Good News! April 2014

GOOD NEWS! ebrating cel

Volume 31 Number 4

APRIL 2014

years INSIDE The media gather outside Manhattan Citadel, Thursday, March 13.

PROFILE 35

Captain Martin Cordner directs a musical trilogy at Centennial Memorial Temple. Find out what he later tweeted to his fans.

PAGE 7

GRANDPARENTS CHANGE LIVES

See how senior citizenship can be a blessing to grandparents who touch the lives of children.

PAGE 8

‘Resident service center’ SA, Red Cross, and NYC agencies respond to gas explosion

Kenneth Speranza

‘ONE BODY’ WORLD SERVICES

The USA Eastern Territory is giving back to the world through its mission partnership with other territories.

PAGE 14

Good News! Online: www.SAConnects.org USA Eastern Territorial website: www.ArmyConnections.org USA National website: www.SalvationArmyUSA.org

“O

verall it was a very good experience to work with the Red Cross, New York City officials, and all our partners,” said Captain Antonio Rosamilia, commanding officer of the Manhattan Citadel Community Center.

“We are so grateful to God for this opportunity to serve.”

On March 12, 2014, a gas–leak explosion leveled two buildings in East Harlem, taking eight lives and leaving 250 residents from 85–90 apartment units homeless. At the request of the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and in partnership with the

American Red Cross, as well as other city agencies and non–profit organizations such as the New York City Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, or VOAD, the Greater New York Division’s Manhattan Citadel Community Center in East Harlem transformed itself into an official “resident service center” and emergency shelter for three days.

The Red Cross managed operations at the Manhattan Citadel shelter. On the first night, 75 people were sheltered in the center’s gymnasium. Also staying overnight were many volunteers, as well as Red Cross, Salvation Army, and city continued on page

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from the editor >>

Seeing what is possible

Warren L. Maye

GOOD NEWS! USA EASTERN TERRITORY

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.... What is impossible with men is possible with God.” —Matthew 19:26; Luke 18:27

I

t’s the year 2000 and I’m riding down sunny Uhuru Highway in Nairobi, Kenya, enjoying sights typical in most major cities. But then, the smooth pavement gradually transforms into a rugged, jaw–jarring terrain and our small car begins to struggle in and out of large, mud–filled potholes.

“Where are we?” I ask Sam, the driver. “Kibera,” he says. “We will reach the Salvation Army center soon.”

We ride past countless mud–brick, one–room shacks with rusty galvanized roofs, barefoot and tattered children, and rustic roadside vendors. We finally arrive at the center’s tall wooden gates.

Sam toots his horn, and the weathered doorways open inward, revealing a Kenyan corps officer couple wearing Salvation Army gray uniforms and broad smiles.

I spend the day with them, learning about their ministry that includes six outposts, serving 1,008 soldiers; a day–care center that serves 79 children; and a multipurpose center, whose primary focus is HIV/AIDS education and prevention where as many as 100 people frequently attend informative seminars.

In my eyes, the tasks with which these corps officers are charged seems overwhelming, given their meager resources. But in their eyes, I see a hope and an excitement that comes only when one sees beyond what is—and catches a vision for what is possible.

Today, are you seeing what is possible where you are—in your home, on your job, in your ministry, and in your life? Or are you burdened and frightened by what is? As a young pawnbroker’s assistant in London, William Booth’s eyes were opened to the desperate needs of poor and disadvantaged people. And God gave him a vision that eventually came to fruition as The Salvation Army.

In this Good News! you’ll read how people who were faced with adversity saw beyond their own challenging circumstances and caught a vision that transformed their lives and the lives of people around them. From the volunteers who reached out to apartment residents mourning the loss of their possessions and loved ones in a Harlem gas explosion, to grandmothers in Newark, NJ, who decided to offer their senior citizenship as a gift to precious little children, to a USA Eastern Territory that gives back to the world by refurbishing old corps buildings and planting new corps in distant lands, you’ll see what is possible—here and abroad—when you catch God’s inspiring vision for your life and for the lives of others.

GET CONNECTED

Commissioners Barry C. and Sue Swanson Territorial Leaders Colonel William A. Bamford III Chief Secretary Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor Secretary for Communications Warren L. Maye Robert Mitchell Keri Johnson Reginald Raines Doris Marasigan Karena Lin Joe Marino Nanette Morales

Editor Managing Editor Art Director Associate Art Director Photo Archivist Graphic Designer Graphic Designer Production/Web Specialist

Divisional News Correspondents CFOT—Major A. Kenneth Wilson ARCC—Major Charles Deitrick PENDEL—Randall Thomas, Major Kathryn A. Avery EMP—Jaye C. Jones GNY—Captain Gillian Rogers MASS—Drew Forster NJ—Bramwell Applin NEOSA—Major Thomas Hinzman NNE—Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI—Linette Luna SNE—James Gordon SWONEKY—Major Faith Miller WEPASA—Captain Kimberly DeLong Territorial Music Liaison—Ronald Waiksnoris All articles are copyrighted by The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and can be reprinted only with written permission.

Also available in Korean and Spanish.

Statement of Purpose Good News! is the official publication of The Salvation Army of the USA Eastern Territory. The purpose of Good News! is to inform, inspire, and equip Salvationists to grow in holiness, to serve together in supportive, healing communities, and to reach others for Jesus Christ.

For mailing list changes, write: Good News!, 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY 10994–1739.

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

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April 2014

territorial news>>

Looking forward to OOB

robert MitCheLL

C

harles Baker, Montclair (Citadel), N.J., Corps bandmaster for 35 years, understands the rich “musical tradition” of the Old Orchard Beach (OOB) Camp Meetings.

As a child, Baker made music at OOB. Today, he is excited about bringing his 33–member corps band to the camp meetings.

“This is a very prestigious event to do,” Baker said. “It’s an attractive place to visit because it’s very familiar to us. It’s always a big reunion there among Salvationists. We’re looking forward to it from that point of view.”

Going to OOB is an annual pilgrimage for some band members.

Other members are new to the tradition. “I’m particularly happy for them,” said Baker. “Now,they’ll finally get to see it.”

The Montclair Band will support Commissioners Dick and Vibeke Krommenhoek, territorial leaders of the Norway, Iceland & the Faroes Territory, who are this year’s special guests.

They will open the meetings by speaking on Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27.

The Eastern Territorial Songsters, ARC Chorus, and M–Band from Norway will also be performing during the first weekend.

Baker said Montclair’s band will also perform on Monday, July 28, during the annual march and during a joint concert with Point of Grace, a popular Christian singing group.

The Montclair Band with Majors Larry and Janet Ashcraft, former corps officers.

In recent years, several top Army bands have performed at the camp meetings on Monday nights.

“We’re hoping this will be a good combination,” Baker said.

Charles Baker In July, the Montclair band will schedule a few extra rehearsals to get ready for OOB. Last October, the band performed in Ontario, and in December, with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

“Besides what we do in our own corps, we’re quite active with other things,” said Baker, who is the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s principal trombonist.

“It’s a life’s calling for me to be involved with The Salvation Army at the corps level.

It’s a really nice situation and we play

every [Sunday] morning in Montclair for our worship. That, of course, is our first responsibility, but we’ve managed to do quite a number of other things, and that’s good. It stretches us musically.”

Following the joint concert at OOB on Monday night, the Krommenhoeks will speak again Tuesday, July 29, and will be joined by Crossfire Brass, delegates to the LEAD conference, and the Hands on Mission teams who will share testimonies from their time in India and Zimbabwe.

On Wednesday, July 30, the Creative Arts Services Team (CAST) will perform “Honk!”

On Thursday, July 31, all festivities will take place at the Pier and include Crossfire Brass, actors, singers, illusionists, and Salvationists who will share their testimonies.

Join Us

9-9:15 a.m.

saconnects.org www.saconnects.org

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prayer & praisE >>

Conversational Prayer “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

—Matthew 6:7–8

“D

o I have to pray out loud?” asked someone during a recent Prayer & Fasting gathering held at Territorial Headquarters.

We’ve all attended worship services that included a time of open prayer, and we listened to someone pray at great length with style and obvious ease.

Secretly we thought, I can’t pray out loud like that. . . I guess I’ll pass. During these moments we should remember the words Jesus spoke to his followers during His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:7–8).

What did Jesus mean by those words?

Just think about the times when you’ve been in conversation with a friend. How did it go? Perhaps it went something like this—you raised a topic, your friend made a comment about it, you added to

that comment, and then you both continued talking until you exhausted the topic. At that point, you either ended the conversation, or began a new discussion on another subject. That is exactly how Conversational Prayer works!

In her book, What Happens When Women Pray, (don’t let the title mislead you; this book is for everyone!), Evelyn Christenson states that more than 50 percent of prayer meeting participants pass when offered an opportunity to pray aloud. Christenson feels so passionate about everyone experiencing the joy of praying aloud and in one accord that she developed six guidelines for doing it.

She calls them the “Six S’s.”

• Subject by Subject – This assures complete concentration and fervent prayer, one request at a time.

• Short Prayers – Just one or a few sentences from each person on each subject allows time for all participants to pray, if they desire.

Colonel Janice Howard

• Simple Prayers – People who pray aloud for the first time will find it possible to utter one simple sentence—from the heart.

• Specific Prayer Requests – A list of specific requests with careful notation of when they are answered is a great encouragement.

• Silent Periods – Don’t panic. Silence between prayers is a privilege and a blessing.

• Small Groups – This is the best way to begin praying aloud, for newcomers, as well as for shy or untrained persons.

Would you like to learn more about the joys of Conversational Prayer? Go to www.armyonitsknees.org and read on.

And on this site, you’ll also find the USA East’s Territorial prayer requests.

—Colonel Janice Howard is the Secretary for Spiritual Life Development

vantage point >>

A year of biblical movies

I

n Hollywood, they’re calling 2014 the “Year of the Bible”—and for good reason. This year, there are so many biblical movies it’s hard to keep up with them all.

They started in February with the release of “Son of God.” Based on the success of the History Channel’s “The Bible” series, “Son of God” more than held its own at the box office.

That movie was followed in March by “God Is Not Dead,” a story about a Christian college freshman who defends his faith against an influential but atheistic professor. Director Harold Cronk also directed the Salvation Army–themed movie “Silver Bells” released last December (See Good News! January 2014 and Priority! magazine, Winter 2014).

Late March also saw the release of 4

“Noah,” a $300 million epic that drew both praise and criticism. Critics said it strayed too far from Scripture and never mentioned God. One of the consultants on the film was Hollywood producer Phil Cooke, who graced the cover of the Winter 2014 issue of Priority!

Cooke, who has helped the USA Western Territory launch The Salvation Army Vision Network, or SAVN.tv, has advocated on his blog and at this year’s National Religious Broadcasters Convention that Christians should embrace “Noah.”

“For at least a decade, we’ve been asking Hollywood to produce movies based on the Bible,” Cooke wrote on his blog at philcooke.com. “Now that they’re doing it, let’s be more encouraging. So far, they’ve proved to be serious in the effort,

Robert Mitchell

whether they miss the target or not. So let’s support it, not stifle it.”

Cooke’s company, Cooke Pictures, also produced a short video promotion for “Noah,” which included Guy Noland, a producer for SAVN.tv.

“Were they able to maintain the biblical truths of the Noah story? I would say, yes, absolutely they were,” Noland says in the video.

Another Bible–related film due out Easter weekend is “Heaven Is For Real,” based on the New York Times best–selling book about a young Nebraska boy, Colton Burpo, who visited Heaven.

There are more faith–related films coming. “Mary,” starring Ben Kingsley and Julia Ormond, is due out in December, as is “Exodus,” starring Christian Bale.

April 2014

transformation >>

‘Front doors’

E

Kathleen Wagner

veryone probably thought, What a lucky little girl. They saw a well–behaved child with two hardworking parents with good jobs who were able to buy new cars every year. But in reality, her parents never hugged her or told her they loved her.

I was that girl.

I attended church every Sunday, but as a teen, I realized I was not learning about God. I was taught to believe in Him, but I was never introduced to Him as my spiritual Father. All through my childhood and teen years, I did not know how to pray or how to properly follow God. I got pregnant at age 20. My dad told me that I would either have to get an abortion or leave his house. I chose to leave. The father of my child abandoned me. I went through my pregnancy alone.

When my son was 3–1/2 months old, I met another man and married him. I was 22. But my husband became disabled.

Each day became a constant struggle to provide food and shelter for my growing family of nine people.

Several months ago, we became homeless.

Finally, we found a home to rent in Bethlehem, Pa., but since I was only working part–time, and our only other source of income was my husband’s disability payment, we would only be able to pay for our rent and utilities. How would we pay for our car? How would we feed our family?

In desperation, we contacted our local Salvation Army. When I walked through those front doors, my life changed. They greeted me with smiles and hugs and support and kindness. That day, rather than feeling alone and scared, I walked away for the first time feeling hopeful.

I started volunteering at a Salvation Army corps where someone invited me to attend church. I wanted to go, but the last time I had been in a church I was 19 years old. I thought, Would I be welcomed? Would God even want me? I had a conversation with a beautiful woman who assured me that I was welcome, that I was loved, and that I was God’s child.

I thought I needed nice clothes, but she told me that “God doesn’t care about what we wear. He loves us because He created us.”

I now attend church every Sunday at The Salvation Army and volunteer regularly. I have had time to do that because I lost even my part–time job, and we also lost our car. But with God’s love and guidance, we are getting by.

I hope to start a new job soon, and my husband found a used van at a good price. We still struggle every day, but the Lord provides. I am learning what it means to be a true child of God. Finally at 45, I have found my rightful place in God’s house, in God’s family, and in God’s heart. www.saconnects.org

Remembering Carmen Berra

A ‘Hall of Fame’ volunteer

T

he Montclair, N.J., Citadel Corps is mourning the loss of longtime Salvation Army volunteer Carmen Berra, the wife of New York Yankees legend Yogi Berra.

Michele Kroeze, business manager for the corps, said that, since 1997, Carmen had been an active member of the advisory board. She died on March 7.

‘The Salvation Army has been fortunate to have had Carmen Berra serving on the advisory board at Montclair, New Jersey, for most of the past two decades,’ Kroeze said. ‘Since her passing, much has been written about her and how genuine and caring a person she was.

At Montclair, we were very fortunate to have known her on a personal level.’

Kroeze said Berra participated in ‘countless fundraisers’ and cracked thousands of eggs over the years in preparation for the annual Easter breakfast at the corps.

‘She would call us just to see if we needed anything, and she always called when she knew that there was someone in our community who needed a hand,’ Kroeze said. ‘Most of all, she was a blessing to those of us who called her a friend.

She will be missed.’

The Montclair Citadel Corps honored Carmen and Yogi Berra over the years, including in 2011 when the corps marked its 120th anniversary.

One of Carmen’s most memorable quotes was ‘A town without a Salvation Army would be like a country without baseball.’

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territorial newS >>

‘Resident service center’ responds to explosion

Kenneth Speranza

George Brzozowski, Manhattan Citadel volunteer, serves lunch to a passerby.

The gym in The Salvation Army’s Manhattan Citadel Community Center serves as a temporary shelter for displaced residents of the East Harlem gas explosion that leveled two buildings. workers. On the second night, 45 people were sheltered, as some displaced residents were able to stay with relatives and friends in other parts of the city.

People affected by the explosion received many in–kind gifts that included food, clothing, school supplies, toiletries, and toys.

Displaced residents received 1,000 hot meals, which included dinner on Wednesday, March 12th and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Thursday, March 13th and Friday, March 14th. The Red Cross provided all meals during the three days, served in partnership with Red Cross staff and volunteers.

At 10:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14th, persons affected by the explosion boarded city buses, which quickly took them to city–supported temporary housing located in East Harlem, the Bronx, and in midtown Manhattan.

Families received child–care services. Members of The Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Save the Children set up games and activities for youngsters. Children rode Salvation Army and Red Cross vehicles to and from school.

Members of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) were on hand with therapy dogs, who provided comfort to both children and adults.

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The Salvation Army provided on–site emotional and spiritual care along with the New York State Chaplaincy, New York Disaster Interfaith Services, Disaster Chaplaincy Services, and other organizations.

A residence service center, coordinated by both the Red Cross and OEM, was established on the second floor of the Manhattan Citadel. As many as 12 agencies provided intake and counsel, including Con Edison, the ASPCA, OEM, the Department of Buildings, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Mental Health & Hygiene, the Department of Homeless Services, the New York City Human Resources Association, and the Department of Housing Preservation.

New York City’s Department of Sanitation made extra visits to the center to remove trash.

City officials, including Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady of New York, Chirlane McCray, visited the center (shown right). Other community leaders also visited.

The shelter at the center officially opened at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12th, and officially closed at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 15th. The New York Police Department maintained a presence at the center until Saturday, March 15th, at 9 a.m., when the shelter officially closed.

After all was said and done, Captain Rosamilia and his staff went back to their daily ministry, minus the national spotlight.

“We continue to pray for, and to serve, our community,” said Rosamilia. “People have always come here for spiritual support, April 2014

territorial newS >>

‘What a night!’

Captain Martin Cordner highlights Profile 35

“I

’m absolutely privileged and honored to be part of a long line of these events,” said Captain Martin Cordner, this year’s featured guest of the Greater New York (GNY) Division’s Profile Night concert series. Since 1979, Profile Night has been an annual event where the work of one composer or songwriter is celebrated. Realizing the expectation of such a task, Cordner said, “I’m also terrified as well, to be perfectly honest with you!”

Cordner, who had set his personal expectations high, said, “And for all the people in the audience this evening, I hope they’ll not just hear music, but that their hair will stand up on the back of their necks, or something, and that there will be some kind of engagement; some kind of movement, and that they will be encouraged in someway.”

Captains Martin and Leanne Cordner have two sons. Since becoming officers in 2002, the Cordners have served in corps appointments in England, Scotland, and in Northern Ireland. Currently based in Norfolk, they serve as support officers in the Anglia Division.

Since 1987, Martin has been writing music. In 1989, he came to the Salvation Army’s International Headquarters as an employee. That move brought him under the influence of some of the Army’s leading musicians. To date, he has more than 50 published works for brass band.

The evening began with a march presented by the New York Staff Band (NYSB, Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris), entitled “Light–Bringer.”

Major James W. Betts, general secretary, welcomed everyone and led an opening prayer. Envoy Kenneth Burton, O.F., led the congregational song “I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous Grace.”

The NYSB then performed “Escape Velocity,” the first part of the evening’s musical trilogy, which describes humanity’s struggle against the “pull” of a fallen world as it tries to escape from turmoil into the tranquility of God. During the evening, Aaron VanderWeele performed three euphonium solos. His first was “Fearless,” accompanied by the NYSB; then “Mid All the Traffic,” accompanied by the GNY Youth Band (YB); and finally “The Follower,” accompanied by the NYSB. The GNY Youth Chorus (YC, Song Leader Gavin Whitehouse),

www.saconnects.org

Warren L. Maye

ministered with “Gift of Life.” Co–written with Captain William Dolling, this high–energy piece celebrates Christ.

The NYSB then performed “Sweetest Name,” an energetic swing number, which included two songs, “Oh, How I Love the Savior’s Name” and “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest Name I Know.”

During Cordner’s devotional message, he cheerfully alluded to his days as an adolescent when he began making his own compositions, which he courageously shared with his youth band. “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God,” he said. “For God gave us a spirit—not of fear—but of power and love” (2 Timothy 2).

Then the GNY YB (Christopher Ward) played “Fusion,” part 2 of the trilogy, which focuses on the celebration that arises when a believer arrives in heaven.

The youth chorus ministered with “Cross–Examined.” The youth band (B/M Gordon Ward) then rendered “¡Jubilo Jubilo!” (“Rejoice, Rejoice!”).

The final chapter of the Eternity Trilogy began with the NYSB’s performance of “Skydance.” A vibrant finale to the night included performances by the massed band with “Ohne Sorgen,” Josef Strauss’s light concert work for orchestra and an arresting rendition of “The Adventurers.” Written for the Hempstead Citadel Band, it brought to mind such action film composers as John Williams and the Army’s own Bruce Broughton.

In appreciation for his contribution to the Profile Night series, Cordner received a beautiful commemorative plaque from Lt. Colonel Guy Klemanski, divisional commander. The audience responded with a standing ovation.

Fans at home saw the concert via live stream on the Internet.

Responses via Twitter and Facebook were electric.

“Blessed by the ministry of the New York Staff Band and the Youth Band and Chorus. Thank you for sharing your gift with us,” wrote Joel Lyle.

Following the concert, Cordner stopped by the Café Beane for a cup of coffee and to check his Twitter and Facebook accounts.

“Thanks for all your Profile 35 messages,” he tweeted. “Will reply soon. For now, though, time for New York coffee! God bless you all!”

—For more on this story, go to SAconnects.org.

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territorial newS >>

Foster Grandparent Program Changes

S

ome grandparents are not ready for the rocking chair just yet. Although they’ve raised children and perhaps their own grandchildren, at age 55 and older, they’ve still got a lot to give.

These folks volunteer through the New Jersey Division’s Foster Grandparent Program. The program, sponsored by The Salvation Army’s Newark Area Services in Newark, N.J., provides grandmothers an opportunity to work with children, from toddlers up to 3 years old.

Maria Guzman, manager of the Foster Grandparent Program, said she currently oversees 53 volunteers who must be at least 55 and low income. They are assigned to help at day care centers, Head Start programs, schools, hospitals, and

after–school programs.

“They don’t want to be home doing nothing, but want to do something for the community,” Guzman said.

Newark Area Services volunteer Lidia Noboa agreed, saying, “The truth about our service is that our spirits are filled with joy as we arrive at the day care because the kids see us as their own grandmothers and we see them as our grandchildren.”

In this Good News!, Noboa and three other Foster Grandparent Program volunteers share their thoughts.

Make my day—and my future

A

fter waiting a long time to enroll with the Salvation Army’s Foster Grandparent Program, I finally did.

I’m glad I remained focused despite the waiting period, because enrolling in the program has been the best thing that has happened to me.

After being in the program for the last three years, I have been relocated twice to serve different populations of children. I started at the Nursery Unit at the Jersey City Medical Center. I was assigned for approximately two and a half years to care for some boarder babies.

I gave the children—who have special needs—tender love, care, and compassion.

Unexpectedly, however, the partnership between the program and the Medical Center ended. My heart raced when I heard this news, and for a little while, I was mesmerized. I soon realized that my mind was truly in a fog. At my age, I did not have any other solution but stay home—for the rest of my life.

Then one day, a nurse from the Medical Center called me and told me to come down on June 16, 2013. They were having a party for me in recognition of my service there. They thanked me and gave me a plant and a necklace, both of which I still enjoy.

On another day, I received a phone call from the Foster Grandparent Program’s director, informing me that she had found another location where I could serve. This call made my day and my future. After being at home doing

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nothing, I now could meditate on how I could continue being useful to my community.

At the new location, I am working with toddlers. I enjoy them because they talk to me and they like to ask questions. What makes me happier is that they are little creatures, eager to learn. They tell me, “Grandma, you are nice,” and I give them a hug. I help them play with blocks and learn colors. I also help them with phonetics and show them pictures of animals, and then I ask them to name the animals.

Dealing with the special children at the Medical Center made me stronger and more tolerant. And dealing with these 2–year–old children makes my day and my life easier and more relaxing!

—Volunteer Beatrice Pery

April 2014

Lives

ROBERT MITCHELL

It was a miracle

T

he Nurturing Place Daycare Center is in downtown Jersey City—about three blocks from the river. Typically this place floods after a regular rain.

And when it happens, I have to go below street level to work with my children, ages 18 months to 3 years old.

In October 2012, Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey with hurricane– force winds. Some days after the storm, one street–level store still had water up to the ceiling. One day while walking from the bus stop to the daycare, I noticed every house for many blocks had furniture and trash thrown out because of the flooding. Sandy really did some damage around the area where I provide my volunteer service.

I thought, If the Nurturing Place has flooded, everyone will be out of work for months. No children, foster grandparents, teachers, cooks, or the administration would be able to work until everything was cleaned and inspected.

However, when I got to the center, I did not see any trash in front. So, I went in and talked to the staff. When I said, “I bet you had to do a lot of cleaning,” they informed me that the center did not get flooded at all.

I believe God made the Nurturing Place a safe place for us and our children.

Thanks to Him, we and the nuns who run it can continue our service. To have that specific location dry when the entire neighborhood flooded, I still think is a miracle. It was impossible to believe, but nothing is impossible for God to do.

—Volunteer Barbara Wynn

‘Hello’ and ‘Good Morning’

A

s I start my working day as a Grandma for the Foster Grandparent Program, I say to myself, How fortunate I am to know that each morning, I have my day made by greeting the staff and children of the Leaguers, Inc. Each child is so beautiful and different that it really fills my day with a meaningful feeling. In the group of children I serve, each child is wonderful, one by one. By helping to tie a shoe or to wash a dirty hand, I spend a few hours with these innocent children.

Reading a book to children is almost impossible, but I love it anyway. Also, helping them to walk takes energy and it is a challenge, but I love that challenge too. Coloring and constructing puzzles with them requires patience, but I love the way it brings me memories. After a child has learned to walk and he or she is no longer timid, we both love it!

Thank God that The Salvation Army is here to help people like me to have someone to talk to each day. Without seeing these children and staff every day, I do not know how my days would be.

Seniors need ‘incentives’

M

any memories come to my mind as a grandmother in the “Foster Grandparent Program.” This program has changed my life and the lives of many other grandparents.

I’m appreciative and grateful to be on board with this program. What an experience this is for us to work with the children and how comforting it is to know that every morning, we rise up determined to overcome our illnesses, loneliness, depressions, and other issues.

The truth is that our spirits are filled with joy as we arrive at the daycare because the kids see us as their own grandmothers and we see them as our grandchildren. We become attracted to them and when they go to another classroom or school, nostalgia invades us, but we are happy to have given them our love and experience.

When the children remember us and say, “Hello Grandma,” it gives us joy to hear them with their little tender voices.

And, on many occasions, their parents and teachers are grateful and bring words of praise to us.

I thank the administration of the Foster Grandparent Program, The Salvation Army, and the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) for having put this wonderful program in place for us, the seniors. Your program is an incentive for our lives.

—Volunteer Lidia Noboa

—Volunteer Margaret Wise

www.saconnects.org

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corps newS >>

New soldiers, a lock–in, and eggnog

Newark, New Jersey

Nashua, New Hampshire

WELCOMING NEW SOLDIERS

WARM HEAD, HEART

Newark, NJ—In March, 12 youths and seven adults were sworn in as new junior and senior soldiers at the West Side Corps.

Lt. Colonel Kenneth W. Maynor, territorial program secretary, was the guest for the morning holiness meeting, and he also officiated during the ceremony.

Lieutenant Sergo Lalanne, the corps officer at Newark West Side, commented, “God is blessing our efforts as we look for ways to grow His Army! A couple of our adherents have been waiting for a while to become soldiers. We praise God for drawing our kids and adults closer to Him.”

Salem, MA— Each Tuesday and Thursday, the North Shore Corps opens its doors to a needy community for lunch.

“It is open to anyone and we strive to let them feel cared for and loved by God,” said Katina Polemenako, the director of outreach.

Polemenako said the corps tries to give everyone an extra treat during Christmas, such as a small bag with candy, toiletries, and a card.

This year, 30 people attending also received hats knitted by Polemenako’s mother, Grace Barter, a frequent volunteer. Barter also knitted about 200 hats for the corps’ toy

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shop distribution.

One “thank you” note read: My name is David. I received a hat that you made. I wanted to say thank you for making it. I use it all the time and it keeps me warm. It is the only present that I got this year and it was great. In fact, it was the only present I have gotten in years.

Thanks for making my Christmas a little brighter.

COOKING ON A BUDGET Greensburg, PA— The Salvation Army has partnered with the Westmoreland County Foodbank and the Penn State extension campus to host a “Supper Cupboard” program.

“We have a class of 11 participants who come for five weeks and learn how to cook nutritious, tasty meals from their monthly food bank boxes,” said Captain Pamela Rhodes, the corps officer.

Rhodes said all of the participants have at least one child at home.

The Super Cupboard class concept is to educate frequent users of emergency food services as they use a combination of food assistance, nutrition education, food preparation, and basic living skills.

Each five–week program consists of a series of lessons and activities on various topics to help participants feed their families on a limited budget.

CO TO BE HONORED Nashua, NH— Major Norma Moore, the corps officer, has been selected as one of the Nashua Telegraph’s 25 Extraordinary Women of 2014.

“She is being recognized for her compassionate and dedicated service to some of the most economically vulnerable people in our community,” said Jennifer Holt, director of development at the corps, “and for living the Salvation Army’s mission of serving others in His name without discrimination here in Nashua.

“This is a significant recognition that has included business leaders, mayors, senators, and others. We are very proud that Major Norma’s efforts on April 2014

Portland, Maine behalf of The Salvation Army are being recognized in this manner.”

Moore, who became an officer in 1997, runs the Christmas assistance program, which served more than 2,600 people in 2013. She also leads the youth program and oversees the social service program at the corps.

The newspaper’s awards luncheon will be held on April 24 at the Radisson Hotel in Nashua.

‘LOCKED IN’ FUN, WORSHIP McKeesport, PA—On March 14-15, the corps decided to hold a “Lock-in” of worship, praise, and fun for its junior soldiers.

The junior soldiers www.saconnects.org

arrived on Friday night for a time of worship, crafts, volleyball, baking, nail polishing, and games. The next morning, the group enjoyed breakfast, worship, and gifts before heading home.

Major Robert Carney, corps officer, said a lot of prayers and godly volunteers, such as program assistant Terry Johnson, an ordained minister, made the event possible.

“Just to see so many junior soldiers and corps cadets praising the Lord and getting to know other soldiers is exciting,” Carney said.

CORPS GROWTH Carlise, PA—Major David Wetzel says the word is finally getting

out. Wetzel said when he first arrived in Carlisle almost three years ago, three children attended church at the corps.

In March, 21 children attended Sunday school and church.

“And not only that, some of the children’s parents and grandparents are attending with them,” Wetzel said.

“We give all the glory and honor to God.” That same Sunday, the corps took part in the popular “Taste of Carlisle” event.

“During the course of the afternoon, we set up a table full of Salvation Army materials and a lot of people stopped by to talk and share their good thoughts of the Army,” Wetzel said. “It was a good time of sharing.

“Some people asked

about the Army and are thinking about attending the corps,” Wetzel said.

EGGNOG, ANYONE? Portland, ME— Oakhurst, Northern New England’s leading dairy brand, raised $20,405 for The Salvation Army through its 14th annual holiday “Eggnog” campaign.

The funds will help support Army programs at corps in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Since 1999, Oakhurst has donated a portion of its eggnog sales— five cents for every container sold during the holiday season—to the Army. To date, the company has donated more than $240,000.

The funds will be divided among 22 corps community centers. The financial support will be used to supply meals, after–school tutoring, recreational activities, and shelter.

Major James LaBossiere, divisional commander, said, “The Salvation Army is doing its best to maximize donations to help and to educate people in need through such programs as Camp Sebago, a residential camping program for children (located in Standish); The Center for Healthy Aging in Portland; the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen in Bangor; The Learning Zone for children in Bath; and OOBIE Reading Lab in Old Orchard Beach.”

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YOUTH Greater evangelistic effectiveness; Emphasis on youth under the age of 30 LEADERSHIP Enhanced leadership development; Emphasis on candidate recruitment MISSION Expansion of Urban Ministries; Emphasis on integrated mission DISCIPLESHIP Deeper discipleship; Emphasis on Bible study and prayer

Pre–registration for Sunday only child care is required. (Space is limited.)

www.boothyouth.com

USA Eastern Territory Commissioners Barry C. & Sue Swanson, Territorial Leaders

territorial newS >>

A ‘sweet time’ in Hershey

Warren L. Maye

Deeper Discipleship Skilled Leadership Integrated Urban–Focused Mission Young Adult Empowerment —The Four Srikepoints

“T

hese strikepoints are personal to me because I have benefited from people investing in me and mentoring me and discipling me,” said Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, in his latest “Strikepoint” campaign video.

“I specifically remember when I was 23 years old and just out of college and figuring out what to do, my Divisional Youth Secretary, Major David Riches, took me aside and really invested in me and invited me to join him in all kinds of adventures and projects,” Swanson said. “And in the process of doing that, I realized that God had a bigger plan for me and a purpose for my life. This really gave me the confidence and the faith to step out.”

In addition to the sweet taste of chocolate candy, the Commissioners Swanson want delegates to take home from the Strikepoint Commissioning weekend events in Hershey, Pa., the confidence and faith to step out and to explore the boundless possibilities awaiting them in ministry.

Why Strikepoint?

“Strikepoint is critical to the gospel message and is the reason why the Army exists,” said Commissioner Barry. “It is vitally important to God’s kingdom and to the redemption of the world.

It will help us to sharpen our focus on mission and to become more strategic in carrying out our work in the territory.”

Swanson pointed out that every aspect of The Salvation Army—its corps community centers, adult rehabilitation centers, thrift stores, Kroc community centers, and emergency disaster units—all have been called to be vibrant expressions of the work of Jesus Christ in local communities.

“Our prayer is that the Lord will raise up a ‘Strike Force,’ a team of ‘Salvation Soldiers’ in every ministry and mission of The Salvation Army who are committed to this ‘Strike Force Mission’ who will develop innovative strategies and expressions of Salvationism, which will result in strongholds being broken, people being rescued, and glorious victories as the banner of Jesus is lifted high above every village, town, and city in this territory.”

Commissioner Sue added, “You truly care for your center and your corps—you who have taken up leadership and you who are coming into leadership and you who are exploring leadership—we want you to be here to have a time to talk about what God is already doing and how you can plan what will be the next step in your life of service for the Lord.”

If you want to know more about Strikepoint, talk to your corps officer or ARC administrator. You can also visit our new website for more information at SAconnects.org. www.saconnects.org

Strikepoint speaker Reggie McNeal will address the various groups during Strikepoint.

As the missional leadership specialist for Leadership Network of Dallas, Texas, he helps people pursue more intentional lives. For more than a decade, Reggie has served as a denominational executive and leadership development coach. He’s also served in local congregational leadership positions for 20 years, including being a founding pastor and a church planter.

As an adjunct professor, McNeal has either taught or lectured at seminaries such as Fuller Theological (Pasadena, Calif.), Southwestern Baptist (Ft. Worth, Texas), Golden Gate Baptist (San Francisco, Calif.), Trinity Divinity School (Deerfield, Ill.), and Columbia International (Columbia, S.C).

McNeal has served as a consultant to local church, denominational, and para–church leadership teams, as well as a seminar developer and presenter for thousands of church leaders across North America. He has been a resource to the U.S. Army’s Chief of Chaplains Office, U.S. Air Force chaplains, and the U.S. Air Force Education and Training Command. Reggie’s work also includes The Gallup Organization and other business sector groups.

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territorial newS >>

‘One Body’: World Services Partners in Mission

“W

orld services/self–denial is such a vital component of who we are as The Salvation Army in United States Eastern Territory,” wrote Commissioner Barry C. Swanson, territorial commander, in a letter to officers, soldiers, and adherents.

It was an introduction to a package of materials to be used by corps leaders in a four–week presentation on the World Services and Partners in Mission.

Among other useful items, the kit includes a DVD with a video introduction by Commissioner Swanson. Each of the weekly subthemes (“One Hurts,” “All Hurt,” “One Is Honored,” and “All Rejoice”), is supported

with a video clip and a written sermon. Also included is a full–color Sunday bulletin insert for each week featuring a testimony from around the Salvation Army world.

Partners in Mission For a number of years now, the USA Eastern Territory has been in partnership with various territories around the world, such as the India Central Territory, the Korean Territory, the Mexico Territory, the Middle East Region (which includes Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates), and the Zambia Territory.

Designers of the kit hope it will help readers empathize with people who are hurting and celebrate those areas of ministry where such people are being helped through mission partnerships.

Warren L. Maye

Projects financed by the East have resulted in the planting of new corps and the refurbishing of established ones. “Because we are ‘One Army with One mission and One Message,’” wrote Swanson, who reiterated the Salvation Army’s global motto, “we are challenged to get crucial resources where they are needed.”

Photographs from overseas are frequently sent to Territorial Headquarters as part of an ongoing effort to keep administration updated. Such photos typically show dramatic improvements to corps buildings and show inspiring and heartwarming images of packed Holiness meetings in newly planted corps or renovated buildings.

Swanson continued, “please use these materials to enlighten and to exhort. The work of the Army depends on it.”

The Eastern Territory supports projects by our mission partners around the world.

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April 2014

territorial newS >>

Promoted to Glory MAJOR ANDREA SEE

LT. COLONEL PAUL DAVIS SEILER

MAJOR WILLIAM EDWARD LINCOLN TUCKER

February 25, 1948—February 27, 2014

March 15, 1925—February 24, 2014

February 12, 1927—February 17, 2014

Major Andrea See was promoted to Glory from Waccamaw Hospital in Georgetown, S.C. Andrea was born into the Salvationist family of Clark and Janet Berkhoudt in Buffalo, NY. In 1963, she gave her heart to Christ at Camp Long Point.

Andrea entered officer training in 1969 from the Syracuse, N.Y., Corps as a member of the Victorious session. She served as an assistant in Middletown, N.Y., but in 1972, married sessionmate Larry See and they served in N.Y., Conn., and Ohio.

The Sees also served in Argentina. They returned to the United States and were appointed to a corps in New York before transferring to the Men’s Social Services Department (Adult Rehabilitation Center Command). They served in Conn., Ohio, and N.Y. before retiring to Myrtle Beach, S.C., in 2010.

Survivors include her husband; a son, Scott See of Suffern, N.Y.; three daughters, Captain Kristin Rivero of Wilmington, Del., Major Hollie Leonardi of Elizabeth, N.J., and Captain Jenny Alarcon of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; a sister, Major Janet Ashcraft of Cincinnati, Ohio; two brothers, John Berkhoudt of Charlotte, N.C., and Clark Berkhoudt of Ridgewood, N.Y.; and six grandchildren.

Cards may be sent to Major Larry See, 804 Buteo Ct., Myrtle Beach, SC 29588.

Email lgsee @sccoast.net.

Lt. Colonel Paul Davis Seiler II was promoted to Glory from Moravian Manor in Lititz, Pa. A third–generation Salvationist, his parents were Paul Davis (Sr.) and Angele Seiler of Martinsburg, W.Va. His mother led him to the Lord at age 16.

In 1943, Paul entered officer training from the Cincinnati (Citadel), Ohio, Corps as part of the Liberty session. He later served at corps in N.Y., Mass., and R.I. before a series of division–level appointments in N.Y., P.R., N.J., and Pa. He also held several posts at Territorial Headquarters (THQ), including as secretary for public relations, development, property, and business administration.

His wife, Lt. Colonel Marie Seiler, was promoted to Glory in 1984. Paul married Major Dorothy Camuti in 1985 and continued to serve at THQ until retiring in 1990.

The Seilers eventually settled in Leola, Pa. Survivors include his wife; three sons, Paul D. Seiler III of Lewisville, N.C., Richard E. Seiler of Ashford, Conn., and Donald Seiler of Goldsboro, N.C.; a foster daughter, Jean Reed of Greensboro, Ga.; a stepson, Major Dennis Camuti of York, Pa.; two stepdaughters, Dorothy Rinehart of Danville, Ky., and Evelyn Sears of Fairfax, Va.; 13 grandchildren; and 14 great–grandchildren. Cards may be sent to Lt. Colonel Dorothy Seiler, 23 Blaine Ave, Leola, PA. Email: padseiler@juno.com.

Major William Edward Lincoln Tucker was promoted to Glory from Gosnell Hospice in Scarborough, Maine.

He was born into the Salvationist family of William and Theresa Tucker of the Chelsea, Mass., Corps. From there, he entered officer training in 1944 as a member of the Fearless session.

He later served as an assistant corps officer in Maine, N.H., Mass., Conn., and N.Y., as well as in divisional appointments in N.Y. and in Pa. After marrying Captain Vera Pugh in 1952, Bill served as a corps officer in Pa., Conn., Mass., Ohio, R.I., Maine, and N.J. He also was a chaplain at Booth Maternity Home in Pa., and Booth Memorial Hospital in Ky. His last appointments were as director of emergency services in Pa. and at the Rochester, N.Y., ARC. The Tuckers retired in 1990 to Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Vera was promoted to Glory in 1993. Bill married Major Frances Daniels in 1994.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Wendy Culbreath of Hillsboro, Ohio; a son, Wayne Tucker of Old Orchard Beach, Maine; four grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren; and a brother, Emerson Tucker of Peabody, Mass. Cards may be sent to Major Frances Tucker, 33A Fern Park Ave., Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064.

TERRITORIAL EVANGELIST SCHEDULE Territorial Headquarters will be pleased to schedule the territorial evangelists to appear at your corps or unit at no cost to you. Please call the territorial evangelists’ office at (845) 620–7676 for more information.

All dates are subject to change

www.saconnects.org

CAPTAINS ANGELO AND VIRGINIA BERMEO April 16–17 April 19–20 May 15

Norwalk Corps, Conn.

Norwalk Corps, Conn.

Dover Corps, Del.

MAJOR DONNA PETERSON April 16–20 April 20 April 23–24 April 30– May 4

Philadelphia ARC, Pa. Philadelphia Roxborough Corps, Pa. Holiness Symposium— THQ Conference Center Bath, Maine

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