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Is the Army a Protestant Order?

Matthew Osmond’s YouTube Hits

Shaping the Future Through Holy Living

Salvationist The Voice of the Army

Salvationist.ca I February 2012

Shining a Light on South America East Discover our new Partners in Mission territory in pictures

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February 2012 No. 70 www.salvationist.ca E-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org

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Departments 3 4 Editorial

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Down But Not Out

by Major Jim Champ

The Salvation Army in South America East specializes in redeeming broken communities Photos by Art Nickel and Major Gillian Brown

5 Around the Territory 14 Mission Matters

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12 A Message of Transformation

An interview with Colonel Susan McMillan

Shaping the Future PRODUCT LABELING GUIDE

by Commissioner Brian Peddle

16 An Ounce of Prevention

FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

Salvation Army addictions programs help people avoid the pain of relapse by Caroline Franks

15 Gospel Arts

17 Partners in Mission Fundraising Ideas

The Video Kid

by Julia Hosking

20 National Advisory Board

Shaking Things Up An interview with Gail CookBennett

22 Media Reviews 22 Territorial Prayer Guide 17

Features 9 Ray of Light

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Corps share their success stories

by Julia Hosking

23 Pursuing Holiness

A Journey Shared

by Major Clarence Bradbury

24 Celebrate Community

18 Making Pathways into the Community

From a movie theatre to a community centre, five-year-old Pathway Community Church is following God’s lead and seeing growth

by Julia Hosking

Enrolments and recognition, tributes, gazette, calendar

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28 Our Covenant Solemn Vows

by Rob Perry

29 Battle Cry

A Two-Way Partnership

by Major Danielle Strickland

30 Cross Culture The Final Frontier

by Michael Boyce

Cover photo: Art Nickel

Inside Faith & Friends Leaning Into Faith

Bonnie St. John overcame adversity to become a Paralympic ski champion

Food Rescue

A Salvation Army kitchen helps the hungry in Vancouver

When you finish reading Faith & Friends in the centre of this issue, pull it out and give it to someone who needs to hear about Christ’s life-changing power Faith &

frıends

February 2012

faithandfriends.ca

Inspiration for Living

A New Chapter

Addicted to cocaine, booze and cigarettes, Jacqueline Edwards need to turn the page

leaning into Faıth How Bonnie St. John overcame adversity to become a Paralympic ski champion

Graham’s  Billy NEariNG homE F&F_February2012.indd 1

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the Patience oF JoBe (Not Just Another) Love Story

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century? Contribute to the discussion as officers and soldiers share their thoughts

World Watch

Visit Salvationist.ca/ worldwatch to read more about the Army’s work in over 120 countries

Leadership & Critical Thought

What does it mean to be a Salvationist in the 21st

12/9/11 12:17:00 PM

Salvationist I February 2012 I 3

EDITORIAL

Down But Not Out

M

aria Higinia lives in Paraguay. A 58-year-old grandmother with six children and eight grandchildren, she is very poor. For the past seven years Maria has worked as a recycler.

While most of her San Pedro neighbourhood sleeps, she is out scouring the streets for scraps of cardboard and plastic that she will sell to unscrupulous businessmen. Her monthly income averages $115, which is not enough to support her family’s basic needs. Her children are unable to find full-time employment and have to settle for part-time service positions when they can find them. Hunger is not the only enemy for Maria and her family. Gangs, drugs and human trafficking are constant threats in their neighbourhood. The living conditions in some areas are so dire that not even police or firefighters will venture in to assist those in need.

There are tens of thousands of people who, like Maria, subsist from day to day.

In this issue, we offer a brief glimpse into their world as we feature the countries of Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, which comprise The Salvation Army’s South America East Territory. Colonel Susan McMillan, a Canadian officer serving there as territorial commander, shares some of the joys and struggles she faces on a daily basis (see pages 12-13). A photo essay by Major Gillian Brown and Art

Nickel shows the Army at work, bringing hope and dignity to those living in the midst of extreme poverty (see pages 9-11). With their Salvation Army uniforms, officers and soldiers are a visible witness in the slums of the major cities.

They have gained entrance into areas few other support groups dare to go, which they view as a sacred trust earned through years of faithful and consistent ministry.

Down the street from Maria’s house is the Rayito de Luz Centre operated by The Salvation Army. It is a safe haven for children of all ages. The centre is open from early morning to late evening and children receive help with their school work, nutritious meals and protection. The children also witness the love of God firsthand through instruction and small acts of kindness from the centre’s caregivers.

Thirteen year-old Jesús is one of Maria’s four grandchildren who attend the centre.

Having looked after her grandson since he was born, Maria’s hope for Jesús is that he will grow up to be successful with a steady job and income. Sadly, she realizes that breaking the cycle of poverty will not be easy. However, her future may well depend on it because the time will come when she is too old to work and she will need someone like Jesús to look after her.

There are no quick fixes to the challenges facing Maria and others in South America. Prayers, financial contributions and dedicated officers and lay workers are all critical to bringing hope and dignity to those who have little else to call their own. Through the Partners in Mission Campaign, you can support the international work of The Salvation Army, now at work in over 120 countries.

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair” (2 Corinthians 4:8).

MAJOR JIM CHAMP Editor-in-Chief

We said farewell to staff writer Julia Hosking at the end of 2011 as she returned to Australia to take up the position of editor of the Army’s OnFire magazine. Our new staff writer will be introduced to Salvationist readers in our March issue.

4 I February 2012 I Salvationist

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 Features Editor (416-467-3185) Pamela Richardson News Editor, Production Co-ordinator, Copy Editor (416-422-6112) Major Max Sturge Associate Editor (416-422-6116) Timothy Cheng Art Director Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator Kristen Fryer, 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.

Subscriptions

Annual: Canada $30 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $36; foreign $41. Available from: The Salvation Army, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4.

Phone: 416-425-2111 ext 2257; fax: 416-422-6120; e-mail: circulation@can. salvationarmy.org.

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News, Events and Submissions

Editorial lead time is seven weeks prior to an issue’s publication date. No responsibility is assumed to publish, preserve or return unsolicited material. Write to salvationist@ can.salvationarmy.org or Salvationist, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto ON M4H 1P4.

Mission

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Salvationist informs readers about the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.

Salvationist.ca Salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org Facebook.com/salvationistmagazine Twitter.com/salvationist

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Huntsville Corps Celebrates God’s Faithfulness MAJORS JOHN AND GAIL NORTON led 125th anniversary celebrations in Huntsville, Ont., using the theme, the “Faithfulness of God.” “A highlight of the weekend was having soldiers, officers, cadets and friends from the past join us for our celebrations,” says Doug Dalrymple, men’s fellowship president. Visitors included Major Weldon Carr and Major Paul Wood, who entered training college from the corps in Huntsville. Also present were Major Marjory Burditt, who was dedicated as a baby at the corps in 1927, and Majors Robert and Elaine Perry, who were stationed at the corps 42 years ago.

At the Saturday night dinner, Councillor Fran Coleman brought greetings on behalf of the Huntsville Town Council, and Lt-Colonel Susan van Duinen, divisional commander, Ontario Central-East Division, encouraged Salvationists to be faithful to the gospel and their Army heritage. Sharon (Brown) Smith from Mississauga Temple, Ont.,

testified to Huntsville Corps’ influence in enabling her to become a devoted Salvationist. During the music program that followed, Major John Norton spoke about how his parents accepted Christ in Huntsville through visitation by then corps officer, Captain Reg Holman.

Retired CSM Ivan Cryderman and Aidan O’Doherty, junior soldier, cut Before Sunday the corps’ anniversary cake. With them are Mjr Lisa O’Doherty, CO; Mjrs morning worship, Gail and John Norton; Mjr Lynn Cummings, AC, Ont. CE Div; Mjr Patrick people viewed a O’Doherty, CO display, binders of pictures and a PowerPoint presentation that told the corps’ story. The weekend included music from Marked by Love, a worship band with members from Guelph SEVERAL HOPE IN the City breakfasts Citadel and Mountain Citadel, Hamilton, kicked off the Army’s fundraising camOnt. paign this past Christmas. Designed to bring awareness of the Army’s work to political, business and community leaders, the events were hosted by divisional public relations and development departments.

Toronto’s event featured Lieuchallenge is big, but our God is bigger.” tenant-General Roméo Dallaire, com“If the world is to know who God is, mander of the U.N. peacekeeping then the character of God must be seen force in Rwanda between 1993 and in us,” said Commissioner Brian Peddle 1994. Dallaire is a senior fellow at the in his message. “More than anything else, Montreal Institute for Genocide and the Army needs surrendered Salvationists Human Rights Studies and senator who serve. We can be what God wants for Quebec. “This whole campaign is us to be.” After several people prayed at about human beings,” he said. “You the mercy seat, the congregation sang in do what you do in order for them to dedication, “I’ll not turn back, whatever thrive—to do more than survive—so it may cost; I’m called to live, to love and that they can build on hope.” save the lost.”

Events were also hosted in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Commissioner Brian Peddle presents a bouBarrie, Ont.

Hope in the City

Territorial Leaders Welcomed SALVATIONISTS AND FRIENDS, including the London Advisory Board, gathered in October at London Citadel, Ont., to welcome new territorial leaders, Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle.

After London Citadel Band’s and the united songster brigade’s rousing brass and vocal prelude, Lt-Colonel Lee Graves, divisional commander, Ontario Great Lakes Division, welcomed those attending. A group of junior soldiers from the division presented the Peddles with red, yellow and blue roses.

A bouquet of flowers was then given to the territorial commander to present to his mother, Gladys Peddle, a soldier of London’s Westminster Park Corps.

Salvationist Becky Minaker, Listowel, Ont., welcomed the commissioners and gave an inspiring divisional overview of the Army’s ministries. “We are thrilled to be here,” Commissioner Rosalie Peddle said of their return to the Canada and Bermuda Territory. “We are humbled by the responsibilities. The

quet of flowers to his mother, Gladys Peddle

Commissioner Brian Peddle, territorial commander, speaks with Lt-Gen Roméo Dallaire at Toronto’s Hope in the City breakfast

Salvationist I February 2012 I 5

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Richmond Hill Community Church Marches On HAVE YOU EVER tried dancing the hoedown while digesting spicy chicken curry, hagus and hot dogs? Richmond Hill Community Church (RHCC), Ont., did so during their 10th anniversary celebrations.

With an international dinner theme, the church savoured different nations’ potluck, viewed a “look how young we were” slideshow, line danced to country music and posted live Facebook group comments for those unable to attend. But it was through the accompanying weekend’s worship that the congregation acknowledged how much God has grown this faith community since its birth.

This thriving fellowship began when five families, led by Majors Mark and Isobel Wagner, left the comfort of their Salvation Army corps to invite others to attend preview events announcing the church plant. While praying for new members, the church commenced services and continued to meet together for prayer. Growth occurred as some were attracted through clever advertising cards and others through friends. Some had never entered a church

Lori Wilson leads worship during Sunday morning service

before and others hadn’t opened that door for a long time. When the Wagners were appointed to a new ministry opportunity, expansion continued under the leadership of Majors Dave and Beth Pearo, corps officers.

While contemporary in style, RHCC is undeniably The Salvation Army. Utilizing early Salvation Army tactics, members have done whatever it takes to bring people to Jesus. The church partners with local government to assess community needs and participates in the annual mayor’s prayer breakfast and Remembrance Day ceremonies. It also serves in 10 York Region public schools through sport and restorative justice initiatives. Hundreds seek assistance at the church’s family ministries office each year. Some are channelled to a moms’ and tots’ group, youth fellowship, weekly Bible study, the Army’s hockey league in Richmond Hill, summer camps and bridging events that bring children from the church’s outreach ministries into contact with young people already at home at RHCC. “We recognize it is God who blesses the church and moves it forward,” says Steve Pavey, youth band leader. “Nothing has been done solely on the strength of the people, and there is still work to do as we march in the direction that God wants.”

A New Venture for Orillia Corps THE ARMY IN ORILLIA, Ont., recently unveiled a new community response unit, a former recreational vehicle that will serve as a support base during emergencies. A team of trained volunteers will provide practical, emotional and spiritual support while keeping firefighters and others fed and hydrated during emergency situations.

Area resident Judith Dremin donated the 1995 Ford Glendale, now retrofitted with updated facilities. A monetary donation by the late Dora Noy was used to outfit the vehicle. “Dora had a very deep belief in the good work The Salvation Army does,” says Jane Marshall, a close relative.

“Without the donation, we would never have been able to move forward with the next step,” adds Captain James Mercer, corps officer. “It’s a relatively new venture for The Salvation Army in Orillia. We have a lot of internal things happening, including family services and good leaders, but it is time we get out in the community and really rub shoulders with people.”

Mayor Angelo Orsi applauded the Army and its ongoing efforts. “This is very important for our community, to help out 6 I February 2012 I Salvationist

those in need at any time,” says Orsi. Fire chief Ralph Dominelli noted the Army has assisted at emergencies in the past, including handing out soup, sandwiches and drinks at residential fires.

In addition to emergency and disaster relief, the vehicle will be used at select community events such as the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony to serve hot chocolate.

Through the generosity of two donors, the Army in Orillia, Ont., unveils its new community response unit

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Helping Shelter Clients Move Forward With Dignity CEDAR PLACE CÈDRE in Sudbury, Ont., was officially opened on October 5. The shelter for women and families in crisis is housed in a 12-bedroom, 20-bed capacity home that provides sleeping accommodation, meals and support to approximately 25 people each night. The renovations, painting and cleaning of the facility to prepare it for occupancy were paid for by funds raised at the Sudbury Santa Shuffle and through private donations, including $10,000 from the Sudbury Rotary Club. As part of the opening ceremonies, Rick Van Oort of the Sudbury Rotary Club presented the money to Major Barbara Carey, executive director, that was used in part to furnish a

reading room for clients.

The Army in Sudbury has provided shelter at a local motel for homeless women and families since 2007. Families with older children and/or a male family member will continue to be placed at the motel.

The new shelter will better enable staff to interact more closely and consistently with clients. “It is our prayer that every person who walks through the doors at Cedar Place Cèdre will be met with dignity and respect, and will find the resources necessary to move forward to the next step in their lives,” says Major Pat Phinney, divisional secretary for public relations and development, Ontario Great Lakes Division.

Mayor Marianne Metichuk assists Mjr Barbara Carey in cutting the ribbon at the opening of Cedar Place Cèdre. With them, from left, are Caitlin Ranta, Jessica Manitowabi, Ashley Grant, staff members; Cpt Tony Kennedy, AC, Ont. GL Div; Mjr Pat Phinney; Tammie Burk, staff member

Mjr Judy Folkins receives keys to new minivan. From left, Sussex Mayor Ralph Carr; Mjr Stan Folkins, AC, Maritime Div; Mjr Judy Folkins, CO; Melissa Mowbray, community and family services co-ordinator; Stewart Brown

PotashCorp’s Generous Gift to the Army POTASHCORP DONATED a new $28,000 Grand Caravan minivan for the Army’s work in Sussex, N.B. “Christmas would come to a halt without a van,” says Mjr Judy Folkins, corps officer. Last year the Army in Sussex provided food hampers to 180 families in the area, along with toys and clothing for 350 children. A van is indispensable for collecting the goods needed and often delivers them directly to needy families. “The van is also used to provide transportation for children and youth to weekly programs, special events and summer camps,” adds Major Folkins.

“With the work The Salvation Army does for Sussex all year, it was not a hard sell to convince bosses at head office to forward the necessary funds from the employees at PotashCorp,” says Stewart Brown, the company’s New Brunswick general manager. “It’s just a little way of showing our thanks to this community for their support. We recognize the important role The Salvation Army plays in serving our community’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged.”

Non-residential Treatment Program Opens in Chilliwack, B.C. THE SALVATION ARMY is piloting a new counselling clinic in Chilliwack, B.C., to assist people with addictions. Fireside Addiction Services will provide a non-residential, six-week addiction treatment program featuring group and individual therapy. In the evenings, it will provide family support and ongoing meetings to program alumni.

Every six weeks the program will accept between eight and 12 new patients. Major Larry Farley, corps officer, says that treating patients in the community has some advantages over residential treatment.

“Being able to live at home instead of in an institutional setting affects the overall success rate of the program and clients’ transition and life choices,” he explains. “Now they have support from family, friends, and a qualified counsellor and chaplain. We will also be operating workshops for the community for anger management and other issues associated with an addiction.”

Mjr Bob Ratcliff and Jim Ligertwood provide chaplaincy and counselling services, respectively, at the Army’s new addictions services’ clinic in Chilliwack, B.C. Salvationist I February 2012 I 7

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Bermudian Salvationists Empowered for Holiness and Mission THE HOLY SPIRIT BREATHED renewed hope, passion and commitment into Bermudian Salvationists during their divisional congress on November 4-6. The weekend events, led by Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial leaders, encouraged God’s people in celebration, provided opportunity for focused conversation on the doctrine of holiness, emphasized Salvationists being a people of covenant and embraced the community in sharing the gospel through a march of witness and open air service. In their messages, Commissioners Peddle issued a clarion call to holy living, to be all that God has called Salvationists to be.

Commissioners Peddle were warmly welcomed in their first official visit to Bermuda, including a private meeting with Governor Sir Richard Gozney. They mingled with people, building relationships and reaffirming the Word. “They truly won the hearts of the Bermuda Division,” observed one soldier.

During Saturday afternoon’s leadership reception, Commissioner Brian Peddle commended the 60 invited guests for their steadfast commitment to the mission of their local corps. Major Shawn Critch, divisional commander, reminded Salvationists that the mission of the Church “is bigger than any one individual or any one congregation. By grace alone are we invited and empowered to participate in this life-changing ministry entrusted to the Church.”

Patreese Simons gracefully mimes the song, Yes, during congress in Bermuda

Commissioner Brian Peddle challenges congress participants to faithfully live in covenant with God

On Sunday morning, God’s presence filled the hearts of many as the strains of Holy Are You Lord by the divisional choir faded and the congregation movingly celebrated the holiness of God in singing Holy, Holy, Holy. During the service, four soldiers were enrolled (see page 25). “I enjoyed the vibrant singing, mime, dance, testimonies, a hallelujah wind-up, a welltuned divisional band and an amazing divisional choir,” enthuses Rosemary Phillips, corps sergeant-major, North Street Citadel.

“Congress 2011 will be remembered for the many people who knelt at the mercy seat, including some who had not attended the Army in years. What a beautiful sight to see strongholds broken and victory won!”

“This has been a congress with a difference,” says Phyllis Basden of St. George’s Corps. “The commissioners gave us a fresh vision for committing more of ourselves to Christ, and my prayer is that the weekend will stir up in the Bermuda Division a determination to seek holiness.”

Faith News: Beyond Our Walls UNITED KINGDOM—A national “Back to Church” Sunday was held last September in the United Kingdom. Parishioners were encouraged to invite one friend to attend the Sunday service, with an estimated 77,000 accepting the invitation. The Rt. Rev. Paul Bayes, bishop of Hertford, described the notion as “a simple initiative that really does work.” The 120 corps in the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland that participated showed an average 24 percent increase in attendance for the Sunday.

8 I February 2012 I Salvationist

TORONTO—Several hundred people from various faith communities attended the inaugural convocation of Canadian Yeshiva and Rabbinical School in Toronto in late November. This historic event marked the establishment of the first seminary for training rabbis outside of Israel and the United States. Representatives from the Islamic and Christian communities, including The Salvation Army, were on hand to express congratulations and encouragement to the school’s founding members.

TORONTO—The fourth annual Wesley Studies Symposium, hosted by Tyndale Seminary at their new Bayview Campus in Toronto, will be held March 13. Mjr Wendy Swan, extended learning program director, Booth University College, Winnipeg, is scheduled to present on the topic of “Graced Practices of The Salvation Army.”

Registration is free and all are welcome.

Details of the papers to be presented can be found online at http://www.tyndale.ca/ seminary/wesley-studies/fourth-annual.

T

Ray of Light

he South America East Territory is comprised of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The Salvation Army first began its work there over 120 years ago in Buenos

The Salvation Army in South America East specializes in redeeming broken communities

PHOTOS BY ART NICKEL AND MAJOR GILLIAN BROWN

Aires, Argentina. South America East is a diverse territory with a combined population of over 50 million people. There is a great divide between the rich and poor.

Poverty is endemic and many families live

in slums. Drugs such as paco (a cheap byproduct of cocaine processing) are rampant among youth and are ravishing many poor communities. Much of the territory has experienced years of hyperinflation, which has negatively impacted the Army’s financial stability and the lives of its people. In addition to its corps, the territory offers a variety of services, such as men’s and women’s shelters, outreach programs for children and thrift stores.

The following photo essay is a glimpse inside the Army’s ministry in the South America East Territory.

Shanty town communities spring up outside large cities in South America. Houses are built from abandoned construction supplies and materials found in scrap piles. As in many parts of the world, shanty dwellers take the risk that they will be asked to leave the land. The Salvation Army maintains a visible presence in the slum areas of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Evangalina Green Space program exists to educate and keep children away from drugs. It provides children and youth from poor communities the opportunity to participate in sports, crafts and receive anti-drug teaching that involves the whole family.

Salvationist I February 2012 I 9

Rayito de Luz is a school support program located in an area known as the “Red Zone,” a neighbourhood full of gang activity. Rayito means “light beam,” signifying that the Army is providing light in a “dark” community. A daytime program runs for Grades 1 to 6, with more than 50 children receiving support. Approximately 30 children in Grades 7 to 9 attend the evening session. The children come from families caught in a cycle of poverty, violence and drugs. The Salvation Army charges $1.20/ month per family to attend.

Elvia, a 60-year-old widowed grandmother, is visited by The Salvation Army. She earns money as a recycler, spending four to six hours a day pushing a cart through city streets gathering plastics and paper. She separates these at home and sorts them into large bags to sell to buyers. Paid according to the weight of the materials, she receives about $8 for one large bag (as pictured), which represents 15 days of work.

10 I February 2012 I Salvationist

In some areas of the territory, such as Asuncion, Paraguay, the Army operates health centres and medical clinics that visit local communities to teach about health issues.

While a relatively new concept in the South America East Territory, Salvation Army thrift stores enable people in the community to purchase used goods at reasonable prices and are a great form of recycling.

The thrift stores are making the Army more visible and helping to contribute to the cost of its other programs.

South America East has 42 corps and 13 outposts that serve in three countries. The officers’ training college is located in Buenos Aires.

Visit Salvationist.ca/pim to view photos and video from South America East. Additional Partners in Mission resources are also available online.

Salvationist I February 2012 I 11

A Message of Transformation

In spite of political and economic turmoil, the South America East Territory is focused on growth, says Colonel Susan McMillan

F

or the past two years, Colonel Susan McMillan, a Canadian officer, has been the territorial commander of the South America East Territory. In addition to appointments in Canada, Colonel McMillan served four years in Mexico as a lieutenant, during which time she learned to speak Spanish. She also served as finance secretary in South America East and as chief secretary in South America West. She speaks with John McAlister, features editor, about the Army’s work in South America East.

Describe the South America East Territory.

The Salvation Army has been here since 1890—that’s over 120 years of ministry. It’s been a rough history in many ways, as the three countries—Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay—have experienced challenges politically and economically.

We have three divisions: Buenos Aires, which is the largest; Central Argentina; and Uruguay. We also have four districts, which have fewer corps, but in the case of the south and central part of Argentina, the geography is so vast that these districts cover huge amounts of land.

We have 43 corps, 14 outposts and 25 social services institutions, including shelters, daycares, after-school programs and medical clinics. We have 131 active officers, 33 retired officers and five cadets now in their second year of training.

What do you see as the strengths of the territory?

We are developing a sense that we need to become more self-sufficient. We need to stop relying completely on outside funding and work harder to achieve local funding.

We’ve been expanding our recycling program—we call it Red Shield—and have opened a number of new thrift stores that seem to be doing well. The public is responding with donations and that has helped tremendously.

We believe that God is just waiting to do something here. We recently held 12 I February 2012 I Salvationist

Col Susan McMillan visits an Army ministry in Buenos Aires, Argentina, located in a walled area referred to by most residents as the “Hidden City,” where 5,000 houses are crammed into a maze of narrow streets

a territorial congress with General Linda Bond and we feel that this marked the beginning of something important in this territory (see sidebar). We’re trusting God to make that happen in all of our corps and in the communities where we serve. We minister in some desperate communities with extreme poverty and that’s a challenge for us, but it’s where we need to be. We need to carry the message of transformation, so we’re believing that God is going to bless our efforts and that things are going to happen.

What are some of the significant challenges facing the territory?

Economics are the challenge here.

Argentina has a history of economic problems, with hyperinflation and recessions.

At the moment the economy is fairly stable, but we are still experiencing considerable inflationary pressures. Trying to keep up with that in terms of financing the Army is not easy. Many of our people live in

extreme poverty, so even if they give their tenth, it’s not going to finance our corps.

Without Partners in Mission, we would be in trouble as we depend on those funds to maintain the Army’s presence in our three countries.

Another challenge is the size of our membership. We have about 1,7001,800 soldiers in the three countries and 43 corps, so we need to grow the Army.

There’s a lot of geography we haven’t covered yet and cities that we’re not in, so we need to have an Army presence in these places. We just celebrated the centenary of the Army’s work in Paraguay, but we basically only have three corps, two outposts and some institutions. These are all in the capital city, so we haven’t expanded out of there in a hundred years.

We need to be reaching more people with the message of the gospel than we do now. We’re asking ourselves, how do we grow? How do we staff this potential growth? And how do we finance it? One

area that we’re focusing on is to place more emphasis on the work of local officers.

How does the expression of the Army in South America differ from North America?

One of the differences would be the type of appointments that our officers have. In North America you’re more likely to have an officer serving as a corps officer or in a social service centre. In our territory, officers tend to have several appointments, so they might lead a corps and an institution or a thrift store or all three. We have divisional commanders who also serve as corps officers or social service administrators. And at THQ, many of us have multiple appointments as well, so we are spread a little thin and that’s a challenge.

The format of our church services is not all that different. Brass banding is very much in vogue here and our young people are anxious to learn to play brass instruments. We have a number of bands around the territory, including an excellent territorial band. We offer teaching in our territorial and divisional music institutes every year. Creative dance is very popular particularly among our young women, as well as drama. And we have worship bands with electronic keyboards, guitars and drums, just as in Canada. These are more common than brass bands in some of our corps because the cost of getting instruments can be quite high. We also wear the same Salvation Army uniform as in North America.

Korean is one of the languages spoken in your territory. Do you have a Korean corps or outpost?

We have a Korean outpost here in Buenos Aires where there’s a large Korean community. A lot of the clothing merchants are Korean and the clothing stores are located all together in a certain area of Buenos Aires. We have officers from the Korea Territory serving here on international service. We’re hoping that they’ll enrol a few soldiers and commission some local officers so that we can make it a corps.

In order to connect with the community, they’re offering computer courses, music training, English classes, Spanish classes and even a course in Chinese characters.

The outpost is busy all the time with these outreach programs. They brought a group of Korean Salvationists to the congress, which was very exciting.

What are some of the challenges facing children and youth?

The General Inspires South America East

Throughout the South America East territorial congress, General Linda Bond challenged Salvationists from Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to take up the responsibility of prayer, tell others their salvation story and do all they can to win souls for Christ.

Enthusiastic responses occurred throughout the congress, attended by almost 900 people who had gathered in Huerta Grande, Cordoba General Linda Bond is shown an education project in Paraguay Province, Argentina, from the three countries that comprise the territory.

The congress theme was To Be Holy—My Life’s Ambition. General Bond outlined the newly launched international vision—One Army, One Mission, One Message.

As she spoke, with Colonel Susan McMillan, territorial commander, translating, the congregation captured the call to be a people who know Jesus better, serve him better and make him known through their testimonies.

Drugs and gangs. We have programs in different parts of the territory where we’re trying to deal with that, particularly with young people living in shanty towns. Canada is supporting one of those programs—the Evangeline Green Space Project—where we use sports and crafts and other activities to offer kids healthy alternatives and also share with them the message of salvation.

What role has the Army played in combating human trafficking?

Particularly in Paraguay, young children and women are being trafficked through Argentina to different parts of the world.

We’re trying to help those living in vulnerable neighbourhoods understand the dangers of this issue so that when people come to them offering opportunities of a lifetime, such as to study in a different country, they understand that they’re probably trying to traffick their children. For the past three years, we’ve held a women’s camp in Paraguary, and one year we held it in every division and district, that addressed domestic violence and human trafficking, trying to give women the tools they need to protect themselves and their children.

How does the Partners in Mission campaign contribute to the mission of the South America East Territory?

The funds raised go to International Headquarters who, in turn, send us an annual maintenance grant that helps us maintain the presence of the Army.

Without these funds we couldn’t survive,

so Partners in Mission is what keeps our territory operating. Your support is absolutely vital to a territory like ours.

How has serving outside of Canada enriched your faith?

I’ve learned that I have to depend on God a whole lot more than I would have thought.

I’ve had to do things that I never thought of myself as being particularly adept at.

I’ve had to rely on the Lord and let him manage the work through me. I suppose the first obstacle I faced was the language, and he completely saw me through that.

It’s been interesting and enriching for me to be able to see the Lord at work in some difficult places.

How can Salvationists in Canada and Bermuda better support you and the South America East Territory?

First and foremost, pray for us. Pray that we will experience the outpouring of God’s Spirit. Pray that we would strengthen our people and provide our officers and local officers with the resources they need to keep going, even though they have a tremendous amount of work and perhaps face opposition in their ministry. Pray that in the midst of financial difficulties, God would meet all our needs and allow us to look beyond them to see where he wants us to go. Second, keep giving to Partners in Mission. The funds raised through your generosity enable the international work of The Salvation Army to continue in territories such as ours.

Salvationist I February 2012 I 13

MISSION MATTERS

Shaping the Future

Through our holy living, we bear witness to the gifts of forgiveness, hope and eternal life

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/B-C-Designs

BY COMMISSIONER BRIAN PEDDLE

I

n the January issue of Salvationist I asked you to join me in “refocusing the vision” in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

My intention was to outline our identity, our priorities and how we use our resources when mission matters most. I am praying that the evidence of our obedience to God will be visible in every corps and ministry unit and also in our sacramental living as Salvationists.

Some say the Church needs to be vigilant and responsive to the imminent return of Jesus. My sense is that we must make the mission of God in the world our priority, since whether the Lord returns in our lifetime or many years later, we are left with a limited amount of time to work in fields that are ripe for harvest.

In 1974, the Reverend Billy Graham was instrumental in convening the First Lausanne Conference on World Evangelism.

In 2010, the third conference gathered in Cape Town, South Africa, and affirmed the evangelistic mandate: “We believe the gospel is God’s good news for the whole 14 I February 2012 I Salvationist

world, and we are determined by his grace to obey Christ’s commission to proclaim it to all mankind and to make disciples of every nation.” As The Salvation Army, our central focus must remain on reaching the lost world for which Jesus died.

We have a responsibility to impact the world in which we live—to shape the future. Our mission statement attests that we are “to be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.”

The biblical mandate found in the Great Commission (see Matthew 28:16-20) rests squarely on the shoulders of the collective body of Christ, and we share a unique place within this Christian fellowship.

We live in a society where people are pushing faith to the extreme margins of their lives. Postmodernism, pluralism and I-can-do-it-myself philosophies run rampant. Our witness to the world is that none of these adequately address the provision of forgiveness, hope and eternity. These are gifts known to the Church and intended to be given away to a needy world. If we

are to take the Lausanne Covenant seriously, we can’t let the world squeeze us into its mould; we have to shape our place in the secular spaces that we occupy. Holy living is not only a responsibility, it’s an evangelistic opportunity to reflect God to the world as he makes himself visible to a non-believing generation.

In The Mission of God’s People, Christopher Wright argues, “It is not so much the case that God has a mission for his Church in the world as that God has a Church for his mission in the world.

Mission was not made for the Church; the Church was made for the mission.”

If mission matters most to The Salvation Army, then how do we shape our future so that our priorities don’t shift, our spiritual footprint increases in significance and God’s Kingdom on earth is extended?

I suggest that we: Reflect on the personal implications of the General’s vision plan for the international Salvation Army: One Army, One Mission, One Message (see Salvationist.ca/ international-vision).

Become prayer warriors. On Thursday mornings I pray knowing that I am a part of a worldwide prayer meeting (see Salvationist.ca/worldwide-prayer).

Prepare ourselves through training and equipping to ensure that we are a church engaged in God’s mission, taking the gospel message into the world.

Rise up to be the Army God called us to be. As Sabine Baring-Gould writes, “Like a mighty army moves the Church of God.” We are an Army of Salvation calling people to holiness, righteous relationships and a God-shaped future.

Let us be an Army living in obedience to God, enjoying the full breadth and depth of a covenantal relationship with the Almighty and celebrating with joy the extension of his Kingdom here on earth.

Shaping the future may require new buildings, better programs, effective financial management and excellent leadership, but these should never be a substitute for the evangelistic witness that must always be found in you and me as we live holy lives engaged in his mission.

Let’s shape the future together in his name.

Commissioner Brian Peddle is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

GOSPEL ARTS

The Video Kid

Through film, Matthew Osmond captures the work of The Salvation Army in an engaging and sometimes humorous manner

BY JULIA HOSKING

S

ally Back,” a YouTube music video that humorously profiles The Salvation Army, is one of Matthew Osmond’s most popular creations. It even led to the 27-year-old receiving part-time editing and camera work with a local television show in St. John’s, N.L. But from taking charge of the family video camera while on vacation, to filming the Ontario Great Lakes’ Impact Brass youth band on tour in Texas, this filmmaker is doing more than “bringing Sally back,” as he sings in his YouTube hit.

“I like when a project has a purpose that will be positive for The Salvation Army and God’s Kingdom,” says Osmond, who is the assistant corps sergeant-major at St. John’s Citadel. “The time I give to creating videos is an offering and a form of worship for me personally. When people watch a video I’ve worked on, I want them to see it’s more than just something I created for the sake of it, but that behind it, there is a greater motivation.”

Many of Osmond’s videos have been created about the National Music and Gospel Arts Camp, partly because that environment helped foster his interest in the art of filmmaking.

“I’ve always been a video kid, but when I watched my friend, Kevin, edit videos during one of my first years at camp, I realized this is a fun and effective way to communicate with a lot of people,” says Osmond. “The camps have been fundamental in my spiritual growth, so I want to encourage others to go and have the same great experiences I’ve had.

“Video is the primary form of communication in the media today and it’s being driven by the Internet and people’s personal use of video,” he continues.

“The Church shouldn’t fall behind on the changes that the world is going through; the Internet is an avenue and video is a powerful tool.”

This is why Osmond created a YouTube channel, SalvationArmyTV, to post films that he creates or wants to share with people connected to the Army. Many of these videos, including “Sally Back” and a

Matthew Osmond believes film is a powerful tool for pointing others to God

“When people watch a video I’ve worked on, I want them to see it’s more than just something I created for the sake of it, but that behind it, there is a greater motivation” similar feature, “The Blood (And Fire),” use comedy and music to share his message.

“When you hear a laugh, you know you’ve connected with someone and they’re enjoying something they’re seeing,” shares Osmond. “We all need to laugh; I think it’s one of the best gifts God has given us. Comedy is a great medium for conveying a message; it helps keep the video interesting, adds entertainment value and makes something more light-hearted.”

This is a principle he applies to all of

his work, including the documentary he made of Impact Brass’ Texas tour, one of his favourite creative experiences.

“I had hours of footage, but I wanted to make it concise and interesting to watch, so I had to cut things down. I had free creative reign and tried to make segments different in whatever way I could,” says Osmond.

“During the trip, we had the opportunity to play and minister at a number of locations. We went with the intention of trying to reach people with our music, but we ended up being just as blessed by people we met along the way. We built relationships with other Salvationists that will last a lifetime.”

Although Osmond enjoys creating videos and would love to pursue filmmaking as a career, he says he is content creating projects that fulfil his passion and desire to glorify God. “A film might be a form of worship for me when I create it, and some could possibly be used for that purpose, but most exist to point people toward God and bring them closer to him.”

Visit youtube.com/salvationarmytv to watch Matthew Osmond’s SalvationArmyTV videos.

Salvationist I February 2012 I 15

An Ounce of Prevention Salvation Army addictions programs help people avoid the pain of relapse

F

or more than 30 years, The Salvation Army has used a relapse prevention program designed by Terence Gorski, founder and president of the Center for Applied Sciences Corporation in Spring Hill, Florida, as part of its services to people with addictions.

“Recovery and relapse prevention are opposite sides of the same coin,” Gorski explains, at a Proven Systems for Recovery and Relapse Prevention training day hosted

by The Salvation Army in October.

“Recovery involves proactive things a person needs to do in order to stay sober, while relapse prevention is about identifying the warning signs that they are slipping off their path,” he says.

The Salvation Army invited Gorski to Ottawa to address more than 100 recovery workers from various organizations across the country about recent advances in relapse prevention. Currently a lecturing professor and co-ordinator of the addiction studies concentration at the Tampa Bay campus of Springfield College, Gorski is internationally known as an authority on the addiction, behavioural health, social services and correctional industries for his work in recovery and relapse prevention.

According to Gorski, successful relapse prevention requires: • adequate environmental support and strong limits to strengthen the person in their battle against addiction.

• dealing with the most urgent needs of the person first, such as hunger, shelter and medical concerns.

• staff to help the client identify their problems and how they are related to their addiction, to assist them as they unlearn habits and to determine where their addiction will take them in the future.

• the client to figure out what they initially wanted the alcohol and drugs to do for them, such as relieving pain.

There needs to be a willingness on the part of the person to change, starting with how they think about themselves, and the identification of a personal code or standard to live by.

16 I February 2012 I Salvationist

BY CAROLINE FRANKS • the client to be taught what causes relapse, to identify the warning signs of a possible relapse and what can be done to prevent it.

• the client to develop new skills, including stress management, how to think clearly, how to manage their feelings and resist urges, and how to get along with others based on love, caring and respect.

Gorski believes his relapse prevention program works so well at the Army

“The Salvation Army stands out in its commitment to the care of alcoholics …

It gives clients the hope to keep going” because of the love, community support and commitment to their recovery that clients receive. He says they have the opportunity to stay for an adequate amount of time to clear their minds from the effects of substance use.

“The Salvation Army stands out in its commitment to the care of alcoholics and others suffering from addictions,” says Gorski. “The Army’s work is exceptional worldwide. Among all the programs I have worked with, the Army has been most receptive to integrating advanced concepts of relapse prevention into its faith-based approach.”

Gorski says Salvation Army service providers meet the physical needs of clients but also help them to understand their addiction. “I have noticed that Salvation Army staff do not manipulate people to make expressions of faith in exchange for the services, but instead they start explor-

“Recovery and relapse prevention are opposite sides of the same coin,” says Terence Gorski

ing where the person can find the strength, courage and hope to keep going.”

Staff members ask clients about their spiritual experiences and if they believe in something greater than themselves from which they can draw strength. As clients move along one day at a time and start to trust the program and the staff, they can ask questions about who God is and how they can have a relationship with him.

This process takes patience as many of the clients have had their self-worth and trust in God damaged or destroyed.

“I have talked to many people who recovered through The Salvation Army and have had incredible spiritual experiences. Not because they were forced to, but because they were in an environment where the support, love and caring allowed it to happen,” he says.

The Salvation Army’s principal of giving hope coincides with Gorski’s belief that relapse-prone patients are not hopeless.

“There is no such thing as a hopeless alcoholic or addicted person, only those who have not had the opportunity to work on a longer-term basis with a relapse prevention program.”

Partners in Mission Fundraising Ideas Corps share their success stories

E

BY JULIA HOSKING

ach year, many Salvation Army corps co-ordinate fundraisers to supplement their congregation’s sacrificial giving to the Partners in Mission campaign. Whether that fundraiser involves shaving a youth pastor’s head or selling handicrafts, all initiatives help further the international

work of The Salvation Army.

Majors Owen and Sharon Rowsell, corps officers, Park St. Citadel, Grand FallsWindsor, N.L., encourage their congregation each week to prayerfully consider their contribution to Partners in Mission. Last year, children from their Pioneer Club also participated, contributing to a significant increase on the previous year’s total.

“Our youth pastor said if the Pioneer Club raised $1,500, then he would shave his head,” says Major Owen Rowsell. “Each week, the kids talked about Partners in Mission and brought in their money. They were told that whoever contributed the most would have the privilege of making the first cut. In the end, the children raised almost $2,000.”

Toronto’s Etobicoke Temple implemented a number of fundraising initiatives.

Children and youth caught the vision with penny collections, a sleep-a-thon and a musical recital coupled with a strawberry tea.

“We set a ‘well’ out at the front of the hall,” adds Vangi Court, a member of the corps, “and each week we challenged people to empty their change into the well. We also sold water bottles with an Etobicoke Temple Partners in Mission logo for $1.”

Individual corps members also stepped up with their own projects for the appeal.

“One soldier creates personalized Bible covers using materials from the Congo, Tanzania and Liberia,” Court continues.

“Another woman makes and sells butterfly magnets. And throughout the year, a 91-year-old corps member, who now lives in a senior’s residence, makes and sells beautiful baskets.”

As part of its annual efforts for Partners in Mission, Edmonton Temple invites missionaries to speak to the congrega-

tion about their work overseas.

“The special guests help generate donations,” says Major Harold Thornhill, a retired officer who soldiers at the corps and organizes many Partners in Mission events. “We have had the former territorial commanders of the Pakistan Territory, Colonels William and Marion Ratcliffe, talk about their work, and on another occasion we had the territorial commander for the Caribbean Territory speak to us.

Hearing their stories helps the congregation recognize how well off we all are.”

Additionally, Edmonton Temple coordinates small-scale fundraising efforts such as selling calendars, bake sales and bottle drives. One year, the youth group held a wake-a-thon, where they were paid to stay awake overnight.

At Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple, the corps not only takes full advantage of the Partners in Mission resources, but also emphasizes a year-round awareness of people in need.

Message From the Territorial Commander Dear Friends, “The world for God! The world for God! I give my heart! I’ll do my part!”

For many Salvationists, the words of General Evangeline Booth are familiar and resonate deeply with our own desire for God’s will to be done on earth. We are all too aware of the hungry and oppressed in the “lands far distant,” although the lands no longer seem as “far distant” as they did in Booth’s era.

We are grateful for the generous support from Salvationists and friends across the territory for the 2011 Partners in Mission campaign.

The funds raised through Partners in Mission are used to assist the ongoing mission of The Salvation Army in countries that represent 80 percent of the membership of the global Army.

The goal for the 2012 Partners in Mission campaign is $2.2 million.

Resource packages have already been mailed to every ministry unit and can be accessed at Salvationist.ca/ PIM. I encourage you to take time to review the material and plan your local campaign.

In her song The World for God, General Booth understood that bringing in the Kingdom of God requires a commitment on our part.

The outworking of that commitment is through our availability to give, pray and serve. I invite you to be a full participant as a “partner in mission” in helping others and showing the good news of the gospel.

Sincerely yours, Commissioner Brian Peddle Territorial Commander

“Giving to others has become embedded in our church culture,” says Major Brian Slous, corps officer. “We have people in our congregation who have served, or who have relatives currently serving, overseas and so there is a heightened sensitivity to world needs.”

Salvationist I February 2012 I 17

Making Pathways into the Community From a movie theatre to a community centre, five-year-old Pathway Community Church is following God’s lead and seeing growth

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icture this: It’s Sunday morning and normally you’d still be in your pyjamas. This morning, however, you threw on jeans and a T-shirt, grabbed a coffee and went to the local movie theatre. You slip into the back of the room and sit down, interested to see what will happen.

Today, there is no Hollywood blockbuster playing in front of you; instead, there is a church band performing worship songs. You haven’t been to church since you were 10, but after hearing an ad on the radio, you grew curious about the “theatre church.”

Five years ago, this was the beginning of The Salvation Army’s Pathway Community Church in Paradise, N.L. Under the leadership of Captains Danny and Lori Pinksen, corps officers, the local Mount Pearl Empire Theatre was the only venue available for the first two years of the new church’s life. Although it was an unexpected first location for Pathway, which now meets in the local community centre, their “theatre church” nickname sparked a lot of curiosity, leading to many newcomers.

“The theatre provided a neutral environment and tore down a lot of walls,” reflects Captain Danny. “We had plenty of room for our worship and children’s ministry, and because it was dark, people could sit at the back and find out about us without everyone seeing them.

Looking back, we could not have asked for a better building in which to start our church. It wasn’t our plan to hold church in a movie theatre, but it was obviously God’s. He never operates in the realm of the unknown and he led us there.”

“My family and I attended our first service at Pathway in the theatre and instantly felt comfortable,” says Jill Follett, an active member. “I specifically remember one Sunday early on when I walked in with my cup of tea and felt like I was at home.”

18 I February 2012 I Salvationist

BY JULIA HOSKING

Pathway CC encourages families to participate in aspects of the church’s life. From left, Randy, Katie, Jill and Sam Follett greet visitors on a Sunday morning

“Pathway is definitely a relaxed church environment where you don’t need to dress up—people are there for fellowship and worship, not to look at your clothes,” says Jill Follett Reaching Those not Reached Pathway Community Church was birthed out of the nearby Conception Bay South Corps, N.L., where the Pinksens were previously appointed, and Newfoundland and Labrador Divisional Headquarters. Because

there were existing Salvation Army corps in the surrounding region, the decision was made to focus specifically on reaching a demographic of people who had fallen away from, or never been to, church.

“Prior to our launch, we surveyed people who didn’t attend a church,” says Captain Danny. “We asked them why they didn’t go and the top reasons were church is irrelevant, boring and not a place where they felt they could bring their children.”

“For a lot of people who don’t understand church culture, or who have given up on God, they feel lost in many churches,” adds Captain Lori. “They don’t know where they belong, they’re not sure of the terminology and why, as Christians, we do certain things.”

As a result, the Pinksens determined that Pathway would be seeker-friendly, interesting and relevant.

“Pathway is definitely a relaxed church environment where you don’t need to dress up—people are there for fellowship and worship, not to look at your clothes,” says Follett. “I used to feel uncomfortable with the public display of altar calls or raising hands in worship, but now it wouldn’t

Cpt Danny Pinksen received a citizen of the year award in 2010 to recognize his work in the community

bother me at all because I’m so comfortable among everyone.”

Elias Anderson, once a self-professed atheist, began attending Pathway purely to support his girlfriend (now wife). He quickly made friends and was so interested in the worship music he volunteered as a sound technician. But there was another reason why he continued attending.

“I used to listen to Captain Danny preaching and it often seemed as though he was speaking to me directly about my life and events,” shares Anderson. “I realize now it was God reaching out to me and for the first time in my life, I was listening.”

Integrated into the Community “Being a disciple of Jesus goes far beyond going to church on Sunday,” says Captain Lori. “We integrate ourselves into the community; it is part of who we are at Pathway.

And we do it because of God and what he has done in our lives.”

In 2009, Captain Danny was named Paradise’s citizen of the year and in the spring of 2011, Pathway Community Church was formally recognized for volunteer work on the community youth board.

While it can be challenging to recruit volunteers for big church events, Captains Pinksen recognize that many of their corps members are already involved in the community on a weekly basis.

“It’s not always about corporate connections into the community,” says Captain Danny. “It’s about individuals who belong to our church integrating their lives into their neighbourhood and sphere of friends and impacting others for Christ. If we have everybody in the church doing that, then I think that’s church at its best.”

Randy Follett and Keith Glynn, members of the church, are the founders of the Paradise Running Club, a group with 80

members. Noting their ability to gain community support through the club, Follett and Glynn are giving something back.

“Food bank items for infants and toddlers are notoriously scarce, so we decided to have a run/walk event where the community donates cash, food and material donations specifically for young children as part of a Basics for

“It wasn’t our plan to hold church in a movie theatre, but it was obviously God’s,” says Captain Danny Pinksen

versary. Over that time, the church has grown to 140 regular members.

“Before launching, we asked how our new church could complement what’s already happening in the community,” shares Captain Danny. “We talked to the people of the demographic we wanted to reach, got to know our community leaders and researched for a year and a half before holding our first church service.

“This has led to growth numerically, financially and most importantly, spiritually. We have seen so many unbelievers come to Pathway who now are born-again believers. I believe God is at work in and through everything at Pathway and when he raises up a church, there’s no cookiecutter approach. Growth happens organically and the church will naturally take on its own expression.”

Although the Pinksens and the church congregation express a desire for a church building so they can have a more stable and visible presence in the community, they also recognize it is in God’s hands.

“Pathway is a God-led church,” says Jill Follett. “And I believe we will be led wherever God chooses to take us.”

Babies program,” explains Follett. “Being entirely responsible for Basics for Babies is too big for us to handle, so Pathway Community Church has taken it on as an outreach initiative.”

Five Years On In September 2011, Pathway Community Church commemorated its five-year anni-

Cpts Lori and Danny Pinksen

Embracing the Family

Pathway Community Church openly welcomes families. This is a priority, as many of the people surveyed in the community expressed a desire that church would be a comfortable place for them to bring their children.

“Sometimes I think visitors are a little taken aback by how relaxed everyone at Pathway is with their kids in the church service prior to them going out to junior church,” says Jill Follett. “Children are included in everything from greeting at the door to collecting tithes, and when the worship team plays, they’re encouraged to get up and move around. We’re respectful to others, but kids aren’t forced to sit and be silent for a long time.”

Having been shushed in previous church services in a number of locations because of her young children, Teena Jarvis particularly appreciated this when she first attended.

“After receiving a flyer from Pathway Community Church, I went with my daughter who was three at the time,” shares Jarvis, now an active member at Pathway. “Instantly, I knew I’d found the church to call home. It had upbeat music, lively pastors, a strong sense of fellowship and young families everywhere.”

Salvationist I February 2012 I 19

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Shaking Things Up

The Salvation Army needs to boost its visibility and challenge the status quo, says Gail Cook-Bennett, Chair of Manulife Financial Gail Cook-Bennett is chair of the board of Manulife Financial Corporation. Prior to this role, she spent 10 years as the founding chair of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB). Over the past 33 years, she has served as a director of a number of major corporations and participated in several Crown, professional and not-for-profit boards and committees. A member of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board, Cook-Bennett is also a Member of the Order of Canada, holds Doctor of Laws degrees (honoris causa) from Carleton University and York University and is a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Directors. She recently spoke with John McAlister, features editor.

How did you come in contact with The Salvation Army?

I knew the organization by reputation.

People around me had always thought highly of the Army, so when I was invited to join one of your Ontario advisory boards 21 years ago, I readily agreed.

What Army ministry have you seen first-hand? What stood out for you?

During a recent visit to Vancouver, I had the opportunity to witness the Army’s presence in the Downtown East Side, which is a neighbourhood characterized by poverty, drugs and prostitution. I went for a walk with two Army officers who were wearing sweaters with the Red Shield on them. Although the officers weren’t from Vancouver, a gentleman who looked like he’d had a rough life approached them because he recognized the Red Shield and he wanted to thank them for the impact the Army had on his life. Later, I spoke with three individuals who had previously been addicted and living on the street and who were helped by the Army. It was incredible to hear of their transformation and their desire to help those suffering from various addictions.

I think that transitional housing programs, such as the one at Toronto’s Harbour Light, are important and essential for recovery and reintegration. This model of after-care is something that inspired support of the capital campaign by people 20 I February 2012 I Salvationist

in business.

I’ve also visited a facility for women who have been trafficked. It’s unfortunate that the public isn’t more aware of the problem and the Army’s involvement in this work.

How do you feel about the Army’s faith stance and the way it influences our mission?

I believe that it is the source of your energy and fundamental to the work that you do. What’s not communicated well is your openness and willingness to help others who have different beliefs, values or life circumstances. You’re motivated by your faith, but you reach out to people regardless of their religion, race or sexual orientation, and I think that is a powerful message. Unfortunately, this message doesn’t get communicated as clearly as it should, and it needs to, because some of your funding sources could be compromised unless this message is very clear.

Having served on both a regional and national advisory board, what benefits do you feel these groups bring to The Salvation Army? What do the respective board members gain from this relationship?

In the past, when I was chair of one the Army’s regional advisory boards, I wasn’t convinced that we were making a contribution at all. This was because we were not communicating with the Army effectively.

More fundamentally, I don’t think we on the advisory board understood our role and the Army perhaps did not understand what we required from it in order to help.

I credit Andy Lennox, chair of the current National Advisory Board, for the work he has done in establishing a viable and effective relationship between the advisory board and the Army. We are able to focus more effectively on what the Army’s priorities are and offer experience and expertise to assist in these areas. I see the payoff from this approach.

Board members have a great appreciation for the Army. They understand very clearly the impact that the Army makes.

Senior people in the business commun-

Gail Cook-Bennett

ity want to contribute to an organization that they respect and that they feel is being productive. I think that we’ve found a way to leverage their talents. Through the various task teams on the National Advisory Board, we’re not only benefitting from the board members’ expertise, but also from their professional networks.

The broader the network, the more considered advice the Army receives. Of course, the Army doesn’t have to take the advice of the National Advisory Board.

However, according to the Memorandum of Understanding, the Army is committed to providing the board with a clear rationale for its decisions. Obviously if there were a lot of “nos” given to the board, then we’d be back to where we were years ago, but that hasn’t been the case.

Every organization has areas in which it can improve. What aspects of the Army could be strengthened?

All organizations have challenges with communication. Not everyone can be privy to the inner workings of an organization—it doesn’t matter if it’s a business or a non-profit such as The Salvation Army—so it’s important that key messages be shared consistently with stakeholders.

This is essential so that the Army is in a position to do what it does best, which is to serve people at their point of need. The

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD Army will have to increase its emphasis on external communication because the generations that knew the Army well aren’t going to be around for much longer. The Army needs to engage younger people with the message.

Given that the Army is on the ground in so many parts of the world, why don’t we hear more about its international relief efforts? We always hear about the Red Cross or World Vision, but we don’t hear about the Army. When the Army’s supporters see the lists of other agencies involved, they wonder why the Army is not mentioned more often. How does the Army increase its visibility?

Another challenge is with transparency. While I was chair of the CPPIB, we developed a financial disclosure policy because we felt that Canadians had the right to know why, where and how their money was being invested. I think that this emphasis on transparency would help the Army and I believe that there is increasing initiative to do that, whether it’s with something simple like financial statements or even more broadly. Internally, I believe that it’s also healthy to have people challenge systems and the status quo. Even in organizations with a clear mission such as the Army there are bound to be differences of opinion. The Army needs to continue to create spaces for open dialogue.

What leadership principles have guided you in your professional life?

With the CPPIB, I chaired a board of 12 directors. We were a founding organization, so we started with no staff or offices.

Other than a brilliant piece of legislation to guide us, we had to create everything from scratch. At the beginning, a lot of effort went into establishing the values that would set a framework for this organization. I had excellent colleagues on that board who understood what it was going to take to build the organization’s reputation.

✃

Thirteen years later, the organization has an asset base of $150 billion and somewhere between 600 and 700 employees with a value system that I believe has served it well.

When I became chair of Manulife three years ago, the 125-year-old company was facing the challenge of the global financial crisis. A board chair needs to draw out the contributions of the directors, and if you have the right people in the room, the chair can have confidence in the wisdom of the group. Whether it’s at CPPIB or Manulife, the chair has to know what he or she wants to accomplish, as well as what’s required for appropriate oversight.

You’re motivated by your faith, but you reach out to people regardless of their religion, race or sexual orientation, and I think that is a powerful message Given the immense pressures of your role, how do you maintain a work-life balance?

My career has been very linear. I finished my PhD before I married and before welcoming our son into the world. I was able to work part-time, which was my choice so that I could be very involved in his life. I didn’t face the work-life balance challenges that many women have.

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Our son is on his own now, so there aren’t as many things competing for my time. My workload is manageable.

I enjoy playing tennis, I’m a member of a book club, I like to spend time at the cottage and to travel.

The number of women breaking into the top executive jobs at Canadian companies remains small. What needs to change?

We have an interesting situation in our management team at Manulife. Our chief actuary, chief strategy officer, chief internal auditor, controller and head of our global human resources are all women, so we’re well represented at the senior level.

However, we don’t see this all the way up the chain. One of the issues that comes up is flexibility. In most families, women have disproportionate family responsibilities.

How much further can you push the flexibility so that you can keep those women engaged and on track for a promotion?

We conduct an annual employee survey and it gets good response rates year after year, partly because we give considerable attention to the feedback. We don’t have all the answers, but work-life balance is an area that we are addressing.

You became chair of the board at Manulife during a difficult financial time. How do you encourage people during challenging situations?

I think a leader has to strategically address how an organization is going to thrive in a challenging context. You have to size the problem, engage your people and communicate consistently. Explore ways to energize the organization. I believe in internal change and the need to find ways to shake things up.

To read more interviews with members of the National Advisory Board, visit Salvationist.ca/tag/nationaladvisoryboard.

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Contact: (416) 422-6112; circulation@salvationarmy.org Or subscribe online: Salvationist.ca/subscribe Salvationist I February 2012 I 21

MEDIA REVIEWS

Before They Say Goodbye Thoughts on how to keep this generation David Sawler

T

REVIEW BY HEIDI ADAMS

he church in Canada is witnessing an exodus of young people. In Before They Say Goodbye, David Sawler lists issues the younger generation says have contributed to this trend—hypocrisy, guilt, spiritual defeat and the struggles to understand and believe the Bible in an increasingly cynical and secular world. He shares thoughts from church drop-outs on the shortcomings and turn-offs of church. While sobering for those who may not regularly encounter such frank critiques, it’s refreshing to have these attitudes openly addressed.

Sawler’s views on generational ministry (offering church programs by age groupings) intrigued me. Many churches have embraced generational ministry as a viable solution to the challenge by hiring youth pastors to attract, train and retain youth. Sawler notes that this can sometimes create road blocks for young people, since they are being discipled by inexperienced leaders. He also believes it hinders intergenerational mentorship and makes transitioning from youth programs to adult ministries difficult. It may neglect the importance of having mature Christians share life with young people.

While every corps has its challenges in successfully tackling this complex issue, I believe in redemption, in resurrection and in dry bones becoming a vast Army with corps being renewed and equipped to reach out and attract youth. Today’s young people are not content to simply attend Sunday meetings. More will stay if they are empowered and entrusted to be ministers themselves. We must capitalize on their willingness. If you are concerned by the rapidly increasing age of your congregation, this book could get you thinking and moving in the right direction.

It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time

Some of the best and worst decisions in the Bible A. Kenneth Wilson Despite our best intentions, we sometimes make decisions that violate the will of God, not unlike our biblical ancestors who repeatedly fell short in honouring the Lord. Their best choices emerged from faith, humility, obedience and trust. The worst ones arose from anger, insecurity, fear and selfish desires. In It seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time, Major A. Kenneth Wilson, a senior instructor at The Salvation Army’s School for Officer Training in Suffern, N.Y, U.S.A. Eastern Territory, reflects on a host of biblical characters and situations, inspiring readers to make positive choices along their discipleship journey.

Are You Waiting for “The One”?

Cultivating realistic, positive expectations for Christian marriage Margaret Kim Peterson and Dwight N. Peterson Professors Margaret and Dwight Peterson provide an engaging book with an honest and unflinching portrayal of life and love in all its beauty and frustration. Refreshingly acknowledging the dilemmas people face as they hope to marry and grow old together—or not— they gently name and confront what young and old face today. The book addresses topics such as young love, being a family, handling conflict and weathering the transitions of life.

22 I February 2012 I Salvationist

Territorial Prayer Guide WEEK 1 - FEBRUARY 1-4 2012 Short-Term Mission Teams • Leaders and members of teams travelling to: ➤ St. Vincent, Caribbean Tty ➤ Nairobi, Kenya East Tty ➤ Argentina, South America East Tty ➤ Cuba Mission #4, Latin America North Tty ➤ Tshelanyemba, Zimbabwe Tty ➤ Brazil Tty ➤ Zimbabwe Tty WEEK 2 – FEBRUARY 1-4 Editorial Department • Greater circulation of Salvationist • Our French magazine, Foi & Vie, to continue to have an impact • Salvationist.ca website to inspire and build community •E dge for Kids to effectively reach and disciple children WEEK 3 – FEBRUARY 12-18 The Army’s Mission and Values • Thanksgiving for God’s love in Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:18) • God’s love to guide our relationships with others (see John 17:21) • Practical ways for corps to reach their communities (see 2 Corinthians 5:19) • Perseverance for front-line personnel (see 2 Corinthians 5:14) WEEK 4 – FEBRUARY 19-25 Personnel on International Service • Cols Lindsay and Lynette Rowe, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, Tanzania Tty • Mjrs Bruce and Mildred Jennings, corps officers, Traverse City, Mich., U.S.A. Central Tty • Mjrs Norman and Lois Garcia, corps officers, Old Orchard Beach, Maine, U.S.A. Eastern Tty • Cols Robert and Marguerite Ward, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, Pakistan Tty WEEK 5 – FEBRUARY 26-29 Stewardship Resources • Renewed focus on young adult ministries in corps across the territory • Greater commitment to biblical stewardship within congregations • God’s wisdom and guidance for Army leaders planning officer appointments • Visionary leadership in corps, N.L. Div

PURSUING HOLINESS

A Journey Shared

Our pursuit of holiness is enhanced by God’s presence along the way

BY MAJOR CLARENCE BRADBURY

Bible Study: 2 Peter 1

O

ur family always approached winter vacations with great anticipation. Those long trips south gave us time to strengthen our relationship.

The more effort we invested in planning the journey, the more delight we experienced together. Sometimes we encountered difficulties, but where we were heading made it all worthwhile. Likewise, the life of holiness is a journey with God. It requires planning, includes its share of challenges and offers incomparable joy along the way and at the final destination.

In one chapter, Peter gives us what may be the most comprehensive view of the holiness journey in the entire Bible.

His holiness audit is a measurement of our S.I. (spiritual intelligence). It begins with faith in God and culminates with loving like God. As a spiritual realist, Peter stresses diligence in godly living.

The essence of his message is in verses 3-7. It is about applying holy habits to the precious faith (see verse 1) and precious promises (see verse 4) God has invested in us. Gratitude for grace is demonstrated by growth in grace. We deepen our intimacy with God who grants the ultimate privilege (this side of Heaven) to share

his nature of holiness and love.

In verses 8-11, Peter says this kind of living results in spiritual productivity and eternal rewards. The rest of the epistle amplifies and supports the first 11 verses. To conclude our studies, we focus on verses 10-11.

READ—Take time to re-read all 11 verses.

Compare translations for verses 10-11 and note all the words that stand out to you.

Exposing the wealth of these expressions may inspire you and your Bible study/ travel group to new discoveries (see the recommended resource by Alan E. Nelson).

REFLECT—Examine the notes you made during your reading. Did you include the first word in verse 10, ‘therefore’? This is Peter’s statement of conclusion. The expression “make every effort” is linked with the immense potential for holy influence (see verses 5-8) and with the looming danger of becoming useless, fruitless, nearsighted and forgetful (see verse 9). Peter calls us to a fervent eagerness “to confirm your calling and election” (see verse 10).

Consider these questions as you examine this phrase: 1. Is Peter saying that salvation rests on your performance alone? Look at these verses that speak of the basis of

our salvation—John 3:16, 36; 5:24; Acts 16:31; Romans 4:5; 10:8-17.

Now look at 2 Peter 1:8. The principle that settles us on our journey is momentum, or forward movement. When we lose momentum we become uncertain, we stumble and fall into error—even apostasy. Spiritual growth provides the momentum and confidence we need for a successful journey.

2. How secure are you in your relationship with Jesus? On what do you base that security?

3. Are you open to honest evaluation?

Try “The Journey” personal evaluation tool provided below. Seek out a soul friend with whom you can share the results of your assessment.

In verse 11 we find inspiration in our destination. In ancient Greece, a victorious general or athlete was rewarded by the knocking of a hole in the city wall to provide an entrance for the celebrity. That’s what God does for victorious Christians.

Sure, it’s possible to get into the eternal Kingdom by the skin of your teeth, like latecomers to a party, but what spiritually intelligent believer wants to live with a “definite maybe” concerning their destiny?

RESHAPE—We stumble when we become preoccupied with other things and lose sight of our destination. We do not stumble when we pay attention to where we are stepping. In light of this study and your self-examination, identify and practise one holy habit that will boost your spirituality.

RECEIVE—Too much self-examination can depress and defeat us. Take time to be reminded of God’s grace and power (see verses 2-3) to lead us to his eternal Kingdom.

Resources

• Spiritual Health Assessment, http:// alanenelson.com/files/PDF%20Files/ The%20Journey2009.pdf • S piritual Intelligence by Alan E. Nelson, Baker Books, 2010 • L ifesigns by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Doubleday, 1986 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.

Salvationist I February 2012 I 23

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

ENROLMENTS AND RECOGNITION

HAMILTON, BERMUDA—During congress meetings led by Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial leaders, four senior soldiers from West End CC were enrolled. From left, Lt Amanda Robinson, CO; Tschana Wade; Charles Simons; Lt Peter Robinson, CO; Randy Bean; Dwayne Bulford, holding the flag; Keri Brangman; Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle; Mjrs Shawn and Brenda Critch, divisional leaders.

PENTICTON, B.C.—A new Chinese restaurant, Penticton Buffet, hosted a unique lunch on November 6-7 during which customers received their meal for an $8 donation to the Army’s food bank. Members of the corps and family services volunteers assisted as greeters, table servers and operators of the dishwashing equipment. The event attracted several hundred customers and raised over $3,400. The restaurant owners want to repeat the event next year. Left, Judy Monai, kettle co-ordinator, greets Marylin and Danny Alspaugh at the restaurant.

TORONTO— Karl Larson has retired after 14 years’ service as a valued member of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Archives’ staff. Larson started working at the archives when it was located at 2130 Bayview Avenue, Toronto. In addition to his secretarial and receptionist duties, Larson has conducted countless researches, given oversight to researchers and supervised volunteers. His knowledge of Salvation Army history has been a valuable asset. At a retirement luncheon held in his honour, archives’ staff and volunteers thanked Larson and wished him well in retirement in St. Catharines, Ont. From left, Col John Carew, archives director; Lt-Col Junior Hynes, territorial program secretary; Karl Larson.

PENTICTON, B.C.—Mjr Tom Browne, CO, and Louise Oates, CCM leader, present a Christmas plant to Carol Hoenisch, activity leader at a nursing home in Penticton. During the month of December, this presentation was repeated at the six retirement and nursing homes served by community care ministries. Wall calendars for 2012 were also distributed to the residents.

BRIDGEWATER, N.S.—Dayana Porter and Mary Zinck are welcomed as adherents.

RICHMOND, B.C.—Efforts to begin a Salvation Army Chinese Church in Richmond resulted in worship services starting in 2009. During anniversary celebrations this past fall, the English and Chinese congregations united to share this milestone. Adding to the excitement was the enrolment of seven senior soldiers and five adherents. During the festivities, Salvation Army Jubilee Brass, from the Vancouver area, presented a musical pro-

24 I February 2012 I Salvationist

gram, the Chinese choir sang, and Mjrs Russ and Judy Holland, former corps officers, were the guests. Below, left, Leslie Greenway, Val Forman, Carlos Cuellar, Jenny Marin, Ken Chen, Timmy Chan and Greensa Chan are welcomed as soldiers by Mjrs Brad and Mary Smith, COs, while David Owens holds the flag. Below, right, adherents Zhan Qi Zhang, Shuying Xiao, Shui Lien Chen Hsu and Kwai Ling Chow are celebrated.

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY VANCOUVER— Robert Walker is welcomed as a soldier at North Vancouver. Supporting him are CSM William St a n l e y a n d Cpts Diane and Glynden Cross, COs.

GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, N.L.—Grand Falls Citadel commissions two local officers. Front, from left, Mjr Terry Hopkins, CO; Jerry Loveless, corps sergeant-major; Peggy Rowsell, women’s ministries special events co-ordinator; Lana Anstey, youth co-ordinator; Mjr Bonnie Hopkins, CO. Frank Keats, colour sergeant, is holding the flag.

MISSISSAUGA, ONT.— Lydia Tracey, a member of Mississauga Temple CC, crocheted mats out of milk bags and donated them to the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission Canada. It took hundreds of hours to make the nine mats that will be used for sleeping

by Haitians displaced by the terrible earthquake in January 2010.

Y E L LO W K N I F E — O n N o ve m b e r 2 2 , T h e Salvation Army, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Yellowknife Homelessness Coalition hos te d an outdo or lunch in recognition of National Housing Day to raise awareness about affordable housing. Mjr Jo Sobool, CO, handed out handmade, woolen caps to anyone who needed them, a welcome gift on a day that reached -35 C. The 400 tuques were given to the Army as part of a hats for orphans campaign organized by Michele Yetter and her friends. The Army subsequently gave some of the tuques to the women’s and youth shelter, included them in the Christmas hampers in Yellowknife and sent others to communities throughout the Northwest Territories.

GRAND FALLSWINDSOR, N.L.— Emma Gullage, Emma Snow and Daniel Snow are Grand Falls Citadel’s newest junior soldiers.

F O R T M c M U R R AY, ALTA.—Fort McMurray Corps welcomes Jeannette and Richard Mullins and Florence Bouchard as soldiers.

MONCTON, N.B.—Kathryn Barnes, Don Lenehan and J.L. Paul LeBlanc, deputy mayors of Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe, N.B., respectively, support Moncton’s kettle kick-off at the Blue Cross Centre. With them is Sally Ann, Moncton’s Salvation Army mascot.

Be involved in the Army’s present Be part of the Army’s future For the latest news online, visit us at

Salvationist.ca

COLLINGWOOD, ONT. —Collingwood CC celebrates the enrolment of Loretta and Bill Stockwell. With them are Cpts Wendy and Mark Crabb, COs. Salvationist I February 2012 I 25

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

Quebec City Restaurant Gives Generous Gift to the Army QUEBEC—On November 21, Portofino restaurant hosted its 14th annual benefit dinner for The Salvation Army with 130 guests present. Johnny Izzi, executive director of Gaudreau Environment, chaired and was guest speaker for the evening’s celebrations. MP André Drolet was among the guests. Mélissa Chassé, the Army’s assistant public relations director in Quebec City, welcomed the participants and Mjr Kester Trim, DC, Quebec Div, expressed appreciation for the generous gift. Mjr Donald Carver, CO, Quebec CC, was also present for the occasion. When the total amount of $10,000 raised was announced, Izzi and Portofino co-owners François Petit and Yves Moreau donated another $4,000. Other sponsors then contributed an additional $2,000, bringing the total raised to $16,000.

The funds allowed the Army to provide practical help, including 450 Christmas hampers, to needy families in Quebec City.

20th Anniversary Celebration May 4-6, 2012 Special Guests: Majors Les & Cathy Burrows Greetings from former officers & friends may be sent to 291 McLean Street, Campbell River, BC V9W 2M4 Phone 250-287-3720 E-mail: Gordon_Taylor@can.salvationarmy.org

GAZETTE

TERRITORIAL Appointments Cpt Brenda Hammond, chaplain (pro-tem), The Salvation Army Homestead Addiction Services and Florence Booth House, Toronto, Ont. CE Div; Mjr Wendy Johnstone, special assignment (pro-tem), THQ personnel services; Mjr Dennis Brown, research and policy analyst (pro-tem), THQ business administration services; Mjr Irene Chalut, assistant to the divisional secretary, Quebec Div.* *Designation change 26 I February 2012 I Salvationist

The Salvation Army Victoria Citadel 125th Anniversary October 26-28, 2012 Special Guest: Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan Help us celebrate this special event!

Greetings from former officers and friends can be sent to 4030 Douglas Street, Victoria BC V8X 5J6 Phone: 250-727-3770; e-mail: juneperry@shaw.ca

mation r o f n I Camp pplications at r e m Sum p Staff A 12 online & Cam uar y 15, 20 mps.com

ioca r a t n o ar my n o i t a salv Jan

le availab

Births Salvationist Quarter Page - Jan 2012.indd Cpts Stephen/Erika White, daughter, Emma Ashley Grace, Dec 5 Long service—25 years Mjr Sharron Young Long service—30 years Mjr Velma Preston Retirements Mjr Cyril Janes, out of Deer Lake, N.L. Last appointment, special assignment, DHQ program department, Ont. GL Div Promoted to Glory Mrs Cpt Hazel Townsend, from Ottawa, Nov 21;

1

Mrs Col Joyce Tutton, from St. John’s, N.L., Dec 6 11/1/2011 3:23:54 PM

CALENDAR

Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle Jan 30-Feb 3 officers’ retreat, Prairie Div; Feb 6-9 officers’ retreat, Quebec Div; Feb 10-20 world missions trip, Malawi * * Commissioner Brian Peddle only Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd Feb 6-9 officers’ retreat, Ont. GL Div; Feb 24-29 officers’ retreat, Bermuda Div

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

TRIBUTES GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, N.L.—Raymond Rowsell was born in Grand Falls-Windsor in 1932. After committing his life to Christ at a young age, Ray became a bandsman and songster, served on corps council and as corps treasurer for 29 years. Left to celebrate Ray’s life are his wife of 18 years, Loretta; sons Bruce (Holly), Glen (Karen); daughter, Rae Anne (Roy); stepdaughters Kathleen (Peter), Marlene Cooper; stepson, Brad Cooper; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother; three sisters; extended family and friends.

MIRAMICHI, N.B.—James Alexander Davidson Murray was born in Miramichi in 1922. James became an adherent of the corps and often went with community care ministries to nursing homes to sing inspirational songs to the residents. He also sang on a local cable television show called O Boundless Salvation. He is lovingly remembered by wife, Margaret, of Sackville, N.B., whom he married in 1984.

TORONTO, ONT.—Born to Christian parents in Pilley’s Island, N.L., in 1927, Mrs. Major Shirley (Anthony) Pond accepted Christ as Saviour as a child. In 1948, she entered the College for Officer Training as a member of the Peacemakers Session in St. John’s, N.L. She married Lieutenant Ray Pond in 1951 and they enjoyed corps ministry in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta.

They also served in public relations in Montreal, Halifax, Hamilton, Ont., and Toronto, and in overseas development at territorial headquarters before retiring in 1984. A devoted follower of Jesus and gifted preacher, Shirley was passionate about women’s ministries and loved music, reading, culinary arts and believed in lifelong learning.

Shirley’s consistent and enduring faith had a widespread influence on others. Remembering her are husband of 60 years, Raymond; sons David, Keith (Cherry); three grandchildren; one great-grandson; two brothers; many nieces and nephews.

TORONTO—Tom Cornelis Mudde was born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in 1927 to Salvationist parents. Tom became a junior soldier, corps cadet, bandsman, songster and songster leader. An avid gardener and stamp collector, Tom married Emily in 1984, took an early retirement and settled in Canada in 1986. He and Emily were soldiers at Scarborough Citadel, Toronto, and he became a faithful member of the Singing Pilgrims where he lived out his passion for music.

Missing Tom’s gentle, quiet, but always wise influence and presence are wife, Emily; stepdaughters Jacqueline (Douglas) MacDuff, Michelle (Hugh) Anderson; seven step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two sisters and one brother.

CAMBRIDGE, ONT.—Major Lawrence Eldon Spragg was born in 1929 in Saint John, N.B., and grew up in a loving Salvationist home with five brothers and one sister. Lawrence gave his life to the Lord as a teenager and got involved in various aspects of corps life. He married Eleanor in 1951 and subsequently moved to Toronto where he found work. At Brock Avenue Corps, he served as a bandsman and songster, taught Sunday school and was a Boy Scout Cub leader. In 1959, they entered the College for Officer Training in Toronto as members of the Greathearts Session. Larry ministered in corps, family services, the property department and supplies and purchasing at territorial headquarters, and at the A.R. Goudie Eventide Home in Kitchener, Ont. He retired in 1995. In retirement, Lawrence worked part-time at Co-operators in Guelph, Ont., and volunteered at Trinity Church as co-ordinator of their community meal program. He regularly visited a home for men in Cambridge and helped out with Cambridge Citadel’s family services. A loving and compassionate man who could bring a smile to anyone’s face, Lawrence was a blessing to all who knew him. He is missed by children Ken, Donna, Brian; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild and many friends.

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Born in 1929, Ruby Keats was a lifelong Salvationist. A member of St. John’s Citadel, she participated in home league, New Creations and Young at Heart and was a member of the Glenbrook Lodge auxiliary for many years. Ruby is remembered for her faith, love of family, generous heart and many friends. She is missed by daughters Marilyn and Rosalind, and son, Robert.

CALGARY—Mrs. Lt-Colonel Ellen Ratcliffe grew up in Calgary as a member of Hillhurst Corps. Prior to marriage and officership, Ellen served as secretary for Premier William Aberhart. After marrying Captain Wilfred Ratcliffe, they served with distinction in Salvation Army War Services appointments during the Second World War. They opened the Army’s first public relations office in Saskatoon and established the Beaver Creek Camp. Corps appointments followed at Victoria Citadel and Calgary Citadel. They served in divisional appointments from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia, concluding active service as divisional leaders for the then Ontario South Division. Following retirement, Ellen was employed by the British Columbia Government as a senior citizens’ counsellor in the Ministry of Social Services. A dedicated officer, Ellen was respected by all for her commitment to Christ. Ellen is dearly loved by children Colonel William (Marion), Betty Seward (Richard), Ray (Sylvia); seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

ABBOTSFORD, B.C.—Edwin Leonard Wolfe was born in New Westminster, B.C., in 1919, and began attending the Army at age six. In 1964, Ed and his wife, Marion, and their family attended the corps in Burnaby, B.C. They moved to Abbotsford in 1979 and became founding members of the Army’s ministry there. In 1985, Ed spearheaded the opening of the local Salvation Army meal centre. He used his handyman skills in the corps and Centre of Hope. As a senior solider, Ed worked quietly behind the scenes so that all people in the corps and community could have a more pleasant life. He spent many hours helping out with vacation Bible school, the angel tree and other children’s ministries, and volunteered with community care ministries. Ed is missed by Marion, loving wife of 62 years; children Ken (Cindy), Janet (Robert), Nancy (Terry); four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and countless friends.

WINNIPEG—Terrance Brian Petley was born in Toronto in 1959 to Salvationist parents. He was a soldier of North York Temple until moving to Winnipeg in 1987 where he attended Heritage Park Temple. Following ill health, Terrance was able to travel by wheelchair to River East Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg. Terrance found great pleasure and blessings in playing his cornet, singing and ministering to young people. He enjoyed writing poetry, painting, reading the Scriptures and personalizing the verses. His strong belief was that “to overcome any problems in life one must first embrace the necessary knowledge through education and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Terrance is missed by daughters Kristina (Stuart) Lee, Amanda (Edwin) Sontag; sisters Lt-Colonel Marilyn (Raymond) Moulton, Judy Arnott; brothers Gordon (Pauline) Petley, Rod Petley; sister-in-law, Paulette Petley; three granddaughters; nieces, nephews and friends.

Majors Woody and Sharon Hale invite you to

Discover the Roots of Your Faith on a 16-day pilgrimage in the

Lands of the Bible Tour Ephesus in Turkey * Five-day cruise to the Greek Islands Visit Greece * Life-changing experience in Israel for 10 exciting days October 2012—See next issue for more details E-mail: wshale@sympatico.ca; phone: 905-440-4378

Salvationist I February 2012 I 27

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/Amanda Rohde

OUR COVENANT

Solemn Vows

Should The Salvation Army be considered a Protestant order?

BY ROB PERRY

In God’s economy, vows have always been critical. As far back as ancient Israel, God used vow-driven individuals and communities to accomplish his purposes. When women or men wanted to make vows to him, he seemed delighted to oblige them.

God consistently culled out from the ranks of his people a few who would stick out, act out and speak out. God gave opportunity for those outside of the priesthood to set themselves apart for acts of devotions and service to him—a kind of voluntarily ostracism.

—The New Friars by Scott A. Bessenecker

I

s The Salvation Army a Christian denomination? A charity? A social justice movement? The answer to each of these questions is most certainly, “Yes!” However, these answers also lead to more questions about our identity as we continue to explore who we are and how we can best serve God in the world.

As I begin this series examining The Salvation Army’s Soldier’s Covenant—in par28 I February 2012 I Salvationist

ticular the “I will” statements it contains—I want to first examine our fundamental understanding of what The Salvation Army actually is. This is no small question, and has for decades been an issue of great debate within Salvation Army circles.

I have found the following framework helpful in providing a perspective from which to examine the promises made by those who decide to join The Salvation Army as soldiers.

Throughout history, new life and light have been breathed into the Church (particularly the Roman Catholic expression) through the birth and creation of monastic orders, such as the Franciscans, the Jesuits and the Benedictines.

An order is, by definition, a society of monks, priests, nuns, etc., living according to certain religious and social regulations and discipline, with at least some of these members taking solemn vows.

If we replace monks, priests and nuns with soldiers, adherents and officers, this sounds like an accurate definition for The Salvation Army. After all, The Salvation

Army is not just another church. In fact, in my grandmother’s time, to call the Army a church was looked down upon. We weren’t a church, we were a Movement, an Army, a new thing God was doing in the world.

We embraced the mission of spreading the good news of Jesus around the world. We committed ourselves to new expressions of worship and evangelism, and we even donned our own unique garb.

Orders were most often founded by a particular individual who felt God’s stirring to deeper commitment and sacrifice than the Church already provided, as well as a desire to prophetically call the Church back to holiness and the poor. In this light, perhaps William and Catherine Booth were Victorian England’s St. Francis of Assissi, calling the Church, through their new Protestant order, back to holiness and mission.

There is a great deal of discussion in Salvation Army circles these days about membership. How can full membership (i.e. soldiership) have more requirements and expectations than the Bible itself lays out for Christian disciples? How can someone who wants to join the Christian Church be required to fulfil promises that Jesus himself did not require? The obvious example is the promise not to drink alcohol. However, when we look at the vow not to drink as an extra-biblical vow taken on by a particular, radical branch of the Church as an example of sacrifice and commitment, this promise resembles the vows of charity and chastity that Franciscans made beginning in the 13th century. Taking it back even further, one could equate The Salvation Army’s Soldier’s Covenant to the Nazarite vow, laid out in the Bible most famously by Samson whose parents vowed that he would not touch anything dead, drink alcohol or cut his hair. These were extra vows and promises representing extra commitment made by people who were called to a deeper and more sacrificial obedience to their Lord.

By viewing the Army’s identity through this framework, we can soberly examine the Soldier’s Covenant and seek to understand the depth and breadth of the vows Salvation Army soldiers make. We, the committed few, in dedication to God and the world, go where others won’t, help those whom others ignore and sacrifice more than others will. We make these solemn promises to God and join him in his mission to redeem the world.

Rob Perry is the ministry co-ordinator at Toronto’s Corps 614.

BATTLE CRY

A Two-Way Partnership

Our relationship with the developing world is about more than just money

BY MAJOR DANIELLE STRICKLAND

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/ranplett

I

like that we refer to our relationship with other Salvation Army territories as Partners in Mission.

It’s a lovely idea. The problem is that we often don’t act like great partners. Perhaps because the imbalance is so economically visible and we over-emphasize the financial appeals, we tend to make our partnership all about money.

Now, don’t get me wrong, it is about money. The western world has 90 percent of the world’s financial resources. We spend more money on bubble gum in North America than it would take to purify unclean water in the rest of the world.

So, it’s only fair that we share.

But partnerships are much more than that.

Relationships based solely on money aren’t partnerships, they are transactions.

Real partnerships are based on respect and sharing. This is essential for us to understand because if anyone needs a Partner in Mission, it’s Salvationists in the West.

A few years ago while serving in Australia, I participated in a discussion about what being a good partner meant for the Australia Southern Territory.

To learn more, I went with a team of leaders to Zambia on a mission experience. The idea was that instead of going to Africa as teachers and/or rescuers, we would go as students.

We hoped that if we walked a mile in the shoes of a Zambian Salvationist, then perhaps we could form a relationship that would foster respect and a sharing of resources in both of our territories. It was an incredible experience, but also a very difficult thing to do. For

years the relationship between the developed and developing world has primarily been about money and power, with the “haves” and “have-nots.” It leaves us with money to give and the developing world with money to beg for.

On our first night, we were introduced as great leaders from Australia who had come to teach the Zambian Salvationists. I responded right away that we were deeply privileged and honoured at the humility of our hosts. The truth was that we had come to learn from Zambia. The people were confused. What could you learn from Zambia? was the unspoken question hanging in the air.

So, I told them the truth. I

knew that in Zambia there was a lot of corps growth. They had corps full of people but not enough buildings to hold them in. In fact, they often had to worship outside. In Australia (and other western countries), we had large, expensive buildings with little to no people in them. There was a stir in the crowd as people began to whisper among themselves in shock at the reality of our condition.

I went on. In Zambia there was an orphan crisis when HIV/AIDS became a horrible reality, wiping out a generation of parents. If you visit an average home in Zambia, it would have the family’s own children and many others—orphans who have become part of their home. In Australia (and the

West), there are tens of thousands of orphans that no one will take into their homes. This time there was an audible gasp.

Revelation was hitting us all.

Finally I mentioned that in Zambia every person is part of a community. You care for each other. In the West, there are people who live completely alone, dying because they are so lonely.

The next night our host officer introduced us much more appropriately. “These poor Australian officers have come to learn from Salvationists in Zambia.” And we had. We were able to forge a relationship that was based on respect and shared learning, which was much more valuable than money. We needed to learn about community and social inclusion. We needed to learn how to grow corps with little to no economic resources. We needed to catch the vibrant spiritual climate of our Zambian friends. Yes, we needed to give what we had— our abundant financial resources. But we also needed to let Zambia give what it had—its abundant missional resources.

It’s time for us to become true Partners in Mission. What can you give? What can you receive? Let’s base all of our partnerships on respect, relationship and shared resources so that we can bring God’s Kingdom to earth as it is in Heaven.

Together with her husband, Major Stephen Court, Major Danielle Strickland is the corps officer of Edmonton’s Crossroads Community Church. She has a personal blog at djstricklandremix.blogspot.com.

Salvationist I February 2012 I 29

CROSS CULTURE

The Final Frontier

Battlestar Galactica reminds us that God uses flawed individuals to do his work

BY MICHAEL BOYCE

W

hile it’s not unusual for television to incorporate references to religion and faith (House has at least one House Versus God episode a season; Sheldon Cooper’s fundamentalist Christian mother visits The Big Bang Theory a few times a year), few shows have weaved so obvious a religious subtext into their narrative as the rebooted sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica (BSG) and its various spin-offs. The series not only employed Christian and religious themes and motifs, but explored the very idea of how religion shapes us as individuals and communities.

BSG’s use of religion might not surprise viewers who were familiar with the original series (1978-79). Series creator Glen A. Larson, a devout Mormon, drew heavily on Mormon beliefs and structures when creating this show. Some television critics dismissed the original as moralistic and derivative of Star Wars, and Christian leaders condemned the show as Mormon propaganda. The revised series, under the supervision of executive producer and writer Ronald D. Moore, used Larson’s structure but recontextualized the ideas.

30 I February 2012 I Salvationist

The religion of the humans in the updated BSG is an institutionalized polytheism, borrowing heavily from classic GrecoRoman religion, but containing elements of Christianity, Judaism and Egyptian religions. Humans regularly swear oaths “by the gods” and participate in ceremonies, but only a handful could be considered “faithful.” This is contrasted with the monotheistic God of the enemy Cylons, rebellious robots, originally created by the humans, who evolved into human form.

For Moore, the show isn’t about analogizing a specific set of doctrines, but exploring much broader themes: the influence religion has on people and how it’s used to persuade, influence and justify.

In Moore’s BSG revision, the Colonials, human survivors of the Cylons’ nuclear attack, search the galaxy for Earth, which is believed to be the home of a lost colony, and try to stay ahead of the Cylons who have infiltrated their ranks. Will Adama, the commander of the Galactica ship, uses the legends of Earth to give the survivors something to hope for and convince them to continue on in difficult circumstances.

The president of the Twelve Colonies,

Laura Roslin, has prophetic visions about Earth and is seen to be the prophesied saviour of the Sacred Scrolls, one who will lead her people to salvation on a new world. Roslin’s journey from skeptic to convert has Christian resonance. It is, in fact, a calling.

The idea of calling is developed in a number of BSG characters, such as Adama, a military leader who had been facing retirement before the Cylon attack, and Roslin, who becomes a spiritual leader for her people. But few characters carry the emotional weight of Kara “Starbuck” Thrace, a brash and dynamic pilot. While Roslin’s calling comes within the established religious tradition of the Colonials, Starbuck’s does not, despite similar JudeoChristian undertones. Starbuck is not an obvious choice to be called. She’s crass, insubordinate, violent and sexual—hardly the sort of saviour one would expect, but, nevertheless, the one the Colonials get.

In terms of faith, Starbuck’s role should hardly surprise us. God rarely uses the obvious choice. He has often used flawed individuals to do his work, such as Moses, David, Jonah, Peter and Paul.

Throughout this series on faith and pop culture, I have been guided by a principle best expressed in Kevin Vanhoozer’s Everyday Theology: “Popular culture—more so than the academy or the Church—has become the arena where most people work out their understanding of the true, the beautiful and the good.”

In other words, I have tried to show that there are serious theological conversations taking place in pop culture, whether it be music, books, movies or television. These are conversations that we not only need to be aware of but, given the nature of these conversations, also be active participants in.

Michael Boyce, PhD, is assistant professor and chair of English and film studies at Booth University College in Winnipeg. He is a founding fellow of the Canadian Institute for the Study of Pop Culture and Religion (cispcr.org); his book, The Lasting Influence of the War on Postwar British Film, will be available March 2012.

Financial awards

Financial awards available right out of high school? is your average 70% (3.0 aGPa) or higher? Upon acceptance, you’ll earn between $800 and $2,000 toward your first year’s tuition; no questions asked.

Keep up the hard work – and your marks – and we’ll renew your merit award for a second year.

We’re committed to having Salvationist students on campus.

Salvationist students can come to Booth for as little as $5,800 a year (tuition and board).*

entering the bachelor of business administration or bachelor of arts programs?

Upon acceptance, you can earn between $1,500 and $2,000 toward your first year’s tuition. remain in your program and keep up your marks and we’ll renew your award for a second, third and fourth year.

UniqUe to salvationists any salvationist students with an entering average of 70% (3.0 aGPa) or higher are eligible for an additional $2,000. want more incentive? salvationist students receive $1,000 annually toward their room and board costs. don’t miss the early application for admission deadline:

31 march 2012

Full details and conditions at www.boothUc.ca/Financial-awards/sa

Laura Milette (left) and Laura Burke (right), Salvationist students studying at Booth.

Education for a better world.

For their first 2 years.

*

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