Salvationist - January 2017

Meet the Chief: Interview With Colonel Lee Graves

The Children Who Never Came Home

Let’s Talk: Supporting People With Mental Illness

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

January 2017

Salvationist.ca

Vibrant Faith God’s love shines through at

Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple

CONTENTS

Salvationist January 2017 • Volume 12, Number 1

Find 7 Differences

Hi kids!

It’s 2017—we’ve got a whole new year ahead of us.

Isn’t that exciting?

Tulips

Jaw-some!

20

do sharks What kind of What say when flower is on something your face? great happens?

At the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions— things they would like to do over the coming 365 days. Have you thought about what you’d like to do in 2017? This is a good time to think about what’s important to you. Pray and ask God to show you how you can serve Him this year.

What’s brown and sticky?

A stick

Happy New Year!

Your friend, Kristin

Departments

Join the J4K Birthday Club

ISSUE

Just for Kids wants to wish YOU a Happy Birthday! Join our birthday club and get a message on your special day.

Fill in the coupon below and mail it to Just for Kids, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, ON, Canada M4H 1P4. Or you can e-mail justforkids@can.salvationarmy.org.

1

Name: ����������������������������������������������������������

5 Frontlines

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

���������������������������������������������������������������� Signed: ���������������������������������������������������������

Just for Kids

10 Snapshots of Ministry From the Ground Up Photography by Carson Samson, text by Giselle Randall

16 Calling the Courageous Putting Down Roots

by Ken Ramstead

25 Cross Culture

Features

27 People & Places

8 Meet the Chief

30 Salvation Stories

Colonel Lee Graves takes the helm as Canada and Bermuda’s new chief secretary.

Interview by Pamela Richardson

Light in the Dark

by Chelsea Moore

Columns 4 Editorial Finding Home

by Geoff Moulton

23 Herstory Dear Jackson

by Lieutenant Kristen Jackson-Dockeray

24 #Trending Let’s Talk

by Captain Mark Braye

29 Troublesome Texts Baptism of the Spirit

by General Bramwell H. Tillsley (Rtd) Cover photo: Carson Samson

13 The Children Who Never Came Home

Just for Kids is an exciting weekly activity page published by The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda for children ages five to 12. Packed with Bible stories, games, puzzles, colouring, jokes and more, Just for Kids can be used in a variety of children’s ministries and programs, and in community and family services offices, food banks or anywhere there is an opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ with children.

Forensic anthropologist Katherine Nichols uncovers the hidden history of the Indian Residential School in Brandon, Man.

by Kristin Ostensen

E-mail circulation@can. salvationarmy.org or phone 416-422-6119 to learn how you can receive Just for Kids in your ministry unit.

17 Painting the Future

Read and share it!

Why children and youth are a strategic priority.

by Major Keith Pike

18 Operation Ezra The Salvation Army partners with multifaith organization to welcome Yazidi family to Winnipeg.

by Major Ray Harris

3 Reasons to

GO TO CHURCH P.8

Finding God

IN THE WORKPLACE P.10

Library Visit

CHANGES LIFE P.22

Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

faithandfriends.ca

JANUARY 2017

20 Family Friendly Pregnant and alone, Peipei Dai found support at the Bethany Hope Centre.

by Kristin Ostensen

22 Short-Term Missions, Long-Term Impact Canadian teams support children’s homes and schools.

Compiled by Major Brenda Murray

The Day the Lies Stopped MAXWELL ASSING HAD TO FACE THE TRUTH P.16

faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY 2017

•1

Salvationist January 2017 3

EDITORIAL

H

Finding Home

ave you seen Hello Goodbye, the new primetime series on CBC? It captures the heartfelt stories of people in the arrivals and departures areas at Pearson International Airport in Toronto. One recent episode featured my cousin, Natasha, an adopted First Nations woman. She was saying a temporary “goodbye” to my aunt who had raised her since she was seven months old.

Natasha has relocated to Alert Bay, B.C., where she has connected with members of her birth family, including a brother she never knew. She is part of the ’Namgis peoples, a First Nations band within the larger Kwakwaka’wakw nation of northern Vancouver Island.

The island was the site of one of Canada’s notorious residential schools and Natasha’s mother, aunts and uncles were all survivors of that abusive system that led to the splintering of the family.

Although her birth mother had passed away, Natasha “wanted to go and see the land that she walked on.” For Natasha, tracing her Indigenous roots and joining her family was part of a healing process, a way of finding home.

In this month’s Salvationist, you can read about Katherine Nichols, a forensic anthropologist who attended the Brandon Corps and is helping a First Nations community in Manitoba identify unmarked burial plots at a former resi-

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 4 January 2017 Salvationist

dential school. This is important work in reclaiming the sacred ground and honouring those who lost their lives during this terrible chapter in our history.

Also featured in this issue is the story of Yazidi refugees who received a warm welcome from an interfaith coalition in Winnipeg, including The Salvation Army. They emigrated when Islamic

For many in the Army, their congregation is like a second home.

haven’t felt before,” she says. For many in the Army, their congregation is like a second home.

We all long for “home”—a place of safety where we are known and loved for who we are. As Christians, we ultimately find that home in our Creator God. May we be sensitive to others who are searching for him and never give up our own pursuit. As St. Augustine prayed, “Our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”

GEOFF MOULTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

State forces committed genocide and other war crimes in an effort to exterminate the Yazidi religious minority in Syria. For those who have journeyed to Canada, settling in a new home will be a difficult adjustment.

I n ou r photo e s s ay on Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple, you’ll meet Mikaela Sagness, a woman who had turned her back on God until a friend invited her to church. “I felt a sense of community and family at Heritage Park that I

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, New International Version (NIV) © 2011.

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

Subscriptions

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

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

Advertising

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

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

Mission

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

FRONTLINES

S

Salvationists Attend Officership Information Weekend

eventy-nine delegates from across the Canada and Bermuda Territory gathered at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg for the Officership Information Weekend in October. With support from Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, and Lt-Colonels Jamie and Ann Braund, secretary for personnel and territorial secretary for spiritual life development, the weekend’s theme was “EXTRAordinary,” reminding delegates that God is seeking ordinary people to do extraordinary things for him.

On Saturday, delegates attended a cadet-led chapel service, which included a testimony from Cadet Jennifer Henson about her journey to officership and a message from Major Brenda Allen, director of spiritual formation at CFOT. Plenary sessions provided insight into the current training model at CFOT and The Salvation Information weekend helps delegates explore their calling Army’s expectations of officers.

In the afternoon, delegates divided into two tracks: an Hepditch, Maritime Division, and Derek Kerr, Ontario Great “accepting” track for individuals wanting to explore the posLakes Division, who shared how God continues to move in sibility of training in 2017-2018 and an “exploring” track, their lives as he reveals his plan for them to serve as officers. which provided a general overview of officership and how to Delegates were invited to reflect on and respond to God’s discern God’s call. call as it had been revealed to them over the weekend by signThe weekend concluded with a covenant service led by ing covenant cards and committing themselves to be obedient Commissioner McMillan. Testimonies were given by Laura to God’s will for their lives.

Northridge Community Church Celebrates New Location

Story: Teresa Latchford, Aurora Banner/Yorkregion.com

A

Mjrs Glenda and Brian Bishop, COs, welcome visitors to the corps on opening weekend

fter more than a decade of planning and preparation, The Salvation Army’s Northridge Community Church has now settled in its new location in Aurora, Ont. The corps held a two-day grand opening celebration that attracted more than 200 youth to enjoy live music and graffiti artists and more guests for the official ribbon cutting, coffee house and Sunday service that saw nearly 400 seats filled.

“We do what we do to serve the community and the former location had limitations and wasn’t functional for the needs of the community,” says Major Brian Bishop, corps officer. “This new location allows us to address visibility, accessibility and parking issues we had at the former location.”

The 22,000 square-foot building is double the size of the old corps. Along with offices, it has an in-house coffee

station, full kitchen, full-size gymnasium with basketball nets that doubles as worship space and a host of community programing spaces and rooms. There is a dedicated youth space where the walls are decorated in graffiti, there is plenty of seating, games tables, a drum set and more.

“There is much more potential to grow our programs in this new space,” says Major Bishop. “We were crowded in our former space.”

The emergency food bank is larger, a youth basketball program has been created, an immigration and settlement worker has been added to the mix, children and youth programing space is larger and multiple programs such as the grief, anger management and emotional rescue programs can operate on the same night. The building can now accommodate up to 730 people at once.

Salvationist January 2017 5

FRONTLINES

Y Col Lindsay Rowe challenges Salvationists to live holy lives

Salvationists “Refuel” in N.L. Division

U

nder the theme “Refuel,” 200 Salvationists from across the Newfoundland and Labrador Division gathered at Twin Ponds Camp for a holiness retreat this fall.

Colonel Lindsay Rowe, corps officer, Oshawa Temple, Ont., and Lt-Colonel Ann Braund, territorial secretary for spiritual life development, provided teaching for the weekend, while Captain Melissa Haas, corps officer, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., and her team led worship.

The weekend’s teaching had two primary focuses, the first of which was holiness. Colonel Rowe spoke on holiness of hand, head and heart, challenging delegates in their personal holiness journeys.

The second focus of the teaching was spiritual disciplines as delegates were encouraged to adopt the 12 disciplines outlined by the territorial spiritual life department. Officers and lay leaders taught 12 workshops on these disciplines on Saturday, and delegates had opportunity to attend four.

The retreat wrapped up with a covenant service on Sunday morning. “It was a beautiful scene as delegates knelt in prayer, renewing their covenant with God,” says Major Jennifer Reid, divisional secretary for spiritual life development, Newfoundland and Labrador Division. Many stood and waited in the aisles for the opportunity to kneel at the mercy seat.

Colonel Rowe’s preaching notes are available at salvationist. ca/spirituallife/refuel-holiness-weekend.

Program Teaches Sacrificial Living

outh in the British Columbia Division spent a year deepening their relationship with God through Living Sacrifice, a new discipleship program. With 25 youth aged 17 to 25 from across the division participating, the program included four weekend teaching retreats and a mission trip to Hawaii, along with local mentorship throughout the year.

“These youth are at the age when many young people leave the church, or don’t feel a connection anymore,” says Lieutenant Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, divisional youth secretary, British Columbia Division. “Living Sacrifice is an intentional discipleship program, aimed at these youth, to foster an understanding of who God is, why we do what we do, and help them engage in the mission of God.” For the mission trip, the group partnered with Revolution Hawaii, an urban Salvation Army ministry aimed at discipling and mobilizing young adults. Participants served at various Army ministries, including a local camp, Kroc Center and recovery centre.

“Living Sacrifice gave me a chance to understand what the Army is about, what real community looks like and how to step out of my comfort zone,” says participant Sarah-Kate Salmon.

“It has led me to be obedient to God and pursue officership.”

“It taught me how to use my gifts to serve and build up others, believers or not,” notes participant Kali Burrows. “It equipped me with confidence and strength to use my voice as a young person in the Christian community, knowing the Army is behind me and supports me 100 percent.”

Living Sacrifice participants attended their final retreat at Camp Sunrise in October

Salvation Army Opens Work in Madagascar

M

ad a g a s c a r b e c a m e t he 128th country in which The Salvation Army is currently serving, as work was officially inaugurated in the African island nation in October. Commissioner Joash Malabi, territorial commander, Zimbabwe Territory, which is overseeing the new work, conducted the opening ceremony in the town of Alakamisy.

6 January 2017 Salvationist

The official opening was supported by representatives from International Headquarters, local government officials, leaders of other Christian denominations, and Salvationists. The hall was filled to capacity, with nearly 500 people gathering.

During the meeting, Commissioner Florence Malabi, territorial president for women’s ministries, Zimbabwe Territory,

reiterated that The Salvation Army was not bringing Jesus to Madagascar but rather it was Jesus who had brought the Army to Madagascar. After the ceremony, Andriamananomy Rasahoby, the pioneer Salvationist who brought the Army from Russia to Madagascar, gave a touching testimony in which he thanked God that The Salvation Army was now ministering in his homeland.

FRONTLINES

Thrift Stores Partner with Peel Region

T

he Salvation Army’s National Recycling Operations (NRO) has launched a new partnership with the Region of Peel to open four donor welcome centres and a thrift store in the region’s community recycling centres (CRCs) in Brampton and Mississauga, Ont. The partnership was officially launched at the grand opening of the Brampton CRC thrift store in November.

“This partnership allows us to bring our experience, commitment, passion for recycling and support for our more vulnerable neighbours,” says Michele Walker, NRO national retail operations manager. “We’re delighted that we can better serve the Brampton and Mississauga communities through this new store and welcome centre.” Peel region now has four donor welcome centres.

“We’re proud to be partnering with The Salvation Army to divert more usable goods from landfill,” says Norm Lee, the region’s waste management director.

Across Canada, Salvation Army thrift stores diverted 68.8 million pounds of clothing and household items from landfills in 2015-2016—1.3 million pounds of which came from Peel stores.

B

Michele Walker; Amanda Braun, owner of Rechic Studio & Design; Vernon Miike, Salvation Army thrift store manager in Oakville, Ont.; and Councillor Gael Miles, City of Brampton, showcase their painted items from the store following a do-it-yourself demonstration by Rechic Studio & Design at the grand opening of the Army’s new store in Brampton

The opening was well attended by the community with a performance from the Unspok3n Band from a local secondary school, a Salvation Army band and speeches from various local government and Salvation Army officials.

Bermuda Division Cultivates Holiness

ermudian Salvationists took time to focus on spiritual health in October as 70 people gathered for a spiritual development weekend. Led by Majors David and Brenda Allen, principal and director of spiritual formation at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg, the weekend’s theme was “Cultivating a Heart of Holiness.”

Majors Allen provided teaching for the weekend, while a brigade of cadets from CFOT, including Cadets Daniel

From left, Mjr Brenda Allen; Cdt Geoff Butt; Mjr Rita Pittman, DDWM and divisional secretary for spiritual life development, Bermuda Div; Cdt Courtney Kelly; Mjr Frank Pittman; Cdt Daniel Kelly; Cdt Scott Allen; and Mjr David Allen

and Courtney Kelly, Geoff Butt and Scott Allen, supported them with group object lessons and by sharing their personal testimonies.

The weekend included three sessions on Friday and Saturday, as well as holiness meetings at each of Bermuda’s four corps on Sunday morning and a divisional rally at North Street Citadel in Hamilton in the afternoon, which drew 180 people.

“The service was so vibrant and filled with enthusiasm,” says Major Frank Pittman, divisional commander, Bermuda Division.

Speaking on the theme “Holiness— We Bear the Name of Christ,” Major

Brenda Allen challenged the congregation to commit to the mission of The Salvation Army with a powerful object lesson.

“Part of her appeal was, ‘We need you to put your heart into The Salvation Army,’ ” explains Major Pittman. People were given a red heart when they entered the service and a large blank shield was placed at the front of church. “She invited people to come and put their heart in the shield as an act of commitment.”

Seeing the overwhelming response from the congregation was moving for all in attendance. “It was an exciting conclusion to the weekend,” says Major Pittman.

The Bermuda divisional worship team, Boundless Praise, offers support during the divisional rally

Salvationist January 2017 7

Photos: Kristin Ostensen

Meet the Chief

Colonel Lee Graves takes the helm as Canada and Bermuda’s new chief secretary.

This month, Colonel Lee Graves begins his appointment as chief secretary of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Commissioned in Toronto in 1983, Colonel Graves brings a wealth of experience to his new role and sincere compassion for those the Army is called to serve. News editor Pamela Richardson spoke with Colonel Graves about how God has prepared him for this new role and his thoughts on the future of The Salvation Army.

What aspects of ministry are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about what happens on the front lines of ministry, be it in corps, community and family services, social services or the wider community. I am passionate about my quiet reflective time with God, and the pulpit remains very important to me. I love to preach the Word of God and have never lost my deep sense of responsibility in helping people become who God intends them to be in Christ. I am protective of the time 8 January 2017 Salvationist

I spend with my family—children and grandchildren—but especially with my wife, Deb. I consider this to be a ministry, too, and I believe that work-life balance is important for everybody.

Describe your leadership style.

It’s a shared visionary approach—collaborative, inclusive and consultative.

I’m a thoughtful listener who likes to consider the facts before I speak or react.

I seek to understand my own limitations and weaknesses, and to be open to other points of view. At the same time, I’m not satisfied with unnecessary delays and, when needed, I can make hard decisions.

Ultimately, I want to do what is best so that the whole Army can succeed.

What has prepared you for this role?

I’ve had a rewarding journey in my officership, serving 16 years as a corps officer and the remainder of my years of service in headquarters appointments as divisional youth secretary,

divisional secretary for program, area commander, divisional commander and, most recently, as territorial secretary for business administration. That last role challenged me and deepened my understanding of Army governance, territorial management, policy development and resource allocation. I’ve also tried to develop through education, undertaking master’s studies in community economic development, and I’ve been coached and mentored by fine leaders, both inside and outside of the Army.

What motivates you in your daily work?

I love being part of a multi-faceted movement that God has raised up as an influential part of the Christian church. I’m inspired to live out my Christian faith with conviction and allegiance to the Army’s doctrines, values and practices.

I’m called to do and give my best. I get energy when I see tangible outcomes that show we’re making a difference. A team environment is critical—not that

we always agree, but that we bring out the best in each other and together find solutions to complex matters.

Is there a passage of Scripture that speaks to you?

Two verses come to mind, the first being 1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The second is Colossians 2:14: “He cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross” (NLT).

Together these verses remind me that in a changing world, the Word of God is ever unchanging. The Salvation Army says to the world that Jesus, the Saviour, is our hope. Whether you’re an adherent, senior soldier, corps officer, executive director, junior soldier or chief secretary, the message is that people need the Lord. The cross and what it represents are central to our faith.

What are the Army’s strengths?

Dedicated, gifted, skilled and talented people. The Lord continues to move and work in the Army. People are coming to faith and expressing an interest in corps membership. We are developing strong local leaders, volunteers, employees and officers. Creativity and entrepreneurial thought are increasing our influence. We are learning that integrated mission is a way of life, not a program. We are blessed with resources, responsible stewardship and a strong accountability framework.

We have much to be grateful for!

What are the biggest challenges?

We must become whatever it is the Lord needs us to be in this present day. We must be proactive, bold and determined.

We cannot allow aversion to risk to paralyze our ability to move the mission forward. We need an officer pool that’s ready and available any time, anywhere, and employees that are skilled, qualified and aligned with our values. We must encourage our people to keep a balance between their personal needs and those of the Army so that they stay spiritually healthy.

What are your thoughts on the future of our territory?

Our territorial commander, Commissioner Susan McMillan, has been leading us in the development of our territory’s seven strategic priorities: spiritual health, leadership development, social justice,

“We cannot allow aversion to risk to paralyze our ability to move the mission forward.”

A growing Army! As we strengthen our membership, there will be a direct impact on mission outcome. Local leadership will increase, as will the number of officers. The corps ministries department has rolled out an inspiring campaign that calls us to model soldiership and intentionally draw in new recruits.

Colonels Lee and Deborah Graves take up their new appointments this month as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, respectively

integrated mission, children and youth, the gospel and transformation, and discipleship. With champions and measurable outcomes identified for each, the priorities create a roadmap that will lead us to be a stronger, God-glorifying Army that continues to transform our communities. I encourage everyone to get involved, to own the priorities, to live them out. Take them into every ministry unit, embrace them in your personal lives, examine them carefully and emphasize them in your local contexts. When we do that, we will move forward together.

The territory has just launched the Calling the Courageous soldiership campaign. What impact will this have?

General André Cox is emphasizing accountability and transparency.

How are we responding?

The Canada and Bermuda Territory has already engaged many of the principles of the General’s call, and yet there is still opportunity for growth. The Army is accredited by Imagine Canada, a national charitable organization that recognizes our high standards of governance, financial transparency and organizational behaviour. As a territory, we are also promoting Journey of Renewal, the Army’s international accountability movement, which focuses on the themes of people, passion, spirit, purpose, plan, progress, procedures and systems.

What one thing do you want Salvationists to know as you take on your new role?

I will give my surrendered all, my very best, as a good and faithful soldier. I want to be held accountable, not just by senior leadership of The Salvation Army, but by the junior soldier as well as the active and retired officer, the volunteer as well as the employee. I am excited about all that God has in store for our territory, as together we work for his honour and glory.

Salvationist January 2017 9

SNAPSHOTS OF MINISTRY

From the Ground Up Getting involved is second nature at Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARSON SAMSON, TEXT BY GISELLE RANDALL

I

n the west end of Winnipeg, Heritage Park Temple is a vibrant community of faith, where members of the corps are stepping up to meet needs in their neighbourhood and around the world. Here’s a look at the programs—and people—making a difference.

When a friend asked Mikaela Sagness to attend church with her, she agreed out of politeness. Although Sagness grew up in a Christian home, she fell away from her faith after the death of her grandfather. “I was angry and sad and wasn’t sure how to cope with that loss,” she says. “I turned my back on God.” But as she sat in the pew that Sunday, she prayed and asked God to show her that he was real.

“The sermon that day was by a cadet. He said that no matter how far we have strayed, God’s love never fails,” she recalls. “I knew that was God speaking to me.” She started attending regularly, then took soldiership classes and was enrolled as an adherent on May 29, 2016. “I feel a sense of community and family at Heritage Park Temple that I haven’t felt before,” she says. “I finally found a piece of myself that had been missing for a long time.”

Majors Sandra and Owen Budden, corps officers at Heritage Park Temple, talk to Dr. Jim Read after the service.

Kaitlin vanDeursen is a student at Booth University College. She played in the band at her home corps in Orillia, Ont., and when she moved to Winnipeg, “I attended the band practice at Heritage Park Temple before I even attended the church, and it instantly felt like home,” she says. “Coming from a small band, it was encouraging to be welcomed in and feel valued as a player in such a big band. Everyone is not only committed and talented, but their love of God shines through their playing.”

10 January 2017 Salvationist

Laura Hepditch clowns around at Kids Klub.

At a potluck after church, Levi Deacon fills a plate as Michelle Rasmussen and her daughter, Hadley, look on. Nettie Deacon started the potlucks, which happen every other month, as a way for families to connect with each other. “We tried a few different things: board games for the adults, a coffee and dessert event, and a potluck after the service on Sundays,” she says. “That’s what ended up working best. After we finish eating, the kids can run and play while the adults get to know each other better.”

Wally Clarke prepares a meal for Kids Klub.

Every Thursday, Heritage Park Temple runs an after-school program called Kids Klub, providing a hot meal, games and activities for 20-30 children from the surrounding community. A bus provides pick up and drop off at several nearby low-income housing complexes. Madison Johnston, family services co-ordinator, does home visits to stay in touch and see how the corps can help.

For the past two years, junior soldier Claire Samson has organized a tea party to raise funds for the Partners in Mission campaign, which she learned about in Sunday school and at home. “It’s about raising money for people who need it in different parts of the world,” she says. “It’s a good thing to do.” When asked where the feeling of wanting to help came from, she says, “In my heart.”

“There’s tea and biscuits and teapots. And you give a donation,” Claire says. “It was like a big ball!” Claire was eight when she held the first tea party, and hopes to make it an annual tradition.

Salvationist January 2017 11

SNAPSHOTS OF MINISTRY

Justin Russell, a student at Booth University College, plays percussion in Heritage Park Temple’s band. Russell has been involved with Salvation Army banding since childhood, and attended music camp at Scotian Glen Camp in the Maritime Division for 15 years. “Music has played a major role in my faith. Whenever I play or listen to Salvation Army music, I experience a closer connection with God,” he says. “For me, banding is more than just playing music on a Sunday or at a concert. It is a way to bring glory and worship to God, which is why I get up on the platform every Sunday.”

Lieutenant Bethany Dueck, assistant corps officer, chats with a young member of the corps. Heritage Park Temple offers programs year-round, including emergency food assistance, housing aid, a backpack program, and Adopt-a-Family and Toy Mountain at Christmas. But for Lieutenant Dueck, the highlight of the year is the summer Kids Kamp, which runs from Monday to Friday in July and August. “Almost every week we were at full capacity,” she says. “The days were full, with crafts, games and activities, field trips and special guests. The children and the staff had a blast together learning about God, dancing and singing at the top of their lungs, playing fun and messy games, and making new friends.”

Heritage Park Temple is responding to the refugee crisis in Syria by raising funds to sponsor a family. Throughout June, July and August, corps members were asked to pledge their financial support, and, once the family arrives, their time in helping them integrate into life in Canada. Karalyn Boermann, who is leading the outreach, was pregnant when the Syrian refugee crisis made headlines around the world. “I couldn’t even imagine myself in those mothers’ shoes. I just couldn’t,” she reflects. “I couldn’t make it through the day without a nap, let alone carry a small child while being cold, hungry and terrified of the uncertainty that lies ahead and the sadness of what we left behind. So I was driven to help with that in mind.”

After Emily MacFarlane had her son, Ryan, she found it hard to participate in a small group. So she invited some other new moms to join her for a casual get-together each week. “It has been a way for us to ask questions and talk about our little ones in a comfortable, trusting setting,” says MacFarlane. Lauren Binne agrees. “This program means a lot to me—knowing I’m not alone on the journey of parenthood,” she says. From left, Lauren Binne and Lucas, Michelle Rasmussen and Hadley, Emily MacFarlane and Ryan, and Crystal Ritson and Grace.

12 January 2017 Salvationist

The Children Who Never Came Home Forensic anthropologist Katherine Nichols uncovers the hidden history of the Indian Residential School in Brandon, Man.

G

rowing up in Brandon, Man., Katherine Nichols took the bus past the town’s former Indian Residential School every day on the way to school, having no idea what it was or what had transpired there.

The last remnants of the school were torn down in 2000, leaving behind an empty lot. The school’s painful legacy, however, is not so easily erased. And thanks to Nichols, now a forensic anthropologist, some of that legacy is coming to light.

Years later, as a university student,

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN Nichols returned to the site to conduct research on the children who had died and were buried there. Through various techniques she discovered that the whispers and rumours she had heard about abandoned cemeteries and unmarked graves were true: buried on the grounds of that residential school are dozens of Indigenous children, still waiting to rest in peace.

A Dark History Nichols first became interested in researching the Brandon residential school during her undergraduate stud-

ies, through a combination of courses on forensics and First Nations history.

“One of my professors asked the class to do a project on mass graves,” she says.

“People presented on places like Bosnia, but I thought, ‘We have unmarked graves at residential school cemeteries—maybe we should start looking in our own backyard.’ ” That project led to her master’s research at the University of Manitoba, which continues today in her PhD studies at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C. The Indian Residential School (IRS) Salvationist January 2017 13

Photo: United Church of Canada Archives

Indigenous children take part in a carpentry class at the Brandon residential school, circa 1910

A sewing class at the Brandon residential school, circa 1900

system has a long and dark history in Canada. While some small church-run boarding schools were in operation before Confederation, the system took hold in the 1880s when the federal government established three large residential schools in western Canada. At the program’s peak, 130 residential schools received support from the federal government. While the Brandon school closed in 1972, the last residential school did not close until 1996. In total, at least 150,000 Indigenous children attended these schools, where many suffered terrible abuse.

In 2008, the federal government established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to investigate and inform all Canadians about what happened at the Indian residential schools, and to help guide Indigenous people and Canadians toward reconciliation and renewed relationships.

The TRC’s six-volume final report, of which one volume was dedicated to missing children and unmarked burials, was released in June 2015.

That report puts the number of confirmed deaths at 3,200, but further investigations since the report’s release suggest the true number is at least 4,000.

“Reporting protocols weren’t standardized,” Nichols explains. “Normally, when a death occurs in Canada, it’s reported to the province and registered with vital statistics. But with the residential schools, that just didn’t happen.”

While deaths at the schools may have been reported by the churches through correspondence with the federal government, official forms were not in use until

the 1940s. Even still, good information can be hard to come by. “While those forms might exist, I can’t always find them,” Nichols notes.

Poor record-keeping and destroyed files make it difficult to determine exact numbers and identify victims.

For almost one-third (32 percent) of deaths confirmed by the TRC, the government and the schools did not record the name of the student who died; for 23 percent, there is no record of gender; and for nearly half, no cause of death was reported.

In most cases, the schools did not send the bodies of students who died there back to their home communities.

“That’s something we take for granted, like a basic human right, that we can have our dead returned home,” says Nichols. “But for so many northern communities in Manitoba, their children didn’t come home. They were buried at the school, and now we don’t even know which plot they were buried in.”

14 January 2017 Salvationist

Burial Grounds During its 77 years in operation, the Brandon residential school dealt with health problems that existed throughout the IRS system. Nichols’ research revealed the school was often overcrowded and underfunded. Malnutrition, unsanitary conditions, violence and abuse, overwork, accidents and airborne diseases such as measles and the flu all contributed to student deaths at the school. A 1935 United Church report, for example, showed that four out of five children entering the Brandon school had “some evidence of TB—either active

or quiescent.”

In its report, the TRC notes that most of the cemeteries it documented “were abandoned, disused and vulnerable to accidental disturbance”—an apt description of the situation in Brandon.

Through her research—which involved reviewing archives, conducting field work and interviewing survivors— Nichols was able to identify four burial sites on the grounds of the school. Only two of the sites are recognized as cemeteries.

In use from approximately 1895 to 1912, the Assiniboine River Burial Ground is the oldest cemetery at the school. Today, however, the site is part of a private campground and is recognized as a memorial garden with a plaque, rather than a cemetery.

“In the 1930s, the city did a site cleanup to prepare the area for a park, and they removed all the headstones,” Nichols explains. “And in the 1960s, they levelled the whole place and put picnic tables on top of the cemetery. I think they wanted to forget that the graves were there.”

Nichols was denied access to the site for field work, but through archival research, she was able to determine that 51 students are likely buried there.

The North Hill Burial Ground, the other recognized cemetery, has a cairn identifying 11 students and the dates of their deaths. But because of her archival research, Nichols expected the number to be higher.

With this site, Nichols was able to do field work using two non-invasive technologies: ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic ground conductiv-

Photo: United Church of Canada Archives

Photo: Suyoko Tsukamoto

Katherine Nichols conducts field work at the Brandon residential school site

ity (EM38). “Ground-penetrating radar is like a metal detector,” she explains. “It releases radio waves to detect disturbances in the soil, so when you push the equipment across a surface, you’ll see what looks like little mountains, which show that there’s something unique in that location, that’s different from the surrounding soil. Similarly, EM38 uses electromagnetic fields to pick up these anomalies.”

Within the chain-link fence marking the cemetery, Nichols found 17 depressions, 10 of which were marked with wooden crosses. Outside the fence, she found eight more depressions. Taken with archival records and data from the radar and EM38, Nichols estimates that 24 to 26 individuals are buried there.

Photo: Joanne Nichols

Stories of Survival The other two burial grounds were not found in the official record, but identified by some of the school’s survivors. For Nichols, it was important to interview

By doing this research, Nichols hopes to facilitate closure for parents whose children died at the residential school

survivors in person, rather than ask participants to fill out questionnaires. “This would only reinforce the long legacy of research done on Indigenous peoples rather than with and for Indigenous peoples,” she notes. “I wanted to do things differently.”

Nichols interviewed five survivors.

“I’m very honoured and grateful that they trusted me to share their stories,” she says. “I asked them general questions about their experience, and let them tell their story in the ways that they felt comfortable, but I was also interested in what they ate, where they slept, how hard they had to work, what areas they were allowed to go to on the school property, and which ones they weren’t. And then from there, I’d ask them, ‘Do you remember anyone getting sick? Do you remember what happened to them? Do you know if they went to the hospital, or a sanatorium? Do you remember students who died?’

“I heard stories of incredible strength, great love and resilience,” she notes.

“There were other times that I heard stories of sickness, loneliness, hunger, overwork, exhaustion, degradation, physical and sexual abuse—one story of sexual abuse broke my heart and left me with no words, except to say that I was sorry for what had happened.”

From these interviews, Nichols learned that three students had been buried behind the school; none of these graves were marked. The area was so overgrown that Nichols had to conduct a controlled burn of the area just to see the ground and survey it. She found 19 potential grave sites at that location.

A newspaper report quoting another student survivor pointed to a fourth burial site east of the school. Nichols found another three potential graves there. In

total, after over 500 hours of field work, she identified more than 70 graves.

Bridging the Gap After completing her research, Nichols gave a presentation to the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, who now own a portion of the residential school site and, most recently, spoke at their second annual meeting for survivors, which was held last August. The Sioux Valley Dakota Nation has been involved in the project from the outset.

“They had ideas about where they wanted me to look because they had heard stories in the community, so we were able to design the research together,” Nichols says.

Having been a member of The Salvation Army’s Brandon Corps and double-majored in religion and anthropology during her undergraduate studies, Nichols believes she is in a unique position to bridge the gap between the church and the Indigenous community.

“I feel like that’s my purpose right now—to be a person who goes between the First Nations community and the church, and helps restore those relationships that have been broken,” she says.

Throughout her research, Nichols worked closely with the United Church of Canada, who ran the Brandon residential school, and spent 12 weeks as a summer student in the church’s archives.

“The Sioux Valley expressed that they were really interested in photos of the children, so when I was in the archives, I located as many photos as I could,” she notes. Nichols then spoke to the United Church about the photos, which led to the church raising funds so that the photos could be scanned and printed for a travelling exhibit.

As a scientist, she strives to maintain neutrality and objectivity, but her research is more than just another project—for Nichols, it’s about social justice.

“At the core of it, this is about parents whose children never came home,” she says. “If we can imagine what that would be like—not to see our loved ones ever again and not know where they’re buried—it’s a grief that’s incomprehensible.

By doing this work, I tried to facilitate some sense of closure for them, or at least an acknowledgment that their children did go missing and we are trying to find them.”

Crosses mark some of the graves at the North Hill Burial Ground

Salvationist January 2017 15

CALLING THE COURAGEOUS

Putting Down Roots Ken and Mary Green weren’t cut out to be bystanders at Nipawin Corps in Saskatchewan. That meant becoming soldiers.

BY KEN RAMSTEAD

A

fter I left Bible school and before I came to The Salvation Army, I worked at Tim Hortons,” smiles Ken Green, who, with his wife, Mary, are soldiers at Nipawin Corps in Saskatchewan. “A woman once told me that I had a bigger mission field behind the counter there than at any church.

That may be true in customers served, but I’m making more of an impact at The Salvation Army helping, serving and disciplining others.”

Doers Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ken was a professional baker and bakery manager for a grocery chain. Transferred to Thompson, Man., in 1985, he met Mary, who worked for a local mission, and they were married in 1994.

In 2007, Ken was called to attend an independent Bible school and Mary started work at the Salvation Army thrift store in Nipawin.

Both churchgoers, they visited a Salvation Army corps each year as part of a Holy Week celebration. As part of the Bible School’s student ministry, they were introduced to the corps officers at the time, Captains Michael and Susan Ramsay, as well as some of the congregation. Ken started helping out with the Army’s youth program, with Mary’s assistance, and the couple liked what they saw.

“Later, our new corps officer, Major Mike Hoeft, asked me if I would like to manage the thrift store and become involved in ministry,” says Ken. Soon, he was assisting with the Sunday evening services at the corps. With Mary working at the thrift store, the two were happily putting down roots with the Army.

“We’d been attending another church but we enjoyed the fellowship at the Army,” says Ken. “Many of the people attending the services either volunteered at the thrift store or were regular customers, so we already knew them.

“But Mary and I are doers and we 16 January 2017 Salvationist

Ken and Mary Green have found that the thrift store has been a portal for people to discover what The Salvation Army is all about

believe that if you’re going to do something, you do it right.”

It seemed only natural that they become soldiers.

“When you become a soldier,” explains Ken, “you’re saying you agree with what’s happening with the church and you want to be a part of it. You’re making an outward gesture of an inward commitment, and that is very special.”

“Ken and I had always wanted to minister together and we’ve achieved our goal at the Army,” Mary adds. “I identify with them and now that I am a soldier, I feel even more connected, and not just somebody who is helping out. I am a part of the Army.”

Messy Church “Since coming to Nipawin, Ken and Mary have done a remarkable job and have been the movers and shakers in the transformation of the corps,” says Major Hoeft, area commander, Prairie Division.

Once they became soldiers, Ken and Mary threw themselves into that task.

Sunday church attendance had dwindled but attendance for the Alpha course

Ken was leading on Monday nights had grown.

Major Hoeft had the idea to have a service on Monday nights, and attendance skyrocketed. “We’re getting clients from the thrift store, a lot of non-Christians or un-churched people and nominal church people, too,” says Ken. “They find a welcoming atmosphere.

“We have a special holiday format,” he goes on to say, “where instead of having a regular dinner, we have a potluck followed by a Christian movie. Captain Rick Robins, our current corps officer, calls it ‘Messy Church,’ and that’s what it is. The format can change at any time, but it’s a relaxed atmosphere and people enjoy coming.”

They have also instituted a Bible study on Thursday nights, where the doctrines of The Salvation Army are examined and explained.

“Our goal is to have these people develop their own roots in the Army, as we did,” explains Ken. “And maybe one day, they will become soldiers, too.

God’s opened the door to us to minister here, and we want to give others the same opportunity.”

Photo: © Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com

Painting the Future

Why children and youth are a strategic priority.

P

BY MAJOR KEITH PIKE

arents share a universal hope that their children will experience a better life than they did. We long to give our children a strong moral foundation and the necessary skills to become thriving, independent adults.

But there’s no magic formula for raising a healthy, happy, well-adjusted child.

It’s more like painting a picture, each stroke adding to the combinations of colours and hues, without knowing what the final image will look like.

The church has an important role to play in adding colour to the lives of its young people. The programs we offer and the opportunities for leadership development we provide should add deeper and richer experiences to the lives of every member.

In a recent speech to a graduating class at Harvard University, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female president of Liberia, said, “The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them.” In many respects, the strategic priority of children and youth is such a dream, taking us beyond our

current reality and moving us toward an ambitious future. Our dream is that every young person who comes within our sphere of influence will be led to faith in Christ, and that every ministry unit across our territory will foster the spiritual development of young people.

To achieve this goal, the territorial youth department is working in four specific ways.

1. We are implementing strategies that effectively reach out and minister to youth. We are partnering with divisional youth secretaries to ensure that our outreach and evangelistic efforts are less event-oriented and more corpsfocused. We want special divisional and territorial programs, such as youth retreats and camping programs, to be more closely tied to corps ministries and programs so there is continuity and a natural flow between them.

2. We are developing Salvationistspecific resources that will provide our youth with a Christ-centred, others-focused faith. We have a rich history as a church that is uncomfortable inside building walls. As

Salvationists, our faith is best seen when we are serving the community, and we are developing resources to strengthen and support this ministry mindset. With Ready to Serve, our junior soldier program, and a new corps cadet discipleship program in development, our youth are learning that one’s faith is strengthened when it is lived in community, and living in community involves service.

3. We are creating resources to equip Salvationists to lead children and youth programming, as well as tools for parents so they can be engaged, as a family, in youth discipleship. We realize that parents and youth leaders play the most significant roles in the spiritual development of children.

4. We are strengthening our camping programs across the territory.

Camping provides a tremendous opportunity for us to minister to children. More spiritual decisions are made in our camping programs each year than in all corps across the territory combined. Along with the tremendous spiritual influence, camping provides children with a week of outdoor adventure and opportunities to socialize in ways that strengthen their personal well-being. Camps also serve as places of leadership development, as young people take on roles and responsibilities that help them become leaders in their communities.

As I write this, I am reminded that this dream will only become a reality because of the faithful service of those across the territory that take an interest in young people and provide leadership for them in their local context. I am grateful for every youth leader, Sunday school teacher and youth worker that invests their time and energy in ministering to the youth in their community. Together, we are painting the future in the life of every child we have the opportunity to influence.

Major Keith Pike is the territorial youth secretary and assistant secretary for candidates in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

You can read more about the seven strategic priorities at salvationist.ca/ strategic-priorities.

Salvationist January 2017 17

From left, Belle Jarniewski, Mjr Rob Kerr, Nafiya Naso, Mjr Ray Harris and Debbie Clarke wait for the arrival of a Yazidi family from a refugee camp in Turkey

Operation Ezra The Salvation Army partners with multifaith organization to welcome Yazidi family to Winnipeg.

18 January 2017 Salvationist

theistic understanding of God. It is estimated that just a few decades ago, the Yazidis numbered close to 23 million people; now there are barely 700,000.

Years ago, the Yazidis were forced by extremists to migrate west to Iraq; they settled mainly in the Mount Sinjar area.

It was here, in August 2014, that the Islamic State attacked them, and still holds more than 3,000 women and children captive while thousands of men and boys are missing. Weeks before the arrival of this family of eight, Canada’s government joined others in naming this atrocity a genocide.

Grassroots Initiative Through my involvement with the

Manitoba Multifaith Council, I have come to know people of Winnipeg’s Jewish community. Two years ago, colleagues in this community mounted Operation Ezra, a comprehensive, community-wide response to the Yazidi crisis. Jews recognize themselves in the plight of the Yazidis, especially because of the way the world, including Canada, failed to respond to mounting antiSemitism in the 1930s. What began as a grassroots Jewish initiative took on a multifaith character with help from different Christian organizations, such as the Mennonites and The Salvation Army. At the heart of the effort, as well, was a young Yazidi mother, Nafiya Naso, whose family sought refuge in Canada 16

Photo: Jordan Thompson

I

t was a warm July evening in Winnipeg. Without much fanfare, a crowd began to form at the arrivals area of Richardson International Airport. Kids held balloons and signs of welcome. Media joined the swelling numbers, as did some local politicians and a few Salvationists. The sense of anticipation mounted as it became apparent that the flight from Toronto had arrived. Every arrival has its stories—this was no exception. This flight carried a family of eight, a Yazidi family, that had just come from a refugee camp in Turkey.

The Yazidis’ roots lie in ancient Mesopotamia, or modern Iran. Their religious identity is shaped by a mono-

BY MAJOR RAY HARRIS

years ago. Nafiya now works with seniors in a Winnipeg personal care home, and also serves with me on the board of the Manitoba Multifaith Council, chaired

by Belle Jarniewski.

Through Operation Ezra, contact was made with a Yazidi family in a refugee camp two years ago. The process of bringing the family to Canada was hard work. They eventually made it to Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport in early July 2016, ready to fly to Canada. And then it happened. Without warning, suicide bombers attacked and shut down the airport just hours before the family was set to fly. Their flight was put on hold.

After a week’s delay, and much anxiety, they finally boarded a flight to Toronto. And then on Monday, July 11, this family of parents and six children emerged at the top of the arrivals area. A huge cheer went up. Canadian flags flew and people wept with joy. At the bottom of the stairs, a Yazidi father embraced his brother, whom he had not seen for 26 years. Members of the Jewish community wore smiles as bright as a prairie sky.

The media conducted various interviews.

Gradually the crowd dispersed, and the hard work of settling this family into Canada began.

Photo: Mjr Sandra Budden

Deep Gratitude Mom, dad and the six kids spent a few days with other Yazidis. In time,

they moved into a house that had been obtained through Operation Ezra and prepared by many, including the efforts of Salvationists. The Army’s National Recycling Operations in Winnipeg provided new beds and mattresses. Debbie Clarke, the divisional director of emergency and disaster services in the Prairie Division, arranged to take the family to a Salvation Army thrift store to obtain appropriate clothing, such as a Winnipeg Jets T-shirt for one of the boys! All of these efforts took place under the guidance and blessing of Major Shawn Critch, divisional commander, and Major Rob Kerr, divisional secretary for public relations and development.

Barely two months later school began. I dropped in to see the family one afternoon, along with Debbie Clarke and Major Sandra Budden, corps officer at Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple.

It gave us an opportunity to say hello more personally and ask how things were going. Nafiya translated for us. The family acknowledged that when they left the refugee camp they were both excited and worried about friends they had left behind: “The living conditions of the camp are very difficult, especially with winter just around the corner.”

And yet they were tremendously grateful to be in Canada. They understand the need to grasp the language of their new home. When I asked the

Debbie Clarke and Mjr Ray Harris join the family in their new home

youngest daughter, Roz, what new words she had learned in her Grade Two class, her eyes lit up and she proudly said, “Book.” I asked her older sister, Aida, which of her brothers teased her most since coming to Canada; she smiled and waved at all of them. Some things never change! But the brothers—Khalid, Abdullah, Ahmed and Saood—all speak highly of their teachers as being “friendly and supportive.” One of the boys has gone right into Grade 12, without having spoken English before. All of the boys enjoy sports, with Abdullah and Ahmed playing on their school’s soccer team.

Mom and Dad, Manifa and Khuder, also go to school, and are learning the language and ways of this city and nation.

They express deep gratitude to everyone who has made this venture possible: “We love the people of Canada—the generosity and love people show to strangers.”

Nafiya notes: “Watching the families settle in and become part of our Winnipeg community is an amazing feeling. I cannot put into words how proud I am of everything we have accomplished. It is a magical thing what ordinary humans can do when we come together.”

Before I left that day, I asked the family what they thought a Winnipeg winter might be like. They didn’t know what to say. I simply smiled.

Creating Hospitality This is the story of one refugee family’s journey to Canada. It can seem a little like a few loaves and fish before a hungry multitude. But it’s a story that needs to be told beyond Winnipeg.

In fact, a courageous Nafiya had an opportunity during the summer to tell her people’s story to a parliamentary committee in Ottawa. And during the summer, I was invited to join political and organizational leaders in lighting a candle during a service commemorating the victims of the Mount Sinjar massacre of 2014.

It’s also a story of Salvationists working with others to help build a caring world. At a time when there is so much talk about building walls, it has been The Salvation Army’s privilege to partner with others in creating hospitality. To welcome others as God has welcomed us. This, too, is an expression of hope.

Major Ray Harris is a retired Salvation Army officer. He attends Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg.

Salvationist January 2017 19

Dennise Yarema, Laura Pyke, Peipei Dai and Michelle Goyette make pizza at the Nourish Family Food Centre

Family Friendly

Pregnant and alone, Peipei Dai found support at the Bethany Hope Centre.

20 January 2017 Salvationist

she needed help. And thanks to the advice of a social worker at the hospital, she found it at The Salvation Army’s Bethany Hope Centre in Ottawa.

“I called the centre and told them about my situation, and they said, ‘Just come in.’ They could help me.”

Problem Solving When Dai first came to the centre in 2012, she joined the pregnancy circle, which helps expectant mothers prepare for birth.

“At the beginning, I was so shy,” she recalls. “I didn’t want to talk to people—I didn’t know how to talk to them. I felt weird, so I’d just sit there alone. But the staff at the Bethany Hope Centre would try to talk to me and understand my

situation, in order to help me. So after that, I decided to take more programs, to try to solve my problems.”

Bethany Hope is a resource centre for young parent families, offering a wide range of services and programs, as well as a faith community. While it has a strong focus on helping young and single mothers, the centre also serves the needs of young fathers and couples.

After her daughters were born, Dai took parenting programs at the centre to learn practical childcare skills. Once they reached the toddler stage, she joined two of the centre’s employment programs: first the parent enterprise program (PEP) and, last year, Hope Ventures. PEP teaches parents how to make and market a handcrafted item, and Hope Ventures

Photos: Kristin Ostensen

F

inding out that she would soon be a mother should have been one of the happiest moments of Peipei Dai’s life. But the news was anything but joyful for her boyfriend, who did not want to be a father.

“Once he found out I was pregnant with twins, he left me,” she says. “I was alone.”

Dai came to Canada from China in 2009 in order to study accounting.

When her boyfriend left, she had no idea where to turn. “I had no friends, no family here—I felt hopeless,” she says. “I didn’t want to tell anyone I was pregnant because I felt so embarrassed to be in that kind of situation.”

As her due date neared and Dai prepared to meet her daughters, she knew

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN

Support System Dai also plays an active role in the faith community at the Bethany Hope Centre, which is led by Major Erin Verhey, the centre’s chaplain. On Monday evenings, Dai attends Messy Church with her twins and her son.

“Going to Messy Church has given me more confidence,” she says, “and it’s helped me to be positive when I’m going through a difficult time, to stick to it, to fight.”

The faith community at Bethany has provided financial, as well as spiritual, support.

“When I went to the hospital to have a C-section with my son, I had no money to pay for daycare, and the community here raised the money for me,” she shares.

“Peipei has a whole support system now,” Major Verhey smiles.

Dai says that Major Verhey has been an ongoing source of encouragement for her through all of her struggles as a single mom. “Erin told me, ‘Just come here and talk to the people here. Think about God. He will help you,’ ” she says.

“I feel like there’s always someone to help me. God is always around me.”

Major Verhey has also accompanied Dai to immigration hearings in Montreal, to support her as she seeks permanent residence in Canada.

“The Bethany Hope Centre is a big part of my life now,” Dai says. “They are my family in Canada and, since my parents are not here, I feel like Erin can be my mom.”

Opportunities to Grow One of the newest initiatives at the Bethany Hope Centre is the Nourish

Photo: Courtesy of Peipei Dai

builds on that foundation with a 12-week entrepreneurship program. Participants receive one-on-one mentorship and learn the fundamentals of building a small business, including computer skills, marketing and customer service. Applicants submit a proposal for their business and, if accepted, are given a $1,500 start-up grant to get it off the ground.

“Because of Hope Ventures, I have a small home business, making jewelry and water-colour cards,” says Dai. The funds she received from Hope Ventures enabled her to buy jewelry-making tools and the supplies for the cards.

Dai now sells the jewelry and cards at bazaars and other places, as well as online. “Having my own business—I feel so good,” she smiles.

Thanks to help from the centre’s Hope Ventures program, Peipei Dai makes and sells jewelry

Mjr Erin Verhey and Peipei Dai in the playground at the Bethany Hope Centre. Dai says Mjr Verhey is like a “mom” to her

Family Food Centre, a multi-faceted program that aims to give young families access to healthy, affordable food.

Co-ordinated by Dennise Yarema, the program includes a community garden, meal programs, Foodshare (food bank) and a learning centre.

“I always wanted to take some kind of cooking course for my kids, because they are so picky,” says Dai, who started taking part in Nourish when it launched in September. “After taking this program, I feel like I can make something that they want.”

As Yarema explains, part of the success of Nourish comes from its focus on giving parents a voice in the process.

“We try to include our participants

in choosing what we make,” she says, “so I’ll create a program that includes fruits, vegetables, grains and different recipes. But once they get comfortable in the kitchen, I’ll say, ‘Let’s hear what you want to make, what your kids want to eat,’ and then find healthy options for that.”

Dai’s children are allergic to eggs, so she has to be particularly careful about what she makes. Finding food that appeals to her children, while accommodating their allergies, can be a challenge—one that Nourish is helping with.

“We made granola bars and my kids were crazy about them,” she says. “I’ve never seen them eat like that—I was so surprised.

“This class is really good,” she adds.

“Not only to learn the cooking skills, but also for the social time, because some people here I don’t know well, and during the cooking, I’m talking to people and making friends.”

“Peipei is always looking for opportunities to grow, whether it’s learning to cook or taking classes,” says Major Verhey. “She’s done so well.”

Looking ahead, Dai hopes to go back to school and train to become an administrative assistant, while keeping her business on the side, so she can get a day job that mirrors her children’s school schedule. And no matter what the future holds, she knows she will always have a place at the Bethany Hope Centre.

“I come here often,” she laughs. “They have everything for you here.”

“Peipei has come a long way over the past four years,” Major Verhey concludes.

“She’s a great mom.”

Salvationist January 2017 21

Short-Term Missions, Long-Term Impact Canadian teams support children’s homes and schools.

COMPILED BY MAJOR BRENDA MURRAY training in innovative Christian pedagogical practices.

Each member of the team was impacted as they interacted with the Indonesian teachers. It was great to share our common experiences as Christian teachers involved with The Salvation Army.

— David Michel, Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby, British Columbia Division

Salvationists from Canada receive thank-you gifts from Iligan City Corps in the Philippines after leading a week-long after-school program for more than 100 children

T

his year, six teams from the Canada and Bermuda Territory went on shortterm mission trips to provide resources to The Salvation Army in various parts of the world. Each mission was designed with a specific purpose, determined not by the Canadian team, but by the host community, based on their needs.

The following reports offer a glimpse of the ministry of three of these teams.

Renovated Children’s Home in Jamaica Over the years, a team from Toronto’s North York Temple has undertaken various projects in the Caribbean Territory, from renovating existing buildings to constructing new churches and a home for children.

In February, we assisted with repairs to the Windsor Lodge children’s home in Mandeville, Jamaica. For close to 20 years, the administrator of this home has supported the spiritual and physical growth of the children in her care. In spite of her ongoing fundraising efforts to maintain the three buildings that make up the home, constant repairs are required due to the environmental challenges of heat, humidity and termites.

In partnership with the territory, we replaced more than 600 square metres of tiles that had buckled; replaced 14 22 January 2017 Salvationist

wooden doors, frames and hardware that had been damaged by termites; painted 14 bedrooms and the common areas; and replaced electrical and plumbing fixtures damaged beyond repair with more energy- and water-efficient models to assist with utility costs.

In addition, we were able to spend a few social evenings with the children, participate in Sunday worship and mentor a few interested teens in basic repair skills after school.

— Bob and Shirley McArthur, North York Temple, Toronto, Ontario Central-East Division

Supporting Teachers in Indonesia In July, a team travelled to Indonesia to support teachers working in Salvation Army schools. The Army operates more than 100 schools across the country.

The team led a learning symposium in Palu, on the island of Sulawesi, one of the larger Indonesian islands. Many of the teachers who attended the symposium came from small, remote villages, and travelled by motorcycle taxi for several hours each way to participate.

The symposium included plenary sessions and workshops, allowing participants to apply their learning in a practical way. At the end of the conference, each teacher was presented with a certificate from Trinity Western University for completing 25 hours of

After-School Program in the Philippines After travelling for more than 30 hours, 10 Salvationists from across Canada— nine from Ontario and one from Newfoundland and Labrador—received a warm welcome from the Iligan City Corps in the Philippines. The team, along with the local young peoples’ leaders, ran a week-long after-school program for more than 100 children in February.

The program began with homework help, followed by a time of singing and lessons on some of the heroes of the Bible, under the leadership of Captain Terence Hale, divisional youth secretary in the Ontario Great Lakes Division, and his daily guests, Captain Canada and Beaver Boy! Our one weekend in Iligan City was spent at a beachside hotel, where the team provided resources for a Youth Together event. Many of the 75 youth, who came from across the northern part of Mindanao, made first-time commitments to Christ. At one point, everyone was kneeling in prayer.

The team was also blessed to be able to share the gospel with students and faculty at a local high school, lead worship at the local corps and participate in regular weeknight events at the corps, including Bible studies, a prayer meeting, men’s fellowship, home league and Sunday school.

— Ian Cooper, Simcoe Community Church, Ontario Great Lakes Division

To learn more about short-term missions, contact the world missions department at world_missions@can. salvationarmy.org.

HERSTORY

Dear Jackson A letter to my son about what it means to be a man.

I

’m writing this while you are at school. You left this morning wearing your bright yellow T-shirt, the one you say makes you faster than the speed of light. You are nine years old, but it seems like you are running toward being a teenager just as fast.

Every day, you are learning what it means to be a man. You never went through the “girls have cooties” phase. In kindergarten, you told us that the other boys wouldn’t play with girls, but you did. You thought they were funny and cool, and great at make-believe.

I’m writing this letter because there’s been a lot of talk in the news lately about the actions of the man who was just elected president of the United States.

He was caught on tape bragging about grabbing and kissing women without their consent. He boasted that he can do whatever he wants, because he is rich and famous. When confronted, he brushed off his comments as locker-room talk.

Jackson, listen to me. There are no excuses for this kind of talk. This is not how honourable men talk about women, even in locker-rooms. Words have power.

They shape what we believe and how we act. Perhaps the worst part of this whole scandal is the response of some Christian leaders, who acted like these words didn’t matter.

You were not raised this way. Hear me when I say, this is not how you are to talk—even as a joke, even in a lockerroom. Don’t believe those who tell you “boys will be boys.” Being a man does not mean that you can touch or talk about women as if they are not image-bearers of God. It is not OK. It is not locker-room talk. These words are misogynistic

(I know that’s a big word—I’ll explain it when you get home). They are abusive and dehumanizing. President Donald Trump has forgotten that the women he so casually talks about grabbing “without even asking” are human. I know this doesn’t make sense to you, and for that I am grateful.

You have a voice. You are only nine, but already you have taught me so much about what it means to seek justice. You have been asking questions since you started talking, and the answer “because that’s the way it is” has never been good enough. I admit I sometimes get frustrated, especially when all I want is for you to brush your teeth and go to bed, or watch a TV show without another interruption. But on most days, your questioning spirit pushes me to ask questions, too. Pushes me to consider another reality.

Your voice matters. Your voice can be an agent for change. Your words can build up rather than tear down. Your words can give life rather than death. In the beginning, God spoke and created the world. In the beginning, was the Word, who was and is God. Words have power. Words create worlds.

I know you. You already influence people. You will have opportunities. My deepest hope for you is that you will use your words, your power, your opportunities, to stand up for justice. That your words and your life would echo the words found in Micah 6:8, that you would act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God. But for now, I hope you’re having a good day at school. Please do your math homework in class, instead of bringing it home for Mommy to do with you. Please eat the healthy parts of your lunch, not just the treats.

And would you remember that God made you and you belong to him?

Would you remember that he made each of you r f riend s—t he boys and the girls, every race under the sun, even the kid that doesn’t laugh at your jokes? Would you remember and show them God’s love?

Lieutenant Kristen Jackson-Dockeray is the divisional youth secretary in the British Columbia Division.

Salvationist January 2017 23

Photo: © AnthonyRosenberg/iStock.com

BY LIEUTENANT KRISTEN JACKSON-DOCKERAY

#TRENDING

Let’s Talk Is the church doing enough to support people with mental illness?

BY CAPTAIN MARK BRAYE

24 January 2017 Salvationist

Photo: © BrianAJackson/iStock.com

W

ednesday, January 25 is Bell Let’s Talk Day—a campaign to raise awareness and fight the stigma surrounding mental illness. For every text message, wireless or long-distance call made by Bell customers, for every share on Facebook or Twitter, Bell will donate money to programs dedicated to mental health.

It’s an initiative that creates space for an important and necessary conversation. The numbers are alarming—one in five Canadians will experience mental illness at some time in their lives.

Close to 10 percent will experience major depression. In any given week, more than 500,000 people will miss work due to mental illness. Every year, nearly 4,000 Canadians die by suicide.

Even more heartbreaking than the statistics are the stories they represent.

These are our family members, friends and co-workers who are suffering. We all know someone who has been affected by mental illness; no one’s life has been untouched.

Our culture is doing a much better job at understanding mental health issues and responding with acceptance and compassion. I wish the same were true for the church. There are too many stories of Christians dismissing or belittling the struggles of their sisters and brothers in Christ, too much hostility to therapy and medication.

Perhaps you have heard—or perhaps you have said—the following statements: “Have more faith” or “Pray more.” These suggestions imply that those suffering from anxiety, depression or other forms of mental illness are just bad Christians.

I hope anyone this misinformed never has to learn how ignorant they are the hard way.

My life has a dark chapter on depression. I cried uncontrollably. Some days I struggled to fall asleep, other days I struggled to wake up. I was in physical pain. I was in mental and emotional turmoil. I felt sad, mad, afraid, ashamed and embarrassed. I felt nothing. I couldn’t

eat and then I would overeat. I couldn’t focus and settle to read. I was not myself; it took the absolute good out of me.

I spent several days in the hospital and was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. I was prescribed medication and received intense counselling.

Today, I’m much better, more myself.

I’ve experienced a lot of healing over the past few years. What helped me get here?

Medication, professional counselling, family and friends, God. Think of these four elements as the legs of a table. If your mental and emotional well-being is resting on a table, it’s better to have four strong legs holding it up, rather than one, two or three.

There are countless articles, books and resources, both Christian and nonChristian, to help those suffering from mental illness, and those who love them.

Being informed is a good place to start.

Another way to help is to simply listen.

In Scripture, many passages, from both the Old and New Testaments, offer insight or encouragement about mental health. One that means a lot to me and helps me empathize with others struggling with mental illness is from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

That’s what I needed, and continue to need, to hear. That’s what thousands of children, women and men suffering from depression or other mental health issues need, too.

Captain Mark Braye is the corps officer at Sarnia Community Church, Ont.

CROSS CULTURE

Divine Nature

What inspired you to put this exhibit together?

Five years ago, I took a landscape painting class, and I also began work on my family history. I started looking for my Irish roots, and I found them on the west coast of Ireland where I took a lot of photographs of a wonderful place called the Burren. I was trying to paint from those photographs and inject into those landscapes the mystical feelings I had felt there—a sense of divine presence in that landscape—and I couldn’t figure out how to do that.

At the same time I was beginning to take courses at Regis College [the Jesuit college affiliated with the University of Toronto through the Toronto School of Theology]. I hadn’t thought much about my own spiritual practice for decades, and this experience in Ireland made me aware that it was time.

And so I became interested in mysticism as an area for investigation, because we’re all wired for mystical experiences. They bring us together; it’s the religious impulse that’s built into us.

I went to the Metropolitan Museum in New York on business, and I saw the 19th-century landscape gallery. I was very taken with the paintings of Gauguin, van Gogh and Monet, which I realized had incorporated the mystical DNA that I wanted to incorporate into my own painting. And at that point, I thought it might be worth investigating this as a curator—putting together an exhibition of mystical landscapes.

Many of the artists in the exhibit have Christian backgrounds. How does that come through in their paintings?

Gauguin, for example, went to a Catholic school and so he would have learned the exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola: You look at your life in the context of the life of Christ, and spend periods meditating on the passion and death of Christ. In this exhibition, three of his paintings are arranged together: The Yellow Christ, The Vision After the Sermon and Christ in the Garden of Olives. In the first one and the third one, he depicted himself as Christ, and in The Vision After the Sermon, as the priest. That’s a very Catholic, mystical approach—seeing your own life in the context of the life of Christ, and conflating the two.

Paul Gauguin, Christ in the Garden of Olives (1889) Image: The Museum of Modern Art, New York © The Museum of Modern Art/Licensed by SCALA/Art Resource, NY

Can art speak to us spiritually? Mystical Landscapes: Masterpieces from Monet, van Gogh and more, a new exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in Toronto, explores this question through works by 37 extraordinary 19th- and 20th-century artists. Katharine Lochnan, senior curator of international exhibitions at the AGO, speaks with Kristin Ostensen, associate editor, and shares insights into the Christian backgrounds of the exhibit’s painters, how nature can reflect the divine and why art can help us ask the “big” questions.

Image: Norton Museum of Art

Paintings by van Gogh, Gauguin and others encourage spiritual reflection.

Vincent van Gogh, The Olive Trees (1889)

He sent a little sketch of himself as Christ in the Garden of Olives to van Gogh, in a letter, and van Gogh was horrified.

Van Gogh was Calvinist, and his father had been a minister in the Dutch Reformed church. Van Gogh had wanted to follow his father into the ministry, but had been refused ordination because he was so extreme in his asceticism. And so he turned to painting as his ministry; although van Gogh was reluctant to do so initially, he then embraced it. And he saw his paintings as his homilies.

He wrote back to Gauguin and said, “Why do you have to put a biblical figure into your paintings? Why can’t you just paint from nature? When I want to paint Gethsemane, I go and find an olive orchard.” And indeed, we have one of van Gogh’s most beautiful olive orchards in the same room as Gauguin’s paintings. To the Calvinist, nature is the second book of God. It is the prime proof of the creation itself. And so by depicting nature, van Gogh considered that he was depicting something divine. You paint nature, and the divine presence is there; it’s inherent. Van Gogh wrote to his brother, Theo, “When I feel an acute need for religion, I look up and I paint the stars at night.” And so, we have his Starry Night Over the Rhone at Arles in this exhibition as well.

Salvationist January 2017 25

Most of the paintings in the exhibit don’t have explicit religious imagery. How do they evoke a sense of the divine?

As we started looking for pictures for this exhibit, there seemed to be an inverse relationship between the inclusion of religious imagery and the mystical impact. So there is very little overt religious symbolism in these works, but there are plenty of subtexts, and the subtler they are, the more effective they are, because they trigger our imagination. Which, in a sense, is what van Gogh was saying to Gauguin.

Most of these artists come from Protestant backgrounds, and at the time of the Reformation, there was a movement known as iconoclasm—religious imagery in churches was seen as potentially idolatrous and it was banned. So a lot of these artists didn’t use overt religious imagery, but they used symbols, and we know from their own life stories, and from the context, that these symbols convey religious, spiritual or mystical experiences, thoughts and ideas.

As western societies grow increasingly secular, what do you hope to achieve by drawing attention to the spiritual and the mystical side of art? How can it speak to people today?

For this exhibition, we’ve been inviting people to walk with the artists, the way they would walk with a spiritual director, and allow themselves to contemplate and enter into that artist’s world, or soulscape—which is what these landscapes really are—and meditate with them, allow themselves to free associate, to think about their own life journeys, the place of spirituality in their lives.

It seems to me that there’s a huge hunger, a huge craving, in our secular world, not only to open up this discussion around meaning, but to be even told that it’s OK to talk about the

Image: Collection of Musée d’Orsay, image courtesy the Musee d’Orsay, Paris, France/Bridgeman Images

CROSS CULTURE

Vincent van Gogh, The Starry Night over the Rhone at Arles (1888)

spiritual, because we’ve all but made it politically incorrect.

And it is the most important thing that we all have to think about. None of us have the answers, but as human beings, we intuit, and always have, that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. That there is some kind of creator— something that has brought us all into existence—and there is some reason why we’re all here. And this being the case, how should we live? What questions should we ask? What values should we espouse? These are the biggest questions that any of us face, and our society needs to open up a conversation at that level so that we’re actually talking about what matters the most.

The Mystical Landscapes exhibit is on now until January 29.

NEW FROM SALVATION ARMY AUTHORS Journey of Renewal

Journey of Renewal is a call to action from General André Cox to all Salvationists—officers and lay people—to join the Army’s Accountability Movement. “In a world of shifting values, we must be people of spiritual vitality and integrity, faithful and dynamic in mission,” the General writes. More than just finances, accountability covers stewardship in all areas of our lives. Journey of Renewal walks readers through the process of building accountability through a framework developed for the Accountability Movement. This framework encompasses six dimensions—people, passion and spirit, purpose, plan, progress, and procedures and systems—each of which is explored in the book. Journey of Renewal also includes a chapter on faith-based facilitation, a practical tool for Salvationists to integrate accountability into their work, mission and ministry.

26 January 2017 Salvationist

In the Master’s Hands Each life sacramental

BY COMMISSIONER ROBERT STREET What does it mean to be a Salvationist?

In the Master’s Hands and the accompanying DVD explore what The Salvation Army sees as essential and not essential in its Christian faith and practice. It reflects on the place and use of specific ceremonies, observances or sacraments in the church as a whole, explaining where the Army stands and why. Divided into three sections—In His Hands, In His Name and In His Likeness— the book shows how the Army places the highest value on the individual’s relationship with Jesus and invites readers to be transformed through submission to him.

This book is part of the One Army series of teaching material. For more information and for the full series, visit www.salvationarmy.org/onearmy.

PEOPLE & PLACES

Accepted for Training as an Auxiliary-Captain

TERRACE, B.C.—Terrace Corps celebrates as six junior soldiers and three senior soldiers are enrolled. Front, from left, Jesse Milton, junior soldier; Emily Auckland, senior soldier; Alexandria Azak, Autumn Morrison, junior soldiers; Rhoda Puglas, senior soldier; Arianna Robinson and Laura Robinson, junior soldiers. Back, from left, Cpt Jim VanderHeyden, CO; Reynold Milton, Cyrus Morrison, senior soldiers; Tom Harris, holding the flag; Michael Auckland, junior soldier; and Cpt Deb VanderHeyden, CO.

KITCHENER, ONT.—These are exciting days at Kitchener CC as seven junior soldiers, two senior soldiers and two adherents are enrolled. Proudly displaying their enrolment certificates are Ethan Gray, Emma Gray, Ryan King, Kristine King, Devon Burden, Nathaniel Burden and Colin Fedy, junior soldiers; Danielle Browne and Benjamin Cameron, senior soldiers; Katie Evans and Megan Anderson, adherents. With them are Mjrs Steven and Corinne Cameron, COs; RS Anne Dockeray; CS Phil Hewitson, holding the flag; and Robert Cameron, junior soldier teacher.

WINNIPEG—Grace Elizabeth Doreen Ritson is dedicated back to the Lord by her parents, Crystal and Eric Ritson, at Heritage Park Temple. With them are Grace’s great-grandparents, Lt-Cols Donald and Myrna Ritson, who performed the ceremony, and her godparents.

Kevin Hoddinott St. John’s Citadel, Newfoundland and Labrador Division I felt the call of God to ministry at the age of 16. I followed that call to Bible college and spent 20 years pastoring. Despite leaving ministry for several years, the longing and hunger to preach the gospel, equip saints and teach has never left me. I am so grateful to The Salvation Army for giving me a place to serve through my prior employment and now as an auxiliary-captain.

SARNIA, ONT.—Rita Price receives a certificate of appreciation from Cpts Nancy and Mark Braye, COs, as she retires following eight years of service as the corps sergeant-major at Sarnia CC.

TORONTO—Three senior soldiers are enrolled at Toronto Korean CC during a recent visit of Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander. From left, Mjr Jeong-gil Kang, CO; Astrid Ziyan Zhang; Cecelia Ham; Andrew Ham; Commissioner McMillan; and Mjr Ki-sook Nam, CO. Salvationist January 2017 27

PEOPLE & PLACES

COURTENAY, B.C.—On a pastor appreciation Sunday, Comox Valley CC expresses its thanks to Cpts Kevin and Michelle Elsasser, COs, for their hard work and dedication as the shepherds of their congregational flock. The Elsassers received personalized notes on sheep-shaped paper and shared cupcakes decorated as sheep during a time of fellowship. From left, Cpts Elsassers, Joshua Hobden, Deborah Hobden, Colleen Holden, Janna Elsasser and Caleb Elsasser.

CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, N.L.—Paul Taylor and Anne Hamel are the newest senior soldiers at Conception Bay South Corps. Supporting them are, from left, Mjrs Lorne and Barbara Pritchett, COs; RS Nic Dobson; CSM Mjr Lloyd George; ACSM Claudette Hillier; and Ambrose Payne, colour sergeant.

OSHAWA, ONT.—Linda Leigh is commissioned as the recruiting sergeant at Oshawa Temple. From left, Cols Lynette and Lindsay Rowe, COs; Linda Leigh; Charlie Ball, holding the flag; and Kevin Thompson, former recruiting sergeant.

TORONTO—New Canadian and Salvation Army flags are dedicated at Meighen Retirement Residence during a special praise and worship event led by Lt-Col Sandra Rice, DC, Ont. CE Div. Sharing in the dedication ceremony are, from left, Mjr Caroline Braddock, chaplain, Meighen Health Centre; Kris Coventry, executive director, Meighen Health Centre; Lt-Col Rice; Gail Bungay, administrative director of care, Meighen Health Centre; and Mjr Patricia Tuppenney, chaplain, Meighen Health Centre.

Walking in Holiness

GAZETTE TERRITORIAL Executive appointments: Lt-Col David Bowles, assistant chief secretary—special events; Lt-Col Marsha-Jean Bowles, territorial secretary for program; Lt-Col Joan Canning, assistant chief secretary; Lt-Col Fred Waters, territorial secretary for business administration Appointments: Mjr David Carey, divisional strategic planning consultant (pro-tem), Que. Div; Aux-Cpt Kevin Hoddinott, Pathway CC, Paradise, N.L. Div; Cpt Gloria Redner, guests service co-ordinator, JPCC; Cpt Val Redner, assistant executive director, JPCC Promoted to glory: Mjr Emily Fuller, from Toronto, Nov 9

CALENDAR Commissioner Susan McMillan: Jan 9-13 divisional retreat, B.C. Div; Jan 18-21 Haiti earthquake seventh anniversary, Haiti; Jan 26-27 NAB, Toronto; Jan 30–Feb 3 divisional retreat, N.L. Div Colonels Lee and Deborah Graves: Jan 14 retired officers’ New Year’s event, Edmonton; Jan 15 Alta. & N.T. Div; Jan 16 retired officers’ New Year’s event, Calgary; Jan 17-19 divisional retreat, Alta. & N.T. Div; Jan 27 NAB, Toronto; Jan 29 CFOT; Jan 30–Feb 2 divisional retreat, Que. Div

28 January 2017 Salvationist

Enter promo code “HOLINESS” when ordering online to get a free copy of “In the Hands of Another”

by Edward Read

TROUBLESOME TEXTS

TRIBUTES HAMPDEN, N.L.—Audrey Ethel Pynn was born in 1927 to Herbert and Priscilla Rideout, the third of five children. From the beginning of Audrey’s life, The Salvation Army was the centre of all activities until she went to summer school in St. John’s, N.L., to become a teacher. Audrey made her home in Summerford, N.L., for many years where she served as the young people’s sergeant-major. Audrey married Ross in 1974 and lived in Toronto for 12 years, attending Greenwood Corps (now The Salvation Army Community Church West Hill) and Cedarbrae, where Audrey served as corps secretary. Moving back to Newfoundland, they made their home in Hampden where she had previously ministered as an envoy in charge of the corps. Audrey served as the corps sergeant-major in Hampden for 11 years. A lifelong Salvationist, Audrey’s influence was widespread as she preached the Word with conviction and clarity.

TORONTO—Cherie Mae Walter was born in Winnipeg in 1929 to Edgar and Frances Halsey. Following the sudden death of her mother in 1937, Cherie and her brother, Bruce, were cared for by their grandparents and other family members until their father married Fairie Muttart in 1939. A sister, Fairie, arrived in 1940, and the three siblings grew up in western Canada as the children of officer parents. Cherie entered training college in 1949 and graduated as a nurse in 1954. Married to Vince in 1956, they lived in Ontario, Quebec, Pennsylvania and Madras, India. Cherie was a faithful soldier at Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel, where she began attending with her family in 1965. Cherie influenced many young people through her service as a youth ministry leader and was loved for her positive attitude, Christlike spirit and sense of humour. Predeceased by her son, John (Kim), Cherie is remembered by Vince, her husband of more than 60 years; son, Bruce (Elizabeth); daughter, Cheryl (Stephen); grandchildren Sarah (Mike), Hannah (Alex), Emma, Victoria, Michael (Meaghan), Andrew (Stephanie), Timothy (Danielle), Stephanie, Erin, Stuart (Rebecca) and Nathan (Melanie); great-grandchildren Amelia, Sullivan and Huxley.

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS Do you know the difference between the CCM and the CSM? Who’s your CO? And what exactly is a DDWM? See below for a list of some common acronyms and abbreviations that appear in the pages of Salvationist.

BM/SL—bandmaster/songster leader CC—community church CCM/CCMS—community care ministries/community care ministries secretary CO—corps officer CS—chief secretary CSM/YPSM—corps sergeant-major/young people’s sergeant-major IHQ/THQ/DHQ—International Headquarters/territorial headquarters/ divisional headquarters JSS—junior soldier sergeant RS—recruiting sergeant TC/DC/AC—territorial commander/divisional commander/area commander TPWM/TSWM/DDWM/DSWM—territorial president of women’s ministries/ territorial secretary for women’s ministries/divisional director of women’s ministries/divisional secretary for women’s ministries Tty/Cmd/Rgn/Div—Territory/Command/Region/Division TYS/DYS—territorial youth secretary/divisional youth secretary

Salvationist

Subscribe today at salvationist.ca/subscribe

Baptism of the Spirit

BY GENERAL BRAMWELL H. TILLSLEY (RTD) “Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’ ”—John 3:5

T

his verse has caused difficulty for some because it has been misconceived to teach the necessity of water baptism. To keep it in context, we find a learned man, Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, seeking to know more of the will and way of God. In John 3:3, Jesus replied: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Linking this with John 3:6—“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit”—has led some to feel that “born of water” refers to physical birth and “of the Spirit” to spiritual birth. This view would appear to fit the general tenor of the whole passage which centres on the phrase, “born again.”

Other students, including the eminent Adam Clarke, feel it is wrong to make too sharp a distinction between water and the Spirit. Said Clarke: “In this place it is not necessary that by water and the Spirit we should understand two different things: it is probably only an elliptical form of speech for the Holy Spirit under the similitude of water, as in Matthew 3:3. The ‘Holy Ghost and fire’ do not mean two things but one.” This link of water with the Spirit was later used by Jesus as recorded in John 7:38-39: “ ‘Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this [Jesus] meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.”

Perhaps the most natural explanation is to link this phrase with the ministry of John the Baptist, with which Nicodemus would be familiar. Mark 1:4 records: “And so John the Baptist appeard in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Baptism was a rite by which a Gentile became a member of the Jewish faith. To suggest that the Jew also was in need of the spirit or repentance was to the Jewish mind going just too far, but this is what Jesus suggested to Nicodemus.

“Born of water” would speak of the need of repentance. When man places himself in this position, then he can know the regeneration of the Spirit which is necessary to entrance into the kingdom of God. The New Testament consistently looks past water baptism to the baptism of the Spirit. John himself said that he baptized with water but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (see John 1:26-33). Perhaps some words from the pen of Dr. Harry Ironside will help us get the whole picture in focus: “I know there are some who tell us that to be born of water means to be born of baptism. But no one ever received the new life by water baptism.

You can do anything you like with the flesh, but it does not turn it into spirit. If you baptize it, it is baptized flesh. If you make it religious, it is religious flesh. Flesh remains flesh to the very end.” Yes, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6).

Excerpt from It Is Written by General Bramwell H. Tillsley, available at store.salvationarmy.ca, 416-422-6100, orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org. For the e-book, visit amazon.ca.

Salvationist January 2017 29

SALVATION STORIES

Light in the Dark As a student court support worker, I saw Jesus at work in the judicial system.

BY CHELSEA MOORE

L

ast summer, as a student court support worker with The Salvation Army’s correctional and justice services, I shadowed the chaplain for Old City Hall and Metro North Court in Toronto. We started every day with prayer, then visited cells and offered a ministry of presence in court rooms.

The most challenging aspect of this experience for me was not being able to fix everything. I met a lot of different people, with a lot of different struggles.

There were many times when I felt completely useless, sometimes even dumb, honestly—because here were these beautiful people, who have these big hurts, and I had nothing to make it better. All I had to offer the people in the cells was a sweater or a phone call. I couldn’t make their pain go away, and I couldn’t protect them from the world, no matter how much I wanted to.

What I learned, though, is that it’s not my job to take their pain away—God does the healing. Although what I had to offer seemed insignificant—a sweater, a phone call, listening to someone’s story— those things matter, and God uses them.

But the most important thing I could offer was prayer—taking all the hurt, struggles, worries and anxieties to God. There were many amazing moments, but the one that sticks with me happened after I had only been working for a few weeks. Reverend Rebecca, the chaplain I was shadowing, had a lunch appointment, so I was in the office on my own when one of the Crown attorneys knocked on the door. She explained that she was looking for resources for a mother and son. As she left to get the family, I panicked—I felt completely out of my element. Reverend Rebecca was stuck in traffic and I was on my own.

So I did what she had taught me—I stopped and prayed. The family came in and sat down. At first, I scrambled to find them phone numbers and e-mails, but 30 January 2017 Salvationist

“Although what I had to offer seemed insignificant—a sweater, a phone call, listening to someone’s story—those things matter, and God uses them,” says Chelsea Moore, who attends North Toronto CC

The most challenging aspect of this experience for me was not being able to fix everything.

I quickly realized that wasn’t what they needed. It was a precious opportunity to listen as they bravely and honestly shared their story with me.

As the boy was talking, I began to sense similarities between his story and mine. We were about the same age, and had been through similar painful experiences. We sat together for over an hour. I shared a little bit of my past

and some of the things that helped me get through those times of hurt. I also shared Scripture with them.

The family went on their way just as Reverend Rebecca arrived, and I was left in awe at our great God. He had used my past—a past I had thought was just pain and darkness—and brought light.

My story helped me share Jesus with someone.

I’m so grateful for everything I learned through this internship. It has shown me that I want to be a social worker in a prison—a job I didn’t even know existed before this summer.

But the most valuable part of the experience was seeing Jesus at work.

He was so present and real. I learned that even in the darkest places—in a court setting with such broken people, me included—there was also so much love, because Jesus was there. God taught me, with the help of everyone at correctional and justice services, that he can and does bring light anywhere.

The Salvation Army's Only University College Booth University College offers seven degree programs: Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Social Work, and five Bachelor of Arts degrees (in Behavioural Sciences, English & Film Studies, General Studies, Psychology, and Religion).

If you value an education dedicated to faith, learning and service - explore Booth University College.

BoothUC.ca/Salvationists

EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD

MOBILIZE – NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

2017 DIVISIONAL CONGRESS & COMMISSIONING GLACIER ARENA • MOUNT PEARL

JUNE

30 2 TO

JULY

WITH

General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox International Leaders of The Salvation Army

SUPPORTED BY

Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries

Commissioner Susan McMillan Territorial Commander, Canada and Bermuda

Featuring the Canadian Staff Band

Visit Salvationist.ca/MobilizeNL for congress details, schedule and information on discounted hotel rates For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6119 or circulation@can.salvationarmy.org. Allow 4-6 weeks for changes. PM 40064794