Cross Culture

Better Together How Women and Men Can Heal the Divide and Work Together to Transform the Future BY DANIELLE STRICKLAND

In the aftermath of the #MeToo and #ChurchToo movements, is it possible for men and women to find hope and healing and create a better world together? Well-known speaker and author Danielle Strickland believes we are at a strategic cultural intersection with respect to the relationship between women and men—an opportunity to begin again and create a different future. In Better Together, Strickland offers practical steps toward a real and workable solution that includes two things needed for change: a vision of a better world and an understanding of oppression. “I refuse to believe that all men are bad. I also refuse to believe that all women are victims,” Strickland says. “I don’t want to be just hopeful, I want to be strategically hopeful. I want to work toward a better world with a shared view of the future that looks like equality, freedom and flourishing.” Available alongside the book is a six-session video-based Bible study, intended to amplify the message of the book and guide group discussion.

STAYED The Simple Secret to Discovering and Enjoying Animating Spiritual Contentment and Profoundly Divine Fulfillment Throughout All Your Years and Into Eternity BY PHIL LAEGER AND STEPHEN COURT

In an age of anxiety and uncertainty, could there be anything more desirable than perfect peace? In STAYED, Salvationist singer-songwriter Phil Laeger and Major Stephen Court, territorial evangelism consultant, show that such peace is not only possible, but available to all Christians. The title of the book refers to Isaiah 26:3 (TLV): “You keep in perfect peace one whose mind is stayed on you.” In the book, “stayed” is also an acronym that stands for Spend Time Alone with Yahweh Every Day. The authors break down this acronym into four easy-to-understand components, providing insight and practical wisdom. STAYED culminates in a 21-day devotional (seven days, repeated three times), which covers the “seven Ps of perfect peace.” Each day includes suggested devotional music to reinforce the book’s message, available soon on the YouVersion Bible app with Laeger’s original accompaniment.

The Problem of Pain In new memoir, Canadian author reflects on chronic illness, healing and faith. BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN S arah Bessey was driving along the highway after stopping at a Tim Hortons, sipping a double-double and in no particular hurry, when another driver’s splitsecond decision would change her life forever. While not fatal, the car crash would leave her with serious injuries and send her on a difficult journey of healing and not-healing, which is chronicled in Miracles and Other Reasonable Things: A Story of Unlearning and Relearning God. Based in Abbotsford, B.C., Bessey is the author of a number of popular and critically acclaimed books, including Jesus Feminist, and speaks at churches, conferences and universities around the world. In her latest book, she takes a deeply personal approach to the subject of suffering. Miracles and Other Reasonable Things is not a theological treatise but a spiritual memoir, where theology is explored through storytelling. Throughout the book, she addresses her reader like a friend, from the introduction to the closing benediction, where she prays for and with her reader. Miracles is divided into four parts, beginning with the accident and its aftermath, as well as Bessey’s prior experiences and beliefs around healing. In the second part, Bessey takes her readers with her to Rome for Pentecost, where she experiences miraculous healing in her back. Other parts of her body, however, continue to be a source of debilitating chronic pain, eventually leading to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The third and final parts of the book explore this part of her journey and conclude with what she has “unlearned and relearned” about God.

After the storytelling setup of the first half, the second half of Miracles is where Bessey wrestles with how her condition is changing her understanding of miracles and healing. “Over time,” she writes, “I grew disillusioned with the way we chased after the miraculous, the big movement, instead of after Jesus…. I began to realize that we valued the victory, not the struggle. We wanted the testimony of God’s faithfulness so badly that we didn’t know how to engage in the work of miracles and healing.” Coming to grips with her own suffering, Bessey recognizes that “God was often revealed to me in the darkness rather than in the light.” As the book draws to a close, she shares the new vision of healing given to her through this experience, one rooted in the Easter miracle of resurrection, of life birthed from death. Avoiding platitudes and easy answers, Miracles will resonate with people who have experienced chronic pain, or wish to gain insight into that experience. With her signature down-to-earth style, Bessey offers her fellow believers encouragement—that we would see the “ordinary miracles” in our ordinary lives.

TORONTO—From left, Abimbola and James Menone are enrolled as adherents at North Toronto CC. Supporting them is their corps officer, Mjr Ken Smith.

TORONTO—Scarborough Citadel enrols nine senior soldiers. Front, from left, Lt Johnny Valencia, CO; Ruby Teniente, Carrie Graham, Maryuri Marin, Nancy Pulido and Alexandra Mateus, senior soldiers; and Lt Carolina Valencia, CO. Back, from left, James Thistle, Fernando Contreras, Hector Sandoval and Joan Hein, senior soldiers; and Comr Susan McMillan.

TORONTO—Three adherents are enrolled at North Toronto CC by Mjr Ken Smith, CO. From left, Christine Snow, Trevor Francisco, Mjr Ken Smith and Heather Green.

BRANTFORD, ONT.—Gary Cameron is commissioned as the corps sergeantmajor at Brantford CC. With him are Mjrs Darrell and Lise Jackson, COs.

HAMILTON, ONT.—The NEON Worship Team, under the leadership of Simon Gough from the music and gospel arts department at territorial headquarters, conduct an afternoon of training to help the adult and youth worship teams of the Hamilton Laotian Corps better serve their congregation by improving their leadership skills.

KEMPTVILLE, ONT.—Three adherents and one senior soldier join the ranks of Kemptville Church. From left, Erin Wong, pastor; Terry Shepherd, Sonia Goyer and Isla Whitteker, adherents; Allen Brown, senior soldier; Calvin Wong, pastor; and Kenny Dolliver, holding the flag.

HAMILTON, BERMUDA—From left, Carol McDowall, Lorraine Jones and Juanita Ming celebrate winning the second annual Spaghetti Bible Quiz event at North Street Citadel. Joined by their teammate, Brian Gibbons, the “Bermuda Onions” took the top prize for successfully answering the most questions on the books of Galatians and Ephesians. Created to highlight the importance of studying the Bible and encourage attendance at the corps’ weekly Bible study, the event features a battle of wits on biblical content between randomly selected teams of four. In addition to a scrumptious spaghetti dinner and decadent desserts for all participants and spectators, prizes were awarded to the top three teams and audience members who correctly answered random questions.

SHERBROOKE, QUE.—Christiane Amond offers the Army salute as she is enrolled as a senior soldier at Sherbrooke CC by Cpts Vilma Ramos and Ricaurte Velasquez, COs, while Joanne Guèvremont holds the flag.

GAZETTE TERRITORIAL Appointment: Mjr Beverly Ivany, pastoral services officer, THQ (additional responsibility) Promoted to glory: Lt-Col Joyce Ellery, Dec 17; Mjr Lorraine Abrahamse, Dec 31; Mjr Janet Jones, Jan 11

CALENDAR Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd: Mar 7-9 CFOT; Mar 18-25 General’s Consultative Council and International Conference of Leaders, Lisbon, Portugal; Mar 27 2nd-Year Institute, JPCC Colonels Edward and Shelley Hill: Mar 1 Suncoast Citadel, Goderich, Ont.; Mar 8-10 divisional review, Alta. & N.T. Div; Mar 22 2nd-Year Institute, JPCC; Mar 23 East Toronto women’s fellowship, Meighen Health Centre, Toronto*; Mar 29-31 divisional review, Que. Div (*Colonel Shelley Hill only) Canadian Staff Songsters: Feb 29–Mar 1 Orillia, Ont. KINGSTON, ONT.—Kingston Citadel celebrates with seven new senior soldiers as they are enrolled. Front, from left, Donna Bonner, Betty Granter and Patricia Borden, senior soldiers; Cpt Kathleen Ingram, CO; and Cyril Fry, holding the flag. Back, from left, Mjr Chad Ingram, CO; Les Smith, Graham Bonner, David Granter and Holly Smith, senior soldiers.

ABBOTSFORD, B.C.—Mrs. Major Mabel Cuff was born in Wesleyville, N.L., in 1933, to Albert Blackwood, a sea captain, and his wife, Allison. Mabel had fond memories of growing up with her nine siblings, especially the relationships she enjoyed with sister Daphne and Grandmother Blackwood. At 17, Mabel moved to Toronto where she met her husband, Ellis Cuff. They enjoyed more than 50 years together and had three children, Dwight, Don and Patricia. In 1965, Mabel and Ellis entered the College for Officer Training in the Witnesses to the Faith Session. As a pastor, preacher, teacher and administrator, Mabel found creative ways to serve God and the community. Ministering together in Nova Scotia, Ontario and British Columbia, the Cuffs retired in Abbotsford, B.C. Mabel loved her family and used her gift of hospitality to host many celebrations, complete with home cooking and beautiful table settings. She enjoyed walking, knitting, cooking, shopping, singing, playing the piano, drinking coffee, watching hockey on television and visiting with family and friends. Mabel is survived by sons Dwight (Faith) and Don (Gabi); daughter, Pat (John); grandchildren Lindsay (Yana), Jonathan (Femina), Joshua (Ashleigh), James, Brittany (Michael), Hannah and Ellys; and great-grandchildren Ulysse and Arthur.

TORONTO—Ronald Ashford Wisdom, affectionately known as “Jimmy,” was born in 1947 in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where he was raised in The Salvation Army. A gifted musician, Jimmy was part of a rhythm-and-blues singing duo known as Wisdom and Bob in Jamaica, which led to the creation of a band called The Advocates. Music brought Jimmy to Toronto in 1968, and he performed for many people, including Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Jimmy opened his first barber shop in 1974, and by 1980, his growing clientele necessitated a move to a larger space and the incorporation of a beauty salon. Wisdom’s Barber Shop and Beauty Salon stands today as a cornerstone in the community where Jimmy is remembered as a prominent leader. Invited by his mother to visit Toronto’s Earlscourt Citadel (now Yorkminster Citadel), where she attended after moving from Jamaica, Jimmy recommitted his life to the Lord, was enrolled as a soldier and sang in the songsters. Always willing to testify to the love of Jesus, he was a great source of encouragement to the young people of the corps. Jimmy is lovingly remembered by his wife of 39 years, Merva; children Ninfa, Ronald Jr., Ian, James and Nadine; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

LANGLEY, B.C.—Major Stan Ratcliffe was born in 1934 in Edmonton to Salvationist parents, Joe and Ethyl Ratcliffe, alongside his twin brother, Joe. Stan married Dorothy Green in 1955 and as a couple they began a lifelong commitment to the plan and purposes of God. They entered the College for Officer Training in 1957 with their first daughter, Cathy, and were commissioned in 1958. God blessed them with five additional children. They served together in corps appointments across Canada, as well as in public relations, community services and business administration. Due to health struggles, a seven-year leave from officership led Stan to work with Barry Moore Ministries in London, Ont. Stan and Dorothy returned to active officership in 1986 and served faithfully until retiring in 2000. A committed Salvation Army soldier, Stan gave everything he possessed to spread the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Promoted to glory at the age of 84, Stan is missed by his wife, Dorothy; children Cathy (Peter), Wayne (Nancy), Ken (Wendy), Sharon, Brian (Karen) and Barb (Brad); grandchildren Chris, Toby, Jenelle (Mike), Adam (Kat), Jordan (Jenna), Kevin (Kirsten), Kayla (Luke), Ryan, Emma, Tim (Hailee) and Bob; great-grandchildren Stella, Liam, Elleana, Raelyn, Lennon, Grayson and Presley.

CHATHAM, ONT.—James Jhon Marshall was born in Botwood, N.L., in 1930, to Lillian and Charles Marshall. A faithful soldier at Chatham-Kent Ministries, Jim loved to volunteer with community and family services and during the annual Christmas kettle campaign. A roofer by trade, he is remembered for his quick wit and the warm welcome he extended to people at the corps. Surrounded by his family, Jim was promoted to glory at the age of 89 from the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Beloved husband of the late Velma Marshall and father of the late Gary Marshall, Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife, Beverley (Burleigh) Marshall; daughters Bonnie (Terry) Sharko and Vonneta (Paul) Innes; stepsons James (Kathy) Kealey and Scott (Julie) Kealey; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

VANCOUVER—Dawn Marie Hansen was promoted to glory at the age of 59. Dawn was a lifelong member of The Salvation Army who offered her gifts of music, teaching, hospitality and pastoral care as a soldier, adherent and officer. She loved to travel and explore the world. She backpacked across Europe as a young adult, served in northern British Columbia and Mexico, and travelled with Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion World Tour for one year. Her faith in God guided her throughout life. That same faith upheld her during her courageous battle against cancer. Dawn was known for her deep zest for life and love for family and friends. She will be dearly missed by her mom, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends.

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New Beginnings From ordinary to amazing.

Ihad a good life before becoming a Christian. Some of my favourite childhood memories are of playing hockey and football and going up to our cottage. Although I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, I attended Sunday school a few times and heard the gospel. It didn’t make a huge impression on me at the time. After graduating from high school, I went straight to work in the printing industry. I got married at 23, and we have two daughters. I am very proud of who they have become. My wife has been there for me through good times and bad—she’s the heart and soul of our family. But it still felt like something was missing, as if I didn’t have a purpose.

Losing my dad in 2004 was the lowest point of my life. We did everything together—went to the cottage, to hockey and Blue Jays games—he was my best friend. He had a rare blood disorder and it took him quickly, catching us all off guard. It was tough. I started struggling with depression and severe anxiety. It was hard to go to work. I couldn’t even go outside—I was afraid of everybody. I felt lost.

About five years ago, a friend invited us to church. My wife met Martin White through work. He invited us to the New Beginnings dinner at The Salvation Army’s Whitby Community Church, Ont. I was amazed at how friendly and welcoming everyone was. We started helping out with the dinner every month, and then Martin introduced me to the men’s breakfast. Eventually, we started attending the church. My first impression was—this is where I belong. This was the church for me.

I gave my life to Christ two years ago, in February 2018. I’d heard some powerful testimonies at the men’s breakfast, and realized how much God had done for me throughout my life—that he’d always been there. It felt like he was saying, “It’s time.” I told Major Ken Percy, our corps officer, I wanted to be saved, and we met

BY CRAIG TROUSDALE

(Above) Mjrs Donette and Ken Percy support Craig Trousdale’s spiritual journey

(Left) Trousdale and Martin White help at Whitby CC’s men’s breakfast

I wake up feeling optimistic, thankful for all that God has done for me.

in his office on a Saturday and prayed together. I felt different immediately—a sense of peace. This moment had a huge impact on me. Jesus is everything to me now. He’s first.

I didn’t know much about God or the Bible. It was all a brand new experience. Major Percy took me under his wing. He gave me a beginner’s Bible and we studied it together. I became a senior soldier a few months later, because The Salvation Army felt like home. All my friends at church pitched in to give me a uniform.

God has moved in my life very quickly over the past two years. I’ve been introduced to new people, new ideas and new music, and become stronger in my faith and knowledge of Christ. Majors Ken and Donette Percy have supported my spiritual growth in so many ways, allowing me to help lead the men’s ministry and support the youth ministry. And every month, I help Martin with the New Beginnings dinner.

God has changed my life. I’m more at peace with the world and others around me. I used to be a pessimist, always looking at the negative. Now I wake up feeling optimistic, thankful for all that God has done for me. I am alive in Jesus. I feel a sense of purpose. No matter what I face, I know that God will always be with me. It’s been amazing.

WHEN OTHERS TURN THEIR BACKS, LEAN IN.

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