Salvationist April 2018

Seven Principles of Good Governance

After the Resurrection: From the Grave to the Sky

Celebrating Volunteers From Coast to Coast

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

April 2018

Salvationist.ca

The Joy of the Resurrection

General André Cox on the power of Christ’s sacrifice

CONTENTS

Salvationist April 2018 • Volume 13, Number 4

12

Departments 5 Inbox 6 Frontlines It’s Easy to P.R.A.Y.

Hi kids!

What do you do when you want to talk to one of your friends? Maybe you call them on the phone, or find them on the playground at school.

16 Calling the Courageous

Talking to God is different. After all, we can’t “see” Him. But God is always present with us, and He’s always listening. It doesn’t matter where we are. We can pray anywhere, at any time, about anything. The Bible tells us that we should never stop praying (see 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

30 Salvation Stories Soldier On

by Richard Parr

Last Words

by Commissioner Susan McMillan

24 Grace Notes The Good Earth

by Lieutenant Erin Metcalf

16

“Keep us from sinning when we are tempted. Save us from the evil one” (verse 13).

“May Your kingdom come.

May what You want to happen be done on earth as it is done in heaven” (verse 10).

Find a Prayer BREAD COME EARTH FATHER FORGIVE GIVE HEAVEN KINGDOM PRAY SAVE

F Q Y M S R N H U M

S O H J E A E Q B P

H E R H Y B V P X Q

I T T G P O A E E E

K A R R I Z E L T G

F N A A T V H Q A I

N Y H B E I E Y M V

K I N G D O M T B E

C O M E D A E R B S

L X O J X T R R J A

Just for Kids is an exciting weekly activity page published by The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda for children ages five to 12, packed with Bible stories, games, puzzles, colouring, jokes and more.

26 People & Places

9 Onward

“Forgive us our sins, just as we also have forgiven those

“Give us today our daily bread” (verse 11).

Yield to God

Just for Kids

25 Cross Culture

Where Your Treasure Is …

by Geoff Moulton

17

Find 12 Differences

The Next Industrial Revolution

by Captain Jaclyn Wynne

4 Editorial

ISSUE

Repent

who sin against us” (verse 12).

Ask for help

Your friend, Kristin

17 Ethically Speaking

Columns

Praise God “Our Father in heaven, may Your name be honoured” (verse 9).

If you’re not sure what to say when you talk to God, that’s OK. In this issue of Just for Kids, you will find a helpful guide. And you’ll read an amazing story about how prayer helped Peter, one of Jesus’ followers, escape from prison.

While She Was Sleeping

by Ken Ramstead

Not sure what to say when you talk to God? Here are four things to do when you pray. They are based on the Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6.

Features 10 Transformed by the Cross God’s love, grace and forgiveness are available at the feet of Jesus.

by General André Cox

12 From the Grave to the Sky Six Salvation Army officers reflect on the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

by Major Pamela Pinksen, Major Owen Budden, Lieutenant Tinisha Reid, Major Lauren Effer, Major Mark Dalley and Captain Peter Kim

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

Cover photo: © Pearl/ Lightstock.com

Read and share it!

Jesus’ Sacrifice

EASTER VICTORY P.13

Count Your Blessings

GRATITUDE 101 P.5

They Changed Peter’s Life

TWO WORDS 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

APRIL 2018

18 Good Governance Commissioner Robert Donaldson reflects on how The Salvation Army’s model of leadership needs to change, and what it will take to get us there.

Interview by Geoff Moulton

20 Above and Beyond Meet six volunteers who give their time and talents to help others with The Salvation Army.

by Kristin Ostensen

A Wrinkle in Time

NEW DISNEY MOVIE CONFRONTS DARKNESS WITH THE POWER OF LOVE. P.16

Salvationist April 2018 3

EDITORIAL

Where Your Treasure Is …

H

ow much would you pay for a painting? For one bidder, $450 million wasn’t too much.

Last year, Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World) shattered the record for the most expensive artwork ever sold at public auction, beating Picasso’s Les Femmes d’Alger at $179.4 million.

Commissioned by King Louis XII of France more than 500 years ago, da Vinci’s painting depicts Jesus in a blue robe holding a crystal orb, representing the earth, and raising his right hand in benediction. Only 26 inches tall, it was billed as “the last da Vinci.” Fewer than 20 of the master’s paintings have survived, the most famous being the Mona Lisa.

It didn’t always command such an astronomical price. In 1958, the painting was sold by Sotheby’s for just $62.

Initially attributed to da Vinci’s student, Bernadino Luini, the painting disappeared and then resurfaced in 2005 when an art dealer paid $10,000 for it. It was badly damaged, and Christ’s face and hair had been painted over. It took extensive restoration and a six-year investigation before it was authenticated as a real da Vinci.

Such excessive spending on a portrait of Christ is ironic, since he himself came into the world a pauper. Jesus said,

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 April 2018 Salvationist

“Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Luke 9:58). Jesus did not aspire to worldly wealth or greatness. So great was his sacrifice that he suffered and died on a cross like a common criminal.

In this issue of Salvationist, General André Cox emphasizes the importance of that Easter event: “The cross is about forgiveness, but it is also about restoration. Yes, the cross reminds us of our weakness, but it is also a place of power. We come in shame, but we leave in victory!” (page 10). In her column, Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, examines the deep meaning behind the final words of Jesus on the cross (page 9). The late evangelist Billy Graham said, “God proved his love on the cross. When Christ hung and bled and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’ ” Thankfully, the cross is not the end of the story. Christ’s Resurrection means that we, too, can experience abundant and eternal life. This month, be inspired by the reflections from six Salvation Army officers on the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus (page 12). And as you read the testimonies of Charlene Feakins (page 16) and Richard Parr (page 30), take time to contemplate the work of

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.

restoration that Christ is doing in your life this Easter.

Jesus told his followers a parable about a pearl of great price. When the merchant found it, he sold everything he had to buy it (see Matthew 13:45-46). Of course, Jesus wasn’t talking about a real pearl, or a painting, or anything else in this world. He was speaking about the kingdom of heaven—the fulfilment of all his promises. You can’t put a price on that.

GEOFF MOULTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Mission

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INBOX Time to Speak Thank you, Lieutenant Erin Silent No More Metcalf, for sharing your story (“Silent No More,” February 2018). As the territorial abuse I advisor, I want to assure you and others that the Canada and Bermuda Territory takes allegations of abuse seriously.

As a church, we have addressed this issue for more than 20 years, seeking truth and healing for those impacted by the actions and behaviours of others. Please know that I am always ready to hear the stories of those who are wounded by others.

Nancy Turley GRACE NOTES

How will we respond to #MeToo and #ChurchToo?

n December, TIME magazine named “The Silence Breakers” as the 2017 Person of the Year.

Let that sink in. The person of the year was a group of women (and some men) who spoke out about sexual harassment and assault, igniting a movement that spread like wildfire across social media, as one by one, people began to share their stories using the hashtag #MeToo. This movement caused several highpowered and influential men to resign amid clouds of controversy.

I was one of the many who said #MeToo, but that’s all I wrote. I wasn’t ready for this movement. I wasn’t ready to reveal my secrets, to share my story—a story of powerlessness and fear, ugliness and pain. A story of lost innocence, violence and gaps in memory.

I admired the women and men who did. I believed their stories, applauded their bravery and rejoiced as the accused were stripped of powerful positions and forced to account for their inappropriate, abusive and criminal behaviour, too long swept under the rug.

But I couldn’t share my story. People wouldn’t understand. People would be hurt. People would talk. And so I simply said #MeToo and let that be enough. And it was, for a time.

Here’s the thing: the people who hurt me were in the church. They were people I spent time with, looked up to and trusted. They were all men who claimed to be followers of Jesus. And that messed me up. Because, for a while, I felt

really guilty.

Guilt, by definition, is the fact of having committed an offence or crime and an acknowledgment of wrongdoing. But over time, and through therapy, I came to realize that what I was feeling wasn’t guilt. It was shame.

Shame is the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonourable or improper. In my case, it wasn’t from something I had done; it was from things done to me.

Dear fellow survivor: your story has power.

I was drowning in shame. The kind of shame that settles in and makes itself at home. The kind of shame that strangles you when a long-dormant trigger suddenly breaks into the present, flooding your mind and emotions with memories shoved deep.

I couldn’t scrub it off my skin. I couldn’t erase the images in my head. At times, my chest was so tight, I couldn’t breathe, except in fragmented gasps.

Shame defined and dictated everything I was and everything I did. Shame led me to a dark place, where the only relief

I could find was the bliss of chemicallyaltered consciousness, of oblivion, where I could be alive and not exist at the same time.

But I began to tell my story, in a small voice, to small audiences. Stories have power.

In the Gospel of John, we read a story about a Samaritan woman who went to a well to draw water. She, too, is shamefilled—she has had five husbands, and the man she is with now is not her husband. Her decision to draw water during the hottest part of the day is enough to tell us that she doesn’t want to meet anyone. But she encounters Jesus.

Jesus knows her shame—not just because he is God incarnate, but because it is so palpable. He doesn’t turn away.

He asks her for water, inviting a conversation. In the hot sun by the well, she speaks out. “I have no husband.” I can only imagine how much it cost her to say those words to a man, how they would have caught in her throat. But as she speaks, her shame begins to lose its grip and her healing begins.

Dear fellow survivor: your story has power. Sharing it can loosen shame’s hold and start the healing process.

Dear church: what will your response be to our stories? Will you believe us— the collective “us” of the #ChurchToo movement—or will you silence us? Will you hold space to allow healing to begin, as one by one we share our stories in bigger voices, to bigger audiences?

Photo: © DigitalStorm/iStock.com

BY LIEUTENANT ERIN METCALF

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

24 February 2018 Salvationist

Well said, Erin. Let us not walk in silence, but be the voice of the voiceless. Let us never turn away those who have encountered abuse, whether it’s a leader in the church, a boss, etc. Let us all provide an environment of healing and hope.

Major Karen Puddicombe Thank you for sharing. It takes a lot of courage to speak out but, as you said, others need to hear your story so that they, too, may heal.

Anna King-Crisp Leadership Lessons The Perils of Power I read your article about Joseph with great interest (“The Perils I of Power,” February 2018). I’m also struck by how much Joseph’s plan to save Egypt cost the average Egyptian. I marvel at God’s mysterious and masterful way of keeping the main thing in view, in spite of the obvious flaws we bring. When I hear people say, “The Lord is leading me to … ” I am often skeptical. As a retired officer, I know all too well that God’s leading is often filtered through my subjective, limited experience. How he could bless others through me still leaves me speechless. The awesome power of who and what we represent requires much more humility than we appreciate. Thank you for your article and stimulating my thoughts.

Major Joe Bailey

After General Brown retired, Army Responds to Two Earthquakes in Mexico he visited China and met Major D Yin. Later, during an interLas Vegas Army Provides national congress in London, Support After Mass Shooting England, Major Yin was admitT ted to the Order of the Founder

by Genera l Eva Bu rrows.

Incidentally, readers may Google Salvation Army Officially Registered “Salvation Army Major Yin” to in Mainland China T hear the old warrior sing “All my days and all my hours,” a chorus he sang hundreds of times during his long years of imprisonment and hard labour.

Major Yin lost his family, his ministry, his Army and his health. However, he never lost his faith in God or his spirit of Salvationism. To be loyal to Major Yin, and the expatriates who established the Army in China, we might do well to say The Salvation Army is re-registered in China.

After escaping a devastating flood when he was 13, and then surviving years in a concentration camp where he was sentenced to hard labour, Major Yin came to an untimely end.

He was hit by a car and died after stepping off a streetcar in the western United States.

Major Ira Barrow WORLD WATCH

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.

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

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

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

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.”

8 December 2017 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.

The story of Joseph reveals the deathly dilemma of leadership.

BY DONALD E. BURKE

n the late 1960s, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wrote the playful musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, based on the biblical story of Joseph (see Genesis 37-50). There is an appealing simplicity to the storyline and at the end of the musical we are left with an impression of Joseph as a badly wronged, but graciously forgiving sibling who beats the odds to rise to power in a foreign land.

Traditional retellings of the Joseph story in Sunday schools and churches reflect the easygoing naiveté of the Lloyd Webber-Rice musical. We gloss over Joseph’s “goody two-shoes” early days when he ratted out his brothers, taunted them with his grandiose dreams and lorded their father’s blatant favouritism over them, epitomized in the coat of many colours (see Genesis 37). Later in the story, we overlook the excruciating tests to which Joseph subjected his brothers when they appeared before him, not recognizing that their long-lost sibling had risen to power in Egypt. Joseph exacted a delicious revenge for the cruel treatment he had received from them (see Genesis 42-45). Once again we excuse this because it is inconsistent with our image of Joseph as a man blessed by God. The way in which we skip over Joseph’s embarrassing shortcomings reflects our childlike desire for our leaders and heroes to be faultless. We want them always and only to embody untainted virtues. But a closer examination of Joseph’s story leads us to more realistic (and biblical) reflections on leadership.

Rise to Power Joseph clearly possessed qualities that allowed him to ascend to positions of authority. The narrator attributes much of his success to the fact that the Lord was with Joseph (see Genesis 39:3). But this did not immunize him against the perils of power; it certainly did not turn Joseph into a saint.

In the house of Potiphar, Joseph

became the overseer of all that Potiphar possessed. This position of responsibility brought with it the potential to satisfy baser appetites. To Joseph’s credit, when Potiphar’s wife made repeated sexual advances, he resisted. But he paid a high price for his virtue when his seductress falsely accused him of attempted rape and he was thrown into prison (see Genesis 39).

Fortunately, God’s blessing was still upon him and Joseph rose to power a second time by successfully interpreting Pharaoh’s enigmatic dreams. Joseph made sense of the confusion in the king’s mind by announcing that Egypt would experience seven years of bountiful harvests followed by seven years of famine.

He then proposed a strategy to protect Egypt from famine. In response, Pharaoh appointed him to oversee Egypt’s famine emergency plan (see Genesis 41).

After Joseph had taken everything else, he took the Egyptians’ freedom.

All of this confirms that integrity and God’s blessing are keys to ultimate success, even with apparent setbacks.

But if we read further, we also find that Joseph’s rise exposed him to the ambiguous nature of power. We see this especially in the implementation of the plan to prepare for the coming famine.

Coercion and Violence On the one hand, Joseph’s strategy to manage the predicted famine in Egypt was prudent. In the seven years of plenty, Joseph, armed with Pharaoh’s authority, gathered and stored food to compensate for the shortages that would occur during the seven years of famine (see Genesis 41). Joseph used Pharaoh’s power to miti-

gate the devastating effects of drought.

So far, so good.

But if we look beneath the surface of the story, we see several reasons why Joseph’s plan would have required the use of force. First, taking one fifth of the land’s produce to store it for an anticipated seven years of famine (see Genesis 41:34) would be a hard sell for many Egyptians. In the ancient world, this level of taxation was excessive and would have caused significant hardship.

Second, not everyone in Egypt would have been convinced of the need to store vast amounts of food for some future, hypothetical famine. The human tendency to live in the present must have created significant pressure to eat now and worry about tomorrow later.

Lastly, the entire strategy to stockpile food was based on the unscientific interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams by a Hebrew convict. How credible could that be? There would have been many “famine deniers” in the years of plenty when food was abundant.

As a result, Joseph’s strategy, though well-intentioned and necessary, required discipline and sacrifice. Joseph would have had to use Pharaoh’s power to compel farmers to hand over a portion of their crops. Those who failed to comply would have felt the sharp edge of Pharaoh’s sword. While Joseph’s exercise of power was for the greater good and led to Egypt’s survival, coercion and violence were necessary. In other words, there were victims.

Collateral Damage Joseph’s use of power became even more troubling once the famine struck. We read of his devastating economic strategy in Genesis 47:13-26. The food that had been taken from the Egyptian people and stored for seven years was not distributed freely—even to those who had provided it. Instead, as the famine progressed, the Egyptian people were forced to pay for food until they had handed over all of their money. Then, when their

22 February 2018 Salvationist

Salvation Army in China What a wealth of information and inspiration contained in the December 2017 issue of Salvationist. While I am tempted to mention any number of the articles, I will make reference to just one: “Salvation Army Officially Registered in Mainland China.” Some readers will realize that General Arnold Brown’s book, The Mountain the Wind Blew Here, tells the story of Major Yin—the last leader of The Salvation Army in China before its work was proscribed in 1958, six or seven years after all the expatriates (including several Canadian officers) were forced to leave.

All children deserve the right to play saworldmissions.ca Salvationist April 2018 5

FRONTLINES

Canadian Officer Comforts Parkland Shooting Survivors

S

alvation Army officer Major Holly Patterson has comforted survivors of many natural disasters during her 40 years of service, but says she has never experienced the wide range of painful emotions she witnessed in February as she brought emotional and spiritual care to the survivors of a mass shooting in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen people were killed, making it one of the world’s deadliest school massacres.

“To see the pain on the faces of mothers and fathers and blank looks of traumatized youth is heart-wrenching,” says Major Patterson. “Many of the stories I’ve heard are too graphic and personal to retell.”

Originally from Canada, Major Patterson currently serves in Bradenton, Florida. Within hours of the shooting she was asked to be part of a team that is providing financial assistance and emotional and spiritual care to hundreds of people, including students, parents, neighbours and teachers.

“I had the privilege of sharing counsel and prayer with a teacher who protected her students,” Major Patterson says. “They all made it out alive, but now she is ‘broken’—unable to sleep, reliving the horrors of what she experienced. The emotional, spiritual and practical need here is great.”

Describing the practical assistance, Major Patterson explains, “Parents have taken time off work to be with their children—we help financially to make up the hours lost. We are helping with mortgage and rent payments, replacing cellphones, glasses and retainers. This assistance is critical and takes a huge load off their shoulders.”

Major Patterson and her team are moved by the strength and determination of students mourning the loss of

teachers and friends.

“Students held a memorial run and a vigil for one of their coaches and released 17 balloons in honour of the victims,” she says. “Each small ceremony is a step in the healing process. They are going to bring something positive out of this horror. God bless them all.”

The Salvation Army is working with local officials and community partners to determine long-term services to the families affected by this tragedy.

A memorial for the victims of the Parkland school shooting. “The emotional, spiritual and practical need here is great,” says Mjr Holly Patterson

Christmas Break-in Sparks Generosity in Quebec

T

he Salvation Army Ministries—Quebec City experienced a significant blow over the Christmas season, as thieves broke in on December 24, stealing between $3,000 and $5,000—funds that were intended to help people in need.

In response, the local community showed great generosity to the Army as people offered donations, large and small. The restaurant Portofino held a month-long fundraiser, donating $5 for every reservation made in the name of The Salvation Army in January. As well, local artist Jean Gaudreau donated a painting to the Army, which was put up for auction online.

The painting, titled Personne n’est à l’abri (No one is immune), raised $3,245.

Portofino’s fundraiser and Jean Gaudreau’s auction, along with a donation from the Quebec City Rotary Club, raised a

6 April 2018 Salvationist

Lt Yves Bolduc, CO, The Salvation Army Ministries—Quebec City, receives a cheque from Jean Gaudreau; François Petit, owner of Portofino; and Guylaine Gignac, member of the Rotary Club

whopping $10,492.50, which was presented to the Army in February.

FRONTLINES

n February, The Salvation Army Winnipeg Booth Centre opened a dedicated shelter space for LGBT+ persons, the first such space in Manitoba. “We had the opportunity and the space to address this unmet need,” says Mark Stewart, director of residential services, who worked to make the shelter space a reality.

In 2015, a census was conducted among the homeless population in Winnipeg. The results showed that within the 18-29 age group, 23 per cent identified as LGBT+. The survey also indicated that many in this group were unwilling to use the emergency shelters in the city because they did not feel safe or comfortable in that environment; instead, they were staying on the streets or finding other ways to get off the streets.

“There is great danger in staying on the streets in Winnipeg during the winter,” says Major Rob Kerr, divisional secretary for public relations and development, Prairie Division. “We cannot stand by and do nothing knowing that there are people on the streets who are putting their lives at risk rather than entering an emergency shelter.”

The LGBT+ shelter space was previously occupied by the asylum seekers who made their way into Canada from the United States early in 2017. “Now that we no longer need the space for the asylum seekers, it gave us an opportunity to use it for this pilot project,” says Major Kerr. Use of this space

will be completely voluntary and will be by referral from case workers in the Booth Centre, as well as the other emergency shelters in the city.

“We serve our community without discrimination,” says Major Kerr. “We are already serving the LGBT+ community.

This isn’t new for us; it is just a new way of doing it.”

The Booth Centre is committed to this pilot project for one year.

Photo: Jordan Thompson

I

Winnipeg Booth Centre Opens Shelter for LGBT+ Persons

The new shelter space addresses an “unmet need,” says Mark Stewart

Holiness Weekend Strengthens Faith in Ontario

T

he Ontario Central-East Division held its first Time to be Holy weekend in January in Cobourg, Ont., bringing together 33 delegates from across the division.

“The purpose of the weekend was to bring youth and young adults together to learn more about holiness and what it means to live a holy life,” explains Captain Jon Savage, divisional youth secretary, Ontario Central-East Division, who helped organize the event. “This weekend was an intense time of learning and reflection.”

Teaching throughout the weekend was provided by Major Terence Hale, territorial youth secretary; Major Jennifer Hale, secretary for candidates; Lt-Colonel Sandra Rice, divisional commander, Ontario Central-East Division; and Colonel Lee Graves, chief secretary, while Cameron and Phylicia Rawlins led worship. Along with teaching and worship, delegates were given free time to reflect on what they had heard.

On Sunday, the group joined Cobourg Community Church for their morning

worship service. Some of the young people gave testimonies about their experience over the weekend and what it meant to them, while Colonel Graves shared from the Word.

“Weekends such as this one put an emphasis on what we believe in The Salvation Army,” says Captain Savage.

“We are a holiness movement and need to continue to teach our young people about who we are and why we do what we do.”

Captain Savage hopes delegates will take the message back to their corps and let the light of Christ shine through them.

Young people from across the Ont. CE Div gather at Cobourg CC to learn about holiness

Salvationist April 2018 7

FRONTLINES

Pilot Project Brings Health Care to Toronto Shelter

F

or those experiencing homelessness, accessing medical help can be a challenge due to various obstacles, including long wait times and expensive medical prescriptions.

But for residents of The Salvation Army’s New Hope Shelter in Toronto, help is on its way.

New Hope is one of five shelters in Toronto to take part in a pilot project bringing health services to the facilities, meaning residents will no longer have to leave the shelter to seek medical aid. Toronto Mayor John Tory and provincial leaders made the announcement at New Hope in January.

“We need to reimagine the way we think of health care,” said Eric Hoskins, then Ontario minister of health and longterm care. “We need to find better ways to target people who have the highest health care needs and, unfortunately, those are often the people who fall through the cracks.” The pilot project will provide essential health services such as wound care, mental health supports and chronic disease management.

Toronto Mayor John Tory announces a health-care pilot project at the Army’s New Hope Shelter

High Council to be Held in May

W Sally Ann makes two new friends at the Chinese New Year parade

Vancouver Army Joins Chinese New Year Celebrations

A

longside colourful lions, dance troupes, martial arts groups and more, The Salvation Army participated in the 45th annual Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival Parade in February, celebrating the Chinese lunar new year.

The parade featured 70 entries, including the Army, and more than 3,000 participants, drawing more than 100,000 spectators to the streets of downtown Vancouver. Dozens of enthusiastic Salvation Army staff and volunteers took part in the festivities, despite the cold weather. Led by a vintage emergency disaster services vehicle and a public relations-branded vehicle, the team and the Army’s beloved mascot, Sally Ann, marched and handed out treats along the 1.3-kilometre parade route.

“The Salvation Army is honoured to join in this celebration and provide hope to all members of our community,” says Deb Lowell, divisional director of marketing and communications, British Columbia Division. “We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”

8 April 2018 Salvationist

ith General André Cox coming to retirement in August, The Salvation Army is preparing to elect a new General. To that end, a High Council will commence on May 17, and a public welcome to the High Council, which will also serve as a farewell to General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries, is planned for May 19.

A High Council comprises all active Salvation Army commissioners (except the spouse of the serving General), territorial commanders and territorial presidents of women’s ministries.

Its sole purpose is to prayerfully elect the next international leader of The Salvation Army. At present, 111 Salvation Army officers are eligible for membership of the 2018 High Council, subject to the issuance of a formal summons by the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Brian Peddle. In order to ensure that each High Council member can contribute fully in the holy tasks of prayer, worship, devotion and deliberation, it is anticipated that translation will be provided in French, Hindi, Korean and Spanish.

International Headquarters plans to provide updates t h roug hout t he High Council and broadcast a live stream to announce the identity of the 21st General of The Salvation Army at the conclusion of the proceedings.

For more information, visit salvationarmy.org/ highcouncil2018.

ONWARD

Last Words Remembering the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross.

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uring my four years living and working in Mexico, I became fascinated with many church customs, especially those of The Salvation Army. Easter week was always a highlight of the year. It usually included an evangelistic campaign, when we visited people in the neighbourhood, held special events every night and took to the streets for open-air meetings (they had to be short, as the authorities frowned on that sort of thing).

On Good Friday, there was a service of the “seven sayings of Jesus on the cross.”

I was intrigued—I’d never heard of such a gathering before.

In Canada, we used to have “three hours at the cross” on Good Friday, but the idea of remembering the seven sayings was new to me. Seven speakers were invited to share, one for each of the phrases that Jesus spoke from the cross. (Seven sermons in one meeting—and I used to think three hours at the cross was long!)

It was a beautiful way of meditating on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. For those unfamiliar with the seven sayings, they are: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). How selfless of Jesus to pray for the very people who were torturing him and putting him to death—and to pray that they might be forgiven.

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). One of the criminals being crucified beside Jesus taunted him, but the other was truly sorry for his life of sin, recognizing that, unlike Jesus, he was receiving exactly what he deserved. Yet here he was, next to the sinless Lamb of God, who was suffering the same death. He reached out to Jesus, asking not to be spared from suffering, but for Jesus to

remember him when he came into his kingdom. Jesus said, “Today you will be with me.”

“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother’ ” (John 19:2627). I can’t imagine the anguish Mary must have felt on that horrible day. Did she ever think, when she gave birth to Jesus in a stable and laid him in a crude feeding trough, that it would end like this? All through his life, she must have wondered why the elderly man in the temple had said to her, “A sword will pierce your own soul, too” (Luke 2:35).

And now it was finally being fulfilled before her eyes. Yet Jesus, full of love for the woman who had given birth to him and journeyed through life with him, was concerned more for her welfare than his own.

“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? ” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (Matthew 27:46). This is a quote from Psalm 22, where the Psalmist expresses the feeling of being entirely abandoned by God.

On the cross, Jesus took upon himself the sin of the world.

“For indeed Christ died for sins once for all, the Just and Righteous for the unjust and unrighteous [the Innocent for the guilty] so that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18 AMP).

“I am thirst y” (John 19:28). Jesus had prayed that, if possible, this cup could be taken from him—the cup that completed his mission on earth.

“It is finished” (John 19:30). He had indeed accomplished all he came to do, atoning for sin so that we now have access to the Father through his death on the cross.

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Jesus was going home at last, no longer to suffer the pain of our sin, no longer to be taunted, humiliated or tortured.

He was taken down from the cross and buried in a borrowed tomb, but he did not remain there. Easter Sunday came, and Jesus rose again.

Thinking back to my years in Mexico, I still have wonderful memories of people coming to church early on Easter morning, all dressed in white. Although the long service on Good Friday reminded us of the tremendous price Jesus paid to redeem us from sin, on Easter Sunday, we rejoiced in the knowledge that because he lives, we live.

Commissioner Susan McMillan is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Follow her at facebook.com/ susanmcmillantc and twitter.com/ salvationarmytc.

Salvationist April 2018 9

Photo: © nito/stockAdobe.com

BY COMMISSIONER SUSAN McMILLAN

Transformed by the

Cross

God’s love, grace and forgiveness are available at the feet of Jesus.

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he message of God’s restorative and redemptive love, as evidenced in the cross and empty tomb, is still as powerful and relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.

The cross is central to our faith and gospel message. It is integral to everything we believe and is our motivation in reaching a dying world with the message of hope, love and salvation. The cross is purposefully located at the centre of the Salvation Army crest.

Each of us needs to have a personal interaction with the cross, for it is there that we kneel to surrender our lives to Christ. The cross is our place of repentance for sin; where we receive restorative grace and begin a new life in Christ.

The cross is transformative as God’s love, grace and forgiveness are unleashed in our lives. We come to the cross condemned but leave forgiven (see Romans 8:1). We come to the cross dead in our sin, but leave with new life in Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20).

Through the cross our eternal destination changes from hell to heaven (see John 3:16).

The Salvation Army’s sixth doctrine states: “We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by his suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.”

The cross is available for everyone and the gospel message is for the whosoever—this is central to our faith and witness, particularly as Salvationists.

10 April 2018 Salvationist

BY GENERAL ANDRÉ COX

We know this. We preach this. The key question and challenge is: do we always experience the power, reality and transformation of the cross in our own lives?

More Than …

You see, it is more than simply admitting sin and acknowledging our need of salvation; more than recognizing that Jesus died for our sin; more than a personal and corporate need; more than a simply sacrificial act.

Yes, the cross is about the price of sin being paid, but it is also about the power of sin being broken. Yes, the cross is about forgiveness, but it is also about restoration. Yes, the cross reminds us of our weakness, but it is also a place of power. We come in shame, but we leave in victory!

The cross is about victory over the powers of evil. The cross cancels the curse of sin and breaks its power.

Christians can have lives of victory and strength because of the cross. Defeat is exchanged for victory. Weakness is exchanged for strength. The old self is left behind and the new self is embraced.

This gospel of Christ and the power of the cross are holistic. Our 10th doctrine clearly states that we believe “that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Stay Focused What a glorious reality! What a complete work! All because of the love of God, revealed in Jesus and manifested on the cross.

Never lose sight of the cross. We stumble and fall when we forget the cross.

The songwriter Fanny Crosby prayed: “Jesus, keep me near the cross” (SASB 178) and George Bennard said he would “cherish” and “cling to” the old rugged cross (SASB 191).

The Apostle Paul never lost sight of the cross. In Romans 1:16-17 we read: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ ” Paul also asserts that “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

It makes no difference how the world views the cross. The inability of existing and previous generations to grasp the fullness of all the cross accomplishes does not diminish its power or eternal impact. The message of the cross may not be a popular one, yet its truth is eternal and relevant.

The Empty Tomb Good Friday and the cross is only one part of the Easter story. Praise God the

Photo: © Pearl/Lightstock.com

story does not end with a dead Saviour!

We worship a risen Lord who, in addition to cancelling the curse of sin and breaking its power, also defeats death to provide eternal life and Resurrection power to every believer!

The glorious reality of Easter morning is symbolized by the empty tomb.

“He is not here; he has risen” were the words of the angel in Matthew 28:6. The question posed to the women who went to the tomb on that morning was: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5).

Nothing can constrain God—not sin and certainly not death. The events of Easter demonstrate the sovereign power of God who intervenes in our physical and spiritual realities. God reveals the full extent of his power, defeating Satan and crushing the two most limiting and controlling aspects of our fallen humanity.

As we once again reflect on God’s incredible gift of freedom from sin, it calls for a personal response from each one of us. I pray that we will all know the love, forgiveness, grace and power of God as we experience his risen presence in our lives.

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

Salvationist April 2018 11

From the Grave to the Sky

Six Salvation Army officers reflect on the post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

A

Good Morning!

BY MAJOR PAMELA PINKSEN

re you a morning person? Even if you answered “yes,” there are always days when we struggle, when morning feels unwelcome. Perhaps it will force us to face realities we’d rather avoid. Maybe the new day will bring unrelenting challenges, griefs and demands that threaten to leave us cowering in despair. Convention insists we offer everyone a cheery “Good morning!” but oftentimes it conceals our truer sentiment: “It’s not, but I wish it were.”

However, there is one “good morning” greeting that gives redemptive hope to all the others—the one received by the women who went to Jesus’ tomb on Easter morning. Matthew 28 records that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb to anoint his body with spices. They do not have the post-Resurrection vantage point that we have—they are expecting to find a body.

But Jesus is not there. In turmoil, afraid, yet daring to hope, they leave the empty tomb. Then, to their utter amazement, they meet Jesus, and receive a greeting from the risen Lord himself—a “Good morning!” of sorts.

And because Jesus has risen, that means “good morning” for us all. In a world that can so often be painful and difficult, “Good morning!” means that the living Lord is present with us. Even if in our despondence, like the women, we do not see him at first, we can take heart that he is still there. He is present with us in the heartache, pain and despair. He shows up with a “Good morning!” bringing light to our darkness.

“Good morning!” also means that we can have peace. Jesus consoled the women that morning. “Do not be afraid,” he said (see Matthew 28:10), before instructing them to relay the good news to the disciples. There is comfort and hope that when we are cowering like the disciples, in despair, dejected and afraid, we will see Jesus in our midst.

“Good morning!” also means the promise of victory. Christ is victorious over death, which means he is victorious over the worst of life and through him, so are we. In the toil of life and even in death, Jesus meets us on the way with a “Good morning!” Because of this, all who have faith in the risen Lord are morning people in the truest sense.

12 April 2018 Salvationist

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Burning Hearts

BY MAJOR OWEN BUDDEN

ater that day, two of Jesus’ disciples, Cleopas, and possibly his wife, Mary, were on their way to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem (see Luke 24:13-35). As they talked about everything that had happened, Jesus appeared and walked along with them, but they didn’t recognize him. When he asked what they were talking about, they were shocked. “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who doesn’t know what’s been going on?” Cleopas asked.

Why did these disciples not recognize Jesus? Perhaps their eyes were closed so their hearts could be more fully opened.

As they shared the recent events surrounding the Crucifixion of Jesus—their dashed hopes and the strange rumours of an empty tomb—they were burdened by grief and doubt, questions and uncertainty. They were caught up in the headlines of the day. Their attention was event-focused, not God-focused.

At the end of the day, when Jesus gave thanks, broke bread and gave it to them, their eyes were opened. “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” they asked each other.

Today, current events are all consuming. News channels, Twitter feeds, Facebook posts—all scream for attention 24 hours a day. Then there are the concerns of our day-to-day living: the expectations and responsibilities of our jobs and families. We can be so caught up in these distractions that when Jesus draws near to walk beside us, we do not recognize him. We want to share our agendas and concerns.

Yet, if we can pull ourselves away from our agendas, if we can tune out the political ravings that suck our energies, if we can ignore the things that distract us, if we are willing (and these are a lot of ifs), then we can also experience the burning of our hearts in the presence of Jesus.

Jesus reveals himself to us when we release our lives to him; when we cease from expressing our views and opinions and simply listen. Listen to his voice and allow his presence to change our perceptions and priorities, to open our eyes to the presence of God all around us. The more we listen, the more our hearts, too, will burn with the unfathomable love of God.

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Photos: © Pearl/Lightstock.com

Seeing and Believing

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BY LIEUTENANT TINISHA REID

fter the two disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus, he disappeared from their sight. They hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the others what had happened, and as they were talking, Jesus appeared again.

Thomas, one of the 12, wasn’t there at the time. When they told him later, he didn’t believe them, saying, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

Sometimes I wonder why Jesus would choose such a cynical doubter as a disciple. Why would he allow someone in his inner circle who had listened to his teaching about what the Son of God came to accomplish, but remained unchanged and disbelieving?

And yet, “Doubting Thomas” has always appealed to me.

Perhaps not only because we share a name (Thomas is my maiden name), but because I have often found myself, like T homa s, hea r i ng the stories of others about Jesus and wanting the same kind of encounter. I wanted to experience the reality of Jesus, for God to reveal himself to me in an undeniable, personal way.

Then came the glue stick crisis. We were beginning a new youth ministry and all of our glue sticks were old and dried up. Of course, we could have purchased more, but it was another strain on an already overstretched ministry budget. Just as I uttered the words, “God, I need you!” an anonymous donor delivered more than 20 glue sticks.

Although I didn’t get to touch his nail-scarred hands as Thomas later did, I undoubtedly received an in-your-face, no-doubt-at-all God experience (surely not my last). Jesus’ last words to Thomas were, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). God is everywhere and in everything; we just have to choose to believe.

The women … do not have the post-Resurrection vantage point that we have—they are expecting to find a body. But Jesus is not there.

A

New Nets

BY MAJOR LAUREN EFFER

s the sun rose over the horizon, their hearts were as empty as their nets. Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee and two other disciples were together by the Sea of Galilee (see John 21:1-14). Now that their mentor was gone, they felt unmoored—unsure of how 14 April 2018 Salvationist

to move forward.

They had learned so much in those three treasured years with Jesus. He had filled their lives with hope as they began to understand how much God loved them. Fishing was all they knew, but he had given them a new living. He had taught them to cast new nets, holy nets, created with the Master’s love and forgiveness. As fishers of men, their catch had been full of healing and restoration.

Now he was gone, and they weren’t sure what to do next.

So they went back to what was comfortable, what they knew.

They went fishing.

Isn’t this often what we do when we feel lost, hurt or abandoned? When we’re not sure which way to go, because of difficulty, hardship or feeling let down? Returning to life the way it was can seem like the right thing to do, the only thing to do, even if it’s not wise or healthy. Yet God has promised that he will not leave us high and dry and that he’ll guide us through even the most difficult times in our lives.

As they wearily sailed toward shore, Jesus called out to them.

“How’s the catch? Try throwing your net on the other side of the boat.” They did, and the net was soon so full they couldn’t haul it in.

He gave them hope and he gave them breakfast.

This is what God does for us with his love. He knows what we need, exactly when we need it. These fishermen needed to experience Jesus’ presence again. They needed to experience God speaking into their lives in a practical and loving way.

Jesus knew this, and met them just where they were. He called them to him one more time. They left their nets again, this time for good.

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Do You Love Me?

BY MAJOR MARK DALLEY

ast fall, I stood on the shores of Galilee, probably not far from where Jesus made the disciples breakfast. That morning, I could hear Jesus ask me the same question he asked Peter. “Do you love me?” (see John 21:15).

A lot had happened in Peter’s life. He had started as a fisherman, right here on the Sea of Galilee, before Jesus came into his life and said, “Follow me.” He had given up everything he knew to pursue a life he didn’t fully understand.

Over the next three years, he had some great moments— witnessing miracles, walking on water, watching as Jesus was transfigured before him. He’d had some lows as well—failing to cast a demon out of a young boy, sinking in the water after taking his eyes off Jesus, hearing Jesus tell him, “Get behind

me, Satan.” But nothing could have prepared him for what it would be like to deny Jesus three times as he watched him suffer and die.

Peter was a failure.

It’s so easy to focus on our failures—all the ways in which we haven’t measured up. All the things we’ve said and done that we know we shouldn’t have. All the promises we’ve broken.

But the story of Easter is not about our failures. The story of Easter is about a God who loves us in spite of our failures.

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16).

The question was never if Jesus loved Peter. He had already proven his love through his death on a cross. The question was—did Peter love him? Do we love him?

Jesus was resurrected on Easter morning. Peter was resurrected that morning on the shores of Galilee, when he told Jesus he loved him, three times.

Maybe you need to experience resurrection this Easter, like Peter. Can you hear Jesus asking, the way I did as I stood on the shores of Galilee, “Do you love me?”

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I Can Only Imagine

BY CAPTAIN PETER KIM

ust imagine you were there that day, on the Mount of Olives near Bethany, when Jesus ascended into heaven.

What a sight that would have been as he disappeared in a cloud. I’m not talking about an ordinary cumulonimbus cloud, but the kind of cloud that enveloped Jesus on the Mount of

Transfiguration—the Shekinah glory of God. Jesus was wrapped in glory. That would have been an amazing sight.

Jesus said, “You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:48-49).

The disciples saw it with their own eyes. They went into the city, worshipping and praising God continually with great joy. Jesus Christ fulfilled prophecies concerning the Messiah (himself) and, as a result, the disciples were eye witnesses of this awesome event.

We, too, are to be witnesses for Jesus. Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

It’s great to know that Jesus is still with us and helps us through the Holy Spirit to be a witness for him. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to proclaim Jesus as Lord. The disciples received this power in Jerusalem and shared the good news with all those around. We are to go and make disciples of our neighbours, friends and family. When I think about the amazing privilege it is to be included in God’s salvation story, it makes me feel joyful, like the disciples.

Imagine with me what a sight it will be when we see him coming again in clouds of glory. The best part is that we, too, will go up in the clouds to be with him, with all the disciples of Jesus. I’ve always wanted to know what it would be like to fly up in the sky like Jesus. I can only imagine.

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Salvationist April 2018 15

CALLING THE COURAGEOUS

While She Was Sleeping Charlene Feakins’ decision to become a soldier hinged on a dream.

BY KEN RAMSTEAD

I

had no intention of becoming a soldier,” recalls Charlene Feakins.

“After all, it was a 40-minute drive to the Salvation Army church every Sunday, and I had lots of local options. Plus, I didn’t want to tie myself down to any specific church.”

It would take something pivotal for her to change her way of thinking. And that happened one evening in December 2017.

Unconditional Love Before Feakins became a stay-at-home mom, she was an occupational therapist working in the field of mental health.

“I’d obser ved the impact The Salvation Army made in the community,” she says. “Salvationists loved and served people unconditionally, not because they were trying to convert them to their faith.

“After my divorce and remarriage, I wanted to be a part of a church where it didn’t matter what your socio-economic status was. For The Salvation Army, Jesus calls them to love people for who they are because that is what he did. I wanted to be a part of that.”

Feakins started attending the Army’s Kingston Citadel in Ontario with her husband, Martin, and enjoyed worshipping there, so much so that when her corps officer, Major David McNeilly, asked her if she would be interested in taking soldiership classes, she accepted.

“I was willing to attend but I was on the fence about soldiership,” explains Feakins. “I wanted to be flexible and go where I felt my family’s spiritual needs would be fulfilled. Plus, I didn’t see the big deal in wearing a uniform.”

That was how things stood a couple of weeks before her soldiership classes came to an end.

And that was when she fell asleep one night and awoke the next morning a changed person.

16 April 2018 Salvationist

Charlene Feakins’ uniform is a symbol of hope

The Dream I was in a three-storey department store.

On each floor was a female mannequin on display.

The first-floor mannequin was not set up yet. The mannequin on the second floor had a magnetic uniform whose parts could be easily removed—shirt, skirt, lapels, pins. I remember thinking I could place this uniform on the thirdfloor mannequin, where it could remain, permanently pressed and clean. But I was frustrated and unsure what to do.

My boss was with me. He instructed me not to put the uniform on the mannequin but to wear it into the community. It looked like a wedding dress, long and the purest white, but it was not very practical or comfortable.

I looked around me to see my coworkers wearing comfortable clothes. I stood out in my long bridal dress. I took the elevator to the main floor and a colleague drove up in a van. I got into the back, trying to manoeuvre my dress into the vehicle. I didn’t understand why I needed to be different, why I was called to stand out.

Dream Interpretation Feakins woke up with vivid memories of her dream. “In fact, it brought me to tears,” she says.

“I’d been seeking God’s will in regard to becoming a uniformed soldier,” she reflects. “In this dream, my boss represented Jesus. He wasn’t asking me to get a uniform to simply attain a high level of membership in The Salvation Army—the third floor—or to have people just look at me and admire my good works. He wasn’t calling me to wear the uniform whenever it was convenient—the magnetic uniform. He was asking me to wear it into the community, to be the hands and feet of Christ. It was about rededicating my life as a bride of Christ—which is why I was wearing a wedding dress.

Jesus was asking me to be different, to be pure, to stand out and to love deeply and wholly as I serve him.”

Symbol of Hope That dream was transformational for Feakins.

“I felt the dream was God challenging me to make a deeper commitment to my faith,” she says. “And for me, taking that important step in my walk of faith was my way of saying I was going to make it work, despite the hassles of the commute or how I felt about the uniform.”

Feakins became a soldier on December 18, in time for the holidays. Though she had been on the kettles before, this was her first Christmas in uniform, and the difference was pronounced.

“I wore a skirt, and it was cold!” she laughs. “But the number of conversations I struck up with people being in my uniform, telling them what the Army does and stands for, was profound.

“The uniform is not some status symbol for those who are part of the church,” she concludes. “It stands for something.

It’s a symbol of hope for people who need it. And I am proud of that.”

The Next Industrial Revolution How do we protect people from the impact of advances in technology?

BY CAPTAIN JACLYN WYNNE

I

’m not a shopper. When I go to a store, I know what I need in advance, get the item and leave. These days, it seems like there’s always someone who wants to sell me the latest credit card at the checkout line. So imagine my happiness with the introduction of the self-checkout. I can now go to the store, get what I need and check it out myself. I love how convenient it is, especially when I have only one or two items.

At the same time, I have to wonder if using the self-checkout has contributed to the loss of jobs in Canada. We hear about massive layoffs all the time and advances in technology can be linked to unemployment.

In 2016, CBC reported on a study from the Brookfield Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Toronto’s Ryerson University indicating that over the next couple of decades, 40 per cent of Canadian jobs are at risk of being replaced by technology. Jobs that will be most affected are ones that can be considered routine. We’ve already seen

this as things like self-checkouts become increasingly available, and as more of our shopping is done online. Major retailers have felt the impact of rapidly advancing technology and struggled to adapt.

In January, Sears Canada, once a retail giant, closed its doors, leaving 12,000 workers unemployed.

It’s not just retailers at risk of cutting jobs. Data entry clerks, library technicians, truck or taxi drivers, even medical technicians, just to name a few, are all at risk for automation. Although the pace of technological advance will only increase, some argue that it creates more jobs than it costs. While one job may become digitized and therefore obsolete, some workers can transition successfully to other jobs with training. Even companies that are currently restructuring expect to create more jobs than they are cutting. According to the Huffington Post, Loblaw, which announced in October that it was laying off 500 office workers, said they still expect to be a net job creator this year.

While the promise of new jobs is always there, there is an adjustment period that comes with transition—one that has an immediate impact on the workforce. Not all workers can be trained and transitioned into new roles within a corporation. This is especially true of workers with less education and/or access to reliable resources for skill improvement.

There are no easy answers when it comes to the workforce and technological advance. If there were, we could just stop using self-checkouts, shopping online or even using things like ATMs. We can’t stop the progress of technology, nor am I convinced we should. Scripture obviously has no direct comment on technological advance. However, there are certain themes that can help shape the way we live in an increasingly automated world.

1. God has created us for relationship with him and with each other. While we can appreciate technology, we still need to make an effort to connect with one another. This includes the people who are providing the services we use.

2. Care for the people around us is a central theme throughout Scripture.

God shows consistent concern for the poor and commands his people to do the same. There will always be people who are left behind during transition periods in the workforce, due to lack of education or specified skills. We can practise hospitality and care for one another without judgment. If you are in a position of power over employees, you can practise openness and honesty and do your best to help those people gain access to the resources they will need to transition into new jobs.

3. Be generous. Scripture reminds us that those who are rich are to be generous in good deeds and use their money to do good (see 1 Timothy 6:17-19). Be generous with your time and resources to help those in need.

We might not be able—or even want—to stop the impact of technological advance, but we have to realize that it does come with casualties. We need to control our own actions and show generosity toward one another.

Captain Jaclyn Wynne is the corps officer at Erin Mills in Mississauga, Ont.

This is the first column in a new series by members of the social issues committee.

Salvationist April 2018 17

Photo: © SIphotography/iStock.com

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Photo: © IR_Stone/iStock.com

Good Governance Commissioner Robert Donaldson reflects on how The Salvation Army’s model of leadership needs to change, and what it will take to get us there.

Commissioner Robert Donaldson is The Salvation Army’s international secretary for accountability and governance. He is responsible for the co-ordination of the four pillars of General André Cox’s Accountability Movement—finance, governance, child protection and impact measurement— with particular leadership of governance developments. Recently, he visited the Canada and Bermuda Territory and spoke with Geoff Moulton, editor-in-chief, about the need for greater transparency, measuring spiritual growth and moving away from a “command and control” model.

Geoff Moulton: Tell me about your journey of officership. What led to your specialization in Salvation Army governance?

Commissioner Robert Donaldson: My wife and I started as corps officers with front-line community ministries.

We’ve had three appointments in training colleges and I served two terms as training principal in two different territories. Then we went to South Africa where I was program secretary and chief secretary, and then to New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory as territorial commander. I was also chair of the International Moral and Social Issues Council (IMASIC).

The threads of my interest in govern18 April 2018 Salvationist

ance came together years ago. I had a generous territorial commander who, after I’d struggled with heart issues and surgery in my 30s, allowed me to serve on the board of the Heart Foundation in New Zealand, which introduced me to new models of governance. In South Africa, where I was the Salvation Army representative for Africa’s largest theological college, new legislation meant we had to institute a board of directors.

When I returned to New Zealand as territorial commander, I found that the registration document for The Salvation Army required a different way of operating than was in Orders & Regulations, because six trustees or directors were required to vote. The territorial commander didn’t have all power and authority. Those experiences, together with postgraduate studies, sparked my interest in governance and its implications for the Army.

GM: How did the General appoint you to this new role?

RD: Three years ago, while I was still territorial commander in New Zealand, General André Cox contacted me to begin a conversation about governance.

It stemmed from the 2014 International Conference of Leaders in Singapore and the discussion about accountability. The General then allocated five General’s Consultative Councils for me, with the help of an external facilitator, to lead

sessions around the principles and implications of governance for The Salvation Army. This led to my current appointment as the international secretary for accountability and governance, where I act as consultant to territories.

I have two colleagues who work with me in the same field. Our desire is not to impose, but to come alongside a territory, to assist them to review their regulatory environment, their registration document and their governance structure, and to see how they might be both compliant and effective in today’s environment.

Every governance situation is different.

The Army is in 128 countries, each with its own legislative environment and 47 different types of registration.

GM: How do you put good governance into practice?

RD: There are seven principles of governance, which we use to ask questions: How do we apply governance in your territory? How do we help you in your legal context? What are the constraints and requirements?

Overarching everything is spiritual leadership, discernment and wisdom.

We want that in all our decision-making, and in how we lead. As a Salvation Army, we’re a big organization, but we’re more than just a corporate business.

The seven principles are: 1. Distributed authority, responsibility and liability. Authority in the Army

has traditionally been centred in individuals. We’ve been talking for years about more consultative and servant leadership, about how to distribute that power more broadly.

2. Distinction between governance and management functions. Typically The Salvation Army has had those two enmeshed together. But if the same individuals are doing governance and management, that often doesn’t leave space for accountability.

3. Increased independence of governance structure. In The Salvation Army worldwide, the senior leaders are all officers, so where are the independent expert voices speaking?

In Canada, you have highly effective advisory boards to make your decision-making processes more robust.

4. Gender equity. We have a clear theology of the equality of men and women, but we don’t have the best track record for practice. Through this governance process, we will advance gender equity in leadership.

5. Mutual accountability. The Salvation Army accountability systems are predominantly unidirectional. We need more transparency about policies and process in order to eliminate those that are needlessly secretive or ineffective. Let’s let people understand who we are so that accountability can go in all directions, instead of just up.

6. Mix of skills base and stakeholder representation. We need people with skills sitting in the boardroom. My team helps leaders work through the composition of a new board, identifying the key stakeholders and ensuring they get proper representation.

It’s important to include local officers with governance experience, legal skill, financial skill and other abilities.

7. M ix of strategic and operational thinkers. Again, with board composition you need a balance: strategic thinkers to come up with innovative ideas and operational thinkers to make those ideas actionable.

GM: What are the strengths and weaknesses in the Army’s approach?

RD: There has been significant effort in recent years with increased transparency and reporting on financial statements, sometimes through legislated requirement. That’s a positive. On the other hand, we’ve been talking for 35 years about servant leadership, consultation

and a different leadership style in the Army, but in some ways our structure has butted up against that desire. If we can get some flexibility into the structure, that will allow a different leadership style. There have been a lot of good developments along the way, but we have improvements to make in terms of our typical Salvation Army structure, and what might be considered good governance, even from a theological position.

GM: What steps can we take to become more transparent?

RD: In The Salvation Army we have to be careful with the whole command structure. I think we’ve all lived in corps where we’ve been conquering one mountain for five years with one officer and there’s a change and, all of a sudden, we’re climbing a new mountain. All the work that’s been done on this side has been lost.

As we look around in our corps and social institutions, we have superb local officers and employees—people who know their communities and understand the local needs. We need to include that voice more sharply in our strategy and direction. The direction should not be solely determined by someone who comes in and then gets reappointed in a few years’ time. That goes for every level in the Army.

My personal view is that our old “command and control” approach hasn’t reflected what Scripture talks about with the body of Christ and the priesthood of all believers. I think we could do better.

Comr Robert Donaldson: “Overarching everything is spiritual leadership. We want that in all our decision-making, and in how we lead”

GM: Corruption in many countries is endemic. How does the Army operate in those situations?

RD: It is a tension we live with, especially in countries where corruption is a normal way of doing business. How do we get things done, yet remain true to our calling? In places where there’s a high level of corruption, we must ensure that we have complaint and whistle-blower processes, with adequate independent investigation and follow up.

The Salvation Army has clear guidelines and robust disciplinary processes for officers. If followed properly there is consistency and fairness in the process, including points of appeal. In the majority of countries, human resources processes reflect the laws of the land, and principles of fairness, justice and reasonable expectation.

GM: In terms of impact measurement, how do we quantify spiritual transformation?

RD: This has been a hot topic among senior Army leaders. Albert Einstein said, “Many of the things you can count, don’t count. Many of the things you can’t count, really count.” Do we want to measure the transformation? Yes. How we actually achieve that is a challenge.

From an international perspective, there are areas where we do exceptionally well, such as our development projects.

In countries where we have social service contracts with government or other partners, those contracts have rigorous reporting requirements.

We need to continue to preach the gospel and meet human need without discrimination. That’s when the transformation takes into consideration the whole person.

GM: What does Scripture have to say about accountability?

R D: T he workbook Jour ne y of Renewal outlines the different pillars of the accountabilit y movement (accountability.salvationarmy.org) and has many relevant Scripture references.

I would encourage everyone to read it.

The International Theological Council is also working to shape a strong theology of governance for The Salvation Army.

This is an extremely exciting time for the Army. I believe including more voices in our governance models and opening the doors of transparency will strengthen our identity and make us more effective in building God’s kingdom.

Salvationist April 2018 19

Above and Meet six volunteers who give their time and talents to help others with The Salvation Army.

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN

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ith kettles, thrift stores, food banks and so much more, the opportunities to volunteer with The Salvation Army are endless, and the impact enormous. Last year, 148,359 volunteers provided 1.2 million hours of service to the Army, helping 1.9 million people. In honour of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), meet six volunteers who are making a difference across the territory.

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Christmas Cheer

or a volunteer like Lorna Jackson, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. Jackson is in charge of the Christmastime “free room” at The Salvation Army’s community and family services in Courtenay, B.C. The work usually begins in November—as the Army receives donations, such as coats, hats and mittens, Jackson spends hours sorting them. Then, when individuals and

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Family Tradition

f you were to ask Brian Shurman which day of the week he looks forward to most, he would answer without hesitation.

“Thursdays are my favourite day because I get to go and run the clothing room at The Gateway,” he says with a smile.

“That always makes me happy.”

Shurman has been volunteering with The Gateway, a shelter in Toronto, for five years. Living downtown, Shurman saw poverty up close every day and wanted to make a difference.

“It’s easy to turn a blind eye and not really understand what’s happening in your city,” he laments.

The Army was an obvious place for him to explore volunteer opportunities. “My late grandfather was a big advocate for The Salvation Army,” Shurman explains. “He went to France during the Second World War and got involved with The Salvation Army’s relief efforts.”

For the first year and a half, Shurman volunteered in the kitchen on Sundays serving breakfast, before switching to The Gateway’s clothing room. When donations come to the shelter, they are sorted and placed on racks in the room, and then distributed on Thursday evenings.

“People come and I help them find jackets, jeans, ties for 20 April 2018 Salvationist

Lorna Jackson looks forward to volunteering with The Salvation Army again next Christmas

job interviews, underwear and socks,” he says. “But I think people get more than just clothes; they get to come into a place where they can feel good and interact with others. That’s the big thing for me.”

Shurman knows about half of the clothing room’s visitors by name—or an affectionate nickname—and when he doesn’t recognize them, he makes an effort to get to know them. “I always try to make everybody feel welcome,” he says.

Over the past five years, Shurman has developed such a passion for volunteering that he’s started volunteering programs at his place of employment and recently finished a graduate course in corporate social responsibility.

“The Gateway is a place where no matter where you spent your day—in a board room or on a street—it’s a level playing field,” he says. “After volunteering at the Army, I walked away feeling just very human. So I wanted to share that feeling with others because it was so motivational for me.”

And while he’s volunteered at other organizations, he says the experience at The Gateway is like no other. “I have a profound respect for what The Salvation Army does.”

Beyond families come to the Army to pick up their Christmas hampers, they can also visit the free room where Jackson is waiting to help them find just the right item for themselves or a family member.

Some years, Jackson has put in as many as 70 hours over the Christmas season.

“Lorna is our rock,” says Nancy Carlson, volunteer coordinator. “We don’t know what we’d do without her. She goes over and above, always staying until the job is done.”

Jackson is a longtime friend of The Salvation Army. Before she retired five years ago, she worked at the Army’s Courtenayarea thrift stores for 12 years. Now 70, Jackson’s enthusiasm for the work of the Army hasn’t waned.

“Just because you retire, it doesn’t mean you want to stop doing something that you enjoy,” she says with a smile.

Visiting with guests at the free room is a special experience for Jackson. “I know so many of them, after all these years,” she says. “They love to see you every year.

“This year, a young woman came up to me, all smiles,” Jackson continues. “She had come in last year with her father, and I had helped him considerably with getting what he needed. This time, she knew my name, gave me a big hug, and said, ‘Dad says thank you for last year.’ ” Reflecting on meaningful encounters such as these, Jackson is eager to start the process all over again this fall. “I’m already looking forward to next Christmas,” she says. “And before you know it, it will be that time!”

Brian Shurman organizes the clothing room at The Gateway shelter in Toronto

Cutting rags for The Salvation Army is a relaxing experience for Fidele Goguen

The Miramichi Poet

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fter 12 years of serving at The Salvation Army in Miramichi, N.B., Fidele Goguen is not just a volunteer. “He is very much part of our family here,” says Major Deborah Hilliard, community ministries director, The Salvation Army Community Resource Centre.

Goguen comes to the centre once a week to do various tasks: cutting blankets, T-shirts and towels into rags, which the Army then sells; and cleaning jobs around the centre.

“I like cutting rags,” he says. “I find it relaxing. I think it’s like how some people knit—you do the same thing over and over and it’s very calming.”

That calm feeling is much appreciated by Goguen, who has lived with mental illness since he was a teenager.

“Volunteering at the Army keeps me healthy and happy,” he says. “Too much time at home with nothing to do is not good for mental health at all. If I miss volunteering for a week for some reason, I can feel it. I help myself by helping The Salvation Army.”

Along with his weekly shift at the centre, Goguen offers another unique contribution to the Army in Miramichi.

Twice a year, for the annual Christmas party and the volunteer appreciation dinner, he composes a special poem and reads it at the event.

Goguen hopes the poems will inspire and encourage those who hear them. For example, in his poem for Christmas last year, he writes, “If you can help, do whatever you can, Make a little charity a part of your plan.”

“When I first started writing poems, I was nervous,” Goguen says. “But I kept at it and now I’m relaxed in front of a crowd. It feels good when people tell me that the poem was good and that it helped them.”

Salvationist April 2018 21

From Iran to Calgary

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fter Mahmoud Haghtajdar escaped Iran in 1999, he spent more than seven years as a refugee in Turkey, plagued by various illnesses and living in extreme poverty.

“So many times I could have died,” he says. “But God had a plan for me. I have been given a second chance to live in this world.”

Haghtajdar became a Christian in 2002, through the witness of British missionaries, and was accepted as a refugee to Canada in 2007, settling in Calgary.

That experience has had a profound impact on how Haghtajdar sees his purpose in life. “Humans always need each other,” he says. “Nobody’s perfect. So we have to help each other—you have to be ready to help and not just receive help. I have received life, now I have to give life. I have received love, now I have to give love. God has given us life to offer to everyone.”

That desire to give led Haghtajdar to The Salvation Army after he was laid off from his job about two years ago. He volunteers with the Army twice a week, cooking and serving food at the Centre of Hope on Thursdays and helping to lead a sports program for children at the Family Resource Centre on Wednesday evenings.

“Mahmoud often talks about learning discipline in our lives, physically as well as spiritually,” says Jayne Forster, manager of parent and children programming, Family Resource Centre.

“He sets the bar high for himself and the kids, always showing that we can all do a little more than what we thought we could.”

Whether he’s chopping vegetables or playing soccer, Haghtajdar hopes to bless others, as he has been blessed. “I volunteer because I want to give to people, because I have received many things,” he says.

S

Finding Joy in Grief

tarting over is never easy—particularly if it means breaking the cycles of poverty, addiction and homelessness. That’s why The Salvation Army’s Belkin House in Vancouver offers a comprehensive personal development plan (PDP) program for its residents, helping men and women gain the skills they need to develop new ways of living.

Making major life changes is a process Catherine Hajnal understands personally. She was once a tenured professor at Toronto’s Ryerson University—outwardly successful but inwardly unhappy. “I was experiencing a lot of physical and emotional pain, and discovered that this life, the one I thought I wanted, was not the right one for me,” she says.

Addressing her physical issues through surgery, Hajnal decided to leave her career behind and find a vocation that would allow her to help others. Using her teaching skills in a

22 April 2018 Salvationist

A refugee from Iran, Mahmoud Haghtajdar enjoys helping others as he serves in the kitchen at the Centre of Hope in Calgary

new way, she became a grief educator, helping people acknowledge and work through the losses they’ve experienced. As part of Belkin House’s PDP program, Hajnal teaches a seminar called The Story of You, which empowers participants to look at their pasts in a positive light.

“It’s an invitation to ask, Do you own your story, or does your story own you?” she explains. “If your story owns you, that’s a place of constriction—something is holding you back.

But if we can work with our story, and shift that to, ‘Yes, a lot of things have happened in my life, but here’s what I can take away from those experiences; here are the skills they’ve given me’—that’s a place of possibility.”

At Belkin House, Hajnal gives this process a practical application, offering clients career counselling and help with resumé building.

Coffee and Conversion in Medicine Hat

BY CAROL FODE

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olunteering has always been an important part of my journey with The Salvation Army. After I joined the Army long ago at Hampton Citadel in Winnipeg, I helped set up a parish nursing program and led a women’s Bible study at the Booth Centre. After my husband retired, we moved to Smiths Falls, Ont., where we set up a downtown ministry that included serving food, leading Bible studies and Sunday night worship services, sharing the Word of God and praying for our town. I was also privileged to visit Ecuador on a mission trip with the women’s ministry team.

When my husband passed away, I was not sure where God was going to settle me. I was on a trip to Newfoundland and Labrador when an officer told me about a new church plant in Medicine Hat, Alta. We prayed about it and I knew that God was sending me there.

Since moving to Medicine Hat, I have not been disappointed—I love watching God work. I believe that the ground at the cross is level, so it does my heart good to see people who are marginalized in society being treated with love, care and respect. At the Community Resource Centre, we provide a safe environment, meeting physical, emotional and spiritual needs. The freedom of worship here allows everyone to be accepted as they are.

I volunteer at the centre for two to three hours on Monday to Thursday, simply spending time with those who come there looking for community. We have coffee and food, and talk and play games together. I also volunteer on Friday, serving supper.

But what I enjoy most is visiting with the people, especially when the conversation turns to the Lord. I hope God will use me to lead people to him, after I build relationships with them.

In my short time here, I have seen the heart of God in the staff at the centre, who only want what is best for each person, walking through the hard times and celebrating victories with them. One woman I met, who has had a difficult life, has just completed a business degree and is working on her culinary

degree. She wants to open a restaurant in Medicine Hat that serves East Coast food. I love sharing in her excitement and encouraging her when things are not going well.

I thank God for this church plant and I am looking forward to growing and praising God in a healthy, happy environment that encourages individuality without compromising.

Carol Fode serves coffee at the Army’s Community Resource Centre in Medicine Hat, Alta.

“Catherine takes what could be a clinical and dry subject and turns it into a class where clients can see that they do have something to offer an employer,” says Susan Tanaka, volunteer co-ordinator. “We are so blessed to have Catherine as a volunteer.”

“Some people have asked me, ‘Why do you want to work with loss? Wouldn’t you rather be a happiness expert?’ ” Hajnal says. “But the reality is, I do work with happiness because I see the smiles, I see people standing taller. It’s joyful work because I see that transformation in people.”

Catherine Hajnal volunteers at Belkin House as a grief educator, helping clients acknowledge and work through the losses they’ve experienced

Salvationist April 2018 23

GRACE NOTES

The Good Earth How my children’s artwork shows me the beauty of creation.

BY LIEUTENANT ERIN METCALF

24 April 2018 Salvationist

Photo: © tomertu/stock.Adobe.com

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ew things are more precious than a gift from a child. Our proud artists-in-the-making are forever blessing us with handmade treasures. They beam from ear to ear as they bestow another one-of-a-kind masterpiece, trusting it will be cherished until the end of time.

I’d like to tell you that I do treasure them. I’d like to tell you they are all neatly stored in labelled plastic bins, to be explored with tears and laughter in later years when memories are thin. But that would be a lie.

I’m not careful with the treasures my children create. Oh, sure, I make a big deal about it when they present them. I’m properly proud and generous with accolades. I may even put a drawing on the refrigerator or a Play-Doh sculpture on a mantle somewhere … for a few days. But eventually I become indifferent to the artwork. Or—dare I admit—uncaring.

(I know! How could I?) Perhaps I stop seeing the wonder in every detail and it becomes commonplace. Or perhaps it’s because I know that if I toss it away, another original creation will soon take its place. The supply of children’s artwork is never ending … or so it would seem.

Those who are wiser and older than me are probably shaking their heads. I can hear them saying something like, “But it will stop. One day, the paintings and drawings and sculptures and unidentifiable creations will no longer be handed over with pride. And when they’re gone, you will wish you weren’t so careless with their treasures.”

Was God beaming when he created the heavens and the earth, and saw that it was good? Was he filled with love and pride as he gave his good creation to humankind, to care for and treasure?

A very good earth. A very good home.

How sad God must be to see us treat his creation with such carelessness and greed, such arrogant expectations that we can devour resources, as if there’s an endless supply. There isn’t. How it

Was God beaming when he created the heavens and the earth, and saw that it was good? must grieve God’s heart that we have grown indifferent and uncaring toward his very good gift.

Pope Francis said, “The violence that exists in the human heart is also manifest in the symptoms of illness that we see in the earth, the water, the air and in living things.”

God created us in his image and placed us here for a reason. On earth as it is in heaven. There is purpose to his handiwork. To assume we are exempt from protecting and caring for our earth is to deny the very Creator who gifted us with his good creation.

And so, we are called to be environmentalists. We are called to care for

God’s creation in the same way we are called to care for souls.

You may think, But what can I do? I’m only one person. If 7.6 billion people all decided their actions were meaningless, the fate of our planet would be decidedly grim. It doesn’t have to be that way.

The good news is there’s still hope for our planet, our home. There is still time. Look at the world and all of creation with a renewed sense of awe and wonder. Indifference and carelessness doesn’t need to be the legacy we hand down to the next generation, along with a planet too weary to sustain us any longer.

Let us treasure the very good gift God has given us.

I am guilty of taking our planet for granted. I want my children to do better than me. In some small way, I want to model what caring for creation looks like.

So, as a new drawing of our family—stick figures with large smiles and wild hair, created with overwhelming love—finds a home on an already-cluttered refrigerator, I vow to preserve and cherish this handiwork.

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

CROSS CULTURE

NEW FROM SALVATION ARMY AUTHORS

IN REVIEW Living Biblically

Articles of War

BY WILLIAM BOOTH AND STEPHEN COURT Articles of War: A Revolutionary Catechism is an expansion and updating of a doctrinal catechism first put forth by William Booth in 1903. The first half of the book is a modernized version of Booth’s The Doctrines of The Salvation Army, revising archaic language and adding some supplements and explanatory notes. The second half of the book, written by Major Stephen Court, evangelism consultant for the Canada and Bermuda Territory, looks at how those doctrines are lived out, providing commentary on the former and current Soldier’s Covenant (formerly called the Articles of War). Written in a question-and-answer format, Articles of War is a straightforward book with a radical message—calling all Salvationists to surrender their lives completely to Christ.

After losing his best friend and learning that his wife is pregnant, film critic Chip Curry (Jay R. Ferguson) resolves to become a better man.

While searching for answers, he turns to the Bible and decides to try living in accordance with all of its commands. Loosely based on The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs, this new TV show follows Chip on that journey, along with his non-believing wife, Leslie (Lindsey Kraft), and his “God Squad,” Father Gene (Ian Gomez), a Catholic priest who helps Chip translate the rules of the Bible to a modern world, and Gil Ableman (David Krumholtz), an easygoing rabbi who often serves as Chip’s sounding board.

Living Biblically is produced by Johnny Galecki (Leonard from The Big Bang Theory) and Patrick Walsh, the son of a Catholic theology professor and a practising Catholic.

The Beat Goes On!

Come Sunday

A revolutionary catechism

Music as a corps ministry

BY HAROLD BURGMAYER Published by The Salvation Army in the United States, The Beat Goes On! is a comprehensive resource by Dr. Harold Burgmayer, territorial music and gospel arts secretary, U.S.A. Central Territory.

Intended for present and future leaders, lay leaders and officers, the book gives a detailed overview of music ministries within the corps setting—from the theology behind Salvation Army worship to the everyday how-tos of leading worship. Its 25 chapters incorporate piano, guitar, instrumental, praise band, singing companies and songsters, junior and senior bands, corps music schools and worship planning. Though nearly 600 pages, photos, diagrams and more keep The Beat Goes On! from feeling too dense.

Further supporting materials, including audio examples, are available online.

This new film tells the true story of Pentecostal megachurch pastor Carlton Pearson (played by Chiwetel Ejiofor), who famously questioned and then changed his beliefs about heaven and hell in the late 1990s.

Pearson was the head of the Higher Dimensions Evangelistic Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, when two events occurred that changed his outlook— the suicide of his incarcerated Uncle Quincy (Danny Glover) and the Rwandan genocide. According to his beliefs, neither his uncle nor the victims of the genocide, including children, would be saved. Praying about the situation, he believed God was telling him that they would not be condemned to hell. When he shares this belief with his congregation and beyond, he faces serious backlash. Available on Netflix on April 13, Come Sunday is sure to be thought-provoking.

IN THE NEWS Generosity is Part of “God’s Plan” for Drake

Toronto rapper Drake often makes a splash when he releases a new music video. But the release of God’s Plan created major waves in February as it chronicles Drake giving away the entire budget for the music video—just shy of $1 million—to ordinary people in Miami, Florida.

Over the course of six minutes, we see Drake do a host of good deeds including shutting down a mall to give women from the Lotus House homeless shelter a shopping spree; giving away wrapped toys to children at the shelter; presenting a scholarship cheque to a university student; donating to the local fire department, a music school and the University of Miami; and simply giving stacks of cash away to people on the street, among other things.

Just before its release, Drake wrote on his Instagram that this video is “the most important thing I have ever done in my career.”

Watch the God’s Plan music video at youtu.be/xpVf cZ0ZcFM. Drake writes a cheque for the Miami Fire Department

Salvationist April 2018 25

PEOPLE & PLACES

CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, N.L.—Jonathan Pardy and Cullen Hynes proudly display their Junior Soldier Promises as they are enrolled at Conception Bay South Corps. From left, CSM Mjr Lloyd George; ACSM Claudette Hillier, preparation class instructor; Rosemary Dobson, preparation class instructor; and Mjrs Barbara and Lorne Pritchett, COs.

PETERBOROUGH, ONT.—Salvationist Evelyn Robertson of Peterborough Temple receives the Medal of the Maple from Scouts Canada which honours young people who have significantly contributed to the movement and the spirit of scouting through community service, extraordinary scouting participation and a solid system of personal values. Robertson was recognized for her involvement and leadership as a scouter and council youth commissioner for White Pine Council. Celebrating with her are her parents and fellow scouters, Heather and Deryck Robertson.

B R I D G E W AT E R , N.S.—Kate Alexina Rideout is dedicated back to the Lord by her parents, Curtis and Jenna Rideout, at Bridgewater Corps.

With them are Mjrs Wilson and Darlene Sutton, COs.

JACKSON’S POINT, ONT.—Dave Jackson receives a certificate marking 20 years of service as the community and family services manager at Georgina CC from Lt-Col David Bowles, CO.

Give more

to those who have less

saworldmissions.ca 26 April 2018 Salvationist

PEOPLE & PLACES

TORONTO—Roger Curtis is commissioned as the colour sergeant of The Salvation Army Community Church West Hill. From left, CS Neil Church, Roger Curtis and Mjr William King, CO.

DEER LAKE, N.L.—Deer Lake Corps celebrates as Doug Preston is commissioned as corps sergeant-major. From left, Robert Cull, colour sergeant; Mjr Frederick Pond, CO; Doug Preston; and Mjr Louise Pond, CO.

HAMILTON, ONT.—Hamilton/Wentworth Community and Family Services celebrates passing the social services accreditation. Proudly displaying the certificate that honours their hard work and dedication are, from left, Heather Murphy; Zoe Boustead; Mjr Graham Brown, executive director; Shirley Molloy; Karen Sobierajski; and Lt-Col Ethel Richardson.

TORONTO—Standing under the flag held by YPSM Sue Patterson, Kevin Hayward and Olivia Hayward are enrolled as senior soldiers at East Toronto Citadel. Supporting them are, from left, Cpt Heather Matondo, CO, and CSM Pearl Groat.

Salvationist April 2018 27

PEOPLE & PLACES

TRIBUTES NEW WATERFORD, N.S.—Allan Wallace “Wally” Head was promoted to glory from the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, N.S., at the age of 86. Born in New Waterford in 1931, he was a son of the late Eli and Mary Eva (Lush) Head.

Wally was a retired coal miner who worked for more than 34 years in various collieries in New Waterford and surrounding areas. He was a born-again Christian who lived his faith, loved and read his Bible, and cherished his family. Wally attended the corps in New Waterford where he served as the corps sergeant-major for 20 years and as a Sunday school teacher for more than 30 years. Wally loved to share his faith and the gospel of his Lord and Saviour. Even during his final days and hours, he testified to his family, expressing his desire for a grand reunion with him in heaven. Wally is survived by his wife of 63 years, Loretta “Etta” (MacDonald); children George, Jim (Donna), Mary (Dave) Quigley, Major Debbie (Randy) Gatza and Hilda Marie Head (Eric Augusta); brother, George (Wendy) Head; sisters Rebecca (Wilson) Hamlyn, Nita Taylor and Major Linda Zimmerman; 19 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

TORONTO—Lt-Colonel David Luginbuhl was promoted to glory at the age of 79 following a brief illness. While still in his teens, David entered the College for Officer Training from Kirkland Lake, Ont., as a cadet in the Sword Bearers Session.

Commissioned in 1956, he served in corps in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and on the training college staff. Married in 1961, David and his wife, Marilyn, served in corps appointments in Saskatoon and Hamilton, Ont., and youth work in New Brunswick. Health care ministry began at Winnipeg Grace Hospital where David served in pastoral care. In 1978, David received a life-giving kidney transplant from his brother, Ken. Hospital ministry continued with David in administrative responsibilities at Calgary Grace Hospital. As a visionary leader, he encouraged colleagues to broaden their awareness of community issues and plan response to needs.

David was one of the founders of the Agape Hospice, which has celebrated 25 years of caring for persons with a terminal illness. Fundamental to his life and ministry was his commitment to faithfulness and accountability—to God and to those he served. David is deeply missed by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Wendy; son, Timothy; and grandchildren Lucy, Kai and Angel.

DEER LAKE, N.L.—Born in Deer Lake in 1930, Raymond Irvent Curlew was promoted to glory at the age of 87. Raymond was enrolled as a senior soldier in 2011, and was a member of the men’s fellowship, couples’ fellowship and seniors’ fellowship. In his teenage years, Raymond was a bandsman and an active member of the Deer Lake Corps. He was a quiet man who spent a lot of time outdoors, hunting and fishing. Raymond was predeceased by his parents, James and Ida Curlew; his first wife, Margaret (Oxford); four brothers; five sisters; eight brothers-in-law; five sisters-in-law; and parents-in-laws. Missing Raymond are his wife of 37 years, Irene; sons Wilfred (Marge), Bruce (Marlene), Merrill (Nancy) and Larry (Colette); adopted son, Kyle (Tara); stepsons Rodger (Diane) and Perry (Michelle) Martin; daughters Judy (George) Foley, Joyce Curlew-Moores, Rhoda (Darryl) Seniuk and Lisarae Curlew; stepdaughter, Tina Martin; 29 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; siblings Doug (Gladys), Winston (Shirley), Harry (Barbara), Don, Calvin (Dorothy) and Sadie Shears; sisters-in-law Joan Curlew and Floss Reid; brother-in-law, Arthur Reid; and a large circle of nieces, nephews and friends.

Visit Salvationist.ca for more news and information 28 April 2018 Salvationist

DEER LAKE, N.L.—Josephine Joan Nichols (nee Delaney) was born in Cox’s Cove, N.L., in 1944. A resident of Deer Lake, she was promoted to glory in her 73rd year. Joan was enrolled as a senior soldier in 2013. She was a compassionate and caring person, and served faithfully as a member of community care ministries and the prayer chain. Joan lovingly supported the mentally and physically disabled children of Newfoundland and Labrador for more than 30 years as a foster parent. Joan and her husband, Ivan, welcomed dozens of children into their home over the years. She was the former co-president of the Allied Handicapped Association and Foster Parents Association of Newfoundland, and worked with numerous local community organizations and committees. Joan is lovingly remembered by her husband of 48 years, Ivan; children Ivan Roy and Stacy (Curtis); grandchildren Ryan, Callum and Sadie; brothers Tony (Phyllis), Edward and Marty (Jenny); and a large circle of family and friends.

DEER LAKE, N.L.—Born in Deer Lake in 1932, Mary Wight (nee Oxford) was promoted to glory in her 84th year. A lifelong Salvationist, Mary was enrolled as a senior soldier in 1967.

She was active at Deer Lake Corps where she was involved in the home league for more than 50 years, was a member of the prayer chain, and attended couples’ fellowship and seniors’ fellowship. Mary was the church janitor for more than 20 years. A woman with a strong devotion to God, she had a welcoming heart that was shown through her volunteerism, kindness and warm personality. Mary’s legacy of faith continues as she is remembered for her smile that brought warmth to a room. Everyone was greeted with hugs as she welcomed them into her home. She leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories her husband of 47 years, the love of her life, William; children Cora and Paul; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Gordon; sister, Louise Pittman; and a large circle of family and friends.

DEER LAKE, N.L.—Muriel Chaulk (nee Cooper) was born in Comfort Cove, N.L., in 1919, and promoted to glory in her 98th year. Muriel was a lifelong Salvationist and the oldest senior soldier of Deer Lake Corps where she served as the young people’s treasurer and a songster, and was a member of the home league and community care ministries. Muriel was also involved with the local Canadian Red Cross Society.

Predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Amador Chaulk, and second husband of five years, Maxwell Cole, Muriel is lovingly remembered by sons Melvin (Daisy), Derek (Doreen), Wade, Rick (Karen) and Paul (Ethel); daughters Sharon Penney (Mel) and June Quinton (Steve); daughter-in-law, Hazel Chaulk; sonin-law, Edmund Dewey; sisters Daisy Hillier, Lillian Hutchings and Evelyn Ball; brother-in-law, Woodrow (Peggy) Chaulk; sisters-in-law Etta (Bern) Meisner, Mary Lou Chaulk and Mary Cooper; 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; foster children; and a large circle of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

DEER LAKE, N.L.—Greta Mary Marsh (nee Tizzard) was born in Springdale, N.L., in 1931. Greta was promoted to glory in her 86th year while she was a resident of the Valley Vista Senior Citizen’s Home in Springdale. Enrolled as a senior soldier in 1985, she was active in the home league and especially enjoyed the fellowship with her friends. Greta was dependable and loved to help whenever needed. She is remembered for her friendly disposition and the warm welcome she extended to anyone who came into her home. Greta loved camping and being outdoors with her husband, Winston, and anyone who wanted to join them. She was predeceased by her husband, Winston; parents Archibald and Minnie Tizzard; sisters Ivy Noble, Lou Young, Rose Hobbs-Bursey, Daphane Bennett and Marjorie Wells; and brothers William, Lloyd, Edward, Cyril and Malcolm. Greta leaves to mourn with fond memories her sister, Mable Roberts; sisters-in-law Olive, Ruby, Mavis and Nellie; and a large circle of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

PEOPLE & PLACES

MOOSE JAW, SASK.—Six adherents and one senior soldier are enrolled at Moose Jaw Corps. From left, Dave Foley, holding the flag; Wendy Simard and Al Cameron, adherents; Keith Silversides, senior soldier; Mjrs Wendy and Dan Broome, COs; and Robert Perkins, Elizabeth Hoffman, Rita Button and Pam Vossler, adherents.

GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL Appointments: Comr Lalngaihawmi, TC and TPWM, India Central Tty (current pro tem service to continue until Dec 31); Lt-Cols Brian/Anne Venables, communications secretary, programme resources department/assistant chief international auditor, business administration department, IHQ; Jul 1—Mjrs Patrick/Margaret Booth, CS/TSWM, France and Belgium Tty, with rank of lt-col TERRITORIAL Appointments: Lt Indira Albert, divisional secretary for candidates, Que. Div (additional responsibility); Cpt Krista Andrews, divisional secretary for candidates, N.L. Div (additional responsibility); Mjr Joanne Cook, community ministries officer, St. Albert Church and Community Centre, Alta. & N.T. Div (designation change); Mjr Carson Decker, divisional secretary for candidates, Maritime Div (additional responsibility); Cpt Joyce Downer, divisional secretary for candidates, Ont. GL Div (additional responsibility); Cpt Ian Gillingham, divisional secretary for candidates, Alta. & N.T. Div (additional responsibility); Lt Shawna Goulding, divisional secretary for candidates, Bermuda Div (additional responsibility); Cpt Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, divisional secretary for candidates, B.C. Div (additional responsibility); Mjrs Craig/Patsy Rowe, chaplain/support services supervisor, Kingston Harbour Light, Ont. CE Div; Cpt Jon Savage, divisional secretary for candidates, Ont. CE Div (additional responsibility); Cpt Kristian Simms, divisional secretary for candidates, Prairie Div (additional responsibility); Jul 1—Cpts Timothy/

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TORONTO—East Toronto Citadel enrols two junior soldiers and one senior soldier. Front, from left, Cpt Heather Matondo, CO; Zoe Hayward and Anna Hayward, junior soldiers; and Rebekah Braddock, senior soldier. Back, from left, YPSM Sue Patterson and CSM Pearl Groat.

Krista Andrews, Carindale Corps, Queensland Div, Australia Eastern Tty Long service: 40 years—Mjr Heather Harbin Promoted to glory: Mjr Margaret Perkin, from Kelowna, B.C., Feb 9; Mjr Karen Kerr, from Kitchener, Ont., Feb 10; Cpt Elsie Sloan, from Medicine Hat, Alta., Feb 12; Mjr Marlene Jones, from Orillia, Ont., Feb 15

CALENDAR Commissioner Susan McMillan: Apr 3-4 denominational leaders’ retreat, Queen of Apostles Renewal Centre, Mississauga, Ont.; Apr 10 F.I.T.-3 (Fraud – Investigation – Technique) Conference, Toronto; Apr 12 Weston Foundation dinner meeting, Toronto; Apr 14-15 2nd Year Pre-Confirmation Institute (Messengers of Light), JPCC; Apr 19-23 110th anniversary, Conception Bay South Corps, N.L.; Apr 24 women’s ministries training day, CFOT; Apr 27-29 convocation, Booth University College, Winnipeg Colonels Lee and Deborah Graves: Apr 1 Korean CC, Toronto; Apr 18 Meighen Retirement Residence, Toronto; Apr 20 2nd Year Pre-Confirmation Institute (Messengers of Light), JPCC; Apr 22-23 divisional review, B.C. Div (Colonel Lee Graves only); Apr 24 women’s ministries training day, CFOT (Colonel Deborah Graves only); Apr 28-30 Trinity Bay South Corps, Dildo, N.L., accompanying Commissioners Brian/Rosalie Peddle, Chief of the Staff/ World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Canadian Staff Band: Apr 6-8 Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alta.

Canadian Staff Songsters: Apr 7-8 Bracebridge, Ont.

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Salvationist April 2018 29

SALVATION STORIES

Soldier On I heard the gospel because a Salvation Army corps sergeant-major kept his promise.

BY RICHARD PARR

“Jesus,” I prayed, “come into my heart and take over my life, because I can’t do it anymore.”

30 April 2018 Salvationist

Photo: Mjr Don Grad

I

started drinking on weekAt 3 p.m. on January 15, ends when I was 12. A few 1984, I became a Christian. years later, it was several That night, I went to the times a week. Then it became evening meeting and publicly daily. By the time I was 30, I was accepted Christ during the smoking three packs of cigaaltar call. rettes and drinking a bottle of I never had another drink, vodka every day. and quit smoking the next I had always promised my week. Three months later, I kids I would stay sober on became a senior soldier.

Christmas Day. But in 1983, When I retired after 30 just before my 38th birthday, years as a truck driver, I went I didn’t. I got to thinking if I into full-time service for the couldn’t stay sober one day a Army, working as an envoy in year, maybe I had a problem.

Nelson, B.C., until my health When a friend suggested I “Give God a try,” says Richard Parr, who volunteers at the corps in Swift declined. I’ve had eight heart go to church with him, I said no. Current, Sask. attacks.

I’d never been in a church, other In 2004, after my fifth heart than for weddings and funerattack, doctors gave me a five als. But I said I would maybe per cent chance of surviving go to The Salvation Army. He open-heart surgery. But we asked the corps sergeant-major prayed and I came through. at Lloydminster Corps, Alta., As a volunteer with emerElmo King, to call me. I told gency and disaster services, I Elmo if he was standing on the was called to go to Calgary to street when I drove by on Sunday, I’d come in. help after the floods, but found out I couldn’t work in a crisis He was there. That morning, I heard the gospel for the response unit while on oxygen. If God wants me to go, he can do first time in my life. something about it, I thought. I’d been on oxygen for six years, After the meeting, Elmo invited me out for lunch. Why but on the way to Calgary, I took it off, and haven’t needed not?—a free meal, I thought. He told me all about Christ and it since then. I believe God healed me so I could do his will. asked if I wanted to accept him into my heart. I said no.

I’ve been a volunteer with our community care ministries But I kept thinking about what he’d said. Later that afterhere in Swift Current, Sask., for the past 14 years, and I try to noon, a feeling came over me. I went into my bedroom and support our officers in any way I can. prayed. Jesus, if you are who Elmo says you are, and if you can My relationship with Christ has grown over time. When do what he says, then come into my heart and take over my someone asks me about my faith, I tell them my story, and to life, because I can’t do it anymore. give God a try—they won’t be sorry.

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