SAconnects, Volume 1, Number 8

VOL. 1, NO. 8 โ ข DECEMBER 2015

the magazine

giving

&faith

love page 19

25

DAYS of

CHRISTMAS a devotional calendar page 15

la misiรณn de la organizaciรณn mercy ships pรกgina 10

SACONNECTS.ORG

IN focus

our leaders

on Christmas morning la mañana de Navidad As a child, one of my favorite Christmas activities was visiting the Adler Planetarium on the shore of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago.

Every December, the Planetarium still has an exhibition called “The Star of Bethlehem.” It is a mesmerizing experience to settle into your reclining chair as the “sky” darkens, revealing a star–studded display of the heavens.

After being amazed by a variety of celestial wonders, to my delight, a voice would dramatically announce that we would be turning back the clock 2,000 years to reveal the sky exactly as it would have appeared over Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born!

The narrator then presented several theories that might account for the phenomenon of the Christmas star. Was it a meteor? Perhaps it was the convergence of several planets in such a way as to cause the appearance of a brilliant light over Judea. Or perhaps it was an unknown super nova (whatever that was) guiding the Wise Men over “field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.”

I waited patiently, as I knew the best was yet to come. Sure enough, the program concluded with the narrator admitting the distinct possibility that just maybe, it was a MIRACLE! His concesson was always a validation of everything my Sunday school teacher had been telling us. I would return home more ready than ever to celebrate Christmas.

A star has become one of the great symbols representing Christ. In music, art, and literature, one can think of many examples of how the idea of light–bringing fits the life purpose and mission of Jesus, the Messiah. No matter how dark the night, the light always prevails. Down through the ages, it has become a precious tradition for believers to make that important connection, and to understand that it is describing an absolute, unalterable truth. The Light has come!

Try this on Christmas morning. Wake up early, well before dawn, and go outside. If the night is clear, look to the horizon. There He will be—Jesus, the bright Morning Star (Revelation 22:16).

Joy to the world.

— Commissioner / Comisionado Barry C. Swanson Territorial Commander / Comandante Territorial

Una de mis actividades favoritas en la temporada de Navidad en mi niñez, era visitar el Planetario Adler a orillas del Lago Michigan, en el centro de Chicago.

Cada mes de diciembre, el Planetario ha venido presentando hasta hoy una exhibición llamada “La estrella de Belén”. Es una experiencia fascinante sentarte en tu butaca reclinable mientras la “bóveda celeste” se oscurece y te va mostrando un despliegue de estrellas en los cielos.

Una voz anunció en tono muy dramático que nos devolveríamos dos mil años en el tiempo ¡para que apreciáramos el cielo que se veía sobre Belén la noche en que Jesús nació!

El narrador luego presentaba varias teorías que podrían explicar el fenómeno de la estrella de Navidad. ¿Fue acaso un meteorito? Quizás fue la convergencia de varios planetas que causó la impresión visual de una luz brillante que se cernía sobre Judea. O quizás fue una supernova (¿qué habrá sido eso?) que guiaba a los Sabios venidos de oriente a través de los campos y las fuentes, los desiertos y las montañas, siguiendo la estrella que les mostraba el camino.

Yo esperaba con paciencia, pues sabía que lo mejor todavía estaba por venir. Y, tal como anticipaba, el programa concluía con el narrador reconociendo la posibilidad de que quizás se pudo haber tratado de un ¡MILAGRO! Su concesión representó siempre para mí una confirmación de todo lo que mi maestro de Escuela Dominical nos había estado diciendo. Yo entonces salía del Planetario y regresaba a casa más dispuesto que nunca a celebrar la Navidad.

La estrella se ha convertido en uno de los grandes símbolos que representan a Cristo. En la música, el arte y la literatura, uno puede pensar en varios ejemplos de cómo la idea de un portador de luz describe de manera ideal el propósito de la vida y misión de Jesús, el Mesías. No importa cuán oscura sea la noche, la luz siempre prevalece. A lo largo de los siglos ha pasado a ser una entrañable tradición para los creyentes hacer esa importante conexión y comprender que describe una verdad absoluta e inalterable. ¡La Luz ha venido!

Haz esto la mañana de Navidad. Levántate temprano, antes del amanecer y ve afuera. Si la noche está despejada, mira el horizonte. Ahí estará Él: Jesús, la brillante Estrella de la Mañana (Apocalipsis 22:16). ¡Que en Él se regocije el mundo!

the General’s Christmas message

A New Perspective It is with hearts filled with thanksgiving and praise to God that we should enter this Christmas season. I hope we will all take time to reflect and contemplate the everlasting love and eternal plan of salvation that God has prepared since the beginning of time for all mankind.

We certainly have had ample opportunity to reflect on the boundless love of God to The Salvation Army throughout this milestone year of the 150th anniversary celebrations.

Once again, now, we think of the extravagant love of God who gave us the greatest gift of all, knowing full well that most of us would not realize the value.

Isaiah wrote, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem” (Isaiah 53:2–3).

Despite it all, God still went ahead with his plan of salvation for the world! That is why Christmas is such a special time. The extraordinary revelation is that God sees things differently from us.

One of the first things Mary says in her song of thanksgiving to God is, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant” (Luke 1:46–48).

We see here a clear distinction between the values of God and those of mankind. God is ready to give his all to save men and women like you and me. God is the God of eternity, he is the Almighty, and yet he shows his love and concern for weak, imperfect human beings.

The subject of great joy expressed by Mary is a subject of great joy for us all. Yet she continues with another outpouring of thanksgiving and joy, “For the Mighty One has done great things for me …” (Luke 1:49).

One of the elements of the Christmas story that never ceases to amaze me is to think that God is such a great and powerful being, yet he still is interested in us. That is why Mary rejoices and why we should rejoice as we look forward to celebrating the coming of Christ that changed the course of human history. God is ready to stoop down and even to use imperfect men and women to accomplish his plan.

Despite his power, God is happy to show mercy to the small, insignificant, and imperfect people that we are. People give honor and glory to what appears to be powerful and wealthy in this world. God does exactly the opposite. God looks at humanity with love and mercy, which is what the story of Christmas is all about.

God turns the value scales upside down and shows his love for the small, the humble, and the seemingly insignificant. We need to examine our hearts as we prepare for Christmas so we can eliminate all thoughts of pride and any spirit of materialism because, in reality, whether we are princes or paupers—or the General of The Salvation Army—we are pretty insignificant!

Christmas is about the fact that God came specifically to establish a relationship with us, and his glory is manifested in the lives of ordinary, humble people. Christmas is a time of great joy and peace for all mankind.

I pray that we will experience the wonder of that reality in our lives this Christmas time and that we will show it wherever we are!

Una versión en español del mensaje navideño del General, Una Nueva Perspectiva está disponible ahora en SAConnects.org.

— General André Cox

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2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

1

C A N D I D AT E S S E M I N A R 2 0 1 6

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time ...

—2 Timothy 1:8–9 (NIV)

F E B R UA RY 5 –7 College for Officer Training 201 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern, NY 10901 USA Eastern Territory Commissioners Barry C. & E. Sue Swanson, Territorial Leaders

To register go to: candidates.saconnects.org

Vol. 1, No. 8

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2015

IN focus

1 The General’s

Christmas message

4 from the editor 6 letters from you

5

ON file

5 relevents Soldier Scherazada Guzmán talks about morning routines and the blessings of retirement.

7 great moments

7 10

Remembering Luis Enrique Lalut Miranda.

27 testimony Brielle Jordan found music and so much more at The Salvation Army.

30

on land and sea

Three officers share Christmas memories and wishes.

Jonhard and Debbie Joensen, active in the Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Corps, spent 12 years with Mercy Ships. The experience changed their lives and their Christian walk.

15

FAITH in ACTION 8 I Am

SPECIAL SECTION

15 25 Days of Christmas

Anthony Cenname uses his musical talents for the Lord while leading worship at the Pittsburgh Temple.

Count down the days until Christmas with a calendar full of quotes, worship tools, and warm wishes for you and yours.

28 ‘Our Place’

is their place

Cover photo by Keri Shay

features

10 Delivering Mercy

unity

A daycare center for homeless children in Cambridge, Mass., provides hope and help for them and for their families.

24

19 A Salvation Army Christmas

28 30

finds

From standing kettles to buying new coats for children, Christmas is a special time in The Salvation Army. Find out more by reading these heartwarming stories.

32 Through the years,

The Salvation Army has appeared in many movies.

Check out our list!

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SACONNECTS.ORG/ENESPANOL

2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

3

IN focus

from the editor the magazine

STRONG faith FUERTES en la fe We’re excited about the stories in process for SAConnects magazine.

In our Jan./Feb. issue, you’ll read how Captain Antonio Rosamilia, Manhattan Citadel corps officer, and Lieutenant Paula Aguilera, assistant corps officer, are using the game of basketball to bring rival street gang members together.

Says writer Robert Mitchell, “The program has tamped down the tensions between gangs in East Harlem.” You’ll see them playing and praying on the court. And you’ll hear what they are saying—on the street.

Keri L. Shay, our new staff photographer, dramatically depicts these amazing moments (she also shot this issue’s Christmas cover photo). And in March, you’ll see more of Shay’s compelling photos, taken as part of our emphasis on Salvation Army World Services.

Joe Pritchard, director of media for the Communications Department, traveled with Shay and Alyssa Keeling, videographer, to Chennai, India, to capture images and video to support the Salvation Army World Services Organization (SAWSO) and our own territory’s World Services Tool Kit. They saw firsthand the work that the Army does for struggling Christians. “It breaks your heart to see the pain that these people go through, but truly wonderful to see how strong their faith is,” says Pritchard. These stories and more are in store for you.

Until then, Merry Christmas and may the joy of the Lord be your strength!

— Warren L. Maye

Editor in Chief / Editor en Jefe

Nos sentimos muy entusiasmados con las historias que estamos redactando para la revista SAConnects.

En nuestro número de enero/febrero podrás leer cómo Capitan Antonio Rosamilia, oficial directivo del Citadel de Manhattan, y Tenienta Paula Aguilera, asistente del oficial directivo, han estado usando el juego de básquetbol para reunir a integrantes de bandas rivales.

Como dice el escritor Robert Mitchell: “El programa ha reducido las tensiones entre las bandas en Harlem”.

Keri L. Shay, nuestra nueva fotógrafa de planta, describe esos impactantes momentos (fue también ella quien tomó la foto que aparece en la portada de este número de Navidad). Y en marzo, podrás ver más de las cautivantes fotografías de Shay, tomadas para destacar el énfasis que damos a los Servicios Mundiales del Ejército.

Joe Pritchard, director de medios del departamento de comunicaciones, viajó con Shay y Alyssa Keeling, videógrafa de profesión, a Chennai, India, para captar imágenes y material videográfico con miras a apoyar a la Organización de Servicios Mundiales del Ejército de Salvación (SAWSO, por sus siglas en inglés) y al “Juego de herramientas” (o Tool Kit, en inglés) de los Servicios Mundiales de nuestro propio territorio.

Ellos vieron la obra que el Ejército está realizando para apoyar a los cristianos en ese país. “Te rompe el corazón ver el dolor que estas personas están padeciendo, pero es maravilloso ver lo fuerte que es su fe”, dice Pritchard. Podrás leer estas historias y muchas otras en los próximos números de SAConnects.

Hasta entonces, ¡Feliz Navidad y que la alegría del Señor sea tu fortaleza!

your connection to The Salvation Army

USA EASTERN TERRITORY TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioner Barry C. Swanson Commissioner E. Sue Swanson CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel William A. Bamford III SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lt. Colonel Cheryl A. Maynor EDITOR IN CHIEF Warren L. Maye MANAGING EDITOR Robert Mitchell EDITOR / HISPANIC CORRESPONDENT Hugo Bravo KOREAN EDITOR Lt. Colonel Chongwon D. Kim ART DIRECTOR Reginald Raines PUBLICATION DESIGNER Lea La Notte Greene GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Keri Johnson, Karena Lin, Joe Marino PHOTOGRAPHER Keri L. Shay CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brenda Lotz, Major Young Sung Kim CIRCULATION Deloris Hansen COMMAND NEWS CORRESPONDENTS ARCC Major Charles Deitrick

PENDEL R andall Thomas Major Kathryn A. Avery EMP Jaye C. Jones

MASS Drew Forster

NNE Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI Linette Luna SNE James Gordon

WEPASA Captain Kimberly DeLong NJ Siran Farrar

Territorial Music Liaison Ronald Waiksnoris

Territorial Youth Liaison Captain Gillian Rogers New command correspondents will be appointed soon for

CFOT, GNY, NEOSA, SWONEKY

THE SALVATION ARMY

MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

SAConnects is published monthly by The Salvation Army USA’s Eastern Territory. Bulk rate is $12.00 per month for 25–100 copies.

Single subscriptions are available. Write to: SAConnects, The Salvation Army, 440 W. Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994–1739.

Vol. 1, No. 8, December Issue 2015. Printed in USA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to: SAConnects, 440 West Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994–1739. SAConnects accepts advertising.

Copyright © 2015 by The Salvation Army, USA Eastern Territory.

Articles may be reprinted only with written permission.

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4

DECEMBER ISSUE 2015

www.twitter.com/saconnects

relevents

ON file

interview by Hugo Bravo

Soldier Scherazada Guzmán of the Bayamón, P. R., Corps talks Returning to The Salvation Army was a milestone in my life.

I had come from a family of Salvationists. But for a long time, I stayed away from the Church. Years later, my son developed problems with drug and alcohol addiction. Seeing him suffer took a toll on me and my health. At my lowest, my sister invited my husband and me to an Army service. They prayed for us.

In my heart, I felt God’s presence calling me to return to The Salvation Army.

When I accepted Christ into my life, it was as if He placed armor on me for protection. Though my son is still on the path to recovery, I put everything in God’s hands. Putting Him first has made everything easier to manage.

with SAConnects about the blessings of her retirement, her early morning reflections with the Lord, and what she looks forward to the most when she visits the United States.

The Lord blessed me with five brothers and a sister.

My mornings are sacred. I’m the first one in my house to They are a huge part of my life. Two of my brothers, Ariel and get up. Now that I’m retired, my family asks, “Why don’t you José Alberto, are Salvation Army officers. My sister is a soldier get more sleep?” But mornings are my best time to connect at the Geneva, N.Y., Corps. Although we are quite far from each with God. I have coffee, then I just pray, reflect, worship, and other, I try to visit them as often as I can. When they needed thank Him for the day ahead. my support, I traveled from Puerto Rico to the My three grandchildren are my heart.

My family knows that if they U.S. to help them.

I try to be a positive influence on them. interrupt my morning routine, From an early age, they attended the corps they’ll get a glare from me. with me. I teach them the importance of Retirement turned out to be a beauEven our puppy knows it! honoring their parents and of putting God tiful thing. After working 40 years as a first in everything. secretary, I was nervous about it. I feared I’m no stranger to harsh I’d be just sitting around doing nothing. But U.S. winters. In fact, I love cold weather! I was born in the Lord opened so many doors for me, it seemed like a Brooklyn, N.Y. Every February I travel to Freeport, N.Y. That’s gift. Having more time to be at the corps allowed me to when my brother José and his wife Ana attend a corps retreat. rediscover interests such as music and working with young While they’re away, I have the joy of taking care of the children. people. Today, I’m part of the worship ministry, and I serve I spend time with my family, and I help their corps in some as a women’s ministry leader. And just as it was done for small way. That makes me happy. me, I’ve introduced women to the Lord and to His guidance.

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2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

5

ON file

letters from you

testimony

a soldier’s story

—MICHAEL EDWARDS DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Officers’ Christian Fellowship (U.S. military)

by Soldier Lavyn

I am an independ ent person who loves to dance. I One day while prayin love to help at the g in church, I be major tests, minor asked God, “Plea church. I admit, I se heal me.” I said, have a slight obse problems, or “I ssimply the Lord puttin so much want to sion with cleaning. dance again!” I told g our feet to the But who doesn’t like fire to cleanse us.

Him how much I wante a clean church? d to turn my body without struggling Even So, when doctors in my most painful mom to keep my balan diagnosed me ents, I ce. felt His divine prese with multiple sclero Then I heard Him nce. answer me, “I will sis, such news was not heal you.” I began difficult to accept.

All we need to do is look for the In just a year, my to weep. Then He areas in life where also said, “But I will body drastically deter we want to impro help you dance again iorated. I had trouve, . close our eyes, Every movement ble keeping my balan and open our heart you make, you will ce and I stumbled s to make God’s help. because of My streng often. I also devel oped double vision th, not just your . own. Every step and Trust that He is there every turn you take, waiting for you with open arms.

‘

ia Galar za

Then I heard Him answer me, “I will not heal you.” I began to weep. Then He also said, “But I will hel p you dance aga in.”

’

My right hand and head constantly it will be Me giving trembled so much you the power to , it made me look do it. and Try it. Believ feel like a “bobble e in Me, and see.” head” doll.

So I did. In faith, Inside my head, my I spoke with brain’s neurons the director of a local were quickly losing myelin, a substance dance team. I explained who I was, that covered them . And as it slips away how my condition , affected me, my neurons gradu and, most of all, what ally send an increa God shad said to me. ing number of wron g messages to the rest of my body.

For six months now, I have been part of a dance ministry I was unable to help called ‘Yafuil’, based in the church out of my church, as I always had done ‘El Tabernáculo’ in . I had to learn to Clarksville, TN. I have depend on other people and give up participated in three group and two my slight obsession individual perforwith cleaning. And mances, which have the most painful concession for me demanded of me was plenty of quick giving up what I loved turns and steps. As He to do, which was Soldier said, I tried it, believ dance. Losing my Lavynia Galarz a ed in Him, and I saw. independence was difficult. On many In life, there are many in her dance days, I cried. obstacles in performance the path God has set for us. They can uniform.

Lavynia Galarza

It informs me on how The Salvation Army is making a difference in people’s lives. It’s also beautifully designed, and it’s also impressive that you include multiple languages.

“To Dance Again” (July/Aug., 2015) caught my eye. As a 13–year cancer survivor, I have struggled with side effects that the Lord has chosen to use for His glory, rather than heal me in this present life. Soldier Galarza’s story is very encouraging and I appreciate her sharing it.

I will share your publication with the Officers’ Christian Fellowship.

Please express my appreciation and congratulations to all those people who had a role in launching the magazine.

dance again

Photo courtesy of

Congratulations on your new publication, SAConnects.

to

ON file

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nects

2015 JULY/AUGUS T ISSUE

31

WOR L D S E R VIC E S 2 016

GOD’S KINGDOM

BANQUET Many . . . will soon be coming from all directions— streaming in from the east, pouring in from the west, sitting down at God’s kingdom banquet.

—MATTHEW 8:11 (MSG)

great moments

A ‘Renaissance Man’

ON file

by Major Edward Forster

remembering Enrique Lalut September 30, 2015—Luis Enrique Lalut Miranda, a second–generation Salvationist and a former officer, was promoted to Glory after a 30–year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He played a decisive role in the development of Spanish language publications in the USA Eastern Territory and in the Americas.

On October 14 in Lancaster, Pa., several of Lalut’s sessionmates from the Defenders of Faith session held a memorial service as part of their 50th session reunion.

Major Ed Forster, in speaking of Lalut at the service, called him a “Renaissance Man” who loved music, art, and culture.

Forster said that Lalut also enjoyed countless literary endeavors, particularly on behalf of the Hispanic community. “At the training college in the 60’s, I worked with Enrique on the Cadet Gazette, a literary project. Later in Puerto Rico, he created Caminos da Vita, a Spanish language magazine, and I wrote for him,” Forster said.

Major Chester (Chet) Emmons, who worked with Lalut when Emmons was in charge of the Hispanic Bureau at Territorial Headquarters (THQ), led the memorial service. Emmons described Lalut as a “visionary.” Emmons recalled how, each Christmas, Lalut took hundreds of toys to the South American nation of Chile to give to children of Salvation Army officers. Emmons, who had served in that part of the world for 17 years, said, “His publications had a great impact throughout South America.”

Raul Gomez, a dear friend of Lalut, said, “Enrique was always wanting to go and do things for others.” Gomez, who had lived with Lalut following his debilitation from Parkinson’s disease,

Enrique Lalut’s Milestones 1968 B egins the territory’s first Spanish– language radio evangelism program.

1970 C reates USA Eastern Territory’s first TV program and magazine Camina de Vida.

(Above) Lalut as a senior soldier.

(Above, right) Lalut receives the first Great Commission Award from Commissioner Lawrence R. Moretz.

continued, “He didn’t let his illness stop him. Sometimes, I tried to stop him, but he would always say, ‘Let’s go, they need us!’”

Major Marie Lopez, assistant corps officer in Reading, Pa., also attended the memorial service. “I would not be a Salvation Army officer today if it wasn’t for Enrique Lalut,” she said. “In the Sunday school class he taught in Elizabeth, N.J., he challenged me to follow God’s will for my life and not to settle for anything less.”

Major William Groff, a former head of THQ’s Mission & Culture Department, led a testimonial period at the memorial service. He extolled how Lalut showed

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1998 P ublishes !Buenas Noticias! news; and creates Cristianos en Marcha, discipleship; and Ven a Cristo Hoy, evangelism; unifies Salvationists from the Americas into a Spanish resource development and translation network.

2004 R eceives the territory’s first Great Commission Award from Commissioner Lawrence R. Moretz, then territorial commander, who hails Lalut as “a man with a global mind.” energy, drive, and creativity on behalf of the Hispanic community.

Commissioner James M. Knaggs, the territorial commander for the USA Western Territory and a former chief secretary in the East, declared Lalut’s promotion to Glory “An end of an era.”

Marisol Lalut, Enrique’s daughter, will continue his legacy as head of Hispanic Word, the company he established with Brenda Lotz, family member and colleague.

2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

7

FAITH in ACTION

I Am

by Anthony Cenname

These days, it always happens.

I unlatch the case, remove my guitar, twist the tuners, and pluck the strings until they sing in harmony. Then, I lift my voice.

It happens at camp in front of hundreds of people. Or it happens in the privacy of my bedroom. Either way, when it happens­—the moment when the Holy Spirit comes over me—I feel engulfed by Him.

I am saved by grace.

I am His child. I am forgiven.

I am loved. I am a soldier.

Before I reached this point in life, I had focused on other things. Yes, I knew about God, but actually knowing Him was far beyond me.

My decision to work at Camp Allegheny in 2008 was the best one I ever made. While

Guitar Center donation

will ‘amp up’ music in territory

by Robert Mitchell

there, I learned that the Army was actually an international Christian movement rather than just a place to “pop tags” at a thrift store.

That summer, I met new friends who were Christian. I learned what it meant to have fellowship with believers. I learned about Jesus. And I realized that what I thought was my decision was really God’s appointment.

That summer, I gave my life to Christ.

Through the years, I continued working at the camp, the best summers of my life.

Outside of those few months, I sometimes failed to uphold the Christian life that I promised God I would live.

Nonetheless, I continued to go back to camp, summer after summer, remaining open to learning and to growing.

The first time I led worship changed me. I stood in front of my camp family and played that first chord. At that moment, the Holy Spirit came over me.

The overwhelming feeling changed me.

It felt as if I was playing and singing for the first time. God spoke directly to me.

I knew that I was being used in the way He had intended.

Since then, I have devoted my talents to praising God. He used music to break me. And the things that followed, blessed me. Such as having friends who became family, meeting officers who became mentors, discovering talents that became tools, and gaining the confidence to lead people to Christ.

Eventually, I was truly able to call the Pittsburgh Temple home. As its contemporary worship leader, I was now ready to hear what God had next for me.

While attending the Candidates Seminar, I felt God’s call to become a soldier. I had been afraid to make such

a commitment. But now, it was time.

I felt free to commit to serving God—and so did some of my friends.

We told our officers. They were thrilled to see young adults so eager to make this commitment. On the day we enrolled, I was proud to wear blue on my shoulders.

Today, I continue to dig deep into the Bible, to pray, and to strive to be like Christ.

I am the faith of Abraham.

I am the loyalty of Peter.

I am prepared.

I am ready. I am saved by grace.

I am his child. I am forgiven.

I am loved. I am a soldier.

Musical equipment, such as these amplifiers, are unloaded at a storage facility near Territorial Headquarters.

— Anthony Cenname is a Salvationist in the WEPASA Division’s Pittsburgh Temple Corps where he leads worship for divisional events, and writes his own praise & worship music under “Papyrus.”

You can find the music of “Papyrus” at Papyrus.Bandcamp.com or follow Anthony on Facebook.

It looks like there could be a lot more Salvationists playing guitar in the USA Eastern Territory.

The territory received more than $1 million in musical equipment from Guitar Center, which made a corporate donation late in the year.

“The praise and worship genre of music and worshiping in our corps setting is going to get a shot in the arm with this equipment,” says Douglas Berry, the territory’s director for contemporary music. “People who are using old, beat–up guitars will get something really decent. Corps musicians, who want to teach guitar, or even keyboards or drums, will get some truly good equipment.

“I see it as a blessing for this territory and I think the timing is divinely orchestrated. I think it’s going to send contemporary music in this territory in a great direction.”

Berry said some 3,000 instruments arrived in seven truckloads to a warehouse the territory rented in Norwood, N.J., where the equipment was unloaded and inventoried.

The shipments included “a lot of guitars that will be perfect for corps use and worship bands,” Berry said. The donations also included drums and keyboards, as well as audio and DJ equipment.

“There are some corps doing some DJ ministry, so we’ll be able to help them out with that,” Berry says.

The Guitar Center has also given the territory permission to sell some instruments in the ARC Family Stores.

2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

9

delivering

by Robert Mitchell

MERCY

on land & sea

Jonhard and Debbie Joensen talk about their 12 years with Mercy Ships, an international charity that sponsors the world’s largest civilian hospital ship. Today, they are active soldiers at the Old Orchard Beach (OOB) Corps in Maine, where they now serve with their “boots on the ground.”

un ministerio de

CARIDAD

por mar y tierra

Jonhard y Debbie Joensen hablan acerca de sus 12 años con Mercy Ships, una entidad caritativa internacional que patrocina el barco-hospital civil más grande del mundo. Hoy, ambos sirven como soldados “desplegados en tierra” en el Cuerpo de Old Orchard Beach (OOB), en el estado de Maine.

Para continuar en español, vaya a la página 14.

“ Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.” —MOTHER TERESA

Photo courtesy of Mercy Ships

T

he Joensens still marvel at the huge crowds that came and continue to come to Mercy Ships medical screenings given free of charge. Many of the people who show up live in unimaginable poverty and are hoping for a miracle.

Debbie says she would often say a prayer and then wade into the line looking for children who had no hope of finding specialized medical care anywhere in their home country.

“It’s life–changing to actually be the person to help a child and to take him or her through the process of getting examined and then into the hands of a Mercy Ships doctor,” Debbie says. “You see a child transformed, get the medical care they need, hear the name of Jesus, and learn about His love.”

Mercy Ships, led by Africa Mercy, its flagship hospital vessel, stops in ports along the coast of Africa to perform surgeries and to deliver medical care. The ship and its 450 volunteers, who live on board, stay nine long months in one port.

before

after

Vanya had a condtition called “wind swept legs.” Volunteer orthopedic surgeons aboard Mercy Ships straightened her legs. Now she can go to school without being ridiculed.

Vanya tenía una deformidad de las piernas conocida como “Windswept”.

Los cirujanos ortopedas voluntarios en el ministerio “Mercy Ships” enderezaron sus piernas. Ahora puede asistir al colegio sin ser ridiculizada.

A Christian Community

before

Mercy Ships delivers basic care, but also specialized surgeries to repair cataracts, cleft lips and palates, and large tumor removals.

“In the first week of field service, 2,000 to 3,000 people can show up at one screening and from that screening tickets are issued to patients that can be given the most help,” Debbie Joensen says.

The field services were typically four months long and Debbie and Jonhard Joensen loved living in a huge community of Christians, all of whom had opportunity to pray with patients and share God’s love.

“It’s a hospital ship, but it’s run like a town,” Debbie says. “There is every kind of job you can think of and a lot of volunteers are needed for a ship to run successfully.

“You live, eat, sleep, and work in ministry right on the ship,” she says.

“Even if you’re not an evangelist, everybody has the chance to be able to see a person in deep need touched by Jesus and that’s huge.”

The Africa Mercy features a deck with six operating theaters and a ward with 85 beds providing quality medical care to many in deep need.

Founded in 1978, Mercy Ships has helped more than 2.5 million people and delivered in excess of $1 billion in services, according to the charity’s website. Mercy Ships has visited more than 581 ports in 57 different nations.

The Africa Mercy is presently the only ship in service, but a new vessel is due to sail as soon as 2017.

Sambany (left) had a 16.5-pound facial tumor removed when Mercy Ships was in Madagascar.

after

En el ministerio “Mercy Ships”, en Madagascar, le removieron a Sambany (izquierda) un tumor facial de 16.5 libras.

“ Photos courtesy of Mercy Ships

COMING ON BOARD

Jonhard was attending Norway’s Youth With a Mission discipleship training when he heard of Mercy Ships. The theme of the training was “To know God and to make Him known.”

When Jonhard heard about a friend who had joined a Mercy Ships, he wanted on board.

“That’s how I felt I could make God known,” he says. “So I joined Mercy Ships.”

Debbie, who grew up in central Maine, says Mercy Ships “found me, not the other way around.” She was attending college in Florida when she was invited to a Mercy Ship. The ship was preparing for a field service to Haiti and she volunteered. “I went and I never got off the ship,” she says.

After meeting onboard a Mercy Ship in 1988, the couple married three years later and left Mercy Ships. Jonhard completed navigation school, and the couple returned to Mercy Ships from 1998 to 2008. This time, they brought their children with them; Steffan was 4 and Rebekka only 1. “Our daughter actually took her first steps on the ship,” Debbie says.

The Joensens have served with Mercy Ships in Europe, along the West Coast of Africa, and also in the Caribbean.

FINDING THE ARMY

”

—Debbie Joensen

Soon after arriving in Old Orchard Beach, the couple commenced their search for a church. One day, Jonhard saw a steeple near their home. It belonged to the Salvation Army’s OOB tabernacle. When Jonhard and Debbie visited, they saw people mingling at the corner. A conversation ensued. In time, they learned to love the church and its people.

“We never looked for another church,” he says.

Steffan, now 21, and Rebekka, now 17, have attended and worked at the Army’s Camp Sebago. They’ve also joined youth programs at the corps. Debbie leads a Bible study and Jonhard and Debbie both volunteer to help the Pavilion Ministries.

The Joensens said they see a heart for the poor and downtrodden at The Salvation Army and they love to help at the corps, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“That’s the reason we were attracted to The Salvation Army,” Debbie says. “The Army is not in our background, but when we started working with The Salvation Army, and we saw

their mercy ministry, we were hooked. That’s one of the reasons why we’re still here.

“It’s a great opportunity to touch missions. I love the fact I’ve been involved with Mercy Ships and with The Salvation Army. I think there are huge opportunities for young people to go out into a developing nation and to actually experience it for themselves.”

Photo by Gary Curtis

The Army is not in our background, but when we started working with The Salvation Army, and we saw their mercy ministry, we were hooked.

SEEING WITH NEW EYES

“I love to see individuals take hold of the opportunity to touch a developing nation,” says Jonhard. “It’s a must, as far as I’m concerned. You’ll come back changed.”

That certainly is the case for all of the Joensens. Steffan just joined Youth With a Mission full time; Rebekka has talked about returning to Africa after school.

“I will never be the same,” Jonhard says. “You know the need and the need is great. You see people around you suffering and it has been rewarding to learn to help one at a time and not be overwhelmed with the multitude that are so in need.”

Debbie agreed that the Mercy Ships experience was a life– changing one that gave her a different perspective.

“Like Jonhard, I’ll never be the same,” Debbie says. “I don’t know how you can. I don’t know how you can possibly come from a Western setting and walk into a situation where poverty is an everyday occurrence … and walk away from that and not have a passion for giving and a passion to serve.”

THANKFUL HEARTS

“There are people out there in so much more dire need than you are that being grateful is the least we can do. Going is better. You live every day saying ‘Thank you, Jesus.’ I pray we never see that depth of need here in the United States. We must live with thanksgiving.”

When asked if they could see themselves someday returning to the seawith Mercy Ships, the couple didn’t hesitate despite being in their 50s.

“Absolutely,” Debbie says. “I’d go tomorrow.”

“That could be,” adds Jonhard.

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2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

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un ministerio de CARIDAD continuado de la página 10

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os Joensen siguen maravillados por las muchedumbres que iban y siguen yendo a los Mercy Ships para que se les evalúe su condición médica, algo que se les ofrece completamente gratis.

Muchas de esas personas viven en una pobreza inimaginable, esperando un milagro.

Debbie afirma que solía orar y luego recorrer la fila de personas buscando niños que no tenían ninguna esperanza de hallar cuidado médico especializado en su país.

“El hecho de ser la persona que ayude a un niño y lo acompañe en el proceso de ser examinado para luego dejarlo en manos de un doctor de Mercy Ships, cambia tu manera de ver la vida”, explica Debbie. “Ves a un niño transformado, recibir el cuidado médico que necesita, escuchar el nombre de Jesús y aprender acerca de Su amor”.

Mercy Ships, liderado por la nave Africa Mercy, su barco insignia, atraca a lo largo de la costa de África para realizar cirugías y brindar atención médica. El barco y sus 450 voluntarios, que viven a bordo, permanecen muchas veces hasta nueve meses en un solo puerto.

TODOS A BORDO

Jonhard se encontraba en Noruega, asistiendo al programa de entrenamiento en discipulado de Juventud con una visión cuando escuchó acerca de Mercy Ships. El tema del programa de entrenamiento era “Conocer a Dios y darlo a conocer”. Cuando Jonhard se enteró de que un amigo iba a servir en Mercy Ships, quiso abordarlo.

“Me pareció que esa era la manera en que podría dar a conocer a Dios”, recuerda. “Así que me uní a Mercy Ships”.

Debbie, que se crió en la región central del estado de Maine, dice que Mercy Ships “me encontró a mí, no al revés”. Mientras asistía a la universidad en el estado de la Florida la invitaron a Mercy Ship. El barco se preparaba para realizar un trabajo de campo en Haití y ella no lo pensó dos veces; decidió sumarse como voluntaria. “Subí al barco y nunca me bajé”, cuenta.

Luego de conocerse a bordo de una nave de Mercy Ships en1988, la pareja terminó casándose tres años después, tras lo cual ambos dejaron Mercy Ships. Jonhard completó sus estudios de navegación, y luego la pareja regresó a Mercy Ships, donde sirvieron desde 1998 hasta 2008. Esta vez, llevaron a sus hijos a bordo: Steffan tenía 4 y Rebekka sólo 1 año de edad.

“Nuestra hija dio sus primeros pasos en el barco”, dice Debbie.

Los Joensen han prestado servicio en Mercy Ships en Europa, a lo largo de la costa occidental de África y también en el Caribe.

VER CON NUEVOS OJOS

EL ENCUENTRO CON EL EJÉRCITO

CORAZONES AGRADECIDOS

Al poco tiempo de llegar a Old Orchard Beach, la pareja empezó a buscar una iglesia a la cual asistir. Un día, Jonhard vio la cúpula de una iglesia cercana a su casa. Pertenecía al tabernáculo del Cuerpo de Old Orchard Beach del Ejército de Salvación. Cuando Jonhard y Debbie visitaron el Cuerpo, se toparon con un grupo de personas reunidas en la esquina.

Se acercaron y conversaron con ellas. Al poco tiempo, aprendieron a amar a la iglesia y a su gente.

“Nunca se nos ocurrió buscar otra iglesia”, dice.

Los hijos de la pareja: Steffan, que ahora tiene 21, y Rebekka, de 17

14

años, han asistido y trabajado en el Campamento del Ejército en Sebago.

También han participado en los programas juveniles del Cuerpo. Debbie dirige una sesión de estudio bíblico y, junto con Jonhard, ambos ayudan como voluntarios en los lugares asignados para ministrar al aire libre (lo que llaman Pavilion Ministries).

Los Joensen dicen que ven en el Ejército de Salvación un corazón sensible a las necesidades de los pobres y los afligidos; y que les encanta ayudar en el Cuerpo, sobre todo en el Día de Acción de Gracias y en Navidad.

“Esa es la razón por la que nos sentimos atraídos al Ejército de Salvación”, señala Debbie. “El Ejército no es algo que haya formado parte de nuestra vida en el pasado, pero cuando llegamos y empezamos a trabajar aquí, y pudimos hacernos una idea real de su ministerio social, nos sentimos identificados de inmediato. ”Es una gran oportunidad para entrar en contacto con las misiones.

Me encanta el hecho de haber participado en Mercy Ships y en el Ejército de Salvación. Pienso que hay innumerables oportunidades para que los jóvenes puedan viajar a un país en vías de desarrollo y vivir la experiencia por sí mismos”.

DECEMBER ISSUE 2015

“Me agrada ver personas que aprovechan la oportunidad para ayudar a un país en vías de desarrollo”, dijo Jonhard. “Es algo que todos debieran hacer. Uno vuelve transformado como persona”.

Ese es ciertamente el caso de todos los otros miembros de la familia Joensen. Steffan acaba de incorporarse a Juventud con una misión a tiempo completo; Rebekka ha mencionado la posibilidad de regresar a África una vez que termine sus estudios.

“Nunca volveré a ser el mismo”, dice Jonhard. “Te das cuenta de que existe la necesidad y de que es enorme. Ves personas que sufren a tu alrededor. Algo que he podido aprender es que lo mejor que uno puede hacer es ayudar a una persona a la vez y no dejarse abrumar por la multitud que tanta ayuda necesita”.

Debbie concordó con que la experiencia vivida en Mercy Ships transformó su vida y le permitió ver la realidad desde otra perspectiva.

“Al igual que Jonhard, tampoco volveré a ser la misma”, apunta Debbie. “No puede ser de otro modo. No entiendo cómo alguien pueda ir desde el mundo occidental a un lugar donde la pobreza es algo que la gente vive día a día… y regresar de ahí sin sentirse sobrecogido por el deseo de ayudar y la pasión de servir”.

“Hay personas por allá con muchísima más necesidad que uno y que son agradecidos, es lo menos que podemos hacer. Pero ir a ayudarlos es mejor. Uno vive cada día diciendo: ‘Gracias, Jesús’. Ruego que nunca veamos necesidades tan extremas aquí en los Estados Unidos. Debemos mostrarnos agradecidos en todo momento”.

Cuando se les preguntó si se ven regresando a los mares a bordo de Mercy Ships, la pareja no vaciló en responder.

“Absolutamente”, contesta Debbie. “Iría mañana mismo”.

“Lo mismo yo”, agrega Jonhard.

25 CHRISTMAS

a devotional calendar

DAYS of

(A calendar of our favorite Advent thoughts, quotes, and musings.)

Contributors from the Spiritual Life Development Department are Colonel Janice Howard, Major Lauren Hodgson, Major Young Sung Kim, Chris Stoker, Matt Hodgson, and Joanna Polarek.

It is said, “You can tell a lot about a person by what is on the refrigerator door.” So … what’s on the door of your fridge? Kid’s artwork, photos, to–do lists, and calendars. Calendars for our appointments, school activities, holiday events—you name it, we’ve got a calendar for it.

We live such hectic lives that we feel the need to have every moment mapped out, especially during the Christmas season. It may be difficult, amid the gift exchanges, Christmas pageants, holiday baking, schlepping from store to store, and family holiday observances, to answer—Where does God fit in?

Christ can be found in all our daily activities, as well as the special celebrations. As you sing “Silent Night” or shovel snow, watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or your commute to work, God is in it all. It’s a matter of being aware of His presence.

This Christmas, ask the Lord to help you see everything through the eyes of Jesus. The burnt Christmas cookies, the no–hot–water–for–my–shower morning, your child’s runny nose, and the boss’s latest deadline. Christ is in it all.

In case positive thoughts about Christmas are escaping you these days, we’ve provided a full– color pullout that’s ready for posting on your fridge. This December, use the calendar to reflect on God—the Giver of every good and perfect gift!

Background image by iStock/ Peter Booth

DECEMBER

Pray of ten, pray with meaning, an d you will see life through His eyes !

1

2015

u are.”

“Father, reveal who Yo —PSALM 23:2 MSG

DECEMBER 2

“… I bring YOU good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

— LUKE 2:10

3

The announcement of Jesus’ birth came first to shepherds on a dark and lonely hillside.

They were the forgotten, the uncounted, the untrustworthy.

But, to Jesus, they mattered enough to be the first to know and to tell everyone about Him.

4“

Luke 2:17, 19 … they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child … but Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

” “ ”9 8“ ” 13 12 “ 14 ” 18“ 17 “ 19 ” ” Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to YOU; he is Christ the Lord.”

Never worry about the size of your

Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.

— Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us …

We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, ‘Come Lord Jesus!’

—Henri Nouwen, Advent Prayer

Mary took time to consider, to mull over, to think deeply, to hold dear what had been said about her baby.

Take a moment for yourself, slow down, and ponder.

The stable boy performed his usual chores and then fell asleep. Was he wakened by the bright star light? Was he stirred by the commotion of the visitors? Did he hear the first cries of the newborn baby? Or did he miss the extraordinary happenings?

View the decorations, read the Christmas story, sing the carols, gaze at the stars, look at the people.

Don’t miss the EXTRAORDINARY in the midst of the ordinary.

Immanuel; God with us,

Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas, if you stop opening presents and listen.

GOD with us, God WITH us,

God with US, GOD WITH US!

– attributed to a 7–year–old named Bobby

O Holy Night (verse 3)

“Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother, And in His name all oppression shall cease Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name.”

SACONNECTS the magazine DECEMBER 2015

Who among us will celebrate Christmas correctly? Whoever finally lays down all power, all honor, all reputation, all vanity, all arrogance, all individualism beside the manger; whoever remains lowly and lets God alone be high; whoever looks at the child in the manger and sees the glory of God precisely in his loneliness.

— Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I Want to Live These Days With You

Photo courtesy of “It’s A Wonderful Life”

O come to my

heart, Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for Thee.

— Emily E. Elliott, There Is Room in My Heart for Thee

5

”

Read Luke 1:26–38

My picture of the Advent season is a circle of three … working out the details of coming to find us in our lost–ness. And they break the circle and invite a 14–year–old little girl into it and they submit to her. They say, “Here is what we’d like to do, what do you think?” And she says, “I’m in.” And they say, “All right, then, we’re going in too.”

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“

You move us to delight in praising You; for You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till

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they find rest in You.

10

Image by iStock/Peter Zelei

Offspring of the Woman

“

Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity!

Pleased as Man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel.

20

15

— ISAIAH 40:3–5

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“

”

— Clarence Odbody (the angel) It’s a Wonderful Life

—Candy Arrington

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.

And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together.

For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

– Charles Wesley (1707–1788)

Every time you hear a bell ring, it means that some angel’s just got his wings.

Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives.

When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?

”

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— Saint Augustine. Confessions, Book 1

— Wm Paul Young, author of The Shack

7“

Perhaps during the holidays, more than any other time, we fail to hear God’s voice. Distractions abound, and at a time when our focus should be on our blessings and our Savior, we’re tuned in to other things that seem more pressing. But today, make the choice to open your heart, mind, and spirit and listen for God’s voice.

“ You will find a Baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

It came without ribbons.

It came without tags.

It came without packages, boxes or bags.

—LUKE 2:12

And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.

” 22“

What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.

What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

— How the Grinch Stole Christmas

21

HANG IN THERE as you finish those lists

and buy the rest of the gifts. Hang in there for those last few days of work and service, and keep smiling. When the parties are over, remember who the parties are really about. Hang in there and don’t be afraid to ask for directions to Bethlehem.

Hang in there and remember love and hope and prayer.

WE ARE ALMOST THERE. — Chris Stoker, Almost There

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given.

I would be silent now, Lord, and expectant … that I may receive the gift I need, so I may become the gifts others need.

— Ted Loder, excerpt from Guerrillas of Grace

Though Christ a thousand times In Bethlehem be born, If He’s not born in thee Thy soul is still forlorn.

Ah, would your heart but be A manger for His birth, Once more would God now come With peace upon the earth.

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel—which means, ‘God with us.’

—MATTHEW 1:23

”

SACONNECTS.ORG

a devotional calendar There is beauty in the name of Jesus, Passing time can ne’er extol; All the splendor of its clear unfolding Will eternal years enroll.

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There’s salvation in the name of Jesus; Trusting in his name alone We shall find ourselves at last presented Faultless at his Father’s throne.

There is rapture in the name of Jesus, Joy that bears the soul above, All the wealth of Heaven to earth restoring, Name of all-redeeming love.

— Will J. Brand (1889–1977)

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ANTICIPATION! It’s in the air, it’s part of conversations, it’s in celebrations.

The tree is trimmed, the food is prepared, plans are finalized, the gifts are, well, almost wrapped. CHRISTMAS DAY IS TOMORROW! Excitement!

Time has been given in this Advent season to look for Christ in daily activities, in songs, and in Scripture. Did you see Him? Where and how did He reveal Himself? What about tomorrow? Will Christ be seen in friends and family? Will Christ be seated at the dinner table? Will He be revealed during the quiet moments and during the noisy chatter and the laughter? Look for Him. Look for Him in other people, in conversations, and in silence.

Tomorrow is the big day; but maybe, just maybe, Christ is trying to reveal Himself to you right now.

Take a few minutes to ponder this scripture and give space for God to speak before the busyness begins.

“

For a child has been born—for us! the gift of a son—for us! He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.

”

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

— JOHN 8:12

Blessings in abundance on this Christmas day.

Background image compelation: iStock/ Peter Booth; iStock

25“

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—ISAIAH 9:6 (THE MESSAGE)

A SALVATION ARMY

Christmas

It begins with kettles and ends with His gift of giving, love, and faith.

Kettle Season

more than the money

Photo courtesy of The Red Shield Tool Kit

by Captain Patty Richwine

Salvation Army brass musicians accompany a bell ringer, in New York City (circa 1958).

“

I know the plans that I have for you.

”

Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.

Plans to give you a future and a hope. ­— Jeremiah 29:11

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As a new officer serving in my first appointment, I had an experience that shaped my view of The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle season. During a campaign at a store, we handed out “pop–up” cards complete with Bible verses written in them. The corps had the resources to afford these cards, which might have been the best investment we could have made in that community.

One day in March, a woman came to the corps and asked to talk to the corps officer. She said that, at Christmastime, she had planned her suicide. She had taken her son’s car to a local grocery store and had planned to crash it into a tree or other solid fixture.

However, when she dropped a donation in the kettle, she also received a pop–up card. And the scripture she read on it had changed the course of her life. “For I know the plans that I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). This verse gave her hope for the future and an inner peace, knowing that she could trust God with her life.

I think my love for the busy kettle season stems from a perspective on how our “presence” at the kettles can bless the donor as well as the kettle worker.

I also believe that, when we pay

2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

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kettle workers, we should view them as part of our family and encourage them to see themselves as part of a team that shares a smile and a hope. These workers are often our clients, who need the extra money at Christmas and feel grateful for an opportunity to earn an income while helping others.

Each morning before leaving the building, we pray with the kettle workers, asking God to give them a safe and an enjoyable day.

We have had many faithful workers who come back each year to work because they feel they’re part of something bigger, something with purpose, something that is making a difference.

Many of the workers have told us that people have asked them to pray for them.

And although they don’t feel equipped, they still pray. They thank us for allowing them to stand at the kettles. Many have become church attenders and soldiers.

We may be accomplishing more than we think. Just as important as collecting money is a paid kettle worker who is cheerful, feels blessed, and who blesses others. And a donor, who is encouraged because of our presence, is more likely to help someone else in the future.

Photo courtesy of The Red Shield Tool Kit

— Captain Richwine is the corps officer at the Cincinnati (West Side) Ohio, Corps.

Investing In the Lives of Kettle Workers

by Lieutenant Christopher Hinzman, corps officer at the Cleveland (West Park) Ohio, Corps

Last Christmas, three families joined our congregation at the Cleveland (West Park), Ohio, Corps through working at the kettles!

Every day during the kettle season, I pulled out of the parking lot to bus our bell–ringers to their locations (60 each morning and 60 others each night). Each time, I would share with them a “thought of the day.” For instance, one morning I said, “Did you know that God would forgive anyone of anything they have done wrong?” Before I could continue my thought, a nice elderly man said, “Unless they commit murder.” I responded, “Nope. Even if someone has committed murder! God loves us so much that nothing could ever stand between us and Him, so long as we turn from our wrongs and want to accept His love.”

I quoted Romans 8, affirming that nothing could separate us from God’s love.

This super short and to–the–point style of conversation happened twice a day for me with two different groups of people.

I would begin with “Did you know...” and then follow that with scriptural truths.

This approach would often spark conversations. The exciting part was, as I stepped into this spiritual leadership role, many bell–ringers would come to me individually, asking for advice about big decisions or situations in their lives. The opportunities to shine the light of God’s Word into dark places kept rolling in. And victories were won.

In January following the kettle season, three new bell–ringers who had worked for us began coming to church with their families.

Two people from the families have become senior soldiers and another person is involved in the Senior Soldiership class. They’ve found a church to attend, new friends, and family to lift and to love them. They’ve also found hope and have been saved.

I agree with William Evans who wrote, “It may not be our responsibility to bring every individual to Christ; but it is our responsibility to see that Christ is brought to every individual. Every man may not want Christ; but Christ wants every man, and it is our business to let every man and woman know that Christ wants them.”

“

He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

—Isaiah 33:6

”

‘A Coat Just for Me’

by Robert Mitchell

Photo by Vanessa Davies/Getty Images

Major Thomas Duperree, administrator of the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Dayton, Ohio, sees poverty every day. And when people come in for help, he sometimes remembers the impoverished life he lived as a child.

Duperree grew up in Punxsutawney, Pa., the eighth of nine children. His father died when he was 3, leaving his mother Jane to raise a family on a military pension.

His wardrobe consisted of hand– me–downs. And by the time they reached him, the items were well–worn.

“I knew poverty from an early age,” Duperree says. “I understood it. I understood what it was like to go to school and not look like the other kids and to be in tattered clothes.”

His family attended the Salvation Army corps in Punxsutawney. And Duperree remembers coming home after kindergarten one day to find Captain Sheila Kelly at his home. “We

Photo courtesy of Major Thomas Duperree

“ Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn.” —Isaiah 51:1.

Major Thomas Duperree

were coming into the winter months,” he remembers. Kelly took him to the local Jamesway department store to buy him a winter coat.

“That had a profound impact on me,” Duperree remembers, “growing up in poverty, and then being given something brand new—just for me.

“That event was one of my earliest memories of The Salvation Army’s meaningful influence on my life. It drove me to a life of service.

“That day, my praise was for an organization and its servants who reached into my life. They met a practical need and demonstrated to me what servanthood and giving are about. I was one of the poor people. And after that, I dedicated my life to serving the poor.”

Duperree said his entire family attended the corps that they called

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“home.” By age 14, he knew God intended for him to be an officer.

Today, two of his brothers, Roger and Timothy, are also Salvation Army officers, both holding the rank of major.

Duperree says his heart beats for the poor “365 days a year.” On a rainy day, he’ll typically stop his car to give away an umbrella or money to someone in need.

“I don’t have to be in my Salvation Army uniform,” he says. “And it’s everywhere I see people in need. That lifestyle of serving and giving that I saw demonstrated has also become my lifestyle.

“When you grow up in poverty, it puts you in tune with people who are impoverished. I think God allowed me to grow up in poverty, in part, so that I could be able to relate to and be sensitive to poor people.

“We are an Army that serves the poor.”

2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

21

A Knock at the Door On a cold winter evening, a tattered silver Christmas tree lay bare in the trash.

Most of its branches remained, as well as a pinwheel light that had once lit the tree in red, yellow, blue, and green. When seven kids found the tree, they decided to drag it home.

“Home” was a living room on the first floor of a four–bedroom house. The siblings worked together, setting up the tree. One kid found a light bulb, and thought, when we get electricity, this will look nice on the tree. The entire family huddled around an old creaky kerosene heater because it could keep only one room warm. Their father huddled too, longing for the day when he could again have a job and help his family to survive this tough time.

By Christmas Eve, there was plenty of snow on the ground and the outside temperature was frigid. In the corner of the living room sat the old silver Christmas tree, now decorated with colored paper, chains, and handmade ornaments. But the floor underneath it remained bare.

Around 4 P.M. as the sun set against a dismally grey sky, it seemed as if the family’s spirit would sink with it.

Then someone knocked at the door. A little boy opened it and was surprised to see Captain Peter Stritzinger, pastor (corps officer) of the Salvation Army corps (church) just a block away where the kids were frequently seen hanging out.

Captain Stritzinger stood on the front step, and held a huge black plastic bag with gift–wrapped presents peering over the top. With treasure in hand, he burst through the door with a loud “Merry Christmas!”

Then he returned to his station wagon. The boys went too and helped him unload even more bags containing gifts and boxes of food—including the largest turkey they had ever seen.

The little boy looked at the monstrous turkey and wondered, “How in the world do you cook that on the camping stove?” Seeing this miracle unfold, their mother sat and wept.

After an hour, the electricity turned on. The pinwheel illuminated the tree. It came alive in red, then yellow, then blue, and then green light. The wheel also illuminated the presents. They were now piled so high, they dwarfed the old tree.

Moments later, a man in an oil truck arrived. He parked it in front of the house and then filled the old tank. Soon, the furnace roared back to life.

On Christmas morning, the children awoke in their beds. The air was filled with the aroma of turkey cooking in the oven. And everyone in the family enjoyed a Christmas that they will always remember.

To this day, I still wonder how The Salvation Army found out how tough that season was on our family—one that was too proud to ask for help. But I’m so glad someone told them about a “family in need.”

Through the years, I’ve included my wife and children in a special Christmas ministry. While the children were growing up, we loaded them into the minivan on Christmas Eve, and brought along many presents, including a huge Christmas dinner, and delivered the items to a family that we had “adopted” for Christmas.

And every year in my house, the kids would hear again the story of how Captain Peter Stritzinger* brought Christmas to the Gingrich family. * Major Peter Stritzinger was promoted to Glory in 2013.

Major James Gingrich is the corps officer in East Stroudsburg, Pa.

(Left) Photo by iStock; (Right) Photo courtesy of Salvation Army’s Central Kentucky Area Services

by Major James Gingrich

Nowhere to Go

The Army helps a single mom

by Melissa Childs

In January 2011, Carolyn Sykes gave birth to a beautiful boy, her first child.

A few months later, Sykes made the difficult decision to leave an unhealthy family situation. As a result, she and her baby had nowhere to call home.

Two years prior, she had submitted a Section 8 housing assistance application, but she was still waiting for a response from the city.

After exhausting all other options, Sykes came to the Salvation Army’s Central Kentucky Area Services for assistance.

“I had driven by that building so many times,” Carolyn says. “I finally decided it was time to swallow my pride and ask for help.”

Sykes received the housing support she needed and now lives with her son in an apartment. She credits The Salvation Army for keeping her safe and warm during her transition. She says that God has shown her that she is “not alone in a tough situation.” To other people who are facing difficulty, she says, “Don’t give up, don’t lose your faith. All you need is [faith] the size of a mustard seed and God will get you through.”

Three years later, Carolyn was working full time and making huge strides towards self–sufficiency. She was looking forward to the day when she could serve other people both financially and as a volunteer.

Last year, Sykes returned to The Salvation Army as a client through our Angel Tree Program, hoping to make Christmas special for her 3–year–old son.

“It’s not about the gifts,” she says. “It’s about letting my son experience the joy of the season, and I couldn’t do that without the help of The Salvation Army.”

In 2014, 5,296 children received gifts because of the generous donors who supported the Angel Tree program run by Central Kentucky Area Services.

According to Major Thomas L. Hinzman, area coordinator, more than 40 local businesses led the way by sponsoring toy drives, hosting an in–house Angel Tree program, and by adopting a family for Christmas.

“

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Don’t give up, don’t lose your faith. All you need is [faith] the size of a mustard seed and God will get you through.

—Carolyn Sykes

”

2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

23

Temporary Shelter An eternal gratitude

by Jenn Loveland

A few Christmases ago in Delaware, I took a call from a young mother of a young son and a newborn baby. She was in desperate need of help because she had fled from an abusive boyfriend.

The mom and her children were also about to lose the temporary shelter in which they were staying.

Once I explained this mother’s situation to Majors Janet L. and Timothy A. Duperree, state coordinators, they jumped into action. They helped find this family a room at our women’s and children’s shelter. And through our Adopt–A–Family program, the Majors Duperree helped them to enjoy Christmas, and have their basic needs met.

The family stayed in the shelter for about a month. And I’m happy to say that, last Christmas, I met this miracle mom at our toyshop. She and her children were thriving. She thanked all of us for helping her during such a time of need. On that day, we all shed many happy tears.

VOLUNTEER with

The Salvation Army this Christmas.

Contact your local corps or go to

www.salvationarmyusa.org.

There are many ways you can help brighten someone’s Christmas.

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DECEMBER ISSUE 2015

“

Being on the giving end prevented us from truly knowing what our family was doing for the families we had helped.

Now, we know. And one day, we hope to again be able to help other families.

—Mary

”

A New Perspective on Giving Story provided by the Columbus Area Services.

Photo courtesy of Columbus Area Services

Mary never dreamed that she and her family would one day find themselves desperately needing help. Just two years before, they were actually the ones helping families in need.

“We had adopted at least one family every year at Christmas,” Mary says. “One year, we helped three families through The Salvation Army’s Adopt–a–Family program. It was such a wonderful feeling.”

Then a car accident changed everything. The impact broke 13 of Mary’s bones. It also crushed the comfortable and secure lifestyle that she and her family had enjoyed.

As medical bills from Mary’s hospital stay and subsequent rehabilitation mounted, her family of four fell deeper into debt. Unable to walk or to work, she lost her job. Within months, they moved into a homeless shelter. Mary’s battle to walk again had turned into a greater struggle to survive.

A call to The Salvation Army began Mary’s economic recovery.

A caseworker helped the family find affordable housing, a job for Mary, and an opportunity for her to attend school part–time.

Receiving more help at Christmastime was icing on the cake.

“We wouldn’t have had a Christmas without The Salvation Army’s help,” Mary says. “You have given my children the gift of feeling special and cared for.

“Being on the giving end prevented us from truly knowing what our family was doing for the families we had helped. Now, we know.

And one day, we hope to again be able to help other families.”

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2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

25

ON file

testimony

GOD’S grace through the storm

“

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. But when we truly honor God, He will provide and protect us.

In October 2012, Soldier Carmen Ivette Ortiz of the Bayamón, P.R., Corps visited the United States with her husband. They had come to see the museums and the Statue of Liberty, to visit her friend Irma Kawazo, and to enjoy autumn in New York.

Unfortunately for the Ortizes, they arrived just in time to witness the nation’s first “Superstorm,” named Sandy.

“Superstorm Sandy took us by surprise,” says Ortiz. “In Puerto Rico, we’re accustomed to seeing these big storms.

But at the time, they were rare in the U.S. “We weren’t able to see any [museums or landmarks] or to go anywhere; no boat trips, no trains. Sandy had closed everything. Even worse, our hotel canceled all bookings due to the storm. We were lucky to find a smaller hotel, farther away, that took us in,” said Ortiz.

Although Carmen’s trip had been dramatically altered by the storm, it also

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DECEMBER ISSUE 2015

gave her an opportunity to witness the Lord’s presence.

Carmen had made plans to visit her friend Irma Kawazo, who works at the Salvation Army’s College For Officer Training in Suffern, N.Y. “Irma is one of the most hardworking, charitable people you will ever meet. During Sandy, she had family visiting from Peru staying with her. And even with a full house, she still offered me and my husband a place to stay, if needed, when the hotel canceled on us,” says Ortiz.

Irma lives on a cul–de–sac in Mahwah, N.J., in front of a river. The storm caused the river to overflow and to severely damage the houses in the area.

“After the storm, I visited Irma’s house,” said Carmen. “I saw the destruction; homes were torn apart, abandoned, and cordoned off with yellow tape that read ‘Do Not Cross.’

”

The storm destroyed eight beautiful houses in the cul–de–sac. Yet Irma’s house was spared.”

Though Irma’s basement flooded, her house had stood firm against the wind and rain. God’s grace had proven to be stronger than the storm.

Eventually, Irma repaired her basement and continues to live on the cul–de–sac. She’s looking forward to Carmen’s next visit and is holding on strong to her faith. She knows that her home, as well as everything in it, is a gift and a blessing from God. “Irma has an enormous heart, and a strong belief in the Lord,” says Ortiz.

“We both believe that, in our lives, the Lord gives and the Lord takes away.

But when we truly honor God, He will provide and protect us, even in the midst of loss and destruction.

“He blesses us in ways we would never expect.”

Photo by iStock

by Hugo Bravo

testimony

MUSIC

by Jeremy Keys

can change a child’s life youth band and eventually took up the alto horn and later the clarinet. Through the program, she learned how to read music and to play multiple instruments, an experience that put her ahead of her peers in her school music classes.

Photo by courtesy of Brielle Jordan

Whether a child learns the joy of music in an orchestra or in a choir or during a series of one–on–one piano lessons, the outcome can be life–changing.

Learning music also teaches a child discipline and an appreciation for the arts, which has been proven to increase one’s proficiency in academics, namely math and science.

However, due to unfortunate budget cuts in schools across Pennsylvania, many children may be denied the opportunity to pursue a music education. That’s why organizations such as The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia are determined to keep music education alive through programs and partnerships that benefit children.

Brielle Jordan is one such child.

When she was 3 years old, Brielle started her music training at the Army’s Philadelphia Citadel Corps Community Center day–care program. And when she reached 2nd grade, she took part in the after–school program.

Amid a myriad of activities, the after– school program gave Brielle and other students an opportunity several days each week to learn how to play music.

At this point, she fell in love with it and eventually began taking part in the music program at the corps.

“When Brielle was young, there was something about The Salvation Army that made me feel comfortable,” said Ella Jordan, Brielle’s mother. “She began taking part in the music program and instantly fell in love [with it].”

Brielle began playing violin in the

“I’ve really enjoyed playing with The Salvation Army,” said Brielle. “It’s given me the opportunity to play in new places and meet people from across

“

the U.S. and the world.”

Her music education at the Army prompted her to make music a big part of her life. Now 18, she takes part in the senior band at the corps and plays in her school’s orchestra.

Brielle also plays at the weekly holiness meetings and teaches music to younger children in the after–school program. She hopes to inspire them the same way she was inspired. Brielle is currently considering continuing her music education in college.

“So many kids don’t have the opportunity to do different things,” said Ella.

“And the opportunity to play music teaches them discipline and to realize their talent. I’m so thankful for The Salvation Army. Their programs are really geared towards benefitting the community and the kids.”

Hopefully, through a commitment to music education, the Army can continue to inspire children like Brielle to better their lives through music. As Shakespeare once said, “If music be the food of love, play on.”

—Jeremy Keys is with Tierney Public Relations in Philadelphia.

I’ve really enjoyed playing with The Salvation Army. It’s given me the opportunity to play

”

in new places and meet people from across the U.S. and the world.

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­— Brielle Jordan

2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

27

FAITH in ACTION

‘ Our Place’

is their place

by Hugo Bravo

In the city of Cambridge, Mass., among the various burger restaurants, bakeries, and college hangouts, Our Place, The Salvation Army Day Care Center for Homeless Children, provides an invaluable service.

Our Place is a nationally accredited and licensed day–care center working exclusively with homeless families. The first of its kind in the state, Our Place provides care for children ranging from newborns to 5–year–olds. This service leaves the parents free to work, seek permanent housing, attend school, or receive counseling.

“The staff tries to do as much as we can for each of the families and their individual needs,” says Darlene Kopesky, director of programs. “Doors officially open at 8:30 in the morning, but we provide a 7:30 a.m. drop–off because some parents just need to be at their

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DECEMBER ISSUE 2015

new job earlier, or risk losing it. Though we encourage children to be with their moms full–time until they are three months old, we have had newborns, only a few weeks old, stay with us.”

The five classrooms in Our Place each have licensed teachers and volunteers who also play with and educate the children. Workers in the infant rooms provided for the youngest children take precautions that are typical in hospital nurseries, such as covering their shoes when entering. The room also has an extra care provider working with the infants.

For toddlers and preschoolers, Our Place has classrooms filled with toys, books, and even a private playground.

If the weather is good, they go on trips and walks. The children also receive breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks.

Many of the children suffer from

emotional or developmental delays. Our Place collaborates with local agencies and Cambridge’s public school system to give the children the help they need.

But the center is more than just a safe haven for the children of homeless families. Its goal is to break the cycle of generational homelessness.

Kelly Hall, family advocate for Our Place, assists parents in performing tasks such as finding employment or submitting applications. This provides them with a helping hand that may be missing from other shelters where they’ve stayed. By leaving their children in the care of Our Place, families have developed a trust in the center that makes them open to accept help for their own situations.

“It’s a big thing to leave your child with somebody,” says Hall. “And not all shelters can be as helpful as one would hope.

“

But the center is more than just a safe haven for the children of homeless families. Its goal is to break the cycle of generational homelessness.

Here, they know we will focus on them.”

“The red tape and bureaucracy of finding a home, getting help, is very hard for homeless families,” says Kopesky. “They could be eligible for assistance and never know it, because going through the steps, which would be a challenge for anyone, is especially difficult for them.”

Our Place families have found jobs and homes, and have made friends with other parents. Some have even become employees themselves for the day–care center. Darlene Kopesky says that these successes are a result of the staff at Our Place.

As Christ welcomed everyone He

”

met with open arms, children and families are greeted with hugs in the morning. Though many day–care centers will shy away from giving children hugs or showing affection, Kopesky says that showing that love is encouraged, and crucial, at Our Place.

“The teachers and staff meet our families’ needs in Christ’s name,” continued Kopesky. “We treat them how Christ would have treated them, with affection and genuine concern, whether it’s in help preparing for a new job, or simply being an ear for them. Sometimes taking the time out to listen to them is exactly what they need at the moment.

“Our Place provides children with a

first step towards family stability. When their names are written on a cubby or on a chair, it’s a memorable experience.

It lets them know that it’s theirs, and will always be theirs, as long as they are here.

“Even the name ‘Our Place’ has come from the children,” Kopesky remembers. “When the center became licensed in 1991, it was simply called ‘The Homeless Day–Care Center.’ The teachers told the preschool group that they were going to have a contest to come up with a new name for this place.

“One of the children looked up and exclaimed, ‘Do you mean, our place?’

“The contest was over right then and there. It really is their place.”

Photos by Keri Shay

Darlene Kopesky, director of programs for ‘Our Place’

A reading corner for the children of ‘Our Place.’

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2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

29

ON file

unity

For our final Unity section of 2015, three officers share Christmas memories, blessings, and warm wishes from their families and from their corps—to you.

나의 즐거운 성탄절

Un saludo de Navidad

구 세군에 들어온 이후 나의 크리스마스는 해마다

¡Feliz Navidad! Diciembre es el mes en el que se escucha mucho esta frase, pero ¿qué significa ¡Feliz Navidad!? Muchos decoran sus casas con luces que alumbran por todas partes. Todo brilla en el ambiente, las calles, los edificios, pero interiormente, ¿Cómo está tu ser? ¿Brillas también? En ocasiones, muchos se ocultan tras las decoraciones, los adornos y las luces; pero sus vidas están muy lejos de reflejar la luz de la Navidad.

Crecí celebrando la Navidad como se solía antiguamente, tal vez muchos ya lo han olvidado. En aquellos tiempos no había muchas decoraciones, ni muchas luces, ni tampoco regalos, pero había lo más importante: mucho amor.

Teníamos el amor de nuestros padres, amábamos a nuestros hermanos y estos amaban a los amigos y a los vecinos. Tal vez te preguntes: “¿De qué provenía esa inspiración que los hacia vivir en ese ambiente tan lindo entre ustedes y los que les rodeaban?”

Te puedo decir con toda seguridad que eso no procedía de una temporada, tampoco era solo un sentimiento por conveniencia… Había algo más fuerte y hermoso que sentíamos y que resultaba de saber quién era Jesús y cuán real es Él en todo tiempo.

Recuerdo un año que recibimos regalos y, aunque fue algo muy sencillo, mis hermanos y yo lo agradecimos mucho; la felicidad nos embargó al abrir los obsequios. A veces, cuanto más sencillas son las cosas, uno más las disfruta. Así era la Navidad, sencilla. Eso es lo que quiere nuestro Señor: que seamos sencillos y humildes. Él lo demostró al venir al mundo en un humilde pesebre.

A lo mejor ya estés planeando la Navidad para este año. Te animo a que esta vez sea diferente. Te invito a que lo hagas con humildad y sencillez.

Si vas a dar un regalo, que esté lleno de un amor verdadero y que siempre porte el mensaje que nuestro Señor Jesucristo trajo al mundo, un mensaje de paz, esperanza y amor.

En esta Navidad no solo decora tu hogar, adorna tu vida con paz, esperanza y lo más importante: el amor de Dios. Permite que Dios llene tu vida de su presencia; es más, comparte ese regalo con todos los que te rodean. Mi esposo y yo lo haremos.

Que en esta Navidad nuestro Señor llene tu hogar de abundantes bendiciones.

— Capitana Ester Rosamilia-Guerrero

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DECEMBER ISSUE 2015

의미 있고 기쁘게 보내게 된다. 이전엔 크리스마스 는 친구들에게 카드 좀 보내고 가족과 함께 즐거운 시간을 보내는 정도로 보내게 되었다. 그러나 구세 군에 들어온 후에 크리스마스를 지내는 나의 방식은 크게 변화가 되었다. 그것은 주로 구세군에서 해마다 실시하는 자선냄비와 엔젤츄리 프로그램 때문이다. 추수감사절 전부터 시작된 자선냄비가 크리스마스 직전에야 끝나게 된다. 춥고 외로운 이들을 위해 자 선냄비의 수익금이 사용된다는 의미와 가치를 지닌 행사이긴 하지만 개인적으로는 이 일에 매달려있다 보니 가족과 함께하는 시간도 거의 없고 개인적으로 휴식을 취할 수 있는 시간도 거의 없게 되었다. 자선 냄비 행사 때문에 교회의 업무가 축소되지 않는다. 오히려 연말에 많은 것들을 마무리하고 새로운 한 해를 준비해야 하기 때문에 교회의 업무도 더욱 가 중된다. 그래서 이런 일을 같이 겪는 구세군 사역자 들 사이에는 목숨을 부지하여 필사적으로 살아남으 라(Survival)고 인사말을 건네기도 한다. 식사도 제 대로 못하고 추운 곳에서 수고하는 자선냄비 봉사자 들을 격려하고, 그들을 위해 라이드를 하고 모아진 성금을 계수하고 성금을 잘 분류하여 은행에 보내 고, 본부에 보고를 하는 일을 매일 새벽부터 밤늦게 까지 반복해서 해야 한다. 자선냄비가 끝날 때가 되 면 몸은 수척해져 있게 되고 목표액에 미치지 못하 면 마음까지 무겁게 된다. 자선냄비와 같은 기간에 진행되는 엔젤츄리 프로그 램도 많은 시간과 에너지를 요구하는 구세군 프로그 램이다. 날짜를 공고해서 도움을 받고자 하는 분들 로부터 등록을 받고 등록된 것을 분류해서 백화점 이나 일반 회사에 배당을 해서 도움이 필요한 가족 들의 선물을 사달라고 부탁을 하고 그것들을 다 모 아서 다시 등록한 자들에게 크리스마스 선물들을 전달하는 것이다. 크리스마스 선물들이 모아지면 그 것들을 다 모아서 다시 정리하고 팩을 해서 픽업하 기 좋은 상태로 만들어야 한다. 이런 작업들은 자원 봉사자들과 함께 하게 되는데 구세군 사역자가 손수 본을 보이고 같이 고생하면서 그 일을 함께 하게 된

“

As Salvationists, we have the privilege of blessing people in the name of Jesus.

This is the family tradition that we’ll pass to my children and to my grandchildren.

Yes, it is ‘a wonderful life!’

—최 다니엘 정위

This past summer, my family learned that we were “under farewell orders” to move to a new appointment as Salvation Army officers (pastors) at a new corps (church) in Indiana, Pa. Captain Mari and I turned to the Internet to discover more about our new home. What stood out most was that Indiana, Pa., is the birthplace of actor Jimmy Stewart.

Although Stewart passed away in 1997 at age 89, you can hear his distinctive drawl as an audible crosswalk signal (thanks to the celebrity impersonator Rich Little) or visit the official Jimmy Stewart Museum. Although he has portrayed many iconic roles, the one for which he is most known is that of George Bailey in the Christmas movie classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

Several misfortunes befall a well–meaning Bailey. When he concludes that the world would be a better place if he had never been born, Clarence, an “angel in training,” enters the picture. By showing Bailey how he has actually touched many lives in a positive way, Clarence helps him realize that his life has been truly wonderful.

My parents, Majors John and LauraLou Swires, were also “angels.” They taught my siblings and me that Christmas is a time to give to people who are in need. The Majors Swires would recruit our friends and us to assist The Salvation Army in distributing food and toys to the needy. I would watch as my classmates discovered that those so–called nameless, faceless people were actually their neighbors or families who sat next to them in church.

In Matthew 25, Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

As Salvationists, we have the privilege of blessing people in the name of Jesus. This is the family tradition that we’ll pass to my children and to my grandchildren. Yes, it is “a wonderful life”!

(구세군 잉글우드한인교회 담임사관)

— Captain Geoffrey Swires

다. 어떤 사관은 이 기간에 병원에 실려 가기도 하고, 병이 나서 며칠간 누워있기도 한다. 이러는 중에 크 리스마스는 어느새 눈 깜짝할 사이에 눈앞에 다가오 게 된다. 나와 가족을 위한 크리스마스는 별 준비 없 이 맞이하게 된다. 그러나 별 준비 없이 맞이하는 크리스마스, 가족의 선물조차 제대로 준비하지 못한 크리스마스라 할지 라도 마음에 가득 채워지는 주님의 평화와 기쁨은 무엇으로 설명하기 힘들다. 가난한 자들을 위해 조 금 수고한 시간들로 인해, 그리고 주님의 사랑을 조 금이나마 나누기 위해 보낸 시간들로 인해 주님의 은혜에 깊이 동참하는 시간이 된다. 주님의 수고와 아픔에 조금 밖에 동참하지 못했지만, 주님은 우리 에게 마음 가득한 평안과 기쁨을 선물로 주심을 보 게 된다. 예전에는 연말이 되면 하나님 앞에 별로 드 린 일이 없어서 늘 허전하고 쓸쓸한 느낌을 경험하 곤 했었다. 그러나 구세군에 들어와 힘들고 어려운 시간을 보내고 있지만 심령엔 그 무엇과도 바꿀 수 없는 주님의 값진 선물이 담겨져서 진심으로 기뻐하 게 된다. 그리고 무엇보다도 연말 연초에 있는 잠간 의 시간에 보내는 휴식은 수고하고 무거운 짐을 다 내려놓고 주님의 평안 속에서 누리는 휴식이다. 주 님의 손과 발이 되어 수고하고 맛보는 크리스마스가 더 가치 있고 더 즐겁다.

find us on facebook / estamos en facebook / 페이스북 방문 환영 www.facebook.com/saconnects

Photos from left to right: courtesy of Captain Ester Rosamilia-Guerrero; Captain Daniel Choi; “It’s A Wonderful Life”

‘A Wonderful Life’

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2015 DECEMBER ISSUE

31

finds

From the dawn of motion pictures to today’s blockbusters, The Salvation Army has appeared in 140 films. Epic productions such as “Soldiers of the Cross” (Limelight Studios, 1900) were actually produced by the Army. Other films were the products of Hollywood studios. The most recent movies (included on right) were made by Christian studios.

THE ARMY CONTINUES to influence Hollywood.

2002 The Man Without a Past (Mies vailla menneisyyttä) This Finnish comedy–drama is about a man who

loses his memory and begins his life anew with help from The Salvation Army. It earned a 98 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and won the Grand Prix at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.

2006 Sister Aimee: The Aimee Semple McPherson Story

This feature–length dramatic biopic is about evangelist

EVEN BEFORE movies had sound or color,

“Sister” Aimee Semple McPherson, and her work with The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army was on the “silver” screen.

These early films, or “shorts,” featured or mentioned or were produced by the Army.

2013 Silver Bells

1902 General Booth

After inadvertently hurting a referee at his son’s basketball game, a popular TV sportscaster becomes a Christmas bell ringer for his local Salvation Army corps.

1903 The Chorus Girl and The Salvation Army

2013 The Christmas Candle

1900 Soldiers of the Cross

In the 19th century, a young minister arrives in the town of Gladbury and shows that miracles can come from good deeds and acts of kindness.

1909 The Salvation Army Lass 1916 A Gutter Magdalene

Salvation Joan

1917 Easy Street

In this Charlie Chaplin classic short, Chaplin’s ‘Little Tramp’ character receives help from The Salvation Army.

2015 Do You Believe A street–corner preacher reminds a pastor that true belief in God requires action, setting off a chain of events that forever changes 12 lives.

1919 The Belle of New York

The Blue Bonnet

Fires of Faith

The Salvation Army on the Job

Salvation Rose

THE ADVENT OF SOUND 1931 Laughing Sinners 1931 Salvation Nell

1920 Hell’s Oasis

1933 She Done Him Wrong

1921 The Big Punch

1936 San Francisco

1941 Major Barbara

The Phantom Carriage

1927 The Angel of Broadway

Salvation Jane

1928 Street of Sin

You’re Darn Tootin’

1929 Pandora’s Box

1945 Blod Och Eld

First made in 1915, remade in 1921, and again in 1931 with sound, Salvation Nell tells the compelling story of Young Nell, as she joins The Salvation Army and tries to steer her troubled father away from a life of crime.

THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA: COLOR! 1952 The Belle of New York 1955 Guys and Dolls 1964 Lemonade Joe (Limonádový Joe)

1968 Run, Man, Run! 1978 Hot Lead and Cold Feet

In this critically–aclaimed musical, one of the main characters is Save-a-Soul Mission Sergeant Sarah Brown, played by Jean Simmons.

1998 Liebe deine Nächste

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DECEMBER ISSUE 2015

TRADE FOR HOPE

Behind every product there’s a story.

Every purchase makes a difference.

Give a gift that helps

.

Nativity Set in Natural Wood Made in Bangladesh $19.95

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Visit our eCatalog: saconnects.org/trade $14.95, SKU 9700090

New! “Pom Pom” Hat

Black, white and red features The Salvation Army Shield

Great gift for your Kettle Workers! facebook.com/usetrade

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Call to order with credit card: Toll Free (888) 488-4882 or (845) 620-7481

Remember George Bailey?

He Made a Difference . . .

And So Do You. Our simple acts of kindness change lives, even when, like George, we don’t realize it. Our gestures take on a life of their own when we reach out to others. Some affect the “here and now,” but others are acts that reach out to children not yet born.

You can leave a legacy that transforms By the simple act of remembering The Salvation Army in your will or estate plan you will provide love and support to future generations . . .

It’s A Wonderful Life

to future victims of hurricanes and floods, to the hungry, the homeless and the abused. Your gift can be the channel for God’s grace.

Yes, please send me free information about a gift through my will or estate plan.

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