CenConnMay09

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THE SALVATION ARMY 10 W. Algonquin Road Des Plaines, Illinois 60016 Moving? Send the attached label with your correction to: Circulation Manager, 10 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016 Volume 39, Number 5 May 2009 O ne thousand young Salvationists will attend a World Youth Convention in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2010. Led by General Shaw Clifton with Commissioner Helen Clifton, the gathering, themed “Raised Up,” will run July 15-18, and will be marked by passion. The venue will be Aula Magna, part of Stockholm University, and the focus of the event will be Salvationism. Discussion will include topics like realism, idealism, inclusiveness, compassion, simplici- ty and internationalism. The General writes: “I invite all Salvationists to be in prayer for this historic occasion. God has blessed us with fine young people all over the world. May those who attend the World Youth Convention be deep- ened in their commitment to Christ and to serving a broken and hurting world.” Preceding the convention some delegates will take part in a week- long event called “Time to be Holy 458,” at the Center for Spiritual Life Development in south London, England. The event’s title refers to song 458, “Take time to be holy,” in the Salvation Army Song Book. There also will be opportunity for delegates to take part in a “Time to Serve 24/7” program hosted by the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. by Major Darryl Leedom M ore than 450 officers and employees from across the U.S. and Canada and Bermuda territories, as well as a handful of international guests, gathered in Chicago for the 2009 National Social Services Conference. Under the banner, “Winds of Change…Steadfast in Our Mission,” delegates were encouraged, equipped and empowered for “such a time as this,” amid a season of great demand with fewer resources, to continue the Army’s mission of proclaiming and demonstrating Christ’s love. The opening remarks of Colonel Paul R. Seiler, Central chief secretary, set a tone of anticipation, excitement and commitment. “The Salvation Army will respond to the changes around us as we remain steadfast in our mission,” he proclaimed. The welcome banquet featured the Chicago Staff Band (CSB) and Bill Booth Theater Company and highlighted service in the Metropolitan Division. Accompanied by the CSB, 20 musi- cians from “Let the Music Begin,” an afterschool music enrichment initia- tive with more than 1,000 partici- pants sponsored by the Army for inner-city Chicago youth, performed and brought the audience to their feet. Two young men, D’Andre Coats and Lemard Fields from the Englewood Corps shared stirring tes- timonies of how the “winds” of Salvation Army youth character pro- grams brought “change” to their world. Six pre-conference seminars pro- vided opportunity for intensive training in a variety of arenas like emergency disaster services, human trafficking, and community capacity building. More than 70 workshops and seven ministry tours were con- ducted to instruct and inspire partic- ipants. A delegate from the Western Territory commented, “I attended a workshop on enhancing partner- ships and establishing coalitions and learned that I [the Army] can accom- Continued on page 4 For such a time as this Continued on page 12 by Major Gail Aho A sk any officer about their spring cam- paigns and they can probably still tell you where they went, the name of their brigade officer and about their fellow cadets. It’s a time of finding out “what you’re made of,” so to speak. The Witnesses for Christ and Prayer Warriors sessions are made of “the right stuff.” As cadets finish classes and get ready for summer assign- ments and commissioning, they count the campaigns as a high point of the year. The week was filled with meetings, home visitations, hospital visits, nursing home meetings, cof- feehouse events and children’s meetings. Traveling to the Iron Range and Austin, Minn., Topeka, Kan., Independence, Mo., Hillsdale and Grand Rapids, Mich., and Sioux Falls, S.D., they were greeted with warmth and generosity. While their goal was to minister, often they were ministered to and are grateful to their corps hosts. The Topeka brigade was blessed by visiting a Veterans Administra- tion hospital and singing with the men. The same evening cadets held a prayer and praise night at the corps. A continuation of the prayer time earlier in the week, corps mem- bers once again took the opportunity Cadets have the right stuff National Social Services Conference empowers the frontlines The Salvation Army / USA Central Territory News and Views from the Midwest “We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future.” Eph. 4:3,4 (NLT) Caring Partners of Rochester, Minn., is presented with the Central Territorial Award for Program Excellence. World Youth Convention to be held in Sweden in 2010 Continued on page 3 Photos by Michael Braver

description

News and Views from the Midwest ore than 450 officers and employees from across the U.S. and Canada and Bermuda territories, as well as a handful of international guests, gathered in Chicago for the 2009 National Social Services Conference. Under the banner, “Winds of Change…Steadfast in Our Mission,” delegates were encouraged, equipped and empowered for “such a time as this,” amid a season of great demand with fewer resources, to continue the Army’s mission of by Major Gail Aho

Transcript of CenConnMay09

Page 1: CenConnMay09

THE SALVATION ARMY10 W. Algonquin RoadDes Plaines, Illinois 60016

Moving? Send the attached label with your correction to:Circulation Manager, 10 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016

Volume 39, Number 5 May 2009

One thousand youngSalvationists will attend aWorld Youth Conventionin Stockholm, Sweden, in

2010. Led by General Shaw Cliftonwith Commissioner Helen Clifton,the gathering, themed “Raised Up,”will run July 15-18, and will bemarked by passion.

The venue will be Aula Magna,part of Stockholm University, andthe focus of the event will beSalvationism. Discussion willinclude topics like realism, idealism,inclusiveness, compassion, simplici-ty and internationalism.

The General writes: “I invite allSalvationists to be in prayer for thishistoric occasion. God has blessedus with fine young people all overthe world. May those who attend the

World Youth Convention be deep-ened in their commitment to Christand to serving a broken and hurtingworld.”

Preceding the convention somedelegates will take part in a week-long event called “Time to be Holy458,” at the Center for Spiritual LifeDevelopment in south London,England. The event’s title refers tosong 458, “Take time to be holy,” inthe Salvation Army Song Book.There also will be opportunity fordelegates to take part in a “Time toServe 24/7” program hosted by theUnited Kingdom Territory with theRepublic of Ireland.

by Major Darryl Leedom

More than 450 officersand employees fromacross the U.S. andCanada and Bermuda

territories, as well as a handful ofinternational guests, gathered inChicago for the 2009 National SocialServices Conference.

Under the banner, “Winds ofChange…Steadfast in Our Mission,”delegates were encouraged,equipped and empowered for “sucha time as this,” amid a season ofgreat demand with fewer resources,to continue the Army’s mission of

proclaiming and demonstratingChrist’s love.

The openingremarks ofColonel Paul R.Seiler, Centralchief secretary,set a tone ofan t i c i p a t i on ,excitement andcommi tmen t .“The SalvationArmy willrespond to thechanges aroundus as we remainsteadfast in our

mission,” he proclaimed.The welcome banquet

featured the Chicago Staff Band(CSB) and Bill Booth TheaterCompany and highlighted service inthe Metropolitan Division.Accompanied by the CSB, 20 musi-cians from “Let the Music Begin,” anafterschool music enrichment initia-tive with more than 1,000 partici-pants sponsored by the Army forinner-city Chicago youth, performedand brought the audience to theirfeet. Two young men, D’Andre Coatsand Lemard Fields from theEnglewood Corps shared stirring tes-timonies of how the “winds” ofSalvation Army youth character pro-grams brought “change” to theirworld.

Six pre-conference seminars pro-vided opportunity for intensivetraining in a variety of arenas likeemergency disaster services, humantrafficking, and community capacitybuilding. More than 70 workshops

and seven ministry tours were con-ducted to instruct and inspire partic-ipants.

A delegate from the WesternTerritory commented, “I attended aworkshop on enhancing partner-ships and establishing coalitions andlearned that I [the Army] can accom-

Continued on page 4

For such a time as this

Continued on page 12

by Major Gail Aho

Ask any officer abouttheir spring cam-paigns and they canprobably still tell you

where they went, the name oftheir brigade officer and abouttheir fellow cadets. It’s a timeof finding out “what you’remade of,” so to speak. TheWitnesses for Christ and PrayerWarriors sessions are made of“the right stuff.”

As cadets finish classes andget ready for summer assign-ments and commissioning, theycount the campaigns as a high pointof the year. The week was filled withmeetings, home visitations, hospitalvisits, nursing home meetings, cof-feehouse events and children’smeetings.

Traveling to the Iron Range andAustin, Minn., Topeka, Kan.,Independence, Mo., Hillsdale andGrand Rapids, Mich., and SiouxFalls, S.D., they were greeted with

warmth and generosity. While theirgoal was to minister, often they wereministered to and are grateful totheir corps hosts.

The Topeka brigade was blessedby visiting a Veterans Administra-tion hospital and singing with themen. The same evening cadets helda prayer and praise night at thecorps. A continuation of the prayertime earlier in the week, corps mem-bers once again took the opportunity

Cadets have the right stuff

National Social Services Conference empowers the frontlines

The Salvation Army / USA Central Territory

News and Views from the Midwest

“We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future.” Eph. 4:3,4 (NLT)

Caring Partners of Rochester, Minn., is presented with the CentralTerritorial Award for Program Excellence.

World Youth Convention to beheld in Sweden in 2010

Continued on page 3

PhotosbyMichaelBraver

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The Red River has againstruck the residents of itsvalley with a vengeance.Devastating floods at the

end of March crested at 40.82 feet inFargo, N.D., surpassing the recordset in 1897 (the crest in 1997 was39.6 feet).

The Salvation Army’s response wasat the forefront in 13 Minnesota andNorth Dakota counties. Canteens andmore than 350 Salvation Army per-sonnel and volunteers from acrossthe Northern and other divisions fed,hydrated and comforted thousands of

weary residents, evacuees, emer-gency workers, volunteers andNational Guard personnel.

It became clear Fargo, N.D., andMoorhead, Minn., would be hithardest; the pre-crest river wasalready six miles wider than normal.Because both cities were surroundedby dikes, the river had to passbetween them through a 700-foot-wide channel lined with sandbags,earth berms, plastic tarps and ply-wood. No wonder city officialsopened a meeting with prayer.

As flood waters rose, The SalvationArmy spent over 2,800 hours servingmeals, drinks and snacks to morethan 138,000 people filling sandbagsand creating earthen levees.

The rising river destroyed 300Fargo homes and endangeredSalvation Army facilities. CaptainAdam Moore, Fargo corps officer, pro-claimed, “We are not afraid. Whilewe’re indeed concerned about whatthe flood could do to our facility, thiscommunity and the families losingtheir homes need us. We will stand bytheir side every step of the way.”

The Salvation Army will continue toprovide assistance to impacted com-munities for as long as needed. As ofpress time, waters were expected toslowly subside, but continued snow,high winds and rain threatened higherwater and breaches.

Red River strikes againby Amanda Waters

The SalvationArmy inKansas City,Mo., painted

its red kettles Irishgreen on St. Patrick’sDay to help peopleimpacted by the eco-nomic downturn.

More than 25 vol-unteers rang bells ata dozen locationsalong the 1.3 mileparade route, collect-ing $958 for a newprogram created toprovide direct aid tofamilies and individ-uals in the KansasCity metropolitanarea who have beenaffected by the recession.

“The Salvation Army doesn’t typi-cally bring its kettles out at anyother time of the year besidesChristmas, but so many people arehurting right now that we felt extra-ordinary measures were needed,”said Major Jeffrey Smith, Kansasand Western Missouri divisionalcommander. “Our new Neighbor toNeighbor program was created todirectly help people who have beennegatively impacted by the econo-my.”

Last year The Salvation Army inKansas City gave out $1.9 million inemergency assistance in cash and in-kind donations to individuals inneed. “This year, the need is expect-ed to be even greater,” said MajorSmith.

The Kansas City St. Patrick’s DayParade is traditionally among thelargest in the country. For the firsttime ever, this year’s route ran rightpast the divisional headquarters.

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THE SALVATION ARMY10 W. Algonquin Road • Des Plaines, Illinois 60016847-294-2000COMMISSIONER BARRY C. SWANSONTerritorial CommanderMAJOR JOHN WILKINSCommunity Relations and Development SecretaryELIZABETH KINZIEEditorial DirectorANNE URBANEditor/WriterJACQUELYN MURSCHELCommunications SpecialistFERN CALDWELLCirculation ManagerKENNETH ROMINGraphic Design and Production

VISIT OUR WEBSITE—www.usc.salvationarmy.org1-800-SALARMY

I’ve been reading Run with theBulls by Tim Irwin. It’s a lead-ership book with key actionsand thoughtful comments cen-

tered around the picture of bull-run-ning. In the chapter, “Getting to theArena,” there are some interesting,transferable concepts.

As young officers, we might haveheard or even given the advice thatthe first step for success in anyappointment is to “show up.” Makessense, but if you’re thinking ofuncomfortable situations or unpleas-ant work settings or feeling in overyour head, showing up may be hard.

This is why “Getting to the Arena”caught my attention. Getting to thearena is obviously key to runningwith bulls. The author links the ini-tiative to get to the arena withcourage. He writes:

Courageous acts are not per-formed by people with a person-ality trait called courage.Courageous acts are performedby normal people who passion-ately believe in what they are

trying to do—the urge to act ontheir conviction becomes com-pelling…simply outmatches theirfear. A courageous person doesnot talk ‘about’ an idea, butrather acts on what he or shereally believes.Let those words sink in. I wouldn’t

describe myself as courageous or asfearful. Yet, I understand what hemeans. Difficulties, busy schedules,physical fatigue or limitations allmay be good reasons to keep me talk-ing about what needs to change orwhat I’d like to see happen. I couldfind myself being drawn into the lessimportant which can stop me from“getting to the arena.” Courage isneeded to address situations or workhabits that drain rather than ener-gize. Courage is needed to investtime and energy in things I am con-victed will make a difference in spiteof the landmines involved in rattlingorganizational bones.

You might wonder at the referenceto landmines. I became more aware oflandmines during the Biblical

Education Tour to the HolyLand in February. On theride to the top of the GolanHeights, looking east towardSyria and west toward thelush agricultural valley ofIsrael, the guide delivered astern lecture. “Stay on thepath, there are landmineseverywhere from the Syrianoccupation of 1967, and they have notbeen discovered,” she warned. “Donot wander to take pictures. This is nojoke.”

By then we weren’t sure we want-ed to put a foot on the ground any-where, but we started up the path.On both sides, every few feet, signswarned of unexploded landmines.At the top we walked throughbunkers and trenches and finallyhad a view that put the value of theGolan Heights in perspective. TheIsraelis have a fundamental convic-tion that they must retain control ofthis land in order to protect theirfood, their farms, their people. Withthat conviction they have thecourage to travel through the dan-gerous area of landmines.

As an Army with the mission tobring the gospel of Jesus Christ, theredemption of the soul, the light intoa community, we need courage to“get to the arena” in spite of the

landmines. It does take courage. Thearena is so much more than theArmy facility. The arena is the com-munity and contact with those whodon’t know Jesus. How compellingis our concern for a world that isgrowing up without a basic knowl-edge of Christian faith? Does ourconviction overcome our fear? Whatwould my day or your day look likeif our courage outmatched our fears,and we started along the path? Weare ordinary, jars-of-clay type of peo-ple, the kind God desires to use to becourageous in His name.

So today I pray the SerenityPrayer: “Give me the serenity toaccept what I cannot change, thecourage to change the things I can,and the wisdom to know the differ-ence.” I picture the Israelis going upthe Golan Heights convicted todefend their land, and I rememberthe landmines on either side. I will“get to the arena.” How about you?

Red kettles turn green!

Courage—more than talk!by Colonel Paul R. SeilerChief Secretary

GetConnected!Check out our complementary material on the web.

www.usc.salvationarmy.org/getconnected

ClipsNorridge Band clips from CD

Caring Partners Program

Resources/LinksOfficer Candidates

Educational Tour Details

CBLI registration form

CMI registration form

Resource Connection

Web exclusivesDuskins’ “War and Inner Peace”

Character building programs higher awardsupdate

More about the SA in the Caribbean and inKenya West

Excerpts from the book New Love

Page 3: CenConnMay09

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Anthony and Brianne BowersLeOtis and LaTonya BrooksJonathan and Christina CooperJames and Jamie Curry

Stephen HansenAmanda HellstromPaula PoffAubrey Robbins

Ashley ShumakerMichael and Kristina SjögrenRonald and Lavella Wubben

Cadets anticipatecommissioning

Becky BarringerDecatur, Ill.Heartland Division

Becky Barringer is a fourth gener-ation Salvationist whofrom age 10 knew Godhad called her to be anofficer.

“I just knew I wouldlive my life in TheSalvation Army,” sheexplained.

However, as a teenshe let the world callher a different way andfollowed that directionfor nearly two decades.In 2001 Becky rededi-cated her life at a women’s camp inthe Heartland Division under theSpirit-led nudging of her corps offi-cer then, Major Carol Wilkins.

Becky said, “I believe my call toofficership never left; it was beingmolded into what it was intendedto be. The God who began a goodwork in me is still working in me.God can use anything for His good.I am counting on it!”

Becky is counting on joining theAmbassadors of Holiness session atthe College for Officer Trainingfrom the Decatur, Ill., Corps whereher officers are Majors Bob andJoyce Gauthier.

Cynthia MarquisMarquette, Mich.

Wisconsin andUpper MichiganDivision

“I count myself veryblessed to have such an amazingfamily where dad is a three-timecancer survivor and mom is achampion at caring for everyone,”said Cynthia Marquis.

With a great family as a base, atage 16 Cindy knew she was calledto officership during a salvationmeeting. “I spent the next 10 yearsbehaving like Jonah, running every-where but toward my calling,” sheadmitted. “But there was alwaysthis prompting in the back of myhead saying, ‘You’re going to be anofficer.’”

At youth councils last year shefinally accepted her calling. “It was

amazing to feel thedoubt lifted and to beable to be confident inwhere I am heading,”she concluded.

A graduate ofNorthern MichiganUniversity, Cindy willenter training fromMarquette, Mich.,where her corps officersare Captains DonnaRose and Grace LaFever.

Jeremy FingarColumbia, Mo.Midland Division

During a “Call to theCross” with Envoy BillMiller at CampMihaska, Jeremy Fingarknew life had tochange. He was convict-ed that Christ needed tocome first in his life.

This was confirmedafter he had a variety ofjobs. He realized mone-tary pursuits were never

going to satisfy. Onenight he said, “Dad,the only way to reallymake a difference is tohelp people find JesusChrist as Lord.” Hisdad asked, “So whatare you going to doabout it?” Jeremyreplied, “I am going toserve God as an offi-cer.”

Jeremy exclaimed, “It was as ifmy soul was leaping out of mychest to say a big ‘yes!’” Jeremy hasserved as an intern at the St. Louis,Mo., Harbor Light with MajorsMyron and Nancy Wandling and at

the Belleville, Ill.,Corps with CaptainsDale and GeorgiaRodgers.

Jeremy will join theAmbassadors ofHoliness fromColumbia, Mo., wherethe officers areCaptains John andFaye Flanagan andMajors Kendall andKatrina Mathews.

Newestacceptedcandidates

Pray for the cadets as they prepare fortheir ordination and commissioning asnew lieutenants and receive their firstappointments on Sunday, June 14th.

Spring campaigns

to pray individually and together.“We could sense the eagerness of thepeople to learn more about Christand the commitment to knowingHim better,” said Cadet KristinaSjögren.

The Iron Range brigade reportedthat a worship service in Cloquet,Minn., with other corps and Lt.Colonel Daniel Sjögren, Northerndivisional commander, was one oftheir biggest blessings. They ate din-ner together and joined around thetables for the meeting. Even after theprogram ended, everyone stayed andsang hymns, reminding young and

old of God’s goodness and grace.“Sharing and visiting with the peopleof Minnesota and hearing their testi-monies were wonderful experiencesand helped us grow in Christ aswell,” said Cadet Chrissy Cooper.

The Sangre y Fuego (Blood andFire) brigade atthe Sioux FallsCorps describedtheir experiencethis way—“thepeople were veryopen to every-thing we did!”Each night thecrowds grew. Thepeople possess apassion for theircity, and theircorps is growing.Corps membersp o s i t i v e l yimpacted thecadets, who praythey had animpact on themas well.

2007-2009

Cadets Mitcheal & Teresa Brecto Waukegan, Ill.Cadets Bradley & Cassandra Burkett Dearborn Hts. Citadel, Mich.Cadet Jennifer Clanton Springfield, Ill.Cadet Janelle Cleaveland East St. Louis, Ill.Cadets Roberto & Elia Davila North Platte, Neb.Cadets Sean & Cassondra Grey Hammond-Munster, Ind.Cadet Dana Hixenbaugh Warren, Mich.Cadet Ryan Hulett Omaha South Side/Kroc, Neb.Cadets Joel & Etta Johnson St. Paul Citadel, Minn.Cadet Erin Jones Sioux Falls, S.D.Cadet Mary Kim Des Moines Citadel, IowaCadet Gregory & Lt. Michelle Magoon Oak Creek Centennial, Wis.Cadet Amy McMahan Kansas City Bellefontaine, Mo.Cadets Matthew & Emily Phelps Albert Lea, Minn.Cadet Jane Polcyn Decatur, Ill.Cadets Alan & Jodi Sladek Midland, Mich.Cadet Jennie Sullivan Bismarck, N.D.Cadet Julie Trapp Battle Creek, Mich.Cadet Bersabe Vera-Hernandez Rockford Temple, Ill.

Summerassignmentsfor thePrayer Warriorssession

Continued from page 1

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President Barack Obama’sefforts earlier this year topromote his economic stim-ulus plan included a visit to

Elkhart, Ind., which has the nation’shighest unemployment rate—morethan 15 percent.

“We’re talking thousands of able-bodied, hard-working, long-tenuredemployees in a community of 66,000people who are out of work due tothe economic downturn,” saidElkhart Corps Officer CaptainSteven Woodard. “We’re seeing a 38percent increase in our utility assis-tance and a 15 percent increase inour food distribution alone.”

Elkhart has been known fordecades as the recreational vehiclemanufacturing capital of the world.But when money gets tight andrecreational spending falls, it doesn’ttake long for manufacturers and sup-pliers to feel the pressure.

The Salvation Army in Elkhart hashad a strong presence and consistentoutreach since 1903. Captains Steveand Jennifer Woodard report theyhave a great staff who are taking onadditional responsibilities and whoknow what they’re doing in provid-ing avenues for help and healing.

“We’re seeing more people thanever,” said Steve. “It would be easyto just give them what they need andmove on to the next person. But, I’vechallenged our staff to take the timenecessary with each person to showthem their worth and value, espe-cially when this is the first timethey’ve ever needed to come in andask for help.”

The Woodards, in conjunction withcorps council members, advisoryboard members and community lead-ers, are working hard to find addi-tional sources of funding to also pro-vide rental and transportation assis-tance, and to help offset or coverchildcare costs and essential house-hold bills. They established a county-wide network among large foodpantries to have a stronger voice withlocal food product manufacturers andthe neighboring South Bend regionalfood bank in order to bring pricesdown and provide more direct ser-vice.

“As we look to provide more assis-tance and excellence in care withoutless sanctity of life and dignity, we’llcontinue to encourage and lead peo-ple to God’s love and provision fortheir lives,” said Steve.

Dignity in times of need

by Michael Castillo

What better way to cele-brate St. Patrick’s Daythan with a hot cup ofpotato soup and a bag

of potatoes? Ryan Potato Companyjoined forces with the Grand Forks,N.D., Salvation Army to battlehunger and bring together a commu-nity with love and kindness.

Ryan Potato Company donated40,000 pounds of potatoes in 15-pound bags for distribution to thecommunity. Everyone was welcome.No questions asked. Take all youwant! The only stipulation—if youknew a neighbor who could usepotatoes, take them a bag.

When the idea of hot potato soupwas brought up, it seemed a naturalfor our canteen. “Red River ValleySoup for the Soul” was brought tolife by Amy Castillo, Grand Forkscorps helper, and Gary Shields,development director, who securedthe location and staged the opera-

Potato soup forthe soul

tion. Most corps staff were involved;Ryan Potato Company provided vol-unteer support as well.

Joan Ryan Mangino, CEO of RyanPotato, and Major Ed Wilson, corpsofficer, stood side-by-side, greetingall who came and handing out bagsof potatoes. Community memberswere thankful. Some just couldn’tbelieve the potatoes were free.While money was offered, none wastaken.

An hour and a half into the event,we’d given out 26,000 pounds ofpotatoes and depleted 12 gallons ofpotato soup. The turnout was over-whelming! Tears were shed; laugh-ter was heard. Potato soup is goodfor the soul.

National Social Services conference

plish even greaterthings when work-ing collectively. I’mnot called to do italone!”

Commi s s i one rC h r i s t i n eMacMillan, interna-tional director forsocial justice, pro-vided insightslinked with deepaffection. She refer-enced “a cup of cold water given in

Jesus’ name”as a call forunderstand-ing and ap r a c t i c a ldemons t ra -tion of bibli-cal social jus-tice, which islife giving;but for manyin the world“ w a t e r ”remains anunmet need.

She posedp r o v o k i n g

questions, such as, “What does yourwelcome mat look like?” As individ-uals enter your facilities for assis-

tance, are they“warmly wel-comed” or metwith a listof abrasiverules like“no loiter-ing, no foullanguage,”etc?

The com-miss ionerconcludedthat biblical

social justice is about trans-formation. She reinforcedthe principle, citing theusage of the Army’s bassdrum as an altar, a place of transfor-mation, in the marketplace.

Reflecting on her words, SharonSawka, casemanager andsoldier of theDanville, Ill.,Corps, said, “Imay serve in asmall and ruralcommunity, butI’m called toreact from aglobal perspec-tive.”

Several dele-gates and pro-grams were recognized for excel-lence. Joyce Schau from the Kansas

and WesternM i s s o u r iD i v i s i o nreceived theN a t i o n a lAward forExcellence inSocial Work forthe CentralTerritory. The

Central’s Territorial Award forProgram Excellence inSocial Services was

given to CaringPartners inR o c h e s t e r ,Minn., (seecenter feature),while thenational awardwent to theF.A.I.T.H. pro-gram forhomeless fami-lies inSarasota, Fla.The final ses-

sion featured the Rev. Dr. BrendaSalter McNeil, a dynamic preacher,evangelist and leader in the field of

racial and ethnic reconcilia-tion. Drawing from Acts 1and 2, she challenged dele-gates to “shake it up” and becatalysts of change inJerusalem (the place where

they are most com-fortable), in Judea(the place wherepeople are similar tothem), and inSamaria (the placethat is most uncom-fortable).

Having gathered toreflect, we leftrenewed for “such a

time as this”—steadfast in our mis-sion and commitment of “doing themost good.”

Continued from page 1

Lt. Colonels Mark and Carolee Israel pre-sent Joyce Schau the National Award forExcellence in Social Services for theCentral Territory.

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One of the largest corps inthe territory, NorridgeCitadel, Ill., just keeps ongrowing! Known for pro-

gressive worship, discipleship andstrong local leaders, this corps com-munity center in the suburbs ofChicago has enrolled more than 45soldiers and adherents in the lastthree years. People who join TheSalvation Army here come frommany different programs, fromsports to social services, the seniorsandwich club and even the kettleprogram.

Valerie Aguado, for example, hadbeen associat-ed with thecorps throughthe after-school pro-gram for anumber ofyears but wasnot attendingSunday ser-vices regular-ly. She waschallenged tomake a firmercommitmentof faith andknew exactlywhere theLord wantedher to serve—N o r r i d g eCitadel!

Pat Aronson wasbrought by her sis-ter Donna, who’s asoldier, to homeleague, senior sand-wich club and tovolunteer in thefamily services min-istry. Pat found afriendly welcomeand a place of ser-vice, which led herto attend Sundayservices. When theopportunity wasgiven to attendrecruits class, Pat

was readyto signup.As a sin-

gle mom,Dawn Gneich and hertwo children came to theNorridge Corps for theafterschool program.Dawn already loved theLord and readily acceptedthe invitation to attendSunday services, themom’s Sunday schoolclass and women’s Biblestudy. It wasn’t longbefore Dawn wasinvolved in many aspectsof corps life. As a strong,Catholic-raised Christian,making the choice to

become a Salvation-ist was a major lifedecision. But it’sone Dawn embracesas God’s will for herlife.

New Norridgeadherent YseultBrun came to thecorps last summerwhen a work trans-fer brought her toChicago. Yseult isFrench and works inthe pharmaceuticalfield. She first metthe Army in the Eastand had beenattending the MontClare, N.J., Corps.Bubbly and viva-cious, Yseult’s great

joy is singing praise to God in thesongsters.

“The amazing thing is that manyof our new soldiers and adherentscame to the corps simply by accept-ing the invitation on our front lawnnotice board: You’ve heard of our

work...nowcome experi-ence ourw o r s h i p , ”said MajorS t e p h e nYoder, corpsofficer withhis wife,Morag. “Theycame; theywere loved;they joined!God reallycan use any-thing to drawpeople intothe family offaith!”

by Captain Luis Zambrano

The ChicagoLawn, Ill.,Corps cele-brated its

reopening asM e t r o p o l i t a nD i v i s i o n a lCommander Lt.Colonel David E.Grindle installedmy wife, Raisi, andme as corps officers.The attendanceexceeded our expec-ta t ions—topping250 people! It was awonderful nightwhere everyonepresent rejoicedwith music.

On January 6th, we celebratedKings’ Day, and again the attendancewas overwhelming. Having reserva-tions for 100 children and 30 par-ents, we were surprised when 150children and more than 70 parentsattended! It was a night of “magic,”where Major Marc Johnson present-ed a simple and direct gospel mes-sage. Everyone was mesmerized bythe tricks; even adults hardlyblinked. We feel that the attendanceshowed that in some way each dayGod is allowing us to reach out andknow our community in Lawn. Thefollowing Sunday three of the youthaccepted Christ as their Savior.

A few years ago, I learned a cho-rus popular with Christian youth inVenezuela. It more or less goes likethis: “He can do it again. He can doit again. He can do it again. He cando it again. His great power is the

He can do it again

Building a brigade

same, never-changing, I am sure. IfGod has done a miracle, He can doit again.” God’s plans are for good aswe see in Jeremiah 29:11. He lovesthis community in a special way andhas brought us here with a purpose.We feel blessed to be a part of Hispurposes.

Our relationship with the commu-nity continues to grow stronger, somuch so that everyone who attendsthe corps is from the community. InNovember when we began our holi-ness meetings, we didn’t haveSunday school and there were onlysix of us. We now have an average of25 people in Sunday school and thenin holiness meeting. Hallelujah!

The road may be long and diffi-cult. Nevertheless, if God has done amiracle, He can do it again! He onlyasks us to be strong and courageous.

Norridge Citadel keeps growing

5

This sharp looking junior soldier brigade belongs to the St. Charles Tri-City, Ill., Corps, ledby Majors Steve and Melody Koehler. The brigade has more than doubled this year with fivenew members! Junior Soldier Sergeant Connie Barrera’s dedication and hard work have beeninstrumental in this corps’ growth. Not only does she teach weekly classes, but she consis-tently conducts special projects with her brigade like world services/self-denial campaignsand helping with kettles during Christmas. Pictured (l to r) are: Junior soldiers EthanHansen, Andrea Smola, Samantha Koehler, Noah Hansen, Jacob Hansen, A.J. Herrara, WyattGundlach and Ayanna Herrera; Majors Melody and Steve Koehler; Connie Barrera and flag-bearers Mariles Hood (l) and Ayanna Herrera (r).

Valerie Aguado

Dawn Gneich

Pat Aronson

Yseult Brun

One of the hallmarks of theNorridge Citadel, Ill.,Corps has been excellentand progressive worship

which draws people into this com-munity of faith. The band hasalways played an integral part inthis. In celebration of the corps’25th anniversary last year, theNorridge Citadel Band released aCD called, And now, Hallelujah!It features a wide range of 18favorites from “A Fanfare ofPraise” to “It is well,” to “Hey,Jude.”

A bonus DVD is includedwhich contains four worshipvideo presentations from Matthew with bandaccompaniment. A narrative booklet that recounts God’s blessing and notesabout each track on the CD is also included. A real bargain at just $15, thisCD/DVD combo is available through Resource Connection, 1-800-937-8896 orshop.salvationarmy.org

And now Hallelujah!

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6 Rochester adult care program

considering The Salvation Armyoperates nearly 8,000 facilities inthe U.S.

The program, which serves 60people, is poised to expand laterthis year. It provides weekday

activities, meals and education tophysically disabled and mentallychallenged persons, most of whomare seniors.

Caring Partners is located in theheart of downtown Rochester, onthe upper floor of the corps. Itopened in the early 1980s. Theprogram is a shining example ofhow The Salvation Army has beena pioneer in a booming industry:adult day care. Adult day care pro-grams serve 400,000 U.S. residentsnationwide and are growingbetween 5-15 percent annually,according to the Wall StreetJournal.

Keys to SuccessWhat makes Caring Partners so

special is that it allows partici-pants to be young again.

“Our staff does an intake inwhich we find out about who theparticipants have been in life,what their career was, what kindof hobbies they had, did they havechildren, and so on,” said Caring

The Mayo Clinic and itshometown of Rochester,Minn., are practically syn-onymous. No surprise,

considering the city regularlyhosts world dignitaries andcelebrities, who come to receivewhat is perhaps the best medicalcare available.

Yet Mayo Clinic isn’t the onlycaregiver in town with a stellarreputation. Next door to it lies abuilding that also heals, brings joyand restores laughter: TheSalvation Army Caring PartnersAdult Day Center.

In March Caring Partners waspresented the Territorial Award forExcellence in Social Services. Toachieve this award, a program isrequired to meet a list of specificcriteria from being fiscally solventto operating at least 80 percentcapacity. A program also must becertified with a gold rating, comply-ing with at least 90 percent of theTerritorial Social Services Standards.During their last evaluation, CaringPartners rated 97 percent.

In addition, it was among onlythree other programs to vie for thenational award, a lofty triumph

Partners Director Cyndy Gove.“Then we give them back all thethings they used to have, just in adifferent way.”

For example, Vance Lamina maynot be able to hear anymore, butthe 80-year-old can still enjoy afavorite hobby from his youngeryears—identifying animals—thanksto Caring Partners.

Every Wednesday volunteerDiane Borg sits down with Vanceand shows him pictures of birds,snakes, spiders and other crea-tures, then quizzes him on theirnames.

“He’s very sharp and writesdown most of the answers correct-ly,” Diane said.

Other Caring Partners activitiesabound: dances, sing-a-longs, remi-niscing programs, arts, crafts, jokedays… The list goes on.

“We’re doing this to keep thesepeople as whole as they can be,”said Janice Frerks, activities coor-dinator. “We want them to func-

2009 expansion will double program sizeStory and photos by Craig Dirkes

Tina Chinn is a regular at the card game,and she rarely loses.

Volunteer Diane Borg shares a laugh with Caring Partners participant Vance Lamina.

Caring Partners participants stretch their arms during daily exercise activities.

Cary Matheny participates in a seated aerobic exercise involving plastic plates.

Page 7: CenConnMay09

7gets national nodtion at their highest capacity.”

Although some people served byCaring Partners are physically ormentally challenged, others arefine but just a little lonely.

“I lost my husband five yearsago,” said Tina Chinn, a vibrant78-year-old who started coming toCaring Partners in early 2007. “Idon’t wish for anybody to losetheir partner, especially at my age.Otherwise, you sit in your apart-ment and watch TV, or look out-side all day.

“Am I healthier because of[Caring Partners]? I think so,” shecontinued. “It’s very important forseniors to have interaction withother seniors.”

Another group that benefitsfrom Caring Partners is the fami-lies of participants.

“This program allows partici-pants to stay living at home,” saidMajor James Frye, Rochester corpsofficer. “We help the participants

during the day, then in theevening they can go home withtheir family caregiver or theirspouse.”

For instance, Rochester residentSharon Smith enrolled her father,Jim Adams, 90, in Caring Partnersin 2008. Before he signed on,Smith spent much of her free timecaring for him.

“From the moment [he enrolled],he’s been in heaven,” she said.“Now he hates the weekends. Hewants to be here!”

Her father isn’t arguing.

“The people [at Caring Partners]are nice. It’s well managed, andthere’s always something goingon,” Jim said. “I love it here. Thisplace is very important to me.”

ExpansionCaring Partners is about to get

bigger and better.

The program is set to expand in

late 2009 when a vacant SalvationArmy thrift store building will beconverted into a new CaringPartners facility. The 8,000-square-foot site is located a block north.

“This facility expansion willallow us to double our programsize to more than 120 par-ticipants,” said Cyndy,adding that a small portionof the new facility will beused as office space.

The new Caring Partnerswill have the look and feelof a real-life village.

“Above the kitchen willbe a canopy that makesyou feel like you’re in anoutdoor café,” Cyndyexplained. “We’ll have alibrary with faux brickwalls, and a telephonebooth. There’ll be a nurs-ing station, a therapeuticbath, and windows every-where. We’ll have lots ofinteresting aesthetics thatwill be both interestingand relaxing.”

The expansion willenhance what has becomean invaluable service tothe Rochester area’s trea-sured seniors and theirfamilies.

“[Your parents] raise you, andyou know that someday it’s goingto reverse back,” said a teary-eyedSharon Smith while picking up herfather at Caring Partners. “I can’texpress enough how great thisplace is.”

Major James Frye, Rochester corps officer, serves juice and cookies during snack time.

Ask Ronald White, 73, what he thinks of Caring Partners, and he’ll respond like this.

During afternoon activities, some Caring Partners participants choose to tell stories and bond,while others sit down with puzzles or cards.

Caring Partners will double its program capacity later thisyear when it moves into this former thrift store building.

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88

Heart for teens abroad

Caribbean calling

area. He graduated from North ParkUniversity with a degree in youthministry and wants to continue towork with teenagers.

In March Justin left his hometownto serve the Kenya West Territory asa youth facilitator. He is passionateabout sharing the gospel with youngpeople and helping them gain themost out of their experience withThe Salvation Army, believing theyare the Army’s future.

His desire to work in Africa start-ed prior to college graduation. He’shad ample experience abroad, serv-ing overseas on summer missionteams in Ecuador and India, as wellas a corps trip to Korea last year.Every trip has had one thing in com-mon: a heart for children and teens.Justin made working with teens apriority when planning his long-term mission. A few months aftercollege graduation, he and ChrisShay, world missions bureau direc-tor, discovered an opportunity toserve youth in Africa. From that ini-tial discovery the details of the tripfell into place.

Justin knows many people havededicated themselves to pray forhim and appreciates it very much.He said, “It’s beautiful when manybelievers come together in prayer. Ifeel honored that so many havecome together in prayer for me andalready feel the prayer in my life asI begin this journey.”

Justin Rose has a sincere humil-ity and kindness about him.“What is most remarkableabout Justin is his ability to

connect and respond to any teenfrom any background, and his lovefor everyone,” said Cathleen Himes,former Band of Survivors leadershipteam member. She continued, “He isone of the most caring people Iknow.”

Justin grew up in The SalvationArmy and spent the better part ofhis formative years in the Chicago

cant challenges, to say the least.Most difficult, however, was anemergency that occurred duringtheir final months. Sheila had astroke, which resulted in a decisionto undergo brain surgery. It was apainful and challenging period, butcourageously Philip responded,“Throughout the process our familygrew closer. We experienced a calmand peace that could only beexplained by the supernatural power

of God.”The hurdles of

another culture,lifestyle andmajor surgery,however, are notenough to hedgein the Davissonfamily. Theydesire to goabroad again oneday and, as pro-ponents of con-tinuing educa-tion and lifelonglearners them-selves, continueusing their teach-ing abilities shar-ing the love ofJesus.

After three years ofservice in Chile,part of the SouthAmerica West

Territory, Captains Philip andSheila Davisson and theirdaughters have returned tothe United States. With theirchildren, James, 22, whostayed home for college,Jaclyn, 20 and Julia, 17, theyare excited to see how theLord will use their experi-ence abroad in serving Himat home.

During their time in Chile,Philip and Sheila served intwo appointments: first atthe South America WestTraining College as the edu-cation and finance officer,respectively, and second atterritorial headquarters.Their time in Chile wasmarked by a passion for edu-cation as they contributed tocadet classes, mentored theirstudents and were instru-mental in creating an online course.Aside from ministry, the way of lifefit them as well; it didn’t take long toslide into the rhythm and pace of aninviting and warm culture.

Although a satisfying experience,their journey wasn’t without itsbumps and bruises; learning anotherlanguage, working with limitedfunds, and sending Jaclyn off to uni-versity while abroad were signifi-

A Chilean journey

Captains Patrick andKaren Holness, raised inThe Salvation Army intheir native Jamaica, cameto the U.S. in search ofnew lives but were inextri-cably drawn back to thecall God had placed onthem. They entered theCollege for OfficerTraining with the “Heraldsof the Good News” sessionin 2005 after interning atthe Chicago MidwestCorps. After beingordained and commis-sioned in 2007, they wereappointed to serve ascorps officers of theDetroit Temple, Mich.,Corps. Now they’ve gonefull circle and returned tothe Caribbean Territory tocommand the HavendaleCorps in Kingston,Jamaica, as of July.

with all eight of the region’s corpshelping officers discern the needs ofsurrounding communities and devel-op outreach programs to bridge peo-ple into corps.

“Because corps budgets only coverbuilding rentals and salaries, theyneed extra funds to run programs,”explained Miranda, who sought outproject funding from sources withinthe Army and outside. Resourceswere allocated for projects such aschildren’s centers, now running inseven corps offering afterschooltutoring, activities and junior sol-diers classes; interior heat for manycorps, and even a tractor for a ruralcorps to lend to area farmers.

After last summer’s emergencyevacuation of the Duskins (see “GetConnected” story) and other U.S. cit-izens when Russia invaded Georgia,R.C. and Miranda returned a fewweeks later to intense aid work, pluscoordinating monetary donationsand humanitarian aid shipmentsthat poured in from other countries.In fact, they spent most of their lastyear in Georgia distributing suppliesand funds to corps, each of whichworked with at least two refugeeshelters.

Although CaptainsR.C. and MirandaDuskin are backin the Central

Territory awaiting anappointment after servingthree and a half years in theRepublic of Georgia, theylook forward to returningoverseas in the future.

“We both have hearts for missionsand other cultures,” said Miranda,who’s had several overseas experi-ences earlier in her life, as has R.C.“Actually, we’ve always found itharder readjusting to life in theU.S.,” she added, particularly afterhaving no television for the lastthree years!

Soon after arriving back in thestates from the Eastern EuropeTerritory, Miranda gave birth to thecouple’s second child, Isaac Elliot,on March 14. Their oldest son,Dominic, now an active two yearold, was born in the Republic ofGeorgia, which is also where theirmarried life got its start.

Before becoming an officer, R.C.had served overseas heading upfinance for the training college inHelsinki, Finland. After commis-sioning, he returned overseas towork in finance for the Georgiaregional headquarters in Tiblisi, thenation’s capital. A year later, hereturned to the U.S. to marryMiranda.

In Georgia, Miranda was appoint-ed to what she’d always felt wouldbe her overseas dream job—projectofficer. In that capacity, she worked

Missionminded

Page 9: CenConnMay09

Central ComposersFellowship—encore!

review and discuss each other’swork, learning from the collectiveprocess. During a reading session inthe Chicago Staff Band studio, fel-low composers used their instru-ments to play through each other’swork.

The format’s effectiveness wasaffirmed by Glenn Welch who said,“I continue to learn better how towrite music through these events.”

Reflecting on his experience,Colonel Redhead commented, “I wasparticularly impressed with therespect [the participants] had foreach other. There was no sense ofcompetition, just a very genuinesupport.”

The feeling was mutual. “ColonelRedhead was a great guest. So capa-ble and yet humble,” Stan Kelleyobserved.

CCF clearly met its objective toencourage and equip composers andsongwriters to develop their skillsfor God’s glory.

“[This experience] has stretchedme and my abilities farther than Ihad imagined. I can’t wait to seehow I will develop as a compos-er/arranger over the next two years,”added Major John Price.

Next stop: THQ 2011. To be con-tinued!

What doyou getw h e nyou put

a dozen creativemusicians in thesame room for twodays? The CentralC o m p o s e r sFellowship (CCF)—and a lot of newmusic!

It all began follow-ing the 2006 NorthA m e r i c a nComposers Forum held at AsburyCollege when the format changedfrom an annual to a biennial confer-ence.

“At first I thought it was badnews,” commented William Himes,territorial music and gospel arts sec-retary, “but in the end it was a goodthing because it made it possible toestablish the Central ComposersFellowship during the off yearsbeginning in 2007.”

Sponsored by the music andgospel arts department, CCF is opento any musician interested in creat-ing music and song. This secondgathering at territorial headquartersfeatured composer Colonel RobertRedhead, who, along with Himes,presented a wide range of topicsfrom lyric and melody writing tocomposition and orchestration.

Participants from six divisionsincluded Stan Kelley, Tom Hanton,Don Meyer, Glenn Welch, MajorJohn Price, Captain Allen Hanton,Eric Himes, Stephen Wheeler andJoshua Turner, who had individualconsultations with Colonel Redheadand Dr. Martin Rowden and benefit-ed from the advice of staff memberMarty Thomas in computer musictypesetting.

With an open workshop structure,participants were encouraged to

Lincoln rememberedThe Chicago Staff Band (CSB),

under Bandmaster Himes’ direction,debuted “A Lincoln Reflection” aspart of the college’s fine arts series.The eight-minute work for choir andbrass featured a massed choralecomprised of singers from the choirsof Illinois and MacMurray Collegesand Jacksonville High School.

Loreli Steuer and Ron Tendick, co-

chairs of the Jacksonville AreaLincoln Bicentennial Commission,asked Himes to write the piece afterthe CSB had performed in concertwith Professor Rudolf Zuiderveld,organist and professor of music,three years earlier. The professorenthusiastically endorsed the idea,along with Dr. Garrett Allman, con-ductor of the Illinois College ConcertChoir.

Excerpts from Lincoln’s poetryand other writings blend with thecomposer’s original text reflectinghis reverence for this president who,Bill discovered, had a much moreprofound effect on this nation andits subsequent history than he’d everimagined.

The solemn opening evokes theimage of a flickering flame, repre-senting the candle by which Lincolntaught himself to read and eventual-ly the law. The flame motif swells inresponse to the rapidly expandingprominence Lincoln assumed on the

national stage, through the South’ssecession, the Civil War, even thedefiance Lincoln took against hisown cabinet in signing theEmancipation Proclamation. At thispoint Himes set to music the well-known excerpt from Lincoln’sSecond Inaugural Address: “Withmalice toward none; with charityfor all…”

The work concludes with theplaintive opening theme withHimes’ take on Lincoln’s legacy:“A flickering torch,A single flame,You lit our destinyAnd we will never, never be

the same.”As the work finished the audience

responded with a standing ovation.An encore performance of “ALincoln Reflection” was presentedthe next day in “Lincoln’s church,”the historic First Presbyterian inSpringfield, Ill.

To mark the 200th anniver-sary of Abraham Lincoln’sbirth in 1809, an Illinoisbicentennial group commis-

sioned William Himes, Central terri-torial music and gospel arts secre-tary, to write the music and lyricsfor a choral work that made itsworld premiere at Illinois College inJacksonville.

9

Plan now to attend the 75th anniversary of

Special guests

Dr. John RichmondUniversity of Nebraska Directorof the School of Music andformer CMI faculty member

James CurnowComposer and publisher ofbrass band music

...the place to be since 1935!

August 6-16, 2009 Camp WonderlandNote: The alumni weekend is August 14-16. Alumni housing on CampWonderland is almost full, so make reservations soon (262-889-4305).The student application has been added to the THQ website andcan be downloaded from the music ministries tab.

CentralMusicInstitute

PhotobyMajorRobertDoliber

PhotobyChrisYoung

Page 10: CenConnMay09

A pilgrimage of faith and learning10

He calls, “Follow me”

This year 51 soldiers, employees and officers traversed the country of Israel. Experiencing the past and thepresent from Gethsemane to the Golan Heights, they enjoyed wonderful fellowship, gained new insights intoGod’s Word and grew deeper in their faith. Here we share reflections by two of the pilgrims.

We dutifullyfollowed ourguide as she ledus through hercountry, expertlyexplaining thehistory and peo-ple. Withumbrella raised,she led us through the windingstreets of Jerusalem, sharing herknowledge about areas “thought” tobe where miracles were performedand biblical experiences took place.

We visitedchurches andsang songs ofworship, walkedin the Garden ofGethsemane andsat amonggnarled, ancient-looking olivetrees while read-ing of Jesus’ ownexperience there.We stood atopMount Carmel,looking out overthe JezreelValley, envision-ing Elijah taunt-ing the priests ofBaal while God

showed His mighty power.All of these experiences, and

more, will remain a part of myunderstanding and new love of thisland of miracles and God’s power.But one small statement by ourguide touched my heart in an unex-pected way, forcing me to search

my soul.On a blustery, cold

and wet day while vis-iting the Golan Heights,our guide showed usbunkers used by Syriansoldiers and memorialserected to honor braveIsraeli soldiers. As westood shivering in thewind and rain, ourguide passionately toldof the many soldierswho gave their lives tocreate this new nation.She explained thatIsraeli officers did notsend soldiers into bat-

by Major Judith Mills

Anxious thoughts racedthrough my mind inanticipation of what Iwould see on this, my

second trip to the Holy Land.How many of the sites hadnew excavations which wouldreveal even more history ofthis country and its people?

What newlyrevealed stonesand mud citygates wouldopen my eyes toa deeper knowl-edge of God’sWord?

It had been 17years since I waslast in Israel. Inawe of thesights, soundsand smells, mybrain had beenvirtually overloaded in joy andwonder! To visit where Jesus lived,walked and served humanity—Icould scarcely comprehend it all.But this time, this time I promisedto carefully see and listen for thoseexperiences I’d missed that firsttrip.

ment has always been strong, andI’ve always been a good and faith-ful soldier. Truthfully, I cannot.There have been moments of weak-ness, and even a few “foxhole”prayers. But with renewed vision, I

now possessan image ofmy Lordleading me—not sendingme—into bat-tle, givingstrength andleadership toa sometimesweary andbeleaguered,but gratefuland joyful,soldier.

tle, they led them.With eyes of steeland resolute firm-ness in her voice,she waved her lefthand in a forward motion, sayingofficers would instruct their sol-diers, “Follow me.” My breathcaught.

I envisioned Jesus saying the verysame thing to His disciples. I imag-ined Him standing on the shore of

the Sea of Galilee, waving His handforward as He led the disciples inthe battle for the souls of mankind.

Then I saw myself, standingbefore my Lord as He waved in mydirection, calling, “Follow Me,” allthe while knowing the fierce battlethat lay ahead.

I wish I could say my commit-

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TerritorialPrayerCalendar

1 The Salvation Army in Fargo, N.D.

2 Camp staff and counselors thissummer

3 Captains Philip and Sheila Davissonback from overseas service in Chile

4 Children and adults attending campsthis summer

5 The Metropolitan Division’s Donut Dayfundraiser

6 The Wisconsin and Upper MichiganDivision’s women’s ministries camp

7 Outreach through caring on thisCommunity Care Ministries Sunday

8 The Chicago Staff Band returningfrom Europe

9 The Kistlers at junior soldier camp inthe Kansas and Western MissouriDivision

10 The Elkhart, Ind., Corps

11 The territorial executive councilmeetings

12 Pastor Jim Cymbala as he speaksduring Power Point in Merrillville,Ind.

13 The Power Point Prayer Summit

14 Today’s ordination and commission-ing of the “Witnesses for Christ”

15 Summer mission teams

16 The “Prayer Warriors” arriving attheir summer assignments

17 Captains R.C. and Miranda Duskinback from overseas service inGeorgia

18 Corps holding summer day camps

19 The Salvation Army in Madison, Ind.

20 Justin Rose serving in Kenya

21 Christian fathers and their influence

22 Brengle Holiness Institute delegates

23 Music ministry camps this month

24 The Mt. Clemens, Mich., Corps

25 The St. Charles Tri-City, Ill., Corpsjunior soldiers

26 Midland Division emergency disasterservices training

27 The Chicago Lawn, Ill., Corps

28 Officers and their families biddingfarewell today

29 Social services programs throughoutthe territory

30 Captains Patrick and Karen Holnessin the Caribbean

JUNE 2009

PRAY FOR:

11

Holy mackerel, what a trip!

March 12 – 25, 2010

Biblical Education Tourto Greece & TurkeyMarch 25 – 28, 2010

Extended tour to RomeThe tour is open to all

SoldiersEmployees

Retired officersAnd eligible active officers

Watch for more information coming to your corps soon!

aware that Abram wascalled to be the father ofthis new nation, Davidbought land and made analtar unto the Lord, therewas a first temple andthen a second where onlythe High Priest couldenter the Holy of Holies.

What I did not realizeis all this happened in thesame location—MountMoriah. I didn’t under-stand the city ofJerusalem is locatedwhere it is because ofAbraham. I had never putthe two together to understandwhy the wilderness wanderingpeople of Moses ended up buildingthe permanent Temple on MountMoriah. I knew all these thingshappened but was spirituallysobered to realize they all hap-pened in one spot—and that Jesuscoming again will happen in thisplace! Somehow it escaped me thatGod’s personal holiness has adirect plumb line from the throneof heaven into the heart ofJerusalem/Mount Moriah. Thesymbolism God uses to speak tous is remarkable. It is louder andclearer than the spoken word.

Think of it! Abraham descendsthe Mount of Olives to ascendMount Moriah with tears in hiseyes ready to sacrifice his son,Isaac. Jesus descends the Mount ofOlives weeping over his children,Israel, wanting to gather them as ahen would her chicks. God doesnot spare His only Son; He goesthrough with the sacrifice, and by

by Major Herbert Fuqua

If I were to retire in Israel Iwould open a seafood restau-rant and name it “The HolyMackerel.” Everything in

Israel starts with “holy.” But thenwhy is this a surprise? It is the“Holy Land.”

There were many experiencesand sites that impacted me on thistrip. The Sea of Galilee, Elijah onMount Carmel and the GardenTomb, to name a few. But the HolySpirit kept bringing my heart backto Mount Moriah and Jerusalem.My spiritual enlightenment was toconsider why “the Holy Land” is,well, holy.

I know the word holy means to“set apart.” I know God has setapart Israel as His nation throughwhom He has revealed Himselfand His love for all mankind. I am

Jesus’ blood we are saved. Therisen Savior then ascends back toheaven from—yes, the Mount ofOlives. He is coming again.Where? The Mount of Olives over-looking Jerusalem/Mount Moriah.He will enter the gates of the NewJerusalem, and so will we.

The Holy Land? Holy mackerel—yes!

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12

World Youth Convention delegateswill be chosen by the territories andcommands, each of which has beenallocated places according to thenumber of its soldiers. The USACentral Territory will send 20 dele-gates. Delegates will be soldiers oradherents, age 18-28 at the conven-tion’s start, who demonstrate a com-mitment to future service as activeSalvationists. They will study anddebate the General’s book, NewLove, which they will be encouragedto read before arriving in Sweden.The book includes contributions bywriters from all over the SalvationArmy world and seeks to show thatholiness is relevant to every humansituation, including the major globalissues of the day.

Territories and commands areencouraged to organize youth eventsto coincide with the convention.

Some of these may be linked to theconvention via satellite, enabling theGeneral and others to address asmany young people as possiblearound the world. Internet technolo-gy also will be used to make as manySalvationists as possible feel a part.

Aula Magna, just a few minutesfrom Stockholm’s city center, housesone of Sweden’s largest and mostmodern auditoriums. Delegates willlive in youth hostel-style accommo-dations within easy reach of the uni-versity campus. Saturday willinclude an outreach event.

A World Youth Convention web-site—to be launched soon—willenable Salvationists throughout theworld to keep informed of plans andto share in the virtual experiencebefore, during and after the event.

World Youth Convention Continued from page 1

The telephonerang. “Goodm o r n i n g .The Salva-

tion Army, how mayI help you?” askedthe receptionist. Onthe other end of theline, Sandra Reidinquired about beingpicked up for Sundayservices.

“I’ve called everychurch in Mt.Clemens and no onewill come get me,”she explained whentransferred to MajorMichele Heaver, Mt.Clemens, Mich.,corps officer. Themajor didn’t hesitateto say yes!

When Sunday rolled around, thevan stopped by Sandra’s house. Shewalked slowly but determinedlywith the help of a cane. She’drecently suffered a stroke, lost herjob and now had to depend on oth-ers, even just to get to church. Shewas grateful the Army cared.

Sandra became a regular attendeeand joined a women’s Bible study.She even attended a divisionalwomen’s ministries retreat! She’dnot only found a place that wouldpick her up for Sunday services,she’d found a fellowship of faith.Eventually, she joined a recruitsclass to learn more about the Armyand its doctrines. In October 2007she was enrolled as a soldier.

Now, she proudly wears her uni-form and holds the local officer posi-tion of missionary sergeant. Sandrais exploring fundraising options forworld missions. She also currentlyserves on the Eastern Michigan divi-sional missionary committee andmails birthday cards to SalvationArmy officers and lay people servingoverseas.

“I am happy that I am fulfilling theHoly Spirit’s direction in servingHim at the corps in Mt. Clemens. Ithas helped me spiritually as well asphysically in recovering from mystroke,” said Sandra Reid.

So the next time your corps’ phonerings, go the extra mile. You’ll not onlybe ministering in Christ’s name butmay even be gaining a new soldier!

Going the extra mile

The Kalamazoo,Mich., Corps recent-ly honored soldierJimmy Denton formore than 40 yearsof very active volun-teer service withemergency disasterservices, men’s fel-lowship, foodpantry, seasonalfood basket distribu-tions, toy shop, cus-todial needs, seniors’fellowship andmuch more. Thoughretired he still servesas the corps’ wel-come sergeant.Pictured (l-r) areKalamazoo CorpsOfficer Captain Tom McComb, Jimmy Denton, Major Debra Hansen, Western Michigan andNorthern Indiana (WMNI) divisional women’s ministries secretary, and Major RalphHansen, WMNI divisional secretary.

Faithful service honored

Don’t forget to check outResource Connection dur-ing the Power Point week-end! Pick up your free

2009 Christmas in Brass CD, andpurchase uniforms and resources fornew enrollees or recruits.

Mercy Seat and prayer connectionPrayer and kneeling before the

Lord can take place anywhere:beside a bed, next to a chair, in thegreat outdoors, or at an altar. Visitthe museum’s display on the MercySeat.

VendorsSave your corps money with out-

side vendors. They will offer savingson office supplies, ministry promo-tional materials, and products.

Freed-Up Financial LivingAn expanded version of the Good

Sense budgeting program, thisresource introduces a freshapproach to good stewardship andwise financial decision making.

Hallelujah Choruses #17 CD andSongbook

The latest Hallelujah Choruseswill be available for purchase.

Corps Ministry positions bookletThis manual outlines the respon-

sibilities, skills and spiritual giftsutilized by corps ministry positions.

Jim Cymbala’s booksCouldn’t get enough of Jim

Cymbala and his godly insight onthe power of prayer? Pick up a copyof one of his books.

Resource Connection atPower Point