SAconnects, Volume 2, Number 7

VOL. 2, NO. 7 • SEPTEMBER 2016

the magazine

REACH for the

light 46 new officers (pastors) carry the message of God’s love page 12

SACONNECTS.ORG

Is it Really possible to give a gift that offers a child

ILD SPO CH ORSHIP NS

Yes!

OVERSEAS

food, friendships, faith and a future? and you can do this!

Here’s how: Sponsor a child, children’s home, or school in another country.

Doesn’t every child deserve a chance? Only $25 per month (100% goes to the child, children’s home, or school).

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our leaders

IN focus

What’s your FOUNDATION? ¿Cuál es tu FUNDAMENTO? One day while driving in Nairobi, Kenya, I saw a three–story building still under construction. Fairly new, it was nothing more than a shell; just square columns and cement floors. After taking a second look, I knew that further construction had been halted forever. One side of the structure sloped severely—a result of foundation failure.

One of the world’s most famous foundation failures is the Leaning Tower in Pisa, Italy. During its early stages of construction, the tower tilted. Engineers had underestimated the softness of the ground on one side.

As I watch the new Tappan Zee Bridge being built over the Hudson River in New York, I am praying that the underwater foundation is strong enough to hold the 13 miles of main span cables, 50 miles of foundation pilings, 300,000 cubic yards of concrete, 220 million pounds of U.S. steel, plus cars, busses, and trucks.

The foundation of any building must distribute its load from the structure to the ground. How often do you think about the underpinnings of the bridge on which you travel, or the mall where you shop, or the home in which you live?

Foundations are crucial.

What is your spiritual foundation? Will it withstand the storms of life and the tests of time? Is it based on church tradition, family heritage, religious doctrine, good behavior, or biblical scripture?

This SAConnects offers stories about foundations, both physical and spiritual. As you read them, please keep this scripture in mind: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Enjoy!

Colonel / Coronela Janice Howard Secretary for Communications / Secretaria de comunicacionses

Un día mientras manejaba en Nairobi, Kenya, vi un edificio de tres pisos que estaba en construcción. No era más que un cascarón; sólo se veían los pilares cuadrados y los pisos de cemento. Me di cuenta de que la construcción quedó interrumpida para siempre en ese punto. Un lado de la estructura se inclinaba fuertemente hacia un costado, resultado de un problema con los cimientos o con el fundamento del edificio.

Por otro lado, unos de los fundamentos fallidos de un edificio, y más conocidos a nivel mundial, son los de la Torre Inclinada de Pisa, en Italia. Durante las fases tempranas de su construcción, la torre sufrió una inclinación. Los ingenieros subestimaron la inestabilidad del suelo bajo uno de los costados de la torre.

Ahora, al observar el nuevo Puente Tappan Zee, que se está construyendo sobre el Río Hudson en Nueva York, sólo ruego que el fundamento submarino del mismo sea lo suficientemente fuerte y sólido como para resistir las 13 millas de cables de suspensión, las 50 millas de pilotes del fundamento, las 300.000 yardas cúbicas de concreto, las 220 millones de libras de acero americano, además de los carros, autobuses y camiones que pasarán a diario sobre él.

El fundamento o los cimientos de cualquier edificio deben distribuir su peso en igual medida en toda la estructura y el suelo. ¿Cuántas veces te detienes a pensar en el fundamento, en los cimientos del puente por el que viajas, o en el centro comercial al que vas a hacer tus compras, o en la casa en que vives? Los cimientos, el fundamento, son cruciales. ¿Cuál es tu fundamento espiritual? ¿Resistirá las tormentas de la vida y las pruebas del tiempo? ¿Está basado en la tradición de la iglesia, el legado familiar, las doctrinas religiosas, la buena conducta o en las Escrituras?

Esta edición de SAConnects contiene historias sobre los fundamentos, tanto físicos como espirituales, de las personas.

Conforme las leas, por favor, ten presente el siguiente pasaje bíblico: “Porque nadie puede poner un fundamento diferente del que ya está puesto, que es Jesucristo” (1 Corintios 3:11). ¡Disfruta!

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2016 SEPTEMBER

1

Vol. 2, No. 7

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2016

IN focus

5

12

1 our leaders 4 from the editor 6 sound doctrine

ON file

5 relevents

12

Danielle Diakanwa, youth ministry director, talks about the power of dance and how attending Stony Brook University has made her a stronger Christian.

7 testimony

10

Fifteen years later, four officers share their memories of September 11, 2001.

10 “These Walls We Rear”

28 unity Corps from the USA Eastern Territory send their most talented young soldiers to perform in the Star Search Talent Display.

The Manhattan Citadel Corps has been and will continue to be an ever–present help to people in Harlem, N.Y. Its newest building, now under construction, will include 11 stories of affordable senior housing and community facilities.

28

30 wholly living See what insightful books the Spiritual Life Development staff is suggesting for your summer reading list.

COVER STORY

12 Messengers of Light

In dazzling style, The Messengers of Light session of cadets celebrated its commencement, ordination, commissioning, and first appointments as lieutenants in The Salvation Army.

Cover: Lili Ditmer

nds fi 32 Do you need to convey

the love of Christ and the Gospel message to your congregation in a new and creative way? We’ve found the answer. It’s called The Army on Its Toes Dance Company, which made its historic debut in Hershey, Pa., during Commissioning weekend.

features

22 32

22 Built on Prayer

Prayer has been the foundation of the “Strength for Today, Bright Hope for Tomorrow” building campaign in Cleveland, Ohio.

Para leer más artículos en español por favor visite

SACONNECTS.ORG/ENESPANOL

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2016 SEPTEMBER

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IN focus

from the editor

letters from you

SEE THE LIGHT

¡Ve la Luz!

A brush with death can cause one to see the Light.

In the next SAConnects, you’ll read Ada LaPorte’s story. In her own words, she was a rebellious woman who survived an abusive relationship and a near–fatal knife attack. In the aftermath of her ordeal, you’ll see how her turn to Christ and to The Salvation Army galvanized an entire community to lovingly support her in Puerto Rico.

You’ll also read about Bill Burke, the Army’s national advisory board chair, a senior vice president of marketing for Nationwide Insurance in Ohio, and a graduate of Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana.

Bill will tell you about his hometown of Yonkers, N.Y., and how he and Marianne, his wife, spoke with Captains Cilianise and Luxene Claircius of the Yonkers Citadel about how they are helping to make a difference in that community.

By the way, thank you for supporting SAConnects, the website, and our visual media teams. On June 2, a record 2,259 viewers read our newest articles online. At Commissioning, attendees grabbed copies of SAConnects at every program. Most recently on Facebook, we reached 10,909 viewers with our “Welcome Video” by Commissioners William A. and G. Lorraine Bamford, territorial leaders.

Praise God for His glorious Light!

— Warren L. Maye Editor in Chief / Editor en Jefe

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Un leve roce con la muerte puede hacer que una persona vea la luz.

En la próxima entrega de SAConnects, podrás leer la historia de Ada LaPorte.

Ella, según sus propias palabras, fue una mujer rebelde que sobrevivió a una relación abusiva y a un ataque a cuchillazos que pudo haber sido mortal. Tras esas experiencias traumáticas, podrás ver cómo su conversión a Cristo y su incorporación al Ejército de Salvación cubrió a una comunidad entera en Puerto Rico.

También podrás leer acerca de Bill Burke, jefe del Consejo Asesor Nacional y vicepresidente principal de mercadeo en la compañía de seguros Nationwide Insurance en Ohio; graduado en Grace College y en el Seminario Teológico de Winona Lake, Indiana.

Bill le contará acerca de Yonkers, New York, su ciudad natal, y del modo en que él y su esposa, Marianne, hablaron con las Capitanas Cilianise y Luxene Claircius del Citadel de Yonkers sobre la manera en que han estado ayudando a realizar un impacto positivo en esa comunidad.

Aprovecho para agradecerte por apoyar a SAConnects, al sitio web y a nuestros equipos de medios visuales.

El 2 de junio, un récord de 2.259 visitantes leyeron nuestros artículos en línea más recientes. En la ceremonia de Comisionamiento, las personas que asistieron se llevaron ejemplares de SAConnects de cada uno de los programas. Más recientemente, en Facebook, llegamos a tener 10.909 visitas con nuestro video de bienvenida de los líderes territoriales, Comisionados William A. and G. Lorraine Bamford. ¡Alabado sea Dios y su gloriosa luz!

I appreciate all that your team is doing with SAConnects. I am so glad to finally have something in my hand and on the web that I can positively share in my ministry to others.

Keep up the great work!

— CORPS OFFICER LT. STEPHEN MAYES Staten Island, N.Y., Corps

I’d like to express thanks and appreciation to the SAConnects staff for the three Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) ministries articles featured in the (“Building a Foundation,” July/August 2016). Your staff is to be commended for capturing these stories from the Boston, Mass., Worcester, Mass., and Wilkes-Barre, Pa., ARCs. Well done. Thank you and God bless!

—LT. COLONEL HUGH STEELE Adult Rehabilitation Centers Commander

Thank you so much for posting that article in SAConnects (“The Army’s first Café Ministry,” June 2016). It brought back fond memories from my days in Greenwich Village. I reminisce about those days and I miss them. I loved The Answer and the Village. It was one of my favorite appointments in The Salvation Army.

—MAJOR BRIAN J. FIGUEROA Asbury Park, N.J.

Congratulations on receiving the Evangelical Press Association’s Award of Merit. I believe it is a well–deserved honor. I was pleasantly surprised to read the article “Profile Night 37” (SAConnects, July/Aug. 2016). Tom Scheibner did a great job of highlighting the essence of the evening. Robert Mitchell’s sidebar was spot on. Please express to your staff my gratitude and appreciation. God bless you all.

—MAJOR THOMAS MACK Hewlett, N.Y

You can also send a letter to: Warren L. Maye Editor in Chief SACONNECTS Magazine Communications Department 440 West Nyack Road West Nyack, NY 10994

CORRECTION

In “A Boost for Bimghamton” (SAConnects, June 2016), Major Marilyn Heimbrock’s first name was misstated as Ruth.

ON file

relevents interview by Hugo Bravo

Danielle Diakanwa, youth ministry director for the Times Square, N.Y., Corps, speaks with SAConnects about her love of dance and the challenge of being an overseas mission team leader. She also offers advice to Christians who are going away to college.

I’ve been practicing dance since I was 14. I began through The Salvation Army as a way to worship the Lord. I later took some courses in college. Now that I’ve moved to New York, I’ve been blessed to get more opportunities to train. Doing so has helped in my ministry, making me feel more comfortable as a speaker and a performer. Dance is physically challenging and can be difficult, but it’s also such a freeing experience.

Through The Salvation Army, I’ve had the opportunity to travel overseas, meet God’s people, and work alongside them.

The first time I traveled to Kenya in East Africa, I did so with a team of Salvationists. I was nervous, but the Kenyan people welcomed us, and our visit felt like a homecoming. As my family is from the Democratic Republic of Congo, I saw similarities in both of our countries’ cultures. On another trip, I visited South Africa with a different team. As we were dropped off at the airport, I was told that I would be the team leader in charge! I was constantly moved out of my comfort zone, but it’s those “Trust God” situations that become the best learning experiences. For two months, our team members drew close to each other in this new land. We became a family. After the trip, two of my teammates even got married.

Photo by Susan Magnano

1 Corinthians 1:27 says, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” At one point in my life, I was nervous to be in front of an audience. The verse from Corinthians made me realize that those fears were trivial, and that as I trusted in God, He would ease my mind. I knew that He was calling me to take a larger role in ministry rather than simply be a passive bystander. I thought, whether I’m here or not, God has plans for His Church. So why not embrace and participate in those plans?

Draw the Circle, by Mark Batterson, is a 40–day devotional in which readers write prayer requests and circle them every day until the prayers are answered. I began the book when I became the Times Square Corps youth ministry director. I wanted to see how God would appear in my life. Soon after that, I was surprised and blessed with the opportunity to do a work–study program at Broadway Dance Center. I didn’t even know that the opportunity was an option for me, but the Lord knew.

I debated going to a secular or a Christian college.

Finally I decided on Stony Brook University. I was happy to choose a college where I could exercise my faith. I made lifelong friends in the dance groups and in faith gatherings with other Christians. But my faith was tested when I met people who had opposing beliefs. College can provide an open exchange of ideas and discussions. We were able to respectfully disagree, but we also found common ground.

I would advise anyone going to a college or a university to really discover why you are a Christian. Go far. Challenge your beliefs and those of others. Doing so builds character, and you will come out as a stronger follower of God.

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2016 SEPTEMBER

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IN focus

Sound Doctrine

by Colonel Richard Munn

the magazine

your connection to The Salvation Army

ECUMENISMO Ecumenismo viene de la palabra griega oikoumené —“el mundo entero”— y se refiere tanto a la unidad como a la universalidad. En la actualidad, este término describe la unidad y la cooperación denominacional cristiana dentro del cuerpo mundial de iglesias.

Tras el fin de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, con la fundación en 1948 del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (WCC, por sus siglas en inglés) en Ámsterdam, Holanda, surgió estratégicamente un impulso ecuménico creciente. El Ejército de Salvación fue uno de los miembros fundadores.

Dos frases captan la esencia de este movimiento: “Nuestra intención es mantenernos juntos” y “Unidad visible””.

En ese tiempo, el General Albert Orsborn enunció varios principios salvacionistas que siguen siendo útiles en nuestros días:  “Somos amigos de todos aquellos a quienes Cristo ha llamado suyos”  “Aportamos la experiencia y el testimonio del Ejército a aquellos objetivos y propósitos que son especialmente apreciados para todo salvacionista”  “Escuchamos y hasta aprendemos”  “No estamos dispuestos a cambiar ni a modificar nuestros propios y característicos principios y métodos” En la actualidad, el Ejército de Salvación sirve en calidad de asesor al Consejo Mundial de Iglesias y participa muy activamente en muchos otros consejos alrededor del mundo.

A nivel local, nacional e internacional, pareciera que el Ejército de Salvación está estratégicamente posicionado para asociarse con otros cuerpos cristianos y para ser un medio de reconciliación.

El hecho de que la palabra ecumenismo se derive de oikoumené —“el mundo entero”— podría tener un uso especial para un movimiento como el nuestro que canta con entusiasmo: “El mundo para Dios”. ¿Sería posible que un medio sorprendente para alcanzar ese fin sea un ecumenismo deliberado?

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USA EASTERN TERRITORY

ECUMENISM Ecumenism comes from the Greek word oikoumené—“the whole world”— and refers to unity and universality.

Today, the term relates to Christian denominational unity and cooperation within the worldwide body of churches.

Increasing ecumenical momentum strategically came together immediately after WW2 with the 1948 founding of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Amsterdam, Holland. The Salvation Army was a founding member.

Two phrases captured the essence of this movement: “We intend to stay together” and “Visible Unity.”

At that time, General Albert Orsborn enunciated some clear Salvation Army principles that are still applicable today:  We “are friendly with all whom Christ has named His own”  We “lend the experience and the testimony of the Army to those aims and purposes which are especially dear to the Salvationist”  We “listen, and perhaps learn”  We “are not prepared to change or to modify our own particular and characteristic principles and methods” Today, The Salvation Army serves in an advisory capacity to the WCC and is notably active in many other national councils around the world.

At local, national, and international levels, it does seem that The Salvation Army is strategically positioned to be in partnership with other Christian bodies and to be a medium of reconciliation.

The fact that the word ecumenism is derived from oikoumené—“the whole world”— may have special application to a movement that sings with gusto: “The world for God.” Could it be that one surprising means to this end is deliberate ecumenism?

TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioner William A. Bamford III Commissioner Lorraine G. Bamford CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel Kenneth O. Johnson, Jr. SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Colonel Janice A. Howard 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 MANAGING DESIGNER Lea La Notte Greene GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Keri Johnson, Karena Lin, Joe Marino 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

GNY Major Susan Wittenberg 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, 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. 2, No. 7, September Issue 2016. Printed in USA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to: SAConnects, 440 West Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994–1739. SAConnects accepts advertising.

Copyright © 2016 by The Salvation Army, USA Eastern Territory.

Articles may be reprinted only with written permission.

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testimony

WE

ON file

Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

At Ground Zero, The Salvation Army provided food for the body and soul.

REMEMBER Interviews by Hugo Bravo

In recognition of the 15–year anniversary of the events of 9/11, four Eastern Territory officers share their memories of how the attacks profoundly influenced, and in some cases changed, the course of their lives. Their stories remind us how The Salvation Army was there—in New York City; in Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon. Most of all, these accounts remind us that, even in the most difficult of times, God is still present and working powerfully in our lives.

MAJOR PHIL LLOYD The Salvation Army had been at Ground Zero for 24 hours when I arrived in New York on the afternoon of September 12th. I had just returned from vacation with my family at Myrtle Beach.

I was told to go to Ground Zero and check on our canteens (mobile food and supply units), and try to make sense of the chaos. Major Jim Betts was with me. There was a constant stream of supplies coming in, but we were lacking the kind of order needed to optimize our efforts.

Divisional Headquarters on 14th Street had become a giant storage bin for everything from food for search & rescue dogs to supplies for administering first aid to injured civilians and exhausted workers. By Sunday, I had completely lost track of time. We worked 30 hours straight, slept for a bit, and then continued.

For a long time, looking at the destruction at Ground Zero was difficult to do. Workers pulled squashed fire trucks from

under the collapsed towers. Firemen knelt and gently placed their hands on the destroyed vehicles. Out of respect for their fallen comrades, the men made this hallowed ground.

Despite the temptation to stare, I carefully looked away, rather than gaze at the destruction, or at their mourning.

In the midst of pain and loss, there was a strong sense of unity among everyone. There was certainly patriotism, but we also became a sharing community. If someone needed a shovel, he just picked it up where he saw it, went to work, and returned it when he was done.

We provided a ministry of presence. I was at a loss for words when workers came down from “The Pile” of debris, ashes, and human remains. So I just grieved along with them.

I learned that by just being there, sitting next to them, and making sure they were never alone, was a service in itself.

Rather than talk about the job we were doing, we instead talked about family. I shared chocolates with them that we

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2016 SEPTEMBER

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testimony

had received as donations. Those snacks were 10–second bits of enjoyment in the midst of this horrible situation.

For years, people would ask me to talk about 9/11. I always told them that, despite being witnesses to one of the most horrible crimes, we were also blessed by an outpouring of love and giving. Whether a person was from The Salvation Army, the Catholic Church, the Red Cross, or any other organization, we all worked together. Out of the worst of humanity came the best of humanity.

Major Phil Lloyd is the Territorial Youth Secretary in West Nyack, N.Y. During the events of 9/11, he served as corps officer in White Plains, N.Y.

MAJOR A. KENNETH WILSON I was 260 miles from New York City when someone told me that the first plane hit the World Trade Center. I rushed to the nearest television in my office at the Salvation Army’s National Headquarters (NHQ) in Alexandria, Va. In my previous appointment in Kearny, N.J., I was close enough to the city to see the towers from my neighborhood. The peaceful image was shattered that Tuesday when I turned on the TV in time to see the second plane hit. And that was no accident.

Within minutes, I heard unconfirmed reports of explosions in and around Washington, D.C. From the top floor of NHQ, I could see smoke coming from the direction of the Pentagon.

Overhead, fighter jets were going supersonic. The “boom” rattled all the windows in the neighborhood.

I later learned that terrorists had hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 with the intention of crashing it into the White House or the Capitol. But the plane actually dove into the Pentagon, slicing its way through five sections of the massive fortress–like office building.

The Salvation Army, being long accustomed to participating in emergency response efforts, arrived within minutes.

Workers set up a mobile feeding truck in the restricted area and began serving first responders.

My daughter, a student at Northern Virginia Community College, took three hours to get home that day. Normally, it would have taken her only 30 minutes.

In the following days, territorial service directors who had been at NHQ for a conference were allowed to enter the crash site’s general area. Other officers and volunteers were allowed access to the parking, feeding, counseling, and rest areas.

One night, I went to pick up pizza for responders and officers. I wore a full Salvation Army uniform and was careful to carry proper identification with me. Of course, I also carried my camera around my neck. What happened next caught me by complete surprise.

A rather intimidating FBI employee stopped me and

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SEPTEMBER 2016

demanded the film from the camera. He confiscated it and said, “We don’t want any pictures taken of this area.” Relieved that I had only lost a few pictures and not the camera itself, I reminded myself that I already had photos on other rolls.

That same night, a soldier also asked to see my camera.

He calmly inspected it to ensure it was empty, and then he returned it to me. He said, “Outstanding. Have a good evening. By the way, we’re glad you’re here.”

Days later, I was visiting Bellevue Hospital in New York.

Affixed to the walls of the hospital and in surrounding neighborhoods were thousands of fliers bearing personal photos of missing people. The headlines read, “Have you seen…?” The pleas for help indicated the extent of this horrific loss of life.

I thought, should I sit down and cry for the lost? Or should I stand up and cheer the men and women who are working tirelessly at Ground Zero, treating the wounded and consoling the frightened?

Under a makeshift tent next to Bellevue, I found several Salvation Army officer friends conducting a prayer service.

Weary workers and people seeking information about lost loved ones sat on hastily constructed chapel furniture.

Parked by the tent were trucks draped under American flags, ready to transport human remains.

I salute the officers and volunteers from the National Capital & Virginia Division, the Greater New York Division, and the Western Pennsylvania Division. They made a difference to grieving people and to others charged with recovering the dead. The Salvation Army’s shield and uniform were once again symbols of service during a disaster that changed lives forever.

Major Wilson served as assistant editor–in–chief of the War Cry magazine in Alexandria, Va. during the events of 9/11.

MAJOR CLARANNE MEITROTT During the events of 9/11, passengers on American Airlines Flight 93 took control of the hijacked plane and successfully diverted it from the terrorists’ intended path to Washington, D.C. As the struggle onboard ensued, the plane crashed in Shanksville, Pa. The Salvation Army’s role began with prayer and a telethon to help raise money for the families of these heroic souls. Working through a local radio station, which the Army had partnered with in the past, Salvationists reached out to the community and took donations via phone. They also consoled frightened people who begged for answers as to what had happened in their community and in the world.

At a Salvation Army–sponsored memorial service held in Shanksville, I participated by distributing Bibles with labels that read, “From The Salvation Army: a gift given in memory

Photo by iStock

of the lives lost on Flight 93.” I got 100 Bibles on short notice. Seeing people take them all brought me great joy.

In the following weeks, I returned to Shanksville many times. When I saw residents and law enforcement officials who had missed the service, they would ask for a Bible. I visited Christian bookstores around the area, searching for that exact Bible. I bought every copy I could find. I hoped that they would serve as a memento of the Army’s presence and of God’s presence, and help people find or renew their faith.

Through the events of 9/11, I found a new calling—helping people realize their resilience during and after disasters.

Our territory was receiving information from Booth University College in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. A course on helping people in crisis interested me. Through intensives at Long Point Camp and online and on campus and directed studies, I acquired a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Ministries with a Certification in Pastoral Counseling.

God saw my heart and called me to a ministry of helping hurting people, which I continue in retirement.

During the events of 9/11, Major Claranne Meitrott was appointed to the Divisional Headquarters in Western Pennsylvania. She later served as the territorial social ministries secretary. She and her husband are now enjoying retirement in Seaford, Del.

LT. COLONEL STEPHEN BANFIELD On September 11, 2001, I was sitting in a finance council board meeting in our building on 14th Street in New York City. I got a call from the Emergency Disaster Services (EDS). When I was told that a plane had hit the World Trade Center, I thought it had been a Piper Cub that may have flown too close or had gotten caught up in a wind draft.

I went to the southerly windows of the 8th floor. From there, I had an unobstructed view of the towers. To my

surprise, I saw a gaping hole in one of the buildings. Black smoke and red flames poured out from its side.

Being a New Yorker by adoption, I knew that on any given day, around 50,000 people were inside the Trade Center, with thousands more in surrounding buildings.

I went to my office and called EDS workers to go to the site.

From my window, I could see nearby construction workers on rooftops. Some were looking in disbelief at the damaged tower. Others buried their faces in their hands and wept.

And then another plane hit the second tower. I knew then that we were under a vicious attack.

Since the events of 9/11, the people of New York and the entire nation feel vulnerable. Now, we constantly look over our shoulders, especially when similar attacks, though smaller in scale, happen today.

But as Christians, we must continue to have faith and trust in God. This world still belongs to Him. On 9/11, I watched a helicopter that had been hovering around the towers suddenly pull away. A few seconds later, the second tower began crashing down.

Surprisingly at that moment, two verses came to me. The first was from a hymn: “This is my Father’s world, and let me never forget, although the wrong seems often strong, God is the ruler yet.” The second was Scripture from 1 John 4:4: “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.”

We need to remember that through everything, God is still in control.

The world of our attackers came to a hopeless end. But as followers of Christ, we will continue to see a world of endless hope.

Lt. Colonel Stephen Banfield is the divisional commander of the Eastern Pennsylvania & Delaware Division. During the events of 9/11, he served as the Greater New York Division’s incident commander.

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2016 SEPTEMBER

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‘These walls we rear’ A new center is coming to East Harlem

by Warren L. Maye

‘

In Thy great Name,

we place this stone.

To Thy great Truth,

these walls we rear.

Help us to make

Thy glory known.

’

And Thy great Name

to honor here.

— CONGREGATIONAL SONG

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T

hese lyrics were among the historic items that had been buried in the Manhattan Citadel Corps Community Center’s cornerstone since 1978. The then–massive project at 125th Street and Third Avenue had relocated the corps family from its humble beginnings at 157 East 125th Street, its home for 66 years.

Led by Brigadier Mary Nisiewicz, the new two–story brick and limestone building had included a gymnasium that also served as an auditorium for community athletic programs and meetings. It had a state–of–the–art kitchen, a chapel, day care facilities, expanded drug addiction counseling services, senior citizen and neighborhood tutorial programs, and character–building activities.

The corps also had an active ministry that included regular visitation to Harlem Hospital, home visits, mother’s meetings, children’s summer camp, day camp programs, Boy Scout and Cub Scout units, Girl Guard and Sunbeam units, as well as a variety of church and religious instruction programs.

One of the highlights of the Manhattan Citadel’s ministry occurred on March 12, 2014, when a gas–leak explosion

Photos courtesy of the Manhattan Citadel Corps

Captain Antonio Rosamilia, corps officer, removes documents from the cornerstone.

leveled two neighborhood buildings, taking eight lives and leaving 250 residents from 85–90 apartment units homeless.

Led by Captains Antonio and Jennifer Rosamilia, corps officers, the Manhattan Citadel transformed itself into an official “resident service center and emergency shelter.” For three days, displaced families were fed, housed, and comforted.

This request came from the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in partnership with the American Red Cross as well as with other city agencies and non–profit organizations such as the New York City Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD).

MORE THAN A COMMUNITY CENTER

Today, yet another Manhattan Citadel is under construction.

This one will include 12 stories of affordable senior housing and community facilities at the site of the block–long building.

Seniors need help more than people realize. So many of them are abandoned in their twilight years. As Harlem is in transition, its seniors are in further danger of falling through the cracks of gentrification as the cost of living continues

its meteoric rise. With housing such as this provided by The Salvation Army, they will now enjoy a brighter future.

The new building will stretch from 125th to 126th Street.

The development will have 233 small apartments and will sit on top of a recreation center and a chapel. The apartments will be divided across 139,833 sq. ft. of space, divided into units measuring 560 sq. ft.

A basketball court and a laundry will occupy the basement. On the first floor, there will be a chapel. The second floor will accommodate a cafeteria, offices, and classrooms.

The third floor will offer fitness rooms, a café, offices, a library, and meeting rooms.

Designed by Peter Poon Architects, the apartments will start on the 4th floor, with 30 units per story through the 8th floor and 17 and 18 units respectively on the 9th and 10th floors.

The top floor will have another dining hall and storage rooms.

Currently, the Manhattan Citadel is temporarily renting space in a neighborhood building until the new facility is completed. The corps has been and will continue to be a place of refuge and help for people in need.

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2016 SEPTEMBER

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Messengers of Light Warren L. Maye, Robert Mitchell, and Hugo Bravo contributed to this story. Photography by Ryan Love.

Commissioning is a momentous occasion. It’s a time when men and women who’ve committed themselves to Christian ministry through The Salvation Army are ordained, commissioned, and appointed to serve as officers (pastors) throughout the USA Eastern Territory and beyond.

(Above) Cadet Bree Barker (salutatorian) and Cadet Trisha Smouse (valedictorian) take a selfie.

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“Light in the Bible was always created by fire,” said Lt. Colonel Herbert C. Rader, MD, at the Appointment Service. He challenged the Messengers of Light session to be the lights that will show people the way to Christ.

“These lamps were never designed to be admired or to call attention to themselves … Every burning lamp had to be lighted from an existing fire … To burn brightly in the world, as you are now commissioned to do, you must live close to that source; you must live in the presence of God.” Sitting behind Rader on the platform were Lieutenants Elijah Moretz, Victor Morales, and Jamie Suhoney among their 43 sessionmates. During their future days of hard work at a corps or an ARC, be it in an urban center or in a suburban or rural setting, a spiritual light will continue burning brightly within them.

Read on to discover how they plan to keep the flame alive.

Taking the Light into Darkness Colonel Janet Munn, principal of the College for Officer Training, offered a striking statistic about the Messengers of Light session: 27 of the 46 cadets came to Christ through The Salvation Army.

“Hallelujah! That sounds like we are still a salvation army!” Munn said to huge applause.

During a Friday commencement service in the Hershey Lodge, territorial leaders recognized academic achievements and presented awards.

For the first time this year, the CSM Edward Gooding, O.F., Award of Excellence was presented to cadets Willow Houseton and Alberta Rakestraw. This award recognizes two cadets who have positively influenced the student body in the spirit and teachings of CSM Edward Gooding, O.F. (see page 14).

Cadet Alexander Senak won the Bible Knowledge Progress Award, while cadet Railene Griffin earned the Doctrine Knowledge Progress Award.

Cadet Megan Moretz won both the Bible Knowledge Achievement Award

Colonel Janet Munn, College for Officer Training principal, addresses the audience.

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Remember that the Light doesn’t originate from us. We are to reflect Him …

His goodness, His righteousness, and His truth.

”

—Cadet Trisha Smouse

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(137 correct answers out of 150) and Doctrine Knowledge Achievement Award (98 correct answers out of 100).

Cadet Bree Barker was salutatorian with a 3.96 grade– point average (GPA) and Cadet Trisha Smouse was valedictorian with a 3.99 GPA. Smouse, in her valedictory address, said that for the past two years, she and other cadets leaned on the Lord.

“Whatever challenges we were faced with, through God’s strength, encouragement of peers and officers, we were able to overcome all of those challenges,” she said.

Smouse, who worked with human trafficking victims in Columbus, Ohio prior to going to training, urged the Messengers of Light to carry that light “into dark places.”

“Seek Him in all that you do,” she says. “Remember that the Light doesn’t originate from us. We are to reflect Him …

His goodness, His righteousness, and His truth. These are essential characteristics of a person who is in the light.

“We cannot stay in our buildings or in our comfort zones.

We must be willing to go wherever the Lord tells us, proclaiming His Gospel, loving and serving Him supremely.”

Lieutenant Willow Houseton and Lieutenant Darell Houseton accept their new appointments.

Lieutenant Alberta Rakestraw (CSM Edward Gooding, O.F., Award recipient) accepts her first appointment.

C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R.

First Gooding awards presented The College for Officer Training (CFOT) in partnership with the Territorial Committee for Salvationists of African Descent presented the first annual CSM Edward Gooding, O.F., Award of Excellence. This award recognizes the services and achievements of two cadets who have positively influenced the college in the spirit of the teachings and the example of Corps Sergeant Major (CSM) Edward Gooding, Order of the Founder recipient (O.F.).

Members of the CFOT Executive Committee will nominate cadets for consideration and select the recipients. Two awards of $150 each will be given annually.

AWARD CRITERIA: Exemplifying one or more of the following traits of C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R.: Christian Witness, Honesty, Academic achievement, Resilience, Adoration of God & The Salvation Army, Community activism, Tutoring or mentoring, Evangelism, and Respect for others.

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Lieutenants Elisha and Megan Moretz receive their first appointments.

A Salvationist Legacy “When they reached the other side, Elijah said to Elisha, “What can I do for you before I’m taken from you? Ask anything.”

Elisha said, “Your life repeated in my life. I want to be a holy man just like you.”

—2 KINGS 2:9 (MSG)

Lieutenant Megan Moretz receives awards in Bible knowledge and in doctrine knowledge.

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Elisha Moretz chose 2 Kings 2:9 to be read upon his commissioning as a Salvation Army officer because it involves his biblical namesake and much more.

Moretz is the grandson of Commissioners Lawrence R. and Nancy A. Moretz, former territorial leaders in the USA East. Although Commissioner Lawrence Moretz was promoted to Glory in 2015, Commissioner Nancy Moretz was in the audience in Hershey, Pa., to see her grandson and his wife, Cadet Megan Moretz, become commissioned officers.

Elisha said he only thinks about his family legacy when someone mentions it to him.

“I’m just hoping to have some modicum of service and ministry that they’ve had,” he said of his grandparents. “I work toward that goal.”

Megan is well on her way to helping the couple realize Elisha’s dream. Megan won two academic awards as a Messengers of Light session graduate in the areas of Bible knowledge and in doctrine knowledge achievement.

Says Megan, the daughter of officers from the Canada & Bermuda Territory, “I think a lot of my knowledge of the doctrines and of the Bible has been passed on through my family.”

A fifth–generation Salvationist, Megan also credits hard work and the love and encouragement of her husband for her accomplishments.

“God has blessed me with a mind that easily retains information and I recognize that blessing and just give all the honor and glory back to God for what He has given me,” she says.

Megan already has a degree in peace & conflict studies from the University of Toronto and she is now studying for a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary.

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‘Moses’ An all–Army Production “Usually after I finish a project, my mind is right onto the next thing. But this time, I constantly find myself reflecting on ‘Moses,’ even weeks later.”

— CAROL JAUDES

Carol Jaudes says that ‘Moses’ was a high point of her 16 years with The Salvation Army.

“Ten years ago, we could not have done ‘Moses’ like we would have wanted,” she said. “But today, we created it from scratch, with directors, dancers, and creative minds straight from the Army. God is so faithful and He has continued to bring such talent from the arts community to His Church.

His timing is perfect!”

With a broad smile, Jaudes said that even the costumes in “Moses” were all from Salvation Army Family Stores in Manhattan and in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. Creative Arts Specialist Ian Evans,

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who starred in the title role, says that there are specific reasons why the biblical story of Moses can be told so well on stage.

“The life of Moses has all the ingredients for a great story,” he said. “It has pain, loss, miracles, freedom, and the best possible ending, all in the name of salvation. It’s about the message that God rescues and guides His people. To perform it was exhilarating.”

Evangeline Miller is the creative arts director for the Empire State Division and one of the dancers for the production. She was overjoyed to be part of “Moses,” a new and exciting ministry.

“You don’t see this type of ministry

in many other places. But The Salvation Army takes pride in it and cultivates it,” she said.

“It’s amazing to bring Scripture to life.

We know the Word of God is alive within all of us. But everyone learns differently.

So when we see it in front of our eyes, it reaches more minds, opens more hearts, and teaches in a new way.”

The Arts Ministries’ production of “Moses” debuted at the Eastern Territory’s Messengers of Light Commissioning 2016. Salvationists and their friends witnessed the 30–minute production, extended from its original 8 minutes, which was performed at last year’s 2015 Boundless International

Congress in London. Combining dance, music, computer–generated video, and animation, “Moses” tells the story of how God used one man to lead the Israelites out of ancient Egypt. An audience of over 2,500 people in the Great American Hall at Hershey Park, Pa., gave the production a standing ovation.

Thousands more viewers saw it via live stream on saconnects.org.

GOD RESCUES US

At the 2015 International Congress, Jaudes created and coordinated a session on the concept of social justice. To illustrate the scriptural part of the session, she chose to show Moses dramatically

leading his people out of oppression.

“God rescued Moses so that he could rescue others, just as God rescues us to rescue others,” said Jaudes.

Lt. Colonel Kenneth W. Maynor, then program secretary, was inspired by the production and thought that the life of Moses would make a great project to expand on for the future.

“He was all for it, and wanted to have it as part of the Commissioning weekend,” remembers Jaudes.

The production was scripted by Jaudes; choreographed by Kathryn Higgins, Kroc Center arts liaison/dance specialist; musically composed by Joseph Skinner, audio technician; and

panoramically animated by Jerome Green, motion graphics artist/post production coordinator. The production begins with the baby Moses being released by his mother into the Nile River. It ends with the adult Moses parting the Red Sea. “We wanted the production to have striking visuals but as few lines as possible. All we needed were a few voiceovers from God, and some basic narration,” says Jaudes. “But the story itself needed to transcend language, as would any lesson from the Bible.”

—Carol Jaudes is the Special Events & Arts Ministries Bureau director

To See the Arts Ministries’ production of Moses from Commissioning 2016, visit saconnects.org/moses

“Caminar en la Luz” Las luces resplandecían en todo su fulgor sobre la Tenienta Melanie Ortiz mientras se desplazaba por el escenario ante el Comandante Territorial, Comisionado Barry C. Swanson. En presencia de 2.000 personas y lleno de orgullo, Swanson le ofreció el Premio del Comisionado al Desempeño. Todos los presentes la ovacionaron de pie.

Swanson dijo que el premio daba cuenta de las habilidades académicas y de liderazgo demostradas por Ortiz, así como de su capacidad para “interiorizar a fondo la experiencia de ser cadete”.

Como integrante honrada de la sesión “Mensajeros de la luz”, ese día en el Hershey Lodge marcó un fuerte contraste en la vida oscura que Ortiz vivió sólo cuatro años antes.

Como hija de la Mayora Teresita Pacheco, oficiala directiva en Ponce, Puerto Rico, Ortiz creció en el Ejército de Salvación. Pero hace más o menos una década, se apartó de su familia y de una vida centrada en Dios.

“Mi mamá oró por mí sin pausa todo ese tiempo”, dice Ortiz. “Durante unos diez años me mantuve alejada del Señor y de mi familia. Fui rebelde. Era

una persona amargada y egocéntrica”.

No obstante, en la época en que la madre de Ortiz fue nombrada al Colegio de Entrenamiento para Oficiales (CFOT) en Suffern, New York, Ortiz regresó a Puerto Rico. En cualquier caso, ella regresaría a los Estados Unidos para asistir a la universidad en Chicago.

Allí empezó a consumir alcohol, estupefacientes y tenía, lo que ella misma describía como, “una boca sucia”.

“Mi mamá siempre me hablaba del Señor”, recuerda Ortiz. “Me instaba a caminar en la luz.

“Una noche cuando estaba sola y me encontraba viviendo en la más completa oscuridad espiritual, recordé que el Señor había prometido algo mucho mejor que eso para mí. De modo que regresé a la iglesia, entregué mi corazón al Señor una vez más y aquí me tienen”.

Ortiz también escuchó y respondió al llamado que se le hacía al oficialato.

Como cadete, sirvió en el Colegio de Entrenamiento para Oficiales en calidad de capellana, organizando grupos de música y cumpliendo sus responsabilidades de líder. Así se convirtió en una luz para los demás cadetes.

“Fui [durante esos dos años de entrenamiento] lo que soy”, confiesa Ortiz. “Quería animar a los demás, quería que me fuera bien en términos académicos y también quería crecer espiritualmente. Nunca esperé nada como esto [el premio]. No hice más que cumplir la obra del Señor”.

Ortiz, que ingresó al entrenamiento para oficiales desde el Centro Comunitario Ray & Joan Kroc en Guayama, Puerto Rico, se emocionó al recibir su primer nombramiento como oficiala asistente en el Cuerpo Central de San Juan, donde cumplió su nombramiento de invierno.

“Estoy emocionada. Sorprendida.

Me siento agradecida y bendecida”, dijo después del servicio de nombramiento.

“Siento emociones en este momento”.

La Tenienta Kendacy Barnes, oradora en calidad de representante de la sesión en ese servicio, dijo que no era ninguna coincidencia que la sesión se llamase “Mensajeros de la luz”.

“El Señor ha levantado un ejército, una generación de soldados, que no sienten miedo de asaltar las fortalezas de la oscuridad con Su maravillosa luz”.

Melanie Ortiz recibe el reconocimiento del Comisionado Swanson.

Melanie Ortiz receives her award from Commissioner Swanson.

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Victor Morales tocando la guitarra (a la derecha) en la reunión de alabanza.

Victor Morales (playing guitar on right) performs during the praise gathering.

Alabanza en Varias Lenguas El Encuentro de Alabanza y Oración del sábado por la noche alcanzó su máximo esplendor cuando Víctor Morales cantó “Maravillosa gracia” en español y luego en inglés.

Casi la mitad de los integrantes de la sesión “Mensajeros de la luz” eran hispanos y muchos de sus parientes estaban entre la audiencia.

Morales diría más tarde: “Notamos que mientras entonábamos una canción en español, muchas personas de la audiencia cantaban con nosotros. No esperaba ver a tantas personas cantando y con tanto entusiasmo”.

El encuentro estuvo amenizado por los Cantores del Territorio Este

y por varios de los mejores músicos y cantantes del territorio, entre ellos: Morales, Anna Street, Doug Berry, la Tenienta Swetha Vincent, James Bernabe, Tony Cenname, Cindy Pettiford y muchos otros.

Otro aspecto importante fue una versión multilingüe de la canción “Cuán grande es Él”, interpretada por Vincent (en hindi), Bernabe (en creole), Street (en inglés) y Morales (en español).

Morales, que vino al Fin de Semana de Comisionamiento como miembro de un grupo del Cuerpo Central de San Juan, Puerto Rico, dijo que se sentía honrado por ser parte de la banda de adoración.

“Es una gran oportunidad”, indicó.

“La importancia de esto radica en que lo hacemos juntos. Tenemos la oportunidad de estar aquí arriba liderando a la gente.

Me siento agradecido por contribuir. Soy muy consciente de que Jesucristo es el punto central de todo esto”.

Morales, ahora de 24 años, empezó a cantar cuando tenía 6. En la actualidad ayuda, como soldado, a liderar los servicios de adoración en el Cuerpo Central de San Juan.

“La música es lo mío”, comentó. “He estado tocando y cantando desde que era pequeño. Cada vez que tengo la oportunidad de hacer algo como esto, me siento muy bien y muy agradecido”.

To read these stories in English, visit saconnects.org.

Commissioners Swanson Retire “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places …” — (PSALM 16:6 NIV) Rarely if ever have two Salvation Army territories met at the crossroads of ministry in such a visually dramatic way.

That was the case during the official retirement service for Commissioners Barry C. and E. Sue Swanson held at the Hershey Lodge and Conference Center on June 12.

Although The Salvation Army’s Central Territorial Headquarters is 584 miles away in Chicago, as many as 2,000 people in the Great American Hall in Hershey, Pa., reacted to a prerecorded video greeting from hundreds of “Centralites” as if they were in the room too, all standing on common ground. In the video, uniformed officers and soldiers held handmade placards and shouted heartfelt greetings to the Swansons.

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That evening, the lives and legacy of the Commissioners Swanson was what everyone had in common. Under the theme “Crossroads,” their combined celebration and appreciation for the retiring territorial leaders was exuberant and genuine.

The Swanson’s immediate family, in–laws, and grandchildren flew in from Chicago to witness the “Salvation Meeting” live and to participate onstage.

Commissioner Israel L. Gaither, who led the meeting, also represented Commissioner Eva D. Gaither, who was present. He said to the Swansons, “We believe in you. During our time together at National Headquarters, we fell in love with you.” As he invited them up, the Swansons received a stirring ovation.

Since 2013, Commissioner Barry Swanson has served as territorial commander of the USA Eastern Territory and as the administrative and ecclesiastical leader of The Salvation Army in 12 Northeastern states, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with headquarters in West Nyack, N.Y. The territory includes 1,600 active and retired officers, 369 corps, and as many as 1,000 other centers of operation. Commissioner Sue Swanson has served as the territorial president of Women’s Ministries. Their previous appointments have taken them through five divisions in the USA Central Territory; National Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia; and International Headquarters in London, England.

The Swanson’s immediate family, in–laws, and grandchildren flew in from Chicago to witness the ‘Salvation Meeting’ live and to participate onstage.

”

They’ve served as corps officers, as administrators, as well as divisional, territorial, and international leaders.

Because the Swansons have traveled so much during their officership, they’re excited about the prospects of finally enjoying traditional family gatherings.

Commissioner Sue said, “We’re looking forward to being in Chicago as a family, rather than as visiting grandparents.”

The New York Staff Band played a special piece in honor of the Swansons, which was written by Army composer Bill Himes, who personally introduced it.

Colonels F. Bradford and Heidi Bailey of the USA Southern Territory presented the retirement certificates to the Swansons, recognizing their combined 76 years and 40 days of ministry as Salvation Army officers. Commissioner William Cochrane, Commissioners Eva D. and Israel L. Gaither, Commissioners Joy and Ken Baillie, and Commissioner Nancy A. Moretz served as flagbearers.

Majors Andrew and Cheryl Miller held the session flag.

Said Commissioner Barry Swanson, “Thank you for honoring us with your presence. We can’t see it yet, but just beyond the hill is our future.”

—For more on the Commissioners Swanson, read SAConnects (June 2016).

(Left) Jamie Suhoney hugs his mother at the Silver Star Dinner.

(Right) Suhoney salutes at Commissioning.

The Chains are Gone During the Fellowship of the Silver Star dinner held during Commissioning Weekend, Cadet Jamie Suhoney recalled the words his mother repeatedly said to him when he struggled with drugs and alcohol.

“When I was sure I could not go on, you continued to tell me, ‘God has big plans for you. Why else would Satan attack you so much?’” Suhoney told her. Melinda Fleck wiped back tears as her son gazed into her eyes and sweetly praised her for believing in him through the worst of times.

All around the room, cadets were using the dinner as an opportunity to express their deep appreciation and love for parents, mentors, and significant others who supported them on their journey to officership.

For Suhoney, it was a long road to Commissioning Weekend.

“At an early age, I struggled with anger, which led me to use drugs and alcohol,” he recalls. “I just completely ran away from God and anything He wanted to do with me. I even tried to commit suicide.”

Suhoney told his mother, “You stood by my side and guided me lovingly. When I got off track, you kept praying for me.”

Suhoney said his life changed when he attended a tent revival in New Castle, Pa.

“The pastor kept talking about someone being broken from the chains that held them,” Suhoney says.

A man behind him put a hand on his shoulder and said, “He’s talking to you.”

Suhoney didn’t know the man, but feeling convicted, Suhoney walked to the front of the tent.

“I can’t tell you if I ever made it to the front, but I knew God had broken the chains that had bound me to alcohol and drugs,” he says. “My last drink was in 1998.

“I literally felt like the thirst for alcohol and drugs was completely gone. Since that tent revival day, I’ve never really had another struggle with them.”

At the Silver Star dinner, Suhoney told his mother that when he accepted God’s plan for his life, “no one praised God more than you.”

“This [weekend] is happening for me because of you and all you have done to help keep me on God’s path,” he says. “I am blessed to have a friend and a mother like you.”

After the dinner, Fleck said, “I had no doubt [that my Prodigal Son would come home]. I know my Lord. He’s faithful. If my heart gets any bigger, it’s going to burst.

“I think Jamie’s a real testament to just what Jesus Christ can do.”

To see more on the retirement of the Commissioners Swanson at Commissioning 2016, visit saconnects.org

BUILT on prayer

by Robert Mitchell

photography by Corina Chang

F

our Salvation Army building projects are rising in Cleveland, Ohio, thanks to the people who joined forces and found common ground on their knees in prayer.

“We had some major obstacles to overcome when we started this project,” says Major Lurlene–Kay Johnson, the divisional secretary for Greater Cleveland Area Services.

For 17 years, The Salvation Army had tried to purchase a parking lot adjacent to the Cleveland Harbor Light building, but the owner was reluctant to sell. The acquisition was necessary to expand the Zelma George Emergency Family Shelter.

Johnson recalls, “I said to the Cleveland officers and to the advisory board that we needed to fast and pray for the next several days and then I would call the owner again.”

GOD AT WORK

Johnson met with the owner, who also received a tour of the Harbor Light Center. He asked for a few days to think it over.

Everyone prayed.

“A couple of days later, he called and told us he would sell the land,” Johnson said. “[His resistance] had been a barrier for many years. [His consent] was key to this project’s success.

We believe that the Lord finally opened that door for us.”

The expansion of the downtown Zelma George Family Shelter is one of four simultaneous building projects in the $35–million “Strength for Today, Bright Hope for Tomorrow” campaign in Cleveland.

The other projects include rebuilding and expanding the

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Major Lurlene–Kay Johnson with Ken Marous, vice president of Marous Brothers, the contractor on two of the projects in the Cleveland building campaign.

Temple Corps Community Center, renovating and expanding the West Park Corps Community Center, and constructing a new East Cleveland Corps. Construction on all four projects is scheduled for completion by spring 2017.

ANOTHER PRAYER ‘WIN’

Johnson said prayer also played a huge part in acquiring the land for the East Cleveland Corps. The property was owned by the city of East Cleveland and The Salvation Army faced the challenge of clearing several liens.

“We prayed and prayed over that matter—that we would get the land in time for the project to start,” Johnson says.

“We got it literally two days before our deadline.”

Johnson said she and campaign chairman Ray Murphy made a habit of praying before meetings with potential donors. So far, 150 donors have contributed.

“We decided this campaign needed to be a spiritual exercise for us,” she says. “We pray that the donors will be friends of The Salvation Army, and we pray a special blessing on them.

“We attribute the quick success that we have had in this project, and in our fundraising, to the power of prayer. As an officer, this is a ministry.”

ON THEIR WAY

The Salvation Army has raised $32 million of the $35 million goal. “The faith of our board has really grown,” she said.

Johnson called the project the most significant in the 144– year history of The Salvation Army in Cleveland. It also is the largest initiative in the history of the Eastern Territory outside of the recent Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center projects.

“It’s unusual to build four facilities at one time. For 20 years, leaders of The Salvation Army in Cleveland have talked about doing such a capital campaign,” Johnson said.

EAST CLEVELAND CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER

The Salvation Army is relocating a corps from within the city of Cleveland to East Cleveland. The new facility will be built on land adjacent to a public transit station.

The corps will offer utility assistance, a senior center, a “choice food” pantry, after– school tutoring, music & arts programs, and community recreation.

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CHANGING NEEDS

“There were several facilities that needed to be in the campaign. So we decided to just get it done as one big project instead of doing smaller ones that would require more time.

“Our success is due to amazing support from our advisory board, the community, DHQ, and THQ.” Johnson said that, according to a Salvation Army program study done in 2012, 39 percent of Cleveland’s 390,000 residents live in poverty, including half its children. The greatest needs were on the west and east sides of the city.

“We’re not just building in one area,” Johnson says. “We are literally building all across the city.”

The new East Cleveland Corps Community Center will feature a spray–water park and Mommy & Me classes for the single moms in the neighborhood. The area has many senior citizens, who will work in the food pantry and in the corps.

WARM WELCOME

“East Cleveland is the poorest city in the state of Ohio,” Johnson says. “If you drive through it, you’ll see abandoned buildings. It is a rough area.”

Johnson said the city, which is plagued by absentee landlords, shuttered businesses, and a poor housing market, welcomed The Salvation Army.

“The Salvation Army was treated as a friend,” Johnson says. “The community opened its arms to The Salvation Army. We will bring some much–needed support to this hurting community.”

The other east side project is the new Temple Corps Community Center, now located in a former school, which will be replaced with a new building. The current property will be turned into a ball field.

“The building is just too old,” Johnson said. “Everything in

ZELMA GEORGE EMERGENCY FAMILY SHELTER

Construction of a new family shelter on Salvation Army–owned property adjacent to the current facility will house both homeless families and adult human trafficking victims. The shelter will also provide a safe outdoor play area for children and expand program services to include case management, educational programs, and substance abuse & mental health counseling.

TEMPLE CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER

Constructed on Salvation Army–owned property adjacent to the current facility, the corps will offer a “choice food” pantry, after–school tutoring, a music & arts program, day camp, and community recreation programs. The Learning Zone program would increase by 44 percent. Programmatically, this is the largest corps in Cleveland and serves 1,000 people a week.

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WEST PARK CORPS COMMUNITY CENTER

The project will expand the first floor of the current building, add a second floor, and renovate existing space. The corps will offer a food pantry, a hot meal delivery program, senior center, after–school tutoring, and music & arts programs. This is the fastest–growing corps in Northeast Ohio and has the largest food pantry in Cleveland.

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Una Construcción it needed to be repaired or replaced. It was more cost–effective to just do a rebuild.”

The presence of a licensed Learning Zone program in the current building limited the amount of other activities that could go on at the same time, Johnson said. The new building will be able to accommodate multiple programs.

“We can now have corps programs going on, a licensed Learning Zone, and a community center, all operating at the same time,” she says.

The only downtown project is the expansion of the Zelma George Family Shelter, which is currently housed inside the Harbor Light Center. The shelter serves “mixed populations” and caters to adults rather than children, Johnson said.

A DREAM REALIZED

“We want to put the families and the human trafficking victims in their own facilities,” Johnson said. “For years, we’ve wanted a separate building for the families, but we couldn’t afford it.”

The renovation will provide a suite for six human trafficking victims, who are often admitted at night by the FBI. By being attached to the Harbor Light Center, the two facilities will share meal preparation facilities and other resources, Johnson said.

“There are other services in the Harbor Light that these families still need,” she says.

ROOM FOR ‘MORE’

Three groundbreakings for the project occurred in November 2015. The West Park event was in April. Although rain fell during the ceremony, it couldn’t dampen the buoyant spirit.

BettyLou Hruska, a 4th–generation Salvationist who has attended the corps since the 1950s, has watched the neighborhood change. A Sunday school teacher, she is optimistic.

“It’s going to mean more than just growth and numbers, it’s going to mean connecting more,” she says. “We’re going to have space to do more and invite more people in and have them feel comfortable. We use every inch of this building.”

THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL

Captain Harold Fritsch, the corps officer at the West Park Corps, called the groundbreaking a “momentous day.”

“The need here is so great,” he says. “This will be a place of refuge for the people in our neighborhood.”

Captain Candy Fritsch, said the new building has “given everyone hope” and the faith to “never doubt what God can do” through prayer.

“Right now, our chapel is at capacity and we’re looking forward to having more space,” she says. “That doesn’t mean a bigger chapel just to look beautiful, but more seats for more souls to get saved.”

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SEPTEMBER 2016

Basada en la Oración En la ciudad de Cleveland se están levantando cuatro proyectos de construcción, del Ejército de Salvación, gracias a las muchas personas que han sumado fuerzas y unido voluntades orando de rodillas por una causa común.

“Debimos superar varios obstáculos al momento de iniciar este proyecto”, dice la Mayora Lurlene-Kay Johnson, secretaria divisional de Servicios para el Área del Gran Cleveland.

Durante 17 años, el Ejército de Salvación intentó adquirir un estacionamiento adyacente a las instalaciones del Harbor Light de Cleveland, pero el dueño siempre se mostró reacio a vender. La adquisición era necesaria para ampliar el Albergue de Emergencia para Familias “Zelma George”.

Johnson recuerda: “Les dije a los oficiales y a la junta asesora de Cleveland que necesitábamos ayunar y orar los siguientes días, para volver a contactar al dueño”.

DIOS ACTÚA

Johnson se reunió con el dueño, le mostró las instalaciones y los servicios del Centro Harbor Light. Este le pidió unos días para pensarlo con detenimiento. Todos oramos.

“Un par de días más tarde, llamó y dijo que nos vendería el terreno”, cuenta Johnson.

La expansión del Albergue de Emergencia para Familias “Zelma George”, en el centro de la ciudad, es uno de cuatro proyectos de construcción simultáneos de la campaña “Fuerza para hoy, Esperanza para mañana” que el Ejército impulsa en Cleveland, con una inversión de 35 millones de dólares.

Los otros proyectos incluyen la reconstrucción y expansión del Centro Comunitario del Templo, la renovación y ampliación del Centro Comunitario del Cuerpo de West Park, y la construcción de un nuevo Cuerpo de East Cleveland. Los cuatro proyectos deben estar listos en la primavera de 2017.

Este es un resumen del artículo. Para leerlo completo en español, por favor visite saconnects.org/enespanol .

ON file

Commissioning 2016 presents Star Search unifying our youth through music The Salvation Army turned the meeting and conference rooms of the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa., into a temporary music conservatory for Star Search 2016 finalists. On every floor of the color– coded, chocolate candy–named wings of the lodge, one could hear the sounds of instruments and voices, acoustic guitars, snare drums, brass, soloists, and drama monologues.

Junior Soldier Samantha Adams from the New Haven, Conn. (Citadel) Corps displays her award after performing in acoustic guitar level 1.

In one room, Samantha Adams, 11, from the New Haven, Conn., Citadel, strummed a guitar. Her father, Captain Charles Adams, was excited to see her perform. Samantha and her two sisters have all learned to play guitar and use their skill and talent in ministry at the corps. Captain Adams says that his daughter’s interest in the guitar has been a blessing to the church.

“We’re seeing the benefits of playing the acoustic guitar in a corps that doesn’t have a brass praise & worship ensemble or band,” says Adams.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

by Hugo Bravo

Fernando Pacheco, 11, and Astrid Echevarría, 16, flew to Hershey from Puerto Rico to perform in Star Search.

Fernando, a soldier at the San Juan Central Temple Corps, performed in the Level 1 snare drum competition, and Astrid, from the Ponce Corps, performed in the Level 3 vocal soloist contest.

Captain Alfonso Ciriaco, corps officer in San Juan, said he felt a great sense of emotion watching Fernando perform.

“It was amazing to see him qualify to attend Star Search, and now he represents not just San Juan, but all of Puerto Rico,” said Ciriaco.

Astrid plays piano and brass horn in the worship band, but this year, she participated in the vocal competition.

Unfortunately, her performance was hampered by some technical difficulties.

“I got very nervous when the audio system used for my accompaniment track failed to work properly. Thankfully, they had a piano and a Salvationist who could play the music beautifully,” remembers Astrid. “I was very grateful for her.”

Molli Webb, 21, from the Middletown, Ohio, Corps, performed in drama and in vocal. As probably her last year competing in Star Search, Webb called it “bittersweet.” But she is relieved that now she’ll be free to focus on teaching her craft to other budding artists.

Molli says she has great memories of placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in various years of competition, but she stresses that winning is not the reason to come to Star Search.

“It’s a crazy feeling to win or place.

But even if you don’t, the experience of just coming to Star Search and being surrounded by all this talent is always worth the trip.”

Fernando Pacheco, de 11 años, y Astrid Echevarría, de 16, fueron a Hershey desde Puerto Rico para participar en Star Search. Fernando, soldado del Templo Central de San Juan, realizó su presentación en el primer nivel de la competencia de tambor, y Astrid, del Cuerpo de Ponce, hizo lo correspondiente en el tercer nivel de la competencia de solista vocal.

El Capitán Alfonso Ciriaco, oficial directivo en San Juan, dijo que sintió una profunda emoción al ver a Fernando realizar su presentación.

“Fue maravilloso verlo calificar para participar en Star Search, ahora representa no sólo a San Juan, sino a todo Puerto Rico”, expresó Ciriaco.

Astrid toca el piano y el corno en la banda de adoración, pero este año participó en la competencia de vocalistas. Por desdicha, su presentación se vio afectada por algunas dificultades técnicas.

“Me puse muy nerviosa cuando el sistema de audio que me acompañaba no funcionó como debía.

Por suerte, tenían un piano y una salvacionista que podía tocar la música, lo que hizo maravillosamente bien”, recuerda Astrid. “Le expresé todo mi agradecimiento a esa persona”.

Korean Corps from Philadelphia, Pa., and from Englewood, N.J., brought their best and youngest talent for the piano soloist display.

Eliana Song, 8, from the Philadelphia Korean Corps, said, “I was nervous to perform. I know I’m the youngest one in my level by a lot, but I think I did well.”

Captain Daniel Choi beamed about the young soldiers from the Englewood, N.J., Corps competing in Level 2 and Level 3 as piano soloists. They were Zoe Kim, 10, and Peter Jung, 13.

“I knew that Peter and Zoe were good, but seeing them perform today exceeded my expectations. I think they went from good to excellent,” said Choi.

Photos by Ryan Love

unity

필라델피아와 잉글우드 한인영문 출신의 어린 청 소년들은 피아노 솔로를 통해 자신들의 실력을 선 보였습니다. 필라델피아 한인영문 출신의 Eliana Song(8세) 은, “저는 피아노 연주전에 많이 긴장되었어요. 제 가 연주하는 레벨에서 큰 나이차로 제가 가장 어려 보였거든요. 하지만 잘 한 것 같다고 생각해요.” 라 고 말했습니다. 최 다니엘 정위는 뉴저지 잉글우드 영문에서 피 아노 솔로 레벨 2와 3에 참여한 청년병들을 자랑 스럽게 생각했습니다. 참여자는 Zoe Kim(10세)과 Peter Jung(13세) 이었습니다. “저는 피터와 조이가 잘 할 것을 알고 있었습니 다. 그러나 그들이 오늘 연주한 것을 보니, 저의 기 대를 훨씬 뛰어넘습니다. 저는 그들이 그냥 잘하는 것이 아니라 아주 훌륭하다고 생각합니다.”

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

Junior Soldier Eliana Song, from the Philadelphia, Pa., Korean Corps, was one of the youngest performers at Star Search.

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ON file

In need of a new read?

The Spiritual Life Development team has some recommendations.

The Common People’s Gospel

by Gunpei Yamamuro Review by Major Young Kim

A Testament of Devotion

by Thomas R. Kelly

Gunpei Yamamuro (1872–1940) was the first Japanese Salvation Review by Chris Stoker Army commissioner. He represented a heroic example of indigenized Salvationism in a non–Western context. Yamamuro’s influence on the Army’s growth and development in that country came to fruition through his effective articulation of the message and the mission of the Army within the social and cultural context of his day.

Yamamuro’s magnum opus, The Common People’s Gospel, was considered by many to be a most applicable and relevant adaptation of the evangelical Christian message.

He wrote about Christian doctrine, such as God, God in My Everything sin, faith, salvation, and holiness. He brilliantly used How an Ancient Rhythm Helps language, metaphors, and ideas that Japanese people Busy People Enjoy God could understand. He also used many sources from

by Ken Shigematsu Western religious history and thought. Japanese history, Review by Lt. Colonel Pat LaBossiere culture, and religious traditions (such as Confucian ethics and Buddhist teaching) became tools of Yamamuro who I recently attended a webinar. Ken Shigematsu, author of the book used them to illustrate the truths of the Christian faith.

God in My Everything: How an Ancient Rhythm Helps Busy People As he acknowledged the cultural influences and Enjoy God, conducted it and shared a concept. voices around him, Yamamuro clearly illustrated how He called it the “rule of life,” an ancient practice of having daily, biblical revelation and Christian truth hold final authorlife–giving rhythms. Shigematsu said it is not just about the spiritual ity over the highest philosophical truths and ethical part of life; it’s about inviting God into every aspect of life—play, virtues of any culture — including Japanese. work, leisure, prayer, worship, as well as tending to our body & Although he appreciated and recognized “light” spirit, our friends & family, and our use of money. wherever it was found in Japanese culture, Yamamuro He challenged readers to create a personal rule of life. At first, never compromised or undermined his commitment to living by a set of rules sounded a little rigid. But then, I realized that the sovereignty of Christ’s revelation.

I already live according to certain patterns.

Dr. R. David Rightmire, a Salvationist scholar who It’s not written down or formalized, but I have a routine. I brush lived in Japan at a time when his parents served as termy teeth twice a day, I go to church every Sunday, I take a vacaritorial leaders there, called Yamamuro a “Salvationist tion each year. Shigematsu challenged me to really consider what Samurai.” Gunpei Yamamuro was truly “God’s knight” I do each day, each week, and each year. When do I pray or read whose “weapons were a keen mind, an eloquent Scripture? How often do I talk to my siblings? Do I worship only tongue, a relentless pen, and above all, a saintly life on Sundays at the corps? When was the last time I fasted? Am I and a devoted spirit,” said Rightmire. taking 10,000 steps?

Until Christ comes, Yamamuro’s Samurai spirit in So, I began to purposely formulate a rule of life for myself. It’s Christ will flourish and influence the mission and the likely to change as I grow in my spiritual life, but it’s a start. And I’m message of The Salvation Army. praying that as I strive to live a life that is ordered and intentional, May this book be a source of blessing.

I will “… grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18)

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SEPTEMBER 2016

wholly living

Read along with us!

“… the main point is not that a new song is put into our mouths; the point is that a new song is put into our mouths … for the Singer of all songs is singing within us. It is not we that sing; it is the Eternal Song of the Other, who sings in us, who sings unto us, and through us into the world.”

—A TESTAMENT OF DEVOTION (PAGES 73–74)

Photo by iStock

What the SLD team is reading now

Lt. Colonel Pat LaBossiere is reading q I nvitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation

by M. Robert Mullholland

qA Holy Longing, by Roland Rolheiser q U is for Undertow, by Sue Grafton

Matt Hodgson is reading The Quaker writings are always robust, hearty meals for my soul. I’ve found George Fox, John Woolman, and now Thomas R. Kelly all to be deeply refreshing in their approach to the spiritual life. Each author consistently explores the topic with equal measures of personal cultivation and ministry to others.

A Testament of Devotion follows this convention. It’s a small book with a huge heart. Although it has only 127 pages, it’s anything but a quick read. I found myself going back and reading again, a page, a section, or sometimes a full chapter so as to let more of Kelly’s humble guidance sink in.

Spend some time with this big, little book and you’ll find your spiritual journey enriched, your interactions with your church community enhanced, and your ministry toward people encouraged.

“The deepest need of men is not food and clothing and shelter, important as they are. It is God. We have mistaken the nature of poverty, and thought it was economic poverty. No, it is poverty of soul, deprivation of God’s recreating, loving peace.”

—A TESTAMENT OF DEVOTION (PAGE 99)

qE verything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer, by Richard Rohr q Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation

by M. Robert Mulholland

qG rounded: Finding God in the World, A Spiritual Revolution, by Diana Butler Bass

Joanna Polarek is reading qN ot a Fan, by Kyle Idleman q The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis q The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Faith

by Henri J. M. Nouwen

Major Young Kim is reading qM aking All Things New: An Invitation to the Spiritual Life

by Henri J. M. Nouwen

qG oing on to Salvation: A Study of Wesleyan Beliefs, by Maxie Dunnam q The Allure of Gentleness: Defending the Faith in the Manner of Jesus

by Dallas Willard

Chris Stoker is reading q Contemplation in a World of Action

These books and more are available for purchase online or at your local bookstores.

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

by Thomas Merton

q Miracles, by C. S. Lewis q The Mermaid’s Sister, by Carrie Ann Noble

2016 SEPTEMBER

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finds

The Army On Its Toes Dance Company debuts at commissioning weekend

On Sunday, June 12, in Hershey, Pa., during the retirement celebration for Commissioners Barry C. and E. Sue Swanson, The Army On Its Toes Dance Company made its historic debut. The retirement program opened with the dance company portraying an overview of the Swansons’ 40–year ministry journey to the tune of Sara Groves’ “Strangely Ready.”

Following the performance, the Swansons commissioned the company as the first of its kind in the history of the USA Eastern Territory and offered their official blessing on the group.

Led by Kathryn Higgins, dance ministries specialist/Kroc Center creative arts liaison, and supported by the Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM) Bureau, the dance company is made up of dancers from around the territory.

According to Eastern Territory’s attendance statistics, dance is the fastest growing expression of worship.

Within the past five years (2010–2015), dance attendance at the corps level has quadrupled.

The dance company offers the territory an opportunity to fully embrace this movement by providing trained, focused personnel to inspire and motivate the Army’s young dancers. The company’s mission is to create quality works of choreography, spreading the Word and inspiring action through the power of dance.

Photos by Ryan Love

Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with the timbrel and harp. — Psalm 149:3

Did you miss the Dance Company’s debut?

Look for more performances at these upcoming events!

October 8–9, 2016 FUEGO the Territorial Young Adult Retreat March 12–13, 2017 Worship Arts Convocation June 9–11, 2017 Commissioning Weekend July 29–August 4, 2017 Old Orchard Beach Pier Ministry Go to saconnects.org and click the Arts tab for more on TAM.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

keepSAfe.salvationarmy.org keepSAfe

The reporting website is OPEN Safeguarding our Children & Vulnerable Adults

WHAT TO REPORT

concerning children or vulnerable adults

Suspected Abuse Observed or Disclosed Abuse ■ Inappropriate Interactions ■ KeepSAfe Policy Violations ■ Concerns ■ ■

HOW TO REPORT Go to keepSAfe.salvationarmy.org ■ Select the button Start a Report ■

Joe Harvey–Hall, KeepSAfe Director EMAIL: joe.harvey–hall@use.salvationarmy.org PHONE: 845.620.7459

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call 844.253.5948 or send an email to KeepSAfeReports@use.salvationarmy.org