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Changed from glory into glory, ’Till in heaven we take our place
’Till we cast our crowns before thee Lost in wonder, love and praise.
The world mourned in September as we said goodbye to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The queen’s death took us all by surprise. Though she was elderly and frail, she had just met with the new British prime minister a week before. After 70 years of rule, it seems inconceivable that she is gone. She was a steady hand through many of the ups and downs of the monarchy. She brought us through wartime, economic hardship and turmoil. She was a role model for us all.
In paying tribute, General Brian Peddle wrote, “Her Majesty was an inspi ration around the globe, admired for her faith, grace and devotion to duty.” The General was invited to attend the royal funeral on behalf of The Salvation Army where the Charles Wesley hymn, hand picked by the queen, concluded:
Salvationist
is a bimonthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory
Brian Peddle General
Commissioner Floyd Tidd Territorial Commander
Lt-Colonel John P. Murray Secretary for Communications
Geoff Moulton
Director of Internal Communications, Editor-in-Chief and Literary Secretary
Pamela Richardson Assistant Editor-in-Chief
Kristin Ostensen
Managing Editor of Salvationist and Salvationist.ca
Giselle Randall Features Editor
Evidence of her humility, the queen once remarked, “I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.”
The queen had many interactions with The Salvation Army over the years, including a visit to the Arthur Meighen Lodge in Toronto, on June 30, 1959, with Commissioner Wycliffe Booth, then territorial commander, and grandson of William and Catherine Booth. Like those of us in The Salvation Army, she understood the importance of duty and service to all. As King Charles III ascends to the throne, we wish him God’s blessing. May he, too, rule with grace and wisdom.
Looking ahead to Christmas, we also celebrate the King of Kings in this issue of Salvationist We explore why we celebrate on
December 25 (page 17) and we look at how to decolonize Christmas (page 22). We also provide coverage of General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle’s historic return to their home division of Newfoundland and Labrador (page 10) and share amazing photos and stories from the fifth annual Celebration of Culture and pow wow (page 14).
Whatever our station in life, from the queen and the General on down, we must
Lisa Suroso Graphic Design Specialist
Rivonny Luchas Digital Media Specialist Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator
Ken Ramstead Contributor Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769.
Member, The Canadian Christian Communicators Association. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Version ( NIV ) © 2011.
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The “A” chorus, led by special musical guest Matt Woods, sings during the final festival
The summer season for the music and gospel arts depart ment always closes with a week at Territorial Music School (TMS), the annual music camp for Salvation Army musicians ages 16-30. This year, TMS returned for the first time since 2019, and was held at the Guelph Bible Conference Centre in Guelph, Ont., on the last weekend of August.
The special musical guest for the week was Matt Woods, soloist and conductor from the U.S.A. Western Territory, who approaches music ministry through high-level musicianship. Throughout the week, Woods participated in activities, shared and listened to both faculty and students, led the “A” band at the final festival with performances of Balkan Dance and The Present Age, and conducted the “A” chorus, who performed He Who Lights the Stars and Far Above All Captains Jason Dockeray and Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, territorial children and youth secretary and territorial secretary for candidates, attended TMS as Bible guests, leading sessions based on the parable of the sower and asking the question, “How are you encountering God?” With them, Canada Bermuda Youth facilitated patio parties each evening with creative games, prizes and snacks.
The Toronto Mass Choir, an award-winning gospel choir, brought energy and excitement to the Sunday evening program that set the tone for the week with their musicality and true joy of music ministry. On Monday evening, the faculty joined in with a tuba solo by Rob Brown, vocals by Jonny Michel, a cornet trio by the music and gospel arts department, and Cameron and Phylicia Rawlins singing The Prayer.
Tuesday night featured a mix of student talent, including performances by Sarah Robertson on the euphonium, Julianna Gerard on the piano, and Bram Robertson singing his own song, Say It’s the End. The night concluded with competitive trivia between chorus teams.
On Thursday evening, the TMS final festival was held at Guelph Citadel, where students performed in their mainstream groups, including the Lam band, the Venables band, the vocal mainstream and the worship mainstream, alongside perform
ances by the “A” band and “A” chorus.
In closing, Heather Osmond, territorial secretary for music and gospel arts, left all those attending with a challenge: “It would be great if everyone were to bring at least one person to TMS next year and pack out this camp, but rather, let’s all bring at least one person to Christ this year and go from there.”
“To see the progress the students make during our time together is amazing, and the joy and enthusiasm is contagious all week,” says Marcus Venables, assistant territorial music secretary. “This week has built up musicality and friendships, but even more, it has built up our faith and strength in the Lord to go out and preach the gospel.”
BY PAMELA RICHARDSON
Army for his glory,” she said.
Captain Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, secretary for candidates, presented the new cadets, referring to them as people “who, through prayer and discernment, have responded to the bold and loving call of God to transformative ministry with The Salvation Army.”
In a prayer of dedication for the cadets, Major Zelinsky asked for God’s blessing, protection, power and provi sion for them, and that he would cover them with his love and peace.
Salvationists, family and friends
gathered at Toronto’s Yorkminster Citadel on Sunday, September 18, to welcome eight cadets as they com menced field-based tailored training through the College for Officer Training (CFOT). Present for the service were Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, and Colonel Evie Diaz, chief secretary, who were supported by Major Deana Zelinsky, training principal, and CFOT officer staff.
Providing musical support for the weekend events, which began on Saturday with a dinner for the new cadets and their children together with the territorial leadership team, divisional commanders and CFOT offi cer staff, were the Yorkminster Citadel Band (BM Greg Colley), Yorkminster Citadel Songsters (under the leader ship of Marcus Venables), Neon wor ship team (Simon Gough with Victoria Evans and Myles Washington-Purser) and a youth-led worship team from
Mississauga Community Church, Ont.
Following a call to worship from Psalm 95 and a prayer of invocation by Major Corinne Cameron, assistant training principal, Colonel Diaz shared words of welcome and thanksgiving.
“We want to say how grateful we are for the support you have already pro vided to the cadets—corps officers, friends and family, local officers and divisional teams, who have helped bring these cadets to this point.” She then acknowledged the responsibility CFOT staff now assume in preparing them for service as officers. The chief secretary then introduced the territorial leaders to those gathered in person and watching by livestream.
In her response, Commissioner Tracey Tidd took time to comment on the changes taking place in the territory’s officer training program. As CFOT oper ations move from Manitoba to Ontario, this year’s cadets will train in field-based placements. Next year, cadets will enter the training program in Toronto. “May God bless the cadets and The Salvation
A highlight of the service was the testimonies shared by representative cadets as they responded to questions from Commissioner Tracey Tidd. When asked “What are some of the ways you have felt God’s blessings in your life?”, Cadet Gladis Koshkarian testified about the many blessings she has received from God, including now living in Canada. “I come from Syria,” she explained, “and I was there during the first three years of the war. Even during the years of the war, I felt blessed.” When people around her would ask why she was so happy, she would respond: “How can I not be happy? God is with me.”
Cadets Mirna Dirani and Tharwat Eskander read from Genesis 12:1-9, in both English and Arabic, further high lighting the cadets’ diversity of heritage and languages.
The territorial commander spoke from Hebrews 11, expounding on God’s invitation: “Will you come and follow me?” Using the life of Abraham as an example for us today, Commissioner Tidd explained that Abraham had responded in faith, even when he did not know the where, when, how and why of his calling. “It’s personal,” he said, reminding those listening that God asks: “Will you come if I but call your name?”
Following a time of reflection and prayer, Lt-Colonel Roxanne Jennings, secretary for personnel, led the con gregation in the closing song, Who Is On the Lord’s Side?, and Lt-Colonel Shawn Critch, divisional commander in the Ontario Division, pronounced the benediction.
The History Day event featured a brass ensemble. From left, Curtis Metcalf, Marcus and Alexandria Venables, and Mjr Kevin Metcalf
In August, more than 150 people gath ered on Manitoulin Island, Ont., to learn about The Salvation Army’s ties to the Empress of Ireland, a Canadian ocean liner that sank in the St. Lawrence River on May 29, 1914, taking with it more than 130 Salvationists.
The regal ship was a reliable one, having made 95 transatlantic crossings between Canada and Europe before its tragic sinking. The ship was bound for Liverpool, England, carrying 161 Salvation Army personnel and their families to the International Salvation Army Congress
in London, England. A westbound Norwegian coal carrier, SS Storstad, col lided with the Empress on its starboard side, sinking it in just 14 minutes. Of the 1,477 people on board, just 465 passengers and crew survived. Among the 133 Salvationists lost were the territorial com mander, the chief secretary and 29 of the 41 Canadian Staff Band members. History Day in Kagawong took place at the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong, Ont., a museum featuring the Empress of Ireland’s story. Historian David Saint-Pierre told the story of the
Empress while Major Ron Millar, director of The Salvation Army’s archives, spoke of the Army’s connection to the worst peacetime marine disaster in Canadian history.
“The Salvation Army is deeply grate ful to the museum curator, Rick Nelson, and the Old Mill Heritage Centre for honouring the Salvationists lost in the sinking of the Empress of Ireland. This extraordinary exhibit is a wonderful trib ute to those who live on in our memory,” says Glenn van Gulik, divisional secretary for public relations, Ontario Division.
Around the globe, we are confronted with the reality of war— from Yemen and Ethiopia to Afghanistan and Ukraine. This sad reality reminds us that all human conflict, past and present, is a symptom of the war being waged inside each of us. Humans are made in the image of God, but we are fallen and in need of grace. Without this grace, we follow our own desires rather than God’s will. As we mark Remembrance Day, let us once again recall this deeper significance, lest we forget the who, why and how of remembering.
To better understand this season of remem brance, it is important to first identify who is remem bering, to be aware of the various identities we each embody. As citizens, we will remember in a particular way. As Christians and mem bers of the church, we may remember in another way. The state, which seeks its own interests, remembers especially its victories and the preservation of freedom, security and democracy. We hope it also remembers the pursuit of peace in politi cal discourse as a primary goal.
As citizens, we remember our partici pation in the decisions to wage war, and the privilege that we have gained from it. The church reminds us that there’s never a “good” war, even if it is the only choice in our fallen world. As Christians, we remember that the kingdom of God is always a kingdom of peace and it cannot ever be made a political reality, much less through violence.
But why do we remember? For the state, it’s to keep in mind the political cost of war and to (hopefully) not repeat the mistakes of its past, while also giv ing thanks for those willing to not just give their lives, but also take lives for the sake of the state.
As citizens, we remember that there is a human cost of war. We must never forget the horror that war inflicts on our troops, both physically and mentally. As Christians, we remember that war is a matter of good and evil, not merely poli tics. For those who have participated in the evil of war, the church is the place for repentance and reconciliation with the supreme good, God. And we remember to recognize the cost of war on the soul. All human life is created in the image of God, and to kill in war is to destroy God’s image, not only of the one killed, but also the one who kills.
Many of our cenotaphs carry the inscription: “Our Glorious Dead,” but what does this mean and who is it that we remember? The state and its citizens might only remember our own dead and those who return home wounded—our fathers and grandfa thers and, more recently, our contem poraries and friends, our sons and our daughters—and the inheritance of free dom, democracy and security we have received from them.
But the church remembers all the “Glorious Dead”—our fellow Christians, from what ever nation or side, and all those who have died in war and now rest in peace. All who lay down their lives so another can live manifest the sacredness of sacrifice.
And finally, as Christians, it is important to acknowledge that it is often easier to remember the dead than the living—those who need grace, healing, repentance and for giveness.
We must see our own evil in the faces of those veter ans, old and young, who walk among us today. We must see our iniquities and transgres sions and our own need for repentance, forgiveness and the restoration of the image of God. We have a calling to serve those who served us, by welcoming, listening, understanding and bringing all those we remember to the cross.
So how do we remember? We can come together and participate in what is perhaps the last vestige of a shared sacredness in our secular society, the Remembrance Day ceremony. We can understand our history, as a country and within our own families, and seek care for veterans through our govern ment programs. We can remember in our worship, careful to never glorify war but to always pray for peace. And we can remember our need for repentance daily and to have the courage to lay down our own lives for the sake of truth and in service to others, remembering always that “thy will be done” must be our con stant prayer.
Chris Tidd is the son of Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd. He lives in Nova Scotia with his wife, Kalyn, and daughters Lillian and Ruth, and is engaged in MDiv studies at Huron College, University of Western Ontario.
Our people are one of The Salvation Army’s greatest strengths. Everything we do revolves around our people and the people we serve. Our territorial mission statement emphasizes our commitment to people: “The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ and meet human needs.” It’s our mission to love people and that includes those who work with us as officers, employees and volunteers.
As such, it would be shortsighted not to acknowledge the trend sweeping across Canada—that in the midst of a prolonged pandemic, workers are taking stock and reassessing priorities. Some are facing stressful work environments and burnout, and are simply walking away. In contrast, various sectors are struggling to find and retain workers.
The Salvation Army is not exempt from this trend. The second pillar of our territorial strategy, “Design for People,” could not be more meaningful or timely. We want to invest in our people by first understanding the pressures and influences in these days.
People are questioning themselves beyond the choice to leave or stay and reflecting on the larger story of their lives, asking questions such as: “What makes my family happy and whole? Am I fulfilling the plan God has for me? Am I satisfied?”
While it is not The Salvation Army that can answer these questions, as an organization, we have an obligation to recognize the need for change and evolve to meet the needs of our people in the ways we recruit, retain, invest in and develop officers, employees, Salvationists, volunteers and community partners.
We are looking at ways we can appeal to more people to become offi cers, through a renewed recruitment strategy that is in line with how people connect with ministry today, including designing innovative opportunities called pathways to serve.
As we have celebrated a new sea
son of cadets joining the College for Officer Training, we look forward to a fresh spirit of joy and enthusiasm as they prepare for officership. A refreshed training college curriculum, with flex ible training options, allows us to create person-specific training programs, recognizing the experience and educa tion of those who are and will become officers in training. This curriculum will continue to include accredited biblical and theological education and will also identify new, contextually and cultur ally relevant, field-training experiences. In addition, we will emphasize being a welcoming and inclusive movement by prioritizing improved staffing practices and overall experience through:
• A commitment to equity, diversity, justice and inclusion (EDJI) in plan and action.
• Improved, people-centric staffing practices.
• New, dynamic ways for people to signal their interest in growth and leadership.
• New development opportunities.
• People systems that are executed in a consistent, standard, efficient
and high-quality manner.
• Systems that are easy to use and viewed as efficient, insightful and valuable supports for managers, officers, employees and volunteers.
• A renewed recruitment strategy and candidate materials.
• Bringing the front line to the forefront as we build our future state.
If it sounds exciting, that’s because it is! If it sounds too good to be true, let me be the first to assure you, it isn’t! Granted, some of these initiatives may not roll out until 2024, but be assured there are task forces and workstreams dedicated to their fruition and success, and I am personally committed to seeing them through.
This is how we will evolve as an agile, growing and sustainable movement—by championing our people and putting them at the centre of everything we do, with the continued commitment to our mission and vision.
Colonel Evie Diaz is the chief secretary for the Canada and Bermuda Territory.
Illustration: Rivonny Luchas“Welcome home!” From the moment General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World
President of Women’s Ministries, arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador, that was the common refrain as they made their first official visit to their home division as international leaders of The Salvation Army in September.
Under the theme Mobilize NL, the leaders encouraged Salvationists and friends in several locations, accompanied by Commissioner Floyd Tidd, territorial commander, and Lt-Colonel Sandra Stokes, divisional commander.
The visit began with a tour of the new Ches Penney Centre of Hope in St. John’s, which opened in 2020. The General was especially moved to see the centre’s supportive housing pro
gram, which provides 20 permanent, affordable apartments for people experiencing homelessness.
A luncheon followed the tour, with Mayor Danny Breen and the Honourable John Abbott, provincial minister of children, seniors and social development, in attendance. The General expressed deep gratitude to the government for their generous support and funding of the centre.
“My hope is that this place would go from strength to greater strength,” General Peddle said, “and that, in the days ahead, not only would this be a physical flagship for The Salvation Army in this province, but it would be a spiritual oasis for people.”
That evening, the General and Commissioner Peddle took part in their first public meeting of the visit in Gander, drawing
Salvationists from across the central-west area of the island.
As he introduced the international leaders, Commissioner Tidd said, “It is a great and historic occasion to be together tonight,” noting the weekend’s events signal an opportunity to mobilize again following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In her opening remarks, Commissioner Peddle delighted the congregation with stories from one of her first appoint ments, in Deadman’s Bay. “Two absolutely wonderful years of growing and maturing,” she reflected. “I’m thankful to God for his hand on my life through the years.”
Along with musical selections by the local band ( BM Stephanie Holloway) and Wendy Woodland, a highlight of the meeting was a report from Lieutenant April Ward, corps officer at Buchans Corps, who shared how territorial innovation grants have sparked new ministries with both youth and seniors.
Throughout the weekend, the General delivered messages centred on surrendering to God. “William Booth said, ‘God shall have all of me,’ and because of that, we have The Salvation Army,” he said. “What does God want to do with you?”
Following the General’s message, many gathered at the mercy seat for prayer.
Local government officials share a moment with international, territorial and divisional leaders, following a luncheon at the Ches Penney Centre of Hope in St. John’s. From left, Mayor Danny Breen, Lt-Col Sandra Stokes, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, General Brian Peddle, the Honourable John Abbott and Commissioner Floyd Tidd
The second meeting took place in Blaketown, which the General affectionately referred to as his “backyard,” having grown up in Norman’s Cove only a short distance away. The international leaders were led into the service by Commissioner Peddle’s brother, Wes Rowe, who carried the flag of her home corps in Carbonear.
As she led the congregation into a time of worship, Lt-Colonel Stokes shared that Commissioner Peddle had been her corps officer in Deadman’s Bay. Addressing the international lead ers and territorial commander, she said, “It truly is a personal honour to share this weekend with you.”
Thunderous clapping and joyful singing filled the gymna sium of Crescent Collegiate as the worship team (leader Rod Yetman) led the congregation in an array of familiar choruses and hymns. Selections by the local band (BM Byron Brooks) and Woodland also blessed the congregation.
In his message, the General spoke from the heart, sharing how he accepted Christ at the nearby Chance Cove Corps at Easter 1974 and was called to officership. “Surrender is the key to a relationship with the Almighty,” he said, and as the worship team played All to Jesus I Surrender, seekers came forward to rededicate themselves to Christ.
The leaders then returned to St. John’s, where a Festival of Praise showcased the music ministry of various young people’s groups from the area.
“We need a Salvation Army that stands for Christ. Surrender your all— the kingdom is at stake!”
—General Brian PeddlePhoto: Kristin Ostensen Photo: Kristin Ostensen
“We have a lot to praise God for!” declared Major Chad Ingram, divisional children and youth secretary, as he welcomed those gathered at Holy Heart Theatre.
Acknowledging the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the service opened with the playing of God Save the Queen. Divisional youth band NewFound Brass (BM Stephen White) and Chorus (leader Leah Antle) provided musical selections throughout the evening, along with young people from St. John’s Temple, St. John’s Citadel, Mount Pearl Citadel and St. John’s West Corps. A highlight of the service was NewFound Brass’ performance of The Name, an energetic arrangement of the chorus Blessed Be the Name of the Lord.
The vibrant ministry of the youth was appreciated by all in attendance. “What would we be without our young people?” Commissioner Peddle asked the congregation. “They are the Army of today and tomorrow.”
In her message, Commissioner Peddle reflected on her and the General’s recent travels, bearing witness to how the Army is growing and thriving in various countries. “God is doing a new thing in The Salvation Army around the world,” she said.
Acknowledging that the challenges of life can at times seem overwhelming, Commissioner Peddle encouraged Salvationists to stand firm and fight courageously. “God is not absent from his people,” she said. “Through the work and power of the Holy Spirit, God is on the move!”
As the meeting came to a close, Lt-Colonel Stokes and NewFound Brass led the congregation in a rousing rendition of Send the Fire.
On Sunday morning, relentless rain could not dampen the
spirits of the Salvationists who gathered to worship God at Holy Heart. In her call to worship, Lt-Colonel Stokes not only welcomed those physically present, but also the many more joining the service by livestream.
As it was September 11, the meeting began with a moment of silence to mark the anniversary of 9/11, while images of the Army’s response to the tragic event, in both New York City and Gander, were displayed.
Following a time of worship led by Majors Chris and Claudette Pilgrim, corps officers at Conception Bay South, Major Lisa Hillier, corps officer at Mount Pearl Citadel, shared about the corps’ new school hygiene locker program, which was made possible by a territorial innovation grant. The pro gram provides free hygiene products such as deodorant and toothpaste at four junior and senior high schools. “This min istry has allowed us to build amazing relationships with our schools in Mount Pearl,” she said.
In his final message of the weekend, the General assured those gathered and watching by livestream that “God has a plan for The Salvation Army in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Calling Salvationists to give themselves in service to God, he challenged the congregation: “Can God count on you?”
“We need a Salvation Army that stands for Christ,” he continued. “Surrender your all—the kingdom is at stake!”
Moved to action by his message, many came forward to pray.
As the meeting concluded, Major Jamie Locke, divisional secretary for public relations, presented the Peddles with a parting gift and thanked them for their “tremendous impact.”
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY GISELLE RANDALL
After two years of being unable to gather in person, close to 200 people attended The Salvation Army’s fifth annual Celebration of Culture: The Call of the Drum, held in partnership with Indigenous Pathways, at Pine Lake Camp in Alberta from August 26-28.
“This event shows The Salvation Army’s commitment and desire to con tinue investing in the journey of rec onciliation,” says Major Shari Russell
(Saulteaux), territorial Indigenous min istries consultant and associate direc tor of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community, one of the members of Indigenous Pathways.
“The journey requires both learn ing from and listening to one another,” Major Russell continues. “For Indigenous Pathways, our partnership shows that we know we are stronger together.”
The celebration began on Friday eve ning, as musical guest Jonathan Maracle
(Mohawk) welcomed everyone with a gathering song and Major Russell con secrated the space with a smudging ceremony. Captain Crystal Porter (Mi’kmaq and Euro-Canadian), associate territorial Indigenous ministries consultant and divisional Indigenous ministries con sultant in the Prairie Division, prayed in the seven directions: north, east, south, west, above, below and inward. Next, participants introduced themselves while sitting in a circle, rather than in rows,
which is an Indigenous custom that promotes equality and a sense of community. The gathering ended with a round dance, as everyone joined hands and danced together, a symbol that we are all connected, all one family.
On Saturday morning, attendees learned from elders, who shared traditional Indigenous knowledge. Mary Thompson, a shelter manager at the Army’s Centre of Hope in Calgary, spent time at a teaching lodge with Lora Church (Navajo), and says she found Church’s description of family life, and how she considers her nieces and nephews her own children, very impactful.
In the afternoon, grey skies and rain couldn’t dampen the joy of a pow wow, which again began with a smudging cer emony, led by Casey Church (a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of southwest Michigan). The Grand Entry signalled the official opening of the pow wow, and then Vincent Yellow Old Woman (Siksika Nation), the master of ceremonies, called for dancers to enter the arena.
Music for the pow wow was provided by the host drum, Sorrel Rider, as well as Jonathan Maracle and others. Indigenous dancers performed several styles of dance, such as traditional, fancy shawl, jingle dress, grass and hoop, and everyone was invited to participate in intertribal songs. The Four Crest Dancers, led by Damian Azak (Nisga’a Nation), corps leader, Gitwinksihlkw, B.C., and Anthony Moore (Nisga’a Nation), shared several dances.
A special moment during the pow wow was an eagle feather ceremony, held each year to reaffirm The Salvation Army’s commitment to the journey of reconciliation and partner ship with Indigenous Pathways. Since last year’s celebration was an online event, two feathers were added to the eagle staff. Casey Church presented the first feather on behalf of Indigenous Pathways.
“It’s a great honour to have received this eagle feather today,” said Commissioner Tracey Tidd, territorial president of women’s ministries. “I am humbled by this gift, not only personally, but as a representative of The Salvation Army. Thank you for your commitment to walking with us as a move ment on this journey. We are grateful for your partnership.”
Commissioner Tidd then presented the second feather, contributed by the Nisga’a Nation, on behalf of The Salvation Army.
One of the highlights of the weekend was participating in a traditional Nisga’a feast. On Friday evening, Damian Azak and Anthony Moore invited everyone to help prepare ingredients for a stew. In the Nisga’a Nation, the community provides a feast for the family when a loved one passes away. About a year later, the family hosts a feast for the community. There is also a “standing up” feast, to mark a special occasion or celebrate an achievement. As participants chopped meat and diced vegetables, they experienced what it was like for a community to come together. Here, Lt Glenda Barrow, corps officer, New Hope CC, Orangeville, Ont., and Martha Azak (Nisga’a Nation) work as a team
“I want you to know that we, in lead ership, are building on [former territo rial commander] Commissioner Susan McMillan’s steps on this journey and looking forward to walking together as we take new steps.”
The Sunday morning worship gath ering began with a pipe ceremony out side, led by Casey Church. In Indigenous teaching, tobacco represents prayer and thanksgiving. Participants were invited to visit five prayer stations—to smudge, offer intercessory prayer through a tobacco tie, reflect on the gift of community, be stirred to action on the lack of access to clean water for many First Nations communities, and connect to the Creator through sacred medicine.
The weekend concluded with a shar ing circle and music from Jonathan Maracle, including his song Call of the Drum , which inspired the theme for the event.
“The words of the song have echoed throughout the weekend, and we will carry them home with us,” said Commissioner Tidd as she shared final thoughts. “God has been speaking, encouraging and challenging us to be a people of reconciliation.
“May the beat of the drum continue to resonate deep within us—to call us into lifelong learning, to apply what we have learned and to allow the love of our Creator, expressed in Jesus, to fill and overflow from our lives.”
For more photos, visit our Facebook album: https://bit.ly/3dnOE8V
A group enjoys the pow wow. From left, Kenny Wallace; Cpt Crystal Porter; Anthony Moore; Joleene Moore; Damian Azak; Lt-Col Les Marshall, territorial secretary for mission; Commissioner Tracey Tidd; Lt-Col Roxanne Jennings, territorial secretary for personnel; Mjr Shari Russell; Mjr Robert Russell, AC, Ont. Div; Casey Church; Lora Church; and Jonathan Maracle
After the pow wow, it was time to feast. Skye Smith (Nisga’a Nation) serves the stew prepared by elder Diane Smith (Nisga’a Nation), with help from others from the village of Gitwinksihlkw
On Sunday morning, participants were invited to visit prayer stations. “Water is life, water is sacred,” said Mjr Karen Hoeft, executive director, Waterston Ministries, Regina. “We’ve brought these water bottles this weekend to remind us that not all people have access to clean water. They leave their homes, their families, their safety, their connection, to come into our cities. To be often lost and lonely, harmed; some go missing. All for something we take for granted—which is clean water for their families. We invite you to let the Spirit speak justice and advocacy into your heart”
BY ISAIAH ALLEN
Ionce took it for granted that Christmas was a pri vate holiday to be spent at home with family. Candlelit Christmas Eve vigils in our living room, readings from Luke 2 and gifts labelled “From Jesus” showed that Christmas was a religious holiday. But I confess, I antic ipated the presents and special foods, drinks and sweets we didn’t get the rest of the year.
A recently immigrated Congolese soldier at our corps once asked when the church would be gathering for the Christmas service, which was on a week day that year. It made me realize that Christmas was not just a private holi day thematically connected to Jesus’ birth. Christmas was a celebration for the church.
This realization was intensified by a 2006 documentary about Sudan’s “lost boys,” God Grew Tired of Us. The film follows several young Sudanese men from a refugee camp in Uganda, where they lived for years in subsistence conditions, to their placements in North America. When Christmas Day arrived, they formed long lines, sang and danced for hours—no candy-filled stockings, no heartwarming movies, no piles of gifts. They simply cel ebrated the Saviour’s birth.
In comparison, my “celebration” of Christmas was shallow, dependent upon luxury, and only thematically Christian. After studying the history of Christmas, I realized that the North American Christmases I knew were unlike those of centuries ago or in the rest of the world. So, what makes Christmas Christian or not?
The earliest history of Christmas is ambiguous and coincides with obser vances in the pagan world in which the church found herself. Space does not
allow me to detail the complex and scarcely documented developments, but the evidence allows some plausible inferences. Alas, unanswered questions remain. To “geek out” on Christmas in the early church and beyond, I recom mend Thomas Talley’s The Origins of the Liturgical Year and The Oxford Handbook of Christmas.
Documentary evidence for Christians celebrating Christmas on December 25 appears about a generation after the Roman emperor, Aurelian, instituted his “Birth of the Invincible Sun” festival on the winter solstice of 274 (December 25 according to the earlier Julian cal endar). These observances were never associated until hundreds of years later. Talley emphasizes that celestial events such as the winter solstice, when days begin to lengthen, were auspicious for ancient people, so religious festivals often coincided.
Earlier documentary evidence, how ever, reveals that Christians had entirely different reasons for their dating of Christmas. Talley explains that many ancient Jews and Christians believed that great prophets were conceived and died on the same day, yielding an “inte gral age.” Although this tradition was largely symbolic, several Christian writers attempted to date Christ’s birth, for litur gical purposes, from what they assumed was his death/conception.
Regional churches (e.g., North Africa, western Europe) held these observances
on different dates. Even today, churches around the world exhibit diverse calendars. Nevertheless, Christians com monly calculated Christmas from the date they thought Passover was held on the year Jesus died. They sim ply advanced nine months to determine the date Jesus was born. We don’t know when Mary conceived or whether she carried Jesus full term. Likely, Jesus was not born “in the bleak midwinter.”
Did Aurelian aim to compete with an established Christian observance or did Christians co-opt, subvert and redeem a pagan festival? The answer remains ambiguous. Whether Christmas is truly Christian can’t be decided on a historical basis. It is also a contemporary ques tion: Is our celebration of Christmas truly Christian?
The church does not simply observe unconnected holidays. Every holiday occurs within a recurring cycle of seasons, each of which honours some aspect of the life of Christ or the reality of the Christian faith. Christmas celebrates “God with us” (see Matthew 1:23).
If we infuse Christmas with individu alism, consumerism and luxury; make Christmas a private affair; neglect the gathering of God’s people or the story of Christ’s birth; emphasize the gifts, rather than the Giver (see James 1:17); focus on what we do and not on what God has done in Christ, then we may question whether we are celebrating Christianly. Like the example of Sudan’s “lost boys,” the most authentic and vibrant Christmas celebration doesn’t require wealth or toys. How can we honour the true meaning of Christmas?
Dr. Isaiah Allen is an assistant professor of religion at Booth University College in Winnipeg.
“Many people don’t know The Salvation Army has an Iranian community,” says AuxLieutenant Elli Bagheri, ministry assistant at Richmond Hill Community Church, Ont. Originally from Iran, Aux-Lieutenant Bagheri began attending Richmond Hill in 2014 and started officially pastoring at the corps in 2019. As a growing com munity of Persians connected with The Salvation Army, it created an opportunity for a focused ministry beyond the trad itional English-speaking church.
Aux-Lieutenant Bagheri, along with Majors Danny and Lori Pinksen, then corps officers, began hosting Farsi Bible studies, prayer meetings and a Farsi Alpha program to introduce people to Jesus in an environment where they could speak their own language, ask questions and engage in discussion about Christianity.
Now, Richmond Hill has both an
English-speaking congregation and a Farsi-speaking congregation. “As a church family, we’ve embraced this opportunity for ministry,” says Major Krista Andrews, who was appointed corps officer in January 2022 together with her husband, Major Tim Andrews. “We’re giving space in our worship to our Iranian community and as a Salvation Army church, we can learn a lot from this.”
Neighbourhood Church
Richmond Hill is not a typical Salvation Army corps. Though they’ve operated as a church for more than 20 years, they do not run out of a church building, and having previously rented space in a local school, the church had to explore new ways to worship after pandemic school closures.
“Our full congregation meets once a month in person, then the other weeks
we do what we’re calling ‘neighbour hood church,’ where we host church in smaller pods across Richmond Hill. We’re sharing the sermon and worship through Facebook,” explains Major Krista Andrews. Each neighbourhood church group watches the sermon together, shares coffee and tea, and uses the video as a resource to discuss and ask questions.
Aux-Lieutenant Bagheri hosts an Iranian neighbourhood church, translat ing the English sermon into Farsi and dis cussing with Iranian congregants. Once a month, when the corps meets together, they use an earphone translation system.
In the summer months, Richmond Hill introduced “Church in the Park,” which brought congregants together next to the corps’ community garden. During these services, Aux-Lieutenant Bagheri would do a sentence-by-sentence transla tion of the sermon.
“We’ve learned what it means to have space in our worship for our Farsi-speaking family. Aux-Lieutenant Bagheri prays in Farsi after we pray in English. After someone reads Scripture in English, we pause to have someone read Scripture in Farsi. It takes time and planning, but we’ve seen more Farsispeaking people come to the garden,” says Major Andrews.
Through community and family services (CFS) in Richmond Hill, The Salvation Army serves many Iranian newcomers to Canada by equipping them with neces sities and resources to get them started. “As we provide what we can physically through CFS, we also talk to them about our Iranian congregation and our Iranian pastor,” explains Major Andrews. Aux-
Photos: Mjr Krista AndrewsLieutenant Bagheri speaks fluent Farsi and often meets with CFS clients, helps translate and offers connection to the Iranian community and ministry at Richmond Hill.
Many of the people who join the Iranian ministry at Richmond Hill have come to Canada under duress. Though some already have a relationship with Jesus, being a Christian in Iran is difficult.
“The law is very harsh, mostly for the women,” says Aux-Lieutenant Bagheri, who fled Iran because it was not safe for her to live out her faith as a Christian. “In Iran, we didn’t have any Christian church buildings. Many of us worshipped in underground church. The government found out about it once, took the people to prison and closed the church.
“They push you out. They do not want Christians to stay. If you stay, you have to figure out how to meet as a congregation. So, it is normal for Iranians to meet in small groups like neighbourhood church,” explains Aux-Lieutenant Bagheri.
“When people come here, they are looking for freedom,” she continues. “When they’re in Canada, they are free to choose any religion; they are not under force. The Iranians like to be Christian
because they hunger for love. They believe Jesus is love. Even as Muslims, they love Jesus Christ as a prophet. So, it is challenging, but their hearts are very open to Jesus. They find freedom and love in Christianity.”
With a growing number of families connecting with Richmond Hill Community Church, the ministry team’s focus has been hosting a Farsi Alpha program to introduce the Christian faith and teach people about Jesus and what it means to live a Christian life.
“This is one of the most exciting areas of ministry because people are giving their hearts to Jesus in a way that we’ve never seen before,” says Major Andrews. “It is refreshing to be part of a community that is hungry for his Word and hungry to know Jesus. Through our Alpha program, we have had 11 people give their hearts to Jesus.”
Like every church, Richmond Hill is evaluating what church looks like in a post-COVID world. And without a building, the corps faces unique challenges when bringing together their English-speaking and Farsi-speaking congregations.
“We have a vision team that is
looking at what it means for us to be a church in Richmond Hill,” explains Major Andrews. “We have three people on the vision team from our Iranian church that speak into what our church expression looks like going forward. We know that whatever that expression is, it will include our Iranian community and an Iranian church.”
BY MAJOR SHARI RUSSELL
sonal gain. The grass, the trees—people were intended to take care of it. We put it all into a pot and we all take care of it. Creator intended for us to take care of it for generations to come, so they can all enjoy what we see, what we enjoy.”
This theme resonates with the Hensons, who have been learning about the community of creation, and that “all my relations” includes “reciprocity in the land.”
Authentic community is trans formational. “When you allow yourself to be vulnerable to the people you are in community with, to be real,” shares Azak, “you listen. When you do that, it changes you—how you think, how you feel, what you do.”
When I think about building authentic community, I think about the conversation between the Rabbit and the Skin Horse in The Velveteen Rabbit. The Skin Horse explains that becoming real is something that happens to you, bit by bit.
“It takes a long time,” he says. “Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
Authentic community is about being real. Damian Azak, corps leader, Gitwinksihlkw, B.C., says, “It’s about jour neying alongside people, getting to know them in everyday activities—as you eat with them, walk with them, grieve with them. You don’t necessarily have to talk; it’s good to just listen. To go to birthday parties and invite people over for din ner. To be in community, you have to see everyone as brothers and sisters, as family.”
Captains Jennifer and Rob Henson, corps officers, The Salvation Army Renew Church Ministries, which serves Westbank, West Kelowna and Peachland, B.C., echo these sentiments: “Authentic community is about depth of relation ships. It’s getting to know people, not just about them.” The Hensons use the
analogy of IKEA’s “As Is” section, where things are not perfect but still valuable, to describe authentic community.
Authentic community requires reciprocity and sharing. This means relationships that are not performative or transactional, but show humility, reci procity and mutuality, moving beyond charity to genuine sharing of who we are. The Hensons point out that we are “created and designed for community.” Captain Rob shares that they have learned not to rush ahead with their vision, but to integrate into the community that already exists by “spending time together, going on camping trips, showing up for each other, eating meals together—this is when bonds start to form.” And as they are open and host others, “It creates safe space where the ‘not togethers get together’ without shaming.”
Azak eloquently reminds us that com munity encompasses more than humanity as we are interconnected with all creation. For the Nisga’a, the foundation of authentic community is Saytk’ilhl Wo’osim or the “Common Bowl,” which teaches that “everyone relies on the same resources and community, all must contribute,” according to the Nisga’a Nation’s govern ment website.
Azak explains: “We share the land; we share the resources. We take care of it. We don’t just use it for our own per
Captain Rob agrees, confessing that transformation began with himself and his own worldview. It is not an easy pro cess, but Captain Rob says he has become “uncomfortably OK with the process.” When it comes to the transformation of others, he is reminded that this trans formation is “not our work, but we can bear witness to the transformation.”
When asked “Where have you seen personal transformation as a result of your work in developing authentic com munity?” Captain Jennifer replied that it was an “unhelpful question,” as it leads to an answer that resembles a Disney or Pixar fairy tale, rather than recognizing all the “small increments of change” in the everyday sacredness of life. It is these small changes that can be truly trans formational, she says: “Making eye contact with someone, apologizing when you are wrong, composting and picking up litter.” These may seem small and seemingly insignificant, but they lead to change, not only in someone’s life but in the world.
As we seek to live out our vision state ment and build communities that are just and know the love of Jesus, let’s have the courage to share our whole selves and to welcome the uniqueness and diversity of others with unconditional care and compassion.
Major Shari Russell is the territorial Indigenous ministries consultant and associate director of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ’Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
(O Holy Night by John S. Dwight)The bright and cheerful colours of Christmas usher in a season of hope and expecta tion. Airports and highways are busy with people trav elling to their childhood homes so that they can feel the love and warmth from family and friends. Wherever you find yourself, carols fill the air with joyful melodies and peace-filled lyrics. It feels like anything can happen at Christmas. Maybe that’s because, at the first Christmas, everything changed
At the time of Jesus’ birth, Bethlehem was under the colonial occupation of Rome. The beginning chapters of Matthew recognize King Herod as Rome’s appointed overseer, creating social disparity for the Jewish population. The hope of a safe and secure home was far from their reach. They desperately needed a voice to dispel the darkness, someone willing to speak truth and stand up against injustice.
Suddenly, Magi from the East announced the birth of a king who would fulfil their hopes and, at the same time, become the greatest threat to the empire. King Herod would do anything to maintain his power. He was ruthless, using his strength, authority and fear to ensure his rule.
We rarely recognize this part of the Christmas story, yet at the birth of Jesus, the world was shaped by the reali ties of colonization. In The Liberation
of Christmas: The Infancy Narratives in Social Context , New Testament scholar Richard A. Horsley writes that “Christmas celebrates the birth of a peasant child, as the true Saviour of a people who had been conquered.” Yet in the midst of colonization, the birth of Jesus gave vision to a path of recon ciliation.
Jesus was the hope of salvation for all the world. He was a light to the nations. He came to restore creation and recon nect a people with their Creator. The Gospels reveal this story: the Sermon on the Mount restores misplaced power, women and children are treated with dignity and respect, religious and politi cal leaders are questioned, and barriers are broken.
These messages never seem to lose their relevance because the world, as it is, continues to struggle with social inequalities, ethnic separation, gender hierarchies and economic disparities. The world, as it is, says our value is based on our skin tone, our worth is dependant on our paycheque and our credibility is tied up with our gender.
Jesus, whose birth created a path to reconciliation, has become a tool of
colonization in North America. The name of Jesus has been mis represented—used to subjugate nations of Indigenous people, separate children from their families and dis credit traditional ceremonies, languages and ways of life. The church, which is called to usher in a gospel of hope, peace, joy and love, has instead cho sen a gospel of power and dominion.
As Christmas approaches, I find myself reflecting on a world that needs Jesus. The same Jesus who entered a broken world and offered a refreshing glimpse of hope. The same Jesus who walked in unexpected places with unaccepted people. The same Jesus who came to recognize the beauty of culture and identity rather than to ques tion its importance. The same Jesus who came to restore the entirety of creation and not just humanity.
I often get caught up in the nostalgia of Christmas—the smell of gingerbread, fresh falling snow, chestnut praline lattes, and a perfectly placed Nativity scene. And while I don’t want to disrupt those beautiful moments, I also want us to be challenged to hold both realities in our cupped hands—that in the midst of a weary world, Jesus is a bringer of justice and a source of reconciliation.
I find hope in the God who became a baby. A Creator who loves and ulti mately demands justice. As a desperate, weary world cried out, a thrill of hope was born.
Captain Crystal Porter is the associate territorial Indigenous ministries consultant and divisional Indigenous ministries consultant in the Prairie Division.
The United Nations marks November 25 as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day to raise awareness of the impact of gender-based violence on women and girls and call for action to help end this ongoing human rights issue.
From emergency shelters in the Caribbean to group therapy programs in South America to vocational training programs in Africa, The Salvation Army strives to combat gender-based violence through services that teach, coun sel and empower.
In Congo (Brazzaville), The Salvation Army’s Bacongo Vocational Training Centre has become a vessel for hope in the community.
“We wanted to build a centre for young, unmarried women,” says Colonel Brigitte Bamanabio, ter ritorial president of women’s ministries in the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory. “Women are suffering, and we wanted to do the work to help them stand.”
Since opening its doors in 2017, this centre has provided more than 150 vulnerable women with training in lit eracy and vocational skills, including tailoring, hair braiding, beauty care and baking.
Rosine is just one of the many whose life was transformed through this centre. Growing up with a single mother, the family struggled to make ends meet.
“Due to our financial situation, my sis ter and I couldn’t go to school,” she says.
They also lived in a dangerous neigh bourhood, where violence against women was prevalent. One night, Rosine’s sister was assaulted and the family made the decision to run away, with little to no money for survival.
Once settled in their new community, Rosine needed to find a way to make a living. That’s when a friend told her about
the Bacongo Vocational Training Centre.
“I was told The Salvation Army has a good centre in Bacongo,” she says. “They were teaching young people how to tailor.”
Having always dreamed of being a designer, Rosine decided to make the eight-kilometre walk to Bacongo, where she explained her story to the principal.
Despite not being able to afford tuition, she was accepted into the tailoring program.
“The head of the training centre told me, ‘Continue to study. You can pay when you have the money,’ ” says Rosine.
At the centre, she received instruction in literacy and math, along with sewing, pattern making and garment construc tion. But Rosine’s journey wasn’t always easy. It was thanks to the support of
her peers and teachers that she marched on.
“There were times when I lost hope,” she says. “I was going to school on foot and when I reached there, I would be so tired. Sometimes I thought about giving up, but the head of Bacongo kept encouraging me and would even give me money for transportation.”
The training centre doesn’t just provide training—they also provide spiritual, moral and com passionate support. From building a daycare centre at the school for the students who are single moth ers, to giving beauty and tailoring kits for graduating students, this school is a safe space for women to build each other up, to learn, to be encouraged and to be prayed for.
“The love my peers and teach ers have shown me—the collabora tion—it’s all changed my life,” says Rosine. She dreams of opening her own tailoring business and hopes to pay it forward someday.
“I want to pass on my learning to other women in my community who never had a chance to go to school,” she says.
Through the support of the train ing centre staff, the Congo-Brazzaville Territory and donors across Canada and Bermuda, vulnerable women such as Rosine can rise above generational violence and look toward a bright and promising future. Gender-based violence is rooted in gender inequality, and one way to end violence against women is by giving them the tools and resources for independence.
The Bacongo Vocational Training Centre continues to change women’s lives and act as a catalyst for hope. To support this centre, visit salvationarmy. ca/giftsofhope and give to “vocational training.”
Kathy Nguyen is the resource/media co-ordinator in the international development department.
“The love my peers and teachers have shown me—the collaboration—it’s all changed my life,” says Rosine, who studied tailoring at the Bacongo Vocational Training Centre in Congo (Brazzaville)
Imagine a much younger version of me, dressed in an unzipped winter coat and with woolen mittens, attached by a string, dangling from each cuff. Still-melting snow pools beneath my oversized boots as I stand next to my corps officer (who moonlighted as my dad) while he takes his turn at a Salvation Army Christmas kettle.
Our location is a festively decorated shopping mall and, occasionally, an exhausted shopper trying to balance their Woolco and Kmart shopping bags will stop and search their pocket or purse for a reddish-brown two-dollar bill (remember those?) to donate to the kettle. Often, their generosity is accom panied by a smile and a word of appre ciation for the “good work of the Army” before they quickly run off to complete their Christmas shopping.
As the notes of Winter Wonderland pipe from the mall sound system, I look up at my father with a sense of pride. Even though I’m still somewhat oblivious to all of the societal ills that The Salvation Army aims to address, I know that my dad represents a mighty army of people who do so much to help others.
Fast forward a few decades and a similar scene unfolds. But now I’m the dad taking a shift at a Christmas kettle and the child standing next to me is my son. While the hurrying crowds, the balanc ing of shopping bags and even the music filling the air around us are all much the same as that memory from my childhood, I can’t help but sense that some of my interactions with the public are not quite
the same as they once were for my father.
For anyone who has volunteered their time and energy at one of the nearly 2,000 kettle locations across our vast territory, you, too, may have noticed that not every individual is eager to donate to The Salvation Army. As the cost of living continues to skyrocket for us all, and as more and more community groups and charitable organizations ask the public for financial support, we will no doubt continue to experience challenges to our annual fundraising efforts and an unwill ingness by some to support our ministries.
But even more challenging is that the interactions I have had with poten tial kettle donors in recent years quite often reveal that differences and debate over ideology, theology—or whatever polarizing “ology” that people like to argue over—have also become reasons why some will refrain from tapping their credit card or dropping a toonie in a Salvation Army kettle this year.
While this reality burdens me, I am also reminded that The Salvation Army is no stranger to adversity. Any student of the Army’s history will tell you that in the late 19th century, many people were opposed to The Salvation Army’s public efforts and ministry. Our advo cacy for social mission and the promo tion of total abstinence from alcohol
was often mocked, and more than one early Salvationist was the victim of rotten eggs, bricks or liquor bottles thrown in their direction during openair services and public marches.
More recent gener ations of Salvationists can share examples of verbal insults, or even the threat of physi cal attack in the rare place that still offers pub or street ministry. Yet, The Salvation Army presses on and continues to do the “good work” required.
And so, as I stand at yet another Christmas kettle, painfully aware of the many people who pass by without offering their support, and the few who verbally express their dislike of the denomination and organization that I love and have been called to serve within, I sometimes wonder what the future of our work and mission will require of me should adversity come my way.
And then with perfect timing, an elegantly dressed woman approaches the kettle with donation in hand and a smile beaming from ear to ear. As her gift drops into the little red kettle, she says loudly—not just for me, but for the ears of my ever-inquisitive son beside me— “The Salvation Army saved my daughter’s life. Thank you for being there when she needed you.”
And I can’t help but wonder, is the little boy beside me proud of the truth that his dad, too, represents a mighty army of people who do so much to help others?
Major Sheldon Bungay is the corps officer at St. John’s Temple, N.L.
One of the holiest things you can do is rest. But if you are like me, a good night’s sleep is a distant memory from the time before I had kids. So, how do I rest when I can’t even go to the bathroom without someone coming to find me? How do we rest from labour when so much of our labour refuses to rest from us? To answer that question, we need to truly understand what keeping the Sabbath means.
Right from the begin ning, God established and modelled a rhythm of rest: “Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done” (Genesis 2:3). Adam was placed in the garden to work and take care of it, according to this pattern of toil and rest.
But today, we live in a society that prizes ambition, striving and overwork, while rest is seen as laziness. How do we resist the broken rhythms of this hustle culture—especially during one of the busiest times of year?
In the Gospels, Jesus reiterated that the Sabbath is a gift from God and was made for people (see Mark 2:24-28). It is less about the day or the activities and more about the purpose: to rest and rely on him.
Hebrew has two main words for Sabbath: shabbat, which means to “stop working,” and nuakh, which means to “dwell” or “settle.” Both words are impor tant, because to keep the Sabbath, we must shabbat (stop working) and nuakh (settle and dwell). Families with young children can’t stop changing diapers or breaking up lightsaber fights, but we can stop our work outside of the home, put aside our to-do lists inside the home and
model what it means to settle and dwell in Jesus.
Perhaps you’re thinking, Impossible!
I thought so, too. With Christmas and kettles often out six days a week, it leaves little time to shabbat and nuakh. But when we reclaim our schedules and reorganize our priorities, shabbating and nuakhing start to make a little more sense. Here are four simple ways that we can all make Sabbath a priority this Christmas season.
1. Schedule your rest day into your calendar and refuse to cancel that appointment.
2. Learn the art of saying “no,” even if it means something will not happen. Sabbath is a command straight from God and we need to stop justifying breaking that command on a regular basis.
3. Make it fun. Schedule that day of rest and then plan something with your kids that will bring joy and laughter and will fill you to the brim. (We are big fans of tubing down hills way too fast and defying broken bones.)
4. Know deep in your soul that no kettle goal met, no toys given and no songs sung will ever define your worth and value to the God who created and knit you together. You do not have to hustle to prove what God already knows is true
There’s no magic wand, but there are some intentional decisions you can make to craft a family Sabbath that will help you learn to settle and dwell in the Most High (although you still might not get to sleep in or have extra alone time).
Here’s the hard truth. God doesn’t need you or me to accomplish his will. He would love to use us, but if we are too busy to settle and dwell in his pres ence, then we have completely missed the point.
Make shabbat and nuakh the theme of your Christmas season this year. Stop working around the clock and start dwell ing in his presence, knowing without a doubt that he will provide and guide.
Rest your soul. Turn yourself to Jesus. Teach your kids how to Sabbath at a young age. Remind yourself that the command to rest is not rescinded dur ing the Christmas season. Know that there is nothing you can do without his strength, and then teach your family to do the same with some fun, simple and God-honouring choices.
Sometimes the greatest work we can do is the work of simply resting in him, because he is with us. Isn’t that the whole point of the season?
Captain Bhreagh Rowe is the community ministries officer, St. Albert Church and Community Centre, Alta.
In
Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church, journal ist Katelyn Beaty uses her intimate knowledge of evangelical culture, the media and journalistic practice to explore why the modern church idol izes men (predominantly more than women, and of Anglo-Saxon background), and what happens to people and communities when they fall short.
She deep-dives into the history of celebrity Christian culture—uncov ering why humans are obsessed with celebrities and how the mega-church and mega-pastor movement started in the late 1970s and early ’80s. From there, she uses real-life examples to characterize the major temptations of the celebrity Christian. Power—such as how Christian comedian John Crist used his fame for sexual favours. Platform—such as the backdoor methods some pastors have used to make The New York Times bestseller list. And persona—such as how rapper Kanye West became a Christian commodity and topped charts with a gospel album despite his actions not always aligning with his professed faith.
Beaty seeks to understand what motivates celebrity Christians when they begin ministry, what changes, and how the fallout of specific actions can harm peoples’ faith and the church. Ultimately, she rests on the fact that faith was made to be lived out in a real face-to-face community, where we can have life-giving and honest relationships with people.
Reprinted from Others, others.org.au.
In his ninth studio album, seven-time Grammy Award nominee TobyMac opens up about tra gedy in his own life, the death of his son in 2019, and the deep trust and connection with God that walked him through it. Life After Death is a contemporary Christian album that features pop, rap and country influences while honouring traditional worship with lyrics such as “All I was is lost, but now I’m found.”
The 15-track album includes collaborations with artists such as worship pastor Jon Reddick, Sheryl Crow, and his own daughter, Marlee McKeehan, who shares their story of grief and loss in Everything About You.
Life After Death, which features TobyMac’s staple upbeat tracks and new song, 21 Years, a tribute to his son, shares the overarching message that God is always with you through the hardest moments, walking you through the darkness to find joy on the other side.
from a University of Waterloo sociologist found that 32 percent of millennials in North America engage in digital spiritual or religious activ ities at least once monthly. Of these digital wor shippers, only five percent said they participate in religion exclusively online—most choose to worship in person once a month or more
In an article for Religion News Service, sociologist Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme explains that these findings show that most people are involved in person, but some supplement with digital religious practices such as Bible apps or Instagram posts. According to Pauline Cheong, a professor at Arizona State University, these findings will help ease growing concern of technology displacing religiosity.
The study does not include gen-Z data, and though millennials continue to use virtual resources, in-person religious practices are still vital to engaging and appeal ing to younger generations. Going forward, Cheong suggests religious organizations and faith leaders focus on building relationships to cultivate this engagement.
From
The recycling program run by The Salvation Army’s Denmark and Greenland Territory has come up with an innovative solution to the problem of falling volunteer numbers—an automated store that can open without any staff present.
The system at the automated shop is simple. Gert Pedersen, ter ritorial recycling manager, explains: “There is a sign on the shop door with a phone number on it. You
send a text message to that num ber, the door clicks open and you can enter.”
Once in, customers can browse as usual, with cameras recording for security purposes. “When you’ve decided what to buy, you scan a barcode and pay with your card or smartphone.”
The automated shop can open for longer hours—currently 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.—and volunteers are only needed to help with restocking. Two months into the experiment, things are going better than expected.
“Sales have actually gone up,” says Pedersen.
A second automated shop opened in September at a new location.
Report by IHQ Communications.GLACE BAY, N.S.—Having completed senior soldier preparation classes, Almeda MacMullin is enrolled at Glace Bay Corps. From left, Lts John and Beverly Burton, then COs; Almeda MacMullin; and CSM Fred Courtney, holding the flag.
MONTREAL—Six senior soldiers and one adherent are enrolled at Montreal Citadel. From left, Cpt Justin Gleadall, CO; Marcella Vargas, senior soldier; Mjr Florence Borgela, associate CO; David Guardado, Raj Kakumani, Maricarmen Raudales, Eric Borgela and Glory Zimbala, senior soldiers; and Philip Weech, adherent.
Appointments: Jan 1—Comrs Baby Sarojini/Daniel Raju Dasari, TPWM/ TC, India Western Tty; Cols Ralph/Susan Bukiewicz, national CS/national secretary for personnel, U.S.A. NHQ; Col Bente Gundersen, TC and TPWM, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Tty, with rank of comr; Cols Ropari Khupchawng/Chawnghlut Vanlalfela, TPWM/TC, India Northern Tty; Lt-Col Deborah Sedlar, CS, U.S.A. Southern Tty, with rank of col TERRITORIAL
Birth: Cpts David/Laura Hickman, son, Alexander Theodore Hickman, Jul 21
Appointments: Mjrs Brian/Glenda Bishop, divisional corps mission consultant, Ont. Div; Mjr Lynn Cummings, public relations officer, Ont. Div, and chaplain, THQ*; Mjr Alan Hoeft, DSPRD, Prairie Div*; Mjr Heather Matondo, sponsorship project manager, international development, THQ**; Cpts Graciela/Jeffrey Arkell, CO (worship and discipleship)/CO (team lead), Mississauga CC, Ont. Div**; Lt Alecia Barrow, CO (outreach), Mississauga CC, Ont. Div**; Cdts Mirna Dirani/ Tharwat Eskander, CO (congregational ministries)/CO (leadership and stewardship), Mississauga CC, Ont. Div** (*additional responsibility; **designation change)
Post-retirement ministry: Mjrs Charlene/Roy Randell, COs, St. Catharines, Ont. Div
Promoted to glory: Mjr Georgina (Ina) Dean, Jul 20; Mjr Barbara Heintzman, Aug 26; Mrs. Mjr Vera Butcher, Sep 2; Mjr James Reid, Sep 6
Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd: Nov 19-20 CFOT, Winnipeg; Nov 26-30 Mission Delivery Leaders Forum, Toronto; Dec 3 Christmas With The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto Colonel Evie Diaz: Nov 26-30 Mission Delivery Leaders Forum, Toronto; Dec 3 Christmas with The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto; Dec 5-8 B.C. Div
Canadian Staff Band: Nov 19 Fall Festival, Meadowlands, Hamilton, Ont.; Dec 3 Christmas With The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto Canadian Staff Songsters: Nov 5-6 South Windsor CC, Ont.; Dec 3 Christmas With The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto
CORNER BROOK, N.L—
Two young people are enrolled as senior sol diers at Corner Brook Temple. From left, Mjr Brian Wheeler, CO; Rachel Reid; Jim Randell, holding the flag; Kate White; and Mjr Valerie Wheeler, CO.
KINGSTON, ONT.— Major Anne Wood was born into a Salvation Army family in Grand Falls, N.L., in 1923. She attended the training college in Toronto from Toronto’s Lippincott Corps as part of the King’s Messengers Session. After commissioning in 1948, Anne served at corps in Port Hope, Ont., and at Woodbine and Swansea in Toronto. In 1952, she married Lieutenant John Wood and together they served in corps appointments in Hanover, Ont., North Sydney and Whitney Pier, N.S., Kingston, Ont., Halifax, Ottawa, Oshawa, Ont., and Victoria. Their remaining 22 years of active service were spent in correctional services in Toronto. Predeceased by John in 2008, Anne is survived by sons Donald (Holly), Terry (Pascale), Paul (Christine) and Stephen; grandchildren Jason, Adam, Kirstie, Simon, Sophie-Anne, Ian, Matthew (Krista), Tyler, Daniel and Jack; great-grandchildren Avella, Isla, Gavin and Cameron.
ST. CATHARINES, ONT.—Envoy Jenny Mooy was a Salvation Army soldier in the Leger des Heils in Holland before emigrating from the Netherlands to Canada in 1952 with her husband, Martin, and children Audrey and Cor. Jenny continued to serve as a senior soldier in St. Catharines for more than 60 years, where she was involved in many aspects of corps life, including Sunday school, corps cadets and songsters, leading the “over 60” club for many years, and greeting everyone coming into the corps. After her retirement from community and family services following 32 years of faithful service, she volunteered at the St. Catharines General Hospital. Jenny was promoted to glory at the age of 93. Predeceased by her grandson, Jason, she will be greatly missed by her children Audrey (Colin), Cor (Ethel) and Ed (Karen); grandchildren Craig (Kim), David (Cherise), Kristen (Jack) and Caylee (Jordan); great-grandchildren Emily, Victoria, Gabriel, Aspen and Elizabeth.
HARE BAY, N.L.—Theodore Boyce Vivian was born in Hare Bay in 1939 to Cecil and Kate (Wells) Vivian. Boyce grew up in the Army and attended church at an early age. Enrolled as a senior soldier in 1953, he was faithful to his calling and over the years served as corps secretary, assistant corps sergeant-major and corps sergeant-major. He was also a member of the men’s fellowship group. Boyce married Mae Tiller of Wesleyville, N.L., in 1962. He attended church faithfully at Hare Bay-Dover Citadel until ill health prevented him from doing so. Boyce was a great man of faith who left a wonderful testimony behind for all who knew him. He loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed when his grandchildren came for a visit. Boyce’s home was a place where all who entered were welcome, with many sharing a meal around his table. Apart from his family, his involvement in the church was his joy. Boyce leaves to mourn with fond and loving memories his wife, Mae; sons Ramsay (Darlene) and Garry (Sonya); grandchildren Michael (Carla), Lesleyanne (Gilbert) and Pamela; great-grandchildren Avery, Hudson, Logan, Mason and Sarah.
Light of Hope Family Church, Montreal, Que. Div
While living and working in Halifax, during my free time I cooked and served at a downtown homeless shelter. Here I felt God confirming my call to ministry. When I met my wife, she shared with me about her ministry at The Salvation Army and what God was doing through her. I was excited because I felt this was the kind of ministry I was called to, and that I had discovered a place where God could use me to help the broken.
Aux-Lieutenant Jennifer Thompson
Vernon Community Church, B.C. Div
Throughout my teenage and early adult years, God placed family, friends, corps officers and church family members in my life who affirmed that God had equipped me for full-time ministry. Officership is the avenue by which God desires to use me—my gifts, my skills, my time, my life—to make known the extraordinary love of Christ. Officership means embarking on a road of surrender, service and transformation, all for the glory of God and the building of his kingdom. It means journeying with others in their pursuit and discovery of our amazing God.
Aux-Lieutenant Neil Thompson
Vernon Community Church, B.C. Div
Being raised with Christian teaching and immersed in Salvation Army mission and ministry all my life, I have often felt that I would be an officer. While attending the Officership Information Weekend in 2019, I was surprised to hear God say that while he wanted me for full-time ministry, he wasn’t yet done with me in Vernon, my home corps. In March 2020, my wife, Jen, and I were asked if we would consider lead ing Vernon under the auxiliary-lieutenant program. Transitioning into being a field-based cadet while still serving in Vernon is undoubtedly what God wants from me right now.
Richmond Community Church, B.C. Div
I came to the Lord as a teenager and though I was called to ministry shortly after, I waited for God’s timing. I never thought I had to wait 40 years for God to open the door for me to step into fulltime ministry. God’s timing is mysterious, but like a caterpillar in a cocoon, we are waiting to break out and transform into a butterfly. But this process must not be circumvented. If we try to help the caterpillar by breaking the cocoon, the caterpillar will die. In the same way, we must not rush the timing of God. We must obey even if it does not make sense. I am very thankful for the years of training and preparation. I feel I possess the strength and faith to embark on this journey of ministry.
Florence Yau
Richmond Community Church, B.C. Div
Coming from Hong Kong to Canada alone as a post-secondary student was a turn ing point in my life. What was intended to be a few years of attending university turned into a home I have resided in for the last 38 years. My first experience at church occurred after I met a friendly Christian couple who invited me to their church. Subsequently, through different ministries, I experienced the love of God and accepted the Lord as my Saviour and dedicated my life to serving him. I have always felt the call of God in my life. I feel this is the time to step into the calling, and I have no doubt that this is the will of God for my husband and me to pursue officership with The Salvation Army.
After a decade having stepped aside from ministry, I am humbly grateful for the opportunity to serve as an auxiliary-lieutenant with The Salvation Army. The necessity of “seasons” in my life is an overarching theme in my spiritual journey. While there were times when I wondered if the calling I had once known had been removed or revoked, I am certain now that it was simply “paused” by God for my growth and coming to know him on a deeper level. It is my deepest desire to share my experience of his pursuing love, strength and hope with those who have yet to know the reality of God’s presence in their lives.
TILLSONBURG, ONT.—Tillsonburg Corps hosted a holiness weekend in partnership with Simcoe CC, Ont. The weekend included Saturday ses sions on holiness by Lt Kaitlyn Young, CO, Fenelon Falls, Ont., and RS Rev Al King from Cobourg CC, Ont., a joint Sunday service with Simcoe CC and a congregational meal. “The Holy Spirit was felt throughout the weekend. Salvationists grew in their understanding of what it meant to be a holy people and to belong to a holiness movement, and what our responsibility is both individually and as a holy community,” says Lt Drew Young, CO, Tillsonburg.
“Ilookback at my life and my experi ences over the last 10 years and this is what God has been training me for all this time,” says Jacob (Jake) Moore, The Salvation Army’s director of com munity and family services in Kirkland Lake, Ont.
Moore worked as a police officer for 10 years, although he originally began his post-secondary education studying theology before transferring to police studies. As a child growing up in a low-income neighbourhood of Toronto, Moore wanted to become a police officer to help his community.
“Over the years working for the Ontario Provincial Police, I felt the call back to ministry, but I couldn’t find a way out of my job; I needed to support my family,” Moore explains.
He continued to move forward in his career and began working in the major crimes section as a detective and later as a sergeant.
“I was feeling the call through times of transition, and I was praying on it,” he says. “I knew there was change coming, but I wasn’t sure how to step away.”
In early 2022, Moore was deployed to Ottawa during the trucker convoy pro tests, where he was swarmed by a large group of people.
“I wasn’t doing so well after that,” he
says. “I was hurt from what happened to me and affected by the danger I was in. I was suffering from PTSD and had to work through that.”
Moore contacted Aux-Captain Robbie Donaldson, then director of community and family services, with whom he had worked while serving as a police officer. Moore asked if there were any positions available at The Salvation Army, not knowing that Aux-Captain Donaldson was preparing to be commissioned as a lieutenant and would soon leave his position in Kirkland Lake to become the corps officer at Temiskaming Community Church in New Liskeard, Ont.
“We had a coffee date that turned into a five-hour job interview,” smiles Moore, who started working for The Salvation Army in early July.
“What spoke to me the most about the Army is its kingdom focus,” he says. “This focus gets lost these days with so many distractions around us all the time. Everything competes for our attention. But the answer lies only in Christ and his ever-advancing kingdom.
“Because The Salvation Army is a part of that, there’s no longer anything holding us back. We’re not prevented from reach ing people because they’re of a different group or political ideology. Instead, the Army meets people wherever they are, without discrimination.”
In Kirkland Lake, The Salvation Army
runs a thrift store and food bank and there is an industrial kitchen where staff cook food for the meal program on Tuesdays and Thursdays. About 50 meals are pre pared by the team each day, and clients can stay and eat or take the food to go. Some meals are also delivered to those who cannot travel outside their home.
“I cannot say enough about how excit ing it is to be able to meet and connect with people in this ministry,” Moore says. “Real people, going through real struggles, pain and addiction who we can meet dur ing a meal program or on the streets and in the alleys, providing for their immedi ate needs and then being able to speak of the hope of Jesus with them and pray for them. There’s truly no better thing.”
All of this makes The Salvation Army such a special organization to him, and it’s also what makes him thankful to be a part of it.
Moore loves his new position with the Army. “It’s a breath of fresh air being here, and it feels like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders. We’re very busy here, but I love the mis sion,” he says.
He adds that he feels God’s pull fur ther into ministry and the possibility of becoming a chaplain or even an officer, and he is looking at furthering his educa tion as well.
“How and where that will take place and when, I do not know,” Moore con cludes. “I’m just excited to see what God has planned for the future.”
“The Salvation Army meets people wherever they are, without discrimination,” says Jake Moore
As we mark Remembrance Day again this November, many of us will pause and reflect on the sacrifice of those who fought for peace in times of war.
Peace is not a given in our world. It must be pursued and maintained, on a global scale and in our own lives.
But the Bible tells us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:6).
When He was born, angels announced His arrival to a group of shepherds saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests” (Luke 2:14).
And before He died, Jesus told His followers, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).
The world may not always be peaceful, but when we put our trust in Jesus, we need not fear. He is always with us.
Photo: vetre /stock.Adobe.com
“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
—John 14:27
learn more about how Jesus can give you peace, visit our
The
You’ll notice a new contributor in this month’s Lite Stuff. Jonny Hawkins is a Christian and full-time cartoonist whose work has appeared in more than 900 publications since 1986, including Reader’s Digest, Parade, Guideposts, Air & Space and The Medical Post. He estimates that he has drawn more than 50,000 cartoons, and he has created 90 page-aday cartoon calendars that have sold more than a million copies. His comic feature, Everlaughing Life, is now appearing in Faith & Friends, and his new comic strip, Zoolies, has just been syndicated by Tribune Content Agency—after 33 years of trying!
“I hope these Spirit-lifting, stress-relieving cartoons will put a smile on people’s faces,” Jonny writes.
We are honoured to spotlight his work along with John Sanko’s Oh My Word! and Kevin Frank’s Heaven’s Love Thrift Shop.
Thunder Rosa graces our November/December cover, one of the premier professional wrestlers behind All Elite Wrestling’s growing popularity. A remarkable athlete, she is not shy about her faith and the very personal impact The Salvation Army has had on her family. Find out why on page 16.
Elsewhere in this issue of Faith & Friends, you’ll see our look at the new Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile movie, and you’ll read about Allen “Al” Cameron, a member of The Salvation Army who was honoured for his services during the Second World War.
Ken RamsteadTo show Christ at work in the lives of real people, and to provide spiritual resources for those who are new to the Christian faith.
Faith & Friends is published bimonthly by:
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ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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All you need to do to get a feel for how much Al len “Al” Cameron means to the Army Navy Air Force Veterans (ANAVETS) and the community of Moose Jaw, Sask., in general is take a look at some of the people who showed up for his 97th birthday party this past May.
“Different Lives” Moose Jaw Mayor Clive Tolley and MLAs Tim McLeod and Greg Lawrence were just a few of the dignitaries who stopped by to honour the Second World War veteran during the come-and-go gathering at the ANAVETS club.
The festivities were a natural fit, not only because of Al’s legacy as an airman during the Second World War but as an honour for an ANAVETS veteran when so many of those who fought in the war are passing on, says president Don Purington.
“They fought, and they gave their lives,” he says. “Us being a veterans’ club, when I started five years ago there were 23, and now they’re fad ing off and fading off. That’s why this is so special. We should have done it a couple of years ago, but then trou ble hit with COVID, so now it’s time to start recognizing these gentlemen more than we do. If it wasn’t for Al and the veterans, we’d be living different lives.”
Stunned and Grateful Al was joined by his children, Brett Cameron from Halifax and Cindy Gummeson from Nanaimo, B.C. Both made the trip to be part of the festivities, which came as a complete surprise to Al himself when they arrived earlier in the week.
“They came all that way, and I had no idea,” Al says as folks milled
about, stopping to offer congratula tions and have a chat. “It’s absolutely nice to be able to see them again.”
Al himself thought he was just stopping in for a visit at the club, but was regaled with “Happy Birthday” the moment he, Cindy and Brett walked through the door, with “97” balloons joined by signs and streamers honouring his birthday.
“I was stunned,” Al says with a smile when asked about his reac tion. “I’m deeply grateful. But this is fantastic.”
“It’s Not Just Me” It was hard for Al not to become emotional when a special gift was unveiled during the party— it was only a few months ago that Al received a special certificate, commemorative pin and letter acknowledging his Second World War service from the Canadian government, and he made the decision to have the awards displayed in the ANAVETS clubhouse.
The club unveiled the special matte-style mounting plaque that will hang in the building for every one to see.
“If it wasn’t for Al and the veterans, we’d be living different lives.”
On top of his service, Don felt hon ouring Al was fitting just because of the kind of person he is.
“You could go to any room and if you feel out of place, if Al’s there, he’ll make you feel like you’re in place,” he says. “He has that kind of aura around him; he’s a special, special man. And there’s not enough we can do for him or any of the vet erans. Just doing this is a good start, a good recognition.”
Salvation Army pastor Lieutenant Lester Ward also delivered greet ings for Al, a longtime parishioner at the local church. Lieutenant Les ter made special mention of Al’s singing and engagement in the services as well as his position as a valuable part of the Salvation Army
community.
Longtime friend Arlene Ayles was happy to see the ANAVETS putting such effort into honouring Al, especially in his later years.
“I know Al is so honoured when the Army Navy Air Force Veter ans do things like this for him,” she says. “It’s really touching to see that, because it makes him feel so spe cial. And I know for us it feels like we can’t do enough, not just for Al but all the veterans, but it’s nice to be able to do something like this for such a wonderful man.”
To learn more about Al’s war service, visit salvationist.ca/ honouring-a-veteran.
Reprinted from Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday. com, May 22, 2022
Clara Preete has been knitting items for the Melfort community in Saskatchewan for 24 years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital couldn’t accept her toques in 2021, but The Salvation Army did
As a regular attendee at The Salvation Army since she was 16, Clara Preete’s faith in God taught her to look beyond herself and think of others. For 24 years, she has knitted mittens for the Army’s Christmas hampers. She’s also made toques for newborns at the Melfort Hospital in Saskatchewan for 12 years.
Asked what she hopes for the people who receive the mittens, Clara responds from her home in Melfort.
“I hope their hands will be warm!” she laughs and then goes on to say,
“I also hope people who come to The Salvation Army will realize what God can do for them.”
During each Christmas season, Clara’s knitted items are included in Salvation Army hampers on request and also placed at a display table for anyone to take on the day they pick up their hamper.
Clara first learned to knit at school in Grade 5.
As part of a class project, Clara and
her classmates knitted 25-centimetre (10-inch) squares that were assembled into blankets for the Red Cross, and then sent to serving soldiers.
It was her first venture into knitting for a good cause, but it certainly would not be her last.
“One of my neighbours came over and taught me how to knit socks,” says Clara. “Then she taught me how to read patterns and make mittens, and then I got my own patterns.”
With a large family on both sides, Clara found joy in making and gifting items for those whom she loved—“baby outfits, mitts, socks and scarves.”
“You won’t find a pair of mittens knit with more love than the ones Clara provides,” says Salvation Army pastor Major Rick Robins who, together with his wife, Major Jennifer Robins, led The Salvation Army Melfort Circuit with Nipawin and Tisdale until recently.
“We’d see people wearing them when they’d come into the thrift store and around town. People love them.
“For many, it reminded them of the ones their grandmother or great-
Boxed With Love
“Clara is such a special lady and we are so thankful for her knitting ministry,” says Major Jennifer Robins
grandmother made for them and brought up fond memories. They’ve all been very grateful that someone has thought to make something for them.”
Clara has since had to slow down the number of knitted projects she can make due to health issues, but her faith in God continues to give her strength each day.
“God has been with me through many situations in my life and I rely on Him to pull me through,” she says. “Without Him, I don’t know where I’d be.”
(left)
Melissa Yue Wallace is a journalism graduate and freelance writer who is passionate about helping people in need and encouraging the organizations that work tirelessly to care for them. Melissa lives in Richmond Hill, Ont., with her husband and twin children.
Iwas sitting at the dining room table in front of my computer, pretending to work. Boxes and furniture were all over the place, as the house was in the middle of being repainted and redecorated.
The disarray mirrored the state of my heart and soul. While I seemed to be working, I was Googling ways of committing suicide so that my family wouldn’t find me. No one
knew how desperate I was feeling— and I didn’t even know how to express it.
I was determined to end my life. I just couldn’t take the pain anymore.
I grew up on a farm in a rural community, the youngest of four sisters, three foster sisters and one brother.
My life was overwhelming and there was nowhere to turn. Could anyone help me?
It was a Christian home and my parents tried to make sure we knew about Jesus. But the relationship with Him was often missing, instead becoming something more legalistic and rules-oriented. The message I accidentally received was that I was bad at my core.
While we lived below the poverty line, my parents did their best to provide for us children. We had clothes to wear and food to eat, and we knew that our parents were always there for us.
However, because it was a large family, there were moments in time when we were left with people my parents trusted, but didn’t know they couldn’t. As an adult, I have learned that the word precious means “not to be treated carelessly.”
Unfortunately, as a child there were those who chose to treat me carelessly, and I experienced sexual abuse at the age of three, at five and again at 11 with other incidences in between and following.
I suppressed those memories for a long time.
The abuse, combined with poverty, childhood bullying and feeling isolated and alone, caused me to leave home at 16. My leaving had nothing to do with my mother and father. Looking back, I realize I was emotionally wounded but didn’t grasp its impact.
Moving away to nearby Kingston, Ont., I tried completing my high school education, but dropped out and started working. I returned to school when I was 20 and, by the age of 23, I was getting married.
By this time, I had stopped attending church, and I had no interest in God. My father, knowing this, agreed to walk me down the aisle on my wedding day—but only if, in return, I would promise to go to church for a year after I was married. (That was the legalistic, rules-oriented part of my upbring ing.) As any daughter might, all I wanted was to have my father walk me down the aisle. So, I agreed.
I kept my promise. Right after the honeymoon, I started going to church.
Thankfully, God has a way of working things out for the best. Despite my father’s misguided pressure, I encountered God’s love.
When my daughter was three months old, I was feeling overwhelmed.
I’d started to attend a women’s Bible study on Thursday mornings. One day, I found myself alone with my pastor’s wife and their daughter, whom I had known since I was a youth.
As we were praying and I held my
own daughter, something stirred me to ask them if I could pray for myself. They both immediately responded, “Of course.”
“I don’t think I can take care of my daughter on my own,” I prayed aloud. “I need Christ.”
In that moment, we bowed our heads, and I gave my heart to Him.
A year later, as I was working on my behavioural science diploma and was driving home from school one evening, all of the abuses I had suffered as a child surfaced, like a videotape playing in my vision. I had to pull over. In a searing moment, all the pain that had taken place in my life flashed before my eyes.
While I had come to God, I hadn’t
met the Holy Spirit yet. I still didn’t really know how to lean on Him to receive healing and, despite my best attempts, the next year brought me to that crisis moment in front of the computer.
As I looked for ways to end my own life, I knew that whatever I was going to do, it would be done the next day.
At that moment, my daughter, who was then two years old, came up and put both of her little hands on my leg. She looked up into my eyes and I looked down at hers.
It was then that I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit say, “Rachel, God would never want you to do that.”
It was as if the two of us were
having a private conversation in the dining room.
“God,” I responded, “if You would never want me to do that, that means there must be a way out. You have got to get me out of where I am.”
The next morning when I woke up, I was still in the same situation I had been in the night before, in the same circumstances, with the same feelings—but there suddenly was hope. Hope dispels darkness, and it brought new vision to my eyes.
At that moment, I started to understand the Bible, to really grasp what it was saying to me. It was as if the Bible was suddenly speaking to me and bringing healing.
And so began a journey of under-
standing and a relationship with the Holy Spirit. I finally realized how much Jesus loved me, how He had gotten rid of all those rules and reg ulations and traditions that had negatively affected me in my child hood and youth.
With the support of some family, friends and my church family, God began to heal and restore.
I’ve never been the same since. It’s been a constant, transformational journey. I would never say that it has been easy, but it has been filled with God’s love, joy and peace.
Life isn’t always easy. Are you worried about yourself or someone else? Contact The Salvation Army’s Crisis/Hope Line at 905-522-1477 or 1-855-294-4673, or visit hopesalive.ca.
(left) Rachel “Rae” Quirt is the director of discipleship and care with The Salvation Army’s Encounter Church in Lower Sackville, N.S., as well as a therapist working with Archway Counselling in Truro, N.S. Her greatest joy is to minister God’s love, bringing healing and restoration to those she encounters.
“God, You have got to get me out of where I am.”
RACHEL QUIRT
“But he’s a crocodile!” Mrs. Primm says to her young son, Josh, when he begs her to keep the huge reptile that they’ve discovered bathing and singing in their attic.
Josh has struggled to fit into his scary new environment since he and his parents moved to New York City. But when he comes across Lyle the crocodile, Josh’s life takes a joyous turn. Lyle proves to be a faithful and kind friend, helping Josh adjust to life in the Big Apple.
“Mom, he’s harmless,” Josh reasons. “All he does is sing and eat caviar. And he wears a cute scarf!”
Mr. and Mrs. Primm finally allow
Lyle to stay. He becomes part of their family, even helping clean the house and entertain the kids in the neighbourhood. But their mean neighbour, Mr. Grumps, thinks Lyle is a nuisance. The persnickety man schemes to have Lyle trapped and taken to the zoo.
Will Josh be able to rescue his best friend? And even if he manages that miracle, will Josh be able to convince Mr. Grumps that Lyle is not a threat, but a loveable, essential member of the neighbourhood, even though he’s a crocodile?
If this story sounds familiar, it’s because Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, Sony Pictures’ newest animated family
musical, is based on the beloved children’s book by Bernard Waber. Perhaps your parents read the Lyle series to you, or you read it to your kids or grandkids. Now you can experience it on the big screen.
Juno-winning and Grammynominated Canadian singer Shawn Mendes makes his film debut as the voice of Lyle. Winslow Fegley (Spin ning Gold ) plays the young Josh Primm and Constance Wu (Crazy Rich Asians) is Mrs. Primm. In the atres now, this film’s perfect blend of adventure, music and fun is sure to delight audiences of every age.
Same Kind of Different Friends come in various forms. We may be tempted to avoid others who are different from us in how we look, the culture we grew up in or the way we talk. The story of Lyle reminds us that differences can benefit our community and our world.
• Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is the latest in a series of live action/CGI adaptations of children’s books, including Paddington, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Christopher Robin.
• Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the duo who penned songs for The Greatest Showman, collaborated with Shawn Mendes on the score for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.
• The real impetus behind Mr. Grumps’ hatred of Lyle is his cat, Loretta. (But even if you’re a cat person, you’ll enjoy this movie!)
Jesus welcomed everyone who sincerely requested His help. Their differences didn’t deter Him from relating to them. He ate with sin ners, healed lepers and even forgave the thief who hung on the cross beside Him. Jesus’ love for others was inclusive, not limited.
When we welcome as friends “the least of these” (see Matthew 25:40) who may look and act differently than we do, we remind others of Jesus, the Best Friend Ever.
(left) Author of five books and hundreds of published articles, Jeanette Levellie and her husband make their home in Paris, Illinois. Jeanette’s hobbies include spoiling her three grandchildren, pampering her cats and inventing new ways to avoid housework. Find her splashes of hope and humour at jeanettelevellie.com.
She’s a Shoe-In! Thunder Rosa (Melissa CervantesRobles) volunteered at The Salvation Army’s annual Shoe-In event, which helped provide new shoes and socks to more than 2,000 elementary schoolchildren in need in San Antonio, Texas
MELISSA CERVANTES-ROBLES, OR Thunder Rosa to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) fans, is a fighter. In March of this year, she won the AEW Women’s World Championship title in a vicious steel-cage match. At the age of 35, Thunder Rosa’s fierce competitiveness in the ring has made her one of the leading lights of AEW ’s Women’s Division.
But she’s an owner as well as a fighter. Her Mission Pro-Wrestling is an all-female show. In addition to her wrestlers, Thunder Rosa strives to hire women in all areas involved in produc tion: commentators, announcers, designers, camera women, photographers and ticket takers.
Kettle Challenge
Thunder Rosa and nationally syndicated radio personality Billy Madison compete with their respectively decorated kettles to see who can raise the most funds for San Antonio families in need
A real girl’s girl, Thunder Rosa has a heart for supporting women in a sport that up until recently was a male-dominated one.
In Time of Need
Thunder Rosa also has a heart for The Salvation Army. This year, Mission Pro-Wrestling has hosted various wrestling events to help raise money for the San Antonio Salvation Army’s after-school programs in Texas. Their show in April was titled “Living on the Edge.”
“For kids living in some parts of the city, you sometimes can feel like you’re living on the edge,” Thunder Rosa says. “You never know if you’re going to get in trouble, or if being in the wrong place at the wrong time can get you into things that you
never thought that you would get into. I want to make a difference in those lives.”
Thunder Rosa’s connection to The Salvation Army goes back to when she was just Melissa. Before becoming a professional wrestler, she was a professional social worker, working with at-risk young adults struggling with mental illness, sub stance abuse and other issues.
“Even before I became a social worker, I helped with homeless families in the San Francisco Bay Area,” she says. “It was tough for them. Very few organizations had apart ments for families, and waiting lists were long. I met one kid who had problems with mental illness, as did his father. He and his dad and brother had just been evicted, and they needed someplace stable.
I called The Salvation Army and they were able to find a place for that family. There wasn’t a lot of red tape to go through—they just wanted to help people.”
In addition, Thunder Rosa is thankful for the Army’s alcohol and drug detox programs from which some of her friends have benefited. The Salvation Army also helped her mother out in a time of need.
“Years ago, my mother was homeless at one point,” she says. “She suffered a heart attack and when she got out of the hospital, she had nowhere to stay. Thankfully, The Salvation Army in San Diego had a month-long housing program for
people just out of hospital. I talked to them, and they let my mom stay there for two months. I don’t know what would have happened to her otherwise.”
Thunder Rosa grew up in Tijuana, Mexico, until moving with her family to California when she was 17. She remembers living through hard times as a teenager, the hardest being when both her parents lost their jobs at the same time. Had some of her teachers not provided tuition and book money, she would not have been able to stay in school. After surviving coming from
Terrific Trio Thunder Rosa, Salvation Army Major Rob Webb and comedian Cleto Rodriguez at the kickoff for the Army’s Christmas kettle campaign
“Thunder Rosa also has a heart for The Salvation Army.”
JAYNE THURBER-SMITHPhotos: Courtesy of The Salvation Army San Antonio, Texas
nothing, she wants to help those who have nothing.
“I don’t do fundraising for per sonal recognition,” she says. “It comes from the bottom of my heart. I helped out with charities even before I became famous. I always volunteered when I could, bring ing my husband and son along with me, so we could give back. That’s just
In April, Thunder Rosa defended and retained her Women’s World Championship belt against Nyla Rose in the main event of AEW’s Battle of the Belts II
“From the Graveyards of Tijuana” Thunder Rosa’s “Day of the Dead” face paint represents many things at once: rebirth; triumph over personal and family tragedy; and honouring, celebrating and fighting for the memory of dead loved ones
me; I try to see the solution, not the problem. I’m a giving person and want to make a difference. Winning the AEW championship now allows me to do a lot more for more people. Having that belt helps me shine light on the projects dear to me. I hope to encourage others to help someone in need.”
Her “Thunder Rosa” ring name is a
tribute to Thunder Road, a rehabili tation centre for teenagers where she worked while training for her future wrestling career. Her “Day of the Dead” face paint, a nod to her Mex ican roots and the annual festivities of the same name, represents rebirth and triumph over tragedy. Win or lose a match, just enjoying being in the ring after where she has come from is a true triumph, and she looks forward to a bright future.
“You have to continue to push yourself, continue to try different things,” she says. “If you don’t, you don’t really live life. AEW encourages me to pursue my dreams in and out of the ring.”
Thunder Rosa believes that right now she is where she should be. In
July 2020, when she was at a cross roads in her wrestling career, she asked God for patience and wisdom. As she was praying, she got the phone call she was hoping for, that AEW had a contract for her to sign.
“I believe in prayer, especially when I am in need of clarity,” she says. “As you develop as a per son through the years, things keep changing. When I’m having trou ble dealing with something, I have good spiritual friends to tell me I just have to leave it up to God. The other day one of my friends texted me a reminder to put God first and told me to read this verse every time I’m struggling:
“ ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.”
(left) Jayne Thurber-Smith is a wife, mother of four and freelance writer from Nova Scotia who presently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She enjoys tennis, horseback riding and reading.
“I try to see the solution, not the problem.”
by Ken Ramstead
Actress Dawn Wells of Gilligan’s Island fame once said, “Kindness can have a ripple effect. I’ve seen it. It feels good to leave a room happier than when you came in.”
The late actress’ words came back to me the other morning.
I’d just left my doctor’s office in an irked mood. The diagnosis was unclear but the prognosis was tests, tests and more tests.
Tests, I thought to myself on the subway ride home. It’s OK for doctors to want to do tests. I’m the one that’ll have to book time off work to get them
A LATE-MORNING COMMUTE TAUGHT ME HOW ONE PERSON CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.Photo: moodboard/stock.Adobe.com
done. Deadlines don’t wait for doc tors’ tests.
(Yes, I think like that.)
My mood was not improved as I ascended to the street-level platform. Instead of a few morning stragglers waiting for the bus that would take me back to work, more than two dozen people were there.
I overheard someone saying she had already been waiting 15 min utes and it seemed as if the next bus would not arrive for another half an hour.
That’s just great, I fumed to myself. I’ll have lost the entire day at this rate!
I wasn’t alone. The waiting crowd had started muttering to themselves.
The loudest mutterer was a young man in a Hawaiian T-shirt who was pacing the embarkation platform, talking on his cellphone.
“Of course, the bus hasn’t arrived!” he said. “Buses are never on time! I’ll have to take a taxi because I can’t be
late. What else can I do? I was sup posed to have enough time to pick them up and get there before the appointment. Why does this always happen to me?”
The man’s anger was infectious. People along the platform were becoming agitated, trying to figure out ways to get home, to get to work, to get to appointments. The atmo sphere on this sunny day had turned dark.
At that point, our bus rolled to the platform. After the final passenger had debarked, the bus driver stepped out. I expected someone uncaring about the wait he had inflicted.
My thoughts couldn’t have been further from the truth.
“Guys, I am so sorry for the delay you have all been through,” he told us. “Of the three buses on this line, one broke down and the driver reported sick on the other. I’m afraid I’m all there is for the moment until the late afternoon.”
“
That’s just great, I fumed to myself. I’ll have lost the entire day at this rate! ”
KEN RAMSTEAD
He responded courteously to every passenger’s inquiry. “That store is right on this route.” “I’ll get you as close to your destination as I can.” “Don’t worry!”
Unfailingly cheerful, he answered a few more questions and then announced, “If you can all get on, I’ll get going as fast as I can. But first,” he smiled, “I need to respond to a call of nature. I’ve been driving for four hours without a break!”
By the time we were on the bus and leaving the station, the bitter mood had lifted. People were smiling, and the happiest person seemed to be the Hawaiian T-shirt guy, who had alerted his parents, waiting for him at a stop further down the line.
“Don’t worry, Ma. We’re on our way. This driver’s been great. He’s doing all he can, and we’ll be there soon.” Turns out they were going to an important doctor’s appointment for his ailing father.
His relief was palpable when his parents got on the bus at their stop, and I even vacated my own seat and stood so that they could sit close together.
By the time I got to my own stop, I was smiling, too, as our cheerful bus driver and our cheerful passengers continued on their way.
We all know the sayings dealing with bad apples spoiling the bunch
and ill winds blowing nobody good. But before that, the Bible had already turned them on their head. Biblical expressions of people leading and inspiring by example are many, up to and including Jesus.
For three years during His min istry on earth, Jesus preached the Word of God. He not only healed the sick, the blind and the lame but even worried about whether His followers had enough to eat! Thousands flocked to hear His com passionate words and came away uplifted in spirit by His example. Jesus’ most famous parable is about the Good Samaritan who helped a man that was beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. He ends the story by telling His listeners, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).
This is reflected throughout the New Testament. “And let us con sider,” says the writer of Hebrews, “how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25 English Standard Version).
I have no idea if the bus-driving encourager was a Christian, a per son of another faith or even had no faith at all, for that matter. All I know is that, wittingly or not, he affirmed for me how one person’s good nature had a ripple effect on an entire busload of passengers.
The question you asked [in Juanae Crockwell’s article about Mary Prince Day] is a profound one (“Emancipating My Thoughts,” July/August 2022). It certainly resonated with me. Your question makes me think of how blessed I am to be free. Free to worship, free to express myself, etc. So many people do not have this privilege in so many parts of the world.
I think I can do so much more with my freedom. Perhaps use it to work on a much better version of myself. I can also use it to make meaningful changes that will have powerful impacts on the people that I meet. Most of all, I will use my freedom to become closer to Jesus. To seek God first and, as it is written, all other things will be added to glorify God. I wonder how free we are as individuals? Many of us are, to some degree, enslaved by our experiences and some happenings in our lives in one way or the other. Thank you for such an interesting question.
What struck me was Patrick Humble’s comment about sitting on the other side of the table [as a former Salvation Army client] (“Turning the Tables,” May/June 2022). A place we all could be but for the grace of our God. I’m fairly new to The Salvation Army’s Connection Point Church in Victoria. I feel so loved and accepted by everyone. Pat is so easy to talk to. I see him sitting in the hallway at times just to ask a person how they are, what can he do. And, of course, serving them coffee, tea or whatever they need. Humble, caring, generous are just a few words to describe his love and caring of all who come in. God bless you, Pat, today and all the days of your life for His glorious service.
—Arlene Holland
Wonderful to read what you have done [with regard to Angela Rafuse’s pet adoption organization] (“Pet Project,” July/August 2022). I’m sure you put many seniors’ hearts at peace knowing there is someone out there to help them find new homes for their little angels. I have two cats so I know how important it is to realize there are folks like you. God bless your efforts —Envoy Jean Cohen
“Can I Do More With My Freedom?”
—Daveka Howell-Parkes
Standing His Ground Ed Ostermeier finds fulfilment in volunteering to help others
by Melissa Yue Wallace
When the church that Ed Ostermeier was attending closed down in 2001, he and his wife began praying about where to go next. While living in southwestern Ontario, his wife’s cousin, who lived in Alberta, unexpectedly phoned them and suggested they try a Salvation Army church.
“I thought, The Army does a lot of good things to help the underprivileged, who have always laid heavy on my heart,” he says. “So, we decided to try it.”
After attending a few services, Ed decided to become an official member of the church and has been volunteering with the Army since.
“Best thing I ever did.”
Throughout the year, Ed stocks shelves in the food bank, packs groceries and sometimes delivers hampers.
“When they need me, I’m here,” says Ed. “During the Christmas season, I’m here every day, packing boxes with items that come in from donations.” He also serves as a kettle volunteer, and has helped to recruit and co-ordinate volunteers.
After retiring from his 26-year career as a custodian in Grey County, Ont., with the Bluewater District School Board, Ed and his wife moved to Collingwood, Ont., in 2015 and became part of The Salvation Army Collingwood Community Church. The Ostermeier family includes three children, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
“A few years ago, two of my granddaughters stood at the kettle with me at a grocery store,” he recalls. “We had a fantastic time acting silly, doing a little singing, and people really enjoyed it.
“Helping others brings fulfilment and I hope my family knows that all the work I do is for the Lord.”
Captain Rob Hardy, who together with his wife, Captain Micheline, were appointed to Collingwood Community Church in 2020, says volunteers are essential to keeping ministries going, especially due to the issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We found that not having enough people on our kettles affected every thing, because funding from the kettles goes toward family services, the food bank and emergency relief,” says Captain Rob. “Without volunteers, we can’t do what we need to do.”
Ed recently became the corps sergeant-major, the top lay person in an Army church, and serves in street ministry. On Monday nights, he sits on a bench in front of the church with his Bible and speaks with any body who wants to talk or who may need advice.
“Ed is a man of God, and he loves people, but he hates the attention— he truly does,” laughs Captain Rob. “Yet his love for the Lord pushes him, and that’s why he can do what he does and how he can speak to people on the street.
“It’s inspiring to witness.”
“When they need me, I’m here.” ED OSTERMEIER
TIME 45 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH steak or chicken
6 slices bacon
450 g (1 lb) frozen scallops (defrost ahead of time in cold water) butter fresh parsley
1. Preheat oven to 220 C (425 F).
2. Slice bacon in half horizontally and again vertically.
3. Wrap bacon around scallops and pin with toothpick.
4. Lightly grease baking pan with butter.
5. Cook for 10 minutes. Turn scallops over and cook for another 10 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and garnish with parsley.
TIME 50 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH chicken, steak or bacon-wrapped scallops
450 g (1 lb) sweet potatoes (3 large or 4-5 small)
225 g (½ lb) apple
2 cloves garlic, diced
675 g (1½ lbs) brussels sprouts
75 ml (5 tbsp) olive oil
15 ml (1 tbsp) apple cider vinegar
5 ml (1 tsp) honey
5 ml (1 tsp) dried thyme
2.5 ml (½ tsp) coarse salt
1 ml (¼ tsp) black pepper
1. Preheat oven to 220 C (425 F) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel sweet potatoes and apple, slice into cubes and place in bowl. Add garlic.
3. Slice brussels sprouts in half, discarding end of each sprout as well as any wilted or discoloured leaves. Add to bowl with sweet potato, apple and garlic.
4. Add olive oil, vinegar, honey, thyme, salt and pepper to small bowl. Whisk and pour over brussels sprouts, sweet potato, apple and garlic. Mix well to cover evenly.
5. Spread on baking sheet pan and cook for 20 minutes. Turn over and cook for another 15-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you want the brussels sprouts.
A W E R C E O O S B D A X T C A F P S S Y T A C U O A G D T E X A S G A
T Q T M T J G Z P E G N O J R T C I U V N R A E I A V E O O T X O R R N A J T Y O N D R M K N D R A W O H T R Y U S G P P A J E E N D D P N R B T M J A I E H F N Y S A Y R N A O A
M R S P O C K Y N R N P I D B U O L Y V J N U N I L S D E Y C O O T M L D R A N O E L S D I A B E E B N M S S O F T K I T T Y R C D L N N O A T A U W X B C P L B H X S L G E D T A E K A C E S E E H C P U O I W L E R C O M I C B O O K Z Q I C N H E S T T Y L R E V E B R D W D A E A H Z R C A L T E C H Q I U N I V E R S E E L E S L I E W I N K L E L R T W Y K M A R Y C O O P E R A N E D A S A P
Give your ho-hum glassware some much needed pizzazz.
Vaseswith interesting shapes and colours have piqued my interest lately as they can be used to elevate your space, and they are also great conversation starters. I thrifted this vase from my local Salvation Army thrift store for $2. Since they are usually priced under $10, I definitely got this for a steal! I thought it would be a great idea to upcycle this vase and give it a more interesting look.
Note: This project is best done outside because of the strong smell of the paint.
Supplies Needed: Glassware/vase of your choice, spray paint and cardboard.
Step 1 Place glassware on cardboard.
Step 2 Spray glassware with paint and let dry for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3 Go over areas that need to be covered and let dry for another 15-20 minutes. After the waiting period, you should have an awesome new vase.
There you have it: a new vase that is unique and your own for under $20. The spray paint I used for the project cost me only $10, and I went with a colour that is a little bit muted and natural, which fits with my space perfectly.
(left) Osareme David Dom-okoebu is a content creator and a creative expert for The Salvation Army. He creates content on Instagram (@_reme_) centred mainly on thrifted menswear. He also shares how to be stylish without breaking the bank. Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.
