Salvationist + Faith & Friends May/June 2024

We proudly o er:

FEATURES

10 / Standing Against Injustice Territory’s newest officers ready to live out God’s love.

12 / The Work of Our Hands

Reflections on the Ontario Division’s mission trip to Jamaica. by Captain Laura Van Schaick

14 / A Friend to All

Joan Macneil-Jones lends a helping hand to international students in Sydney, N.S. by Abbigail Oliver

18 / Perfect Harmony

Abigail Morson blends faith, music and youth ministries. by Abbigail Oliver

21 / The In-Between Mama

A letter to my younger self about the bittersweet journey of foster parenting. by Captain Crystal Porter

22 / More Than a Song

Five questions to ask when choosing music for worship. by Captain Callum McKenna

Our commitment is to encourage, empower and support. We are here to serve and be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those we are called to lead.

—COLONEL JOHN CHAMNESS, PAGE 26

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SALVATIONIST

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

Lyndon Buckingham

General

Commissioner Lee Graves

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

Kristin Ostensen

Managing Editor of Salvationist and Salvationist.ca

Giselle Randall

Features Editor

Abbigail Oliver

Editor of Just for Kids and Staff Writer

Lisa Suroso

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Rivonny Luchas

Digital Media Specialist

Emily Pedlar

Junior Graphic Designer

Ken Ramstead

Editor of Faith & Friends

Logan Graves

Circulation Co-ordinator

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TAKE A FRESH LOOK!

Welcometo Salvationist magazine’s new design and updated content. We recently surveyed our readers to find out what they liked about the publication and what they’d like to see in these pages. The full survey results can be seen online at salvationist.ca/survey. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts. We’ve taken all that input and injected it into this exciting new issue.

Our designer, Lisa Suroso, has added new creative elements, including more pull quotes, colour and original photos. We’ve retained the departments you love, such as People & Places and Frontlines, with bite-sized information on the latest Salvation Army happenings. We’ve also kept the body text size intentionally large for ease of reading.

In terms of content, our managing editor, Kristin Ostensen, has worked with the editorial team to introduce fresh new departments and series. For example, you asked for:

More personal stories and testimonies. This month, we feature Abigail Morson, an active young Salvationist at Ontario’s Mississauga Community Church (page 18). Captain Laura Van Schaick shares her experiences of the Ontario Division’s mission trip to Jamaica (page 12). And meet the Defenders of Justice as they prepare to become the territory’s newest officers (page 10).

More corps and ministry unit profiles. We’re taking you right across the territory with our new series, The Home Front, where we profile innovative programs and ministry units in each of our provinces and two territories, along with Bermuda. This month, we kick it off with beautiful British Columbia (page 16).

More Salvation Army distinctives and resources. Our new department, Living History, will showcase many of our archives’ best treasures. From bonnets to bass drums, you’ll be amazed at the stories that these artifacts can tell (page 24). And check out our article on how to choose worship music that’s theologically appropriate for your service (page 22).

While our social media and web presence continues to grow, we believe there is still value in a print magazine. With carefully curated content, we know that you’ll find the Army news you are looking for—plus a few surprises. We know that a magazine is the easiest thing to pass along to a neighbour. That’s why we are still committed to including a copy of in every Salvationist so that you can share your faith with friends.

W e’ve made a few changes online as well. We upgraded our Salvationist.ca search function, so that you can now search by individual sub-site to get the information you need faster. We’ve just concluded our seventh season of the Salvationist podcast. And you can sign up for our weekly digital newsletter at salvationist.ca/newsletter.

Thanks for your loyalty to The Salvation Army and to the magazine. If there are other ways that we can serve your needs or if you have a story idea, please reach out to us. In the meantime, we’ll do our best to keep you feeling informed, inspired and included.

GEOFF MOULTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Canadian Team Travels to Africa on Sustainability Tour

In January, an interdisciplinary Salvation Army team from Canada visited Liberia and Zimbabwe on a learning and sustainability tour, led by Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray, director of international development, and Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications.

In Monrovia, capital of Liberia, the team visited the Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea territorial headquarters, the training college where 23 cadets are currently in training, and The Salvation Army Polytechnic University College.

“A single mother shared how the rise in her crop yield now affords her the means to support her children’s education.”

LT-COLONEL BRENDA MURRAY

During a trip to Flehla Brighter Futures Daycare, the team played games with students and dropped off sports supplies, such as soccer balls and a parachute for physical education classes. They also visited the John Gowans Junior and Senior High School, and the Albert Orsborn Kindergarten School in Kakata, Margibi County.

At the William Booth Primary and Secondary Schools in Paynesville, the team met with teachers and representatives of the 750 students. Attached to the school is a medical clinic that serves

the Paynesville community. Jake Tran, president and CEO of the Toronto Grace Health Centre (TGHC), was part of the Canadian delegation who advised on the territory’s proposed expansion of the program to an in-patient facility. In follow up, the Canada and Bermuda Territory is sending a container with medical supplies and 10 hospital beds, courtesy of the TGHC, as well as gently used Salvation Army uniforms, books and band instruments.

Lastly, the team drove into the countryside to meet with farmers engaged in the SAIL (Sustainable Agriculture in Liberia) project. The goal of SAIL is to improve food security and increase income in the communities of Cotton Tree and Mount Barclay.

“Meeting the farmers of the SAIL project was inspirational,” says Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray. “A single mother shared how the rise in her crop yield now affords her the means to support her children’s education.”

Members of that same Salvation Army team then travelled across the continent to Harare, Zimbabwe, for the Africa Zone Communications, Public Relations and Fundraising Conference with chief

secretaries and territorial public relations secretaries from six African territories. Presentations from members of the Canadian delegation were well received. In addition, representatives from Edelman Africa, a global public relations firm, were on hand to discuss the “trust barometer,” which measures public confidence in institutions, such as charities, government, business and the media.

“From the outset, there was a spirit of collegiality, togetherness and a willingness to partner in support of the mission of The Salvation Army,” notes Lt-Colonel John Murray. “The Africa territories shared presentations on the Army’s work across their respective regions. Out of these presentations, attendees were able to identify consistent themes and values that drove discussion, reflection and learning.”

On the final weekend, the team travelled to Howard Hospital and Howard Secondary School, where they toured the facilities and met with administrators. Topping off the trip was a visit to Mabelreign Citadel in Harare, together with Commissioners Wayne and Deborah Bungay, then territorial leaders, Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory, to experience vibrant worship.

Delegates from the learning and sustainability tour visit territorial headquarters in Monrovia, Liberia

(top right) Children at the Albert Orsborn Kindergarten School in Kakata, Margibi County, must study in the corps building after their schoolhouse burned down last year

Lt-Col Brenda Murray (left) helps display produce from the SAIL project

Photos: Geoff Moulton

Community Garden Opens in Sarnia, Ont.

A new community garden project at The Salvation Army in Sarnia, Ont., is filling a gap in services by offering fresh produce and a place for people to gather, find purpose and learn new skills. With its foundation laid in the fall of 2023, the garden is set to commence its first growing season this spring.

“Through our community and family services, we saw that many people experiencing homelessness in the community were wandering around our property after hours. During the day, they would come inside for food, drinks and other supports, but after hours, they had nowhere to go,” explains Captain Brad Webster, corps officer at Sarnia Community Church. “We asked ourselves, ‘How do we address this in a way that is still dignified and respectful?’ ”

In response, Sarnia Community Church applied for a territorial innovation grant to convert an underutilized grassy area into a vibrant garden space. In partnership with Sipkens Nurseries, the garden was expertly designed to accommodate 24 fruit-bearing trees and a variety of other fruit, vegetable and herb plants meant to thrive in Sarnia’s hardiness zone. The centre of the garden features an intentionally designed prayer space for peaceful prayer and reflection. Community members are welcome to sit, pray or have someone from the corps pray with them.

“It’s been a great way to build bridges and relationships.”

CAPTAIN BRAD WEBSTER

The new space, called the HOPE Garden—Helping Other People Eat—will be left open and maintained by corps members and anybody else in the community who wishes to participate. According to Captain Webster, contributing to the garden’s upkeep is a dignified way for people to receive practical support and a sense of purpose.

“It’s been a great way to build bridges and relationships, and to say, ‘This is not just the Army’s garden, but this is also your garden,’ ” says Captain Webster. “We can invite people into the property, even when every other place is closed, and they are welcome to pick fruits or vegetables here.”

With a considerable increase in the cost of living and food insecurity on the rise, the food bank in Sarnia sees about 600 families a month, with many commenting that they must choose between paying bills or putting food on the table. Some of the produce harvested from HOPE Garden will go to the food bank for distribution. “Fresh produce is often lacking in food banks,” Captain Webster notes. “This garden allows us to put that nutritious food into the hands of those who need it.”

TERRITORIAL NEWS

New Divisions Celebrate the Presentation of Divisional Flags

Following the official merging of divisions in January, The Salvation Army celebrated the installation of new leaders and the presentation of divisional flags for the Atlantic and Prairies and Northern Territories divisions.

“Having fresh and visionary leadership is essential for the future of the new Prairies and Northern Territories Division,” says Major Al Hoeft, divisional secretary for public relations. The dedication of the new divisional flag took place at an officers and leaders’ retreat in Kananaskis Village, Alta.

“The atmosphere was engaging and filled with hope,” notes Major Hoeft.

The Atlantic divisional flag was presented and dedicated by Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, territorial leaders, at the annual officers’ retreat in St. John’s, N.L. There were 170 active officers present at the event, representing all four regions: Quebec, Bermuda, Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador.

“It was exciting and so moving to witness the coming together of four regions, serving one God with one mission,” says Lt-Colonel Sandra Stokes, then divisional commander, Atlantic Division, who has since been appointed assistant chief secretary (administration) at International Headquarters. “The theme for the retreat was ‘Waymaker.’ In the midst of change, we have confidence in knowing that God, the Waymaker, is with us.”

Later in January at St. George’s Corps, Bermuda, Colonels John and Lani Chamness, chief secretary and territorial secretary for spiritual life development, used the new Atlantic divisional flag to officially install Lt-Colonel Stokes as divisional commander. “It was a very exciting day, and we give God thanks for his continued blessings on the work of The Salvation Army in Bermuda and the Atlantic Division,” says Lt-Colonel Stokes.

The HOPE Garden, featuring a dedicated prayer space in the centre, officially broke ground in October 2023

The Prairies and Northern Territories divisional flag is dedicated during an officers and leaders’ retreat in Kananaskis Village, Alta.

Winter Storm Social Services

Response Recognized by Prime Minister

Sydney, N.S., saw record snowfall in February when a multiple-day winter storm dropped more than 150 centimetres. The Salvation Army responded by providing spiritual and emotional support, and packing and distributing emergency food hampers in partnership with Cape Breton Regional Municipality ( CBRM ) and the Provincial Incident Management Team.

With people trapped in their homes, access to food became an issue. Emergency food hampers, including bread, milk, eggs and produce, were co-ordinated and packed by community and family services staff and food bank volunteers at The Salvation Army in Sydney. Over the course of four days after the storm, a total of 140 hampers were distributed.

“With the amount of snow, helicopters and snowmobiles were used to transport the boxes,” says Priya Shankar, community and family services worker. “It was an incredible experience working with CBRM and our community partners to get people the food and services they needed.”

The Salvation Army and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation ( CMHC ) have agreed to a three-year project that will offer dedicated repair and renewal dollars to residential facilities across the country. The partnership includes $45 million in funding from The Salvation Army and a $30-million contribution from CMHC, totalling a $75-million investment.

The partnership is intended to cover repair costs and improve energy efficiency, accessibility and the overall functionality and dignity of residential spaces for clients. The portfolio includes a go-forward

Volunteers were also quick to check on the Sydney Community Church building following the storm. “Our volunteers, many without cars, were taking tunnel paths to get to our location and help clear

“Our volunteers, many without cars, were taking tunnel paths to get to our location and help clear exits so we could get into the building.”

LIEUTENANT JENELLE DURDLE

exits so we could get into the building,” says Lieutenant Jenelle Durdle, community ministries officer.

In addition to food hampers, The Salvation Army partnered with the Red Cross to provide meals, clothing support and spiritual and emotional care for 60 seniors who were displaced from Silver Birch Manor. It is suspected that heavy snow added stress to propane lines, which resulted in an explosion at the independent living complex. More than 150 meals were served by Salvation Army emergency disaster services volunteers and thrift store staff, led by retired officer Major Marie Osborne-Keeping.

In late February, a reception was held in Glace Bay, N.S., to thank local first responders for their services after the storm. The event was attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who thanked everyone for their service.

“This community takes care of each other and it is so inspiring to see and be a part of,” says Lieutenant Durdle.

Army Partners With Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

list of more than 30 buildings across the country, from the Atlantic Division to British Columbia, and as far north as Yellowknife. In total, approximately 3,000 units (or “beds”) are set to receive funding, with the intent to maximize the percentage of units serving women and children.

“Of the 3,000 units, we must achieve an energy efficiency gain of 25 percent, and at least 600 units must, in some way, have improved accessibility,” says Derland Orsted, assistant property secretary. “We’re looking at projects such as roof repairs, new heating and air conditioning systems, ventilation, window replace-

ment, LED lighting upgrades, repair and modernization of elevators, new accessible ramps and automatic doors.”

According to Orsted, some of the Army’s residential facilities struggle with capacity, and this partnership will help address these issues and increase capacity through improved infrastructure. “For example, we can increase capacity with improved infrastructure, creating secure spaces with key fob access, separate elevators and proper safety controls,” says Orsted. “With this project, we can put more systems like this in place so that we can increase our capacity to serve.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (middle) with Salvation Army personnel and volunteers at a thank-you reception in Glace Bay, N.S.

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT AI

Thanks for this discussion about artificial intelligence (AI) (“Future Shock,” November/December 2023). One of the bright sides of AI mentioned is the freedom from menial tasks and the freedom for more creative work. Chat GPT can indeed be an asset to critical thinking if we choose to use it that way. But the fear of being replaced or made redundant by AI is always present. Global conversations about setting structures or guidelines for the development and use of technology don’t tend to take place early enough. And when they happen, they aren’t always undergirded by firm moral values and principles. We may be far off from AI gaining self-awareness or independent will, but it’s never too early to ask whether we want this to happen and why. Then we can tackle other questions. Questions like the ones asked about Star Trek ’s Data: “Does an android have moral standing?” and “Is it OK to turn him off?”

Aimee Patterson

BUILDING THE CHURCH

Thank you, Captain Bhreagh Rowe, for this emphasis on nurturing faith at home (“Raising Children Who Live Out the Spirit of Salvationism,” Salvationist.ca, February 2024). I love the opportunities and expressions of an active and serving faith as part of The Salvation Army. However, the church does get a little discombobulated when we parse it out by style, structure, emphasis and music, etc. How many churches are there in my community? There is only one, and Jesus said he is building it. In the end, Jesus is the focus and reason. He is what brings us all together.

Greg McInnes

A GOD-SHAPED HOLE

Thank you for sharing your story, Rosalie (“Embracing Hope,” Salvationist.ca, February 2024). It is certainly one that likely resonates with many people and is so important to share—it shows that life can be so much better when we have faith. Many “fall away” from church at some point in life, but going back can fill that “God-shaped hole” that we all have.

Tina Hiltz

A CLOUD OF WITNESSES

To be considered for publication, letters to the editor must include your name and address, and a phone number or email address where you can be contacted. Letters may be edited for space and clarity, and may be published in any medium.

What an excellent understanding of the Officer’s Covenant (“A Covenant Community,” Salvationist.ca, February 2024). Lt-Colonel Roxanne Jennings writes, “I have proven the faithfulness of God and been supported by the presence, counsel, instruction and prayers of my covenant community. Mine is not a solo mission.” So very true, and emblematic of my own experience as a Salvation Army officer. We really do stand on the shoulders of the saints who have gone before us, with a cloud of witnesses surrounding us. The calling to be an officer is an individual call that happens in a communal context. God bless the men and women who have entered into this solemn covenant and those who are discerning the voice of God in their lives. Lieutenant Zachary Marshall

MAKE POVERTY HISTORY

Reading this article about the cost-ofliving crisis makes me feel like The Salvation Army in Canada should be more active in making positive political change (“The Affordability Crisis,” January/February 2024). A bill to cut child poverty would make a huge difference. Thirty-three percent of the people who come to our food banks are children.

Robert Brewer

UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTIONS

I’ve never heard this criticism of C.S. Lewis but it’s definitely worth looking into (“C.S. Lewis and Racism,” Salvationist.ca, December 2023). Thank you. Sadly, I don’t think the Chronicles of Narnia are being as widely read by Christian young people as they used to be. I was in elementary school in the 1980s and we read them in class as part of the curriculum (I attended a public school) because they were great examples of children’s literature. I hope young people today rediscover the series with some help and discernment to navigate the culturally difficult sections.

Rob Jeffery

Moving with God takes courage, vision and conviction. The Salvation Army is a movement, and the very definition of movement calls us to be brave, creative, imaginative and available if we are to move with the innovative inclination of the Holy Spirit. Our Founders, William and Catherine Booth, caught the vision splendidly and courageously. They bravely listened to and moved in sync with the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Their determination was leading edge, outside of the norm, heroic, unacceptable compared to the mainstream religious practices and traditions of their period. They were criticized by some, rejected by many, but determined, inspired, undeterred and, consequently, praised by those needing this new idea of sharing God’s love. Over the past 140 years of presence and service in the Canada and Bermuda Territory, the brave, the convicted, the courageous and the imaginative have carried the Salvation Army flag forward, unashamedly proclaiming its symbolism. They led valiantly, the Lord has been blessed and our movement has flourished.

We stand on their shoulders, find our inspiration from them, thank God for them and say we are just as courageous, bold, ambitious and determined. God is calling us to be brave because the fields remain ripe for harvest (see John 4:35). We are still motivated by seeking the kingdom of God first and we have vision and his Spirit.

The ordination and commissioning of officers is inspiring. How grateful we are to those who step forward by faith and by call and conviction as they yield

RIPE FOR THE HARVEST

Carrying the Salvation Army flag forward.

BY COMMISSIONER LEE GRAVES

self-will to his will; as they step into a future of possibility and potential, of ministry practice and service, where for such a time as this he prepares, equips and makes bold for the sake of the kingdom. Lord, give us, give them, a “can do” spirit. Let us lead with the same passion and determination as those first disciples and early Salvationists and officers who didn’t stumble when confronted by the challenge and the enormity of the task, but depended upon the Holy Spirit, and who didn’t take the enemy’s no for an answer. Let us not settle for the easy, but battle through the difficult, the challenging, the impossible for others, but not for the anointed of God. Let us say to the evil one, “Step aside, out of the way, I’m in the

joyful, faithful, well-supported, visionary corps officers, as well as Salvationists and friends who are released to dream and reimagine possibilities, who won’t take no for an answer, who are highly motivated to achieve the movement mandate. As General Lyndon Buckingham has stated, “First and foremost, we run churches!” Our community services and social services are mission critical, but they must exist in relationship to our corps. We are intentionally bringing together an energized, faith-filled candidate recruitment team for the territory, whose joy and conviction lead to the building of relationships and asking, “Why not officership?” “Why not local leadership?” “Why not ministry employment opportunities?”

THE LORD’S SALVATION ARMY NEEDS YOUR EXPERTISE, CAPABILITIES AND WILLINGNESS.

Lord’s Army!” Let us remember that God makes the impossible possible. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7 RSV), to which we respond with a resounding “Hallelujah!”

The pathways into full-time ministry are many. We have officer pathways through the cadet and auxiliary-captain models and non-officer pathways through the envoy and auxiliary-lieutenant models. Standard and flexible training programs geared to meet the needs of this time are offered. I am calling our faithful Salvationists who are approaching the conclusion of their careers to explore the possibility of ministry opportunities. The Lord’s Salvation Army needs your expertise, capabilities and willingness, and we do, too, as we resource our Salvation Army, focusing on the mission mandate of our movement.

While all of the ministry we offer in the territory is important, corps ministry is being prioritized, to make sure we have

On June 22, we will witness the ordination and commissioning of the Defenders of Justice Session at Mississauga Community Church, Ont. This sacred time of thanksgiving, celebration and releasing of our five cadets to take up their new appointment responsibilities will stand as a testimony to the work God continues to give to us in this territory. The fields are still ripe for harvest. The Salvation Army continues to be a prophetic voice, chosen by God to proclaim the good news. “ ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6). And we shall prevail!

COMMISSIONER

LEE

GRAVES is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

STANDING

STANDING AGAINST

INJUSTICE

Territory’s newest officers ready to live out God’s love.

On June 22, the Canada and Bermuda Territory will commission five officers in the Defenders of Justice Session. As these Salvationists prepare for the next stage of their service in The Salvation Army, they reflect on their path to officership and how they seek to defend justice in all aspects of their life and ministry.

PRINCIPAL’S COMMENDATION

On behalf of the College for Officer Training (CFOT), I am privileged to introduce the Defenders of Justice Session, who will soon be the newest Salvation Army officers of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Before entering training, these cadets were called to ministry leadership, with four serving first as auxiliary-lieutenants and one in full-time youth ministry. These ministry experiences were formative and prepared them well for the tailored training program they would be entering to equip them for a lifetime of Salvation Army officer service.

CADET JENNY RIDEOUT

After completing high school, I thought I would find fulfilment in a career in nursing. Officership was never on my radar, but I was always looking for ways to serve, whether by teaching Sunday school, volunteering at youth group, standing at the kettles or working at camp. When I felt God call me away from nursing, I had the opportunity to become the youth ministry co-ordinator at my church, and that was where I started to realize that God was leading me in the direction of officership. As an officer, I will seek to defend justice by identifying needs in my community, amplifying the voices of those whose voices go unheard, and using the gifts and abilities God has given me to serve those around me.

Their training journey has been unique. As a session, they took classes at CFOT and Booth University College while being fully remote. In addition to engaging in the full training curriculum, which includes biblical and theological studies and spiritual life development, four Defenders of Justice carried corps leadership responsibilities and sharpened their practical ministry skills and mission

Photos: Jerimi Jones

CADET THARWAT ESKANDER

When I learned that our sessional name would be Defenders of Justice, I immediately knew that this was divine. Mirna and I are so passionate about social justice that we have taken anti-modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) courses and started a young adults training program called Others to focus on social justice and MSHT advocacy and work. As I become a Salvation Army officer, I pray that I will see what God is doing in our community and have direction on how we can join his work. I hope to be able to reach the nations who are already in our neighbourhoods with the good news of Jesus, and create a welcoming and attractive church environment where unchurched people will feel and know the love of Jesus.

CADET MIRNA DIRANI

My educational background is in business, but my heart has always led me to social services. I started my career abroad, assisting refugee families and youth fleeing war. Then God opened the door for me to work at the Army’s Florence Booth House, a women’s shelter in Toronto. This was a step I didn’t fully understand, but God gave me peace that this period was a time of growth toward my calling. At that time, God was opening my eyes, revealing the injustices around me, focusing on my purpose and calling me to act. My whole life, I have had a deep desire to give my all to Jesus. When the opportunity for full-time ministry with the Army came, Tharwat and I didn’t hesitate; we said yes with all our hearts.

CADET JEN THOMPSON

As a child living at CFOT with my parents, who were training to become officers, I was told by some of their peers that I would be an officer one day, to which I replied, “Not a chance!” But in our first year of marriage, Neil and I found ourselves attending an officership information weekend. We came away feeling that the timing wasn’t right, but that God wasn’t closing the door on officership. In the fall of 2019, we went to another information weekend where we heard God say that he wanted us in fulltime ministry but didn’t want us to leave our community, Vernon, B.C. We were confused, but a few months later, we were asked to consider overseeing the work of The Salvation Army in Vernon as auxiliary-lieutenants. This seemed like an answer to prayer and a confirmation of what God had been saying to us. After two years, we knew he was asking us for a long-term commitment, so we became cadets. We are amazed at God’s plan and thankful for the opportunities he has given us.

CADET NEIL THOMPSON

To me, defending justice means to love others unconditionally, to seek to listen and understand what people are going through, and to journey with them toward hope. I desire to speak up and stand against injustices in our world and to be a voice for the voiceless in our society. As I begin this next stage in my ministry with The Salvation Army, I hope and pray that I will continue to be a vessel used by God to proclaim and live out his love and his kingdom in every aspect of my life. I want to reflect him in every way, so that he may be glorified in everything that I do.

AGAINST INJUSTICE

formation. They have all excelled academically and are commended for their exemplary attitude and character. These five individuals have embraced their sessional name. The Salvation Army’s mission is rooted in the pursuit of justice on behalf of others and in alleviating their suffering. As Defenders of Justice, these future officers have been living the mission by sharing the love of Jesus, meeting human needs and being a transforming influence in the communities in which they live, just as our mission statement proclaims. Their training has enhanced their ability to forge Christcentred and others-focused ministries.

I invite you to join the CFOT community in praying for these cadets as they prepare to enter a covenanted relationship with God and to serve as officers of The Salvation Army. As they will soon be entrusted with the sacred responsibility of officership, may they sense the strength of God upholding them, the guidance of his Spirit leading them, and the grace of his mercy enfolding them as they walk humbly with their Lord (see Micah 6:8).

MAJOR DEANA ZELINSKY Training Principal

OF OUR HANDS The Work

Reflections on the Ontario Division’s mission trip to Jamaica.

BY CAPTAIN LAURA VAN SCHAICK

February 2024

magazine I wrote about the importance of sacred spaces, and mused on what makes a space transcendent, an environment where one could purposefully connect with God.

When I took up my role as corps officer at Barrhaven Church in south Ottawa in the summer of 2022, groundbreaking on a new facility had just occurred a few months prior, giving me the unique privilege of watching a sacred space be built from the ground up. We celebrated our first worship service there in late January.

So, while I have some experience with property development, what I didn’t have much experience with was creating such a space with my own two hands.

And so it was with some trepidation that I embarked on a two-week mission trip to The Salvation Army Caribbean Territory, along with 22 others from across the Ontario Division, on February 4, 2024, where the sole focus was … building. That’s right, we were going to do construction work on Salvation Army facilities in Kingston, Jamaica—and we had 20 Rubbermaid totes packed full of tools and painting supplies along with us, lest anyone doubt our intentions!

When it comes to creating sacred spaces where individuals come to meet with God, I am good at setting the scene

with words, or through music, or by the reading of Scripture or prayer. I’ve done so on beaches and in school gymnasiums and around backyard campfires, transforming nearly anywhere into a place where someone could meet with God. But I had never created a space that set the tone for a fresh encounter with God through the work of my hands. I had little to offer in terms of a construction skill set, and my relatively petite frame was not going to make me an asset when it came to hauling raw materials. And yet, I was determined not to become dead weight on the trip, and to find ways to contribute to the task at hand.

WORKING TOGETHER

And the task at hand was vast. Our first morning in Kingston, we toured the facilities we had come to work on: the Caribbean Territory College for Officer Training, The Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Children and Eastern Jamaica divisional headquarters ( DHQ). As Joel Turley, our project lead, listed off project after project, my mind whirled with all that needed to be accomplished in two weeks. Plumbing needed to be repaired. A new roof constructed. Tiling replaced. A whole

kitchen gutted and new cabinets built from scratch. And so much painting. How could we possibly get it all done?

As American author and educator Helen Keller famously said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” It was incredible to see how much the team accomplished. Within mere days the roof started to take shape, walls and cabinets were demolished to make way for custom builds, tiles were laid, toilets worked again, and dozens of gallons of paint were applied to walls and ceilings. Terry Harney, a professional painter on our team, taught me how to properly handle a paint roller, and soon I was keeping pace with the rest of the team and felt like I was really helping out.

The days were long. We rose for a 5:30 a.m. breakfast every day so we could beat the busy Kingston traffic on the way to our job sites. Work continued until at least 4 p.m. daily, when we would head back for cold showers, which were usually welcome after working in the Caribbean heat. A few local Jamaicans marvelled that we would work through the hottest portions of the day, but when time is of the essence you do what you must.

A team from the Ont. Div spent two weeks doing construction work on Salvation Army facilities in Kingston, Jamaica, in February

Photo: Sandra Reid

Cpt Laura Van Schaick

By the end of our two-week commitment, we had accomplished all we set out to do. While important updates were made to the training college and the School for the Blind, the bulk of the work had occurred at Eastern Jamaica DHQ, and the transformation there was significant. The divisional ministry team now had a bright, clean and inviting worship space, meeting room, dining room, bathrooms and kitchen—everything needed to host events and gatherings. Even the exterior of the compound had been tidied and refreshed.

And while seeing the spaces transformed and praying over the finished rooms on our final day together was a moving and Spirit-filled experience, it couldn’t compare to the joy of receiving photos the following weekend from divisional leaders, Majors Marlene and Nana Boakye-Agyemang, of officers’ councils being held in the facility we had just renovated.

This reminded me that while intentional spaces for worship and service can be valuable mission tools, what really matters is the human connections made within them.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Connections like the one I made with Major Marlene as we spoke about our mutual experiences serving in women’s ministries, and when she cast a vision for me of how she hoped to use DHQ to host events such as youth councils, and possibly to house women looking for a safe haven in the apartments on the second and third floors.

Connections like those made when we worshipped with Rae Town Corps on Sunday morning, where a young girl spent the better part of the service braiding my

named Nathanael, as they bonded over games of soccer.

Connections like those built between team members as we conversed with one another, paint roller or nail gun in hand, about our own hopes and fears and prayers. You can’t work that closely alongside others and not get a sense of one another’s hearts.

As Major Chris Rideout, divisional secretary for mission resource in the Ontario Division, shares, “It was a great joy to see so many people with different skills join us from Ontario to make a significant difference to the lives and ministry of our

WHILE INTENTIONAL SPACES FOR WORSHIP AND SERVICE CAN BE VALUABLE MISSION TOOLS, WHAT REALLY MATTERS IS THE HUMAN CONNECTIONS MADE WITHIN THEM.

hair, curious about how different it was from her own.

Connections like those forged between our mission team members and the Caribbean cadets when they invited us to play dominoes with them and their families, as we shared holy laughter and bonded over double 12s and epic wins (and losses!).

Connections like those founded on shared names—team members Sandra Randall and Sandra Reid were thrilled to meet Major Sandra Mitchell, who oversees the School for the Blind, and Nathanael Masson shared a special connection with one of the cadet’s sons, also

fellow brothers and sisters in Kingston.”

The focus never really was on the buildings, 20 Rubbermaid totes of tools aside. While there is great value in the work we accomplished, the greatest value is in the significant difference it will make to the lives and lived ministry of both those on the mission team and those who will use the updated facilities to be a transforming influence in their communities

CAPTAIN LAURA VAN SCHAICK is the corps officer at Barrhaven Church in Ottawa, and the divisional secretary for women’s ministries in the Ontario Division.

John Dunlop installs a sink

Constructing a new roof.

Top row, from left, Nathanael Masson, Mjr George Hastings and Coleton Reid. Bottom row, from left, John Reid, Luke Winsor and Len Winsor

Mjr Marlene BoakyeAgyemang, DDWM, Eastern Jamaica Div, in the new kitchen

Photo: Len Winsor

Photo: Julie Santilli

A FRIEND TO ALL

Joan Macneil-Jones lends a helping hand to international students in Sydney, N.S.

BY ABBIGAIL OLIVER

In Sydney, N.S., as with many communities across Canada, an increasing number of international students have come in recent years to pursue an education. Their first few months can be disorienting. They don’t have social connections and are faced with a new culture, a new climate and an economy where housing is scarce and costs are high.

The Salvation Army in Sydney offers assistance in various forms—they provide students with food from the food bank, point them to the thrift store and offer social connections through volunteering and the church—but many practical needs are taken care of by a dedicated group of corps members.

Among them are Joan Macneil-Jones and her husband, Gary Jones, who welcome the international students in their area by providing them with clothing, furniture and other necessities, and becoming their first friends in a strange new place.

Others have since joined in to contribute household items and prove that help is only a phone call away.

“It’s like this underground network of people who care,” says Lieutenant Jenelle Durdle, corps officer at Sydney Community Church. “It’s very Spirit-led. It’s not something that anybody has asked them to do. It’s just who they are.”

FAITH IN ACTION

Macneil-Jones grew up in a Christian family, and in her younger years she had only known of The Salvation Army as a charitable organization. “My husband and I were searching for where we belonged,” she says. When a Salvationist friend suggested Macneil-Jones visit her church, she went to see what it was all about.

She didn’t expect the warm reception they received when they visited. Ten months later, Macneil-Jones and

Jones became adherents and are now senior soldiers at Sydney Community Church, which they have attended for more than 20 years. “We went and never looked back. We really feel like this place is faith in action. It’s not just preaching; it’s living out God’s Word.”

Faith in action is part of who MacneilJones is. Five years ago, after retiring from a career in nursing due to health reasons, she heard about an opportunity at Cape Breton University (CBU) to become a volunteer mentor to international students. With her name on the mentor list, Macneil-Jones began receiving calls from people all over the world with questions about their future in Canada.

“Most were asking about the climate, what to bring, or how to find a room,” she explains. “I told them, ‘When you get here, if you need a friendly face or somebody to show you around, get in touch with me.’ ”

From left, Gary Jones, Venu, Roshan, Joan Macneil-Jones, Suchala and Faith

Joan and Gary celebrate Canada Day with friends.

Back, from left, María, Joan Macneil-Jones and Gary Jones.

Front, from left, Yinka and her two boys, Kunmi and Teju

Gary’s pickup truck loaded with furniture for a family new to Canada

Macneil-Jones joined her local “buy nothing” group on Facebook and began decluttering her house to collect everything that someone new to Canada might need—pots, dishes, winter clothing, bedding and even a Christmas tree. She turned her garage into a storage area and developed a network of friends who contribute to the cause, from donating extra furniture and housewares to loading pickup trucks to deliver an apartment’sworth of supplies to students and families.

“This is bigger than me. It’s a God thing,” says Macneil-Jones. “People now call me to offer their help, as well. If it’s something I think could be useful to somebody, I never say no.”

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Moving countries is challenging, but for María, who arrived in April 2022 from Bolivia, it was even more complicated with her husband and two daughters in tow. When they arrived, they only had suitcases and some clothes that weren’t suitable for Canadian weather.

At first, María connected with Macneil-Jones to collect a free steamer she had listed on the Facebook group.

Macneil-Jones are experiencing fear and anxiety about going to a new place. “We are physically helping people find what they need, but we’re also a friendly face and an ear to listen to their worries,” says Macneil-Jones, who has even housed a few students until they found places to live. “Many of them have become our friends.”

After her arrival in 2023, Tamara, a student from Mexico City, received help from Macneil-Jones, who brought her family clothing and furniture. In February, during Tamara’s first Canadian winter, a storm hit Cape Breton Island, bringing more than 150 centimetres of snow, and Sydney declared a state of emergency.

“The streets weren’t plowed yet, but my daughter needed to go to the hospital urgently,” says Tamara. “I called 911, but the ambulance got stuck in the snow.”

Tamara called Macneil-Jones and Jones for help, and they sprang into action. Jones contacted a friend, Bobby Lund, whose street had been plowed, and trudged through deep snow to meet Lund in his pickup truck. They were able to pick up Tamara’s family and get them to the hospital and back home safely.

“We are eternally grateful,” says Tamara.

“JOAN AND GARY’S FRIENDSHIP HAS BEEN A LIFELINE DURING OUR TRANSITION AND HAS GIVEN US A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AT A TIME WHEN WE FELT MOST ISOLATED.”

—MARIA

“What I found instead was Joan’s extraordinary generosity,” says María. “Not only did she provide the steamer, but she also offered clothing and kitchenware that we really needed. She even gave us a small plant and home-grown tomatoes. The gesture was simple, but deeply moving.”

Macneil-Jones introduced María and her family to the Salvation Army church where they feel like they belong. “This has really helped us settle in, giving us friends and a support system,” says María. “Joan and Gary’s friendship has been a lifeline during our transition and has given us a sense of community at a time when we felt most isolated.”

A FRIENDLY FACE

Many of the students who contact

PART OF US

When Tony first came to Canada in December 2023, he left his family behind in Mexico. With a wife and two young children, he wanted to see what he would face in a new country without his children having to endure the difficult transition.

“I really needed everything. I didn’t even have a spoon for eating,” says Tony. “Joan and Gary picked me up at my closest Walmart because I don’t have a car. That afternoon, they brought me many things: dishes, clothes, curtains, beautiful furniture and scooters for my kids.”

One day, after noticing that Tony had a guitar at home, Macneil-Jones invited him to attend a church service at The Salvation Army to see other musicians in action.

“I said yes right away,” Tony shares. “When we arrived, there was a drums group, and I told Joan that I was better at playing drums than guitar. They introduced me in front of the congregation, and I played throughout the service. From that moment, I felt a part of the group.”

Tony’s family joined him in Canada in January 2024 and now attend church services with him. “We are very grateful to belong to The Salvation Army, and we really enjoy going to the church every Sunday,” he says.

According to Lieutenant Durdle, the bulk of the corps are people like Tony who have come to Canada in the last few years. “They know they have a church here. They are part of us,” she says. “We’re learning how to build deeper relationships—these relationships have strengthened the entire ministry unit. It has brought all of us together.”

ACT LOVE, SHOW LOVE, GIVE LOVE

Macneil-Jones’ ministry to international students may have started as a volunteer gig through the university, but it has become a deeper calling, and now she is surrounded by a community of new friends whom she has helped adjust to life in Canada. “It wasn’t planned. I truly believe I’ve been led to do this,” says Macneil-Jones. “I feel God’s hand in this.”

Some of these new friends have even become like family, including Yinka and her sons Teju and Kunmi, who call Macneil-Jones and Jones “Nana” and “Papa.”

“Joan was the first friend we made at The Salvation Army,” says Yinka, who came from Nigeria to Nova Scotia in April 2023 to enrol as a student at CBU. “She extended an arm of love to me and my sons; like a guardian angel, she brought us all we needed at that time.”

“You might not think you have much to give. Sometimes it’s enough to give your time and a listening ear,” says Macneil-Jones. “It’s a way to connect, and it’s a blessing from God.”

And for students like Yinka, the help and friendship has made a lasting impact. “She has taught me a lot about sharing, and that it costs nothing to be nice and put a smile on a face,” says Yinka. “Her friendship is a practical example of practising what you preach. Do not just preach love—act love, show love and give love.”

Welcome to The Home Front, a new series where we highlight the mission and ministry taking place around our territory. Over the next 12 issues of Salvationist, we will visit each Canadian province and territory, as well as Bermuda, and celebrate the innovation and impact the Army is having in corps, social services and youth ministry

AT A GLANCE

LT-COLONEL JAMIE BRAUND

Divisional commander

LT-COLONEL ANN BRAUND

Divisional secretary for spiritual life development

GO WEST

Three

stories of innovative mission

in British Columbia.

BY GISELLE RANDALL

Armageddon. That’s the word people were using in West Kelowna, B.C., last August, when a wildfire started about 10 kilometres north of the city and quickly spread, eventually forcing more than 10,000 people to evacuate their homes.

“The chief of the fire department warned us, ‘When the sun sets tonight, you’re going to see the fire on the hillside, and it’s going to be terrifying,’ ” recalls Captain Jennifer Henson, who serves with her husband, Captain Rob Henson, as the corps officers at Renew Church in West Kelowna. “And it was. Flames were shooting high in the sky, trees were candling—it was like a horror movie playing out in front of us.”

Captains Henson quickly jumped into action, calling their emergency disaster services (EDS) team together to serve refreshments at a reception centre for evacuees, where they were on-site for the next 10 days. The snack service soon turned into serving three meals a day as wave after wave of people were evacuated. At the same time, they began feeding firefighters, delivering meals to five different fire halls so that crews could stay close to the fire zone.

As well as food and hydration, the EDS team provided emotional and spiritual support for the evacuees, many of whom were in shock. When they heard it was a couple’s wedding anniversary, the EDS team bought a cake and candles, and sang “Happy anniversary” to them as they waited in line for government assistance.

“Then we passed out cake to everybody, and it was a really beautiful moment of community,” says Captain Henson. “It was special for them, but also for everyone else. It gave us a moment to remember, ‘We can go through hard things, but we go through them together and show up for each other.’ And that lifts everyone’s spirits.”

In some cases, evacuees were waiting up to four days to be seen by a government worker, so the Army opened up their community and family services office to provide grocery and gas gift cards, clothing vouchers and hygiene items, to bridge the gap.

“But what we realized was that a significant number of people would not ever be returning home, and so we launched a fire recovery program,” says Captain Henson. “The overwhelming majority of the people we’re working with have lost everything, and most of them are not insured.”

In collaboration with six other local organizations, the Army is continuing to provide personalized casework assistance, giving out more than $300,000 in support to date. The same three caseworkers who met with people during the evacuation period have continued to care for them.

“They don’t have to explain their story every time, because we already know their story,” says Captain Henson. “They have someone to journey with them through probably one of the worst times of their life.”

Cpt Rick Robins (far right), CO, East Kootenay Circuit, B.C., and the EDS team deliver food to a firehall so the firefighters can stay close to the fire zone

FIRE RECOVERY PROGRAM IN WEST KELOWNA, B.C.

Photo:

Cpt

Eric Olsen

Photo: Kathleen McLeod

British Columbia

WILD CHURCH IN LANGLEY, B.C.

On a Wednesday evening last July, as a family explored the creek and woods at Williams Park in Langley, B.C., they spotted owls in a tree. After standing in reverent silence for a moment, they returned to the picnic area and shared their experience with the others gathered for Wild Church.

“Wild Church is an expression of faith that seeks to return to nature as a spiritual practice,” says Captain Renée McFadden, who serves with her husband, Captain Dave McFadden, as the corps officers at The Willows Church and Family Life Centre. They received an innovation grant to try this new approach to church over five weeks last summer.

“It takes place in the great cathedral of the outdoors. God is not contained within the walls of our sanctuary, so why do we think that’s the only place—and the only way—we can worship? What can we learn as we sit by the stream or wander through the woods? What does it teach us about God?”

While Wild Church is an emerging movement, nature as a source of divine revelation is not a new idea. Theologian John Calvin referred to “two books” that reveal something about God—and the first is creation. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, said, “The world around us is a mighty volume wherewith God hath declared himself.”

Wild Church recognizes that we are part of the community of God’s creation and seeks to restore a kindred relationship with the more-than-human world.

“So, it’s not an open-air service, or just replicating your Sunday church service outdoors,” says Captain McFadden.

“You’re coming with an open mind, open heart and open hands to experience God through God’s creation,” adds Captain Dave McFadden.

Each week, about 20 people gathered at the park from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a simple service based on one of five themes—air, trees and plants, ground and rocks, water and community that produces life— with ideas from books and resources they borrowed from another Wild Church congregation. After a time of connecting and a liturgy of prayer, Scripture, poetry and singing, the McFaddens invited people to “wander and wonder” for a time of quiet reflection.

After 20 minutes, they returned to share what they had noticed in creation and what it told them about the Creator, and then responded with an interactive prayer. One day, they gathered twigs and sticks as they wandered, and then wove their prayers together into a giant heart. Finally, the McFaddens sent them back to their homes with a beautiful blessing.

What does a T-Rex have to do with the Nativity? For the kids at Cariboo Hill Temple in Burnaby, B.C., a dinosaur costume was the perfect prop for a video about the Christmas story. They wrote the script—a T-Rex “angel” raps a song to tell hippie shepherds where to find the infant Jesus—planned their shots, set up key lights and three different cameras, and edited the final version. Making the video was part of a new youth program at the corps called Studio 226.

“We know that short-form videos such as TikTok are part of their lives, so how can we also make the medium part of their spiritual formation?” says Major Bill Blackman, corps officer. “Our goal is to use media arts to train up kids with an understanding of Scripture and skills to be used for the benefit of the church.”

The group, which started last September with funding from an innovation grant, meets every Friday after school from 4:30 to 6 p.m. About 12 kids, from 10 to 15 years old, are learning how to tell a story—with a little creative licence for rapping dinosaurs—and gaining practical skills in video production.

“They’re learning how to use a camera, but we also need somebody to direct, somebody to act, somebody to edit—all of these pieces that go into making it work,” says Major Blackman. “It’s giving them an understanding of how everybody can be helpful and useful.”

One Sunday, when the person who usually runs the corps’ livestream was sick, the kids stepped in and did an excellent job. Major Blackman is also hoping they can create video testimonies of people from the corps, especially seniors, to be used in worship services and on their website.

As they explore the medium, have fun and learn from their mistakes, they are also hearing the gospel. One week, they focused on the parables of the “lost stuff”—the lost sheep, the lost coin, the lost son. This spring, they have been doing a series called “Love Is …” based on 1 Corinthians 13, and creating videos that portray how love protects and perseveres.

The foundation for Studio 226 is Proverbs 22:6: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Wild Church seeks to restore a kindred relationship with the more-than-human world

Youth at Cariboo Hill Temple in Burnaby, B.C., film a video about the Christmas story as part of Studio 226

MEDIA ARTS CLUB AT CARIBOO HILL TEMPLE IN BURNABY, B.C.

Photo: Mjr Bill Blackman

“Musicwas always in our home,” says Salvationist Abigail Morson, who grew up in The Salvation Army’s Mississauga Community Church, Ont. With both parents involved in Army music—her father in the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) and her mother in the Canadian Staff Songsters—it seemed only natural that she follow in their footsteps.

“It runs in the family,” she smiles.

From Sunday school to participating in the young people’s band and singing company, Morson’s early years were filled with faith and music. Today, she plays in the senior band, teaches middle school Sunday school, leads the young people’s band, co-ordinates Mississauga Community Church’s music school and is a member of the CSB, which she joined in 2019.

Outside of church, Morson is a high school music and special education teacher, having studied trombone at university and earned a bachelor of music and bachelor of education. In the summertime, she co-directs junior music camp.

“I think everyone needs to find somewhere that they can serve,” says Morson, who chooses to serve through music and youth ministries. “For some of the kids I’m teaching in music school or at camp, that’ll be music, too. For others, it won’t be. But it’s so important to get involved in service. It keeps us connected to our corps and to our spiritual communities, which helps us maintain a strong faith and relationship with God.”

PERFECT HARMONY

Abigail Morson blends faith, music and youth ministries.

BY ABBIGAIL OLIVER

DISCOVERING MUSIC

The idea for the music school came in 2014, when Mississauga Community Church set out to determine what needs were present in the community, and what skills and talents were within the corps that could be leveraged to meet those needs. With many musicians and music teachers in the congregation, the corps determined that a music school might be a good option.

“One of our strengths in The Salvation Army is music,” says Morson, who now assists with co-ordinating the program. “So, offering low-cost music lessons to families in the community was something we could do well.”

Today, more than 60 students are enrolled, from senior kindergarten to high school age. The music school includes a kid’s choir, worship team and four brass groups of varying levels. Students come from the community, and many are new to Canada and are learning English, making it a valuable outreach tool and a way to introduce new families to The Salvation Army.

“One boy began attending music school in the fall, and he didn’t speak any English because he had only been in Canada for a few weeks. He was very nervous, but his mom encouraged him to do it,” says Morson. “Within the first hour of him being at choir rehearsal, he’d already made a friend that was speaking to him in his own language, and he was so excited to be there.”

Abigail Morson is a music teacher, Salvationist and member of the Canadian Staff Band (right) Morson (left) plays the trombone during the flag raising at junior music camp

Through the music school, children and youth come into the church building, discover music and practise new skills. They learn theory and the lyrics to worship songs, and through that they are learning about God.

“Music has played such an important role in my life,” Morson reflects. “It’s a privilege to be able to give back and offer kids the same sort of rich musical experience that I had growing up.”

MORE THAN CAMP

While in high school and university, Morson always spent her summers working at The Salvation Army’s Jackson’s Point and Newport camps in Ontario, and volunteering as faculty at senior music camp and Territorial Music School. In 2022, she began co-directing Ontario’s junior music camp with her husband, Roberto, and Courtney McLeod, children and youth ministries co-ordinator at Mountain Citadel in Hamilton, Ont.

“Camping ministry is so important—there are intentional, unique and beautiful opportunities that arise as campers come and stay overnight at our camps,” says Major Mark Dunstan, divisional children and youth secretary, Ontario Division, and executive director of Ontario Camping Ministries.

EMPOWERED TO LEAD

Morson (middle) teaches beginner brass players during a staff band trip to Chile and Argentina in 2023

“NOT ONLY HAVE I BEEN SUPPORTED IN MY FAITH, BUT I’VE ALSO BEEN EMPOWERED TO LEAD.”

—ABIGAIL MORSON

According to Major Dunstan, Army camps are not just another summer camp—the gospel message is central and shared. Hundreds of lives can be changed in a matter of only a few days at camp. Campers, along with the people who work there, step outside of their comfort zones as they experience Jesus and grow to be bold in their faith, and many go on to take on leadership opportunities at camp and within their own ministry settings at home.

“At Salvation Army camps, it is invaluable to have someone of Abigail’s personhood, gifts and passion in leadership roles,” says Major Dunstan. “She is gifted in music and leadership, but most importantly, she brings a life centred in Jesus, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of other people.”

Mississauga Community Church has plenty of young adults involved in ministry, and according to Morson, they become involved because they are supported and encouraged along the way by the people at the corps. “Not only have I been supported in my faith, but I’ve also been empowered to lead,” she says. “My voice and my perspectives have always been valued.”

The support of corps officers, divisional children and youth leaders, and spiritual and musical mentors have enabled Morson to take on leadership opportunities in her own life, and to find a ministry that suits her passions and skills.

“God has been faithful and has placed so many wonderful people in my life who have been supportive of my journey,” she says. “What I do isn’t on my own strength. It’s through God that I’m able to do everything that I do, with his support and the support of the people around me.”

Dear foster mama,

I’m writing this letter to you, my younger self, when you had just started fostering and had no idea what to expect. You sat through countless fostering classes and had an air of naiveté that’s almost laughable now. You believed that love, patience and a bed was all you needed. I can’t prepare you for the days ahead, but somehow you will hold immeasurable joy and crushing pain. Please don’t let that stop you from taking the next step. I’m hoping this letter offers some reassurance when you need it most, but if I’m honest, maybe I need it, too. Maybe these words will remind me of truth and ease some troubling thoughts.

I CAN’T PREPARE YOU FOR THE DAYS AHEAD, BUT SOMEHOW YOU WILL HOLD IMMEASURABLE JOY AND CRUSHING PAIN.

Fostering is difficult. You will walk a fragile journey that is completely different than what you anticipated. Nothing prepares you for the unexpected calls and emergency placements. With a simple ring of the phone, life will change. Suddenly you will become a mama for the in-between time. You will not have nine months to purchase all the necessary things. You will never post a picture on social media or make a public announcement of a child’s arrival. You will have no idea if this little one will stay for three days or three years. And yet, in a whirlwind, your schedule will adapt and suddenly you will be walking the gentle path of caring for a child you barely know.

Mama TheIn-Between

A letter to my younger self about the bittersweet journey of foster parenting.

BY CAPTAIN CRYSTAL PORTER

There will be moments when you feel unequipped and unprepared. There will be moments when your heart is shattered. And perhaps even moments when you find yourself exhausted and crying on the kitchen floor. You might wonder if you can make it to the next day. But you will.

Through tired eyes and unpredictable days, you will do the hard things because you see what most don’t.

You will be a caregiver. You’ll spend days trying to learn all about this little stranger. You’ll do school drop-offs, visits to the doctor, laundry, family visitations and nighttime stories. The mundane tasks will become adventures with lost sweaters, messy bedrooms and snacks galore.

You will be a chef. You’ll learn to create meals with unfamiliar ingredients to soothe rumbling tummies and offer little pieces of comfort.

You will be a grief holder. You’ll hold nervous hands and sit in the disappointments. You will journey through complex feelings and bear witness to heartbreaking moments. There will be questions you’re unable to answer and promises you’re unable to fulfil, but you will hold space for their weary hearts and remind them they are loved.

You will be an encourager. You’ll learn to love hockey and cheer from the sidelines. You will sit through frustrating math homework and edit English essays. You will buy tutus and ballet slippers and give standing ovations at dance shows. You’ll celebrate each step because they are worth it.

You will become part of their story. You might be a mama for the in-between, but for those moments, each “huggle,” each kind word, each nod of reassurance are gentle reminders that will stay in their journey forever.

You will be entrusted with the sacred. You will share in first words and first steps. You will hear them read their first book and watch as they find what brings them joy. You will walk them through first dates and high school drama. You will hold their hand through the scary and you will carry their tears through the uncertainty.

You are their mama for the inbetween. You’ll see their strength and their ability to persevere. You’ll fall in love with their smile and be mesmerized by their heart. You’ll be captivated by their life and suddenly that precious life, once unknown to you, entangles with yours. You’ll forget that you are the mama for the in-between because love, patience and a warm bed don’t have time limits or restrictions.

My dearest foster mama, whether it is three days, three years or beyond, lavish them with love.

Love them when they are scared and dropped off at the door of a strange house with unfamiliar faces. Love them when they’re angry and throwing a doll house across the living room. Love them when they’re sad and you’re not enough to soothe the pain. Love them when they are excited for family visits.

Love them enough to get attached, to let them overtake your home and capture your heart. And if the day comes when the in-between time is over, take a deep breath, say a prayer and love them as they wave goodbye.

For you are their mama for the inbetween.

CAPTAIN CRYSTAL PORTER is the territorial Indigenous ministries consultant. She and her husband, Captain Norm Porter, have been foster parents for eight years.

MORE A SONG

Five questions to ask when choosing music for worship.

BY CAPTAIN CALLUM McKENNA

I’mthe kind of person who used to be indecisive, but now I’m not so sure. I’ll spend hours scanning Netflix for something to watch and then end up turning the TV off and going to bed without watching anything. At a restaurant, I’ll narrow my menu choice down to 12 dishes and then go with my usual. I’m not sure what it is, but when faced with a myriad of choices, I never quite know what to do.

The same can be true when it comes to choosing songs for use in worship: with thousands of songs available, how we do know the right ones to pick? The twin danger is that, when faced with such a vast choice, we select the same old songs, or we choose songs that fail to connect with our congregations. I hope the tips in this article—some theological, some musical—will help you make decisions when it comes to planning and preparing for gathered worship.

WITH THOUSANDS OF SONGS AVAILABLE, HOW WE DO KNOW THE RIGHT ONES TO PICK?

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

1

The starting point for selecting songs for worship should come from a recognition that the musical elements of a meeting form one part of the bigger whole that takes place when we worship. In a Salvationist context, the sermon and response are the climax of the meeting, but the sermon doesn’t begin when the preacher gets up, but rather when people walk through the door. The overall direction of a meeting can be strengthened when worship leaders and preachers take time to explore the big idea or theme of the meeting together, so that the song choices help to build momentum toward the sermon. Many hymn books, including The Songbook of The Salvation Army, contain Scripture indexes that link passages of the Bible to songs: looking up the particular text for the meeting can be a great spark of inspiration.

Photos: John Gomes

HOW

AM I BUILDING VARIETY INTO THE MEETING?

In my experience, worship leaders can sometimes feel stuck between two camps: “There were too many new songs this morning” and “That was too traditional this morning,” as they try to strike a balance. Congregations can have strong opinions on the songs used in gathered worship. Rather than get caught in the trap of contemporary versus traditional, a healthier way to approach this challenge is to consider the overall “diet” of worship in music. Try to pick songs from different genres:

• Declarative praise—songs that state and name who God is (e.g., A Thousand Hallelujahs, Praise Is Rising, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty);

• Personal worship—songs that help us express our devotion to God (e.g., This Is My Desire, Goodness of God, I Love You, Lord);

• Lament—songs that express frustration or regret (e.g., When the Music Fades (Heart of Worship), A Thousand Times I’ve Failed);

• Testimony—songs that express corporately what God has done in our lives (e.g., Boundless Love, When I Was Lost You Came and Rescued Me, This Is Amazing Grace).

WHO IS IN MY CONGREGATION?

A common mistake that worship leaders make is leading worship for the congregation they wished they had, rather than the one in front of them. You might want to have a Bethel Music congregation—complete with a plethora of electronic pad sounds and spontaneous singing—but if that’s not within your congregation’s frame of reference, then what you prepare and lead is unlikely to make a connection. Worship leaders should take the time to get to know their congregations. In our last corps appointment, we planned meetings with different members of the congregation in mind. We’d think of hymns that Hilary, from an Anglican Church background, would be familiar with. We’d include contemporary songs that Matt and Collette, a young married couple, would find engaging. We’d be sure to include a Salvation Army classic for Marilyn and Carol—two of the saints of the corps. This means that although not everything will connect with everyone, everyone will be able to connect with something.

WHERE AM I LEADING PEOPLE?

Reprinted from SAWorship magazine. 2 3 4

Reading about the physical structure of the temple in the Old Testament gives us a fascinating glimpse into the way worship was intended to be structured, and this can be a useful pattern for worship leaders to consider when selecting songs. In the outer courts of the temple, people sang psalms and hymns that were overwhelming declarations of the nature of God for the whole world. The inner courts were reserved for God’s people and were where sacrifices were made. Then, in the centre of the temple, known as the Holy of Holies, God himself dwelt. If we translate this to our contemporary worship sets, we might begin with the declarative and the corporate and then move to the expressive and the individual. An example might be starting with the classic hymn, Praise to the Lord, the Almighty—declaring God’s sovereignty over the world; moving to Lord, Reign in Me—acknowledging God’s sovereignty over

our lives; and then singing When I Look Into Your Holiness offering our response of worship to God. It’s important to be aware of where you are leading people during the meeting, rather than just singing a few songs.

5

WHY ARE WE WORSHIPPING IN THE FIRST PLACE?

Above all, when it comes to selecting songs, always start with the “why” questions. Why do you want to use a particular song? Why would it be a good fit for your congregation? And why are we worshipping in the first place? The Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us that the chief end of humanity—the primary reason for our existence—is to “glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” That’s what all our worship—with and without music—should do: bring glory to God. Ultimately, that’s the first choice we need to make.

CAPTAIN CALLUM McKENNA is the mission and ministry formation co-ordinator at William Booth College in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

PRESERVING THE PAST

The Salvation Army Heritage Centre’s mission? To preserve, protect and promote our history.

BY KEN RAMSTEAD

Tucked away in an unassuming section of Toronto in a climate-controlled facility not too far from territorial headquarters, some of the most important work of The Salvation Army is being undertaken by a devoted group of preservationists. Headed up by Major Ron Millar, the director of archives at the Heritage Centre, the team is in a veritable race against time.

“Our mission is nothing less than the preservation, protection and promotion of Salvation Army history,” declares Major Millar.

REPOSITORY

As the repository of Salvation Army history, the Heritage Centre has five main objectives:

• Collect

• Catalogue

• Preserve

• Digitize

• Retrieve

Collecting is in many ways the easiest part of the puzzle. Every week, the Heritage Centre receives a treasure trove of items from across the territory, especially in the wake of the recent divisional amalgamations.

“We’ve just received records from five corps in the Maritimes that have closed

MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE HERITAGE CENTRE

and/or amalgamated,” says Major Donna Millar, accessionist and archivist. “And a retired officer sent us his journals from the time when he was stationed in Africa during the civil war and famine in Biafra. It’s a fascinating historical record!”

As well, the College for Officer Training transferred material to the Heritage Centre when they moved to Toronto from Winnipeg, including a time capsule.

“There are all kinds of things that come in weekly that keep us pretty busy,” says Major Donna Millar.

O CHRISTMAS TREE …

It’s one thing to be blessed with an abundance of material; but all that material would be next to useless if it could not be readily accessed by students, historians or Salvationists.

“The first step is to get everything into our database, and that’s where I come in,” smiles Major Donna Millar. “I prepare

what we call an accession record, where I document every item that comes in, which gets its own record in the database, and I do it as carefully as I can and with as much detail as I can, to allow for easier cross-referencing.”

Each item—whether it be a photo, artifact, book or record—has a distinct number.

“We now have approximately 350,000 items in the archives collection,” adds Major Mike LeBlanc, assistant director of The Salvation Army Archives. “They are all currently being catalogued and, once there, we can retrieve that information.

“This makes a large portion of our collection now available to the public, so that the public can go in and search for the information they’re looking for and do that research themselves.”

When the Heritage Centre’s website was redeveloped, it was designed not to be static, but to continually evolve and

able to see that artifact or review that document.”

grow, all the easier to bring people in and take them to its collection interface.

“It’s like having a Christmas tree with a bunch of wonderful ornaments—350,000 of them—but if we keep those ornaments shelved away in boxes, covered up, they are no good for anyone,” says Major LeBlanc. “Our mission is to show everything off.”

SHOWCASING ARMY HISTORY

The next piece of the puzzle is where digital archivist Camilo Mejia comes in. Part of his job is to take the records generated and give them a digital presence.

“We live in a tactile society where we want to see, feel and hear as best as we can,” he says. “And so, the next step in our development is the digitization of the 350,000 plus items, so that they will not only be searchable and available, but there will be a physical representation as well—you’ll be

This includes the thousands of photos residing at the Heritage Centre as well as Army magazines, such as The War Cry (now Salvationist), Faith & Friends and The Crest, and the digitization of The Living Word television series is almost complete.

“How many people still have an eight-track system at home or in their car, or a tape deck?” asks Major Ron Millar. “When you realize that we have hundreds of records here, you see the enormity of our challenge.”

The Heritage Centre now boasts three “labs,” where all sorts of visual, photo and audio files, such as glass slides, 78s, 45s, DVDs, VHS and cassette tapes, are scanned and/or converted to usable formats.

“The material we have is only as good as our ability to retrieve and showcase it,” says Major Ron Millar. “They have no value if all they do is sit on the shelves and gather dust. And we are determined not to let that happen.”

The 350,000 items have both a searchable presence and a physical representation Every item will be easily accessible by students, historians or Salvationists

“Our mission is nothing less than the preservation, protection and promotion of Salvation Army history.”

MAJOR RON MILLAR

“SNAPSHOT

ON OUR PAST”

Over the next year, Salvationist will showcase just a small assortment of all the more than 350,000 items that the Heritage Centre has to offer.

This month, we are spotlighting the very first issue of The War Cry, which was published in November 1884.

As the official voice of The Salvation Army in Canada, The War Cry started out as a four-page weekly newspaper that soon grew to 16 pages. The periodical was meant to inform and inspire both Salvation Army members and the general public on the church’s mission and what was going on from coast to coast.

“Its historical significance is huge,” says Major Ron Millar. “So much of the history of the early days of the Canadian Army is recorded in The War Cry. It faithfully contained reports of corps openings and doings and special events.”

Each edition included up to 20 corps reports, covering everything from funerals to the visits of the commissioners, so a treasure trove of historical information is contained in every issue, up to and including advertisements for official uniforms, blouses, hats and bonnets, Army hymns and even recipes.

“They are just amazing to read today as a snapshot on our past,” concludes Major Millar.

Photos: The Archives of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory, Kristin Ostensen, Steve Nelson

(far left) Camilo Mejia, Mjr Mike LeBlanc, and Mjrs Ron and Donna Millar at The Salvation Army’s Heritage Centre in Toronto (left) Mjr Ron Millar with the first issue of The War Cry

The first edition of The War Cry, published on November 1, 1884, sold for three cents

SACRIFICIAL LOVE

The Army’s mission hasn’t changed. It’s still about God’s love in action.

BY COLONEL JOHN CHAMNESS

Earlier this year, my wife, Colonel Lani, and I travelled to the United Kingdom where we were able to witness The Salvation Army’s ministry at work in that territory. We are huge Beatles fans, so it was a particular thrill to stop at Strawberry Field, the site of a former Salvation Army children’s home. It’s a place of unconditional love and acceptance, where John Lennon was drawn as a child and which inspired the iconic hit, Strawberry Fields Forever.

The Salvation Army and the Fab Four have another connection. In the 1980s, The Salvation Army was granted the rights to the Beatles’ song, All You Need Is Love, to promote their Red Shield campaign in England. The TV commercial was an instant hit with the public. It consisted of simple black and white photos of Salvationists serving others as the refrain played. All you need is love—the love of Jesus in action.

It’s that same spirit of service and sacrificial love that Colonel Lani and I are discovering in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the warm embrace and genuine welcome we have received since arriving from Southern California last August. It has been a joyous journey, travelling from coast to coast, connecting with officers, employees, volunteers and Salvationists who form the vibrant tapestry of The Salvation Army across this diverse territory. Here are just a few examples:

• Within weeks of arriving, we visited Kelowna, B.C., where Captains Rob and Jennifer Henson, along with fellow officers and soldiers, provided sacrificial service to the community during devastating wildfires. Displaced from their own home, the Hensons stayed until it was safe for everyone to return.

• Later, we travelled to Winnipeg, where we met with newcomers to Canada at Southlands Community Church. It’s been amazing to see the world come to our doorstep. In response, our corps mission department is promoting the Love New Canadians curriculum, which equips Salvationists to minister to new immigrants.

• At corps in Ontario, from Northridge Community Church in Aurora to Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel to Mississauga Community Church, we are seeing three generations of Salvationists in healthy worship and discipleship. It’s amazing to see that youth, growth and energy.

• We toured several social programs in St. John’s, N.L., and saw how the Army is providing for the very practical needs

of those on the margins of life. We attended St. John’s West Corps and were treated to the beautiful music of many different instruments coming together in worship.

• And lastly, we witnessed the Army at work on the beautiful island of Bermuda—a brief respite from the cold Canadian winter that we’re not quite accustomed to yet.

Everywhere we go, we witness the incredible commitment of Salvationists to bring help and hope—setting aside personal wants and agendas to serve people in difficult circumstances. We are forging deep connections and partnerships that will enable us to create a brighter future for the communities we serve.

Of course, our territory is not immune to challenges. We face declining enrolment, aging congregations and sustainability issues in many of our corps. And yet, that heart of Salvation Army service persists. When we stay focused on the mission, when we seek out God’s will for our congregations and communities, good things happen.

Our commitment is to encourage, empower and support. We are here to serve and be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those we are called to lead. As Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This encapsulates our approach to ministry—a call to selflessness, humility and genuine concern for others.

Reconnecting with our Salvation Army roots has got me thinking more about the mission of our co-Founders, William and Catherine Booth. The Booths wanted The Salvation Army to be outward focused. In contrast to the established church of their day where only “respectable” people were welcome, the Booths threw open their doors to embrace the whosoever. To this day, the Army is still the best-positioned church to reach the underserved, though we must vigilantly guard against attitudes of exclusion and discrimination.

In the end, the Beatles were on to something. All you need is love—the sacrificial love of Jesus. The Booths understood it and lived it. Their goal was to unconditionally embrace everyone—especially the least, the last and the lost. It’s still our mission today.

COLONEL JOHN CHAMNESS is the chief secretary in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Strawberry Field, the site of a former Salvation Army children’s home immortalized by John Lennon in the Beatles hit, Strawberry Fields Forever, is now a centre offering vocational training, a cultural and heritage exhibition and space for spiritual refreshment Photo:

GUIDING

FAMILIES OF LGBT+ LOVED ONES (REVISED 5TH EDITION)

BY BILL HENSON

Review by Captain Renée McFadden

Guiding Families of LGBT+ Loved Ones is a magazine-style book that provides support and encouragement to parents and pastoral ministry staff as they care for LGBTQ+ loved ones. It offers resources for enhancing church inclusion, increasing family acceptance, protecting against victimization, and nourishing faith identity in Christ. Guiding Families aligns with our territorial vision and values by holding a posture of grace and compassion while staying rooted in a traditional sexual ethic.

The book acknowledges the harm done by conversion therapy, the risks of rejection, bullying, abuse, homelessness and suicidality faced by LGBTQ+ youth, and makes it clear that God’s desire is for restorative justice, lifting the marginalized and victims of oppression into places of dignity and honour. It also helps pastors and youth leaders navigate discussions on theology and beliefs, particularly in areas of difference. Guiding Families offers a clear focus on building relational safety that keeps gender- and sexual-minority youth connected to trusted adults at church, camp and youth ministry.

This newly released edition (2023) includes guidance on responding well when loved ones come out; repairing relational damage from missteps; caring for trans and non-binary youth; definitions and language around gender and sexual identity; becoming a listener-learner and asking honouring questions; and guidance on matters pertaining to

IN THE NEWS

FIRST COMPLETE BOOK OF ANIMATED BIBLE APP IS RELEASED

OnEaster, RevelationMedia, a Texas-based Christian media company, unveiled 42 episodes of iBIBLE Genesis, the first completed chapter of a larger i BIBLE project that intends to fully animate the entire biblical narrative.

Scheduled for completion by 2032, the 10-year, $25-million project will consist of about 280 episodes, totalling more than 30 hours of content and 20,000 Bible verses. Each episode will explore biblical events in chronological order and will be accompanied by a list of resources for additional learning and engagement. The app is available for free and, by its completion, will be translatable into more than 7,000 languages, making it readily accessible to anyone interested in the story of Jesus, without language or reading barriers.

“Nearly 100 percent of the world learns visually. Yet most of today’s resources for Bible engage-

extended family, siblings and special occasions. This book encourages Christian communities to be both theologically faithful and radically loving of LGBTQ+ family members, neighbours, members and visitors of our churches. It presents a missional approach to living out what we believe in cross-cultural, gospel-centred ways, and bridges the gap between our non-discriminatory social service practices and our traditional church life expression. It requires no shifts from the reader on their biblical beliefs about marriage and sexuality; rather, it diminishes the fears that might hold us back from operating with a posture of radical hospitality throughout every expression of The Salvation Army.

Guiding Families is the accessible resource that we have been missing in our pastoral care toolbox. I recommend it for every officer in our territory as a resource for reducing harm for LGBTQ+ Salvationists and building churches and communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

CAPTAIN RENÉE McFADDEN

is the corps officer at The Willows—A Community Church of The Salvation Army in Langley, B.C., a member of the territorial moral and social issues committee, chair of the territorial human sexuality working group, and a faith-based facilitation trainer.

“I recommend it for every officer in our territory as a resource for reducing harm for LGBTQ+ Salvationists.”

CAPTAIN

RENÉE McFADDEN

ment are spent on printed Bibles, with a focus on the New Testament alone. A great void exists in presenting the entire story of God’s Word in a format people can and will engage with,” says Steve Cleary, executive director. “For RevelationMedia and i BIBLE , the number-one priority is leading people to engage with God’s Word. We will do everything in our power to share Christ and allow people to engage with the Bible.”

The iBIBLE project intends to fully animate the entire biblical narrative.

The iBIBLE app is available to download for free on iPhone and Android, and iBIBLE episodes are available on the app, YouTube and streaming services. Photos: Courtesy

of RevelationMedia

SIMCOE, ONT.—At Simcoe CC’s 140th anniversary service, featuring the Canadian Staff Songsters, Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander, presents retired BM Walter Wilson with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of 77 years as a Salvation Army bandsman. From left, Lt Stephen Frank, CO; Commissioner Graves; Walter Wilson; Ian Cooper, bandmaster at Simcoe CC and Canadian Staff Songster; and Nathan Richardson, holding the flag.

INTERNATIONAL

Appointments: Comrs John/Mani Kumar Dasari, international secretaries for South Asia, IHQ; Comrs Janine/Robert Donaldson, territorial leaders, Zimbabwe and Botswana Tty (pro tem); Lt-Cols Samraj/Santhi Babu, territorial leader for leader development/CS, India South Eastern Tty; Lt-Cols Beatrice/Harun Chepsiri, TSWM/ CS, Kenya West Tty; Lt-Cols Lalnunhlui Khawlhring/Lalbulliana Tlau, TPWM/TC, India South Eastern Tty, with rank of col; Lt-Col Elsi Sarimin, TSWM, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Tty; Mjrs Juliet Nkechinyere Ezeonyilimba/Nkwachukwu C. Ezeonyilimba, TSWM/CS, Nigeria Tty, with rank of lt-col; May 28—Lt-Col Sandra Stokes, assistant chief secretary (administration), IHQ

TERRITORIAL

Appointments: Comrs Deborah/Wayne Bungay, ACs, N.L. Rgn, Atlantic Div; Colonel Lani Chamness, territorial secretary for spiritual life development, THQ; Mjr Teresa Decker, territorial women’s ministries secretary, corps mission department, THQ; Mjr Jennifer Hillier, assistant territorial social mission secretary, THQ; Mjr Mélisa Tardif, associate CO, Église Communautaire Nouveaux départs de l’Armée du Salut, Montreal, and CO, Centre Communautaire Chrétien de Saint-Jérome/Église de la Résurrection, Saint-Jérome, Que., Atlantic Div (additional responsibilities); Mjr James Mercer, chaplain, Ottawa Booth Centre, Ont. Div; Mjr Louise Pond, divisional candidates secretary, Atlantic Div; Mjrs Bradley/Jennifer Reid, COs, St. John’s Temple, N.L., Atlantic Div; Mjr Cathyann Simms, CO, North Street Citadel, Hamilton, Bermuda, Atlantic Div (additional responsibility); Lt-Col Wanda Vincent, divisional officer personnel secretary and gender equity officer, THQ (additional responsibility); June 1—Mjrs Michelle/Scott Rideout, divisional officer personnel secretary and divisional spiritual life development secretary/DC, Atlantic Div, with rank of lt-col

Retirement: May 1—Mjr Brenda Coles

Promoted to glory: Mjr Sharon Hale, Jan 4; Mjr Alma King, Jan 12; Mrs. Lt-Col Helen Boyden, Jan 14; Mjr Dorothy Ratcliffe, Feb 17; Lt-Col David Hammond, Feb 20; Mjr Sharon Wilson, Feb 25

Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves: May 5-8 Ottawa; May 26 110th anniversary memorial of the sinking of the Empress of Ireland, Toronto; Jun 8-9 St. Catharines, Ont.; Jun 20 CFOT; Jun 22-23 commissioning, Mississauga CC, Ont.; Jun 25-Jul 8 territorial summer tour and Calgary Stampede

Colonels John and Lani Chamness: May 5-8 Ottawa; May 8-12 Northwest Div., U.S.A. Western Tty; May 26 110th anniversary memorial of the sinking of the Empress of Ireland, Toronto; Jun 13-16 U.S.A. Western Territorial Congress, Pasadena, California; Jun 20 CFOT; Jun 22-23 commissioning, Mississauga CC, Ont.; Jun 25-Jul 8 territorial summer tour and Calgary Stampede

Canadian Staff Band: May 4 Festival 55, Guelph Citadel, Ont.; Jun 22 commissioning, Mississauga CC, Ont.

Canadian Staff Songsters: May 4-5 Barrhaven Church, Ottawa; Jun 1-2 Orillia Citadel, Ont.; Jun 22 commissioning, Mississauga CC, Ont.

TORONTO—The territorial headquarters editorial department celebrates 25 years of Faith & Friends magazine. Long-time editor, Ken Ramstead (left), receives a certificate of recognition from Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander. “Faith & Friends, Canada and Bermuda’s official outreach publication, shares the good news of the gospel and stories of people who have found faith, help and hope through The Salvation Army,” says Geoff Moulton, director of internal communications, editorin-chief and literary secretary.

and Joshua

Eldi Iyeimo, Emmanuella

and Bukola

Back, from left, Cpt Norm Porter, CO; Mjr Bruce MacKenzie, holding the flag; and Henry Armstrong, the corps’ oldest soldier.

GUIDELINES FOR TRIBUTES

Salvationist will print tributes (maximum 200 words), at no cost, as space permits. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Tributes should be received within three months of the promotion to glory and include: community where the person resided, corps involvement, Christian ministry, conversion to Christ, survivors. A high-resolution digital photo or high-resolution scan of an original photo (TIFF, EPS or JPG; 300 ppi) should be emailed to salvationist@salvationarmy.ca; a clear, original photograph mailed to 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4 will be returned.

WINNIPEG—Southlands CC celebrates the enrolment of 11 junior soldiers. Front, from left, Bisola Olowafe, Levi Prathipati, Atedough Iyeimo, Matias Lavie, Babajide Olowafe, Dawson Penunsi, Michelle Onimole

Bola-Adeojo, junior soldiers. Middle, from left,

Onimole

Olowafe, junior soldiers.

GAZETTE

TRIBUTES

KELOWNA, B.C.—Mrs. Lt-Colonel Helen Boyden grew up in Cullen, Scotland, where she attended a small Salvation Army corps. She entered the International Training College and was commissioned in 1947. In 1949, she married her husband, Cyril, sharing corps and social ministries before being appointed to International Headquarters and the International Training College. Later, they held appointments at the training college in Toronto, and in corps, hospital chaplaincy and correctional services, where Helen received the Government of Ontario’s Community Service Award. Helen’s warm, thoughtful concern for people was the hallmark of her ministry as she shared divisional leadership appointments with Cyril in western Newfoundland and central Ontario, and finally as the first co-directors of pastoral care, developing new marriage enrichment leadership programs and pre-marriage counselling materials. In 1985, Helen and Cyril retired from active service and moved to Calgary. Helen’s caring love for people was characteristic of her deep love for God. Predeceased by her beloved husband in 2019, Helen will be lovingly remembered by daughter, Helen, and son-in-law, Grant.

LANGLEY, B.C.—Major Dorothy Ratcliffe was born in 1936 in Port Alberni, B.C., to Walt and Fran Green, and moved to Victoria with her family while she was still in school. It was there that she was introduced to The Salvation Army and Jesus, who became her personal Lord and Saviour. Dorothy married Stan Ratcliffe in 1955 and together they began a lifelong commitment to the plan and purpose of God, entering the College for Officer Training from Victoria Citadel in 1957. They served in corps appointments across Canada, and in public relations, community services, business administration and seniors’ ministries. Due to health struggles, a seven-year leave from officership led them to London, Ont., where they served faithfully as soldiers and local officers of London Citadel. Dorothy and Stan returned to active officership in 1986 until retiring in 2000. A dedicated soldier, Dorothy was committed to spreading the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. She is missed by her children Cathy (Peter), Wayne (Nancy), Ken (Wendy), Sharon, Brian (Karen) and Barb (Brad); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

RED DEER, ALTA.—Dorothy Louise Andrus (nee Boyd) was born in Hanna, Alta., and was a devoted follower of Jesus since she accepted Christ at the age of 15 through The Salvation Army. In 1956, she moved to Toronto to attend training college. As an officer, she served in Penticton, Surrey and Rossland, B.C., and Toronto. In 1967, she married Jack Harvey and they welcomed a son, Allan, before Jack’s tragic passing in 1971; their daughter, Margaret, was born a few months later. Though she resigned from officership due to family circumstances, it remained near to her heart. In 1980, Dorothy married Earl Andrus. Dorothy worked as a health-care aid and administrative assistant, and spent a year doing mission work in Russia. Dorothy leaves behind her children and stepchildren Allan (Lisa) Harvey, Margaret (Tim) Clarke, Lucille (Ted) McKellar, Wilf (Cindy) Andrus, Elaine (Allan) Camponi, Alan (Lee) Andrus, (Ken) Ferguson and Dwayne (Vi) Andrus; brother, David Boyd; sister, Ileane Cox; many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by husbands Jack Harvey and Earl Andrus; parents Margaret and Peter Boyd; brothers Donald and Leslie Boyd; and stepdaughter, Marj Ferguson.

GUELPH, ONT.—Joyce Broughton was born in Hamilton, Ont., to Salvationist parents. After marrying her husband, Reg, they moved to Guelph in 1960. Joyce played piano and organ, sang in the songsters and in combos (music ensembles). She worked as the church administrative secretary, was a member of the league of mercy (community care ministries) and served as a Guide leader. Joyce volunteered at divisional headquarters and enjoyed many years at mom and kids’ camp. Joyce took a deep interest in missionaries and maintained regular contact with Canadian Salvationists serving overseas, encouraging them with cards and letters. Although she battled Alzheimer’s disease for the last 10 years of her life, she always had a smile and loved singing old hymns. Joyce leaves behind her husband, Reg; children Kevin (Beverleigh) and Major Karen (Douglas) Hammond; nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

OWEN SOUND, ONT.—Sandra (Sandy) Armstrong was born in Yorkton, Sask., to Salvation Army officers, Majors Gord and Connie Armstrong. The words “above and beyond” have been widely used to describe Sandy’s attention to every aspect of her life, including her unwavering commitment to her faith, her service as a soldier, and her roles as administrative assistant at Etobicoke Temple in Toronto and receptionist at B.C. divisional headquarters. Her legacy continues through treasured relationships with nieces Abby, Maya, Georgia, Madi, Lily and Kadie, and nephews Jacob and the late Joshua (2019). Sandy is missed by siblings Cathy (Chris), David, Dan (Lauren); and many close friends, aunts, uncles, and cousins with whom she shared strong bonds.

Tell us a little about yourself. I’m originally from Peterview, N.L., but we moved to Yellowknife in 1982, when my husband got a job here. Our two young boys loved all the outdoor activities. My husband hunted and I liked to preserve wild meat, pickle beets from our garden and go fishing.

Q&

ADoreen Gill has lived in Yellowknife, capital city of the Northwest Territories, for more than 40 years. She is a committed member of The Salvation Army, a dependable volunteer and a proud grandma. She shares how her church family has helped her overcome grief and loneliness.

I’m now retired after working for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation for almost 26 years. I love attending performances at the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre and spending time with my four granddaughters. Someone at work once told me that I was the glue that kept my family together.

Tell us about your spiritual journey.

When I was growing up, The Salvation Army was the only church in my community, and I was a junior and senior soldier. Envoy Roland Abbott, one of my elementary school teachers, was influential in my life. I can now thank my family for sending to me church because God never left me even though I left church at 19.

NORTHERN LIGHTS

Finding fellowship in Yellowknife.

How has God met you during

My family was dysfunctional. I didn’t have much trust in men because I never knew my biological father. I also experienced abuse as a child. My self-esteem was very low. However, I have overcome these feelings through prayer and God’s help. I learned how to be independent, and this gave me more self-

I have experienced many things in my life. God spoke to me twice. The first time, I tried to commit suicide and he stopped me. God said to me, “There’s a reason for you to live.” I felt his Spirit and a calmness came over me and I knew it wasn’t my time.

Before I came back to church in my 60s, I was going through marital difficulties. I was ready to leave my husband and God spoke to me a second time, saying, “You cannot leave him.” I stayed with my husband to try to work it out. A few months later my husband was diagnosed with stage four cancer, so I believe that’s why God stopped me.

Why did you come back to church?

I came back to church because I was overwhelmed with grief at the loss of three family members—my mother, sister-in-law and aunt—within three months of each other. I wasn’t able to go back to my hometown and visit them before they died or attend their funerals. My Aunt Pansy, an envoy in The Salvation Army, told me

I needed the fellowship of a Christian community and encouraged me to go back to church.

When I finally accepted Jesus and went back to church, I found a new family and it’s the best thing I ever did for myself. I wasn’t lonely anymore and I found comfort in God and the fellowship of my church community. My youngest son noticed a difference in me. I told him I was finally at peace.

What disciplines or practices have helped you grow spiritually? Prayer, reading Scripture, worship, Bible study, fellowship and service. I rely on God every day.

What inspires you about The Salvation Army?

I have been attending The Salvation Army in Yellowknife for four years. I volunteer for whatever needs to be done—Christmas kettles, food and clothing drives, anywhere I am needed.

Last summer, I attended the commissioning of cadets during the INSPIRE Congress in Toronto. The Salvationists were just like one big family, which was something I wasn’t accustomed to. It was so enjoyable and I’m thankful for the experience.

I am inspired by the way The Salvation Army is always ready and willing to help in any situation. When I volunteer with the kettles, you have no idea how many people tell me they would not give to any other organization. People always know where to go when they need help.

Meet Kailey.

Studied Religion at Booth UC Graduated with a BA in 2020 Pursued Further Studies in Education

Meet other successful graduates. Start here and plan your path forward with Booth UC.

Whatever your goals or desired career path, Booth UC offers flexible solutions to help you gain the education you need. Our small class sizes and hands-on approach to learning creates a welcoming environment where you will thrive.

Faith On Air

A Matter of TRUST

With millions of people around the world scaling cliffs every year, rock climbing is more popular than ever. It even made its debut at the last summer Olympics.

Yet, there’s a reason rock climbing has been called an extreme sport. The only things separating a climber from a terrifying fall are a rope and a few pieces of metal. They have to put complete trust in their equipment, so even if they fall, they’ll be safe from harm.

Where we put our trust matters. When life doesn’t go the way we hope—falls will happen. As Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” But He adds: “Take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

When we put our trust in God, He fills our hearts with joy and peace (see Romans 15:13). No matter what we face, He will catch us if we fall.

To learn more about trusting in Jesus, visit our website at faithandfriends.ca or contact us at: The Salvation Army Editorial Department, 2 Overlea

GOD IN MY LIFE

5 An INSPIRE-ing Encounter

Forty-six years later, a man reunites with the Salvation Army chaplain who helped save his life. THE BOTTOM LINE 8 Marketing for Good Ellen Graf-Martin’s legacy of hope, generosity and justice.

SOMEONE CARES

12 Leonard’s Last Chance Salvation Army helps retiree get sober and find purpose again.

coaster. 14 The Hope of Spring Diana Landazuli found a beacon of support in an unexpected place. 16 Faith On Air TV show host Meisha Watson encourages young Christians and creatives.

Mrs. Peanut and the Monocle Diane Stark had to learn to focus on what God is doing around her, not on her own problems.

Here’s a fun and simple way to refresh a

Planting Seeds

When Just for Kids editor and staff writer Abbigail Oliver approached her interview with TV and podcast host Meisha Watson, little did she know that it would inform her work on The Salvation Army’s children’s worksheet.

“When I’m writing Just for Kids, I don’t always see how important the Bible stories are,” she explains. “I try to connect them to things kids like so that, hopefully, they’ll be interested in reading them. Sometimes it’s hard to be relatable because it’s been a while since I was that young, even though I remember working on the mazes in Sunday school—now, I’m making them!”

But Meisha made her realize that, while it’s important to be relatable, the most important thing is to introduce kids to the words of God.

“All we need to do is open that door for them,” Abbigail continues. “Meisha approaches her productions with the idea that, as communicators, we can help plant that seed for kids at such a foundational time in their development.

“If I recall doing the word searches when I was six, I’m sure today’s kids will remember the stories I’m telling them now. Then it’s in God’s hands.”

Read Abbigail’s interview with Meisha on page 16.

Elsewhere in this month’s Faith & Friends, you’ll see our take on the new IF movie, read how one woman is making a difference as a Salvation Army volunteer, and discover how a small piece of pottery reminds Ellen Graf-Martin of her own career path as a force for good in the marketing world.

Ken Ramstead

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An INSPIRE-ing Encounter

Forty-six years later, a man reunites with the Salvation Army chaplain who helped save his life.

by Ken Ramstead

Major Helen Hastie was excited. A long-time Salvation Army pastor currently serving in retirement as chaplain at the Army’s New Directions Halfway House in Kitchener, Ont., she was volunteering at INSPIRE , the weeklong Salvation Army conference and congress gathering that occurred in Toronto last year. The highlight of her week was attending Skeleton Army, a play about the early days of The Salvation Army in England. That day, Helen received a text

A Long-Awaited Meeting

Gerry Robert and Major Helen Hastie finally meet at INSPIRE, where she was volunteering at the weeklong Salvation Army conference and congress held in Toronto last year

When He Was Young Gerry, taken around the time of his incarceration

message from Neil Leduke, the territorial director of marketing and communication for The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda, who had been friends with her since they had both participated in a mission trip to Cuba.

“Do you remember a Gerry Robert? ” Neil asked her.

Gerry Robert. That was a name she had not heard in 46 years, though she had often wondered what had happened to the young man she had last met in 1977.

Photos: Courtesy of Gerry Robert and Major Helen Hastie

Busted

Though Gerry is now a successful author, entrepreneur and the happily married father of three children, he had been a troubled young man growing up in Hull, Que.

“I was addicted to alcohol, and I did a lot of stupid things back then,” he says now.

The “highlight” was in the spring of 1977 when Gerry stole a beer truck, drove it to his apartment and proceeded to carry eight cases of beer inside.

Not content with this heist, he then ordered dinner for six from a Chinese restaurant, waited outside and took both food and money from the unsuspecting delivery person, then fled—around the corner and up to his apartment by the back stairs.

There was only one problem with this perfect crime: Gerry lived directly across the street from a detachment of the Quebec Provincial Police.

“I was not a smart criminal,” he laughs.

The delivery person phoned 911, and the local police congregated around the scene of the crime.

“Let me tell you something,” says Gerry. “When 20 police officers are in your house and they’re all pointing guns at you, it can really mess up your weekend.

“My life was completely out of control,” he reflects. “I’ve got hundreds of those types of crazy stories

of things that I’ve done. It just shows you the insanity of alcohol.”

“Old Ladies, Bingos and Bazaars” Arrested, the 18-year-old was sentenced to a nine-month term for armed robbery.

“It was the most negative event that ever happened to me,” he says. “But it was also the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Part of his sentence was served at a Christian rehabilitation facility, and it was there that he had an encounter with God.

“I was a mean dude back then, but I experienced love for the first time,” Gerry says. “The man who ran the facility, Norm Sharkey, introduced me to Jesus in a deep, personal way. Even after all these years, I still chat with Norm every week.”

At that time, Helen was a Salvation Army pastor in Ottawa and, as part of her duties, she served as a chaplain to the halfway house around the corner.

“I would go and meet and minister to the people there, and we’d have prayer meetings,” she says. “And then they’d come to our Salvation Army church and share their testimonies.”

Gerry was one of them.

“He was hungry for purpose,” Helen continues. “Gerry had to do some time, and I visited him in jail, and when he was released, I connected with him on and off.”

“Up to that point, I thought Christianity was old ladies, bingos and bazaars, and I wanted nothing to do with that,” Gerry says. “But people like Helen showed me that God is real, and I just ate it up.

“She mentored me and discipled me while I was in prison, where she visited me once a week and unpacked the Bible.

As They Are Now Gerry (left) is now a successful author, entrepreneur and the happily married father of three. Major Helen is currently serving in retirement as chaplain at the Army’s New Directions Halfway House in Kitchener, Ont.

be possible to locate Helen. Neil took it upon himself to make the connection.

“Thanks to Helen, I knew that God was real. I knew that Jesus died for me, and I knew that I was a new creation—and that I would never go back to being the man I was before.

“There were many people who brought God into my life, including my wife, Anne, and her family, Norm and Helen. I wouldn’t be here today without her.”

Worth It

With Neil’s help, Helen met Gerry, Anne and his son, Corey, at an evening performance of Skeleton Army. As a digital marketing and project manager, Corey works with Neil, and Gerry had asked his son if it might

“It was a great place to meet Helen after all these years,” Gerry relates. “The whole message of the play is that reprobates can get turned around, in this case with the help of a devoted Salvation Army officer. It gives me goosebumps even thinking about it, that at the play, I reconnected with somebody who was still in ministry doing the same thing, helping people who needed help.”

“I spent most of the play watching it in tears, thinking about that,” agrees Helen. “You know, the ministry and the effect it has on you. You have no idea the impact you can make on someone, and for Gerry to remember me after so many years was kind of special.”

“Helen needed to know that, for at least one guy whom she opened the Bible to, his life was turned around,” Gerry concludes, “and the seeds she helped plant fell on fertile ground. All that she did was worth it.”

It Runs in

the Family

Ellen Graf-Martin's entrepreneurial mission is to use wise communications strategies to strengthen organizations committed to hope, generosity and justice

Photo: Courtesy of Ellen Graf-Martin

Marketing for Good

Ellen Graf-Martin’s legacy of hope, generosity and justice.

by Ellen Graf-Martin

Since 2008, Graf-Martin Communications, based in Elmira, Ont., has become a symbol of positive change in the marketing world. Founded by Ellen Graf-Martin, it has established itself as a leading integrated marketing and communications agency for more than 175 organizations seeking to do more good in Canada and around the world.

In the following article, Ellen shares an incredible story that highlights how God doesn’t forget anything and uses everything. It illustrates how God weaves our accomplishments, experiences and stories together with others to fulfil His plan, and showcases the importance of building something bigger than yourself.

In my dining room, a small blue dish sits on a glass shelf, reminding me of Josiah Wedgwood, an 18th-century potter from England. His innovative spirit made him the father of modern marketing and his commitment to justice changed the course of history—and shaped my own career path.

Culture Creator

Josiah, a fifth-generation potter, faced a challenge early in life when smallpox left him unable to use a potter’s wheel. Undaunted, he delved into the

business of pottery, revolutionizing the industry with inventive products and game-changing marketing strategies.

In a time when pottery was inexpensive, primarily glazed in black to hide dirt and stains, Josiah dared to experiment, testing thousands of new glazes in white, cream and the iconic “Wedgwood blue.” His determination turned disability into opportunity, leveraging smart creativity and a drive for perfection, earning him the title “the Steve Jobs of pottery.”

Josiah’s innovations didn’t stop at pottery. He established the first modern ceramics factory and pottery community of artisans in Stokeon-Trent, England, an Industrial Revolution-era Silicon Valley, transforming ordinary stoneware into extraordinary opportunity.

The Father of Marketing

In 1765, Josiah caught the eye of royal tastemaker, social influencer and style-setter Queen Charlotte (who has re-emerged in popularity thanks to Netflix), changing the trajectory of Josiah’s career path.

An invitation was issued to potters across England to create and submit a “complete set of tea things” for Queen Charlotte’s use, leading to Josiah’s appointment as “Her Majesty’s Potter.” This launched Josiah’s Queensware, pioneering the concept of luxury for the masses and

garnering him a strong following, including Russia’s Catherine the Great. Through creating new sales tools, such as catalogues, advertisements, money-back guarantees and door-to-door sales, he launched what we now know as modern marketing.

I’m certain that Josiah wasn’t an easy person to work with, moving quickly, full of ideas and drive and ambition, but he paved the way for generations of entrepreneurs and marketers to come. He also became extraordinarily successful and wealthy.

Well done, Josiah!

Campaigning for Justice

Beyond entrepreneurial success, Josiah used his influence, wealth and keen marketing mind for greater purpose. Josiah’s friendship with abolitionists Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce fuelled a deep commitment to using his wealth, along with his marketing and pottery skills, to advance the cause of the abolition of slavery.

The Wedgwood Anti-Slavery medallion, featuring the phrase “Am I not a man and a brother?” was produced and distributed by the thousands, free of charge—a revealingly generous decision for such a savvy entrepreneur.

“Wedgwood Blue” Ellen holds her family's dish

Photo: Courtesy of Ellen Graf-Martin

Little did I know in 2008, that I was entering the family business: marketing for good. ELLEN GRAF-MARTIN

Although he didn’t live to witness the British Empire’s abolition of the slave trade or of the emancipation of enslaved people, Josiah’s family, especially his daughter, Sarah, took up this campaign of justice.

Legacy

In 1910, Josiah’s great-greatgrand-nephew, Nathan Wedgwood Medd, immigrated to Canada. In keeping with his family’s abolitionist roots, he married a Canadian Quaker and had nine children.

Nathan wasn’t a potter, but a talented musician, singer and a powerful force. While, like Josiah, he was difficult in his own ways, he also leveraged natural communications talent and became a justice advocate, driving thousands of kilometres across the country, campaigning for the rights of senior citizens and pensioners. Through friendship with the mother of the renowned politician and social reformer Tommy Douglas, Nathan’s advocacy helped secure Old Age Pension benefits for all Canadians.

Nathan was my great-grandfather. Little did I know in 2008, that I was

entering the family business: marketing for good. My entrepreneurial mission to use wise communications strategies to strengthen organizations committed to hope, generosity and justice wasn’t new to my gene pool, just forgotten.

While none of Josiah’s wealth had trickled down the family tree to us, we’d eaten off Wedgwood plates and seen photos of visits to the Wedgwood family museum, but no one spoke of the deeper mission behind the name.

My faith tells me that God had not forgotten. When I started my own entrepreneurial journey, I was led to specific words found in the Bible, in Isaiah 61. This chapter outlines God’s desire to use His people to communicate hope, to live generously and to pursue justice on behalf of those who experience injustice. And these words have kept me in this work, especially when it has been difficult.

Rooted in hope. Pursuing justice. Choosing generosity. And using marketing, pioneered by Josiah so many years ago, for good. This has been the legacy handed down to me.

Leonard’s Last Chance

Salvation Army helps retiree get sober and find purpose again.

by Juan Romero

Before retiring, Leonard Ord had a very active life. He loved his role at a large company, which allowed him to interact with people and travel for business regularly.

Despite his love for the job, Leonard looked forward to retiring early. Unfortunately, the drastic lifestyle change took a toll on him.

“I couldn’t cope with retirement,” Leonard says. “I had so much on the go and then when I lost all that excitement, I got bored.”

Every day that passed since retiring

felt challenging for Leonard. He turned to alcohol to make his days go by faster. Over the years, his drinking affected his health, and Leonard would find himself visiting his doctor weekly. He was told that his liver was shutting down, and that if he kept going on this path, he wouldn’t have long to live.

Up the Stairs

Soon after, Leonard had a serious fall, which forced his son and daughter to intervene. They initially

Shoulder to Lean On Leonard Ord credits The Salvation Army's Anchorage Recovery Program’s staff, such as program supervisor Christina Pyrek, with helping him and keeping him accountable during his recovery

Helping Out Leonard takes on the role of Shieldy, The Salvation Army’s mascot, for an event

Photos: Major Jennifer Hale

took him to a hospital to sober up. However, he was discharged after a few days. That’s when his family decided to contact The Salvation Army in Halifax’s Anchorage Recovery Program, a six-month residential rehabilitation program for men.

“They got hold of a nice lady who worked in the Anchorage program,” Leonard remembers. “And she said, ‘Well, if you can get him down here by four o’clock on Friday, we’ll get him in.’ ”

When they arrived, Leonard could barely get up the stairs. However, knowing how invested his family was in his recovery gave him the drive to go on.

“When my son and I arrived, we looked up at the Salvation Army logo and read the words ‘Giving Hope Today.’ We stared at these words for a moment, knowing this would be my last chance. I was feeling scared and weak, and my son helped me up the stairs and into the building.”

“I Have My Life Back”

Once he got involved in the program,

Leonard slowly regained his strength. As time went on, he felt uplifted by the staff, made friends and was physically active daily. He even got more involved with the Army, taking on the role of Shieldy, The Salvation Army’s mascot, for an event.

He credits the recovery program he took part in with helping him get sober for good.

“The programming here is unreal,” Leonard shares. “It’s just what I needed. They keep you engaged. You know, not just once a day, it’s all day that keeps you accountable.”

It has now been a year since he first arrived at the Anchorage program and graduated from it; he has not had any relapses since. He thanks his counsellors at The Salvation Army for keeping him accountable and being there for him when he was down. Leonard says he will always remember the day his family made the call to The Salvation Army.

“I’ll remember that for the rest of my life because I have my life back,” he says. “I’m almost back to 100 percent to where I was when I was in the working world.”

(left) Juan Romero is the staff writer/news media relations specialist at The Salvation Army’s territorial headquarters in Toronto.

Escaping Winter's Grip Diana Landazuli and her family are grateful to The Salvation Army for the help they received

Th of Spring e Hope

DIANA LANDAZULI FOUND A BEACON OF SUPPORT IN AN UNEXPECTED PLACE.

by Jonathan Gagné

As the winter approached, bringing with it a chill that seemed to seep into the bones, Diana Landazuli and her six children faced the kind of cold that goes beyond physical discomfort. It was a cold that threatened hope itself, making each day a battle for warmth and light. Yet, it was in this moment of profound darkness that Diana found a beacon of hope in an unexpected place: The Salvation Army.

The Power of Compassion

“When winter knocked on our door, colder and harder than ever, my six children and I struggled each day to find a bit of warmth, a bit of light,” Diana recalls.

The challenges of providing for a family are immense, and the winter months only intensified these struggles. However, Diana’s story is not just one of hardship but of finding warmth in the coldest of times.

Upon crossing the threshold of

Photo: Aida Munoz-Perez

“Today, I stand as a volunteer among those who reach out.”

DIANA LANDAZULI

The Salvation Army’s Light of Hope Family Church (Lumiere D'espoir) in Brossard, Que., Diana found a community ready to embrace her and her family with open arms, offering not only material support but emotional sustenance as well.

“There, I found much more than the hot meal I sought; I found hope, compassion, unwavering support,” she shares.

Transforming Lives

What makes Diana’s story truly remarkable is her transformation from someone seeking help to being a source of help for others.

Moved by the kindness she received, Diana decided to give back, volunteering her time and energy to help those who find themselves in situations like hers.

“Today, I stand as a volunteer among those who reach out,” she proudly states. This transition from recipient to giver is a power-

ful reminder of the impact kindness can have on an individual’s life.

Diana’s gratitude extends beyond her personal experience, recognizing the broader significance of the support she received.

“In response to their food and moral support, I want to share my gratitude on behalf of all the families in need, highlighting how a little more help can transform lives,” she reflects.

Through her journey, Diana has learned a valuable lesson that she now shares with others: “The Salvation Army has taught me that even in the coldest winter nights, there is always the hope of spring.”

For Diana and her family, The Salvation Army was more than a shelter from the cold; it was a place where they were seen, heard and helped without judgment. Diana’s story is a reminder that hope can flourish even in the harshest of winters.

special projects/ marketing manager with The Salvation Army in Montreal. With a passion for storytelling and social impact, he is committed to shedding light on the pivotal role of community support and compassion in transforming lives.

(left) Jonathan Gagné is the

Podcaster Extraordinaire

“We’re in a renaissance of creation—of music and art, and of sharing the gospel in new ways,” says Meisha Watson. "God blesses us with these gifts, and so we should use them"

Faith On Air

TV SHOW HOST MEISHA WATSON ENCOURAGES YOUNG CHRISTIANS AND CREATIVES.

“Every time I speak to young people and they can relate to what I say, it reminds me that I am doing exactly what God has called me to do,” says Meisha Watson, host and executive producer at Crossroads Christian Media, and creative mind behind the Hey, Meisha! TV show and My Single Story podcast. “I was one of those young people once.”

Meisha, who recently partnered with The Salvation Army to host the 2024 Brave events for the empowerment of girls, spoke to staff writer Abbigail Oliver about being a Black Christian woman in the media industry and the value of mentorship in her own life.

Can you tell me about your background and your faith journey?

I was born and raised in London, England, and moved to Canada when I was a teenager. I went to church when I was younger, but I moved to the city to try and become an actress when I was 17. I started auditioning and performing , and stopped going to church. Nothing was really keeping me there at the time.

Then, I met a friend who invited me to church with them. When I went back, I said to myself, “Whatever this feeling is, I want to keep experiencing it.” My career and my faith took off together, along the same trajectory. Onward and upward.

How has your faith and career brought you to where you are today?

I didn’t plan to be in ministry. My goal was always to just create art. But, as my faith developed, it was hard to make content that didn’t put Jesus at the forefront. I spent three wonderful years working at YTV and I loved my time there, but I couldn’t talk about my faith on air, and that was hard.

One day, I had the chance to visit Crossroads Christian Communications, a media company in Burlington, Ont., where I met the CEO. She asked me to pitch a show— so I pitched three!

The first show chosen was called Hey, Meisha! And I am still doing that show four years later.

Can you tell me about the productions you work on?

Hey, Meisha! is a Christian show for kids ages six to 10. The goal is to get the words of God into the minds and hearts of children as early as possible, and then allow the Holy Spirit to transform them throughout their life.

As a young person, my youth pastor, Kevin White from Cornerstone Christian Community Church, was an amazing mentor to me. He made the Bible relatable and accessible. And now I get to do the same thing for young people that Kevin did for me, planting that seed that makes the Bible relatable and memorable, while being a good leader to them. I also produce and host a podcast called My Single Story. Within my own life as a single woman of God, I felt that there was a gap in ministry for singles. So, in this podcast we have honest conversations around creating a single-friendly church community and how we can equip single women to be able to live fulfilling lives where they aren’t just

thinking about the next step of marriage, but rather what God has planned for them in this time. It’s not just about the good part of singleness, either. We want to hear about all of it because God is present in all of it.

In your time working in the media industry, have you faced any challenges or drawbacks? How did this impact you? Before I got into ministry, my biggest drawbacks in my career and my life were because of my race. Working in television, I once had a bad experience with a makeup artist. She didn’t know what to do with my hair and she would colour my skin differently than my actual skin tone. I was often treated poorly.

As I’ve grown in my career, I’ve had more leadership opportunities and learned to speak up for myself. At my current network, I was able to ask for a specific makeup artist that knew how to do my hair. I feel really cherished and taken care of here.

Photo: Jaymie Harris

“I want creatives to know that God is a creative God. Whatever God has put on your heart to create, go and do that.”

MEISHA WATSON

I remember when I first came on to the set for the first time, I didn’t recognize any of the products that were on the table, and I was nervous. I thought, What are they going to do to my hair? What are they going to put on my face? But now, one of the kids on Hey, Meisha! came into the makeup room at the studio and he saw all these hair products that he recognized. To see this kid come in with a big, beautiful afro and skin, and he feels confident and excited—I’m grateful to be part of that change.

Can you offer any advice to young people who are looking to make a difference through their own work? I want creatives to know that God is a creative God. Whatever God has put on your heart to create, go and do that. We’re in a renaissance of creation—of music and art, and of sharing the gospel in new ways. God blesses us with these gifts, and so we should use them.

My other very important advice is to pray. For too long, I felt like I had to pray in a certain kind of way, like everybody else. But we’re all different. We all have our own personal relationships with God. So, pray in a way that makes you feel most connected to Him. Sometimes He’s just looking for a down-to-earth conversation with you.

What If?

IN FAITH AS IN IMAGINARY FRIENDS, BELIEVING IS SEEING.

by Diane Stark

In theaters this May, IF is a live action/animated fantasy comedy that was written, directed and co-produced by John Krasinski (The Office, A Quiet Place).

While going through a difficult time, a young girl named Bea (Cailey Fleming, The Walking Dead, Loki) develops a unique coping mechanism. She is suddenly able to see everyone else’s imaginary friends, or IFs, for short. A giant fuzzy purple IF named Blue (voiced by Steve Carrell, The Office) explains that the IFs need Bea’s help.

The children who created them have all grown up and stopped believing in them. The IFs have been abandoned, and they want Bea to help

them find new kids to love, who will believe in them again.

Bea doesn’t know what to do, until she discovers that her neighbour, known only as The Man Upstairs (Ryan Reynolds, Free Guy, Spirited ), shares Bea’s remarkable ability. The two form an unlikely friendship and hatch a plan to help the IFs.

Can Bea and The Man Upstairs help the IFs find new kids to believe in them? Will helping their imaginary friends show Bea and The Man Upstairs that it’s OK to believe that there’s still good in the world?

Grown Up, “Grown Out”

Many of us had imaginary friends during childhood. We might’ve

To the Rescue

The Man Upstairs (Ryan Reynolds) and Bea (Cailey Fleming) hatch a plan to help their Imaginary Friends

We can’t see God with our eyes, but we feel His presence in our hearts and in our lives.

DIANE STARK

created them because we were lonely or bored or just because we had active imaginations.

But as we grew up, reality took over and our imaginary friends went by the wayside. We stopped believing in them because we accepted that they weren’t real.

For some of us, faith in God feels like an IF, something we believed in as a child but, as we grew up, we decided it wasn’t real and we left it behind.

Some of us might’ve stopped believing because we think faith in God is illogical. It’s a fairy tale that no longer makes sense to us. We might feel that “The Man Upstairs” has somehow let us down and we give up on our faith because of pain or disappointment.

Sadly, some of us “grow out” of believing in God when we become adults.

Better Than We Can Imagine

The movie IF poses an important question: What if everything we believed as a kid was real?

Kids believe their imaginary friends exist in real life, despite never

having seen them with their eyes. They believe in them because they see them in their minds. They might even feel them in their hearts.

Having faith in God can feel a bit like believing in an imaginary friend. We can’t see God with our eyes, but we feel His presence in our hearts and in our lives. We look for evidence that He exists, and we find it in our answered prayers, in the miracles we’ve witnessed and in the beautiful world that only He could’ve created. We don’t see God, but we feel Him when we’re paying attention.

It’s normal to have occasional doubts about our faith. We can talk to God about them—after all, He already knows. Our doubts don’t rattle Him or make Him angry at us. God is patient, and He will help us work through these feelings if we ask Him to. But the best news is that, even if we’ve left behind our faith at some point, God will always welcome us back with open arms. It’s never too late to come to faith for the first time or to return to a faith we once abandoned.

And there’s no IFs, ands or buts about that!

Iunloaded my cart onto the conveyer belt and glanced around for my 14-year-old son, Nathan. He was in the next aisle, holding a huge bag of candy. I knew what was coming next. He brought the bag to me and asked if we could buy it for his upcoming sleepover with his friends. I squinted at the price tag— $3.99. It seemed like a good deal so

Mrs. Peanut and the Monocle

I had to learn to focus on what God is doing around me, not on my own problems.

Diane Stark

“Mom,

Is That a Monocle?”

Stark had to admit the awful truth

I tossed the bag in with our other purchases.

But when we got in the car, I looked over the receipt.

“Nathan, they charged us $8.99 for that candy,” I said. “Let’s go back inside and get the error fixed.”

“What error?” Nathan said. “The price tag said $8.99.”

“No, it didn’t. It said $3.99.”

Diane

“Mom, I hate to tell you this, but the store didn’t make a mistake. Your eyeballs did.”

I sighed. It was time I admitted the awful truth.

I needed reading glasses.

Problem Solved?

I purchased a pair of purple-tinted readers at my local drug store. I hoped the pretty hue would soften the blow to my ego. It didn’t work.

For the first few months, I wore the glasses when I worked on the computer, but if anyone came into the room, I ripped them off my face with lightning speed.

wearing my reading glasses in public. But this posed another problem. My glasses didn’t fit in my purse. I like small purses—always have—and I didn’t want to buy a larger purse. Instead, I bought a small folding magnifying glass to help me read menus and price tags.

Problem solved.

Monocle-Mania

Except it wasn’t. The week after I got my magnifying glass, our family went out for dinner. Quietly, I pulled the magnifier from my purse so I could read the menu, hoping no one would notice. I wasn’t that lucky.

“Mom, from now on, I’m going to call you Mrs. Peanut!” NATHAN STARK

“Honey, you don’t need to be embarrassed,” my husband, Eric, chuckled. “A lot of people need readers when they get to a certain age.”

While I wasn’t thrilled to be a woman of “a certain age,” it wasn’t long before I could no longer afford the luxury of vanity. Because I refused to wear my glasses in public, I ended up overpaying for a few more items. In restaurants, I’d accidentally ordered food I don’t like.

My vanity was costing me. It was time to swallow my pride and start

“Mom, is that a monocle?” my adult son, Jordan, practically shouted.

“It’s not a monocle,” I said at a 10th of his decibel level. “It’s a magnifying glass.”

But it was too late. We’d attracted the attention of the whole table. Jordan took the magnifying glass from my hand and held it up for everyone to see. Looking at his siblings, he said, “We need to make a pact right now to never let Mom use this in public. I would much rather just read the menu to her. Who agrees?”

“My eyes might not work as well as they used to,” says Diane, “but I see clearly that my family is my greatest blessing”

All five of my children raised their hands, agreeing that using a monocle—I mean, a magnifying glass—in public was a completely embarrassing thing to do.

For the next 10 minutes, the kids passed my visual aid around the table, experimenting with it and laughing at how positively ancient I now was.

“Your monocle reminds me of something,” my college-aged daughter, Julia, said. “Doesn’t the guy on the Planters peanuts jar use a monocle?”

“He does,” Nathan said. “His name is Mr. Peanut!” He started laughing. “Mom, from now on, I’m going to call you Mrs. Peanut!”

Of course, the name caught on, and everyone but Eric started calling me that.

Tiny Message

So now, I was a woman of a certain age with reading glasses, a monocle and a ridiculous nickname. I wished I’d just bought a bigger purse.

A few days later, I was making dinner and I couldn’t read the recipe. My reading glasses were upstairs, so I grabbed my monocle—I mean, my magnifying glass—from my purse. Nathan walked into the room, saw it and said, “Do you need help, Mrs. Peanut?”

For the next 30 minutes, Nathan helped me prepare dinner. As he chopped the veggies, he asked if we could purchase a Bible for his friend, who’d recently started coming to church with us.

“I’ll pay for it with my allowance,” he said.

I stopped what I was doing and stared at my son. “You are a great kid, and I’m so proud of you. I don’t think I tell you that enough.”

He shrugged and kept working. Compliments embarrassed him.

As I was cleaning up after dinner, Nathan handed me a piece of paper with teeny-tiny handwriting on it.

“Why did you write so small?” I asked.

He grinned. “So you’d have to use your monocle.”

“Another opportunity to make fun of me, huh?”

He shook his head. “No. I wanted to help you focus on what you need to see.” He smiled and left the room.

I held the magnifier over his note. “Mrs. Peanut,” I read, “you might be old, but you’re still a great mom, and I thank God for you. I don’t think I

tell you that enough.”

I swallowed past a lump in my throat. Looking at my monocle problems might feel easier because it’s—literally—right in front of my eyes. Focusing on what God is doing behind the scenes takes more effort.

Nathan’s (mostly) sweet note reminded me to focus on the important things. A close-knit family who feels comfortable enough to tease one another. A supportive and loving husband. And a teenaged son who helps in the kitchen, writes thoughtful notes, invites his friends to church and makes sure they have a Bible.

My eyes might not work as well as they used to, but I see clearly that my family is my greatest blessing. I’m thankful for them, and I want to tell them—and God—as often as I can.

Recipe photos: Erin Stanley

Eating Healthy With Erin

WATERMELON

FETA SALAD

TIME 10 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH grilled meat or burgers

Salad Recipe

1 L (4 cups) watermelon, cubed

1 L (4 cups) spring mix or arugula salad

125 ml (½ cup) cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, cubed

75 ml (1/3 cup) red onion

75 ml (1/3 cup) fresh mint, torn

75 ml (1/3 cup) feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing Recipe

30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil

30 ml (2 tbsp) honey

45 ml (3 tbsp) lime juice

1 ml (¼ tsp) salt

pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

1. Assemble all salad ingredients in bowl with feta cheese crumbled on top and set aside.

2. In another small bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.

3. Add dressing to salad and enjoy!

PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGERS

TIME 10 min MAKES 2 servings SERVE WITH salad

2 portobello mushroom caps

45 ml (3 tbsp) olive oil

30 ml (2 tbsp) balsamic vinegar

10 ml (2 tsp) soy sauce

black pepper to taste

15 ml (1 tbsp) butter

2 Swiss cheese slices

2 hamburger buns

30 ml (2 tbsp) mayonnaise

60 ml (¼ cup) red onion

60 ml (¼ cup) sliced tomato or to taste

60 ml (¼ cup) lettuce

1. Remove mushroom stem and gills from portobello mushrooms. Wipe clean with a damp paper towel.

2. In small bowl, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce together. Brush on both sides of the mushroom and sprinkle black pepper. Put in fridge to marinate for 1 hour.

3. Heat a pan over medium-low heat with butter. Place mushrooms in and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes.

4. Flip again and add cheese. Place lid back on until cheese is melted.

5. Assemble burger with mayonnaise, tomato, lettuce, mushroom and onion toppings.

in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 × 3 box contains

QUICK QUIZ

1. What type of number can only be divided by 1 or by itself?

2. An octogenarian is a person who is how many years old?

3. Who is the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I basketball?

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by Kevin Frank

Word Perfect

Here’s a fun and simple way to refresh a thrifted coaster.

The power of words! You can easily customize this delightful DIY project for birthdays, holidays or other special occasions.

Supplies Needed: Thrifted coaster or corkboard, Scrabble letters, Krazy Glue, Gorilla Glue or other super-glue adhesive.

Step 1 The base for your DIY coasters could be a set of second-hand coasters from your local Salvation Army thrift store, or you can use scrap pieces from previous upcycling projects, such as corkboard or wood. Next, you’ll want to find Scrabble letters to add to the thrifted coasters.

Step 2 Clean the top of your coasters and set up the Scrabble letters in the order you want them to be on the coasters.

Step 3 Use super glue to adhere your Scrabble letters to the coaster. You can add the glue to your Scrabble piece or onto your coaster.

Step 4 After your first row, add the next four rows a row at a time. Be careful not to glue yourself—super glue works fast! Allow to dry.

And that’s it! Your only limit to this upcycling project is the letters you have on hand—and your imagination.

(left) Denise Corcoran (aka Thrifty By Design) is an author, upcycler, community builder and workshop facilitator based in North Vancouver. She shares her enthusiasm for crafting and upcycling by facilitating “Crafternoons” throughout Vancouver. She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores. Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.