Salvationist November 2008

salvationist.

November 2008

communicating Passion and mission

ca

Canada and Bermuda

Symposium 2008

Seeking God’s Direction for the Army

Canadian officers and lay personnel serving outside the territory welcome a word from home. Support them with cards and prayers this Christmas.

Comr Linda Bond PO Box A435 Sydney South NSW 2033, AUSTRALIA linda_bond@aue.salvationarmy.org Mjrs David and Marsha-Jean Bowles Salierring 23-27, 50677 Cologne, GERMANY david_bowles@ger.salvationarmy.org marsha-jean_bowles@ger.salvationarmy.org Mjrs Clarence and Linda Bradbury 1032 Metropolitan Parkway SW Atlanta GA 30310, U.S.A. clarence_bradbury@uss.salvationarmy.org linda_bradbury@uss.salvationarmy.org Mjrs Stan and Debi Carr 17314 Turquoise Stream Dr Houston, TX 77095, U.S.A. stan_carr@uss.salvationarmy.org debi_carr@uss.salvationarmy.org

Mjrs Gary and Sharon Cooper 10 Jupiter Cres Port Macquarie NSW 2444, AUSTRALIA gary_cooper@aue.salvationarmy.org sharon_cooper@aue.salvationarmy.org Cpts Stephen Court and Danielle Strickland 3/284 Smith St Collingwood VIC 3066, AUSTRALIA stephen_court@aus.salvationarmy.org danielle_strickland@aus.salvationarmy.org Lts Gerald and Blanca Dueck Hirschberg Strasse 28 01662 Meissen, GERMANY gerry.dueck@web.de Comrs Max and Lennie Feener 1424 Northeast Expressway Atlanta GA 30329-2088, U.S.A. max_feener@uss.salvationarmy.org lennie_feener@uss.salvationarmy.org

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Salvationist November 2008

Mjrs George and Holly Patterson PO Drawer 10909 St. Petersburg FL 33733-0909, U.S.A. george_patterson@uss.salvationarmy.org holly_patterson@uss.salvationarmy.org

Mjrs Shane and Pauline Gruer-Caulfield Calle Benito Castro 7, 5C 28028 Madrid, SPAIN grucaul@hotmail.com

Mjrs Brian and Rosalie Peddle 6 Tide Close, Mount Wellington Auckland 1060, NEW ZEALAND brian_peddle@nzf.salvationarmy.org rosalie_peddle@nzf.salvationarmy.org

Mjrs Bruce and Mildred Jennings 958 North Forestlane Dr Traverse City MI 49686, U.S.A. fwbjennings@hotmail.com Mjr Wendy Johnstone Casilla 2240 (C1000WAW) Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA wendy_johnstone@sae.salvationarmy.org Cpts Tony and Patricia Kennedy 105120 Khiebnikov Per 7/2, Moscow, RUSSIA anthony_kennedy@eet.salvationarmy.org patricia_kennedy@eet.salvatinarmy.org Brigitte Kloosterman Karklu g.5, 92243 Klaipeda, LITHUANIA bkloost@gmail.com Cpt Karen Lemke 3 Langdale, 9 The Avenue Beckenham, Kent BR3 5DQ, ENGLAND karen_lemke@salvationarmy.org

Mjr Joan Canning 226 – 203 Yoakum Parkway Alexandria VA 22304, U.S.A. joan_canning@usn.salvationarmy.org

Salvationist is a monthly publication of The S alvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory. Shaw Clifton, General; Commissioner Wiliam W. Francis, territorial commander; Major Jim Champ, editor-inchief; Geoff Moulton, managing editor (416422-6226); John McAlister (416-467-3185)

Mjrs Norman and Lois Garcia 106 Union Ave Old Orchard Beach ME 04064, U.S.A. norman_garcia@use.salvationarmy.org lois_garcia@use.salvationarmy.org

Lt-Cols Wayne and Myra Pritchett 22 Shirley Ave, Shirley, Croydon, Surrey CR0 8SG, ENGLAND wayne_pritchett@salvationarmy.org myra_pritchett@salvationarmy.org Mjr Heather Randell Savar 1340, Dhaka, BANGLADESH heather_randell@ban.salvationarmy.org Mjrs Robert and Dana Reid 47 Southcote Lane Reading RG3 3AG, ENGLAND robert.reid@readingcentral.org.uk dana.reid@readingcentral.org.uk Mjrs Lindsay and Lynette Rowe PO Box 1571, Nelspruit 1200 Mpumalanga, SOUTH AFRICA lindsay_rowe@saf.salvationarmy.org lynette_rowe@saf.salvationarmy.org

Cpts Hannu and Geraldine Lindholm Nortamonkatu 4 B 33, 26100 Rauma, FINLAND gerrylindholm@yahoo.ca

Cpt Heather Samuel House 7, Flat 8, Champion Park Denmark Hill, London SE5 8BQ, ENGLAND heather_samuel@uki.salvationarmy.org

Comr M. Christine MacMillan 1623 – 720 West End Ave New York NY 10025-6299, U.S.A. christine_macmillan@salvationarmy.org

Cpts (Dr.) Paul and Pedrinah Thistle Howard Hospital, PO Box 190 Glendale, ZIMBABWE pthistle@healthnet.zw

Lt-Col Susan McMillan 9 St. Paul’s Court, 18 Brackley Rd Beckenham, Kent BR3 1RA, ENGLAND susan_mcmillan@salvationarmy.org

Cols Robert and Marguerite Ward PO Box 242, Lahore 540000, PAKISTAN robert_j_ward@pak.salvationarmy.org marguerite_ward@pak.salvationarmy.org

Cpts David and April McNeilly 6, rue Paulin-Enfert, 75013 Paris, FRANCE pastor2paris@gmail.com

Cpts Keith and Joyce Warford 12 Wembly Ave, Plumstead 7800 Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA jkwarford@gmail.com

Mjrs Ron and Donna Millar 153B Orange St, Kingston, JAMAICA ron_millar@car.salvationarmy.org donna_millar@car.salvationarmy.org Cpt Elizabeth Nelson GPO Box 985, Dhaka 1000, BANGLADESH elizabeth_nelson@ban.salvationarmy.org

Mjrs Ariel and Joelle Westphal 6 rue de Pont à Mousson 57000 Metz, FRANCE ariel.westphal@hotmail.fr joellewestphal@hotmail.com Source: Personnel department as of September 2008

Envoys Eric and Rachael Olson Florastrasse 9-11, 42651 Solingen, GERMANY rachael_olson@hotmail.com

and Major Ken Smith (416-422-6117), associate editors; Timothy Cheng, art director; Pamela Richardson, production and distribution co-ordinator; Major Brenda Critch, Clint Houlbrook, Ken Ramstead, Major Max Sturge, Captain Kim Walter, contributors.

Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769 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. All articles copyright The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only with written permission.

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No responsibility is assumed to publish, preserve or return unsolicited material. Write to salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org or Salvationist, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4.

Mission: 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.

Inside This Issue

November 2008 No. 31 www.salvationist.ca e-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org

Features 6

Moving Forward, Together Salvationists gather at Symposium 2008 to seek God’s direction for the Army Interview with Dr. Jeremy Mills and Major Floyd Tidd

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Restorative Justice The Salvation Army offers material, emotional and spiritual support to victims, offenders and affected members of the community by John McAlister

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Prayer Warriors Begin Their Journey New cadets look forward to fulfilling God’s will for their lives

by Captain Rick Zelinsky

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The Miracle of Adoption When I look at my son, I’m reminded of God’s love and provision by Major Brian Wheeler 20

Departments 4

Around the Territory

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Did You Know?

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Talking It Over Speak No Evil?

by Captain Amy Reardon and Dr. James Read

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Just Between Us Liar, Liar

by Major Kathie Chiu

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My Perspective Would Jesus Have Voted?

by Dr. James Read

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Resources Servants Together; Called To Be God’s People; Windows of the World

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Celebrate Community Enrolment and recognition, tribute, gazette, calendar

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Couple Care Money Matters

by Major Bob Armstrong

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PrayerZone 2008 Prayer Diary

Are you sharing your faith? When you finish reading Faith & Friends in the centre DAVID No Longer Alone of this issue, Exhibit Honours TYREE Salvation Army’s pull it out A Look Behind War Service Super Bowl XLII’s Miracle Catch and give it LEttErS From AFgHANiStAN to someone who needs to hear about Christ’s life-changing power.

You’ll both be glad you did.

Faith &

frıends

www.faithandfriends.ca

Inspiration for Living

Total Praise Delegates at Territorial School of Music and Gospel Arts are challenged to renew their covenant with God

by Major Ken Smith

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Persecuted, Not Abandoned The Salvation Army offers hope of transformation to Bangladeshi women forced into a life of prostitution Interview with Captain Elizabeth Nelson

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In His Blood How one Salvationist serving with the Armed Forces ministers through actions as well as words Interview with Captain Lennard Johnston 14

Faith & Friends November 2008

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Speaking the Truth

hen is the Army at its best? That question was posed to Salvationists in the lead up to Symposium 2008. This month, delegates will converge at Jackson’s Point Conference Centre to seek God’s will for our Army. As symposium chairperson Dr. Jeremy Mills says (page 6), it’s not about airing personal issues, but listening together to the voice of God. This event will help us rediscover our strengths and reshape our attitudes as we discuss five critical issues: identity, leadership, authority, discipleship and culture.

Jesus often challenged his listeners to examine their attitudes and change their behaviour—see the story of the Good Samaritan, the woman at the well or the woman caught in adultery. Jesus didn’t just share opinions, he sought truth. As Dr. James Read observes (page 12), it can sometimes be hard to discuss truth in Christian circles. Perhaps that’s why the Bible cautions us to always “speak the truth in love.”

Symposium 2008 is a step in the right direction as we move forward, together, in mission.

Major Jim Champ, Editor-In-Chief November 2008 Salvationist

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Around Tag theLine Territory

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Mission Accomplished in Antigua

he Bermuda Divisional Band, joined by the Bermuda Divisional Youth Band, travelled to the Caribbean island of Antigua to share in Salvation Army Week celebrations. The group arrived July 9 and proceeded to the first of six open-air meetings held during their week-long visit.

The bands have a long history of successful tours including Trinidad in 2001, Boston in 2003, Jamaica in 2005 and Ontario in 2007. This trip also included practical ministry projects. Band members helped paint the classrooms, washrooms and assembly hall, and tile the kitchen in the Army’s preschool.

In addition to their open-air ministry, the bands participated in a march of witness through Antigua’s capital, St. John’s, and performed concerts at St. John’s Citadel, Heritage Quay and the Jolly Beach Resort. The group divided on Sunday morning to provide musical support at St. John’s Citadel and All Saints Corps. A memorable engagement of the tour was time spent playing for demen-

tia and Alzheimer patients at the Fiennes Institute. Joy was evident on the faces of residents as they clapped and sang along to the music.

The trip was an enriching experience for band members. They were excited to see at least three people seek salvation during the open-air ministry. Band executive members noted that there could be no better news than to see that their music spoke to people’s hearts. “Mission accomplished,” was their conclusion.

Matt Bursey is welcomed home after completing his 12,000-kilometre ride

Above: Members of Bermuda Youth Band meet Antigua young people; below: One of many open-air meetings supported by the Bermuda bands

Searching the Scriptures in Westville

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ourteen participants in the Search for Life study group met to examine important topics such as self-esteem, addictions and spiritual and emotional healing during a 10-week course at Westville, N.S. Training for facilitators in this program took place at Scotian Glen Camp, Maritime Division, in October 2007. The Westville group was the first to run the Bible-based study as part of its corps ministry.

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Salvationist November 2008

Biking Far and Wide

Search for Life study group members

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ll my life I believed that inclusion was the way of the future. It saddens me to see that we continue to isolate people with mental disabilities because we are uncomfortable with what we see as unbridgeable differences,” says Matt Bursey. Motivated by his sister, Erinn, who has Down syndrome, Matt embarked on a 12,000-kilometre Far and Wide Bike Trek in support of the Army’s Lawson Ministries in Hamilton, Ont. He began his ride in Hamilton in April and spent the next five months riding across the United States and Canada, returning to a hero’s welcome at Lawson Ministries in August.

Throughout the trek, Matt found opportunities to speak at schools, centres and with individuals about the importance of enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities. “I found a lot of success in reaching individuals and engaging them in conversation about disabilities,” he says.

The Salvation Army’s Lawson Ministries is a community-based, residential support program for adults with developmental disabilities and psychiatric challenges.

It also operates STRIVE Employment Services, helping adults with developmental disabilities acquire job skills and useful employment. Matt’s ride raised $62,000 for a new autism centre at the facility.

For more information about Matt’s trek, visit his blog at bikingfarandwide. blogspot.com.

Around the Territory

Sharing Worship in Stephenville

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arlier this year, members of Stephenville Community Church, N.L., took their Sunday night worship service into the home of retired Envoy Doug Hayward and his wife, Pansy. The oldtime cottage meeting was a blessing for the group as they shared in fellowship with Doug, whose health has not permitted him to attend regular services.

Stephenville CC members spend time with retired Envoy Doug Hayward

Pioneer Club Grows in Green’s Harbour

Strawberry Social a Hit in Penticton

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ore than 100 residents of retirement and nursing homes in Penticton, B.C., enjoyed strawberry desserts at The Salvation Army this past spring. The event was organized and run by the community care ministries team.

In addition to the desserts, the group provided a program of music and entertainment for its guests, thanking them for the opportunity to minister to them throughout the year.

CCM member Joe Knypstra welcomes a guest

Crest Café Commences in Campbell River

T Young participants and their leaders celebrate a new year of Pioneer Club

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he Salvation Army’s Pioneer Club in Green’s Harbour, N.L., recommenced in September with a countdown and round of applause. Its leaders are grateful for God’s blessing on this ministry, which doubled in its first year. Held as an after-school program on Monday afternoons, the Pioneer Club provides an exciting opportunity for the corps to reach out and connect with its community.

“We are so thankful for committed leaders who give of their time and energy to people,” says Captain Tony Brushett, CO. “We look forward to even greater experiences as we grow in the future.”

Did you know…

…poppies were first distributed in Canada in 1921 as a remembrance of fallen soldiers? The idea was conceived in France as a means to provide support to disabled First World War veterans …the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the first of its kind opened to vehicular traffic crossing an international border, opened in November 1930? It remains the only such border crossing and is considered one of the greatest engineering wonders

he ministry of building one another up in fellowship has a place of its own at Ocean Crest Community Church in Campbell River, B.C. Connie Preston, team leader, and Captains Mark and Jodi Dunstan, COs, cut the ceremonial ribbon, giving the café ministry an official start.

Captain Jodi Dunstan is excited about the venture, saying, “We pray for great fellowship to happen around this place as we enjoy not only sharing time and coffee together but sharing life together.”

of the world …The Salvation Army has appointed officers to the Arabic Gulf State of Kuwait? They will help develop the Christian Church in Kuwait and provide support for as many as 350 Salvationists from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka who currently live in that country …Mjr Nigel Bovey, editor of The War Cry, U.K. Tty, has written a book entitled God, the Big Bang and Bunsen-Burning

Connie Preston and Cpts Mark and Jodi Dunstan open Crest Café

Issues? In it, he addresses questions concerning Christian faith, including: “How can a scientist be a Christian?”, “Doesn’t science disprove the Bible?” and “How can a scientist believe in miracles?” …The Salvation Army in South Korea celebrated its 100th anniversary this year? It was also invited, in 2006, to bring humanitarian aid into North Korea after an absence of 56 years November 2008 Salvationist

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Moving Forward, Together Salvationists gather at Symposium 2008 to seek God’s direction for the Army

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ymposium 2008 provides Salvationists an opportunity to seek God’s direction for the future of the Army in Canada and Bermuda. From October 30 to November 2, delegates from across the territory are meeting at Jackson’s Point, Ont., to prayerfully consider the following key themes: Salvation Army identity; interacting with current culture; authority, formal relationships and partners; discipleship and spiritual growth; and leadership in organizational change.

Salvationist spoke to Dr. Jeremy Mills, chairperson of the steering committee, and Major Floyd Tidd, DC, Ontario Central-East Division, about Symposium 2008.

What is the objective of Symposium 2008?

JM: The mandate is to develop discussion around the five key themes that came out of Symposium 2005 and further those themes by establishing propositions in which all Salvationists will have a stake.

How does this symposium differ from the previous ones?

JM: Symposium 2008 builds on the information gathered and the lessons learned at the last two symposiums. Symposium 1998 resulted in many recommendations that were directed to Salvation Army leadership. It left organizational change up to them. Symposium 2005 was more of a conversation between lay leaders and officers, with Salvation Army leadership listening in. There were no specific recommendations but rather identification of key issues and themes. Symposium 2008 is building on that work. The idea is not to produce recommendations, but rather propositions that all Salvationists can embrace. As well, the information gathered prior to the weekend event,─such

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Salvationist November 2008

as the interviews that were carried out across the territory, included the participation of lay people, officers and personnel from divisional headquarters and THQ. The whole organization has had opportunity to speak to the five key themes and to a shared vision.

Does the format of the symposium signal a democratization of The Salvation Army?

JM: I don’t see this process as democratization, but more as being in one accord. I think that’s the issue. You can have a command and control model, but if the people are in one accord as to what we should be doing, it will be effective. Likewise, you

“I think that before we expect an organization to change, this process has to change us” can have a democratic organization but if the people are not in one accord, it will not be effective. I think the symposium is helping to renew our sense of being in one accord.

FT: The symposium recognizes that the Army doesn’t change by virtue of policy changes or decisions made at a Cabinet board meeting. A lot of the changes that we’re experiencing are happening at the local level. This conversational process not only allows Cabinet members and

territorial leaders to hear what’s happening, but allows the rest of the territory to know what changes are taking place and how we are responding across the territory to the opportunities before us. When it comes to governance, we are a hierarchical model. This symposium does not signal democratization, but it does provide us the opportunity to discuss the important questions together. When we work these out, we can make policy decisions based on the reality of where and how Salvation Army ministry is being carried out in the territory.

How have Salvationists been involved in the planning and preparation?

FT: For this symposium, the steering committee was selected from across the territory. In the past, by virtue of a need to be local, we had members from Ontario with corresponding members from other regions. But this time members from every region participated in the planning and met together on two occasions.

JM: We wanted to allow individual Salvationists to nominate themselves to be a delegate, so there was a significant effort to provide every corps with information about the symposium and the selection process. We wanted people to know that they could volunteer as a delegate as opposed to an appointment process

Key Priorities

At Symposium 2008, delegates have been tasked with developing propositions and priorities for our territory. Two weeks following the symposium, the Territorial Leadership Conference will convene, where the propositions will be presented and ratified. Subsequently, the priorities set by the symposium will become a key part of each division and ministry unit review for the next few years. Together we will set out our priorities and together we will be accountable for them.

I am grateful to the steering committee for their leadership and I would ask for your prayers for them and the delegates at Symposium 2008 as they move forward in this important work.

God bless you, Commissioner William W. Francis Territorial Commander

from the top down. We hope to have a delegate for every two corps in the territory. We have also invited all Salvationists to become partners, which would involve interviewing Salvationists about the key themes and committing to praying for the symposium.

FT: Every Salvationist has had the opportunity to be interviewed and to be part of the process. So it’s not only the 150 delegates who will be heard, but the voices of the many Salvationists who participated in the interviews.

What is happening at the symposium weekend?

JM: The delegates are participating in worship and prayer every morning and evening. I’ve tried to communicate to all delegates that this is first a spiritual journey toward a process for organizational change. Worship and prayer will be an important feature in all that we do. Every delegate will have opportunity to discuss the five key theme areas and, following this, will create propositional statements.

After the propositions have been narrowed down, there will be further opportunity for delegates to meet as divisions and discuss ways to implement them at various levels of the organization. We’re hoping to provide leadership with the key propositions at the Territorial Leadership Conference,

which will occur two weeks after the symposium.

FT: One thing we have asked all the delegates to bear in mind is that they don’t come with their own voice. The interviews have allowed them to hear from multiple people and we expect that each delegate has brought these collective voices to the symposium.

Many are inclined to think that the symposium takes place in October. The truth is that the symposium began with the first local conversation initiative interview with a Salvationist. The momentum has grown as more and more Salvationists have been heard over the weeks and months leading up to the “summit” at Jackson’s Point.

“This is about seeking one accord. That means that I have to lay down my opinion before I go” How are you ensuring that some of the unique ideas won’t get drowned out by the voices that tow the party line? How are you creating room for creativity?

JM: We’re not here to represent our community or our interests only. Throughout this process, delegates have been listening to people and to what God has been telling them, whether that’s through a person’s experience or vision. We want to listen to what God is saying through his people.

I’m hopeful that the delegates who are attending will be sufficiently sensitive to this. If there is something that is remarkable and the Holy Spirit is pointing us to it, we’ll be willing to engage it and adopt it. I think the symposium will allow for remarkable or creative propositions to be recorded. Whether or not they become a priority, they will still be listed in the report. Leadership─both territorially and divisionally─will have the opportunity to read all of the propositions.

FT: The idea of the pre-work (a significant part of the symposium this time around) is that each delegate hears the voices of 10 people from their division. As well, in the weeks preceding the symposium, each division was paired with another division or area that is different. At that point, delegates gained a better perspective of how the Army operates in other regions in the territory.

We want delegates to focus on what the Army is doing well. I think every delegate has an awareness of where we’re missing the mark, but we want to focus on how we can make use of our strengths.

How do we achieve any kind of consensus in a territory that is so diverse in character and expression?

FT: This is one piece that we may have missed in the first symposium because we went to a full vote system. In the second symposium, we noted that some of the differences that were easiest to identify were regional. We separated delegates into three regional groupings and asked them to bring forward their recommendations. If there was a consensus across all three regions, then these recommendations went forward as consensus from the whole territory. We’re trying to carry that same principle forward in this symposium.

November 2008 Salvationist

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JM: The key to finding a consensus is in the spiritual preparation of the delegates. I can’t emphasize that enough in terms of my own belief for success. I think that before we expect an organization to change, this process has to change us. I’ve already expressed to the steering committee that I don’t want this to be business as usual.

I don’t want this to be just about issues.

I really want this to be a spiritual seeking for direction and consensus, and I think that if delegates have prepared themselves through prayer and openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit, the opportunity for finding that consensus is great. We have so many rules for holy living and unity among the brethren, and so often we just don’t follow them. We don’t put into practice what has been laid out before us. And the challenge, I believe, is to identify what God expects us to do as we interact with one another and seek his will. I think if we’re faithful to those things, he’ll be faithful to us and give us the consensus we’re looking for. Again, this is about seeking one accord. That means that I have to lay down my opinion before I come. It’s not that my opinion may not be important or correct, but I have had to approach the symposium with a seeking heart. I trust that delegates arrived ready to seek, not wanting to debate and do battle for their

ideas or particular view of Army ministry. I firmly believe that if we all show up ready to seek, we’ll arrive at that consensus.

How will propositions be communicated to Salvationists across the territory once they have gone to leadership?

JM: The tendency for recommendations is us (whoever is making the recommendations) telling them (whoever is supposed to receive the direction) what they should do. And a propositional statement is more a statement of what should be. The propositions will be worded in such a way that all Salvationists will have a stake in them. So there isn’t a need for a trickle down because as the delegates leave the symposium with the propositions, those propositions will speak to them and what they do. Whether it is an officer at a social ministry or a lay person in a corps, these propositions will speak to them where they are. This will solve the problems with ownership and communication.

Some Salvationists may look at Symposium 2008 with a degree of skepticism or cynicism. Is there one clear message to send about the symposium to encourage them?

JM: Cynicism is too easy to lapse into.

And we all give into it from time to time.

I believe it’s my responsibility to accomplish the task that the Lord has set before me, believing that what I do for the Lord is not done in vain. This is one of those tasks. I can assure you that if I doubted that for a moment, I wouldn’t do it. It’s also my task to remember the parable of the virgins and the lamps of oil, to keep my lamp full of the oil so that when the bridegroom comes, I’m ready. I have to keep hope that when God is ready to move, I’m ready. I can remember communicating by e-mail with one person who expressed a degree of cynicism. My response to him was that we are called to hope against hope—even at times when hope doesn’t make sense. It’s not easy, but that’s what we’re called to do.

FT: As a divisional commander, I’m listening very carefully for the voice of hope, the voice of the answer. We’ve brought delegates together a number of times to talk about the issues and the ways forward.

My desire is that Symposium 2008 will offer greater opportunity for us to listen more intently for the answers. What do delegates feel is the way forward? What are they hearing from God? What are they seeing locally? This will speak into the Army as we move forward together in mission.

Partners in Prayer

Five Themes

Salvation Army Identity

How is The Salvation Army perceived in your community? Has the Army’s identity changed? What impact (positive or negative) is this having on the Army’s ministry?

Interacting With Current Culture Have there been improvements in how the Army in your community interacts with its social culture and the wider culture in general? Should the Army be doing more in this area in order to reach out to the unchurched or even our own people?

Authority, Formal Relationships and Partners

How does the Army in your commun8

Salvationist November 2008

ity work with other groups and partner organizations? Are there things it is doing well or that could be done better?

Discipleship and Spiritual Growth How is the Army following through with nurturing disciples and promoting spiritual growth? Are there specific steps that have been put in place and, if so, what are the results? Are soldiers and adherents growing in their faith?

Leadership in Organizational Change

Have you observed any specific changes or improvements in leadership style, both at the local level and within the larger Army? What positive elements can we continue to build on?

Here are some prayer points to guide Salvationists in their support for Symposium 2008.

1. Pray for safety as delegates travel great distances to participate in the summit.

2. Pray that delegates will be responsive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

3. Pray that delegates come with a seeking heart, willing to listen to others.

4. Pray that worship and prayer is central to every aspect of the symposium.

5. Pray for clarity as delegates prepare their propositional statements.

6. Pray for unity and consensus as delegates prioritize the essential propositions.

7. Pray for territory-wide ownership of the propositions as Salvationists live them out in their various ministries and communities.

Follow the Action

Throughout Symposium 2008, Salvationists can receive news updates, view short videos and offer comments and feedback at Salvationist.ca/symposium.

Restorative Justice

The Salvation Army offers material, emotional and spiritual support to victims, offenders and affected members of the community

by John McAlister, Associate Editor, Salvationist

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hile women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight,” said William Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army. “While little children go hungry, as they do now, I’ll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight—I’ll fight to the very end!”

From its earliest days, The Salvation Army ministered to those affected by

crime. Sadly, women still weep, children remain hungry, girls walk the streets and men go in and out of prison. The good news is that the Army remains committed to fighting the societal ills that contribute to this.

“People from all walks of life and backgrounds end up in the criminal justice system,” says Caitlin Bancroft, social services consultant, THQ. “Whether they are a business professional or unemployed and on the street, people’s poor choices can lead them to trouble. For some, this is a one-time mistake; for others, criminal

OK Kids

Moncton’s Correctional and Justice Services offers support to children of incarcerated parents

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wish there had been something like the OK Kids support group when I was younger because I would not be

in this place today,” said an inmate at the Dorchester medium security penitentiary in New Brunswick. “I would have taken a different path.”

When someone commits a crime, society is quick to label him or her as the offender and to identify the person directly harmed as the victim.

But when an offender is charged and sent to prison, more victims emerge. The children of incarcerated parents face significant challenges and hardships, despite the fact that they are innocent of any crime.

“Research has shown that children of an incarcerated parent are

activity is a more frequent occurrence.”

From courtrooms, prison cells, halfway houses and communities, the Army offers a variety of innovative programs that help offenders, victims and their families find healing and restoration.

“Creating safer communities requires a more holistic approach to crime management,” says Bancroft. “That’s why we seek spiritual healing, restorative justice and community reintegration.”

Here are some of the programs happening across the territory. For more profiles, visit Salvationist.ca/corrections. five to six times more likely to become involved in criminal behaviour if there are no programs or activities aimed at intervention,” says Frank Leonardi, a Salvation Army support group facilitator at Moncton’s CJS. “The children of these offenders need to explore their feelings around their parents’ incarceration and find ways to cope with their experiences.”

In 2005, The Salvation Army established the OK Kids support group in Moncton, N.B., to help children and youth (ages six to16) affected by parental incarceration. The 14-week program provides an outlet for them to express their fears and frustrations in a safe and structured environment without prejudice and judgment.

In addition to providing a safe community for these children, OK Kids encourages the development of social skills, such as communication, teamwork, sharing, friendship and trust. The program offers opportunities for the children to make meaningful and positive changes in their lifestyle by helping them believe in themselves and their abilities.

Following the success of OK Kids, Moncton’s CJS has introduced OK Families, which seeks to help incarcerated parents build strong and healthy families.

November 2008 Salvationist

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Alternative Measures Ontario Great Lakes Division’s diversion programs help keep adults and youth out of prison

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he Salvation Army seeks the restoration of people, not the criminalization. That’s why correctional and justice services in the Ontario Great Lakes Division offers diversion programs to help people avoid criminal records or prison time.

“A few Christmases ago, a woman was trying to get a parking space outside a mall when a man in another car cut in front of her and took the space she assumed was hers. The woman was so angry and upset that she got out of her car and scratched his vehicle with her keys,” says Julia Parker, executive director of The Salvation Army’s CJS in Huron, Elgin and Perth Counties.

“When the case went to court, the Crown recognized that she was a

45-year-old woman who was a mother, a wife and an employed person with no criminal record. Understanding that the

Enhanced Community Vancouver’s Belkin House helps high-risk federal offenders reintegrate into society

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ery few offenders serve life sentences. This means that many who have committed serious and violent crimes will eventually be eligible

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Salvationist November 2008

for parole. Rather than release offenders directly into society, Corrections Services of Canada (CSC) often chooses to put them on statutory release and place them into halfway houses.

But when it comes to high-risk offenders, few halfway houses have the capacity or security measures to adequately accommodate them.

When Vancouver’s Belkin House opened in 2004, the entire fourth floor was designated as an enhanced Community Residential Facililty (CRF).

“The CRF houses up to 30 high-risk federal offenders and is a one-of-

woman had made a lapse in judgment, and not wanting to give her a criminal record, the Crown attorney called us and asked if there was anything we could offer to resolve this situation. This led us to establish our Adult Diversion program.”

The Adult Diversion program is utilized by the courts when first-time offenders enter the justice system. Rather than sentence them to probation or prison time, the Crown refers them to The Salvation Army. The offender goes through a process where they accept responsibility for their actions, explore ways to atone for their crime (such as repairing damages and apologizing to the victim) and participate in counselling and training for areas of weakness (such as anger management). After this process, the Crown reviews the situation and determines whether to drop the charges or to proceed with the court case.

“We also have a Youth Justice Committee

a-kind halfway house in Canada,” says Captain Jim Coggles, executive director of Belkin House. “We offer a high level of supervision and work in close partnership with parole officers.”

The facility has five apartments, each containing four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living/dining room and a small kitchen with a stove and refrigerator. It also has 10 single residential rooms equipped with microwaves and small refrigerators.

In addition to the residential rooms, there are two offices for Salvation Army personnel and five for CSC parole officers.

The Salvation Army and CSC staff work together to help reintegrate the offenders into society.

“Last year, 150 men stayed with us in this program,” says Captain Coggles. “Many have been hardened by life in institutions, so they are starting from scratch. We have a special calling to reach out to them with the good news of Jesus Christ and to assist them in practical ways.”

Depending on when their warrant expires, the men reside at the CRF for a few months to a few years. The offenders meet regularly with their case workers

program,” says Parker, “which allows the community a say in what happens to young people when they are arrested and sent to court for first-time, non-violent offences.

Within this program, the victim, the young person, a community volunteer and our Salvation Army co-ordinator meet in a circle to discuss what happened and what should be done to try to repair the harm and come to terms with the issue.”

If young persons offer suitable restitution for their offences and make positive lifestyle adjustments, the police or Crown will often drop the criminal charges. This could mean the difference between a new start or life in the criminal justice system.

Youth Justice Committee volunteers are sworn in by the Crown attorney

and parole officers to ensure that they are following the guidelines of their release. In addition, Belkin House offers a variety of programs to help the men make positive lifestyle choices and develop practical skills.

“We believe that everyone has the potential for change,” says Virginia Lundy, CRF manager. “No matter their histories, we want to help these men get a new start so that they can contribute positively to society.”

Virginia Lundy, CRF manager, and a CSC parole officer screen potential residents arriving from institutions

Reality Check

The Salvation Army fights to end prostitution in Winnipeg

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rostitution has been called the world’s oldest profession. And because it has existed since antiquity, many people tend to view the practice as a harmless or victimless crime. Some even argue that it shoudn’t be illegal at all.

But when people exchange money or favours for sex, there is always a consequence.

Adults, youth and children become sexual objects with price tags and are often physically and emotionally scarred by the sexual exploitation of prostitution. Affected neighbourhoods suffer from discarded needles and used condoms, as well as an increase in gang and drug activity.

In partnership with Manitoba’s police and judicial system, The Salvation Army is working to end prostitution on Winnipeg streets. “We are targeting both the sex trade workers and the consumers,” says Dianna Bussey, director of Winnipeg’s Correctional and Justice Services. “We need to address both the supply and demand for prostitution.”

The Army operates its prostitution diversion program to help victims of the sex trade get off the street and into healthier lifestyles. “We host a camp where we invite women, men, transgendered people─as well as some youth ages 16 years and up, out of the city for three days and encourage them to leave the sex trade,” says Bussey. “We are under no illusion that a three-day camp will accomplish this, but we try to build relationships and offer hope so that when they choose to leave prostitution, they know who they can turn to for help.”

For many, abandoning a life of prostitution will require significant lifestyle changes, such as addiction treatment,

trauma counselling and establishing community supports. But as long as there’s demand, people will continue to be exploited for sex.

“We also operate a ‘john school’ to teach individuals arrested for the purposes of engaging in prostitution the consequences of their actions and the impact on the victims of the sex trade,” says Bussey.

“In Winnipeg, when a man is arrested for soliciting a prostitute, his vehicle is seized immediately. If this is a first-time offence, he may be able to attend the school.”

The johns─or consumers─pay a fee to attend the school, which in turn helps fund the prostitution diversion camp. At the school seminars, the men interact with a number of speakers, such as community members, police officers, former johns and former prostitutes. They also meet with counsellors, a Salvation Army officer and therapist. If the men participate fully in the program, the Crown attorney likely will drop the criminal charges.

“The Salvation Army is meeting people at their most vulnerable,” says Bussey. “The men come in broken and think that their life as they know it is over. And while we hold people accountable for their actions, we treat them with unconditional respect and without judgment.”

When people exchange money or favours for sex, there is always a consequence

November 2008 Salvationist

11

Talking It Over

Speak No

When it comes to freedom of speech, what is a joke to one person is a grave offence to another. Who gets to decide what is fair?

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 Amy,

C

an we talk? I mean, really talk. In a public venue like Salvationist magazine? These questions are on my mind because freedom of speech and respect for conscience are hot topics in Canada right now.

Some of our prominent media have been sued for “hate speech.” Last December, Maclean’s (a Canadian newsmagazine like Time or Newsweek) was sued for publishing excerpts from Mark Steyn’s new book that were alleged to be “Islamophobic.”

Western Standard was a smaller, edgier magazine. Back in 2006, it was one of few Canadian publications to reprint the so-called Muhammad cartoons.

The publisher of Western Standard, Ezra Levant, said that Canadians needed to be able to see for themselves what people in Europe were being killed over. He also asserted that he had a fundamental right to publish whatever he wanted, offensive or not.

Complaints were made to Human Rights Commissions by various individuals and Islamic groups. Maclean’s and Western Standard spent lots of money on lawyers and lots of time defending themselves.

What’s said is that others without the money, time or passion, wouldn’t run the risk. They would self-censor instead.

Now, I’m not suggesting that we ask Salvationist to publish offensive cartoons or anything like that, but I do think that there is something to be concerned about if people muzzle themselves out of fear or in the name of being nice or in order to be “politically correct.” How do we support free expression? Or is that not important?

Jim 12

Salvationist November 2008

Evil?

Dear Jim,

I

t seems like it comes down to choice between two values: 1) all persons should be treated with respect; 2) all persons have the right to express their opinions via written or spoken word without fear of retaliation. We embrace both ideas. But what if it comes down to a choice between one or the other? What if my free expression tramples on your personal dignity or reputation?

It seems to me that the first is a moral value and the second, while also being moral, is more of a political issue. Moral values can’t be legislated because of their subjectivity. Whether or not freedom of expression exists is measurable, I think.

All persons have the right to express their opinions, but what if my free expression tramples on your personal dignity or reputation?

Either people are expressing themselves without retaliation or people are penalized for their expression. But the response of an individual when he is the target of someone’s freedom of expression is unpredictable and subjective.

For example, as I write, Barak Obama is taking a lot of heat for saying: “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still just a pig.” Many people say it was a reference to vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

But no one can say for sure if Obama intended to insult her. And no one could have predicted how Palin might respond to the comment. But we can objectively

say that Obama had a right to say it. His campaign may be adversely affected, but he won’t find himself in legal trouble for the comment.

What is a joke to one person is a grave offence to another. Who gets to decide what is fair? As Christians, we fall under the rule of Scripture. But I don’t think we can expect, nor would we desire, a government to decide what is morally good and what is bad.

Still, it is sticky. A number of years ago an artist in the United States received public funding, and his glorious product was called “P___ Christ,” in which the crucified Christ was submersed in urine. It turns my stomach. I tend to think the Muhammad cartoons aren’t that big of a deal, but I do think the work of art I mentioned is a very big deal. From a governmental point of view, why should my sensibilities be any less precious than a Muslim’s?

Amy Dear Amy,

T

hanks (I think) for reminding me of Andres Serrano’s photo “art.”

The comparison helps me get inside the head of someone who might have been offended by the cartoons.

What you’ve highlighted is the fact that those cartoons were seen as blasphemous.

Not just insulting to Muslim individuals, in other words, but insulting to God. Isn’t that why you didn’t spell out the “P” word in Serrano’s title? I doubt that’s because you’re a prude; and I hope it’s not because you want to protect the eyes of readers.

What I’m getting at is that while I agree that treating people with respect is a moral value that sometimes means we should bite our tongue, maybe there’s an additional principle along the lines of not trampling on the things others regard as sacred.

Interesting that we haven’t talked about the importance of truth yet. I agree that we need to respect everyone and maybe we need especially to respect the things they think sacred, but shouldn’t our respect for

Talking It Over

A lot of us still button our lips or spout the party line when we’re in Christian company

truth, the pursuit of truth and the speaking of truth pre-empt hurting people’s feelings?

Jesus said the truth would set us free.

It was Pilate who cared more about politics than truth. Now, if the truth were always self-evident or each person could easily discover it, maybe freedom of speech wouldn’t be so important. But the truth isn’t always easy to find. People feel the pinch of ethical dilemmas because they aren’t sure which value truly is more important in the circumstances, and they don’t know how they’d find that out.

What we need is encouragement to speak what’s on our minds so that we can help others see the truth more clearly, or they can help us see where we’re off on the wrong track.

Let me share just one of the tough adjustments I experienced when I moved from a public secular university to a Christian college. All of a sudden it seemed like I spent a lot of time “preaching

✃

to the choir.” Where had all the spirited debate gone? Where were the students who disagreed with me and with other students? What really troubled me was that too many of them simply kept quiet rather than expose the fact that they were Christians who didn’t have all the answers figured out.

I think I’ve found ways to free people up in the classroom, but I think a lot of us still button our lips or spout the party line when we’re in Christian company.

Not out of respect for others or because we don’t believe in a right to free speech, but because for some reason we don’t love the truth enough.

Am I being too blunt?

Jim Dear Jim,

I

f you are being too blunt, it is only because you do love the truth.

My husband and I have been talking lately about how it can be

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harder to discuss truth in Christian circles than anywhere else. Where is it safe to debate biblical ideas? When is it OK to admit you struggle with something you’ve read in the Bible? Where do we go when our biblical interpretation is different from our friends, pastors or other officers?

If there is anywhere that speech should be free, it should be within the Church body! As you mentioned, only then can we help each other understand truth. Proverbs 27:17 says: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We know that Jesus is all truth, yet within his Church, people feel gagged sometimes. It shouldn’t be that way.

The subject of truth brings us back to the Muslim issue. The truth is never effectively communicated when Christians rant and rave and offend others. We don’t serve the gospel well when we shove it in people’s faces or when we tout our correctness and mock their heresy. Nor do we serve the gospel when we decide that the sensibilities of a Muslim are of no consequence to us.

The truths taught within the gospel may be better employed when we think outside our own group and support those who feel victimized, even if we don’t agree with them theologically. I don’t know that we should have prevented the publication of those cartoons. But maybe there was some way in which we could have let Muslims know that we respected them and understood they were offended. Offended enough to kill? That’s unjustifiable, of course. But I wonder if it wouldn’t have been right for the Christian community to say to the Muslim community, “We do not support the offence of these cartoons.”

I do not consider Islam to be true—let me be clear about that. But I remember that Jesus taught us about the Good Samaritan.

The one who did the will of God was the one who was willing to defend his enemy.

Perhaps that is worth thinking about.

Amy

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13

Prayer Warriors Begin Their New cadets look forward to fulfilling God’s will for their lives

by Captain Rick Zelinsky Director of Field Education, CFOT

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alvationists in Winnipeg were buzzing with energy and excitement as members of the Prayer Warriors Session were officially welcomed September 13-15.

As the new cadets publicly declared their dedication to fulfilling God’s call on their lives as Salvation Army officers, friends and leaders from around the territory joined in activities to support them on the start of their journey.

Divisional youth secretaries helped kick off the festivities Friday night by visiting cadets from their respective divisions, taking time to offer prayer and encouragement. This was fol-

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lowed on Saturday by personal visits from Commissioners William W. and Marilyn D. Francis, territorial leaders, who met with each cadet family to share convictions about their calling. Second-year cadets also had opportunity to discuss experiences from their summer assignments with Major Jean Moulton, secretary for personnel. Both sessions were grateful for the encouragement that came as leaders shared Scripture and prayed for their families as they face

the year ahead.

On Sunday morning, members of the CFOT community gathered in the newly dedicated Walter Chapel for a time of worship and thanksgiving.

Cadets Carolyn Reid and Jeff Arkell shared personal words of testimony, indicating that while they may not feel ready for all they will be required to do, they have answered the call of God who is faithful and who will sustain them in their journey.

Families and friends shared

in a reception at William and Catherine Booth College, where the Prayer Warriors were welcomed into the Manitoba and Northwest Ontario Division by Major Susan van Duinen, DC. Dr. Donald E. Burke, Booth College president, offered a warm and humorous welcome to the cadets, sharing how he looked forward to their presence in his Old Testament studies classes.

The highlight of the weekend was a rousing meeting at Southlands Community

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Salvationist November 2008

Journey Church, where a full congregation raised their voices in praise to God for his faithfulness in bringing these new leaders into training for officership. Cadet Phillip Blindenbach shared how God had placed this calling on his life and how he would rely on God’s strength to fulfil it. Cadet Lorri-Anne Butler spoke of her own journey of faith and how God used others to speak to her about becoming an officer.

Commissioner William Francis challenged those in attendance to fulfil the Great Commission to “make disciples” as we live to advance the mission of The Salvation Army.

When Cadet Wayne Knight was announced as the session’s official flagbearer, the congregation bore witness to a moving moment of dedication as he took up the colours under which the Prayer Warriors will train over the next two years.

Fifty years ago, Wayne’s mother carried the flag for the women’s brigade of the Standard Bearers Session.

With great enthusiasm, Major Sandra Rice, CFOT principal, spoke of the diversity that exists among the new cadets. As mechanics, social workers, IT specialists—people

from every walk of life and every corner of the Canada and Bermuda Territory—they have taken up the challenge to fight for God as Prayer Warriors.

They are a group of individuals who share a longing to call people to Christ and serve those who are often ignored or forgotten.

As a session, the cadets have a common testimony of how God has miraculously led them to this time and place.

They share a deep conviction that, in order for them to live out the purposes for which they were created, they must serve God as Salvation Army officers. They also share a trust in God who has promised that his grace and guidance will direct their paths over the next two years and beyond.

1. Cdts Jeff and Graciela Arkell with children Gabriela and Joshua; 2. Prayer Warriors and Witnesses for Christ Sessions with territorial leaders and CFOT staff; 3. New cadets join in prayer before the welcome meeting; 4. Commissioner William Francis addresses the congregation; 5. Cdts Phillip and Kathy Blindenbach are welcomed by territorial leaders; 6. Cadets unite in singing their sessional song; 7. Cdt Wayne Knight with sessional flag

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7 November 2008 Salvationist

15

Just Between Us

Liar, Liar

Training our children to be honest can point them in the right direction for life

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

O

f all my children, Sarah was by far the most outrageous liar. But I could always tell, and when challenged she would usually admit the truth. On the other hand, Sheena would lie so sweetly that it fooled me completely. To this day, I don’t know if Derek ever lied to me. I’m sure he did, but who could know?

He was such a good child.

Nathan was the best liar of the bunch. Once when he was very small he had us all going for a long time.

He promised he hadn’t taken any money from my dresser and he was the most innocent looking child you ever saw. Of course he did it—he eventually showed us where the money was. He would make a great movie actor. And as for Evan, let’s just say he’s our most prolific liar yet. We have ADHD to thank for that.

All children lie and often it’s so obvious that it seems cute and harmless. But when adults lie, it is reprehensible. When I first met my husband, he lied about his age, no doubt trying to impress me. Thankfully, he owned up to the truth the next day.

In the movie Liar, Liar, Jim Carrey plays a fast-track lawyer who can’t lie for 24 hours due to his son’s birthday wish. As a result, he gets slapped repeatedly, his girlfriend ditches him, his car gets towed and he lands in jail for contempt of court. Truth, apparently, has consequences.

We may not be like Jim Carrey’s character, but we all tell lies: “How are you?” “I’m fine.”

“How do I look, honey?” “You look great, dear.” “ Sorry to hear about your difficulties. I’m keeping you in my prayers.”

The problem with lies is that God hates them. Having said that, Jesus acknowledged that we lie because of Satan’s influ16

Salvationist November 2008

ence in our lives. He even called him “a liar and the father of lies” (see John 8:44).

Usually, people who compulsively lie do so because of deepseated emotional problems or a behavioural disorder. Alcoholics and other addicts are notorious liars. When the problem is deeply rooted, only the Holy Spirit’s power can provide the necessary healing.

When children lie it is often due to one of the following reasons: 1. Fear—usually of punishment for something they have done wrong.

We want our children to love the truth, not fear it 2. Habit—little white lies don’t get caught and it soon becomes easier to lie than tell the truth.

3. Modelling—learning from other children (and parents) who lie and get away with it.

4. Avoiding restrictions—lying about their plans because they worry parents will say no.

Most parents tell their children that if they tell the truth they won’t get into trouble and that lying inevitably brings severe consequences. (Remember what happened to Pinocchio?) But it doesn’t always work. When the parent says, “I’m punishing you because you lied,” the child may be thinking, “You’re punishing me because you found out the truth.” For the child, punishment is not associated with lying but with being caught. The

child then finds new ways to misrepresent the truth.

Punishment without love and careful instruction is useless and can lead to excessiveness and abuse. A soft message to our kids without threat of punishment can often work better. For example, “You really hurt Mom and Dad when you lie,” is often more effective than, “I’m going to punish you for not telling the truth.”

When all is said and done, we want our children to love the truth, not fear it.

We want them to hate lies and not just the punishment that lying brings. This can only be accomplished with much prayer and careful instruction.

One night, I was reading to Evan in bed. We had talked about lying and how it affected him and others around him. We discussed how God could help him love the truth and prayed that he would learn to tell the truth and hate lying.

I like this advice from Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Good words to live by.

The Salvation Army in Woodstock, Ontario, is celebrating its 125th Anniversary Homecoming Weekend:

May 15-18, 2009 Special Guests:

Commissioners Don and Joyce Kerr Guest Soloist:

Joy Slous

Mark your calendars and plan to attend!

A

doption has been an interesting experience for our family. A road riddled with twists, turns and unexpected bumps, it has also been a journey filled with wonder, grace and joy.

Ten years ago, when my wife, Valerie, and I were corps officers at Rideau Heights Community Church in Kingston, Ont., we approached our local Children’s Aid Society (CAS) to ask about adopting a preschool child. We soon learned that the journey would be long and anxious, with a potential wait of 10 years or more. Determined to proceed, we found strength through a local support group where we met couples with similar struggles and aspirations, and through some adoptive families in our congregation who became our encouragers.

In September 1998, through a guest soloist who was visiting our corps, we were connected with a woman in Tillsonburg, Ont., whose daughter was expecting a child in December. CAS had already determined that the baby was to be give up for adaption at birth, and the grandmother, Marion, felt a strong desire that it be raised by Christian pastors. Surely this was an answer to our prayers.

When we contacted our CAS social worker in Kingston, she warned us that this sort of adoption would be quite complicated. She was right.

Working out of two CAS offices and through seemingly insurmountable legal problems, the process seemed to take two steps back for every one step forward. Yet through it all we claimed God’s promise that he would be with us and found inner peace and strength when we needed it most.

The weeks crawled by. The phone remained silent and messages were unreturned.

Eventually we discovered that

The Miracle of Adoption When I look at my son, I’m reminded of God’s love and provision

by Major Brian Wheeler Divisional Secretary for Program, Newfoundland and Labrador West Division

The Wheeler family: Valerie, Zachary and Brian

CAS opposed the plan and was going to take us to court.

Frustration grew.

On December 9, Marion phoned to tell us that our son was born and that he was healthy. She asked what we wanted to name him. Zachary was our immediate response.

The name means “God has remembered.” That Christmas, we hung a small picture of Zachary on our Christmas tree, knowing that someday we would welcome him into our home.

Early in the new year, we received an urgent call from Marion that a court date had been set. Somehow we found a lawyer. We had no idea how we were going to afford her fees, but we were more determined than ever to bring Zachary home. In the meantime, we

were not permitted to see him or even know where he was.

As expected, the court proceedings dragged on through numerous delays. Just when we thought it would never end, we shared the latest update with members of our congregation.

“Just give it until Tuesday,” we were told.

On Tuesday, the phone rang. It was our social worker.

“I don’t know who you know,” she said, “but get your nursery ready. You can pick up your son on Thursday.”

Later that day, we called our lawyer to share the good news and received another surprise—she wasn’t going to charge us any fees. “My thanks is in bringing your family together,” she declared.

Wednesday morning we drove to Tillsonburg to meet

Marion for the first time and pick up Zachary. There are no words to describe the joy and overwhelming relief that we felt. As we sat down for a meal with Zachary’s birth grandparents, there was an awesome sense of the providence of God. Two families who had never met became the answer to each other’s deepest prayers.

Thursday morning, we were guided to Zachary’s foster home on Wheeler Boulevard—our name! We stopped and took a picture of that road sign. It was if God was saying, “Why did you ever doubt me?” Walking into the home, we met a minister’s daughter who felt a unique calling to care for foster children awaiting adoption. Her living-room wall was filled with pictures and to this day we continue to send her a new one of Zachary every year.

As we held our new son for the first time, it was all we could do to keep our knees from buckling out from beneath us. Valerie and I both knew that from that moment forward, Zachary was our son.

Biology was not important, for where the genes fall short the heart bridges the gap. The month and years of dreaming now created a strong bond to cherish and protect.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “In love [God] predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will” (Ephesians 1:4-5). As I cradled this small child who looked up at me with tender eyes, I said softly, “I love you.” This is the true miracle of adoption.

Every day, God looks at his adopted children and whispers the same sweet words.

The next day—Good Friday—we introduced our new son to our congregation. We were late, but what an entrance we made! Today, when we ask Zachary what adoption means, he has a simple answer: “I am loved.”

November 2008 Salvationist

17

Total Praise

Delegates at Territorial School of Music and Gospel Arts are challenged to renew their covenant with God

by Major Ken Smith Associate Editor, Salvationist, and Assistant to the Territorial Secretary for Music and Gospel Arts, THQ Corps Ministries

Students enter wholeheartedly into activities

“For many years I dreamed of playing with a good Salvation Army band. During my week at Territorial, that dream came true. For me, coming from a very busy and noisy city, I really enjoyed the quiet at Jackson’s Point, where I was able to hear God speak to me in his own gentle way through everything that took place. I enjoyed all the music, Bible teaching and small-group sessions, and was especially grateful to take part in the composition elective with William Himes, but hearing God’s voice was the best part of the week.”

A

fter a particularly wet summer, the warm sunshine of southern Ontario greeted 163 students who gathered for this year’s Territorial School of Music and Gospel Arts at Jackson’s Point Conference Centre in August. It was the highest enrolment in recent years and for the first time included four francophone delegates from Quebec, as well as international students from

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Salvationist November 2008

– José Sanchez III, Mexico City, Mexico

England, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands and Mexico.

For me, it was both a step back in time and a glimpse into the future. The last time I attended the National School of Music, as it was then called, was as a student in 1977. The week-long camp was in its 10th year and was under the direction of then Captains Robert and Gwenyth Redhead.

The invitation to come back this year on faculty bridged a

gap of 31 years and brought many new insights and perspectives as I engaged with today’s generation of young Salvationists. What particularly struck me was the intense hunger and thirsting after God that was much more prominent than I recalled from my own student days. Participants came as much for spiritual learning and growth opportunities as they did to be challenged musically and in other artistic areas.

The camp had plenty of good Army music. Led by guests William and Linda Himes from the U.S.A. Central Territory, students entered wholeheartedly into the week’s multifaceted program.

Whether through brass bands or vocal, drama or contemporary praise and worship, delegates were stretched to their full capacity. Evening programs highlighted the progress being made, culminating in a final festival that enabled students

“The highlight for me this year was playing William Himes’ own band arrangement of his familiar song All That I Am following his moving testimony on Monday night. It reminded me why faith in God is such an integral part of my life as a Christian.”

– Jonathan Rowsell, St. John’s Temple, N.L.

BM William Himes in action

Olympic-themed sports events were held throughout the week

“Territorial is an amazing experience where you can meet talented musicians from all across Canada and around the world.

Being there revives your passion for music and, most importantly, the Lord.”

– Amanda Stepto, Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby, B.C. Practice makes perfect

to demonstrate their skills and abilities before a packed audience at Scarborough Citadel, Toronto.

Bible teaching was led by Captains Curtis Cartmell and Rachele Lamont, divisional youth leaders from Quebec.

Through an exploration of some of the minor prophets—Obadiah, Nahum and Joel—faculty and delegates were challenged to renew their covenant with God as they drew closer to him. During the Thursday night spiritual

meeting, Major Floyd Tidd, DC, Ontario Central-East Division, led a time of sharing in which students spoke of what God was doing in their lives. Afterwards, many knelt in dedication and renewal, with several stepping forward in response to a call to Salvation Army officership.

Throughout the week students listened with rapt attention as William Himes shared moments from his own life, including the tragedy of losing his first wife

that led to the writing of the chorus All That I Am. He also told of events that inspired some of his other significant works, as well as how he and his present wife, Linda, were drawn together. At the end of both the midweek and Saturday night programs, he led the congregation in singing Richard Smallwood’s Total Praise, a fitting expression of worship that summarized the sentiments of all present: Lord, I will lift mine eyes to the hills,

Knowing my help is coming from you.

Your peace you give me in time of the storm.

You are the source of my strength, You are the strength of my life; I lift my hands in total praise to you.

As a new generation of leaders arises throughout the territory, it is good to know that their hearts are in tune with God and their lives are dedicated to serving him.

November 2008 Salvationist

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Persecuted, Not Abandoned Captain Elizabeth Nelson offers hope of transformation to Bangladeshi women forced into a life of prostitution

C

aptain Elizabeth Nelson is a Canadian officer living in Bangladesh. For the past five years, she has served as the projects officer, overseeing the social work of The Salvation Army. Captain Nelson recently spoke to Salvationist about her ministry.

What are some of the projects operated by The Salvation Army in Bangladesh?

We operate health clinics and primary schools, sponsor high school and college students, teach literacy classes and offer small loans for income-generating projects. We have two HIV/ AIDS centres that specifically target women involved in prostitution. We are expanding this program to look at the issues of trafficking and addictions. We also develop community support groups, which mobilize people to look after the needs of their

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Salvationist November 2008

own communities instead of always having to rely on someone else to assist them.

How have you witnessed The Salvation Army helping to transform lives?

In Dhaka, we run a centre for women who are on the street. We don’t advertise our services; word spreads by word of mouth.

Women who have been helped by the Army tell others, “Hey, if you want a change, come over here.” The centre is open five days a week for us to help women learn how to read and write.

We teach them skills and offer counselling. They learn how to manage money, and then if they want to, we can give them a loan.

Some of the women buy sewing machines and others establish shops of their own.

Why do the women get involved in prostitution?

Some get lost as a child when travelling with family. They are grabbed by strangers and then sold into prostitution. Others are forced into it by their families. I spoke to one girl whose father left the family when she was 13. She had multiple siblings and her mother said that she had to earn money. So, the girl was taken to a brothel. She doesn’t want to be there, but realizes that in some ways she has to do it in order to help her family. Most girls and women, when they are deserted, find it very difficult to be on their own in Bangladesh. They need a brother, father or husband to serve as their protector. If they’re abandoned, women and girls will do what they can, even beg. At some point, when they are hungry or desperate, they will end up in a brothel. This usually happens when they are young because young women can make more money as prostitutes.

What do Salvationists need to know about sexual trafficking?

As long as there is a demand for it,─traffickers will deceive and trap young girls and boys into a life of prostitution. The value of girls is so low that you can buy one for about $75 USD in Bangladesh. It is very easy for girls to be sold off, sent into prostitution or be trafficked.

The traffickers are so well organized that one will go to a town, court a family, marry a girl and then live with her for up to a year before saying that he needs to leave town for a job. Then he will sell the girl off in another city or across the border. It’s not just a quick in-and-out job; the traffickers are quite patient at making their money and will take the time to get the girls. The police and community leaders are also involved, so it’s quite a sophisticated system. In Bangladesh, it’s very tough to intervene and make a difference because there are so many people involved.

Opposite page: Cpt Nelson visits the Dhaka counselling and development centre; above: Holding a baby during a community visit; below: Speaking to a woman in Jessore Brothel; next page: Meeting with families whose daughters have been trafficked across the border to India

What is life like for a sexually trafficked person before and after the Army has helped them?

Initially, the victims are tortured, drugged and then forced to do things they don’t want to do. For a lot of women, there is a strong sense of hopelessness that their lives will never change. Sexual misconduct is so looked down upon in Bangladesh that once a woman has gone through it once, her family will probably never take her back. They can’t marry her off once she is, as they would say, “tainted” or has gone through this experience. So, the victim resigns herself to the belief that “this is what I have to do.” I’ve never found one woman who enjoys a life of prostitution. They don’t want to be there. Life for them is tough, and their debt gets

Q&A Describe your typical week.

I walk to work, as the headquarters building is just down the road from my home. I spend a lot of my time in the office, working on my computer and participating in Salvation Army board meetings and meetings with other non-governmental organizations. I try to visit every project site at least once every other month. In the evenings I either go to the Canadian Club to work out or attend Bible studies and other activities in the community.

The work week is Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. Church services are held on Fridays.

Where do you go to church?

The Salvation Army corps has its meeting on Friday mornings at 8. I also go to an international church in the evening with about 200 other expatriates from other denominations. The international service is in English and serves as a source of encouragement for me.

What clothing do you wear?

Because of the Muslim culture, I wear long pants and top, and a scarf. You have to be modest and keep your legs covered, and you need to wear a scarf on your shoulders. No shorts or short skirts. It’s so hot that the clothing keeps you quite cool.

What do you eat?

Rice, rice and more rice. There’s a lot of curry chicken, curry vegetables and dhal. I wouldn’t have meat, chicken or fish more than two or three times a week, as it is quite expensive.

Vegetables are quite plentiful.

What do you miss from Canada?

I miss my family. I miss being able to just go out and walk. The roads in Dhaka are so busy with people that you can’t just go out and relax. You’re stared at a lot because you are a foreigner. It’s difficult to go out for a pleasant walk on your own.

November 2008 Salvationist

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bigger and bigger. They have no hope that it will change.

Once the women come in contact with the Army, and specifically our staff, all of whom are Christian,─they recognize that we treat them differently. They say, “You really care about us.”

They learn new skills and start planning, thinking and daring to believe that life can be different.

In Bangladesh, what changes happen in the life of a new Christian?

They are persecuted and beaten. Some are removed from their family and told never to come back. The family of one of our young Salvationists wants to kill him because he shamed the family name by converting to Christianity. At one of our corps, the families of some of the youth meet outside the church and try

to disrupt the services. When members of the congregation go outside to ask them to stop, the family members beat them up.

It’s not easy for a Bangladeshi to become a Christian. Some decide not to reveal it to their families in order to be protected for a while. Our churches are very good at trying to support converts if they are disowned by their own families, but it’s difficult. Since most Christians come from within poor communities, churches really can’t take on the financial burden of putting people through school. If there is a need for support, and if we have the funds, we try to help as much as we can.

To read the full interview visit Salvationist.ca/2008/persecuted-not-abandoned How has this experience influenced your faith and calling?

Living in Bangladesh has helped me to go deeper in my understanding of what it means to be a Christian. I’m tackling the issues of faith and living incarnationally day-to-day. At work, we’ve talked a lot lately about what it means to be salt in our community, to have an influence. It’s not about preaching, but about how you respond to people and how you care for them. I want to make the most of opportunities that come my way that may seem small and insignificant, but that make a difference in people’s lives. We all have a part to play and we need to live our lives the way that the Lord wants us to.

I have a stronger desire to care about women on the street.

I want to make sure that they have a sense of hope. I want the Army to bring about change in their lives. I’m also learning more about what it means to advocate for them and to stand up for justice issues.

}

“It was very interesting to read Cheryl’s papers and see what she was getting out of class. With her permission, I’ve used her papers as examples for other students. She’s had a ripple effect in my career.”

Dr Michael Boyce AssistAnt Professor of english

“A lot more is expected of students at Booth. As a result it makes us better prepared for the work we’ll do.”

Cheryl Penner, BSW 2008

Your future starts now.

447 Webb Place // Winnipeg Manitoba R3B 2P2 admissions@BoothCollege.ca // 877.942.6684 x850 // BoothCollege.ca 22

Salvationist November 2008

In His

Blood

Cpt Johnston on the roof of the Canadian UNMO residence in Khartoum, Sudan

As a Salvationist serving with the Canadian Armed Forces, Captain Lennard Johnston ministers through actions as well as words

R

ecently assigned to the United Nations Mission in Sudan, Captain Lennard Johnston is a dedicated military soldier and lifelong member of The Salvation Army.

Salvationist interviewed Captain Johnston by radio hook-up in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, where he was stationed.

In March of 2006, the military sent out an e-mail asking for volunteers for the UN mission in Africa. Helping the people of Africa had been pulling at my heart for a couple of years, so I jumped at the opportunity. When I got the e-mail, I knew I had to try to help.

What made you join the UN mission?

Do you see a contradiction in being a Salvationist and a member of the Canadian Armed Forces?

I don’t. Before I joined the Forces, I read my Bible, prayed and talked to my corps officers. Soldiering is in my blood but I’m a Salvationist at the same time.

In the Bible, while many refused to believe in Jesus, it was the Roman centurion—the ancient equivalent to a modernday company commander—at the cross who said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (See Mark 15:39.) I can identify with such unflinching belief.

So I don’t have any problems, especially with this UN mission, where we are out helping people.

Do you have any support from your Salvation Army corps back home?

They’ve been fantastic! They are constantly praying for me and they send cards and letters inquiring about my welfare. As well, I send a weekly e-mail explaining what I am doing. I’ve been told that the corps officers in Barrie and Vicoria post it on their church bulletin boards.

Do you get a chance to minister to your fellow soldiers?

I’ve done that my entire career. An obvious starting point has been the fact that I’m a teetotaller. Whenever the topic comes up and my friends ask why I don’t drink alcohol, I tell them it’s part of my faith, it’s part of my church. Many fellow soldiers will approach me with their problems even though it’s not part of my job. Though I don’t necessarily preach the gospel using words, my actions shine through.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Barrie, Ont. I joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986 and attended Royal Roads Military College in Victoria. Wherever I was posted, I sought out Salvation Army corps, in Portage La Prairie, Man., Moose Jaw, Sask., Dartmouth, N.S., Victoria and then back in Barrie.

Why did you join the Canadian Armed Forces?

Uncles on both sides of the family were in the military, so I guess it runs in the family. Living next to Canadian Forces Base Borden, I’d watch the jets take off and land, and I joined the Air Cadets at 13. I spent the first part of my career flying Sea King helicopters. Flying is in my blood.

In 1997, I left the regular Forces, became a full-time reservist back in Barrie, and worked as a Salvation Army corrections officer.

fighter planes. It’s an important task given the geography of Sudan, a country the size of Ontario and Quebec put together. Air mobility is paramount here given the lack of roads and swampy terrain in the central part of the country. I’m permanently based here at headquarters in Khartoum but they send me where I am needed.

What do your present duties entail?

I’m here to support the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). I trained to be a United Nations Military Observer (UNMO). The job of a UNMO is to observe, report and verify information.

However, due to the shortage of experienced staff officers, I am working as an air operations officer. I oversee the 42 aircraft assigned to the mission, from tankers to

Since this interview took place, Captain Johnston has returned to Canada to his former posting at CFB Borden, where he is also the 16 Wing ethics co-ordinator.

He recently became engaged to a university professor he met while attending the International Symposium on Military Ethics in San Diego.

“Life has been good since I returned home,” he reports. “Not a day goes by where I am not reminded of how blessed we are in Canada.”

November 2008 Salvationist

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My Perspective

Would Jesus Have Voted?

Perhaps it’s time for Christians to lay down the flags of their nations and together raise the banner of God Dr. James Read, Executive Director, Ethics Centre

A

s a matter of history, we know that Jesus of Nazareth didn’t vote. Because he was not the citizen of a democracy or a member of a ruling elite, he couldn’t. But what would he have done if he had been in circumstances like ours?

That or similar questions (e.g. Who would Jesus vote for? Which party is God’s party?) are posed by sincere Christians each election season. They want to be Christlike in all they do, including the exercise of their democratic rights, so they imagine what Jesus would do.

In the thick of the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign, Zondervan has published Shane Claiborne’s and Chris Haw’s Jesus for President. It’s not that the authors imagine Jesus running for high office; their view is quite the opposite. The general thrust of the book is that politics-as-usual is so much at odds with the gospel that sincere Christians ought to keep an Amish-like distance from the whole mess. Quoting the everquotable Tony Campolo, they say, “Mixing the church and state is like mixing ice cream with cow manure. It may not do much to the manure, but it sure messes up the ice cream.”

The theology of these “young evangelicals” (although they themselves are rightly uncomfortable with the label) is not that the gospel is too spiritual to stoop to politics.

In fact, they are at pains to show that the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is a message for enfleshed human beings living in community in this world. Their complaint is that all the political options we have (or think we have) are so compromised that no Bible-believing Christian could support any one of them. If Jesus wouldn’t vote, we shouldn’t either.

Although their focus is on the United States, they would say the same to Canadians, Germans, Japanese and Zimbabweans. “Maybe it’s time for Christians all over the world to lay down

the flags of their nations and together raise the banner of God. The Church’s icon is not the Stars and Stripes but a cross-flag, and its emblem is not a donkey, an elephant or an eagle but a slaughtered lamb.”

As Claiborne and Haw argue, the Bible shows Jesus to be absolutely uncompromising. And surely the political programs of every party deviate substantially from the standards of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. The crux of the issue is whether we’re inevitably stuck with this problem. I think we are. Compromise is inherent to politics, and if we can’t accept this, no Christian

Democracy is an effort to seek justice for society and advance the common good

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Salvationist November 2008

political theory is possible. It is not just the platforms of the current parties or the character and positions of the current candidates that are the issue. Democracy is predicated on compromise, at least in the innocuous sense that it requires individuals to commit to a future (“promise”) with others (“com,” which is Latin for “with”).

Democracy is an effort to find ways to freely collaborate with others as equals.

This alone is tough enough for some of us.

But democracy demands more. It requires that we respect others even when they disagree with us. That is tougher still. At

some level, democracy is an effort to seek justice for a whole society and advance the common good, knowing ahead of time that not everyone is going to see “justice” and “the common good” the same way.

I am convinced that political disagreements would still exist even if all voters and candidates were Christians.

This does not mean that all compromises are equal. There is a kind of compromise that is really nothing more than bargaining between special interests. Our politicians are being lobbied all the time by business corporations and professional associations that want the interests of their clients protected. Little wonder then if these politicians think their task is to negotiate enough goodies for those who apply the most pressure. Christians are petty when they act this way themselves, forming a voting bloc to protect their interests or ensure that their organizations get a big enough share of the pie. This is not “compromise.”─It’s balancing one selfishness with another.

What if we think some political proposal is not just different, but morally wrong? Can we vote for a party that promises things that trouble our conscience?

“While we may frequently settle for ‘half-a-loaf,’ we must never compromise principle by engaging in unethical behavior or endorsing or fostering sin,” says the National Association of Evangelicals’ admirable 2004 Call to Civic Responsibility. This sounds right to me, yet I can’t help hearing theologian Reinhold Niebuhr in my other ear saying such purity is an impossible ideal. Years ago, Niebuhr wrote that “the common currency of the moral life is constituted of the ‘nicely calculated less and more’ of the relatively good and the relatively evil … by the difference between a little more and a little less justice, a little more and little less freedom.” He suggests that the ideal of perfect love taught and exemplified by Jesus is relevant to all our endeavours,─personal

Resources and collective,─but that even the best efforts of the best people fall short of the ideal. And in falling short, we sin. As Niebuhr sees it, to live in this flawed world is to be faced inevitably with compromise of principle.

I am not going to settle the issue of whether the NAE or Niebuhr is right about this. Perhaps we should ask our most respected Christian office-holders. Regardless of whether injustice can always be avoided in the thick of democratic politics or some measure of it tolerated in order to get as close to the ideal as possible, I believe the NAE is right to say “disengagement is not a possibility.”

I am doubtful that Jesus would have voted, but I think the Apostle Paul would have. He knew what it meant to be a citizen of Rome as well as the City of God, and he exercised his Roman rights. Inspired by the Spirit, Paul told us to pray for those in government; and inspired by the same Spirit, he told us that government is intended by God for social justice. This from a man who was abused by government and saw fellow Christians unfairly denied even the limited access he himself had.

Through his writings, Paul argues that Christians can’t escape politics and they shouldn’t try, since human life needs sound policies and wise authorities to apply them. The Apostle also shows us that living in community is not confined to casting a ballot, which brings me back to Jesus for President. The best thing about the book and the movement that Claiborne and Haw are part of is that they challenge the prevalent but misguided idea that politics is all about voting. It’s not. To think so actually makes healthy democracy impossible. Elected representatives cannot bear the weight alone. The call on Christian conscience is to be engaged in seeking justice together, demonstrating that Jesus’ values translate into equal dignity for all. This happens when we treat the poor, the oppressed, the excluded and the demeaned as equals should be treated. This is not the whole of the gospel, but it will be good news to those who receive it.

In an effort to ensure Salvationists have a greater understanding of Salvation Army beliefs and practices, numerous books have been published to bring clarity to issues such as worship, prayer, sacraments, holiness, ecumenism and service. Two of these resources, Servants Together and Called to be God’s People, have recently been revised and updated to ensure that they effectively communicate to today’s Salvationists.

Servants Together Salvationist Perspectives on Ministry

This book explores the roles of Salvation Army officers and soldiers and outlines the theology of the lay (non-officer) priesthood in Christian ministry. Its purpose is to lead all Salvationists—officers and soldiers— toward greater involvement in ministry.

Called To Be God’s People

by Commissioner Robert Street

An examination of significant issues such as Bible study, prayer, public worship, Salvation Army ceremonies, the place of the mercy seat, the place of retreats, conferences, special meetings, spiritual direction, the sacraments and other spiritual disciplines. Readers are challenged to make their spiritual life all God intends it to be.

For these and other great products contact The Salvation Army Christian Book and Supply Centres or purchase online at SalvationArmy.ca/store

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Available through THQ Music and Gospel Arts and members of the Canadian Staff Band.

For more information, phone 416-422-6108 or e-mail paula_marshall@can.salvationarmy.org November 2008 Salvationist

25

Celebrate Community

ENROLMENTS AND RECOGNITION Making a Difference

Reinforcements Welcomed

WHITBY, ONT.—Roy and Darlene Owen display the award �������� and certificate they received in recognition of their ongoing service to the community. The award is presented annually by Community Justice Alternatives (CJA), a social-assistance group in Ontario’s Durham Region, to recognize individuals or groups who help affect positive change in their community. For the past 12 years, Roy and Darlene, who runThe Salvation Army’s thrift store in Whitby, have graciously accepted clients sent to them through the community service order program.

As placement supervisors, they have demonstrated patience, kindness and a non-judgmental attitude, while consistently showing a positive outlook and enthusiasm for the people around them. In addition, they are on the Whitby Seniors’ Committee and are actively involved as members of the Army’s Whitby CC.The Owens were specifically recognized for their perseverance and compassion in working with their employees and CJA clients, and for their volunteer work in the community at large.

SMITHS FALLS, ONT.—New soldiers proudly display their Soldiers’ Covenants. From left, Irene Briggs; George Lilly (holding flag); Beryl Lilly; Mjr Brian Fuller, CO; Cindy Parent-Scharf; Mjr Sue Fuller, CO. The enrolment took place during a senior soldiers’ day of renewal.

Mjr Brian Fuller writes: “Following the message

by Mjr Lee Graves, AC for Ontario East, the mercy seat was so overflowing with seekers wanting to rededicate their lives that we had to use the front row of seats. God is certainly blessing us and we look forward to a great year of growth in 2009”

Dedicated Back to God NEPEAN, ONT.—Alyssa Nicole Gedeon is dedicat ed by her parents Simon and Tera, supported by Cpts Wilson and Darlene Sutton, COs, Bells Corners CC

Faithful Service PETERBOROUGH—Mjrs Colleen and Alan Price, COs, Peterborough Temple, congratulate Joy Pammett upon her retirement after 34 years as HLS. Joy received a retirement plaque that was presented by Mjr Robert Zwicker, former CO, at Riverview Manor where she is a resident. Her children, Scott, Steve and Margaret, were present for the occasion, as well as longtime friend Greta Hansen

WESTVILLE, N.S.—ACSM Cathy Nelson retires after many years of faithful service

The Salvation Army Belleville Community Church 290 Bridge St. W, Belleville ON

125th Anniversary Celebrations

With Colonels Robert and Gwenyth Redhead

Saturday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m.

Celebration Concert (Former Belleville songsters/bandsmen are invited to join in) Sunday, November 9, at 10 a.m.

Family Worship Service

For conference details contact Joanne Tilley, social services consultant, THQ, at 416-422-6205 or e-mail Joanne_Tilley@can.salvationarmy.org

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Salvationist November 2008

For more information and to send greetings, e-mail: Gillian_Walker@can.salvationarmy.org or phone: 613-968-7394/613-962-3922

Celebrate Community Officer Retirement

Major Elva Elliott retired July 1 from her appointment as divisional coordinator of hospital chaplaincy services, N.L. East Div. Born to officer parents, Melva grew up in 11 different Newfoundland communities. She graduated from the St. John’s Grace Hospital School of Nursing in 1966 and married her husband, Hector, in 1967.

Entering training from Bonavista Corps in 1972, they were commissioned as members of the Followers of Christ Session. Corps appointments took them to Fortune, Gander, Park Street (Windsor), N.L., and Spryfield, N.S. They also served at St. John’s CFOT, Maritime DHQ and as overseas personnel officers, THQ. Thirteen years were spent on overseas service—from 1982 to 1988 as training officer in Portugal, followed by seven years in Brazil, where Melva served as training college officer and divisional director of women’s ministries. Following their return to Canada in 2005, the Elliotts served as hospital chaplains in St. John’s, N.L., where Hector was promoted to Glory in June 2007. Melva is grateful for the opportunity to serve God throughThe Salvation Army and looks forward to spending more time with her family.

In Remembrance OTTAWA—Former youth group members of Gladstone CC held a memorial service to remember the life of one of their colleagues, Betty Robertson Thistle, who was promoted to Glory.

From left, Elizabeth Head, Cpt Betty Fleck, Paulette Cor velle, Judy Coates, Mjr Lois Latimer, Dorothea Robertson Latour, Elwyn Latour

Youth to the Fore

GAMBO, N.L.—Above: Mjrs Darryl and Cathy Simms, COs, and BM David Pritchett present commissions to new senior band members, from left, Stephanie Hayter, AdaMae Wicks, Kendra Goulding, Whitney Whit e, Danielle Goulding and Melanie Wells; right: Stephanie Hayter and Ada-Mae Wicks display their certificates acknowledging their respective graduations from CrossTraining and CrossZones, part of The Salvation Army’s youth discipleship training program

Local Leadership Strengthened WESTVILLE, N.S.—AssistantYPSM Joye Higgins, left, and YPSM Diana Walsh are seen following their commissioning as youth leaders

GAZETTE

TERRITORIAL Appointments Mjr Debra Beaupre, executive director, London Village, Ont. GL Div; Mjrs Robert/Sophie Gilbert, Lakeshore CC, Toronto, Ont. CE Div; Mjr Cyril Janes, Stratford CC, Ont. GL Div; Mjr Doreen Sturge, assistant officer personnel secretary, THQ officer personnel; Mjr Max Sturge, marketing representative and staff writer, THQ editorial; Cpt LeslieWiseman, CO, house church plant, and administrative assistant, Jackson Willan Seniors’ Residence, Calgary, Prairie & Northern Ttys Div; Cpt Stephen Wiseman, mission officer, East Village Mission, Calgary, Prairie & Northern Ttys Div Reinforcement personnel Mjrs Stan/Debi Carr, Houston Northwest Corps, Texas Div, U.S.A. Southern Tty

Reinforcement addresses Mjrs Stan/Debi Carr, 17314 Turquoise Stream Dr, HoustonTX 77095, U.S.A. (stan_carr@uss. salvationarmy.org, debi_carr@uss.salvationarmy.org); Cpts David/April McNeilly, 6, rue Paulin-Enfert, 75013 Paris, France (pastor2paris@gmail.com) Retirement addresses Mjr Melva Elliott, 35 Green Acre Dr, St. John’s NL A1H 1C3 Promoted to Glory Mrs. Lt-Col Hazel Smith, from Ottawa, Aug 25; Mjr Neil Voce, from Wingham, Ont., Aug 30; Brg Eva Duffett, from St. John’s, N.L., Sep 22

CALENDAR

Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis Nov 1-2 Territorial Symposium, JPCC*; Nov 4 Educational Opportunities Inc., Tampa, Fl.,

U.S.A.; Nov 9 candidates’ seminar, CFOT; Nov 13 leadership councils, THQ; Nov 16 Toronto Santa Claus Parade; Nov 16-19 territorial leaders’ conference, JPCC; Nov 20-21 personnel consultations, JPCC**; Nov 22-23 CFOT *Comr William Francis only **Comr Marilyn Francis only Lt-Colonels Donald and Ann Copple Nov 1-2Territorial Symposium, JPCC; Nov 16-19 territorial leaders’ conference, JPCC Canadian Staff Band Nov 15 joint concert with Mississauga Temple Band, Mississauga Temple, Ont.; Nov 16 Toronto Santa Claus Parade; Dec 6 Toronto Star Christmas carol concerts, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Toronto; Dec 13 Christmas With The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto November 2008 Salvationist

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Celebrate Community

Tribute

TORONTO—Born to Salvationist parents in 1922, Catherine (Cath) Ward always played a role in Salvation Army life wherever she was. Moving from England to Canada in 1952 with her husband, Bill, and their young family, she became an active soldier at Brock Avenue, Toronto, which later became Bloor Central. Throughout her life, Cath was a songster, played the organ faithfully and eagerly participated in various Army activities. Following Bill’s promotion to Glory in 2003, she volunteered at THQ, her corps outreach program, The Homestead and Evangeline Residence. Known as “Grandma” to countless people who came to Bloor Central over the years, Cath’s faith and witness were always strong, especially during her illness. She is survived by her son, Colonel Robert (Marguerite) Ward; daughters Janet (Bent) Hougesen and Carolyn Everingham; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

CHANNEL/PORT-AUX-BASQUES, N.L.—Born in Harbour Breton, N.L., Mary Ann Strickland moved to Port-aux-Basques for work in her teens. She married and had seven children that she raised on her own. A faithful Salvationist, Mary was an active soldier for 48 years.

Her relationship with God and participation in church activities played an important role in her life, leaving a rich legacy of religious values that she passed on to succeeding generations. Mary is missed by daughters Florence (Cecil) Anderson, Ethel Savery, Kay (Nelson) Osmond and Dianne Graham; sons James (Ivy), Leo (Cook) and John (Patty); 21 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Jane Dyke; many nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends Mary Lomond and her family.

TORONTO—Raised by Salvation Army officer parents, Brenda Armstrong (nee Weeks) was active in corps activities throughout her life. As a young girl, she played the timbrel and sang in the singing company, later joining the songsters. A faithful home league member at Earlscourt Citadel and later Scarborough Citadel, she enjoyed helping out with corps dinners and providing baked goods for the annual sale. Brenda loved travelling with her husband, Earl, a devoted lifelong partner. Over the years they visited many places around the world, but she especially enjoyed Egypt and Kenya. Once her children were grown, Brenda worked part-time for the Army’s Bethany Home and Retired Officers’ Residence inToronto, where she went out of her way to brighten people’s lives. Her strong faith sustained her during her long fight with cancer in recent years and she is greatly missed by all whose lives she touched through her caring ministry.

GAMBO, N.L.—Born in 1918, Ralph Goulding became a Christian in 1931 and was soon enrolled as a soldier.

Commissioned as corps treasurer in 1946, he faithfully maintained this position for 33 years until his retirement in 1979.Throughout his life, Ralph also served as a bandsman and was a member of the men’s fellowship. He is missed by his wife, Winnie; sons Jesse (Olive), Dorman (Charlotte), Baxter (Triffie), Melvin (Peggy), Sterling (Edith), Otto (Emmie) and Aubrey (Carol-Ann); daughters Louise (Morgan), Muriel, Flossie and Gaye (Glen); 25 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends.

New CD Release by London Citadel Band

The Blessing Includes The Blessing, Cwm Rhondda, Daystar, Be Thou My Vision, The Roll Call, Caprice for Cornet, Love So Amazing, Crossbearers, El Es El Senor, Grace Alone, Jubilation, God With Us and A Little Prayer.

$18.50 plus taxes and shipping

Available from Supplies and Purchasing, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4; London Citadel Band, 555 Springbank Dr, London ON N6J 1H3; www.londoncitadelband.on.ca

MUSGRAVETOWN, N.L.—Born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, Winifred Brown-Peddle came to The Salvation Army through the invitation of a friend. At the end of the Second World War in 1945, she married Frank Brown and moved to Musgravetown as a war bride. An active Salvationist, Winifred was involved in band and songsters, taught Sunday school and was the corps cadet counsellor. For many years she served as home league secretary and eventually became a life member. Winifred is survived by her son, Allen; daughters Dildre Lodge and Denise Blundell, and their families.

OTTAWA—Born in Toronto to officer parents, Mrs. Lt-Colonel Hazel Smith (nee Marskell) entered the training college fromToronto 1 Corps in 1933. In 1935, she married Captain John Smith and together they served in various appointments, first as corps officers and then in public relations.They retired to Ottawa in 1971 where they enjoyed many years together before John’s promotion to Glory in 2006. A devoted wife and mother, Hazel was known for her sense of humour and her kindness to young people, especially young officers who were far from home. She is missed by her daughter, Major Grace Dixon; son, Gordon; grandchildren David, Gord, Karen (Keith) Braye, Cheryl (Brian) Ash and Carolyn; great-grandchildren Kory, Kate-Lynne, Jenna and Bethany; and brother, Reg. 28

Salvationist November 2008

Saturday, November 29, 8 p.m.

Centennial Hall, 550 Wellington St, London, Ont. Tickets $40 & $25 + handling charge from Centennial Hall box office, 519-672-1967 or 1-888-999-8980 or visit www.centennialhall.london.ca www.londoncitadelband.on.ca www.kingssingers.com

Couple Care

B

ill grew up in a household where there was little extra money to go around. If he needed to buy something, he searched the newspapers for coupons or phoned three different stores to check out the best price. Saving a few dollars made him feel that he was being responsible.

Anne grew up in a family where people simply purchased whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted it. To look through a newspaper for a $2 coupon or shop around comparing prices was too much work.

These two very different outlooks can provide some challenging dynamics in a relationship. For some people, money provides a sense of security; for others, a sense of freedom. Early on, couples need to figure out where each person stands with respect to money. A first step is determining if you are a saver or a spender:

Money Matters

it difficult to spend any money enjoying themselves. They pour a lot of energy into thinking about the future but don’t focus enough on the present.

Financial Planning Regardless of which category you may fall into, both you and your spouse should be involved in your financial planning. The “this is yours, this is mine” mentality can be devastating to a marriage.

Although it’s valuable for each person to have some of his or her own money, the basic thinking must be “this is ours.” This can be difficult where income levels are significantly different. The person making less might feel less valuable and give up an equal voice in financial decisions. He or she might be taking time off to raise the children, start a new business or run the household. Though not financial, that partner’s contribution is equally critical to the family’s happiness.

Making financial decisions together is the healthiest approach.

Money can be an emotional issue. Developing realistic expectations about your finances can prevent conflicts. Determining your saving and spending habits can help you anticipate future financial problems. If you feel you don’t know enough about money, take a class or read a book on personal finances.

The Bible contains more than 2,000 verses dealing with money and its management. Most couples will attest that many of their conflicts and disagreements revolve around their finances. Those who expect the finances to take care of themselves will want to heed the advice of others who have struggled with the same problems. Making financial decisions together is the best approach and will pay untold dividends as you strive for a healthy marriage.

Determining your saving and spending habits can help you anticipate and avoid financial problems

Saver • Y ou never have enough money in the bank.

• You don’t order drinks in a restaurant—water is free.

• Y ou keep your eye on the time when making long-distance phone calls.

• Meeting the family budget is very important.

• You travel at inconvenient times to avoid spending higher airfare.

• Y ou read books from the library rather than buying them.

• Y ou try to buy everything on sale.

• You spend a lot of time planning for the future.

Spender • You buy what you need without looking at the price.

• A big bank balance is useless if you can’t spend it.

• Your convenience is more important than the cost of an airline ticket.

• W hen eating out, you order whatever you want on the menu.

• Y ou’d rather go over the family budget occasionally rather than be constantly thinking about money.

• You talk on the phone long-distance without worrying about the time.

• You don’t wait for an item to go on sale.

• Y ou want to enjoy life here and now.

by Major Bob Armstrong Corps Officer, The Willows—A Community Church of The Salvation Army, Langley, B.C.

Which of the following scenarios best describes your marriage?

One Saver and One Spender This typically leads to many disagreements about money. While the spender buys what he or she wants, the saver often feels jealous and resentful, and won’t indulge in the same luxury. The spender might secretly feel secure, even while resenting the spouse for being too controlling.

Two Spenders This can cause big strains in a relationship.

With no money in the bank and huge credit card bills mounting, both partners tend to blame each other for their financial problems. Though it is hard to break spending habits, they must learn to plan for the future.

Two Savers There is a lot of money in the bank and no substantial debt, but this couple finds

Tips to Remember • Money can be an emotional issue.

Develop realistic expectations about your finances to prevent conflicts.

• Determine your saving and spending habits to help anticipate and avoid financial problems.

• Make financial decisions together. If you feel you don’t know enough about money, take a class or read a book on personal finances.

November 2008 Salvationist

29

Prayer Diary 2008

November 1-8 Focus on Our Core Values: Intimacy with God—“We commune with God through worship and prayer” 1 Praise God for the invitation to communicate with him through prayer 2 A sk the Lord to deepen your capacity for intimacy with him 3 Seek God’s guidance in developing a more disciplined and persevering prayer life 4 Thank God for the privilege of sharing in worship with other Christians, and ask him to help you enter more fully into opportunities for corporate worship 5 Pray for an increased sensitivity to God in moments of solitude and personal worship 6 Thank God for the gift of the Scriptures, through which he speaks to you and helps you communicate with him 7 Pray that your deepening intimacy with God will have a positive influence on the life of your worshipping community 8 Pray that your deepening intimacy with God will find meaningful expression in mission

November 9-15 Focus on Special Concerns 9 On this International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, pray for Christians around the world who suffer emotional, physical and economic hardship because of their faith 10 Pray that those who persecute Christians will

be influenced by their witness and caused to re-examine their own actions and beliefs 11 On this Remembrance Day, pray for our veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces 12 Pray for the families of military personnel 13 Pray for those who grieve the loss of loved ones who died while on military service 14 P ray for police officers, firefighters and others whose jobs place them in dangerous situations 15 P ray that God’s peace will inhabit the hearts of his people, whatever their life circumstances

November 16-22 Focus on the Newfoundland and Labrador East Division 16 Pray for continued generosity as Salvationists support the local, divisional, territorial and international mission of the Army 17 Pray for the children and youth of the division and their leaders 18 Pray for ongoing discussions with community and governmental partners concerning the expansion of ministries at New Hope Community Centre in St. John’s 19 Pray that people’s hearts will be obedient to the call to serve, both in local leadership positions and through Salvation Army officership 20 Pray for the new divisional leadership team as they seek to give guidance and support to local ministry units 21 P ray for the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of all officers

22 Pray that God will inspire corps leaders and direct them as they strive for an “integrated mission” approach to ministry

November 23-30 Focus on the Personnel Services Department 23 Pray for the annual consultation process regarding officer appointments, especially for preliminary meetings being held this month with territorial and divisional leaders 24 Pray for the pastoral services team as they seek to support the officers of this territory 25 Pray that officers on short- and long-term disability will have their health restored 26 Pray that Salvation Army employees will feel they are a valued part of the Army’s mission and ministry 27 Pray for the staff of the leadership development section as they seek to nurture the professional development of officers across the territory 28 P ray for Nancy Turley, territorial abuse advisor, as she comes alongside those seeking reconciliation and restoration 29 Pray that the newly warranted auxiliarycaptains will be aware of their value to the mission of the territory as they embark upon this new phase of their ministry journey 30 As Advent begins, meditate on Isaiah 9:2 The 2008 Prayer Diary is available online at Salvationist.ca. To receive your copy by e-mail, contact Major Gail Winsor, territorial spiritual life and prayer co-ordinator, at gail_winsor@can. salvationarmy.org

When was the last time you prayed for President Hu Jiantao of China? Or for Premier Kim Jong Il of North Korea? Or for the Muslim militants who tortured and murdered three Turkish Bible publishers in March 2007?

The call for the follower of Jesus is to pray for all people. This year, please Pray For the Persecutors. Pray specifically for the kings and leaders of persecuting countries and for all those who harass, imprison and even kill Christians throughout the world.

VISIT WWW.IDOP.CA TO ORDER A FREE KIT FOR YOUR CHURCH OR GROUP. 30

Salvationist November 2008

Christmas

with The Salvation Army

with Colin Fox dramatist

Dec 13, 2008, 7:30 pm

Roy Thomson Hall 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto, Ontario

Captain Margaret Davis vocalist and featuring The Canadian Staff Band and Festival Chorus

Tickets $25 - 20 - 15 Ticketmaster.ca 416-870-8000 - RTH Box Office 416-872-4255 Presented by Ontario Central-East Division

SANTA SHUFFLE 5K RUN AND 1K ELF WALK

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH

Lace up your running shoes and join us in helping the less fortunate this Christmas

National Media Sponsor

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