Salvationist - January 2014

Moral Extremism: Pressure to Measure Up

Bermuda Corps Takes Worship to the Streets

Territorial Projects Help Haiti Rebuild After Quake

Salvationist The Voice of the Army

Messy Church

New kids’ program in Essex colours outside the lines

January 2014

2 • January 2014 • Salvationist

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January 2014 Volume 9, Number 1 www.salvationist.ca E-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org

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Features 9 Messy Church

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New programs connect community and corps at Essex Community Church by Kristin Ostensen Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

12 Struck Down, Not Destroyed

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PRODUCT LABELING GUIDE

Four years after an earthquake shattered lives in Haiti, The Salvation Army helps victims settle into new homes, gain employment skills and boost their self-esteem FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

by Melissa Yue Wallace

16 Territorial Congress 2014

Salvationists from across Canada and Bermuda will gather in Ontario June 19-22 for historic events

by Commissioner Brian Peddle

22 A Retail Tale

A Salvation Army thrift store in Montreal gives without reservation

by Ken Ramstead

Departments 4 Editorial Send in the Clones

by Geoff Moulton

5 Around the Territory 8 Mission Matters

Forward in Faith

by Commissioner Brian Peddle

17 World Watch 18 Talking It Over

Moral Extremism

by James Read and Aimee Patterson

Inside Faith & Friends “Play It Again, Barrie!”

Thanks to a unique band, inmates in British Columbia are singing a different tune

Overcoming Disability

Marathoner Jean Driscoll overcame tragedy and now helps others do the same

Nowhere to Go

A woman finds hope at an Army centre

20 Snapshots of Ministry

22

Bermuda Blessings Photos by Lionel Cann

24 Cross Culture 26 Celebrate Community

Enrolments and recognition, tributes, gazette, calendar

29 Spiritual Disciplines The Wealth Trap

by Major David Ivany

30 In the Trenches

Arm’s-Length Relationships

by Major Amy Reardon

Dedicated Server

A thrift store manager didn’t let cancer get in the way of helping her fellow citizens

Share Your Faith When you finish reading Faith & Friends, FAITH & frıends pull it out and give it to someone who needs to hear about “ Play It ” Again, Barrie! Christ’s lifechanging +  power January 2014

faithandfriends.ca

Inspiration for Living

Thanks to a volunteer brass band, B.C. inmates are singing a different tune

PHIL CALLAWAY’S BALD TRUTH

MORE THAN A BUSINESS

Ruth Cullen sees life beyond profit and loss

Salvationist.ca Keeping up to date has never been easier! Visit salvationist.ca on your mobile device or personal computer for the latest territorial and international news and feature articles on pressing issues that affect Salvationists

in dialogue with fellow Salvationists and friends of the Army. We would love to hear from you

Take advantage of the website’s interactive capabilities. Post a comment about an article that has inspired you. Engage Salvationist • January 2014 • 3

EDITORIAL

I

Send in the Clones

t was supposed to be just another day at the editorial office. But when I arrived, something felt strange. The lights were still off, the desks were empty and the office was eerily silent. Where was everyone? Did I accidentally come in on Saturday? Was everyone raptured except me? Is Toronto traffic really that bad?

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw movement. As I entered my office, the lights came on and the editorial team, who were all sitting around my desk, yelled, “Surprise!” What scared me even more was that everyone was wearing the same outfit. They had all dressed like me for Halloween.

The staff members tease me because they know I have a closet full of blue shirts and ties. It’s my predictable nature, I guess. In any case, their Halloween prank was a complete success. We all had a good laugh and took a photo together (they jokingly gave me the “boss” mug so you can find me).

I love working with the editorial team. Their stories and designs make The Salvation Army look good each and every issue. It occurred to me that the new year would be a good time to introduce the people behind the magazine.

Here they are, from left to right: Timothy Cheng, our graphic designer, is the elder statesman of the department.

He still remembers when The Salvation Army ran its own printing presses in Oakville, Ont., more than 19 years ago.

His consistent, quality design work has been a hallmark of Salvationist and The War Cry before it.

Ken Ramstead ably edits Faith & Friends, which is inserted into every edition of Salvationist and is an excel-

lent resource for sharing the gospel with your neighbours. Our translation team in Montreal partners with Ken to produce Foi & Vie, the French counterpart.

Designer Brandon Laird (not pictured) works from Kingston, Ont., to give our outreach magazines a fresh, appealing look.

Next in the line-up is Pamela Richardson, our news editor, copy editor and production co-ordinator. She handles our Celebrate Community news, scrutinizes every line of the magazine to keep it error-free and makes sure we stay on deadline.

Kristin Ostensen is associate editor and staff writer. She is equally adept at writing features such as this month’s cover story on Essex Community Church, fielding Around the Territory news items and acting as the voice of Pacey Puppy in Edge for Kids, our children’s publication.

Ada Leung maintains the circulation database, provides editorial assistance to the team and keeps our department running efficiently.

Melissa Yue Wallace, our features editor and staff writer, is the newest member of the team. She recently travelled to Haiti and braved heat, mosquitoes and treacherous roads to bring you a picture of the Army’s relief projects four years after the earthquake.

The beauty of our department, and of the Army, is that there are no “clones.”

In God’s economy, no two people are created exactly the same. We each bring our varied gifts and talents to the mission that God has given us.

I am grateful for the support of the editorial team. As God continues to write the “story” of the Army, our team will be on the frontlines.

GEOFF MOULTON Editor-in-Chief

Blue Collar Workers: The editorial team in their unofficial uniforms 4 • January 2014 • Salvationist

Salvationist

is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory André Cox General 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 Ostensen 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.

Subscriptions

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

Phone: 416-422-6119; fax: 416-422-6120; e-mail: circulation@can.salvationarmy.org.

Advertising

Inquire by e-mail for rates at salvationist@ can.salvationarmy.org.

News, Events and Submissions

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

Mission

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Salvationist informs readers about the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. salvationist.ca salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org facebook.com/salvationistmagazine twitter.com/salvationist

AROUND THE TERRITORY

THE SALVATION ARMY’S Harbour Light in Vancouver marked its 60th year of service in the Downtown Eastside this fall. To celebrate the occasion, Harbour Light held its third annual Hope in the Inner City: Soup Kitchen Gala, attended by 150 guests and hosted by Andrew and Stephanie Hungerford.

The goal of this event was to raise funds for Harbour Light’s Anchor of Hope, which is home to a daily drop-in centre, 40-bed shelter, outreach team and community church.

As guests arrived at the event, they were greeted by a Salvation Army band playing on the sidewalk outside Harbour Light. The event began with a silent auction and then dinner, which was held at the Army’s soup kitchen. Dinner was prepared by executive guest chef David Robertson of The Dirty Apron Cooking School. Much like the soup kitchen’s clients, guests collected their soup course in a cafeteria-style line.

The highlight of the program was the presentation of the Life Changer Award to Arthur Thompson, a past client of Harbour Light’s drug treatment program, who has now been clean for eight years. The Army also presented the Corporate Partner Award to Accenture, a consulting firm, for its continued work, active support and service to the community.

Photo: Jeff Topham

Vancouver Harbour Light Holds 60th Anniversary Gala

Arthur Thompson accepts the Life Changer Award from Mjr Judy Regamey and Mjr Larry Martin, DC, B.C. Div

Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, the event raised $190,000.

“We are so grateful for the support our community has shown us over the last 60 years,” says Major Judy Regamey, executive director. “We have had 60 years of miracles at Harbour Light, and together we can continue to offer hope, shelter and comfort to those in need.”

“Clothes Encounters” in New Westminster

Ontario Men Encouraged at Camp

NEW WESTMINSTER CITADEL, B.C., in partnership with posAbilities, an agency that supports people with developmental disabilities, recently hosted a free clothing market for the community. Flyers advertising the “Clothes Encounters” event were hung all around the city and many bags of clothing were collected.

“Thanks to the generosity of many, we had an amazing selection and something for everyone,” says Cadet Sharon Tidd, corps leader. More than 160 families had the opportunity to update their wardrobes and mingle over a cup of coffee or lemonade and homemade cookies. The corps also provided a colouring corner and face painting for the children.

“We had a fantastic group of volunteers who sorted, folded and provided great customer service to all,” says Cadet Tidd.

“The day was such a success that we are planning to make it a semi-annual event.”

THIS PAST FALL, 25 men from Chatham, Leamington, Sarnia and South Windsor, Ont., spent a spirit-filled weekend at the Church of Christ camp on Lake Erie.

The idea for a men’s camp came out of a Chatham men’s fellowship meeting in February 2013, when Lt-Colonel Lee Graves, then divisional commander, Ontario Great Lakes Division, challenged the men of Chatham to organize their own camp. Steve Wright, leader of the men’s fellowship in Chatham, took this on personally.

The guest speaker was Bill Innes from Promise Keepers.

Innes encouraged participants to surround themselves with godly men and be accountable and accessible to each other.

On Sunday morning, Major Scott Rideout, corps officer, South Windsor, spoke from Nehemiah, reminding the men to build spiritual walls around their hearts. The men left camp with a renewed desire to live godly lives.

More than 160 families attend a free clothing market at New Westminster Citadel, B.C.

Twenty-five men share in worship at a camp in Ontario Salvationist • January 2014 • 5

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Barbara Mitchell Centre Opens in Calgary

Eliza Mitchell; Karen Livick; Mayor Naheed Nenshi; and Mjr Ron Millar, DC, Alta. & N.T. Div, cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the centre

THE LONG-ANTICIPATED CUTTING of the red ribbon brought a roar of cheers from a large crowd gathered for the grand opening of the new Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre in Calgary in October. Naheed Nenshi, mayor of Calgary, and Eliza Mitchell from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation joined Salvation Army staff to celebrate the opening and dedication.

The building, formerly known as The Salvation Army Children’s Village, underwent a major renovation, which includes a new kitchen, entrance and reception area, new paint inside and out, and numerous other upgrades.

“The open-concept design, along with the amazing new kitchen, creates an attractive workplace and, at the same time, produces many high-functioning work and learning areas,” explains Karen Livick, executive director of community services in Calgary. “It’s comforting to know that as we grow and expand our programs at the centre, we will have the means to support the families and individuals that need our help.”

The improvements at the centre, along with funding for several years of programs, were made possible in part by a donation of $1.1 million from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation.

Prince George Hosts Caring Ministries Conference THE PASTORAL CARE team at Prince George Community Church, B.C., recently hosted the Northern B.C. caring ministries conference for lay people. Guest speakers, local Salvationists and Captains Neil and Crystal Wilkinson, corps officer and community and family services officer, took part in facilitating the conference.

In her keynote address, Michelle Lui, pastoral care committee chair at Prince George Community Church, shared a message based on Hebrews 12:12: “Strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed’ ” (NIV).

The conference featured sessions on topics such as mercy seat and salvation ministry, visitation (residential and hospital), children’s ministry and creative ministries.

“I really liked the creative ministries session,” says one participant. “It gave us many inspiring ideas of how to spread the caring word of Jesus.”

Some of the creative ministries ideas included text and e-ministry, putting a Scripture verse on the back of thrift store price tags, having a box for prayer requests at food banks and thrift stores, pet ministries and helping shut-ins write a memoir of their spiritual journey.

After the event, resource materials were sent out to corps that were not able to send delegates to the conference.

Michelle Lui and Cpt Neil Wilkinson provide music for the conference

Salvation Army Job Fair a Success A JOB AND information fair was held at the Centre of Hope in Saint John, N.B., in October, with approximately 200 individuals in attendance. Twenty-four local organizations, including Eastern College, GoodLife Fitness and Army Reserves, set up tables to share information on services and job opportunities with Centre of Hope clients and the community at large.

Lori-Ann Trevors, resident housing co-ordinator at the centre, said events such as this show that there are organizations that care and opportunities available in spite of the city’s economic situation.

Saint John currently has the highest unemployment rate in the country.

“I was not expecting the response 6 • January 2014 • Salvationist

that I received from agencies or from the community,” Trevors says. “I could not have imagined it would be such a success.

This event was all about giving people hope even though things seem bleak.”

The session helped connect individuals in need with appropriate organizations, programs and services, while also helping job-seekers identify prospective employers. Trevors says the session also gave organizations, agencies and the public the opportunity to view the shelter and better understand the service it provides.

“There has been a real heaviness in our community and Lori-Ann recognized the need to do something,” says Captain Rodney Bungay, executive director of the

Centre of Hope. “It was a very positive event for everyone involved.”

Lori-Ann Trevors, right, with a representative from Eastern College at the fair

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Army Delegates Attend World Council of Churches Assembly

From left, Lt-Col Jim Champ; Mjr John Read; Col Kim, Pil-Soo; Comr William Cochrane; Comr Vibeke Krommenhoek; Comr Park, Chong-duk; and Mjr Son, Suk-young attend the assembly of the World Council of Churches in South Korea

FOUR SALVATION ARMY officers attended the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Busan, South Korea, from October 30 to November 8, 2013.

The Salvation Army delegation was headed by Commissioner William Cochrane (international secretary to the Chief of the Staff, International Headquarters). “As a distinctive part of the wider church, it’s good for The Salvation Army to engage with fellow Christians, to share in fellowship, prayer and celebration of what unites us,” he says.

Commissioner Vibeke Krommenhoek (territorial president of women’s ministries, Norway, Iceland and The Færoes Territory), Lt-Colonel Jim Champ (territorial secretary for communications, Canada and Bermuda Territory) and

Maritime Division Brings Youth Together MORE THAN 100 youth delegates and leaders descended upon Scotian Glen Camp in Thorburn, N.S., this fall for Youth Together 2013. The theme of the weekend, Justice League, was designed to inspire youth to take a stance on social injustices in the world today.

“It was a weekend of renewal,” says Captain Morgan Hillier, divisional youth secretary, Maritime Division. “The kids were challenged, our guest speaker was phenomenal and everyone had a great time.”

Guest speaker Jonathan Evans, former principal of Vancouver’s War College and now corps leader at Cross Culture Corps in Vancouver, led participants through a weekend of prayer, personal reflection and growth. The youth took part in a variety of activities, including small group discussions and excursions to thrift stores in nearby Westville and New Glasgow, N.S. “We wanted the kids to realize that injustices can be happening in our own homes and neighbourhoods, and they were challenged to face the injustices in their lives,” says Captain Hillier.

“We so often look at the worldview—the ‘bigger’ issues—and we forget about the issues in our lives.”

Youth Together 2013 brings more than 100 delegates together at Scotian Glen Camp

Major John Read (territorial ecumenical officer, United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) also travelled to Busan for the event. They joined the Korea Territory’s Commissioner Park, Chong-duk (territorial commander), Colonel Kim, Pil-soo (chief secretary), Major Son, Suk-young (divisional commander, Kyung Nam) and 27 cadets who were present for the opening ceremonies.

Approximately 3,000 participants from all over the world, representing 345 member churches of the World Council of Churches, attended the assembly. With the theme “God of life, lead us to justice and peace,” the first meeting of the assembly honoured the diverse traditions of Christian worship. The assembly also included thematic plenaries on Asia, mission, unity, justice and peace.

N.L. Develops Leaders REPRESENTING ALL GENERATIONS, from teenagers to senior citizens, more than 200 leaders from across the Newfoundland and Labrador Division gathered at Twin Ponds Camp in Glenwood, N.L., to participate in a leadership development weekend.

Speaking on Friday, guest Dave Overholt of Church on the Rock in Hamilton, Ont., reminded delegates of the importance of maintaining and building their relationship with God while leading others. He also encouraged leaders to keep pressing on in their work, even when facing difficulty.

Major Sandra Stokes, area commander, spoke on Saturday and Sunday and challenged leaders to focus on discipleship.

On Sunday, participants were given the opportunity to recommit themselves and their work to Christ in a time of prayer and dedication.

“Major Stokes’ look at discipleship was a highlight for me,” says David Skeard of Grand Falls-Windsor. “She made me realize that when someone turns their life over to Christ, that is just the beginning. We need to spiritually guide them and help them grow into a mature Christian.”

The weekend also included workshops on topics such as conflict resolution, compassion fatigue, behavioural and developmental issues in children, couples in ministry and developing young leaders.

Guest Dave Overholt speaks at a leadership development weekend Salvationist • January 2014 • 7

MISSION MATTERS

Forward in Faith Casting a vision for the Army’s mission

I

n late July and early August, Commissioner Rosalie and I participated in the High Council that would elect the 20th international leader of The Salvation Army, General André Cox. Through the divine guidance given to his peers, we considered him to be God’s man for this time. I appreciate the biblical model of leadership found in 1 Chronicles 12:32—“from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do”— and ask that the Canada and Bermuda Territory pray our General would lead with such wisdom.

The General has honoured the excellent work of General Linda Bond (Rtd), especially encouraging the significance of the Worldwide Prayer Meeting and furthering our understanding of what it means to be One Army, with One Mission, sharing One Message. And since becoming the international leader of the Army, the General, along with Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries, has travelled relentlessly and engaged in social media through Twitter (@GeneralAndreCox) and Facebook (facebook.com/ GeneralAndreCox) as he has developed and cast his own vision for our Movement: The General’s Vision for The Salvation Army I dream of a committed, effective and joyful Army, rooted and confident in the word of God and on its knees.

I dream of an Army that truly reflects the mind of Jesus 8 • January 2014 • Salvationist

in our commitment to the poor and the marginalized.

I dream of an Army that practises what it preaches from the top leadership down, an Army that is a visible and living example of kingdom values.

I dream of an Army that values its youth, where our young people feel that they have a voice.

I dream of an Army with strong, relevant and streamlined administrative structures and a much more effective use of our financial and material resources.

I dream of an Ar my where all cultures are equally acce pted and celebrated through the spiritual ties that bind us all together.

I dream of an Army that shuns the dependency culture.

To achieve this will take more than mere words or neat sound bites! If we are to see The Salvation Army achieve its God-given potential, we must live up to the things that we preach.

Sharing this gives me the opportunity to express my own heart for Canada and Bermuda and ask you to reflect on your vision for the Army, where you serve.

Over all is the careful measurement of God’s will for the Army as we take our place and play our part in his master plan.

In our travels throughout the territory, Commissioner Rosalie and I have sought out expressions of the One Army, with One Mission, sharing One Message, and we have been encouraged by the evidence of this shared vision.

The banner of One Army,

Photo: © Depositphotos.com/ingridhs

BY COMMISSIONER BRIAN PEDDLE

One Mission, One Message compels me to dig deeper and to affirm my vision— the longing of my heart that I believe is God’s will for us. I believe we are a “noneshould-perish Army” that holds “winning the world for God” as its mandate. My heart beats with that deep desire for our Army.

My Vision for the Canada and Bermuda Territory I see a Salvation Army that is spiritually on fire, where each Salvationist, filled by the Holy Spirit, engages in God’s mission in the world as a direct outcome of their personal, obedient faith.

I see his kingdom on earth flourishing because kingdom outcomes are the only goals of our corps and centres.

I see an Army mobilized in its mission, sharing the central message of salvation, providing living testimonies of transformation, witnessing faith to the whole world.

I see the body of Christ, the Army, as the church triumphant, marching forward, becom-

ing by God’s grace his church, against which the gates of hell will not prevail.

Can it be so? Can we believe in a God who is still active in the world and relevant in the postmodern lives of people who have stopped believing? Can we enthusiastically share a faith that is liberating, transformational and assures us of a future reality? Simply put, we must recognize our primary purpose in the world, as a part of the body of Christ, to fully engage in his mission to win the lost (see Matthew 18:14, John 3:16).

To share your vision for The Salvation Army, visit salvationist.ca/forward-infaith.

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

New programs connect community and corps at Essex Community Church

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN, STAFF WRITER

E

Creating Community Lieutenant Kristen Gray, corps officer, arrived in Essex in 2010, her first appointment as a Salvation Army officer.

Taking stock of the current programs, Lieutenant Gray and the ministry team decided to start fresh with an all-new set of programs.

“We came up with two program ideas that would incorporate every demographic of our own congregation and of the community,” says Lieutenant Gray. “We recognized that we couldn’t wait for people to come to our doors; we had to go out into the community and meet people where they’re at.”

“The sign in front of our church says, ‘Sharing the love of Jesus in our community,’ so we wanted to really focus on community outreach,” adds Carolyn Barnett, a member of the ministry team.

The first program is SA Connections,

Photo: Rick Dawes

very Tuesday morning, Essex Community Church, Ont., is bustling with people and activity. In the cheerfully decorated church hall, you’ll find senior women making wreaths from coloured fabric, young children playing with blocks and crayons, and adults with developmental disabilities having fun with a Nintendo Wii. Between 25 and 40 people attend SA Connections each week, representing a broad spectrum of ages and backgrounds. Yet no one is ever left out or overlooked.

“Even though there’s a variety of people, we’ve become like a family,” says Tammy Laliberte, a regular at SA Connections. “Whether you’re having a bad day or a good day, you can share it, and everyone is so welcoming.”

SA Connections is a new program at the corps, having launched only a year and a half ago. But already it’s transforming the church.

Ava Woggan enjoys colouring time at Messy Church

a loosely structured program for all ages and stages. Each week, people come to the church to enjoy coffee, snacks and conversation, as well as crafts, puzzles and games. At noon, the group has a meal together and a Bible study follows. Approximately once per month,

the group goes on an outing, which in the past has included activities such as apple-picking and candle-making, and they have special events at holidays.

The reasoning behind the program was simple.

“We saw that there was a need for Salvationist • January 2014 • 9

Photo: Rick Dawes

A Place for Everyone SA Connections has also provided a safe and friendly place for George Baker, a man with an intellectual disability who attends the program with his personal support worker, Kristen Freeman.

Baker and Freeman have been coming to SA Connections since it launched in September 2012.

Brianna Mulder and Kaitlin Valentino show off their costumes at a special Halloween edition of Messy Church 10 • January 2014 • Salvationist

Photo: Rick Dawes

a place for people to come and connect with somebody else and feel a sense of belonging—that’s why we called it ‘Connections,’ ” says Lieutenant Gray.

For Linda Woytaz, the opportunity to meet people and make new friends at SA Connections has been priceless. When she and her husband moved to Essex a few years ago, they knew almost no one and, due to immigration protocols, Woytaz, an American citizen, was not able to gain employment.

“I had worked since I was 13, so not being able to work was having quite an impact on me,” she says. “My husband noticed that I was getting depressed, being at home all the time.”

But then a friend who was involved with cooking meals at SA Connections invited Woytaz to come and volunteer with her, and Woytaz has been a regular ever since.

“It’s made me feel like a better person, getting involved and volunteering,” she says. “And getting to know more women in the community has been huge for me because I didn’t know a lot of people.”

Lt Kristen Gray, CO, shares a Bible story with the children at Messy Church

“When we first started attending, people seemed shy around us, but they soon realized that George is just like everyone else—he’s happy and he likes to joke around and laugh,” Freeman says. “We have a great relationship with everyone and we thoroughly enjoy the good times and conversations.”

Over time, Baker’s sense of connection to Essex Community Church has only grown.

“He asks me almost every day, ‘Is there church today?’ ” Freeman says.

“We go by number of sleeps and I mark it with a big ‘C’ on his calendar.”

Though most of the regulars at SA Connections are adults, the program also caters to mothers with young children. Laliberte always brings her niece, Jazlene, three, and sometimes brings other children if she is babysitting. Over the past year and a half, she’s noticed that Jazlene has formed a deep bond with an older gentleman at SA Connections.

“She really enjoys playing and talking with him, and that is great because she doesn’t have a father figure in her life,” Laliberte says. “That just brings me to tears because this gentleman doesn’t know us, other than from coming here, and he’s overjoyed to see her, and she feels the same way.

“It shows how much of a community family we’ve become in the short amount of time that we’ve had this program.”

Children’s Church While children are welcome at SA Connections, Essex Community Church’s second new program focuses exclusively on children. Launched at the

same time as SA Connections, Messy Church combines food, music, Bible teaching and crafts to teach children— and their parents—about God. Ministry team member Jeremy Gilbert believes that parental involvement has played a significant role in the program’s success.

“Instead of just dropping their kids off and picking them up later, the parents are seeing first-hand that their kids are enjoying the program,” he says. “Having them involved means we can build relationships with the parents, which is key to building relationships with the kids as well.”

Messy Church is held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on two Thursdays each month and attracts between 25 and 40 participants.

The program begins with a meal, followed by a lively contemporary worship time and an interactive Bible study. At the end of the night, the children and their parents go around to different stations, completing activities that tie in with the Bible story. That final component is where Essex puts the “messy” in Messy Church.

“We were doing a paint activity recently and one of our older gentlemen who comes and helps out said, ‘Well, they’re going to get all messy if they do that,’ and I said, ‘Yes, that’s the whole idea!’ ” Lieutenant Gray laughs. “The kids really love that because it’s the kind of stuff parents don’t necessarily want them to be doing at home because it makes too much of a mess.”

Laliberte always comes to Messy Church with a full car, bringing Jazlene, her daughter, Alisson, six, and some chil-

Taking Ownership The steady and growing attendance at both SA Connections and Messy Church is a testament to the positive impact that the programs are having on participants, and it’s leading many to increase their involvement with these programs and The Salvation Army generally.

In addition to cooking for SA Connections, Woytaz is now a cook for Messy Church, and she and her husband pick up food for the Army’s food bank.

Woytaz and her family first came to the Army two years ago through the Christmas hamper program. Having been helped at Christmastime, Woytaz is excited to be involved herself, assisting with kettles and toy distribution.

“These programs helped me, and it feels good to give back,” she says.

This past summer, she and Chandler also attended Salvation Army camps.

Carolyn Barnett and her great-nephew, Quinn, play together at SA Connections

Photo: Dan Janisse

see church in a different light,” Gilbert says. “It’s not just for Sunday morning; you can do it any day during the week.”

Photo: Dan Janisse

dren she babysits. She says the structure of the program makes church accessible to them.

“I love that every craft that we do has a meaning behind it and is explained to the children, because it helps them learn about the Bible without them sitting there for hours,” she says.

The worship time, which usually features worship videos from Hillsong Kids or Praise Kids, is also quite popular with the children.

“Even the toddlers are dancing,” says Barnett. “The kids sing their hearts out and do all the actions—you can see it’s reaching them. I’ve been really impressed by that.”

Woytaz often finds her 10-year-old son, Chandler, singing the songs he learns at Messy Church at home. “Sometimes he even gets so loud that our neighbours hear him,” she laughs.

For families who can’t always make it out to church on Sundays, Messy Church is a welcome alternative.

“Messy Church is helping people

Linda Sutherland and Janice Wilson make seasonal wreaths at SA Connections

“Going to the women’s camp was wonderful for me,” Woytaz says.

“Growing up, my family was quite involved with church, and getting back into it was something I wanted to do.”

Essex Community Church is the first church she has connected with in many years.

Lieutenant Gray is excited to see people from SA Connections and Messy Church becoming more involved with the church. A number of parents cook for Messy Church and one mother plans and prepares all of the activities, purchasing supplies and setting things up.

“It’s really neat to see the families taking ownership of the program,” Lieutenant Gray says. “They want more than just coming and participating; they want to be a part of it.”

One Family For the ministr y team at Essex Community Church, starting two new programs was a leap of faith.

“Change can be hard,” says Barnett, who has been a member of the corps for more than 30 years, “but we’re seeing that change is good.”

With the addition of SA Connections and Messy Church, Essex has more than doubled the number of people coming through its doors on a weekly basis. “It’s brought new life into our church,” says Lieutenant Gray.

And though these programs differ from a typical Sunday service, Lieutenant Gray sees no divide between what happens at the church on Sundays and what happens during the week.

“The people who come to our programs during the week are just as much a part of our congregation as those who come on Sundays,” she says. “We’ve worked hard to create a situation where our Sunday congregation is engaged with people from the community, so that we are one church family.”

Salvationist • January 2014 • 11

Photos: Mellisa Yue Wallace

Students raise their hats to The Salvation Army’s vocational training program where they learned construction skills

Struck Down, Not Destroyed Four years after an earthquake shattered lives in Haiti, The Salvation Army helps victims settle into new homes, gain employment skills and boost their self-esteem

BY MELISSA YUE WALLACE, FEATURES EDITOR “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” —2 Corinthians 4:8.

T

he 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on January 12, 2010, left more than a million people homeless and others distraught by the death of loved ones. Devastating an 12 • January 2014 • Salvationist

already-impoverished area (nearly 80 percent of Haitians live on less than $2 per day), hope escalated as billions of dollars from the international community poured into the country, then plummeted when, months later, it seemed not much had changed.

The Salvation Army has worked in Haiti since 1950. After the earthquake, hundreds of thousands of people flooded Salvation Army facilities for food, water, shelter and medical aid. In March 2012, the Army expanded its services in

Haiti, launching a five-year, $3.6-million Integrated Family Support Project (IFSP), funded entirely by the Army in Canada and Bermuda territory world missions office.

The project includes four components: permanent housing, vocational training, livelihood support and agricultural support. Almost two years into the project, Army staff visited some of the IFSP beneficiaries to find out how it’s been helping people rebuild their lives.

A Home At Last Standing in front of his newly-constructed 24-square-foot home, Frenel bellows a solemn, melodic tune in Creole as his four children shyly fidget and stare back at the spectators. “Nothing is impossible with prayer,” he sings in front of his home, one of 29 that have been constructed since November 2012 through The Salvation Army.

Frenel is a farmer who walks 30 minutes every day to tend to his peanut and sugar cane crops. He sells these crops at the local market, but his income is far from sufficient. His wife stays at home with the children, who aren’t in school because they can’t afford the fees. Still, this family is grateful to have a place called “home.”

Four years ago on the day of the earthquake, they watched their home, and homes in their community, collapse.

“I remember that day,” he says through a translator. “We ran out of our house and watched concrete homes turn to rubble. People were crying and I was in a very bad situation.”

Frenel’s crops were ruined by the quake, but thankfully, none of his family members were injured and he was able to collect some clothes from his house. A family member in a neighbouring community temporarily provided shelter for Frenel’s family while their new house was being built, a blessing considering many victims often end up in “tent camps,” communities where residents live in shelters made of tarps, wood, rags, plastic bags, corrugated tin and cardboard. Jodel Pierre, IFSP manager, estimates 3,000 tent camps were set up after the earthquake, but that number is now decreasing.

“Some people lost everything they had in the earthquake and didn’t have

Frenel and his children show a sign that says, mèsi, (thank you) in Creole in front of their new home

any place to go except the tent camps,” says Pierre. “Others moved to the camps by choice because organizations would provide them with water, sanitation, health care, food and medications that they were not able to pay for outside the camp.

“Many of our project participants lived in these tent camps. We always aim to aid the most vulnerable.”

Though disheartened by the earthquake, Frenel didn’t just sit passively as his house was being built. He took an active role in the construction of his house by working with the contractor to dig the foundation and carry material from the depot to the land.

“After the earthquake, I felt very sad and hopeless,” says Frenel. “This new house is a blessing that God gave to me.

Now I see that there is hope.”

The Salvation Army is aiming to construct 260 houses by the end of the program. Twenty houses are currently being built. >> Watch Frenel singing in front of his new house at salvationist.ca/Haiti13.

Manjita Biswas, left, and Cpt Tiffany Marshall, THQ PRD, right, were part of the Canadian team that visit Haiti

A Pipe Dream Come True The town of Fonds-des-Nègres, approximately 113 kilometres from Port-au-Prince, did not sustain the same level of damage from the earthquake compared to the capital, but the repercussions were still felt.

Chatelier, 23, was sleeping when the earthquake hit. When she felt tremors, she ran and house collapsed.

Chatelier, a single mother of a two-year-old son, is currently living with her sister. At first, Chatelier felt that her situation was hopeless. But after gaining vocational training skills in the field of plumbing, her attitude has changed.

“Before, I was under the control of others to take care of me and I worked for nothing because I didn’t have any skills,” she says. “Now I have training and my time will cost something.

“I now have a way that I can support myself and my child.” >>Find out more about the vocational training program on page 15.

Chatelier digs a trench so she and her team can install pipes

Salvationist • January 2014 • 13

Jonas with his dad, whose income currently supports 25 members of his family

Thriving Crops Twenty-one-year-old Jonas carries a permanent reminder of January 12, 2010.

During the earthquake, a concrete block fell on his head. After spending a month in hospital, he was released, but a scar remains.

“Sometimes I feel afraid when there are weather events and noises due to Livelihood Support Funds Children’s Education Carline, 29, her husband and two children, a 13-year-old and five-year-old, lived in a tent camp for three months after the earthquake damaged the walls of their house. At the time, neither child was attending school due to a lack of funds.

W h e n Th e S a l v a t i o n A r m y approached her to discuss the livelihood support program, which provides people living in poverty with loans to start their own business, Carline was overjoyed.

“I was very happy to participate in this project because it helped me to buy something and sell with that money,” she says. “I can take care of my children and send them to school.”

Before the project, Carline’s children couldn’t attend school due to the family’s insufficient income. Carline now has enough to provide them with food and earns 500 gourdes (approximately C$12) a day by selling peas, rice, sugar, corn, peanuts and candy.

“Thanks to The Salvation Army 14 • January 2014 • Salvationist

rain,” says Jonas. “Sometimes it feels like it’s in my head.”

Jonas’ dad, Raymond, is wearing a shirt that says, “Best Dad Hands Down.”

Regardless of whether he understands what the words mean, his children would probably agree that Raymond deserves the title. His income currently supports 25 members of his family and

he looks after 10 children, five of which live with him.

Raymond is a beneficiary of IFSP’s agricultural support. Through this program, impoverished Haitian farmers receive agricultural training, seeds and loans which they can then use to purchase tools, material and livestock. IFSP aims to provide agricultural support to 1,500 farmers living in poverty.

Raymond rents land to grow crops such as tomatoes, maize and corn. Once the crops are ready, he gives a portion to the landowner and sells the rest in the market.

The Salvation Army’s support has given Jonas, Raymond and 226 other agricultural beneficiaries (so far) a reason to smile again—even though, as Raymond jokes, it’s hard to smile when he has no teeth.

“The program has helped me improve my life,” he says. “I trust The Salvation Army because they are serious about helping others and when they promise something, they do it.”

“I would like to say a special thank you to the donors for the opportunities you provided my father with so that he could continue to support us,” says Jonas. “I also hope you can continue to support other people.”

Carline shows the team a bag of peas that she sells from her home

because I had nothing and you supported me with my family,” she says.

The Army’s goal is to provide 1,500 vulnerable families—especially femaleheaded households—with support and

training to start their own businesses to gain a regular income. >> Watch as Carline expresses her gratitude in this video: salvationist.ca/ haiti2014.

Building Skills For Life In a forested area in Petit-Goâve, a coastal town located about 70 kilometres from Port-au-Prince, young adults diligently work together to weave thick blades of grass around large wooden sticks. The group members are building a compost system that will transform manure, shrubbery and coconut leaves into an organic fertilizer that will ultimately help increase crop production. The group learned their agricultural skills from Centre de Formation Technique Avancée (Advanced Technical Training

Centre), an institution that is partnering with The Salvation Army.

The vocational training the students receive is part of IFSP and targets 1,000 adults aged 18-35 who don’t receive any support from their family and who cannot afford school fees. The centre offers courses in fields such as auto mechanics, tiling, agriculture, plumbing, construction, electricity and ceramic work and involves instruction in and out of the classroom. There have been 560 program participants so far. Once they complete their training, graduates receive a certificate that is recognized by the state, which increases their chances for long-term employment.

Osselin, 27, is currently living in a shelter he created with plastic sheets.

He lives in this tent with three other members of his family.

“Dur ing t he earthquake, I ran out of my family’s house, Students in the Fonds-Des-Nègres learn how to lay tiles through the not knowing where vocational program to go,” he says. “Our A Stronger Haiti The Integrated Family Support Project is one of the largest projects in Haiti and is currently being implemented in 24 communities. Manjita Biswas, who

developed the project as oversea program manager in Canada and Bermuda’s world mission department, believes that success is more than just the number of people who are being helped.

“All four components of the program are helping to rebuild Haiti and provide beneficiaries with life-changing experiences,” she says. “The significance of this project is that we’re not giving hand-

From left, Osselin speaks with project manager Jodel Pierre

house collapsed and we lived in a church for about two or three months.”

Through the vocational program, he has learned valuable skills that he hopes will lead to securing a job.

“I put all my effort into learning through this program,” he says. “After that, I’ll see if I can rebuild my family’s house myself.”

Once graduates complete the program, The Salvation Army helps to link students with existing employers and supports them in their job search.

Throughout their training, NGOs and other potential employers are invited to meet the students to scout prospects.

“We didn’t have this kind of experience before,” says Osselin. “Now I’m a technician and we all have something we can do to help ourselves.” outs, we’re giving them skills. We’re working alongside them and helping them develop sustainable mechanisms so that when the project is over, their house will still be standing and they will have the skills to thrive in their own business, find employment and grow nourishing crops to sell in the market and feed their families.”

—with files from Linda Leigh, THQ PRD

Other Salvation Army Projects in Haiti • The Salvation Army has operated a health facility in Delmas 2, Port-au-Prince, for 40 years. The clinic was damaged by the earthquake and work is under way to build a stronger structure.

• The Salvation Army construction team continues to work diligently to repair and rehabilitate schools outside of the Port-au-Prince area that were damaged by the quake. The Army employs local labour and contractors in each community to support its economy and work force.

• The Salvation Army provides meals to children at its schools throughout the country. For some, it is the only meal they receive on a given day.

Schoolchildren in the commune of Delmas 2 pose for the camera

The Salvation Army remains committed to empowering the communities it serves.

To see more photos and videos, visit Salvationist.ca/haiti2014.

Salvationist • January 2014 • 15

Territorial Congress 2014

BY COMMISSIONER BRIAN PEDDLE, TERRITORIAL COMMANDER From the welcome meeting to workshops to commissioning events, Territorial Congress 2014 will offer spiritually uplifting and renewing experiences you will not want to miss. Mark June 19-22 on your calendar and plan now to attend!

W

hat is this congress thing that you are having in Toronto? Can we come?”

The questions came from a group of teenagers that I was meeting with recently. If you are of a certain vintage, the idea of congress is part of your Army context—you know what to expect. But you can imagine how the curiosity of those young people sent me into information overload as I extended the welcome to Congress 2014.

It was in Winnipeg in 1982 that we last gathered as a territory. In the intervening years, divisions and regions have convened Salvationists for celebration and renewed focus, but the opportunity has not been offered to assemble in one unifying event encompassing the entire Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Commissioner Rosalie and I are looking forward to greeting Salvationists from every division at what we hope will be a gathering of thousands.

I have long thought that the church has failed to emphasize and give opportunity to celebrate, throw a party and acknowledge God’s faithfulness. Our travels suggest that there is much to celebrate. There is no doubt that our Army can be described as an Army with regional identities, displaying different expressions of mission from coast to coast, from the Northwest Territories to Bermuda. I can only imagine what it will be like to gather as One Army to celebrate and give thanks for what God is doing. Congress 2014 will be an offering of praise!

This will be the first opportunity to welcome General André Cox and 16 • January 2014 • Salvationist

Commissioner Silvia Cox, international leaders of The Salvation Army, to the Canada and Bermuda Territory, and to present the territory to them.

Salvationists may well ask, “What’s in it for me? Why spend the money and take the time?” First, let me note that the territory is not making this investment lightly and we know there are many other things that we could spend the money on. But because the territory’s first priority is spiritual renewal, we believe it is important to gather with one united prayer that God would pour out his spirit upon us.

We pray that every Salvationist will come away from congress events with a personal renewal that ignites and fuels rev ival across our territory.

So what will Congress 2014 look like?

There will be opportunity to engage with young people, commend local leaders, focus on discipleship and evangelism, celebrate mission success and witness the ordination and commissioning of the Disciples of the Cross Session of cadets.

“I am so excited to be able to celebrate with the Canada and Bermuda Territory, knowing that so many will be there supporting us,” says Cadet Bhreagh Rowe. “It is extremely humbling to be commissioned at such a large event by General André Cox. It really puts into perspective how big the Army is and how vast the opportunities are to serve God.” I invite you to be a part of something significant. These will be exciting days that will become a mile-

stone in our history and an answer to our prayers that God’s Army would be all he wants it to be.

Pray with me that our congress will inspire the troops to renewed commitment and covenant to One Army, One Mission, One Message. Plan to join with us as we celebrate, anticipate God’s blessing and forge a path forward, together in faith.

Schedule of Events Thursday, June 19

Hershey Centre, 5500 Rose Cherry Place, Mississauga, Ont. 4:30 p.m. Officers’ Family Event

Friday, June 20

Hershey Centre 10 a.m.

Officers’ Councils 4 p.m.

Local Officers’ Reception 7 p.m.

Welcome Meeting 9:30 p.m. Youth Event (Location TBD)

Saturday, June 21

Delta Meadowvale Hotel, 6750 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ont. 8 a.m. Prayer Breakfast (Ticketed Event) 9:30 a.m. Children’s Events 10 a.m.

Workshops 12:30 p.m. Candidates’ Luncheon Hershey Centre 3 p.m. Ordination and Commissioning 7:30 p.m. Celebrating “Mission Matters Most”

Sunday, June 22

Hershey Centre 9 a.m.

Prayer Meeting 10 a.m.

Holiness Meeting 10 a.m.

Kids’ Church 2:30 p.m. Recognition of Appointments, Silver Star Presentation and Sending Out Visit salvationist.ca/congress2014 for registration and other congress details.

WORLD WATCH

Army Provides Relief After Typhoon Hits Philippines Efforts focus on providing food, medical care and comfort to those affected

Nunita Salvador, a Salvation Army soldier, surveys the damage to her home in Tacloban

W

hen an intense tropical storm hit the Philippines on November 8, thousands of lives were lost, homes destroyed and livelihoods devastated.

In the wake of typhoon Haiyan, the worst storm to make landfall on record, The Salvation Army was on the ground, providing food, water, medical care and comfort to those affected.

The Army’s efforts have been concentrated on the island of Leyte and its capital, Tacloban, which bore the brunt of the storm. The mass transport of relief supplies to Tacloban was initially very difficult due to the area’s geography and the extent of the damage. The Army assembled 54 tons of food, medical supplies and other essentials in Manila to be distributed across Leyte. The first truckload of supplies—enough for 550 families—arrived on November 20.

A “cluster co-ordination system” was set up to ensure that all agencies worked together, including The Salvation Army, which attended “cluster” meetings that

addressed logistics, health, food, shelter, non-food items and protection.

Outside of Leyte, The Salvation Army provided food to 4,710 families in Antique Province, where local corps were working with the Filipino department of social welfare and development.

Teams of Salvation Army volunteers also provided life-saving items such as bottled water, biscuits, bananas and bread for people who were evacuated to Cebu and Manila from Tacloban. The initial outlay provided food and water packages for 3,500 people.

A program supporting people evacuating from Tacloban Airport assisted up to 1,000 people daily.

At cluster meetings the potential for human trafficking was highlighted as an immediate concern, so a registration facility was set up in a tent at the airport, and The Salvation Army was given a tent next to this at which it provided refreshments and sandwiches.

In addition to providing emergency supplies, The Salvation Army has offered medical assistance. With medical services in the affected areas unable to cope, the Army was asked by the authorities to work in the Baybay area in partnership with the local hospital.

The Army’s medical personnel have been working with staff from the Christian Medical and Dental Association of the United States (CMDA). Together, The Salvation Army and CMDA identified which medical supplies and equipment were required, looking to purchase as much as possible in the Philippines. The project has also planned to bring in other medical personnel—where possible, from the Philippines—and purchase a vehicle to assist with the transport of staff and supplies.

The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda has committed to provide the $100,000 in funding for food supplies needed for distribution by Salvation Army relief teams.

Visit salvationist.ca/tag/the-philippines for the latest information about the Army’s relief efforts.

Mjr Marialyn Nietes feeds a typhoon survivor at the first-aid treatment area in Villamor, Manila Salvationist • January 2014 • 17

TALKING IT OVER

Moral Extremism

Should we measure ourselves on the yardstick of good behaviour?

In their Talking It Over series, Dr. James Read, director of The Salvation Army Ethics Centre in Winnipeg, and Dr. Aimee Patterson, Christian ethics consultant at the centre, dialogue about moral and ethical issues.

DEAR AIMEE,

A

part from Jesus, have you ever known anybody who was “extremely” good or “extremely” principled?

I don’t mean just nice, like the people who give up their seat on the bus, or decent folk, the sort you’d like as next-door neighbours. I mean people who are so good you wonder if they are for real.

Like this couple from Philadelphia that I was reading about. Sue and Hector Badeau have two biological children and have adopted 20 more children, each with special needs and some terminally ill. The Badeaus reasoned that it didn’t matter if it would negatively impact their personal standard of living, adopting the children would dramatically improve the children’s lives. So they adopted them.

Who does that kind of thing, Aimee? Surely we aren’t supposed to think such behaviour is normative, are we? I can admire people who make “extreme” moral choices, but I can admire Monet’s genius, too, without thinking I should try to paint like him.

JIM DEAR JIM,

18 • January 2014 • Salvationist

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/icefront

F

unny you should say you can admire people who make extreme moral choices. My initial reaction to the couple you mention is one of antipathy. Do I secretly covet their ability to act so selflessly for the direct benefit of others?

Perhaps, but I can’t help thinking that any kind of extreme lifestyle—even one based on a moral extreme—lacks something.

Let’s continue with the example of adoption. Although I find my own two children a challenge, I can imagine opening my house and my family to more. It wouldn’t be beyond the pale to adopt additional children who are particularly vulnerable with the aim of enriching their lives. But 20? Once the household chores and other practical necessities were taken care of, I fear I’d have nothing left to give them. Isn’t there more to parenting than this? What kind of person would I end up becoming? Is that an unimportant consideration for someone concerned with being good?

When I look at my mom and dad, what I admire about them and want to emulate sometimes has little or nothing to do with their particular roles as parents. It might have to do with their career lives, identities as spouses, friendships, personalities, political views or their faith. I’m not making an argument against stay-at-home parenting, but children benefit from knowing that their parents have whole lives.

Compared to my own, Jesus’ ministry might well be considered “extreme.” It certainly ups the moral ante. It leads me

to want to take full advantage of any power I have to make a difference in the world. Nevertheless, from what I read in the Scriptures, the greater the number of people Jesus healed and the larger the crowds who heard him preach, the more he retreated to pray. For Jesus, being good—holy, even— didn’t seem to be about reaching the most people in the most effective ways.

Is imposing limits on our moral behaviour just a matter of realizing our natural limitations as humans? I don’t think so.

I think it’s about recognizing that we are created to be more than just selfless. Among other things, we are created to be selves in relationship. What do you think?

AIMEE

TALKING IT OVER DEAR AIMEE,

I

probably wouldn’t express it the same way, but yes, I am all for relationship. Or relationship of a certain kind, anyway.

C.S. Lewis wrote about different kinds of love. Augustine thought love was the problem as well as the solution. And Aristotle wrote about different kinds of friendship, contending that not all are equally valuable. Perhaps we should talk about that someday.

But at the moment, I don’t think we have to assume the Philadelphia couple to be cold philanthropists, with no appreciations of “selves.” It’s true that when I read the utilitarian philosophers, I get the feeling they are recommending that people become bean counters overtaken by a cult of efficiency.

Peter Singer, for instance, wrote in 1971 that “we ought to give until we reach the level of marginal utility—that is, the level at which, by giving more, I would cause as much suffering to myself or my dependents as I would relieve by my gift. This would mean, of course, that one would reduce oneself to very near the material circumstances of a Bengali refugee.” Where’s the humanity in that? In The Tragedy of American Compassion, Marvin Olasky argued that the utilitarian calculation of stretching hunger relief dollars as far as possible had resulted in the poor being treated like well-tended zoo animals!

But why think the big family necessarily lacks healthy love and denies its members the richly rounded life you long for?

My father was the youngest of eight. My mother-in-law the youngest of 11. I am the eldest of six. It’s a long way from 22, but anything I missed out on isn’t worth wishing my siblings were never born.

What really concerns me, however, is that I think I may have settled for a life of moral smallness. I admire the “extremists” because they haven’t. They are true saints. Their imagination of the good is vastly bigger than mine. I will never get to where they have gotten. But they challenge me to broaden my horizons.

Salvation Army teaching says that everyone can become “entirely sanctified.” I believe that and know all things are possible with God. But we too readily equate “sanctification” with not being bad—not stealing, not hating, not hurting our neighbours. Of course, the “extremely moral” people don’t do such things, but in them I feel the challenge of my sins of omission. Am I making sense?

JIM

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DEAR JIM,

Y

ou seem to be saying, “Your morality is too small!”

Maybe! Too many of us do settle for lives that reduce what we’re capable of in terms of moral engagement.

But I’m also concerned that we not confuse moral extremism with sainthood or entire sanctification. I see them as being different.

To me, moral extremism flirts with self-reliance: a confidence that being oriented to good action and then doing the best we can (even in a warm, benevolent, human way) fulfils our vocation as human beings.

A saint, on the other hand, is someone who recognizes their own incapacity for self-realization or fulfilment. This doesn’t mean their vision of the goodness that can be achieved by their hand is too small. It means they recognize that their good works and broad moral horizon alike rely for their worth on some means of grace. In her public address, Holiness, Catherine Booth said, “If you want to rise to the possibilities of your nature in the salvation of God, you must be delivered from sin” (my italics). And in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he calls the people of that church saints—sanctified by grace—though he knows they’re also distracted by their lesser inclinations.

I don’t want to use grace as an excuse for not acting well or for limiting my moral imagination. Grace is a strengthening agent. What about sanctification, then? We often attach a behavioural aspect to it because we associate it with Christian perfection. Sanctification is being set apart or dedicated (to God). It’s about devotion inspired by faith. By that definition, perhaps it is extreme. But it’s not first of all about being devoted to a moral way of life. Of course, we would be right to have misgivings, as Paul did, if good action failed to flow from sanctification. We know that God calls us, not only to be fulfilled selves, but also to go outside of ourselves. Devotion to God ought to translate naturally or habitually into right moral orientation and action.

I return to one of your original thoughts: Surely we aren’t supposed to think extreme moral behaviour is normative, are we? Normative? No. You still haven’t convinced me to adopt 20 children! But perhaps relying on grace means I need to be more receptive to the possibility of unexpected openings of God’s infinite goodness in my life.

Grace and peace.

AIMEE

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Contact (416) 422-6119; circulation@can.salvationarmy.org or visit salvationist.ca/subscribe to order Salvationist • January 2014 • 19

SNAPSHOTS OF MINISTRY

North Street Citadel holds open-air ministry at Albuoy’s Point every Sunday evening in the summer.

Bermuda Blessings

North Street Citadel makes an impact with open-air ministry and effective corps programs PHOTOS BY LIONEL CANN

F

or residents of the city of Hamilton, Bermuda, North Street Citadel is a corps that reaches beyond its four walls. From Guides and Brownies to the seniors’ exercise program to Harbour Light Bible studies to musical groups, this corps welcomes its community with open arms.

Read on to find out what North Street Citadel has been up to and be encouraged by the good work taking place in the Bermuda Division.

Major Bruce Jennings, corps officer, welcomes the community to an open-air service.

20 • January 2014 • Salvationist

SNAPSHOTS OF MINISTRY The purpose of the Brownies program is to encourage young girls to build their identity and foster positive relationships. Activities include community service projects, celebrating cultures and learning practical skills.

Open-air services share God’s love with others through band music, praise and worship, children’s lessons, one-on-one sharing and personal testimonies. The activities also take place at an emergency housing shelter once a month during the rest of the year.

The singing company performs for Sunday morning services and afternoon musicals.

Five days a week, North Street Citadel serves meals to those who have a need, whether it be through homelessness or financial distress. A full-time cook, with the help of volunteers, prepares and serves approximately 80 to 100 meals a day.

In 2013, the corps held junior and senior soldier enrolments. Salvationists were pleased to welcome several Harbour Light graduates, as well as a man in his 80s who has been worshipping at North Street Citadel for years. Holding the flag for a junior soldier enrolment is a Harbour Light graduate who was enrolled as a soldier the previous year.

What’s going on at your corps? Tell us about it. We’re open to suggestions from Salvation Army corps and ministries for our Snapshots of Ministry series. E-mail us at salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org.

Salvationist • January 2014 • 21

A Retail Tale

A Salvation Army thrift store in Montreal gives without reservation

BY KEN RAMSTEAD, EDITOR, FAITH & FRIENDS AND FOI & VIE

T

Part of the staff at The Salvation Army’s thrift store in Montreal

he staff of The Salvation Army’s thrift store situated on Notre Dame Street right below Montreal’s downtown had closed for the day when they heard a knock at the door.

“The man was here from California looking for work and he’d had his suitcase stolen, including his wallet,” says staff member James Espirito. While he had contacted his family back home for help, at the moment he had nothing to his name and none of the other stores in the area had bothered to open their doors to him.

“He was literally begging us for a shirt, just one shirt he could wear,” Espirito continues.

The staff immediately unlocked their doors, brought him in and gave him the run of the place.

“He couldn’t believe his good fortune,” says Espirito. “He had no money to pay us, but the look on his face was 22 • January 2014 • Salvationist

vibrant beacon in the community, and I know Patrick and the rest of the staff are grateful to be part of this grass-roots ministry to our neighbours.”

“When people think of The Salvation Army here in Montreal, our thrift store immediately comes to mind,” agrees Carriere. “The community is a hundred percent behind us because we are, in a very real sense, a part of our community.

I think our varied clientele reflects that.”

Walk by the thrift store on any given lunch hour and you’ll see an eclectic clientele, sandwiched as the store is between trendy boutiques and antique shops at one end and one of the poorer parts of town on the other.

Luxury cars are parked outside as their owners pop in for just the right business suit for an upcoming board meeting. Single moms carrying kids rub shoulders with legal secretaries, while hostel clients, vouchers in hand, look for the bare necessities.

But even the vouchers go by the board in a case of extreme need.

“We’ve had many homeless people

payment enough.”

“There’s a reason why The Salvation Army exists and why it’s been around so long. The one word that comes to mind is hope,” says Patrick Carriere, store manager. “As a person of faith, I know how important that is. When people walk through our doors, they have hope.”

People Helping People Carriere’s Salvation Army thrift store occupies a unique niche in the Montreal retail landscape.

“With 40 employees and at 40,000 square feet, the Montreal Notre Dame thrift store is the largest Salvation Army thrift store in Canada and an exceptional example of interaction with the community,” says John Kershaw, managing director of The Salvation Army’s National Recycling Operations. “Like the rest of our 300 stores in Canada, the Montreal Notre Dame branch is a

“When people walk through our door, they have hope,” says thrift store manager Patrick Carriere

or people released from detention who come in needing clothes immediately,” relates Carolyn Coleman, one of the thrift store clerks. “Normally, we need some sort of voucher from the Army shelter but instead we often say, ‘It’s free of charge. Just find what you can use.’

We are helping people in need but we’re also helping the community. It’s a good feeling.”

“Our sales generate funds for Salvation Army facilities in the city that do so much for so many,” says Carriere with pride, noting that the funds generated by his store provide assistance to the Booth Centre close by, L’Abri D’espoir, the Army’s women’s shelter down the street, the Red Shield Appeal and the Christmas kettle drive.

“Patrick and his employees are frontline workers no less than our shelter and hostel staff,” believes Kershaw, “and the funds they provide are pivotal to our operations in Montreal.

“They get a great deal of joy from their guests and their customers get a great deal on everything they purchase.”

“We are helping people in need but we’re also helping the community.

It’s a good feeling” Errand of Mercy Carriere will always remember one special moment.

Someone tapped the then-manager of the Salvation Army thrift store in Laval, Que., on the shoulder. When he turned, there was a mother with her son in tow.

“I need help,” she said simply, through her tears.

Before she could say anything else, Carriere looked at her and said, ”Let’s go to my office.”

Inside, the woman told Carriere her story. She and her son had suffered for years at the hands of an abusive husband, who beat them regularly.

“We were finally able to escape but all we have are the clothes on our backs,” she told Carriere. “A friend found us a place to stay, but I have no furniture, no clothes, no food. I have nothing.”

“She was trembling as she told me her story, that’s how scared she was,”

With 40 employees and at 40,000 square feet, the Montreal Notre Dame thrift store is the largest Salvation Army thrift store in Canada

continues Carriere.

“We’re here to help you,” he told her. “Whatever we can do, we will do.

Anything that we have is yours, without limits.”

He and his staff rolled into action.

Within an hour, they had furnished her entire apartment. What the Salvation Army store didn’t have—fridge, stove, washer and dryer—they took care of through outside suppliers. And they found a company that was able to deliver the furniture.

Carriere then gave the woman a shopping cart and told her to go on a shopping spree and to take anything she thought would make her and her son happy—books, toys, whatever.

“I don’t know how to thank you,”

the woman kept repeating to Carriere and his staff.

“But we’re not done yet,” he told her.

“You need to eat and I intend to make sure that you eat well.”

Carriere then withdrew money from his own bank account and took her to the nearest grocery store, where they went shopping together.

He never thought he’d see the woman again but she returned to the store a month later, happy and safe with her child in their new apartment. “I can’t believe that people like you and your staff still exist,” she said, giving him a heartfelt hug.

“At that moment,” Carriere smiles, “I knew why I belong to The Salvation Army.”

Hustle and bustle at the check-out counters Salvationist • January 2014 • 23

CROSS CULTURE

A Joyful Noise

New book tells the story of the Joystrings, the 1960s Salvation Army pop group REVIEW BY COLONEL GWENYTH REDHEAD

“Visionar y, g round breaking and courageous. It was back in the days when guitars in church, let alone music with a beat, were for many a definite no-no.

But there, in the forefront of Christian evangelism, even with a track in the secular charts, were The Salvation Army’s Joystrings, proving that the devil certainly didn’t have all the good music.”

—Sir Cliff Richard

W

hen the Joystrings burst on the music scene 50 years ago, they were revolutionary. This unique, God-directed pop group was the result of a comment made by General Frederick Coutts in 1963 at his first press conference following his election: “It would be possible to take the gospel mes-

ON THE WEB Freerice

www.freerice.com What if you could help end world hunger, just by answering questions online? It might sound too good to be true, but that’s exactly the purpose of Freerice. The website is owned by and supports the United Nations World Food Programme. Visitors to the site answer questions on a variety of topics, and every right answer donates 10 grains of rice to hungry people around the world.

The default subject is English vocabulary but there are many subjects available, including math, 24 • January 2014 • Salvationist

sage to coffee bars with electric guitars if these proved to be an effective method.”

When, after hearing this, the press wanted to meet such a group, several cadets were quickly gathered together.

The amazing story of what happened next is chronicled in The Joystrings, a new book by Lt-Colonel Sylvia Dalziel, a member of the Joystrings. Most of the group were members of the Proclaimers of the Faith Session and, following their commissioning in 1965, were appointed to the group for their initial years of service as officers. With their unique musical talents The Joystrings perform in London, England and desire to be an effective witness—combined with the initiative of group, which included making recordCommissioner Clarence Wiseman, then ings that hit the pop charts, appearing on training principal of the International television, meeting Queen Elizabeth II Training College—the Joystrings took and travelling around Europe on whirlthe world by storm, bringing the gospel wind tours. The final chapter of the book to places where it had never been heard comes from singer-songwriter Major Joy before.

Webb, Order of the Founder, who was In The Joystrings, Lt-Colonel Dalziel the multi-talented leader of the group. recounts the five-year history of the This innovative ministry did not meet with universal Salvation Army approval, but the group had courage in its convicfamous quotes, geography, chemistry tions and the blessing of the General. As and human anatomy. Freerice can also a result of their ministry, many people help you learn a new language by testbecame Christians and committed their ing your German, French, Spanish, lives to the ministry of the gospel (some Italian and Latin vocabulary. Freerice of their testimonies are recorded in The has a social component as well: users Joystrings). can create a profile, follow friends and This coffee-table book has an attractjoin groups. ive layout and contains many eye-catching photographs. The reader is left with no doubt that the group was a “God initiative,” not only enthralling hundreds of people, but also changing many lives.

The Joystrings is a must read for people of all ages.

Colonel Gwenyth Redhead is a retired officer living in Orillia, Ont. Commissioned in the United Kingdom in 1965, she was a sessionmate of several members of the Joystrings.

CROSS CULTURE

I Am Malala

The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, one young girl spoke out, writing for BBC Urdu about life under the regime and her family’s fight for girls’ education in her community. But on October 9, 2012, at 15 years old, Malala Yousafzai almost paid the ultimate price for speaking out. Targeted by the Taliban, she was shot in the head at point-blank range while riding the bus home from school.

Few expected her to survive, but Yousafzai miraculously recovered and has since taken her campaign for education global, from Swat Valley to the United Nations in New York City.

I Am Malala recounts her life before and after the shooting.

It shows Yousafzai as both an ordinary girl who enjoys TV and pop music and an extraordinarily brave activist who began giving TV interviews in Pakistan about girls’ education when she was just 11 years old. Now 16, she has become a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest-ever nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. Her memoir is a remarkable tale that shows how one person’s voice can inspire change in the world.

Ten Days Without

Daring Adventures in Discomfort That Will Change Your World and You

by Daniel Ryan Day “Life is full of good intentions,” writes Daniel Day, “but for too many, our good intentions never become good actions—they don’t move us forward, draw us closer to God, or make a difference in the world. Good intentions are cans of paint that could have become amazing works of art … but never did.”

A lifelong Christian, Day wanted to honour God by loving him and others, but didn’t know how to make a difference. Then three years ago, Day came up with a simple experiment to help him move from talking about faith to living it. For 10 days at a time, Day abandoned a certain “necessity”—a coat, a voice, shoes, media, furniture, legs, touch—and blogged about it to raise funds and awareness for organizations that are making a difference. He then invited others to join him in the experiments and spread the vision.

Ten Days Without is the story of this life-altering experiment and a practical guide that can help readers confront apathy and have an impact on the lives of others.

IN THE NEWS

Rating Religions Survey shows many Canadians have unfavourable view of non-Christian religions A new survey by Angus Reid Global shows that most Canadians have a favourable view of Christianity, but many do not have a positive opinion of other major religions.

On the whole, Canadians were least partial to Islam, with 69 percent of Quebecers and 54 percent of people outside Quebec viewing Islam unfavourably—up from 68 percent and 46 percent, respectively, in 2009.

“We put the same questions to Canadians across the country four years ago,” says Shachi Kurl, vice-president, Angus Reid Global.

“Since 2009, favourable views toward all religions have dropped outside Quebec. In that province, favourable views toward Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism have climbed, but are still lower than in the rest of Canada. Only perceptions of Christianity remain unchanged.”

Christianity was the most favourably viewed religion, with 66 percent of Quebecers and 73 percent of people outside Quebec reporting a positive opinion. When region is taken into account, Albertans were most likely to have a favourable view of Christianity (80 percent), while British Columbians were most likely to have an unfavourable view of the faith (22 percent).

After Christianity, Canadians felt most favourable toward Buddhism (56 percent of Quebecers and 56 percent of people outside Quebec), followed by Judaism (35 percent and 51 percent), Hinduism (39 percent and 44 percent) and Sikhism (18 percent and 29 percent).

Chic for Cheap Actress Eva Mendes shops at thrift stores Actress-turned-fashion designer Eva Mendes may be known for her high-fashion style, but for everyday clothes she’s a big fan of The Salvation Army. In an interview on The Queen Latifah Show in October, the actress confessed that she loves shopping at thrift stores.

“Give me a Salvation Army and a Goodwill and I will find stuff in there,” Mendes said, adding, “I like the Salvation Armys that do colour co-ordination. You just go to the colours that appeal to you and you just zero in.”

A Salvation Army thrift store in Regina Salvationist • January 2014 • 25

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/amphotora

IN REVIEW

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

ENROLMENTS AND RECOGNITION

MONCTON, N.B.—Twelve senior soldiers are enrolled at Moncton Citadel CC. From left, Cpt Leigh and Mjr Vida Ryan, COs; CSM Judy

Blakney; Harold Gauthier; Eileen Gauthier; Vanessa Feltham; Matthew Feltham; Edward Landry; Mary Landry; Dan Hill; Christina Hill;

KINGSTON, ONT.—Rideau Heights CC honours those who oversaw the planting, growing and harvesting at the Robinson-Abrams Community Garden, a project spearheaded by local businessman Bernie Robinson and Judge Brian Abrams. The project makes fresh produce available to people in need through local charities, including the Army’s Bread of Life program. “We held a harvest meal where items from the garden were prepared,” says Lt Josh Howard, CO, “and certificates of appreciation were given out” to those connected to the Robinson-Abrams group and co-ordinators from Rideau Heights CC. From left, Ken Pedlar, Brian Abrams, Edward Augustyn, Jackie Wood, Toby Dee, Joe Hawkins, Joe Lopes, Sindi Crowe, Bernie Robinson, Lt Josh Howard, Leslie McPherson.

KINGSTON, ONT.—Katie Lawson (front) is welcomed as the newest junior soldier at Rideau Heights CC. Celebrating with her are, from left, Lt Josh Howard, CO; Adrianna Fetterly, Ashanti Fetterly, Tanisha Fetterly, junior soldiers; Richard Green, holding the flag; Mackenzie Dong, junior soldier; Elaine Pedlar, youth co-ordinator.

Dean Pritchett; Erika Pritchett; Kent Hopper; Catherine Hopper; John Li, colour sergeant.

YARMOUTH, N.S.—Five junior soldiers are enrolled at Yarmouth CC. Back, from left, Cpts Morgan and Lisa Hillier, DYS and ADYS, Maritime Div; Jesse Byers, junior soldier instructor; Mjrs Janice and Peter Rowe, COs; Hugh Nickerson, holding the flag; Mjr Shona Pike, territorial secretary for candidates. Front, from left, Norman Nickerson, McKenna Surrette, Madison George, Brooke-Lynn Doucette, Judith Nickerson, junior soldiers.

SARNIA, ONT.—Following an eight-week renovation project, the Sarnia Corps’ thrift store reopens to welcome its first customer, CSM Rita Price, as Barb Gillard, store manager, works the cash register. “We are pleased to brighten this corner of God’s vineyard for the purpose of serving our community,” says Mjr Rick Pollard, CO.

HAMILTON, BERMUDA—Three junior soldiers are enrolled at North Street Citadel. From left, YPSM Carol McDowall; Sierra Brangman; Markus Musson; Terry Battersbee, holding the flag; Markel Musson; Andrea Cann, who taught the junior soldier preparation classes.

26 • January 2014 • Salvationist

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

Anniversary Celebrations

WINGHAM, ONT.—As part of a training weekend to prepare local personnel to assist in the event of an unexpected emergency or major disaster, Wingham Corps presents first responders with certificates of appreciation during a special appreciation Sunday. The service focused on giving thanks to local first responders for their everyday work to keep the community safe. From left, Mjr Archie Simmonds, CO; Neil Vincent, reeve, Township of North Huron; Perron Goodyear, divisional emergency disaster services director, Ont. GL Div; Chief Tim Poole, Wingham Police Service; Mario Oliveira, North Huron EMS.

LONDON, ONT.—Stan Burditt, founder of MAST (Men Against Sexual Trafficking) and a Salvationist from London Citadel, is recognized as one of several Men of Honour by CEASE (Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation).

The goal of MAST is to educate everyone, especially men, about sex trafficking and to encourage them to stop buying sexual services since the victims are often trafficked individuals. To be named Men of Honour, recipients of the award must foster healthy relationships, create positive opportunities for people, strengthen their families, communities and workplaces, and respect the integrity, individuality and humanity of vulnerable children and adults. Burditt (far right) shares a moment at the awards ceremony with members of the London Anti-Human Trafficking Committee.

PENTICTON, B.C.—The Army’s food bank in Penticton receives a cheque for $2,000 as part of grand opening celebrations of the new Walmart Super Centre in the community. Isabel Ballantyne, Walmart community giving ambassador, makes the presentation to Joey Cyr, community services supervisor, and Mjr Dale Sobool, CO, Penticton CC. The Army is one of several recipients chosen by local Walmart associates.

THORBURN, N.S.— Salvationists in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick celebrate as their divisional camp, Scotian Glen, marks 60 years of service. Cutting the anniversary cake during closing festivities of music and gospel arts camp are, from left, Cpts Morgan and Lisa Hillier, DYS and ADYS, Maritime Div; Mjr Alison Cowling, DC/ DDWM, Maritime Div; Olivia Seaman, youngest camper.

COMFORT COVE/NEWSTEAD, N.L.—Cutting the cake marking the 113th anniversary of the Comfort Cove/Newstead Corps are, from left, CT Sidney Lewis; Cpt George Crocker, CO; Mjrs Rex and Darlene Colbourne, executive director and co-ordinator of chaplaincy and volunteer services, Glenbrook Lodge for Senior Citizens, St. John’s, N.L., and leaders for the weekend celebrations; Flora Canning; Cpt Karen Crocker, CO; CSM Faye Hale.

KITCHENER, ONT.—Since 1988, The Salvation Army Parent-Child Resource Centre has offered physical, emotional and spiritual support to families faced with the challenges of parenting in today’s society. From left, Beverly Voisin, executive director, and Pamela Nickell, site supervisor and childcare co-ordinator, cut the cake honouring the 25th anniversary of the centre.

LOWER ISLAND COVE, N.L.—Salvationists celebrate the 67th anniversary of Lower Island Cove Corps with a special dinner and Sunday services under the leadership of Mjrs Lloyd and Marlene George, executive director at the Wiseman Centre in St. John’s, N.L., and pastoral care officer for Newfoundland and Labrador. From left, Lt Chris Street, CO; Florence Snelgrove; Lt Tonia Street, CO; Tyler Delaney; Mjrs Marlene and Lloyd George.

Salvationist • January 2014 • 27

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

TRIBUTES TORONTO—Johnstone Kwendo Ndugu was born in Vihiga District, Kenya, in 1956. He was a teacher at The Salvation Army Thika School for the Blind, Central Province, and served as choir director and band member at Thika Corps. Following the death of his beloved wife, Margaret, in 1998, Johnstone subsequently married Angela Njagi.

Immigrating to Canada with his family in 2000, Johnstone joined The Salvation Army Community Church West Hill in Toronto and was a member of the band. A full-time employee of New Visions Toronto and part-time employee at Surex Community Services, he served as a support worker for more than 10 years and was an active member in a number of Kenyan community groups. Promoted to glory through a tragic road accident, Johnstone is remembered by his mother, Efeli; brother, Stanley; sister, Susan; wife, Angela; sons Eric, Sammy, David; daughters Alice, Jane, Roseanne, Jennifer, Esther.

CORNER BROOK, N.L.—Leslie H. Pike Sr. grew up in Corner Brook and loved sports, especially baseball, which he played in his younger years. Married to Marjorie, he was widowed in 1983 and then met and married Mildred Pittman, his wife of 23 years. Leslie worked at Kruger Paper Mill before retiring in 1988, the same year he accepted Christ and was enrolled as a senior soldier. He was involved in activities at Corner Brook Temple, including the men’s fellowship. After his retirement, Leslie and Mildred travelled across Canada and the United States until ill health prevented them from doing so. Held in high esteem by all who knew him, Leslie’s life showed God’s love, compassion and kindness. He is missed by his loving wife, Mildred; son, Leslie Jr. (Debbie); two grandsons; three great-grandchildren; stepchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

BARRIE, ONT.—While actively serving as the corps officer of Barrie Corps, Major Mark Cummings was promoted to glory at the age of 56. Although fighting cancer for four years, Mark continued to preach and serve until two weeks before God took him home. Born and raised in Toronto, he and his family attended Danforth-Agincourt Corps.

Mark graduated from the University of Toronto in 1980 before entering the College for Officer Training that same year. There he met Cadet Lynn McMurter and they were married in 1983. Together they served in corps throughout Ontario in Ingersoll, Kanata, Pembroke, Toronto, Fenelon Falls, Cobourg and Barrie, and also in Somerset, Bermuda.

Mark loved the Lord and had a strong passion for preaching and teaching the Word so that lives were transformed by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. As an artist, Mark produced beautiful paintings and portraits, many of which he gave to people to whom he ministered to encourage them on their faith journey. Mark is remembered by his loving wife, Lynn; sons Andrew, Luke; father, Clifford (Shirley); brothers Timothy, Jonathan; sister, Deborah; mother-in-law, Audrey McMurter; comrades of Barrie Corps, friends and acquaintances.

GAZETTE

TERRITORIAL Appointments Mjr Elaine Braye, guest services co-ordinator, JPCC, Jackson’s Point, Ont., THQ business administration services Promoted to glory Mjr David Peck, from Peterborough, Ont., Oct 22

CALENDAR

Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle Jan 18-20 CFOT, Winnipeg; Jan 23-24 National Advisory Board, Toronto; Jan 27-30 divisional retreat, Ont. GL Div Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley Jan 4 youth holiness conference, Ont. GL Div; Jan 12-17 IHQ, London, England; Jan 24-25 Booth University College board of trustees, Toronto; Jan 27-30 divisional retreat, Prairie Div 28 • January 2014 • Salvationist

SEAL COVE, WHITE BAY, N.L.—Woodrow W. Jennings was promoted to glory in his 85th year. He met and married Florence Rideout and they spent 65 years together.

He is remembered by his wife, Florence; sister, Audrey; children Major Bruce Jennings (Mildred), Karen Doyle (John), Doreen McKay (Gerald), Robert Jennings (Ruth), Brenda Gallant; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; extended family and friends.

HALIFAX—Hazel (Kaye) Inkpen was born in Burin, N.L. A faithful servant of Jesus Christ, Kaye was a lifelong Salvationist and member of Fairview Citadel in Halifax, contributing to various ministries including as corps cadet counsellor. She was a tremendous baker, well known for her bread, rolls and partridgeberry pie which she sometimes baked for church fundraisers. Promoted to glory following a courageous battle with cancer, Kaye is survived by her son, Barry (Cathy O’Neill); daughter, Wendy (Robert) Clark; brothers Joshua Moulton, Scott Moulton; sister, Jessie Mitchell; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and in particular George Beasley, who regarded her as a second mother.

PENTICTON, B.C.—Born in Allan, Sask., in 1914, George William Roper grew up in small farming communities in Saskatchewan, Ontario and British Columbia. Moving to Rossland, B.C., he worked at the Cominco Smelter and Refinery, began attending The Salvation Army and met his future wife, Gertie Fitch. George joined the Canadian military in 1939 as a gunner and was one of the first Canadians to land on British soil during the Second World War. He transferred to the Provost Corps (military police) as a motorcycle dispatch rider. After serving five years and sustaining back injuries, George returned home and was reunited with Gertie in Vancouver, eventually settling in Kamloops, B.C., where they raised four children. A faithful Salvation Army soldier, he served as bandsman, flag bearer, corps council member, usher and community care ministries worker. A member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 50 years, he participated in Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Retired in Penticton, he volunteered for community and charity events.

George is remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather and trusted friend. He is greatly missed by children Beverley, Major Marg (Joe), Donald (Janice), Mary (Thomas); 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Photo Guidelines for Celebrate Community, Around the Territory and Other Salvationist News Items: • Set your digital camera at the highest quality/size setting. Photos taken with a camera phone are typically not suitable for printing in the magazine.

• Make sure the pictures are in focus and not too dark.

• E-mail the original photo file to salvationist@can.salvationarmy. org as an attachment. Do not imbed the photo in the body of an e-mail or Word document.

• Ensure that the people in the photo are aware that their picture may be used in print and/or online. Photo release forms are available from the editorial department. We recommend these be used, particularly in instances where photos include people from outside the church community.

• Clearly identify all persons shown in the photo, including their position or responsibility in your ministry.

• Take and send multiple shots. This makes it easier for our editors and designers to choose the most appropriate photo for print and/or online use.

• Be creative and add some originality to your photos. Help us to portray your ministry in a fresh and exciting way.

• W herever possible, identify skilled photographers in your congregation and enlist their assistance on a regular basis.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

The Wealth Trap

Do you own your possessions or do they own you?

What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.

Steep your life in God-reality, Godinitiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes (Matthew 6:33-34 The Message).

T

he promise of Freedom 55, of wealth, ease and early, meaningful retirement has not come as advertised. Technology promised us automation and reduced workweeks. But those dreams have proven false.

Does our pursuit of material things, our thirst for consumption, our obsession with technology, free us or bind us? What about the superabundance of choice in goods and services? How many more TV channels do we need?

Is multitasking, hurrying, cramming as much as we can into our already busy lives, creating peace or fatigue and restlessness?

While there is a danger in reducing life to a sound bite, I am convinced that people are hungry for genuine change.

This inner transformation often happens through spiritual practices as we turn our hearts to God. Simplicity is one such discipline, an inward reality that can result in an outward lifestyle. How do we live more simply?

1. Remember who really matters.

In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus said: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ ”

Does our pursuit of material things free us or bind us? How do we live more simply?

How often are we so bogged down with activities and worries that we neglect to invest in our relationship with God and others? Jesus tells us to: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).

2. Sit, be still and reflect. In Making All Things New, Henri Nouwen says: “The spiritual life can be lived in as many ways as there are people. What is new is that we have moved from the many things to the kingdom of God. What is new is that we are set free from the compulsions of our world and have set

our hearts on the only necessary thing.

Indeed, living a spiritual life requires a change of heart, a conversion. It always involves an inner experience of oneness.”

3. Pray throughout the day. No need for long-winded requests when it comes to asking for strength to give up a lifestyle of overconsumption. Here are some examples of short prayers you can say: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” “God, help me to live more simply so that others might simply live.” “God, hasten to help me, make speed to save me.”

Theologian Soren Kierkegaard describes a pure heart, or a life of joy and peace, as “willing one thing.”

May it be our prayer to put Christ and his motives at the centre of our lives. God, help us to be focused. Help us to seek your way, your kingdom and love you, our neighbour and ourselves with all that is in us.

Major David Ivany is a certified spiritual director who serves with the pastoral services team at Canada and Bermuda’s territorial headquarters.

He and his wife are the corps officers at Regent Park’s Corps 614 in Toronto.

Assess Your Simplicity 1. Am I aware of anything that is producing an addiction in me (such as gadgets or technology)?

2. Do I have difficulty sharing resources with others?

3. Are my consumer choices oppressing others? Does my wealth mean poverty for others?

4. Is my speech simple, marked by integrity and honesty? Is my “yes” a yes, my “no” a no?

5. Do I need everything I possess?

What things can I eliminate?

6. Who is my Master? If it is Jesus, do I seek first his kingdom?

Salvationist • January 2014 • 29

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/ZargonDesign

BY MAJOR DAVID IVANY

IN THE TRENCHES

Arm’s-Length Relationships Growing as a body of Christ doesn’t happen in isolation

BY MAJOR AMY REARDON

30 • January 2014 • Salvationist

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/asiseeit

T

he greatest joy in being a disciple of Jesus Christ is the intimate relationship one experiences with the Lord. Becoming one of Christ’s own gives us the right to call God Abba (see Romans 8:15)—which means “Daddy”—to call Christ “brother” (see Hebrews 2:11) and to have the Holy Spirit live within us, directing us in all we do. We are told to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). Though we serve a holy God, the sacrifice of Christ has demolished all barriers between him and us.

It occurred to me one day that though I enjoy my private time with God, sometimes it feels like I’m living my entire Christian experience alone. Attending church on Sundays and participating in corps and divisional activities just doesn’t seem to equal deep fellowship. It doesn’t feel like we are sharing life and growing together.

Even mission is becoming personalized. I share my faith with my neighbours, I try to make an impact in my community. I’m out to win my world. Where are my mission partners? Is it my fault, their fault or the corps officers’ fault that we aren’t working as a unit? The Bible refers to the Christian life as a race. We’ve taken that idea in the wrong direction if we run in separate lanes—on the same path and aware of one another’s presence, but striving toward the goal as individuals, not teammates.

We want to be good and faithful Christians. We want to live right and do good

things. But maybe we are so concerned about getting it right that we forget that this is a group effort. We are meant to grow together. We are to be “admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28). Imagine how that would look. All of us working together to make sure that each person attains spiritual maturity.

To quote part of a line from the movie, Lilo and Stitch: “Family means no one gets left behind.” Is your corps a family?

As Dr. Roger Green, a professor, author and Salvationist, notes, “Christianity is never a private religion. ‘Me and Jesus’ is a road to disaster. The nurturing of the Christian is done within the community of believers.”

We understand our salva-

tion to be a covenant between our individual selves and God. This is biblical, but neglects the entire picture of salvation as taught in the Bible.

Salvation is group-oriented.

It was offered to the Israelite nation as a group. Now we are saved to become part of the group, the body of Christ.

Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus didn’t say we’d be identified with him if we love the lost? He said “if you love one another”—that is, fellow Christians. It is possible to be so concerned with outreach that we forget about this. We assume our brothers and sisters in Christ are OK. We don’t have time for them and their needs because the world needs us.

I wonder if we are demonstrating love when we

keep each other at arm’s length. How close do you feel to someone if you’ve never seen the inside of their home? How engaged are we when we don’t know each other’s hopes, goals and concerns? How do we progress spiritually if we never allow a brother or sister to point out where we err?

I love my time alone with the Lord and I need it. But I also need time in life-giving, spirit-forming fellowship, and so do you. This involves being vulnerable to others and being willing to let others be vulnerable to us. That’s not always easy.

But it’s not negotiable if we want to be part of the body of Christ.

Major Amy Reardon serves at U.S.A. National Headquarters as editor of the Young Salvationist magazine and assistant national editor-in-chief.

Salvationist • January 2014 • 31

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