Salvationist - August 2014

Students Share Their Love for National Music Camp

“Fresh” New Program for Corner Brook Moms

General André Cox Rallies the Troops for Boundless 2015

Salvationist The Voice of the Army

August 2014

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SALVATIONIST.CA Canadian Church Press Awards 2014

CONGRESS CELEBRATIONS Territory gathers under the banner

One Army, One Mission, One Message

WHEN JUSTICE IS THE MEASURE

by Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan | Don Posterski | James E. Read

“You haven’t met Jesus until you’ve met him as a man of compassionate justice” When Justice is the Measure encourages those who follow Jesus to include the excluded, challenge cultural norms, confront corruption and advocate for those who are oppressed. Though injustice denies it, God intends human life to flourish. And God calls us to join the mission.

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Inside This Issue Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

August 2014 Volume 9, Number 8 www.salvationist.ca E-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org

Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

1

Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

2 Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

3 Departments 4 Editorial

What Would Jesus Tweet?

by Geoff Moulton Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

4 27 Convictions Matter

Reflecting God’s Character

by Major Ray Harris

28 In the Trenches

The Power to Prevail

by Major Amy Reardon Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

Features 8 One Army, One Mission, One Message

General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox lead thousands of Salvationists at Territorial Congress 2014

by Pamela Richardson, Giselle Randall and Brianne Zelinsky

5 Around the Territory 14 A Shining Light 16 Letters 29 Just Cause On a trip to the Holy Land, I discovered my purpose as a disciple of PRODUCT LABELINGIt’s GUIDE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Not Fair!

Christ by Brianne Zelinsky 22 Cross Culture

by James Read and 17 Army Publications Win 11 Awards Don Posterski 24 Celebrate Community Magazines and website recognized by Canadian Church Press Enrolments and recognition, 30 Ties That Bind Give It a (Sabbath) Rest 18 Bread of Life tributes, gazette, calendar

by Major Kathie Chiu

8

A learning and fellowship program helps single mothers better provide for their families

by Kristin Ostensen

20 Grace Notes

National Music Camp staff and students share why it’s the best week of the year

by Rebecca Minaker, Colin Williams, Heidi Adams and John Lam

14

Cover: Captain Miguel Borgela carries the flag at the Welcome Meeting (Photo: Timothy Cheng)

After the Applause

Renowned Canadian tenor Ben Heppner intends to be the busiest—and happiest— retiree in show business

stranded at Heathrow Airport, two Salvation Army officers were a godsend

Share Your Faith When you finish reading Faith & Friends, FAITH & frıends pull it out and give it to someone who needs to hear about After the Christ’s lifeApplause + changing  power August 2014

Pedicures With Purpose

A Salvation Army church in New Brunswick helps women develop confidence and explore their beauty within

Angels in Blue

For a Canadian traveller

faithandfriends.ca

Inspiration for Living

Tenor Ben Heppner intends to be the busiest—and happiest —retiree in show business

STRANDED AT HEATHROW

Pedicures With Purpose

COWBOY CHRISTIANITY

Keep Connected

Kung Fu for Christ Teaches Discipline

Homeless Shelters or Permanent Housing?

Doctrine Series: The Bible With Boots On

Salvationist The Voice of the Army

July 2014

Ke e p Connected

Summer 2014

FAITH &

faithandfriends.ca

frıends Inspiration for Living

George Del Canto proves you don’t need to have a fast car to be a winner

Salvationist July 2014

Ke e p Connected

Faith & Friends July 2014

The

GREAT + + RACER

MISSION MATTERS MOST A farewell interview with territorial leaders Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle



This month’s issue:

FINDING GOD AT SALVATION ARMY SUMMER CAMP

A VEGGIETALES SPACE ODYSSEY

Phil Callaway’s Top 10 Joy List

This month’s issue:

Are you looking for a way to highlight Army ministry during your worship meetings? Don’t miss our “Keep Connected” promotional materials, available each month on our website.

These include PowerPoint slides for on-screen announcements and bulletin inserts that summarize all the terrific articles you can find in our territorial publications: Salvationist, Faith & Friends, Foi

• A new VeggieTales movie is a lesson to young and old alike on the power of sharing

• Kung Fu for Christ encourages discipline and discipleship • Commissioner Robert Street gives a behind-the-scenes look at One Army, a new resource created to bring Salvationists worldwide together And more ...

• A Salvation Army summer camp changed Major Mike Hoeft’s life

Mission Matters Most As they prepare for new IHQ appointments, Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle reflect on their time as territorial leaders

More Than a Cooking Lesson The Great Racer Their Lights Will Shine Digging beneath the surface of The Salvation Army’s ministry to coal miners and their families

Aid for Syrian Refugees

George Del Canto proves you don’t need a fast car to be a winner

As civil war rages on, Major Ray Brown shares how five Salvation Army projects provide hope amid crisis issue

27

Salvationist.ca July 2014 This month, Major Mark Wagner asks: Are you leading people in the right direction?

Salvationist.ca keeps you informed with news you need to know in your territory and in the wider Salvation Army community. Read an article, then leave a comment to let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

A Salvation Army healthy eating program in Vancouver helps vulnerable newcomers

Edge for Kids July 2014

Top 10 things to do this summer to keep you from being bored 1. Go for a bike ride with your family or friends

Hi kids!

School’s out for summer! exciting!

That I riding bikes,love summer—warm is so weather, eating ice hiking, camping, cream, swimming, picnics….

It’s nice to be outside friends.

Summer vacation playing with ful time of is a be smart year, but we also wonderand need things that protect ourselves to can from God is great hurt us. at protecting summer, while us. This you’re sun with family and having fun in the be with friends, you. ask God to Your pal, Pacey

Join Pacey’s Birthday Club

Edge for Kids wants to wish YOU a Happy Birthday! Join our birthday club and get a message from Pacey on your special day. Fill in the coupon below and mail it to Pacey Puppy, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON, Canada M4H 1P4. Or you can e-mail Pacey at Pacey@can.salvationarmy.org.

Name: ���������������������������������������������������������� Corps/church attending: ��������������������� Birth date: �������������� month/day/ year Mailing address: ���������������������������������������������������������

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2. Go to a zoo and see all the animals and learn about them

3. Go to the beach. Build sand castles, play in the waves or collect seashells and rocks 4. Go on a picnic

5. Go to the pool.

Pools are great for playing water games 6. Go camping

Summer Safety Tips

Fill in the blanks using the answers below.

30 20 sun helmet hands 1. Apply sunscreen at least _______ minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days.

2. If you are doing a physical activity for a long time, drink a glass of water every _______ minutes.

3. Scooter and bike riders and skateboarders should always wear a ____________.

4. Too much _____________ can result in severe burns if you are not very careful.

5. Don’t put bug spray on your _________. It may end up in your mouth or eyes.

Answers: 1. 30; 2. 20; 3. helmet; 4. sun; 5. hands

Inside Faith & Friends

7. Fly a kite

8. Have a sleepover.

Get some of your best friends and barbecue, 9. Have a watch a movie eat play games, and delicious food play music to 10. Remember relax! After all these fun activities you will be tired before you go back to school

Find

Which

the Twins

two are

exactly

alike?

This month: • Celebrate the start of summer vacation • Learn about the Apostle Paul’s life-changing meeting with Jesus • Enter to win a new VeggieTales DVD • Read about Abram, a man who trusted God • Plus stories, puzzles, colouring, jokes and more!

& Vie (French version of Faith & Friends) and Edge for Kids.

To download these resources visit salvationist.ca/ editorial/promotional-material or sign up for our e-mail notifications by writing to ada_ leung@can.salvationarmy.org.

Salvationist • August 2014 • 3

EDITORIAL

What Would Jesus Tweet?

H

ave an uncomplicated day!” I laughed when I read the sign at the hotel at Territorial Congress 2014, knowing the magnitude of what lay ahead. More than 4,000 Salvationists had gathered for a Spirit-filled weekend at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ont. Editorial sent five editors, two photographers and a videographer, to work around the clock to bring you coverage of the events.

With the advent of social media, people now expect almost instantaneous reports―and I’m happy to say our Facebook and Twitter sites kept pace. In addition, we gave you the opportunity to be reporters as you shared your thoughts and candid photographs through the hashtag #OneArmy. Thanks to all of our Salvationist tweeters who helped us cover the congress from the ground level.

Social media has transformed the way we communicate. More than 50 percent of the traffic to our Salvationist.ca website is now driven through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. I would encourage you to keep the memories of congress alive by: • Reading all of our reports at salvationist.ca/tag/territorialcongress-2014 • Sharing our Facebook photo album and tagging your friends at facebook.com/salvationistmagazine • Scrolling through the tweets at twitter.com/salvationist • Viewing the photos on our Flickr page at flickr.com/photos/ salvationistmagazine • Watching the public meetings on our YouTube channel at youtube. com/salvationistmagazine Since you are reading this editorial, I know you still value the tangible benefits of holding a real magazine or book. We have no plans to abandon our print magazines, but it’s interesting to note that we now have more Facebook “likes” than we do Salvationist print subscribers (almost 14,000). We are bridging the digital divide in exciting ways.

We’re also getting more interactive.

More than 10,000 of you enjoyed our “What Kind of Salvationist Are You?” quiz, both in the June magazine and

4 • August 2014 • Salvationist

online. Like me, many of you fit the Middle-of-the-Road-ers category, but there were a few Army Barmys, Ordinary Radicals and Soldiers-in-Training in the mix. It was meant as a bit of fun and a reminder that it takes all types to make an Army.

Does all this sound complicated?

Maybe, but that’s the world we live in.

Even General André Cox is using social media. His Facebook “selfie” with the Army children has garnered more than 500 likes. It’s an encouraging sign that he knows how to connect with young people.

During congress, the General sounded a word of warning against our digitized lives. He rightly noted that our online presence should never be a substitute for real relationships and study of God’s Word. God cannot be contained in a sound bite or a Facebook post. But neither should we fear technology; we must harness the tools of the day to spread the gospel.

Congress is a reminder that we are stronger when we stay connected to one another. We remain One Army, with One Mission and One Message, marching forward into God’s future. There’s nothing complicated about that.

GEOFF MOULTON Editor-in-Chief

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 Giselle Randall 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, Brianne Zelinsky Contributors Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769.

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

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

Subscriptions

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

Phone: 416-422-6119; 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

Empress of Ireland Disaster Commemorated

Colonel Mark Tillsley; Colonel Sharon Tillsley, TSWM; members of the CSB; Mjr Anne Venables, DDWM, Quebec Div; and Mjr Brian Venables gather at the Canadian Pacific Monument in Rimouski, Que.

MORE THAN 150 officers and soldiers lost their lives on May 29, 1914, when the Empress of Ireland was struck by a Norwegian collier in the St. Lawrence River. With more than 1,000 lives lost, the sinking is the worst peacetime maritime disaster in Canada’s history. To commemorate the sinking and remember the lives lost, The Salvation Army participated in 100th anniversary events in Toronto and Rimouski, Que., this May. Salvationists and friends gathered at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto, where the memorial service featured music by the Canadian Staff Band (CSB), led by Bandmaster John Lam. Those in attendance included visitors and descendants of some of the victims who had travelled from England and the United States.

Led by Colonel Mark Tillsley, chief secretary, and members of the Cabinet, the service included songs and Scripture readings appropriate to the occasion.

Staff Bandsman Steve Pavey spoke of his experience in researching the story for his historical novel, Pursuit of Grace Aboard the Empress of Ireland. In retelling the tale, he cited specific examples of Salvationists who lived up to their Christian calling on that dreadful night and the impact their witness had on generations to come.

Commissioner Brian Peddle, territorial commander, spoke of the legacy of

those who perished on that fateful night, recalling the impact their deaths had on the young Salvation Army in Canada, and why it is important to keep their memory alive. Appropriately, the CSB presented an arrangement of the last song their 1914 predecessors played while the ship pulled away from Quebec City, God Be With You Till We Meet Again.

In addition to the Toronto service, Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley and an ensemble from the CSB visited Rimouski from May 29 to June 1 for services commemorating the disaster. Rimouski is the nearest community to where the ship went down, and many of the city’s inhabitants aided victims of the tragedy.

Numerous descendants gathered with visitors from across Canada and

around the world to remember the sinking. Events included the unveiling of a new work of art at the Empress of Ireland Museum and a memorial service for Canadian Pacific, the company that owned the ship. A Salvation Army reception was organized by Major Brian Venables, divisional commander, Quebec Division, for both descendants of victims and the general public. Pavey gave a presentation on the history of the Empress and Major David Ivany, spiritual director at territorial headquarters, a descendant of one of the original staff bandsmen, gave his own family tribute.

On Sunday, the CSB ensemble provided music for a mass at the local Roman Catholic Church before heading home to Toronto.

CSB member Steve Pavey shares at a commemorative service in Toronto Salvationist • August 2014 • 5

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Oshawa Temple Strong After 130 Years

Army Food Bank Expands in Wiarton

OSHAWA TEMPLE, ONT., marked its 130th year of ministry in June by providing a free outdoor concert and activities at Memorial Park in the heart of downtown Oshawa. The park is just steps away from the previous Salvation Army church location on Simcoe Street South.

Many people from the congregation and the community gathered for an afternoon of musical presentations from the senior band, junior band, songsters, singing company, timbrels and worship team. Food was served from the Army’s emergency disaster services vehicle, and fun activities and games were offered for the children. The events provided opportunities for corps members to speak and pray with members of the community.

“God reminded us once again of the importance of connecting with the community and listening to the needs of people,” says Major Robert Reid, then corps officer. “The respect and admiration for The Salvation Army in Oshawa continues to be strong, and we have an open door of opportunity for service. For this we give God all the glory as we march onward.”

IN APRIL, WIARTON Community Church, Ont., welcomed community members, dignitaries, students, donors, contractors, local area social clubs, council members and the media for the official opening of the Peninsula Community Food Bank’s new facility. The newly renovated and expanded food bank boasts walk-in freezers, coolers, shelving and ample storage space.

Mike Mason of the Wiarton Rotary Club says the plans to expand the Army’s food bank began in December 2011. In February 2013, a presentation to the council of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula was followed up by a telephone call to the Wiarton and District Lion’s Club. “One thing led to another,” says Mason. “A project greater than any of us could have imagined evolved.”

Mason says the community identified with this need and came together in hoards. Local area contractors, spearheaded by the volunteer dedication of Jim Howe, built the facility free of charge or at cost. The community raised an astounding $72,000 and added it to the $30,000 contributed by The Salvation Army.

The Oshawa Temple timbrel brigade participates in anniversary celebrations

From left, Mjrs Wanda and Morris Vincent, DDWM and DC, Ont. GL Div; Cpt Mary Millar, CO, Wiarton CC; Jim Howe and Cpt Dwight Millar, CO, Wiarton CC, cut the ribbon to officially open the new food bank

From Seder to Spirit Square OCEAN CREST COMMUNITY Church in Campbell River, B.C., was a busy place during the month of April. Easter weekend began with an evening of fellowship and teaching as Salvationists gathered for the third annual family Passover Seder.

The food was prepared by Chef Connie and her students from the Army’s Dinner Bell program, and Captain Gordon Taylor, corps officer at Ocean Crest and area commander in the British Columbia Division, led the corps family through the Seder. It was a great evening of celebrating the freedom God provided to the Israelites at the first Passover and the freedom available to everyone because 6 • August 2014 • Salvationist

of Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb.

A united service on Good Friday morning brought many churches together in worship where Baptist Pastor Jeff Gerno gave a message on the importance of keeping the cross at the centre of Christian life. That afternoon, a memorial service for Jesus was dramatized at Ocean Crest Community Church, with actors playing the parts of Mary, Mary Magdalene and Simon Peter. Christ’s Resurrection was celebrated on Sunday morning as those gathered were encouraged to find hope for the future because of what Jesus had done for them.

The following weekend, Jubilee

Brass—a band composed mostly of retired Salvationists from British Columbia’s Lower Mainland—visited Campbell River. A concert in Spirit Square, an outdoor venue in the middle of downtown, kicked off the weekend’s events. Later that same day, Salvationists and friends enjoyed a concert at the corps that featured vocal soloist Bruce Robertson and cornet player Tim Braund.

The band led the Sunday morning worship time with bass player Major Avril Halsey bringing a message from God’s Word, focusing on Elijah’s story and how God will encourage and strengthen us in times of trial.

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Territorial Leaders Visit Southern Alberta SALVATIONISTS AND FRIENDS in southern Alberta welcomed Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial leaders, in April for a weeklong tour.

They began their tour in Calgary where they celebrated Easter at Glenmore Temple. After a Good Friday service in the morning, Commissioners Peddle spent Friday evening with youth from around the city. Following a time of food, fellowship and worship, Commissioner Brian Peddle engaged in an open forum with youth to talk about issues of concern for them. The commissioners also conducted a “town hall” meeting with Salvationists from across Calgary the next day.

On Easter Sunday, Commissioner Brian Peddle shared with the congregation at Glenmore Temple and enrolled two senior soldiers and one adherent.

That afternoon, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle spoke at the Centre of Hope.

Commissioners Peddle went south to High River on Tuesday, where they visited the Army’s family services and thrift store, and met the staff who served their com-

munity tirelessly after severe flooding hit High River last summer. Commissioners Peddle continued to Lethbridge where they toured the Army’s family services, thrift store and furniture bank. That evening, they joined youth at the corps for KidzOwn, a program for children aged six to 11, and attended a worship service.

In Medicine Hat the following day, the commissioners visited the Army’s daycare

centre where they enjoyed story time with the children. Afterward, they went on to the thrift store, family services, Centre of Hope shelter and the Medicine Hat Remand Centre where The Salvation Army provides chaplaincy. The final stop on the commissioners’ tour was a visit to Agape Hospice in Calgary, a 20-bed facility that provides support for people at the end of life and their families.

Commissioners Rosalie and Brian Peddle visit with a resident at the Army’s Agape Hospice in Calgary

Commissioners Rosalie and Brian Peddle share a story with children at an Army daycare in Medicine Hat, Alta.

A Century of Ministry in Fort Frances THE SALVATION ARMY in Fort Frances, Ont., celebrated 100 years of ministry with a weekend of events in April. Musical support was provided by the West End Community Church Band from Sandys, Bermuda, led by Bandmaster Jerome Astwood.

The band was joined by Major Curtis Butler, corps officer at West End. Lieutenants Dennis and Mary Maybury, then corps officers, welcomed guest speakers Majors Wayne and Deborah Bungay, then divisional commander and divisional director of women’s ministries, Prairie Division.

The visiting band gave several well-attended performances, including at Rainy Crest Nursing Home, Fort Frances High School and the corps. A highlight of the weekend was a march of witness through the downtown streets of Fort Frances.

During the celebrations, a number of senior soldiers and volunteers were recognized for their faithful and outstanding service over the years.

“These events gave the Army an opportunity to thank God for his sustaining power and also thank the community for their support,” says Lieutenant Dennis Maybury.

Dinner Benefits Quebec City Army THE SECOND ANNUAL Red Shield benefit dinner provided tremendous support to The Salvation Army in Quebec City.

Taking place in May, the event was sponsored by René Martin, president of Toitures R. Martin, a local roofing company. Jack Roy, corporate vice-president for communications and marketing for CPU Informatique, acted as master of ceremonies.

The event brought together hundreds of businesspeople from the Quebec City region. Between the tickets sold and a silent auction at the event, The Salvation Army raised $8,500.

The funds will provide nearly 200 food baskets to families in the Quebec City region.

René Martin presents a cheque to Sarah Lefebvre-Cloutier, director of marketing and communications for the Army in Quebec City, and Mjr David Carey, executive director of The Salvation Army Ministries in Quebec City Salvationist • August 2014 • 7

General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox lead thousands of Salvationists at Territorial Congress 2014

E

WITH REPORTS BY PAMELA RICHARDSON, NEWS EDITOR, GISELLE RANDALL, FEATURES EDITOR, AND BRIANNE ZELINSKY, STAFF WRITER

scorted by two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers, General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries, leaders of the international Salvation Army, entered the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ont., to enthusiastic applause as they were welcomed for their first visit to the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Thousands of Salvationists and friends had gathered for the Welcome Meeting of Territorial Congress 2014, 8 • August 2014 • Salvationist

held June 19-22, under the leadership of Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, and Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley, chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries.

The celebration continued when the London Citadel Timbrels (Ontario Great Lakes Division) thrilled the crowd with a dynamic presentation as the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) played Leonard Ballantine’s Since Jesus. Also

participating were the Ontario CentralEast Youth Chorus, the Ontario CentralEast Divisional Singing Company and the St. John’s Temple Worship Team (Newfoundland and Labrador Division).

First Nations representatives, cloaked in traditional garments, spoke words of welcome to congress delegates and presented gifts to the General and territorial commander. In an expression of goodwill, the General and territorial commander presented each representative with a gift from The Salvation Army.

Photos: Timothy Cheng and Steve Nelson

One Army, One Mission, One Message

Speaking on holiness in the lives of Salvationists, the General said: “It’s about a living, growing relationship with our heavenly Father.… Don’t let us be a holy people with sour faces. Our faces should be radiant for what God has done for us.”

Youth Concert With Tim Neufeld The Friday night youth concert was a “Sally Ann hoedown like it’s never happened in the history of our church,” said singer Tim Neufeld.

Following the Welcome Meeting, Tim Neufeld, accompanied by the Hallelujah Glory Boys, put on a concert for youth, complete with fiddles and folk songs.

The bearded band of four had hands clapping and toes tapping under the glow of the stage lights where youth gathered in praise and worship.

“The Salvation Army is always finding new ways to bridge the gap between the young and the old,” said Krystal Tennessee, who attended the concert. “It is so great to see officers in there with the youth, jumping around for Jesus. It’s really encouraging.”

Not only did officers take part

in the fun, but General André Cox, C om m i s s ione r Si lv i a C ox a nd Commissioner Brian Peddle also enjoyed the “mosh pit.”

In his address, General Cox urged everyone to listen to God’s direction for their lives and a Partners in Mission video presentation challenged the youth to speak out to their generation and stand against injustice.

“It’s nice to see everyone’s individual style of worship and how it all funnels toward one purpose,” said Mitchell Cassie, an aspiring officer from the Maritime Division. “It’s amazing to see people on fire for God.” Prayer Breakfast More than 500 delegates gathered to pray for spiritual renewal, the mission and the message of The Salvation Army at a prayer breakfast on Saturday.

Commissioner Silvia Cox spoke about the power of prayer, the assurance of God’s presence and the need to persevere.

“Missing prayer is like a missing stitch in a fisherman’s net—the fish will slip through,” she said. “But with prayer, the fish will be there.”

Major Wanda Vincent, divisional director of women’s ministries, Ontario Great Lakes Division, led the delegates in praying at their tables for territorial priorities based on the Army’s international vision statement.

Workshops Ten workshops were offered on Saturday morning at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre.

In the workshop on human trafficking, Dianna Bussey, social services consultant on human trafficking, spoke about The Salvation Army’s response to this issue. “Whether we recognize them or not, trafficked people are already using our services,” she said.

Major Danielle Strickland, corps officer, Edmonton Crossroads Community Church (A lber t a and Nor t her n Territories Division), spoke about evangelism in a post-modern world and offered four approaches that can help us share the good news: sharing your testimony, listening and answering questions, cultivating authentic relationships and praying.

Colonel Mark Tillsley spoke on the topic of spiritual passion in ministry.

A competitive, critical, vain or adversarial spirit can destroy our passion, he noted. We need safe places, still times and friends to restore our passion. “The greatest danger to our spiritual health is loneliness,” he said. “Friends are absolutely essential to nurture passion in ministry.”

General André Cox convened with youth at the Tell the General workshop, where he engaged in an open discussion about faith, mission and the direction of the Army with Commissioner Brian Peddle.

Candidates’ Fellowship Luncheon Moments of prayer and rededication

Diane Best receives the General’s Award from the General himself

General André Cox brought a challenge to men and women who feel called to officership at the candidates’ fellowship luncheon. Seventeen of 20 accepted candidates were present, along with many others seeking God’s direction for their lives.

The General emphasized that though theological education, compassion and Yamillet Corea and Luis Fernando Gamero administrative ability are important, none attend the candidates’ fellowship luncheon of them are enough. “Character is about our inner life, our heart. We can be gifted, but if our character is flawed, we will fail,” he said. He also encouraged the candidates to be themselves. “We are all made differently,” the General said. “Don’t compare yourself to others. Reflect what God has given you, and bring that to your ministry.”

Luis Fernando Gamero and Yamillet Corea attended the luncheon. Arriving in Canada from Honduras as refugees in 2013, they went to The Salvation Army’s family services in Montreal in search of settlement help, but instead found a spiritual home. Feeling God’s call before they came to Canada, they now attend Montreal Citadel, where he helps with the translation ministry and she teaches Sunday school.

They are helping to plant a Spanish-speaking church in Brossard, Que. Salvationist • August 2014 • 9

General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox are warmly welcomed to the territory

Lt Sharon Tidd is commissioned by the territorial leaders

their Declaration of platform where they knelt in dedication Faith and accepted of their lives and then moved to stand their promises. before their territorial leaders.

A s Commi s“I recognize that God has called sioner Brian Peddle you and gifted you for sacred service,” com menced t he said Commissioner Brian Peddle as he or d i n at ion a n d ordained and commissioned the cadets. commissioning, he Commissioner Rosalie Peddle shared explained that the a portion of Scripture chosen for each new officers had new officer. earlier signed their “You are not called to rank or posOfficer’s Covenant ition. You are called to service,” said the Mississauga Temple Band lends musical support at the ordination and and were now makGeneral in his challenge to the new lieucommissioning of the Disciples of the Cross ing public their tenants. “We are to serve as an example com m it ment to to our people, and we are to watch over “We are called to a practical expresserve God through the Army. “They have those that God has entrusted to our care. sion of God’s love in the world, and that entered into a covenant relationship with Not out of a sense of duty, but … willis spreading of the gospel message,” comGod and that first step of their journey ingly.” mented the General. “We need to meet has begun,” he said.

General Cox then invited those the needs of people in the community Major Braund called the names of the who have been called to serve God as where they are.” cadets and they moved to the front of the Salvation Army officers to join him on Other workshop topics included Salvation Army doctrine; sharing your faith; women in leadership; marriage; Children’s Events happiness or holiness; officership; music in the 21st century; and Ready to Serve, Children gathered for a “sweet” morthe territory’s discipleship program for ning of singing, dancing and games children. at the M&M event on Saturday at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Disciples of the Cross—Ordination Conference Centre. Kevin and Sheryl and Commissioning Slous, youth ministers from New York, A large, illuminated cross on the floor used the M&M chocolate theme to in front of the platform at the Hershey teach the children about the misCentre set the tone for the ordination sion and movement of The Salvation and commissioning of 17 cadets from Army. Following a time of music and Youth worker Markus Randall shares a smile with Aaron Downey at the M&M children’s the Disciples of the Cross Session and competitions, the children received program one auxiliary-captain. a visit from General André Cox and Major Jamie Braund, then principal at Commissioner Silvia Cox. Winnipeg’s College for Officer Training “I hope you realize just how special you are in God’s sight,” the General told the (CFOT), commended the new officers children. “Rejoice because of the love that God has shown to you.” to the territorial commander. Offering The international leaders jumped and danced with the kids while singing What words from Ephesians 1, he expressed Does General Cox Say?, a parody of the viral music video, What Does the Fox Say? his prayer for the cadets that they would The fun continued on Sunday morning in a large tent adjacent to the Hershey move forward in God’s strength.

Centre as children enjoyed Wii games, hula-hoops, confetti, and singing and jumping The Disciples of the Cross recited The for Jesus. “Jesus is not dead, he’s alive!” shouted Samuel from Manitoba.

Salvation Army’s 11 Doctrines before For Madison from Toronto, showing love to Jesus meant praising him during this time of worship. “The best part was singing and dancing with the actions,” she said.

Colonel Mark Tillsley took them through 10 • August 2014 • Salvationist

the purpose of the event was to highlight and celebrate the exciting things happening on the front lines of ministry throughout the territory, in particular the programs and services made possible through the Territorial Mission Focus Fund.

A v a r iet y of groups contributed to the enthusiasm of the evening’s celeMembers of the London Citadel Timbrels take a break during a busy brations, including congress weekend the Ontario Great Lakes Divisional the platform. With the large cross before Youth Chorus, a choral presentation them, a great number of people moved directed by Lieutenant Jennifer Ivany from all areas of the arena to indicate (Surrey Community Church, British their acceptance of God’s plan for their Columbia Division), a video highlightlives. ing the growing children’s ministries at Kentville Community Church, Nova Celebrating “One Mission” Scotia (Maritime Division), a time of “We gather under the banner ‘Mission energetic worship led by the St. John’s Matters Most to The Salvation Army in Temple Worship Team (Newfoundland the Canada and Bermuda Territory!’ ” and Labrador Division), a liturgical said Commissioner Brian Peddle as he dance by Patreese Simmons (Bermuda welcomed the thousands gathered at the Division) and vocal solos by Cameron Hershey Centre for a Saturday evening Rawlins (Ontario Central-East Division). of praise and worship. He explained A musical highlight of the evening was

the North York Temple Band (Ontario Central-East Division), accompanied by the London Citadel Timbrels (Ontario Great Lakes Division), as they presented Salvationist Marcus Venables’ Abundance.

Later in the evening, the band received a standing ovation for Everywhere, also composed by Venables.

A number of special awards were bestowed by General André Cox, including the General’s Award to Diane Best, Exceptional Service Awards to Colonels Robert and Marguerite Ward for their years of international service, and to Colonels Robert and Gwenyth Redhead for their years of service to the Army’s music and gospel arts programs.

Speaking from 2 Chronicles, Commissioner Peddle gave his thoughts on why “mission matters most” and encouraged the congregation to be actively engaged in God’s work. He shared that the most miraculous stories of transformation he has heard travelling across the territory have not come about because of any calculated plans but because people have taken the time to be involved in the lives of others and shared Christ with them. “Mission has nothing to do with the territory needing to improve its statistics or keeping up with other denominations. It’s about the fact that people need the Lord.”

Tim Neufeld and the Hallelujah Glory Boys in concert

First Nations representatives participate in the Welcome Meeting

Patreese Simmons performs a liturgical dance Salvationist • August 2014 • 11

Holiness Meeting: “One Message” On Sunday morning, Salvationists and friends worshipped together at the largest congress gathering to that point in the weekend’s events.

Commissioner Brian Peddle welcomed the congregation and led the call to worship. Colonel Mark Tillsley prayed for a fresh stirring of the Spirit. “May the love of Jesus be the most compelling and propelling force in our lives,” he said.

Lt-Colonel Lee Graves, secretary for business administration, took the pulpit to introduce the offering. “We have heard the clarion call of the General to join the fight against world hunger,” he said, announcing that the territory had pledged $100,000 to the world missions department for food programs. He challenged the congregation to match that amount, reminding them of God’s commands in Scripture to care for the poor. The CSB played while the

offering was taken, with a cornet solo by Colin Williams (Prairie Division).

After the offering, Sarah-Ève Moreau, a soldier from Shawinigan, Que., shared her testimony in French. Close to 200 people from Quebec Division attended congress. General André Cox brought a powerful message as he compared the journey of the people of Israel to the Promised Land to our own spiritual journeys. We are faced with the same fears and doubts, challenges and temptations, and have the same choice—disbelief and disobedience, or trust and faith.

“How is your relationship with God?” he asked. “How does your faith stand up in the challenges you are facing today?

What does ‘mission matters most’ look like in your life? What’s going to change in your life because you came here? How are you going to respond?”

General Cox invited the congrega-

tion to come to the mercy seat to show their desire for a deeper relationship with Christ. Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle were the first to respond, leaving the platform to kneel at the cross.

As the worship team played, hundreds of people joined them.

Sending Out Service The Canada and Bermuda Territory’s 18 new lieutenants were recognized at Sunday afternoon’s Sending Out Service as they take up their first appointments as Salvation Army officers. They took their places on the platform with the Heralds of Grace Session, who now begin their second year of training at CFOT, as the CSB played Ray Steadman-Allen’s Silver Star.

Candidate Keith Hopkins shared his story of faith and God’s call to be an officer as he was interviewed by Lt-Colonel Sandra Rice, then secretary for personnel. Raised in a Christian home, Hopkins turned from God as a teenager and ultimately spiraled downward into alcoholism. But through the prayers of loved ones—“I have a mother who’s a prayer warrior!”—and a fresh commitment to Jesus Christ, he will enter CFOT in a few weeks with his wife, Violet, as cadets in the Messengers of Light Session.

Cdts Aejin Jeong and Dae-Gun Kim march to the platform to be commissioned as lieutenants

Commissioner Brian Peddle and General André Cox share a moment during the Territorial Congress

The Canadian Staff Band performs at the Holiness Meeting 12 • August 2014 • Salvationist

Valedictorian Lt Bhreagh Rowe speaks on behalf of her session-mates

Commissioner Silvia Cox speaks during Officers’ Councils

In recognition of the parents or spiritual parents of the 18 new officers, a Silver Star pin and certificate were presented to them as they were welcomed to the Fellowship of the Silver Star by Commissioner Silvia Cox. In a special moment, the General presented Charles Reid with his fifth Silver Star. Lieutenant Laurie Reid, a member of the Disciples of the Cross Session, is the fifth child from the Reid family to be commissioned and ordained.

The new lieutenants then stood before Commissioner Brian Peddle as he acknowledged their first appointments as Salvation Army officers.

Speaking on behalf of her sessionmates, Lieutenant Bhreagh Rowe shared that they moved into full-time ministry filled with joy because they know the Lord. “He has called us. He has equipped us. And we surrender to him every day,” she said.

In her message, Commissioner Silvia Cox spoke about the importance of bear-

Commissioner Brian Peddle shares from God’s Word at Saturday’s praise and worship event

ing witness to God’s goodness. “We have to tell our story,” she said. “We have to say what the Lord has done. He makes impossible things possible!” In response to her words, people knelt to recommit their lives to Christ.

As the final moments of Territorial Congress 2014 approached, Colonel Mark Tillsley invited Salvationists to thank Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle for their leadership over the past three years as they prepare to take on new duties at International Headquarters as international secretary and zonal secretary for women’s ministries for the Americas and Caribbean respectively.

Attention then shifted to Boundless 2015: The Whole World Redeeming, The Salvation Army’s international congress taking place next July in London, England. The congregation enthusiastically sang the Founder’s song, O Boundless Salvation, the inspiration for the international congress theme, as the General carried the Boundless 2015

flag and led a Hallelujah Wind-up, with a large crowd of international congress delegates following behind him, each waving a smaller version of the flag.

“Thank you, Father, for clarifying for us your mission here on earth. Thank you for empowering us to go forth into the world with the transforming message of the Lord Jesus Christ,” prayed the territorial commander, bringing Territorial Congress 2014 to an end.

Keep the memories of congress alive!

• Read full reports at salvationist.ca/ tag/territorial-congress-2014 • Share our Facebook photo album and tag your friends at facebook.com/ salvationistmagazine • Scroll through the tweets at twitter. com/salvationist • View photos on our Flickr page at flickr.com/photos/ salvationistmagazine • Watch the public meetings at youtube. com/salvationistmagazine

Thousands fill the Hershey Centre for the Sunday holiness meeting Salvationist • August 2014 • 13

A Shining Light

On a trip to the Holy Land, I discovered my purpose as a disciple of Christ

BY BRIANNE ZELINSKY, STAFF WRITER

W

elcome to t he Holy Land and, most importantly, welcome home.”

Our tour guide, Tamar, smiled as she led us out of the airport in Tel Aviv and into the light of the Promised Land.

We were a group of 20 Salvationists from the Ontario Central-East Division who received funding for a trip to Israel and London, England, through the generous donation of a Salvationist from Toronto. I was elated to learn that the purpose of the pilgrimage was to connect young Salvationists to the roots of their faith by visiting the lands where Jesus and William Booth had ministered.

Israel, though scarce in fresh water, has been blessed with an abundance of agriculture, and is home to thousands of years of excavated history. Tamar’s welcoming remarks were true—I did feel at home on the cascading terrain of the Holy Land. While on the tour, I was fortunate to have the opportunity 14 • August 2014 • Salvationist

Brianne Zelinsky overlooks Syria from the top of Mount Bental

to walk the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, swim in the Sea of Galilee, float in the Dead Sea and kayak down the Jordan River, among many other experiences.

Yet what had the greatest effect on me were not these adventures, but the moments where I stood in darkness. It was then that I felt God working in me.

This Little Light Darkness first enveloped us when our group ventured 40 metres below the City of David in Jerusalem to walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, which was constructed more than 2,000 years ago to access fresh water. When I was about halfway through this stone tunnel, the eeriness of the space hit me and left me cold. As the stone walls narrowed and the water level rose, so did my anxiety.

Suddenly, I heard a voice singing at the back of the tunnel. As the song made its way up the line, the volume swelled, harmonies echoed off the

walls, and anyone walking through there would have heard our jubilant voices belting out the chorus of This Little Light of Mine. That little light overcame the darkness.

Later, we found ourselves descending again, this time underneath the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. The church and its lower cavity, also known as the Sacred Pit, are located on the slope of Mount Zion. This pit is the holding cell where Jesus was imprisoned on the night of his arrest.

The cell was a cold, dimly lit stone dungeon with a hole carved in the ceiling. Prior to modern additions, the pit did not have any windows as a source of light, and there were no stairs descending to the bottom. It is believed that Jesus was lowered through the hole in the ceiling by a rope harness.

It was a humbling experience to stand at the bottom of the pit and imagine the pain that Christ suffered while in captivity. As our group gathered in a circle

and reflected on the words of the chorus, Above All, “He lived to die, rejected and alone,” I was disturbed by the thought that the Light of the World, someone so pure in heart, could be rejected by those he loved and cast into a pit of darkness.

And then I was struck by the realization that I have also denied him, and he went to the cross anyway. Standing there in my own shame, I wept for him, knowing that in that place thousands of years ago, he probably wept for me, too.

Prayers for Syria Yet, somehow, even that cold dungeon could not compare to the darkness I witnessed at the peak of Mount Bental.

While there, I could turn to my left and look out on the colourful canvas of Israel and, to my right, the dry land of Syria where rolls of detonated bombs and shell blasts sounded in the distance.

Many of us paused and stood in silence as the conflict roared below. As much as I had heard of the unrest in Syria over the years, my heart broke knowing that while I was safe on a mountaintop, people on the ground were dying.

“Would you pray for the Syrians, Israelis and my family?” Tamar requested before we left. Our group stood together and prayed for peace throughout Syria and the surrounding countries, for political reconciliation, and that God would heal the nation and restore the lives of its people.

Walking away from the site, I felt stung—completely helpless. But just before I got back to the bus, I spotted a growth of poppies lining the hillside.

This simple sign, affirming that our prayers were heard, lifted my spirits as I remembered that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. We serve a God who is alive, who has never left the Holy Land and

who will never leave us.

Throughout the pilgrimage, and in that moment of heartbreak, I gained a new understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. For me, it means striving to emulate Christ, not simply by walking where he has walked, but by giving off a light that no darkness can stand against. The Scripture verse,

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14), has stuck with me since that day.

Whether we are standing on a mountain or in a trench of darkness, hundreds of metres below the earth, God can use us, through our acts of prayer and praise, to glorify him and be a shining light to those around us.

The Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu

The group enjoys a camel ride through the desert hills

One of many poppies growing on the hillside of Mount Bental

Standing on the Mount of Olives in front of the Old City of Jerusalem Salvationist • August 2014 • 15

LETTERS

Prostitution is Slavery

Photo: © iStockphoto.com/luchschen

Every law is a reflection of morality (“Not for Sale,” March 2014).

We all know that stealing a n d mu r de r are immoral.

If someone stole from you or killed one Not for Sale of your family members, I’m sure you would want laws in place to enact justice on your behalf.

Prostitution is the selling of human beings. Why is this any different? How is it written off as a moral issue and not an injustice by so many people in this country? Is it because we want to use someone else for pleasure? Is it the dollar signs in the eyes of those who sell human beings? To place monetary value on a human being is the greatest way to degrade someone. We need laws in place to bring justice and freedom to those being enslaved.

Ashleigh Chorney The voices calling for legalized prostitution are growing.

Here’s why we cannot let it happen

BY MAJOR DANIELLE STRICKLAND

22 • March 2014 • Salvationist

The Big Picture Jonathan Taube suggests praying and giving anyway if you are frustrated or dissatisfied with your cor ps (“Help! I Hate My C or p s!” salvationist.ca).

It seems like the Army just wants its regular dollars. Wouldn’t it be better to tell people to pray, asking God why they feel so disconnected, and to look for tangible ways to get involved (and get connected)?

16 • August 2014 • Salvationist

Everyone has their spiritual ebbs and flows. We should be striving for spiritual maturity.

But this article shows there’s a bigger problem—WHY do people feel so disconnected? What’s lacking? What are you not teaching? What are you not doing? Could it be that the shepherd tending the flock is too busy, and therefore the flock is malnourished? The Salvation Army has a lot of good attributes, but it also has a few festering sores to address—and its leadership would be a good place to start. The people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Gary K.

I remember Jim Gordon as an inspirational leader at music camps during the early 1960s. He was loved by all the kids and highly respected by everyone on faculty. The world is a better place because of Jim and Barbara Gordon, and I am blessed to have known them both.

Connie Ballantine Knighton

Dignity and Respect Thanks for this Sex or Gender g re at debate a n d g i v i n g Agender / Androgyne / Androgynous Bigender / Cis / Female to Male / FTM v i sibi l it y to Gender Fluid / Gender Nonconforming / Gender Questioning / Gender Variant / Genderqueer the spectrum of Intersex / Male to Female/MTF / Neither / Non-binary / Other / Pangender our biological Neutrois Transgender / Trans / Transsexual person Transmasculine / Transfeminine / Two-spirited sex by menI tioning intersex people. It’s T also wonderful that you talked about gender identity, gender roles and gender expression (“Sex or Gender,” May 2014).

It is tempting to see “trans” identities as a recent phenomenon. That may be the case within some pockets of society in the West, but “trans” people have been around for millennia all over the world, often using names that long precede the use of the western term “trans.” For example, fa’afafine in Samoa, kathoey in Thailand, hijra in the Indian subcontinent, and two-spirited people among the First Nations in North America, to name just a few. We can learn a lot about human gender variances by understanding that the world has always been diverse in this way.

And while it’s good to empathize with the agony that some people feel “trapped in the wrong body,” we need to understand that many trans people love and embrace their trans identiTALKING IT OVER

Why is society so obsessed with how we choose to identify ourselves?

?

Facebook added more than 50 gender options to its profile settings

A Musical Inspiration

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,

Jim Gordon has been—and still is— an inspiration to many people, young a nd old (“A A Life of Music Life of Music and Service and Service,” May 2014). He has played an integral part O in Woodstock Communit y Church for many years and influenced many. He is an encourager both to the corps officers (as we once were there) and each person who enters the church doors. His ministry with the band and songsters has brought many a blessing to those around him, both in the Christian and secular world. God be with you, Jim, and may Jesus Christ, whom you love and serve, bless you abundantly.

And thanks to his dear wife, Barbara, who has spent many a night waiting for her husband to return home!

Majors Sandra and Angus Haggarty For 50 years, Jim Gordon has led groups in Christ-centred worship and praise

BY MELISSA YUE WALLACE, FEATURES EDITOR

Jim Gordon leads the band in Woodstock’s May 24 weekend celebrations

n a winter day in February, a snowstorm relentlessly pummelled Ontario, shutting down schools and businesses while causing numerous flight and bus cancellations. Most people stayed home, grateful for the opportunity to spend the day indoors.

In the city of Woodstock, however, a man and his wife were not at home.

They were delivering lunches to shutins for the Victorian Order of Nurses, a program their corps, The Salvation Army Woodstock Community Church, has been a part of. Without the delivery service, many recipients would have a difficult time getting a nutritious meal due to disabilities, income and other factors.

“They were short on people that day,” explains Jim Gordon, 82. “It’s a service we’re able to help with.”

Sacrificing time and energy for others is something Gordon is used to. For 50 years, he has been the church’s songster leader and has been in charge of the band for a total of 30 years. His packed schedule includes band practice on Mondays (Jubilee Brass) and Tuesdays (corps), songsters on Thursdays and private music lessons in between.

“I’ve always felt that if the officer wasn’t able to get up to do a message for any reason, the songsters could present the message in song that particular Sunday,” he says. “If I didn’t have the

Jim Gordon with a few of the young people he has influenced musically in the corps

commitment of the people in the corps, I wouldn’t be able to keep doing what I’m doing.

“That’s what makes it so enjoyable.”

Prelude to Passion From an early age, Gordon’s roots were saturated in music. His father was the bandmaster in Woodstock for 17 years and songster leader for 19 years. His mother sang in the songsters and “had a great singing voice.” As a child, Gordon’s father taught him to play the cornet.

Gordon played his first solo when he was six years old.

In 1945, his first year at music camp in Jackson’s Point, Ont., he decided to make the commitment to follow Christ.

“It was one of those experiences where I felt God’s spirit very closely,” he says.

Gordon joined the songsters and, in 1955, became the deputy songster leader. Then in April 1964, he became

the songster leader. In his later years as a family man, his two sons got involved in the band and one of his two daughters joined songsters. All are married now and have children of their own, some of whom are involved in music.

For Gordon, his most memorable experiences include band trips to Jamaica, England and Milwaukee, but local events also left a lasting impression.

“When we go to nursing homes and start singing some of the old gospel songs to people with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s interesting how they suddenly come alive—it’s very inspiring,” he says.

Gregory Jolly has been part of the band for approximately six years and the songsters for two years. “Mr. Gordon is much more than a band and songster leader, he’s a great spiritual leader,” he says. “Looking back at my life and his previous students’ lives, I can see the huge impact Mr. Gordon has had on us all. I’m not sure where I would be in my walk with God without his guidance and leadership.”

Heart and Soul Since retiring from his job as a manager of financial and administrative services, Gordon has stayed active in ministry and has been honoured for his years of dedication to others. In 2011, he received the exceptional service of ministry award, the second highest recognition after the Order of the Founder.

At his corps’ 125th anniversary, friends and congregation members pitched in and surprised Gordon with a new cornet.

“I never owned a cornet before and it floored me,” he says. “I was honoured.”

This month, Gordon will be recognized for his 50 years of service in Woodstock.

“Jim has been an incredible face of the corps and continues to be a mentor to youth in our community,” says Major Stephen Sears, corps officer. “Music comes alive through his leadership. It’s moving to see how he communicates with the band and songsters and the warmth, love and admiration that is given to him in return.”

Read more testimonies from members of the band and songsters at salvationist.ca/JimGordon.

Salvationist • May 2014 • 17

he other day I was updating my personal information on the datasheet of a professional association I belong to, and for the first time I was asked whether I was female, male or other.

In the past I’ve questioned why professional associations ask to know the sex of their members. On surveys I often answer, “prefer not to say,” or I simply skip the question because I don’t see the relevance. Why does it matter to an association of philosophy professors whether I am a man or a woman? Or I guess my real feeling is, “It shouldn’t matter to them.” So I don’t tell them.

But to be given the option of “other” seems to raise questions of a different order. Do you have a sense of what’s going on here?

Grace and peace, JIM

12 • May 2014 • Salvationist

DEAR JIM,

agree with you that my sex bears no relevance upon my membership in a professional society. It’s relevant to which public washroom I walk into.

But it wasn’t long ago that Facebook made the news by introducing a variety of new gender options—more than 50.

Perhaps I should say that what made the news was the reaction by various news media and commentators.

In courses on sexual ethics, we’re taught that sex and gender are distinct from one another. Sex is a biological term and gender is connected to identity and expression (whether chosen or imposed). For a long time, though, we’ve thought sex and gender to be inherently linked: biological males behave in masculine ways and biological females behave in feminine ways. This link has been strong enough that the two terms, sex and gender, have been used interchangeably.

But society is changing. Many people no longer see these terms as neatly linked together. And many people no longer regard sex and gender as binaries, hence the “other” on your application form. The popular model is that both sex and gender exist as spectrums. Perhaps it’s true that sex naturally exists as a spectrum: there are intersex people, formerly called hermaphrodites. Unfortunately, when babies are born with ambiguous genitalia—an occurrence one of my profes-

LETTERS ties and, if relevant, their transitioned or transitioning bodies and identities.

Trans people are people. They are rarely looking for our sympathy, but rather our respect.

We are all human beings: children of God first and foremost, all born and created free and equal in dignity and respect. Thank you for creating a space to understand better what that means.

André du Plessis

Educated to Serve

A sobering reminder about a very important event that affected so many, who contributed so much—largely through their high personal moral and ethical values—to The Demise of an the making of Empress what is now Canada (“The W Demise of an Empress,” May 2014). Like the 9/11 tragedy, we should pledge: “We will never forget.”

Paul-André Larose A painting of the Empress of Ireland by William Wheeler

One of the darkest days in The Salvation Army’s history occurred 100 years ago this month

BY IAN HOWES

ednesday, May 27, 1914, was a very important day for the young Salvation Army in Canada.

Approximately 150 Salvationists were travelling to London, England, to join celebrants from around the globe at the third Salvation Army international congress. This was the day they took the train from Toronto’s Union Station to Quebec City, where they were to board the passenger ship the Empress of Ireland.

For the departure of the delegation, The Salvation Army arranged a send-off like no other. A group of

Salvationists, including the Canadian Staff Band which was playing in the parade, marched down Yonge Street to Union Station. The Empress was leaving for England from Quebec City at about 4:30 p.m. the following day, Thursday, May 28.

It was a happy time for those members of The Salvation Army who were planning to attend the congress. After all, 1914 had been billed by the Army as “a year to remember.” Excited crowds of people cheered and waved handkerchiefs to encourage the exuberant passengers as they boarded the train heading for Quebec City.

When the Unthinkable Happens The Empress, owned and operated by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), was a twin-screw steamer that sailed on its maiden voyage from Liverpool, England, to Quebec City on June 29, 1906. Over the course of eight years, the ship brought thousands of immigrants to Canada’s shores.

While the ship had an impeccable safety record, more than a few passengers had the fate of the Titanic on their minds as they prepared to embark for England. Barely two years before, the supposedly “unsinkable” Titanic, at that time the largest ocean liner ever built,

14 • May 2014 • Salvationist

We give glory to God and to all the leaders at Booth University College who have cont r ibuted Booth University College immensely to Honours Record-Breaking Graduating Class ensuring that these students receive quality education that will be used in reaching out to so many in the world who need their serv ice (“Booth University College Honours Record-Breaking Graduating Class,” July 2014). I am happy to be a soldier in the Army of the Lord where they focus on issues affecting all of humanity—spiritual, moral, physical, intellectual and social. Congratulations to all the graduates and the teaching staff.

Major Julius Omukonyi AROUND THE TERRITORY

Front, from left, Dr. Donald Burke; Col Glen Shepherd, chair of the board of trustees; Commissioner Brian Peddle; Colonel Mark Tillsley, chief secretary and vice-chair; Dr. Marjory Kerr, vice-president academic, with members of the 2014 graduating class

THE APRIL CONVOCATION for Winnipeg’s Booth University College celebrated the largest graduating class to date. Eighty graduates received their degree or certificate before family, friends, faculty and staff at Knox United Church in Winnipeg.

While the day marked the end of their time at the college, Dr. Donald Burke, president, reminded graduates that this was a new beginning of a life where they can be much-needed agents of change in the world.

“Today marks an important transition—a passage. We have done what we could to instruct, inform and inspire you.

Now it’s over to you,” said Dr. Burke.

“There is a better world out there for the taking and for the making. We entrust this vision of a better world to you, with confidence and anticipation.”

Commissioner Brian Peddle, territorial commander and chancellor, addressed those gathered earlier in the day for the baccalaureate service at the college’s Hetherington Chapel. “The world needs people like these graduates—people who understand their convictions and are prepared to act accordingly,” he said.

“Seize every moment to serve, in a world so desperate and in need. Do the extraordinary day by day.”

This year’s convocation was marked with several poignant moments, endings and beginnings. Emily Marie MacFarlane

Remembering the Empress

crossed the stage as the first graduate of Booth’s bachelor of business administration program. Commissioner Brian Peddle presented the Chancellor’s Medal to Lani Marie Thiessen Zastre and the General’s Medal to Darlene Jayne Morgan.

Special recognition was given to the final graduating class of the certificate of management program who celebrated their achievements at an earlier ceremony in British Columbia. To better meet the Army’s needs, the college, in partnership with Simon Fraser University, launched a new certificate in not-for-profit management in May. “This final cohort consisted entirely of students from the British Columbia Division, a testament to the forward thinking, planning and commitment of the leaders in this part of our Canada and Bermuda Territory,” said Major Philip Davisson, associate dean at Booth’s School for Continuing Studies. “Your ongoing work together will continue to keep British Columbia on the cutting edge of faithful service to others in our communities.”

This year’s valedictorian, bachelor of social work graduate Faven Mergia, was born and raised in a refugee camp in Kenya, arriving in Canada with her family at age 14. For the past three years, she has been working with Peaceful Village, an after-school program funded by the Manitoba School Improvement

Commissioner Brian Peddle presents the Chancellor’s Medal to Lani Marie Thiessen Zastre

Program that assists refugee youth by providing academic and recreational support. Most recently, Mergia was hired into The Salvation Army’s L.E.E.P. program (Life Enhancement and Employability Program) at the Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre in Winnipeg.

During her valedictory address, Mergia reminded graduates, “Today we take the first step toward becoming the agents of change that Booth has moulded us to be. We are going out into a world where hurt, despair and various other heartbreaking events take place and it is our duty to do our part in bringing the much-needed healing and restoration to it in whatever field we are going into,” she said. “As we take the next step, let us not forget the lessons we’ve learned throughout this part of our journey. Let us passionately believe in a better world and strive to do our part in bringing that vision a step closer to reality.”

Salvationist • July 2014 • 5

My sister and I, together with our husbands, were privileged to attend the Mount Pleasant remembrance service this year. Our great-great-uncle, staff bandsman George Felstead, his wife and two children were all lost when the Empress sank. We travelled from England especially for this centenary memorial and were honoured to have been there.

Elizabeth Hook

A Correction The instrument shown in the Faith & Friends article “Tribute to an Empress” (May 2014) is a military-style bugle, not a cornet. I suspect that all the artifacts shown were supplied by the

Maritime Museum, although there is a recovered cornet in the Army’s Heritage Museum. It is Tribute highly unlikely that the band would h ave I included bugles in its instrumentation, even t hough Salvation Army Boy Scout bugle bands operated in the Army’s early years. And, factually, the band formed to represent Canada at the 1914 International Congress and colloquially referred to as the Canadian Staff Band, was named the Canadian Territorial Staff Band.

Wally Court to an

A century ago, tragedy struck the Empress of Ireland and its doomed passengers by Ken Ramstead

n the early hours of May 29, 1914, the luxurious oceangoing liner the Empress of Ireland, en route to London, England, was rammed by the Storstad, a Norwegian collier carrying a shipment of coal to Montreal. The ship sank in 14 minutes, taking with it more than one thousand passengers and crew.

Grievous as that loss was, it was especially dire for The Salvation Army in Canada, as a delegation of Salvationists had been on their way to England to attend an Army congress.

One hundred and twenty-four Salvation Army members died, including the top leadership of the Canadian Army and most of the Canadian Staff Band. It was a dark day for the religious organization.

While the outbreak of the First World War scant months later relegated this maritime disaster to a footnote in Canadian history, The Salvation Army has never forgotten the loss. Neither have the citizens of Rimouski, Que., the small town that did so much to shelter and take care of

8

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FAITH & friends May 2014

Right: Canadian Pacific advertisement for the Empress of Ireland and the Empress of Britain. The sister ships played an important role in bringing thousands of immigrants to Canada. Below: The museum boasts a scale model of the Empress of Ireland

the pitiable survivors of the disaster.

Interest always stayed strong in the area, and dedicated local amateur divers made it their mission to rescue what they could from the sunken shipwreck. Their efforts culminated in the foundation of the Maritime Historical Site at Pointe-au-Père, Que., whose centrepiece is a structure devoted to the Empress.

Poignant Reminder “We have more than 200 artifacts in the museum, ranging from ship instruments to parts of the Empress herself, such as portholes, right down to spoons and cutlery,” says Annemarie Bourassa, the museum’s deputy director.

Photo: Robert Baronet © Société des musées québécois

A Great Start Captain Shari Russell, thanks for sharing your experience at the last national event for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (“The Path of Healing,” June 2014). I watched some of it online, and it was so powerful to listen to people’s stories. I also read the document presented by the Canadian Council of Churches, of which The Salvation Army is a signator, where we promised to educate people about these atrocities and the cultural genocide. This is a great start. I hope we continue to see articles like this so we can participate in the reconciliation and the healing of our nation. Blessings to you and your ministry!

Major Karen Hoeft

Army Publications Win 11 Awards

A

Magazines and website recognized by Canadian Church Press

t the 2014 Canadian Church P r e s s Aw a r d s he ld i n Winnipeg in May, Salvation Army magazines and our website (salvationist.ca) received 11 awards for excellence. The Canadian Church Press includes representatives from more than 75 member publications, including mainline, Catholic and evangelical churches.

Here are the winning entries, which can be read online at salvationist.ca:

Flood (September 2013) Second Place: Interview—Disarming Terrorism: Shane Claiborne (August 2013) Third Place: Media Review—Will the Real “Biblical Woman” Please Stand Up? (January 2013); Entertaining Angels (July 2013); Friendship 101 (February 2013) Third Place: Biblical Interpretation— Rediscovering the Nativity (December 2013)

Salvationist Second Place: In-Depth Treatment of a News Event (Magazine)—After the

Salvationist.ca First Place: General Excellence (Website)

First Place: Publication Website First Place: Best Use of Multi-Media on a Website Faith & Friends Second Place: Feature Photo (Magazine)—Higher Ground (March 2013) Third Place: Magazine Front Cover— Higher Ground (March 2013) Third Place: Biographical Profile (Living Or Dead) (Magazine)— Running for a Brother (June 2013) Third Place: Personal Experience/ First Person Account—The Pastor and the Agnostic (October 2013) Salvationist • August 2014 • 17

Bread of Life

A learning and fellowship program helps single mothers better provide for their families

W

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN, STAFF WRITER

Fresh Ideas Fresh is a learning and fellowship program for single mothers that is co-ordinated

by Jane Ash, community ministries worker, who also supervises the food bank.

Working with many mothers who were raising children on their own, Ash found that the women wanted to provide better food for their families, but lacked the resources and know-how to do so.

“A family of one to four can get a loaf of bread at the food bank or a bag of flour and yeast,” Ash explains.

“The reality is that with flour and yeast you can make five loaves of bread. So a lot of the moms were saying to me, ‘If I knew how to make bread, I would take the flour and yeast.’ ” With a good-sized kitchen and eating area, the social services centre was just the 18 • August 2014 • Salvationist

Photos: Kristin Ostensen

hen Judy Young arrives at The Salvation Army’s social services offices in Corner Brook, N.L., on a Wednesday morning, the smell of chocolate chip muffins fills the hallways. It’s nearly 10 a.m., and Young is one of several young mothers gathered for Fresh. The still-warm ovens heat the brightly coloured room where the women meet, a welcoming atmosphere that immediately puts her at ease.

“I feel accepted and loved here,” Young smiles. “I feel like it’s my home.”

Judy Young enjoys a cup of coffee at Fresh

Most of my life I could never accomplish anything because I was always put down. So when I made bread, it was like, “I did that!” right venue for a cooking program. Thirty-five loaf pans were donated so that the participants could make bread at home, after they learned how, and the Fresh program was born.

“We called it ‘Fresh’ as in fresh ideas—fresh homemade bread, fresh healthy snacks for school, fresh fruit for the moms every week, and more,” Ash explains.

Baking bread is at the heart of Fresh, but the program also teaches life skills

such as budgeting, nutrition, stress management and parenting strategies. Crafting activities give the women opportunities to be creative, showing them how to make low-cost scarves, jewelry and cards.

“I Can Be Myself” A mother of children aged nine and 13, Young has been a client at the food bank for the past year. When Ash invited her to join Fresh last fall, she initially saw it

as an opportunity to meet new people.

“I used to be an outgoing person, but because of past relationships, I’ve become quiet and withdrawn,” she says. “I thought Fresh would help me get out of my shell.”

The program is kept small—eight participants are registered for each eightweek session—so that the women can build strong relationships with each other and with the program facilitators.

Coming to Fresh has given Young a reason to get out of the house and the rut she had fallen into.

“I love the people here,” Young says. “I find that when I’m here, I can be myself, and I like it.”

One of the highlights of the program for Young has been learning to make

Jane Ash and Patricia Parsons listen attentively while a public health nurse discusses parenting strategies

jewelry: this spring, she made a pink-beaded necklace and a pair of matching earrings.

“I gave it to my mom before Mother’s Day,” she shares. “It was so special.”

But her proudest accomplishment has been making bread—first at Fresh and then on her own at home.

“Each time, my bread turned out great,” Young says. “Most of my life I could never accomplish anything because I was always put down. So when I made bread, it was like, ‘I did that!’ ” Baking With Purpose While some participants are new to baking, others, such as Krista Hynes, are expanding their skills. For Hynes, who dreams of one day becoming a chef, Fresh provides an outlet for her lifelong passion for food.

“I love to bake,” she says.

“I did a lot of baking while I was in school with a teacher of mine. We would bake cookies and then sell them.”

Now, when Hynes makes cookies at Fresh, she sets aside a package for her children, who are currently living in foster care. It’s a simple action that helps her to maintain her relationship with

them while they are away from home.

Baking for others makes the experience at Fresh that much more meaningful for her.

“One time, a man came in to social services and wanted to know if the food bank was open, but it wasn’t,” Hynes shares. “Fortunately, we were baking bread that day. I asked him if he’d like something to eat. I gave him a loaf and they gave him some tea bags so he could have a cup of tea and a slice of bread.

“When there’s someone that you can help, you help out as much as you can,” she adds. “I love doing it.”

tical skills, each session of Fresh includes a devotional time. For the past year, the women have been looking at the Book of Proverbs.

“They’re very open to spiritual things and wanting to learn, though most of the moms do not attend a church,” says Ash. “Every week we try to integrate the spiritual aspect because that’s what we’re all about—reaching people for Christ.”

Working Together Many of the moms who participate in Fresh are also involved with the Army’s food bank, soup kitchen and thrift store, which share the social services building.

“We want all of our programs to be working together,” says Ash. “So when we meet with clients at the food bank, for example, it’s more than just giving out food. It’s about talking to them and finding out what their concerns are.”

As well as teaching prac-

From left, Penney Simms, Jane Ash, Judy Young, Crystal Earle, Krista Hynes and Patricia Parsons gather in the Fresh kitchen

Krista Hynes holds a batch of freshly baked muffins

For Young, who was raised a Christian, Fresh has given her an opportunity to strengthen her faith.

“I was married to somebody who was always controlling and yelling at me so I kind of got distant from the church,” she says, “but I never lost my faith in God. “Coming here is like going to church,” Young continues.

“They don’t judge; they accept me. I love them all.”

Salvationist • August 2014 • 19

Grace Notes

National Music Camp staff and students share why it’s the best week of the year As students and faculty gather for National Music Camp this August, Salvationist asked four people what the experience means to them.

Rebecca Minaker, Listowel Corps, Ont. I’ve always viewed National Music Camp as a “mountaintop” experience, a time of rejuvenation. The timing at the end of summer makes it a great spiritual jumpstart to the year—a reminder of who we are before returning to school or work.

It’s also a fantastic way to build relationships and a network of spiritual support.

You discover you’re not alone; there are many who have the same struggles and questions.

I can remember times in my life when I questioned my faith so deliberately and thoroughly that I thought I could—and would—walk away. But the relationships I made through camp, with people who were immersed in the same spiritual “culture,” changed my life. National laid the foundation for spiritual support throughout the year and in the years to come—a precious gift when you live in a geographic area that can’t provide such support. The commitments I made at National have shaped who I have become, and I know I’m not alone. There are countless individuals who have made life-changing decisions because of music camp.

The leadership at National is worldclass and I was able to learn from some of the best musicians the Army has to offer. Much of my own leadership style is a direct reflection of them. I saw so many phenomenal leaders, invested not only in the Army and the music but in the kids, genuinely caring about their well-being and speaking truth and hope into their lives.

National has been priceless and irreplaceable in my own life, and I believe it’s an important way to disciple youth in the faith, particularly in The Salvation Army.

Colin Williams, Heritage Park Temple, Winnipeg My family moved from Edmonton to 20 • August 2014 • Salvationist

“I will always value the high level of musical ability at National, and its impact on my spiritual life,” says Colin Williams (right)

National Music Camp is a “mountaintop” experience Winnipeg between my Grade 11 and 12 years. I had a rough time fitting in at my new school, and became depressed and introverted. I left my parents’ home, believing they weren’t important to my life. Although I still attended church, I had no real relationship with God. I went to my first National Music Camp a year later with little-to-no expectations of strengthening my relationship with God. But throughout the week, I experienced grace in a lifechanging way. I realized God had the power to forgive and that I still had time to change my life. The friends I made demonstrated the love of Christ. This love helped me repair the broken bonds with my parents, as well as understand the importance of a strong relationship with the Lord.

I am now the deputy bandmaster at my corps, and frequently use memories of National to lead the band through more meaningful fellowship. I will

always value the high level of musical ability at National and its impact on my spiritual life. I perform on a weekly basis as a university trumpet player, but I will never forget the feeling of sitting in Scarborough Citadel and witnessing a concert in which 400 people were performing with the same purpose: to worship the Lord.

Heidi Adams, 614 Corps, Vancouver At 26, I am a self-professed National Music Camp junkie. That week at the end of August is the highlight of my year. Through high school, four years of university and four years of youth ministry, National has been a spiritual haven. When I risked either jumping ship or falling into a “Sunday only” faith, the amazing teachers, inspiring faculty and other campers showed me that a life dedicated to Jesus is possible. It’s the place where, year after year, I pledge myself to a life of more holiness. It’s a place for affirmation. It’s a place to witness.

Over the years, it has become a family. Struggling through my first time as a hired youth worker, I turned to one of my counsellors who mentored

“While the music is what brought us together,” says John Lam, leader of the Canadian Staff Band, “it fostered a community of faith”

me through some difficult situations.

Now, as one of the senior campers (the age range is from 16 to 30, and I plan on attending up to my 30th birthday!), I make an effort to embrace the younger campers. Many of them are wavering in their faith and one week of close Christian community, where questions are welcome, can be the rescue line.

Growing up, my most disciplined streaks of Bible study and prayer were the months following National. The friends I’ve made have become a support network that sustains me through the entire year and helps me step up and be an example in my corps. I always leave National with a renewed sense of purpose.

John Lam, London Citadel, Ont. National Music Camp is the reason I am still a Christian. When my own church had few programs for young people, I started attending a Salvation Army corps

“I am a self-professed National Music Camp junkie,” says Heidi Adams (centre). “I always leave National with a renewed sense of purpose”

and never left. I agreed to go to National on a whim when someone told me it was a great place to jam and perhaps meet girls. I didn’t know what was about to hit me. Not only did I discover a place that confirmed my growing passion for music, but it also opened my eyes to so many difference facets of the Army as a church. That week, the theme and music spoke to me—especially the words to Thomas Rive’s brass band piece, I Know a Fount—and I accepted Christ into my life.

In the following years, I was always involved with the Army, but not always walking with Christ. School, military service, career and relationships all took their turn at pulling me from the path. At a key point, my corps band happened to play the piece of music that had been so important to me, and I felt God’s hand on my life. I recommitted to Christian service, accepting the role of bandmaster at my corps and becoming a faculty member at National.

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As a leader, I find that National serves as a spiritual oasis before the hectic activity of the academic/corps season starts again. It also reminds me that the church is all about relationships, with God and people. Period. There is no gimmick or silver-bullet program that we should be looking for. If Christ is at the centre, these relationships will grow, and many will last a lifetime.

The friends I made in my years at National have been there for me every step of the way, year after year, in times of stagnation and growth, despair and joy. While the music is what brought us together, it fostered a community of faith as we shared our lives and grew in the Word. If someone falls from the path and turns away, someone else will be there to challenge and help restore them. Our faith is deepened by our commitment to each other. All because of the common holy ground of that one-week experience called camp.

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Contact (416) 422-6119; circulation@can.salvationarmy.org or visit salvationist.ca/subscribe to order Salvationist • August 2014 • 21

CROSS CULTURE

IN REVIEW The Sign Painter: A Novel

by Davis Bunn Based on a true story, The Sign Painter follows A my Dowell and her struggle to overcome the difficulties she faces after losing her husband to illness and her house to debt. As a young mother on the streets, Amy must find a way to put her life back together. Things begin to turn around when she meets a pastor who helps her get a job painting signs.

Written by bestselling author Davis Bunn, The Sign Painter is a beautiful redemption story. As the characters learn to take chances and rely on their faith, they rise above their past with hope for a bright future.

Radically Normal

You don’t have to live crazy to follow Jesus

by Josh Kelley Everyone is called to live an abundant life in Christ, and for some that means a life of courageous missionary work or round-the-world evangelism. But what if your calling is to live in your hometown and work a nine-to-five job? Do we sometimes feel that our service as a disciple is measured in the distance we travel or the number of souls we save? In Radically Normal, Josh Kelley explores the ways God uses ordinary people to live extraordinary lives and re-evaluates the standards for holiness. This book offers insight into the problem of becoming a “complacent Christian” and what it means to be a disciple.

Forgotten Girls

Stories of hope and courage

by Kay Marshall Strom and Michele Rickett Freedom is a basic human right and yet, for many women around the world, freedom does not exist. In Forgotten Girls, Kay Marshall Strom and Michele Rickett expose the injustices that these women face, including physical suffering, poor education, sexual exploitation, prison and war.

Forgotten Girls offers prayer suggestions and practical actions that could help women who have similar stories to those in the book. This collection of stories is a call to action, an educational tool and a plea for prayer.

IN THE NEWS

Roommates find $40,000 in a Salvation Army couch, return money to owner For three roommates in New Paltz, New York, it seemed like an ordinary $20 couch. They were at a Salvation Army thrift store looking for new furniture and Reese Werkhoven, Cally Guasti and Lara Russo say they almost didn’t buy it.

“It’s pretty ugly and smells, but it was the only couch that fit the right dimensions for our living room,” they told The Little Rebellion, a student publication at the State University in New York (SUNY).

But after they took it home, they found a plastic envelope with $700 cash in the couch’s arm. They began a thorough search of the couch and found another envelope and then another until they’d unearthed $40,000.

At first they had no idea where the money came from, but they eventually found an envelope with a woman’s name on it. “We all agreed that we had to bring the money back to whoever it belonged to … it’s their money—we didn’t earn it,” Russo told The Little Rebellion.

With the help of the phone book, they were able to track the woman down. The couch had been donated to the Army by her daughter and son-in-law, who had no idea of its value.

The woman gave the roommates $1,000 as a thank you for returning her savings.

22 • August 2014 • Salvationist

Guess Who’s (Not) Coming for Dinner?

Survey shows most people don’t want an atheist in the family If you’re thinking about m ar r y ing an atheist, be prepared for a frosty reception at the next family dinner. According to a new Pew Research survey, almost half (4 9 percent) of Americans would be unhappy if a member of their family chose a nonbeliever for a spouse. That number jumped to 64 percent among Protestant Christians.

Commenting on the results of the survey, Jocelyn Kiley, senior researcher with the Pew Center for the People and the Press, said, “Clearly, an atheist is the least likely to be welcomed into a family.” Although 20 percent of Americans say they have no religious identity, it seems clear that “religiosity matters.”

Photo: © Ingimage.com/David Castillo Dominici

Cash Couch

CROSS CULTURE

Yes, All Women What can a hashtag teach us about gender and violence?

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN, STAFF WRITER

S

ix people were killed and another 13 were injured when 22-year-old Elliot Rodger went on a rampage in Santa Barbara, California, in May. These events would be a terrible tragedy under any circumstances. But the reasons behind the killer’s actions made the attacks all the more disturbing.

Before the assaults, Rodger posted a series of videos on YouTube and wrote a lengthy autobiographical “manifesto,” in which he states his hatred for all women and describes his frustration with not being able to find a girlfriend. In one of the videos, he says, “I don’t know why you girls aren’t attracted to me, but I will punish you all for it. It’s an injustice, a crime.”

Rodger’s misogyny, though extreme, struck a chord with many women, who began sharing their own experiences with misogyny on Twitter and Facebook. They used the hashtag #YesAllWomen, to show that though not all men act this way, all women experience misogyny or sexism at some point in their lives.

How common is sexual assault? …

One in four girls and one in eight boys have been sexually abused by the time they are 18 Over the next several days, the hashtag was used more than 1.2 million times to share stories of harassment, abuse—even rape—and show solidarity with women who had experienced these things. Some tweets included: C

M

•• #yesallwomen because “I have a boyfriend” is more likely to get a guy to back off than “no,” because they respect other men more than women •• In college, we’d regularly find girls who had been roofie’d and left passed out in the parking lot next to our dorm.

REGULARLY. #YesAllWomen •• #yesallwomen because in 9th grade gym class the girls learned self defense while the boys played basketball Y

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MY

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CMY

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Well-known Christian author and blogger Rachel Held Evans weighed in with her own tweet: “Because the messages I get from women whose abuse was justified as ‘biblical submission’ stopped surprising me 2 years ago #YesAllWomen.”

How common is sexual assault? Statistics Canada has found that one in four girls and one in eight boys have been sexually abused by the time they are 18. Another recent Statistics Canada survey recorded more than half a million incidents in one year, but the vast majority go unreported. When asked

why they did not tell the police about the sexual assault, 58 percent of victims said that they did not report it because it was not important enough.

The combination of these statistics is shocking. And that’s why a social media movement like #YesAllWomen is significant: it shows how widespread such incidents are, it exposes the attitudes that make sexual assault common, and it says, “This is important.” As one tweeter wrote, “My husband didn’t ‘get it’ until he spent half an hour on the [#YesAllWomen] feed. Then he looked ashen. ‘I had no idea.’ #YesAllWomen.”

The conversation sparked by the hashtag is important to both men and women, renewing our compassion for victims and reminding us to live God’s love and show others to do the same. As one man tweeted, “Started reading the #YesAllWomen tweets because I’ve got a daughter, but now I see I should be SSC Salvationist Quarter.pdf 2 1/17/2014 3:28:10 PM reading them because I’ve got two sons.”

Responsible for

MINISTRY Committed to MISSION Social Services Conference 2014 October 18-21 • Delta Meadowvale MinistryAndMission2014.com Salvationist • August 2014 • 23

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

ENROLMENTS AND RECOGNITION GARNISH, N.L.—Two senior soldiers are enrolled at Garnish Corps. From left, Cpt Charlene Hillier, CO; Rendell Pardy, holding the flag; Dora Moulton and Betty Senior.

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Two young people publicly declare their commitment to Christ as new junior soldiers at St. John’s Temple. From left, Betty Cunningham, junior soldier leader; Mjr Wanda Loveless, CO; CSM Larry Purdy, holding the flag; Sarah Paul; Isaiah Ball; Mjr Rene Loveless, CO; and Lorraine Pope, youth director.

CALGARY—Glenmore Temple welcomes two senior soldiers and one adherent during Easter celebrations that took place under the leadership of Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial leaders. From left, Commissioner Brian Peddle; Cecil Dean, colour sergeant; Commissioner Rosalie Peddle; Jae Lee, Jamie Park, senior soldiers; John Wuite, adherent; and Mjrs John and Donna Goulding, COs.

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, MAN.—Wendy Carson augments the rolls as a senior soldier at Portage la Prairie Corps. From left, Lts Amanda and Peter Robinson, COs; and Wendy Carson.

Montreal Citadel for the World Come Back to Our Future Be part of the opening and dedication of the new Montreal Citadel October 11-12, 2014 With Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries 6620 Monk Boulevard, Montreal For more information: www.MontrealCitadel.com eleanor_shepherd@can.salvationarmy.org 24 • August 2014 • Salvationist

Officer Retirements Majors Len and Ros Millar enter honourable retirement August 1. For more than 17 years, they served as officers in Africa, holding significant positions in several territories and commands. Len and Ros strove to set an example of servant leadership, and the impact of their ministry has been felt in the areas of education, administration, public relations, corps and social appointments. Significant memories of the Millars’ ministry are enrolling the first junior soldiers in Mozambique; travelling to Zimbabwe, Ghana and Kenya to evaluate and recommend strategies to develop National Advisory Boards and fund development possibilities; and meeting Nelson Mandela and sharing about the Army’s work in South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique.

Most rewarding was the privilege to mentor officers throughout Africa to allow them to become more effective leaders in God’s kingdom. In addition to their many years in Africa, the Millars held appointments in the Canada and Bermuda Territory, as corps officers, in public relations and in the international personnel office at territorial headquarters.

The love that Ros has for Africa and its people has meant that her heart is still on the continent. Len, who spent an additional 14 years growing up in Africa with his missionary officer parents, is grateful to them for their positive and visionary influence, and is thankful for the faithful and unending support of his wife.

On August 1, Major Roy Dueck will join his wife, Major Juanita Dueck, in honourable retirement. Retired November 1, 2012, due to health concerns, Juanita responded to God’s call and entered the College for Officer Training in St. John’s, N.L., in 1980.

Commissioned in 1982 in the God’s Messengers Session, she served in Newfoundland and Labrador as a single officer until 1989, when she married Roy Dueck, who was commissioned in 1989 in the Ambassadors for Christ Session. Together, they held appointments in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Manitoba, before serving a three-year term overseas at the training college in Kenya. Roy and Juanita returned to the Canada and Bermuda Territory to conclude their officership at the Winnipeg Grace Hospital. Their range of responsibilities included corps, refugee settlement, officer training and hospital spiritual care. Crossing cultures, teaching and leading people to abundant life in Christ has always been their passion. Roy and Juanita describe their life of ministry as “an amazing adventure in God’s kingdom.”

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

CLARENVILLE, N.L.—Nine new members join the women’s ministries group at Clarenville Corps.

From left, Linda Pelley, Judy Nichol, Louise Janes, Lillian George, Doreen Burt, Margaret Foster, Myrtle Burton, Nellie Stanley, Angela England and HLS Elrita Adams.

ST. JOHN ’S, N . L .— Nicholas Hillier becomes a senior soldier at St. John’s Citadel. With him are Mjrs Brian and Valerie Wheeler, COs, and ACSM Matthew Osmond, holding the flag.

Accepted for Training

Messengers of Light Session (2014-16) College for Officer Training, Winnipeg Keith Hopkins Prince Rupert Community Church British Columbia Division Over the course of the CFOT application process, I have seen how God has stitched all of life’s events together. It’s my hope that CFOT will continue God’s work by providing opportunities to build relationships and grow in areas that are necessary to serve God’s people.

Violet Hopkins Prince Rupert Community Church British Columbia Division Officership means completely surrendering to God and allowing him to use me in whatever way he sees fit for me. It means being available to those around me in their time of need, to lend a helping hand or listening ear, and to offer them the gift of salvation and the knowledge that God cares for them.

Kam Robinson Erin Mills, Mississauga Ontario Central-East Division I remember attending a seminar where I discovered that teaching and evangelism are two of my spiritual gifts, and I was excited to think how God would use them. I sensed the Holy Spirit directing me to delve into the Bible and to learn as much as I could in preparation for something. My husband, Ian, and I believe God has called us to be officers and we trust him to guide our lives at CFOT. I am excited to learn about Scripture, the life of an officer, The Salvation Army and its history, and how to serve others in Christ’s name.

KINGSTON, ONT.— Joan Ede receives a certificate of appreciation at Rideau Heights CC as she retires following more than 40 years of faithful service as a Sunday school teacher.

SASKATOON—The Army marches forward at Saskatoon Temple as three junior soldiers are enrolled during a special youth Sunday. Front, from left, Gideon Oludeyi, Ava Janzen, Phoenix Peterson. Back, from left, Cpt Laurie Reilly, CO; Kerri Cryderman, youth ministry director; and Cpt Gary Reilly, CO. Ian Robinson Erin Mills, Mississauga Ontario Central-East Division God’s call upon my life was a gradual one that began at an early age. Many people, especially my parents and grandparents, were influential as they helped me see my potential and shared what they felt God wanted for my life. My calling was confirmed when I married my wife, Kam, and we began to see God’s call as a couple. Though God wanted us to commit to him individually, he called us to be in his service together.

Brad Webster Kitchener Community Church Ontario Great Lakes Division I was a new Christian when I first felt called to officership. I had just secured a full-time job that many people had prayed for me to get, and I asked myself: What do I have to offer that God would call me to this? I continued to live in my own strength, but as ministry opportunities presented themselves, I became more involved in the church. I soon began to feel that officership is what I should be doing and placed my life completely in God’s hands. Ever since, things have been falling into place and I look forward to taking the next step in my journey at CFOT. Wavie Webster Kitchener Community Church Ontario Great Lakes Division As a child, I wanted to be a Salvation Army officer.

When I turned 18, I left home and didn’t return to church until I was 32. Since coming to Kitchener Community Church about four years ago, I have given my life back to Christ and have felt the call to officership once again. Before I had an opportunity to tell my husband, he shared with me that he had also been called by God to serve as an officer. This confirmed it for me! I look forward to what God has planned for me and my family as we take our next step at CFOT. Salvationist • August 2014 • 25

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

GAZETTE

INTERNATIONAL Appointments Cols Stephen/Grace Chepkurui, CS/TSWM, Kenya West Tty; Lt-Col Margaret Siamoya, TC and TPWM, Zambia Tty, with rank of col TERRITORIAL Appointments Mjrs Wayne/Deborah Bungay, DC/DDWM, East Midlands Div, U.K. Tty with the Republic of Ireland; Cpt Jennifer Reid, DSWM and DCCMS, Ont. CE Div (retaining co-ordinator of women’s ministries resources, THQ, as additional responsibility) Promoted to major Cpt Barbara Dalrymple Retirement Mjr (Dr) Dawn Howse, last appointment, seconded to the medical community of Newfoundland, St. John’s, N.L. Promoted to glory Mjr Ida Janes, from Newmarket, Ont., May 23; Mrs Lt-Col Alvina Chapman, from Prince Albert, Sask., May 24; Cpt Heather Cheon, from Vaughn, Ont., Jun 7

TORONTO—Yorkwoods CC grows its corps family with six new senior soldiers. From left, Malcolm Manzer, colour sergeant; then Aux-Cpt Tina Yoo, CO; Sohee Jang; Rosa Rodriguez; Imade L. Otabor; Zainab Kamara; Kareen Grey; Gregory Grey; and Lt Thomas Yoo, CO.

CALENDAR

Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley Aug 3 installation of Cols Lindsay/Lynette Rowe, Oshawa Temple, Ont. CE Div; Aug 10 installation of Mjrs Ron/Toni Cartmell as divisional leaders, Alta. & N.T. Div; Aug 22-30 Bible guests, National Music Camp, Jackson’s Point, Ont.

TRIBUTES GRAND BANK, N.L.—Born in 1930, Wilson Gordon Lee was a quiet man of faith who lived his life by example and actions. Wilson was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Enrolled as a senior soldier at the age of 14, he proudly wore his Salvation Army uniform. Wilson was a bandsman, men’s fellowship member, corps council member, group committee member and served on the cemetery committee. A friend to all he met, he held the position of corps treasurer for a period of time. Wilson is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Isabella; son, John (Darlene); daughters Rhoda (Wayne), Jessie (Dave), Barbara (Enos), Catherine (Sam); eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Martha; a large circle of extended family and friends. “Farewell to the toils of this earthly journey, Dad, and a welcome home to glory.”

REIDVILLE, N.L.—Boyd Martin Ford was a senior soldier at Deer Lake Corps who was promoted to glory in his 54th year. Mourning him with fond and precious memories are his mother, Annie Ford; siblings Calvin Ford, Milton (Glenys) Ford, Joy Ford, Gerald Ford; nieces and nephews Brandy Ford, Breannah Ford, Damian Burden, Daren Burden, John Curtis, Tanya Curtis, Gary Curtis, Roxanne Ford, Monica Ford, Melissa Ford, Crystal Ford, Alison Ford, Joshua Ford; a large number of aunts, uncles, cousins; other family and friends.

GREEN’S HARBOUR, N.L.—Gerald T. Howell was born in Green’s Harbour to Walter and Selina in 1943, and was promoted to glory at the age of 70. He worked at several jobs and attended The Salvation Army where he appreciated and supported his corps officers. Gerald gave his heart to the Lord on April 14, 2013, and told everyone with whom he had contact that he loved Jesus and Jesus loved him. He enjoyed going to men’s fellowship with his brothers and loved talking to people that he met along the way. Gerald had an impact on everyone in his corps family and he will be missed by all. He is lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his sister, Rita; brother-in-law, Wilson; brothers Lloyd, Harvey (Lillian); four nieces; five nephews; and a special aunt.

26 • August 2014 • Salvationist

SALMON ARM, B.C.—These are exciting days at New Hope CC as two junior soldiers and two senior soldiers are enrolled. From left, Cpt Sheldon Feener, CO; Hayden Feener; William Roebuck; Ada Bellamy; Willie Joswig; and CSM Win Burge.

EDMONTON—Eileen (Battrick) Wicks was born in 1918 into a Christian home in Edmonton and attended The Salvation Army all her life. Over the years, she held many leadership positions at Edmonton Citadel (later Temple) in Sunday school, Girl Guides, singing company and timbrels. A songster, community care ministries worker and Over-60 Club member, Eileen was also noted for her loving concern for children. Married to George Wicks in 1964, she became mother to his five children and loved them all as her own. Eileen was an astute businesswoman and successful realtor and generously shared her financial success with those less fortunate. She and George enjoyed travelling, often visiting Salvation Army homes where, if she found a need, she was quick to respond. In countries all over the world, lives were changed by her unstinting generosity and compassionate heart. The bedrock of Eileen’s life was her strong Christian faith and her whole life was an excellent example of that faith lived out on a daily basis. She is lovingly remembered by her large family: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, and the many whose lives were blessed by knowing her.

VICTORIA—Wilfred George Yurgensen was born in 1932 in Nairobi, Kenya, to Salvation Army missionary parents. He gave his heart to the Lord at the age of four and was a fourth-generation Salvationist to the family in Denmark. In 1983, he retired as lt-commander from the Canadian Navy and settled in Cobble Hill, B.C. In retirement, Wilfred was a respected businessman. As a man of faith who was actively involved in ministry, he was passionate about spreading the gospel story through music and singing. Wilfred served as a bandsman and songster, and later was the bandmaster and songster leader in various corps in South Africa and Canada. In more recent years, Gerald served as bandmaster of the Brass Ensemble, visiting care homes to bring joy and comfort to the lives of many through his gospel singing and guitar playing. A devoted husband, father and papa to his family, Wilfred is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jean; children Sharlene, Dalene (Ted) Brown, Erik (Linda); five grandchildren; sisters Shirley (Dave) Thomson, Julia Yurgensen; extended families in Denmark, South Africa, England and Canada.

CONVICTIONS MATTER

Reflecting God’s Character How our second doctrine helps us live with integrity

W

The Salvation Army has been shaped by its core convictions,

called doctrines. But what difference do they make to the life of

Salvationists in the 21st century? This book explores the relevance and contribution of these historic doctrines for the present age. It argues that each doctrine has something vital to contribute to the Army’s

understanding and practice of holiness. These convictions matter!

“In articulating and reflecting on the core convictions that guide the work of The Salvation Army and hold its communal life together,

Ray Harris has achieved that elusive but essential balance between accessibility and depth. He has put the doctrines of the Army in

conversation with the Salvationist understanding of holiness for the purpose of engaging the future.”

—The Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary, The Canadian Council of Churches

“Doctrines are not monuments to the past, but living testimonies to

We believe that there is only one God in many areas but are also feeling less guilty about it. When ‘everybody does it,’ or imagines that everybody does it, a cheating culture has emerged.” Salvationists are called to be a people of personal and corporate integrity in a culture where cheating is so often the rule of thumb.

The biblical story discloses God’s faithful integrity. From his calling of Abraham and Sarah, to the formation of Israel to be a holy nation, to the prophetic critiques of Amos and Jeremiah, God spoke and acted with integrity. Jesus of Nazareth was also characterized by integrity. His compassion embraced both a grieving widow and a distraught leader of a synagogue. He challenged his own disciples’ ambitions in private as well as defending them in public. And when his opponents sought to bring a false charge against him before governing authorities, they were handcuffed. Jesus lived a life of integrity before a watching world.

We, too, are called to be a people of integrity because God’s character is marked by integrity. How we carry out our policies, preach our sermons, publicize our activities to the nation and spend our time has everything to do with character. We believe in one God, a God who is consistent and faithful. A God of integrity. This conviction matters!

CONVICTIONS MATTER

ho or what is God? A delusion? A source of terror?

Irrelevant? To speak of God in the 21st century seems out of place to many. Yet The Salvation Army’s doctrines take that risk. Convinced that God has disclosed himself most fully in the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, Salvationists join the broader church in naming God as Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Foundational to that belief, however, is the affirmation of God’s oneness: We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship (Doctrine 2).

At the heart of biblical faith lies the conviction: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4).

This fundamental understanding is also sustained in the New Testament. When Jesus was asked which of the commandments was most important, he responded, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:29-30). In his commentary, Deuteronomy, Patrick Miller reflects: “To confess, therefore, that the Lord is ‘one’ is to claim that [God] … is faithful, consistent, not divided within mind, heart or self in any way….

In purpose and being, God is one.” In other words, to speak of God as “one” has everything to do with God’s character.

God is a God of integrity.

One implication of this doctrine is that we can trust the integrity of both science and the Bible. We live in an incredible universe. The Canadian astronaut, Chris Hadfield, gave the world a glimpse of its remarkable beauty in a recent journey into space. It’s a huge universe, stretching out 13.7 billion light years in distance. It’s also a remarkably small universe, in that 500 trillion protons can fit on the dot of this “i” without having to go on a diet! I don’t pretend to comprehend all the scientific explanations of our universe, but I can trust the integrity of their findings. Neither do I need to view them in competition with the biblical writers. The Bible concerns itself with God’s relation to this majestic universe, not how it came to be. Genesis says simply, “It is good!” (see Genesis 1). As part of this good creation, God brings a creature into existence with freedom to be other than God. That’s where the Bible’s real interest lies.

God’s faithful, consistent integrity impacts not just the way we view science. It also impacts the way we live out our understanding of holiness. The Salvation Army’s eighth General, Frederick Coutts, captured the importance of this doctrine when he wrote: “A person’s conception of holiness is governed by the character of God he [or she] worships.”

Salvationists worship and serve a God of integrity. In contrast, author David Callahan argues that we live in a “cheating culture.” Faced with accountants that fudge their balance sheets, athletes who compete with performance-enhancing drugs and clergy who download sermons and pass them off as their own, Callahan notes we are “not only cheating more

Major Ray Harris is a retired Salvation Army officer in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. He and his wife, Cathie, have served across Canada in various congregational, college and administrative appointments. He lives in Winnipeg, where he enjoys baking rhubarb crumble.

Convictions Matter, Major Ray Harris’ new book, is available at store.salvationarmy.ca, 416-422-6100, orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org.

For e-book, visit amazon.ca

the present and hopeful signs of the future. Ray Harris adeptly looks at the formation of our doctrines [and] speaks about those doctrines with clarity and purpose [using] a wide range of sources, which

will enrich the doctrinal conversation of the Army with the broader theological world.”

—Dr. Roger J. Green, Professor and Chair of Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries, Terrelle B. Crum Chair of Humanities, Gordon College, Wenham, Massachusetts

Canada and Bermuda Territory

9 780888 575081

RELIGION / The Salvation Army / Church & Doctrine

cover_final_newblue.indd 1

The Function of Salvation Army Doctrines RAY HARRIS

ISBN: 978-0-88857-508-1

Ray Harris is a Salvation Army officer in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. He and his wife, Cathie, have served across Canada in various congregational, college and administrative appointments. In the course of his officership, Ray received the Doctor of Ministry degree from Regis College, Toronto School of Theology, with an emphasis on curriculum design in theological education. He lives in Winnipeg where he enjoys family, baking muffins, singing Charles Wesley hymns and running in a prairie winter.

RAY HARRIS FOREWORD JOHN LARSSON

2014-04-08 8:54 AM

Salvationist • August 2014 • 27

Photo: © iStock.com/tillsonburg

BY MAJOR RAY HARRIS

IN THE TRENCHES

The Power to Prevail

How the Holy Spirit helps us conquer sin and do good

BY MAJOR AMY REARDON

28 • August 2014 • Salvationist

Photo: © iStock.com/Sadeugra

M

y husband recently had a theological disagreement with a former Salvationist, who said he no longer believed holy living is possible. In other words, sin is unavoidable.

You’re going to do it; you can’t help it.

I wasn’t part of that conversation. But if I had been, I would have asked one thing: When does the Holy Spirit become powerless? At what point in the progression from temptation to completed action (even if the action is simply an unkind word or an inappropriate thought) does the Holy Spirit lose his ability to help us in doing right? Does a blockage occur that he can’t penetrate?

Most Christians knowingly sin. I’m not saying that we want to sin or plan to sin. But let’s be honest: most of us gossip, lose our temper or come up with great excuses for not putting money in the offering plate. The question is, are we powerless against sin?

Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” And in Matthew 19:26, Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” If the Holy Spirit dwells within us, as we believe, and gives us his unlimited power, how can we be powerless—without choice—in the face of temptation? Titus 2:11-12 says: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

We have the power to live victorious lives. The problem is the will. We sin, frankly, because we want to. Before you open your mouth to call your boss a jerk, you make the choice to do so because you know that, for the moment, it will feel good. If the Holy Spirit encounters a blockage in keeping us from sin, it is because we have put it there and refuse to let him break through. As mighty as he is, he will never force us to do right.

God’s capability is not the issue. His power is limitless, so he is certainly able to keep us from consciously sinning.

However, the power promised to us in Acts 1:8 doesn’t end there. Not only are

we capable of avoiding what’s bad, but we are capable of doing good.

In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that the Holy Spirit has distributed gifts to Christians for the “common good” of the body of believers. God has not overlooked a single believer. Each of us has been given at least one special gift, if not more. Because they are gifts, they aren’t necessarily associated with our field of study or the way we were raised. They are abilities granted by the Holy Spirit, balanced by him so that the work of the kingdom can go forward. The church would suffer if no one had the gifts of preaching, teaching or service. Can you imagine if everyone prophesied about the church’s neglect of the poor, but no one had the gifts of service or hospitality, so no one ever cooked a meal or invited them in?

These gifts are not sweet little tokens.

Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, all who have faith in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). Spiritual gifts are the tools we use to do great things—greater things than Jesus did!

It sounds blasphemous, yet that is what

Jesus said. Because the Spirit gives these gifts, and because in God “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28), there is nothing blasphemous at all about saying we’ll do greater things than Christ did. It isn’t us doing these things; it is God moving through us.

And yet, we sit on our hands. Just as we’re convinced we can’t live without sinning, we’re sure we can’t do anything significant for God’s kingdom.

How lucky for Satan—we’ve sent him on vacation! If we accept the idea that we’re powerless over sin and powerless to make a difference in this world, the evil one doesn’t have much to worry about, does he?

Let’s shrug off our defeatism and put the devil on notice. Let’s claim our status as saints of God and reject sin. Let’s flex our Holy Spirit muscle and bring those potent spiritual gifts into play. So much work is yet to be done. Every Christian is called to participate in some way.

Holy people doing holy things. Now that’s powerful.

Major Amy Reardon and her husband, Rob, are the corps officers of Seattle Temple Corps in Washington, U.S.A.

JUST CAUSE

It’s Not Fair!

Photo: © iStock.com/AlasdairJames

Were you born in a bread country or a cake country?

The answer makes a world of difference

BY JAMES READ AND DON POSTERSKI

Photo: © iStock.com/Eerik

E

very parent has heard this complaint in one form or another: “His piece of cake is bigger than mine!

It’s not fair!” Children have a built-in injustice radar device. They know when something’s not right.

In the sports world, unfairness is blatant. The steroid cheaters stain their achievements, damage their sport and disrespect their competitors. Whatever their level—amateur, professional or Olympian—some athletes are ready to sacrifice their integrity for a chance to win.

But there’s a far more devastating unfairness at work in the world causing millions to suffer. Children who go to bed hungry. Mothers who give birth to HIV-positive babies. Families whose children die of preventable diseases.

People trapped in poverty and vulnerable to exploitation.

What’s unfair is this: we don’t get to choose where we are born. We simply arrive somewhere, and not all countries are created equal. Some have abundant natural resources and access to clean water, while others lack good land and pray for rain. Some governments create economic opportunities, while others stifle initiatives.

There are “bread countries” and “cake countries.”

Bread countries are marked by few choices and limited opportunities.

Education—especially for girls—is not a right. Safe water may require a trek that takes most of the day. Health care is meagre; the average spent is less than $20 per person per year.

Unless you are connected to the ruling class, employment opportunities depend on selfcreated initiatives. The idea of

a “social safety net” is not part of your vocabulary. You may not have the freedom to choose where you worship. And if you are born poor, with few exceptions, you live and die poor. Tragically, people in bread countries are often robbed of living productive lives.

Cake countries are marked by abundant choices and opportunities. Going to school is the law. You turn on a tap to access safe water and flip a switch for electricity. Health care is easily accessible; the average spent can exceed $3,500 per person per year.

Government programs subsidize vocational training.

If you are laid off from your job, you qualify for unemployment benefits.

Not everyone is employed or employable,

Seeking justice for others is part of the Christian way but welfare is available. Freedom to worship where and when you want—or not at all—is a given. If you are born at the bottom of the economic scale in cake countries, there are still opportunities to climb the ladder.

It’s no wonder people look at disparity in the world and conclude, “It’s not fair.” So what’s the point?

Seeking justice for others is part of the Christian way. We can’t close our eyes to those living in unfair circumstances.

A proper perspective on justice is not inherited, it is acquired. We need

to become informed, ponder the complexities, name injustices, think and pray beyond self-interest, advocate for the marginalized, give strategically, collaborate with the like-minded and love our neighbours as ourselves.

At The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission, we think about these things and what we can do about them. What do you think Christians should be doing to address inequality?

Dr. James Read and Dr. Don Posterski work for the International Social Justice Commission, The Salvation Army’s strategic voice to advocate for human dignity and social justice with the world’s poor and oppressed. Visit salvationarmy.org/isjc for more information. Their new book, When Justice Is the Measure, is available at store.salvationarmy.ca, 416-422-6100, orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org.

For an e-book, visit amazon.ca.

Salvationist • August 2014 • 29

TIES THAT BIND

Give It a (Sabbath) Rest

Our lives are incredibly busy, but we ignore the fourth commandment at our peril

BY MAJOR KATHIE CHIU

30 • August 2014 • Salvationist

Photo: © iStock.com/cpuga

T

he sheer volume of activity in my daughter’s life awes me. In any given week, as well as taking her four kids to school and picking them up, there are dance lessons, sports activities, mid-week youth programs, worship practice, play dates and sleepovers. Visits with friends and cousins and church on Sunday make for a busy weekend. On top of this, she works as a school lunchroom and playground supervisor, and her husband, a police officer, does shift work.

She’s not the only one with this kind of chaotic lifestyle. In many families, both parents work full-time. Knowing what to have for supper is a challenge— let alone having the energy to cook it.

One day blurs into the next with never enough time to get everything done.

And down time? Forget it. It seems like busyness is at epidemic levels.

Our fast-paced lifestyles of building careers or raising families or both have given rise to all-time high levels of depression, anxiety and physical illness from stress. When vacation time comes, if we even take a vacation, it seems more like a sick leave because people are so exhausted that all they want to do is sleep. Or we fill down time or vacation days with projects we haven’t had time for or visiting people we never get a chance to see.

Is this how life is supposed to be?

When do we pull by the wayside and spend time with Jesus? Whatever happened to “be still and know”? In the midst of all our stress and fatigue, Jesus gently calls us. “Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 CEB).

We aren’t supposed to run around like crazy, wearing ourselves out with unceasing activity. Instead we are to walk with Jesus, sharing his yoke. When we go at his pace, not ours, we experience true Sabbath. God gave us the

Sabbath to come away from all of the busyness. Sabbath (Shabatt) means “to desist from exertion” or “to cease.” In other words—rest.

I don’t know about you, but I am the kind of person that resists resting.

I’m always thinking of the next thing I need to do. When I run out of things I need to do, I think up things I’ve always wanted to do.

Several years ago, I learned a hard lesson about not practising Sabbath. I was busy—working as a corps officer, raising money to build a shelter and transitional housing centre, opening a retail yarn shop as a fundraiser, establishing a new non-profit society with community service providers, participating in the weddings of my two oldest daughters, giving birth to our fourth and fifth children, and looking after my ill, aging mother.

Eventually I couldn’t cope and got sick. After a serious surgery, burnout turned to depression and anxiety.

Flare-ups of a long-time chronic illness plagued me. Still, as an over-achiever,

I hated resting—even though I had no choice. When I started to recover, I was convinced I could study for a Master’s degree. My friends told me I was crazy and they were right. I had to drop it and take better care of myself. You can’t do everything.

Today, I remind myself frequently to “yoke” myself to Jesus—to walk with him. I love the words of a song written

by Major Joy Webb. When I’m tired, worn and discouraged, it reminds me that the Christian walk isn’t supposed to be so hard. And when it becomes hard, it’s usually because I’ve slipped the yoke off my neck.

Share my yoke and find that I am joined with you./Your slightest movement I shall feel and be there too!/Share my yoke and come the way that I must go!/In our “togetherness” my peace you’ll know;/The world beholding us will see it so!

Major Kathie Chiu grew up in The Salvation Army and has been an officer for 22 years. She has five children, including two teenaged boys still living at home, and eight grandchildren.

Happy Campers

Thousands of campers enjoy Salvation Army camps each year. From archery and music to canoeing and rock climbing, camp allows kids to grow and learn about God’s love.

Pray for Salvation Army camps that are happening right now. And then keep praying that campers will connect with a Salvation Army corps so that their newfound faith will continue to grow.

Pray with joy ... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:4, 6)

For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6119 or circulation@can.salvationarmy.org. Allow 4-6 weeks for changes. PM 40064794