SAconnects, Volume 2, Number 9

VOL. 2, NO. 9 NOVEMBER 2016

the magazine

Commissioners Bamford deliver their

VISION 2016 page 3

DAILY CALENDAR

30 ways to say ‘thank you’ page 15

SACONNECTS.ORG

IN focus

our leaders

HE brings the seasons I love November. The weather is cooler and the leaves change, making the scenery as beautiful to the eyes as pumpkin spice is delicious to the tongue.

After spending two years in Florida in the absence of changing seasons, my husband and I will enjoy the fall here in the Eastern Territory. In just a few weeks, we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving and relish the final days of autumn.

Seasons vividly display God’s faithfulness. I’m always assured that autumn, winter, spring, and summer will come.

Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us, “The LORD’S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (NASB) We can depend on a faithful, loving God to bring the seasons and to also guide us through the seasons of our lives.

We can find great comfort and assurance in His faithfulness and love.

Sara Groves sings: Morning by morning I wake up to find The power and comfort of God’s hand in mine Season by season I watch Him, amazed In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways All I have need of, His hand will provide He’s always been faithful to me.

As we celebrate this season of thanksgiving, God’s faithfulness is at the top of my gratitude list. He truly has been faithful in my life. May you experience His faithfulness and give thanks to the Lord!

— Colonel / Coronela Paula Johnson Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Secretaria Territorial de los Ministerios Femeninos

Él trae las estaciones Hay muchas cosas que me encantan de noviembre.

El clima es más fresco. Las hojas de los árboles cambian de color, haciendo el paisaje tan hermoso a la vista como lo es la especia de calabaza al paladar.

Después de residir dos años en Florida, donde no hay cambio de estaciones, mi esposo y yo disfrutaremos el otoño aquí en el Territorio Este. En sólo unas semanas, vamos a celebrar el Día de Acción de Gracias y disfrutaremos los últimos días de otoño.

Las estaciones del año despliegan vistosamente la fidelidad de Dios. Cuento con la seguridad de que el otoño, el invierno, la primavera y el verano llegarán. Lamentaciones 3:22-23 nos recuerda: “El gran amor del Señor nunca se acaba, y su compasión jamás se agota. Cada mañana se renuevan sus bondades; ¡muy grande es su fidelidad!” (NVI) Podemos depender de un Dios fiel y cariñoso que trae las estaciones y que nos guía a lo largo de las estaciones de nuestras vidas. Podemos hallar gran consuelo y seguridad en su fidelidad y su amor.

Sara Groves canta: Cada mañana me despierto para hallar El poder y el consuelo de la mano de Dios en la mía.

Cada estación del año lo contemplo a Él, maravillada Asombrada ante el misterio de Sus caminos perfectos.

Todo lo que necesito, Su mano me lo provee. Él siempre me ha sido fiel.

Al celebrar esta temporada de Acción de Gracias, la fidelidad de Dios es lo primero en mi lista de agradecimientos. Él realmente ha permanecido fiel a mi vida. ¡Ojalá también sientas la fidelidad del Señor y le expreses tu gratitud!

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2016 NOVEMBER

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Vol. 2, No. 9

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2016 IN focus

1 our leaders 3 vision 2017 The Commissioners Bamford share their vision for the Eastern Territory.

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4 from the editor 6 sound doctrine

features

8 Bridging the Gap, Investing in Lives

The Lancaster Corps in Ohio offers teens on court–appointed probation, lessons on life skills and much more.

12 The Safe House

The Safe House in Middletown, Ohio, is helping fight the city’s heroin epidemic through resources, family events, and God’s love.

15 30 Days of Thank You A calendar to show your gratitude every day in the month of November.

19 Senior Moments in Bensonhurst

These seniors are not quite ready for a rocking chair. A unique Salvation Army corps gives them a place to belong.

Para leer más artículos en español por favor visite

SACONNECTS.ORG/ENESPANOL

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NOVEMBER 2016

5 relevents

Jerome Wray speaks about Camp Swoneky, music that inspires him, and God’s message through archery.

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7 testimony

Mercedes followed her children and their musical talents to the San Juan Corps in Puerto Rico.

3 0 wholly living

24

The Jesse Tree is a Christmas tradition to share with your family.

FAITH in ACTION 24 Q&A

Salvationist composer and musician Phil Laeger wants people to see Jesus at his performances.

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26 TAM Sarah George is one of the many budding performers who saw their lives changed by TAM.

28 A Navy Tailor at Sea Major Don Tolhurst remembers his time aboard the USS Panamint.

nds fi 32 RightNow Media offers lessons to improve relationships.

26 32

Cover: iStock

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ON file

IN focus

our leaders

by Commissioners William A. and G. Lorraine Bamford

It’s a privilege to serve in this wonderful territory with its dedicated officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers!

As we move into a new year, we felt it important to focus on the vision we see for the development and growth in this vineyard of The Salvation Army. It is essential to constantly seek God’s face for His leading. In Proverbs 28:16 we read, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (KJV) God has laid some specific directions on our hearts for the days ahead.

Please pray with us for the integrity and efficacy of this ministry.

We see a territory ...

POISED FOR MINISTRY We have the needed personnel, programs, and provisions from God to transform this part of the world.

FAITHFUL TO THE GOSPEL—at each Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), corps, service unit, and social ministries center. We cannot become stagnant.

There is room for local vision and “entrepreneurialism.”

LED BY GOD’S SPIRIT—into the streets of opportunity found in every community. This is our heritage. We want to challenge people to be bold, step out in faith, and to step out the door.

COMMITTED TO PURITY—in thought, word, and deed. May His Spirit be our barometer and our guide.

Continuing ‘Strikepoint’ Our STRIKEPOINT initiative calls us to go out— May we always be characterized by this spirit, not because of what has been done in the past, but rather by new things now taking place.

Each STRIKEPOINT remains a priority— “Integrated Mission,” “Young Adult Empowerment,” “Skilled Leadership,” and “Deeper Discipleship.” These emphases mesh well with the General’s call for the Army to join in 2017 as “The Whole World Mobilizing.”

We have “Streets of Opportunity” in every community. We are called to walk those streets!

Photo by Ryan Love

VISION: 2017

GOALS THERE ARE PEOPLE! We (the Army) are aware of how many individuals come through our doors daily. We are blessed. In the coming year, our goals are to • Accept 75 candidates.

• Enroll 1,000 junior soldiers.

• Enroll 1,000 senior soldiers.

• Intentionally follow–up people who come through our doors.

• E xpand cross–cultural ministry as indicated by community demographics.

• Strengthen our cross–generational ministry, especially services to the aging.

• Take intentional steps to better integrate ARCs and corps.

THERE ARE PROGRAMS! We have mainline programs and the materials to go with them. We also have vital non–mainline programs, which we like to call “offline” ministry. These are new ministries that arise to meet a specific need (anti–human trafficking, Others, parents & infant classes, GED instruction, and more). Often the offline programming becomes mainline to meet an ongoing need. Programmatic goals are to • Emphasize Army Essentials.

• Launch “Orange,” new Sunday school materials.

• Offer quality worship to draw more people.

• Strengthen our music programs.

• Sharpen our focus on Spiritual Life Development (SLD) emphasizing a wholeness of the body as well as of the soul.

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• Launch the “Whole World Mobilizing” campaign in every corps.

THERE ARE PROVISIONS! We are blessed with property, financial resources, and a reputation. May God help us to be effective stewards of these resources. Administrative goals for the coming year include • Additional tools for teaching stewardship.

• Strong emphasis on World Missions support.

• A strengthened Program Incentive Fund for frontline ministry.

• Increased funding for Pathway of Hope.

These are some of the areas on our hearts as we fervently seek God’s face for the days ahead.

WE MUST •B e open to change that will draw people to the Kingdom.

•B e conscious of the wonderful blessings we already have and expand where and when God leads.

•S hare our beautiful Army heritage.

It’s a missional heritage, one of holiness teaching and living. A heritage that “gets it done” in Jesus’ name!

• Maintain the purity and integrity God demands, both corporately and individually.

We eagerly anticipate your reports of victory. “May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.” (Psalm 20:5) 2016 NOVEMBER

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IN focus

from the editor

what’s happening at

Catch the Vision ¡Capta la visión!

“Without a vision, the people perish.”

(KJV) “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint.” (NIV)

WATCH EVENTS LIVE!

“Donde no hay visión, el pueblo se extravía” (NVI). “Cuando falta la profecía, el pueblo se desenfrena” (RV1995).

— PROVERBS 29:18

— PROVERBIOS 29:18

In this SAConnects, Commissioners William A. and G. Lorraine Bamford, territorial leaders, present their vision for the USA Eastern Territory (p. 3).

Our next SAConnects will feature “The Whole World Mobilizing,” a historic call to every Salvationist by General André Cox. You’ll discover his exciting vision, inviting you to help share the Gospel around the globe in what could be the largest march in recorded history.

You’ll learn how, through today’s astonishing communication and GPS tracking technology, the Army will monitor each step along the way. The plan is to encourage uniformed Salvationists with their boots on the ground to courageously and lovingly reach millions of people with the Gospel.

Other stories in this issue will include Eastern Territory Salvationists engaged in domestic and international ministries.

From NEOSA, to New England, to Nairobi, Kenya, you’ll enjoy a revealing journey in words and pictures.

As you turn the pages, your head will spin with fresh ideas. In the process, we hope you’ll catch a personal vision for your ministry and life in 2017.

In what is already being called “a post–truth world,” the stakes are high.

Now more than ever, we must share a clear vision of The Truth.

En esta edición de SAConnects, Comisionados William A. y G. Lorraine Bamford, líderes del territorio, presenta su visión al Territorio Este EUA (p. 2).

Nuestro próximo número de SAConnects incluirá: “Todo el mundo se moviliza”, un llamado histórico que el General André Cox hace a cada salvacionista. Descubrirás su emocionante visión, con la que te invita a compartir el Evangelio por todo el mundo en lo que podría ser la más grande y más larga marcha registrada en la historia.

Aprenderás cómo, gracias a la asombrosa tecnología comunicacional y de localización global (por GPS), podrá el Ejército monitorear cada paso a lo largo de ese camino. El plan consiste en animar a los salvacionistas, con sus uniformes y sus pies en la tierra, a llevar con valentía y amor el Evangelio a millones de personas.

Entre otras historias de esta edición están las de algunos salvacionistas del Territorio Este que participan en ministerios tanto locales como internacionales. Desde la División del Noreste de Ohio (NEOSA) a Nueva Inglaterra, y hasta Nairobi, Kenia, disfrutarás de una jornada reveladora descrita tanto en palabras como en imágenes.

Podrás hacerte una visión particular para tu ministerio y tu vida en 2017.

En lo que ha sido llamado “un mundo post–verdad”, las apuestas son altas. Ahora, más que nunca, debemos compartir una visión clara de lo que es la Verdad.

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

Did you know you can watch our territory’s live events online? From wherever you are in the world, you can enjoy the action as it happens!

See past livestreams from Commissioning Weekend, the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings, Star Lake Musicamp, Territorial Arts Ministries (TAM) Conservatory, the Welcome to Cadets, FUEGO, and messages from our territorial leaders.

saconnects.org/live

the magazine

Find all our issues in one place!

Digital versions of SACONNECTS, the magazine are available on

saconnects.org/digital-edition.

Need RESOURCES? You’ll access pages on the arts, Mission & Culture, Salvation Factory, Strikepoint, Women’s Ministries, Spiritual Life Development, and more!

saconnects.org/resources

Follow us on Facebook for our most up to date information.

facebook.com/saconnects

THE WHOLE WORLD MOBILIZING A global campaign to spread the Gospel involving every adherent, soldier, and officer of The Salvation Army.

Commencing January 2017

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relevents

ON file

interview by Hugo Bravo

Jerome Wray, a youth counselor at Camp Swoneky, talks about his ministry through the sport of archery, the advice he gives other counselors, and the person who helps to empower his relationship with God. I’ve been married to Amy for two years. As my life partner, she has had a profound effect on me. She strengthens my connection with God. Her faith in the Lord and how she treats people has helped me shape my own life. I’ve learned more about God’s love from her than from any other person.

Photos by Ryan Love

Two scriptures I emulate are Colossians 3:17: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God through Him,” and other one is Matthew 22: 37–39, where Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Since my youth, music has been an influence.

I’ll listen to it while writing a sermon for children’s camp.

It puts me in the right mindset. My father played drums in jazz bands. He played with the saxophonist from the funk band Tower of Power. I once met some of its members backstage. Today, I play drums, as my father did. To practice, I’ll come to work early at Camp Swoneky or leave

Working at Camp Swoneky helped me stay grounded during my time in college. Coming back to Swoneky every summer was a spiritual cleansing for me. My coworkers are my family. Our staff comes from Brazil, England, and every corner of the world! I always tell new counselors, “You may not see the seed you plant in a child’s life. But as long as you show them love and kindness, your week with them will enrich their lives. That seed is there and growing.” For nine years, I’ve been blessed to work at Camp Swoneky and see kids—those planted seeds—grow into success stories.

I’ve built important relationships through athletics. I have close friends from college with whom I play basketball.

When we’re done, opportunities to share the Word arise. I also run an archery program called “His Pins.” Kids from the inner city who have only seen a bow and arrow in the movies are elated when they hit their target. The archery lessons also become biblical lessons. In medieval times, when archers missed their targets, it was called “sin.” When we miss our spiritual targets in life, we also commit sin. The students learn that “good form” helps them hit their targets, in archery and in their lives.

late. I enjoy listening to Gospel music drummers, who have amazing techniques. And Christian hip–hop artists today are as talented as the artists I grew up with, but have a better, more positive message.

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2016 NOVEMBER

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IN focus

Sound Doctrine

by Colonel Richard Munn

the magazine

“Las tres Personas de la Deidad” Seamos claros: como cristianos y salvacionistas, creemos que el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo son indivisos en esencia e iguales en poder y gloria. Como establece nuestro Manual de doctrinas con gran concisión: “Creemos en un Dios que es, al mismo tiempo, tres”.

En la Escritura, el Padre se revela muy temprano como Creador, Jesús encarna la revelación de la salvación y el Espíritu Santo nos revela personalmente a Dios.

Una poderosa combinación de certeza e incertidumbre se entreteje en la Trinidad. La ambigüedad reprueba el examen ortodoxo y la certidumbre arrogante niega el misterio de Dios. Trinidad no es una palabra que se encuentre en la Escritura y, sin embargo, es considerada como esencial para la comprensión de Dios y fundamental para la fe cristiana.

“Para la mayoría de los cristianos, comprender la Trinidad es uno de los temas más afectados, difíciles y abstractos de la teología”, escribe Christian Schwartz. En tono aciago, este autor continúa diciendo: “El hecho de haberse enajenado esta doctrina y haber sido asignada a los eruditos ha traído consigo terribles consecuencias”. ¿Y cuáles precisamente podrían ser esas consecuencias?

En términos generales, darle un énfasis desproporcionado a uno de los miembros de la Trinidad o crear dentro de la Trinidad una jerarquía, incluso sin siquiera proponérselo. Esto puede resultar en las siguientes creencias erróneas:  Panteísmo (la creación reemplaza a Cristo)  Dogmatismo (el saber acerca de Cristo reemplaza las relaciones interpersonales)  Espiritualismo (la experiencia personal supera a la verdad bíblica) Para entender esto mejor, tenemos una regla de oro: no separar nunca a los miembros de la Trinidad. En una frase, el que estas tres personas trabajen juntas en unidad es lo que hace posible el amor, la comunión y cada acción de Dios.

‘ 3 Persons in the Godhead’ As Christians, we believe the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are undivided in essence and co–equal in power and glory. As our Handbook of Doctrine pithily states, “We believe in one God who is at the same time three.”

In Scripture, the Father is revealed early as Creator, Jesus embodies the salvation revelation, and the Holy Spirit reveals God to us personally.

A combination of certainty and the unknown intertwine the Trinity. To be vague fails the orthodox litmus test; to be cocksure negates the mystery of God. Trinity is not a word found in Scripture and yet it is considered essential to an understanding of God. “For most Christians, understanding the Trinity is one of the most sophisticated, difficult, and abstract topics of theology,” writes Christian Schwartz.

Ominously, he continues, “pushing the doctrine away from life and into the scholar’s study has had terrible consequences.”

Just what might those consequences be?

To over–emphasize one member of the Trinity or to create within it a hierarchy, even unintentionally, can result in the following erroneous beliefs:  Pantheism (creation supersedes Christ)  Dogmatism (knowing about Christ supplants inter–personal relationships)  Spiritualism (personal experience surpasses biblical truth) To better understand, here is a golden rule: Never separate the members of the Trinity. Quite simply, these three persons working in unity are what make possible the love, fellowship, and every action of God.

your connection to The Salvation Army

USA EASTERN TERRITORY TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioner William A. Bamford III Commissioner G. Lorraine Bamford CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel Kenneth O. Johnson, Jr. COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY 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 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 Territorial Music Liaison Derek Lance Territorial Youth Liaison Captain Gillian Rogers New command correspondents will be appointed soon for

CFOT, NEOSA, SWONEKY, NJ

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. 9, November 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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ON file

testimony

‘Thank you, Lord’ I had always been part of a church, but when The Salvation Army came into the lives of my children, I took Jonathan and Maria to the San Juan, P.R., Corps and then went to worship at my own church.

After my church service was over, I would pick them up at the corps.

When I learned that the Fortissimo Music Program at the corps would teach percussion to Jonathan, I had hoped the training would help my hyperactive child. When I saw how excited he was every week to go to the classes, I said to myself, This is for him.

Jonathan’s younger sister Maria, who Maria and Jonathan, along with their mother Mercedes Leon (above), attend the San Juan Corps in Puerto Rico.

by Mercedes Leon

accompanied him to class, also wanted to learn music, but I resisted. I thought, At only five years old, she’d be too young.

But Major Linda López, then corps officer in San Juan, insisted Maria stay.

“She has the focus and she can learn music,” López said. Maria took classes with her brother. There were times when she wanted to quit because the lessons were difficult, or she was self–conscious as the smallest student in the class.

Nonetheless, I pushed her to continue.

Today, she’s the first one out the door to go to her lesson. The music, which once belonged to her brother, is now for both of them.

One day, I dropped Maria and Jonathan off at the corps, but leaving them felt wrong to me. I needed to be where my children were, at The Salvation Army. I wanted to see God direct them. I wanted to see them give back to Him. So I prayed to God to show me what to do and where to go.

Today, we all attend the San Juan Corps.

When they competed in Star Search earlier this year, my son asked me, “Mom, what are we going to do if I don’t win?” I told him, “Nothing. You came to perform and use your talent to give thanks to the Lord. Prize or no prize, you are a winner in His eyes, and in mine.”

When they announced that both my children had placed first in their categories, I simply said, “Amen.”

It’s overwhelming to realize His blessings in my life. They have come in so many forms—through the Army, through my two beautiful children, and through their talents.

To God, I say, “Thank You, for the wonders that You have done for my children, and for me.”

— Mercedes Leon is training to be a soldier at the San Juan, P.R., Corps.

VOL. 2, NO. 8 • OCTOBER 2016

Photos by Ryan Love

the magazi ne

For more on the Fortissimo Music program, read the October 2016 issue of SACONNECTS, or search ‘Fortissimo’ on saconnects.org.

play it

LOUD, fortissimo! page 7

the ministr y

of Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings page 12

an interview with

General André and Commissioner Sylvia Cox

page 22

SACONNECT S.ORG

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2016 NOVEMBER

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Bridging the gap, investing

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NOVEMBER 2016

in lives

by Hugo Bravo photography by Ryan Love

“Y

ou simply can’t stand there and preach at today’s kids.

That doesn’t work for this generation,” says Captain Bryan DeMichael. “You need to build a connection with him or her. The key to bridging the gap is building relationships.”

The Salvation Army’s Bridging The Gap (BTG) program was developed to get court–appointed first–time teen offenders off probation, out of trouble, and on a path to successful and productive lifestyles.

Originally developed at the Springfield, Mass., Corps, the program has since been modified and launched at the Lancaster, Ohio, Corps under the leadership of Captains Bryan and Laura DeMichael, corps officers. It now offers first– time offenders a unique opportunity for redemption.

“I never saw myself working with teens, or being any kind of youth secretary,” said Captain Laura. “But my passion has always been for people. They just happened to be teenagers— the people in the greatest need in Lancaster.”

FROM COURT TO CORPS

Dustin LeMaster (right) talks to Anthony and Zyler during a Bridging the Gap meeting.

“We’re trying to fill a ‘tool box’ in these kids,” says LeMaster. “Train them up and send them out, off probation, into the community.”

The inspiration to begin the program came to Captain Laura in 2015. Three boys from the corps youth group who had vandalized property appeared before a judge. At the time, all delinquent teens in Lancaster had to appear in the same city court, whether the charge was petty theft, truancy, or murder.

“This made first–time offenders feel like hopeless criminals, even for the small crimes they committed,” said Captain Laura.

She appeared at court hearings in uniform to intercede for the boys. “And by the grace of God,” she said, “they kept their records clean through court–ordered community service.

“Neither the court nor the boys expected someone from our corps to show up,” says Captain Laura, “But I wanted them to know they were not alone. I also wanted the court to know these young men were not criminals.”

By the time summer arrived, the boys had finished their service. But the DeMichaels had discovered a passion for such intervention, in the name of The Salvation Army.

“It speaks to the heart of what we want every teen to get out of this program,” she said. “We bridge the gap between probation and a positive message from God in their lives.”

The city’s courts welcomed the idea and were fully aware

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2016 NOVEMBER

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Bridging the Gap intern Tia Isham leads a discussion on anger management.

that it would come from a church.

“When probation officers asked if we would share our faith, we told them yes,” said Captain Bryan. “We will not force it upon any teen, but they will know our values come from the Lord. The community was fine with it, which was a sign that we would do well. God made a way for the program before it had started.

“When the young men and women finish BTG sessions, they learn a valuable lesson—the world isn’t out to get them.”

SKILLS AND TESTIMONIES

As ministry assistants, Soldiers Dustin and Amber LeMaster coordinate the BTG program. They spend the most time with teens. The LeMasters design the 6–8 week required curriculum and make sure each student reports to his or her probation officer.

“The teens come here to do their homework, do chores for the corps, or play video games and pool,” says Dustin. “But that’s only half of it. Later in the day, we might have an older teen speak to the class about crime or drug addiction. The next day, we’ll welcome a representative from a bank who will talk about money and balanced budgets. On another day, the class will write resumes and practice job interviews.

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NOVEMBER 2016

“These are skills that would be of use to any teenager— skills they don’t always learn in school, or even from their parents.”

These lessons are a crucial part of Bridging the Gap. They help the teens build self–confidence and relationships with other people in the community.

“When someone from the local bank recognizes you from a BTG lesson on money, it’s easier to walk into their place of business and build connections and allies,” said Dustin.

“People know you and want you to succeed in life.”

Dustin said teaching the lessons also reveals knowledge about the teens and their home situations. He remembers a young man who wanted to learn how food stamps would apply to a balanced budget.

“He already knew, to the penny, how much he would have to make in order to keep receiving government help,” says Dustin, “because his family lived it. We try to teach teens there’s another way to live. They can be successful and earn their own money.

“Getting off probation is the first goal. We want to see them trained and employed in the community.”

Even though how to manage money and end probation are not necessarily faith–based lessons, every teenager in BTG

Tender Puentes

knows the people offering them help are followers of Christ.

“If it comes up, we’re always happy to talk about it. We’ve had a lot of good conversations about the Lord and the role He plays in our lives,” says Dustin.

These discussions have brought strong testimonies from the members, like from Sarah, 17, assigned to BTG due to truancy.

Her mother was in a coma. Sarah’s grandfather had placed her mother in the living room of their home. Sarah became angrier each time she walked past her comatose mother.

“We invited Sarah to a teen night session, and she wanted to keep to herself,” said Captain Bryan. “When we got her into our program, she began the afternoon by saying, ‘I don’t believe in God.’ By the end of the night, she confessed to us, ‘I’m so, so angry at God.’ That’s a big change to see in only a few hours.”

“When we started Bridging The Gap, we had one fixed rule,” said Captain Bryan. “You have to love these kids. Through that love, you become invested in their lives and build relationships. You keep up with them long after they’ve finished the program.”

Love made Captain Laura appear in court for the teens.

Since then, all have continued to be involved at the corps and serve as role models for teens who enter BTG. “My goal is to have 3 out of 4 BTG kids join a church,” says Captain Laura. “I want them to know that all things can be used for the glory of God, even those struggles they have faced.”

As BTG enters its second year of operation, the Captains DeMichael and the LeMasters look forward to their work with young souls. As they develop the tools to succeed in life, they’ll also remember they never have to feel alone.

“It feels like I’ve known them for years,” says Captain Laura, smiling. “It happens when you invest in the lives of others.”

Photo courtesy of the Captains DeMichael

‘LOVE THESE KIDS’

invertir en la vida de los jóvenes En el 2015, la Capitana Laura DeMichael compareció ante el tribunal para apoyar a tres jóvenes del grupo juvenil del Cuerpo de Lancaster, Ohio.

Acusados de destrozar propiedad pública, se presentaron ante el juez. El hablar en nombre de estos adolescentes les dio a los oficiales del Cuerpo Laura y Bryan Demicheal la oportunidad para alcanzar a la comunidad. Ellos lanzaron el programa conocido como Bridging the Gap (Tender Puentes) o BTG en el Cuerpo de Lancaster. Los jóvenes delicuentes sin antecedentes que están bajo libertad condicional en el condado de Fairfield, Ohio aprenden habilidades útiles para la vida a través del programa.

“Cuando los hombres y las mujeres jóvenes terminan el programa teniendo puentes (BTG), aprenden que el mundo no va tras ellos”, dice el Capitán Bryan.

Los participantes del programa BTG desarrollarán confianza en la comunidad a través de currículo del programa. Al igual que en muchos programas para despues de las clases escolares, los adolescentes tienen la oportunidad de socializar o recibir ayuda con las tareas. Sin embargo, una gran parte del programa se enfoca en el aprendizaje de habilidades útiles para la vida, tales como el manejo de dinero, la educación de la salud y la preparación para entrevistas de trabajo. Los estudiantes aprenden a ser independientes. También se reúnen con personas de la comunidad que creen en ellos y quieren que tengan éxito.

“El primer objetivo es que cumplan con las obligaciones de su libertad condicional”, dice el soldado Dustin LeMaster que junto a su esposa Amber dirigen las sesiones del programa BTG. “Queremos verlos convertirse en trabajadores y miembros productivos de la comunidad”.

La capitana Laura DeMichael desea que los adolescentes quieran unirse a una iglesia después de completar una sesión del programa BTG. “Es importante para todos saber que todas las cosas, incluso las luchas como las que han enfrentado, se pueden utilizar para la gloria de Dios”.

Aunque los capitanes dicen que nunca se vieron como consejeros de adolescentes o secretarios de la juventud, BTG se ha convertido en un Ministerio para jóvenes, los cuales son las personas más necesitadas en Lancaster, dijo la capitana Laura.

Foosball, darts, and video games are available to enjoy at BTG.

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

The Safe House

by Hugo Bravo

Photos by Ryan Love

remembering the forgotten

T

he Salvation Army’s Middletown (Citadel), Ohio, Corps was renowned in its early years for sending soldiers to the College for Officer Training.

Today, the corps is also known for its Safe House at Damon Park, where men and women in recovery from drug addiction strive to become what God created them to be and to eventually reconnect with their families.

In the mid 1980s, the Army erected the building only a few blocks from the corps to serve as an outpost. Under the leadership of Soldier Ruth Howard, it housed traditional Army ministries, such as worship and children’s programs, until a lack of funds caused the building to become a storage shed.

In 2015, the corps received a $50,000 grant from the Army to combat addiction. Majors Hollie and Sebastian Leonardi, corps officers, proposed a plan designed to address the town’s most pressing problem.

“Regarding heroin addiction, Middletown is one of the

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NOVEMBER 2016

Clockwise from Top Left: Major Hollie Leonardi, Jewell DeFrates, Major Sebastian Leonardi, and Tara Koch.

hardest hit areas in the state,” said Major Hollie Leonardi.

“Butler County and the state of Ohio have some of the highest number of drug overdoses in the country.”

“When we looked at the city manager’s blog,” says Major Sebastian, “we saw a map showing the highest crime rates are directly connected to overdoses and addiction. This building is right in the middle of it. God confirmed to us we were literally where He wanted us to be.”

The Majors Leonardi decided to turn the storage building into the Safe House at Damon Park. The name came from Psalm 9:9–10, “God’s a safe house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times.”

“The moment you arrive, you relax. You’re never sorry you knocked,” said Major Sebastian. “The Safe House prides itself in being a place where addiction can be discussed freely without reservation or shame. No matter where one might be on the path to recovery, he or she will feel safe from being judged.”

AN UPHILL BATTLE

The idea of the Safe House, which came from both Major Hollie and Captain Daryl Calhoun, was originally met with doubt, pushback, and anger from concerned residents.

“People thought this would be a place for addicts to live, or that we would bring them to the neighborhood,” recalls Major Sebastian. “They didn’t realize the addicts had already been here for a long time and we would help fix the problem.”

“Someone can come here before recovery, find information on how we can help them achieve recovery, and after they do so, still come back for support,” said Major Hollie.

For years, being on the outskirts of Butler County had kept Middletown a township where resources and funding for the area seemed to have been forgotten. Despite its addiction problems, Middletown does not have a recovery center, a detox clinic, or a residential rehab center. The Safe House provides services to take addicts to adult rehabilitation

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2016 NOVEMBER

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centers (ARCs) hours away in Dayton or Columbus. For people in recovery, the Safe House offers pro–sober recreational activities, coffeehouse ministries, and Bible studies.

The Safe House is also the Butler County Branch of Families of Addicts (FOA), which has been a blessing. The affiliation has given the Safe House credibility as a help center, and FOA has provided information and speakers such as pharmaceutical students and former addicts. FOA–sponsored gatherings are held on Friday nights, when addicts and their families enjoy board games, movies, and food pantries, and celebrate the holidays.

“When we hosted a sober New Year’s Eve party at the Safe House, everyone brought their children and their loved ones,” said Major Hollie. “Some folks told us this was their first New Year’s Eve with their children. Families of addicts are in a heartbreaking situation. Being around addiction is the norm for them.”

JEWELL AND TARA

Jewell DeFrates and Tara Koch, Safe House volunteers, have seen firsthand the pain addiction causes families. They also know recovery and redemption are possible. Jewell’s son and Tara’s mother are graduates of the ARC program in Columbus and in Dayton, respectively. The Majors Leonardi knew that in order for the Safe House to succeed, they needed Tara and Jewell.

“These women were born for this ministry,” Major Hollie says.

Jewell is a Salvation Army adherent and the recovery program coordinator for the Safe House. A registered nurse with a degree in mental health technology and chemical dependency counseling, she became familiar with the Army when she got custody of her grandchildren while her son struggled with his addiction. “[Corps Sergeant Major] Cindy Howard lived across the street from me, and saw me playing with my grandkids,” remembers Jewell. “She told me about the day camp and children’s programs that the Middletown Corps offered. We went, I stayed for church, and I’ve been there ever since.”

Tara Koch and Jewell DeFrates host a Friday night FOA meeting at the Safe House.

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NOVEMBER 2016

Major Hollie remembers the first time Jewell spoke with a local pastor looking to help an addict from his congregation.

After meeting with them both, Jewell identified the addict’s stage of addiction and explained the steps to begin recovery.

“While Jewell and the man spoke, the pastor was confused,” said Major Hollie. From that meeting on, the Safe House began a new ministry, reaching out to and educating Middletown pastors on drug addiction and recovery resources.

Tara Koch began as an assistant for the Middletown Citadel, but left to attend the University of Cincinnati full time. She returned to Middletown, where the Safe House ministry fulfilled a passion in her life. Along with her role as FOA Middletown co–director, she also teaches fitness and nutrition classes at the Safe House.

“Working with families and individuals who have had no choice but get clean or die has changed my mindset on addiction,” said Tara. “A rewarding part of the Safe House ministry is teaching compassion. I understand the anger and frustration. I’ve been there with my own mother.”

Tara wants to turn the field of Damon Park, which resides next to the Safe House, into a fruit and vegetable garden.

“This park was once a haven for drug dealing. We were finding needles on the ground, and addicts passed out where children should be playing. We want the community to reconnect with this park. With the help of the Middletown Salvation Army and other churches in the area, this will become a place where families can grow their own food and kids can pick fruit on the way to school.”

GOD REMEMBERS YOU

“Every miracle starts with someone who has been forgotten,” said Major Hollie. “At times, Middletown has felt forgotten.

This building and the park were forgotten. And people with addictions come to the Safe House feeling forgotten. That’s where the miracle begins, because God never forgets you. He loves those who feel forgotten.”

Less than a year after its creation, The Safe House at Damon Park receives dozens of people at weekly FOA meetings. The local clergy, the community, and law enforcement support the Army’s effort to get addiction out of Middletown.

The city has even donated a vehicle to the Safe House to make it easier to drive people to the ARCs. “God has noticed the epidemic of addiction in Middletown, and instead of allowing it to destroy, He is using it to redeem lives,” said Major Hollie.

“The Safe House will outlive all of us,” says Major Sebastian. “This will not run for two years, peak, and then close. God birthed this, and He wants us here until we can get addiction out of Middletown. City officials are now trying to involve churches in curing the heroin epidemic. This is our part in the movement.”

Backgrounds photo by iStock

2016 NOVEMBER

15

N O V E M B E R

At my 50 th birthday party, I gave each guest a booklet listing 50 ways to celebrate with me. I did not want any presents. Instead, I wanted us all to practice “paying it forward,” by giving of ourselves to other people and creatures, and to causes that need our help the most.

This holiday season is a perfect time to pay it forward. The following are suggestions from the original booklet and can be used for each day of November.

1

Read a book to a child.

— Dorothy Gates

6

7 Send a card to a friend who has lost a mother, and to a mother who has lost a child.

13

Donate supplies

Find a practical way to help a

single father.

27 Collect your unused gift cards and donate them to charity.

Send a “thank you”

to a pet shelter or to the

note to the

Humane Society.

the country.

14

Visit a sick child in the hospital.

20

8

15

Donate food to a college student.

21

Ask your heating company about how you can help people who cannot afford to pay their bill.

22

Take a meal to a family in need.

28

President for serving

Take water or hot coffee to someone who makes his or her living outdoors.

Help your local economy. Visit farms and buy high quality, fresh produce.

29

Tutor a child.

2

Make your favorite soup and give it to a neighbor.

9

3

4

Donate food

to a breakfast program for kids.

10

Encourage an immigrant you know.

16

Pay for the coffee of a person in line behind you.

17

Check on your elderly neighbors, especially on a cold day.

23

11

Talk to a veteran.

Listen to and thank him or her for serving our nation.

18

Rake the leaves in a neighbor’s yard.

24

Promise to keep plastic bags out of your house.

Take your canvas bags to the market when you shop.

Offer to babysit for a young couple so they can go out on a date.

Invite to your

Thanksgiving dinner someone who is alone or who lives far away from family.

5

Take an

elderly neighbor

grocery shopping.

12 Find a practical way to help a

single mother.

19

Visit someone

Send flowers or candy to a widow.

25

special and remind them why they are loved.

26

Fill parking meters

Drive an elderly person to get their

with extra quarters.

flu shot.

30 On the first

snowfall help someone clear their driveway.

Be inspired to give of yourself this month and beyond as a way of saying “thank you” to God for the blessings in your life.

NOVEMBER 2016 SACONNECTS the magazine

C A L L E D

TO

C A N D I D A T E S’

P R O C L A I M S E M I N A R

2 0 1 7

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Luke 4:18–19

FEBRUARY 3–5 For more information or to register, go to: saconnects.org/candidates

College for Officer Training 201 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern, NY 10901

senior moments in BENSONHURST

by Robert Mitchell photography by Ryan Love

A unique Salvation Army corps seems hidden in plain sight along busy 18th Avenue in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn.

The attractive storefront entrance, complete with music wafting into the street, beckons passersby to stop and look inside. The Bensonhurst Corps Community Center is a hub where Chinese seniors sing karaoke, dance, exercise, sit, play Ping–Pong and badminton, read, or just relax and watch television.

STARTING THE WORK

Three years ago, Majors Maureen and Ricky Ki opened the community center in a 3–story, 39,000–square–foot former catering hall.

It’s not the first time these officers, who both hail from Christian families in Hong Kong, have been pioneers. In 1995, the Kis opened the Salvation Army’s first corps in Chinatown.

“The first year we were in Chinatown, we worked on the street corner,” Major Ricky said. “We had no office. It was not

At first, The Kis survived with two floors, but after five years, they needed the third floor for program space. The edifice became a tower of compassion and a symbol of hope for people in need.

For many years, things were good in Chinatown, the Kis said. For the Chinese New Year, The Salvation Army held an annual party, which drew 1,000 people from the community.

In 2005, the Kis returned to Hong Kong to assume a new appointment. Their two sons stayed in New York. In 2011, the Kis returned to New York and soon learned the Army wanted to sell the building and move operations to Brooklyn.

The move in 2014 was a mixed blessing for the Kis. While they had to leave some people behind in Chinatown, many others had already moved out of lower Manhattan to find cheaper housing in Brooklyn.

(Left) The former corps in Chinatown. (Right) Seniors line up for a Chinese New Year dinner with The Salvation Army.

an easy job.”

The Kis, who have been officers for more than 38 years, heard community members say a senior center was among the biggest needs in Chinatown.

“There were a lot of seniors in Chinatown,” Ricky said.

“They were retired, they didn’t have anywhere to go, and they didn’t have anybody to help them.”

The Kis rented a small basement until The Salvation Army repurposed a 10–story brick tenement on the Bowery in lower Manhattan. In 1999, the Kis opened a community center and church similar to the one they now operate in Bensonhurst.

FOND MEMORIES OF CHINATOWN

“We built our church piece by piece,” Ricky said. “The move was supposed to be temporary, but ‘temporary’ turned into 15 years.”

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NOVEMBER 2016

IT TAKES FAITH

“We were upset we lost so many people,” said Major Ricky.

“I just prayed to God and asked for faith to open the door.

When we opened the doors on 18th Avenue, many people came in.”

The Kis noticed large numbers of Chinese seniors and decided to start a community center, which is now open each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We saw there were more seniors and people who needed help,” Major Ricky said “so we started the senior center.

“It’s been good, praise the Lord. We came here on faith and started the work.”

The corps and community center include social services, a chapel, and a computer lab. Seniors dance on the second floor and some play badminton.

Photos courtesy of Bensonhurst Corps Community Center

Many seniors in the neighborhood see the community center as the place to go. About 200 people show up every day for lunch and to mingle with friends.

“They come from all over Brooklyn,” says Major Maureen Ki. “Many Chinese people are on these streets.”

Photos by Ryan Love

Some popular activities at the center are dancing, exercising with swords, and Ping–Pong.

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2016 NOVEMBER

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(Left) seniors enjoy a lunch each day.

Photo by Ryan Love; Inset photo by Robert Mitchell

(Below) Tunyee So helps to distribute meals.

“

I am retired and don’t have a lot to do. So, I come and help out.

ADDRESSING A NEED

The outreach to seniors fits the agenda of Commissioners William A. and G. Lorraine Bamford, territorial leaders, who said ministry to seniors would be important.

“The population of seniors is growing, especially among the Chinese people,” Major Ricky said. “They’ve worked many years and now they are retired. They are old and need help.”

Ki said the seniors sometimes don’t speak English and some are depressed because they have no family or support from friends.

“Every day, they hide in their house or take care of their grandchildren,” Major Ricky said. “Now they can come to the center. They see friends, play Ping–Pong, exercise, sing, and most of all—get help.”

IT’S ABOUT FELLOWSHIP

Kelly Kong, community center administrator and a senior soldier at the corps, said the center helps seniors connect and find friendship.

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NOVEMBER 2016

”

— Tunyee So, 92, and a volunteer from the former Chinatown Corps

For seniors who take care of their grandchildren during the day, the center is a welcomed respite during the school year.

“The center provides activities to help set their minds on something else,” Kong said. “It encourages them to be outgoing.”

Senior Aiming Liu, who lives in the neighborhood, comes to the center every day to play Ping–Pong. Once a week, she also joins a group to sing Christian hymns.

“Coming here makes me happy,” she said. “There are other people around and it’s a happy setting.”

Senior Hua Chang Zhu and her husband, Pei Juan Yu, are neighborhood regulars. She enjoys Tai chi, while Yu prefers the exercise equipment.

A JOYOUS PLACE

“This provides a place to be happy and when you’re happy you have a longer life,” Yu said.

Senior Chung Tsang plays Ping–Pong and chess, sings karaoke, and takes English classes.

“The people and staff here are nice,” he said. “I feel welcomed.”

encuentros gratos con los ancianos en

Among the staff is 92–year–old Tunyee So, a volunteer from the former Chinatown Corps. Every day, he travels from Manhattan to help serve lunch and fill in wherever he is needed.

“I am retired and don’t have a lot to do. So, I come and help out,” he said.

Another volunteer, George Ham, said his faith is a driving force.

“I’m a Christian and I try to see where I can help,” he said.

BENSONHURST Un solo Cuerpo del Ejército de Salvación parece oculto a plena luz en medio de la Avenida 18 del barrio Bensonhurst, en Brooklyn.

La vistosa entrada, además de la música que invade la calle, invita a los transeúntes a detenerse y a echar un vistazo al interior. El Centro Comunitario del Cuerpo de Bensonhurst es un punto de encuentro en el que ancianos oriundos de China cantan karaoke, bailan, hacen ejercicio, descansan sentados, juegan Ping–Pong o badminton, leen o simplemente se distraen y ven televisión.

Muchos ancianos del vecindario ven ese centro comunitario como un lugar al cual ir. Unas 200 personas llegan cada día para almorzar y encontrarse con los amigos.

“Vienen de todas partes de Brooklyn”, dice la Mayora Maureen Ki. “Son muchos los chinos que se ven en estas calles”.

JESUS IS PEACE

Every Sunday morning for worship, about 100 people, including many seniors, fill the building’s chapel.

Maureen said, once the people in the neighborhood learned The Salvation Army was a church, they walked or took a local bus to the Sunday meetings.

“When we first arrived, we distributed Gospel tracts. They took them and really looked at them,” Maureen said. “We want more people to believe in Christ. The people are getting to know Jesus Christ. I believe that.”

Maureen said most Chinese people have no religious tradition or are technically Buddhist.

“They don’t worship Buddha,” Maureen explained. “They do it just to obtain peace.”

ONE TRUE GOD

“When they said they found peace and happiness here, I said, ‘That’s because God is looking for you.’ We teach Christ in their own language.”

Major Ricky said Chinese people recognize Jesus Christ as the “western God” who evokes respect.

“They respect any god,” said Major Ricky. “They don’t understand. We do our best to tell them about Jesus Christ as the one true God.” Youth ministry takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

Major Ricky said the future of the community center is unsure. The Salvation Army plans to renovate one floor of the building at a time or move to another site.

“

BRIGHT FUTURE

For now, the corps enjoys steady growth. A recent Sunday meeting saw six senior soldiers and three adherents enrolled.

Kong said the Sunday morning meeting is “family oriented” and many people bring their children and grandchildren, who attend children’s church.

“The young and the old are here,” Major Ricky said. “They see us as a family. They respect us.”

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Estoy jubilado y no tengo mucho que hacer, por tanto, vengo y ayudo.

— Tunyee So, 92 Voluntario del antiguo Cuerpo de Chinatown

”

Kelly Kong, administradora del centro comunitario y soldada adulta del Cuerpo, dice que el centro ayuda a las personas de la tercera edad a conectarse y a hacerse de amigos.

Aiming Liu, una anciana que vive en el vecindario, acude al centro todos los días a jugar Ping–Pong. Además, participa una vez por semana en un grupo que se dedica a cantar himnos cristianos.

“Venir aquí me hace feliz”, afirma Aiming. “Hay muchas otras personas aquí, es un ambiente muy alegre”.

Otra señora, Hua Chang Zhu, y su marido Pei Juan Yu, también son residentes de Bensonhurst. Ella practica Taichí, mientras Yu prefiere usar los equipos de ejercicio.

“El centro nos ofrece un lugar en el que podemos sentirnos felices, y cuando te sientes feliz, tu vida es más larga”, señala Yu. Este es un resumen del artículo. Para leerlo completo en español, por favor visite saconnects.org/enespanol .

2016 NOVEMBER

23

FAITH in ACTION

Phil Laeger

by Robert Mitchell

Salvationist composer Phil Laeger recently moved his family from Australia to New York. He spent his summer performing in small, intimate gatherings. Prior to a performance at the Kingston, N.Y., Citadel Corps, Laeger spoke with SAConnects.

When you minister at an event such as this, what do you hope people will take away? When people see me play and hear me sing, my hope is they will see Jesus. I hope the Lord uses me in whatever way He wants to use me when I play at corps and at other places. For each gig, I pray over what I’m going to do. I don’t use a cookie–cutter approach. I sense what God is saying. My goal is to be faithful in what the Lord is laying on my heart. If He blesses somebody, ministers to somebody, gives somebody a word, or encourages somebody in his or her faith journey, then I’ve been a good and faithful servant.

Your music has been used during the Pier Ministry at the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings. How does it feel to see your work presented? It’s amazing. It’s great to do music that has a redemptive message in front of people who are not expecting it. We must use all available means to tell people Jesus loves them. It’s fantastic.

Photo by Lachlan Rennie

What’s your latest project? The latest thing is a side project called “Yes to Yes.” It allows me to do something different with my music. It’s fewer church songs and more songs about relationships. It’s not divorced from my faith, I just look specifically at the relationship I have with my wife. They’re love songs and songs that work through the difficulties of marriage, love, family.

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What is God showing you in your music today? It’s the same thing He’s showing me in the rest of my life—that you don’t have to be anything special to be used by God; you don’t have to have any special gifts or talents or abilities or be the best in your field. The Lord

NOVEMBER 2016

delights in humility. God wants you to give Him the best you have. Trust Him to use what you have. Don’t make too much of yourself, but keep your head down and do the work. When I make music, whether it’s on the piano or with my voice or when I write, the goal is to use what I have and trust everything God wants to do through me, He will do. Rather than showcase how great I am or how clever I can be, I just show up and faithfully do the work.

Most people know you best for performing “I’m in His Hands.” What’s the story behind that song? When Commissioner Stanley Ditmer, the author, was close to his promotion to Glory, I got a phone call from my friend, Bernie Dake. He asked if I would do a new arrangement of the song. He sang it over the phone. At the time, I didn’t think anything of it. Commissioner Ditmer had written it when he was young. It meant a lot to my parents’ generation and was a great source of comfort to them.

It’s really cool I got asked to put new music to it.

When did you know God called you to be a musician and composer? I don’t know if I can pinpoint an exact time, but shortly after I graduated from high school in 1995, I was floundering. At that time, I wasn’t active in my faith. One Sunday, someone asked me to come back to church. It was at the Atlanta Temple Corps, but I couldn’t tell you much else about the meeting. At the end of it, I felt I needed meaning and purpose in my life. I knew God was real and everything I had been taught was true. I said, “OK, God, I’ll give this thing a chance.”

From then on, I read my Bible and prayed. I already played the piano. I said, “Lord, if you want to use this for something, do it.” As I played, sang, and

wrote, God opened doors.

Talk about your early life. I grew up in a Christian home. My parents were officers in the Southern Territory [and were stationed for a time at the training college]. Probably around age five, my faith journey began. At the same time, I started playing piano. I also remember having thoughts about Jesus. The piano was my way to express myself through music.

Who has influenced you? I’m definitely influenced by Keith Green and Rich Mullins, two of my favorites. There’s also been a heavy Billy Joel influence and other guys like Ben Folds.

I grew up listening to everything from James Taylor to Earth, Wind & Fire. I’m eclectic. It helps when I’m writing. I can draw from a wide range of influences.

Q&A

What does the future hold? Right now is a big time of transition for my family. My wife [Sarah] and I have prayed a long time to be on the same page and be able to minister together.

She prays for physical, spiritual, and mental healing for people. She loves to worship and to pray for them. She’s also passionate about women’s ministries. We’ve prayed for a ministry we can share. We may be on the cusp.

— Phil and Sarah Laeger have three children.

For more information about Phil’s ministry, visit www.laeger.net.

FAITH in ACTION

TAM

Sarah George (pictured in the middle) with CAST.

forming unbreakable bonds

by Robert Mitchell

Sarah George says her first Territorial Arts Ministry (TAM) Conservatory in 2009 rekindled her love for dancing, but it also changed her life spiritually.

“It was the first time I had really experienced the kind of environment where everybody has the same aspiration to get closer to Christ through their craft,” George said. “It really opened my eyes to being able to use my talent for God instead of just wanting to be really good at dance.

“God gave me the gift. To be able to give it back to Him is special.”

This summer, George attended her eighth TAM Conservatory.

She has also finished her fourth tour with the Creative Arts Services Team (CAST) and performed in “Moses.”

This year’s CAST was special because George’s brother, Jonathan, was on the team.

George, who is the daughter of Majors Barbara and Edgar George and a senior at Asbury University, served in a leadership role at TAM as a dance facilitator. She said her favorite part of TAM is “growing with people” and seeing old friends, including some she grew up

with in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

“It’s really cool seeing friends from my past, meeting new friends, and just bonding,” she said. “Over one week, I made relationships and bonds that are unbreakable.”

George and CAST put their skills on display during the Pier Ministry at the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings.

George said dance and drama are on the upswing throughout the territory.

“There is something about the performing arts that is drawing people,” she said. “The visual aspect of it sucks people in.

“I think it’s important for us to focus on this generation. In the past, the Army has used brass banding to reach out. I love brass banding and I play a cornet, but I think people today are drawn in by the things of these times.

“I feel in this day and age, the creative arts—using dance and drama and even contemporary worship bands—is what

Sarah George performing with CAST at the Old Orchard Beach Pier.

draws people. The modern feel has been successful in a lot of outreach.”

George said one example is when small groups from TAM draw crowds in New York City’s Times Square.

“It just makes people stop and look and wonder,” she said. “That creates a great time to witness to people, to talk to them and to tell them what we’re about.”

If you missed it, you can watch this year’s TAM Conservatory Finale, “Kingdom Creativity,” at saconnects.org/live.

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NOVEMBER 2016

CAST performing Moses at the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings 2016.

Photos by Ryan Love

(Top right) The entire Territorial Arts Ministry (TAM) Conservatory for 2016.

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2016 NOVEMBER

27

FAITH in ACTION

Major Don Tolhurst

un sastre de la Marina en altamar

a navy tailor at sea

by Hugo Bravo

Habiéndose alistado en la Marina un día antes de cumplir los 17 años, el Mayor Donald Tolhurst era mucho más joven que la mayoría de los hombres que estaban en el U.S.S Panamint, el buque insignia de la Marina que zarpó hacia alta mar desde Hoboken, Nueva Jersey, el 22 de noviembre de 1944. Pero a pesar de su edad y de su aspecto juvenil, se convirtió en el más popular y querido de los marineros a bordo, debido en gran parte a la función que se le asignó como sastre.

“En mi primer día como sastre, me pasaron un montón de uniformes, los cuales requerían que se les cosiera los galones dorados como símbolo oficial de las promociones que muchos de los marineros habían recibido”, cuenta Tolhurst. El anterior sastre del barco no había terminado esa tarea, por lo que Tolhurst, que había trabajado en varias sastrerías en sus años mozos, cerraba la

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puerta de su camarote y se ponía a coser los galones dorados de los uniformes.

“Cuando los marineros vieron que terminé el trabajo, todos me reconocieron. Yo me encargaba de lo que necesitaban en cuanto a sastrería”, dice Tolhurst, que era conocido cariñosamente como “Junior”.

Su reputación como salvacionista también hizo que se destacara entre los marineros. Cuando el Panamint atracaba en los puertos de ultramar, a los marineros se les daba un estipendio que les alcanzaba para adquirir cuatro latas de cerveza. Tolhurst, que no bebía alcohol, cambiaba cada lata de cerveza por dos de bebidas carbonatadas.

“Cuando necesitaron a alguien que cumpliera la ronda de vigilancia en China, buscaron un marinero capaz de mantenerse sobrio. Así que me llamaron a mí”, relata Tolhurst.

El tiempo que pasó a bordo del

Having enlisted in the Navy a day before his 17th birthday, Major Donald Tolhurst was much younger than most of the men on the USS Panamint, the Navy command ship that sailed out to sea from Hoboken, N.J., on November 22, 1944. But despite his age and youthful looks, he became among the most popular and beloved sailors on board, partly due to his assigned role of tailor.

“On my first day, I was given a pile of uniforms that all required gold braiding done on them, because of promotions the sailors had received,” said Tolhurst.

The boat’s last tailor had neglected to finish the assignment, so Tolhurst, who had worked in tailor shops in his early teens, closed the door to his bunk and did all the gold braiding himself.

“When the sailors saw that I had finally gotten the work done, everyone knew me. I did any tailoring job they asked,” said Tolhurst, who was

USS. Panamint también le permitió a Tolhurst tener un encuentro con la historia del periodismo. En el barco se encontraba Ernie Pyle, un corresponsal de guerra estadounidense que había recibido el Premio Pulitzer. A pesar de la popularidad de Pyle, Tolhurst lo recuerda como un hombre humilde al que le gustaba socializar con los marineros.

Recuerda que lo apodaron “G.I. Joe” (expresión que en Estados Unidos se usa para referirse a cualquier soldado). ”Ernie pudo perfectamente haberse quedado en el salón de los oficiales de más alto rango, bebiendo café, pasando un muy buen rato y gozando de todas las comodidades. Pero prefería compartir con muchachos como nosotros”, explica Tolhurst. Recuerda que había preparado el uniforme que Pyle llevaba puesto cuando falleció en Ie Shima, una isla cercana a Okinawa el 18 de abril de 1945.

Photos by Thomas P. Costello

affectionately known as “Junior.”

His reputation as a Salvationist also made him stand out among the sailors. When the Panamint docked on beaches overseas, the men were given a stipend for four free cans of beer.

Tolhurst, who didn’t drink, traded each beer for two cans of soda.

“When they needed someone for patrol duty in China, they wanted a sober sailor. That was when they called me,” said Tolhurst.

His time aboard the USS Panamint also gave Tolhurst an encounter with journalism history. On the ship was Ernie Pyle, a Pulitzer Prize–winning American war correspondent. Despite Pyle’s popularity, Tolhurst remembers him as a humble man, who enjoyed socializing among the sailors. They gave him the nickname ‘G.I. Joe’, he recalls.

“Ernie would have been welcome to stay in the higher ranking officers’ war

room, drinking coffee, having a great time and being comfortable. But he wanted to be with regular guys like us,” said Tolhurst. He remembers preparing the uniform that Pyle died in on Ie Shima, an island off Okinawa on April 18, 1945.

A section dedicated to Pyle, including photos and newspaper clippings announcing his death, is in the first pages of an album chronicling Tolhurst’s time in the Navy. Tolhurst didn’t take any of the photos in his album; they were all done and developed by photographers on the ship, and given to him as gifts for his tailoring services. He has one of only four known pictures of the late journalist, lying on the ground, with a trickle of blood running down the side of his face. Pyle had been hit right under his helmet.

“He always mentioned that he was sick and tired of war, and his time with us would be the last time he would cover it. He wanted to go home, and he did.

Ernie Pyle went home,” said Tolhurst.

Tolhurst himself found a part of home in every place he visited. In each stop, he made it a point to search out the local Salvation Army corps.

“The only place I couldn’t get to the Army was in Panama,” remembers Tolhurst. “I had found the building, and I could hear the singing coming from inside. Unfortunately, as I approached the building, MPs (military police) were blocking off the street.”

Major Don Tolhurst, now retired, resides in Asbury Park, N.J. He enjoys sharing stories about his time at sea, and in his album, Ernie Pyle is still the standout memory.

“I’m not sure what to do with this one,” says Tolhurst, looking over the photo of Pyle’s body lying on the ground. “I’ve been thinking of donating it to a communications or journalism museum. It’s a very special picture.”

Hay una sección dedicada especialmente a Pyle —que incluye fotos y recortes periodísticos que anunciaban su fallecimiento—, que está en las primeras páginas de un álbum de la época que Tolhurst pasó en la Marina. Tolhurst no sacó ninguna de las fotos que se ven

en su álbum; todas fueron tomadas y reveladas por los fotógrafos del barco, y se las dieron como regalo por los servicios que prestó en calidad de sastre. Él tenía una de las únicas cuatro fotos que se conocen del fallecido periodista, al que se ve tendido sobre el suelo, con un hilo de sangre que se escurre de un lado de su cara. Pyle había sido alcanzado por una bala debajo de su casco. “Él solía decir que estaba cansado de la guerra y que esa sería la última vez que cubriría una como corresponsal.

Quería irse a casa y eso fue lo que hizo. Ernie Pyle volvió a casa”, expresó Tolhurst.

El propio Tolhurst hallaba parte de lo que es

su casa en cada lugar que visitaba. En cada puerto se preocupaba por buscar el Cuerpo del Ejército de Salvación.

“El único lugar donde no pude acceder al Ejército fue en Panamá”, recuerda Tolhurst. “Había encontrado el edificio, y podía oír desde afuera a la congregación que cantaba adentro.

Por desdicha, al intentar acercarme al edificio, la Policía Militar estaba bloqueando la calle”.

El Mayor Don Tolhurst, actualmente retirado, reside en Asbury Park, Nueva Jersey. Le encanta contar historias sobre el tiempo que sirvió en ultramar y, en su álbum, Ernie Pyle sigue siendo el recuerdo que más se destaca.

“No sé qué hacer con esta”, dice Tolhurst, mientras mira la foto del cuerpo de Pyle tendido sobre el suelo.

“He estado pensando en donarla a un museo de comunicaciones o de periodismo. Es una foto muy especial”.

Ernie Pyle’s photo in Major Tolhurst’s album.

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2016 NOVEMBER

29

ON file

The Jesse Tree

A Christmas tradition to share with your family.

by Joanna Polarek

This year, I’ll start a new tradition with my family—The Jesse Tree. It’s the story of Jesus’ family tree, beginning in the Old Testament. Hopefully, making the tree will be the source of years of memories for my children and they’ll pass the tradition along.

Isaiah 11:1 says, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.”

Jesse was the father of the biblical King David. But what or, better yet, who, is the fruit? Jesus.

As with many families, Jesus’ family had its flaws. Bible stories share these

“

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

less–than–perfect moments from the generations leading up to His birth. The beauty behind the Jesse Tree comes from its relatable, familiar, and genuine story. It also has the most incredible ending—the gift of Jesus.

Although the practice of making Jesse Trees began many years ago, it was a new concept to me. The more I researched it, the more intrigued I became by it. I learned the purpose of a Jesse tree is to unfold the story of Jesus’ family and to learn more about them each day as the calendar moves closer to Christmas.

This advent tradition can be fun because families get involved by making unique Jesse Trees. For instance, branches can be created on a fridge or put in a pot. Various materials can be

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used to decorate and personalize a mini tree. Ornaments can be purchased, made, or printed from Internet sites.

Each day as the story progresses, you can hang the appropriate ornament on the tree. Other options for creating Jesse Trees can be found on Pinterest.

Numerous ornament tutorials, scripture verse listings, and pinables are available.

We know the Christmas story. But who could imagine our God, who is so big and great, would choose a baby to bring the greatest gift to humankind?

After some research, I purchased two books on The Jesse Tree by Ann

NOVEMBER 2016

”

Voskamp, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas (2014, Tyndale) and her adult devotional book, The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas (2013, Tyndale), which begins on December 1 and finishes on December 25.

The first book has beautiful illustrations for each day, along with Scripture, a short story, discussion questions, and suggested family activities. The questions are kid–friendly and provide opportunity for conversations on faith, love for God, and the application of the Bible in our lives. It’s a great conversation starter to share with family or friends who are new to the story of Jesus.

The scripture references in Voskamp’s devotional book are the same as the family edition, but go

deeper into Scripture. The devotional also encourages daily action and includes inspirational quotes from classic theologians, pastors, and other Christians. Reflective questions for personal growth are also included. Both books offer free printable ornaments.

Christmas is the perfect time to reflect, engage in discussion, and bring traditions into the family fold. The tree represents hope, renewal, and faith.

God weaves His gift to us through these stories.

Here is an excerpt from The Greatest Gift.

“Without the genealogy of Christ, the limbs of His past, the branches of His family, the love story of His heart that has been coming for you since before the beginning—how does Christmas and its tree stand? Its roots would be sheared. Its meaning would be stunted. The arresting pause of the miracle would be lost.”

This Christmas season, I hope families will share the wonderful story of Jesus with friends and people who don’t know Christ. I also hope The Jesse Tree becomes part of your Christmas tradition.

As we anticipate Christ, celebrate Christmas, and await His coming, we remember when His story actually began—from Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning” to Luke 2:11, “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem….”

— Joanna Polarek is the Spiritual Life Development (SLD) resource development coordinator. She manages each project and occasionally contributes to SLD’s print and online presence.

wholly living

" She...laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them."

—Luke 2:7

" God created human beings in his own image."

DAY 24 (12/24) Kneel at the Manger Story Reading: Luke 2:1–7

—Genesis 1:27

DAY 2 (12/2) Created by Love Story Reading: Genesis 1:1–5, 26–27

" Surely the LORD is in this place, and I wasn't even aware of it."

—Genesis 28:16

DAY 8 (12/8) Climbing Up Story Reading: Genesis 28:12–16

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finds

10:05 AM

SAConnects

Young Kids & Tweens

YOUR MINISTRY FINDS

Adventures in Booga–Booga Land

teaches the value of strong morals through this funny Christian cartoon. Children love Marty and Gerard’s adventures as they teach the parables of Jesus and how to make right choices.

This month

discover resources

3–2–1 Penguins series

Owlegories, an animated

Creeping Things is a

Not A Fan. Jesus wants

Why Jesus? In today’s

Prayer is a frequent theme

Seeds of Purpose offers

Sex. Dating. God gives

Teens vs. Parents The myth

Your favorite flightless space birds have returned! Enjoy five hours of fun in these 20 episodes from season one and two of this top– rated NBC show. “3–2–1 Penguins,” a kids’ cartoon, teaches Bible verses.

series, follows the adventures of student owls. They learn about nature, faith, and God. On the first day of class, their teacher sends them to find the “Illuminator 3000.” They also discover how the sun resembles God.

series hosted by reptile expert and herpetologist, Nathan Hutcherson. Nathan and his two kids explore the world and show off God’s incredible and “creepy” creations. Animals include scorpions and snakes!

Teens

designed to enrich your ministry and your life.

Take a look

Life on Mission

To influence the next generation for Christ, we need to develop them to fulfill God’s mission far beyond the classroom. In four sessions, students describe their radical transformations and daily call to faith.

at these video lessons on building relationships.

more than mere fans and enthusiastic admirers. He wants completely committed followers. This package includes powerful tools to guide teenagers in your church on a journey from “fan” to “follower.”

culture, the uniqueness of Christ can become difficult for some Christian to grasp.

In these four sessions, David Nasser addresses the tough questions students have about Jesus and points them to Scripture.

in Scripture, but students often struggle with questions about its purpose, practice, and power. Is God a magic genie? In four powerful sessions, author Francis Chan explores answers to tough questions.

Parents

Have a New Kid by Friday

worship music with lyrics directly from the Bible. It helps define our purpose through the exploration of Scripture. Sing! Learn!

Memorize! Hide God’s Word in your heart! Jesus has a purpose for our lives!

clear guidance on how we should treat our bodies and the opposite sex. In these four youth Bible study sessions, Hayley and Michael DiMarco use practical guidelines to help teens build healthy relationships.

of a perfect family can lead to disappointment, frustration, anger, and unrealistic expectations. In four sessions, Mark Matlock gives biblical instruction to teens to repair and build new relationships with their parents.

istock photo

is your five–day action plan that works! With his signature wit and commonsense psychology, family expert Dr. Kevin Leman reveals why your kids do what they do and what you can do about it, starting now.

* rightnow MEDIA is a paid subscription service. For more information go to rightnowmedia.org or visit us on social media.

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NOVEMBER 2016

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