

Dear Jim,

W

hen my first son, Kyle, was born in 1987, I decided that it would be environmentally savvy of me to use cloth diapers. In those days everyone was worried about overflowing landfills, remember? I was willing to do my part so that Kyle would have a healthy planet for his future. But I soon learned that my diaper service used far too much water in laundering the diapers, which was an even greater threat to Earth. As an alternative, I found that I could purchase biodegradable disposable diapers. They were pricey, but I adjusted the budget to fit them in.

Two more sons came along in 1996 and 1998. I noticed that the planet was still functioning and that biodegradable diapers—when you could find them— were still expensive. A growing family, we seemed to have more pressing concerns than the state of the environment. So I bought the cheapest disposable diapers I could find, despite feeling mild guilt about the landfills.

I haven’t heard anything about landfills in a long time. But I do hear about global warming, dwindling natural resources and various other environmental concerns. I have to admit, Jim, I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about these things. I recycle, I occasionally carpool, I turn out the lights the kids leave on…. But I guess I’m too busy and the threat of environmental disaster doesn’t seem too imminent for me to make it a priority. Besides, “going green” often has quite a price tag. Bottom line: it takes time, money and organization to always do what’s best for the planet. Those are precious commodities for most people.

And since we wake up every morning and still see the sun in the sky and grass on the ground, most of us aren’t too worried.

14

Salvationist August 2008

There are some people, however, who are in quite a panic. On one environmental website, a man wrote: “The sky is falling.”

This man says he has told his four-yearold son that there will be no more planet Earth by the time he reaches his 30s. The father claims he is not ashamed of the fact that he causes his son to burst into tears over this, because he believes the little boy should know “the truth.” I consider this cruel and abusive, Jim. In fact, I’m beginning to wonder if the whole environmental angst that’s being pushed upon us isn’t cruel and abusive. Have you heard about “environmental anxiety” among school children? Some children are in therapy because their teachers have made them feel so guilty about their “carbon footprint.”

These children are actually beginning to see themselves as a burden to Earth.

God gave the planet to us. Yes, I believe we should take care of it. But environmentalists seem to have the idea that the plants and animals have more rights on Earth than we do. Such a notion flies in the face of biblical testimony. Not only did God give us dominion over the planet (see Genesis 1:28), but he also made humans alone in his image (see Genesis 1:27) and refers to humans alone as his children. Birds, cattle, dogs, bears, mulberry bushes— these things are wonderful, but they do not bear the image of God and they have

never been God’s priority.

I guess I’ve just grown weary of all this environmental guilt. As a Christian, I want to do what’s right. But how worried should I really be? Consider the story of Noah. Once Noah was back on terra firma, God promised that he would never again “destroy all living creatures” (Genesis 8:21). We wring our hands with concern that we may destroy the planet and all the living creatures on it. But if God won’t allow himself to do it, do you really think he’d let us get away with it?

Don’t you think that he’s going to preserve this planet until, in his own timing, he’s ready to create the new Heaven and the new Earth found in Revelation 21:1? I’m inclined to think that God will guide us to find additional resources and new ways of adapting to changes, as is currently happening. I don’t think our use of Earth’s resources or even our abuse of our planet has caught God off guard. I suspect he planned for such comprehensive usage from the beginning.

The one thing I do worry about, Jim, is gobbling up more than my share. I’m not too concerned about the polar icecaps melting because I think God can work that out. But I do worry about what habits of mine may be depriving those with fewer financial resources of their share of Earth’s provision. Humanity as a whole

Talking It Over has a God-given right to make full use of the planet. But do I have a right to leave the air-conditioning on in my house just because I can afford it? What does that mean for those who have so little? Have I left them with even less?

I don’t want to be selfish. I don’t want to be wasteful. But I don’t completely trust the doom and gloom I’m hearing from the environmentalists. There’s got to be some sort of balance. Have you figured out a God-honouring approach to environmental concerns?

Amy

Dear Amy,

W

hen have you ever known a middle-aged male academic to have anything “figured out,” let alone the environment? I’m only half-kidding. It’s younger people like yourself who “get it.” When it comes to Earth-care issues, it is the youth who are being given the visions that will re-awaken dreams in old men.

Our daughter, Becky, is now a mom herself. But when she was about 10 years old, she asked for just one thing for Christmas—a “blue box” for recycling!

Those were the days when curbside recycling was not part of our city’s services, so you had to pay a monthly fee to get a private firm to pick up your used paper and bottles. Well, what father could have said no? We got the blue box that Christmas.

And I couldn’t have been prouder of my daughter. Ten years old and already wanting to be responsible.

“Think globally, act locally” is a great slogan, but slogans aren’t going to save biodiversity

However, youthful passion needs to be coupled with good facts and shrewd strategy, and this requires the talents of scientists and politicians of all ages. “Think globally, act locally” is a great slogan, but slogans aren’t going to save biodiversity.

The message I’m hearing from environmentalists is that we need evidencebased policies that ensure true ecological impacts, not just current market supplyand-demand forces, are included in our pricing of goods.

Doing this with things that add to the build-up of greenhouse gases is one of the most important challenges of our age.

Parts of the documentary An Inconvenient Truth are over-the-top, but I have no doubt that Al Gore is stating facts about atmospheric carbon dioxide. Sir John Houghton, a Christian who is also a prominent climate scientist, said the same thing at Wheaton College last year: “There is strong evidence that most of the warming over the last 50 years is due to the increase of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide…. This increase is due largely to the burning of fossil fuels―coal, oil and gas.”

The size and rate of change are monumental. We’re not ready. And we’re not really paying for it. As your stories showed, Amy, the price tag is a big factor when we make choices, even if it’s not the only factor. Until this year, milk cost more than gas. Now that gas costs more I’m making different choices. Taking the bus to work may be better ecologically; I do it because it’s cheaper.

I’m not in favour of governments or anyone else artificially jacking up prices,

but I also don’t see why I should be making my grandchildren pay for damage my generation’s purchases cause.

Difficult as it may be to calculate “our share”—as you put it, Amy—Christians know we should always be thinking about how our actions impact our neighbours.

Yet it seems to cut against the grain to really care about neighbours that are a continent or a century away. We read “us” and “our” and instinctively think “me and you and folks we know,” not “all of humanity.”

That’s one reason why I am not sure I agree with you when you say “God gave the planet to us.”

But here’s my bigger problem. Do we not have to ask whether The Fall recorded in Genesis 3 makes a difference to how we interpret Genesis 1:27-28? Did God “give the planet” to us sin-infected humans or was God intending to entrust the world to a better strain of humanity? In my view, one of the effects of sin is that people tend to think that the rest of creation exists only to serve their purposes. I’m not siding with your humanity-loathing environmentalists, Amy. I am happy to say that the Earth is full of natural resources that are legitimately exploited for human well-being. But I am no longer prepared to say that the only value God attaches to birds, pigs and apple trees is an instrumental value.

To be honest, it’s hard for me to just appreciate the non-human parts of creation.

Yet, God is using the current environmentalism to make me aware that birds, bears and mulberry bushes are to be appreciated, not just used. Before humans came on the scene, God said, “That’s good”—not “this will be good for people when I finally make them.” God gave seas and skies and plants and animals value as they are. This is still God’s world. Whatever right sinful humans have over it is conditioned by this fact.

So, if I’ve found a God-honouring approach to environmental concerns, Amy, it is balancing “The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1) with “You made them rulers over the works of your hands” (Psalm 8:6).

I absolutely agree with you that the father who scares his four-year-old with stories of environmental catastrophe is abusive. But in the part of the Army that I see, we’re not in much danger of overdoing our anxiety about the state of the Earth!

Frankly, I think we could do with a little more lively awe of the Creator and the works of his hands.

Jim P.S. Becky got other Christmas gifts, too!

August 2008 Salvationist

15

Resources Tag Line

Ministry Tools for Youth Workers CHILDREN

Tools for Youth Workers

Midweek Tools

Discipleship Tools

Junior Action Junior Action is a discipleship curriculum for young people aged 7-11.Teaching focuses on Salvation Army doctrine, history and Christian living.

Available at www.salvationist. ca/catalogue Elevate Elevate is a comprehensive curriculum that takes children on an imaginative journey of Bible learning that can be performed or watched on DVD. Visit www.creativepastors.com/elevate Pioneer Clubs This outreach and discipleship ministry for 2-18 year olds uses Bible study, Scripture memory and skill-building activities. Choose from three formats: 1) Pioneer Program—divided by age levels 2) Discovery Program—multi-age curriculum for Grades K-6 3) Exploring Program— large group format and small group relationship building www.pioneerclubs.org

Junior High Bible Study/CROSSzone CROSSzone is a Salvation Army discipleship curriculum that includes Bible study, Army doctrine and position statements for 11-13 year olds. Available at www.salvationist.ca/ catalogue Grapple PreTeen Sunday School (DVD) This all-new Sunday school curriculum is designed for Grades 4-6. It offers an online community during the week. Available through Group Publishing or supplies and purchasing Junior High Bible Stuff An effective way to implement small groups, the Bible Stuff junior high DVD curriculum is low on preparation and high on student focus. Available through Group Publishing (product #646847121210) or supplies and purchasing

PrimeTime Although designed for after-school programs, PrimeTime can be used any time, offering highenergy large-group activities, with a short, interactive Bible story presentation. Available at www.salvationist.ca/catalogue

Junior High Small Group Super-Pack (download) 32 weeks of small group curriculum plus tools for strengthening your junior high small group ministry.The Super Pack’s got ideas for getting students to talk about themselves and to each other, presentation materials, training tips and over six months of small group lesson plans. Visit www.group.com

Children’s Ministry in the 21st Century Front-line ministry experts identify the top 10 trends shaping ministry in the next 10 years.

They share practical activities that will help you take advantage of shifting trends in your children’s ministry. Available through Group Publishing (product #9780764433894) or supplies and purchasing

PreTeen Launchables Kit What do you do with upper elementary school kids? They’re bored to tears in children’s ministry, but lost in teen class. Where do they fit? Open this kit and discover new ways to reach preteens. Available through Group Publishing (product #9780764434747) or supplies and purchasing

Take-Out Trainings for Teachers This resource has 52 engaging training sessions, each about 15 minutes long.

It also contains one reproducible audio CD for workers, and another CD with pre-written, encouraging mailouts to “send” workers. Available through Group Publishing (product #9780764430800) or supplies and purchasing

Kurt and Scott’s Jr. High Adventure: Taking Your Ministry Beyond Duct Tape, Dodgeball and Double-Dog Dares The best of Kurt Johnston’s columns on junior high ministry in GROUP Magazine, plus recruiting ideas, rockin’ games and spiritual development for junior high workers. Available through Group Publishing (product #9780764437397) or supplies and purchasing

•F or further information on these and other resources, e-mail: program_helps@ can.salvationarmy.org 16

PRETEENS

Salvationist August 2008

• For more ministry ideas, go to: www. salvationist.ca/helps and register for free downloads

TEENS Senior High Bible Study/ CROSStraining CROSStraining is a Salvation Army discipleship curriculum that includes Bible study, Salvation Army doctrine and position statements for 14-16 year olds. Available at www.salvationist.ca/catalogue www.E100challenge.com This website is a Scripture Union challenge to get people reading the Bible, 50 verses from the Old Testament and 50 from the New. Lots of material, some free. Click “E100 for Youth Ministry” Individual Lessons, Interesting Topics Junior and senior high lessons are available at www.youthspecialties.com. Find the store, then click on “YS Underground.” Some are even free Christian Perspectives on Movies and Media www.christianbible studies.com Click “Free Samples” to find Bible studies based on current movies www.pluggedinonline.com Focus on the Family’s media magazine with film, gaming and music reviews www.ministryandmedia.com Reviews for movies, DVDs, current events, Bible studies, pop culture and more. $29.95 for a one-year membership Generation Me: Why Today’s Young Americans are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled—and More Miserable—Than Ever Before Though not a Christian book, reading Jean M. Twenge’s book gives insight into the younger generation’s impact on society. It can help youth workers figure out how to present the gospel for a generation that sees and understands the world in very different ways (ISBN: 10:0743276981) Hope and Healing for Kids Who Cut: Learning to Understand and Help Those Who Self-Injure Product #: 9780310277552 Marv Penner, May 2008 www.youthspecialties. com

• For a monthly electronic newsletter, e-mail christian_education_orderdesk@ can.salvationarmy.org

Serving a Hurting World

When it comes to social justice, Army young people are taking the lead

by Lieutenant Peter Lublink, Corps Officer, High Point Community Church, Victoria

T

he hubbub of kids making arts and crafts, shooting hoops, enjoying snack time, playing floor hockey—it all sounds like an average church youth group. Except that this youth group meets in the community centre in the heart of a troubled area of Winnipeg.

For years this neighbourhood has been plagued by gang violence and was recently rocked by a triple homicide. Each week The Salvation Army partners with the community centre to operate drop-in programs for kids and teens,―keeping them safe and off the street, allowing them to just be kids. It’s a hopeful vision of what the community could look like.

Who has taken on this significant responsibility? Who has responded to the call to serve the poor and the forgotten?

In large part it has been the older teens

of Weston Community Church. Whether it be cleaning and reclaiming neighbourhood parks, facilitating youth programs for the marginalized or putting together community events such as a Halloween or Christmas party, these teens understand what it means to be The Salvation Army.

These dedicated young people are not alone. Corps across this territory have recognized that youth programs are not simply about serving our own needs as a church, but about serving a hurting world.

We have a social-justice imperative as The Salvation Army, a specific calling to serve the lost and the least. Yet the imperative to serve suffering humanity doesn’t end with social-services programs—it also must influence our work at the corps level.

In particular, our youth groups must be connected to our Salvation Army mission

to serve suffering humanity.

How that looks will change depending on the needs of the neighbourhood. In your setting, it could mean empowering your teens to: • Organize baby-sitting for single parents • Reclaim a needle-and-drug park • Help operate a children’s after-school club or drop-in centre • Organize an awareness group at school about the problem of human trafficking • Volunteer at a soup kitchen • Raise money for Partners in Mission or sponsor a child • Lead a service at a nursing home • Contact the Children’s Aid Society and offer to support • Prepare extra lunches for those at school who go without I recently heard of a corps in rural Ontario that challenged its young people to find ways to serve the community. While there was not a great deal of visible homelessness in their area, there was a strikingly high percentage of children under the care of the Children’s Aid Society who had no permanent home. The teens banded together and began canvassing the neighbourhood for support to put together backpacks for the Children’s Aid Society.

Whatever initiative your corps takes on, be sure to see it through the countercultural lens of social justice. Remember, it’s not about putting together a great looking youth program with flashy posters and a great light show. Rather, it’s about giving youth an opportunity to truly be an Army of salvation that lives “missionally with youth on the margins, reflecting to them the image of the invisible God” (see the Prayerful Manifesto on page 4).

What Will You Do to Help?

• Approximately 3.5 million Canadians live in poverty, more than 11 percent of the population • Rates of poverty are highest among female lone-parent families (35 percent) • 865,000 Canadian children (one in eight) under the age of 18 live in poverty • Nearly 1.7 million Canadians (five percent of the population) rely on welfare Source: Canadian Council of Social Development August 2008 Salvationist

17

A Faith That Overspills In the second of a twopart interview, Rick Tobias, CEO of Toronto’s Yonge Street Mission, talks about his own conversion and how sharing our faith is more effective through our actions than our words

L

ast month, Salvationist interviewed Rick Tobias on how Christians can share their faith effectively in a world that is increasingly hostile or indifferent to the gospel. Here is the second part of the interview: Describe your own conversion experience. What made it unique?

When I was a teenager, I started hanging around evangelical Christians. The gospel they proclaimed was that I could be “born again” and have a “personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” I had never heard that kind of language before in my life. I didn’t understand it. It didn’t make sense to me.

Fortunately, I met a pastor who recognized my dilemma. He never once came to me and said, “Rick, you need to make a decision.” What he said was, “Why don’t you just come and hang with us at our youth group?” The teens at his church had all kinds of great discussions and conversations about God and faith. Two years later, alone in my room, I prayed to God. I didn’t even know the words to use, so I didn’t pray anything like “Jesus, I am inviting you into my heart.” All I knew was that God wanted to be in a relationship with

18

Salvationist August 2008

me. And I claimed that promise.

The next morning I opened the door, walked outside and saw a new world. It was like the scales fell of my eyes. I remember standing there thinking, Woah! The power of God came upon me in such a dramatic way that I went to the church the next day and told everyone that I met God the night before.

They were more than ecstatic, but very quickly the message evolved. In short order it became, “Good, now get to work.” And it very quickly turned into a “works salvation.” The message I got was that the evidence of the Holy Spirit in me was not tied to my personal relationship with God, but rather to what I could produce. Years later I woke up and said, “I’m producing an awful lot for God, but I don’t know where God is anymore.” It’s that work mindset—in all the things we have to do for the Kingdom, including evangelism and social action—that can leave us spiritually dry. As a result, we

The best evangelism is social action and the best social action is evangelism. Nothing is going to change a person more than acts of compassion no longer do relational evangelism. We only do mechanical things because there is nothing vital and alive in us.

Clearly salvation is not just about “good works.” But how do you know if what you’re doing is truly making a difference?

I often say that evangelism is nothing more than the overspill of the Holy Spirit in a Christian’s life. If the Holy Spirit indwells us, then we should be like a cup filled with water. If somebody knocks the cup, the water spills over onto them. In the same way, when God indwells us and people bump up against us in some way, God should spill over. And because we are not perfect, God doesn’t perfectly spill over— our anger spills over, our bad temper spills over and our sins spill over. Hopefully there is enough of the Spirit of God in us

that people will say, “I think I just encountered God.” I don’t care if somebody comes into the Yonge Street Mission and says, “I just came to Christ.” I would rather hear people say, “I think I may have just been some place where God was” or “I think I might have just met people that truly believe.” That gentle touch of the Holy Spirit is far more powerful than any tool we will ever use.

For me, evangelism is a deeply spiritual experience. How can you do evangelism if you can’t discern? How can you do evangelism if you don’t have some sense of what the Holy Spirit is doing in another person’s life? In the end, real evangelism is discerning where God is at work in someone’s life and journeying with them until they are ready to say their own “yes” to God. So is salvation an event or a process?

In my life, it’s both. I hope something about my relationship with Jesus is different now than it was 30 years ago. If I get another 20 years, I’d like to think that the relationship would continue to evolve.

I’m aware that Jesus is constantly saving me, but also acknowledge those “divine appointment” moments.

Years ago, I used to travel with a Christian music group. There’s a wonderful woman in that group who used to be embarrassed because she “didn’t have a testimony.” One day, when I asked her what that meant, she said, “Well, I’ve always been a Christian. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t.” She felt inferior because she couldn’t point back to a particular moment when she was saved. But I think she had the best testimony. What’s better than being able to say, “I’ve never known a time when Jesus wasn’t a reality in my life”?

God is big enough that how we encounter him is unique to each one of us. When we get to Heaven and have a new language to describe our encounter, I think there will be a wonderful sameness about all of our stories and a wonderful difference.

We have all encountered the same divine Creator of the universe, but each in our own individual way. To me, salvation is simply the assurance that we are journeying in relationship with Jesus.

What is the best way for Christians to share the gospel?

Compassion may be the only current credible witness left for the North American church. Where compassion is done for its own sake and for the sake of righteousness, there is no more powerful evangelistic

tool. At Yonge Street Mission, we now do less “evangelistic” acts, but because of the compassion of our workers we have more people in discipleship programs, Bible study groups and church services than ever before.

In 1900, the first red-letter Bible was published, showing the words of Jesus in red ink. I think this trend has done enormous harm, because it suggests that what Jesus said is more important than what he did. By extension, we can sometimes think that what we say is more important than what we do. I think if we highlighted everything Jesus did in red, our understanding of faith would be very different today. It would actually be more congruent with The Salvation Army’s mission. Faith is lived out in the way we engage people.

I have a wonderful friend in the Maritimes who works with marginalized people. Every time she goes to preach or

speak, people want to know how many she is leading to Christ. Her answer is quite profound. She simply says, “All of them,” because she knows that everything she does is an evangelistic act. She understands that the best evangelism is social action and the best social action is evangelism.

Nothing is going to change a person more than acts of compassion and grace in their lives from people who are close to Jesus.

Are there specific Bible passages about evangelism that resonate for you?

The word evangelism doesn’t appear much in the Bible—at least not in the same sense as we use it today. Let me tell you my influences. First is the Incarnation. Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us.”

When God wanted to reach the world he became incarnate and dwelt among us. I think evangelism means being with people.

Much of civil rights activist John Perkins’ model of community development begins with relocation,―being in the place where people are. He is thinking geographically, but if I think of the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father also has to emotionally get in the space of his son.

You don’t just voluntarily give your child all his inheritance if you haven’t gotten into his emotional or spiritual space— unless you’ve concluded that this may be the only way to save him. The Incarnation has to do with God being “with us” to the point where he understands us at our level.

Recently one of our staff members met someone new and within the first 15 minutes was trying to share faith with this person. It became very confrontational. When we begin by saying to people, “I’m different and better than you,” we can’t do anything but create barriers to the Kingdom. But when we begin by saying, “I’m the same as you, I struggle too, I have my own problems;” when we hang out with people and are known enough to them that they feel safe with us, then we can say, “I’m like you, but there is a different part to my life.”

Then evangelism makes sense. Then it’s me sharing the fullness of my life, including the significance Jesus and the Word hold for me. In essence, identification precedes differentiation.

The other passage that has a significant impact on the way I view evangelism is Proverbs 11:11: “Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.”

Here I am obviously thinking of evangelism more as a community event as opposed to a one-to-one event. How do we bless the city? We bless it when we are upright, when we have an ethic, when we teach it how to live rightly. We bless it through our integrity, not a false morality. We bless it when we stand for justice for our most vulnerable people. We bless the city through acts of compassion. And we bless it when we are a people of faith, whose faith overspills to all the people who live in it.

Rick Tobias is best known for his life-long advocacy on behalf of low-income and marginalized people. His innovative work, Yonge Street Mission’s Evergreen Centre for street youth, led to his position as Yonge Street Mission’s CEO. Sought after as a consultant and coach, Rick has spoken hundreds of times on Canadian poverty, urban ministry, youth at risk and strategies for community-wide change.

August 2008 Salvationist

19

Wildfire

The Army’s Got Talent

Take a closer look at the young people in your congregation. You just might discover some budding artists with unique gifts

by Clint Houlbrook, Editor, SendTheFire.ca

I

t’s evening. I’m at Camp Sunrise in Gibson, B.C., sitting at a table in the dining hall with two other adult leaders and four young people. All eyes are fixed intently on one girl. She’s not giving a sermon or performing a music solo. She’s drawing. We are captivated, watching in amazement as she does her thing. What makes it more incredible is that she’s composing a portrait of a person using only salt and pepper! Who knew someone could do that? I had never seen anything like it before.

As I reflect on that moment, questions surface in my mind: I wonder if her local church knows about her talent? If so, how are they encouraging her to pursue her passions? Do they provide opportunities for her to share her gift and bless others?

How are we cultivating all of the arts,―not just the preachers, teachers, brass band, choir or contemporary musicians? Do we want these other creative young people to be a part of our communities? If so, what are we willing to risk and sacrifice to say “you have value and worth” or “you belong here”?

Earlier this year I was a part of the group that gave birth to the Prayerful Manifesto that you’ve been reading about in this issue of Salvationist (see page 4).

A line in the last paragraph of the prayer stands out for me: “May God bless us with creativity, divine inspiration and humility in all we do.” Creativity flows from creative people. Creative youth are among us.

They are part of our camp staff, in our divisions and at our churches. Here is a small sampling of some of their work for you to enjoy and be blessed by.

Poets and Wordsmiths Words have power. They can lift you up and make your day, bring a smile to your face, boost your self image or they can tear you down, make you think less of yourself and leave deep scars. The Bible itself is the Word of God that is “living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword…. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (see 2 Timothy 3:16 and Hebrews 4:12). We also know that Jesus, the God20

Salvationist August 2008

man, was the Word with skin on, and that he left Heaven, came to earth and moved into the neighbourhood. Wow! Words can also be art. Carefully crafted, they paint a beautiful picture. Enjoy the poems by Salvationist young people on page 21.

Images, Graphics and Art Images also are powerful. It makes sense that a generation raised on TV and the Internet would communicate through visual imagery and stimulation. Images can stir up strong emotions. For example, a crucifix is an image that helps us appreciate at a deep level exactly how much Christ’s sacrifice cost.

On the next page are a few images by young people that were shot with a camera or drawn with a brush. What do they say to you?

Questions for Refection • What message are we sending young creative people with our words and actions?

• Do we allow all expressions of the creative arts to contribute to our gatherings and worship services?

Ways to Unleash Creativity • Have poets read their work during worship services • Incorporate photographers’ images into worship experiences • Display a “photo essay” in a worship service, letting the photographer lead and explain the photos • Ask poets, photographers and artists

to create pieces and share them during key holiday services and church calendar events • Encourage artists to draw or write during worship time (either in their seats or in a designated area) to express what they are feeling • Use youth paintings, sculpture and photographs as accents and decoration in your building space • Create a small group or two that focuses specifically on teaching and practising a creative art form

Wildfire

Haiti – Bethany Howard, Chatham, Ont.

Beauty and the Beach – Jessy Alexander, Nanaimo, B.C.

HOMELESS Rain and tears They both feel the same now I guess once you feel something enough, you stop noticing it I touch my grubby face, and then the mud beside me My clammy hands cannot tell the difference I used to have a home with a nice warm bed But now I don’t have a home My bed is a rusty park bench I used to have friends But my only comfort now is my damp, musty blanket I often ask people for money—is that such a crime?

But most often, they just pretend not to notice me They walk around me, or cross the road Just so they can avoid the guilt of not helping someone in need If they took one look into my eyes, into the eyes of desperation and need They might understand Suddenly, I’m pushed into a wall and then kicked to the ground I don’t feel pain With each repeated blow my mind starts to realize That I am a reject from society, a weed in a perfect garden As my attacker runs off it starts to rain, I begin to feel miserable As the rain drips off my face and into my lap, I feel like crying I look up, just to realize, it’s not raining.

—Chris Smartt, Toronto

Inspiration – Emily Robson, Toronto

CAME TO SAVE You’re battered, bruised, torn, abused The One who came to save… blood dripping down from such a crown The One who came to save… nailed violently upon a tree The One who came to save…

Your mercies spilled, but still we killed The One who came to save… our debt You paid in our tomb You laid The One who came to save… the tears You cried the death You died

The One who came to save… our breath You breathe to us You leave The One who came to save…

You forgive, so we can live The One who came to save… just like He said up from the dead, The One who came to save… for all He’s done, I thank Your Son, The One who came to save —Allison Brown, Richmond Hill, Ont.

August 2008 Salvationist

21

In anticipation of Symposium 2008, Salvationists across the territory take stock of how the Army is fulfilling its mission in their local communities

Mapping a New Direction Part Three

A

t the 2005 territorial symposium, five key issues were identified as being a priority for further action and discussion: 1. Salvation Army Identity; 2. Interacting with Current Culture; 3. Authority, Formal Relationships and Partners; 4. Discipleship and Spiritual Growth; and 5. Leadership in Organizational Change. In preparation for Symposium 2008, Salvationist is publishing comments from former delegates on how these issues are being worked out in their local situation. This month: Authority, Formal Relationships and Partners How does the Army in your community work with other groups and partner organizations? Are there things it is doing well or that could be done better?

T

he Salvation Army is not an island unto itself. We must be a part of the larger community. We need to continually find ways to develop and strengthen ties with other groups that are doing great work in our area. Partnering with these agencies enables us to see what needs are not being addressed and who might be slipping through the cracks. Through various local contacts, we discovered we could provide training and assistance to other groups to help them succeed. There are also many churches that want to be involved in ministry to the poor or marginalized, but don’t know how to go about doing it. We’ve been able to partner with many of them by offering the use of our feeding truck, and we now often see people from other congregations come along22

Salvationist August 2008

side our own members to share the love of Christ in the community. We believe that it’s very important for the local corps be involved in Army ministry. While we appreciate those from outside who volunteer their time, especially during the Christmas season, our own soldiers need to be on the front lines.

Darryl Burry Kelowna CC, B.C. Div

W

e work very closely with many other groups and partner organizations, trying not to duplicate services or re-invent the wheel, so to speak. We also share resources. For example, although we have an emergency food pantry, we are very limited in storage space. Any excess food that is donated is given to the community food bank. If we ever need to re-stock our own shelves we just go there. In addition, our community and family services coordinator sits on their board.

Captain Tiffany Marshall Formerly of St. Albert Church and Community Centre, Alta., Prairie & Northern Ttys Div

O

ur corps has opened our building to a bagpipe band. One positive result is that they have invited our congregation to join in their yearly performances.

In return, we have invited them to our own church activities. Only God knows where this will go. We also allow other people and groups to use our building, providing their activities don’t contradict our beliefs. This has brought more local residents into our building and increases their awareness that we are a church. All

our literature is on display, showing them what God is doing in our congregation and in The Salvation Army. Our corps members also give back to the community. Our teen Sunday school class visits the community centre once a month to make and serve soup and sandwiches. Also, many in our congregation put in long hours assisting with emergencies and disasters, such as evacuations due to forest fires and flooding. The corps band participates by playing at kettles, visiting hospitals and nursing homes throughout the year and assisting at the annual Remembrance Day service.

Our community care ministry workers serve at several long-term care facilities.

The community centre provides a van so we can pick up children for Sunday school.

In addition, SaskEnergy and The Salvation Army have partnered in a program called Share the Warmth. Company employees help pack Christmas hampers and volunteer to do work projects at the camp.

Can we do more? Absolutely. The more groups we can partner with, the more we can reach out to the lost.

Glenna Cryderman Saskatoon Temple, Prairie & Northern Ttys Div

W

e partner with the schools for feeding programs and with other agencies to deal with housing issues and emergency response. Although much of this is through family services, we have been integrating it so our congregation is also part of the partnering. For example, the youth program that started as a means of outreach to community young people is now run by members of our corps. If

we had more people to help, we could do so much more. We have lots of space, just not enough people to do the work.

Captain Jennifer Loner Swift Current, Sask., Prairie & Northern Ttys Div

I

n addition to partnering with non-Army groups and agencies, we work closely with the Army’s Booth Centre, which comes under the umbrella of the division, as well as the thrift store, which is run by national recycling operations. Neither is technically part of our corps, which has caused some confusion among the public who see us all as one big Army. When calls come in to our church office from people seeking social assistance or wanting to donate clothes, callers are confused and often say, “Isn’t this The Salvation Army?”

Though each ministry unit comes under a separate administration, we have learned to work together. By building a team of people who are aware of and interested in each other, we have only enhanced people’s impression of The Salvation Army within our community.

Captain Dora Keeping Wyndfield CC, Brantford, Ont. GL Div

I

n the past, we’ve made our facilities available to be used by other community groups. We’ve also been blessed to partner with other churches for various ministry opportunities.

Captain Carson Decker Former CO, Sackville, N.S., Maritime Div

T

he Salvation Army partners very well with the association of churches in Fenelon Falls. There are eight congregations serving our small community of 1,800, each representing a branch of Christ. We meet monthly and, amid the laughter and fun, we work together to bring the gospel to our area. Last summer, in our own outdoor park ministry, we tried to incorporate all the flavours of the various churches. It marked a new

beginning in terms of reaching out together and we hope to continue it for a long time to come. We also work closely with our local Rotary club, fire department and emergency medical services, as well as the high school and a local grocery store. By partnering together we can broaden our scope of ministry.

Captain Ron Wickens Former CO, Fenelon Falls, Ont. CE Div

W

e are improving each year in our interactions with the surrounding community. Through the thrift store and food bank we can touch not only the lives of our clients, but volunteers who come

“We are improving each year in our interactions with the surrounding community. Yet while we have made progress, we still have a long way to go” in to accomplish their community service hours or acquire job skills through workplace training programs. This past year, the help of a social work student doing a 15-week placement enabled us to offer free workshops on budgeting, eating well on a fixed income, bullying and volunteering. We have also partnered with Rotary and Scouts Canada to enable some of our clients’ children to participate in the scouting experience over the next four years.

While we have made progress in forming

✃ Subscribe to Salvationist Name: ����������������������������������������������

community partnerships, we still have a long way to go.

Captain Bonita Hebert Église Communautaire de l’Outaouais, Gatineau, Quebec Div

T

he Salvation Army has a rich history of community partnerships in Triton. We are involved in weekly chaplaincy programs at the three schools. Our corps officers participate in school assemblies for occasions such as Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, Christmas and Easter.

We partner with the local fire brigade in an annual telethon and with the town in its yearly civic celebrations. We provide hampers to needy families at Christmastime and seek to meet other needs as they arise.

The local community television channel also provides a free weekly broadcast of our Sunday morning worship service.

Howard Bridger Triton, N.L. W Div

I

n St. John’s, The Salvation Army is intertwined with government social-service programs. It is a leader in emergency disaster response for the province. For the past several years, St. John’s Temple has partnered with Kentucky Fried Chicken to put on a dinner on Christmas Sunday.

Two sittings are needed to accommodate the many who come, all of whom are either recipients of social assistance or families who are new to Canada. There is much more we could be doing.

Arlene Riche St. John’s Temple, N.L. E Div

I

n Bermuda, we do a great job of partnering with many churches, organizations and local businesses. We have more than 150 non-Army volunteers who help run our various programs. We also join with other church congregations to conduct special events for the island.

Rosemary Phillips North Street Citadel, Hamilton, Bermuda

❏ One year: Canada $30 (includes GST); US $36; foreign $41 ❏ Two years: Canada $60 (includes GST); US $72; foreign $82 Payment method

Address: ��������������������������������������������

❏ Cheque enclosed made payable to Salvationist ❏ Visa ❏ MasterCard

City:_______________________Prov/state: ���������������

Card number: ����������������������������������������

Postal/zip code: _________ Phone number: ���������������

Expiry date: ������������������������������������������

E-mail: ����������������������������������������������

Name on card: ��������������������������������������� August 2008 Salvationist

23

Officer Insight

Considering Officership

All Christians are called to serve Christ. But some are chosen for a lifetime of service in full-time ministry

by Larry Jaremko, Divisional Secretary for Business Administration, Ontario Great Lakes Division

S

alvation Army officership is something that almost every Salvationist has considered at some point. There are many reasons why some respond to the call while others do not. I expect that all of us have personally felt the call of God to serve him with our lives. That service obviously and most dramatically includes officership—but it also embodies the laity.

The reality is that most Salvationists live as Christian believers in the secular world.

Regardless of our economic status, level of education or occupation, we support our corps with time and money and help with charitable work in our communities. We may even sponsor or participate in short-term mission trips as we strive to model our lives after Christ. These are all important things, but I’d like to think that each of us is also open to considering the potential for full-time service. All Salvationists, while acknowledging and fulfilling their obligation to preach the gospel in word and action, should also search their hearts for signs that the Lord is calling them to be an officer. Then, if we sincerely believe that we are not called, we can still support and honour those who are.

In my 17 years working for The Salvation Army, I’ve been privileged to know hundreds of officers. Most spoke passionately about their calling. Some responded to it immediately. Others initially resisted but felt restless in their chosen vocations until they eventually accepted God’s 24

Salvationist August 2008

call on their life. In each case, their sense of contentment in responding to the call was evident, manifested in a graceful acceptance of the various sacrifices typically required of Salvation Army officers. Sadly, many included among those sacrifices a feeling of not being valued—perhaps a reflection that Salvationists in general do not value officers as a whole.

I have observed officers in all kinds of settings— from needle-strewn alleys to the fancy offices of political and business leaders. I have always been impressed by the reception they received. The Army is fortunate to be afforded a unique respect by all facets of society and our officers are automatically recipients of that good will. While it is quite a responsibility to represent all the good work that has been done previously in the Army’s name, it is also a wonderful privilege to immediately command respect wherever you go. The success that people of the world strive to achieve is usually rooted in a craving for respect. How ironic that in responding to the call of God, forsaking the pursuit of power and material wealth, our officers achieve the esteem so many others do not.

In spite of this reality, we have gone through periods where Salvationists have not held the officer ranks in high regard. We have all met certain officers who perhaps could have served the Lord better in a different setting. Sometimes they were not really equipped for the challenges of Salvation Army officership. At other

All Salvationists should search their hearts for signs that the Lord is calling them to be an officer times, the calling may not have been as clear—yet it was answered. Unfortunately, the impact of these few officers has had a disproportionate effect on officership as a whole.

In our territory, the Army is currently struggling to find the right officers for all our existing appointments.

Our leaders sometimes

hesitate at proposals for new ministries due to fears that we don’t have the personnel to properly lead the work.

While demographic trends have impacted the number of officers, so too have societal views of Christian ministry.

Throughout most of church history, being a member of the clergy meant a life of prestige and privilege. Parents would be honoured when their children chose to go into the ministry.

But modern perceptions have changed to the point where few parents today encourage their children to contemplate this path.

It is also possible that somewhere along the way we erred in our “marketing” of Salvation Army officership, perhaps by over-emphasizing its benefits. Many young people today want to make a difference to their world. They are not afraid of sacrifice. We should be encouraging our best and brightest to consider answering God’s call this way.

As Protestants, we subscribe to the priesthood of all believers. That is true to the extent that God calls each of us to minister and witness from the platform of our daily lives. Fortunately, some still choose to answer that call by surrendering their lives in fulltime service.

Let us all do what we can to encourage those who are considering this path.

Perhaps the place to start is by supporting and honouring those already commissioned, so that officership once again becomes as highly valued within the organization as it is externally.

Just Between Us

Getting to That Age

How to come to grips with growing older

by Major Kathie Chiu Corps Officer and Executive Director of The Caring Place Ministries, Mountain View Community Church, Maple Ridge, B.C.

M

om, my finger hurts!” Evan screamed. “Quick, get it out!”

I took his hand and gently turned it to see what had happened.

I assumed it was just a sliver but I couldn’t see it clearly. “Sarah,” I called, “please come and help me. I can’t see this.”

After the offensive invader was removed by his big sister, Evan went on his way.

I went around the room picking things up and bringing them closer to my face.

Everything blurred when it got too close.

I told the optometrist about my dilemma.

His response? “Well, that happens when you get to That Age.” Another time I was with my daughter at our trailer. We were snuggled into bed watching a movie and for some reason, she put on the subtitles. After awhile I asked, “Why does it keep saying ‘birds chirping’? ” She began to laugh and said, “Because birds are chirping, Mom! Can’t you hear them?”

I slowly began to put the clues together—my kids’ comments about the TV being too loud, Ed being bothered by a barking dog that I couldn’t hear. I told my doctor, only to once again hear those familiar words, “Well, you’re getting to That Age.” If one more person says that to me I think I’ll scream.

When did I get to “That Age”? I’m not sure, but it’s just like the skinny person inside me wondering where all the extra wrapping came from. I can’t help wondering if somewhere along the way I entered a time machine and ended up in the wrong decade. One day I went to bed after putting on my facial cream and woke up the next day wrinkled.

The last indignity came when the surgeon told me it would take a while to recover from my surgery. Yes, I had all my parts removed—apparently I’m at That Age (sigh). Back when I had my twin girls

by Caesarean section, I was climbing two storeys up a ladder because I had locked myself and the babies out of our apartment. I certainly wasn’t climbing any ladders after this surgery. It was a few weeks before I could even walk for 10 minutes without wanting to faint!

Slowly, I resigned myself to the idea that I was becoming older. Half my life was

If one more person tells me I’m getting to That Age, I think I’ll scream

gone, used up, over. A sense of foreboding came over me. I hadn’t become a published author, I hadn’t saved the world, I hadn’t finished my work! Overcome by stress, I turned to God. In his Word I found many old friends—Abraham, Noah, Shem. I discovered that even Isaac didn’t marry Rebekah until he was 40. And then there was poor Sarah, having a baby in her 90s.

I had my last one at 41 and that was hard enough.

Phew! So God can still use me. I still have lots of time left to leave my big mark on the world. But I still wondered if any-

one would listen to someone of That Age. Then I read in Psalm 92:12-14 that “the righteous will flourish” and “bear fruit.” I could identify with that. With careful tending and trimming, trees grow to maturity and bear delicious and abundant fruit.

Apparently, we’re like fruit trees, I thought.

That wasn’t so bad.

However, when trees grow old and gnarly, we tend to want to cut them down.

Who wants a rotting and leaning tree mucking up their garden? Still, old trees can produce some of the best fruit if they are taken care of.

In a village near Oxford, England, there is an apple tree known to be 185 years old. Normally, apple trees only live for about 100 years, but this tree is causing scientists to rethink their views. The tree is hollow and misshapen, leaning over from a lightning strike and propped up with a plank of wood—certainly not a thing of beauty. Yet it still produces a variety of apples, thought to be extinct, that are of wonderful quality and taste.

Like this tree, people who have arrived at That Age still have a lot to give. They may require trimming and propping up now and then, but they can be brought back into fertile fruit production with loving care.

I’m not sure I like the idea that I’ll still need trimming and pruning well into my advanced years.

I don’t much relish the idea of looking wrinkled, gnarled or having to be propped up. But I know that God loves me and is faithful. “Even to your old age and grey hairs,” he declares, “I am he who will sustain you” (Isaiah 46:4).

I also love his promise in Isaiah 40:31: “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Maybe reaching That Age isn’t so bad after all.

August 2008 Salvationist

25

It Starts With One I don’t know if I would have made it if it weren’t for Lee Captain Stephen Wiseman, House Church Network, Calgary

I

was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer on Sunday, June 22, 1997. That afternoon I kept thinking about Lee and the pivotal part he had played in my life. On my way home from commissioning, I decided to stop in Amherst, N.S., to let him know how thankful I was that he took an interest in me.

I was 15 when my family moved to Amherst. I immediately struck up a good relationship with Lee and his family. Lee was very genuine and welcoming. You felt like you were at home when you were with him. Lee had a swimming pool that we made good use of that first summer. He invited me to the Oxford Exhibition, where he displayed the prize-winning fruit and vegetables he grew in his backyard. He also raised some chickens, and we’d often go through the coop and check for fresh eggs.

Lee and I played music together at church. Every Sunday evening following worship, Lee would take me home after practice. It was a time to talk and share some of the difficult challenges in my life. Lee was there for me at a time when my life was a rollercoaster. I was struggling in high school and confused about career choices. I harboured an intense anger at the world. But Lee accepted me for who I was.

I don’t know if I would have made it if it weren’t for Lee’s coming alongside me. This type of intentional mentoring doesn’t require a program or an agenda. It requires someone to be courageous enough to befriend and invest in the younger generation. Lee didn’t use a curriculum. He invited me into his life.

I’ve used that same pattern as I’ve invited a small group of youth into my life. Our interactions have been as simple as an invitation into my home for a meal or a discussion over coffee. (As Starbucks says, “Life happens over coffee.”) It’s not always perfect, but it’s real. Mentoring is

26

Salvationist August 2008

God’s will in their own distinctive way, but they quietly long for the godly input of spiritually mature followers of Jesus to help them along the journey.

Since I’ve taken the time to invest in and befriend youth, they’ve returned the favour. Mentoring is give and take, win-win. The sharing and blessing goes both ways. As I’ve witnessed growth and transformation in those I mentor, they’ve witnessed it in me.

As a mentor of mine once shared with me, it’s important to look for and be aware of what God is doing in your life on a weekly basis. Our advice and testimony are much more palatable to youth when fresh, current and honest. A good mentor is ready to share what Jesus is doing in his life that week.

Lee didn’t use a curriculum with me.

He invited me into his life

like inviting young people into an adoptive spiritual relationship.

There are many spiritual orphans in the church that are longing to be adopted.

They yearn for someone to come alongside them, invest in them and pour Jesus into their lives. Young people want to follow

Mentoring requires more than a program; it requires a relationship. It does not require perfection; it requires faithfulness and obedience. Seize the opportunity and get to know the young person that God impresses on your heart and mind. Take them out for a coffee or invite them over for a meal. Ask them how they are doing and genuinely give them your attention. Listen to them and offer encouragement. Don’t seek to have all the answers or the quick fix—just love them!

Don’t underestimate who God is making you to be and how he’s wired you. You don’t need to wait until you have the counselling credentials or academic knowledge to make a difference in the life of a child.

Start small. Start with one.

A Place of New Beginnings After 30 years of ministry, the Bermuda Harbour Light is still bringing men to a place of spiritual healing and recovery

I

by Captain Kim Walter, Editor, Edge for Kids

n 2007, the Bermuda Harbour Light celebrated 30 years of ministry. In April 1977, when the Dudley G. Butterfield Residence first opened its doors, it was a light at the end of the tunnel for men battling the effects of alcoholism. The local paper called them “derelicts … rummies who have scavenged a precipitous living for too long.”

Today, the program has expanded to include many substance addictions. It is recognized as the most effective treatment program on the island—the only one that takes clients through all stages of recovery.

The quest for addictions treatment is not an easy one. It involves changing old patterns of behaviour and learning new skills. Not everyone who begins the program completes it the first time. However, Augustina Ibegbuna, director of the facility, says, “We refuse to give up on clients even when they self-destruct and give up on themselves.”

Spiritual development plays a key role in the treatment program. “We can clearly observe God restoring the men,”says Augustina. Clients address their spiritual needs through daily devotions, Bible study classes and attendance at Sunday worship.

This is encouraging for Harbour Light staff, who meet the men, sometimes at their lowest point. Assistant

counsellor Ralph Adams says, “The clients are inspirational to me.”

After treatment for their addiction, clients prepare to move back into the community by entering the life-skills component of the program and attending relapse prevention classes. In the process they develop a healthy lifestyle, responsible work habits and a moral and spiritual foundation for their behaviour.

Staff and residents participate in Keep Bermuda Beautiful—a community clean-up operation

Eighty percent of clients who complete the life-skills course successfully maintain sobriety over one year

Harbour Light clients walk the city streets wearing distinctive t-shirts to bring awareness to the program

Staff and clients of the Bermuda Harbour Light are also active in the community.

Recently, they walked through the streets of Hamilton wearing distinctive red Recovery Relay t-shirts to bring awareness to the program. They also participated in Keep Bermuda Beautiful—a community clean-up operation. Residents are also involved in a fundraising program by making elaborate kites to sell in the community to help fund

Residents’ Testimonies My daily use of crack cocaine and alcohol caused my life to deteriorate. I was on the verge of losing my job, my relationship with my family became distant and, most of all, my spiritual awareness was at a standstill. Broke, busted and disgusted, I decided enough was enough. I sought help through The Salvation Army Harbour Light. Thank you to my peers and the staff of the Harbour

outdoor therapy activities.

Augustina reports, “Eighty percent of clients who complete the life-skills course successfully maintain sobriety over one year.

It is exciting to see men who have lost spiritual connection with God, their families and friends, being changed through God’s power. At times

Light for helping me in my recovery.

I am here because of the choices I made in life. Even though I knew right from wrong, I chose to do things my way. I didn’t like who I was becoming, so I chose the right place to go and that was the Harbour Light.

They really do care. Now my ears are wide open now and it feels great.

it can also be frustrating, but the team always comes together to continue to do God’s work.”

Her staff agrees. “Working at The Salvation Army is a rewarding experience,” says life-skills trainer Kuni Frith-Black. “It enriches my soul.”

August 2008 Salvationist

27

Celebrate Community

accepted for training Prayer Warriors Session 2008-2010 Kevin and Michelle Elsasser

Wayne and Elizabeth Knight

Berkshire Citadel CC, Calgary, Prairie & Northern Ttys Div

North Street Citadel, Hamilton, Bermuda Div

M

y earliest memory of church is walking into a Sunday school class and seeing a huge picture of Jesus on the cross. My teacher explained that he was dying for my sins, and once I understood this, I committed my life to him. Growing up, I found I couldn’t get enough of the Bible. Attending a nearby Christian college, I gained a new appreciation for God’s Word and grew even more in my spiritual life. I now look forward to sharing what I have learned with others.—Kevin

F

G

A

rowing up in the church, I always remember believing that God existed. It wasn’t until I reached university that I really matured in my Christian faith. I began to realize the power of the Word and depend on the Holy Spirit as I formed close relationships with fellow believers. A comment from our corps officers led Kevin and me to consider officership and now we are pleased to be following God’s plan for our lives.—Michelle

Larry and Rose Campbell

lthough I accepted Christ at a young age, I spent most of my life in rebellion and worldly pursuits. After years of struggle, I rededicated my life to him in 2002 and began a journey to know, love and serve him better. Since marrying Wayne in 2005, God has used these past few years to mould me, break me and prepare me for this next chapter in my life. He is still working on me, and I can’t wait to see how and where he will use me in the future.—Elizabeth

Yarmouth CC, N.S., Maritime Div

David and Nyree Bond

I

Oshawa Temple, Ont. CE Div

n 1976, I was influenced to accept Christ by a group of devoted Christians who allowed God’s light to shine through their lives. Since then, I have raised a family and experienced life’s highs and lows. No matter the circumstances, I’ve always known that God was in control. My heart’s desire is to allow God to use me for his purpose. I feel privileged to commit myself to full-time service and want only to bless others by sharing the grace he has given me.—Larry

S

ince I became a Christian 32 years ago, the Lord has been very faithful to me. He is my Saviour and I love him with every ounce of my being. He took my broken life and has made me a “Prayer Warrior” for him. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve God in full-time ministry. I praise him for his patience and guidance through the years and pray I will be able to give back some of what he has given me.—Rose

André Pardy*

I

was 14 when my parents entered training college. During that experience I understood the opportunity of officership but didn’t yet feel called. Since that time I have had various opportunities to work for God through The Salvation Army, but recently have been challenged by the words of Hebrews 12:9 as found in The Message: “Why not embrace God’s training so [you] can truly live?” Our family is excited about this new adventure to which God is calling us.—David

I

was born into a Christian family and grew up at North York Temple, Toronto, where I met my husband, David. Since then God has blessed us with three sons—Nathan, Brandon and Dawson. During the past year, God used Commissioner Linda Bond to speak to me and confirm my calling. David and I are excited to be entering training as “Prayer Warriors” and are ready to commit our lives in service to God and The Salvation Army.—Nyree

Berkshire Citadel CC, Calgary, Prairie & Northern Ttys Div

Lorri-Anne Butler

I

Hope CC, Pickering, Ont. CE Div

became a Christian on Easter Sunday 1998 at Park Street Citadel, Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L., and was enrolled as a soldier a year later.

Every day my relationship with Jesus deepens.

I thank God for my wife, Linda, who introduced me to The Salvation Army, and for our two beautiful children. I rely on his promise that I can do all things “through him who gives me strength” (see Philippians 4:13). *Note: André has been accepted under the new regulations for single-spouse officership 28

ive years ago I never would have imagined that my life would be headed in the direction it is today. Following the breakup of my first marriage, it looked like life was hitting rock bottom. But God opened new doors of opportunity for me to serve under the former lieutenants program.This led to me meeting and marrying Elizabeth, and now we are heading into full-time ministry. I am humbled that God has chosen me and trust him to equip me for his service.—Wayne

Salvationist August 2008

I

wasn’t raised as a Christian, yet early in life experienced God in my own way. As I grew older I was convicted about my lifestyle, but it took a near-fatal car accident before I really made a significant change and committed my life to Christ. In 2001, I was introduced to The Salvation Army through its camping ministry and four years later I began attending Hope Community Church. Now convinced of God’s call on my life, I am excited to see another chapter in my journey begin.

Celebrate Community Officer Retirements Lt-Colonels Ray and Marilyn Moulton entered training in 1966 from Wychwood, Toronto, as members of the Messengers of the Faith Session.

Corps appointments in Ontario and Saskatchewan preceded several years in the former men’s social services department, ministering in Thunder Bay, London and Sudbury, Ont., Victoria and Winnipeg. In 1991, Ray was appointed as assistant addictions and rehabilitation secretary, THQ, and subsequently served as territorial social services secretary, with Marilyn as administrative assistant. Another change came in 1999 when they were appointed as divisional leaders for Manitoba and Northwest Ontario. This was followed in 2002 by three years in the U.S.A. Western Territory, with Ray as territorial program secretary and Marilyn overseeing community care and older adult ministries. They retire on August 1 following three years in the editorial department, where Ray has served as editor-in-chief and literary secretary and Marilyn as assistant to the editor-in-chief. They look forward to spending more time with their three children and eight grandchildren.

Enrolled as soldiers at Prince Rupert, B.C., Majors Glenn and Jeananne Wirachowsky were first employed by The Salvation Army as home supervisors at Toronto CFOT in 1986. The following year they became envoys and in 1991 were appointed as assistant corps officers at Toronto Temple. In 1993, they became auxiliary-captains and subsequently served at Flin Flon, Man. Commissioned as captains in 1998, they went on to serve in corps ministry at Hanover and Cornwall, Ont. Glenn and Jeananne acknowledge that there have been both challenges and blessings in each appointment and are grateful for the many friends they have made. “The Holy Spirit has always gone before to prepare the way,” they write, “and wherever God has sent us has been home.”

They look forward to further service in retirement and to being able to travel and spend more time with their grandchildren.

Gazette

TERRITORIAL Appointments Cpt Elizabeth Fisher, CFS worker, Edmonton CFS, Prairie & Northern Ttys Div; Cpt Grace Gullage, director of spiritual care (designation change), Grace Manor, Ottawa, Ont. CE Div; Mjr Mona Moore, assistant secretary for personnel— leadership development, THQ personnel Retired officer placements Mjrs Max/Helen Bulmer, Hanover CFS, Ont. N Div (Jun-Sep); Lt-Cols Cecil/Grace Cooper, Halifax Citadel CC, Maritime Div; Mjrs George/ Margaret Perkins, Kamloops CC, B.C. Div; Mjr Robert Ratcliff, executive director, Cordula and Gunter Paetzhold Rehabilitation Centre Valley of Miracles, Mission, B.C. Div; Mjr Greg Simmonds, Winterberry Heights Church, Stoney Creek, Ont. GL Div; Mjr Denis Skipper, London Citadel, Ont. GL Div Change of rank to auxiliary-captain Lts Bob/Dianne Elliott, Dwight/Mary Millar, Carol Anne Scott, Phoungern/Oudaovanh Sombounkhanh, Felipe/Phyllis Vega

Commissioned in 1981 as a member of the God’s Soldiers Session, Major Cheryl Davis retires following 27 years of faithful service. During her first three years as an officer she held four corps appointments in Newfoundland and Labrador. Then after six years in the personnel department,THQ, she served as DYS for the then Ontario Central (former Mid-Ontario) Division with headquarters in Belleville. Another corps appointment followed at Mount Pearl, N.L., before Cheryl returned to THQ in 1995 as administrative assistant to the chief secretary. She then spent three years in Zambia and Malawi as private secretary to the territorial commander. Returning to Canada in 2002, she ministered at Brampton West, Ont., before spending the past four years as executive director of Grave Haven and Gemma House in Regina. Cheryl enters retirement relying on God’s promise from Jeremiah 29:11: “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future” (New Century Version).

Faithful Music Ministry

CORNER BROOK, N.L.—Frank Guy of Corner Brook Citadel recently retired following 52 years as the corps organist. Coming to the Army as a young man he gave his heart to the Lord during a New Year’s Eve watchnight service at the end of 1954, and has faithfully played the piano or organ at virtually every corps event since. He was also asked to play the organ for the provincial congress in St. John’s. Over the years Frank was a bandsman and songster, giving leadership to both groups, and was also the singing company leader. He also served as CT and CSM, held various offices in the men’s fellowship, including chaplain, was a faithful CCM worker and served on several corps committees. In addition, Frank was an active member of the Gideons. He is now enjoying retirement with his wife, Alma, in Pasadena, N.L., but still attends Corner Brook Citadel regularly.

Promotion to major Cpt Betty Ann Pike Reinforcement personnel Mjrs Robert/Sophie Gilbert, Freeport, Bahamas, Caribbean Tty Long service—25 years Mjrs Ann Braund, Wilf Brown-Ratcliffe, Joan Canning, Barbara Carey, Ron Cartmell, Susanne Fisher, Gilbert/Gloria Godfrey, Charles/Elizabeth Granter, Lee Graves, Nancy Hudon, Dean/ Margaret Locke, Bill/Darlene Mollard, Tanya Payette, Alan/Colleen Price, Rick/Jane Shirran, Roy Snow, Wendy Swan, Kester/KathrynTrim, Leo Vincent, Fred/Wendy Waters Long service—30 years Mjrs Everett/Violet Barrow, Larry Bridger, Syd/ Beverley Buell, Gary Cooper, Sandra Hosken, Gerald Lacey, Wayne Loveless, Ron/Donna Millar, George Patterson, Charlene Randell, Owen/Sharon Rowsell, Pearce Samson, Brad/ Mary Smith, Carletta Thornhill, Dirk/Susan van Duinen Long service—40 years Comr Linda Bond, Mjrs Fred/Shirley Ash, Joe/

Margaret Bailey, Lloyd/Ellen Boone, Woodrow Boyde, Harvey Canning, Brenda Holnbeck, Cyril Janes, Ray/Audrey Rowe Long service—45 years Lt-Col Donald Copple, Mjr Lucy Pilgrim Retirements Mjr Cheryl Davis, out of Corner Brook Citadel, N.L. Last appointment: special assignment, Prairie & Northern Ttys Div; Lt-Cols Ray and Marilyn Moulton, out of Wychwood, Toronto.

Last appointments: editor-in-chief/literary secretary and assistant to the editor-in-chief, THQ editorial; Mjr Pearce Samson, out of Peterview, N.L. Last appointment: property secretary, THQ property

Calendar

Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis Aug 10 Georgina CC, Jackson’s Point, Ont.; Aug 18-19 Winnipeg Grace Hospital board reception and golf classic; Aug 24 territorial school of music and gospel arts, JPCC; Aug 29-31 family camp meetings, Empire State Div, U.S.A. Eastern Tty August 2008 Salvationist

29

Celebrate Community

Tribute

Family Celebrations CORNWALL, ONT.—Family members participate in Dedication Day at Cornwall CC. Chandra Shillington-Brown, left, stands behind her daughter, Pyper-Lyn. Chandra wanted to make her own commitment on the same day as her daughter was dedicated. Corinne Pilecki, centre, holds her infant son, Matthew, who was also dedicated, supported by Wendy Johnson and Steven Heile, Matthew’s godparents, and Matthew’s grandmother CHARLOTTETOWN, N.L.— Twin daughters Hannah Sarah Jolene and Laura Carrie Brooke are dedicated to the Lord by their parents,Todd and Natasha Penney. Looking on is big brother Mason, supported by Mjrs Lloyd and Marlene George from the Wiseman Centre in St. John’s, family friends who were present for the occasion

KING’S POINT, N.L.—Cpt Joshua Randell, former CO, leadsTracie and Chris Brown in the dedication of their daughter, Tasha, back to God

Hope

HoH Salvationist halfpage final.pdf

Harvest of

10/03/2008

3:45:50 PM

MEDICINE HAT, Alta.—A lifelong Salvationist, Raymond Burkett loved music and influenced many through his leadership as bandmaster, songster leader and his involvement in youth ministry. Ray worked in the criminal justice system for the province of Alberta and, following his retirement, spent 19 years as the Salvation Army chaplain at the Medicine Hat Remand Centre. He enjoyed his prison ministry and took great joy in seeing spiritual growth in the inmates. Ray and his wife, Eileen, formed a good team as they shared their faith in music and the spoken word at the prison, in the corps and in local seniors’ residences. A faithful witness in the community, Ray was known to many as Mr. Salvation Army. He is survived by his wife, Eileen; sons Danny and Ronnie; one brother and two sisters.

MEDICINE HAT, Alta.—Murray McLeod was born in Ontario in 1919 and moved to Medicine Hat in 1952.There he met his future wife, Lil, and joinedThe Salvation Army.

Murray became actively involved in the corps through teaching Sunday school and also served as corps secretary for many years. In his later years he became known as a faithful prayer warrior. He is missed by his wife, Lil; daughters Kathy (Mark) Shaler and Captain Margaret; and sons Bob (Charmaine) and Bill.

LETHBRIDGE, Alta.—Born in 1917, Major Isabel Arkinstall came toThe Salvation Army through the girl guide movement and was an active member throughout her life. In 1940, she entered training inToronto as a member of the Crusaders Session. Several corps appointments, all in the former Alberta Division, followed her commissioning. After a short term at DHQ, Isabel ministered at senior citizens’ homes in Victoria and New Westminster, B.C., Calgary and Edmonton. She retired in 1982 from her final appointment in Edmonton family services. Isabel is survived by her brother, Allan (Viola); nephew, Everett; and niece, Valerie.

Ontario Central-East

Thanksgiving Congress October 10-12, 2008 Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Canada and Bermuda Territorial Leaders For more information, registration Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis and event schedules visit: Lieut.-Colonels Donald J. and Ann Copple Carol Jaudes and U.S.A. Eastern Territorial Drama Team HarvestofHopeCongress.com 30

Salvationist August 2008

Students grow musically and spiritually at the Territorial School of Music and Gospel Arts

Prayer Diary 2008

August 1-2 Focus on People in Transition 1 Pray for those who are experiencing changes in their workplaces 2 Pray for recent graduates who are seeking full-time employment

August 3-9 Focus on our Territorial Mission Statement: The Salvation Army exists to be a transforming influence in our world 3 Pray for the ministry of The Salvation Army around the world 4 Pray for our Partners in Mission Territories: Germany, Spain, Mexico, Liberia, Tanzania, Hong Kong and Macau, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar 5 Pray for God’s direction as Salvationists seek to identify and respond to local needs 6 Pray that Salvationists’ lives will witness to the transforming power of Christ 7 Pray for a vision of transformation that includes the spiritual, social and physical aspects of human life 8 Ask God to show how you can contribute to the transformation of your community 9 Meditate on 1 Timothy 1:12-17

August 10-16 Focus on Bermuda Division 10 Pray for more widespread recognition of The Salvation Army as a church

11 Pray for youth leaders, workers and participants in the Army’s various youth ministries 12 Pray that the evangelistic and outreach ministries of all ministry units will have a positive impact for God’s Kingdom among the people of Bermuda 13 Pray that Christ will be presented through the Army’s social services ministries 14 Pray for the continued spiritual growth of Bermudian Salvationists 15 Pray that more candidates would respond to the call to officership 16 Pray for guidance and wisdom in dealing with political leaders

August 17-23 Focus on the Territorial School of Music and Gospel Arts (August 23-30) 17 Pray that God’s will is fulfilled in the lives of students and faculty 18 P ray that faculty members will receive God’s wisdom as they seek to mentor the students 19 Pray that delegates will be drawn to a deeper experience of God as they develop their skills in music and other creative arts 20 Ask God to provide each delegate with special moments of encounter with him 21 P ray that the Bible teaching will speak powerfully to individual lives 22 Pray that God will be honoured in the corporate worship that will take place throughout the week 23 Pray that home corps will continue to support

t he delegates in their creative ministries throughout the year

August 24-31 Focus on the New School Year 24 Pray for children who will be attending school for the first time and for those who will be moving to new schools in September 25 Pray for the safety of children as they travel to and from school each day 26 Pray for children who have learning challenges; pray for their parents, that they may know how to effectively support and advocate on their behalf 27 Pray that children who have physical challenges will find acceptance among their peers and the resources they need to facilitate their participation in school life 28 Pray for young adults who are attending universities, colleges or other post-secondary institutions 29 Pray that our young people will receive God’s grace as they live out their faith with their classmates and teachers 30 Pray for teachers and instructors as they seek to provide beneficial learning environments 31 Pray for parents as they adjust to their children’s schedule for this new school year

The 2008 Prayer Diary is available online at Salvationist.ca. To receive your copy by e-mail, contact Major Gail Winsor, spiritual life and prayer co-ordinator, at gail_winsor@can.salvationarmy.org.

August 2008 Salvationist

31

For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6112 or circulation@can.salvationarmy.org. Allow 4-6 weeks for changes.

Salvationist AD.indd 1

5/28/2008 3:48:48 PM