Salvationist - February 2015

State of Mind: A Family’s Journey With Alzheimer’s

Is the Army Still Leading in Gender Equality?

Dolly Sweetapple Leaves a Legacy for Corrections in Newfoundland

Salvationist The Voice of the Army

Bringing Smiles in Africa

Partners in Mission changes lives for the better

February 2015

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• Disciple young followers of Jesus Christ • Help young people grow in knowledge, love and service to God • Give young people a place of belonging in The Salvation Army Register your corps’ squad today

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Inside This Issue Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

February 2015 Volume 10, Number 2 www.salvationist.ca E-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org

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Departments 3 4 Editorial Colour Your World

by Geoff Moulton

5 Around the Territory 8 Onward

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22 Point Counterpoint 4 Women’s Work

by Colonel Bob Ward and Major Amy Reardon

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24 Cross Culture 26 Celebrate Community Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

Enrolments and Recognition, Stronger Together Tributes, Gazette, Calendar PRODUCT LABELING GUIDE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

by Commissioner Susan Ties That Bind McMillan Wash Cycle Convictions Matter

by Major Kathie Chiu It’s All About That Grace Talking Points

by Major Ray Harris Spare the Rod Just Cause

by Major Juan Burry A Tale of Two Passports Cover: Matthew Osmond

by James Read and Don “Don’t Forget About Us” Posterski The Salvation Army responds with practical and spiritual support during the Ebola epidemic in Africa Interview by Linda Leigh 8

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Features 9

10 African Partners

A look inside the Army’s mission in Liberia, Malawi and Zimbabwe

by Heather Osmond; photos by Matthew Osmond

14 The Digital Gospel

Thirteen tips for sharing your faith online by David Giles

18 Trials and Tribulations

From caring for victims of abuse at Mount Cashel Orphanage to fighting human trafficking, Dolly Sweetapple leaves a legacy for corrections in Newfoundland and Labrador by Kristin Ostensen

20 Journey to Forgetfulness

When a loved one has Alzheimer’s, the diagnosis affects the entire family by Captain Rick Zelinsky

Inside Faith & Friends A Recipe for Recovery

Once addicted to drugs, Susan Small now uses her passion for cooking to inspire others

Nothing But the Truth

MercyMe’s frontman Bart Millard had to surmount his childhood trauma

Project Self-Esteem

A Salvation Army program in Ottawa helps men feel good about themselves again

A Fine Romance

In William and Catherine, Cathy Le Feuvre brings the Army’s iconic founders to life

Share Your Faith When you finish reading Faith & Friends, FAITH & frıends pull it out and give it to someone who needs to hear about A Recipe for Christ’s lifeRecovery changing 50 Shades of Nay power  February 2015

faithandfriends.ca

In conjunction with the Boundless 2015 International Congress, Salvationists from the Canada and Bermuda Territory are invited to engage in prayer by divisions:

Inspiration for Living

William and Catherine Booth: A Love Story

Once addicted to drugs, Susan Small now uses her passion for cooking to inspire others

Catriona Le May Doan: Life After the Olympics

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February 9—Newfoundland and Labrador Division February 10—Bermuda Division, Maritime Division February 11—Quebec Division February 12—Ontario CentralEast Division, Ontario Great

Lakes Division February 13—Prairie Division February 14—Alberta and Northern Territories Division February 15—British Columbia Division Contact your divisional headquarters for information on events or visit sar.my/ boundlessprayer.

Salvationist • February 2015 • 3

EDITORIAL

D

Colour Your World

ad, what is flesh colour?” My son, James, was rooting around in a box of crayons. The question brought me up short. When I was growing up, the “flesh” colour in the crayon box had always been a pale, peachy hue.

But it struck me in that moment just how exclusive our past assumptions had been.

Since I was young, the world has changed dramatically. I live in Toronto, one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the planet. When I ride the subway, I can sit in a car with people from more than a dozen different countries of origin.

Television and the Internet connect us with people half a world away. Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan’s vision of a “global village” has come to pass.

It struck me just how exclusive our past assumptions had been And yet, events of the past few months in Ferguson, Missouri—the shooting of an unarmed black man and subsequent protests—suggest that race is still an issue in North America.

My prayer is that my son will grow up in a world that sees past the colour of people’s skin.

This month, Salvationist helps break down these barriers as we focus on Partners in Mission, the strategy of International Headquarters to link territories for financial and prayer support.

Formerly known as Self Denial, Partners in Mission provides essential funding for the infrastructure of The Salvation Army worldwide. The Canada and Bermuda Territory is joined with Germany and Lithuania, Latin America North, Liberia, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

In this issue of Salvationist, you can read how Commissioner Susan McMillan travelled to Zimbabwe for the opening of new buildings at the Howard Hospital, a project that received substantial support from our territory (page 8). We also feature a photo essay by Heather and Matthew Osmond on the vibrant corps life, chil4 • February 2015 • Salvationist

dren’s camps and homes for the aged that are flourishing in Africa (page 10).

But life there is still tenuous. People around the world watched anxiously as the Ebola virus swept through parts of West Africa, and the crisis is far from over. Many communities have been devastated and children orphaned by the disease. The Salvation Army’s general secretary in Liberia notes that Salvationists have been ministering in the hardest hit areas (page 9). He pleads with Salvationists, “Don’t forget about us!”

And so we can remember by devoting ourselves anew to Partners in Mission.

I would commend to you the excellent resources produced by territorial headquarters to highlight and encourage congregational prayer and giving (see back page).

As James Read and Don Posterski point out in their column this month, we are all global citizens (page 17).

Salvationists see people of all races as brothers and sisters in Christ. As we sing in the Gowans and Larsson tune, “The black, the white, the dark, the fair; your colour will not matter there. They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west, and sit down in the kingdom of God.”

GEOFF MOULTON Editor-in-Chief

Salvationist

is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory André Cox General Commissioner Susan McMillan 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 Senior Graphic Designer Brandon Laird Design and Media Specialist Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator Ken Ramstead Contributor Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769.

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

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

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Mission

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

AROUND THE TERRITORY

THE SALVATION ARMY held various Hope in the City events across the territory in November, to raise funds for the Army’s work at Christmas and throughout the year.

In Vancouver, nearly 1,000 guests heard from Paolo Aquilini, managing director of the Aquilini Investment Group and owner of the Vancouver Canucks.

Aquilini spoke about leadership, the stigma surrounding mental illness and the good work of the Army. As part of the event, Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, and Aquilini exchanged a Salvation Army hockey jersey for a Canucks jersey.

A Hope in the City breakfast in Edmonton kicked off the city’s Christmas kettle campaign, and raised more than $40,000. In Winnipeg, the theme was A Decade of Hope, marking the 10th anniversary of the event in that city.

In the Ontario Great Lakes Division, CBC radio personality, commentator and author Rex Murphy shared in London and Hamilton, Ont., talking about The Salvation Army’s place in

Photo: Jeff Topham

Hope in the City Events Raise Christmas Funds

Toronto Mayor John Tory, keynote speaker Joe Roberts and his mother, Arlene Quesnelle, at the Hope in the City breakfast in Toronto

Vancouver Canucks owner Paolo Aquilini and Commissioner Susan McMillan exchange hockey jerseys

Canadian society. A series of events in the Ontario Central-East Division featured Joe Roberts, the “Skid Row CEO” who shared his personal story of how The Salvation Army helped him get back on his feet when he was homeless.

Along with many other guests, Toronto’s event was attended by Mayor John Tory.

The 900 guests at the Hope in the City breakfast in Saint John, N.B., heard the thrilling tale of Captain Richard Phillips, who famously survived a pirate hijacking off the coast of Somalia. The event raised funds for The Salvation Army’s local community response unit.

A Hope in the City breakfast was also held in Montreal.

Ontario Youth Trip Encourages Discipleship SEVENTEEN YOUTH AND young adults from the Ontario Corps, where they met with the corps officers, observed the Great Lakes Division, accompanied by Captains Terence and Army’s ministry in that community, and led the Sunday morning Jennifer Hale, divisional youth leaders, and Captain Mark Hall, meeting at Times Square Corps, where one delegate shared a corps officer, St. Thomas, Ont., travelled to New York City in personal testimony and Captain Terence Hale gave a message.

October for Time to Serve.

“We encouraged the young people to go to New York with “It was a discipleship trip where the young people had the their eyes open—to look beyond the lights and entertainment opportunity to learn about Salvation Army service and minand see the needs of the people we would interact with,” says istry in a different context from their own,” explains Captain Captain Jennifer Hale. “Then we encouraged them to go home Jennifer Hale. and see their community differently, to ask, how can we as The 17 delegates who went to New York City had been believers be an influence for Christ in our community?” involved in Time to Be Holy earlier in 2014, a program that teaches young adults about The Salvation Army’s holiness doctrine, and how they can live holiness in their everyday lives. Last year was the first time this program was held in the Ontario Great Lakes Division.

The trip to New York City included a visit and tour of the Army’s International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) where delegates met Colonel Geanette Seymour, director of the ISJC. Colonel Seymour spoke to the youth about holiness and the work of the ISJC. The youth also visited Harlem Temple The Time to Serve group in New York City Salvationist • February 2015 • 5

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Canadian Council of Churches Celebrates 70 Years

Lt-Col Jim Champ participates in a discussion group at the CCC assembly

ABOUT 170 PEOPLE from across Canada gathered in Mississauga, Ont., in November to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC). As well as marking 70 years of denominations and organizations working together in the name of Christ, the purpose of this assembly of the CCC—which gathered together all the groups within the

CCC for the first time in 17 years—was to look to the future of Canadian ecumenism.

Participants listened to the voices of ecumenists young and old on where Canadian church co-operation has been and where it is going; reflected on their history with Canada’s Indigenous peoples; and spent time in conversation and fellowship—building bonds while envisioning how Canadian ecumenism can grow.

Representatives attending on behalf of The Salvation Army included Lt-Colonel Jim Champ, territorial secretary for communications and president of the CCC; Geoff Moulton, editorin-chief and literary secretary; Dr. James Read, director of the Ethics Centre; Major Grant Effer, divisional secretary for business administration, Alberta and Northern Territories Division; and Jessica McKeachie, public-affairs director.

Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, attended Acting for Tomorrow, a follow-up event to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which focused on the future of the relations between the First Nations and the churches.

“There was a hushed silence as Marie Wilson, commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the Right Rev. Mark MacDonald, national Indigenous Anglican bishop, reminded us of the horrible injustices that were foisted on tens of thousands of Indigenous children and their families through the Indian Residential School program,” says Lt-Colonel Champ.

“The leaders of all 25 churches making up the CCC signed a statement last March signifying their desire to be a part of the healing process as new relations are forged with our Indigenous brothers and sisters. This evening provided an opportunity to renew that resolve.”

Happy Valley-Goose Bay Gains Emergency Beds

6 • February 2015 • Salvationist

put in place to help those in need.

“This is not a long-term solution, but it is a stopover until we can connect someone with a long-term solution,” he says.

Photo and story: Bonnie Learning, The Labradorian

THOSE IN NEED of a place to stay in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., can find refuge through The Salvation Army, thanks to a new emergency housing program in the community.

The Army, along with the area’s Housing and Homelessness Coalition, the Department of Advanced Education and Skills, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing office, were recently able to secure six units that will be available at any time, for anyone finding themselves homeless or in another housing crisis situation.

“We had the funding and the resources for some time,” says Lieutenant Brent Haas, corps officer. “But every place we would contact in the past would tell us they were booked up—no room at the inn, so to speak.

“Now, we have six units dedicated for emergency housing at anytime of the day or night, should people find themselves in need.”

Lieutenant Haas notes that anyone availing themselves of the emergency housing would have a “comfortable living space and sleeping space” and meals would be provided via community organizations.

While long-term solutions are still being sought, Lieutenant Haas says it is comforting to know there is an emergency service

An emergency housing program is now running in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., thanks in part to the efforts of Lt Brent Haas

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Booth UC Receives $1-Million Donation BOOTH UNIVERSITY COLLEGE will name its new $2.6-million business/ learning centre Petersen Hall, in honour of a $1-million donation received from Allen and Janet Petersen of Sherwood Park, Alta.

“We are deeply grateful for the Petersens’ landmark donation,” says Dr. Donald Burke, Booth UC president.

“Naming the centre in honour of the Petersen family is a fitting tribute to their generosity and recognition of their longstanding support of Booth UC and the

mission of our institution.”

Allen Petersen served on Booth UC’s Board of Trustees for six years until his term concluded at the end of June. The extended Petersen family have been active members of The Salvation Army for several generations. This donation demonstrates their commitment to the ongoing mission of the Army through the educational programs offered by Booth UC. “This $1-million gift—the largest individual donation in the history of

Booth UC—is a vote of confidence in the institution’s capacity to serve The Salvation Army through its educational programs,” adds Burke. “Petersen Hall will enhance greatly our students’ learning experience. It will transform the facilities currently available to them with state-of-the-art technology infrastructure and a range of new educational and training opportunities.”

The official opening celebration for the new hall will be held during the spring convocation weekend in April.

Health Bank Serves Cobourg Salvation Army Marches in Santa Claus Parade

FOR INDIVIDUALS AND families who are struggling to make ends meet, it can be difficult to pay for medical expenses such as prescription drugs, dental work and glasses. At The Salvation Army in Cobourg, Ont., front-line workers often saw clients facing the dilemma of whether to divert money set aside for rent and utilities to pay for these critical medical expenses, or to simply go without.

To fill this gap, the Army launched the Health Bank, a volunteer-run program that operates under the umbrella of community and family services. The Salvation Army provides core funding, with support from the United Way, service clubs, health-care providers and individuals. As there are no costs associated with the Health Bank, every dollar raised goes directly to helping clients.

Last year, The Salvation Army assisted 102 clients through the program, and the demand for assistance is growing every month. Clients are typically low-income families and individuals, or people who are on social-assistance programs that don’t provide medical assistance. The program is designed to provide short-term assistance so that the immediate need is addressed while buying much-needed time for the Health Bank and others to work with them to find long-term solutions, usually through social and government-sponsored programs.

Doug McCann, community and family services director in Cobourg, co-ordinates the Health Bank

ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 80 members of The Salvation Army braved the cold and snow to take part in the 110th annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade. Thousands of individuals and families lined city streets, cheering and singing, awaiting Santa’s arrival.

“It was a privilege to be involved with the Santa Claus Parade in Toronto,” says Major Les Marshall, territorial public relations and development secretary. “We marched along the crowded streets as the sounds of Christmas filled the air. It was a special day of laughter and joy. Smiles and excitement took centre stage, where our city came together as one, with the hope of things to come.”

Accompanied by the Canadian Staff Band, the Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Band and a massed timbrel brigade, The Salvation Army marched the five-kilometre parade route, waving to excited onlookers and spreading holiday cheer.

A timbrel brigade participates in Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade

Visit salvationist.ca Salvationist • February 2015 • 7

ONWARD

Stronger Together

International partnerships are key to successful ministry

BY COMMISSIONER SUSAN McMILLAN

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his month, Salvationist is highlighting the international selfdenial appeal, which we call Partners in Mission. We are thinking about three of our African Partners in Mission—Liberia, Malawi and Zimbabwe—territories that we partner with to further the mission of The Salvation Army. The Partners in Mission concept is not only related to self-denial, but it also allows us to pray more intelligently for these territories and to share ideas and other resources for ministry.

We can learn from them as well, as we see the wonderful work they are carrying out in the name of Christ.

I count it a huge privilege to have visited Zimbabwe last November to see firsthand the enthusiasm of Salvationists in worship, to learn of the wonderful service they are giving to people in great need and to appreciate their devotion to the Lord. What a blessing and privilege we have to be able to partner with these territories.

A Cord of Three Strands Scripture talks of the benefits of collaboration. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 we read: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If they fall down, they can help each other up. But pity those who fall and have no one to help them up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

We are indeed stronger when we work together. Our resources can stretch further when we pool them together.

Our voice is louder when we sing together.

Integrating Mission As an Army, the worst thing we can do is work in silos, or “everyone for himself.” We have some wonderful programs around the Canada and Bermuda Territory, and the more I visit the more I realize how diverse and effective our 8 • February 2015 • Salvationist

Commissioner Susan McMillan shares the joy of Salvationists during a recent visit to Zimbabwe

work is. However, I think it is important that we continue to integrate our ministries, build bridges between programs, and provide opportunities for greater collaboration among soldiers, officers, employees and volunteers from distinct expressions of Army service.

There should be a sense of partnership in mission that extends to the core of our mission: bringing people into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Paul prayed for the Philippian church that they would continue to work in partnership with him and with each other until God had accomplished his purposes through them: “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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 Salvationists everywhere, “I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ” (Philemon 1:6).

We serve a great God, and as we work together, he will strengthen us to do even more.

Commissioner Susan McMillan is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Follow Commissioner McMillan at facebook. com/susanmcmillantc and twitter.com/ salvationarmytc.

“Don’t Forget About Us” The Salvation Army responds with practical and spiritual support during the Ebola epidemic in Africa INTERVIEW BY LINDA LEIGH

There are highly infected communities where no one will go because of fear of contracting the sickness. Some communities are not open for people to respond. The need is great and our resources are limited. We rely on what is provided by the international Salvation Army.

What are The Salvation Army’s strengths?

We have a trained team on the ground. Two of our officers attended the disaster preparedness training session run by international emergency services in Nigeria in September 2013.

Preventative measures are in place. We have co-ordinated support from International Headquarters (IHQ), which is in regular contact, asking for input and giving guidance.

Can you share a story of individuals or families affected to help us better understand the gravity of the situation?

The corps sergeant-major in Monrovia, Liberia, contracted the disease and passed away on October 26. He was the principal of The Salvation Army’s William Booth High School and an outstanding leader. This has devastated Salvationists.

How has the epidemic impacted Salvation Army staff and volunteers?

Teachers from our 15 schools that are closed have provided health education. They are paid from school fees and when schools are closed, they are affected. They have not been paid since August and the government doesn’t anticipate schools to reopen until January, provided Ebola ends. We have a clinic that is closed. Workers have been without salary for three months.

This has been a major blow. Volunteers and Salvationists are risking their lives to go into affected communities.

A shipment of chlorine is delivered to help in the fight against Ebola

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his month, the Canada and Bermuda Territory launches its 2015 Partners in Mission fundraising campaign in support of Liberia, Malawi and Zimbabwe. This excerpt from an interview with Major Samuel Amponsah, general secretary of The Salvation Army’s Liberia Command, offers a glimpse into the Army’s response at the height of the Ebola epidemic in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Visit salvationist.ca/2014/11/ebola-epidemic to read the full interview.

Describe the situation in Liberia over the past months.

The Ebola outbreak took place in March. It was the first of its kind and many people didn’t take precautions. They didn’t think it would last—that it would go away. Therefore, it spread from one country to another. Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea have a common border.

When Ebola arrived in the cities, the government asked people to minimize movement but by that time people had come with their sickness. Liberia was not prepared. Protective measures had not been put in place and the virus started killing people.

What are the difficulties the Army has faced in responding to the epidemic?

What will be The Salvation Army’s role moving forward?

Many of the people who died have left behind children, meaning that large numbers are orphaned. These children will need to go to school and be helped with their basic welfare needs. We anticipate the need [for food items] to be long term and we will need IHQ support. We continue to attend United Nations meetings to discuss areas that need great attention. The meetings discuss who is doing what and which communities still need assistance.

The Salvation Army continues to distribute food and protective materials. We will look at how best to support orphans and hope to provide antibiotics to community clinics.

What support do you need from the international Salvation Army?

Food distribution and food items appear to be the major issues now because of the restrictions in movement of people and vehicles. We need support to fund the distribution of food.

Sometimes we have to travel distances to get better prices.

How would you ask Salvationists and friends to pray for Liberia?

Pray that the people won’t contract the disease. Pray that the mindset of rural folk shifts so they understand the magnitude of the disease and put in place preventative measures. Pray for those affected—that the Lord will heal them. Pray for orphans and many families who have lost loved ones. Pray for our friends and partners. Pray for command headquarters and for protection in the midst of calamity. Don’t forget about us!

Salvationist • February 2015 • 9

African Partners A look inside the Army’s mission in Liberia, Malawi and Zimbabwe

BY HEATHER OSMOND AND MATTHEW OSMOND, PHOTOGRAPHER

February marks the beginning of the 2015 Partners in Mission campaign to support the work of The Salvation Army around the world. This year, we are focusing on our partner territories in Africa—Liberia, Malawi and Zimbabwe—where they face significant economic challenges. Our financial support helps maintain the Army’s infrastructure so our partners can respond to the needs of their communities for food security, clean water, health care, livelihoods and education. In countries where life is so tenuous, prayer is not a last but a first resort as they depend on God and have experienced his faithfulness.

As they pray for us, let us pray for them and give generously.

I

first travelled to Zimbabwe in 2008 and immediately fell in love with the beautiful country and the wonderful people. In 2014, I was invited to return with Major Gillian Brown, director of world missions, to witness more of The Salvation Army’s work in our partner territory. The following photos will give you a glimpse into the challenges people in Zimbabwe face every day and how the Army is responding.

Our team visited two Salvation Army hospitals, Tshelanyemba and Howard, which serve not only the surrounding communities, but neighbouring countries as well. About 150 babies are born at Howard Hospital every month. A family-care clinic provides medical care for infants and small children, and health education for parents.

At Howard Hospital, a weekly clinic— called Tariro, which means hope—provides much-needed medication for those living with HIV-AIDS. Tshelanyemba Hospital distributes food to approximately 400 orphans and HIV-positive patients every week.

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At the training college, I was surprised to see half of the cadets working in the garden and the other half looking for firewood. This was part of their training, along with other life skills such as cooking and sewing. Many of the cadets will receive rural appointments and will need these skills, not just to provide for themselves, but to support their surrounding communities.

Medicine and equipment are in short supply.

At Tshelanyemba Hospital, we saw a young boy with a broken arm waiting patiently for an X-ray.

The machine was broken and the X-rays had to be dried in the sunlight. The lab had no centrifuge, some doctors’ offices had no electricity and tuberculosis tests were being analyzed without the proper equipment or protection for technicians.

Mothers in Malawi: The Salvation Army seeks government funding for three-year mother and child health project Last November, the Canadian government issued a call for proposals for international development projects to support maternal, newborn and child health. The Salvation Army world missions department submitted a proposal for an initiative in the Upper Shire valley in Malawi, an area identified by the Malawi Territory as particularly impoverished, where few churches or organizations are working.

A needs assessment conducted in the Mangochi District found that women in these communities lack access to reproductive health education, prenatal care, skilled attendants during labour and delivery, and postpartum care. The nearest hospital is about 15 kilometres away, and women in labour are often carried there on stretchers made from tree branches, rope and a mat.

Most give birth on the way.

Families in this region depend on farming for food and income, but are often unable to harvest enough to carry them through to the next growing season. Many children are underweight or malnourished, at risk of developing serious disease, or even death.

In January, world missions began phase one of a mother and child health project to respond to these needs and address the underlying causes. A literacy program is reinforcing health education. Training in conservation agriculture is addressing food insecurity. A village savings-and-loans program is generating much-needed income and supporting livelihoods. This initial project will lay the foundation for a larger, three-year project expected to begin in May 2015.

—Major Gillian Brown

The Canada and Bermuda Tty is partnering with the Malawi Tty on a mother and child health project in the Upper Shire valley. The project will address food security through Foundations for Farming, a method of conservation agriculture also known as Farming God’s Way, which has been shown to greatly increase crop yields.

Salvationist • February 2015 • 11

Lamwiwa Ngwenya, 110 years old, is one of The Salvation Army’s pioneers in Zimbabwe.

The Salvation Army provides housing for those in need, who may be ill or unable to find work.

Although the officers often feel the pressure of inadequate resources, they find creative ways to build funds through raising animals, offering repair services or holding car washes. Residents contribute by helping with cooking, gardening and taking care of animals.

Cpt Dhione Chidenyere is the corps officer at Nyachuru Citadel.

Many families in Zimbabwe are unable to afford school fees. We visited three Salvation Army schools, where almost 2,000 young people are receiving an education.

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Every year, Masiye Camp in Bulawayo gives about 1,500 orphans and vulnerable children the chance to experience a normal childhood through fun activities such as canoeing, kayaking and a ropes course.

Emotional support and counselling help them cope with the past and learning life skills—such as first aid, how to run a household and ways to generate income—helps them build their future.

Salvation Army officers in Zimbabwe work hard to support others, often giving sacrificially from their own limited resources.

Orphans in Liberia: The Army provides practical and pastoral support for children affected by the Ebola epidemic The Ebola outbreak in West Africa has claimed the lives of more than 5,000 people, many of them parents, leaving thousands of orphaned children. In the past, extended family often provided informal foster care to those affected by years of civil war, but now, relatives are fearful of contracting the virus. The number of children on the street has increased dramatically.

“There is no one to care for them and they are very afraid,” says Major Samuel Amponsah, general secretary, Liberia Command.

In January, the Canada and Bermuda Territory began partnering with the Liberia Territory to provide practical and pastoral support for the orphans and vulnerable children affected by the epidemic. As part of a child-protection co-ordination group, The Salvation Army worked with others to determine their needs and how best to respond. The program provides grief counselling, lifeskills training and seeks to reduce the stigma associated with the virus.

—Major Gillian Brown

Many people walk for miles to attend Sunday services, which typically last for five or six hours.

The music had so much joy and energy. I had the opportunity to play with the senior band of the Tshelanyemba Corps, and it was wonderful to have Army banding in common. Worshipping together—even though I didn’t know the language—had a powerful impact on me.

When I first visited Zimbabwe, the economic crisis was at its height and complicated elections were looming. There was a sense of worry and desperation in many of the people I met. On this trip, I saw again how the officers, soldiers and lay people of the Zimbabwe Territory work extremely hard to help others, often giving sacrificially from their own limited resources. I witnessed how the world missions department works alongside the leaders in our partner territory to learn how we can best support them in their ministry. As we pray and give to the Partners in Mission appeal, we can offer tangible assistance. God is still using the Army all over the world. This trip reminded me of his faithfulness and the work he still has for us to do together.

Salvationist • February 2015 • 13

The Digital Gospel Thirteen tips for sharing your faith online

BY DAVID GILES

TWEET

LIKE

FRIEND

S HAR E

CHAT

BLOG

Photo: © iStock.com/Rawpixel

E S H AR

S

ocial media: waste of time or of paramount importance? Should we get involved? How does it all work? If this was a tweet, it would end … now!

Thankfully, the printed page does not limit us to 140 characters—so I have more than enough room to explore how the world has taken to social media and why it’s crucial that Christians get involved.

The most recent statistics reveal that Facebook has more than 1.3 billion active users. Twitter, on the other hand, has 550 million active accounts.

Put simply: that’s a lot of people.

Because you’re reading this in a magazine, I don’t know whether you count yourself among this multitude 14 • February 2015 • Salvationist

or not. As a Christian, I would suggest to my fellow-believers that they probably should be. The technology that has developed over the last few years (the world-dominating Facebook is not even a teenager yet) is well-suited to our mission to fulfill the Great Commission.

Salvation, we are reminded in Romans 10, is for all who call on the name of the Lord: “But how can they call to him for help if they have not believed? And how can they believe if they have not heard the message? And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed?

And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out? As the Scripture says, ‘How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news!’ ”

If we’re not present on social media, we aren’t conveying that message to the fullest extent. Or, worse, our non-participation could be creating the misplaced impression that we don’t care or aren’t interested. That said, for those of us who are online, it’s important that our “digital persona” is kept in check.

Here’s a challenge. Check your last five tweets, Facebook updates or Instagram pictures. Would someone randomly happening upon them—and them alone—be able to deduce that you are a Christian? A Salvationist?

At the same time, I believe we should also be real. If our social-media output comprises nothing but randomly selected Bible verses and inane “Jesus loves you” thoughts for the day, we run the risk of being written off as irrelevant. The earth-dwelling Jesus lived in the real world, where there was grit, discomfort and suffering. There is a balance to be achieved. Let’s try to be authentic and not fob people off with convenient—but ultimately crass— “explanations” for illness, natural disasters or the shortcomings of Christians who have erred.

So how can we proclaim the gospel message effectively? Here are a few tips.

1. Make friends Follow interesting people on Twitter.

Not just Christians (although they can be interesting, too). Comment on their updates—particularly where you share a common interest. You can interject in most conversations by prefacing your message with the originator’s @-handle (the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s is @Salvationist … make sure you follow us and share with us!).

2. Use hashtags Many Twitter conversations include one or more hashtags to help keep everyone in on the topic (our posts, for instance, often use #SalvationArmy). This makes it easier to search for particular themes.

Facebook has recently got in on the hashtag act as well.

3. “Do” God …

If your faith shapes who you are, you have a responsibility to talk about it.

Have you been to your corps today?

Tweet about it. Thinking about a particular Bible passage? Share it in a Facebook status. Praying about an issue of per-

sonal, local, national or international significance? Tell people. Celebrating answered prayer? Tell even more people!

4. Avoid jargon According to the vast majority of people CO equals carbon monoxide rather than corps officer. The overwhelming majority of social-media users will not be familiar with Salvation Army terminology, especially when abbreviated. Try to use straightforward language, despite the temptation to squeeze every last drop out of the 140-character Twitter limit.

5. Share others’ content While Salvationist and many territories, divisions and corps have official social media channels, they’re no substitute for personal relationships. Your own network of friends and contacts will have a much more immediate connection with you, so your voice is important. Retweeting “corporate” Twitter messages or sharing our Facebook statuses helps us to reach a much wider audience than going it alone, and at far less cost. We need you.

6. Be yourself Don’t just rehash other people’s material.

You’ve got something to say, too. Why are you a Christian? Why do you belong to The Salvation Army? What are your other interests and how can you speak into the conversations of others who share your passions? You are uniquely you, and personal reflection can be compelling and engaging. But be clear that you are not an official representative of The Salvation Army—unless you are, of course!

7. Don’t leave it to someone else See something unfairly critical of The Salvation Army? Make sure you’re certain of the facts, then put the record straight. This needs to be done in a gentle, kind and truthful way, and without making up Army policy on the spot. A clear link to our non-discriminatory international mission statement (http:// sar.my/mission) often defuses heated situations.

8. Be salt and light Colossians 4:6 hits the nail on the head: “Your tweets should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know how to give the right answer to everyone” (my paraphrase). Engaging with people using social media offers a

unique opportunity to dispel misconceptions some may have about the church and Christians while demonstrating a Christlike attitude. Have integrity. Don’t brag. Be honest.

9. Include pictures, videos and links Digital marketers know that social-media content works best when people can visualize what you’re talking about and provide a clear call to action (e.g. “give here,” “volunteer your time,” “help us”).

Why not use Vine to create a six-second look around your Sunday morning meeting? Or Pinterest to curate your own view of the Salvation Army world?

12. Quality not quantity The median active Twitter user has 61 followers. Depending on the size of your corps, you might receive that news as an encouragement or discouragement.

However, if you successfully engage those 61 people, they may be minded to share with their followers. Sixtyone retweets later, and there’s a potential audience of 3,721. If those people are similarly enthused and share the message with their circle of contacts, we have a theoretical reach of nearly a quarter of a million. With overlapping friendship groups, the true figures are usually less than that, but it’s

Engaging with people using social media offers a unique opportunity to dispel misconceptions some may have about the church 10. Be timely and relevant The immediacy of social media is one of its great strengths—we can quickly convey breaking news to a large audience, without needing to adhere to publication deadlines or broadcasting schedules. If you are part of a Salvation Army response to an incident in your community, try to find a few seconds to tweet about it. You may find your experiences then get shared or retweeted, including through social-media channels at territorial headquarters.

11. Pick and choose wisely Jesus was right when he said, “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Not all social-media content claiming to be Christian is edifying either. Don’t feel railroaded into re-sharing dubious content of the “only real followers of Jesus will share this picture of a despondent, abandoned kitten” type. But don’t be deterred from taking part in online petitions and awareness-raising campaigns, especially where they are orchestrated by bona fide organizations.

International Headquarters (IHQ) launched a Thunderclap campaign to raise awareness of the Army on Founders’ Day, enabling us to reach 800,000 people in just a few seconds.

evident that the message can quickly be amplified.

13. Remember it’s a conversation Social media is not a book, a radio broadcast or a TV show. And it’s certainly not a sermon! It’s interactive, participatory and risky. Listen to other people’s opinions and be open and honest—you’ll almost certainly be “found out” if you’re not.

To mark the 150th anniversary of The Salvation Army, IHQ has launched the #150reasons crowd-sourcing campaign.

We’re seeking compelling, first-hand stories of how God has influenced, shaped and transformed lives through The Salvation Army around the world. Why not put your social-media skills into action by sharing your own testimony on Twitter (use #150reasons), Facebook, Instagram or Flickr. Or even shoot your own video and upload to YouTube? A selection of the contributions received will be published at www.salvationarmy.org/150reasons and used to raise awareness of The Salvation Army’s ministry in the 150 days preceding the 150th birthday itself on July 2, 2015.

David Giles is the web manager for The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters.

This article first appeared in All the World, October-December 2014.

Salvationist • February 2015 • 15

CONVICTIONS MATTER

It’s All About That Grace

How our eighth doctrine contributes to an attitude of gratitude

BY MAJOR RAY HARRIS

O

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

Mjr Ray Harris visits the cemetery near Juno Beach

Atlantic. We joined Americans on a ship that took us to the beaches of Normandy during the 70th anniversary of D-Day. The Americans went to Omaha Beach; the 15 Canadians went to Juno Beach. We walked quietly in the light rain among the headstones of the well-kept Canadian cemetery. Stories were shared and tears flowed. We went down to the beach, and I stood there imagining what it must have been like for soldiers on both sides of the conflict to face the horrors of that moment.

Hours later, our ship turned around in the River Orne and proceeded back to the English Channel. As we got to Pegasus Bridge, we noticed a large crowd gathering. They knew our ship was comprised of Canadians and Americans, so they came to the river to express gratitude. Above the applause, one woman’s voice could be heard: “Thank you, Canada!” I was deeply humbled and deeply grateful.

Martin Luther spoke of worship as the 10th leper returning to give thanks (see Luke 17:11-19). Worship that cultivates gratitude is deeply needed in our day.

Major Ray Harris is a retired Salvation Army officer.

He lives in Winnipeg where he awaits Groundhog Day’s verdict on winter.

CONVICTIONS MATTER

ne of the joys of living in Winnipeg is watching my daughters raise their own kids. It’s payback time! It has been observed that it takes children longer to learn how to say “thank you” than many other social skills.

And in our 21st-century Canadian culture, it has become a difficult task. For this reason I have found myself thinking about the Army’s eighth doctrine and its contribution to gratitude: “We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.”

If parents have always had a hard time teaching children to say “thanks,” there are factors making that task much harder today. We express gratitude most often in response to a gift.

And yet the very notion of a gift is at risk in our culture. In his book What Money Can’t Buy, American author Michael Sandel has observed that almost everything is up for sale.

From naming rights of football stadiums to standing in line in amusement parks, from paying children to read books to offering a womb to give birth to a child, we live at a time when virtually all goods and services can be bought and sold. In his words, we have “drifted from having a market economy to being a market society.” His concern, and I share it, is that “some things in life are corrupted or degraded if turned into commodities.” One of the things lost in a market society is the notion of gift, and with it the loss of gratitude.

Salvation Army core convictions cut across the grain of a consumer society. At the heart of a Salvationist’s life is a conviction about grace. God’s grace. This eighth doctrine places grace as the bedrock for all of our convictions about Christian salvation. It springs from the Apostle Paul’s argument, “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8 NRSV). Christian salvation is huge, immense. It includes a new relationship with God through the life, death and Resurrection of Christ. We are saved: that is, we are justified, reconciled, redeemed, forgiven, adopted and more. It also includes the empowerment to live out this new relationship: eternal life, regeneration, new birth and participation in the divine nature. Because all of this is completely undeserved, it is a gift received by faith. It’s no accident that the Apostle Paul breaks out with gratitude in one of his letters: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 NRSV).

When I look back on my youth, I am conscious of the gifts I received within The Salvation Army. People gave up a week’s vacation to instruct me at music camps. Some cared enough about the next generation to give leadership in our congregation, and others risked their own reputations to publish my writing. I have received many gifts within this expression of faith.

I have also been privileged to grow up in Canada. It has a flawed history, but this nation has gifted me with privileges unmatched in other parts of the world. Last summer, my wife, Cathie, and I travelled to Celtic lands on the other side of the

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

16 • February 2015 • Salvationist

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

Convictions Matter, Major Ray Harris’ book, is available at store.salvationarmy. ca, 416-422-6100, orderdesk@can. salvationarmy.org. For the e-book, visit amazon.ca.

JUST CAUSE

A Tale of Two Passports Living as global citizens in a world of need

Photo: © iStock.com/AnthonyRosenberg

BY JAMES READ AND DON POSTERSKI

A

round the world millions of people live without citizenship. They are “stateless.” If you are a Rohingya Muslim living in Myanmar, your citizenship is denied, even if your family has lived there for centuries. The doors to immigration to any other country are also closed.

Russians in Latvia suddenly lost citizenship when the Soviet Union collapsed. Their passports were invalid. No country offered them entry.

In 1999, more than 100,000 Ethiopians of Eritrean heritage were “denationalized”—stripped of their citizenship and subject to deportation. No other nation said “you can be one of us.”

Citizenship is about identity, belonging and obligation.

Your citizenship is probably one of the first things you say about yourself. Our country establishes our nationality and touches our hearts. Citizenship is also about place. It is where we are born, where we live and where we belong.

Citizenship also involves obligations. Voting, paying taxes, running for political office, living within cultural and criminal codes, volunteering and maybe even fighting for one’s country are all part of the citizenship package.

In these times, like never before, we are positioned to become “global” citizens.

Global citizenship is also about identity, belonging and obligation.

Choosing to embrace the claim that “I am a global citizen” is a beginning. But there is more to pursue. Global citizens take steps to be intentionally informed. Our instant Internet access to the daily affairs of the wider world can expand our

national borders. Owning a world map can be a symbol of taking our world more seriously. If children share the home, creating a “find the country” game has more benefits than just doing well in geography at school.

Global citizens are also give-it-a-second-thought people.

When they pray, their reach extends to Nigeria, where young girls have been kidnapped, and to Syria, where guns are still firing and displaced people are fleeing their homes. They ponder why citizens in Iraq have to endure so much horror.

Global citizens lament that life is not the way it should be.

It doesn’t mean that global citizens are burdened with perpetual sadness. But they do live with a sense of belonging to God’s bigger family. They are empathetic people. Whether you meet them at home or away, you will notice their compassion.

Global citizens live with a mental image that they carry two passports. In one pocket they carry their national passport and in the other their global credentials. They belong in both worlds. And they are ready to meet the obligations of their twin citizenships.

Because they are informed, global citizens give insightfully. They know they cannot alter the course of history on their own but they let their hearts and minds be captured by injustice. Then, they align with an organization that shares their priority to do something about it.

Christian global citizens pray intelligently. In private and public, they reject sentimental phrases to simply “care for the poor.” They name the evil and implore people with power to address specific situations.

Global citizens advocate strategically. They engage politicians on their readiness to honour and increase their global relief and development commitments. They pressure them to give human rights more than just lip service. They name their causes and call for action.

You may be thinking global citizenship sounds like a lot of work. You may feel like you are already stretched. So, why bother?

We bother because God created and loves the whole world.

When we are at our best, we love what God loves. Where there is pain, we feel the pain and act to reduce the impact.

Where there is war, we weep. Where there is inequity, we strive for more fairness. Where there is exclusion, we see the face of injustice. Where there are preventable deaths, we cry out to the decision-makers in this world to make life better for the vulnerable. We remember that Jesus’ life, death and Resurrection reach out to the citizens of every nation and also to those who have no citizenship. We genuinely believe that the Great Commandment to “love our neighbours as ourselves” includes our global neighbours. And the better we know them, the better we can love them.

We think about these things and try to do something about them. What do you think?

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 book, When Justice is the Measure, is available at store.salvationarmy.ca, 416-422-6100, orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org.

For the e-book, visit amazon.ca. This is their last column and we are grateful for their contributions.

Salvationist • February 2015 • 17

Trials and Tribulations From caring for victims of abuse at Mount Cashel Orphanage to fighting human trafficking, Dolly Sweetapple leaves a legacy for corrections in Newfoundland and Labrador

Photo: Kristin Ostensen

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN, STAFF WRITER

T

Dolly Sweetapple, pictured here at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s, N.L., retires in June after 30 years in corrections services

hirty years ago there were no corrections services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

No visitation programs to offer hope to inmates or transition assistance after their release. No victims services to help those affected by crime move forward with their lives.

Today, the Newfoundland and Labrador Division offers a host of services, ranging from chaplaincy to support for victims of human trafficking.

These programs are the legacy of Dolly Sweetapple, director of the Army’s correctional and justice services in St. John’s, who marks 30 years of service this month and will retire in June.

“It doesn’t matter how old I get, I’m still very enthused about corrections,” says Sweetapple, now 70, “because we have so many people in the world and in this province who need to know that 18 • February 2015 • Salvationist

somebody cares about them.

“I’ve never, in my 30 years, got up in the morning and dreaded going to work,” she continues. “I look in the mirror and say, ‘Thank you, God, for another day—who am I going to help today?’ ” Supporting Victims A lifelong Salvationist, Sweetapple first became involved in corrections in 1985 when she was asked to help establish the division’s first corrections office as an office administrator. It wasn’t long before she was asked to get involved in actual corrections work.

“What happened after that is history,” she says. “I went from half days to full days and then to university to study criminology.”

In those early years, Sweetapple gave much of her time to victims services, particularly after allegations of

sexual abuse surfaced at Mount Cashel Orphanage, a Catholic Church-affiliated orphanage in St. John’s, where she was a volunteer.

“The director felt the boys needed a mother image, because they were lacking that so much,” she recalls. “I went there every Thursday night. We’d bake cookies and do crafts, and I’d help the little ones with their pyjamas and tuck them in and kiss them goodnight.”

Sweetapple had been volunteering there for 18 months when the scandal broke, becoming the largest sexual abuse scandal in Canadian history. “All those victims became my clients. That year, I gave 500 volunteer hours to support the victims.”

Sweetapple’s training and experience working with victims of child sexual abuse resulted in her work as a consultant on the final report of the Winter

Commission that investigated child sexual abuse in the St. John’s archdiocese in the late 1980s. Following that case, and prior to her work with the Mount Cashel victims, the provincial Department of Justice asked her to submit a proposal for victims services for the province. The proposal was approved and Newfoundland and Labrador had it’s first court-based services for victims in the St. John’s area.

Emergency Intervention Early in her career, Sweetapple mainly worked in court-based services, particularly in the area of child abuse.

Eventually, she also became involved in emergency intervention and disaster services, offering assistance after tragic events such as suicides, sudden deaths and accidents.

“I was once called in on New Year’s Eve when a teenage boy was found frozen in the water,” she says. “His parents were there on the beach, and I was brought in to do a psychological intervention with them.”

Over the years, many of the people Sweetapple has helped have come back to visit her and express their gratitude.

“It’s pretty humbling when a man in his 40s comes in and says, ‘I owe my life to you because if you hadn’t come that night that I was going to jump off the cliff, I wouldn’t be here today. Now I’m married, I have two beautiful children and a business of my own and I enjoy my life to the fullest,’ ” she shares. “It’s powerful—it’s too much for me to comprehend. I’ll turn it around and say, ‘No, I only helped you through the process—you made the decision to live.’ ” Personal Touch No matter which area of correctional and justice services she’s working in, Sweetapple says pastoral care is the foundation of everything she does. In fact, one of her earliest initiatives was establishing a pastoral care board for Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, the largest prison in Newfoundland and Labrador. As well as creating that board, in co-operation with the five largest denominations in the province, Sweetapple worked with the Department of Justice to develop policies and procedures for pastoral care in prisons.

“From that first pastoral care board at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, there have been spin-offs all across the island—

now all the institutions have boards,” she says.

Many of Sweetapple’s initiatives have come simply from finding gaps in the system and developing ways to fill them.

“The inmates have so many needs, so I was thinking to myself, What can we do that will help them not to re-offend?” she says. “They need services in place that they know about before they’re released back into the community, to help with the reintegration process.”

The Salvation Army provides transition assistance—such as clothing and job-skills training—but Sweetapple also takes a personal interest in her clients.

Years after her work with the victims of Mount Cashel, she was contacted about a former resident who was being released from prison. He was one of the young boys she knew as a volunteer at the orphanage, as well as through her work with victims.

“He was sexually abused and badly beaten, and had mental-health issues as

“This is not just a job for me—this is about who I am. This is my ministry” a result,” she says. “He has been incarcerated a lot since Mount Cashel, but he doesn’t really belong there.”

Together with his social worker, Sweetapple helped the man start his life outside prison on a good foundation.

“We got him food from the food bank and we got him all set up,” she says.

“I gave him drapes for his apartment, blankets, a comforter, pillows, dishes— everything I could give from my house.

I never went out and bought anything. I told him, ‘This is my stuff—I want you to have it so you can always feel close to me, so you know that I care about you and I always will.’ ” Compassion for Victims One of Sweetapple’s most-recent projects is the Newfoundland and Labrador Coalition Against Human Trafficking, which she chairs. Initiated by the RCMP, who sought Sweetapple’s assistance, the 33-member coalition includes representatives from the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Newfoundland

Constabulary, local airport authorities and the St. John’s Native Friendship Centre, among others.

Part of the coalition’s work has involved raising awareness in strategic locations throughout St. John’s— including the Memorial University of Newfoundland, where human traffickers have tried to lure female students into working at massage parlours—as well as training local police officers in how to recognize and respond to victims of human trafficking.

“By this June, we will have every police officer in this city trained,” says Sweetapple, adding that the RCMP are also interested in receiving training.

For her many years of supporting the work of the police, Sweetapple was given a Citizen of the Year award by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in 2013. When presenting the award, the chief of police highlighted Sweetapple’s leadership role in the Citizens’ Crime Prevention Association and her work in establishing services for victims of abuse.

“I don’t really think about the award,” Sweetapple shares. “I didn’t even want to put it up on the wall, but the way I see it, it’s all about my passion for victims.

It’s helping them find their way again.”

God’s Work After collaborating with many organizations throughout her career, Sweetapple believes that The Salvation Army offers a unique approach to correctional and justice services.

“No one can provide what we provide because we’re coming from a Christian perspective,” she says. “That’s our foundation—our relationship with God. When we come from that, everything else works out because he gives us direction and guides us along the way.

“We don’t do this on our own,” she continues. “I would not be able to do all the things I’m doing without God’s grace and sufficiency.”

Though she is retiring from The Salvation Army, Sweetapple will continue to volunteer with the human trafficking coalition and crime prevention society.

“This is not just a job for me—this is about who I am. This is my ministry,” she says.

“If we can treat people with dignity and respect and give them hope, if we can rejuvenate a person and help them build their self-esteem, then we’ve done God’s work.”

Salvationist • February 2015 • 19

Journey to Forgetfulness

When a loved one has Alzheimer’s, the diagnosis affects the entire family

I

BY CAPTAIN RICK ZELINSKY

Living on Memory Lane A therapist explained Alzheimer’s to me in an interesting way. When a snowball is rolled around a yard, it becomes bigger as more snow is added, in much the same way as our experiences help us to grow and develop. When that snowball begins to melt and the outer layers disappear, the original ball remains. That perfectly describes my mom’s experience with Alzheimer’s. As the disease progressed and more and more of her personality melted away, she preferred the predictability of her home, the familiar voices and singing of her grandchildren, and was particularly happy when her friends came by for their regular Monday night UNO games. She became increasingly 20 • February 2015 • Salvationist

Photo: © iStock.com/wildpixel

n a moment of lucidity, my mom quietly and calmly spoke. “I love you, too,” she said as the ambulance service took her from the home she shared with my dad, her husband of 58 years, to long-term care in a nursing home. It is only 10 kilometres away, but the journey to get her there took seven years. My mom, Betty, is 74, and she lives with early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

When my parents visited us in Winnipeg from their home in Ontario, we began to notice changes in Mom. She forgot simple tasks and left ingredients out of recipes she had cooked so often.

At the time, she laughed it off. We knew something was wrong, but we accepted her explanations of her behaviour as reasonable because we were ignoring— denying—what we all feared.

As the years passed, her memory began to disappear and she stopped cooking completely. We now know our initial fears were warranted and we have watched as she has gradually lost her independence and her personality has slipped away.

frustrated with family and public gatherings, where the environment was filled with lots of faces and people asking questions in the normal course of conversation.

A college friend dropped me a note on Facebook when he heard about my mom.

“Don’t forget to love her and keep her

engaged in your family. She’s still your mother.” It is easy to forget that when the person you love seems to be slowly drifting away, but we try to find ways to keep Mom connected to us. So a year ago, I sat with her at a concert where my daughter was performing with her choir.

At that point, Mom was not able to put

sentences together to communicate, or if she did, they related to times past.

But after the choir finished singing, she said, “That was the most beautiful song I have ever heard.” In that moment, she was fully present and spoke one of the most beautiful sentences I have heard.

We also find that looking at old photos, playing familiar music, talking about people from the past and engaging in conversation—as mixed up as it can be—is helpful in keeping my mom’s mind as active as possible and her connected to the people who love her.

Caring for the Caregivers It is the love my dad has for my mom that caused him to take on the role of caregiver and make promises that would be impossible to keep. My parents had cared for my maternal grandmother in their home as she struggled with Alzheimer’s, and had found it extremely difficult to place her in long-term care when the time came. My grandmother did not transition well and often begged to come home, so the thought of my mom in a similar situation prompted my dad to promise, “I won’t put you in a nursing home.”

As the primary caregiver, Dad’s world became smaller as my mom’s condition progressed and her life was lived in 10-minute increments, replayed over and over. His life shrank to include only church, seniors’ group, their apartment, and the task of organizing care workers, doctors, social workers and physical therapists. When taking her to church became too difficult and even driving a short distance to visit family was a chore, Alzheimer’s made prisoners of both my parents.

Support systems for personal and long-term care for dementia patients are often maxed out, with waiting times for some nursing homes being as long as

four years. Personal support care programs may not fully meet the needs required to keep a loved one at home, and too often the caregivers end up in personal crises before respite and care are available. From the first days of your journey with Alzheimer’s, talk openly and honestly about in-home practical supports and long-term care options.

Tend to legal matters with powers of attorney for finance and care before the person with Alzheimer’s is no longer able to speak on their own behalf.

Advocacy became a part of my weekly routine as I fought to get my mom the care she needed. She had become increasingly belligerent to her personal

It takes a community of support to buoy a family as they deal with Alzheimer’s support workers so I was meeting with a crisis care worker to discuss our options.

I remember laughing during our conversation, prompting her to ask, “What’s so funny?”

“It’s ironic,” I replied. “If you had ever needed someone to go to bat for one of your patients in the past, you would have had my mom on speed dial.

In health she was a tenacious advocate that would never take no for an answer.

I’m speaking with her voice and I refuse to take no for an answer.” Curly hair, it turns out, isn’t the only thing I inherited from my mom.

As the number of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia grows, so does the need for increased ministry to support families living with the real-

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Cpt Rick Zelinsky with his mother, Betty

ities of the disease. My dad’s corps officers at Burlington Community Church, Ont., are wonderful pastors who provide spiritual care to my parents, particularly my dad, through their visits, prayer and practical support. It takes a community of support to buoy a family as they deal with Alzheimer’s disease, and I believe the faith community has a tremendous opportunity to minister to them.

My family’s journey has been filled with frustration, exhaustion and heartache, tempered by love, care, support and prayer. Now when we sit with my mom in her new home, sometimes my dad and I will look at each other, shake our heads, and laugh to avoid crying as we look back on the weeks and months that brought us to this place. And when we laugh, my mom often turns her head, purses her lips and lets out a raspberry to remind us she is still here—wife, mother, grandma and friend.

Captain Rick Zelinsky is the executive director of Ontario Camping Ministries.

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Contact (416) 422-6119; circulation@can.salvationarmy.org or visit salvationist.ca/subscribe to order Salvationist • February 2015 • 21

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Women’s Work

Once a beacon of gender equality, is the Army still leading the way?

In this new series, Colonel Bob Ward, who retired in 2013 as the territorial commander in Pakistan, and Major Amy Reardon, corps officer at Seattle Temple in Washington, U.S.A., discuss issues of the day.

DEAR BOB,

I

have a friend who, tragically, has abandoned his Christian faith. In a recent conversation about some social issues, he bitterly said, “The church is always 10 to 20 years behind the world.” His comment disturbed me. Could it be that “the world” outpaces the church in reason, understanding and even compassion? Such a notion is troubling. The church should be leading the way, not lagging behind.

I have been weighing a number of issues against his statement. One of my concerns is the status of women in the church, particularly women in ministry. Initially, The Salvation Army led the way—a beacon of gender equality in a male-dominated world. Other Bible-believing churches clung to sexist interpretations of Scripture, even throughout the 20th century.

As an extreme example, when I was studying to become an officer in the early 1990s, I was accosted by a Christian on the street who wanted me to know that I had no right to preach the gospel to any male over the age of five. The Bible forbade it, he said.

Recently, however, the church has learned to understand Scripture in terms of its cultural context. Formerly hesitant denominations now feel free to ordain women. After centuries of squelching the spiritual gifts of potential leaders who happened to be female, the acceptance of women in ministry came suddenly, almost abruptly.

“The world” had long since valued the contributions of women in the workplace. The church was catching up with the world.

But The Salvation Army seems to have lost its way. When a woman is married and both are officers, Army leadership rarely sees the two as equals, and almost never considers a woman, however qualified, for a position of leadership “above” her husband. These inequities are not only at the headquarters level. Now that I am a corps officer again, I can’t help but note how some of our leaders regard my husband as the corps officer and me as an underling. Many of our soldiers have been trained to think this way, too.

Bob, do you think that women officers, especially those who are married, will ever be treated as equals in this Army?

AMY DEAR AMY,

I

am sorry that you feel frustrated, but glad you wrote. I see you raising three background issues here: first, whether the church, and by extension, The Salvation Army, should be leading the way in reason, understanding and compassion; second, whether we are acting accordingly; and third, whether

22 I February 2015 I Salvationist

POINT COUNTERPOINT being behind the rest of the world is a reason to abandon one’s faith. However, what seems to be your real source of frustration is the apparent inequality of women officers, particularly married women, in The Salvation Army.

I grew up with the writings of Francis Schaeffer, the founder of L’Abri. In his book, The God Who is There, Schaeffer observed that ideas are usually generated by philosophers, interpreted by the arts and then picked up by theologians, who inform the church. If his hypothesis is correct, and it sounds reasonable to me, then it is unrealistic to expect that the church would be at the forefront of intellectual development. While living in both sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, I saw a church that your friend would conclude was even further behind the times. Part of this can be attributed to the fact that the church is a large, millennia-old, international set of organizations with their traditions and dogmas. Like a large ship, it takes time to turn or change direction. We have seen change come to the church and The Salvation Army in our lifetime—attitudes toward slavery, other denominations and women. Our own attitude toward divorced officers and soldiers in ministry has changed significantly. My own experience is that most change within The Salvation Army has resulted because of a sustained push from both external and internal pressures.

One of the contradictions of post-apartheid South Africa was that while elements of the church led the way to achieve justice and equality, others strongly resisted the change—even though agreeing the change was fair. They just didn’t want to pay the cost of the change. Perhaps you and your friend see the resistance to change as being stronger than the forces of transformation. I know you deal with the issue of married women officers in the United States whose husbands receive the allowance on their behalf to mitigate the taxes. We dealt with this issue here in Canada a few years ago through splitting the allowances and benefits. I understand part of the United States’ reluctance to implement this change for married couples was attributed to its prohibitive financial cost.

I wonder if husbands and wives are solidly behind the changes that fairness and equality demand. Are husbands willing for their wives to receive separate, and sometimes more responsible, appointments? Are wives willing to sacrifice a more traditional role in the home for their calling as full-time officers? I would like to think so, and have heard various declarations in support of this choice, but suspect that congregational members observe mixed messages among their officers, and the policy-makers at headquarters.

I am sorry your friend has too-high expectations of where the church should fit into life today. However, change does take place. Just this summer, the General Synod of the Church of England finally voted to permit the ordination of women bishops. I suspect change will only occur when people with vision and a sense of fairness and justice prepare the road on which the organization may more comfortably travel, or when they are forced to.

Once again, thanks for writing about your concern. I would be happy to hear more from you.

BOB DEAR BOB,

I

both agree and disagree with you.

First, I agree that there are officer couples who are not prepared for a more egalitarian situation. And you’re

right—it isn’t just the husbands, it’s the wives, too. Even though I’m busier as an officer than in any job I’ve ever had, our old-fashioned system gives me a long leash. No one would be surprised or put out if I stayed home to do chores, or if I spent a morning each week volunteering at my children’s school. Many married women officers appreciate those freedoms and wouldn’t want to give them up. Some married men officers build time in their schedules for these sorts of things, but it isn’t as common and it may occasionally raise an eyebrow.

You also mention that some couples aren’t prepared to take separate appointments, or they aren’t comfortable with the wife having a position with more authority. Right again! I am blessed that my husband respects my own call to officership, which I received long before I met him. When dating, we determined it was within God’s will that we should serve him together. But my commitment to ministry was between God and me. I’m thankful that my husband encourages me to live out that commitment as fully as I can.

Here’s where I disagree with you: despite the fact that the church is an unwieldy, multi-limbed organization, I believe it should lead the parade in doing what is fair and right. Even if Francis Schaeffer’s hypothesis is correct, it is unacceptable.

Jesus demonstrated how to be at the forefront of justice. In the case of women, Jesus repeatedly treated them with the dignity that his society reserved for men alone. Think of the woman caught in adultery. She was about to be stoned as punishment, but no one suggested stoning the man with whom she was caught. The woman alone bore the guilt! What an enormous act of justice it was when Jesus told the accusers (likely all men) to check their own hearts, and only stone her if they were sinless. Effectively, Jesus was telling them to treat a woman with the same grace they’d treat a man.

Jesus instructed us to continue establishing the kingdom of God here on earth. He even said we would do greater things than he had done. So as Christians we shouldn’t fall behind the world in treating people as equals. Yes, that may be our history, but I hope it isn’t our future.

I think there is often more gender equality granted to soldiers than to officers. I don’t know what struggles a family might have behind closed doors over the issue, but the Army doesn’t bat an eye at women in key lay-leader positions. I hope we can achieve the same for officers.

AMY DEAR AMY,

G

od bless you for your optimism. Jesus was also disappointed, even angry, with the religious leaders of his day, so working with a traditional religious organization is an age-old challenge. However, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the disciples were eventually able to lead the way to direction, purpose and a sense of social justice. We can see examples of compassion and justice at work at various levels of The Salvation Army. Who knows the specific issue or person leading to your friend’s disenchantment with the church? I can only pray that when others see us at work where they live, they will witness a vibrant, compassionate Army at the forefront, showing them the way—not just an organization 10 to 20 years behind the times.

BOB Salvationist I February 2015 I 23

CROSS CULTURE

True Testimony

New Life in the Boarding House offers compelling tale of redemption REVIEW BY DOUG FIELD

R

eading Greg Elliott’s new book, New Life in the Boarding House, reminded me of the sometimes lengthy testimonies of the corps’ Trophies of Grace back in the day. Granted, this book is much longer and has more imagery than those extemporized testimonies, but it is no less deeply and sincerely felt.

Elliott is not a smooth, polished writer (he would have benefitted from a more rigorous editor), but his almost-diarized recounting of his transformation from a troubled and failed human being into a forgiven and reborn person is compelling because we know it is true. The “boarding house” of the title is his life. At the start it’s rundown and cluttered with the detritus of that life and the cacophony of his anger and confusion. Then one day someone he believes is Jesus knocks at the door. In fact, the caller is the Holy Spirit, who becomes one of his “boarders.”

His almost-diarized recounting of his transformation from a troubled and failed human being into a forgiven and reborn person is compelling because we know it is true In the midst of his personal turmoil, the narrator digs out an old copy of The Way translation and a daily reading guide, whose references precede each chapter. Reading them in the New Revised Standard Version translation helps us understand what follows. Through daily readings that inspire him to take the steps necessary to make over his life, our protagonist forms a relationship with the Jesus he finds in The Way—a person he was vaguely aware of because of Sunday school, but someone he had not considered a reality. His is not Saul’s Road to Damascus experience, but the gradual understanding that we realize spiritual growth and maturity through daily striving. The job is never finished, but the working at it can be its own redemption.

24 • February 2015 • Salvationist

An example from popular fiction would be Dickens’ Ebenezer Scrooge, who converted to goodness immediately after a night of terrifying visions, but then worked out his redemption with a life turned to compassion for his neighbours.

I avoid “inspirational” books because, in their worthiness, they rarely reflect reality as I experience it. This is different.

This is the story of a real person—not a bad person, but troubled and failing at life—whose encounter with the Holy Spirit saves him. These days we are sometimes reticent to share our spiritual lives and Elliott’s brutal honesty might make some readers a little uncomfortable. For those who manage it, his book is a worthwhile read.

ON THE WEB The Adventure Bible Games App

www.adventurebible.com/games/home The Adventure Bible Games App, which is available online and as a downloadable iPad app, offers six games that can help children learn more about the Bible. Two of the games, Leopardy and Bible Millionaire, are modelled after the popular game shows Jeopardy and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Truth Quest is a multiple-choice trivia game, with three different levels to suit each child’s knowledge and ability. Leapin’ Lemur offers a fill-in-the-blanks Bible verse learning game, while X Marks the Spot is a map game that tests kids’ knowledge of where important Bible events happened.

The interface of the app is simple enough that most children will be able to grasp its functions easily. The colourful graphics are attractive and are done in the style of the Adventure Bible series, the top-selling Bible for children. Overall, the app provides a new avenue through which children can engage with Scripture and learn more about their faith.

CROSS CULTURE

IN REVIEW Walk to Beautiful

The power of love and a homeless kid who found the way

by Jimmy Wayne, with Ken Abraham Imagine being 13, in a strange city, hundreds of kilometres away from home, and your mom abandons you at a bus station, driving off into the night with her lover. That’s what happened to country music singer Jimmy Wayne. Hungry, homeless and bouncing in and out of the foster-care system, Wayne spent more nights wandering and sleeping in the streets than he cares to remember.

Walk to Beautiful tells the story of Wayne’s difficult childhood and the love shown him by an elderly couple who gave him a stable home and provided the chance for him to complete his education. It also chronicles Wayne’s rise to fame in the music industry and the Meet Me Halfway campaign: his walk across America, from Nashville to Phoenix, to raise awareness for foster kids. His book is a powerful account of his journey to faith and forgiveness.

Lessons in Belonging from a Church-Going Commitment Phobe

by Erin S. Lane “I want to belong, but I do not know how.”

Erin S. Lane, author of Lessons in Belonging from a Church-Going Commitment Phobe, remembers a time when being a part of a church was not a decision you made but a reality you inhabited. But today, she writes, belonging to the church has become a lost art, especially for millennials whose church experience is often summed up in one word: none.

Lane grew up in the church, attended a divinity school and even married a pastor, but admits she has struggled with committing to a church. With earnest persistence, Lane practised the difficult (and often surprising) lessons of community, discovering that “sticking around” was a discipline worth striving for. Her story is an invitation to reclaim God’s promise of inclusion and live like we belong to one another.

The Song

Directed by Richard Ramsey At the beginning of The Song (now on DVD), Jed King (Alan Powell) is an aspiring singer-songwriter struggling to catch a break—and escape the long shadow of his famous father—when he reluctantly agrees to a gig at a local vineyard’s harvest festival. Jed meets the vineyard owner’s sweet daughter, Rose (Ali Faulkner), and a romance quickly develops. Soon after their wedding, Jed writes Rose The Song, which becomes a megahit. Though Jed’s popularity allows him to provide for his wife and son, his busy touring schedule puts a strain on their relationship.

Things are further complicated when Jed’s new opening act is Shelby Bale (Caitlin Nicol-Thomas), a dark-haired beauty who tempts Jed away from his wife.

A loose adaptation of the Song of Solomon, The Song depicts the impact of drug and alcohol abuse and an extra-marital affair, as Jed’s life falls apart. The Song is “messier” than other Christian films, offering emotional performances and an honest look at moral failure. But it also offers the hope of redemption, giving viewers an opportunity to confront difficult topics and ask important questions about life and love.

Slow Church

Cultivating community in the patient way of Jesus

by C. Christopher Smith and John Pattison For better or for worse, write C. Christopher Smith and John Pattison in Slow Church, the North American church has been inf luenced by the “McDonaldization” of life. Fast food.

Fast cars. Fast spirituality. In the midst of this shift in attitudes, the church runs the risk of emphasizing quantity over quality, programs over people, and the church sanctuary over the neighbourhood.

In contrast to this kind of “fast church,” Smith and Pattison propose a “slow church” model, “as a way of reimagining what it means to be communities of believers gathered and rooted in particular places at a particular time.”

Their book is divided into three sections: ethics, ecology and economy. Ethics looks at developing a focus on quality rather than quantity; ecology examines what it means to live in reconciliation with all things; and economy explores how the church can share in God’s provision in practical ways.

Their goal is to inspire church communities where people know each other well and love one another as Christ loved the church.

IN THE NEWS

Government Announces Funding for Prostitution Victims $20 million, new law to aid those who want to leave sex trade

Canada’s new anti-prostitution law came into effect in December, along with $20 million in funding to support programming for those who want to leave prostitution.

Through the Department of Justice Canada’s Victims Fund, $10.47 million will be made available to help sellers of sexual services get out of prostitution. Front-line organizations can submit proposals to obtain funding for programs for victims such as trauma therapy, addiction recovery, employment training and financial literacy. Projects that offer transitional housing, emergency safe houses and drop-in centres will also be considered.

The remaining funds will be available to law-enforcement agencies, who can submit proposals for projects that will support outreach activities to connect those involved in prostitution with both emergency and long-term services.

Steven Blaney, Canada’s minister of public safety and emergency preparedness, says this funding “clearly demonstrates that we are using all the tools at our disposal to assist victims and make our streets and communities safer.”

Salvationist • February 2015 • 25

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

Photo: Tristan Urry

ENROLMENTS AND RECOGNITION

ST. ALBERT, ALTA.—Jasmine Whitaker is commissioned as the young people’s sergeant-major at St. Albert Church and Community Ministries, the youngest person to hold this position in the corps’ history. From left, Mjrs Ron and Donna Millar, then DC and DDWM, Alta. & N.T. Div; Jasmine Whitaker; Gary Haynes, holding the flag; and Lts Grace and Peter Kim, COs.

BELLEVILLE, ONT.—Donations from the corporate offices of Tim Hortons, including $2,500 and a skid of coffee, juice and hot chocolate, were divided between the Army’s food bank and the Gleaners Food Bank in Belleville.

Front, from left, Susane Quinlen, Gleaners Food Bank; Lori-Ann Storns, Debrah Vos, Marlene Kinloch, Tim Hortons. Back, from left, Mjrs Wil and Catherine Brown-Ratcliffe, COs, Belleville Citadel; Abby Mills, director, The Salvation Army Belleville Ministries; and Mjr Vaden Vincent, AC, Ont. CE Div.

OSHAWA, ONT.—John Goodson is enrolled as a senior soldier at Oshawa Temple. Supporting him is Kevin Thompson, recruiting sergeant.

36 Years of Ministry in Fort Mac The Salvation Army in Fort McMurray, Alta., celebrated 36 years in the region with a weekend of events in October. These events included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a dinner, a gospel concert and family worship.

A special portion of the event featured pioneers of The Salvation Army’s work in Fort McMurray, honouring members who have given their time for more than 30 years.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the newly renovated Salvation Army church in the Thickwood neighbourhood.

The renovation project was named after Laurence Oxford, who began the year-long project before he passed away. His widow, Glenys Oxford, travelled from Newfoundland and Labrador to cut the ribbon. The renovations include new flooring, upgrades to the washrooms, new lighting throughout the main floor, storage room upgrades, coat room upgrade, new paint and a new fire alarm system.

ST. THOMAS, ONT.— In spite of the rain, Salvationists proudly take part in their local Santa Claus parade.

Joining in the fun is “Sally Ann,” the Army’s mascot.

26 • February 2015 • Salvationist

Photo: Kiran Malik-Khan

Photos: Mark Girdauskas

PORT CREDIT, ONT.—On behalf of the Erin Mills Corps in Mississauga, Ont., from left, Mjr Dale Steward, CO, and Mjr Mel Fisher lay a wreath at the cenotaph to mark Remembrance Day 2014.

Salvationists and volunteers celebrate the Army’s 36th anniversary in Fort McMurray, Alta.

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

Santa Shuffle a Huge Success

SUSSEX, N.B.—Sussex CC celebrates the enrolment of six junior soldiers.

Front, from left, Connie Middleton, Shondra McLean, leaders; Aden McLean, holding the flag; Emma Cook, Myranda Middleton, Samantha Middleton, Nikita Cook, Shane McLean, Laura Earle, junior soldiers. Back, from left, Wendy Virtue, holding the flag; Mjr Stan Folkins, CO; Mjr Alison Cowling, DC, Maritime Div; and Mjr Judy Folkins, CO.

Anniversary Celebrations in Seal Cove, Fortune Bay SEAL COVE, F.B., N.L.—It was a time for praise and thanksgiving as Salvationists and friends joined together to mark the 125th anniversary of the Army’s presence in Seal Cove, Fortune Bay. Supported by Mjrs Austin and Lillian Randell, COs, Lt-Cols Douglas and Jean Hefford, DC and DDWM, N.L. Div, and Mjr Sandra Stokes, AC, N.L. Div, gave leadership to the festivities. Angelina Richards ministered as the guest vocalist.

During the celebrations, retired CSM Leo Loveless was recognized for giving 30 years of service to the Army in his community. Shown during the cutting of the anniversary cake are, from left, Mjrs Austin and Lillian Randell, Annie Loveless, Lt-Col Douglas Hefford, Emma Mullins, Lt-Col Jean Hefford and Mjr Sandra Stokes.

Participants in Quebec City’s Santa Shuffle proudly display their medals

Sixteen thousand people in 41 cities across Canada participated in The Salvation Army’s annual Santa Shuffle in December, raising funds to help Canadians in poverty at Christmas and throughout the year. Participants in the Santa Shuffle’s five-kilometre Fun Run and one-kilometre Elf Walk collected pledges from friends and family in the lead-up to the event.

“Approximately $500,000 was raised that will help The Salvation Army fight poverty and restore dignity nationwide,” says Erin McGrath, national race director. The race, now in its 24th year, is held in partnership with Running Room Ltd. Participants, many of whom were dressed in festive gear, braved freezing temperatures and inclement weather to make a difference in their local communities. Everyone who completed the course received an eye-catching Santa Shuffle medal.

“It was a lot of fun, even though some of us are less athletic,” joked one shuffler. “It was a great opportunity for our family to come together and do something beneficial,” said another.

“Thank you to everyone who ran, walked or volunteered,” says McGrath. “Your contribution will help change a life and give hope to those who need it most.”

POST-CONGRESS HERITAGE TOUR—July 6-15 Officer Retirement Major Larry Jennings entered the College for Officer Training in St. John’s, N.L., in September 1986 as a member of the Messengers of Joy Session. Following commissioning, he held an appointment as a single officer in Charlottetown, N.L., before marrying Lieutenant Roxanne Rideout. Together they served as corps officers in Deadman’s Bay, N.L., at Cedar Hill in Warwick, Bermuda, in Acton and Essex, Ont., and Trail, B.C. Larry and Roxanne studied in the field of health care, specifically in long-term care, which prepared Larry to serve as the executive director of Winnipeg’s Golden West Centennial Lodge, Victoria’s Sunset Lodge and the Meighen Health Centre in Toronto, from where he retired from active service as a Salvation Army officer. Throughout the years, Larry has held onto Proverbs 3:5-6 as his guidepost. Retired on January 1, he desires to continue to serve the Lord with all of his heart, soul, mind and body.

Join Commissioner William Francis and Dr. Roger Green for a custom-designed 10-day Post-Congress Heritage Tour beginning the day after the Boundless 2015 Congress ends.

Explore the sites and scenes of Salvationist roots throughout England. To top off the adventure, you can travel through Ireland on a five-day extension tour.

For less than the cost of an average hotel stay in London, England, you can be a part of this unique, historic and enjoyable tour. Spaces are limited for this first-class experience, so register online now with Educational Opportunities Tours at eo.travelwithus.com/tours/saheritage2015. And make sure you watch the video featuring Commissioner Francis and Dr. Green as they describe the sites you will visit.

The tour promises to be a lifetime memory. It is a “must see” tour for those interested in Salvation Army history and will be a fun time of fellowship with delegates from around the world.

Salvationist • February 2015 • 27

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

TRIBUTES CHANNEL-PORT AUX BASQUES, N.L.—Arthur Stanley Kettle, a soldier of the Channel-Port aux Basques Corps, was promoted to glory at the age of 85. He will be long remembered for his love of the Lord and the corps, and his integrity in his dealings with others was a vital part of his testimony. Arthur loved to sing about heaven and longed for the day when he would be reunited there with his wife, Jean. He loved to volunteer at the corps and thrift store, and did so as long as his health allowed him. Arthur leaves with fond and loving memories his three children, Terry (Goldie), Beverley (Lloyd), Sherry (Sean); stepson, Ricky (April); 16 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Jean, Amelia; and a large number of friends and comrades.

OSHAWA, ONT.—Gerald Lenord Usher was born in Brantford, Ont., in 1937. Gerry was raised in the Anglican Church but came to The Salvation Army as a teenager.

He was active in the corps in Brantford as a bandsman, songster, league of mercy worker and leader in the lifesaving units. Gerry also spent many years serving the local Sea Cadet Unit. In the 1960s, he served as an officer with his family at corps in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Because of ill health, he returned to Brantford and continued service at the local level. After moving to Oshawa in 1981, he was involved in band and songsters for a few years until ill health made it difficult to continue. Suffering from many health issues in the latter years, Gerry is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children Lynn, James, John (Alice); stepchildren Wendi (Chad), Jill (Steve); eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters Doreen (Al), Diane (Donnie), Norma (Roger); and many nieces and nephews.

GAZETTE

TERRITORIAL Appointments Cpts Bradley/Jennifer Reid, North Toronto CC (pro-tem), Ont. CE Div; Cpts Richard/Deana Zelinsky, executive director/assistant executive director, Ontario Provincial Camping, Ont. CE Div and Ont. GL Div Reaccepted as officers Timothy/Miriam Leslie, with rank of cpt Long service—25 years Mjr Albert Bain Promoted to glory Mjr Kenneth Crews, Pictou, N.S., Nov 30; Mrs Brg Eleanor Dyck, Toronto, Dec 3

Hosanna

Cape Breton Celebration Weekend — Praise isRising March 27-29 Led by Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Supported by Major Alison Cowling Divisional Commander, Maritime Division Friday 7:30 p.m. • Welcome Meeting • Glace Bay, N.S. Saturday 10 a.m. • Junior Councils • Sydney, N.S. 12 p.m. • 50+ Gathering • Glace Bay, N.S. 7 p.m. • Say It With Music Café • New Waterford, N.S. Sunday 10:30 a.m. • Family Worship • Sydney, N.S.

Introducing …

Featuring:  Bible lessons  Salvation Army teaching  Puzzles and games

CALENDAR

Commissioner Susan McMillan Feb 3 church leaders’ retreat, Mississauga, Ont.; Feb 9-12 divisional retreat, Que. Div Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley Feb 17-20 divisional retreat, Ont. CE Div Canadian Staff Band Feb 7-8 Mountain Citadel, Hamilton, Ont.

 Contests  Just Do It!, a monthly social justice challenge

Ideal for reaching children through:  Corps or Sunday school programs  After-school programs  Community and family services offices  Food banks  Anywhere there is an opportunity!

For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, you could reach five children a week for Christ. 

Contact the editorial department

to order today! circulation@can.salvationarmy.org

416-422-6119 28 • February 2015 • Salvationist

Luke 21:1-4

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Congratulations! on tions to Kailey Loveless ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Congratula Program at St. of the Junior Action her recent completion Majors Terry and Celebrating with her John’s West Corps. youth director; officers; Laura Rowsell, Roxann Feltham, corps secretary, then divisional youth Captain Julia Butler-Tarnue, Newfoundland and Labrador Division; and Hillary Coombs, acting junior soldier sergeant.

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Join The Just for Kids Birthday Club Today!

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Just for Kids wants to wish YOU a Happy Birthday! Join our birthday club and get a message on your special day. Just fill in the coupon below and mail it to Just for Kids, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON, Canada M4H 1P4.

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Donate clothes to a Salvation Army thrift store

Shadow Match

Did you get new clothes for Christmas?

Now is the perfect time to organize a clothing drive and donate your gently used clothing to a thrift store.

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TIES THAT BIND

Wash Cycle

Need spiritual cleansing from the stresses of life?

These tips may help

Photo: © iStock.com/EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER

BY MAJOR KATHIE CHIU

H

ow long is this going to take?” asked one of our daughters.

“Yeah, this road seems like it’s never going to end!” piped up the other one. “I’m hungry,” said the last of the teenagers. The baby, on the other hand, was doing just fine.

We were driving along an endless stretch of highway with no dips or turns to keep us interested. I was glad my husband was driving—he prefers the prairies to the mountains. I prefer the dips and turns.

We were dr iv ing north from Winnipeg to Thompson, Man.—an eight-hour trip—to visit friends. The closer we got to our destination, the bigger the bugs seemed to get and the louder the noise they made hitting the windshield. By the time we arrived, the car was covered with dead bugs of all different sizes and shapes, splattered everywhere, even obscuring the colour of the car. It was disgusting.

In the end, we needed a powerful car wash to remove all the bugs and dirt.

Daily Dust-ups Vehicles are not the only things that get splattered with dirt and muck. We do, too. The messy patches of life—human drama, stressful situations, accidents, bad attitudes, dysfunctional relationships, workplace politics, toxic personalities—they all stick to us. When that happens, we need to go through an emotional and spiritual car wash.

Some people don’t realize just how badly they can be affected by the daily dust-ups of life. They fail to connect short tempers and irritation to repressed anger. Even if they realize they’ve been through a hard time, they believe they’re powerful enough not to let it affect them.

I know how they think, because I used to think like that, too. Sure, we all have rough times, but we don’t let it get us down or change us, do we? No. We’re

tough. We can overcome it.

And then we can’t. There are just too many bug parts splattered on our windshields.

Take a Break Just what does an emotional and spiritual car wash look like? For me, it’s a process. I have to begin by taking a break from my daily routine—sometimes a few days, sometimes longer. I spend time examining my heart, thoughts and feelings.

I journal, writing them all down, and after everything is on the page in front of me, I begin to distance myself from the experience of it. It’s also easier to process when I engage more than one part of my brain. For example, saying it out loud can lessen the impact of the emotional connection to the issue.

Sometimes it helps to talk to a trusted friend or counsellor and look together at what I’ve written and try to make some sense of it. Talking to someone who is disconnected from the problem is an opportunity to scrape some of the muck off. They have no emotional involvement with my situation, and their goal is to help me process the events in my life so that I can look at them in a different way, a way that takes the power away from them.

The Good and the Bad When I’ve done all that I need to, I spend some time in prayer, alone with God, talking with him. The good bits I thank him for. The bad bits I give to him. Sometimes they’re just too big for me to handle.

When the stress is too much and it seems like my brain is paralyzed, I need to operate on truth, not feelings. Even though I can’t seem to hear God, I know he’s there. When my family sees me breathing slowly, closing my eyes, they know what’s going on. Mom is stressed and it’s overwhelming her. Breathe in, two, three, four … breathe out, two, three four. My mind clears, my heart slows down, my eyes open and I’m off on another day’s journey as my heavenly Father reminds me, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

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.

She is the corps officer at Richmond Community Church, B.C. Salvationist • February 2015 • 29

TALKING POINTS

Spare the Rod

Is physical discipline ever appropriate?

Photo: © iStock.com/FineCollection

BY MAJOR JUAN BURRY

W

hile sitting in a boardroom last October, waiting for a meeting to start, I found myself drawn into a discussion about corporal punishment. Initially, the conversation was just about football. But then we started talking about NFL running back Adrian Peterson and his suspension. Peterson, as you may have heard, was arrested late last summer when it was revealed he had injured his son while meting out discipline. The child had cuts and welts over most of his body from a “whupping” that he received from his father. Peterson stated that he was correctly punishing his child using parenting practices similar to those he experienced as a child growing up in east Texas.

Our conversation about what was wrong with the Seahawks evolved into a debate about the place of corporal punishment in society. One person at the table noted that he had heard Peterson on television taking about his faith in Jesus Christ.

Another person in the room looked at me and made a statement that sounded more like a question: “Well, I guess religion does promote that sort of parenting. You know, spare the rod and spoil the child.” I can only assume that he looked at me because he knew I am a person of faith and thought I might have some perspective on the situation. I tried my best to correct his 30 • February 2015 • Salvationist

understanding of what “spare the rod” meant—in Scripture, the “rod” is for comforting and guiding, not punishing—and told him that not all Christians practise discipline in physical ways. But he was undeterred, arguing that if Christians worship a “Father” who punishes by crucifying his own Son, then we probably don’t have a big problem with retributive methods. I had to admit I knew many believers who rooted their practice of corporal punishment in their Christian faith. To have such a direct comparison drawn between corporal punishment and the violent death of Jesus was unsettling.

To Spank or Not to Spank Having children of my own brought me face to face with the issue of violence as a form of punishment. I don’t want to be so tolerant of their actions that I refuse to intervene when I see them heading in the wrong direction, but does that mean I must resort to physical punishment? The question is not a critical one now that they are teenagers, but when they were younger, my wife and I had to decide whether or not to spank them. Regrettably, as a novice at this parenting thing, I chose to spank on occasion. As the years went by and I gained more experience and patience, I questioned the value of such measures.

The scientific evidence against using physical force to discipline children is overwhelming. Corporal punishment does not work. In fact, it does more harm than good. Regular physical discipline often leads to children becoming more aggressive as they get older. It also negatively impacts their psychological and neurological development. Children who are spanked regularly are often more prone to mental illness, addiction and depression. In the face of such catastrophic results, I had to ask myself if this was a godly activity. The bigger question was why I thought violence was an appropriate response to dealing with transgression. Were there “Christian” undercurrents that supported a philosophy of punishment as a necessary way to deal with evil? Do we accept violence as a means of justice because that is how we see God behaving?

Many Christians view the death of Christ as being a substitutionary payment (for our wrongdoing) in order to appease an angry Father. However, the predominant theme of Jesus’ teaching on social relationships was that of peace and forgiveness. To forgive is to release one from the payment of a debt and remove any penalty associated with it. If one requires payment or punishment for wrongdoing, can one say with integrity that he or she has truly forgiven? If we approach life with a bent toward forgiveness and peace rather than violence and punishment, how will our relationships change?

Does the way in which I see God and the expression of my relationship with him cause me to be a vindictive individual or a loving neighbour?

How we view wrongdoing and the way it should be corrected not only impacts how we raise our children, but it influences key social issues: how and when we go to war; why LGBT people are targets of bullying; why domestic abuse still affects one in four women in Canada; and how we treat offenders in the criminal justice system. Simply put—violence only begets more violence. As parents and Christians, we can stop the cycle.

Major Juan Burry is the executive director of Rotary Hospice House in Richmond, B.C.

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