Sal-2011-11

Army’s Legacy at the Battlefront

Building a ConneXion at Erin Mills

How to Turn the World Upside Down

Salvationist The Voice of the Army

Salvationist.ca I November 2011

Proclaiming God’s Truth New cadets

prepare for future leadership

With Special Guests Marjory Watson, Soloist, United Kingdom Colin Fox, Dramatist The Peterborough Singers, Syd Birrell, Director Ian Sadler, Organist and featuring The Festival Chorus with Canadian Staff Band, John Lam, Bandmaster Major Leonard Ballantine, Artistic Director

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 - 7:30p.m.

Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

Tickets from $15 to $25 available through TicketMaster.ca 416-870-8000 or RTH Box Office 416-872-4255 Presented by

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November 2011 No. 67 www.salvationist.ca E-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org

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Features 9 Friday Night Church Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

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Erin Mills’ Youth ConneXion program offers a safe place for young people to hang out and learn about God by Seth Hennessy Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

10 More Than Wonderful

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National Music Camp challenges youth to develop their musical skills and to deepen their relationship with God

by Kim Garreffa PRODUCT LABELING GUIDE

FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

12 Called to Righteous Living

Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session encouraged to lift up the name of Christ by Major Margaret McLeod

14 Are You Ready to Serve?

The Salvation Army prepares new Bible-teaching program for children, complete with DVDs, a website and plenty of adventure

by Julia Hosking

Departments 4 Editorial

I Can See Clearly Now

by Major Jim Champ

5 Around the Territory 8 Chief Priorities Ready, Set, Flip

by Colonel Floyd Tidd

16 World Watch

East Africa Drought Relief

17 Social Issues

The Invisible Backpack

by Major Cathie Harris

Inside Faith & Friends A New Game Plan

CFL running back Cory Boyd had to let go of the past before he could find peace in the present

24 Pursuing Holiness

18 Do Something!

25 Media Reviews 25 Territorial Prayer Guide 26 Celebrate Community

20 At the Battlefront

Spiritual Productivity

by Major Clarence Bradbury

Enrolments and recognition, tributes, calendar, gazette

30 Cross Culture Wicked Ways

by Michael Boyce

31 Battle Cry

Sex For Sale?

by Major Danielle Strickland

up their words with actions, as shown by their support of The Salvation Army’s Santa Shuffle

A chance wartime encounter led to a new way to serve for this Canadian airman

A Window to the Soul

All Weather Windows backs

Whether in times of peace or war, The Salvation Army offers spiritual, physical and emotional support to military personnel

by Lt-Colonel Maxwell Ryan

22 A Daughter’s Encouragement Taline Polimeneas attended church last year to hear her daughter sing and she hasn’t looked back

by Julia Hosking

23 Is Jesus Really Divine?

People still debate whether Jesus was the Son of God or just a wise teacher

by James Pedlar

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Sharing the Vision When you finish reading Faith & Friends in the centre of this issue, pull it Faith & out and give it to someone Argo’s who needs to new Game hear about Plan Christ’s lifechanging power

General Linda Bond’s letters to Salvationists around the world can be read at Salvationist.ca/ tag/sharing-the-vision

frıends

November 2011

Sardines, Spitfires and Salvation

We often feel helpless when faced with great needs. But God calls us to take a fresh look at what we have to offer by Major Julie Slous

faithandfriends.ca

Inspiration for Living

Sardines, Spitfires and Salvation: One Veteran’s Tale A WindoW to the Soul Finding Silence in a Noisy World

Running back Cory Boyd puts anger behind him

Pass It On

Share your faith electronically by forwarding articles from Salvationist and Faith & Friends by e-mail, Facebook or Twitter. Just click one of the

World Watch

Keep up with what the Army is doing internationally. Visit Salvationist.ca/worldwatch to read more about the Army’s work in over 120 countries Salvationist I November 2011 I 3

EDITORIAL

I

I Can See Clearly Now

could feel my blood pressure rising with each passing minute. It was my annual visit to the optometrist and I sat impatiently in the waiting room, eyeing the large clock on the wall. The appointment had been scheduled a year in advance. To ensure I didn’t forget, the doctor’s office had called twice, with not-so subtle warnings that charges would apply if I failed to appear. And so I proudly arrived 10 minutes early and gave the cheerful receptionist my name.

As I stood there, I noticed that two other names were listed in the same time slot. I looked around and, sure enough, there they were, a young couple actively engaged in conversation. Forty minutes passed before my name was called. By this time, I was doing a slow burn. The extra wait had given me plenty of time to silently rehearse my complaints for the doctor. After all, my time is also important, isn’t it?

As I sat in the examination room waiting for the right moment to unleash my frustration, the doctor looked at me and requested permission to ask a question not related to my eye exam. “I have a number of Salvationists as patients,” she said.

“What I want to know is why are you all so nice?” Hmm, I thought, If the doctor knew what I was thinking right now she may well revise her question! I was feeling anything

but nice at that moment, but it did give me pause for thought.

It’s interesting that people watch and evaluate Christians and, in particular, Salvationists. Perhaps one reason is that there are high expectations of people who bear the name of Christ. In recent months, Major Clarence Bradbury has guided Salvationist readers through a study of 2 Peter 1. His focus has been on the divine nature reflected in the lives of Christians (see page 24). What do people see in our lives that distinguishes us from non-believers?

Be sure to read the story of Taline Polimeneas on page 22. Taline came to the Army as a result of a Sunday school invitation her daughter received from a Scarborough Citadel junior soldier. After finding Jesus, she attests her life was transformed from mean and miserable to pleasant and peaceful. “My husband and kids are seeing the changes God has made in my life,” she says. “They’re seeing the good that Jesus is bringing to our home.”

The irony of my visit to the optometrist was not lost on me. When my turn arrived at last, I was seeing red while she was seeing something quite different. No, I didn’t vent my frustration on the doctor about being kept waiting. Rather, her question led to a conversation about the qualities of Christians who live their lives in the Spirit.

For if you possess these qualities [goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love] in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective.… But if any of you do not have them, you are near-sighted and blind … (2 Peter 1:8-9).

MAJOR JIM CHAMP Editor-in-Chief

Salvationist

is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Linda Bond General Commissioner Brian Peddle Territorial Commander Major Jim Champ Editor-in-Chief Geoff Moulton Assistant Editor-in-Chief John McAlister Senior Editor (416-467-3185) Major Max Sturge Associate Editor (416-422-6116) Timothy Cheng Art Director Pamela Richardson Production and Distribution Co-ordinator, Copy Editor Julia Hosking, Ken Ramstead, Debbie Sinclair 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 are copyright The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only with written permission.

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Phone: 416-422-6112; fax: 416-422-6120; e-mail: circulation@can.salvationarmy.org.

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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.

Salvationist.ca Salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org Facebook.com/salvationistmagazine Twitter.com/salvationist 4 I November 2011 I Salvationist

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Army Assists After Goderich Devastated by Tornado WHEN A TORNADO BLEW in on Sunday afternoon, August 21, disaster struck the small town of Goderich, Ont. Houses, businesses and trees fell down, but that didn’t stop The Salvation Army. Volunteers from Suncoast Citadel, Goderich, were serving dinner to victims and first responders within hours and more than 12,000 meals were provided over the next 12 days.

Although the F3 tornado was unexpected, the Army’s ability to quickly mobilize was a result of years of planning.

“Goderich has an emergency disaster plan and the Army’s role is to provide food and clothing,” says Captain Bramwell Pearce, corps officer, Suncoast Citadel.

That initially took place at the town’s emergency site and only location with an industrial-sized generator, the Knights of Columbus auditorium.

Although power was restored to part of the town 24 hours later, natural gas wasn’t, and so The Salvation Army relied on the electric stoves of its neighbour, Trinity Christian Reformed Church.

“We also want to help the people in need so it makes sense to work together and show the world we are one in Jesus Christ,” says Stephen Tamming,

pastor, Trinity Christian Reformed Church.

“This disaster brought the community together in a way that hasn’t happened since I’ve been here,” says Captain Pearce.

Sara McNeil, Suncoast Citadel member, volunteered her skills as a chef during the emergency response. While cooking and serving, she heard from people who had experienced the full impact of the tornado.

“One woman said to me, ‘I couldn’t afford insurance and now I’ve lost everything I owned,’ ” shares McNeil. “Goderich doesn’t even look like the same town anymore; some areas are just so bare.”

Support for the Army’s work from beyond the community of 8,500 people poured in also, starting with Perron Goodyear, divisional emergency disaster services director, Ontario Great Lakes Division, who arrived Sunday evening. A community response unit from Kitchener, Ont., was on the scene on Monday and divisional officers visited people through-

out the response, offering emotional and spiritual care.

“Many people shared their stories,” says Goodyear. “Some people lost their homes and experienced damage to their business or place of work. Others are dealing with emotional trauma.”

In addition to the destruction of Goderich’s main business area, the Sifto salt mine, which employed 500 workers, was completely ruined, taking with it the life of an employee. Suncoast Citadel family services is offering long-term support to the families affected.

“The town has experienced a lot of damage, but the people seem to be resilient,” observes Goodyear. “They’re determined that this won’t destroy their community.”

Below left: Salvation Army volunteers discuss and plan their emergency response. Below: downtown Goderich lies in ruins

Banners Give Evangeline Residence a Fresh Look

Residents at Evangeline Residence, Toronto, created beautiful banners to hang on the interior and exterior of their building

TORONTO’S EVANGELINE RESIDENCE got a fresh look through the addition of colourful banners created by area artists and shelter residents, a result of a collaboration between The Red Wagon Collective and residents. The Red Wagon is a group of artists seeking to deepen community arts engagement, sponsored by the Toronto Arts Council and the Ontario Arts Council. The banners were put on the exterior and interior of the building.

Women staying at this emergency and transitional housing shelter meet on Mondays with artists for workshops on drawing, painting, collage, textiles, knitting and crocheting. Photos of their creative work were digitally combined to produce the banners. “Weekly work on the arts and crafts, which later became part of the banners, enabled the women to socialize and enjoy a much-needed diversion from the concerns of the present day,” says Major Karen Oldford, chaplain and volunteer co-ordinator. “Friendships were established between present and former residents, as well as the facilitators of the group. Artistic skills were discovered and developed.

Self-esteem increased and pride in accomplishments was evident.”

Salvationist I November 2011 I 5

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Miracles Happen in Bermuda

Kathleen Foy, resident, poses with RCMP officers and their mascot at the Army’s Grace Manor, Ottawa

Grace Manor Protects Seniors From Fraud THE OTTAWA GRACE MANOR held its fourth Red Shield Red Serge seniors’ awareness event with 300 people present, including visitors from the community and residents from five other long-term care homes. The occasion featured displays with information on fraud prevention, including counterfeiting, fraudulent lotteries, credit card and bank scams, identity theft and telemarketing schemes. “It’s a learning experience,” says Captain Derrick Gullage, executive director. “Seniors need to know because they are at risk.”

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Pipe Band performed and participants met the officers and beautiful horses of the RCMP Musical Ride. Also on display were RCMP vehicles and the Salvation Army emergency disaster services mobile canteen. “We had a good turnout, the RCMP horses are always a big hit and the residents enjoyed meeting people from the community,” says Captain Gullage.

Did you know … … generous Richmond Hill, Ont., residents contributed more than 100 backpacks filled with school supplies for distribution through the Army’s community and family services office? Some children turned up at the Army’s Richmond Hill Community Church with their own backpacks, but said they wanted to share their supplies with other kids. One mother rallied her friends and neighbours and filled 40 backpacks 6 I November 2011 I Salvationist

USING THE THEME, When You Believe, The Salvation Army Bermuda Divisional Band held its annual music festival at North Street Citadel, Hamilton, with featured guests the Bermuda School of Music Steel Pan Orchestra and Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Singers. The divisional band opened with Paul Sharman’s Blaze, a march using the choruses Shine Jesus Shine and Sing Hosanna. The Divisional Youth Band played Brian Bowen’s march The Happy Land and Charlotte Pitteway’s The Power of Your Love.

Under the leadership of Janice Pearman, the Bermuda School of Music Steel Pan Orchestra, consisting of school

children and adults, played Flight of the Bumblebee and several other selections.

Pastor Eugene Philips led his Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Singers in congregational worship. After the bands played Wim Stallman’s brass band arrangement of the popular song, When You Believe, Major Shawn Critch, divisional commander, used Scripture to show that miracles can happen when we trust God. The festival concluded with a collaboration of steel pan and brass band selections, the finale being Bill Himes’ steel pan version of Caribbean Sing Along, featuring the choruses Cast Your Burdens, He is Here and Hold On.

Jamel Bean, deputy bandmaster, leads the Bermuda Divisional Band in the theme song When You Believe

Backpacks Instill Dignity CARRYING A BACKPACK helps young people feel included in their school community. Leed’s and Consolidated Credit Counseling Services of Canada, Inc. generously donated backpacks and school supplies to Toronto’s Cedarbrae Community Church for children in need. “A simple item such as a backpack can make an incredible difference in the life of a child living in poverty and help instill a sense of dignity,” says Major Louise Wareham, corps officer.

The Army’s Cedarbrae CC in Toronto provided school children with backpacks

.… faculty at Twin Ponds music camp, N.L., challenged themselves and campers who regularly spend money on canteen items to only spend $1 at the canteen and donate the rest to the Army’s Gifts of Hope Campaign to assist developing countries?

Over seven days, more than 100 youth and leaders raised $820, allowing the Army to purchase mosquito nets, water for five families, goats and pigs, and to stock two medical clinics

… Glen Murray, Ontario’s minister of research and innovation, visited the Toronto Grace Health Centre in August to promise funding for a long-overdue overhaul of the facility? Murray noted that the 119-bed health centre would become a leader in health care in the community, with the renovations expected to make it a state-of-the-art palliative care, complex continuing care and slow-paced rehabilitation facility

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Thrift Stores Give Children an Experience of a Lifetime THE SALVATION ARMY’S Camp L’Achigan, located 50 kilometres north of Montreal, received generous donations collected at Salvation Army thrift stores in Quebec during their Send a Kid to Camp fundraiser. Mark Pantrey, Quebec retail district manager, and Ildiko Fodor, general manager of the thrift store in downtown Montreal, came to Camp L’Achigan to present a cheque for $8,339. The donation represents the full fees required for 38 young people to attend the summer camp for one week.

“With the funds, we sponsored children and families to come to our different camps,” says Captain Rachele Lamont,

Salvation Army thrift stores in Quebec enabled 38 young people to experience a week’s summer camp

assistant divisional youth secretary, Quebec Division.

“Throughout the summer, we encounter families and children who want to come to

Youth Enlist in God’s Army DURING A MUSIC AND GOSPEL arts camp at Scotian Glen Camp, 90 young people and 30 adults from the Maritime Division were trained in holy living and spiritual warfare, taught what it means to enlist in God’s Army and how to wholeheartedly live for Christ. Jim and Natasha Burkett, soldiers of Moncton Citadel Community Church, designed a curriculum based on Colossians 3.

“We wanted kids to learn the necessity and significance of a life with more of God and less of self, that they would go home with practical tools for living a holy life and be motivated to train others to enlist in the ‘fight,’ ” says Major Wanda Vincent, divisional youth secretary.

Utilizing age-appropriate teaching methods, the Burketts emphasized the need to put God first, grow in our faith and serve others.

“The young people were eager to embrace relevant tools for Christlike living,” says Major Vincent. “Some made first-time decisions for Christ and others felt it was a good refresher course for on-going training.” To solidify the week’s lessons, each camper wrote a letter to God about their commitment to him. The letters were sealed and addressed to themselves and then given to the Burketts to be mailed to the campers throughout the year.

“The letter is meant to serve as a ‘reality check’ to help keep them accountable to their commitments,” says Major Vincent.

Instrumental instructor, Craig Lewis, with Scotian Glen campers Linnea Dean and Ben McNeilly

camp, but cannot because of difficult situations at home or financial limitations. We also see a lot of new families to Canada that are surviving on

very little. For these children and their families, spending a week at camp is an experience of a lifetime. The funding was definitely a blessing for us all.”

Inside Out and Upside Down in St. John’s DURING THEIR VACATION Bible school, St. John’s Citadel’s building was transformed into a world of adventure, depicting an imaginary Main Street with colourful shops and During St. John’s Citadel’s VBS program, chilbuildings, life-size dren lead theme song, Jesus Makes a Difference props, lamp posts and park benches. Under the direction of Bernice Langdon and 50 volunteers, 200 children, including 130 from the community, enjoyed practical and fun activities and were challenged to make an inside-out, upside-down difference with Jesus.

Each day began with a sidewalk celebration with the children participating in high-energy music and videos. Making their way down Main Street, they then experienced God’s Word as they connected Jesus’ parables to the words on the street: gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, grace and faithfulness. They created crafts, enjoyed snacks and played games. They learned that Jesus turned his world inside out and upside down, and with his help they can make a better world, too.

The young people participated in two service projects that donated $2,000 to the Army’s school breakfast program and 1,173 items to the Army’s food bank. “Some children who come to us have no church home,” says Langdon. “We are privileged to share God’s love with them and believe we can make a difference in their lives.”

Salvationist I November 2011 I 7

Photo: © istockphoto.com/skodonnell

CHIEF PRIORITIES

Ready, Set, Flip In order to transform the world, we need to let God turn our own lives upside down

BY COLONEL FLOYD TIDD

D

o you remember the last time your world was turned upside down? How about the last time you were accused of overturning someone else’s world? Is it possible that the two are more connected than we might think?

From the earliest days of The Salvation Army, Salvationists shook things up wherever they went. It was common to hear people say that since the Army came to town, their world had turned upside down.

People were changed. Homes were different. Whole communities were transformed.

This shouldn’t be surprising given the accounts recorded for us in the Book of Acts. From the birthing of the Church at Pentecost to the spread of Christianity, the Book of Acts records countless stories about how the message of Jesus impacted individuals and communities. The world was being turned upside down. The Church was on the march.

Harry Read highlights this movement 8 I November 2011 I Salvationist

in his song God’s Soldier: We’re going to fill, fill, fill, the world with glory; We’re going to smile, smile, smile, and not frown; We’re going to sing, sing, sing, the gospel story; We’re going to turn the world upside down.

While singing and smiling may be helpful, turning the world upside down involves more than this. Throughout history the willingness of Jesus followers to have their own world completely changed marked them as a force that could then change the world.

Living out the commands of Jesus— such as loving your enemies, going the second mile, treating others the way one would like to be treated—no doubt seemed then, as they do now, to be unnatural responses to daily life. However, these actions flowed out of a new identity rooted

in a new life in Christ; actions that reflected the character and attitude of a Jesus follower as he described them in the opening words of the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5).

The Apostle Paul challenged the Early Church to have the same upside-down attitude that Jesus displayed, living a life of submission, servanthood and sacrifice (see Philippians 2:5-11). In the centuries that followed, Christianity became a force that turned the world’s values and practices on their head. The Church was empowered by the Spirit of God and filled the world with glory.

Today, Salvationists living lives of obedience to the call of Christ are changing the world one neighbourhood after another.

This transformation includes a fresh perspective on prayer—flipping the conversation so that we seek to hear more from God than to be heard. It also includes a renewed emphasis on holiness, which is marked not so much by what the holy life avoids, but rather what it embraces. Our view is transformed as we commit to a life of surrender and sacrifice in following Christ. Are we willing to have our own world turned upside down, to release our hold on our comfortable and acceptable way of life?

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. This transforming influence begins within the life of the individual follower of Jesus. Just as God’s soldiers live transformed lives, The Salvation Army also becomes a transformed Movement. At times, this may create a sense of upsidedown living for the Army. Are we open to having our “Salvation Army world” inverted, releasing the hold on a comfortable and acceptable way of being The Salvation Army?

It is my prayer that we would continue to be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. We want nothing less than to see individuals and communities changed in dramatic ways by the work of God. I long for a topsy-turvy world where the lonely find community and belonging, the lost find their way, the hungry are more than full, the discouraged are messengers of hope and the hurting have found healing. This and more is the world turned upside down by the transforming gospel.

Ready, set, flip.

Colonel Floyd Tidd is the chief secretary of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Friday Night Church

Erin Mills’ Youth ConneXion program offers a safe place for young people to hang out and learn about God

I

t’s 8 p.m. on a Friday night. Do you know where your kids are? For some parents in the Erin Mills neighbourhood of Mississauga, Ont., they can rest assured knowing that their children are safe at The Salvation Army. Every Friday night (except for Christmas and Easter), the Erin Mills Corps building hosts 50-80 children at their Youth ConneXion program. While all ages are welcome, most of the children are in Grades 4-8. The mission of the program is to ensure that each child has fun and hears a Christian message.

“There is pizza and activities,” says Ian Robinson, youth pastor, “but the children also go away with something to think about.”

In addition to eating the dozens of pizzas that are donated weekly from a local Little Caesars pizzeria, the young people enjoy the freedom to engage in a number of activities, such as basketball in the corps gym. In the foyer there is a Ping-Pong table beside Dance Dance Revolution. And across from the gym are video games and air hockey. Many of the kids bring their own entertainment, such as hand-held video games or a colouring book.

Some children come for the basketball, some for the games, but many attend because enough of their friends are regulars that it just makes sense to join in. This idea not only keeps some kids coming but brings new ones in as well. “We feel safe here,” says Steven, 16, one of the young people who attend the program.

There have been over 250 individual attendees so far, with at least 50 attending on a weekly basis. “One time the sanctuary was so packed, there was almost nowhere to sit,” says Tia, 11.

Robinson delivers his youth-oriented devotions in the corps sanctuary so that the kids “recognize that it is church.” Not that they seem to mind. “My favourite time is devotions,” says Justin, 10.

Robinson gives the kids the opportunity to participate during the devotions, often incorporating popular music and technology into the discussion. “Ian uses fun ways to talk about God,” adds Tia. For

BY SETH HENNESSY

Above and below right: In addition to games and activities, the young people participate in devotions.

Below left: Ian Robinson (centre) interacts with some of the children who attend Youth ConneXion

example, he might ask kids if they would add Jesus Christ as their Facebook friend.

Before closing each session in prayer, he asks if there are any prayer requests and many of the young people share their concerns.

While many of the young people learned about Youth ConneXion through the corps’ daycare, family services and other community programs, the continued growth in the program stems from the children inviting their friends.

At the end of the night, a spirit of co-

operation is evident as everyone lends a hand with clean up. “We’re here every Friday night,” says one girl. “Why not help?”

On a basic level, Youth ConneXion provides a great activity for kids on a Friday night. “It keeps kids safe and gives parents comfort,” says Robinson.

And when the young people are asked why someone should attend Youth ConneXion, they can proudly declare, as Steven does, “You’re going to like this church!”

Salvationist I November 2011 I 9

Photos: Kim Garreffa

Mjr Len Ballantine conducts the A Chorus

More Than

Wonderful

The National Music Camp challenges youth to develop their musical skills and to deepen their relationship with God

F

BY KIM GARREFFA

rom August 27 to September 3, 153 students attended the 43rd annual National Music Camp held at Jackson’s Point, Ont. Under the leadership of Major Kevin Metcalf, territorial secretary for music and gospel arts, and supported by 52 faculty members, the camp provided five primary streams: brass band, women’s chorus, worship team, media and drama. In addition to these activities, campers chose an elective for the week, such as conducting, creative writing, hip-hop dancing, social justice and timbrels.

The special guests were Tom and Heather Hanton. Tom is music director for the Eastern Michigan Division, U.S.A. Eastern Territory, and led the A Band in their presentation of Steven Ponsford’s Kerygma at the Wednesday evening program and Leslie Condon’s Present Age at the Saturday evening program. Heather is the community director for The Salvation Army in Detroit.

During the “meet the guest” program on the Monday night, she shared her vocal talent by singing Marty Mikles’ Search Me. Majors Len and Heather Ballantine, corps officers, Toronto’s Yorkminster Citadel, also served on the faculty. Major Len Ballantine conducted the A Chorus and one of the brass bands 10 I November 2011 I Salvationist

and used his own compositions for both groups. The band performed Since Jesus on Wednesday evening and Go Down Moses at the final program on Saturday. The A Chorus presented a new arrangement of Lead Me to the Rock, Make His Praise Glorious and More Than Wonderful. Major Heather Ballantine led a spiritual discernment elective entitled “Penetrating the Darkness.”

The Bible leaders for the week were Majors Jamie and Ann Braund, assistant principal and training officer, CFOT, with the theme “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say … The Sayings of Jesus.”

Majors Braund shared deep insight into Jesus’ teachings, often highlighting aspects of Scripture that are overlooked. Following the daily Bible teaching, students met in small groups to discuss what they’d learned.

During the Thursday evening worship program, Major Jamie Braund challenged the campers and faculty members to donate to Salvation Army social justice causes, such as buying fair trade T-shirts that help women escape the sex trade, supporting a school in the Philippines or writing words of encouragement to people serving overseas. One of the students, Heidi Adams, collected shoes to send to African mission programs. Captain Curtis Plante,

divisional youth secretary, Quebec Division, set up a computer so that students could donate money online to The Salvation Army’s drought relief effort in East Africa.

Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial leaders, spoke at the Sunday morning service. Commissioner Brian Peddle challenged the young people to wholly commit to Christ and to dare to imagine what can result when they do.

One noticeable feature of the camp this year was the number of former students who had graduated to being faculty members.

Leah Antle, now songster leader at St. John’s Temple, N.L., led one of the mixed choruses. Matt Osmond, assistant corps sergeantmajor at St. John’s Citadel, N.L., ran the media stream. Kathryn Ballantine and her husband, Kyle Higgins, Yorkminster Citadel, ran the drama stream. Jonathan Rowsell, St. John’s Temple, and Cameron Rawlins, Newmarket’s Northridge Community Church, Ont., co-led a lower brass elective. Serena Doars, London, Ont., led the timbrel elective. Melanie Reid, St. John’s Temple, led the popular hip-hop elective, and Greg Colley, Yorkminister Citadel, conducted one of the brass bands.

Other key faculty included Len Marshall and Valerie Moreton, for the worship stream; Canadian Staff Bandmaster John Lam, who led a brass band; and Cathie Koehnen and Jane Lam, who led the women’s chorus.

While music is a binding thread at the National Music Camp, it is the spiritual hunger and life-transforming presence of the Holy Spirit that draws campers and faculty back year after year.

Kim Garreffa is the contemporary music consultant, THQ.

Each day campers attend rehearsals in their primary stream of study

National Campers Speak Out THERE ARE PLENTY of reasons to be excited about the National Music Camp. Whether we go for banding, vocal or even hip-hop, we are united by our need for the spiritual aspect of the camp.

This year I found that God spoke to me at camp through music and his Word. As a member of the A Band, I had the opportunity to rehearse and perform Leslie Condon’s The Present Age. The tone poem centres on a young evangelist who is eager and excited to win the world for God. But along the way we hear through the music that there are many times he stumbles and gets distracted by Satan and the things of this world. Sitting in the trombone section, I couldn’t help but relate to this young person. It’s so hard as young adults to witness and to be an example of Christ in our lives and there are so many distractions that hinder our relationship with God. Between school and finding a career, we sometimes feel too busy to set aside time for God. The music reinforced what we learned in Bible class earlier that week, when we discussed the Parable of the Rich Young Ruler and how he was unable to give up his lifestyle. I was challenged to always follow God because he will direct my path.

—Martha Ewing, Peterborough Temple, Ont. WHENEVER I’M ASKED, “What’s your favourite place in the world?” I always respond by saying “Jackson’s Point” or “National Music Camp,” for it is there that I truly experience the presence of the Lord.

Sitting on the patio is truly divine, but so is grace after dinner. I love sitting at a table decorated with empty plates and cups while singing “Be present at our table Lord” in sixpart harmony with my friends.

Giving thanks is godly, and so are mainstream rehearsals. I love bringing a monologue to life on stage through the drama elective—playing the part of my character, but also acting as a messenger of what God wants to say.

And while acting is spiritual, so is worship night. Every year, I delight in going to the auditorium and just getting drenched with God’s grace, dancing and singing and becoming absolutely lost in the Spirit, experiencing genuine and glorious joy.

There in the simplicity of a collection of cabins, surrounding a conference centre, filled with amazing musicians, God is alive, and I’m so thankful that he proves that to me every year.

—Kimberly Ivany, Georgetown, Ont.

The Salvation Army

Wingham Community Church 125th Anniversary November 5-6

Special Guests: Lt-Colonels Lee and Debbie Graves and the Suncoast Citadel Band and Songsters (Goderich, Ont.)

Campers from Newfoundland and Labrador share a timbrel presentation

Greetings from former officers and friends can be sent to PO Box 610, 205 Josephine St, Wingham ON N0G 2W0 Phone: 519-357-1951 E-mail: Archie_Simmonds@can.salvationarmy.org Salvationist I November 2011 I 11

Called to Righteous Living

Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session challenged to lift up the name of Christ

Photos: Carson Samson

BY MAJOR MARGARET McLEOD

Cdt Dusty Sauder, flag bearer, marches in with his wife, Cdt Laurie Sauder, and their children 12 I November 2011 I Salvationist

E

ach September, a new session of cadets commences training to be Salvation Army officers.

Most of these cadets will spend the next 22 months at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg.

On Sunday, September 18, the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session were officially welcomed as first-year cadets by Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial leaders.

Family Worship In the morning, cadets, family members, CFOT staff and divisional and territorial leaders gathered at the college for a worship service. The theme was God’s greatness and faithfulness. The CFOT worship team guided hearts and minds into the presence of the Holy Spirit as declarations of faith were made through the singing of I Stand Amazed in the Presence and How Great is Our God. Cadet David Hickman gave his testimony proclaiming God’s presence in his life from a very young age. Succumbing to temptations of culture, his relationship with God had lessened. “But God had a plan,” he said. Mission trips to Africa allowed him to become acquainted once again with God’s plan and desire for his life, which led him to pursue Salvation Army officership. Following the testimony, the congregation was blessed through the ministry of Cadet Darryl Burry, with his vocal solo, Word of God Speak.

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, territorial president of women’s ministries, expounded on God’s Word. Referencing the Book of Isaiah, she reminded those gathered that God has called each person by name into holy and righteous living, and in so doing, believers should expect God to do a new thing in the lives of those he has called.

Public Welcome In the afternoon, a public welcome and worship service for the Proclaimers of the Resurrection was held at Southlands Community Church. Flags of Canada, Bermuda and the CFOT were marched in as the Heritage Park Temple Band played a rousing march. As the excitement mounted, Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd, and Majors Eric and Donna Bond entered the sanctuary. Then Cadet Dusty Sauder, flag bearer of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session, together with his wife, Cadet Laurie Sauder, and their children, led the other cadets to the platform.

CFOT musicians lead the congregation in worship

Major Eric Bond, training principal, greeted the hundreds in attendance who had come to witness the public welcome.

Major Wayne Bungay, divisional commander, Prairie Division, offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the many people who had impacted the lives of the cadets. A time of worship followed, with musicians from CFOT leading the congregation in singing My Redeemer Lives, Hosanna and Your Name.

Colonel Floyd Tidd, chief secretary, introduced Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle. He said that it was God’s plan that the Peddles returned to Canada after serving in New Zealand and the United Kingdom “for such a time as this.”

After Major Eric Bond presented the cadets to the territorial commander, Commissioner Brian Peddle dedicated the sessional flag. Turning to face the cadets directly, Commissioner Peddle encouraged the cadets in their calling to officership, stating that they are unified under the sessional flag. “The flag is a symbol of victory,” he said, quoting Catherine Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army. The cadets were challenged to be faithful to God and the victory he has had in their lives. Commissioner Rosalie Peddle offered a prayer of dedication for the cadets.

The cadets sang their sessional song, Lift Him Up, an upbeat selection written by Canadian composer Major Len Ballantine that celebrates the Resurrection.

In his message, Commissioner Brian Peddle challenged those present to kneel before the throne of God and give him sovereignty over their lives. “I am a proclaimer of the Resurrection,” he said. Then, turning to face both the cadets and the congregation, he said, “You are proclaimers of the Resurrection.” The commissioner indicated that through this process, leaders will emerge who will want to lead others into an encounter with the risen Lord. Referencing Philippians 3:10, he

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle addresses the new session of cadets

also stated that being proclaimers of the Resurrection involves celebrating the fact that Christ is the answer for the world.

In her prelude to the closing song, On We March With the Blood and the Fire, Colonel Tracey Tidd, territorial secretary for women’s ministries, reinforced the commissioner’s words, saying, “The Lord’s command is to go into all the

world and preach the gospel unto all. In so doing, we will all be proclaimers of the Resurrection.” Lt-Colonel Sandra Rice, secretary for personnel, pronounced the final benediction.

Major Margaret McLeod is the director of academic studies at the College for Officer Training, Winnipeg.

Cdts Justin and Colleen Gleadall salute Commissioner Brian Peddle Salvationist I November 2011 I 13

Photos: Julia Hosking

The Ready to Serve Recon Team, from left, Sarai (Alexis Dill), Michael (Kyle Higgins), Kate (Rodeth Asis), Simon (Ioan Mourat), Christie (Kathryn Ballantine)

Are You Ready to Serve?

The Salvation Army prepares new Bible-teaching program for children, complete with DVDs, a website and plenty of adventure

I

f you’ve ever been challenged by wriggly children while teaching the Bible, the territorial children and youth ministries department has what you need.

Acknowledging that in today’s society children love using media, the department has created Ready to Serve, a junior discipleship program driven

by DVDs, classroom “missions” and website interaction. The program will be available to corps in the new year.

“Looking at our target group of children aged seven to 14 I November 2011 I Salvationist

BY JULIA HOSKING, STAFF WRITER 10, we wanted a program that would be fun and engaging but that also included kids looking in the Bible for answers to life’s questions,” says Major Denise Walker, assistant territorial youth secretary. “Many kids are engaged by the idea of mysteries and missions so we hope that taking this perspective will add excitement to classes.”

Each Ready to Serve lesson starts with a video where the Ready to Serve Recon Team is given their mission by the commanders, played by

Major Randy Hicks and Major Heather Ballantine. The children in local corps will then receive their missions from the team: Michael (Kyle Higgins), Christie (Kathryn Ballantine), Kate (Rodeth Asis), Simon (Ioan Mourat) and Sarai (Alexis Dill).

“The team’s purpose is to look for answers in the Bible to help our young recruits out of sticky situations,” says Major Walker.

“If I were a child, I’d be captivated by the adventure in Ready to Serve,” says

Kathryn Ballantine. “A lot of kids don’t know how intense The Salvation Army used to be in terms of mission and it’s neat to get back to those roots in a current way.”

After two in-class missions and videos—during which children focus on a topic from Scripture or learn something about The Salvation Army— the lesson is summed up in a third clip and children receive a life application field assignment. Sometimes this points to the Ready to Serve website, which features information

Meet the Ready to Serve Recon Team Michael (Kyle Higgins, Yorkminster Citadel, Toronto) is the oldest of the group and the most mature in his Christian walk. “Michael is the kind of guy who has the book of Romans memorized and I’d like to know the book as well as him,” says Higgins.

Christie (Kathryn Ballantine, Yorkminster Citadel) knows what’s happening in the Army in terms of mission and social justice. “I’m representing someone who is pure, so I’m inspired to be more like her,” shares Ballantine. related to missions, games, Bible readings, character blogs and songs. There is also a website specifically for leaders with all necessary class material.

For example, in one lesson, the commander wants the recon team to help a young recruit read her Bible and enjoy spending time with God. The local squads then receive their first mission: uncovering why Christians should read their Bibles. In the second mission, individual recruits are asked to look into different ways they can spend time with Jesus— such as writing songs (psalms) like King David. The third and final video directs recruits to the daily Bible readings on the website.

“We tried to make the program exciting for both small and large corps to use,” says Major Walker. “It should be easy to create excitement in every setting and finances shouldn’t be a stumbling block.”

Although not specifically designed as an evangelism tool, the Ready to Serve Bible teaching and Salvation Army lessons are accessible to children of all backgrounds. For example, Simon is portrayed as a “new Christian” so that when Christian or Armyrelated topics are unfamiliar, another character in the DVD offers an explanation.

“It is my hope that not only Christian kids will see Ready to Serve, but their friends will

see and discover that God loves them, and maybe even join The Salvation Army,” comments Alexis Dill.

“Ready to Serve has action, adventure, comedy and a great message,” summarizes Kyle Higgins. “I want kids to enjoy going to their discipleship program and have fun learning about God.” Visit ReadyToServeTeam.ca for more information.

The Ready to Serve Recon Team not only has a secret hideout, but also a Sally Ann clothing box that transports them around the world on adventures

Simon (Ioan Mourat, Brampton, Ont.) is a new Christian but eager to learn more about Jesus and be more like him.

“This role has made me excited about reading my Bible, learning about The Salvation Army and growing in my relationship with God,” reflects Mourat.

Kate (Rodeth Asis, North York Temple, Toronto) is the seeker of the team, always using her iPad to research and learn. “I can definitely relate to Kate’s enjoyment for learning new things,” says Asis.

Sarai (Alexis Dill, Yorkminster Citadel) is the youngest member of the team and displays the characteristics of a child of God. “I have realized that I, too, am on a mission to tell people about God,” says Dill.

Salvationist I November 2011 I 15

WORLD WATCH

East Africa Drought Relief Salvation Army offers emergency assistance to malnourished children in Uganda

T

he Salvation Army in Uganda is responding to drought conditions that have taken hold across much of the horn of Africa. A drought this severe has not been seen in the area for more than 60 years.

Children are particularly vulnerable, with malnourishment among under-fives having increased dramatically.

In one district the government now uses two health centres— Magada and Nsinze Clinics—solely for the purpose of dealing with malnourished children. The Red Cross and UNICEF are providing food but children and their families have been sleeping on the ground, there is no water and hygiene is a major problem.

When Salvation Army assessment teams became aware of the situation, they stepped in to provide 200 mattresses, 200 jerrycans, 200 wash basins, 500 long bars of soap and 100 jerrycans of liquid soap. Plans are under way to sink a borehole so there is a constant supply of clean water. The Salvation Army’s support is making a small but significant difference to the children and their families.

The staff in these compact health centres work day and night to look after more than 250 children. The night before The Salvation Army delivered the mattresses, one child had died. Another nine were buried only a few days earlier. But the problem seen in the health centres is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a large number of malnourished children in the surrounding villages. The local government has started a campaign to encourage villagers to bring their children to the health centres before it is too late.

In one of the villages a Salvation Army project officer met a young woman, Nalongo. Her name means “mother of the twins.”

She told him that she was no longer able to breast-feed her babies, probably because she had not eaten sufficiently. Once a day she tries to feed the babies porridge made of cassava flour, which is not very nutritious—but it’s all she can afford.

Mothers like Nalongo are in a very difficult situation. The project officer encouraged her to go to the local health centre with her children. In the meantime she was one of the more than 700 families who benefited from food provided by The Salvation Army. Each family received 15 kg of maize and 10 kg of beans.

More projects are planned as the drought in East Africa is set to last for some time. The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services team arrived in Uganda on September 10 to support the local Salvation Army with drought relief efforts.

“The people of North East Uganda are facing the effects of two disasters,” says Major Rick Shirran, a Canadian officer serving on the team. “The drought was the first disaster. With the failure of the rains to arrive in the growing season, the crops that the villagers relied on to get them through did not do well, and many crops died out. So they planted again. Then the second disaster 16 I November 2011 I Salvationist

A baby at risk is fed through a tube with a syringe at a medical clinic supported by The Salvation Army

struck. Heavy rains in the mountains caused massive flooding and landslides. The flooding continued down the mountainside and flash flooded the fields that had been freshly planted, completely washing away any hope of a crop.”

The Salvation Army will provide food aid (maize flour and beans) to 4,000 families in nine parishes northeast of Mbale, close to the Ugandan National Park and the Kenyan border. The project will also provide for the drilling of boreholes for these districts, which will allow villagers access to safe, clean drinking water.

The distribution of 15 kg of maize flour and 10 kg of beans per family unit was set to begin on September 19. This amount will serve to supplement their meagre food stores.

“There are a number of factors that could hinder these plans, the main one being the weather,” cautions Major Shirran. “If the rains come again, as they have been almost every day, the roads become impassable. If this happens we will have to reschedule the distribution.”

SOCIAL ISSUES

The Invisible Backpack

The colour of our skin often determines whether we are treated with respect or discrimination

BY MAJOR CATHIE HARRIS

Photo: @ istockphoto.com/Evgeniy Ivanov

I

have a confession to make. I wear an invisible backpack that has special powers.* When I put it on, people treat me with respect. Security personnel never follow me around a store while I shop.

No one yells racial slurs at me as I walk along the street. I didn’t purchase this invisible backpack, nor do I deserve it.

I’m embarrassed to say that it comes with being born white. To be honest, I’m not comfortable with this invisible backpack.

It’s a different story for my non-white colleague. When she went shopping to buy a dress recently, she was followed around the store by the salesclerk, who then claimed she was too busy to wait on her. Two days later she returned to the store with a white friend and received excellent service by the same salesclerk.

Many Canadians find it difficult to see racism at work in this country. We pride ourselves on our multiculturalism with its openness, tolerance and acceptance. We have reason to be proud, as Canada was the first country with an official policy of multiculturalism. As well, Canada accepts the highest number of immigrants per capita of any country in the world.

In light of this we can easily distance ourselves from the blatant racism displayed by characters such as Hilly in the recent movie The Help, based on the book by Kathryn Stockett. This poignant story portrays obvious racism at work in Mississippi

in the 1960s. Separate lines for blacks and whites at public functions and separate outdoor toilets for the black maids in white homes can feel like scenes from some far distant past.

Yet we so easily overlook our own racist history: our treatment of Japanese Canadians in the Second World War who were interned in despicable conditions and stripped of all their property; or the head tax Chinese people were forced to pay to come to Canada (once the CP railway was completed). For years we ignored the racism at work in residential schools for aboriginal children. Our history is tainted.

And while we have recently taken some important steps forward by acknowledging the reality of racism and naming it for what it is, racism is still present in Canada.

Many Muslim Canadians live with discrimination and the assumption of being connected with terrorism, which

Despite living in a multicultural society, we often judge others based on their colour and race

was heightened after September 11, 2001.

In February 2011, Maclean’s magazine published an article reporting that some white students refused to attend Canadian universities that had become “too Asian.”

This form of “polite racism” is more insidious and harder to address because internal racist attitudes or mindsets are disguised with actions and words that can appear non-prejudicial.

The Salvation Army is clear in our Position Statement on Human Diversity: The Salvation Army believes that all people are made in the image of God and are thus of equal intrinsic value. We seek to treat all people with dignity and respect in response to Jesus’ call to love our neighbours as ourselves. We oppose oppression or unjust discrimination based on such differences as race, gender, age, belief, lifestyle, economic status, or physical or mental ability. We believe that diversity strengthens and shapes community and ministry. Therefore, in our community services, employment practices and church life, we will seek to actively promote sensitivity, understanding and communication in both intent and practice.

This statement reflects the example of Jesus who demonstrated a truly inclusive life to everyone he met, regardless of “race, gender, age, belief, lifestyle, economic status, or physical or mental ability.” Let us pray that the Army’s position will reflect our way of living and working, rather than merely being a statement on paper. Let’s be willing to examine our own deep inner attitudes before concluding that racism is a thing of the past. * Thanks to Peggy McIntosh for this evocative metaphor. Her self-published article is entitled, “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.”

Questions for Reflection:

1. What examples of either blatant or polite racism have you observed in your own life?

2. In your setting of ministry, how does The Salvation Army “actively promote sensitivity, understanding and communication in both intent and practice”?

Major Cathie Harris is chair of the Social Issues Committee and lives in Winnipeg.

Salvationist I November 2011 I 17

Do Something!

We often feel helpless when faced with great needs. But God calls us to take a fresh look at what we have to offer

Photo: © istockphoto.com/clearstockconcepts

Second of a four-part series on dignity BY MAJOR JULIE SLOUS

A

ll that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” While political theorist Edmund Burke (1729-1797) had a point when he made this assertion, one has to question what factors really shape society’s “do nothing” mentality. Is it lack of insight into societal struggle, insufficient resources or perhaps a lack of confidence in our own ability to really make a difference?

18 I November 2011 I Salvationist

We find evidence of this dilemma within our own Salvation Army history.

William Booth had experienced a sleepless night following a revelation that men were sleeping out in the cold under the city bridges. The Founder’s conscience had been quickened. How could he sleep in a warm bed while others suffered outside?

“Did you know about this?” William asked his son, Bramwell, the next morning. “Yes, General,” Bramwell replied. “And you did

nothing?” the Founder questioned.

Bramwell had a quick defence. The Salvation Army could not undertake to do everything that ought to be done in the world. As well, one had to be cautious that charity was not expressed indiscriminately. “Oh, I don’t care about all that stuff!” the Founder said. “I’ve heard it before.

But go and do something! Do something, Bramwell, do something!”

It is the tension between the phrases “do nothing” and “do something” that calls for our attention as dignity workers in The Salvation Army. To understand our missional challenges, it is critical that we identify what informs our “do nothing” response. Perhaps Bramwell had a point.

We can’t undertake everything that ought to be done in the world. We must pick and choose what dragons we have the power to slay. The danger is that our response can become selective and conditioned by what project we deem to have the most potential for success. Consequently, that which requires risk-taking and hard labour may be passed over for that which seems easy or manageable.

There is also the perspective that says “we do nothing because we have nothing of value to offer.” Maybe this was the dilemma the disciples encountered in Luke 9:10-17, as they faced 5,000 people in need of food and lodging. Would they do nothing? Would they do something? What was within their power to give?

As Luke unpacks the scene, we see immense challenges. When was the last time any of us ever tried to make hotel reservations for 5,000 people? (Note: Luke’s count only included the men. We can only guess how many women and children were also present!) When was the last time we tried to rustle up a few leftovers to feed this kind of a crowd? With no online connections to Google available to find accommodation in remote Bethsaida, the disciples found themselves with quite a situation on their hands. They finally went to Jesus (see Luke 9:12) and said, “Master, we’ve got a problem and here’s what you need to do! You need to send

this crowd away now so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find their food and lodging because we are in a remote place.” Note the emphasis: the disciples told Jesus that he needed to do something! Not one of the Twelve was ready to assume a personal burden for this crowd.

What is wrong with this picture? At first glance, we might not think anything is misplaced. After all, Jesus was the greatest teacher and healer of all time. He’d had this crowd’s attention for most of the afternoon. It was reasonable to expect Jesus to take care of this situation. Jesus, however, turned the tables and challenged the disciples to take care of the problem themselves. “You do something,” Jesus said. “You give them something to eat” (see Luke 9:13). Suddenly this became a teaching moment for the disciples as they were challenged to see how the needs of the masses were their problems to own and solve.

The disciples’ response is classic: “But Jesus, we have only five loaves of bread and two fish.” Otherwise translated, “Jesus, that’s about one loaf for every thousand people and we won’t even begin talking about the fish. That pretty well takes us off the hook, doesn’t it? Do the math, Jesus! What’s in this basket is not going to feed this crowd!” Here we see another dilemma. Often our response to human need is inhibited because we place limits on the resources with which we have to work. Jesus had to be smiling and thinking, “OK, you just wait till I show you what can be done with what’s in your basket!”

The disciples, however, weren’t really

grasping the big picture. Luke adds their after-thought when they suggested they could go out and buy food for the crowd (see Luke 9:13). I imagine Luke laughing heartily! Just where did these crazy disciples think they were going to buy food in remote Bethsaida? What corner store at the intersection of nowhere and nowhere was going to have enough provisions to feed over 5,000 people? Where did these disciples reasonably think they could buy this food?

Christ calls us as dignity workers to take fresh inventory of what we have to offer our community Then add into this story one other significant speed bump. Look back to what Luke tells us in verse 3 of this chapter.

Jesus commissioned these disciples to declare their complete solidarity with the poor and to place their total trust in him to provide for their needs. And so Jesus said, “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.”

So who would buy food for the masses, given the disciples’ pockets were empty?

The reality of the moment, however, was that the disciples actually did have the power to make a difference. Luke told us this at the very beginning of the chapter,

that Jesus had given the Twelve the power and authority to drive out demons, to cure diseases, to preach about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. They had been resourced for this very moment in Bethsaida, but failed to see what they could contribute.

Packing up the picnic baskets in Bethsaida and taking inventory of all that was left behind, we recognize that “little is much when God is in it.” Our struggle to “do nothing” versus “doing something” will continually be undermined by the evil one who wants us to believe that our gifts and resources are not enough. Christ calls us as dignity workers to take fresh inventory of what we have to offer our community. We may not have immediate solutions to homelessness, gang violence or the malnourishment and neglect of children in our neighbourhood. But through our conversations, our relationships and our interactions, we can draw attention to the injustices surrounding us. It all begins as we start to speak our own story of faith into the circumstances before us.

Evil will continue to flourish if good people do nothing. But if good people do something, imagine how this could change the landscape of our country. While our “doing something” should be calculated and intentional, let us not underestimate the power of the five loaves and two fish that may already be sitting in our baskets.

Major Julie Slous, D.Min., is a corps officer, with her husband Brian, at Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple. She also serves as adjunct faculty at the College for Officer Training.

✃ Christmas is coming! Send a gift that will last all year.

Yes! Send a gift subscription of: ❏ Salvationist (includes Faith & Friends) (Canada $30; US $36; other countries $41) ❏ Faith & Friends (Canada $17; US $22; other countries $24) ❏ Foi & Vie [French version of Faith & Friends] (Canada $25; US $30; other countries $32) ❏ Edge for Kids (Canada $12; US $15; other countries $17) To: Name: ������������������������������������������������� Address: __________________ Town/city: �������������������� Province/state: ____________ Postal/zip code: ��������������� Phone: ____________________ E-mail: �����������������������

From: Your name: ��������������������������������������������� Address: __________________ Town/city: �������������������� Province/state: ____________ Postal/zip code: ��������������� Phone: ____________________ E-mail: ����������������������� (Attach a separate sheet for additional subscriptions) Send a gift card ❏ Yes ❏ No Payment: ❏ Cheque (Payable to The Salvation Army) ❏ Visa ❏ Mastercard Name on card: ������������������������������������������ Card #: ___________________ Expiry date: ������������������ Return to: T he Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4 or contact 416-422-6112; circulation@ can.salvationarmy.org; Salvationist.ca/subscribe Salvationist I November 2011 I 19

At the Battlefront

Whether in times of peace or war, The Salvation Army offers spiritual, physical and emotional support to military personnel

Photos: Territorial Archives, Canada and Bermuda

BY LT-COLONEL MAXWELL RYAN

T

he history of civilization is an account of wars that have been won and lost. Since its inception, The Salvation Army has supported military personnel while at the same time eschewing war. We are “the worldwide Army without guns.”

The written record of Salvationist service to the armed forces is varied, though it barely captures the extent of Christian service to victors and victims alike, guided by leaders such as General Bramwell Booth who said, “Every land is my fatherland, for all lands are my Father’s,” and who removed the word “foreign” from the Salvation Army’s official vocabulary.

During the Boer War in South Africa, around the turn of the last century, the Army provided assistance and support to military and civilian personnel. Several years earlier, in 1894, William Booth 20 I November 2011 I Salvationist

Salvationists were embedded with the troops, offering services such as mobile canteens

founded the Naval and Military Union, later known as The Naval, Military and Air Force League of The Salvation Army.

Officers serving in the league provided chaplaincy and “homelike” meeting places, the forerunner of Red Shield Centres.

Within a few days of the commencement of the First World War, the Army offered help to the troops. Salvation Army officers served as official and unofficial chaplains and gave general assistance to the soldiers. Eight Canadian officers served in the Canadian forces as fully commissioned military chaplains.

International Headquarters donated 30 ambulances, and the Salvationist drivers formed a brass band that provided impromptu concerts.

American Salvationists became known during the First World War for their doughnuts. Evangeline Booth wrote of

their hugely appreciated ministry in The War Romance of The Salvation Army. She said, “One of our women officers on being told by the colonel of the regiment she would be killed if she persisted in serving her doughnuts and cocoa to the men while under heavy fire replied, ‘Colonel, we can die with the men but we cannot leave them.’ ” Australian Brigadier William McKenzie volunteered for service with the Australian troops during the First World War and was appointed chaplain. He became legendary.

Moving across the shell-shocked slopes he heard a fatally wounded soldier faintly calling, “Padre, do you know a Catholic prayer?”

“Say after me, my boy,” said McKenzie.

“God be merciful to me a sinner. I lay my sins on Jesus.” This was McKenzie’s message to soldiers in life and in death.

One of the Salvationists who received the Victoria Cross during the First World War was a Salvationist adherent, who is buried in Owen Sound, Ont. Among Canadian Salvationists serving in the war effort was Major Alf Steele of Montreal who had been a chaplain and played a crucial part in arranging for the Army’s huge involvement. He was the author of the memorandum of agreement between the Army and the Canadian government.

The Army was the first civilian body to offer its services to the government in the event of war.

During the Second World War, more than 400 Canadian Salvationists, both officers and soldiers, served with The Salvation Army Red Shield Auxiliary Services overseas or in Canada. Some were chaplains, but most were designated supervisors and were responsible for Red Shield Centres, often including canteens.

In the early 1940s, Clarence Wiseman, later General of The Salvation Army, was appointed chaplain to a battalion of engineers. Late in 1942, he received orders from territorial headquarters to resign his military commission and assume oversight of the Army’s War Services as Red Shield Senior Representative.

Save The Date Mark your calendar for the

In the First World War, Salvationists became known for their doughnuts

Canadian Red Shield service centres, manned by Army officers, continued to serve Canadian Armed Forces in West Germany during the Cold War, with the opening of a centre near Hannover in 1952. The last Red Shield Centre was located at CFB Lahr, Germany, and closed in the summer of 1993.

It is apparent that there were two distinct ministries to the military during the World Wars and beyond. The first was the Red Shield Services, which still exist in the Australian and U.K. territories. Scott Young’s book, The Red Shield in Action, tells of Salvationist service by personnel who were embedded with the troops, which included operating mobile canteens and offering spiritual support and counselling.

The second distinct ministry is military chaplaincy. Canada’s only full-time Salvation Army military chaplain is Captain Patrick Lublink (he holds the rank of major in the military) who is senior Canadian chaplain for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe. Prior to this, he served as protestant chaplain to the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont. Captain Lublink is a product of the Canadian Red Shield Services, having met The Salvation Army and his wife in Lahr in 1977.

With no end in sight to armed conflicts, The Salvation Army will continue in its conquest to bring God’s love, peace and forgiveness to a broken world.

Lt-Colonel Max Ryan is retired in Burlington, Ont., where he serves as a part-time hospital chaplain and amateur Army historian.

Date: Wednesday, November 16th, 2011 Time: 7:30 am Location: Barrie Country Club 635 St. Vincent Street North, Barrie Keynote Speaker: Catriona Le May Doan

Hope in the City Breakfast in your area

Date: Thursday, November 17th, 2011 Time: 7:30 am Location: Ottawa Convention Centre 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa Keynote Speaker: Lt. General Roméo Dallaire

For information visit: hopeinthecityontario.ca HITC Ontario Salv-Ad.indd 1

Date: Thursday, November 24th, 2011 Time: 7:30 am Location: The Fairmont Royal York Hotel 100 Front Street West, Toronto Keynote Speaker: Lt. General Roméo Dallaire 6/29/2011 10:58:33 AM

Salvationist I November 2011 I 21

A Daughter’s Encouragement Taline Polimeneas attended church last year to hear her daughter sing and she hasn’t looked back

Photo: Michael Hosking

BY JULIA HOSKING, STAFF WRITER

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Taline Polimeneas enjoys working in the family services office at Scarborough Citadel

oday, no one would describe Taline Polimeneas from Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel as anything but a friendly, helpful and encouraging woman who is passionate about God. Recalling her personality a year and a half ago, though, Polimeneas says, “I was miserable, selfish, greedy, mean and anxious. Everything was broken and I always felt empty inside. Since meeting Jesus, I’m much more calm, pleasant and peaceful. I have joy every morning when I wake up and it’s beautiful.”

A Child’s Heart Polimeneas is married to Peter with two children, Chris, 14, and Cassandra, 10. It was the encouragement of her daughter last year that eventually led to Polimeneas’ change of heart.

“Cassandra had been friends with Ruth Dolan from Scarborough Citadel since junior kindergarten,” explains Polimeneas.

22 I November 2011 I Salvationist

“In April 2010, Ruth invited her to Sunday school. I didn’t believe in God, but for some reason, I let her go. I think because it was The Salvation Army. When I was young and in need, no social agency would help me except the Army, so I’ve respected them for a long time.”

Each week, Cassandra got herself up and waited at the door for Ruth and her parents. Upon returning home later that day, Cassandra shared with her mom about the wonderful Sunday school teachers and pastors. Repeatedly, Polimeneas declined invitations to go with her daughter, until Cassandra said she would be singing in church and requested her mom’s attendance.

“On June 13, 2010, I went to church.

When Captain Rob Kerr [corps officer] preached, I heard God talking to me and my soul felt warmed listening to the band play,” she recalls. “Every time I went to church on Sunday, I was blessed and felt good. Then, on Monday, I wouldn’t any-

more. So I’d go back again the next week.”

Polimeneas also started attending Bible classes that studied the books of Isaiah and Luke. Both taught her about God’s love and showed her that she needed him.

Then on September 21, 2010, Polimeneas’ life changed.

“I said the sinner’s prayer,” she says.

“I left my house afterward and the first person I saw was Donna, Ruth’s mom, in the school park. I asked, ‘Is saying the prayer all I have to do to be a Christian?’

She said, ‘Yes,’ and hugged me. I’ll never forget that day. After I accepted Jesus into my heart, I started to feel good on Monday, Tuesday, the whole week through.”

Since the age of 12, Polimeneas struggled with depression and admits she was walking on the wrong path.

“I thought things would make me happy, but I was never satisfied. To everyone else, my family probably looked OK, but I was constantly fighting with them and didn’t respect anybody,” recalls Polimeneas through tears. “Whenever I walked along the street, my head was down. I felt ashamed of my life and the things I was doing. I couldn’t even look in the mirror.

“After I became a Christian, there was honestly a glow on my face. I could look back at myself in the mirror. I had wrestled with God for a long time and didn’t know if I could give him all of me, but now I want to live for Jesus every day.”

Belief in Action Two months after becoming a Christian, Polimeneas started volunteering in the corps’ food bank. When staffing changes were made earlier this year, she was employed as a part-time family services worker.

“God opened the door for me to help in the food bank and I love it,” she smiles.

“I enjoy working with people and seeing how God provides. �������������������� The people and children are so grateful and it is an amazing blessing for me.”

In June, only one year since starting to attend church, Polimeneas took the next step in her walk with God and was enrolled as a soldier, along with six others from Scarborough Citadel.

“My husband and kids are seeing the changes God has made in my life,” continues Polimeneas. “They’re seeing the good that Jesus is bringing to our home.

I argue less and my depression is gone. I thank God for what he has done. I’m not perfect and never will be, but every day I’m trying harder because that’s what God and my family deserve.”

Is Jesus Really Divine?

People still debate whether Jesus was the Son of God or just a wise teacher

Photo: © istockphoto.com/sudanmas

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Fourth of a six-part series on heresy BY JAMES PEDLAR

f all the heresies of early Christianity, Arianism was the one that posed the greatest threat to orthodox belief.

Arianism was a threat not only because of its relative theological sophistication, but also because of its popular success. Many followers of Jesus accepted the Arian position, and there were times in the middle of the fourth century when it was not clear which side was going to emerge victorious.

Arius was a Christian teacher in Alexandria who lived from AD 250 to 336. He thought of himself as a theological conservative and believed he was upholding the historic Christian faith. Arius did not seem to grasp the devastating implications of his teaching.

The issue at stake was the relationship between Jesus Christ and God. Arius famously maintained that “there was a time when [Jesus] was not.”

In other words, Christ, according to Arian doctrine, is not co-eternal with God the Father, but was created in time. This made Christ a creature— the greatest and most exalted creature of all, in Arius’ view—but a creature nonetheless.

Arius was condemned in AD 320 by his local bishop, Alexander. He appealed his condemnation, however, and continued to spread his views. He even wrote songs that reflected his doctrine, and these proved effective in winning people to his side.

This controversy gave occasion for an important event in church history: the Council of Nicaea. The Emperor Constantine, who had converted to Christianity some years earlier, was concerned about the divisions that the Arian controversy was causing in the Church, and so he called together a council of bishops, which met at Nicaea in AD 325.

The council supported Alexander in condemning Arian doctrine and came up with one of the most important statements of orthodoxy in Christian history.

The Nicene formula stated that Jesus is “... begotten of the essence of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of the same essence as the Father....”

The question seemed settled: Jesus was truly God, and not a semi-divine creature.

However, the popularity of Arian doctrine proved greater than the bishops had anticipated and it took several decades for the council’s decision to be officially received

by Christians as a whole. Constantine him-

self was even persuaded to change his mind and reversed the condemnation of Arius in AD 336. The Nicene approach did eventually emerge victorious, however, and it was officially recognized as the standard of orthodoxy at the Council of Constantinople in AD 381.

To the average Christian today, these debates might seem rather esoteric. It is hard to imagine how masses of Christians could have become so worked up over a debate about whether “there was a time when he was not.”

Athanasius of Alexandria, the cham-

pion of Nicene orthodoxy, understood why the stakes were so high. He was relentless in his attacks on Arius because he knew that the divinity of Christ is not a peripheral issue, but rather a salvation issue.

Only God can save humanity. If the so-called Saviour was a mere creature, he would not be capable of rescuing fallen creatures from the bondage of sin. If Jesus were merely human, he could receive grace, but he would not be able to offer the eternal assurance that the gospel promises.

Christ, as both fully divine and fully human, is able to communicate his eternal blessings to humanity through his very person, the Word made flesh, crucified and risen for us and for our salvation.

We are not likely to encounter Arian doctrine in its original form today. However, it is quite common in our culture to find people who believe that Jesus was not fully divine. These contemporary cousins of the ancient Arians will often accept Jesus as a wise teacher or inspiring moral leader, but will not accept the traditional Christian claims regarding his divinity.

Our answer to the quasi-Arians of today is the same as it has always been. Jesus is not just a great teacher, he is God incarnate. No mere human teacher can offer us the salvation that is found in the divine Son of God. Methodist biblical scholar C. K. Barrett, who recently died, said the following about the Gospel of John: “The deeds and words of Jesus are the deeds and words of God; if this be not true the book is blasphemous.” The same could be said of the gospel itself. Athanasius was right to hold the line against any compromise on this point of doctrine because the Christian hope stands and falls on the affirmation that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine.

James Pedlar is a doctoral student at Wycliffe College, in the Toronto School of Theology.

Salvationist I November 2011 I 23

PURSUING HOLINESS

Spiritual Productivity

If you want greater faith, you need to work at it

BY MAJOR CLARENCE BRADBURY

conduct. See Galatians 5:22-23 and 1 Timothy 6:11 for similar descriptions. Search the web or commentaries to determine what may have prompted Peter to write this letter (don’t miss the references to false teachers). Read verse 5 again in different Bible translations.

REFLECT—Peter transitions to his list of virtues by saying, “for this very reason, make every effort to add….” When Peter says “add,” he’s not thinking math. The biblical meaning is to provide at your own expense. Peter provides not simply a legalistic “how-to” manual but a description of the type of Christian we should all strive earnestly to become. Because personal faith is both foundational and developmental, we need to give attention to personal growth.

Note the uniqueness and sequence of the qualities Peter highlights. Link the Christian qualities found in verse 5 with their counterparts in verses 1-3. How does his list serve the purpose of his teaching? Why are these key words repeated?

Goodness is the first in Peter’s list. Jesus said that only God is good, but when we seek him, his character rubs off—like parent, like child. From Genesis onward, goodness is presented as a pivotal attribute of God (see Exodus 33:19; Psalm 31, 73, 107).

Look up any definition of “good” (old English and Greek, for example) and you will find its root meaning in God. Goodness cannot be separated from who God is. Neither can our behaviour be separated from belief. We need to be exemplary citizens of the Kingdom of God, the Church and the world at large.

Knowledge accompanies goodness in our quest for holiness. True Christianity is intelligent. We pursue Christian education in the greater enterprise of spiritual transformation (see 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 10:17; James 1:22-27). This is hard work, for which Paul commended the Bereans in Acts 17:10-12. Adding knowledge to goodness means learning more about Jesus, becoming more like him and leading others to him.

Bible Study: 2 Peter 1

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oliness is a way of being that results in a way of doing. In previous studies we examined God’s investment in every believer. God’s grace offers inexhaustible resources for Christian living. He instills within us a deep longing for intimacy with him and for integrity in our daily lives.

Now Peter turns to the human side of this covenant with God. Energized by God’s grace, we take this spiritual growth regimen with all seriousness. In the process we build capacity and power to behave as authentic Christ-followers. And there’s the rub because we often prefer blessing without obedience, winning without waiting, triumph without training. We also desire credit for every move we make in the right direction.

However, as A.W. Tozer reminds us, “there can be no merit in human conduct. Always God’s goodness is the ground of our expectation.” In verses 5-7, Peter lays out the pathway to spiritual productivity.

READ—Read verses 4-7 for Peter’s perspective on Christian 24 I November 2011 I Salvationist

RESHAPE—Do you want to enhance the impact of your life?

Here are some proven ways to do this: • Create a personal journal and growth plan • Re-read the Gospels to meet Jesus all over again • Find a good mentor • Share with someone else your knowledge and experience of Jesus • Do a study of A.W. Tozer’s The Knowledge of the Holy* RECEIVE—Nothing pleases God more than our search to be more like him and know him more. Conclude this study alone or with others identifying ways in which God’s goodness and knowledge could increase in you. Pray about it. Then put your faith in action and ask someone to walk with you.

Resources

*T he Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer at http://www. heavendwellers.com/hdt_knowledge_of_the_holy.htm Major Clarence Bradbury, D.Min., is co-ordinator of mentoring and web facilitation at The Salvation Army Jack McDowell School for Leadership Development, Atlanta.

Previous articles in the Bible study series can be viewed at Salvationist.ca/pursuingholiness.

MEDIA REVIEWS

Territorial Prayer Guide

General John Larsson Plays Jesus Folk and Spirit!

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he second in the series of CDs featuring General John Larsson (Rtd) playing piano arrangements of songs from the Gowans and Larsson musicals has now been released. The CD highlights music from two of their most influential works: Jesus Folk and Spirit!

Many of the 32 songs featured are well known— 10 of them made it into the current edition of The Song Book of The Salvation Army. “The lyrics of these songs have become part of the mental furniture of thousands of Salvationists, often without them knowing that they originated in one of these two musicals,” says General Larsson.

Favourites include He Came to Give Us Life in All Its Fullness, You Know I Love You, Ask, Ask, Ask and It Shall be Given, Burning, Burning and To Be Like Jesus. The CD comes with a booklet containing the words of the songs written by General John Gowans (Rtd).

The first CD in the series, featuring music from Take-over Bid and Hosea, was released by SP&S in the United Kingdom last year and has been one of its bestselling recordings since.

John Larsson Plays Jesus Folk and Spirit! is available from Salvation Army Christian Book and Supply Centres or online at salvationarmy.ca/store—as is the first CD in the series. Visit www.johnlarsson.com for further information and sample tracks.

In Quiet Confidence

Canadian Staff Band Produced for the Canadian Staff Band’s tour of The Netherlands and Germany earlier this year, this album has several new items

by Canadian composers. In addition to the title track by Major Ken Smith, other works include The Gathering and Deep Harmony

by Marcus Venables, Rejoice! by Colonel Robert Redhead, and Abram’s Praise and Alleluia arranged by Major Len Ballantine.

Soloists include Major Kevin Metcalf (Holy, Holy, Holy), Steve Pavey (Salvus) and Craig Lewis in a new piece by Peter van der Horden, Somebody Prayed For Me.

Christ is Born!

✃

Canadian Staff Band This CD features a rich variety of music to help brighten the holiday season. In addition to the title track by Colonel Robert Redhead, other compositions include The Carollers, Winter’s Snow, The Holly and the Ivy, Glad Tidings, Gaudete!, Carol of the Bells and a new transcription of Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque by Andrew Poirier. Featured soloists are Steve Brown (What Child Is This?), Craig Lewis (Angels on High) and vocalist Cameron Rawlins in a new arrangement of Mary, Did You Know?

WEEK 1 – NOVEMBER 1-5 The Call to Pray • Bracebridge CC’s engagement in the 24-7:52 challenge • Persecuted Church worldwide and the November 13 day of prayer • Vision, wisdom and success for church planting congress, Winnipeg • Thank God for youth and children praying territorially for justice WEEK 2 – NOVEMBER 6-12 Events • Springdale Citadel Band’s 50th anniversary celebration to influence people for Christ • Ask God to show you how to be involved in Christmas outreach activities • Success of the Hope in the City Breakfast in Barrie, Ont., Ottawa and Toronto WEEK 3 – NOVEMBER 13-19 Call to Holiness • Salvationists to live holy lives in harmony with biblical teaching • Salvationists to pursue personal holiness through daily Bible reading and prayer • Faith in the Holy Spirit’s power to make and keep us holy WEEK 4 – NOVEMBER 20-26 Newfoundland and Labrador Division • The successful launch of Christmas kettles in Corner Brook and St. John’s • Family services staff and volunteers to engender hope in people • Pioneer Club outreach at Corner Brook Citadel to bring children to Christ • Plans for 100th anniversary at Portland outpost and guests Lt-Cols Wayne and Myra Pritchett WEEK 5 – NOVEMBER 27-30 Canadians on International Service • Mjrs Norman and Lois Garcia, corps officers, Old Orchard Beach, Maine, U.S.A. Eastern Tty • Mjr Wendy Johnstone, territorial secretary for personnel, South America East Tty • Mjr Beverly Ivany, writer of Words of Life, IHQ program resources • Mjr Lorraine Hart, personal secretary to the General, IHQ To receive a copy of the monthly prayer guides by e-mail, contact Lt-Colonel Winsome Mason, territorial secretary for spiritual life development, at Winsome_ Mason@can.salvationarmy.org.

Salvationist I November 2011 I 25

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

ENROLMENTS AND RECOGNITION

TORONTO—Two soldiers are enrolled at West Hill CC. From left: CSM Roland Blake; Nikki Seward; Bond Blake, holding the flag; Rob Seward; Mjr Judith Barrow, CO; Mjr Derrick Barrow, CO. TORONTO—Scarborough Citadel celebrates the enrolment of soldiers and adherents. Front, from left: Wayne Roberts, Yanmei Xu, John Younger, Anthony Blades. Middle, from left: Marie Tassone, Taline Polimeneas, Nancy Qi, Devi Moganasundaram. Back, from left: Cpt Shelley Kerr, CO; Thomas Dolan; Leo LeBlanc; Bob Giles; Cpt Rob Kerr, CO.

CEDAR HILL, BERMUDA—JSS Janet Phillips, Mjrs Wayne and Cavell Loveless, COs, and acting YPSM Terene Esdaille stand with the newest junior soldiers at Cedar Hill Corps while CSM Ed Lewis holds the flag.

The new junior soldiers are, from left: Tranell Nisbett, Oné Hart, Monet Nisbett, Deanae Hart, Ezé Hart, Ariana Fox.

LETHBRIDGE, ALTA.—The home league at The Salvation Army Community Church of Lethbridge started an outreach program at its family services that teaches women to sew and recycle old jeans into attractive blankets, purses and other items. Deb Bakker (far right), family services co-ordinator, receives items from the home league to make up baby layettes for mothers in need.

PEMBROKE, ONT.—Cecil Lavigne retires following 23 years of volunteer service with the Army’s soup kitchen and Christmas Campaign in Pembroke.

26 I November 2011 I Salvationist

MOUNT PEARL, N.L.—Women’s ministries, men’s fellowship, senior corps and band presented three timpani drums to the Mount Pearl Corps. Front, from left: Ethel Stringer, women’s ministries secretary; Ryan Froude, percussionist; BM Glenn Dyke; Aaron Walsh, percussionist; Bruce Cluett, men’s fellowship president. Back, from left: Cpt Leigh Ryan, then CO; CT Clyde Vincent, holding the flag; Mjr Vida Ryan, then CO. Also, Cpt Leigh Ryan, Mjr Vida Ryan, Clara Ryan and Stephen Ryan donated cymbals to the senior band in memory of deceased loved ones. During a family service on Father’s Day, members of the Braye family were present as band cases were dedicated in memory of Mjr Ronald Braye, a deceased bandsman.

BARRIE, ONT.—Barrie Corps celebrates the enrolment of four senior soldiers and one adherent. From left: Valma Volz, membership class coordinator; David Handy; Gloria Gane; Mjr Mark Cummings, CO; Patricia Woods; Ted Curtis, holding the flag; Sheila Hine; Mjr Lynn Cummings, AC, Ont. CE Div, and CO; John Hine.

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

WINNIPEG—Deborah Knight was a life-long atheist until she received Christ as Saviour three years ago. She is enrolled as a soldier at Southlands CC by Cpt Justin Bradbury, CO. Also in the photo is Mjr Ian Swan, who conducted the preparation classes.

BERMUDA—Forty-three women attended a week-long ladies fellowship event at Star Lake Camp and Conference Centre in New Jersey, U.S.A., sponsored by the Bermuda Division. The theme was Beautiful Women—Touching Lives and Lifting Spirits, with guest Mjr Renée Hopkins, divisional volunteer services secretary, Ont. CE Div. Spiritual highlights included group worship and Bible teaching, small group “digging deeper” sessions, evening vespers, a prayer room and silent retreat session. Many testified to the deep spiritual impact of their time together and were grateful for the rich fellowship experienced.

YARMOUTH, N.S.—CS Gerry Rhyno congratulates Robert MacLaughlin on his commissioning as corps treasurer. With them are Mjrs Peter and Janice Rowe, COs.

YARMOUTH, N.S.—Earle Kaiser, friend of The Salvation Army in Yarmouth, donated 100 chorus books to the corps. He has reconnected with the Army through his granddaughter, Bhreagh Hannem, who was recently enrolled as a soldier and is now on the candidates’ roll.

SUSSEX, N.B.—Melissa Mowbray is enrolled as a soldier at Sussex CC. From left: Mjr Stan Folkins, AC; Mjr Larry Martin, then DC, Maritime Div; Wendy Virtue, holding the flag; Melissa Mowbray; Mjr Judy Folkins, CO.

TORONTO—Yorkminster Citadel rejoices in the enrolment of 19 soldiers and adherents. Front, from left: Jonathan Colley; Aux-Cpt Angelica Correa, Hispanic associate CO; Rocio Correa; Mafe Garavito; Anita Ramirez; Maybellin Dill; Lory Constantin. Middle, from left: Mjr Leonard Ballantine, CO; Mjr Doug Binner, then AC, Ont. CE Div; Mjr Heather Ballantine, CO; Matilde Torres; Martha Reyes; Dolber Coronado; Diana Coronado; Carolina Valencia; Johnny Valencia. Back, from left: Alejandro Platin; Wilson Rincon; Pilar Vargas; Monica Platin; Maria Mahecha; Aux-Cpt Fabio Correa, associate CO; Edgar Mahecha; Adison Rodriguez.

MOUNT PEARL, N.L.—Six local officers are commissioned at Mount Pearl Corps. From left: Cpt Leigh Ryan, then CO; BM Glenn Dyke; CS Doug Walsh; CT Clyde Vincent, holding the flag; Corinna Ash, junior action leader; Mjr Melva Elliott, recruiting sergeant; Rochelle Elliott, Pioneer Club coordinator; Sara Hawkins, CrossZone leader; Mjr Vida Ryan, then CO. Salvationist I November 2011 I 27

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY SUSSEX, N.B.—Sussex CC’s new mission board is installed by Mjr Larry Martin, then DC, Maritime Div, supported by Mjr Stan Folkins, AC, Maritime Div, and Mjr Judy Folkins, CO. The primary function of the board is to advance the Kingdombuilding mission of The Salvation Army and to facilitate and resource all of the corps’ ministries.

From left, Mjr Larry Martin, Walter Folkins, Donna Virtue, Mjr Stan Folkins, Wayne Murphy, Edie McArthur, Darleen McGraw, Eileen McFarlane, Gisele McKnight, Wendy Virtue, Beth Richardson, Melissa Mowbray, Shondra McLean, Mjr Judy Folkins.

PRINCE ALBERT, SASK.—Mjr Glen Patey, CO, dedicates Akech Arow Akech Yuot, whom h e is ho lding.

Standing behind them are the child’s parents, Arow Yuot and Akon Liol, supported by other family members and Mjr Bonnie Patey, CO. The Sudanese family has been worshipping at Prince Albert Corps since coming to Canada in 2002.

SYDNEY, N.S.—Mjr Daniel Roode, CO, enrols Mark Aitkens and Linnea Dean.

Renovated Citadel Dedicated in Summerford, N.L.

OFFICER RETIREMENTS Mjrs Maurice (Moe) an d D iann e Dav is were commissioned in 1984 as members of the Servants of God Session. They served as corps officers at South Shore Corps, St. Hubert, Que., for four years and were then appointed to Le Phare du Havre in Montreal, a treatment program for men with alcohol and drug addiction. This led to many appointments in addictions ministry in British Columbia, Ontario and Alberta. They then ministered as reinforcement officers at Howard Hospital in Zimbabwe. “What a joyful experience working among people of a different, but very vibrant, culture,” says Dianne. Returning to Canada, Moe resumed work in addictions while Dianne became executive director at Jackson/Willan Seniors’ Residence in Calgary. They concluded active service as corps officers in Penticton, B.C., where they are living in retirement.

GAZETTE

TERRITORIAL Appointments Mjr Ian Swan, acting academic dean, Booth University College, Winnipeg, office of the chief secretary, THQ*; Lt Rebecca Pretty, corps officer, pro-tem, The Caring Place, Maple Ridge, B.C. Div *Additional responsibility Retirements Mjr Joan Shayler, last appointment, Fernie, B.C. Div; Comrs Maxwell/Lenora Feener, last appointment, territorial leaders, U.S.A. Southern Tty; Mjr Marjory Peddle, last appointment, executive director, Kate Booth House, Vancouver, B.C. Div; Mjr Nancy Hudon, last appointment, Hespeler CC, 28 I November 2011 I Salvationist

SUMMERFORD, N.L.—New World Island West Corps celebrated the opening of its renovated citadel and 12 years of God’s faithfulness. During the reconstruction process, the congregation worshipped at the United Church in Summerford. Special guests for the weekend’s celebrations were Mjr Maurice Blackler, AC, N.L. Div, and Mjr Marilyn Blackler. Rev. Karl Arnold and the United Church congregation also took part in the celebrations.

From left: Mjr Marilyn Blackler; Gerard Boyd, literature sergeant; Cpt Brandi LeDrew, CO; CSM Viola Boyd; Mjr Maurice Blackler; HLS Goldie Brown; JSS Irene Jenkins; Cpt Dwayne LeDrew, CO.

Ont. GL Div; Mjr Sydney Buell, last appointment, administrative support services liaison, Toronto Harbour Light, Ont. CE Div ; Mjr Betty Boyd, last appointment, special assignment, N.L. Div; Mjrs Maurice/Dianne Davis, last appointment, corps officers, The Salvation Army Compass House, Penticton, B.C. Div Promoted to Glory Mjr Charley Smith, from Calgary, Aug 2; Mrs Mjr Grace Williams, from St. John’s, N.L., Aug 12; Mrs Brg Gertrude Frayn, from Lethbridge, Alta., Sep 8

CALENDAR

Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle Nov 4-6 Bermuda congress, Bermuda Div; Nov 10-11 international finance consultation, IHQ, London, England*; Nov 13-16 Territorial Leaders’ Conference, JPCC; Nov 20 Santa Claus Parade, Toronto; Nov 27 CFOT, Winnipeg * Commissioner Brian Peddle only Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd Oct 26-Nov 9 Holy Land tour; Nov 13-16 Territorial Leaders’ Conference, JPPC; Nov 20 Santa Claus Parade, Toronto Canadian Staff Band Nov 19 Fall Festival, Scarborough Citadel, Toronto; Nov 20 Santa Claus Parade, Toronto

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

Many Nations in Yellowknife

YELLOWKNIFE, N.W.T.—The Salvation Army in Yellowknife held a Sunday service with the theme One God—One World. “We are a community of so many nationalities and each person brings his own unique story and personality,” says Mjr Jo Sobool, CO. Several people from different parts of Canada and the world shared their testimonies and experiences of their countries. Many wore their national dress. Representative participants are, front, from left: Tatenda Makwasha, Zimbabwe; Mjr Dale Sobool, Saskatchewan; Lovingston Mtongwiza, Zimbabwe; Joyce Nyamazana, Zimbabwe; Mjr Jo Sobool, Kenya. Back, from left: Kootoo Watsko, Canada’s Arctic; Shirley Huard, Ontario; Phung Birch, Vietnam; Daphne Rice, Mexico and Newfoundland and Labrador.

TRIBUTES

HALIFAX—A sixth-generation Salvationist, David Everett Henderson was born in Newmarket, Ont., in 1950. David was a devoted band member for 53 years, having played percussion, euphonium, horn, trombone and finally B flat bass in the Fairview Citadel Band. David is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann; children Jennifer, Colin and Corey, and their mother, Heather MacDonald; grandson, John Michael; mother, Major Phyllis Henderson; sister, Linda Julian.

SACKVILLE, N.S.—Delores Matheson was born in New Chelsea, N.L., in 1938. Delores touched the lives of many people through the home league, community care ministries, Sunday school, chapel services in prisons and nursing homes. She served as a cradle roll sergeant and was a familiar face greeting individuals entering church to worship. Delores was also an Army court worker for which she received many letters of appreciation and was mentioned in several newspaper articles for her compassionate heart. Living the Army’s motto of Heart to God, Hand to Man, she left a lasting legacy for others. Delores is lovingly remembered by husband, Thomas; daughters Maryann Doyle (Dan), Irene Clarke (Walter), Amy Allan (Edgar); seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; many relatives and friends.

HAMILTON, ONT.—Robert Arthur Gross met and married Elethia Mae Jolly at West Toronto Corps. Commissioned as a bandsman in 1946, he served in Army bands for more than 54 years. He retired in 2000 while at Mississauga Temple, Ont., and transferred to Winterberry Heights Church, Hamilton, in 2001, where he played in the senior band. Robert worked for AVRO Aircraft Canada as a tool and die caster and also spent many years working for Orenda Engines in Malton, Ont., retiring as a process engineer at Indal Technologies of Mississauga. Robert was an avid stamp collector and many friends around the world will miss his generosity and passion for the hobby. He leaves a legacy of faith in God, service to others and the joy of family. Robert is lovingly remembered by his wife, Elethia Mae Gross; children Robert Douglas (Simone), Debora Lee Robbins (Mark), Kimberley Anne Gross (Julie), Arthur Scott (Karen); eight grandchildren, one great-grandson; sister, Diane Hagarty.

SYDNEY, N.S.—Annie (Anderson) Porier was born in 1912 and raised on a dairy farm near Sydney. She married in the early 1930s and became a widow in 1961. Annie was a committed soldier of Whitney Pier Corps (now Sydney Community Church). Despite being deaf, she served the Army by continually writing to missionaries, sponsoring a foster child, selling War Crys, collecting for the Red Shield Appeal and manning the Christmas kettles. A faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Annie is remembered for her deep faith in God, hospitality, humour, and love of family and friends. Left with loving memories are her children Billy, Yvonne, Bev (Dave), Robert (Pansy); nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

SURREY, B.C.—Margaret Elizabeth Mitchell (Betty MacKenzie—nee Bailie) was born in 1921 in Medicine Hat, Alta., and in 1941 married Leonard MacKenzie, an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After Leonard was posted to the RCAF base at Comox, B.C., Betty invited a few women to her house to start a home league. The group quickly outgrew her kitchen and soon a corps began to emerge. To meet a community need, a thrift store was established.

In 1964, an officer was appointed to take charge of the work. Under Betty’s leadership, the home league was the fastest growing one in the division for several years in a row. In 1983, Leonard was promoted to Glory and Betty later married Reverend Robert Mitchell. They served the Lord as long as their health allowed. She is lovingly missed by sons David (Dorothy), Major Robert (Glenda), Bailie (Judy); son-in-law, Larry Gushuliak; step-children Heather (Steve) Williams, David (Doreen), Phil (Sandy), Rob Mitchell; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

SPRINGDALE, N.L.—Maybrey George Winsor was born in 1933 in Triton, N.L., and married Veneita White in 1954.

Enrolled as a senior soldier in 1987 at Springdale Corps, he was a devoted Christian. He served in men’s fellowship, community care ministries, the building committee and was a member of Gideons International. Maybrey retired from Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro in 1988. He was faithful to the Lord, was immensely proud of his corps, loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is sadly missed by wife, Veneita; sons Garry (Barb), John (Diane), Dean (Nicole), Merrick (Jeanette), Danny (Denise), Ian (Michelle); daughters Carolyn (Lorne Pittman), Suzanne (Lloyd Budgell); 15 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; one sister; many nieces and nephews.

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Mrs. Major Grace Williams (nee Burkett) was born in Portage La Prairie, Man., in 1921. She entered the training college in Toronto from Medicine Hat, Alta., in 1942 as a member of the Valiant Session. She served in northern British Columbia, western Canada and then as an officer teacher in Corner Brook and Botwood, N.L. After marrying Major Philip Williams, they ministered in Toronto, Sarnia, Ont., Mazoe Secondary School in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), as territorial evangelists in South Africa and corps officers in Cape Town, South Africa. She concluded active service as co-ordinator for tutors in the education department at territorial headquarters, Toronto. A dynamic Salvationist, Grace used her musical talents in corps to develop the abilities of the young people she loved so much. Deeply respected by all who knew her, Grace is greatly missed by the congregation of St. John’s Temple. She leaves brother, Harold; sister, Audrey Kost (Robert); sister-in-law, Elizabeth Williams; many nieces, nephews and friends.

TWILLINGATE, N.L.—Born in Twillingate in 1923, Sidney Watkins committed his life to the Lord and was enrolled as a soldier in 1951. He was a bandsman and community care ministries member for many years and served as corps sergeant-major for 18 years. He is remembered by his loving wife, Hettie; daughters Joyce, Madeline, Doreen, Donna (Pat), Karen (Gerald), Sherry (Paul); sons Howard (Brenda), Ken (Ella), Ben (Diane), Hardy (Alisa); 26 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren; many relatives and friends.

Salvationist I November 2011 I 29

CROSS CULTURE

Wicked Ways

AMC’s Breaking Bad reveals how a seemingly good person can get caught up in a life of sin

BY MICHAEL BOYCE Ozian: Why does wickedness happen?

Glinda: That’s a good question.

One that many people find confusifying. Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them? ― —Wicked, the musical

Photo: AMC

F

or our anniversary my wife and I went to see the musical Wicked. The story recounts the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. I was struck by the merchandise on sale in the lobby—T-shirts, hoodies and mugs emblazoned with the word “wicked.” It got me thinking about our culture’s fascination with stories of villains and villainy. Actors talk about how much fun it is to play bad guys free from moral expectations; writers speak affectionately about evil characters; audiences are enthralled by anti-heroes, liars, cheats, serial killers and gangsters.

Most of these narratives approach the subject of wickedness in one of two ways: by depicting exaggerated super-villains, such as the Joker or Hannibal Lecter, or sympathetic, “misunderstood” villains, such as the Wicked Witch or Anakin Skywalker.

Both approaches are flawed when we consider biblical representations of human wickedness. People are never purely evil, but neither is sin excusable.

There is, however, at least one television show that offers an intriguing and nuanced portrayal of a character’s des30 I November 2011 I Salvationist

cent into wickedness: AMC’s Breaking Bad. (The title is a southern expression for someone who has left the straight and narrow path.) Currently in its fourth season, the critically acclaimed show tells the story of straight-laced high school teacher, Walter White (played by Bryan Cranston), who, after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and with his family’s financial future in doubt, decides to use his chemical expertise to manufacture street drugs.

The show’s creator, Vince Gilligan, describes it as turn-

ing Mr. Chips into Scarface, but that description does little to reveal the subtlety in that transformation.

Perhaps the best scriptural representation of the wickedness of people (as opposed to supernatural evil) occurs in the Psalms, where the wicked are those who live in opposition to the teachings of God. In many Psalms, the wicked are powerful and oppress the psalmist.

“Hide me in the shadow of your wings,” the poet implores God in Psalm 17, “from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.” Elsewhere, the poet asks why the wicked are allowed to succeed when the just and noble fail.

This sums up Walter’s frustration at the beginning of Breaking Bad. His wife is expecting their second child and their eldest son, Walter Jr., has cerebral palsy. Walter works as a high school chemistry teacher but is overqualified to be instructing

Walter White (left) is a chemistry teacher who manufactures street drugs to provide for his family

disinterested teenagers. While his former lab partner enjoys Bill Gates-like success, Walter works part-time at a local car wash to make ends meet. The diagnosis of lung cancer is yet another “Why me?” moment in Walter’s life. He works hard, loves his family, does what is right, but nothing goes his way.

It just doesn’t seem fair.

Much of the emotional weight of Breaking Bad comes from the unlikelihood of Walter deciding to become a drug manufacturer. But that’s the point. We all have the capacity for evil. Walter believes his reasons for compromising his principles are just (he needs to support his family), but how many more are suffering as a result of his wicked behaviour?

Soon Walter is doing things he could never have imagined himself doing.

Breaking Bad demonstrates how easy it is for a seemingly good person to be caught up in a life of sin. While one might legitimately question the entertainment value of such a show (violence, drugs and foul language abound), it’s worth considering the challenging moral and ethical questions it raises. The Bible tells us that we are born into sin (see Psalm 51:5), but Breaking Bad also suggests how our descent into wickedness is a series of wrong choices. As Walter can testify, the motivations for sin are not always selfish, but once we begin down that path, we soon discover it’s a slippery slope.

When we face difficult circumstances in our lives, we, too, have a choice to make.

We can follow in the steps of Walter and become enmeshed in a life of deception and misery. Or, like the psalmist, we can cry out to God for deliverance and depend on him to see us through. The choice is up to us.

Michael Boyce, PhD, is assistant professor and chair of English and film studies at Booth University College in Winnipeg.

BATTLE CRY

Sex for Sale?

Why legalizing prostitution in Canada is a step in the wrong direction

I

n Australia, where prostitution has been legalized, I used to visit brothels to minister to prostituted women. Now we are in the thick of a national conversation about legalizing prostitution in Canada. Legalization proponents say it would “make women safer,” “eliminate the illegal sex-trade profiteers” (i.e. pimps and organized crime) and “give women more freedom and rights.” I never understood the argument—even in theory. But what I learned in Australia was just how hollow the promises of the legalization lobby are.

The illegal sex trade in one state of Australia has quadrupled since the legalization of prostitution. Of course, it’s not difficult to imagine why. You’ve just made it possible for those selling sex to advertise openly, to recruit men, to make it a “normal” practice to buy a woman for sex.

It widens the demand and creates profits for anyone in the business—not just the legal ones.

Making sex for sale legal is particularly nightmarish considering the world’s fastest growing crime is human trafficking.

Almost every human trafficking victim identified in Australia was found in a legal brothel. That’s right, the traffickers have found that legalization is an open door.

I found brothels full of immigrant women and single moms. Many of them lacked sufficient social support to do anything else. Since prostitution was considered “legitimate” work, the likelihood of any woman exiting the sex trade was slim.

After all, where would they get support?

Social benefits? Women in the sex trade are set up as independent contractors.

Technically speaking, they employ themselves. That means that if there is no business there is no money. No sick days. No employment insurance. No health benefits.

No workers compensation. And guess who they compete with? Other women.

Not exactly a great day for women’s rights.

I’ve yet to meet an empowered, educated woman who chose prostitution as a career option. I’ve met many who say they are empowered—but after developing a relationship with them, I soon discover it’s simply not true. What’s most surpris-

I’ve yet to meet an empowered, educated woman who chose prostitution as a career option ing to me now is not my experience in Australia, but right here in Canada. I’ve begun an Exotic Massage Parlour Outreach in Edmonton that currently visits about 10 places every week. I’ve been shocked that women are for sale in the suburbs of our own communities.

So, if legalizing prostitution isn’t the answer, what is?

The best model in the world for a possible solution is found in Sweden (called the Nordic model). Sweden took the lead just over 10 years ago by creating an alternative approach to prostitution.

They saw prostitution as violence against women and when they implemented their new plan, they wrote on their country’s website: “We want the world to know

that in Sweden, women and children are NOT FOR SALE.” The plan has done three things: 1. Decriminalized prostitution. This recognizes that women are the victims rather than the perpetrators of a crime.

Catherine Booth was one of the first to identify this when she said, “Prostitutes are not so much sinners as sinned against.”

2. Criminalized the buyers of sex.

This gets to the real source of the problem.

If people stopped buying sex, human trafficking would be over. Simply put, society has to adhere to acceptable practices for sexual behaviour. Buying sex is not one.

3. Provided exit support/programs.

Sweden invested in a strong social support structure to offer women a way out of a life of sexual exploitation. Many of them took the offer. In just a few years, prostitution decreased in Sweden by 40 percent and they have just released their 10-year review of the legislation with some promising results.

Recently, I’ve been conversing with a woman who is owner and operator of exotic massage parlours in my city. She started in the “industry” as a 15-year-old runaway with no options. At one point in our talk, she asked with tears in her eyes, “Where were you when I was 15?”

Not a bad question for Salvationists to ask themselves.

Why not get informed and involved?

Let’s create a society where people are not for sale.

Further Resources

• More on the Swedish law: http://bit.ly/ naSt3y • More on the situation in Australia: http://bit.ly/n3EwYW • Evangelical Fellowship of Canada paper on prostitution: http://bit.ly/pr0J9q • Get more information about prostitution reform around the world at www. catwinternational.org Major Danielle Strickland is the corps officer of Edmonton Crossroads Community Church.

She has a personal blog at djstricklandremix. blogspot.com.

Salvationist I November 2011 I 31

Photo: © istockkphoto/Rubén Hidalgo

BY MAJOR DANIELLE STRICKLAND

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