Salvationist + Faith & Friends July/August 2022

Salvationist Doctor Serves at Poland-Ukraine Border

Our Mother, Who Art in Heaven: The Maternal God

What Is Our Theology of Officership?

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

July/August 2022

Salvationist.ca

and

Soul At Camp Sunrise, youth explore their God-given gifts

July/August 2022 • Volume 17, Number 6 DEPARTMENTS 5 Frontlines 9 Perspectives Accelerate 25

by Lt-Colonel Fred Waters

17 International Development The Promise of a Better Life

by Major Heather Matondo

22 Journey of Reconciliation

Preaching vs. Social Ministry: Are They Mutually Exclusive?

Nursing with Compassion Crossing the Border: First in a Global Pandemic Nations Outreach in Quebec

Salvationist.ca

Territory Welcomes New Officers and Auxiliary-Captains

Ex-vangelical: Why Are People How to Share the Gospel Crime and Punishment: Deconstructing Their Faith?

Through Creative Arts Redeeming the Justice System

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

March 2022

Salvationist.ca

Kate’s Place Gives Regina Women a Home

What Comes After Orange Shirt Day?

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

April 2022

May/June 2022

Salvationist.ca

Putting Food on the Table

Remember the Land

by Major Karen Hoeft

How The Salvation Army is tackling food insecurity across Canada

Love

The Good News of

Easter

BEYOND BORDERS

The gospel of Jesus Christ provides grace, forgiveness and reconciliation for all

23 Spiritual Life Hockey and Holiness

by Major Andrew Morgan

Salvation Army provides support following crisis in Ukraine

CATCH UP ONLINE

26 Cross Culture 27 People & Places 30 What’s Your Story?

The Place to Be

by Ken Ramstead

COLUMNS

12

4 Editorial Pitching Camp

by Geoff Moulton

FEATURES

8 Onward

10 Art and Soul

Beyond Summer

by Commissioner Floyd Tidd

At Camp Sunrise, youth explore their God-given gifts.

by Abbigail Oliver

Did you know that you can find free back issues of Salvationist and Faith & Friends magazines at the issuu.com/salvationist website? Catch up on all the Salvation Army news and features on your tablet or desktop.

Also available on the Territorial Archives section of Salvationist.ca is a searchable record of every War Cry dating back to 1884.

Visit salvationist.ca/archives.

Cover photo: Peter Lublink

12 Let Your Life Speak

24 In the Trenches Fuel to the Fire

by Captain Sheldon Bungay

25 Family Matters A Living Sacrifice

by Captain Bhreagh Rowe

Salvation Army officers are called, covenanted and committed.

by Major Corinne L. Cameron

14 Mother God Encountering the divine feminine.

by Lieutenant Olivia Campbell-Sweet

11

18 A Hand to Man Salvationist Dr. Jeff Pitcher felt called by God to volunteer on the front lines at the Ukraine border.

Interview by Abbigail Oliver

READ AND SHARE IT! Biblical Family Feud

Emancipating Thoughts

Salvation Army Helps

JACOB AND ESAU P.8 BERMUDA PRAYER P.12 MAHMOOD’S STORY P.10

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

faithandfriends.ca

JULY/AUGUST 2022

Pet

Project

20 Stamps of Approval

20

8

For Dennis Welbourn and his wife, Patricia, stamp collecting isn't just a hobby. It's a look into the past, present and future of The Salvation Army.

by Ken Ramstead

HOW ANGELA RAFUSE IS HELPING ELDERLY AND ILL PEOPLE FIND HOMES FOR THEIR BELOVED ANIMALS. P.16

Salvationist July/August 2022

3

EDITORIAL

Pitching Camp

I

t was moments after the junior music camp mid-week program at Jackson’s Point, Ont., when my kids came rushing up to me. First my son, beaming with pride, announced: “Dad, the counsellor said I played a note on the cornet that he’s never heard before!”

“Umm … great job, James,” I replied.

Then my daughter blew past: “Hi, Dad. Bye, Dad. I’m going to the ice cream sundae party.”

“But Juliana, sweetie, your mom and I just drove an hour and a half in rush hour traffic to see you….” Too late, she was gone.

James again: “Oh, yeah … someone pranked me and put shaving cream in my pillowcase. Daaaaad, can we stay another week?”

Were these the same kids that I’d dropped off just a few days before with tears and trepidation? Now they didn’t want to leave. And clearly, they didn’t need their parents anymore.

I’ve experienced Salvation Army camp as a junior camper, a young adult at Territorial Music School, a counsellor and a dad. My kids have now grown up and my eldest is returning to camp this summer as a leader-in-training with the Timothy Program. Talk about full circle.

What are your favourite camp memories? For me, it’s standing on auditorium chairs and belting out the camp song, jumping in the pool on a hot summer

Salvationist

is a bimonthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory

day, laughing at corny skits around the campfire, stumbling out of bed for flag raising and kneeling at the mercy seat in a time of commitment.

There are few things as formational in the life of young Salvationists as camping ministry. That week or two of pure joy in the summer cannot be replicated. I thank God for the counsellors and faculty who volunteer their time each summer to teach kids about music, sports, friendship and faith.

For many around the territory, it’s been a long two years without Salvation Army residential camps. The pandemic hit many ministries hard, but none so much as camp. Creative options such as day camp and “camp at home” kept the spirit alive, but this will be the first full year back.

In this issue of Salvationist, we profile the innovative programming at Camp Sunrise in Gibsons, B.C. (page 10).

Elsewhere, we meet Salvation Army stamp collectors with an assortment of postage treasures from around the world (page 20). We talk to Dr. Jeff Pitcher, a Salvationist who travelled to the Ukrainian-Polish border to join the relief efforts for those displaced by war (page 18).

And you’ll read a powerful endorsement of officership by the assistant training principal, Major Corinne Cameron (page 12).

Abbigail Oliver Staff Writer Lisa Suroso Graphic Design Specialist

Brian Peddle General

Rivonny Luchas Digital Media Specialist

Commissioner Floyd Tidd Territorial Commander

Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator

Lt-Colonel John P. Murray Secretary for Communications

Ken Ramstead Contributor Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769.

Member, The Canadian Christian Communicators Association. 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.

Geoff Moulton Director of Internal Communications, Editor-in-Chief and Literary Secretary Pamela Richardson Assistant Editor-in-Chief Kristin Ostensen Managing Editor of Salvationist and Salvationist.ca Giselle Randall Features Editor 4 July/August 2022

Salvationist

In his Onward column, Commissioner Floyd Tidd reminds us that camping must be an extension of our corps and community ministry (page 8). We need to intentionally build bridges in order to grow the kingdom. It’s amazing how many Salvation Army leaders can trace back the roots of their calling to those formative days at camp.

The tradition continues. A new camping season has begun! Time to make more memories.

GEOFF MOULTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Subscriptions

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

Phone: 416-422-6119; fax: 416-422-6217; email: circulation@salvationarmy.ca.

Advertising

Inquire by email for rates at salvationist@salvationarmy.ca.

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

Mission

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

FRONTLINES

Booth University College Holds 40th Anniversary Graduation Ceremony A new class steps out into the world in virtual celebration.

BY KEN RAMSTEAD

Lt-Col Susan van Duinen addresses the graduates

B

ooth University College graduands gathered online in April to mark the 2022 Spring Convocation and Conferring of Degrees.

“We gather this day to acknowledge a threshold moment, a thin place between what has been and what is to be,” declared Lt-Colonel (Dr.) Susan van Duinen, Booth UC president and vice-chancellor. “Graduating class, you have made it! In these last couple of years, your resilience has been tested as you worked to complete your program of studies. Overcoming COVID challenges speaks volumes about your capacity to go out into the world and to make a difference. Congratulations again to each one of you, and may you all succeed in the years ahead.”

After the invocation of the ceremony by Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander and Booth UC chancellor, Michaela Cardamone gave the valedictory address.

“These past few years have been difficult for everyone in many different ways,” she said. “Many have experienced uncertainty, loss, helplessness, isolation, grief and separation from their loved ones. We are here to celebrate my fellow graduates’ strength, perseverance, courage and dedication.”

While she acknowledged that she couldn’t speak for everyone, Cardamone confessed that she enjoyed the online experience.

“A part of me did miss in-person classes,” she said. “I’m sure we can all agree that we missed each other. We missed walking to our classes together, eating lunch together in the Booth Bistro and the joy of each other’s presence. Despite the absence of in-person classes, I still believe we have all made beautiful connections with one another, friendships that got us through our degrees and friendships to cherish.”

In conclusion, she quoted a line from the classic movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

“I want you all to be proud of how far you’ve come along,” Cardamone said. “Be proud of the hard work that got you to this moment in time. But most importantly, enjoy this moment.

It is a moment that won’t happen again. Capture it, remember it and embrace it, as today will soon be a memory to hold on to for years to come. Life has only just begun for us, so make every moment count.”

Lt-Colonel John Murray, secretary for communications and chair of the Booth UC Board of Trustees, prayed for the graduands and read from Scripture. Dr. Kenton C. Anderson, president of Providence University College and Theological Seminary, provided the keynote address.

Following these remarks, Dr. Michael Boyce, Booth UC’s vice-president academic and dean, presided over the conferring of degrees, as 106 students graduated with a diploma, certificate or a degree, from there to move beyond Booth UC to wherever life takes them.

The ceremony completed, Lt-Colonel van Duinen awarded the Chancellor’s Medal to Jessica MacKenzie and the General’s Medal to Lieutenant Marco Herrera Lopizic.

“Heavenly Father, please bless all of our graduates and their families,” said Wendi Thiessen, school director, associate professor, business administration, in her prayer of dedication.

“In spite of the ongoing challenges of the COVID pandemic, by your grace, you have enabled us to provide excellence in the classroom and continue to provide guidance to Booth University College’s leadership. We thank you for the privilege of teaching these students in a world that seems volatile and unhinged. We pray that Booth University College’s teachings and values will go with each of these graduates as they are challenged to live out their beliefs and apply justice and mercy in their decisions and areas of responsibility.”

Michaela Cardamone gives the valedictory address

Salvationist July/August 2022

5

FRONTLINES

Government Announces $150 Million for The Salvation Army and Other NGOs public affairs, information technology and finance, applied for this funding as a part of the humanitarian workforce program (HWP) to assist with capacity building in four key areas: volunteer management, training and recruitment, deployment and perThe Honourable Bill Blair, federal minister of emergency preparedness, sonnel. meets over Zoom with representatives from Canadian NGOs, including Lt-Col John Murray, secretary for communications The application for project Operation: Red uring Emergency Preparedness Week Shield Readiness was accepted, marking in May, the Government of Canada the single largest investment in EDS in announced $150 million in funding to the history of the Canada and Bermuda support non-governmental organizations Territory. Work quickly began on various (NGOs) in their humanitarian response to projects to increase the Army’s ability to COVID-19 and other large-scale emergensupport any request for federal assistance. cies. The funding will support capacity This included purchasing supplies building and domestic response resourand equipment for training kits to better ces to four of Canada’s top emergency equip divisions for EDS training in their management NGOs: The Salvation Army, respective areas. Each training kit includes Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance tablets for participants to use, eliminating and the Search and Rescue Volunteer the need to print participant materials, in Association of Canada. support of the Army’s positional statement The Salvation Army’s emergency dison caring for the environment. aster services (EDS), in partnership with Supplies were also secured for deploy-

ment kits, including personal protective equipment, to provide to deployed personnel.

“Since the Halifax Explosion in 1917, The Salvation Army has been there for Canadians facing emergencies of all sizes,” says Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander. “From the British Columbia floods to ongoing emergency response in the face of COVID-19, support from the HWP helped us serve more Canadians last year than ever before, filling urgent needs, providing hope and letting people know they’re not alone.”

D

Each deployment kit includes Salvation Army gear, such as a vest, hats and personal protective equipment

Wiarton’s Trades Start Program Receives Funding for Youth Learning

T

he Salvation Army Wiarton Community Church, Ont., was pleased to receive $89,750 from Employment Ontario, through the Skills Development Fund, which will enhance their Trades Start program.

Trades Start is a hands-on training and skills development initiative designed to empower youth aged 16-29 who are struggling with education or employment barriers. With wraparound supports and resources, Trades Start helps youth embark on a career pathway in the skilled trades or service industries.

Since 2014, more than 100 young people have successfully completed the program, earning credits toward high school or General Educational Development (GED) certification through adult learning.

This funding will allow for expanded Trades Start training 6 July/August 2022

Salvationist

and skills development opportunities in welding and hospitality, while exploring other options such as merchandising and horticultural programming.

“The Salvation Army is very grateful for the support of the Honourable Monte McNaughton,” says Major Mary Millar, corps officer, referring to the Ontario minister of labour, training and skills development. “With mutual support, this increased investment will leverage our Trades Start program to address the much-needed youth job training and skills development programs in Wiarton and the surrounding area, including the Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation.”

“Our government is on a mission to give young people the tools and confidence they need to find meaningful work and fulfil a life of purpose,” says McNaughton.

FRONTLINES

Photos: Barbara d’Oro

Ground Breaks on New Barrhaven Church

W

ith a few turns of the shovel, a recent ground-breaking ceremony cleared the way for construction on the new Salvation Army Barrhaven Church in Ottawa.

The new 18,000-square-foot building will serve not only as a place of worship and fellowship for The Salvation Army, but also as a welcoming community hub for neighbourhood events.

The building will be open to anyone, with a large, multipurpose worship space, a commercial kitchen and public meeting rooms. Phase two of construction will include a gymnasium and auditorium for community recreation, while the final phase will include a worship centre built on the two-hectare property.

Barrhaven’s new home will have a contemporary and modern

An emergency disaster services van hands out snacks and beverages

Army personnel officially “break ground” on the new Barrhaven Church

feel, and will be an open and safe venue where people of all ages can gather for meetings, programs, classes, community initiatives, recreation and worship.

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson attended the ground-breaking event to welcome The Salvation Army to Barrhaven.

“Thank you for your perseverance, your great vision for this community in opening this up, not just for your parish and parishioners, but for the broader community,” said Mayor Watson.

Major Chris Rideout, divisional secretary mission resources, Ontario Division, delivered a blessing and dedication of the property to have God watch and protect everyone who uses the building.

“With this incredible building you will finally have that community hub that you can invite people into. You can now dream even bigger dreams to being a partner in building a community that is just and knows the love of Jesus,” said Major Rideout.

Salvation Army Provides $1.5 Million in Flood Relief

T

he Salvation Army is providing ongoing flood relief to some of the hardest hit areas in British Columbia, including $500,000 to First Nations groups, who are still dealing with a massive recovery effort.

“The funding will help communities in their continued recovery efforts,” says Mike Leland, divisional secretary for public relations, British Columbia Division. “Some of these communities are still dealing with cleanup and restoration efforts, including some First Nations communities that were completely cut off during the floods. Our goal is to get them back to some sense of normalcy as soon as possible.”

Earlier this year, The Salvation Army provided more than $600,000 to regions impacted by the floods, which overwhelmed southwestern British Columbia last November. The initial round of funding supported The Salvation Army’s immediate relief efforts on site in the hardest hit areas. This second round of funding totaling $725,000 will directly support communities that are dealing with recovery and restoration: construction, equipment and labour, and continued support with food security. Henry Braun, mayor of Abbotsford, B.C., and Dean Colthorp, First Nations Emergency Support Society, received

From left, Henry Braun; Lt-Col Jamie Braund, DC, B.C. Div; and Dean Colthorp participate in a cheque-presenting ceremony at Cascade CC in Abbotsford, B.C.

their funding at The Salvation Army’s Cascade Community Church in Abbotsford in May. “I want to thank The Salvation Army for their flood relief support immediately following the November 2021 flood and now as recovery work continues,” said Mayor Braun. “Over 300 city infrastructure sites were damaged, and $100,000 to the City of Abbotsford will help us move our recovery and restoration work forward.”

“We know this may be a small drop in the bucket,” says Leland. “But every dollar helps these communities in their recovery effort, and as an organization that serves on the front lines, we are duty-bound to support the communities and those who call them home.”

Salvationist July/August 2022

7

ONWARD

Beyond Summer Let’s make camp a year-round mission.

BY COMMISSIONER FLOYD TIDD

T

his summer, thousands of children and youth will once again converge on Salvation Army campgrounds with sleeping bags, backpacks and boundless energy. Since the first Salvation Army “fresh air” camp in 1900, held for less-fortunate children in Winnipeg, camp has been a life-changing experience for many. After two years of modified camp experiences due to COVID-19 health protocols, camp is back!

The pandemic gave us an opportunity to review what we do and how we do it in many areas of ministry, including camping. As restrictions ease, it’s important to ask crucial questions as we move forward. We are entering a different world, as a different Salvation Army. How can we maximize our mission impact as we continue to engage with children, youth and our communities through camping?

Why Camping Ministry Matters Camping is a prime opportunity to share the love of Jesus, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in our communities. At camp, surrounded by nature, children build confidence as they learn new skills, such as canoeing, archery and rock climbing, and increase their competence in swimming, sports and music. They boost their social skills and feel a sense of belonging as they make new friends and reconnect with old ones. And as they spend time with caring counsellors who demonstrate love and acceptance, they experience Christian community. Many campers decide to follow Jesus for the first time at camp.

But camping ministry doesn’t only make an impact on campers and their families—it’s also a life-changing opportunity for the youth and young adults who serve as volunteers or staff. Being part of a team and serving in a variety of roles develop leadership skills for both 8 July/August 2022

Salvationist

The Salvation Army and the wider community. Friendships created, memories made and faith deepened are all part of the experience of a summer as camp staff.

How to Optimize Camping Ministry Camping is not a stand-alone ministry.

Rather, it is an extension of The Salvation Army’s mission as expressed through corps and community and family services. As a partnership ministry, camping is most effective when we work together to build bridges to programs that happen year-round in the corps and community.

We can optimize the impact of this ministry beyond the camping season in a variety of ways. Corps can volunteer to be the departure and welcome-home location where kids and families meet for transportation to and from camp. Some corps have hosted camp reunions to bring people from the corps and campers and their families together.

Volunteering at day camp programs to make and serve snacks or help with sports and crafts provides wider connection points for campers. Supporting day camp registration and closing programs lets campers and their families know there is a broader Salvation Army community. Some families have connected with a corps after receiving a personal invitation to attend Rally Day events.

We can also increase the mission impact of camping ministry as we encourage youth and young adults to consider serving as volunteers or staff members on the ministry team. Staff members value having a prayer partner from their home corps.

Receiving a card or letter from a prayer partner usually comes at just the right moment. Why not have a time of prayer and dedication for staff from your corps and community before they leave for camp? In September, welcome them back and give staff as well as campers an opportunity to share how God worked in their lives through camp this summer.

Camping ministry continues to be life changing. Having been campers, staff members in our teen years and adult volunteers supporting camp programs, Tracey and I personally know the power of camping ministry. Our own Christian lives and leadership journeys have been shaped by camping ministry and those committed to maximizing the mission impact of camping. Let’s all do what we can to optimize mission through camping this summer.

Commissioner Floyd Tidd is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

PERSPECTIVES

Accelerate 25 Digital tools for a digital age.

BY LT-COLONEL FRED WATERS

Photo: Khanchit Khirisutchalual/iStock via Getty Images Plus

T

he Salvation Army serves people in 400 communities across Canada every day. Perhaps that’s not news to you, but did you ever wonder how we use technology to support and enhance that work? With thousands of programs and activities, the demand for new capabilities, and digital tools to enable those capabilities, is growing rapidly.

Frankly, we have been behind that curve for quite some time, so we are determined to close the gap and use technology to serve our people.

General Bramwell Booth was early to adopt the use of motor vehicles to aid in his movement about England. In Canada, The Salvation Army was early in the use of television and radio as tools to tell the story of forgiveness and redemption. In our time, we, too, must determine how we can—or perhaps must—use technology to aid in our work to be a transforming influence in the communities of our territory.

If General William Booth could see what we are doing, I think he would be calling us to use the best tools available to serve those in our territory. I think he would be interested to know how we are helping our people make decisions as they serve in the name of Jesus.

Administration is a critical part of being a transforming influence in the communities we serve. The Apostle Paul calls the skill of administration a spiritual gift (see 1 Corinthians 12:28 NIRV). Without it, you get, well, chaos. The last time I checked, chaos does not aid the work of The Salvation Army.

With an eye to providing a more effective front-line experience, growing our organizational capabilities and more effectively managing technology, the territory has launched “Accelerate 25.” This comprehensive program will bring about the processes, capabilities and automation most requested across the territory, while at the same time, consolidating our systems and protecting our people and their data. This is not just about bits and bytes; it’s about having the administrative tools we need to serve more effectively.

The Governing Council recently approved Accelerate 25 as a foundational

step in enhancing mission delivery while dramatically improving our administrative capabilities and processes. You will experience the program in several different ways: • Consolidated systems. Our core administrative processes range from how we engage people (volunteers, employees, donors, etc.) to how we manage and measure the effectiveness of the programs and services we provide. Historically, these processes have been largely manual or have relied on outdated, independent and isolated systems, resulting in a less-than-desirable experience for all involved.

• Protection of people and data.

Bad actors increasingly threaten the systems of banks, corporations and individuals. We must do all we can to protect the data of our clients, employees, donors and volunteers.

The Accelerate 25 program will introduce modern capabilities that will help protect personal information for us and for those we serve.

• Updated software. We have numerous databases and software applications that are incompatible or out of date. We will establish

reliable, useful and accessible data so we can make better-informed decisions based on information we can certify as correct.

This is not just about a financial investment in these systems and tools; there are significant human resources engaged in this work, which is intended to reduce manual labour and increase efficiencies at the front line. It may be that your ministry unit has already begun to benefit in ways that are not visible on a day-to-day basis. The objective is to allow our people to increasingly use mobile devices, with the necessary tools and a welcoming platform that knows who you are as you sign in. Imagine that.

We live in a digital world, and we need digital tools to serve well. I am grateful to Jonathan Landon, chief information and technology officer, and his talented team who are leading the work. Perhaps you or your team have been in contact with them. Perhaps your corps or ministry unit has benefited from their work. We have a way to go and much work to do, but we are getting there.

Got any questions? Send me an email at fred.waters@salvationarmy.ca. I would love to hear from you.

Lt-Colonel Fred Waters is the territorial secretary for business administration.

Salvationist July/August 2022

9

Art and Soul At Camp Sunrise, youth explore their God-given gifts.

BY ABBIGAIL OLIVER A senior performing arts camper plays the cornet at a campfire in the woods

O

n the Sunshine Coast in Gibsons, B.C., surrounded by forests and the peaks of the North Shore Mountains, The Salvation Army’s Camp Sunrise hosts camps year-round for families, youth, men and women.

But throughout the month of August, the grounds fill with a different kind of excitement—the sounds of instruments, singing, drama and other arts as youth come together to glorify God through their creativity.

For children ages seven to 12, junior performing arts camp (JPAC) is a place to make friends, have fun, discover a passion for arts and learn about God. At senior performing arts camp (SPAC), young people ages 13 to 18 grow as performers and in their faith. Both performing arts camps encourage youth to explore their gifts and talents or discover ones that they may not have known they had.

While all Salvation Army camps give young people safe and fun summer experiences, Camp Sunrise’s JPAC and SPAC give youth the opportunity to 10 July/August 2022

Salvationist

embrace their unique skills and abilities through artistic worship.

“Other Salvation Army camps in British Columbia are more adventurebased—focused on nature, having fun, connecting and learning about God. But at performing arts camp, there’s an emphasis on skill building,” says Caitlin West, children and youth program director, British Columbia Division. “They’ll have fun and make memories and lifelong friends, while also developing the talents and gifts that God gave them.”

Breaking the Divide Traditionally, Camp Sunrise’s performing arts camps attracted mostly youth from Salvation Army corps who often had existing involvement in the church.

Camp programming was focused on the Army’s long-established musical arts: brass band and choir.

“In recent years, we have intentionally been trying to break this divide to make camp more inclusive,” says West, who takes on leadership of SPAC this summer.

“There are kids who have an intense passion for drama, guitar or media arts, and who express their skills through different mediums such as photos and videos. By sticking to tradition, we were missing out on nurturing these skills.”

The camp’s move toward inclusivity began in 2014 when Mark Touzeau, then camp director, put forth a desire for transformation that would create new opportunities for youth to explore gifts beyond just vocal and instrumental. This transformation began by first introducing a drama major along with contemporary vocal options led by Jonny Michel, then camp music and arts director. Later, elements of guitar, ukulele, visual and media arts were gradually introduced, broadening the range of performing arts now offered at Camp Sunrise.

In 2017, Andrea Petkau, integrated ministries supervisor at The Willows—A Community Church of The Salvation Army in Langley, B.C., and Ty Petkau took on leadership of SPAC, introducing further creative elements such as

advanced media arts and a stage makeup elective. And with electives adding another set of exciting opportunities such as contemporary jazz, science experiments and outdoor recreation, campers can now explore new skills and passions in all areas of expression.

“Our programming looks different each year, depending on the faculty we have and what passions they bring. Now with a variety of performing arts, we can engage so many more youth,” says West.

With subsidies available to help increase access to camp for youth who may not otherwise be able to attend, and with local ministry units, social services and corps encouraging their youth to sign up, Camp Sunrise has become a more integrated camp for kids from all walks of life who wish to explore their skill sets, deepen their faith and make lasting connections with their peers and staff mentors.

For 16-year-old Alyson Courtney, who grew up attending Cariboo Hill Temple in Burnaby, B.C., the increased options have been very beneficial. “I take

drama at camp,” she says. “I was glad when they changed from only music to performing arts because, although my dad and brothers are brass instrument players, I’m not very musical.”

With fond memories of driving up to camp squished in the back of a car with her brothers, catching fish, staying up late in her cabin, and “stalking” after sunset—a game similar to capture the flag that has become a tradition at SPAC—Courtney looks forward to reuniting with her friends at camp every year. “I like worshipping with people my age,” she says.

Jumanji No matter what their performing arts specialty, youth who attend Camp Sunrise can grow in their relationship with God. “These creative skills we practise at camp are not just random.

They are gifts that have been given by God,” says West. “Throughout all our programming, we try to emphasize this connection.”

The theme at camp this summer is

“Jumanji,” based on the board and video games, and now movie franchise, which will use a jungle motif and invite campers to go exploring—exploring their faith, their identities and their gifts.

Along with dedicated chapel services, worship and small group cabin discussions, faith elements are intertwined with all programming. “It is not just a one-hour worship session on Sunday.

Our faith is at campfires. It’s in our electives,” explains West. “Some of the most impactful conversations happen during this fellowship time together.”

Aux-Lieutenants Jennifer and Neil Thompson, corps officers at Vernon Community Church, B.C., will take on leadership of JPAC this year. “We want the kids at Camp Sunrise to experience real community and belonging, and to learn how to worship God through performing arts,” says Aux-Lieutenant Neil. “God’s presence moves through and is felt in such powerful ways at Camp Sunrise. I hope every child experiences God in a new way and grows in their understanding of his love for them.”

“These creative skills we practise at camp are not just random.

They are gifts that have been given by God.” —Caitlin West

Photos: Peter Lublink

This year‘s theme, “Jumanji,” blends the exploration of nature and art with the exploration of faith

At camp, youth can expect to be greeted by fun, caring staff and faculty mentors who will help them develop their skills, deepen their faith and build peer connections

Salvationist July/August 2022

11

Let Your Life Speak Salvation Army officers are called, covenanted and committed.

BY MAJOR CORINNE L. CAMERON

Mjr Corinne Cameron counts it a privilege to journey with cadets as they train to become Salvation Army officers.

From left, Cdt Zach Marshall, Mjr Cameron, Cdt Julia Marshall and Mjr Steven Cameron, theological formation co-ordinator, CFOT. The Marshalls were commissioned with the rank of lieutenant last month

W

e have just celebrated the commissioning and ordination of the Messengers of Reconciliation. As the assistant training principal at the College for Officer Training, it is my privilege to journey with these special individuals as they become Salvation Army officers. It invites me to consider what it means for me to be an officer. What is my theology of officership?

Called I grew up in The Salvation Army with parents who are now retired officers.

Throughout my teens, well-meaning people told me, “You’ll be an officer one day.” With each of these proclamations, I felt a strong internal no. I said to God, “I will be anything but an officer.”

However, when I was 18, I attended an international congress, where I knelt at a cross on the floor of the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, and said yes. Then 12 July/August 2022

Salvationist

life (and my desire to have a forever home) caused me to take a different path. I went off to university and had a great time, but a persistent unsettledness accompanied me. One day, my dad asked, “Do you think you cannot settle on what you want to do because you are resisting a call to officership?” With this question I began to realize that God was calling me, and I was not just acquiescing to what I thought everyone else expected of me.

Officers are people called by God, but what does that mean? First, being called is a personal relationship between ourselves and God. The Bible shows how God calls people, each in their own way, to extend God’s kingdom here on earth.

Some examples are: • Moses was going about his everyday duties, tending his father-in-law’s sheep, when God called to him from a burning bush.

• Samuel, a child who served Eli the

high priest, was called while he was asleep.

• Saul (Paul) was on the way to Damascus, with a clear personal agenda, when God interrupted and called him.

In church history, God called John Wesley following a worship time, and he felt his heart strangely warmed. A little more than 100 years later, while William Booth walked by an open-air meeting, God gave him his destiny.

A second understanding of being called is that officership is not just any job—it is a vocation. The verb “to call” comes from the Latin root vocatio. That same root gives us the word vocation, which describes the core purpose of our lives. Officership weds the core purpose of our lives to our day-to-day output. There are times when officership is hard; there are times when it is discouraging. But when we live it out as our vocation, even

when the surface demands are tough, we know that in our obedience to God’s call we are held in the palm of God’s hand.

A third understanding of being called is our willingness to step into the unknown. One of my struggles in accepting a call to officership was that I wanted the “known.” Yet, when I consider the story of Abram and Sarai, I see their calling distinctively linked with leaving the known for the unknown: “The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s home, and go to a land that I am going to show you’ ” (Genesis 12:1 GNT).

Being called means following in obedience where God directs our paths.

All Abram and Sarai were told was that God would eventually show them where, but their initial yes was a statement of faith, trusting God without knowing the road map.

peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:2-3).

Following the exodus from Egypt, the Mosaic covenant is given, with the famous Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20), and the priestly covenant began, with a sacred tabernacle and a forgiveness system through sacrifice.

In 2 Samuel, we read of the Davidic covenant, when God promises to “establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:13). In the exile, we encounter the new covenant, with the promise that God’s law will be written directly on human hearts (see Jeremiah 31:33). In Jesus, we see both the Davidic and the new covenants fulfilled.

The Salvation Army Officer’s Covenant stands on the shoulders of these covenants.

I embrace the last line of our covenant— “by God’s grace”—because I cannot live up to my covenant in my own strength. Yet God loves us so much that he forgives us when we slip and empowers us to follow his call to live out his covenant.

Throughout the Old Testament, people fail to live up to their part of the covenant.

Adam and Eve eat the fruit; Noah struggles significantly following the trauma of the flood; Moses does not make it into the Promised Land; and the list goes on. But rather than be defeated, this shows us that God calls and uses ordinary people, forgives and restores these ordinary people and empowers these ordinary people.

We don’t know where our Officer’s Covenant will lead us. We don’t know who we will meet on the journey. But we do know that, by God’s grace, we will be

Covenanted One beautiful aspect of journeying with cadets is being present when they kneel at the mercy seat to sign their Officer’s Covenant. This covenant indicates a sacred relationship that we enter with God. Our covenant is a commitment, a promise of how we will live as officers. It is signed with the awareness that we strive to uphold our promise only through God’s grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Covenants are a dominant biblical theme and the foundation of the story of God’s people. In the second account of creation, we read of the Edenic covenant, when the Lord God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and take care of it (see Genesis 2).

A little later in Genesis, we read of the Noahic covenant, when God promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood and sets a rainbow in the clouds to be a sign of the covenant between God and the earth (see Genesis 9).

A few chapters later, we begin to encounter the covenants that establish Israel as God’s people when God promises Abram (later Abraham): “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever Mjr Corinne Cameron helps Lt Amber Wareham prepare for the curses you I will curse; and all commissioning and ordination service in 2021

empowered to live out our covenant to see and serve God’s people, all the days of our lives.

Committed As I consider my theology of officership, I realize that in addition to being called and covenanted, officers are also committed. We are committed to God, we are committed to the families that God gives us and we are committed to God’s work in The Salvation Army. This commitment involves daily surrender and transformation.

In our lives as officers, there are some days when we can see God at work; days when we participate in a harvest for some of our hard work. However, there are many days when we are asked to surrender, trust and wait. There are days when we get discouraged or hurt, when we might want to just give up. Yet, by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to remain committed. Habakkuk 3:17-19 says: “Though the fig tree doesn’t bloom, and there’s no produce on the vine; though the olive crop withers, and the fields don’t provide food; though the sheep are cut off from the pen, and there are no cattle in the stalls; I will rejoice in the Lord. I will rejoice in the God of my deliverance.

The Lord God is my strength (CEB).”

As we follow God’s call, as we covenant to journey with him and his saving message, we are invited to remain committed to him—to wait for him and on him. One of the things I enjoy the most at an officers’ gathering is when we pause for the roll call. We stand, and we hear the names of the faithful and committed officers God has called home.

The part I love the most is that it says the years, months and days of how long they served, and the end date is the day that they died. For even though an officer retires from active service, an officer keeps on serving, keeps giving their talent to God and keeps loving God’s people. They heard God’s call, entered into a covenant, a sacred relationship with God, and they remained committed.

Major Corinne Cameron is the assistant training principal at the College for Officer Training in Winnipeg.

Salvationist July/August 2022

13

14 July/August 2022

Salvationist

Illustration: Courtesy of The Rain, The Snow, The Seed: Printmaking & Peacemaking

Mother God Encountering the divine feminine.

BY LIEUTENANT OLIVIA CAMPBELL-SWEET

I

have many memories from my time as the Bible director at The Salvation Army’s Camp Sunrise in Gibsons, B.C., that move, intrigue and challenge me. One involves a young boy with shaggy brown hair, large round glasses and an assertive voice, who boldly proclaimed that he would not enter the chapel and would not learn about the Bible. I quickly learned that he already had a father who was distant and caused pain; he certainly didn’t want another one.

While we may intellectually understand that God has no form or gender— apart from the Incarnation—God is continuously referred to with male pronouns and imagery. Most aspects of our Christian experience—sermons, music, artwork—depict God as Father, reinforcing the idea of God as male. “To God be the glory, great things he hath done.” “How deep the Father’s love for us.” “You’re a good, good Father, it’s who you are.”

When I consider the need for a more expansive understanding of and language for God, I think of that small camper.

What would have happened if God had been presented to him as a mother?

Would it have been a healing balm? An invitation not only into our space, but into a deeper relationship with God, marked by safety? I wonder.

She Who Dwells That camper’s experience is not unique, and so I find myself wondering who else has missed out on relationship, healing and wholeness due to our restrictive language and understanding. If God has no form or gender, then we can seek to embrace and engage the feminine aspects of God. If we know that our earthly relationships affect how we relate to the Trinity, then we must offer opportunities to connect with God that feel enriching and safe. Encountering God as a mother is one way.

Mother God. She who creates and sustains life. She who cares for her children and all of creation. Her hands unravel knots, knit blankets, knead dough

and tend to wounds. Her wisdom flows as she tells stories, teaches and corrects. She is there on the mountaintops, celebrating alongside you. She is there in the low valley, where she sits quietly in your presence. Mama God—the One who has the whole world in her hands.

We see glimpses of this feminine God in Scripture: • She labours, delivers and nourishes new life (see Isaiah 42:14; Deuteronomy 32:18; Isaiah 49:15).

• She is present with her people— shekinah, she who dwells (see Exodus 25:8).

• She is like a mother hen, bear and eagle (see Matthew 23:37-39; Hosea 13:8; Deuteronomy 32:11-12).

Our understanding and experience of the divine feminine is amplified when we engage with Lady Wisdom herself, “Sophia,” the Greek word for God’s wisdom or spirit. We encounter this personification most clearly in the Book of Proverbs, where “Sophia” or “Wisdom” has been used instead of the word “God” (see Proverbs 8:1-9, 12). Wisdom is not a separate entity from God but, rather, they are one.

We discover that Wisdom was present with God in the beginning, God’s master worker in creation (see Proverbs 8:30). Wisdom draws us into the story of our present and sustaining God. She is the storyteller, weaving together various threads and radiating with the character of God. Feminine imagery and metaphors for God have flourished throughout history.

Early church fathers described God as a mother who cared for and parented her children. Theologians, philosophers and mystics, such as Saint Clement of Rome, Saint Augustine of Hippo, Margery Kempe and Saint Teresa of Avila, have all related to the maternal God within their work.

The majority of those utilizing feminine imagery for God have been men, including 12th-century Cistercian

monks who favoured maternal images to describe and relate to God and Christ.

In her savoured 14th-century writings, Julian of Norwich wrote, “As truly as God is our Father, so truly is God our Mother.” History overflows with imagery and relationships to the maternal or feminine God. The Image of God Identifying feminine or maternal aspects of God comes with risk. If we’re not careful, the examples we have explored could contribute to stereotypes of genders and gender roles, further supporting a patriarchal understanding of God. We must remember that God as feminine does not mean subservient or passive. God is the mother bear protecting her cubs (see Hosea 13:8). While she creates and sustains life, she is also a powerful leader who will attack her enemies.

While there is a risk of reinforcing stereotypes, the risk of ignoring the feminine aspects of God holds more potential for harm. Our culture no longer finds a solely masculine understanding of God acceptable. As we seek the freedom and liberation of all beings, we need to encounter a God who looks like us. As we embrace the imago Dei, we must be willing to embrace a God whose experience and expression mirrors our own.

Through the inclusion of a feminine or maternal God we are offered a chance at true restoration.

While there is great risk with asserting the feminine characteristics of God, there is also risk with emphasizing a binary model of male or female for God. This was the understanding that functioned during the authorship of our sacred texts, but God cannot be contained in binary boxes. Instead, we acknowledge that God has no form or gender, and can thus be encountered as both male and female.

We also acknowledge that God goes beyond human understanding and can be described through metaphors such as fire, rocks and breath (see Exodus 13:21; Deuteronomy 32:18; Job 33:4). Releasing a binary understanding of God offers the Salvationist July/August 2022

15

opportunity for people to encounter a God who looks like them. We are created in the image of God, and this extends beyond the gendered language and binary constraints that we’ve placed on God. Mama God One way people have responded to an overemphasis on God as Father, or the use of male pronouns, has been to neutralize our terminology— to employ only “God” or “Godself.” However, some scholars point out that we are conditioned to think of male attributes when hearing the word “God.” As biblical scholar, priest and professor Reverend Dr. Wil Gafney writes, “God just lands in our bodies and souls as male due to a few thousand years of stuck metaphors (undergirded by patriarchal power systems).” Instead, we must prioritize and utilize female language.

Through a shift in language, true lib-

eration could occur. The harm that has been caused by the idea and imagery of an all-powerful, male God is diminished when we encounter a God who resembles the marginalized. While this shift away from patriarchal practices and

Le. It shows God as a Mama, labouring, befriending, snuggling, protecting, teaching and delighting. As I look at the artwork, I am keenly aware that Mama God is my God. She is the God that I wish I could have shown that camper many years ago.

She is the God I will speak to children about.

She is the God I will offer up as a resting place. She is the God who will heal the wounds of her children.

She is the God who offers relationship and safety to those with reservations or negative experiences. She is the God who resembles so many of our earthly mothers, full of faith and stability.

God our Mother, creating all things new once again.

“God cannot be contained in binary boxes. Instead, we acknowledge that God has no form or gender, and can thus be encountered as both male and female.” understandings would certainly affect women and girls, it would restore the whole kingdom of God. I recently came across a children’s book called Mother God, written by Teresa Kim Pecinovsky and illustrated in bright colour and detail by Khoa

Lieutenant Olivia Campbell-Sweet is the divisional children and youth secretary and divisional secretary for candidates in the Alberta and Northern Territories Division.

DRINK UP

IT’S HOT OUTSIDE.

Drink a lot of water before you start feeling thirsty.

COOL DOWN

PROTECT YOURSELF!

Spend a few hours per day in cool spaces like shelters, libraries, malls, etc.

AVOID ALCOHOL Focus on hydraaon.

BLOCK THE SUN

REFRESH

Close the curtains or blinds during the day and open the windows when it’s cool at night.

Take cool showers or baths when needed.

CHOOSE LIGHT COLOURS Wear light-coloured clothing.

CONNECT Reach out to family and friends to check on them.

SLOW DOWN Reduce your physical effort.

16 July/August 2022

Salvationist

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Promise of a Better Life Salvation Army centre rescues children from trafficking in Malawi.

BY MAJOR HEATHER MATONDO

M

alawi is river where he brought known as the cows to drink, was the heart not allowed to attend of Africa, and while school and had no many tourists flock time to play. He often to the country to thought of leaving but, enjoy the adventure, at the age of 14, did not wildlife and scenery, know how he would The Salvation Army get home. Finally, one is busy combating day while herding catsomething that many tle, a child protection people may not be worker approached aware of: human trafKandaya and brought ficking. him to the labour It is estimated that office where the police 30 million people A Salvation Army child trafficking prevention team holds an awareness meeting in a village in became involved. are being trafficked Malawi After being resworldwide, many cued, he was blessed under the deception of receiving somestaff from Mchinji will continue to follow to be placed in the care of The Salvation thing better. The United Nations defines up and provide support to the children Army at Mchinji. While there he learned human trafficking as “the recruitment, and their families. to write his name, received counselling, transportation, transfer, harbouring or Prevention is another priority of the learned new life skills and started attending receipt of people through force, fraud centre. Knowing that child trafficking is church. He now has a much more positive or deception, with the aim of exploitso prevalent in the area, a lot of time and outlook on life and would like to become ing them for profit.” While on average resources are devoted to education and a teacher one day, but he would also like 20 percent of victims are children, in awareness-raising activities with comto farm so that he can help his family and many parts of Africa, children make up munities and schools, as well as specific local community. He truly believes he now the majority. individuals, including taxi drivers, truck has the opportunity of a better life. drivers and bicycle operators.

Mchinji Working Together Many families in Malawi live in poverty, Kandaya’s Story July 30 has been designated as World which is the main factor for trafficking in Kandaya is 14, from Malawi and one of Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This the country. Located on the west side of six siblings. He dropped out of school at year’s theme is Victims’ Voices Lead the the country on the border with Zambia, a young age to help provide an income Way, which highlights the importance of Mchinji is one of the major receiving for his family by doing casual labour. One listening to and learning from survivors districts of trafficked children. That is day, Kandaya’s family was approached by of human trafficking. Kandaya’s story where The Salvation Army established the a man named Banda who presented an matters.

Mchinji Anti-Child Trafficking Centre. opportunity for one of the boys to travel The Canada and Bermuda Territory’s The purpose of Mchinji is to rescue chilwith him to work on a farm. The boy would Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship dren from trafficking and improve their be given a place to live, an opportunity to Program is working to support children physical, economic and socio-economic attend school and an income for his famlike Kandaya by partnering with the United well-being. ily. An advance payment was made and Kingdom and Ireland Territory to provide The centre can accommodate up to 40 Kandaya’s family released him to Banda. funding to the centre at Mchinji. Working children and not only provides a physical Banda travelled with Kandaya to together to support The Salvation Army space to stay but also access to counselling, Zambia but then left him in the care of a in Malawi and its efforts in combating education, medical care and spiritual suptaxi driver to be brought to the farm. Upon human trafficking helps us do the best we port. Another important component of the arrival, things looked good. The farm was can to ensure all children are safeguarded program is teaching various life skills, such big and there were lots of cattle. Kandaya from the dangers of human trafficking and as carpentry, tailoring and farming, which believed this would be a good opportugiven the opportunity of a bright future. will help provide a sustainable income. nity for him and his family. However, the Once the children are rescued, there is promise of a better life was never realized.

Major Heather Matondo is the sponsorship an intentional effort to try to reunite them Kandaya only received one meal a day, co-ordinator in the international development with their families or communities. The would have to bathe himself in the same department.

Salvationist July/August 2022

17

(Above) Dr. Jeff Pitcher wears a stethoscope and a red vest for Rescuers Without Borders, one of the many volunteer organizations providing support to Ukrainians (Left) In Medyka, at the Polish-Ukrainian border, Pitcher hangs posters sharing contact information for Salvation Army locations in Ukraine and surrounding areas

A Hand to Man Salvationist Dr. Jeff Pitcher felt called by God to volunteer on the front lines at the Ukraine border.

I

n Medyka, at the Polish-Ukrainian border, thousands of Ukrainians wait in line every day to cross into safety. It is the busiest border crossing in Europe.

Volunteers from organizations worldwide assemble in a tent city, ready to provide medical aid, emotional support and food and essential items to Ukrainians.

In March, Dr. Jeff Pitcher, a lifelong Salvationist, flew into Kraków, Poland, and drove three hours to Medyka where he volunteered with Rescuers Without Borders, a French and Israeli-based medical organization that provides relief in humanitarian crisis zones. Pitcher spent eight days serving in a medical tent and upon returning to his home in Orillia, Ont., he spoke with Abbigail Oliver, Salvationist staff writer, about his experience and how his faith motivates his volunteer work.

Growing up, my parents were stationed in various places. We moved from Vancouver to Oakville, Ont., then to Orillia where my dad worked at family services and my mom worked in women’s ministries and as assistant corps officer. Through their work, I saw how the Army helped people and it became engrained in me to help others. That is why I became a doctor.

The Army’s motto is “Heart to God, hand to man.” That is my motto as well.

Wherever I can help people and show the love of Jesus to others, that is what I try to do, whether it’s in my work as a physician or in my humanitarian work.

I try to live as the Bible teaches and to be an example of God’s love.

Tell me about your upbringing in the Army.

I started doing disaster relief work with the Army after 9/11, my first experience of seeing the Army’s disaster relief work first-hand.

At Ground Zero, there was a large tent for food services and counselling, and there were smaller outposts where volunteers provided nutritional assistance and spiritual counselling.

I helped with stocking the outposts and tried as best as I could to help the

My parents are Majors David and Donna Pitcher, and my grandparents were Commissioner and Mrs. Arthur and Elizabeth Pitcher. I was adopted along with my twin brother while my parents were stationed in Vancouver.

We grew up in the Army and I’ve been attending church at Army corps my whole life. Now, I’m a senior soldier at the Orillia Corps.

18 July/August 2022

Salvationist

Can you tell me about your volunteer work with The Salvation Army?

workers at the site. At that point, there were a lot of construction workers helping to clean up, as well as police officers and firefighters.

I was there for a few weeks. It was overwhelming to see whole city blocks destroyed and fences covered in posters of missing people. Every time the first responders recovered a body, we would stop work on the site and form a line to pay respect to the lost life. The scale of the disaster and destruction was devastating, but I was glad to help people as they went through this traumatic event, to provide a hug and a listening ear and the kind of emotional support that they needed.

A few years later, I volunteered again with The Salvation Army after hurricane Katrina. We went down to Biloxi, Mississippi, about a week after the hurricane happened. The Salvation Army provided food stations, clothing and housing supports, and spiritual counselling.

What made you decide to go to Ukraine?

After seeing a posting by an American physician asking doctors to come over to the Ukrainian border, I knew I had the skills to help. With my previous

experience volunteering with The Salvation Army, I knew what kind of situation I was getting into, though I had never been this close to a war zone before.

Because, for me, “Heart to God, hand to man” means showing the love of God through my actions and helping others, I felt compelled to go. So, I prayed about it and thought it was the right thing to do.

What happened when you got there?

People travelling from across Ukraine were often coming from an active war zone and had been hiding in bomb shelters and subways for several weeks. They had managed to escape somehow, since the Russians weren’t allowing people to leave.

I was stationed in a medical tent where we provided care to people as they crossed the border. Since most hospitals and clinics in Ukraine were shut down, our medical tent treated common emergency room situations such as asthma exacerbations, coughs, colds or viral gastroenteritis caused by unclean water. We occasionally saw war wounds. We had some families and children come to us with shrapnel wounds. Some had gunshot wounds that had happened a week prior because it takes so long to get to the border.

One day, I spoke to an 80-year-old woman who had lived her whole life in Mariupol, and unfortunately lost many family members in the shelling.

Her home was destroyed. She managed to escape in a car with her neighbour, driving through farmers’ fields while being shot at. It took them six days to get to the border. She was in a state of shock. She spoke about the needless destruction, and she couldn’t understand why the Russians were doing this. Her whole life is gone.

Everything that she knew, her family, her house, everything is gone. “For what point?” she asked.

A lot of other people came to the border as the situation changed. Some places were safer than others, and as the Russians expanded into Ukraine, more people fled. One bag was all they could carry, usually. On average it took five to seven days to get across the country. When they reached the border site, there was a long line up to

get across. If people were lucky, they might wait three or four hours. Other times it was upwards of 15 to 20 hours waiting in the freezing cold. At night, the temperature dropped below zero.

What impacted you most during your time there?

Seeing children—who should be in school learning—with bags under their eyes because they hadn’t slept.

The children, and adults too, had a flat affect; you could tell that they had been through a lot. Many of them broke down and cried as soon as they got to the border, relieved to be in a safe area.

Children bundle up to wait in line and receive assistance at the Medyka border

There were stories of people stuck in basements, subways and bomb shelters for several weeks. They had no clean water. One woman from Mariupol told me they had no food.

They were drinking tea and eating crackers. They were starving. Their whole world was gone, too—their houses destroyed, their livelihoods gone, their friends and families killed.

A lot of them have faith and pray.

Some of them are angry with God, asking, “How could God let this happen?” It was challenging to hear their stories, but important to be there for medical, spiritual and emotional support.

What happens once they reach the border?

At the tent city in Medyka, various humanitarian organizations offer everything from personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes and diapers, to food services that provide hot meals. There are also shelters where people can stay in a cot overnight or for a few days to rest,

regroup their thoughts and figure out where they’re going. Most people picked up supplies they needed and volunteers took them to a processing centre in Poland. Each processing centre had anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 beds and provided people with information about where to go from there. A lot of people have relatives in other parts of Europe, so volunteers provided transportation services to them. Some people didn’t know where to go, so there were social services set up to help them find a place to stay.

Can you tell me about the fundraising you did for this trip?

I raised more than $28,000, which allowed me to purchase thousands of doses of antibiotics, medications to stop bleeding, large boxes of gauze, intravenous supplies, blood pressure machines and pulse oximeters. All the medical supplies I brought were sent into Ukraine within 10 days and distributed throughout the country.

People’s generous donations allowed me to send supplies that will save lives.

Did you have any contact with The Salvation Army while you were at the border of Ukraine?

While I was there, I was able to contact Colonel Kelvin Pethybridge, territorial commander of the Eastern Europe Territory, and Major Elena Cotruta from Moldova, who gave me some information about The Salvation Army’s emergency response in Ukraine. I printed posters to set up around the border site that provided displaced Ukrainians with a list and phone numbers of Salvation Army units across Ukraine and surrounding areas, so people could call, receive assistance and have somewhere safe to go when they arrived at their destination.

The Salvation Army is doing amazing things around Europe for those fleeing Ukraine, as well as helping those who are internally displaced. They’re providing housing, personal needs and counselling to the people who have been displaced from war zones into safer areas of the country. But there is still a risk of war coming to those areas that The Salvation Army serves. We need to continue to pray for the people and for The Salvation Army in Ukraine.

Salvationist July/August 2022

19

Stamps of Approval For Dennis Welbourn and his wife, Patricia, stamp collecting isn’t just a hobby.

It’s a look into the past, present and future of The Salvation Army.

BY KEN RAMSTEAD

D

ennis Welbourn was idly looking at some of the stamps he had been collecting in his spare time when he noticed he had stamps relating to The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda, the United States, Australia and England. That got him to thinking.

“Gosh, I thought, I wonder how many Salvation Army stamps are out there in the world? So that got me to looking,” he says.

“But when I got to be a teenager, girls became more interesting,” he laughs, “and then I got married and had a family, and that was that. I put my stamps away.”

But he resurrected his hobby with retirement and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I needed something to do and so I started up again,” Dennis says. “I can’t shovel snow anymore and I can’t cut the lawn as we now live in an apartment.”

He and his wife, Patricia, started attending stamp shows, and some relatives and a few people at his church donated some of their own collections to him.

“I Like a Challenge” When the stamp shows all closed down during the pandemic, Dennis widened his search online to collectors all over the world.

“I’d send collectors a list of the stamps I wanted and they’d mail me what they had, and then I’d send another list to another dealer and so on,” he says.

Dennis has been in touch with collectors in England and Australia to see what Salvation Army stamps were available out there. And like any good collector, he has “grail stamps” he would love to obtain.

“Yes, I have a list!” he says. “I think there’s about 19 I’m still looking for.”

“We let people know that we are Army people and we’re proud of it.”

—Dennis Welbourn

Patricia and Dennis Welbourn examine the stamp collection

It took years of acquiring, trading and collecting, but Dennis now has 94 Salvation Army stamps from 32 countries, and he is always on the lookout for more.

“The Salvation Army Lady” This is not Dennis’ first foray into philately—the collection and study of postage stamps. Born in Hamilton, Ont., he started saving stamps as a young boy with his father.

20 July/August 2022

Salvationist

“That kept me going through the pandemic,” he says. “If I didn’t have my stamps, I would have gone around the bend!”

This was when he noticed the Salvation Army stamps he had mixed in with the rest of his stamp collection, and that sent his hobby in a new and unexpected direction.

The Welbourns started attending stamp shows on a specific mission.

Patricia, who goes by Trish, would go up one side of the dealer tables while her husband would scan the other side.

“Soon, the dealers started calling Trish ‘The Salvation Army Lady’ because she was always looking for Army stamps,” Dennis smiles.

Dennis acquired one long-sought-for Salvation Army stamp from Korea by trading 164 stamps he possessed from Bermuda.

“It was a great exchange,” he says.

“This stamp was one I really wanted to have. And I had duplicate stamps, so I was happy to help out a fellow collector.”

Another time, Dennis read in Salvationist that Greenland had just released a Salvation Army stamp.

So what did he do?

He contacted the Army offices there!

“I got a hold of some Salvationists in Greenland. They were kind enough to go to their local post office, and they sent me the stamp I wanted,” says Dennis.

“Sometimes it’s a challenge, too—and I like a challenge.”

Proud History Dennis is a third-generation Salvationist who attends Meadowlands Corps in Hamilton.

“My grandfather was an officer. One uncle was a colonel, the other was a brigadier, I’ve got a few cousins that were majors and two uncles were missionaries in China—I guess you’d say I’m the black sheep of the family,” he laughs.

“I was just telling my corps officer that I don’t remember when I was saved because I’ve always been at church, from the earliest time that I can remember.

“The Salvation Army is part of my life,” Dennis says simply.

Dennis and Trish are not shy about their faith.

“We let people know that we are Army people and we’re proud of it,” says Dennis. “People in our apartment building all know that my wife and I go to The Salvation Army. And they come to us with their problems. People from different parts of the world and from different faiths. They come to ask us to pray for their family if anyone is sick because they know we care.”

So, collecting Salvation Army stamps for Dennis is not just about the pretty pictures.

His Salvation Army stamps show Salvationists working hard to help people, both spiritually and practically.

“They are a history of my church and that’s what I appreciate,” he says. “When I look at the accomplishments on these stamps, it makes me proud.”

Like any collector, Dennis has his favourite stamps. They may not be the rarest, oldest or most expensive, but they speak to him. Here are a few, in his own words: • When The Salvation Army first started in Antigua in 1903, its members didn’t have a church, so they held their first services under a tree. That tree was memorialized on a stamp in 2003.

• At a stamp show one day, a dealer called us over to see if we were interested in a postcard showing a Salvation Army wartime canteen with soldiers standing around. Of course, I wanted it but when we brought it home, my wife realized that one of the soldiers in the background was actually her father, who was a serving soldier! To anybody else, it’s just a postcard, but to us, it’s an important part of Patricia’s family history.

• One that really struck me was a stamp from Monaco with Catherine and William Booth on it. I hadn’t realized that The Salvation Army was there and that they had anything to do with Monaco. That surprised me and I was so glad to get that stamp. It’s different.

It’s history and that’s what keeps me collecting.

Salvationist July/August 2022

21

JOURNEY OF RECONCILIATION

Remember the Land Why land acknowledgments matter.

BY MAJOR KAREN HOEFT

Mjr Karen Hoeft on land that was taken from the Piapot Reserve and gifted to her grandfather as a soldier settlement plot after the First World War by the Government of Canada

Today I greet you from the land of living skies and vast prairie plains, a land where the buffalo once roamed free and fed the people who lived here for thousands of years. I live, work and play on the traditional lands of the nêhiyawak, Nakawe, Dakota, Lakota and Nakoda, and the homeland of the Métis/Michif Nation. My ancestors were invited to this land by the Government of Canada at a time when the Indigenous nations were starved, lied to, cheated out of their land and moved to what the government called “reserves,” but could be considered concentration camps. This place is on Treaty 4 territory and is now known as Regina, Saskatchewan.

Photo: Mjr Al Hoeft

W

hat are land acknowledgments? Why are they important? I believe they are very important, as long as they are heartfelt and don’t become rote. The paragraph above is the land acknowledgment I wrote after learning more of my own history and how it intersected with the history of the land and the people who called this place home before me.

In Scripture, almost every story is set in the context of a people group and their relationship to the land. As part of my studies, I have researched the theology of land and of exile. I love the words of Leviticus 26:42, where God says: “I will remember the land.” I believe that our stories are held in the lands where we are born, where our ancestors have lived and where history is recorded.

However, as settler communities in the land we now call Canada, we have often focused on our own history and have forgotten—or deliberately ignored— the history of the people and the land 22 July/August 2022

Salvationist

before our ancestors arrived. This is what makes land acknowledgments important in our time. We need to remember the history of the land and the people groups who have called this place “home” before us. We need to remember how we came to this land.

If we came in a bad way, then we must not gloss over but understand it, so that we can do better. Leviticus 26:4042 reads, “But if they own up to their sins and acknowledge the sins of their ancestors, if they admit that they have been unfaithful to me, defied me, and rebelled against me … if they humble their uncircumcised hearts and offer reparations for their sins, then I will remember my covenant with Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham, and I will also remember the land” (VOICE).

Land acknowledgments are a starting point for the work of reconciliation that needs to happen in our country.

However, a land acknowledgment without action is just empty words. To write a

personal land acknowledgment, I needed to understand that the history I had been taught was flawed. In searching out the story of early settlers in Saskatchewan, such as my great-grandparents, I read a book that recorded first-hand accounts of that time. I was astounded to find a common thread: they were all written as if no one else had ever lived on this land, as if it was “unclaimed,” empty and needing to be filled and used. These homesteaders believed they were coming to make this land better. This image was passed on to the next generations, and I am one of them.

In Healing Haunted Histories: A Settler Discipleship of Decolonization, Elaine Enns and Ched Myers write that we need to recover from “multiple settler disorders.” These are: “socio-historical ignorance (what we’ve been socialized not to know); cultural illiteracy (what we’ve been socialized not to learn); emotional disassociation (what we’ve been socialized not to care about); and credulity (what we’ve been socialized to believe).”

Too often, I hear people say, “I didn’t know” or “Why wasn’t I taught that in school?” We need to be intentional about taking the time to learn the true stories of the land and the people who have lived on this land for generations.

Learning the history and the story of the people who once lived where you now reside is a good way to start to understand what actions need to happen for us to find healing and reconciliation for future generations.

If you do not know where to begin, visit native-land.ca to find out more about the territories, languages and treaties in your area. Contact the local nations and learn some of their history before settlers arrived. Take some time and write out a land acknowledgment of the area you now live on. And join us at the Celebration of Culture at Pine Lake Camp, Alta., August 26-28, to learn more.

Major Karen Hoeft is the executive director of Waterston Ministries in Regina.

SPIRITUAL LIFE

Hockey and Holiness Working out sanctification on the ice.

Photo: johnalexandr/stock.Adobe.com

BY MAJOR ANDREW MORGAN

We continue to explore what living in a CHRIST-centred story looks like.

We've seen that Scripture (C—canon) helps locate our story within God's story. It is his (H—holy God) story of salvation (R—redemption) that is able to bring about real transformation (I—inward change). This month, Major Andrew Morgan shares a picture of sanctification (S—set apart) as we engage in community life beyond the walls of our corps.

“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.”

—Doctrine 10 “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”

—John 15:19

T

his past winter marked 50 years since I started playing hockey. For the past seven years, I’ve played on a team with some young men from our corps and others you might find in a typical Canadian “beer league.” Though I wouldn’t say anyone on our team hates me (even though I am not the best hockey player), I think a few of the non-Salvation Army guys

find me something of a peculiarity. They might wonder, “Who is this old guy?” or “He’s not just old—he’s different!”

I’ll admit that when an opposing team’s player takes a cheap shot or tries to injure me intentionally, I have to work hard to be different, keep my cool and not respond in kind.

Coaches inspire young hockey players to put their whole spirit, soul and body into the game. I play with passion, but I also try to remain blameless in thought, word and deed as I play, working out the privilege of sanctification.

I like to think that I am following the example of Jesus, who was known to hang out with a rough-hewn bunch of guys, including fishermen, tax collectors and other interesting characters. Might the image of Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, somehow be seen in me as I hang out with a bunch of rough-hewn hockey players?

Now, holiness and being Christlike are not about me trying to be nice or a good example. If that were the case, I would fail all the time. Similarly, I want to clarify that holiness is not only about what I do or not do. Because of my response to the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in me, guides me and has control of my life as I give him control. He sets me apart as different. More than just the holiness of my heart, my everyday life (even my hockey playing) should show I am different.

As someone who desires to be holy, I pray that my Christian witness will cause my hockey buddies to see something different, maybe even attractive, in my life. No, I’m not perfect; I am being perfected in holiness. I like to think that I am on the path of holiness—learning, repenting, committing and striving to best represent the holy God I love and serve. I like to think that my whole spirit, soul and body are in the process of being sanctified—made holy, preserved blameless—while I play another hockey game.

My teammates might fault me for my errant pass picked up by the opposing team. They might criticize me for my failure to clear a player from in front of our net, resulting in another goal against us. They might even make fun of me for not participating in lewd locker room talk. I belong to the team, but I don’t belong to the world that aligns itself to what is contrary to a holy God. I pray for opportunities to show and tell why this strange old guy is different.

It is a privilege to still be playing hockey after 50 years. It is a still greater privilege to have the possibility of being wholly sanctified and experience how my whole spirit, soul and body may be preserved blameless—even while playing hockey—as I wait for my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’s coming again.

Major Andrew Morgan will take up a new appointment as the officer commanding of the Italy and Greece Command, with the rank of lt-colonel, as of September 1, 2022.

Salvationist July/August 2022

23

IN THE TRENCHES

Fuel to the Fire Has our love grown cold?

BY CAPTAIN SHELDON BUNGAY

24 July/August 2022

Salvationist

Photo: ArtistGNDphotography/E+ via Getty Images

M

any of my favourite leisure activities have something in common: fire. I like sitting around a campfire with family and friends as we share stories or roast marshmallows over the orange flames. I look forward to spending time in a forest and boiling a kettle over burning kindling. And I love reading a book in front of a blazing fireplace as the heat permeates everything around me.

These activities have taught me that fire is dependent on certain elements: fuel, heat and oxygen. When they are combined, combustion takes place due to a chemical chain reaction. However, the moment that any of those elements are removed, the chain reaction is disrupted, and the fire is suppressed. Conversely, the more fuel, heat and oxygen present, the larger the fire. This is what allows the flame of a single matchstick to transform into a raging inferno.

Fire is a powerful force that can forever alter whatever it encounters.

In the Christian context, we speak of another form of fire. Commissioner Thomas H. Howard, the second Chief of the Staff of The Salvation Army, once wrote, “In our hearts an altar is built, and the divine fire is kindled.” Some understand this holy fire as the work of the Holy Spirit that grants us the ability to serve God in remarkable ways. This fire prompts us to live lives marked by sacrificial service and complete devotion, with a different perspective of life from that of the non-believer.

It could be argued that it was this same spiritual fire burning deep within the earliest members of The Salvation Army that prompted them to live out their mission in exceptional ways. Open-air meetings filled with testimony and song, protests against social vices and attempts to care for the poor were not always appreciated by spectators. But threats of violence and the hurling of insults—and the occasional rotten vegetable—could not dissuade those early Salvationists from sharing the gospel and carrying out their innovative work.

I, too, can recall gatherings of Salvationists that could aptly be described as “on fire.” I can recall the rise and

fall of church floorboards as the sea of Salvation Army uniforms jumped and swayed in praise around me. I remember well the preparation and excitement that accompanied the visit of a high-ranking Salvation Army leader. I loved the congress and commissioning events of my childhood when large sessions of cadets marched in step while the band’s Bognor Regis reverberated throughout the rafters. As we celebrated, the spiritual fire burned brightly.

However, Commissioner Howard also warned that even the “God-lit fire needs tending.” Like any flame left unattended or deprived of fuel, eventually only dying embers will remain where once danced blazing flames.

While I refrain from suggesting that only dying embers remain in The Salvation Army, it is hard not to sense a cooling temperature in many of our worship spaces. It also seems that many of our membership are more hesitant to sacrifice personal pleasure for the betterment of others.

Empty sanctuaries, depleted resources, leadership vacancies and a genuine lack of excitement about who we are and what we do have become all too common. Whole generations are missing from many churches and a cynicism has developed,

causing some to view our once-celebrated ceremonies as nothing more than pomp and self-serving extravagancy.

The flame has indeed grown dim.

Maybe our fire needs some serious tending. Maybe we need to add some fuel to the fire and place ourselves on the altar once again.

I believe that God is always ready to ignite and fan the flames within us. But the fire needs fuel. The fire needs the offering of our whole selves in body, soul and spirit. The fire needs people who are fully aware of their reliance upon God; those willing to engage in spiritual disciplines; servants willing to return regularly to the altar of sacrifice and service; faithful followers willing to invest in the fires that burn within the people around them; and those willing to proclaim, “on thine altar here I lay, all there is of me” (SASB 569).

Yes, like physical fire, the divine fire within is a powerful force that can forever alter whatever it encounters. And what a trail could be blazed if all in the Army offered our whole selves and boldly petitioned God to “Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!” (SASB 326).

Captain Sheldon Bungay is the corps officer at St. John’s Temple, N.L.

FAMILY MATTERS

A Living Sacrifice Take your ordinary, everyday life and place it at the feet of Jesus.

BY CAPTAIN BHREAGH ROWE

Photo: Drazen Zigic/iStock via Getty Images Plus

B

oundaries. We all need them, right?

Whether it’s work, family or the amount of pizza I order at 9 p.m. after a hard day, boundaries are what keep us healthy. How can we be present parents, maintain healthy relationships or practise self-care without them?

When Daniel and I were starting our lives together together as Salvation Army officers and as parents, we tried hard to create healthy boundaries. In fact, I became a little obsessed with how to implement them properly, so I could continue to do all the things and please all the people.

But what we realized is that work, marriage and kids can’t be placed in neat boxes and scheduled into perfectly planned weeks. We would plan a day off, and an important work matter would come up. We would schedule a date night, and a kid would start throwing up. We would close the office for the day, and a seniors’ home would burn down that night.

The last example might be unique, but do you get where I am going with this?

Life can’t be contained by rigid boundaries with no room for interruption. Life is unbalanced chaos, with ups and downs, ebbs and flows.

As parents, we quickly learn to work during nap times or to strap a kid into a carrier and keep serving. We politely tell a client to hang on a second while

we break up a sibling fight. When we’re at the office and not with our kids, we wonder just how much therapy they’ll need. When we’re at home cooking supper, we fear failure in our work.

I tried hard, but I just couldn’t figure out my boundaries—when I was “Mom,” when I was “Captain” or when I was simply following Jesus. Then a wise woman helped me change my mindset, and I’d like to share her wisdom with you.

She said that Jesus calls us to live right smack dab in the middle of that tension.

In Romans, Paul tells us, “Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walkingaround life—and place it before God as an offering” (Romans 12:1-2 The Message). Nowhere in that passage does it tell us to put boundaries on when, where, what or with whom. In fact, the New International Version translation tells us that we are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice. Every single thing we do should be for God and point to God. One of the most interesting things about Jesus’ life is that he never hurried. We never see him trying to stick to a schedule or running because he was late. He did the work of his Father as he walked from one place to another, as he was interrupted by people touching his robe or climbing trees to see him.

We don’t see Jesus putting such hard boundaries on his life that he forgets he

is always doing the work of his Father, but we do see him living intentionally, thoughtfully and rhythmically.

I am the biggest advocate against this hustle culture we live in. I believe that the key to fulfilling Jesus’ words “on earth as it is in heaven” is less work and more focus on the things that matter. But I believe that, at times, I placed such hard and fast boundaries on life that I missed out on bringing that kingdom to earth.

Maybe, as that wise woman told me, you are also overcategorizing and underplaying the importance of taking your everyday, ordinary life and placing it, all of it—the boring and the mundane and the chaotic—at the feet of Jesus. Maybe simply grasping that unbalanced rhythm of life will help you put everything into place, too.

Boundaries are good. My body appreciates that I don’t eat pizza every night.

But if we are called to be like Jesus and live like Jesus, we need to recognize that there are no boundaries for doing our Father’s holy and sacrificial work in our everyday lives.

Grow closer to God. Take care of yourself and the ones you love. And take that everyday life and lay it before the one who knows just how you should live it.

Captain Bhreagh Rowe is the community ministries officer, St. Albert Church and Community Centre, Alta.

Salvationist July/August 2022

25

CROSS CULTURE

NEW & NOTABLE Powerhouse

Wings of Faith

International Staff Band

The Remarkable Life of Harry Read

L

ed by Bandmaster Dr. Stephen Cobb, the International Staff Band began recording Powerhouse prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, finally releasing the 13-track album two years later. The band marked the launch of the album and their return to in-person ministry with a concert at Regent Hall in London, England, playing featured tracks such as Legacy of Faith by Captain Nicholas Samuel, corps officer, London Citadel, Ont., Paul Sharman’s Soul-renewing Grace! and the title track, Powerhouse, composed by Kenneth Downie. Powerhouse offers a mixture of gentle arrangements, hymn-inspired variations and vibrant new works by Salvationists.

Seven Brooke Ligertwood REVIEW BY JESSICA MORRIS

N

ow based in the United States, New Zealander Brooke Ligertwood made a name for herself in Australia through secular music and is known for her role in Hillsong Worship. Her new album, Seven, is her first solo worship record.

Named Seven after the number symbolizing completion, which is repeated in Scripture multiple times, the album points us toward the Lord’s coming, urging us to be ready for the day of his return.

Undoubtedly, Ligertwood’s vocals and lyrics are beautiful, but the focus of this recording isn’t her—it’s Jesus. And you know it from the first chords of Ancient Gates, which reminds you of your heavenly home, all the way to the meditative Communion.

Founded in biblical literature, principles and the Spirit, the songs are easy to sing, easy to engage with and will suit multiple generations. With Seven, we see Ligertwood pushing worship musicians across the globe to enter a new realm of excellence—where personal expression meets corporate worship and biblical literacy.

Reprinted from Others, others.org.au.

BY DAWN VOLZ

O

n D-Day in 1944, 20-year-old Harry Read, a child of Salvation Army soldiers, parachuted into France where he served in the trenches as a wire­less operator. After serving in the war, Harry spent the rest of his life serving in The Salvation Army with his wife, Win. Harry and Win trained in the King’s Messenger Session (1947-1948) and were appointed British commissioner and territorial president of women’s ministries, respectively, in 1987. On the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019, Harry parachuted into Normandy for a second time to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s anti-human trafficking programs, a cause he felt called

by God to support.

Wings of Faith, written by Dawn Volz, former assistant literary secretary of the Australia Southern Territory, captures the full and dedicated life of Harry Read, filled with anecdotes, inspiration, wit and poems by Harry.

“You will be inspired by Wings of Faith,” writes General Brian Peddle, who wrote the foreword and shared his own memories of Harry and his lifetime of ministry in The Salvation Army. “It beautifully captures the story of Commissioner Harry Read and his dedication to God. I hope we will each aspire to live such a life.”

“I hope that this book will be of interest not only to those who knew and loved Harry and Win, but also that the story of his remarkable life and faith may inspire many others,” says Volz.

Wings of Faith is available to purchase on Amazon as a hardcover, paperback and ebook. All proceeds will go to the anti-trafficking department in London, England, a cause close to Harry’s heart.

IN THE NEWS Pop-Up Pods Help Tackle Homelessness in England

I

n Sheffield, England, pop-up “pods” provide a bed, chemical toilet and charging facilities. They are aimed at helping people who have been sleeping on the streets and have complex needs 26 July/August 2022

Salvationist

and thus may struggle in hostel-style accommodation.

As part of a pilot scheme, The Salvation Army has provided two pods, made by Amazing Grace Spaces, to provide support to clients and help them move into more permanent accommodation.

“The pods provide a warm, dry and safe place for people to sleep, while support from The Salvation Army and the Sheffield City Council is helping to tackle some of the reasons why they may have become homeless in the first place, such as poor mental health, addiction, job loss

or relationship breakdown,” says Andy Parkinson, service manager at Charter Row and Lincoln Court, Salvation Army Lighthouses in Sheffield. “In just a couple of months, we have seen a real difference in the two clients who have been placed in them. They are more engaged with mental health and housing services. One has now been offered an apartment, and the other has been referred into long-term supported housing. These pods are flexible. They can be moved to a different part of the city, and they can go where the need is.”

PEOPLE & PLACES

GRAND BANK, N.L.—Four young people take a stand for Christ by being enrolled as junior soldiers at Grand Bank Corps. Front, from left, Kennedi Grandy, Grayson Collins, Michaela Brinston and Jaxson Newport, junior soldiers; Calvin Foote, colour sergeant.

Back, from left, Goldie Langdon, Ready to Serve leader; Mjrs Darlene and Arley Masters, COs; Elmo King, ministry unit leader, Fortune Corps, N.L.; and CSM Tom Banfield.

REGINA—Cathy McEwan is commissioned as the community care ministries secretary at Regina Haven of Hope Ministries. From left, Gord Wilson, holding the flag; Cpt Kristen Gray, CO; and Cathy McEwan.

REGINA—Alexander Preece is enrolled as a senior soldier at Regina Haven of Hope Ministries by Cpt Kristen Gray, CO.

REGINA—The corps family at Regina Haven of Hope Ministries celebrates as Gavin Tang is enrolled as a junior soldier and Val Wiks is commissioned as the junior soldier sergeant. From left, Cpt Kristen Gray, CO; Gavin Tang; Val Wiks; and AYPSM Audrey Arndt, Gavin’s chosen prayer partner.

BELLEVILLE, ONT.—Belleville Citadel celebrates the enrolment of two adherents and one senior soldier.

From left, Mjrs Wil and Catherine Brown-Ratcliffe, then COs; Hannah DeVries and Kimberly MacDonald, adherents; Donna Hawley, senior soldier; and Mjr Wayne McTaggart, holding the flag.

OTTAWA—The Salvation Army Barrhaven Church celebrates as three senior soldiers are enrolled. From left, Mjrs Jim and Michelle Mercer, then COs; Mohsen Habibi, Spencer Kell and Irina Inantore, senior soldiers; Gigi Titcombe; Bill Titcombe; CSM Joan Humphreys; and Matthew Timmermans, holding the flag.

Salvationist July/August 2022

27

PEOPLE & PLACES

CHANNEL-PORT AUX BASQUES, N.L.—Shelves at the Army’s food bank in Channel-Port aux Basques are replenished thanks to a food drive by Port aux Basques Minor Hockey and members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Accepting the donations are Beverley and David Harvey, ministry leads in Channel-Port aux Basques.

Book-Based Bible Study in Conception Bay South

CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, N.L.—When Major Max Sturge’s Road to Redemption: Tracing God’s Rescue Plan Through His Mission People was released last year, Major Calvin Fudge, a retired officer who facilitates discipleship studies at Conception Bay South Corps, used it as a study guide for a virtual Bible study during pandemic restrictions. Available at store.salvationarmy.ca or salvationist. ca/editorial/triumph-publishing/road-to-redemption in ebook or printable pdf format at no cost, a copy of the book was printed for each of the 14 participants as a teaching resource to help facilitate the online classes. “I knew it would give the participants an excellent overview of God’s Word,” says Major Fudge, “and hopefully motivate them to take other Bible studies.”

When asked about their learning experience using Road to Redemption, the reactions of attendees were overwhelmingly positive. “Road to Redemption helped me understand the Old Testament,” says Michelle Taylor. “It also gave me a better grasp of the entire Bible, especially in showing how God’s redemptive plan unfolded.”

“We now have a better understanding of God’s plan for our salvation,” say Peggy and Calvin Greenham, who worked together on each lesson’s questions.

“We certainly have a very loving and patient heavenly Father.”

Happily sharing a moment together when in-person gatherings were permitted are, front, from left, Mjr Calvin Fudge, Peggy Greenham, Stephanie March, Judy Courtnage, Minnie Lewis, Barry Morgan and Steve Wiscombe. Back, from left, Calvin Greenham, Shannon March, Michelle Taylor, Renee Butler and Randy Butler.

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Jim and Debra Burton personally donate $100,000 toward the supportive housing units at the Ches Penney Centre of Hope located in downtown St. John’s. Participating in the cheque presentation are, from left, Mjr Tony Brushett, executive director at the centre; Oliver Langdon, leadership giving officer; Jim and Debra Burton; and Mjr Rene Loveless, then DSPR, N.L. Div. WINNIPEG—Proudly displaying their Junior Soldier Promises are, front, from left, Deacon Moulton, Harrison Howard, Luke Hoeft, Rosie Allen, Isabella Akpan and Erva Deacon, the newest junior soldiers at Heritage Park Temple. Supporting them are, back, from left, Paul Nelson, holding the flag; Cpts Tina and Josh Howard, COs; and JSS Debbie Clarke.

28 July/August 2022

Salvationist

SIMCOE, ONT.—Two senior soldiers are enrolled at Simcoe CC. From left, Lt Stephen Frank, CO; Nathan Richardson and Nolan Wren, senior soldiers; and David Cooper, holding the flag.

GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL Appointments: Jul 1—Lt-Cols Deliwe/Onai Jera, TSWM/CS, Malawi Tty; Mjr Cinzia Walzer, GS (designate), Italy and Greece Cmd; Sep 1—Cols Donna/ Kelly Igleheart, TPWM/TC, U.S.A. Southern Tty, with rank of comr; Lt-Cols Cedric/Lyn Hills, TC/TPWM, Germany, Lithuania and Poland Tty, with rank of col; Lt-Cols Eddie/Genevera Vincent, CS/TSWM, U.S.A. Western Tty, with rank of col; Lt-Col Hosea/Mjr Liliana Makagiantang, CS/TSWM, Indonesia Tty, Mjr Liliana Makagiantang with rank of lt-col; Mjrs Joël/Karen Itcheverry, CS/TSWM, France and Belgium Tty, with rank of lt-col; Mjrs Andrew/Darlene Morgan, OC/CPWM, Italy and Greece Cmd, with rank of lt-col; Mjr Cinzia Walzer, GS, Italy and Greece Cmd TERRITORIAL Appointment: Jul 1—Cpt Zoltán Benedek/Annabella Benedekné Cséki (from Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Tty), assistant AC, Toronto metro area, Ont. Div/executive officer, chief secretary’s office, THQ Retirements: Jul 1—Mjrs Catherine/Wil Brown-Ratcliffe, Mjr Owen Budden, Mjr Hedley Bungay, Mjrs Ed/Kathy Chiu, Mjr Renee Clarke, Mjrs Deris/Nelson Fillier, Mjrs Kirk/Linda Green, Mjrs David/Lynn Grice, Mjr Wayne Knight, Mjrs Miriam/Tim Leslie, Mjr Isobel Lippers, Mjr Judy Vincent; Aug 1—Mjr Donna Barthau, Cpts Deb/Jim VanderHayden Promoted to glory: Mjr Donald McMillan, Apr 1; Mjr Mavis Reid, Apr 10; Mjr Lynn White, Apr 19; Mjr Owen Rowsell, Apr 27; Mjr Donna Eyre, Apr 30; Mrs. Cpt Elsie Shaler, Apr 30; Mjr William Head, May 3; Mrs. Mjr Joyce Creighton, May 11

CALENDAR Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd: Aug 22-24 annual leaders camp, Pine Lake Camp, Alta. & N.T. Div; Aug 26-28 Celebration of Culture, Pine Lake Camp, Alta.

Colonel Evie Diaz: Aug 28 Territorial Music School, Guelph Bible Conference Centre, Ont. Canadian Staff Band: Aug 13 concert, Simcoe Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.

PEOPLE & PLACES

TRIBUTES DEER LAKE, N.L.—Elizabeth (Betty) Caines (nee Tucker) was born in Elliston, N.L., in 1922 and promoted to glory at the age of 99. Enrolled as a senior soldier in 1966, Betty was a songster member over the years, a faithful soldier in the Deer Lake Corps and a very faithful member of the home league, which she attended until it was temporarily closed due to the pandemic. Betty will be sadly missed by her children, Clarence (Christine), Olive (Everett) Porter, Shirley Cross (Gary Oake), Milton (Irma), Edgar, Gary (Donna), Terry (Christine) and Myra (William) Curtis; 23 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 21 great-great grandchildren; two great-great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

DEER LAKE, N.L.—Hilda Hewlett (Butt) was born in Howley, N.L., in 1927 and promoted to glory at the age of 93. Enrolled as a senior soldier in 1958, Hilda was a teacher at the Salvation Army school in Deer Lake and a faithful soldier in the Deer Lake Corps. She served as a Sunday school teacher and songster, and was a member of the home league. Hilda will be sadly missed by her son, Eric (Lydia); granddaughter, Wendy (Rick); nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

DEER LAKE, N.L.—Susie Janes was born in Garnish, N.L., in 1938 and promoted to glory at the age of 82. Susie was born into a Salvation Army family and was enrolled as a senior soldier in 1959. She moved to Deer Lake to teach school in 1955, spending most of her career as a kindergarten teacher. Susie met her future husband, Adolphus Janes, in Deer Lake and they were married in 1958. She was a faithful soldier in the Deer Lake Corps, serving in leadership in the home league, Girl Guides, Sunday school, women’s Bible study group and Golden Years Fellowship. Susie also ministered as a counsellor at fresh-air camps held at Silver Birches Camp. Susie and Adolphus were very well known in the town, having received the Pride of the Town Award in 2006 and being chosen as ambassadors for the town during the Winter Carnival. Susie is lovingly remembered by her husband of 62 years, Adolphus; children Roxanne (Daniel) Ryland, Terry (Rhonda) and Nancy Janes (the late Robert Pollett); seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Georgina Burton (Clyde); a large circle of extended family and friends.

TORONTO—Major Donald Ian McMillan was born in Montreal in 1925 to Alexander and Ethel MacMillan. After graduating from Montreal West High School, he trained at Sir George Williams Business College as a bilingual executive secretary and worked for Canadian Pacific Railway, Pennsylvania Railway and Clarke Steamship Lines. Commissioned in the Warriors Session from the training college in New York City in 1947, Donald served in Boston, Salem, Chelsea and Springfield, Mass., New Haven, Conn., and Buffalo, N.Y. While stationed at Buffalo West Side Temple Corps, Donald met his wife-to-be, Lieutenant Dorothy Uden, of Toronto. Married in Brantford, Ont., they served in Gananoque, Ont., at Toronto’s Rhodes Avenue, Montreal’s Verdun Citadel, Halifax Citadel, Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel, Victoria Citadel, Calgary’s Glenmore Temple, Quebec and Eastern Ontario Divisional Headquarters, Red Shield Services—Germany, and in overseas projects and public relations (special events) at territorial headquarters in Toronto. Following retirement in 1990, they served as corps officers in Essex, Ont., covered officer furloughs in Red Shield Services in Germany and projects work in the Brazil Territory, and Donald organized Christmas kettle activities in Clearwater, Fla. He is lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his daughter, Commissioner Susan McMillan; brother, Murray MacMillan; nieces, nephews and extended family.

OTTAWA—Lt-Colonel Junior Hynes was born in Twillingate, N.L., in 1951, the youngest of seven children of Salvationist parents. Junior moved with his family to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L., and entered the College for Officer Training in 1970 as a member of the Lightbringers Session. Married to Verna Downton in 1973, they served as corps officers in Lower Island Cove, N.L., Harrow, England, and at St. John’s Temple, N.L., and on staff at the training college in St. John’s. Junior served as divisional youth secretary in the former Newfoundland and Labrador West and East divisions, divisional secretary for program in the former Ontario North and Newfoundland and Labrador West divisions, divisional commander in the Prairie and former Newfoundland and Labrador West divisions, and territorial secretary for candidates, territorial youth secretary and territorial secretary for program at territorial headquarters in Toronto. Junior and Verna retired in 2015 and moved to Ottawa. Earning a master’s degree later in his officership, Junior loved God, his family, nature, fishing, canoeing and skating, and had a great sense of humour.

Junior is loved and missed by his wife, Verna; daughters Janice (Bill Blundell), Julie (Mike Whalen) and Jessica (Andrew Brisco); and six grandchildren.

CHANCE COVE, N.L.—Major Leah Snook was born at The Salvation Army Grace Hospital in St. John’s, N.L., in 1936 to Harry and Beatrice Penney. Growing up, Leah attended the Mundy Pond Corps before entering training college in 1956 as part of the Faithful Session. Following commissioning, Leah served as corps officer in Phillips Head, King’s Point and Glovertown, N.L., before her marriage to Donald Snook in 1961. Together they served as corps officers in Britannia, Peterview, Gander, Deer Lake and Bishop’s Falls, N.L., and at Kingston Citadel, Ont. Appointments in social services took them to Toronto, Vancouver, Saint John, N.B., Calgary and St. John’s, where they opened the Harbour Light Centre. They served as chaplains at the Grace Hospital in St. John’s, and as territorial evangelists for Canada and Bermuda for 10 years before retiring in 1998. Leah is remembered for her kindness, compassion and quiet humility. She was often heard singing songs which expressed her faith in the Lord. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Predeceased by her husband, Donald, Leah is lovingly remembered by children Donna, Delrie and Donnie; grandchildren Victoria and Emma; great-grandchildren Amelia and Isabelle; and sister, Jessie.

RETIREMENT Major Judy Vincent retires July 1 following 25 years of active service. Judy and her husband, Vaden, were commissioned in 1997 as members of the Messengers of God’s Love Session. Judy’s ministry included five years in corps appointments in Hant’s Harbour and Green’s Harbour, N.L., six years as the assistant divisional youth secretary in Newfoundland and Labrador, and 14 years in social ministry at Hamilton Booth Centre, Ont., Ottawa Grace Manor and Halifax Centre of Hope.

Throughout her ministry, Judy carried with her the reality of 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ … For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Judy comments that “God’s faithfulness and presence, even in the most difficult of personal circumstances, were always evident to me.” In retirement, Judy looks forward to spending more time with family and doing more crafts.

ADVERTISE WITH

Salvationist

Visit Salvationist.ca/advertising for rates

Salvationist July/August 2022

29

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

The Place to Be Jessica MacKenzie is certain her future lies with The Salvation Army.

BY KEN RAMSTEAD

J

essica MacKenzie looked at herself in the mirror and wondered what her future held in store. A graduate of Booth University College in Winnipeg, her plans to be a Bible director at The Salvation Army’s Scotian Glen Camp in Nova Scotia for the summer of 2020 were derailed due to COVID19.

“God,” she prayed, “how am I going to prepare myself for training college?”

And then she received the answer to her question.

You don’t need to do anything. I’ll prepare you,’ ” she remembers.

Not two minutes later, her mother called her upstairs to tell Jessica that she’d just received a phone call from Prairie Divisional Headquarters (DHQ), offering her a position.

“And this is where I am now!”

Jessica is the divisional coordinator of women’s ministries at DHQ in Winnipeg.

“The bulk of my duties include resourcing, supporting and encouraging officers and ministry units in their own women’s ministries,” she explains.

“I also support the youth department because our programs and events sometimes overlap.”

Snowball Effect Jessica grew up in The Salvation Army and both of her parents are officers.

“I became who I am thanks to them,” she says. “It was a great family to grow up in.”

Despite being born “My Roots Are Here” into an Army family, Jessica is hoping to enter Jessica didn’t see officerCFOT in 2023. While she ship in her future at first. loves her work in women’s “I’ve come to the realization as I’ve gotten older that Salvation Army doctrine is my doctrine,” says Jessica MacKenzie “When I got to high ministries, she does not school, I decided I wanted to know what form her offiopen a coffee shop,” she smiles. cership will take.

“I had this whole vision for it and everygroups she led morphed into larger ones “My heart is for ministry, not just for thing!” until she ended up leading the student women’s ministry,” she explains. “It’s But during her time at Booth UC, she worship team at Booth UC and teaching been great and I’ve loved it, but I think realized God was leading her to a life of Sunday school at the College for Officer there’s more work to be done.” ministry.

Training (CFOT).

In any event, her future lies with The “I was back home in Regina one year “It just kept on snowballing!” she says.

Salvation Army. listening to my mother preach, as I had “My roots are here,” Jessica says a thousand times before,” Jessica says, Answered Prayer proudly. “I love that the Army helps “and as I watched her, it hit me: This is But Jessica’s plans had been derailed by people in real ways, in the mess and what I want to do. That was the moment the pandemic and so she was staying the dirtiness of where they are. I’ve when I knew that God was leading me with her parents, looking for work and prayed about it a lot and I know that to ministry.” staring at the mirror, wondering what The Salvation Army is the best place for As soon as she accepted that, minisshe was going to do next. me to be, where my skills and talents will try opportunities started to show up in “In the back of my mind, I heard God be used in a way they wouldn’t be used her student life. The small Bible study say, ‘Don’t worry about that. I’ve got you. otherwise.”

30 July/August 2022

Salvationist

Start Here Booth University College |

BOOTHUC.CA

E D U C AT I O N F O R A B E T T E R W O R L D

Officers and Soldiers of The Salvation Army enjoy great rates through our Group Car & Home Insurance Program.

To receive a FREE no obligation quote on your CAR and HOME or TENANT Insurance through our partnership, please get in touch with one of our friendly customer service advisors.

Find the right insurance for you:

CAR HOME SMALL BUSINESS COMMERCIAL 1-855-633-1964 www.deeksinsurance.ca

Servicing the Evangelical Community in Canada since 1981.

D.L. Deeks Insurance Services Inc. (“Deeks Insurance”) is a licensed insurance intermediary. Auto and home insurance policies are primarily underwritten, and claims handled, by Unifund Assurance Company (“Unifund”). Described coverage and benefits applicable only to policies underwritten by Unifund. Auto insurance not available in BC, MB or SK. Home and auto insurance not available in QC, NWT, NU, or YK. Deeks Insurance and Unifund share common ownership. D.L Deeks & Design is a registered trademark of Deeks Insurance.

For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6119 or circulation@salvationarmy.ca. Allow 4-6 weeks for changes. PM 40064794

Biblical Family Feud

Emancipating Thoughts

Salvation Army Helps

JACOB AND ESAU P.8 BERMUDA PRAYER P.12 MAHMOOD’S STORY P.10

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

faithandfriends.ca

JULY/AUGUST

2022

Pet

Project

HOW ANGELA RAFUSE IS HELPING ELDERLY AND ILL PEOPLE FIND HOMES FOR THEIR BELOVED ANIMALS. P.16

Photo: PheelingsMedia/stock.Adobe.com

PAUSE

Wherever you are right now, stop for a moment.

If you’re sitting, put both feet flat on the floor.

And breathe.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

—Matthew 11:28

Count to five as you gently breathe in, and five as you breathe out. Repeat this breathing process 10 times—or as many times as you like—and let your body relax. Breathing deeply activates our parasympathetic nervous system, calming our bodies and reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

We all have times when we feel weary, and breathing exercises can help. But for true rest —the rest that refreshes and renews our souls— we can look to Jesus, whose love gives us peace and strength for each day.

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

To find rest in Jesus this summer, visit our website at faithandfriends.ca or contact us at The Salvation Army Editorial Department, Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4 2 • JULY/AUGUST 2022 2I faithandfriends.ca

July/August 2022

VOLUME 25 NUMBER 6

LAUGHING MATTERS 5

Star Struck Why should we fear anything when the God who created the universe loves us?

BAD TO THE BONE? 8

10

Jacob and Esau: Double Trouble A family feud leaves a surprising legacy.

SOMEONE CARES 10 Moving to Canada Alone

The Salvation Army gave Mahmood and his family hope.

FEATURES

12

16

COVER STORY

22

Emancipating My Thoughts

Can Bermudian Juanae Crockwell do more with her freedom?

Pet Project

How one woman is helping elderly and ill people find homes for their beloved animals.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Series premiere asks the question: What would you do if you knew the date and time of your death?

THE BOTTOM LINE

Cover photo: Southtide Photography

24 Rising Starrs

Chris and Donna Starr run their book business with God in the binding.

LITE STUFF 28 Eating Healthy With Erin

Sudoku, Quick Quiz, Word Search.

24

NIFTY THRIFTY 31 The Play’s the Thing

... wherein you’ll catch your children’s interest this summer. faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

•3

Faith&Friends

FROM THE EDITOR

Extraordinarily “Ordinary”

W

hen Hannah Bing’s creative nonfiction class at University of King’s College in Halifax was assigned to write about someone “ordinary” doing something extraordinary, the journalism student knew exactly who she wanted to profile.

“I’d found out about Angela Rafuse and her cat, Mackenzie, through social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok,” Hannah says, “and I’ve followed them since April 2021, a month before they launched their My Grandfather’s Cat adoption service.”

As part of her assignment, Hannah met Angela—who works for The Salvation Army as a digital fundraising specialist—over coffee twice a week for hours at a time, and shadowed her and Mackenzie through their in-depth adoption process.

“Angela is a unique and genuine person,” Hannah sums up. “She has a strong and soft heart for every living thing around her, and her work ethic is unparalleled.”

The moment that stood out for Hannah was when she cold-called Angela one afternoon.

“Here I was, a total stranger, asking her if I could follow her around for five weeks and ask her all kinds of invasive questions,” Hannah says. “With zero hesitation, she said yes. I think it speaks a lot to Angela’s innate trust in people that she had enough faith in me and my talents to tell her story.”

Angela and Mackenzie’s story is on page 16.

Ken Ramstead 4 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

Mission Statement To show Christ at work in the lives of real people, and to provide spiritual resources for those who are new to the Christian faith.

Faith & Friends is published bimonthly by: The Salvation Army 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto Ontario, M4H 1P4 International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4P 4EP, England Brian Peddle, GENERAL Commissioner Floyd Tidd TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Lt-Colonel John P. Murray SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Geoff Moulton, DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND LITERARY SECRETARY

Pamela Richardson ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Ramstead, EDITOR

Kristin Ostensen MANAGING EDITOR OF SALVATIONIST AND SALVATIONIST.CA

Lisa Suroso GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST

Rivonny Luchas DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Ada Leung CIRCULATION CO-ORDINATOR

Giselle Randall, Abbigail Oliver STAFF WRITERS Scripture Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from New International Version Contact Us P. (416) 467-3188, F. (416) 422-6217 Websites faithandfriends.ca, salvationist.ca, salvationarmy.ca Email faithandfriends@salvationarmy.ca Subscription for one year: Canada $17 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $22; foreign $24 P. (416) 422-6119 circulation@salvationarmy.ca All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064794 ISSN 1702-0131

Photo: Krzysztof Wiktor/stock.Adobe.com

Faith&Friends

LAUGHING MATTERS

Star Struck Why should we fear anything we face today when the God who created the universe loves us?

by Phil Callaway

faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

•5

Faith&Friends

LAUGHING MATTERS

The largest star our telescopes have discovered is UY Scuti. If I was to name it, I’d call it YU Sohuge. PHIL CALLAWAY

S

herlock Holmes and Dr. Watson decided to go on a camping trip. After a hot dog roast and some stories around the fire, they set up their tent and lay down for the night.

Hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his friend.

“Watson, look up at the sky. Tell me what you see.”

Watson replied, “I see millions of stars.”

“What does that tell you?”

Watson pondered a minute.

“Astronomically, it tells me there are billions of stars and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful and that we are minute.

Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.

What does it tell you, Holmes?”

Holmes was silent a minute, then replied: “That someone has stolen our tent!”

Bert and the Big Slipper As a child, I loved lying on my back on warm summer nights looking up

6 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

at the stars. The night sky is a perfect canvas for a child’s imagination to scribble on. Were the stars looking back at me? What were they thinking? Could I reach them in a hot-air balloon?

My budding brain envisioned cities and civilizations out there.

Creatures with tentacles and big eyes hurtling toward us in flying saucers. Or perhaps the aliens were cute and cuddly. Maybe one would land in my backyard and my mom would let me keep it as a pet.

Sometimes my brothers pointed out constellations to me. “That big cluster over there is Bert the water buffalo. That long squiggly line with the scoop on the end? That’s the big slipper.”

A Matter of Perspective As the years passed, my fascination with the night sky only grew.

I learned that our humble little Milky Way galaxy contains somewhere between 100 and 200 billion stars. And if you leave the Milky Way, you’ll find billions upon billions of galaxies, so distant that you

couldn’t reach them in our fastest spaceship in a billion lifetimes.

Smart people say there might be as many as three sextillion stars in the universe. That’s a three followed by 23 zeros.

Our star, the sun, is so big you could barely squeeze 1.3 million Earths inside it. But as stars go, our sun is just a little fellow. The largest star our telescopes have discovered is UY Scuti. If I was to name it, I’d call it YU Sohuge. If you wrapped a measuring tape around Scuti, it would have to reach 4.7 billion miles—that’s 7.5 billion kilometres.

Scuti is an estimated 21 billion times the volume of our sun. Yet it’s only a tiny speck on God’s vast tapestry of space.

A View of Creation Each morning at breakfast, I read from a little devotional book, a collection of Bible verses.

This morning, it spoke of the stars. “The heavens are telling the glory of God. They are a marvelous display of His craftmanship. Since

earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of His existence and great eternal power. He never left Himself without a witness. Day and night, they keep on telling about God. Without a sound or word, silent in the skies, their message reaches out to all the world. When I look up into the night skies and see the work of Your fingers—the moon and the stars You have made—I cannot understand how You can bother with mere puny man, to pay any attention to him.”

In 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth, circling it three times. As he gazed out the windows of Discovery, he said, “To look out at this kind of creation and not believe in God is to me impossible. It just strengthens my faith.”

Let’s take time to gaze at the stars this week. And let’s ask ourselves why we would fear anything we face today when the God who created all of this loves us.

(left) Phil Callaway’s Laugh Again radio program airs 700 times a week in Canada. Visit him at laughagain.org.

faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

•7

Faith&Friends

BAD TO THE BONE?

Jacob and Esau: Double Trouble The twins’ relationship had seemingly been shattered forever. But God doesn’t know the word “impossible.”

by Jeanette Levellie

I

saac was old, blind and near death.

He asked one of his sons, Esau, a hunter, to kill some game and prepare him a stew for his final meal.

Isaac promised to bless Esau after he’d eaten. In the ancient Jewish culture, a father’s blessing meant success and favour. When Isaac’s wife, Rebekah, overheard Isaac’s promise, she started to scheme. Esau’s twin, Jacob, was Rebekah’s favourite, and she wanted him to receive Isaac’s blessing. Rebekah instructed Jacob to bring her two young goats to cook for Isaac, so Jacob could present his dad the meal and receive the blessing.

Rebekah then disguised Jacob to feel and smell like Esau. Fooled by the ruse, Isaac gave Jacob his blessing. When Esau returned from the fields and brought his father the stew he’d prepared, Isaac told him, “Your brother came deceitfully and took your blessing” (Genesis 27:35). Esau’s heart burned with hatred toward Jacob, and he made plans to kill Jacob

8 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

after their father died.

On the outside, this situation seemed impossible for both Jacob and Esau. Jacob had to leave his homeland to avoid his brother’s rage. Esau lost his father’s blessing because of Jacob’s deceit. What good could possibly come from this family feud?

Decades-Long Anger Hearing of his brother’s anger, Jacob fled north to live with an uncle until Esau’s anger subsided. One night during his travels, God spoke to Jacob and promised that He would return Jacob to his family’s land, and that he and his descendants would one day own it. When Jacob awoke, he experienced a new awe of God and named the spot Bethel, which means “house of God.” Jacob lived with and worked for his uncle, Laban, for 20 years. By that time, he was an extremely wealthy man who owned huge flocks of cattle, sheep, goats, camels and donkeys.

What good could possibly come from this family feud?

IIllustration: Woodcut by Gustave Doré (1832-1883), courtesy of The Doré Bible Gallery

JEANETTE LEVELLIE

With God’s promise echoing in his heart, Jacob started for home.

But when the servants he’d sent ahead returned to say that Esau and 400 men were coming to meet him, Jacob panicked. Maybe 20 years wasn’t enough for Esau’s anger to cool.

Wrestling With God Hoping to pacify Esau, Jacob sent servants ahead with gifts of many herds and flocks. He stayed behind until he knew it was safe to proceed.

When the brothers finally met, Esau ran to Jacob, threw his arms around him and wept. Imagine Jacob’s surprise and relief that Esau no longer wanted revenge. Although Jacob offered his twin many gifts, Esau assured him, “I already have plenty, my brother” (Genesis 33:9).

God had blessed Esau with his own riches, even without a birthright.

Because God is timeless, He has a plan in place before trouble starts and a solution to every problem before they occur. Even problems we get ourselves into, like Jacob and Esau did. Although we may get off track, scheme and take matters into our own hands, when we turn to God for help, He surprises us with great mercy and perfect plans.

All about Jacob Read Genesis 27:33 • Who: The son of Isaac and Rebekah, grandson of Abraham • When: Around 1850 BC • Where: Canaan (modern-day Israel) and Mesopotamia (eastern Mediterranean)

faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

•9

Faith&Friends

SOMEONE CARES

Giving Back Mahmood sorts food as a Salvation Army family services worker

Changed Life Mahmood became a Canadian citizen in April of this year

Moving to Canada Alone The Salvation Army gave Mahmood and his family hope.

by Linda Leigh

W

hen Mahmood arrived with his family of five in Canada in 2017, he hoped they could finally feel safe. Four years earlier, he had no choice but to leave Iraq, relatives, his job and culture.

“In Iraq we faced danger,” says Mahmood. “There was war, our lives were threatened and no one was safe.

It was a very hard life.”

While the family lived in Turkey as refugees, the children weren’t allowed to go to school. Mahmood worked as

10 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

a carpenter, earning barely enough for rent and basic food. Then a friend in Canada found them a sponsor.

Hope … and One Happy Boy “We arrived in Vancouver with a bag of clothes,” says Mahmood. “After we located a basement apartment to rent in Surrey, B.C., we lost our support network. We were alone, isolated and spoke no English.”

Mahmood went to school to learn English and searched the internet for

“In Iraq we faced danger.

Our lives were threatened. No one was safe.”

MAHMOOD

organizations who help newcomers.

He found someone who spoke Arabic and she made an appointment for him with The Salvation Army in Surrey.

“I showed the Salvation Army worker a picture of our apartment— no couches or tables, no beds. I couldn’t afford to provide complete meals for my family, let alone household items,” says Mahmood.

The Salvation Army gave him food, chocolate, a thrift store voucher to purchase furniture, school supplies for his three children and $150 to buy them toys.

“My son was so happy, he put all the toys beside his bed and didn’t sleep for two days,” smiles Mahmood.

Lives Changed In 2019, Mahmood and his family volunteered with The Salvation

Army’s Christmas kettle campaign.

In Surrey, where many people speak Arabic, Mahmood helped the Army’s community and family services by serving as a translator, and his wife, Noor, volunteers as the Army’s Arabic volunteer co-ordinator.

“We wanted to help others, like The Salvation Army helped us,” says Mahmood.

Before long, Mahmood used his computer skills to assist with client records. He was eventually hired and is now working full time as a family services worker.

“When I had nothing, The Salvation Army gave me hope,” says Mahmood. “They changed my whole life and my family’s life. We now live in a home. I have an income and a pay stub. Thanks to The Salvation Army, we are thriving as new members in our community.”

(left) Linda Leigh is manager of communications at The Salvation Army’s territorial headquarters in Toronto.

faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 11

Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Emancipating

My Thoughts

CAN I DO MORE WITH MY FREEDOM?

by Juanae Crockwell Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.*

A

ll Bermuda will pause on July 29 to remember the emancipation of slaves throughout the British Empire on August 1, 1834. The life and legacy of our national hero,

12 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

Mary Prince, is celebrated the day after, on Mary Prince Day. As we do so, my thoughts turn to the kind of faith that must be required to fight for freedom.

who had a vision and hope of freedom—people who believed in something that they could not see.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Faith and Courage The magnitude of this faith is not forgotten when I think of the liberties I enjoy as a Black woman in Bermuda, 188 years after emancipation. I often ask myself if I have that same kind of faith. Do I have the same depth of faith as my forefathers and mothers? A faith that can move metaphorical mountains? A faith that develops nations? A faith that changes the world?

Photo: yujie/stock.Adobe.com

The March to Victory The Bible says that faith is the substance of things hoped for and evidence of things unseen (see Hebrews 11:1). I can only imagine the level of faith my ancestors had to be able to fight—for generations— for something only ever hoped for and unseen by so many.

The freedoms that we celebrate this weekend were hard won. And at the heart of the fight was a faith in a God that they believed would deliver us. They were likely to call it by different names and worship this God in different ways, but the strength of our ancestors’ faith was clearly apparent.

History tells us that most early abolitionists were white, religious Americans. And it’s true that there were several, but there were also many leaders of the abolitionist movement who were Black men and women, slaves and former slaves,

faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 13

Faith&Friends

FEATURE

As history has shown us, faith coupled with courage is a powerful thing.

JUANAE CROCKWELL

Or is my faith limited to the transformation of my own life? Is it limited to weekly worship, scriptural study and prayer? Am I willing to use this faith for a greater good?

Am I willing to put my faith into action?

When I think of freedom, I think of faith in action. A faith that a power greater than me—a power greater than all of us—will equip me for service. Because as history has shown us, faith coupled with courage is a powerful thing.

Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

From Slavery to “National Hero” Of course, on this long celebratory weekend, I also reflect on Mary Prince, a local hero in Bermuda, a hero for the cause internationally and at home; a woman of courage, strength and—dare I say—a woman 14 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

of faith. Her autobiography, The History of Mary Prince: A West Indian Slave, is filled with references to the prayers she prayed—prayers that “God will find a way to give me my liberty.”

But her prayers didn’t simply end in “Amen.” They manifested into action, action that contributed to the answer of her and countless other prayers for freedom. By adding a little courage to her faith, she was able to tell her story and expose the misconceptions about slavery in Bermuda, ultimately participating in the abolitionist movement at a global level, becoming the first female slave to publish an autobiography and earning her “national hero” status at home.

A Challenge All of this was the result of her faith in action. Activism, in whatever capacity you serve, is an act of faith.

A decision to plant seeds—mustard seeds, maybe—for trees whose shade you may never enjoy.

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,

We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

There is so much more work to be done. We are free, but still grappling with the impact of our enslavement.

So today, I challenge myself to do more with my freedom. I challenge myself to put a little more action behind my faith and believe that God is able to take my seemingly insignifi-

cant contributions and multiply them.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. *Excerpts from James Weldon Johnson’s poem, Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Reprinted from The Royal Gazette, August 2, 2021 (royalgazette.com)

“Excuse me, Jerry. You realize we are all here for ETERNITY. Do you think you can learn to play something else like ‘Baby Shark’?”

© J.Sanko/C. Layton, 2022

OH MY WORD!

by John Sanko

(left) Juanae Crockwell is the religious correspondent for The Royal Gazette in Hamilton, Bermuda

faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 15

COVER STORY

Photo: Southtide Photography

Faith&Friends

16 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

Pet

Project HOW ONE WOMAN IS HELPING ELDERLY AND ILL PEOPLE FIND HOMES FOR THEIR BELOVED ANIMALS.

by Hannah Bing

ANGELA RAFUSE SAT AT THE WHITE

Terrific Twosome Angela Rafuse and Mackenzie

Ikea desk tucked into the corner of her childhood bedroom. She ended a Zoom meeting, sat back in her chair and opened her phone.

On that one day, May 18, 2021, she’d amassed 500,000 views, 600 emails and $5,000 in donations. Her eyes widened.

Angela never imagined that an idea she thought of in her parents’ basement, during a pandemic, would gain this much traction. faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 17

Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

Photo: Southtide Photography

The Start Angela’s grandfather had passed away in December 2019. Shortly after that, she adopted his 15-yearold cat, Mackenzie. Due to Mackenzie’s grumpy personality, she knew she wouldn’t get adopted from a shelter. It would have to be someone from the family—and Angela was the only one willing to take her.

Once the pandemic hit, Angela and Mackenzie moved in with her parents. She started posting videos of Mackenzie and her on TikTok, Mackenzie often growling, hissing or cuddling, and they went to Tim Hortons for bacon. Some of her videos would get more than one million views.

Angela told viewers how she had recently adopted Mackenzie follow-

“Be the change.”

This is the mantra that Angela lives by.

HANNAH BING

18 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

Cover Couple Angela and Mackenzie were recently spotlighted in People magazine

ing her grandfather’s death. People started expressing their concerns about what to do with their grandparents’ animals after they passed.

This prompted Angela to come up with a solution: My Grandfather’s Cat. She wanted an organization where seniors and terminally ill people could arrange a second home for their pets before they passed away or moved into an assistedliving facility. A date was set to launch My Grandfather’s Cat—May 18, her grandfather’s birthday.

Because she would not charge an adoption fee, her aim was to raise just $750. But five hours into the launch she ran upstairs to her parents, yelling that she had her first donation: $500. She and her mom both thought it was a mistake. They assumed the man in New York City who sent the donation probably meant to send $50, so Angela emailed him. He replied almost immediately, saying there was no mistake. He shared his story of having to put his grandparents’ cats in a shelter, and said he wished something like this had been around for him.

Wanting to Help People When the sun rises, so does Angela.

No matter the time of year, she is out of bed when the sun shines through her window. She is also a self-proclaimed workaholic. Her loved ones hide her phone at night

so she isn’t up checking email at all hours.

Angela grew up in Chester, N.S., with her parents and younger sister and moved to Halifax to attend Saint Mary’s University. She started an arts degree, but during her second year—after a friend said she wasn’t smart enough to go into business—she switched to a bachelor of commerce.

The best way to get Angela to do something is to tell her she can’t do it.

She graduated with a degree in global business management in 2016 but wasn’t sure what came next.

“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” Angela says. “All I knew is that I wanted to help people.”

“I Should be Dead” After she graduated, she moved to Toronto, where she found work with The Salvation Army’s public relations department. In 2018, she was battling a mysterious illness that rendered her sick for almost four months. One morning, Angela got up to use the washroom and collapsed.

She woke up in the hospital with doctors rushing in and out of her room. She was told that her parents needed to be contacted; the doctors didn’t know what was wrong and they weren’t sure if she would leave the hospital alive. faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 19

Photo: Southtide Photography

Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

She’s Got Her Back Angela and Mackenzie on a walk

By the time her mother arrived, there was a diagnosis: a severe case of pneumonia. The doctors told her mother that their best shot was antibiotics. If those didn’t kick in, in 48 hours she would be put in a medically induced coma.

Angela’s mother didn’t leave her daughter’s side. On hour 30, the medication started to work.

Angela spent a full week in hospital before being released to recover 20 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

at home.

The illness has had lasting impacts on her body. She was diagnosed with trauma-induced depression and has suffered from memory loss.

“Scientifically, I should be dead,” Angela says. “But sometimes I think I was kept alive for a reason, to do something. I don’t think I knew what it was until I started My Grandfather’s Cat.”

“The best way to get Angela to do something is to tell her she can’t do it.”

HANNAH BING

Be the Change These experiences led Angela to get a tattoo last year.

The tattoo gun was humming.

Angela sat in a chair, the aroma of antiseptic filling the room, waiting for the ink to mark her skin. She felt nervous and confident, hoping that the words would serve as a permanent reminder of this time in her life.

“Be the change.” This is the mantra that Angela lives by—and runs My Grandfather’s Cat by. (It was originally said by Mahatma Gandhi.)

She found herself thinking about “be the change” a lot in the weeks after the launch. More days than not she wanted to give up, overtaken by imposter syndrome and fear.

“I wanted to have something where I could remember this point in my life” she says, “where every single day was chaos.”

Dynamic Duo Today, Angela works at The Salvation Army as a digital fundraising specialist. Her passion for working for the Army, along with her faith, gave her the confidence to help more people in need and create My Grandfather’s Cat. Mackenzie is the other half of the organization, and together they have more than 400,000 TikTok followers. They’ve posted videos at the beach, where Mackenzie would run in her harness, make a bed in the sand and climb the rocks.

When they ventured onto the water and started kayaking, Angela was shocked when she realized how much Mackenzie loved it.

The cat would peer over the edge into the water, content and at peace.

Reprinted from The Signal, February 1, 2022.

(left) Hannah Bing is a Halifax-based writer who grew up in Nova Scotia. She loves writing about music, animals and her community. Her interests include cats, chai lattes and true crime podcasts. faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 21

Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Star Trek:

Strange New Worlds SERIES PREMIERE ASKS THE QUESTION: WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU KNEW THE DATE AND TIME OF YOUR DEATH?

by Ken Ramstead

W

“

hat’s the mission? Our mission? We explore.

We seek out new life and new civilizations. We boldly go where no one has gone before.”

So says Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), the captain of the USS Enterprise.

While previous incarnations of Star Trek have boldly gone where no one has gone before, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds takes place a decade before Captain James T. Kirk helmed the Enterprise. Captain Pike’s crew is a mixture of old and new faces for Trek fans: a younger Mr. Spock (Ethan Peck) and Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn), Pike’s second-in-command, are joined by newly minted Cadet Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding). Just-transferred nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush) joins chief medical officer Dr. M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun).

And we have a new chief of security, La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina 22 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

Chong), and helmsman Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia).

Lethal Dilemma As the episode starts, Captain Pike is ordered on a mission—but he does not want to go.

“Send someone else,” he tells his superior, Starfleet Admiral Robert April (Adrian Holmes). “You don’t want me in command of that ship.”

Why is the normally fearless and intrepid Captain Pike so hesitant to lead the mission? Spock wants to know.

During their last mission, Captain Pike explains that he had been given a glimpse 10 years into the future.

“I saw my own death, Spock. At least, the death of the man I am now.

How will it live in me? Will it make me hesitant? Cautious? Not cautious enough? I’m already second-guessing myself. And that’s the last thing a captain can afford.”

Will Captain Pike succumb to

“ Send someone

else. You don’t want me in command of that ship.”

CAPTAIN CHRISTOPHER PIKE

Photo: Courtesy of CBS Studios

paralysis or will he summon within himself the captain he knows he should be?

Living Gloriously What would you do if you were granted the knowledge of the day and time of your death? Would you decide to live for yourself hedonistically? Or would you use the time you had left to help others and live altruistically?

Outside of fiction, we only know of One who was faced with that predicament. Jesus knew the exact date and hour when He would die, and that it would happen by way of crucifixion, one of the most painful and agonizing means of execution that the ancient world could provide (see Matthew 26:2).

Jesus could be forgiven for asking that the cup of suffering He was to bear be passed away from Him.

And in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed to His heavenly Father for just that—but only if it pleased God (see Matthew 26:36-44).

He could have run away or summoned up legions of angels to protect Him. Instead, Jesus changed not one moment and suffered ordeals beyond imagining. Jesus knew the stakes were high, but He also knew that His sacrifice would change the world.

We may never be faced with such knowledge because no one knows the hour and the day when we will pass.

So whether we are here on earth for one day, one year or one hundred years, we must live it the best we can, with love and kindness.

As Captain Pike says, looking death straight in the eye, “Life is to be worn gloriously. Because, till our last moment, the future’s what we make it.” faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 23

Photos: Courtesy of Starr Bookworks

Faith&Friends

THE BOTTOM LINE

Binding Project Chris Starr in front of some of his restorations

Rising Starrs Chris and Donna Starr run their book business with God in the binding.

by Joyce Starr Macias

I

“

paid a quarter for my first book,” Chris Starr says. It was a small volume by 19th-century English poet and hymnwriter Frances Ridley Havergal, entitled Kept for the Master’s Use. Chris never imagined that his hobby would turn into a fulltime business for himself, his wife, Donna, and their daughter, Samantha.

24 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

DIY Restoration

It all started after Chris’ conversion to Christianity when he started going to a church where one of the pastors had an extensive collection of old religious volumes.

He had the desire, if not the wallet, for collecting his own rare and antique books. Chris was working as a truck mechanic while conducting street and prison ministry, and

Donna had become the financial administrator for their church.

“But we both have a deep love for books,” Donna smiles.

Their desire to learn led them to become regulars at antiquarian book fairs, gradually accumulating their own collection.

Many of the books they acquired needed restoration, but they couldn’t find anyone who knew how to do it properly. That drove Donna to learn how to do it herself. She began by experimenting on Chris’ books, taking some of them apart and figuring out how to fix them on her own.

She later studied at Creative Arts Workshop in New Haven, Connecticut, for two years with Gisela Nowik, a conservator at Yale University’s rare books library. She also took classes at the Center for

Book Arts in New York City.

“We started off binding books just for ourselves and friends,” says Donna. “Then we did some work for a dealer. Before long, we had a business on our hands.” They officially became Starr Bookworks in 1991.

Both kept working their fulltime jobs and doing book repairs on the side. Chris finally quit his full-time job to concentrate on the book business, which at that time included buying and selling antique books online. As the bindery workload increased, Donna left her job, too.

Word-of-Mouth Success About 20 years ago, they moved themselves and Starr Bookworks from Connecticut to Arizona.

Across the breezeway from their house is an oversized two-car garage that became their new bindery.

The Starrs don’t broadcast their deep faith, but it shows up in their business practices. And that holds true even when it may result in a loss of income, such as when the estimated cost they quoted to a customer turns out to be too low.

(The job may be more extensive than expected or the cost of materials may have gone up.)

Man at Work Chris using a decorative roll

faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 25

THE BOTTOM LINE

Photos: Courtesy of Starr Bookworks

Faith&Friends

Telling a Book by its Cover Skins of calf and goat used for binding

Tools of the Trade Decorative rolls for tooling covers

“We have always stuck to the prices quoted, even when we lost money on a job,” Donna explains.

“In everything we do, we try to do the best work for a fair price. We’re not trying to get rich.”

Sometimes people who find an old book at a yard sale will assume they have uncovered a treasure. Chris says people who haven’t studied the market will assume that a pre-1800s book must be worth a lot of money just because it’s old. But the book usually isn’t worth the money they’d have to charge to repair it.

“We just tell them right out when

26 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

it’s not worth it,” says Samantha, who gave up her job in the medical field 15 years ago to work full-time in the bindery.

It would be easy to do the work without telling the customer the truth about the book’s value, but that doesn’t happen at Starr Bookworks.

Chris says the only time they would repair a book that isn’t worth the price of repairs is when its sentimental value surpasses the dollarand-cents cost, like a volume that has been in a family for generations.

“In everything we do, we try to do the best work for a fair price. We’re not trying to get rich.”

DONNA STARR

“You should collect what you like, not always for a book’s value,” he states.

Even though the Starrs have lost money by turning down jobs in certain situations, they never run out of work. Donna said there is always a backlog waiting for them. And that’s without ever doing any advertising!

While their customers are primarily dealers and serious book collectors, they have always relied on word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers. Their website, starrbookworks.com, is limited to showing examples of work they’ve done without a strong pitch for more customers.

In-Demand Skill Repairing a beat-up rare or antique book requires a number of skills that include sewing, rebinding, page repair, leather-working and cover replacement. The Starrs even go through the tedious process of making their own marbleized paper for end sheets, and they make clamshell preservation cases that protect fragile books from exposure to the environment.

They use nothing but the best for

their restoration processes, including the finest leather they can find and acid-free paper.

Some repair jobs are easy while others require long hours to accomplish the treatment a badly damaged book requires.

The highest-priced book they ever worked on was a first edition Coverdale Bible that was valued at a little over half a million dollars. Another interesting project involved making a protective box for a 1611 King James Bible, complete with court seal. But neither of those is typical, nor would they keep books of that value at the bindery.

The market for rare and antique books is constantly changing.

Right now, early medical books and illustrated books on astronomy, architecture and science are bringing good prices for collectors.

But high-quality repairs are always needed by customers, so it’s unlikely that the Starr family will soon run out of work. Until then, they will continue living and working together.

“That in itself shows that God is at the centre of our business,” Samantha says.

faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 27

Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Eating Healthy With Erin CHICKEN RANCH SALAD TIME 15 min

MAKES 4 servings

SERVE WITH bacon

12 chicken strips 1. Cook chicken fingers 1 L (4 cups) green lettuce according to package instructions.

250 ml (1 cup) bell 2. Place lettuce, bell pepper, cored peppers, avocado, cherry and sliced tomatoes and celery in a 1 avocado, diced bowl.

250 ml (1 cup) cherry 3.

Add ranch dip and mix tomatoes, halved together. Place chicken 125 ml (½ cup) celery, fingers on top. diced 175 ml (¾ cup) ranch dip (see below)

RANCH DIP TIME 5 min MAKES 4 servings

SERVE WITH vegetables

Recipe photos: Erin Stanley

125 ml (½ cup) 1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. mayonnaise Option to garnish with 60 (¼ cup) milk parsley.

7 ml (1½ tsp) apple cider vinegar 1 clove garlic 1 ml (¼ tsp) dried dill 1 ml (¼ tsp) dried chives 1 ml (¼ tsp) pepper 1 ml (¼ tsp) salt 5 ml (1 tsp) dried parsley

28 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

I faithandfriends.ca

Subscribe to Faith&Friends

• inspiring true stories of hope and salvation • practical resources that will rejuvenate your spirit • uplifting articles that you can share with friends

Visit faithandfriends.ca/subscribe or call (416) 422-6119 today!

Sudoku Puzzle

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 × 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

8

4

6

2

9 5

9

2 8

3 9

7

2

3 6

6

8

4

5 7

4

2 2

4

5

1

6

© www.kevinfrank.net

HEAVEN’S LOVE THRIFT SHOP by Kevin Frank

Answers on next page.

9 8

QUICK QUIZ 1. What is the capital city of Tunisia?

2. What 2019 war movie received 10 Academy Award nominations?

3. What is the gas trioxygen also known as?

3

faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 29

Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Word Search Pasta-licious!

I

B

X

I

R

O

T

A

I

D

A

C

P

A M

N

F

T

E

R

E

I

V

Z

V

Y

O

V

O

O

P

R

O

T

E

L

L

E

P

T

J

N

L

T

U

A

N

E

L

L

I

T

S

U O

T

B

E

G H

I

A

B

A

H

L A

G

C

I

F

F

D N

O D

A

N

E

L

L

I

W

S

M

P

O

T

O

R

T

N

I

T

A

E

I

T

R

L

A

Z

B

P

E

F

L

L

U

E

T

C

E

V

O

P

L

A

L

G

C

N

L

U

E

V

N

U

A

L

L

I

I

C

T

Q

B

V

Z

T

S

N

T

E

D

N H

I

I

E

N

I

L

L

A

F

R

A

F

E

I

C

N N

R

A

I

L

L

E

M

E

G

V

C W

A

N

E

E

I

C

B

H

T

A

N

G

A

S

A

L

R

A

O

N

T

L

F

C

I

P

I

J

A

U

P

C

A M

D

C

U

U

D O

X

D

O N

L

Z

I

T

I

M

O G

B

D

X

F

N

I

K

B

U N

E

A

R

Y

E

L

L

A

F

R

A

F

A

V

A

C

K

B

G

Z

H

L

F

U

S

I

L

L

I

O

M A

C

A

R

O

N

I

L

I

N G

U

I

N

E

S

L

O

R

E

C

C

H

I

E

T

T

E

N

N

E

P

X

L

I

Y

C

A

S

O N

C

E

L

L

I

N

O

T

A

G

I

R

ALPHABET ANELLI BARBINE BAVETTE BUCATINI CANNELLONI CAPELLINI CARAMELLE CASONCELLI CAVATAPPI CONCHIGLIONI DONDERET

FARFALLE FARFALLINE FETTUCCINE FLORENTINE FUSILLI GEMELLI GNOCCHI GOMITI LASAGNA LINGUINE MACARONI MAFALDE

30 • JULY/AUGUST 2022

MANDALA ORECCHIETTE ORZO PENNE PICI RADIATORI RAVIOLI RIGATONI ROTELLE STELLE TUFFOLI ZITI

I faithandfriends.ca

R

I

Quick Quiz Answers: 1. Tunis; 2. 1917; 3. ozone.

8

7

4

6

2

1

3

5

2

9

3

7

4

5

6

8

9 1

1

6

5

9

8

3

2

4

7

5

4

7

2

6

8

9

1

3

6

3

1

5

9

4

8

7

2

9

2

8

3

1

7

5

6

4

3

1

6

8

7

2

4

9

5

4

5

9

1

3

6

7

2

8

7

8

2

4

5

9

1

3

6

Faith&Friends

NIFTY THRIFTY

The Play’s the Thing … wherein you’ll catch your children’s interest this summer.

S

ummer is upon us and the kids are at home and looking to play. If you’re searching for a simple way to update a play kitchen, outdoor slide or playhouse, there are pieces you can find at your local Salvation Army thrift store that can add fun to a summer play space.

Baskets These are a lifesaver for kid’s spaces, good for storing or displaying items and easy to clean up at the end of the day.

Chalkboard A fun place to write or draw, this adds another way to keep them busy during the day.

Faux Plant OK, this one is for the moms!

I used a potted plant, but for a playhouse, a container with faux flowers would be great.

Kids Tea Set Who doesn’t love a tea party? Perfect for a child’s kitchen, table or playhouse.

If you’re looking for ways to keep your kids entertained this summer, make sure to check out your local Salvation Army thrift store. They always have lots of finds for all ages!

(left) Tijana McAllister is the frugalista behind A Plentiful Life, a lifestyle blog that shows readers how to live their best lives on a budget. She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores. Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.

faithandfriends.ca I JULY/AUGUST 2022

• 31

PM 40064794

For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6119 or circulation@salvationarmy.ca. Allow 4-6 weeks for changes.