Salvationist - December 2017

Canadian Team Assists After Hurricane Irma

Sing Noel: Reflections on Five Favourite Carols

Making Christmas Merry for Children

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

December 2017

Salvationist.ca

The Greatest Gift

CONTENTS

Salvationist December 2017 • Volume 12, Number 12 12 Let’s Get Digital: iPads for Seniors

Prince George Dance Program Has the Right Moves

State of Emergency: B.C. Wildfire Response

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

October 2017

Salvationist.ca

Ke e p Connected

Blade Runner 2049

HUMANITY’S END? P.12

Hope From the Rubble

HAITI P.5

Ke e p Connected

Help for the Holidays

ARMY GIVES BACK 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

OCTOBER 2017

Salvationist October 2017

Faith & Friends October 2017

The Sky’s the Limit

BORN WITHOUT LEGS, JEN BRICKER IS PROOF THAT EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH FAITH AND DETERMINATION.

Pathway of Hope

P.16

Breaking the cycle of poverty by helping families become self-sufficient

This Month:

This Month:

• The Salvation Army is providing assistance in Haiti.

• Remembering the first Thanksgiving in North America.

• New program at Powell River Corps teaches seniors to be tech-savvy.

• And more ...

Departments

30 Salvation Stories From Hurt to Healing

by Kali Burrows

Columns 4 Editorial Room at the Inn

by Geoff Moulton

9 Onward What’s Your Dream?

by Commissioner Susan McMillan

23 Grace Notes Courage in Crisis

by Lieutenant Erin Metcalf

30

Checking Our Moral Compass

Just for Kids October 2017

Answering the General’s call for renewal and accountability.

Our Beautiful Home

Hi kids!

Have you ever thought about where milk comes from?

The milk we buy at the store comes from a cow. And that cow was once the young calf of another cow, whose cow parents go all the way back to the very first cows. That carton of milk in your fridge has a long history!

October 16 is World Food Day. This month on Salvationist.ca, find out how The Salvation Army is continuing to help communities in Liberia recover from the Ebola epidemic by supporting farmers.

Everything in creation has a beginning. The Bible tells us, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). God, the Creator, is the only being in existence who has no beginning and no end. That’s what it means when we say that God is eternal. And that eternal God, the King of all creation, loves you, me and everyone in this world very much.

Genesis 1 and 2

W ISSUE

41

hen God created the world, it didn’t have any shape, and it was dark. Then God spoke. He said, “Let there be light.” And daylight appeared. God gave the land its form. He made the sun, the moon and the stars.

When everything on the earth was ready, God made the animals. He made some to live on the land, others to swim in the water and more to fly in the air.

Then God made a human being and breathed life into him. God named the human Adam, and gave him a beautiful garden to live in.

God gave Adam a job to do. He told Adam to take care of his garden home and all of the animals that lived in it. Adam gave the animals names, just as God had named him.

Thank you, God, for creating this beautiful world and loving all of us.

Your friend, Kristin

Congratulations to Clara Higdon, Nicholas Crann, Ryan Pretty, Dylan Pretty, Heidi Pretty and Sarah Pretty, the newest junior soldiers at Trinity Bay South Corps in Dildo, N.L. Supporting them are Glen Reid, corps sergeant-major; Majors Garry and Sandra Ward, corps officers; and Cora Smith, young people’s sergeant-major.

Awesome!

But Adam was a little lonely, so God made another human, a woman named Eve. Adam and Eve lived in the garden. They took care of it and spent time talking with God. Adapted from Boring Bible, Ballistic Beginnings by Andy Robb. Used with permission.

This Month: • Celebrate Thanksgiving with new traditions.

• Learn about the creation of the world.

• Find out why Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden.

• Be a light for Jesus on Halloween.

• Plus stories, puzzles, colouring, jokes and more!

Keep Connected

8 World Watch

26 People & Places

Giving Back, Giving Thanks Thunder Bay firefighters partner with The Salvation Army to help those in need.

The Sky’s the Limit

7 Inbox

The Call of the Bells

by Ken Ramstead

• And more ...

Born without legs, Jen Bricker is proof that everything is possible with faith and determination.

Battling the Blaze Salvation Army provides emergency support as wildfires threaten British Columbia.

5 Frontlines

16 Calling the Courageous

• Salvation Army thrift store helps Fort McMurray evacuee.

Pathway of Hope New initiative helps three families achieve their goals and transform their lives.

Features 10 The Greatest Gift Christmas is about God breaking into our world to bring truth for today.

by General André Cox

12 Sing Noel Five inspiring Christmas carols.

by Major Ken Smith, Craig Lewis, David Rowsell, Major Cathie Harris and Captain Nicholas Samuel

15 Powerful Praise What music ministry in Malawi taught me about thankfulness.

by Marcus Venables

17 Lives on the Line After three preteen suicides in Wapekeka First Nation, Ont., The Salvation Army supports a community in crisis.

by Kristin Ostensen

18 Eye of the Storm Canada and Bermuda Territory sends 10-member team to Florida following hurricane Irma.

by Linda Leigh

Want to highlight Army ministry at your worship meetings? Take advantage of our “Keep Connected” promotional materials.

They include PowerPoint slides for on-screen announcements and bulletin inserts that summarize all the great articles in Salvationist, Faith & Friends, Foi & Vie (French version of Faith & Friends) and Just for Kids.

Download the materials at salvationist.ca/editorial/ promotional-material or write to ada_leung@can. salvationarmy.org.

Photo: © Pearl/Lightstock.com

Read and share it!

New Christmas Movie

THE STAR P.6

Kettle Reflections

A JINGLE IN TIME P.5

Knocks at the Door

ARMY HELPS P.8

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

faithandfriends.ca

CHRISTMAS 2017

20 Christmas Joy The Salvation Army brings smiles to children’s faces during the holidays.

by Pamela Richardson, Sharon O’Quinn, Janet Thomas, Jayden Castelli, Captain Kyla McKenzie and Captain Hannu Lindholm

24 Out of the Ashes In the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion of 1917, The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services was born.

by R. Gordon Moyles

Deck The Halls

AT CHRISTMAS, THE SALVATION ARMY BRINGS A SMILE TO FAMILIES IN NEED. P.12

Salvationist December 2017 3

EDITORIAL

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Room at the Inn

ne of the advantages of being married to someone of a different country is that you are introduced to a wealth of fascinating traditions. My wife is Mexican and during a recent December trip to Mexico we celebrated a posada.

This festival is a ritual re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in the days leading up to the birth of Jesus. In a candlelit procession, actors dressed as Joseph and Mary go from door to door, searching for “room at the inn.” They are accompanied by other neighbours, including musicians, children carrying poinsettias, “shepherds,” “angels,” and sometimes even a real donkey!

When the crowd arrives at a home, the resident sings a Christmas carol, Mary and Joseph are “recognized” and all are invited to enter to pray around a Nativity. Everyone is then treated to hot chocolate or atole, a corn-based hot drink, and the kids break a piñata. The following evening, the resident joins the procession to a new home, and after nine days the congregation arrives at a church for worship.

I love the idea of travelling through the neighbourhood, knocking on doors and singing Christmas carols. In The Salvation Army, we call it serenading.

The sound of the brass band and carol-

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 and Literary Secretary Giselle Randall Features Editor (416-467-3185) Pamela Richardson News Editor, Copy Editor and Production Co-ordinator (416-422-6112) Kristin Ostensen Associate Editor and Staff Writer 4 December 2017 Salvationist

lers is the essence of Christmas. In this issue of Salvationist, you’ll read spiritual reflections on your favourite Christmas carols from musicians and theologians alike (page 12). You’ll also enjoy stories from around the territory of how children and families were helped during the holidays (page 20). And don’t forget to

may be lonely neighbours who long for a place to make new friends and experience a little holiday cheer. The wonder of the Incarnation is that there is room for all in God’s kingdom.

GEOFF MOULTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Just as with Mary and Joseph, there are people who are left out in the cold. read General André Cox’s Christmas message: in a world of fake news and alternative facts, there is one reliable Truth (page 10).

This Christmas season, take time for those who can find “no room at the inn.” Just as with Mary and Joseph, there are people who are left out in the cold. They may literally be people without shelter who appreciate the warmth of a volunteer serving Christmas dinner at a Salvation Army hostel. Or they

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.

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Mission

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

FRONTLINES

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Army Opens Centre of Hope in Whitehorse

he Salvation Army in Yukon officially opened a new shelter in Whitehorse in October, with speeches from Army officials and other dignitaries, along with a tour of the Centre of Hope.

The grand opening event began with a prayer from First Nations elder Ann Smith, as the building is on the traditional lands of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. Larry Bagnell, member of Parliament, Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, and Pauline Frost, Yukon minister of health and social services, all spoke to

the importance of the new shelter to the community, the partnerships that made it happen, and the excitement of all that can be accomplished in the new centre.

Colonel Lee Graves, chief secretary, also spoke to the crowd of around 100 guests, and Peter Johnston, grand chief, Council of Yukon First Nations, presented him with a carving called The Healing Spirit for the building, which will be hung in a place of prominence.

The Centre of Hope offers 25 shelter beds, an increase from 14 beds in the previous shelter, as well as 20 transitional housing rooms, resource

The new Centre of Hope in Whitehorse

Ian McKenzie welcomes guests to the grand opening of the shelter

areas, recreation rooms, meeting space, computers to help with job searches, and more.

“The new Centre of Hope offers much more in the way of resources and opportunities than the previous shelter ever could,” says Ian McKenzie, executive director. “It allows us to better serve those who come to us and help them reach their goals.”

The soup kitchen in the previous facility averaged 206 meals a day, or 75,355 a year. With a large commercial kitchen, the new Centre of Hope will be able to significantly increase the amount of food it can prepare, store and serve.

Grand Reopening for Powell River Thrift Store

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fter 20 years without a Salvation Army thrift store in the community, the Powell River Corps, B.C., has reopened its store.

On the day of the grand opening, almost 40 people lined up outside, waiting to shop, and approximately 1,500 customers came through the doors throughout the day, purchasing 4,000 items. The store served hamburgers and hotdogs at the opening event, with donations going to support victims of the B.C. wildfires, and offered a special bike sale.

Among those in attendance were Councillor Carole Ann Leishman, representing the City of Powell River, and Lt-Colonels Brian and Anne Venables, divisional leaders for British Columbia, who offered words of prayer and dedication.

“There was a lot of buzz throughout the community,” says Captain BJ Loder, corps officer. “It was a great day all around.”

Located in the retail hub of Powell River, the 8,500-squarefoot store has welcomed a steady stream of customers since it opened. The store features a special Others section where customers can learn about and purchase items from The Salvation Army’s fair trade initiative. Another popular feature is the store’s coffee area, where people can sit and enjoy a cup of fair trade coffee for $1.

“Many of our staff, volunteers and customers have shared stories of how they have been blessed by our new store,” says Captain Loder. “God is doing a great work at The Salvation Army in Powell River.”

Customers learn about the Army’s Others initiative on opening day of the Powell River thrift store

Salvationist December 2017 5

FRONTLINES

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Cultivating Evangelism in Newfoundland and Labrador

ne-hundred-and-eighty Salvationists from every region of the Newfoundland and Labrador Division came together at Twin Ponds Camp near Gander, N.L., in September for Cultivate 2017: ReAwaken. The focus of this leadership development weekend was to train Salvationists for evangelism.

The weekend commenced with a paraphrase of William Booth’s wellknown hymn (SASB 326): “Look down and see this waiting host, And send the promised Holy Ghost; We need another Pentecost! Send the fire today!” This prayer was answered as delegates heard messages from various guest speakers, including David Macfarlane, director of national initiatives for Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, Derrick Mueller, vice-president of programs for Gideons International in Canada, together with his wife, Stacy, and leaders from territorial headquarters.

“Throughout the weekend, the mercy seat was filled with delegates praying to be reawakened with a passion to reach the lost,” says Captain Brent

Mjr Stephen Court, evangelism consultant; David Macfarlane; Mjr Doug Binner, corps ministries secretary; Stacy and Derrick Mueller; and Valerie Barter, co-chair of the Cultivate planning committee, discuss evangelism at Cultivate 2017

Haas, corps officer, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., and co-chair of the Cultivate planning committee. “Cultivate will long be remembered as a time of powerful teaching, engaging worship and practical breakout sessions where delegates came away better equipped and more empowered for the ministry of evangelism.”

As the weekend concluded, delegates were given a call to action from Matthew 4:19: “ ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ ” Lt-Colonel Eddie Vincent, divisional commander, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, sent delegates out from Cultivate 2017 with the mission to “go fishing.”

A Century of Social Services in Thunder Bay

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ore than 100 friends of The Salvation Army gathered to celebrate the Army’s 100th anniversary as a provider of social services in Thunder Bay, Ont., with a British tea. Along with traditional foods, guests enjoyed the company of Sally Ann, the Army’s mascot, and members of the Jane Austen Society and the Voyageur Brigade in period costume.

Dignitaries who participated in the festivities and brought greetings included Patty Hajdu, federal minister of employment, workforce development and labour; Councillor Andrew Foulds, City of Thunder Bay; and representatives for Don Rusnak, member of Parliament, Bill Mauro, Ontario minister of municipal affairs, and Michael Gravelle, Ontario minister of northern development and mines.

The event commemorated the opening of a men’s social services centre in Fort William, Ont., in 1917. Since then, the services provided to the community have included programs for men following the First and Second World Wars, services for unwed mothers and single parents, emergency shelter, correctional services, mental health programs, feeding ministries and community and family services.

“Over the past 100 years, the locations and services have 6 December 2017 Salvationist

changed, but the mission never has: to share the love of Jesus Christ, to meet human needs and to be a transforming influence in our community,” says Major Lori Mitchell, executive director, Thunder Bay Community and Residential Services.

Sally Ann and members of the Jane Austen Society and the Voyageur Brigade celebrate Thunder Bay’s 100th anniversary of social services ministry

INBOX

Thrift Stores Support Life Skills Programs

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new initiative of The Salvation Army’s National Recycling Operations (NRO) is empowering communities by supporting life skills programs.

Launched in August at more than 100 NRO thrift stores across Canada, the Stronger Roots initiative collected more than $38,000 in its first year. These funds will go toward Salvation Army programs that support the development of skills such as employability, personal and emotional development, languages, parenting, health and nutrition.

“Stronger Roots impacts people from all walks of life through skills that are critical in day-to-day living,” says Michele Walker, NRO national retail operations manager. “Our patrons are always behind us 100 percent and we are grateful for their generosity. Stronger Roots provides one more platform for us to make a difference.”

What’s happening at your corps?

We want to hear from you! Send us your story ideas and your ministry unit could be featured in Salvationist. Email salvationist@ can.salvationarmy.org or call 416-422-6112.

Jeff Robertson, Caroline Franks, and Cpts Graciela and Jeff Arkell represent The Salvation Army with The Whole World Mobilizing flag on Parliament Hill

For most of Canada’s 150 years, The Salvation Army has seen needs and met them, making it a better place.

BY R. GORDON MOYLES

n Monday, July 1, 1867, when Queen Victoria proclaimed the Dominion of Canada, uniting Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into a single nation, William Booth, future General of The Salvation Army, most likely paid little attention to the momentous occasion. As the church bells rang in the four capital cities, as brass bands played, bonfires were lit and fireworks lit the sky to celebrate the event, Booth was more concerned with getting his East London Christian Mission established, finding ways to alleviate the poverty and spiritual torpor of London, England’s “submerged 10th.”

The new Canada was not, as far as we know, of much interest to the 50-year-old

revivalist and social activist.

But it soon was—as early as July 1882, in fact.

Canada, the 15-year-old nation, was growing into maturity. Already she had added three new provinces (Manitoba in 1870, British Columbia in 1871 and Prince Edward Island in 1873), was building a railroad across the vast prairies and was becoming, both politically and financially, self-sufficient and prosperous.

The Salvation Army (so re-named in 1878) though just 17, was, astonishingly, already one of the most popular evangelical movements in the world.

William Booth’s blend of old-fashioned Wesleyanism and military deportment was attracting thousands into its ranks,

even across the ocean. And soon after India, Australia and the United States had been “invaded,” Canada became acquainted with Booth’s drum-beating, hallelujah-shouting Army of salvation. It was an acquaintance that would mature into a lasting friendship.

What made the relationship between The Salvation Army and Canada so agreeable was not solely to the infusion of revivalism but that the Army proved to be an active partner in the nation-building process. As stated often by Booth, it was not enough simply to sit in the barracks, sing happy songs, play soulsaving music and experience revivalism; Salvationists were expected to go into the community, as both evangelists and social workers. At the local community

Photo: Neil Leduke

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he Salvation Army in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., has found a new way to help families stretch their dollar further.

Beginning in September, the Army’s community and family services now offers free laundry facilities for families in need.

“In speaking with our clientele, we found that laundry was a need that wasn’t being met,” says Melody Slagel, administrative assistant, community and family services. “Doing laundry in public laundromats is a significant cost for those who don’t have their own machines. Some families spend as much as $100 per month. Having a place to do laundry at no cost is a big benefit.”

With grants from The Salvation Army, as well as a grant through Home Depot Canada, the Army was able to renovate a spot in its community and family services building, purchase eight high-capacity laundry machines—four washers, four dryers—and begin the program.

The Army offers two washers and two dryers to four families per day. Sixty-four families will have use of the laundry facilities each month.

Setting the Record Straight Building In a recent letter to Salvationist, a Nation Ron Knight commented on Together my article (“Building a Nation Together,” July 2017), and suggested that his research indicated that The Salvation Army’s prison gate work commenced in 1892. While his relative, Wally O Bunton, does indeed deserve to be honoured for his work, the September-October 1890 edition of the Canadian War Cry and the Toronto newspapers are full of reports of the opening of the first Prison Gate Home in October 1890, as well as the first trip to the Toronto jail of the Army’s “Red Maria” (also called The Deliverer), under the supervision of Captain Charles Dawson.

Gordon Moyles 14 July 2017 Salvationist

A True Inspiration Frame of Mind I wasn’t aware of Major Ralph Hewlett’s diagnosis of vascular M dementia until I read this article (“Frame of Mind,” August 2017).

Thank you, Ralph and Anne, for opening up and sharing your journey. I can personally relate to so much of your story. Major Ralph, you are a true inspiration who continues to show your love for Christ and others regardless of what your brain is capable of remembering. You will always be what your heart knows and that’s what makes you so special.

My dad was the same and you were his friend for so many years. I truly appreciate the time that went into writing this article and allowing us all to share in this part of your life.

Special blessings to you and your precious family.

Val (Milley) Brooks A retired Salvation Army officer deals with vascular dementia.

BY DOUG FIELD

y brain is freezing up!

My brain isn’t wired right.” A cry of frustration from a man who has always been able to express himself and his thoughts with clarity. Many people sometimes have trouble recalling names, dates and places as they age, but this was much worse, with whole blocks of knowledge seemingly erased from memory.

This was the first sign that something in Ralph’s brain wasn’t working as it should, and it was the beginning of a five-year quest to find out what was happening. Now, after many tests, an initial diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, a brain scan and a consultation with one of the leading specialists in the field, Major Ralph Hewlett, retired, has been diagnosed with vascular dementia, a disease that affects more than half a million Canadians.

Ralph is my brother-in-law and I have known him for almost 60 years. A thoughtful and reflective man, a caring and conscientious Salvation Army officer, and a loving husband to Anne, he is now facing the most difficult challenge of his life. He has a disease for which there is no cure and which will, day by day, take away those abilities, personality traits and faculties that have made him who he is. But now that he knows what is wrong and has some idea of how the dementia will progress, he is accepting of the condition and has not succumbed to bitterness and recrimination because, he says, “That’s a dead-end street.”

Something Was Wrong Anne says that both Ralph and those around him had an inkling that something was wrong because he couldn’t remember Scripture quotations he knew well, and he couldn’t find things in the Bible from memory. As time went by, other symptoms became apparent (see the sidebar on the following page for a summary of symptoms).

When Ralph and Anne were given the 18 August 2017

The Power of Music I agree with General John Larsson (Rtd) about the wonderful ability music has to evangelize (“Wanted: More Music,” August 2017). The Salvation Army has a solid history and a proven record. One has only to see the street marches throughout history with bands worshipping and lost souls finding their way to them. I must say I lean toward the traditional brass; however, I realize there is a need to be progressive and open.

Brenda Fuss

Mjr Ralph Hewlett, a retired Salvation Army officer, has been diagnosed with vascular dementia, but has not succumbed to bitterness or recrimination because, he says, “That’s a dead-end street”

diagnosis, the specialist described it in lay terms as follows: “The normal brain is like cheese curd. The Alzheimer’s brain has large holes like Swiss cheese, and the vascular dementia brain is like havarti, with lots of pinprick holes caused by multiple mini-strokes, which usually go unnoticed.”

Ralph says that early in the process of diagnosing the disease, he asked, “Why is God allowing this to happen to me?”

(This is typical of Ralph. Others would simply have screamed “God, why me?”)

Sometime later, another sufferer said in answer to the question, “So you can help others who are going through this.”

Ralph has seized on this notion and, as his ability to do those things that have been so much a part of his life—public prayer, the conducting of services and his chaplaincy of the local unit of the Korea Veterans Association—is leaving him, he is finding a new way to minister to others experiencing the same decline of mental capacity.

Memory Loss Ralph has never been a voluble man.

I have never heard him raise his voice or speak hurriedly to make a point.

Thoughtful and deliberate best describe his thought and speech patterns from a youth at the then-Windsor Citadel Corps to a mature officer who has served across the Canada and Bermuda Territory. But now, his speech comes in short and slow phrases, his sentences followed by long pauses. The listener quickly learns to be patient, because Ralph will complete the thought, which will make perfect sense—eventually. That said, his sly sense of humour (often at his own expense) is still alive and well, and funnier because it is always totally unexpected. For his family, this has become the new “normal” and they have adapted with love and patience as their husband and father operates mentally and verbally on an entirely different plane. For someone engaging with him only occasionally, the urge to interject in the silences has to be resisted to allow him to complete his thought.

Vascular dementia shares causes and symptoms with other forms of Alzheimer’s disease—specifically changes in brain areas that play a key role in storing and retrieving information, causing memory loss. Hence the confusion and fear that surrounds patients, family and friends prior to a diagnosis.

It also means that it can go undiagnosed for long periods, when earlier diagnosis could slow its progression.

This is an area where there is lots of room for progress.

Ralph is following the advice of physicians and therapists to maintain physical activity and engage in organized and informal social interaction and other programmed activities to maintain mental activity. He has consciously chosen not to sit and fade to black, and in this he has the support of his family and a circle of caring friends.

Salvationist

Wanted: More Music Open community choirs or bands can be an effective means of evangelism.

BY GENERAL JOHN LARSSON (RTD)

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he Salvation Army needs more music. That simple truth was brought home to me some years ago through the inspired insight of a young Salvationist.

I was with a group of teenagers and we were discussing the Army’s future.

I ventured the suggestion that perhaps when church historians studied the first hundred and more years of the Army’s history, they would conclude that music had been given a disproportionate prominence in its activities. Should there be less emphasis on music in the Army?

That was the question.

“Less music?” asked this young man, as if he could not believe his ears. “Why on earth would we want to cut back on the greatest way of communicating that we have? Music is the thing that everyone has in common!

“What do people do when they wake up in the morning?” he continued. “They reach out and switch on music. They listen to music over breakfast. They travel to work with music. Many listen to music all day as they work. And then in the evening, they return home to the sound of music, and as often as not spend the rest of the day with music—when watching TV or listening to recorded music, or when going out with friends.

“God has given the Army an enormous advantage by entrusting it with the gift of music. It has been given a universal language—a ready-made road into everyone’s heart and mind. You’re not suggesting,” he added, “that we should give up all of that, are you?”

The words tumbled out with passion and eloquence—and with irresistible logic. It was one of those moments of insight when the obvious suddenly becomes startlingly clear. If music is one of God’s gifts to the Army, we don’t want less of it—we want more!

What we need is music that speaks to every heart. Music that speaks to the traditionalist and the non-traditionalist.

Music that inspires the believer and 24 August 2017

Photo: Shairon Paterson

Army Launches Laundry Program in Sault Ste. Marie

captures the non-believer. Music that appeals to the young and music that entrances the elderly. High-brow music, popular music, classical music, contemporary music. Music for voice and music for brass. Music for keyboard and for guitar. No heart must be left out of reach!

But there is something else we need in addition to all of that, and it is this: We need to use music-making—and not only music-listening—for mission and outreach. As an Army we show admirable ingenuity in devising ways of reaching out to people and attracting them into our halls—one has only to look at the vast range of programs on offer in corps.

But we have shown a strange reluctance to use one of the things we know most about, namely music-making, as a way of reaching out and attracting people.

Our philosophy and structures have worked against us here. In traditional Army thinking, you have to be a signed-up, uniform-wearing soldier to participate in junior and senior musical sections. And there is no doubt that this has given the Army a remarkable body of musicians who have upheld, and still do, the most admirable standards of musicmaking and discipline. I admire them

greatly, and pray that they may go from strength to strength. But my hope is that, in parallel with these sections where they function, we may increasingly use open groups—open to those who have not yet come to faith—and let music-making become a means of evangelism.

These open groups take many forms.

In some corps, the established sections include non-uniformed and nonSalvationist members. Other corps offer music lessons to young people, or they form open youth or gospel or community choirs or bands. The fastest-growing section in the corps where I soldier in London, England—and the corps’ most effective means of outreach—is a recently launched community choir.

“One way of disarming The Salvation Army,” wrote Bernard Watson in his 1965 history of the Army, “would be to remove its music!” One way of re-arming the Army, says I, is to add music-making to our evangelistic armoury.

Reprinted from others magazine (Australia), April 2017.

General John Larsson (Rtd) is a former international leader of The Salvation Army.

Salvationist

All letters must include your name and address, and a phone number or email address where you can be contacted.

Letters may be edited for space and clarity, and may be published in any medium.

Salvationist December 2017 7

WORLD WATCH

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Army Responds to Two Earthquakes in Mexico

ual disasters prompted a major response from The Salvation Army as two earthquakes struck Mexico in September. The first—an 8.1-magnitude earthquake—hit the south end of the country, causing extensive damage in Oaxaca state, while a second 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit further north near Mexico City.

While the Army has no permanent presence in Oaxaca, it sent two canteens to the region and worked in close partnership with 32 other churches. For two weeks following the earthquake, 21,000 meals were served by The Salvation Army from seven food distribution locations and the canteens.

In Mexico City, The Salvation Army’s Irma Arellano Children’s Home wa s la rgely undamaged by the earthquake and became a hub for the Army’s response. Officers, staff and volunteers were all

involved, with some of the resident children actively participating in preparing food.

Relief operations in the city centre were also undertaken by four Salvation Army corps, which served coffee, water, sandwiches and other refreshments to rescue workers and affected people.

Outside the city centre, The Salvation Army started relief operations in Pueblo, providing 300 meals a day, and in four locations in Morelos state, where 1,500 meals were served on a daily basis.

Las Vegas Army Provides Support After Mass Shooting

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he Salvation Army provided emotional and spiritual care to people affected by a mass shooting in Las Vegas in October. This shooting was the deadliest in modern U.S. history, claiming the lives of at least 58 people and injuring more than 500.

Salvation Army representatives provided prayer and counsel at hospitals where victims were being treated. As many people wished to give blood after the shooting, the Army also dispatched a mobile canteen to a United Blood Services location to provide food and water to those waiting in long lines to donate.

An elderly earthquake victim is comforted by a Salvation Army officer

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Salvation Army officers provide support at a blood donation centre in Las Vegas

Salvation Army Officially Registered in Mainland China

he Salvation Army’s work in mainland China has been given a boost as the regional offices in the capital cities of Kunming (Yunnan Province) and Chengdu (Sichuan Province) have received official recognition and registration. The Army has been given legal approval to conduct activities that include: disaster relief, disaster recovery, community development, social services and educational programs, and—at the invitation of Provincial Christian Councils—permission to partner with local congregations in religious activities.

The Salvation Army’s ministry

8 December 2017 Salvationist

opened in mainland China in 1916 and quickly expanded until 1949, when it withdrew from the mainland. In 1985, at the invitation of the Yunnan provincial government, the Army provided disaster relief and recovery in mainland China. This opened the door to further collaborations and partnerships.

In 2015, the Central Government of China reviewed its registration expectations and procedures, which resulted in the establishment of a new law in January 2017. Significant meetings in 2016 with the government and Christian councils during the visit of General André Cox and Commissioner

Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries, explored ways in which the Army could comply with these new regulations while expanding its partnerships and scope of work in China.

These discussions have now borne fruit.

“God has richly blessed our efforts and desire to serve the mainland and its peoples,” says Lt-Colonel Ian Swan, a Canadian serving as officer commanding, Hong Kong and Macau Command. “We now have further opportunities and responsibilities to build on these foundations so the next 30 years will produce results for future generations.”

What’s Your Dream?

Christmas is the way to a better world.

BY COMMISSIONER SUSAN McMILLAN

Commissioner Susan McMillan decorates a Christmas tree with a child from an Army daycare program

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arbie’s Dream House. I could only dream of having one—until the Christmas morning it miraculously appeared under the tree in our living room. It was spectacular! My father and I spent all afternoon putting it together. Made entirely of cardboard, each piece had to be punched out and folded, with tabs inserted into their matching slots. There was a bed, wardrobe, sofa, coffee table and lamp, bookshelf complete with tiny books, chair and ottoman—even a hi-fi. By the time it was ready, it was bedtime, so I didn’t even get to play with it that first day. But play with it I did. I had it for years. It’s the one Christmas present that stands out in my memory. It was my dream house.

Children dream about Christmas— what gifts they’ll receive, who will come to visit and what delights there will be to eat. (Doesn’t the poem talk about visions of sugar plums?)

Mary wasn’t long out of childhood herself—likely still in her teens— when she and Joseph made the trek to Bethlehem. I wonder what her dreams were that first Christmas. Was she dreaming of her marriage to Joseph and the home they would have when they

returned to Nazareth? Was she wondering what it would be like to raise a child? Was she imagining the future of this special Son, and the kind of man he would become?

Mark Lowry’s Christmas song, Mary, Did You Know? contemplates what she might have been thinking that night. The song suggests she couldn’t have imagined Jesus would one day walk on water and calm the stormy sea. She couldn’t have dreamt he would give sight to the blind and make the lame walk. She certainly didn’t foresee he was the Lamb of God, who would be sacrificed for the salvation of the world.

Well, I’m too old now to dream of Barbie dolls and cardboard furniture, so what are my Christmas dreams today?

On the world stage, this has been a year of suffering and need, of natural and human-made disasters. I dream that someday hatred and violence will have no place in our world. I dream that children will not go hungry and that education will be available for all. I dream that children will be able to imagine a future that’s bright and hopeful, where they will be safe and loved.

Do you dream of a better world? There

is only one way to turn things around.

The Apostle Peter preached about it in his first sermon after the anointing of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He quoted from Scripture, from the prophet Joel: “ ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants— men and women alike—and they will prophesy ... [and] everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved’ ” (Acts 2:17-18, 21 NLT).

The only solution for the world is for us to take the name of Jesus and his Christmas gift of forgiveness and salvation to the whosoever. We must live out the love of Christ in the world— spreading love instead of hatred in our communities, sharing from our bounty with those who have little and taking care that our actions do not harm others, even as we go about our normal day-today activities. We need to be mindful of the effect that our way of life can have on others, even across the globe.

Yes, I’m still dreaming this Christmas.

I dream that I will be able to make a difference, however small. And I dream of a day when “at the name of Jesus every knee [shall] bow … and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11 NLT).

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

Follow her at facebook.com/susanmcmillantc and twitter.com/salvationarmytc.

I Dream of a Day I dream of a day, not far, far away, When in the world of men the love of God shall be seen.

All tears shall be dried, all need satisfied, Where men are warring now the peace of God intervene.

This dream comes true wherever Christ is crowned, His coming stills the storm of strife.

Wherever Jesus reigns there joy is found, And hope and peace and love and life.

I dream of a day, not far, far away, When in the world of men the love of God shall be seen.

—General John Gowans, from the musical Take Over Bid Salvationist December 2017 9

Photo: Matthew Osmond

ONWARD

The Greatest Gift Christmas is about God breaking into our world to bring truth for today.

Photo: © Pearl/Lightstock.com

BY GENERAL ANDRÉ COX

10 December 2017 Salvationist

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e pau se once again in the busyness of our hectic and frenetic lives to give thanks to God for his wondrous gift. It was the greatest gift ever given to humankind; a gift of healing, wholeness, restoration, love, reconciliation and relationship with the God who created the universe and our world.

The Apostle Paul reminds us of just how awesome that gift is: “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

(2 Corinthians 9:15).

It is sad how many people fail to recognize and experience the truth of the gospel message; a message of good news reminding us of God’s love and provision for whoever chooses to believe and take him at his word.

“What is Truth?”

At the trial of Jesus, Pilate asked, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). Today, increasingly, we ask ourselves that same question. In recent months, we have had to expand our vocabulary to accommodate concepts such as alternative facts, false news, fake news. Little wonder that we live in a generation that is more and more skeptical and suspicious of any claims of absolute truth.

For many, truth has become relative and subjective; it is what feels right for them or what they choose it to be on any given day or in any given situation.

In fact, subjective approaches to truth are nothing new. People of all generations have chosen to read and interpret truth as they see fit.

How desperately we need to hear and live truth in a world that has lost its moral compass. Some would question the relevance and importance of Jesus and yet we see through the life he lived that God was truly with him. When we look at Jesus, we see evidence of God working in and through him. His life reveals the truth of God’s promise and message for the world.

“The Spirit of Truth” Living in the confusion of this 21st century, it can be hard to distinguish truth,

How desperately we need to hear and live truth in a world that has lost its moral compass.

General André Cox is the international leader of The Salvation Army.

yet Christmas is about God breaking into our world in the gift of his Son, Jesus.

The angels broke into the world of the shepherds to announce the birth of our Saviour and those shepherds then went to the manger to experience the truth of what they had been told.

Jesus came and walked among us, died on the cross that we might be saved, then rose again and ascended to heaven where he reigns at the right hand of God. We know that one day he will return again to establish God’s reign on earth— and what a glorious day that will be! By returning to the Father, however, Jesus did not abandon or forget us.

He said, “I will talk to the Father, and he’ll provide you another Friend so that you will always have someone with you.

This Friend is the Spirit of Truth. The godless world can’t take him in because it doesn’t have eyes to see him, doesn’t know what to look for. But you know him already because he has been staying with you, and will even be in you!” (John 14:16-17 The Message).

The challenge for us is to allow ourselves the space to be aware of and experience the presence of Jesus, which can be as real as that first Christmas.

We need to be his followers and his disciples in this generation, and he has promised us that, “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you” (John 8:31-32 The Message).

Living Truth Christmas is God’s greatest gift because we can know truth—truth that is more than abstract concept, a truth that is real and alive, embodied in Jesus and imparted by the Holy Spirit.

“And we know that the Son of God came so we could recognize and understand the truth of God—what a gift!— and we are living in the Truth itself, in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. This Jesus is both True God and Real Life. Dear children, be on guard against all clever facsimiles” (1 John 5:20-21 The Message).

I pray that you will experience the Truth this Christmas season.

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12 December 2017 Salvationist

Five inspiring Christmas carols.

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear MAJOR KEN SMITH, CORPS OFFICER, MEADOWLANDS, HAMILTON, ONT.

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ritten by Edmund H. Sears in 1849, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear is probably the only Christmas carol composed for political reasons. At the time, mounting tensions between the northern and southern states were threatening to tear the United States apart. In addition, ordinary workers were facing unprecedented upheaval due to the Industrial Revolution, while many fortune seekers were caught up in the fury of the 1849 California gold rush. Amid all the prevailing social and political unrest, Sears wrote this hymn to remind his fellow citizens that peace was possible, even amid the “woes of sin and strife” that affected their daily lives.

As a young boy, I learned that this carol was a particular favourite of my maternal grandmother. I was never certain why, although I long suspected that it had something to do with her experience growing up during the First World War. She later married an Englishman who had immigrated to Canada following service in that conflict, and came to know something of the physical and mental trauma he had to endure for the rest of his life because of it.

Whether due to her husband’s wartime experiences or the stress of living through the Great Depression, somehow my grandmother grew to love the sentiments expressed in this carol—words that speak about “peace on the earth, goodwill to men.” Though verse two speaks of the world’s suffering, and how “man, at war with man, hears not the love song” of the angels, the final verse cites the prophetic hope that one day peace will reign “over all the earth.”

I can certainly understand this carol’s appeal for someone growing up in the context of war and worldwide turmoil.

Perhaps that’s why it continues to speak to me today. In an age where we are daily bombarded with frightening news headlines and humanity seems to face an uncertain future, this carol reminds me that we can still take comfort in the angels’ song by looking to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace.

The First Noel

CRAIG LEWIS, TERRITORIAL SECRETARY FOR MUSIC AND GOSPEL ARTS

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t doesn’t truly feel like Christmas to me until I have sung The First Noel. Actually, it isn’t so much singing the carol as it is playing it—with a Salvation Army band, in a big cathedral, accompanied by a huge pipe organ and 3,000 voices.

As a member of the Canadian Staff Band, I have participated in the Toronto Star’s annual carol concert for 22 years. Held at the historic St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Toronto, the traditional concert always finishes with a slow, majestic and powerful rendition of this carol. The choirmaster drags out every beat of music, and those of us in the trombone section save just a little extra for the final refrain. It’s a glorious moment! As the final notes echo in the cavernous space, I sense the spirit of Christmas: Christ with us.

Along with the power and emotion of that experience every year, I also appreciate the inclusiveness of this carol. It starts with the poor shepherds in the fields and ends with the Wise Men bearing gifts. It reminds me that when God sent his Son, it wasn’t just for one segment of the population—it was for Salvationist December 2017 13

all. Rich or poor, simple or wise, from tent to castle; no one is excluded. It says something special that the angel of the Lord went to the shepherds—the lowest members of society—with the good news (see Luke 2). God doesn’t want any of us to miss the miracle of the Incarnation.

In this inclusiveness, there is unity. “Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord.” No sound is more wonderful than when we unite our voices in such praise.

When you sing The First Noel this Christmas, whether in a magnificent setting or in a moment of quiet reflection, it is my prayer that you will consider the gift of Jesus Christ—a gift meant to be shared with the world.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

DAVID ROWSELL, LONDON CITADEL, ONT.

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Come, All Ye Faithful has been one of my favourite carols since my first Christmas playing in the senior band at Corner Brook Temple in Newfoundland and Labrador. How I enjoyed carolling in the neighbourhood! I still remember playing this carol while standing under the streetlights, with snow lightly falling. I also remember the congregation singing the refrain as a stand-alone chorus: “O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord!”

Years later, after completing my music and education degrees and serving as bandmaster at St. John’s Temple, N.L., I was inspired to use this refrain in a composition entitled A Christmas Intrada, published in 2004. I chose the fanfare style to express the jubilation surrounding the birth of the Christ Child. This Christmas, it will be the opening track on the 2017 territorial Christmas CD. I have played O Come, All Ye Faithful every Christmas for 51 years. It will be played and sung all around the world again this year. It’s amazing to think how this carol has blessed so many with its message of love and adoration. I, for one, feel blessed to still be involved in Army banding with its outreach ministry, and to have such wonderful memories of sharing the Christmas message. This carol always reminds me that Christmas is about the Christ Child who we come to worship and adore.

Huron Carol

MAJOR CATHIE HARRIS, HERITAGE PARK TEMPLE, WINNIPEG

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clearly remember the first time I heard the Huron Carol.

It was during a Sunday service at Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg in the mid-1980s. Then-Cadet Ken Smith played his own arrangement on the piano, and its hauntingly beautiful melody seeped into my soul. When I went home, I looked up the words again and was deeply moved by them.

Since then, this carol has become a significant part of Christmas for me. In fact, its meaning has deepened recently in the context of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and The Salvation Army’s deep desire to reconcile with our Indigenous sisters and brothers.

The first Canadian carol, it was written about 375 years ago by Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary, to express the Christmas story to the Huron people in a way relevant to their lives. The Huron words, written to a French melody, were translated years later into both French and English. Jesus 14 December 2017 Salvationist

Ahatonhia (Jesus, he is born) blends at least three strands of our Canadian identity. That, in itself, is significant.

This carol is incarnational: “The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NRSV).

Brébeuf expressed the birth of Jesus in a setting well known to the Hurons: “ ’Twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled … Within a lodge of broken bark the tender Babe was found, a ragged robe of rabbit skin enwrapped his beauty round.” Jesus Christ was born for all—all peoples, all languages, all cultures. What better way to signify this than in a carol for Christmas?

In September I was privileged to be part of the Celebration of Culture: A Journey of Reconciliation weekend at Pine Lake Camp in Alberta. As we worshipped together, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, singing The Drum Doxology with Cheryl Bear, the power of music to celebrate unity and difference was a spiritual “aha” moment for me.

This Christmas as I sing the Huron Carol I will pray that Jesus, who became flesh, will unify us as we “come kneel before the radiant Boy who brings you beauty, peace and joy.”

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

CAPTAIN NICHOLAS SAMUEL, CORPS OFFICER, CAMBRIDGE CITADEL, ONT.

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raditions are an interesting thing. For generations, Salvationist musicians have stood in the streets and in malls playing Christmas carols, using the old red carol books, in which Hark! The Herald Angels Sing was number one—so that’s where we began. But ever since the books were put into alphabetical order, it’s interesting to discover how many bands now start at number 36!

Charles Wesley’s gift for word-painting immediately evokes Luke 2:13, when the “great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God,” inviting the shepherds (and us) to join in the celebrations. Wesley’s understanding of “peace to those on whom his favour rests” (Luke 2:14) is given in the first few lines: “God and sinners reconciled.” God’s mercy for all means that we can know his peace through Jesus Christ, our Messiah, who was “born in Bethlehem”—thought to be the most unlikely place, for the most unlikely people, even if the prophecies had foretold it (see Micah 5).

The second verse guides us through the person of Jesus: “Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord.”

For generations, the prophets spoke of the coming Messiah.

With “Late in time behold him come,” Wesley reflects on Isaiah 7, reminding us that Jesus was the long-awaited One: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Through the Incarnation, Jesus reveals the mystery of the Godhead, making the triune God visible. Jesus is Immanuel, our God with us.

The final verse guides us through the purpose of Jesus: “Light and life to all he brings.” The fulfilment of the prophecies in the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus brings home the truth that this grace-and-mercy gift was and is offered to all of us: he was born that we may be born again and receive eternal life.

Regardless of the number in the carol book, I ask, what better way to begin the Christmas season than with a note of praise, glory and truth, declaring the person and the purpose of the Christ Child, and inviting other people to join in our song?

Powerful Praise

What music ministry in Malawi taught me about thankfulness.

BY MARCUS VENABLES

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t the end of September, I had the opportunity to visit one of Canada and Bermuda’s partner territories, Malawi—“the warm heart of Africa”—as a member of the Venabrass band. We were there to provide musical support at the Malawi Territory’s congress and commissioning events, a joyful and enthusiastic gathering led by General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries.

Our six-member ensemble is made up of myself, my father, Robert, my brothers Barrington, Brindley and Harrison, and Cameron Rawlins. Venabrass was accompanied by Majors Christopher and Tina Rideout, area commander and divisional secretary for women’s ministries, Ontario Central-East Division, who represented the group as executive officers.

Upon our arrival, we jumped right into action at a joint rehearsal with the Malawi Territorial Band, led by Charles Chimimba, bandmaster. The previous summer, Chimimba was a delegate at the Leadership Development Institute, which runs concurrently with Canada and Bermuda’s Territorial Music School at Jackson’s Point Camp, Ont. I was struck when I looked at some of the instruments the band members were using. Forget about working slides and triggers—some of these instruments had been repaired with a mud-like formula to seal the cracks and holes, making them work with whatever was available.

When our rehearsal began at 8 a.m., approximately 200 children were hanging out at the rehearsal venue—it appeared that most of them had spent the night there sleeping on the floors, using anything they had for beds and blankets.

As soon as the rehearsal started, the

From left, Mjr Tina Rideout; Robert, Marcus, Harrison, Brindley and Barrington Venables; Cameron Rawlins and Mjr Christopher Rideout represent the Canada and Bermuda Tty at a congress in Malawi

children came to the front of the hall to listen.

Venabrass offered musical support at services throughout the congress weekend, as an individual group and as part of a larger ensemble. The latter included the Malawi Territorial Band and an energetic all-women Salvation Army brass band from South Africa. While not everyone understood the same language or had ever played together before, the band was able to play in harmony and accompany the congregation in singing.

On the Sunday morning, there was a march of witness with more than 2,000 Salvationists. As Venabrass was preparing for the march, we assumed that we would be using tune books. However, as soon as we got to the starting point and looked around, it was clear that this would not be the case, since no one else had any music. At one point, Venabrass played the Montreal Citadel march from memory, and the others in the band joined in, though they’d never played it before. Later, we noticed that the snare drummer was using small tree branches he had just picked up to play the drum.

Seeing this, our drummer, Harrison,

decided to gift his drumsticks to the young man. This simple yet meaningful moment made us all realize how much we take for granted.

Over the course of the trip, I was struck by the overwhelming pursuit of praise by the Malawian Salvationists and the way in which they found joy in worship. Their example makes me wish that our praise and joy matched our lavish lifestyle. The gratitude we should feel for our circumstances is often lost as we face problems that are minor in the grand scheme of things. Instead, we should be bursting with praise and sharing that with as many people as we can.

I pray that the people Venabrass connected with in Malawi were encouraged and inspired by our music making.

Our group was blessed by this ministry opportunity and the interactions we had.

May this trip serve as a reminder of what we have to be thankful for, and push us to give more in service and pass on a joyful spirit of praise in the days ahead.

Marcus Venables is a project specialist in the music and gospel arts department at territorial headquarters in Toronto.

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CALLING THE COURAGEOUS

The Call of the Bells A stint on the kettles at Christmastime brought Jonathan Kim and his family to soldiership.

BY KEN RAMSTEAD As he became more involved as a kettle co-ordinator, first Kim and then his family started attending Yorkwoods.

“We loved the church,” he says. “We worshipped there with many different cultures and peoples, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. We wanted to be a part of that.”

It just seemed natural to the Kims to make soldiership the next step on their journey with the Army.

Jonathan Kim (second from right) with his family, flanked by the present and past COs of Yorkwoods CC, Lt Keesom Phanthaamath and Cpt Thomas Yoo

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we needed, and there were no errors or mistakes.”

The Kims immigrated to Canada in 2008, where they ministered at a Korean church in Toronto for five years.

The Road to Canada Born in South Korea, Kim worked as an officer in the National Police Agency, managing an IT and communication department.

“We had all that every young couple could wish for,” remembers Kim. But the Kims felt a higher calling and, after five years on the force, Kim quit to enter theological school.

“It was not easy to leave our safe boat and walk on the water with heavy wind and waves as a disciple of God,” Kim says. “We had to lean on God without others’ help. But we had no regrets. God always helped us and provided what

A Part of Something Good Through a notice in a Korean-Canadian newspaper, Kim applied to be a kettle campaign volunteer at The Salvation Army’s Yorkwoods Community Church in Toronto in late 2015.

“I had been looking for somewhere to help out and a friend suggested the Army,” says Kim. “I didn’t know The Salvation Army was a Christian ministry. I just thought it was a social service organization such as the Red Cross or UNICEF.” But Captain Thomas Yoo, then corps officer at Yorkwoods, took the time to tell Kim all about William and Catherine Booth, the history of the church and the mindset of the organization.

“Their motto, ‘Heart to God and Hand to Man,’ touched my heart,” says Kim. “The more I got to know about The Salvation Army, the more I realized how much this organization loves their neighbours and practises the Word of God.”

had never experienced a kettle campaign before,” says Jonathan Kim. “But my time volunteering at the kettles opened my eyes to what The Salvation Army was about. Almost every person who donated money had a story to tell, either dealing with how they had been helped by the church or how the life of someone they knew had been changed.

“The more I learned about these wonderful Christians, the more I knew that this was the right denomination for me.”

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On Track to the Future Kim and his family finished their soldiership preparation classes this past June and the entire family were enrolled as senior soldiers, “a time of grace for our family,” he says.

“The entire Kim family—Jonathan and his wife, Esther, and their sons, David and Daniel—are a devoted and compassionate Christian family,” says Captain Yoo. “The Salvation Army needs more people from multicultural backgrounds such as the Kims so that they can extend the kingdom of God to those who come to Canada as immigrants. I feel that God’s greatest commandment is mentioned in Matthew 28:19, ‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ ” Kim is now a proud Salvation Army soldier.

“I show people who I am when I am wearing my uniform,” he says.

After attending Booth University College in Winnipeg, the Kims’ eldest son, Daniel, is now attending the University of Toronto. Meanwhile, the rest of the family is playing an active part at The Salvation Army’s Korean Community Church in Toronto.

“We want our family to serve God and serve our neighbours,” Kim says.

Now that Jonathan and Esther are soldiers, they believe officership is the next step for them.

“We’re not sure what the future holds,” he says, “but we believe that God will lead us in the best direction.”

Lives on the Line

After three preteen suicides in Wapekeka First Nation, Ont., The Salvation Army supports a community in crisis.

hen 12-yeararrange a sweat lodge ceremony. old Jenera “It was a tremendous learning Roundsk y experience, sitting there and took her own talking with the elder who did life in June, it sent shockwaves the ceremony,” she says. through the Wapekeka First Through that ceremony, the Nation community in northern Salvation Army team learned that Ontario. With Roundsky’s death, the elder was a survivor of Ralph the remote reserve of fewer than Rowe—an Anglican minister 400 Oji-Cree residents had lost who sexually abused as many as three young people to suicide in 500 Indigenous boys in northern six months—and all three were Ontario during the 1970s and preteen girls.

1980s.

Chief Brennan Sainnawap “During the sweat, we spoke declared a state of emergency to another community member soon after, prompting a call for who shared with us a documenassistance. The Salvation Army tary that had been done on Ralph was one of the organizations that Rowe, and how deeply Wapekeka responded, sending a team to has been affected,” Sawdo says.

Wapekeka in July: Kathleen Sawdo, “You start to understand the comemployee relations manager, munity trauma, that it’s not just Ontario Great Lakes Division; individuals—it’s a whole communLieutenant June Bobolo, chapity in crisis.” lain, Winnipeg correctional and Aside from the organized justice services; and Lieutenant Wapekeka youth are ready for a fishing trip with the Canadian activities, Sawdo, Lieutenant Stephanie Sawchuk, then corps Rangers (a part of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves working in Bobolo and Lieutenant Sawchuk officer, Georgina Community remote regions)—one of the activities offered during The Salvation spent much time simply being in Army’s ministry in the community Church, Jackson’s Point, Ont. the community and talking with For Sawdo, an Indigenous perresidents. son living in Thunder Bay, Ont., the news of Roundsky’s death “They were so welcoming to us, so open to share their storbrought sadness, but not shock. “This has happened before,” ies,” Lieutenant Sawchuk says. “The kids just wanted people she says, “but it’s frustrating. It makes you angry that this keeps to have fun with them and joke around with them. They, too, happening.” Suicide is the leading cause of death among children have hurt and have seen things that they shouldn’t see at a aged 10 to 14 in the Nishnawbe Aski Nation—a group of 49 young age.

First Nations across northern Ontario, including Wapekeka.

“I hope that in some small way God might have used my When the Salvation Army team arrived, many agencies were words to impact somebody,” she continues, “and that the comalready present in the community. “We jumped in wherever munity took away from our visit to Wapekeka that The Salvation they needed us, wherever we were able to help,” says Lieutenant Army genuinely cares and wants to do what we can to help.”

Sawchuk.

“Part of being a chaplain is just listening to people’s story, Throughout their week in Wapekeka, the team assisted hearing what they have to say,” adds Lieutenant Bobolo. “We with the daily community meals—preparing, serving and weren’t proselytizing or preaching to them—just being with cleaning up afterward. them, knowing that God is present.”

“When you’re grieving, it’s hard to function,” says Sawdo.

Though their time in Wapekeka was short, Sawdo sees “So they had community meals—breakfast, lunch and supopportunities for longer-term support. “I think The Salvation per—to alleviate that stress and get people to come out and Army could do that because the community has strong share a meal together.”

Christian faith, and what’s missing is learning how to walk The team also supported programming for children and the two worlds—that it’s OK to be Indigenous and it’s OK to youth. “We opened up the gym and had drop-in for the kids,” be Christian,” she says.

Lieutenant Sawchuk notes. “We did arts and crafts, sports, bakThe Wapekeka First Nation has plans in place to provide ing—things to keep them busy and keep their minds occupied.” better mental health support to youth in crisis. No further Sawdo also reached out to an elder in the community to suicides have taken place since June.

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Photo: Kathleen Sawdo

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BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN

Eye of the Storm Canada and Bermuda Territory sends 10-member team to Florida following hurricane Irma.

BY LINDA LEIGH

Linda Leigh hands out water to a family whose home was badly damaged by hurricane Irma

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hen hurricane Irma made la nd fa l l in Florida on September 10, it was one of the most powerful hurricanes ever to hit the state.

Four days later, at the request of The Salvation Army in the United States, the Canada and Bermuda Territory deployed 10 members of its emergency disaster services personnel to lead an incident command team in Miami. Our role was to provide assistance with food and hydration services, emotional and spiritual care, and crisis intervention.

When the team arrived in Miami, the effects of the storm were apparent.

Irma’s wind gusts of up to 160 kilometres 18 December 2017 Salvationist

per hour had uprooted mature trees, slammed palm trees into rooftops and toppled hotel signs. Branches and piles of debris covered yards and streets. But the biggest issue was power. Strong winds and falling trees had knocked out overhead power lines, and 90 percent of homes in Miami-Dade County were without electricity. For many people, it was several days before it was restored.

At our command centre, located at Hialeah Corps, we were fortunate that power came back on the day of our arrival. There, we were warmly welcomed by Salvation Army officers and lay personnel who had worked tirelessly in the days immediately after Irma hit, providing more than 3,000 meals, as well

as spiritual care. Late into the evening, an action plan was put into place, and the following day seven canteens were deployed.

Every day, the need for food and hydration increased. The combination of no power and extreme tropical heat took its toll on vulnerable populations. Canteen volunteers from the Massachusetts and Pennsylvania divisions served up to 1,000 meals per day to people who included seniors with mobility issues who were stranded in their apartments, low-income communities who were running out of food, and people with developmental delays who had particular dietary needs.

Over nine days, and until electricity had been restored in 99.9 percent of Miami-Dade County, The Salvation Army provided thousands of people with hope during an extremely difficult time. Ten canteens served 14,400 meals, 12,388 snacks and 14,700 bottles of hydration, and more than 500 people received emotional and spiritual care.

Powerless In Liberty City, a Miami neighbourhood where half of the residents live below the poverty line, escaping Irma’s wrath was almost impossible. Generators, storm windows and plywood weren’t an option for residents who could barely afford to put food on the table. When Diamond came to The Salvation Army’s canteen, she was hungry, anxious and restless.

“We need power,” Diamond said. “It’s 92 degrees [33 C], the sun is out and it’s hot. Food bought before the storm is rotten. Canned food and essentials are running low.”

Diamond and her five children rode out the storm. When a six-metre tree knocked out her power line and fell on her roof, they took refuge in her car.

“Sparks bounced off our window,” she shared. “The howling and forceful winds

Diamond and her son are grateful for a bowl of chili from a Salvation Army canteen

rocked the car. It was scary.”

At sunrise, Diamond took her children to family who lived close by. “There were 20 people in the house,” she said. “It was chaos. We couldn’t feed everybody.

I haven’t eaten a good meal in six days.”

Taking a bowl of food from the Army’s canteen, she smiled. “I am so ready to eat this chili.”

After the meal, Diamond invited some of our team to see her home. Debris and downed trees covered her yard, while her roof took the brunt of the hurricane.

When she looked in her back door and saw light, it was a welcome surprise.

“I’ve got power!” she shouted.

“I Have No Light, Nothing” In Homestead, a largely Haitian community, hungry children, youth, adults and seniors swarmed the Army’s canteen. Within 20 minutes of our arrival, 275 hot meals were distributed.

Power had been out for a week. The extent of the outage meant many of the neighbourhood stores were closed.

Canned food supplies and bottled water set aside for the aftermath were dwindling. People were hot, frustrated and running out of patience.

“I have no light, nothing,” said Lustin, who found a meal at the Army’s canteen.

“I’m hungry.”

Forced out of his home in Key West 10 days earlier, Lustin couch surfed and stayed in motels. “I left everything behind—my computers, my clothes, my car,” he said. “I need to see if I lost my stuff. If I did, I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

“When I saw The Salvation Army’s truck, I thought, This is good,” says Lustin, who received a hamburger from the canteen

News reports estimated that 25 percent of the homes in the Keys were destroyed and 65 percent sustained major damage. Living from paycheque to paycheque, Lustin was guaranteed to face further hardship as cleanup began.

“When I saw The Salvation Army’s truck, I thought, This is good,” Lustin said. “I feel OK right now, but I’m not even sure if I’ll have a job to go back to.”

Homeward Bound Seven days after the team arrived, The Salvation Army’s canteen operations wound down.

In the days following the storm, families were hungry, seniors suffered from

the heat and thousands were unable to get to work. Yet, in the midst of the devastation and destruction, people couldn’t say “thank you” enough. They were happy to see us.

The Salvation Army has the ability to provide both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery help.

In Miami, our services shifted from emergency response to post-disaster care with restocking of groceries and an assessment of the ongoing physical, emotional and spiritual needs of disaster survivors and responders.

“It’s a struggle now,” one young father said. “But thanks to The Salvation Army, we are going to make it.”

Many homes in the Miami area were damaged by falling trees

Salvationist December 2017 19

The Salvation Army brings smiles to children’s faces during the holidays.

G

BY PAMELA RICHARDSON

race Millwood (not her real name) was devastated when she lost her job five years ago.

With a family of nine to care for, providing the basics of life became a struggle. That’s when she turned to her local Salvation Army in Bermuda for help. “They have been a godsend,” she says, “providing food for my family.”

As the holidays approached last year, Millwood signed up for a hamper, trusting that the turkey and other items she would receive might help her provide a nice Christmas for her family. “I’ve raised my children to know that it’s not all about the presents,” she explains. “It’s about coming together as a family.”

When an anonymous corporate donor contacted the Army to say they wished to sponsor a family in need, Millwood, her husband and their children received more than they could have hoped for. Not only were they given food to see them through the holidays and gifts for all seven children, including toys and clothes, but enough food vouchers to last for the next six months. “There are no words to describe how blessed we are,” she says.

Millwood’s experience is just one example of the tremendous impact of Salvation Army ministries across the Canada and Bermuda Territory—not just on those who receive assistance but also on the hundreds of officers, employees and volunteers who make it all possible. Read on for more stories of how lives have been touched and changed through the practical expressions of God’s love at Christmastime through The Salvation Army.

Sally Ann Santa

T

he year was 1952 and I was a six-year-old girl with visions of Christmas dancing in my head.

Financially it had been a lean year for our family of five and concern etched the faces of my parents. Being an optimistic child, I was sure Santa would come and bring me the beautiful doll I so desired.

She would have long blond curls and wear a pretty dress.

No secret packages were smuggled into our home that year, no whispers or the sounds of crinkling wrapping paper. Not to worry though, because I believed beyond a doubt that Santa would bring my cherished doll, no matter the circumstances.

20 December 2017 Salvationist

On Christmas Eve, a rapping was heard on our door.

“Come in,” my father said as he opened the door to two jovial men who stomped their snowy boots on the entrance mat. Being a shy child, I hid and peeked at the scene. Each man carried a large cardboard box which they placed on our kitchen table.

“We hope this offering will tide your family over the holidays,” I heard one man say.

“We can’t thank you enough,” my father replied. “There would be no Christmas for the kids if not for your generosity.”

“You can thank The Salvation Army, my friend. We just help with deliveries,”

Title illustration: © Ron Tech2000/iStock.com

Warm Hands and Hearts

A

s we were preparing for this Christmas season at community and family services, a man came in with 202 pairs of mittens for people in

need. I didn’t recognize him, but when he said this would be the last such donation because his wife had passed away, a memory came back to me. Two years ago, a woman had stopped by with a donation of mittens and an apology that she had been unable to knit her usual 1,000 pairs because she had had part of a lung removed. I put the information from the man together with my memory of that woman and wondered if it was the same person. “Yes, that was my wife,” he said.

What impressed me more than the amount of knitting she had done in the time between her previous donation and her death was that her husband had kept those mittens over the months that followed, just especially to honour her wishes and keep her tradition of donating them to The Salvation Army. I’m still emotional whenever I think of this.

I’ve decided to tuck a little note into each pair of those precious mittens before including them with the gifts for our clients this Christmas, to share where they came from.

— Janet Thomas, community and family services ministry worker, Fredericton Community Church

Toys for Tots

C

hristmas was always busy for my grandparents, Majors Glen and Sandra Habkirk, but they still found time in their busy schedule to include me. I remember helping Grandma to build Christmas hampers, hand out prayer bears to younger children and sort toys for the toys-for-tots program. If I went to work with Grandpa, it meant picking up toys and working the kettles. I actually learned how to count by helping with the kettles at the end of the day!

One of my favourite parts of the

Photo: © Luis Louro/iStock.com

the second man stated.

Greetings were offered, handshakes given and the jolly men were gone. I sprang from my hiding place, excited to attack the mysterious boxes.

“No, no, little one, off to bed or Santa will not stop at this house tonight,” Mama warned.

Without argument, I hurried up the stairs to my bed and settled down with a smile knowing that Santa would bring my beautiful doll.

Early the following morning I heard the familiar sounds of the fire being stoked in the kitchen stove, the only source of heat in our small two-storey home. My brother, my sister and I tumbled over the narrow stairs in anticipation of what Santa had brought.

Beneath the tree we saw games, colouring books and crayons, a gun and holster set for my brother and, wonder of wonders, a beautiful doll each for my sister and me. She was exactly as I had imagined, complete with blond ringlets and a frilly dress.

Along with the toys, The Salvation Army had provided the ingredients for a festive turkey dinner, grapes, oranges, nuts to crack open, chocolate, and peppermint and rainbow ribbon candy.

Best of all were my parents’ smiles, so blessed that their children had a Christmas after all.

Now in my 70s, I take time to volunteer at a Salvation Army kettle. It is Christmas, the season of giving, and I am privileged to give back in my small way.

— Sharon O’Quinn, Groves Point, N.S.

Salvationist December 2017 21

Photo: © nicolesy/iStock.com

Along with the toys, The Salvation Army had provided a festive turkey dinner and peppermint candy.

Christmas season was participating in the teddy bear toss at a local hockey game in November every year. Going out onto the ice to collect the bears was always fun.

I will never forget the year I helped Grandpa to deliver toys to families in need. When he knocked on the door of one home, a couple with three young children appeared. “Merry Christmas from The Salvation Army,” is all I remember Grandpa saying before the couple started weeping. It made me realize why we do what we do. From that moment on, I knew this was something that I wanted to be a part of for the rest of my life.

I love helping people through the community and family services office where I work. Christmastime is very busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I am blessed to be a part of an organization that cares so much for people and wants to see those in need have a wonderful Christmas.

— Jayden Castelli, thrift store and family services manager, Fort Macleod, Alta.

Home for the Holidays

W

hen you are a teenager living in a group home, it can seem like there is nothing good going on in your life, especially at Christmas. The staff at Gemma House in Regina work hard to give our residents a Christmas they can look back on with joy.

We decorate the house, do crafts and display things they’ve made at school to ensure that we have a festive and welcoming home. On the Friday before school ends for the holidays, we host a traditional turkey Christmas dinner for 22 December 2017 Salvationist

the residents, their families and friends.

As part of our ongoing efforts to show the residents their worth, staff members prepare and bring special desserts and side dishes to add to the feast. After dinner we share in a devotional time before the residents open Christmas gifts purchased just for them. Our funding for gifts is limited so we rely on donations from the community and the support of The Salvation Army, our staff and friends of our program.

Our family services worker spends many hours setting up family visits for our residents throughout the holidays, but that is not possible for everyone.

Residents unable to be with family on Christmas morning wake up to find stockings waiting for them to open, and we also buy gifts for the house— items needed for programming—that are wrapped and left to be opened by the residents on Christmas Day. — Captain Kyla McKenzie, executive director, Grace Haven and Gemma House, Regina

Seed of Faith

M

y family immigrated to Canada from Finland in the early 1960s with hundreds of other families. Finances were a continual hardship and even the smallest luxury was not to be seen. Life was a constant struggle for our family of six as we settled in a small town in northern Ontario.

Having no grasp of the English language and Canadian culture, we felt like outsiders, and were ostracized by other Finnish families for being among the poorest people in our rural community.

We had to barter work for basic necessities, such as milk, and received secondhand clothing from our neighbours. As

they were able, my parents bought us a new set of clothes for school, but most often I wore hand-me-downs, only to be ridiculed by those who had given them to us. Lunch for school usually consisted of a slice of rye bread and an occasional piece of fruit, and suppers were often broth soup with a slice of bread.

Life felt especially dark one year as Christmas drew closer. In Finland, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve, but December 23 had arrived with no glimpse of presents or food for a celebration meal. I recall my mom crying in her bed as to why they had left the bounty of Finland for what seemed like empty promises of a foreign country.

Late in the afternoon, a knock was heard at the door. I slowly opened it and found a man standing there, dressed in a uniform with a hat on his head. I called my mom and told her that the police were at the door. The man smiled and introduced himself to my mother as an officer from The Salvation Army Kirkland Lake Corps. He explained that someone had called the Army to say that we were in need of Christmas assistance.

He had driven more than 20 kilometres in a winter blizzard to bring our family presents and a Christmas meal.

From that day on, my parents never passed a Christmas kettle without putting in a coin or two, no matter how little money we had. I remember telling my mother that I wanted to be like that man when I grew up, to work for Jesus. I am an officer today because God touched my life through the efforts of The Salvation Army all those years ago and planted a seed of faith in my heart.

— Captain Hannu Lindholm, corps officer, Lakeshore Community Church, Toronto

GRACE NOTES

Courage in Crisis Grace means getting our hands dirty.

BY LIEUTENANT ERIN METCALF

This is amazing grace, This is unfailing love, That you would take my place, That you would bear my cross.

You laid down your life That I would be set free.

Oh, Jesus, I sing for All that you’ve done for me.

—Phil Wickham, This is Amazing Grace

Oh, be careful little feet where you go, Oh, be careful little feet where you go, There’s a Father up above , And he’s looking down in love, Oh, be careful little feet where you go.

The verses warn us to be careful with our eyes, ears, hands and mouths.

Photo: © AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

I

f you watched the news in October following the mass shooting in Las Vegas—the largest mass shooting in modern American history—you would have heard stories of heroic and selfless acts of bravery. Perhaps you heard about Jonathan Smith, who saved 30 people that night before he was shot in the neck and miraculously survived. Or Sonny Melton, who shielded his wife, Heather, with his body—he died and she lived.

I am always amazed by the courage people show in times of crisis. Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, jumping in front of her son, Isaiah Henderson, and saving his life during the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla. Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, wading through waist-deep water filled with sewage and debris to look for people in need after hurricane Maria. And photos of people forming human chains, clearing rubble to search for survivors, after the devastating earthquake in Mexico.

Grace. The free and unmerited favour of God. We freely receive because he freely gives himself away. Carefully read, the story of the Bible is one of God always leaning in closer and closer—seeing our sorrow, pained by our suffering. In Jesus, God’s favour or grace is made complete.

Do you remember this song?

Volunteers clear rubble from a collapsed building after the earthquake that hit central Mexico in September, helping professional rescue workers search for survivors

The song warns us that if we wander into the world too far, we will somehow wander out of the love of God. How strange, when Jesus showed us exactly the opposite.

Jesus touched the sick, walked into the house of the tax collector, spoke openly with the woman at the well and listened to the cries of the desperate.

There is a danger in teaching a theology of personal salvation that avoids the dark places in the world. There is a danger in limiting grace to what happens within the walls of our churches. There is a danger in limiting where Jesus will show up.

Are we able to look with his eyes and see a woman so filled with grace and love that she throws herself in front of bullets to save her son? Are we able to walk with his feet and see suffering people pull together to rebuild a community after the devastation of a hurricane? Are we able to see his hands at work as countless men and women run toward gunfire to save others?

Are we willing to consider that these could be acts of grace? That these are,

in fact, acts of grace? Are we willing to consider that in those dark places, Jesus showed up through the grace-acts of selfless people?

I’m not aware if any of the people who performed these heroic acts were followers of Jesus, but they were vessels of grace all the same. They laid down their lives freely so that others could be saved.

Jesus laid down his life so we could be set free, but what we do with that freedom and how we see that freedom at work in this world is far more important than how often we sing about it. Do I take this freedom, this life that I have in Jesus, into the dark places in the world?

Or am I content to sing songs on Sunday and hope I never have to actually be his hands and feet? Or worse—do I believe in a God who would have me stay safely behind the walls of my church so my hands and feet (and ears and eyes and mouth) stay clean?

I don’t think so.

Lieutenant Erin Metcalf is the corps officer at Niagara Orchard Community Church, in Niagara Falls, Ont. Salvationist December 2017 23

Out of the Ashes

In the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion of 1917, The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services was born.

BY R. GORDON MOYLES

O

n the morning of December 6, 1917, Halifax Harbour was bustling with activity. It was the height of the Great War, as the First World War was then called, and as a major base for Allied naval operations in the Atlantic, Halifax was the assembly and departure point for transatlantic convoys carrying supplies and soldiers to the war effort overseas.

But just before nine o’clock, a tragic navigation error resulted in a collision between the Mont Blanc—a French munitions ship loaded with 2,300 tons of piric acid, 225 tons of TNT and a deckload of benzene—and the Imo, a Belgian relief ship.

It was the greatest pre-atomic explosion the world had known to that date.

In a split second, the Mont Blanc vanished in a mushroom of flaming gases that reached more than a kilometre into the air. The outward blast of air and the subsequent tsunami levelled everything within a one-and-a-halfkilometre radius. Homes, offices, shops, churches and warehouses were either obliterated by the blast or destroyed by the fires started by overturned stoves.

Approximately 2,000 Haligonians either died instantly or later of their injuries, as many as 9,000 others suffered a multitude of injuries (more than 200 of them having been blinded by flying glass) and as many as 20,000 were left homeless.

One Family’s Disaster Among the dead and injured was a Salvation Army family, Ensign Cranwell, his wife and baby daughter.

“We were nearly through breakfast on that fateful morning,” wrote Cranwell in the December 29, 1917 edition of The War Cry, “when I heard the fire reels rush by. I went to the door to see if I could discover where the fire was. A lot of smoke was hanging over the harbour. Returning to the dining room, I 24 December 2017 Salvationist

Readers of The War Cry stayed up-to-date with the tragic events in Halifax

was about to commence family prayer when there was a tremendous concussion and I was blown about 12 feet away,

right into the front room. I thought at first that the city was being bombarded, and yelled to my wife to come my way,

Photo: National Archives of Canada

The devastated Halifax Harbour immediately following the explosion

as I thought that the safest place.

“Getting no answer, I went back to the dining room and was horrified to see Mrs. Cranwell bleeding severely from many wounds. She had the baby in her arms, and I heard afterwards from others who were in the house that her first words were, ‘Where’s my baby?’ She rushed to pick the little one up. She was uninjured, though the feeding bottle had been blown from its mouth.

“Seeing that Mrs. Cranwell was severely hurt, I rushed out to find a doctor. Immediately on gaining the street, I realized something of the extent of the disaster. A terrible scene of devastation met my eye in every direction, and people were frantically rushing about uttering pitiful cries. I failed to secure a doctor, and returned to the house just as Mrs. Cranwell was breathing her last.

To friends around her she said: ‘Is the Ensign safe? Is the baby alright? Oh, I’m choking!’ ” Even though his heart must have been breaking, once he was certain his wife was dead, Cranwell put his own grief aside and, leaving his daughter with friends, rushed off through the debrisstrewn streets, to see if other Salvation Army officers in Halifax were safe.

Territorial Response The immediate acts of rescue came from people just like Ensign Cranwell—as a responsive action so typical of human beings in disaster situations. After this, the city’s police, firefighters and soldiers began a more organized rescue, taking the injured to hospital or first-aid units or to hastily established shelters in the YMCA, the Salvation Army citadel and

even the jail. And, finally, before the day was over, aid—medical teams, rescue workers, money, food and supplies— began pouring in from across the country and eventually from all over the world.

Among the first of these were Salvation Army officers from Atlantic Canada, to supplement and direct the rescue operations already being engaged in by the Salvationists of Halifax. By a stroke of good fortune, the territorial commander, Commissioner William Richards, and his chief secretary, John McMillan, were in the area conducting revival meetings. They proceeded immediately to the disaster area, being among the first to enter the stricken city, and promptly began to assist Adjutant Hurd and 13 local Salvation Army soldiers with the distribution of food to the disaster victims. All, regardless of rank, took their turn at bagging bread, biscuits, tea, coffee and other food staples that were being given to all those in need.

Ensign Ham, also one of the first officers to reach Halifax, was given charge of the “free coal” depot. All applications were referred to him and, when necessary, he ordered coal to be supplied by a local firm. The blizzard that descended on the city immediately following the disaster made this a crucially important assignment.

Salvation Army officers provided emotional and spiritual support to responders. The Salvation Army set up teams to serve meals in shelters and do other volunteer work as needed. One Army ensign even found himself assisting in a hospital operating room. Dozens of other Salvationists performed heroic service in one of the largest rescue operations in Canadian history.

And when Christmas came around, The Salvation Army’s usual Christmas programs were considerably extended to take account of the increased need.

The Army’s efforts were not unappreciated. “We do not know how we would have gotten along without them,” wrote R.T. MacIlreith, the chairman of the relief committee, to The War Cry. The Salvation Army’s prompt response to the Halifax disaster marked an important milestone for the church and the birth of the emergency disaster services (EDS) in Canada. It was yet another way that the Army could give practical expression to its Christian mandate by responding to local and national emergencies as a partner in the subsequent rescue efforts. In any of the many large and small disasters in Canadian history that followed, the EDS would become a distinctive feature of its community outreach.

Answering the Call Within a matter of days, Salvation Army officers from Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Ontario were ordered to Halifax to assist with the rescue operations, which were to last for months. In addition to providing for the practical needs of those impacted, such as food and clothing,

Salvation Army historian Dr. R. Gordon Moyles is the author of The Blood and Fire in Canada: A History of The Salvation Army and the forthcoming Across an Ocean and a Continent: The Salvation Army as a Canadian Immigration Agency 1904-1932, available at store.salvationarmy.ca.

Salvationist December 2017 25

PEOPLE & PLACES

SMITHERS, B.C.—Representative members of the new community council for The Salvation Army’s Bulkley Valley Ministries share a moment with Tim Sharp, executive director. From left, Pastor Ken Penner, Street Corners Ministries; George Whitehead, branch manager, Scotiabank, Smithers, and council chairperson; Rachel Chapman, thrift store supervisor and community service worker, Houston, B.C.; Scott Olesiuk, general manager, Glacier Toyota; Alissa Angel, general sales manager, The Moose FM; Randy Bell, Salvation Army church member; Rebecca Bell, Salvation Army church member; Paul Jungalus, community service worker, Smithers; and Tim Sharp.

HAMILTON, ONT.—Meadowlands Corps welcomes four new senior soldiers and one adherent to its fellowship. From left, RS Sharon Avery; Hernan Charria, Luz Charria, John Thomas and Aimee Thomas, senior soldiers; Myrtle Hall, adherent; and Mjrs Beverley and Ken Smith, COs.

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I.—Two adherents join the corps family at Charlottetown CC. From left, Steffen Hood, welcome sergeant; Mjr Daniel Roode, CO; Nancy Craig and Jean Barrett.

BRACEBRIDGE, ONT.—Acting BM June Cairns is the first recipient of the Don Ballantine Memorial Music Award at Bracebridge CC. Each year, one recipient will be recognized for their “dedication to music and exemplary Christian character” in memory of Don Ballantine who had a deep impact on music in Bracebridge. Front, from left, Lts Ian and Kam Robinson, COs; June Cairns; Mjr Len Ballantine, Don’s son and songster leader of the Canadian Staff Songsters; and CSM Nancy Turley. Back, from left, Mjrs Darlene and Andrew Morgan, director of personnel and assistant principal, CFOT, Winnipeg, and guests for the corps’ 133rd anniversary weekend.

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PEOPLE & PLACES

SASKATOON—Charlotte Thoms receives a certificate of retirement following almost 45 years of service at The Salvation Army’s Crossroads Residential Services. Celebrating with her is Mjr Mike Hoeft, executive director, Saskatoon Community Services, and AC, Prairie Div. CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C.—Isaac Landon Winter and Maverick James Winter are dedicated back to the Lord by their parents, Michael and Aimee Winter, at Ocean Crest Corps. With them are Lt Keith Hopkins, CO, holding Isaac, and Lt Violet Hopkins, CO, holding Maverick.

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.—The 50-plus group from Prince George CC participates during seniors’ day at the annual B.C. Northern Exhibition in Prince George, which features display tables and booths from community organizations and groups.

The 50-plus group connected with more than 300 people as they distributed gift packages containing a copy of Faith & Friends, a brochure highlighting local Army services and a thrift store coupon. Waiting to greet people at the Army’s booth are, from left, Jo Nore, 50-plus ministries co-ordinator, and Kathleen Dennison, group member.

GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL Appointments: Lt-Cols Chawnghlut Vanlalfela/Khupchawng Ropali, CS/ TSWM, India Western Tty; Lt-Cols Joginder Masih/Shanti Joginder, CS/ TSWM, India South Western Tty; Jan 1, 2018—Comrs Clive/Marianne Adams, TC/TPWM, Sweden and Latvia Tty; Comr Birgitte Brekke-Clifton, international secretary for program resources, IHQ; Comrs Johnny/Eva Kleman, international secretary for Europe/zonal secretary for women’s ministries—Europe, IHQ; Cols Lyndon/Bronwyn Buckingham, TC/territorial leader of leader development, United Kingdom Tty with the Republic of Ireland, with rank of comr; Cols Rodney/Wendy Walters, TC/TPWM, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Tty; Lt-Cols Jostein/Magna Nielsen, TC/ TPWM, Eastern Europe Tty, with rank of col; Mjrs Philip/Sheila Davisson, OC/CPWM, Spain and Portugal Cmd, with rank of lt-col; Mjr Svetlana Sharova, GS, Russia Cmd; Mjr Elena Shulyanskaya, CPWM, Russia Cmd; Mjr Bobby/Cpt Anne Westmoreland, CS/TSWM, Denmark and Greenland Tty, Cpt Westmoreland with rank of mjr; Apr 1, 2018—Lt-Cols Anthony/ Gillian Cotterill, CS designate/territorial secretary for leader development designate, United Kingdom Tty with the Republic of Ireland; Nov 1, 2018—Lt-Cols Anthony/Gillian Cotterill, CS /territorial secretary for leader development, United Kingdom Tty with the Republic of Ireland, with rank of col TERRITORIAL Appointments: Mjr Alison Cowling, ACS, THQ;Cpt Bethany Dueck, Weetamah Corps, Winnipeg, Prairie Div; Mjrs Michael/Valerie Hennessy, Oakville CC, Ont. GL Div; Cpt Jamie Locke, DSPRD, Maritime Div; Graham Moore, ACS for organizational development, THQ; Cpt Karen Taylor, assistant to divisional employee relations secretary, Prairie Div; Mjrs Keith/Joyce Warford, DSBA/DSWM, divisional retired officers’ secretary, divisional adult ministries secretary, Prairie Div Promoted to glory: Lt-Col Joan Canning, from Toronto, Sep 26; Mjr Marjorie Burton, from St. John’s, N.L., Sep 27

CALENDAR COBOURG, ONT.—Four senior soldiers are enrolled at Cobourg CC. From left, CT Eric Hobe; Cpt Michael Simpson, CO; Jim Mabon; Fred Young; Krystyne Gillespie; Jayelle Graham; and Cpt Carolyn Simpson, CO. COBOURG, ONT.—From left, Jonas Leavitt and Timothy Simpson are the newest junior soldiers at Cobourg CC.

Commissioner Susan McMillan: Dec 4 Ont. CE Div retired officers’ Christmas luncheon, Toronto; Dec 9 Christmas With The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto; Dec 16-17 135th anniversary, Kingston Citadel, Ont. Colonels Lee and Deborah Graves: Dec 4 London’s Festival of Carols, Centennial Hall, London, Ont.; Dec 9 Christmas With The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto; Dec 13 annual Christmas chapel, Maxwell Meighen Centre, Toronto Canadian Staff Band: Dec 2 Toronto Star Christmas concerts, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Toronto; Dec 5-6 Festival of Carols with Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Toronto; Dec 9 Christmas With The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto Canadian Staff Songsters: Dec 9 Christmas With The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto

Salvationist December 2017 27

PEOPLE & PLACES To purchase your copy of this daily Salvation Army devotional, visit store.salvationarmy.ca, email orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org or phone 416-422-6100 today.

For the ebook, visit amazon.ca.

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28  December 2017  Salvationist

PEOPLE & PLACES

TRIBUTES TORONTO—Lt-Colonel Noreen Tilley (nee Dougall) was born in Galt, Ont., where her parents were serving as Salvation Army officers. She attended school in Ontario, including nurses’ training at the Toronto Grace Hospital.

She was commissioned as an officer in 1951 and appointed to Neepawa, Man., and Wiarton, Thorold and Orangeville, Ont., before marrying Hugh Tilley on June 25, 1954. Over the next 45 years, Noreen and Hugh served in corps and public relations appointments from Victoria to Montreal. Noreen’s last appointment before retirement in 1996 was as research assistant in the government relations office in Ottawa and retired officers’ co-ordinator for Ottawa Valley. Following retirement, Noreen and Hugh resided in Jackson’s Point, Ont., and attended Georgina Community Church where she was involved in women’s ministries.

In 2010, they moved to the Meighen Retirement Residence in Toronto where they were surrounded by friends, both there and at Yorkminster Citadel where they attended. Predeceased by Hugh in 2015, Noreen leaves behind daughters Joanne and Elizabeth, and grandson, Colin Patrick.

GAMBO, N.L.—William (Willie) John Barrow was born in 1926 and promoted to glory at the age of 91. Uncle Willie, as he was affectionately known, and his wife, Susie, gave their hearts to the Lord in the early 1970s, during a special corps cadet Sunday at Gambo Corps in which their son, Everett, was participating. Willie was a founding member of the men’s fellowship club who was always available to lend a hand whenever needed. Although quiet in spirit, Willie’s love for his Saviour was evident throughout his everyday life. Willie is loved and sadly missed by Susie, his wife of 67 years; children Audrey Hunter (Phillip), Major Everett (Violet), Sandra Parsons (David), Don (Glendene) and Dennis; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers Sam (Lily), Major Ira (Amy) and Alvin (Louise); and sister, Rita Pike.

BURLINGTON, ONT.—Lt-Colonel Maxwell Ryan was born in Corner Brook, N.L., in 1937. Max entered training college from Cobourg, Ont., while still in his teen years. Commissioned in 1957, he married Lieutenant Patricia Buckingham in 1959.

While serving in corps appointments in the Maritimes and Ontario, Max received his bachelor of arts and a master’s degree in theological studies. He served as editor of The War Cry, Young Soldier and Crest, and as editor-in-chief in Canada and the United Kingdom. Max and Patricia served two years in Ghana, where he was training college principal. Max wrote numerous popular series and columns, including “Thoughts of Layman Silas Bently,” authored the book The Pictorial History of The Salvation Army in Canada for the Army’s centenary celebrations, and was a noted writer and leader of Bible studies. In retirement, he joined the chaplaincy team at Winnipeg’s Grace Hospital and served with Patricia as corps officers at New Heights Corps. Always mentally alert and actively involved in life, Parkinson’s disease eventually robbed Max of many skills, but not his belief in Christ. Max is survived by his wife, Pat; sisters Shirley and Laurene; children Bramwell (Sharon), Geoffrey, Evangeline (Jeff) and Christopher; and 11 grandchildren.

TORONTO—Lt-Colonel Joan Canning was born in Moncton, N.B., to Bertha and Lewis Canning, and promoted to glory at the age of 54 following a long and valiant battle with cancer. Commissioned in 1983, Joan served in four countries in a variety of appointments, including as divisional youth secretary in Bermuda and Toronto; under secretary for the Americas and Caribbean Zone at International Headquarters in London, England; executive director of SAWSO (The Salvation Army World Service Office) at U.S.A. National Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia; and assistant chief secretary in the Canada and Bermuda Territory, from which she was promoted to glory. Joan held a bachelor of arts in biblical and theological studies from Booth University College, a master’s degree in theological studies from Tyndale University College and Seminary, and a certificate of management from Simon Fraser University. She loved life, the great outdoors and spending time with her nieces, nephews, friends and family. Joan’s faith sustained her throughout her entire journey. Predeceased by her father, Lewis, and brother, Laurie Canning, Joan is survived by her loving mother, Bertha; sisters Major Louise (Rick) Embree, Carol (Ross) Harrie, Lorraine (Fred) Veysey and June Mulligan; brother, David Canning; nieces and nephews.

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 December 2017 29

SALVATION STORIES

From Hurt to Healing When I felt overwhelmed and defeated by an eating disorder, God renewed my hope.

BY KALI BURROWS

30 December 2017 Salvationist

Photo: Rebekah Marie Photography

I

n October 2016, I was a chapauthenticity you’ve been feeling,” erone for a youth retreat at she said. I had also been praying Camp Sunrise in British about my desire to be authentic Columbia. At the final chapel serin my relationships and with my vice, the speaker said something story, but my need for control and that grabbed my attention. “God is struggle with perfectionism often telling me there are people in this got in the way. We both cried as room who are broken-hearted, we realized the significance of and have been crying out to him what God was doing, not only for for help. I’d like you to stand up.” me, but for so many other teens My heart started pounding. I usuand young adults in the room. ally shy away from moments like As I told family and friends this, afraid of being vulnerable. about that night, I couldn’t conBut I slowly stood up. tain my joy and new-found hope— I was born into a big family in hope not in me or my plans, or the small town of Campbell River, in other people, but in God. As B.C. My parents are Salvation I have put my full trust in him, Army officers, and I have always my faith has deepened. Although known Christ as my Saviour, I’ve continued to face challenges Father and friend. But adjusting this year, I am reminded of the to new people and places as my promise of the Holy Spirit. I am parents moved appointments not alone in my brokenness. wasn’t easy. And, as many people I have had incredible parents, do, I experienced hurt in differmentors, pastors and friends speak ent ways. At a young age, I began into my life over the years and struggling with depression and each of them has allowed me to disordered eating. step into the gifts God has given I grew unhappy and anxious “I experienced a feeling I’ve never had in my life,” says Kali Burrows. me. Working at Camp Sunrise, about the thought of going to “It was the Holy Spirit, healing the heaviness that I’d been carrying and now for the youth department church, and found it difficult to for so long” at divisional headquarters, has trust those closest to me who given me the courage to talk about wanted to help. This eventually led to anymore, and asked him to help, heal Jesus, form new and unlikely friendships, partying, unhealthy relationships, isolaand speak to me. do things that challenge me, mentor tion, a problem with lying and a serious So when the chapel speaker asked us others and share my story. eating disorder. to stand, I slowly got to my feet. He told God has given me a loving corps In November 2015, I entered a faithus to put our hands out in front of us, family, Boundless Vancouver, where I based, residential program for young and then to our hearts, allowing God to am able to be my authentic self. Church women facing life-controlling issues. I heal them. When I put my hands on my has become a place of growth, safety, graduated the next summer with healthy heart, I experienced a feeling I’ve never encouragement and life. I have continued coping skills, a new understanding of forhad in my life—a burning sensation that to learn the importance of surrender, giveness and grace for others and myself, seeped throughout my whole body. It generosity and mission as I have conand the truth that there was hope for my was the Holy Spirit, healing the heavinected with my Infinitum community future. I was thankful for this first step ness that I’d been carrying for so long. and hub group (infinitumlife.com). in healing, and I was excited to move Through tears, I was overcome with a When I have moments of fear, doubt forward and away from my past. deep sense of joy and peace. and brokenness, I am reminded of But when I found myself in the Afterward, one of the campers, a David’s honesty in the Psalms: “I cried hospital a month later, the hope I had fairly new Christian, came to speak out, ‘I am slipping!’ but your unfailfound was lost in a sea of discouragewith me. I assumed she needed advice ing love, O Lord, supported me. When ment and disappointment. I felt defeated or someone to pray with; instead, she told doubts filled my mind, your comfort and broken. I began crying out to God, me God had something more to tell me. gave me renewed hope and cheer” (Psalm telling him I didn’t want to feel this way “He wants to free you from the void of 94:18-19 NLT).

MAKE A LIVING EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD

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Volunteers are the army behind The Salvation Army, especially during the busy Christmas season.

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