Salvationist - August 2013

Phil Laeger Returns to the Heart of Worship

Activist Shane Claiborne on Disarming Terrorism

Proclaimers of the Resurrection Commissioned

Salvationist The Voice of the Army

Why Young People Leave the Church

And how to encourage them to stay 1 I April 2012 I Salvationist

August 2013

2 I August 2013 I Salvationist

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August 2013 No. 87 www.salvationist.ca E-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org

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Departments 3 4 Editorial

The Kids Are All Right

by Geoff Moulton

5 Around the Territory 11 Mission Matters

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25 Celebrate Community

4 Enrolments and recognition, tributes, gazette, calendar

29 Spiritual Disciplines Servant of All

by Captain Mark Braye Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

30 The Storyteller

Features 8 Homeward Bound Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

Can’t go to camp? No problem! The Salvation Army will bring camp to you by Kristin Fryer

12 Proclaiming the Resurrection

Twenty-three officers ordained and commissioned in Toronto

by Pamela Richardson and Melissa Yue Wallace

Sustainable Leadership Lost and Found PRODUCT FOREST

by Commissioner Brian PeddleLABELINGbyGUIDE Major Fred AshSTEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Sincerely His Singer-songwriter Phil Laeger returns to the heart of worship

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24 Cross Culture

31 Ties That Bind

Kid-Friendly Church

by Major Kathie Chiu

17 Army Publications Win 16 Awards

Magazines and website recognized by Canadian Church Press

18 Disarming Terrorism

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As Christians consider how to respond to attacks, Shane Claiborne says that grace can dull the sharpest sword

20 Spiritual Spectators

Booth University College students share why young people are leaving the church—and what can be done by Kristin Fryer

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Inside Faith & Friends Finding Her True North

Actress Janine Turner was a blackout drinker until she took the hand of God

After the Boston Bombing As Shelly Wyrick waited for word from her family, one friend didn’t hesitate

Back From the Brink

Just when he’d lost hope, Danny Crowle found a future at The Salvation Army

Digging for Hope

A garden in Cambridge, Ont., is more than a patch of land to James Coombes

Share Your Faith When you finish reading Faith & Friends, FAITH & pull it out and give it to someone who needs to NORTHERN hear about EXPOSURE Christ’s life+ELYSIUM changing  power

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August 2013

faithandfriends.ca

Inspiration for Living

DIGGING FOR DIGNITY

Actress and radio host Janine Turner reveals how she overcame a troubled past

SURVIVING THE BOSTON BOMBINGS

Is Matt Damon Humanity’s Last Hope?

Salvationist.ca High Council Updates

For the latest news and information on what’s happening with the High Council convening in London, England, visit salvationist.ca/ tag/high-council

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World Watch

Keep up to date on what the Army is doing internationally.

Visit salvationist.ca/ worldwatch

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EDITORIAL

The Kids Are All Right

D

addy, Jesus helped his dad build the world. That’s in the Book, right?” It’s bedtime on Sunday and my six-year-old son, James, is lying in bed, full of questions. “If Jesus is God’s Son, how can they be the same person?

If God loves everyone, why don’t bad guys go to heaven? What if God blinks and somebody does bad stuff really fast?

Does God know what I’m thinking, even when I’m not thinking?”

This is James’ weekly post-Sunday school debrief. It amazes me how much he absorbs at church. It is also interesting how few concrete answers I can come up with. James’ questions are straightforward, but the answers are remarkably complex. My theological training isn’t much help to a young, active imagination.

Do we sometimes feel as though we’ve got God figured out?

It makes me wonder if we adults are sometimes too quick with an answer to every problem. Do we sometimes feel as though we’ve got God and the Bible figured out? Are we afraid that other people’s questions might expose the cracks in our own faith? Perhaps a healthy dose of self-doubt isn’t all bad.

The best way to nurture faith in young people is to give them a solid biblical grounding and then encourage them to think for themselves. This approach to education is the hallmark of Booth University College. President Dr. Donald Burke notes, “We want to help our students to think deeply in a world that reduces complex issues to trite slogans; to believe intensely in a world that longs for something in which to believe; to become agents of hope in a world too often filled with despair.”

For this issue of Salvationist, associate editor Kristin Fryer visited Booth University College and interviewed students to find out why some stayed in the church, why others left and what eventually brought them back (see page 20). There’s nothing 4 I August 2013 I Salvationist

superficial about their observations.

These are voices that we need to hear.

As one student laments, “There is no room [in the church] to engage with difficult questions. Anti-intellectualism cripples young people who are trying to understand their world and their faith, and they see the faith being offered to them as small.”

Retaining young people is one of the church’s toughest challenges. There is no “magic bullet,” but as Major Keith Pike notes, the key lies in building relationships through programs such as Salvation Army day camps (see page 8).

To do that, we must keep an open mind and treat young people like the adults we want them to become.

Like Major Kathie Chiu, I have discovered how exciting it is to hear young people’s views and opinions about church, worship and Christian living (see page 31). Faith is both simple and complex. It’s something that young people know intuitively. I hope my son never stops asking questions about God. And I have to trust that, with the help of the body of Christ, he’ll find the answers he’s seeking.

GEOFF MOULTON

Editor-in-Chief

Salvationist

is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Commissioner Brian Peddle Territorial Commander Lt-Colonel Jim Champ Secretary for Communications Geoff Moulton Editor-in-Chief Melissa Yue Wallace Features Editor (416-467-3185) Pamela Richardson News Editor, Production Co-ordinator, Copy Editor (416-422-6112) Kristin Fryer Associate Editor and Staff Writer Timothy Cheng Art Director Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator Ken Ramstead Contributor Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769.

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

All rights reserved worldwide. All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only with written permission.

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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

Booth University College Hosts Conference MORE THAN 100 people took part in the Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC) annual conference, seminary conference and Native Peoples and Christian higher education symposium that were hosted at Winnipeg’s Booth University College (BUC) in May. “This conference provided opportunities for representatives from our institutions to discuss key strategic issues as Christian post-secondary educational institutions chart their future,” says Dr. Donald Burke, BUC president and CHEC board member.

Highlights from the week’s events included discussion of an innovative church-based master of divinity program for seminaries, the launching of a national database on Christian higher education, approval of a comprehensive student satisfaction study and the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS) and Providence University College to jointly offer a new undergraduate program.

Cpt Shari Russell, CO, Sudbury CC, Ont., and NAIITS board member, and Terry LeBlanc, chair of NAIITS, sign the memorandum of understanding between NAIITS and Providence University College for a new undergraduate program

General Linda Bond Retires GENERAL LINDA BOND has entered retirement, as of June 13, 2013.

Following a period of personal reflection and prayer, General Bond decided that she should relinquish the Office of the General. The General’s decision to step down comes after 44 years of ministry.

As is required by The Salvation Army’s constitution, contained in the Salvation Army Act 1980, the chief of the staff will perform the functions of the General pending the election of a new General.

General Bond entered the training college in Canada as a cadet in 1967. After she was commissioned as an officer two years later, she spent many years in corps appointments, as well as appointments at the territory’s training colleges and Maritime divisional headquarters.

In 1995, she was appointed to International Headquarters in London as under secretary for personnel. She remained in the United Kingdom, transferring to the United Kingdom Territory as divisional commander, Central North Division, in 1998. A return to Canada came just over a year later, when she was appointed as chief secretary, Canada and Bermuda Territory.

In 2002, she was appointed to the U.S.A. Western Territory, where she served as territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries. She returned to International Headquarters in 2005, as secretary for spiritual life development and international external relations.

In 2008, she became territorial commander of the Australia Eastern Territory. She was elected to The Salvation Army’s most senior office in January 2011.

“We pray God’s blessing upon General Linda Bond as she enters retirement,” says Commissioner André Cox, Chief of the Staff.

African Concert Inspires Winnipeg Salvationists WHEN MANY PEOPLE think of Africa, images of poverty, sickness and suffering are among the first to come to mind.

But as a group of Africans in Winnipeg showed recently, Africa is much more than that.

The group held a concert at Heritage Park Temple to showcase their distinctive music and dance and raise money for a Salvation Army project in Kenya. They wanted to inspire others to see Africa as a continent filled with people with amazing potential who are working to bring positive change to their area of the world.

The sanctuary was packed for the African Experience concert, a night of enthusiastic singing, dancing, worship and celebration. During the event, well-known African melodies such as Kumbaya, Swing Low and Steal Away were presented, along with a variety of tribal language songs. Special guest Bola, an African storyteller residing in Winnipeg, entertained attendees with a humorous folk story about a dishonest wife

and a talking goat, which she interspersed with singing in her native language.

In total, the concert raised $1,395 for the Kenya project.

Heritage Park Temple hosts the African Experience concert Salvationist I August 2013 I 5

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Nova Scotia Youth Serve in Jamaica NINE YOUNG PEOPLE from Yarmouth Community Church, N.S., had lifechanging experiences this spring on a mission trip to Kingston, Jamaica.

The idea for the trip originally came from the youth themselves, who expressed a desire to do overseas mission work after a divisional youth retreat in 2012.

“The main objectives of the mission trip were to develop our youth’s commitment to and faith in God and to test them in a place where they would be outside their normal comfort zones, where they would need to trust God to meet their

Neil Levy-Pye spends time with a child at The Nest orphanage

every need,” says Major Janice Rowe, corps officer.

The youth and their two leaders had a busy week in Kingston. In the mornings, they worked with the Raetown Corps preschool, which is located in one of the most difficult areas of Kingston.

Captains Victor and Youth from Yarmouth CC visit the Raetown Basic School in Kingston, Jamaica Maritana Volant, corps officers, showed the group the “It was a fantastic week of new experichallenges of their ministry and how ences that gave all of the team much to they could be a blessing to the people question about their own values and in the area in the future. priorities in life,” says Major Rowe.

In the afternoons, the group helped “This trip has changed the way I think with an after-school program for chilof people in poorer countries,” says pardren aged six to 16 at Kingston Central ticipant Akiho Hara. “We are physically Corps, where they witnessed some of wealthy yet spiritually poor. The people the problems and dangers associated I met in Jamaica taught me how many with living in the middle of a city where blessings God has given me.” crime is rampant.

“This experience in Jamaica was life They also spent time at The Salvation changing,” adds participant Mitchell Army’s School for the Blind, The Nest Caissie. “God really opened my eyes to orphanage and a seniors’ home for retired the reality of full-time missions work officers, and took part in two Sunday seroverseas, and I would like to move forvices and a holiness meeting on Thursday. ward with this calling on my life.”

Gladstone Gives Its Two Cents “I’M TOTALLY OVERWHELMED by the generosity of our friends,” says Captain Ginny Kristensen, corps officer, Ottawa’s Gladstone Community Church. “Over a six-week period, they raised $2,130.30 for Partners in Mission.”

Gladstone Community Church serves vulnerable people in the community of Centretown, many of whom are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Captain Kristensen initially asked friends of the church to help raise $500 dollars for Partners in Mission.

“They started bringing in pennies they had or found. Some gave their last few cents each time they came in. It’s amazing how quickly it adds up,” she says. “One fellow brought in 200 pennies and he was apologetic that he couldn’t bring in more because he had to buy food.”

Captain Kristensen says the campaign started a chain reaction, noting that an eight-year-old girl who heard about the fundraiser also donated her pennies, totaling $13.75.

At the beginning of the final week of the campaign, Captain Kristensen reported to the group that just over $1,500 had been raised. “They enthusiastically replied, ‘All right! Let’s go for $2,000!’ ” smiles Captain Kristensen.

“It’s been really good for the folks who come to the church 6 I August 2013 I Salvationist

Cpt Ginny Kristensen celebrates the fundraising efforts of her corps

to realize that there are people who have less than they do, and that they can actually help out and make a difference,” she says. “It’s like the story of the widow’s mite from the Bible. I know the Lord is going to bless it because, like the poor widow who gave her last two pennies, many of them have given their last two pennies.”

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Bonavista Corps Marks 127 Years YOUTH IN NEED: THE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

2013

Army Youth Programs See Increase A NEW REPORT from The Salvation Army reveals that despite a rebounding economy, many Canadian families and young people are still struggling to make ends meet. Youth in Need: The Economic Challenges shows that since the recession began in 2008, 66 percent of Salvation Army youth programs in Canada have seen an increase in demand for low-fee or free extracurricular programs and meals during difficult times. The report also found that one-third of Army youth programs were full or at capacity.

“Children were affected just as much as adults during the recession. Jobs were lost and people struggled with their finances. This changed what activities they could afford and affected their ability to feed their families,” says Major Keith Pike, territorial youth secretary. “We have seen families look to cut costs by visiting our services. By providing a sense of dignity and a safe space where kids can be kids, positive choices are made that often keep those kids out of harm’s way.”

At the same time, the Army saw increases in support to meet the recession’s challenges. Generous support from donors and volunteers has allowed 53 percent of Salvation Army youth facilities to expand services and meet the growing needs head on. Thirty-six percent of Salvation Army youth services have seen an increase in donations since 2008, and 47 percent of programs saw volunteerism rates increase in the last year. However, 30 percent of programs have been cut back or discontinued since 2008, mainly due to a lack of resources (financial or volunteers).

BONAVISTA CORPS, N.L., commemoryears of faithful ministry and service ated its 127th anniversary with a weekend to the Bonavista Corps and area,” says of events in March, led by special guests Captain Rose Canning, corps officer. “We Majors Chris and Claudette Pilgrim, look forward to the future, believing for corps officers, Trinity Bay South Corps, greater things from the hand of God.” Dildo, N.L. The celebrations began with a praise and worship service on Saturday evening, followed by fellowship and the cutting of the anniversary cake. Praise and worship continued at the holiness and salvation meetings on Sunday.

“It was a wonderful weekend of worship and celebration as we praised and From left, Mjrs Chris and Claudette Pilgrim; Hunter Gibbs; Ollie Way; thanked God for 127 Cpts Rose and Edward Canning, COs

Hope in the Midst of Disaster “I NEVER THOUGHT I would need The Salvation Army,” says Dr. Frank Stechey.

“I was wrong.”

Stechey was the first foreign, and only Canadian, dentist deployed to New York City following the September 11 attacks in 2001, and he was the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army’s London Advisory Board annual luncheon in London, Ont., in May. His task as part of the dental identification team was gruesome and taxing. It was during this time that Stechey found hope at The Salvation Army.

Speaking on the theme of Giving Hope in the Midst of Disaster, he shared details about how he initially met the Army at “Sal’s Café,” as they affectionately nicknamed the canteen, and later through

simple acts like a bottle of water in the pit, which he referred to as “liquid gold.”

“That’s what the Army did for us,” he said. “I couldn’t have made it without them.”

The luncheon, which focused on The Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS), also featured a video on EDS in the Ontario Great Lakes Division and served as an opportunity to show appreciation to local first responders.

Brad Duncan, London police chief, and Neal Roberts, Middlesex-London EMS chief, accepted certificates of appreciation from Lt-Colonel Lee Graves, then divisional commander, and Perron Goodyear, divisional director of emergency and disaster services.

“The Salvation Army counts it an honour and a privilege to stand shoulder to shoulder with our first responders and to support them during an emergency or disaster situation,” says Goodyear.

Perron Goodyear and Lt-Col Lee Graves present certificates to Brad Duncan and Neal Roberts Salvationist I August 2013 I 7

Homeward Bound

Can’t go to camp? No problem! The Salvation Army will bring camp to you

BY KRISTIN FRYER, STAFF WRITER

Kids Games in Chilliwack, B.C., combines Bible teaching with a variety of sports activities

E

very summer, thousands of children from across Canada visit Salvation Army camps, where they enjoy a week of fresh air and fun, and many encounter the gospel for the first time. But going off to camp isn’t 8 I August 2013 I Salvationist

an option for every child. Recognizing an unmet need, The Salvation Army now offers camp at home programs for young people in many communities, bringing the classic camping experience to kids who otherwise wouldn’t be able to go.

This article profiles three camp at home programs across the territory through the eyes of a parent, a camp staff member and a corps officer.

Sports and Spirituality “Once summer is approaching, they’re asking me, ‘When is Kids Games starting? When is Kids Games starting?’ ” smiles Tina Ortutay, mother of Daniel, nine, and Matthew, seven, in Chilliwack, B.C. This month, Daniel and Matthew will attend their third Kids Games, a popular camp at home program at Chilliwack Community Church, which is open to children in Grades 1 to 6. Last year, the boys were two of 100 children who participated in the program, which grows by about 10-15 children each year. Most of the children who attend are from the community rather than the corps, and many are from low-income families.

More than 60 percent do not have a church home.

Kids Games combines Bible teaching with a variety of sports activities, such as soccer, karate, lacrosse and tennis.

With this focus, the week-long program provides an opportunity for the church to reach out to the community while also promoting children’s health.

And unlike other day camps, Kids Games isn’t actually held during the day. The program happens in the evenings to allow people who have daytime commitments to be involved.

“It opens up so many doors for people who wouldn’t normally be able to come and hang out with kids,” says Chrisandra Nagel, summer camps co-ordinator.

With this flexibility, Kids Games has a volunteer base of 50 people, including sports coaches from the community who usually wouldn’t be involved with any kind of church activity.

The combination of sports and spirituality has been perfect for Ortutay’s children.

“They enjoy all the different activities, and last year, they made their first real connection with the Bible,” Ortutay says. “We’ve always had Bibles in our house and I’ve read Bible stories to them, but now they’ve connected the Bible to real life.”

Ortutay credits the unique format of the Bible teaching at Kids Games for this transformation. The teaching portion of the program begins with videos created by volunteers from the church. These videos feature stories and heroes from

the Bible, following a particular theme.

This year, Kids Games has taken on a “mission impossible” theme, and so the Bible stories they’ve recorded will be done in the style of a secret agent story.

“The children get to see a ‘real life’ version of the story,” Ortutay says. “For my boys, it’s: ‘I’ve seen the movie, I’ve read the story—now it’s making sense to me.’ ” After the video, the children go to various stations around the church where they play games, learn a key verse for the day, enjoy a healthy snack, learn to pray and spend time in small group discussion. In keeping with the mission impossible theme, this year the church sanctuary will be transformed into secret agency headquarters and the children will have “missions” and “secret codes.”

After her family’s first year with the Kids Games program, Ortutay was so impressed that she and her husband, Mike, decided to become volunteers, teaching the children lacrosse.

“I love the way the program connects sports—which is something most kids can relate to—with the Bible stories,” Ortutay says. “Whether they’ve never stepped into a church before or go every Sunday, every child can be comfortable, have fun and get some exercise.

“Introducing children to God and seeing them make the connection—it’s amazing to watch and I love being part

of that,” she adds.

The Ortutay family also participates in Kids Games Live, a weekly version of the summer program that runs from September to April. The purpose of this program is to maintain the relationships established in the summer and help the children grow in their faith. In addition to sports and lessons, the program includes a free meal for the whole family. Approximately 80 children are registered for Kids Games Live and 50 attend each week.

“The children are excited to be here—they remember what we taught them last week and they ask questions,” says Nagel. “Our goal is to help kids follow Jesus. That goal takes many different forms and has different components, but at the end of the day, we just want them to know the love of God.” Planting Seeds of Love Sarah Burford is a Salvation Army camp veteran. Growing up in Chatham, Ont., she attended the Army’s National Music Camp at Jackson’s Point, Ont., for 10 summers, and last year joined the Camp at Home team in the Ontario Great Lakes Division.

“Going to camp was the highlight of my year,” she says. “I don’t think I’d be as close to God as I am now if it hadn’t been for the camps I went to. And so when I joined Camp at Home last year,

Tina Ortutay and her husband, Mike (centre), teach lacrosse at Kids Games in Chilliwack, B.C.

“I feel closest to God when I am helping others,” says Camp at Home staff member Sarah Burford, here with a child in London, Ont.

I thought, ‘It’s my turn to help the kids who are going through the things I used to go through.’ ” Each summer, the Ontario Great Lakes Division sends out two teams of five young adults to seven corps each, where they conduct a week-long vacation Bible school program. The program features Bible teaching in the morning and fun activities in the afternoon which, depending on the community, may involve field trips to local attractions and various games and sports.

Many of the corps market the program through their community and family services offices and offer the program for free or at a minimal cost so that children who otherwise would not be able to afford camp can come.

Over the course of a summer, the two teams reach approximately 500 children, many of whom are non-churched.

The opportunity for hands-on ministry is central to Burford’s desire to be a part of the Camp at Home team.

“It reaches out into a community of people who may never have heard about Jesus, and invites them into the family of God,” she says.

Burford remembers meeting an eightyear-old boy last summer at the vacation Bible school in Wiarton, Ont., who followed her around and always wanted a hug. Toward the end of the week, he told her that he had wanted to commit suicide.

“That really shocked me,” she says.

“It made me realize even more that it’s so crucial to share the love of Jesus.”

Burford’s team met another boy in London, Ont., who at the beginning of the week was very disruptive and Salvationist I August 2013 I 9

disrespectful. “But by Wednesday, it was like he was a different boy,” she recalls, “and on the last day he was heartbroken that we had to go and he was crying. So we made him a scrapbook with pictures of us so he could remember us.

“We plant the seeds and we leave with a prayer that the church takes over and that God continues his work,” she adds.

Burford joined the team hoping to have an impact on the children, but it soon became clear that the program would change her, too.

“I was challenged,” she says. “I was there to help them, but they helped me as well. I was a comfortable Christian before last summer and now I’m not afraid as much to go outside my comfort zone.”

Captain Terence Hale, divisional youth secretary, Ontario Great Lakes Division, says that this is one of the goals of Camp at Home.

“We are doing leadership development,” he says. “We have had young people join the team who were not really involved in their corps, and are now actively involved in ministry and growing in their relationship with God, because of their time with Camp at Home.”

“Camp at Home made me realize that I have a happiness and joy in my life that comes from knowing God and helping other people,” Burford says. “I feel closest to God when I am helping others, which is why I wanted to join the team again this summer. When I look at the kids from Camp at Home, I see a little bit of Jesus in every one of them.”

Mission to Maritimes Before the summer mission team visited

Sussex Community Church, N.B., in 2011, the corps did not have a Sunday school or much programming for children and youth. But thanks to the team’s work that year and the following summer, the corps now has an established, growing program.

“Hosting a vacation Bible school with the summer mission team helped us make connections with parents and children,” says Major Judy Folkins, corps officer. “We were able to follow up and get a Sunday school started, and then continue to minister to these children and families.”

Major Folkins says the program has also had a positive impact on the teenagers who were already part of the corps. They were called upon to volunteer and assist the summer mission team with the vacation Bible school, and now those teenagers are Sunday school helpers.

The Maritime Division summer mission team is comprised of four to six staff members from the Army’s Scotian Glen Camp, who visit three corps in the division during the month of August. Each vacation Bible school program reaches 25-30 children aged seven to 12.

But the impact of the program goes beyond the children who attend.

“On the last day of our vacation Bible school, we have a closing program where the children share what they’ve learned that week,” Major Folkins explains. “It’s amazing—seeing all these children standing up there, quoting Scripture verses, telling a story, being part of a drama or singing. And the look on the parents’ faces—a lot of these parents went to Sunday school, too, and it brings them back.”

Camp at Home staff member Colleen Wright visits with children in London, Ont. 10 I August 2013 I Salvationist

As well as running a week-long vacation Bible school, the summer mission team does a variety of outreach activities in the communities they visit, such as picnics in the park, open-air meetings and teen nights.

“By going beyond the vacation Bible school component, we expand the range of people and family members that the team is able to connect with,” explains Major Wanda Vincent, former divisional youth secretary, Maritime Division.

In Sussex last year, the team, together with youth from the corps, visited nursing homes, went bowling with seniors, made gift baskets and delivered them to shut-ins.

“As well as an outreach into the community, it’s training for our young people and fellowship,” says Major Folkins.

“The summer mission team brings an air of excitement into our corps, and it encourages our young people to reach out further than they would on their own. The team gives them an example of something to strive for—now our youth are talking about going to camp to be leaders themselves.”

The summer mission team will not be visiting Sussex this summer, but because of their assistance in the past two summers, the corps now has the resources to run a vacation Bible school on its own, drawing on a volunteer base of 20 people.

“Our corps really comes together,” Major Folkins says. “We have those who cook, clean and help with crafts—it has been a really good way for the corps to connect and bond.”

Major Folkins hopes the summer mission team will be back next summer, to further the positive impact they’ve had on the corps and the community.

Members of the summer mission team, with Major Judy Folkins, CO, Sussex CC, prepare gift baskets for shut-ins in Sussex, N.B.

MISSION MATTERS

Sustainable Leadership Does God have a church for his mission?

Photo: Timothy Cheng

BY COMMISSIONER BRIAN PEDDLE

Proclaimers of the Resurrection are commissioned in Toronto

G

o ahead, admit it! Before reading this column you already flipped ahead to the commissioning report on pages 12-14, welcoming the Proclaimers of the Resurrection and graduates of our auxiliary-captains program into the territory.

While participating in the ordination ceremonies, I was also eagerly waiting to greet our new officers. I wanted to wave a banner amid the faces of skeptics and say, “God continues to bless the Army!” He does, but I’m also cautious.

Projections show that the Army’s status quo is unsustainable. By 2023, many of our lay leaders will have retired and there will be far fewer officers to carry out God’s mission.

My hope in sharing this information is that readers will acknowledge the challenge and find the courage to say, “What can I do to help?” Though it is not my responsibility to future-proof the Army, sustainable leadership must be the legacy of present-day leaders, so I suggest the following responses: 1) Encourage personnel and value their accomplishments in a changing

leadership landscape. More than 800 officers and 11,000 employees daily represent the Army’s ministry and mission. Scan your surroundings and you will likely see a number of people new to Canada and to the Army responding to a call to serve. Lieutenant Peck Ee Wong, Lieutenant Thomas Yoo and Aux-Captain Fabio Correa are just a few examples of this much-needed and welcome change to the Army’s leadership profile. The landscape of leadership is also aging. Officers are extending work beyond age 65 and retired officers are continuing their covenanted service.

Salvationists such as Glenda and Oren Cole and Rex Thompson are leading corps after many years of faithful soldiership. We also thank God that others are returning after many years of absence from ministry.

2) Raise the level of engagement for those committed to fulfilling God’s will.

I recently commissioned Aux-Captain Ronald Farr as a captain. He and his wife serve at the Warehouse Mission in Toronto and if you took a close look at their ministry, you’d simply say, “Wow!”

Another example would be newly commissioned Lieutenants Darryl and Kimberley Burry, who, while raising four children and leading Comox Valley Community Church in Courtenay, B.C., have prepared themselves for officership through field-based tailored training.

Finally, second-year cadets Randy and Cathy Shears are embracing ministry later in life and are demonstrating that obedient faith is not based on a set of life’s circumstances.

I have a vision of sharing ministry together without compromising the officer’s covenanted role. We do this as we keep our College for Officer Training at the centre of preparation requirements for leadership. Perhaps you may picture yourself in the examples noted above or you may need to create your own story.

This is only a sampling of what unfolds when we say “yes” to God. Across Canada and Bermuda, the Army is an evangelical expression of God’s church. We’re also a denomination with an acute social conscience. Every 20 seconds, someone opens the door to a Salvation Army building hoping for help and dignity. I feel confident that, as the Army leans on the sufficiency of God’s grace and the capacity of its people, it will serve well and be a transforming influence in its communities. Part of being fit for purpose includes the availability of God’s people to serve.

In his book, The Mission of God’s People, Christopher J.H. Wright asks a question worthy of our consideration: “The issue is not, ‘Is there a mission?’ but rather, ‘Does God have a church for his mission?’ ” We are called to move into a needy world and unashamedly share the transforming gospel. We can lead from a position of strength, challenging the status quo and believing in God’s plan for the Army.

I love the Apostle Paul’s expression in 2 Corinthians 2:14: “Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere” (ESV). Some say that we are losing the battle, but Christ knows how the story ends—not a march to the death, but a triumphant procession.

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

Salvationist I August 2013 I 11

Proclaiming the Resurrection Twenty-three officers ordained and commissioned in Toronto

Photos: Timothy Cheng

BY PAMELA RICHARDSON, NEWS EDITOR, AND MELISSA YUE WALLACE, FEATURES EDITOR

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his is the most diverse group of officers ever commissioned in the Canada and Bermuda Territory!” exclaimed Commissioner Brian Peddle, territorial commander, to the hundreds at Toronto’s Canada Christian College. They had gathered to witness the ordination and commissioning of 23 new officers from the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session and graduates of the auxiliary-captains’ program. “God has placed his hand on a variety of people, but there is a common denominator. They are living out an obedient faith to the Lord Jesus Christ.”

12 I August 2013 I Salvationist

Commissioner Brian Peddle challenges the 23 new officers

The new officers included 14 cadets from the residential program at Winnipeg’s College for Officer Training (CFOT), four cadets from field-based training in British Columbia and Ontario, and five auxiliary-captains who have completed the criteria for officer training. Speaking five languages and hailing from homelands as far away as Singapore and Colombia, they reflect the changing landscape of Army leadership and ministry in the territory.

The Saturday evening event was part of a three-day celebration that began on Friday with officers’ councils and an

evening celebration and praise concert at Canada Christian College, featuring the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) and Chicago’s Bill Booth Theater Company.

Sunday morning’s worship service at Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel included the installation of Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries.

Ordination and Commissioning As the Bill Booth Theater Company sang All That I Am, the cadets and auxiliarycaptains made their way to the platform. In his presentation of the cadets,

Cdt Indira Albert shares her testimony

specifically for them and offered a prayer of dedication for the group.

The new officers left the auditorium and returned a few moments later bearing the distinctive red trim of commissioned Salvation Army officers amidst cheers and handclapping as the CSB played Montreal Citadel.

Lieutenant Justin Gleadall spoke on behalf of his session, saying, “We now step out from under the umbrella of CFOT to proclaim the Resurrection across this country.”

In his challenge to the new officers, the territorial commander assured them that the territory is upholding them in prayer and reminded them that they are not alone in their calling. “You have become a part of a worldwide covenanted officer family,” he said.

In response to an invitation from Commissioner Brian Peddle, men and

The Bill Booth Theater Company

women made their way to the platform to offer themselves for full-time service as Salvation Army officers.

Celebration and Praise Friday night’s celebration and praise concert included several dramatic presentations and interactive dance by the Bill Booth Theater Company that tied in with the evening’s theme to Proclaim His Glory Across the Nations.

Photo: Pamela Richardson

Major Jamie Braund, CFOT principal, explained the changing face of training and expressed that the new officers are gifted individuals who are ready to serve the territory.

A recitation of the Officer’s Covenant was presented by Cadet David Hickman, Cadet Peck Ee Wong and Aux-Captain Ronald Farr, all of whom were soon to be commissioned. The Scripture reading was delivered in six languages, further emphasizing the diversity of the Army’s ministry today.

“God has called and gifted you for sacred service,” said Commissioner Brian Peddle as he commissioned each of the new officers following a moment of silent prayer.

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, territorial president of women’s ministries, addressed each new officer with a portion of Scripture that had been chosen

Photo: Melissa Yue Wallace

From left, Commissioners Rosalie and Brian Peddle, Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley, General and Mrs. Bramwell and Maude Tillsley (Rtd), and Lt-Col Junior Hynes, secretary for program services, share in the installation of the new chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries

The Canadian Staff Band performs at the Saturday service

From left, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle; Elaine and Lloyd Blyth, parents of Lt Laurie Sauder; Lt Sauder; Commissioner Brian Peddle at the Silver Star dinner Salvationist I August 2013 I 13

Cdts Anne and Randy Holden kneel in prayer

The CSB enthusiastically led attendees into worship with significant choruses such as Heart to God, We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations and They Shall Come from the East, and the CFOT worship team led Glorious Day. Cadets also contributed throughout the evening, beginning with worship led by Cadet Shawna Goulding, a prayer

by Cadet Dae-Gun Kim and Scripture reading by Cadet Ricaurte Velasquez.

“Couched in all that you have heard tonight is a reminder that we need to welcome people into the kingdom of God,” said Commissioner Brian Peddle.

He prayed that Salvationists across the territory would carry the life-giving, life-saving gospel message to everyone in their sphere of influence.

Worship and Installation On Sunday, the Scarborough Citadel

Cdt Peck Ee Wong, Cdt David Hickman and Aux-Cpt Ronald Farr present the Officer’s Covenant

Band presented the march Deeds of Valour as the Disciples of the Cross Session entered the auditorium behind their sessional flag, carried by Cadet Devin Reid.

Cadet Mark Young prayed God’s blessing on the service before Cadet Indira Albert shared her testimony.

Speaking alternately in French and English, she said her call to officership had been confirmed during her time at CFOT and drew attention to the diversity found in the Army today. “We are many nations but we serve one Lord,” she said.

Following a time of praise by the CFOT worship team, Commissioner Brian Peddle invited Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley to step forward to be installed as the newest members of the territory’s leadership team.

Supported by his parents, General

Lts Vilma Ramos and Ricaurte Velasquez salute Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle 14 I August 2013 I Salvationist

Lt Thomas Yoo is greeted by Commissioner Brian Peddle

and Mrs. Bramwell and Maude Tillsley (Rtd), Colonels Tillsley pledged to uphold the Bible, the Army flag and all it stands for, to make the mercy seat the focus of their ministry and to accept spiritual responsibility for Salvationists.

Before Colonel Mark Tillsley shared from God’s Word, Colonel Sharon Tillsley read the Scripture and greeted the congregation. In his sermon, Colonel Mark Tillsley emphasized the significance of sanctification in a believer’s life. He encouraged everyone to ask for a baptism of love from God to better minister to those in need.

Many knelt in response to the chief secretary’s encouragement to rededicate their lives to Jesus Christ.

At the Silver Star dinner later that day, each of the new officers honoured people who had made a positive impact on their lives. In her devotional, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle thanked all of the family members and mentors who had helped to prepare the new officers for service in The Salvation Army.

Sincerely His Singer-songwriter Phil Laeger returns to the heart of worship

second album, I realized that, at some point, my motives were in the wrong place. Even though I was happy with the songs and production, it wasn’t for the Lord. It was me trying to get signed to a label and sacrificing principles to achieve personal goals. Return symbolizes finding my way home and the relationship with God our Father. It’s more important than any kind of accomplishment we try to achieve.

Is it a challenge for Christian artists to constantly ensure they have the right motives?

It is for me. The artist friends I have and the ones I’ve looked up to through the years have, at some point, struggled with gaining recognition and the desire for their songs to be heard while making sure they are always subservient to God, too. But at the end of the day, the only audience that matters is the one who will be there when our time is over. The only recognition that matters is from God.

Photo: Rachel Hansen

How did you become a Christian?

I don’t remember the exact day I said the sinner’s prayer, but at five years old I was writing poetry for Jesus. I still have some poems that my mom recently gave back to me that I had written on paper.

Then in high school, I got mixed up in the wrong crowd, rebelled and wandered away. My life wasn’t really going anywhere. I hit rock-bottom in January 1996. I felt empty and directionless. So I made the decision, as plain as that sounds, and said, “OK, God, I’m gonna give you a chance,” and started reading the Bible again. All the words my parents taught me when I was a kid flooded back over me and I started experiencing the joy of the Lord again. Since then, I’ve been making music and following Jesus.

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Phil Laeger is on tour promoting his new album, Return

is rendition of Army hymns such as Send the Fire, Take Time to be Holy and I’m in His Hands are sung in congregations around the world, but singersongwriter Phil Laeger will tell you that keeping his principles in check hasn’t always been easy. While promoting his third solo album, Return, on a North

American tour, Laeger speaks with features editor Melissa Yue Wallace about his Army background, challenges in the Christian music industry and how a threeyear-old stirred his heart for worship.

Why did you choose Return as the title for your new album?

Halfway through the recording of my

What are the messages you want to get across through the songs on this album?

That God loves you, as simple as that sounds. The album is about your identity.

So many people struggle for so long to find who they are. I used to listen to a Christian rock band called Petra. In their song Godpleaser, the lyrics are: “So many voices telling me which way to go/ So many choices come from those who think they know….” Who we are shapes what we do. This album is about realizing our primary identity as children of God and loving him because he first loved us.

Salvationist I August 2013 I 15

You’ve been singing at several Salvation Army corps on this tour.

What is your connection to the Army?

My parents are officers [Majors David and Anna Laeger] so I grew up in The Salvation Army and worked as a worship consultant/specialist in the United States and Australia. Most recently, I was the Australia Eastern territorial worship development and resource consultant, networking songwriters and creating new resources for congregational worship in the Army. My family and I are active soldiers at the Northlakes Corps in Newcastle, which is on the east coast of Australia, two hours north of Sydney.

You’re known for your new arrangements of traditional Army hymns.

How did that come about?

It started in 1996 when I was staying at the Boston Jubilee House in Dorchester, Massachusetts, where Majors William and Susan Dunigan were the corps officers. Major William Dunigan was trying to create a new version of Send the Fire so I had a look at it and it became the first song I approached from the Army song book. I was asked a few more times to do it and in 2004, Lt-Colonel Eddie Hobgood asked me to lead worship for the territorial youth institute in Oklahoma. He wanted me to look at old songs, so we pulled them out and arranged new compositions. We were not expecting the response we had. God used that in a powerful way at the territorial youth institute so we went into

the studio to record it and that started a whole journey, revamping these songs and doing some original music as well.

How do you come up with lyrics for your original songs?

Usually what happens for me is one of two things. Either I will get a seed of thought for a song coupled with a melody out of nowhere or, since I’m an introspective person, I’ll come up with one line and develop from there. The trick is to come up with good lines that stick to your original thought rather than meandering all over the place. It’s a bit of an art and craft.

What is your all-time favourite worship song?

That’s a tough one; there are so many good ones. My favourite is And Can It Be

by Charles Wesley—all the verses from that hymn and its wonderful imagery. I love going back to experience the richness of older hymns. Of late, one of my favourite worship songs is by my friend, Aaron Shust, called My Hope Is in You. What can a good worship song do for the listener?

I’ve been leading worship for 15 years and I think music has the ability to suspend reality for a second. It has the ability to make people stop. Music done well lets people appreciate beauty and connect on an emotional level that words alone cannot do. When you couple music with God’s truth, amazing things can happen.

How can Christians better engage in worship?

What any worship leader would love to see, no matter how good the music is or if it’s your favourite song, whenever you gather to worship the Lord, come ready to worship. Many times we rely on the leader to get us into worship. By using our will to enter into worship and not only our emotions, we are saying to the Lord, “I am going to worship you, for you are good.”

Can you describe a worship experience that profoundly affected you?

I have three kids and they know all my songs because my wife plays them in the car when I’m away on tour. Last year, we released a worship album in Sydney called Hope Glory and my three-year-old daughter’s favourite song, Stars in the Night, is on it. The other day, I was sitting in my office and she was walking around with her doll outside—I could see her through the window—and she was singing these lyrics at the top of her lungs, “Take it all, Lord, sanctify us/All we have is yours/Separate us from this world, Lord/Be our joy and song….”

That was pretty special for me to hear the praise of God on the lips of my kid.

Sounds like the music gene has been passed along to your kids.

My kids are still experimenting in music and I’m in the encouraging stage. They love to bang on the piano. My middle son is four and was diagnosed with autism, but he loves music. We got him a little keyboard for Christmas. When people say my kids might be musically gifted, I agree, but I might be a little biased.

And did you come from a musical family?

Yes, definitely. My parents are both brilliant singers who play the piano and a little bit of organ. Neither one of them trained classically. They both played for a long time and my brother, sisters and I all sang and played piano growing up.

Photo: Shairon Paterson

What are your plans after this tour?

My siblings have amazing voices and I’m hoping to get a quartet together either this year or next. Aside from that, I’m just going to keep praying, trusting God and doing the next thing.

Phil Laeger with his wife, Sarah, and their three children Aiden, Hope and Samuel 16 I August 2013 I Salvationist

Visit www.phillaeger.com for information on Phil Laeger’s music, blog and upcoming schedule.

Army Publications Win 16 Awards

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Magazines and website recognized by Canadian Church Press

t the 2013 Canadian Church Press (CCP) Awards held in Toronto this past May, Salvation Army magazines and our website received 16 awards for excellence, a record showing. Salvationist garnered six awards, Faith & Friends six, Foi & Vie one and salvationist.ca three.

The Canadian Church Press includes representatives from more than 75 member publications, including mainline, Catholic and evangelical churches. The awards were judged by a panel of accomplished journalists and academics from the secular media.

The following are a list of the awards.

You can read the articles and judges’ comments online at salvationist.ca.

Salvationist

Service Journalism, Second Place: Sacred Reading (April 2012)

Feature Layout and Design, Third Place: A Christmas Embrace (December 2012) Interview, Third Place: Fighting for Peace (March 2012) Column, Third Place: Battle Cry: A Two-Way Partnership (February 2012), Finish What You Started (March 2012) and Think Big. Start Small. Go Deep (April 2012) Editorial, Third Place: Of Blimps and Babies (October 2012) People’s Choice Award

Faith & Friends

Photo Essay, First Place: Seeing the Extraordinary in the Ordinary (October 2012) Column, First Place: Have a God Day (March 2012), The Flowers and the Weeds (May 2012) and Double Standard (August 2012)

Feature Photo, Second Place: Maestro, Music Please (March 2012) Front Cover/Page, Second Place: Into the Wild (January 2012) Interview, Third Place: Wrestling With Destiny (June 2012) Biographical Profile (Living Or Dead), Third Place: Couplet (September 2012)

Foi & Vie

Biographical Profile (Living Or Dead), First Place: Effet viral (October/Octobre 2012)

Salvationist.ca

General Excellence—Website, First Place Best Use of Multimedia—Website, First Place Publication Website, Third Place

13TH ANNUAL SALVATION ARMY

GOLF CLASSIC SAVE THE DATE

Friday September 13, 2013 Angus Glen Golf Club, North Course For more information call Karen Knight at (416) 321-2654 x210 Salvationist I August 2013 I 17 Salvationist Qtr STD.indd 1

4/3/2013 1:23:25 PM

Disarming Terrorism As Christians consider how to respond to attacks, Shane Claiborne says that grace can dull the sharpest sword

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How should Christians respond after a terrorist attack, such as the Boston Marathon bombings in April?

The question for us is how to battle evil without becoming evil. What we see after September 11 is a pattern of vengeance as one option. But I see a very different alternative in Christ: the answer to terror is grace and the answer to hatred is love.

In Christ, we see a love that stares evil in the face and says, “Forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us—no one is beyond redemption. And I think that the reality of that can seem pretty scandalous. Some might ask, “Are you saying that this guy in Boston is not beyond redemption?” And I would say, “Absolutely.” The same was true of Saul of Tarsus who killed a young kid named Stephen and went door to door trying to kill Christians. The Bible is filled with people who did really atrocious things. No one is above reproach and no one is beyond redemption and that’s the truth at the heart of the Christian faith. So when Jesus said, “You’ve heard it said ‘An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,’ but I want to show you another way,” he’s showing us that we don’t have to mirror evil with evil; we can wear down evil with love.

And I think it’s important to note that, when Jesus was giving his Sermon on the Mount, he wasn’t speaking from an idealism that doesn’t pertain to the world that we live in, where people fill a crockpot with explosives and blow up people.

The disciples were hung upside down on crosses, they were fed to beasts and they were quartered.

What do you think that actually looks like, to extend grace and love to a terrorist?

One of the most beautiful examples is how the Amish responded after the terrible school shooting. [Ed.’s note: In 2006, Charles Carl Roberts shot 10 young girls at an Amish schoolhouse in Pennsylvania, killing five, before committing suicide.] They showered the shooter’s family with love, created 18 I August 2013 I Salvationist

Photo: The Simple Way

e may be a radical, but Shane Claiborne would insist that he’s just an ordinary one. A founder of The Simple Way, a Christian community in a destitute neighbourhood of Philadelphia, Claiborne is best known as the author of The Irresistible Revolution, which challenges readers to reject materialism and embrace a life of active service to Christ and others.

In addition to his ministry among the poor in Philadelphia, Claiborne has worked alongside Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India, served as a member of a Christian Peacemaker Team during the recent war in Iraq and is involved with bridgebuilding groups such as Friends Without Borders.

Associate editor Kristin Fryer spoke to Claiborne about terrorism, justice and what Christians can do to put an end to violence in their world.

scholarships for his children, went to his funeral and, over the years, that’s turned into an exemplary model. Now the widow of the shooter is the caretaker of some of the Amish children who were injured in the shooting. I think that rather than begin with suspicion, we begin by showing grace to the family of those who were involved. We have a responsibility to try and do what we can to interrupt the patterns of violence on all sides.

You’ve written about the “myth of redemptive violence.”

What does that mean and why is it a myth?

It’s the idea that we can kill someone to show that killing is wrong. It’s like trying to teach holiness by fornication. The cure is as bad as the disease. The death penalty is an absolute horror and I think, as Christians, we should be suspicious of it because we identify daily with Christ, who was a victim of the death penalty and endured terrible torture and harm.

Let me give you a concrete example. I have a friend in

Photo: Jamie Moffett

Shane Claiborne visits Iraq in 2010

prison who did something terrible and has admitted to it.

When he went to trial, the victim’s family were Christians and they argued that this man was better than the worst things that he had done and that God might not be done with him yet. His story was still being written and it wasn’t their job to end his life, to end his story, so they argued against the death penalty. He was spared because of the victim’s family, and has since said, “I wasn’t a Christian then, but you better believe I am now.” It communicated that you don’t have to be defined by evil or by what you’ve done in the past.

We see the triumph of grace over and over in Scripture.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” So if we don’t show mercy, we can expect not to be extended mercy—in as much as we forgive, we will be forgiven.

What would you say to people who would argue that, without some kind of punishment, justice isn’t being served? What does justice look like?

There are different understandings of justice. There’s punitive justice and restorative justice. Restorative justice is about repairing what has been broken and healing the wounds.

It takes crime and evil seriously but it restores rather than retaliates. The word “penitentiary” has the same root word as “repentance”—you’re meant to rethink how you think and live and be restored to society, not written off.

Rwanda was one of the most horrible atrocities of our generation, but what came after that was some of the most redemptive stories of healing and forgiveness. There are men who were responsible for the genocide who are now rebuilding that country. The truth and reconciliation commission which came out of that got victims and offenders together. So I think that there are totally new models of justice—of restorative justice—that we need to explore and experiment with.

What are some practical actions Christians can take to reduce violence in their communities and their world?

Jesus said that greater love has no person than this than to lay down their life for another. I believe that the most courageous thing that we can do is to get in the way of violence as Jesus did—with our lives, our bodies and the way we sacrifice ourselves for others. The minute that we take a life to try to save a life or we use violence to try to protect someone, we deviate from what we see in Jesus.

Think of what Peter tried to do when the soldiers came to take Jesus. He picked up the sword and cut off the ser-

vant’s ear and Jesus’ response was to scold Peter and heal the servant, only to be arrested and killed. The early Christians believed that when Jesus disarmed Peter, he disarmed every one of us because there was never a stronger case for the use of redemptive violence than what Peter had. The message that was communicated to the early Christians was that we can die for Christ but we cannot kill. There’s something worth dying for but there’s nothing worth killing for.

But I also think that means we need to be as courageous for peace as people have been for violence; we need to take evil that seriously. In Hitler’s Germany, many Christians put their lives on the line and went to the concentration camps along with Jews, gay and lesbian people and others. I think we need to be willing to die in the place of those who are about to be killed. That’s what Christ did and that’s what many of the early Christians did. We have the power to use tools other than the sword.

You’ve spent time in war-torn places such as Afghanistan and Iraq, and witnessed the military bombardment of Baghdad in 2003. What did you learn from your experiences in those places?

I walked away with the deepest conviction I’ve ever had that there is another way forward. As Jesus said, if we pick up the sword, we die by the sword—or when we send out a drone, we die by the drone.

The kids in Afghanistan that I visited, they’ve grown up in war, they know war better than any of us, and their motto is, “A little bit of love is stronger than any weapon in the world.”

When NATO forces killed a seven- and an eight-year-old while they were tending their cattle [in March 2013], rather than rioting in the streets, these Afghan kids took cattle into the streets and they held signs that said, “We are those two children,” to humanize what had been done.

That’s exactly what we have to do. We have to expose injustice so that it becomes so uncomfortable that everybody has to do something. I think that’s what the civil rights movement did. It didn’t fight fire with fire. They exposed injustice by suffering in the streets, so that people would say, “This is not right—for people to be hosed down with water, to have dogs put on them, to be beaten in the street because of the colour of their skin.”

Workers from organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the Pre-emptive Love Coalition who are providing heart surgeries for Iraqi children—they’re doing more to create a peaceful world than any military operation ever has.

Can Christians who are against military operations still support the troops?

I think it’s important that we don’t paint military folks as the enemy. As Scripture says, our battle’s not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers.

Gandhi once said, “If I have to choose between a soldier and a coward, I’ll choose the soldier any day because their courage can be fuelled toward love, but I can’t do anything with a coward.” I think that’s really important because there are a lot of people who join the military because they want to do something about injustice and evil. And that motivation is very beautiful. I think the question is not, are we going to deal with evil, but how are we going to deal with evil? And how do we do it in a way that honours Jesus and the cross and his call to love our enemies?

Salvationist I August 2013 I 19

Spiritual Spectators Booth University College students share why young people are leaving the church—and what can be done

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/pastorscott

BY KRISTIN FRYER, STAFF WRITER

One-third of Canadian young adults who attended church weekly as a child still do today

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don’t have time” … “I think it’s boring” … “I just did it for my parents” … “My needs are not being met.”

Whatever the reason, a trend has emerged: young people are disappearing from the church.

A recent survey by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada found that only one-third of Canadian young adults who attended church weekly as a child still do today. Some of those who stop attending retain the Christian label, but most drop any affiliation whatsoever.

What does this mean for The Salvation Army?

Salvationist surveyed 35 Booth University College students about their experiences with the church. The results 20 I August 2013 I Salvationist

show a generation that still sees some value in going to church, but is reluctant to commit.

Growing Up Godly Almost three-quarters of students surveyed (71 percent) were raised in a Christian family and, for most of those, church played an important role in their lives when they were growing up. Many students credit church for helping them develop morals and values.

“The church has shaped the lens, in a significant way, through which I see and encounter my world,” says one student. “So much of my world is wrapped, for better or for worse, in the Christian story.”

Profile: Students Surveyed • 69% female, 31% male • Average age: 25 years old • 86% currently identify as a Christian • 27% of Christian students currently attend a Salvation Army church Most Christian-raised students said their parents were “very involved” or “somewhat involved” in the church (72 percent), and nearly two-thirds noted that their parents prayed with them (64 percent), read the Bible with them (60 percent) and encouraged them to ask

questions about their faith (64 percent).

About half of students who were raised in Christian families were involved in leadership at their church—usually teaching Sunday school or helping with music ministry—and three-quarters were part of a youth group.

But looking back on their church experience as a whole, only about half of those surveyed said they felt like full participants at their church—that church was a place where they developed their gifts and talents—while the rest said they felt more like spectators.

“Church is Not God” Today, 86 percent of students say they consider themselves to be a Christian, and most have a favourable impression of church: 69 percent currently feel “very positive” or “somewhat positive” about the church.

“As a student away from home, church has been such an encouragement,” says one student. “I look forward to being with other Christians there

every week.”

“Church still plays a very big role in my life,” says a Salvationist. “It’s one of the best parts of my week.”

However, only 63 percent of Christian students attend church every week. Ten percent go at least once per month, while another 17 percent say they go at least once every few months.

“I am not involved but I still enjoy what I gain when I do attend church,” notes one student who says she attends at least once every few months.

“It’s there when I need it,” says another, who attends at least once per year.

Such responses are in keeping with a general feeling among students that church is not a necessary part of being a Christian: almost all (94 percent) believe that it is possible for someone to be a Christian and not participate in a local church. As one student puts it, “Church is not God.” “Christ is everywhere,” says a Salvationist. “One can live a Christ-driven

life without steady church involvement.”

Yet many students still see the value of participating in a church.

“Church is not a building or a service—it’s a community,” says a student.

“You can be a Christian and not go to church, but I believe church is very important for accountability, fellowship, teaching, love, acceptance and overall spiritual growth.”

“Christians have a fuller faith when in community,” says a Salvationist. “It is possible to continue in faith while alone, but this is undesirable.”

Go or No Go? If they see some value in attending church, why do so many young people choose not to? The students offered several answers.

Many felt that young people leave because their Christian faith was never their own—they only went to church because of their parents. Among young people who are committed to Christianity, church attendance is often

My Story: Justin van Qeueren Second-year student, bachelor of social work RAISED IN A Christian family, Justin van Qeueren, 26, was highly involved with church growing up. He attended church services and youth group weekly, was a youth leader and went on three mission trips during his teen years. But looking back, he says he can’t remember a single sermon or lesson.

“What I do remember are the relationships that I made— the people that cared about me and showed me by saying hi, coming to shake my hand and asking me how I was doing,” he says. “That’s what had the most impact on me.”

In his teen years, van Qeueren was mentored one-on-one by a youth leader who later became a close friend. They met once or twice a month for coffee, outside the walls of the church.

“He helped me through lots of questions,” he says. “When you’re a teenager, you’re going through a lot of changes and you’re wondering how to live.”

Van Qeueren was at Bible college when he first began to really question his faith.

“As a child, I was taught that there is an ultimate truth, we can know that truth objectively, and there are no questions as to what that truth is,” he says. “Going through college, I began to realize that that’s not the case. It’s very difficult to discern what truth is and where it is.”

But rather than abandon faith, “I learned how to be OK with not having all the answers and not necessarily knowing with certainty, and living in grace.”

Though he still attends church, van Qeueren has mixed feelings about church generally. About five years ago, he stopped

“I learned how to be OK with not having all the answers and not necessarily knowing with certainty” attending altogether because the services felt too much like a performance: “The stage, the band, the PowerPoint, the 30-45 minute sermon—it didn’t connect with me at all. If I wanted to be entertained, I would go to a movie.”

After a two-year hiatus, he now attends a home church where he appreciates the opportunity to share a meal with other Christians and have discussions, rather than listen to sermons. “Those conversations are really important to me because they’re engaging,” he says. “I’m able to make what we talk about applicable to my life.”

In his view, this kind of engagement is key to helping young people stay connected to the church.

Salvationist I August 2013 I 21

GROWING UP Most students (71%) were raised in a Christian family and almost everyone in that group (92%) is still a Christian today.

3 OUT OF 4 students became a Christian while a child or teenager

1 OUT OF 3 students attended a Christian school

1 OUT OF 5 students went to a Salvation Army camp

PIOUS PARENTS? Many students felt that their

POSITIVE, BUT LESS ENGAGED

parents encouraged their spiritual development.

Attendance is down, but most students still feel positive about the church.

Growing up, my parents ‌ Church attendance today, compared to growing up* Child

49%

Weekly

Prayed with me

43% Read the Bible with me

Encouraged my spiritual development

Parents’ engagement with church

12% 10%

Very involved

Somewhat involved

Minimally involved

33% 22 I August 2013 I Salvationist

92%

Adult

68%

56%

Monthly

4%

4%

12%

Every few months

0%

12%

16%

Once a year

4%

4%

4%

Less often/ Never

0%

12%

12%

63%

57% Encouraged me to ask questions about my faith

45%

Teenager

Not at all involved

Engagement with the church today, compared to growing up*

Current feelings about the church Somewhat negative Very negative 4%

6%

28% MORE

44% LESS 28% ABOUT THE SAME

Neutral

20%

Very positive

41% Somewhat positive

29%

* Students who were raised in a Christian family

low because the programs offered by churches do not meet their needs.

“Church is often considered an ‘oldfashioned’ notion, and young people tire of the constant rituals and church activities,” says one Salvationist.

“There is no room to engage with difficult questions,” says another student.

“Anti-intellectualism cripples young people who are trying to understand their world and their faith, and they see the faith being offered to them as small.”

On the other hand, students said that the key to ongoing church attendance among young people is an established relationship with God and a strong community—one made up of family, friends and mentors who care for them and invest in them.

As one Salvationist puts it, “They keep going to church because they love the Lord, and they feel they belong.”

A Way Forward

Though The Salvation Army faces some challenges in helping young people stay connected to the church, Major Keith Pike, territorial youth secretary, sees many opportunities for reaching out. He believes one of the Army’s greatest strengths is its camping ministry, which serves more than 4,500 youth each summer.

“Camp has a tremendous impact, not only on their ability to relate to one another, but also on their spiritual development,” he says. “It’s an opportunity for them to ask questions and come to answers within a community.”

He also points to new regional initiatives, such as one in Toronto, that bring youth from the same area together to help connect them with their peers and build a sense of the broader Army community. In smaller towns, where corps may not have the resources to run youth programs, it means partnering with other likeminded denominations.

But Major Pike cautions against seeing programs as a solution on their own.

“At the end of the day, what we do has to be relational,” he says. “Programs will always attract people on the surface, but no one will ever have a deeper Christian experience because of one. Programs have to be vehicles.

“We want to encourage young people to go deeper—not just in relationship with peers or youth workers, but in relationship with Christ,” he adds. “And we want them to know that even if they don’t choose a relationship with Christ, it’s not as if they’re just thrown away. We’re still there for them.”

For more detailed survey results, visit salvationist.ca/spiritual-spectators

My Story: Herta Neufeld Second-year student, bachelor of arts in behavioural science CHURCH HAS ALWAYS been a part of Herta Neufeld’s life, but until recently she did not have a true church home.

Her family attended church every week, twice on Sundays and once on Wednesdays, but her parents were physically abusive. When Neufeld, now 31, was eight years old, she was removed from her home and placed into foster care. Her foster parents were nominally Christian, attending church only on Christmas and Easter. “Faith wasn’t really talked about,” she remembers. “I lived a very secular life.”

During the summers, however, Neufeld went to Christian camps and that was where, at 16, she became a Christian.

“My counsellor asked me to tell her my life story,” she recalls. “I had told my story to a lot of people but I would say it almost remotely, like it was someone else’s. And for the first time in my life, I actually told it like it happened to me and I cried.

“I felt like I was freed from it—like it was God who had helped me overcome, to be able to tell the story. Afterward, we prayed together and I accepted Jesus.”

Neufeld did not connect with a church at that time, and followed her friends into the partying scene, until she was 19 and she started going to church again with a friend. She was assigned a mentor to help her prepare for baptism, but instead of contributing to her growth, the mentor drove her away.

“Everything I said was wrong,” Neufeld remembers. “There was no room to ask questions or offer different answers. She made me feel like I was stupid.”

She stopped attending church for several years, became pregnant and reconnected with her birth family.

“Their support when I got pregnant meant so much to me,”

“There was no room to ask questions or offer different answers” she says. “It mirrored, in a way, the unconditional love and support you get from God.” When her son was a year old, she returned to the church.

“I wanted to show him a better way of life,” she says. “And I wanted to raise him to believe in God.” Today, she says her church is like a family. As a single mother, she has faced difficult times, especially with her financial situation, and the church has taken up offerings to assist her.

Neufeld has received their kindness with joy and gratitude.

“I’ve never been to a church where they treat people that way.”

Salvationist I August 2013 I 23

CROSS CULTURE

Against All Odds

Camp 14’s only known escaped prisoner finds redemption REVIEW BY CRAIG SMITH

A

s the noose was placed around her neck, Shin Dong-Hyuk’s mother searched the crowd for her son. When she finally made eye contact, Shin averted his gaze while his struggling mother took her last breath.

Just then, Shin heard the firing squad open up on his brother, who had been tied to a post. In a matter of seconds, Shin lost two of his three family members. Under normal circumstances, this abandoned son would be the object of sympathy. But in this case, the lonely boy was the cause of the executions.

This remains one of Shin’s earliest memories of Camp 14, his birthplace and one of six North Korean political prisons where citizens are sent if they are considered enemies of the state. A person can be declared an enemy simply for speaking out against the North Korean government, and if a person is charged with this crime, his entire family—including extended family—is

detained in abysmal conditions.

Escape from Camp 14 chronicles Shin’s life before and after his escape from the infamous prison. He is the only prisoner known to have escaped, but before he did, he lived a life of dishonesty, unable

Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission

by Amy Simpson Mental illness is not always easy to talk about. Yet statistics suggest that one in four people suffer from some kind of mental illness. These people are members of our communities and our churches, but too often they, along with their friends and family, feel stigmatized and are unable to get the support they need.

In Troubled Minds, Amy Simpson provides a helpful discussion of issues surrounding mental illness and calls the church to renew its commitment to those who suffer and the families who suffer with them. Simpson speaks as one who has been there—her mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia when Simpson was young— and she shares her painful story, together with the stories of other Christians. The book also includes a survey of 500 church leaders about their experiences with mental illness among members of their congregations and offers a way forward, describing how some churches have developed successful ministries for those with mental illness.

24 I August 2013 I Salvationist

to trust anyone. His childhood consisted of stealing, snitching, starvation and frequent beatings. After decades of hardship, Shin fled to China before spending time in South Korea and the United States where he learned what constitutes civility, compassion and friendship. His heart drastically changed, Shin truly regrets his transgressions while living in the camp and is now a human rights activist.

Shin’s story is one that needs to be heard, and author Blaine Harden tells it well. In graphic detail, the book describes the horrendous conditions of the camp and Shin’s demoralization.

Shin’s rediscovery of his humanity is truly moving—a testament to the fact that despite how far a person has strayed from the path, it’s never too late for redemption.

Craig Smith was a summer intern in The Salvation Army’s editorial department.

MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle

A VeggieTales movie MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle (now on DVD) is set in a make-believe land where ancient Scotland and ancient Rome are in the midst of the silliest prank feud of all time, where the tools of battle are pies and water balloons. Larry the Cucumber stars as MacLarry, a young inventor who would rather make gadgets than be a part of the battle. Even after much training from his father, chief prankster Chog Norrius, MacLarry is unable to master the art of pranking and he feels discouraged because he doesn’t fit in.

As the feud between the two tribes escalates, Chog’s clan plots their biggest prank ever: unleashing the stinkiest cheese in the land on their rivals. But when their plan goes awry, it’s up to misfit MacLarry to use his God-given talents to save the day. A story about getting along with others, MacLarry and the Stinky Cheese Battle shows that just because someone is different doesn’t mean they are any less important—everyone has value.

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

DEER LAKE, N.L.—A special Sunday morning service officially welcomes 28 new families who have started attending Deer Lake Corps. Following the service, more than 200 people attended a time of fellowship and shared a meal together as a devotional book was given to each family and child.

WINNIPEG—Weston CC welcomes a new senior soldier and adherent.

From left, Trish Sinanan; then Cdt Tina Howard; then Cdt Josh Howard, holding the flag; Joanne Stewart, senior soldier; Aynslie Oshoway, adherent; Mjr Margaret McLeod.

KING’S POINT, N.L.—Dana Wells, Sarah Bowers, Denika Squires and Audine Richards are enrolled as senior soldiers. With them are Mjrs Rex and Catherine Paddock, COs, and Ernest Hollet, holding the flag.

NIAGARA FALLS, ONT.—The Honourable Ray and Helen Lawson Eventide Home celebrates passing the social services accreditation with a score of 98.62 percent. Lt-Col Alf Richardson, AC, Ont. GL Div, presented the certificate to the management team. Front, from left, Jan Unsworth, director of activation; Penny Zdichavsky, food services manager; Gregor y Blonski, director of environmental ser vices. Back , from left, Cameron McCallum, director of finance; Cpt Lisa Randell, director of spiritual care; Lt- Col Alf Richardson; Cpt Randy Randell, executive director; Janet Papavasiliou, director of care.

DEER LAKE, N.L.—Two senior soldiers are swelling the ranks at Deer Lake Corps. From left, Mjr Betty Ann Pike, CO; RS Dale Johnson; Joan Nichols; Louise Burton; CSM Sandra Pinksen; Larry Johnson, colour sergeant; Mjr Wayne Pike, CO.

DEER LAKE, N.L.—Four new junior soldiers proudly display their enrolment certificates at Deer Lake Corps. From left, Larry Johnson, colour sergeant; Mjr Betty Ann Pike, CO; Ryan Whalen; Dylan Rowsell; Jenna Courtney; Katelyn Jenkins; JSS Michelle Spears; Mjr Wayne Pike, CO. EDMONTON—Mjr Joan McCarter receives a certificate of appreciation for exceptional service for 52 years of service as an active officer from Mjr Ron Millar, DC, Alta. and N.T. Div, on behalf of Comr William Langa, TC, Southern Africa Tty. Mjr McCarter is a South African officer who has served in her homeland and Canada.

Visit salvationist.ca Salvationist I August 2013 I 25

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Two senior soldiers are welcomed at St. John’s West.

From left, Mjr Roxann Feltham, CO; Carly Bigelow; Hillary Coombs; Mjr Terry Feltham, CO; CSM Gerald Miller.

VICTORIA—Victoria Citadel celebrates the enrolment of Nancy Peterson as an adherent and Colin Swain and Pauline Swain as senior soldiers. From left, Mjr Lynn Grice, CO; Nancy Peterson; Pauline Swain; Larry Corbett, holding the flag; Colin Swain; Mjr David Grice, CO.

TORONTO—Salvationists and friends of West Hill CC praise God for his faithfulness as they burn the mortgage on the corps building seven months earlier than expected. From left, Mjr Judith Barrow, CO; Ross Perry, acting CT; Mjr Derrick Barrow, CO; CS Neil Church.

COURTENAY, B.C.—Comox Valley CC rejoices in the enrolment of four senior soldiers. From left, then Cdt Kimberley Burry, CO; CCMS Jack Daugherty; David Cochrane; Wilberta Bracconier; Ruth Hay; Sue Arsenault; then Cdt Darryl Burry, CO.

MILTON, ONT.—Philip and Lauren Marriott dedicate their daughter, Olivia Grace, to the Lord. With them is Mjr Stephen Wiseman, CO, Khi – A Community Church of The Salvation Army.

ROBERT’S ARM, N.L.—Irene Penney is the newest senior soldier in Robert’s Arm. Celebrating with her are Mjrs Betty and Brian Thomas, then COs, and Bram Rice, retired CSM, holding the flag.

Youth Celebrated at Hillcrest Community Church

The enrolment of seven junior soldiers is celebrated at Hillcrest CC

LONDON, ONT.—The sanctuary at Hillcrest CC was filled on Sunday, April 14, as corps members, parents, friends and well-wishers gathered to witness Dystany Taylor-Gall, Summer Noonan, Leheim Cowan, Bert Mitchell, Ben Soppet, Alysha 26 I August 2013 I Salvationist

Taylor-Gall and Zoey Taylor-Gall publicly declare their commitment to serve God as junior soldiers.

Lt Danette Woods, CO, conducted the enrolment ceremony, during which she thanked London Citadel’s Joyce Hawkins, Cassandra McKenna

and Kaylee Leibold who came to Hillcrest CC each week to conduct the preparation classes.

Children and youth took centre-stage as the Mountain Citadel Young People’s Band from Hamilton, Ont., played musical items, gave testimonies, shared kids’ time and led a rousing chorus time. The message was given by Shelley Oseil, director of children’s ministries at Mountain Citadel, and Mjr Glenda Davis, AC, Ont. GL Div, dedicated a new flag for the young people’s corps at Hillcrest CC. The celebration of the junior soldiers’ enrolment continued as they joined together later in the week for Junior Soldier’s Day Out. Included in the day’s activities were visits to the food bank, divisional headquarters for the Ont. GL Div and the memorial stone in downtown London, which commemorates the start of the Army’s work in Canada. The day finished when the junior soldiers made cards and delivered them to corps members who live in a local seniors’ home.

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

Youth Band Extravaganza in Ontario Great Lakes Division GUELPH, ONT.—It was an exciting day when 190 children, youth and their leaders gathered for musical instruction and Bible study at Guelph Citadel for a YP Band Extravaganza sponsored by the Ont. GL Div. The theme for the day was based on the Star Wars slogan “May the Force be With You” with participants exploring the impact of the Holy Spirit on

their daily lives and musical talents. A highlight of the event was all 190 participants playing together Dance Like David, which is based on the story found in 2 Samuel 6. Special guests included Junior Impact Brass, the divisional youth band from Ont. GL Div, Venabrass and Cpt Mark Hall, CO, St. Thomas, Ont., who was the clinician and conductor for the day.

Young musicians and leaders celebrate music together at the YP Band Extravaganza

GAZETTE

TERRITORIAL Adoptions/Births Cpts Dwayne/Brandice LeDrew, son, Lucas Samuel Dwayne, born Sep 3, 2012; Cpt Jennifer Hillier/Shane Hillier, daughter, Lucy Rose, Jun 12; Cpts William/Debra Blackman, son, Zephan Elias, Jun 16 Long service—35 years Mjr Beverley Buell, Mjr Sandra Hosken, Mjrs Ronald/Donna Millar, Mjr George Patterson, Mjr Charlene Randell, Mjrs Bradley/Mary Smith, Lt-Col Susan van Duinen Retirements General Linda Bond, last appointment: General (IHQ); Mjrs Ross/Agnes Hailes, last appointment: Cascade CC, Abbotsford, B.C. Div; Cols Robert/Marguerite Ward, last appointment: TC/TPWM, Pakistan Tty Promoted to glory Lt-Col Dirk van Duinen, from Toronto, Jun 2; Lt-Col Gladys McGregor, from Toronto, Jun 3; Mjr Robert Zwicker, from Peterborough, Ont., Jun 7; Lt-Col Boyde Goulding, from Ajax, Ont., Jun 10; Mjr Hayward Noseworthy, from St. John’s, N.L., Jun 13; Mrs Mjr Dorothy Sharp, from Toronto, Jun 21

London Citadel Welcomes Soldiers and Adherents LONDON, ONT.—Exciting things are happening at London Citadel, with seven senior soldiers and three adherents enrolled. Three of the new soldiers came to the Army through the positive influence of their high school music teacher, John Lam, who serves as bandmaster “Becoming a soldier is not the end of my journey, it’s only the beginning” —Nick Dennison of the Canadian Staff Band and London Citadel Band. Nick Dennison, one of Lam’s students, shared his testimony during the enrolment and spoke of the warm welcome he received when

he came to the corps through the youth band and attended a Sunday service for the first time.

“None of my family had ever been religious, so I had never been to a church service,” he said. “As soon as I walked in the doors, I felt at home.” While attending National Music Camp last summer, Dennison realized how much God had done for him throughout his life and made the decision to accept Christ. When he returned home, he continued to feel God’s presence with him. “It was at a Sunday morning service that I decided to become a soldier,” he shared. “The band was playing and I heard a voice inside me saying it was time to commit myself to the church and to God. Becoming a soldier is not the end of my journey, it’s only the beginning.”

CALENDAR

Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle Jul 29 commencement of High Council, London, England General and Mrs Bramwell Tillsley (Rtd) Aug 20, 27 Northridge CC, Newmarket, Ont. Front, from left, Laurie Hiscock, Jo-Anne Hiscock, Don Blay, adherents; Cassandra Rose, Taylor Mitchell, Chris Lemon-Sarris, Charlotte Lemon-Sarris, Nick Dennison, Bev Cherry, Yolanda Bernal, soldiers. Back, from left, Mjrs Wil and Catherine Brown-Ratcliffe, COs; Bernie Doars, colour sergeant.

Salvationist I August 2013 I 27

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

TRIBUTES OTTAWA—Ruby Rose Leach (nee Court) was born in 1912 in Dover, England, as the second youngest of seven children born to Ernest and Caroline Court. The Court family moved to Canada in 1913 and settled in Brantford, Ont. Ruby was a songster, soloist, home league secretary, community care ministries member and Silver Star mother.

A third-generation Salvationist, Ruby served as a soldier in Brantford, Ont., Clearwater, Florida, Peterborough, Ont., and at Ottawa’s Woodroffe Temple (now The Salvation Army Barrhaven Church). Ruby is lovingly remembered by her family, Lt-Colonels Merv and Mary Belle Leach, Sharon and Eric Dean, five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

HARE BAY, N.L.—Leah Grace Wiseman (nee Hounsell) attended the Army with her parents at an early age. She married Theophilus Wiseman and became a homemaker.

Having a family of nine children, much of Leah’s time was spent cooking and baking. Apart from her family, Leah’s involvement in the Army was her joy and she was always found helping out in the church kitchen. Enrolled as a senior soldier in 1947, she was a songster and member of the home league and community care ministries. Leah believed in extending good will to others and reached out to meet needs beyond her church and circle of influence. Leah’s home was open to all and her hospitality was felt by all who knew her. She will be missed by sons Boyde (Karen), Samuel, Keith, Glen (Kim); daughters Nicey (Walter), Marilyn (Larry); daughters-in-law Loreen, Jane; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brother, Percy (Effie) Hounsell; sisters-in-law Lorraine Hounsell, Mariah Hounsell; special friends Mae Vivian and Rachel Wiseman; many loved ones.

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Brigadier Aubrey Rideout was born in Valley Pond, N.L., and promoted to glory at the age of 92. He entered training college from the corps in Buchans, N.L., in 1939 and was commissioned as a Salvation Army officer in 1940. He married Edith Randell in 1949 and served faithfully in various corps appointments throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Aubrey served at divisional headquarters in Newfoundland and Labrador, at territorial headquarters in Toronto and as district officer in British Columbia North. He was interested in world affairs and was a very kind and compassionate person. Aubrey is lovingly remembered by his sister, Ella; brother-in-law, Melvin; nieces, nephews; a circle of friends.

MONCTON, N.B.—Audrey Cosman-Craft was born in 1915. For five decades, Audrey volunteered for Christmas kettle ministry, serenaded and served meals to the homeless. A lover of music, she was recognized in 2003 for her talents by the New Brunswick Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Fredericton, where her picture is placed among other gospel artists. Celebrating Audrey’s life are her daughter, Rev. Darleen Cosman-McGraw (Rev. Ray McGraw); grandchildren Timothy, Dr. Tiffany McGraw-Legere (Rev. Donny Legere).

CHANNEL/PORT AUX BASQUES, N.L.—Born in 1921, Clifford Skeard was an active member of Channel/Port aux Basques Corps. He came to the Lord under the ministry of his brother, Major Garland Skeard, and was enrolled as a soldier of the Channel/Port aux Basques Corps in 1972.

The Army was more than his place of worship; it was his life. Clifford served as the colour sergeant for more than 20 years and was proud to have kept the flag waving in the corps and community. He was a member of community care ministries and went beyond the call of duty to visit the sick at their homes and in the hospital.

He was very involved in the men’s fellowship and thoroughly enjoyed the times of worship spent with the other men. Clifford will be remembered as a dedicated and faithful soldier who enjoyed sharing love and laughter.

Left to grieve his passing are his wife of 67 years, Irene; nine children; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Major Garland (Daisy) Skeard; a large number of relatives, comrades and friends.

PRINCE ALBERT, SASK.—William Norman Feltham was born in Poulshot Devizes Wiltshire, England, in 1927. He enlisted in the British Army in 1945 where he served as a reservist. Bill immigrated to Canada and entered training college in 1950 in the Ambassadors Session. Due to ill health, he was unable to finish training but met Cadet Frances Trollope at the college and they were married in 1953. Residing first in Kingsville, Ont., they moved to Toronto, attended Wychwood Corps and adopted a son, Ken. Bill and Frances felt the call to full-time service and upon the encouragement of Commissioner Leslie Pindred they became envoys. Appointments in corps and men’s social followed in Welland/Port Colbourne, Ont., Surrey, B.C., St. Stephen, N.B., and North Vancouver. Retired in Birch Hills, Sask., Bill assisted at the Anglican and Lutheran churches, and was a soldier in Prince Albert. He loved the Bible, attending and leading Bible studies and the men’s fellowship weekly breakfast. Bill is missed by his wife of 60 years, Frances; son, Ken (Wendy); three grandchildren; sister, Wynn Rawlings; brother, Tom; several nieces and nephews.

TORONTO—Lt-Colonel William George Kerr was born in Calgary to officer parents. Bill entered training college from Vancouver Citadel as a member of the Peacemakers Session in 1948, and following training was appointed to Yorkton, Sask. In 1955, he married Captain Shirley Hill and for the next seven years they served as corps officers in Kirkland Lake, Welland and Oakville, Ont., and Saskatoon.

The next 10 years were spent as divisional youth secretaries in the then Manitoba, Ontario West and British Columbia South divisions. In 1972, Bill was appointed to the property department at territorial headquarters and in 1978, he became the territorial property secretary. From 1986 to 1993, Bill and Shirley served as divisional leaders in the then British Columbia South and Ontario South divisions. Working with young people was always at the forefront of their ministry and in recognition of this, Bill was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. He will be remembered and loved by his wife, Shirley; daughters Maryon (Stan) Walter, Joan (Richard) Cameron; five grandchildren; extended family.

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28 I August 2013 I Salvationist

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SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

Servant of All

Are we picky about whom we serve?

Photo: Scott Streble

BY CAPTAIN MARK BRAYE

Mjr Karen Hoeft talks to a client in Winnipeg

Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a sceptre but a hoe.—Bernard of Clairvaux

S

ervice is about mission and ministry, but it is also a spiritual discipline. God asks us, as the body of Christ, to join his mission and serve, not solely for the common good, but for our own spiritual development and relationship with him. In The Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas Willard writes, “In service we engage our goods and strength in the active promotion of the good of others and the causes of God in our world.”

The call to serve is present throughout the Bible. In Deuteronomy, Moses, speaking to the Israelites on behalf of God, says: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all

Self-righteous service is done to check something off our spiritual checklists or for personal recognition your soul?” (Deuteronomy 10:12). When Joshua’s life and leadership were coming to a close, he said to the Israelites: “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness” (Joshua 24:14).

In the New Testament, the command to serve is heightened by Jesus.

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus presents significant theological implications for his followers’ service. When we serve others, we are serving Jesus; when we

deny service to others, we are denying service to Christ.

The most significant passage of Scripture for reflecting on the spiritual discipline of service is John 13:1-17, when Jesus washed his disciples’ feet.

Jesus and his disciples were about to participate in the Last Supper, when Jesus “got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13:4-5). With no slave or servant present in the upper room to wash everyone’s feet, Jesus dons the garment of service, literally with the towel around his waist, and figuratively with his actions.

I have been blessed to serve in a number of capacities. When I was younger, I worked and served at Salvation Army camps. As a cadet in training college, I went on a mission trip to Jamaica and was an extra set of hands and feet for the construction of a small church building.

As an officer, I’ve been able to serve the church family and community in various ways. Last December, a group of us sang carols at a hospital, held worship gatherings at nursing homes in the area, distributed Christmas hampers and, on Christmas Eve, my wife and I were invited to serve dinner to needy families in the area at a local restaurant that closed for the day. These opportunities to engage in ministry and mission were formative times when God spoke—and continues to speak—to me through the spiritual discipline of service. I have also witnessed other people serving people.

It is a beautiful thing to see people with their hearts to God and hands to others.

Authentic service follows Christ’s command to be the “servant of all” (Mark 9:35), but self-righteous service “picks and chooses whom to serve….

True service is indiscriminate in its ministry” (Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster). Self-righteous service is done to check something off our spiritual checklists or for personal recognition.

True service serves for the good of those being served and for the glory of God. Service is a part of our calling as the body of Christ and is a spiritual discipline through which our Christlike character can be formed.

Captain Mark Braye is the corps officer at Temiskaming Community Church in Temiskaming Shores, Ont. Salvationist I August 2013 I 29

THE STORYTELLER

Lost and Found Can you see your own story in the Parable of the Prodigal Son?

BY MAJOR FRED ASH

Meanwhile the older brother was out on a call. When he returned, he found everyone eating and partying. “What’s going on?” he asked the doorman.

“Your brother has returned and your father is celebrating,” he replied.

The older brother became angry and refused to go in to the party, so his father came out and pleaded with him.

But the older brother rebuffed his father. “All these years I’ve worked hard to build up this business and you never gave me a party. But this reckless, irresponsible, good-for-nothing son of yours comes home and you celebrate.”

“Son,” said the father. “You are with me always. Everything I have is yours. But it is right for us to be happy because your brother who was lost has been found.”

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/aldomurillo

O

A certain man hoped his two sons would take over his thriving business. One day, the younger son said to his father, “Give me my share of the business in cash. I’m leaving.” So the father divided his business between his boys.

The younger son packed everything into his Jaguar and left for New York City with a healthy bank account. There he squandered everything on booze, gambling and wild parties. He soon found himself living on the streets and eating at soup kitchens. Sitting on a sidewalk on a cold night, he thought of his father and the employees who were paid well and had plenty of good food.

“What a fool I’ve been,” he said. “I’ll go back to Dad and ask him to forgive me. I’m not worthy to be a son, but perhaps he’ll hire me.”

When he got off the bus outside his father’s building, his dad ran to meet him. He put his arms around his son and hugged him tightly.

The son said, “Dad, I’m so sorry. I’ve messed up my life and have brought shame on the family. Can you give me a job? I’ll work for my keep.”

But the father called his secretary to order a feast from the local diner. “We’re going to celebrate the safe return of my son who was lost but is found.”

30 I August 2013 I Salvationist

f all the parables that Jesus told, the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:11-32) touches the hearts of people in every culture and time zone. Experiencing the heartache of a wayward son or daughter is something many families can relate to and the story can be retold with different versions and settings.

For some, the story recounts a tale of their own child. They talk about the years of separation and worry. They recall the lonely nights, sitting beside the telephone waiting for a call.

They remember the joy when the wayward child walked into the house again.

For others, the story is about themselves. They were the ones who left home, made bad decisions and almost ruined their lives. They painfully recall the stupid things they did, nights on the street, hunger in their bellies, time in jail and the brokenness and disgrace. They also testify of peace and forgiveness when they returned home.

Sadly, some may tell this story from the viewpoint of the older son who demands justice without mercy, repentance without reconciliation—a man who lives by the letter of law and who knows nothing of tenderness and love.

And for some, the story is not yet finished.

We remember that a parable is “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” The heavenly or spiritual interpretation of this story is that God is our father and we are his children.

He has blessed us abundantly, even those of us who have gone astray. But God does not reject us. When we repent of our sins and return to him, he welcomes us home with open arms, forgives us and restores us to our place in his family.

The Jews who listened to the original parable understood it in a different way. They saw themselves as the older brother who was faithful to God. The Gentiles (i.e. the non-Jews) were the sinners who had forsaken God. The Jews understood that Jesus was telling them to welcome the Gentiles back into the fold and embrace them as brothers. But the Jews with their strict, “by-the-book” religion found this hard to do.

There is a message here for the church as well—faithful Christians are in danger of becoming like the older brother.

Some long for God’s wrath and judgment to fall upon the sinners, to repay them for the wrongs they have done. There is a danger that the church will forget that it, too, is made of forgiven sinners and that those outside are our brothers and sisters.

Major Fred Ash is a retired Salvation Army officer, freelance writer and editor living in Barrie, Ont.

TIES THAT BIND

Kid-Friendly Church Children absorb more than we realize during Sunday services

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/CEFutcher

BY MAJOR KATHIE CHIU

A

s my seven-year-old son squirmed and rustled in his seat, I stood on the platform giving him the “evil eye.” Inwardly I groaned as he slithered onto the floor and rolled around. His feet then began to inch up the wall and I cringed as I heard them gently tapping the wall to the beat of the music. I’m sure I hit more than a couple of discordant notes while attempting to keep my concentration on the keyboard I was so inexpertly playing. His two sisters sat next to each other, oblivious to his behaviour because they were excitedly whispering away and giggling while writing notes to each other.

This is likely why many prefer to keep children out of church services.

It wasn’t an option during that first appointment as an officer in a little church on the prairies, and looking back, I’m glad it wasn’t. I learned over the years that those small ears and eyes were taking in everything around them.

When I was a young girl growing up in Long Branch, a Toronto neighbourhood, my weeks consisted of walking back and forth to the local corps for various activities. Brownies and home league on Tuesdays, timbrel practice on Wednesdays, band practice on Thursdays and then later there was girl

guides and youth group. Another night was filled with junior soldiers and corps cadets and then there were Sundays, where my schedule looked like this: 9 a.m. directory, 9:30 a.m. Sunday school, 11 a.m. the holiness meeting, lunch and dinner at home, 6 p.m. back to the corps for prayer meeting and then at 7 p.m. the salvation meeting would start—my favourite! We’d sing rousing choruses, hear heartfelt testimonies and listen enraptured to the sermon that always ended with an invitation to kneel at the mercy seat. Even as young as seven or eight, I have memories of kneeling and praying at my seat, asking God for forgiveness and watching others do likewise. Every song, word and testimony swirled around me and had a major influence in my life.

I am more spiritually enriched today because of these early experiences. Had Sunday school been held during the morning meeting, I would be poorer for it.

Kim Garreffa, who works in the Army’s music and gospel arts department, says of her early experiences, “It amazes me what I remember about church as a child and how many songster songs I can sing.

When adults thought I was just fooling around, I was actually listening and absorbing.”

Are we robbing our children by encouraging them to leave during the church service for activities geared for their age level? Do we underestimate what they can take in and comprehend just because they are fidgeting and seem to be unaware of what’s going on? As parents, it is our responsibility to teach our children about Jesus and show them what a relationship with God looks like.

I think that not only includes prayer and Bible reading at home, hearing us speak in love and watching us live a godly life, but also worshipping corporately with all of God’s family on Sundays.

Walter Br ueggemann, an Old Testament scholar, suggests that adults need to be a “saturation witness” to their children. They need to be involved in an ongoing and constant conversation in the home that all of life is to be devoted to trust in God alone.

Those three wiggly, giggly children of mine grew up and their love for God continues to grow. Two more have been added to our family and each Sunday they all sit in church with us while we lead the service and preach the message. They’re teenagers now and sometimes we discuss the message or something that was said during the morning. It’s exciting to hear their views and opinions about church, worship and Christian living. I’m glad they sat through church services over the years, eating Cheerios out of little plastic baggies and laying on the floor colouring, all the while absorbing God’s Word, sensing his Spirit and being influenced by the family of God. Recently I was listening to a podcast of a message I gave not too long ago. I noticed that, at one point, I stopped and made odd sounds. I laughed as I remembered that it was one of the mornings little Ethan, a toddler in our church, waddled over to me and I had stopped in the middle of my message to smile and speak to him in that singsong voice reserved for babies. Did it distract me?

Yes. Was it a bad distraction? No. We carried on and the message was heard and delivered. All are welcome in the family of God. “Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’ ” (Luke 18:16).

Major Kathie Chiu is the executive director of Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre.

Salvationist I August 2013 I 31

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