SAconnects, Volume 4, Number 1

VOL. 4, NO. 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018

the salvation army ministry

reaching new

heights

SACONNECTS.ORG

the magazine

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May 1-3, 2018

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vision perspective

Trust, Inspire, Support Confíe, Inspire, Apoye The next day Moses sat as judge for the people, while the people stood around him from morning until evening.

14 When Moses’ father–in–law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, while all the people stand around you from morning until evening?” — EXODUS 18:13–14 13

Young Adults Don’t Want Us to Lead Like Moses Did! A common concern expressed by corps officers is the need for local leaders. I wonder if we’re not making the same mistake Moses made. Are we working endlessly from morning to evening while others stand around? Jethro gave Moses great advice about empowering others to lead. Leaders who successfully empower others, especially young adults, practice the following behaviors.

TRUST Create a climate of trust by resisting the tendency to supervise work so closely. If leaders cannot trust young adults under their leadership, the young leaders will become resentful and frustrated.

INSPIRATION Motivate young adults to action. If a leader helps them understand The Salvation Army’s mission and how it connects to their passion, inspiration will result. Inspired people have more energy, creativity, and ability to attract others.

SUPPORT Requires a leader to provide training, ministry tools, and, most importantly, appreciation! Rather than leave young leaders on their own, help them along the way.

Jethro’s words to Moses are good advice. Young adults want to be involved and to help grow God’s Kingdom.

Invest in them.

— Major / Mayor Philip A. Lloyd Territorial Youth Department Secretary Secretario Territorial de la Juventud

Al día siguiente, Moisés ocupó su lugar como juez del pueblo, y los israelitas estuvieron de pie ante Moisés desde la mañana hasta la noche. Cuando su suegro vio cómo procedía Moisés con el pueblo, le dijo: “¡Pero qué es lo que haces con esta gente! ¿Cómo es que solo tú te sientas, mientras todo este pueblo se queda de pie ante ti desde la mañana hasta la noche?” — ÉXODO 18:13–14 ¡Los adultos jóvenes no quieren que lideremos como Moisés!

Una preocupación muy común entre los oficiales directivos es la necesidad de líderes locales. Me pregunto si no estaremos cometiendo el mismo error que Moisés. ¿Trabajamos incansablemente, de mañana a noche, mientras los demás permanecen parados? Jetro le dio un gran consejo a Moisés a fin de que capacitara a otros para liderar. Los líderes que capacitan a otros con éxito, especialmente a los adultos jóvenes, son los que practican el siguiente comportamiento.

CONFIANZA Promueva un ambiente de confianza y resista la tendencia a supervisar el trabajo muy de cerca. Si los líderes no pueden confiar en los adultos jóvenes bajo su liderazgo, los líderes jóvenes pronto se sentirán resentidos y frustrados.

INSPIRACIÓN La inspiración motiva a los adultos jóvenes a actuar. Si un líder los ayuda a entender la misión del Ejército de Salvación y la manera como esta se conecta con su propia pasión, eso les inspirará. Las personas inspiradas tienen más energía, creatividad y habilidad para atraer a los demás.

APOYO Esto requiere que el líder provea entrenamiento, herramientas para desarrollar ministerios y, lo más importante, ¡aprecio! En vez de dejar solos a nuestros jóvenes líderes, ayúdelos en su camino.

Las palabras de Jetro a Moisés son un buen consejo.

Los adultos jóvenes quieren participar y ayudar al desarrollo del Reino de Dios.

Invierta en ellos.

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RIEN C E For more information about Summer Camps in the Eastern Territory please visit BoothYouth.com

JANUARY / FEBRUARY

contents VOLUME 4 | NUMBER 1

in every issue special section

1 vision perspective

16 sports ministry

4 from the editor

Captain Stephen Mayes takes a clear shot at a new kind of open–air meeting.

5 relevents 6 army jargon 28 wholly living

departments 24 Q & A

Chaplain Rich Mahler provides guidance on and off the court.

26 FAITH in ACTION

Camden’s Kroc Krew summer program continues into the fall.

30 SA mobilizes

Ministering to kids in the outdoors is a fresh vision Major Sue Kelly and Brittany Parks want to realize for the Eastern Territory’s youth troops.

7 A

Coat of Protection

Hines Ward, legendary wide receiver for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, shares why his participation in the Salvation Army’s Project Bundle–Up has warmed his heart for more than 14 years.

10 ‘Theater

Works’

In Akron, Ohio, the Salvation Army’s connection with the Rubber City Theater is changing lives among the poor and at–risk youth who grow up amid the city’s heroin crisis. When Sarah Bailey, artistic director, heard about the partnership, she was in tears. She said, “I want to be a part of this!’”

Para leer más artículos en español por favor visite SACONNECTS.ORG/ENESPANOL

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from the editor the magazine

your connection to The Salvation Army

USA EASTERN TERRITORY

Know your Women’s History The March issue of SAconnects will observe Women’s History Month, but you can get a head start on it right now.

Since the inception of this special presidential proclamation issued every year since 1981, we’ve struggled to envision such iconic figures as Catherine Booth, Evangeline Booth, and General Eva Burrows; or picture trailblazers of the Holiness movement, like Phoebe Palmer; or reflect on champions of women’s suffrage and social justice, such as Eleanor Roosevelt, or Rosa Parks.

They’ve all earned permanent places in history, but their pictures are typically faded, black & white images, and lacking the sounds, sensations, and emotions of real life. To fill the void, we stretch our imaginations.

Our next SAconnects will help you paint the most vivid picture of women’s history you’ve ever seen. That’s because you’ll see women from your own history and in crystal clarity.

They’re your moms, sisters, cousins, aunts, grandmothers, teachers, friends, mentors, pastors, bosses, and spouses. Through the good times and bad, they’ve helped to make you the person you are today.

We’ll also share stories on women making a difference in corps, communities, and in homes. From Connecticut to Bangladesh, you’ll be inspired by these women who make history—every month of the year.

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

TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioner William A. Bamford III Commissioner G. Lorraine Bamford CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel Kenneth O. Johnson, Jr. COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY Major Tonie Cameron EDITOR IN CHIEF Warren L. Maye MANAGING EDITOR Robert Mitchell

Conozca bien la Historia de la Mujer La edición de SAConnects correspondiente a marzo conmemorará el “Mes de la historia de las mujeres”, pero usted puede adelantarse desde ahora.

Desde el inicio de esta proclamación presidencial especial declarada en 1981, cada año nos hemos esforzado por destacar figuras icónicas como Catherine Booth, Evangeline Booth y la Generala Eva Burrows; o por retratar a las pioneras del movimiento de Santidad, como Phoebe Palmer; o por reflexionar en las grandes promotoras del sufragio femenino y de la justicia social como Eleanor Roosevelt o Rosa Parks.

Todas ellas se han ganado un lugar permanente en la historia, pero sus fotografías suelen verse descoloridas; son imágenes en blanco y negro que carecen de los sonidos, las sensaciones y las emociones de la vida real. Para llenar ese vacío, ampliamos nuestra imaginación.

Los próximos números de SAConnects le ayudarán a pintar el retrato más vívido de la historia de las mujeres que jamás haya visto. Eso se debe a que va a ver a las mujeres que forman parte de su propia historia con la más esplendorosa claridad.

Ellas son nuestras madres, hermanas, primas, tías, abuelas, maestras, amigas, mentoras, pastoras, jefas y esposas. En los momentos buenos y en los malos, ellas han ayudado a hacer de usted la persona que es hoy.

También contaremos las historias de las mujeres que están ejerciendo un verdadero impacto en los Cuerpos, en las comunidades y en los hogares. Desde Connecticut hasta Bangladesh, le inspirarán esas mujeres que hacen historia, cada mes del año.

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 STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Ryan Love CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brenda Lotz, Major Young Sung Kim CIRCULATION Doris Marasigan COMMAND NEWS CORRESPONDENTS PENDEL Major Kathryn A. Avery EMP Jaye C. Jones GNY Major Susan Wittenberg MASS Drew Forster NNE Cheryl Poulopoulos PR & VI Linette Luna SNE Laura Krueger WEPASA Captain Kimberly DeLong Territorial Music Liaison Derek Lance Territorial Youth Liaison Captain Gillian Rogers

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. 4, No. 1, January/February Issue 2018. Printed in USA. Postmaster: Send all address changes to: SAconnects, 440 West Nyack Rd., West Nyack, NY 10994–1739. SAconnects accepts advertising. Copyright © 2017 by The Salvation Army, USA Eastern Territory. Articles may be reprinted only with written permission. All scripture references are taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless indicated otherwise.

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relevents

Edgar Garcia, AKA “Black Rhythm,” is a soldier at the Salvation Army’s San Juan Corps in Puerto Rico. He talks about the importance of serving his community, surviving asthma, and how beatboxing—the art of creating a wide range of percussive sounds using only his lips, mouth, and vocal chords—pushes the limits of his voice. interview by Hugo Bravo

I’ve had asthma since I was young. When I was 4, the doctor recommended I try swimming to help increase my lung capacity. So, what started as something I did under doctor’s orders, became something I really enjoyed doing. I even competed in national swimming tournaments. Sports like swimming and basketball helped me control my asthma. It was an achievement to say that I went from having to use an asthma pump just to function, to being able to run a mile in under six minutes. Later when I started beatboxing, breath control became an important factor.

But because of the sports, my asthma was no longer an issue.

When I was two, I lost my mother to cancer. She was only 30 years old. I was raised by my maternal grandparents.

That was a blessing and the best possible situation for me.

But living with them was a challenge for us; the generational gap was huge. Today, that gap has closed in many ways. I still live with them, but our relationship is stronger. I can finally pay back the love they gave me and help them in practical ways.

While growing up, I was surrounded by people driven to serve. I was raised Lutheran, and my grandparents were always involved in serving the community. The concept of service was something that drew me to The Salvation Army.

I define service as doing what I can to add value to people’s lives. Right now, this is being done through helping those in need as the Army has done in Puerto Rico for victims of Hurricane Maria. Service can also be something as simple as lifting someone’s spirits. Stage performing is this type of service. Every time performers get on stage, they should use their talent to inspire people.

Our voices are gifts from God, and I speak music thanks to Him. Voices are more powerful than we can imagine, and there’s pride in pushing them to their limits. Beatboxing, by nature, is organic and animalistic; in a way, almost feral. It shatters what we think the voice is capable of, expands the palette of sound, and maneuvers our unique selves into musical instruments. Last year, I hosted a TEDx talk on the art of beatboxing. Seeing a theater full of people nodding their heads, tapping their feet, and dancing to the power of my voice was a strong, spiritual experience.

The writer T.S. Eliot said that only people who risk going too far can find out just how far they can go. There are so many things out there that we want to try, but don’t because we fear failure. Becoming Black Rhythm began when I made a decision. It wasn’t something I had planned, expected, or was sure could be done. Although beatboxing was not common in my community, it nonetheless became my contribution to the arts.

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ARMY jargon

Every enterprise has a jargon – words and phrases that are familiar to the people in the group.

I daresay that nurses, taxi drivers, and NFL football players all have a jargon, a language instantly recognizable to them, yet bewildering to the rest of us.

We certainly can include The Salvation Army in that mix.

Indeed, it may even be one of our more characteristic, even quaintly charming, personality traits. From “firing a cartridge” to “sword drills” and several dozen more phrases, we have jargon, all–right.

And yet, some of our curious word pictures are buttressed by rich Biblical and theological substance. Hopefully, this year’s SAconnects “Army Jargon” series will plumb 10 of these word pictures for our collective edification and inspiration. More importantly, to make missional sense.

From “War Cry” to “open air,” you’ll be surprised at the deeper truths contained.

“Fire a volley!”

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COVENANT PACTO

by Colonel Richard Munn

Covenant. It’s such a religious word!

Not lightly dropped into a conversation. Yet, we instinctively know it has heft, something deep and unshakeable, and we’re mysteriously drawn to that.

A covenant is decidedly not a contract. It is much more substantive, such as the trust between a parent and child.

So, how does this apply to a Salvation Army covenant for soldier and officer?

First, the initiative for covenant always comes from God. It’s His idea. He is a covenant–keeping God. He’s not up and down, hot and cold, off and on. He is reliable and trustworthy. We value that in a friend. We want to be like that.

So, Salvation Army soldiers often talk about being “called by God.” Many are surprised. It wasn’t their idea. It’s often rewarding and challenging, all at the same time.

Secondly, covenant is not a membership, where you can join for a while and then leave when you get bored or when it’s all become rather inconvenient. It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s not for everyone. But, when God calls, and unmistakably so, nothing else can substitute for it.

Finally, covenant is not intended to be burdensome. There is a paradox in the Kingdom of God that when we die to self, we find life. When we humble ourselves, we are exalted. When we lose our life for the Gospel, we find our life.

In lashing ourselves to covenant, we are set free. Covenanted people may be the freest people on the earth.

Show up, step up, sign up.

Pacto. ¡Esta sí que es una palabra religiosa!

No es de las que solemos mencionar en una conversación. No obstante, sabemos por instinto que tiene peso, algo profundo e inquebrantable, que nos hace sentir misteriosamente atraídos a eso.

Un pacto no es lo mismo que un contrato.

Es algo mucho más sustantivo, como la confianza entre un padre y su hijo.

Pues bien, ¿de qué manera se puede aplicar todo esto al pacto para un soldado y un oficial en el Ejército de Salvación?

En primer lugar, la iniciativa del pacto viene siempre de Dios. Es Su idea. Él es un Dios que guarda su pacto. No es alguien que en un momento sube y en el siguiente baja, ni alguien que se acalora y después se enfría, ni que un momento se prende y de repente se apaga. Él es fiable y confiable. Valoramos eso en un amigo. Queremos ser así.

Es en este sentido que los soldados del Ejército de Salvación a menudo dicen que han sido “llamados por Dios”. Muchos de ellos se sorprenden. No fue idea de ellos. A menudo es gratificante y desafiante a la vez.

En segundo lugar, pacto no equivale a membresía, no es algo a lo que se pueda unir por un tiempo y abandonarlo apenas se aburra o cuando le resulte inconveniente. El pacto no es para pusilánimes. No es para todos.

Pero, cuando Dios llama, y lo hace de una manera inequívoca, no hay nada que lo pueda reemplazar.

Por último, el pacto no pretende ser una carga. Hay una paradoja en el Reino de Dios y es que cuando morimos a nosotros mismos, hallamos la vida. Cuando nos humillamos, somos exaltados. Cuando perdemos la vida por el Evangelio, empezamos a vivir.

Cuando nos sujetamos al pacto, somos realmente libres. Los que han hecho este pacto son las personas más libres de toda la tierra.

Preséntese, pase adelante, inscríbase.

A COAT OF PROTECTION

by Warren L. Maye

S AP Photo/Jim Mahoney

ince its inception, The Salvation Army has helped victims of poverty, low social status, physical and psychological abuse, and natural or man–made disasters. Over time, this calling has inspired countless men and women from all walks of life to join forces with the Army and to help combat these evils and bring hope to the world.

Hines Ward, a legendary wide receiver for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers, is such a person. He found the Army’s mission compatible with his own passionate calling to serve marginalized children. Recently, The Salvation Army honored Ward for his invaluable support of Project Bundle–Up.

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PROJECT BUNDLE-UP

iStock

“It all started with Mrs. Rooney when she introduced me to Project Bundle–Up, and the relationship never ended,” Ward said. Patricia Rooney is wife of Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney, Sr., and a cofounder of Project Bundle–Up. For the past 14 years, Ward has worked with Rooney, providing children with warm hats, coats, gloves, scarves, and boots.

However, the positive effect of this annual initiative goes much deeper. Their efforts also warm the hearts of kids who,

The mission of Project Bundle–Up is to raise funds to provide all new warm winter outerwear (coats, hats, gloves, and boots) for children and senior citizens from low–income households throughout Western Pennsylvania. Through the program, children from birth to age 18 are provided up to $75 for new outerwear items, while seniors aged 62 years and older typically receive $100 for the purchase of such apparel. Project Bundle–Up provides assistance to an individual once every two years so as to reach more people in need each season. Project Bundle–Up provides funding to nearly 6,000 individuals annually; however, many have to be turned away and added to a waiting list until more funds become available.

The need for Project Bundle–Up: Western Pennsylvania winters can have devastating effects on working low–income households. Purchasing essential winter outerwear can present a challenge for families with growing children and seniors living on a fixed income, particularly when increases in heating costs tend to become a priority. As a result, many kids and seniors go without the essential warm winter gear that is needed.

DONATE TODAY projectbundleup.org/donate

when they receive these gifts, realize people love them enough to alleviate the pain and stigma of poverty from their lives.

Typically, kids who wear secondhand coats are often teased and bullied by other kids. Such targeting tends to lower their self–esteem and self–worth. Therefore, a new coat provides a covering of protection physically, socially, and ultimately spiritually.

Created in 1986, Project Bundle–Up is a joint community service effort of The Salvation Army and WTAE–TV Channel 4 in Pittsburgh. This unique program, utilizing over 1,000 volunteers each year, provides new winter coats, hats, scarves, mittens, and boots to thousands of underprivileged Western Pennsylvanian children and senior citizens. In 30 years, Project Bundle–Up has raised approximately $13 million and provided new winter outerwear for as many as 267,000 people.

Ward has spent the 14 seasons he’s played for the Steelers, and the years following his retirement, working with Rooney. “She is a wonderful person,” said Ward. “I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.

I’ve learned about giving back to the community.”

WARD’S MINISTRY TO CHILDREN Ward’s work with kids has reached far beyond Pittsburgh and even The Salvation Army. He has used his own life story to motivate marginalized children in the United States and in Korea.

Ward was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1976 to a Korean mother and an African–American father (they met while his dad served in the U.S. military). In addition to being biracial, Ward’s very presence was a reminder of the country’s history of foreign occupation.

When the family eventually moved to the United States, his parents divorced, which added another challenge to an already difficult life. Being now poor (his mom worked odd jobs to make ends meet), an immigrant, and from a broken home, at times overwhelmed him.

In school, Hines was teased and called every name. Life was hard. With no siblings or father in his life, he had to grow up fast. He was mistreated and rejected by kids from all sides.

A GIFTED ATHLETE

Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, Salvation Army officers, and Project Bundle–Up recipients celebrate a memorable time together.

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Seeing his mom endure difficult work and for so many years taught him the value of such work. From as early as elementary school, Hines worked hard to develop his athletic skills.

Football was a part of his life. Because he was a great athlete, people looked past his biracial appearance and saw him as an asset to the team and to the school.

Eventually, the kids treated him as a brother. He embraced

“

The Salvation Army is such a great cause and a great organization. I do this every year.

So proud of SA, Western Pa.!

”

— Hines Ward

Hines and Lindsey Ward receive the Others Award at The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division’s annual dinner at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. They are surrounded by (l–r) Major Thomas M. Lyle, general secretary; Major Deborah R. Sedlar, divisional commander; and Commissioner William A. Bamford III, territorial commander.

football as his way to escape from the discrimination that had haunted him. Finally, he felt accepted as one of the kids.

In high school, Hines continued to play football. To this day, he is thankful to all his teachers who helped nurture his dreams and aspirations. Indeed, they helped make him the person he is today.

Instead of saying “I’m going to Disneyland,” after winning MVP honors in Super Bowl 40, Hines said, “I’m going to Korea!” His mother, on the other hand, was quite reluctant about the trip. But what they were both surprised by was the outpouring of media attention they received upon arrival at the airport. All of a sudden, people with no idea of what American football was, or who even Hines Ward was, began to purchase and wear Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys embroidered with the number “86.”

The nation that had at one time ostracized them, now celebrated them. They were treated as royalty; showered with gifts, accommodated in presidential suites, praised in print and on TV. Hines was also made an honorary citizen of Seoul. On that day, he said before the world, “... for years I was ashamed to say I was Korean. I apologize.”

Elderly Koreans applauded Hines for honoring his mother.

In Korean culture, such respect for one’s mother is highly

regarded. Hines used their celebrity status and notoriety to call attention to the need to love and to honor biracial children. He visited the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, which reaches out to children of such heritage. When one child asked him, “What took you so long to get here?” Hines said, “I’ve been playing football!” From that moment on, Hines realized the tremendous connection he had with children, who, heretofore, had little hope of a successful future.

THE HELPING HANDS So moved was Hines, that he began The Helping Hands Foundation, designed to promote racial equality around the world.

Today in Korea, years of discrimination and unspoken restrictions on people of mixed race are beginning to disappear because of Ward’s influence. Although he denies being the next Martin Luther King Jr., there’s no question Ward has indeed made a difference.

Here in the U.S., Ward continues to help The Salvation Army realize its promise to “... work towards a world where all people are accepted, loved, and valued”—International Social Justice Commission (ISJC).

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oah Wright could hardly contain himself backstage after performing in Disney’s “Aristocats” at the Akron, Ohio, Citadel Corps.

The 6–year–old boy, who played Thomas O’Malley, jumped up and down and sought out artistic director Sarah Bailey, who is an integral part of a unique partnership between The Salvation Army and Akron’s professional Rubber City Theatre.

“Miss Sarah, I could just scream right now!”

Noah said. “Will we always feel this way? Do we get to do this again?”

Bailey said Noah’s reaction is typical. The Salvation Army/Rubber City Theatre connection is changing lives among the poor and at–risk youth who grow up amid Akron’s heroin crisis.

“You shut that curtain, and those kids are joyful,” Bailey says. “They’re exuberant. That joy and pride is worth every penny anyone could give to us.

They’ll say, ‘Miss Sarah, we did it! They applauded us! We’re so proud.’ That is why theater works.”

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BIG DREAMS

Majors Kevin and Linda Jackson, the corps officers in Akron, have seen firsthand how theater works.

When the Jacksons arrived last year, Major Kevin wrote “Black Box Theater” on a whiteboard as one of his dreams. The Jacksons, who were previously stationed in Los Angeles, tried theater before, but it never took off.

“We always knew we wanted to do something more with theater and drama,” he said. “The theater tradition here in the Eastern Territory is just a little more robust.”

Things began to take shape in May when the Jacksons saw Dane C.T. Leasure, artistic director of Rubber City Theatre, in a performance of “Julius Caesar.” An actor who hails from northeast Ohio, Leasure is also an educator who holds a Master of Fine Arts and a Master of Letters in Shakespeare and Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities.

“

What a creative and important partnership has

JOINING FORCES

the arts creates a feeling of

The show took place in a former church. The Jacksons were impressed with the show, but not the stage or acoustics. They wanted Rubber City—whose name is a nod to the city’s historic tire industry—to also start theater education classes.

“One thing led to another and we formed this relationship and partnership,” Major Kevin said. “We clicked. We look at the world through the same lens in a lot of ways. It became apparent that this was going to be good for our community. So far, it has been.”

Bailey, who had worked in youth theater for 13 years and was the associate artistic director at Rubber City, met Major Kevin.

“I was in tears,” she recalled. “I said, ‘I’m all in.

Here’s my card. I want to be a part of this.’”

connection and belonging.

TAKING THE STAGE

been created between the Akron Corps and Rubber City Theatre! They are filling a need and impacting young lives through theater and music. God’s gift of

I believe He is using this ministry to reach young people who might otherwise

”

slip through the cracks.

—CAROL JAUDES

The Salvation Army Eastern Territorial Arts Ministries Director

During the summer, Bailey led theater education classes. The result was 22 kids from the Salvation Army’s summer program who performed “The Lion King Jr.,” which Bailey directed.

The show, which sold out all three nights, was an opportunity for Cerenity Williams, 6, to display her dancing ability.

“I liked everyone seeing us show our talents,” she said. “It was exciting.”

The program continued into the school year and has evolved into Billy Booth’s Arts and Science Factory, an after–school arts academy named in honor of William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army. The academy is for kids from kindergarten to age 12, and there is also a teen program for ages 13–18.

Volunteers pick up the kids and take them to the corps where they get a snack, homework help, and recreation. Then, it’s off to a variety of classes, which include drama, piano, brass, classical guitar, music theory, tap dance, creative writing, playwriting, pottery, reading intervention, and cooking.

BIG CHANGES

There’s a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) component, as well as an elaborate indoor farming operation.

“It’s nothing short of amazing,” Major Kevin says. “It’s changing young lives so dramatically—unlike anything I’ve really seen in all my years in The Salvation Army.

“Our plan at the Akron Citadel is to come alongside children as young as 18 months and stay with them until they’re 18 years old, at which point they will

(From l–r): Dane C.T. Leasure, Sarah Bailey, and Major Kevin Jackson.

transition into the University of Akron as freshmen.”

Major Kevin said 240 kids are involved in Billy Booth and come from the corps and the Akron public school system, which has formed a partnership with The Salvation Army. Some of the classes meet in the schools each day.

SCHOOL PARTNERS

“Our goal is to have 400 kids involved in the program by next summer,” Major Kevin said. “Two years out, the goal is to have 2,500 kids in the program.

“That’s where we’re headed. The Akron public schools have identified 2,500 kids ‘who need The Salvation Army.’ Those are their words, not ours.

They’ve asked, ‘Can you help us?’ I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but our answer is ‘yes.’ Those are good problems to have and good challenges to face.

“Akron has a lot of problems. But they’re thinking, how do we fix this? Their attitude has afforded us an opportunity to become a bigger part of this community’s social fabric. We want to be part of the solution.

They want us in every school. They know what’s working and what’s not.”

FAST START

Bailey joined Billy Booth as director of programming for arts and sciences. The younger kids and teens have combined to put on “The Lion King,” “The Aristocats Kids,” Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” “Godspell,” and “A Christmas Carol.” The cast numbers 25–30 kids a show.

“In a short time, we’ve put on a number of decentsized productions with kids who, for the most part, have never been on a stage before,” Major Kevin said.

“The kids here absolutely eat it alive. They love it.

“As an officer, I’m interested in outcomes. We’ve seen profound change in some of the kids. We saw some older kids who had had one foot in the gang world. I’ve been so impressed with the change that has taken place in those children as they navigated their way through this whole experience of theater.”

THE GOD IN ‘GODSPELL’

The spiritual angle is not forgotten. During rehearsals for “Godspell” for ages 13–18, the actors prepared by praying before each show and read Scripture directly out of the Bible.

“We talked about the Bible and how it relates to their own life and how they’re going to take this message and put it up on the stage,” Bailey said. “‘Godspell’ is an open script. You’re allowed to play with it.”

One actor made it clear that she didn’t believe in God, but nonetheless, the play had a profound spiritual affect on her.

“When we did the crucifixion, I saw her journey come full circle,” Bailey said. “She watched this and lived this.

Now, she’s questioning everything and she’s beginning to look back at her faith and her belief system.

IT’S ABOUT KIDS

“I’ve never preached to them, but we have talked about their journey of faith. I’ve seen these kids bring the script of ‘Godspell’ to life.”

On Tuesdays, the kids avail themselves of traditional Salvation Army programs such as Sunbeams and Adventure Corps troops. On Wednesdays, they enjoy the Orange Sunday School program.

“On Wednesday, every kid in Billy Booth goes to Orange,” Major Kevin said. “I don’t care if they go Sunday morning or Wednesday afternoon, as long as they’re getting the message. I think Orange is phenomenal.”

Major Kevin said, “Our commitment is to children.”

“We predicate almost everything we do in the community on children’s programming,” he said. “Our programs are about children truly overcoming poverty and finding hope; not perceived hope—but something tangible in their lives.”

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Major Kevin said when he first arrived in Akron, there wasn’t one kid in Sunday school. Now, there are 50.

“For the first two months after we arrived, we didn’t have one kid in the building on Sunday,” he said. “We had some kids in troupes, but none on Sunday.

“There’s no future for a corps that has no children.

We’re being intentional. No bones about it, we’re

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intentionally growing younger. Our philosophy is simple—we’re not going to sit back on our hands and lose another generation of kids. It’s that simple.”

Rubber City Theatre has done its part by sending professional actors to help train the Salvation Army actors.

TIPS FROM PROS

“We want these kids to have those professional experiences,” Leasure said. “We are doing full-out productions. As these productions grow, we’ll get more professionals involved so the kids will feel they’re getting treated just as they would if they were working at some of the really big theaters across the United States or on Broadway.”

The talent Leasure and others are nurturing was on display in November when the cast performed “Godspell.”

Jada Lynn Pledger, 13, who wowed the crowd with her singing in the play, said she also loved working with children at the summer camp.

“I think it’s so beneficial for the kids to be in an environment where they are loved and accepted for who they are,” she said. “A lot of kids don’t get that at home.”

Aliyah Evans, 15, who grew up poor, called the summer camp an “amazing experience.”

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“I see a lot of myself in those kids and it’s amazing to talk to them and see how happy they are,” she said.

“They’re the sweetest and most genuine people you’ll ever meet in your entire life. It was amazing to teach them what I love to do.

“I love to bring them something that gives them pure happiness. There is no pressure; it’s just having fun. It’s like an escape for them, where they can be themselves.”

Many kids in the cast called the group a “family.”

Sarah Craven, 16, said she loved performing with them.

“I like being able to tell a story to the audience, whether it’s for the first time or if it’s their favorite,” she said. “I just like giving them entertainment.”

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Future shows include “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

“We try to find a balance between good, wholesome, well-produced productions and more

faith–based shows,” Major Kevin said.

They’ve performed some shows at the Akron Citadel. The Salvation Army now owns an 18,000 square foot former warehouse across town. The corps has dedicated 5,000 square feet for the “Black Box Theater” Major Kevin dreamed of when he first arrived.

The remaining space will be used for indoor farming.

“It’s great for us because some of the theater classes will be held there when the kids come out for farming,” Leasure said.

EVERYONE’S INVOLVED

Major Kevin said the connection between corps and community goes even further. For instance, some people from the corps volunteer at Rubber City productions, including Mark Lindberg, who handles lighting and construction and also serves as the corps sergeant–major.

“He is an integral part of our productions,” Leasure said. “There are really quality people who are part of the corps who also help shape what we do in our shows.”

In watching the productions, Major Kevin may be

catching a bit of the acting bug himself.

“I’m the ripe old age of 55 and I’m ready to give it a go,” he said. “If nothing else, I’ll audition for the grumpy old man part,” he says. “That’s not a reach for me either.

“There is a high level of interest [for theater] among adults in the corps already.”

NEW FOCUS

Major Kevin said the theater program is part of an overall outreach strategy. The corps now maintains a full–time office at the University of Akron designed to reach millennials.

“We’re at our universities and we’re in our neighborhoods and we’re here for people 30 and under,” Major Kevin said. “That doesn’t mean it’s all we do, but we’re now giving that population the priority.

“This opiate thing in Akron is as bad as it gets anywhere in the country. In our first year here, seven people connected to the corps died of heroin overdoses. We’ve got to do something about this. There are no easy answers or magic bullets. We’re going to get in there and make a difference. That’s what we decided to do.

“We’re very fluid. We do what works. Theater works because it reaches out to them in a special way.”

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sports ministry

REBOUND

A clear shot at a new kind of open–air meeting

by Captain Stephen Mayes Christian Education Director

“I have to preach, where?” I asked.

“You want me to preach my sermon on the street corner?”

As a cadet in the Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training, I was assigned to share a testimony in an open-air meeting. Despite my nervousness, the moment came and went rather smoothly. However, after stepping back from the microphone, I felt profoundly confused.

The reason? We sang to, preached to, and prayed on—an empty sidewalk.

Sensing our disappointment, our teacher was quick to remind us that it was virtually impossible to know who had actually heard and heeded our message. There were countless apartments nearby. However, his words did little to resolve my confusion.

The history of The Salvation Army is full of life-saving encounters at open-air meetings. Early Salvationists took to bustling streets with one simple aim: to share the love of Jesus. They stopped at nothing in this pursuit. I dare say, thousands of souls turned from darkness to light through these efforts.

But the open-air meeting seems to have fallen on hard times. As a soldier and an officer, I’ve worshipped at only one corps that had an active open-air ministry. For many Christians, the practice is seen as fruitless; something from the past that today has nothing to offer.

However, what if open–air meetings actually have something more to offer?

What if the heart of the first open-airs,

rather than the model itself, still has something powerful for The Salvation Army? What if there is something hidden deep in the cracks of this street corner ministry that might prove fruitful today?

PAST VS. PRESENT REALITY We must understand some details surrounding the success of the early open-air ministry.

Firstly, the street corner was a place bustling with people who gathered to socialize and to find entertainment.

Essentially, it was the crossroad of life.

Secondly, society was “churched.”

That is to say, people generally understood and accepted the ideas of God, Jesus, salvation, and sin. That is not to say that everyone was convicted of these ideas or that this particular era was morally superior to others.

People could have been far from God, but still believed there was a God. When the street preachers spoke to them, they shared a significant bit of common theology. This foundation undergirded the preacher’s widespread

call for repentance.

In today’s world, neither of these tenets remain true in many communities where The Salvation Army ministers.

The street corner is no longer bustling.

Automobiles and online shopping have transformed how people live. When we examine the conversations coming from people whom still linger on corners, we hear a variety of worldviews. No longer can we call our society “churched.” The fundamental beliefs about God, Jesus, salvation, and sin are no longer embraced by the majority. The once familiar message of the street preacher won’t connect as naturally with today’s listener.

WHAT ARE THE QUESTIONS? Regardless of these differences, I still believe, that which was at the heart of early open-air meetings is still of value to us today. To find the path forward, we must carefully ask ourselves two questions.

The first question is, “Where are people gathering?” In my experience, the most common spot is frequently

In Matthew 6:10, Jesus instructs His followers to pray, “May your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Success can also be measured by how our ministries bring the Kingdom of God to neighborhoods.

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PREPARATIONS and PRESENCE

Good preparation is essential.

Be intentional about the following items:

Get prayed up.

Seek God’s guidance and favor. Don’t expect spiritual fruit from fleshly effort.

Find discipled and spiritually mature members of your corps to be teammates.

Sports knowledge is secondary to having a heart on fire. Don’t go into this war for souls alone.

Prepare a message that listeners can understand.

Before each game, share a two to three-minute devotional. The approach used for Sunday morning sermons will likely fall flat. It is the preacher’s responsibility to make the message understandable. This skill will become easier as you get to know the people you serve.

Be intentional about being present.

At first, the leader will likely wear many “hats.”

Find volunteers to help. Their participation will free you to be present. Walk around the gym or field and build relationships. This is pastoral visitation. Get to know as many names and stories as possible.

During the week, pray for people.

When possible, check back to see how they’re doing. A good relationship is the greatest bridge to effectively share the love of Jesus with an unchurched person.

connected to sports. Whether it be soccer, basketball, football, or ultimate Frisbee, communities of all shapes and sizes come together to play and to watch sports.

As our evangelistic predecessors harnessed crowds on street corners, we too can gather crowds by using modern sporting events. For example, by starting a league, running a tournament, or joining an existing league, we can successfully connect to a crowd.

The second question may prove a bit more challenging. After creating a crowd, “How do we effectively share the love of Jesus?”

Most sports leagues exist solely for fun and fellowship. While I have no criticism of this, if we are seriously wanting to share the love of Jesus, we must want more than simply fun and fellowship. These endeavors are a means to an end, but never an end in themselves. Our evangelistic goal must always be clear.

When we attempt to share the love of Jesus through sports, we must keep today’s realities in mind. Yes, we should look at sports leagues as new ways to draw a crowd before the game, but we must also avoid hosting the same old open-air meeting. Harnessing these crowds will require more than a devotional and a poem. To effectively share the love of Jesus, we must be intentional in our preparation and in our presence.

DEFINING SUCCESS Sunday morning attendance must not be the measure of success. We’ve come to a place in ministry where the Sunday morning attendance number is the ultimate, and sometimes only, measure of success. In my experience, attending church on a Sunday didn’t guarantee anything. In Matthew 28, we are called to make disciples. This requires that we live and walk with people in such intimate fashion that

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we can help them grow. This is not dependent upon Sunday morning worship. We should measure success by the number of people who are actively being discipled through the ministry.

CONVICTION & CREATIVITY In Matthew 6:10, Jesus instructs His followers to pray, “May your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Success can also be measured by how our ministries bring the Kingdom of God to neighborhoods.

Several years ago, I started a basketball ministry in Harlem, N.Y. The only measure of success I used was the Sunday morning attendance stat. After leading the ministry for a couple of years, I felt disappointed at having failed to get any of the men to come to church.

On my final day, one man told me a surprising story. He said that I had naively allowed each team to represent neighborhood street gangs. Initially, these men were uneasy with the idea of playing against another gang. They worried what might happen. So just in case, each team always brought a gun to the gym.

I was shocked to learn this. His next comment was even more incredible. He said that, in time, playing together actually changed their attitudes. Eventually, the teams stopped bringing guns to the gym.

Playing together had broken down some walls of hostility and had allowed them to get to know and trust each other.

Peace blossomed from hostility— this was His Kingdom coming to my neighborhood.

Through the conviction and creativity of early Salvationists, God used the the street corner to transform individuals, families, and neighborhoods. I’m convinced that, if we take this same conviction and creativity to the basketball court or soccer field, we too will see God change our neighborhoods through the heart of the open–air, one disciple at a time.

sports ministry

’ E ‘H ores! sc in Stapleton, NY

by Robert Mitchell

If you’re headed to Staten Island, N.Y., be prepared to cross a bridge.

The Salvation Army there has learned all about building bridges of a different kind, including one that connects a popular after–school basketball program at P.S. 78 to the Stapleton, N.Y., Corps.

Lieutenants Jacknier and Katherine Tripari, the corps officers at Stapleton, said some of the children who attend the Thursday afternoon basketball program return to the corps in the evening to learn about music and about God. “We teach children the basics of basketball,” said Lieutenant Jacknier.

“We are in a community where there’s not much to do outdoors and many kids find themselves at home in a not– so–favorable environment.

“What we do is try to give them skills and an outlet, other than just being at home doing nothing.”

‘MORE THAN BASKETBALL’ Lieutenant Katherine said Thursday is also “troop night” at the corps, including Adventure Corps. Last year, about 10 kids from the basketball program

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“

This program has really been an opportunity for us to leave the confines of our building and go to the local school and build relationships with

”

the children there.

—Lieutenant Jacknier Tripari

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made their way to the corps when they were done playing ball.

“We have a teen night that follows all of our troop programs, so any kids who are a little bit older and want to stay and have time dedicated just to them, can also do that,” Lieutenant Katherine said.

Three years ago, Captain Stephen Mayes, the former corps officer in Stapleton, started the basketball program.

“It’s a school program, but they let us lead it and bring the influence and presence of Christ in a way that can be allowed in a school,” said Lieutenant Katherine. “It’s incredible to see that growth happen and to see them latch on to more than just basketball.”

FINDING HIS NICHE One of those success stories is Isaiah Danielson, a 6th grader. For two years, he has been coming to the basketball program. He also started going to the corps, where he honed his trumpet skills at Star Lake Musicamp.

Danielson said of the corps, “We learn about music and about God and

how He helps us with everything.

“He sent His Son Jesus down to die for our sins. He has done everything for me, my brothers, and my whole family.

Being at the corps has changed my life.”

Lieutenant Jacknier said of Danielson, “We’re talking about a kid who never played an instrument.

Because of this basketball program, the door is opened for that to happen. He’s developed into a pretty good player.”

Danielson and his brothers, Joel and Jeremiah, also love the basketball program, which tips off on Thursdays, right after school.

HELPING EACH OTHER José Ferrer, a 5th grader, lacked confidence in his game until he started attending the basketball program.

“I couldn’t do it because I didn’t believe in myself. But now, I believe in myself because they’ve taught me a lot,” Ferrer said amid the sound of bouncing basketballs.

Joseph Fernandez, another 5th grader, concurred.

“I was here last year and I’m just excited to be back to play basketball,” he said. “The teachers are nice and fun and we learn a lot about basketball.”

While most of the players are boys, Brianna Kernall, a 6th grader, also enjoys competing and improving her game.

“They push us to learn,” she said.

Two of the people encouraging the kids are Corps Cadets Devon Owens, 16, and Josh Stevenson, 17.

“I like to help the kids do what they want to do and progress in things that will help them in their life,” says Owens, who grew up in The Salvation Army.

BUILDING LIVES “By coming to the corps, they can have more than basketball to advance their lives and use their talents to spread the Word of God to people.”

Stevenson called the program “energetic and friendly.”

“I like the environment,” he said. “I think everyone enjoys us being here.

Everyone here enjoys it.”

David Kelly, a candidate intern from

the Stapleton Corps, has led the program for the past three years. He said new kids join each year.

“We have about 15 to 20 new kids.

Our programs are a great opportunity to reach out to them and get them into church. “[Our programs] are bridges that allow us to go into the school system and invite the kids out for a talk about Jesus. Obviously, we can’t do it here in the schools, so we go to the corps where we have an opportunity to teach them.

It’s an opportunity to make friends, be with kids their own age, and do activities.

So it’s a great program all around.”

BEING A PARTNER Kelly said Louis Bruschi, the principal at P.S. 78, is an “incredible partner.”

“The relationship between The Salvation Army and P.S. 78 is incredible right now,” Kelly said. “It’s what it was meant to be.”

Bruschi said P.S. 78 is a state-designated “community school.” While the school is the hub, there are many

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community partners, including faithbased ones like The Salvation Army.

“The basketball program has really been a great way to grow the culture in our school community and to help people understand that the community exists inside and outside the school,” he said.

“Because the students have more personal support and direct interactions with people in the community, there’s a little more connectivity in the community.

There are other people who can reach them when they’re having a crisis—and at that point, that’s when it becomes most powerful. These are often children who would be considered at-risk and they’re not at risk because of their connection to the program.”

Lieutenant Jacknier said the corps loves being a community partner.

“When we think about ministry, we sometimes think of it within the walls of the corps,” he said. “This program has really been an opportunity for us to leave the confines of our building and go to the local school and build relationships with the children there.”

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sports ministry

WARNING PICKLEBALL IS ADDICTIVE

by Robert Mitchell

That cautionary statement comes from a group that meets each week at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Camden, N.J. They play the fast-growing paddle–ball sport, which has also taken off at several other Kroc centers.

Major Gayle Senak, the associate administrator and corps officer at the Kroc center in Dayton, Ohio, said Pickleball is huge there—so much so that outdoor courts will be included in the proposed “Kroc Park” being built across the street.

“Pickleball is the new sport at the Kroc centers,” Senak said. “It has really taken off nationally.

“We have developed a Pickleball program that is really quite amazing. It has brought in a lot of new members. It has changed our whole programming schedule. We’ve done clinics. We’ll have, like, 100 people at a clinic on a weekend.”

WHAT IS PICKLEBALL? Players have described Pickleball as a combination of ping pong, tennis, and badminton. It’s played with a special paddle and a plastic ball similar to a whiffle ball.

Major Terry Wood, the administrator of the Kroc center in Camden, said groups meet there twice a week to play the sport, which started in the 1960s as a backyard game.

iStock

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“It’s popular with the older population, but it’s popular with younger people as well,” Wood said. “My understanding is that, for individuals who have played tennis but who now have joint issues, Pickleball is less stressful, but still competitive.

“You don’t have to be highly skilled to really enjoy it.”

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association says there is an estimated 2.5 million Pickleball players in the United States. When it comes to places to play, the USA Pickleball Association says there are more than 15,000 indoor and outdoor courts and at least one in every state.

“Pickleball is being introduced to kids and teenagers in physical education classes in middle and high schools,” the USA Pickleball Association says on its website (USAPA.org.)

Senak said planners originally wanted to build outdoor volleyball courts at the new Kroc Park, but the popularity of Pickleball changed those plans.

“They play Pickleball in our gym and on outdoor courts when the weather is nice, but, with this construction, we are creating new outdoor Pickleball courts,” she said.

Senak said some of the seniors who come for Pickleball stay for lunch and for the Kroc Center’s senior program.

“The impact that Pickleball has made is absolutely huge as far as membership and people coming in to our center,” she said. “You wouldn’t think that one single thing could make that big of a difference, but it has. It has brought so many new people in.”

MORE COURTS NEEDED About two years ago, The Salvation Army bought the land for Kroc Park when a school on the property closed, Senak said.

Besides Pickleball, the new park will also include soccer fields, a walking track, and an amphitheater.

“We’re only in the beginning stages at this point,” Senak said. “We decided to go with soccer because we have a lot of other things that are already in this neighborhood. Soccer is definitely the sport that is lacking.

“We also have a big Turkish immigrant group in our neighborhood. That is definitely a big reason to go in that direction, since they play soccer. We’re trying to address unmet needs in the community. We don’t want to duplicate what is already here. We have baseball fields all over the place.”

The amphitheater will be used for concerts, block parties, and other events.

“Right now, if we have something outdoors, we’ll have it in the parking lot here at the Kroc,” she said. “Every month, we try to have some kind of a community event and invite people to the Kroc campus.”

For example, the Kroc Center hosted a block party on the 4th of July and offered a great view of the fireworks.

The hope is that Christmas events and Friday night comedy shows will be held in the new facility.

Senak said Salvation Army officials are just starting to meet with architects.

“Hopefully, it will be done by next fall,” she said.

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PICKLEBALL BASICS

● A fun sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. ● Played indoors or outdoors on a badminton–sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. ● Played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. ● Played as doubles or singles.

Source: USA Pickleball Association (USAPA.org)

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Q & A

Rich Mahler III

As assistant chaplain for the NBA’s New York Knicks, and main chaplain of the Westchester Knicks, the NBA’s G (minor) League, Rich Mahler III is a spiritual mentor to athletes on and off the court. In 2006, he, along with his father Richard Mahler Jr., former Knicks Allan Houston, and the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation, founded the Xperience Outreach, an organization that brings outreach and mentorship to major sporting events. At the Westchester Knicks’ opening home game in White Plains, N.Y., Rich Mahler talked about his role as chaplain, and the ministry he wants to introduce to The Salvation Army.

What role did outreach play in your walk with Christ?

In 8th grade, I gave my life to the Lord at an inner–city basketball clinic. Pastor Willie Alfonso, who today serves as chaplain for the NBA and MLB, ran the clinic. That day, I realized my unique purpose. Even though I wondered where that purpose would lead me, I knew that, if I followed Christ, He would guide me. The first step was being blessed with mentors. These men of Christ helped me realize my spiritual goals and achieve my athletic education.

What led you to create The Xperience Outreach?

The Xperience Outreach was birthed from my own experiences with mentors in my youth. The Outreach offers programs and mentorships that reinforces positive, healthy values. We travel to sporting events such as the NBA All–Star Game, The Super Bowl, and the Kentucky Derby to share the love of Christ with young people and to enjoy a positive, grounded environment.

A combination of sports, ministry, and community outreach such as The Salvation Army is what saved me years ago. I’m a big supporter of the Army’s core values of feeding and sheltering people most in need. Athletes who value such service in the community are who we look for in outreach participants.

How does mentorship work in your life today?

You are never too old to mentor or to be mentored. I have known Allan Houston [former New York Knicks star and Westchester Knicks General Manager] for many years. Just today, we prayed together

before the Westchester Knicks’ home opener. He has been a mentor and like an older brother to me, and I’ve been blessed to return the favor. For the past five years, I have been a mentor and basketball teacher to his son. Before every basketball lesson, we have a Bible study to remember that God is at the core of our relationship and with the sport we love.

What is the role of a chaplain for a team like the Westchester Knicks?

A chaplain reminds the players that Jesus loves the game as much as they do and He wants to be part of it. It gives Jesus glory when an athlete brings Him into his or her life. Because of the Lord, that athlete can accomplish what might appear supernatural.

When a player participates in Bible study and prays with teammates and with the chaplain, it’s an invitation for God to join them on the court. They are thanking Him for blessing them with the gift of athleticism, and the opportunity to play the game.

Light shines on players when Jesus is with them. They carry themselves in a more positive way during the game, and away from it.

What do you ask God when you pray?

I pray that Christ continues to bring me clarity in life. I also pray that other people find clarity. May a spiritual fire burn inside them and create the desire to serve Him with their unique gifts, as I did.

“

interview by Hugo Bravo

What are the prayers of the players?

They pray for peace in their lives. We recently discussed Romans 8:28, which says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose.” The players know that they have been called by God to their roles as athletes, and seek peace in those roles.

They also pray for stronger faith. They want to have the type of faith that Matthew wrote about, even as small as a mustard seed, that can move mountains in His name. Faith is important to athletes. When they compete, they rely on it to do the unimaginable.

Finally, they ask for accountability. They ask God to be their fortress, to help them lead responsible lives, and to overcome the personal challenges of being professional athletes.

What will be your future involvement with The Salvation Army?

Allan and I are excited about introducing to the Army a program called FISLL (Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership, and Legacy), which uses life lessons, mentorship, and coaching to focus on these tenets. These fundamentals are values everyone needs. FISLL is currently being used in schools and in sports programs, showing young people how to cultivate their faith and leave a legacy for future generations.

A chaplain reminds the players that Jesus loves the game as much as they do. When an athlete brings God into his or her life, it brings Him glory.

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”

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FAITH in ACTION

The Kroc Krew “When kids in the Camden, N.J., community turn 18, they typically come to us looking for their first real jobs, either full–time or during college breaks,” said Hillary Jones, education manager at the Salvation Army’s Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Camden. “But most of them come with no experience working in a place like the Kroc. However, being part of the Kroc Krew gives them the necessary experience.”

Last summer, 35 Camden teens participated in eight weeks of training to become integral members of the Kroc staff. The teens, known as the “Kroc Krew,” performed various roles and responsibilities, such as assisting at the children’s day camp, helping with food preparation, and supporting music and art programs. They also learned valuable life skills, such as how to fill out college

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by Hugo Bravo

applications and to prepare a résumé.

Without such an initiative in Camden, children 14 and over are at risk of being left out of the typical summer camping programs.

“New Jersey gives vouchers to help pay for summer camp, but they are only for families with children age 13 and younger,” said Jones. “When your son or daughter turns 14, they’re too old to get the assistance.”

The Kroc Krew initiative helps to fill that void by giving local teens on–the–job training during summer months when they are out of school. The training also prepares them to later qualify for paying jobs at the center. They learn practical skills, teamwork, and most of all, how to care about the people being served at the center. “They’re the perfect age to be part of the summer Kroc Krew, and its free of charge,” said Jones.

A SEASON OF LEARNING Jones said many of the teens originally join because their parents are adamant about them having something meaningful to do during summer.

“But when they get to know the Kroc, become connected with the staff and with each other, we see a change in them. They go from having to be guided every step of the way, to being open about trying something new,” Jones said. “That new experience can be teaching a dance class, working with children, or leading devotionals.”

Most of the Kroc staff attend Salvation Army corps or local churches.

Although some of the Kroc Krew come from Salvationist families, others come without any Christian upbringing.

“This opens up a lot of great conversations between the Kroc staff and the Kroc Krew,” said Jones. “Those interactions become ministries that teach patience, virtues, and lessons from the Bible.”

For many of the teens, the Kroc Krew has become more than a summer program—its a 2nd family. On the last day of summer, one girl cried and expressed how she would miss seeing the staff of the Kroc every day. Another young man who took summer classes at his school, wanted to be part of the Kroc Krew.

Every morning, he would walk from his home to the center. At noon, he’d walk a mile to his school. After classes, he’d walk back to the center.

Dawn Garlic, volunteer services manager for the center, remembers the Kroc Krew’s last summer session. “They were all reminiscing about what went well for them and what they needed to improve. They were open to

Oobleck Make your own oobleck with the recipe used by the Kroc Krew.

critiques and suggestions. That’s such an important quality to have when you enter the workforce,” she said. “Most of all, they took ownership of what they had contributed. They saw their own worth; what each of them meant to the Kroc.”

INGREDIENTS: Cornstarch Water Large bowl Measuring cup Food coloring (optional)

LESSONS ON PATIENCE The Kroc Krew return to the center on days they are off from school to volunteer and to continue their training. Garlic says that she looks forward to the Krew participating in more advanced tasks, such as holiday event planning and data entry.

Last Veterans Day, members of the Krew hosted activities for children in day care. Krew members came up with their own ideas.

For example, Kaseem Edwards, 17, taught a lesson in basic drum beats to kindergarteners and first-graders. He used drumsticks and plastic buckets as makeshift drums. “Summer with the Kroc Krew taught me that everyone has a different learning level,” said Edwards.

“We’re not all fast learners, but we all can learn to work with everyone.”

Natalie Rubio, 14, said, “During one of the weeks, we had KeepSafe Training.

We learned to work with kids and with

STEP 1: Add ¼ cup of water (room

and Kaden Morales, 16, showed kids how to make “Oobleck,” a substance made with cornstarch and water. When held, it becomes soft and liquid. But when dropped or thrown against a hard surface, it becomes solid. Just the right mix of water and cornstarch requires careful measuring and lots of patience.

“Patience is not the easiest thing for teenagers to learn,” said DeJesus. “But with it, comes compassion for others. To me, that’s the most important quality to have here at the Kroc,” he said. “If you don’t have the will to help and to show compassion, then why even be here?”

The name ‘oobleck’ comes from the Dr. Seuss book, “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.” In the story, oobleck falls from the sky after a king wishes that something new would rain on his kingdom. vulnerable adults.” KeepSafe, designed to keep such adults and children safe from physical abuse and molestation, helped Natalie improve her communication skills.

“Learning to speak to someone at their level was a big lesson.”

In a room with a sink and tables, Rubio, along with Henry DeJesus, 15,

Morales agreed. “That’s the purpose of the Kroc—to show compassion and kindness to every person who walks through these doors.”

The Krew may be a few years away from applying for full–time Kroc positions, but each of them already exemplifies a Salvation Army spirit.

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temperature) into a bowl, followed by ½ cup of cornstarch. Pour the cornstarch slowly as you mix it with a spoon or your hand. You will know by the consistency of the oobleck if you need to add more cornstarch (it’s supposed to feel like syrup).

Remember to keep the recipe 2–parts cornstarch, 1–part water.

STEP 2: Add 5–10 drops of food coloring to the oobleck to get the desired color. Continue stirring it slowly until the drops have dissolved.

Remember, even a few drops of food coloring can subtly affect how your oobleck feels.

STEP 3: Now that the oobleck is a good consistency and color, grab a handful to see how it becomes soft and melts in your hand, or squeeze it to make it harden.

STEP 4: Use warm water to clean the oobleck off your hands. If you let it dry, it turns into a powder that can be swept or vacuumed. Never let fresh oobleck go down the sink; it can clog drains.

wholly living

A Starting Place

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL FORMATION? The phrase spiritual formation may be unfamiliar to you. Perhaps you’re not really sure what it means. So, we thought we’d start the New Year by offering you, through “Wholly Living,” an opportunity to better understand the idea and process of spiritual formation.

Dallas Willard wrote, “spiritual formation for the Christian, basically refers to the Spirit–driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ Himself” (Renovation of the Heart).

Spiritual formation is essentially a “Spirit–driven” or God–led ordering of our lives. It’s an orientation toward God, then ourselves, and then other people.

This takes time, effort, discipline, practice, and action.

But wait. Isn’t it just a bunch of weird ways of praying and ritualized devotions?

In a word, no. We talk about, teach, and practice spiritual disciplines as a means of committing to that God–led ordering of our lives, but the disciplines

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themselves are not magical or quick fixes for anything. They are healthy rhythms that help us maintain our orientation toward God, just as other healthy rhythms help maintain our bodies or our relationships with people.

For instance, we brush our teeth.

That practice keeps our teeth clean and our mouth happy. It also helps our breath when talking to friends and in keeping our relationship with the dentist. If we don’t brush our teeth, many unhealthy things will happen.

When we neglect our soul, we run the same risk. Maintaining the disciplines for our soul, then, might be compared to preserving clean, healthy teeth.

We talk about the practices that we engage on a consistent basis as a rule of life. This phrase seems a bit looming to some people until we realize that we already practice a rule of life. For instance, we get up at certain times and go to work at certain times. We eat at certain times, and we eat certain things, and at certain places. We have morning rituals. We have the way that we answer the phone. Or we may have

by Chris Stoker

the way that we don’t answer it. There are habits that order our day, thus we already have a rule of life.

When we bring spiritual formation into the rule of life conversation, we know that we need space for consistent practices, or spiritual disciplines that will help us maintain the orientation of listening and being available to God.

So what are these disciplines?

First of all, let’s settle on some definitions.

Discipline can be a scary word for some people. For that reason, Ruth Haley Barton uses the phrase Sacred Rhythms.

I appreciate her use of the phrase and particularly her approach to using it.

For many of us, especially with roots in evangelical Protestantism, discipline has a narrow and specific meaning. The idea and even the word itself has an effect on people of certain family origins.

Historically speaking, the word discipline comes from the same root as disciple. So, while we might make a different connection, for instance to the words punishment or consequence, the heart of discipline is order and intentional

Spiritual Disciplines to help you BEGIN. Silence & Solitude

Breath Prayer

Listening Prayer

development, rather than chastisement.

Maybe, Sacred Rhythms works better. What we call the practices doesn’t matter much. A far more important aspect is that we incorporate them into our lives. When we make room for God’s transforming work, He will transform us.

Please refer to the sidebar for a partial list of spiritual disciplines. These practices are rooted in Scripture. Some of them have Latin names, as they were developed a long time ago in monasteries and convents. Some have exact and direct connections to biblical practices, such as “Silence and Solitude” or “The Jesus Prayer.” Others are derivatives, or practices related to ideas from Scripture that have developed differently. While some people may shrink from this idea, please ask, “Do we do Sunday school the same way they taught children in Jesus’ day?” The answer is “no.” As the Holy Spirit has led the development and growth of many practices, we can allow that same Spirit to lead us in learning the disciplines.* While Scripture provides a basis for

Memorizing Scripture

Bible Study Praying Scripture

many of the spiritual disciplines, Jesus Himself, through His life, demonstrated and celebrated a life of spiritual discipline. He pursued a deep and intimate relationship with the Father, often leaving the crowds and busyness of daily ministry to spend time alone to pray. His intercession for others, such as in the garden of Gethsemane, reflects a deep prayer life. His expressions of social justice are sprinkled throughout the gospels in His seeking the least, the last, and the lost. His relationships demonstrated listening and learning (John 5:6).

The importance of Scripture is beyond debate, evidenced in the dozens of times Jesus quotes the Old Testament. His rhythms of corporate worship, including teaching in synagogues and regular pilgrimages to Jerusalem, round out a robust list of intentional spiritual disciplines that Jesus consistently practiced.

For many of us, the “personal relationship with Jesus Christ” doesn’t often look robust. Sometimes, that relationship has simply existed, without intentional cultivation or efforts toward a

Visio Divina Fasting Lecto Divina

deeper intimacy. Sometimes, we force things in ministry or in faith and “fake it ‘til we make it.” Sometimes, we push ourselves beyond limits or hold ourselves to unattainable standards.

Every relationship is a living and dynamic thing that needs to be fed and nurtured, stretched and exercised, Start your journey paid attention to daily, and of spiritual rested in—especially that formation today. foundational relationship between us and God. BE willing.

Hopefully, this edition BE available. of “Wholly Living” has BE honest. helped you understand BE still. spiritual formation a BE informed. bit better and piqued BE aware. your interest in pursuBE disciplined. ing your own spiritual And you will formation a bit deeper.

BE TRANSFORMED. We’d invite you to check out our resources on the SLD page on www.saconnects.org. We have book recommendations, blog posts, and lots of other information that can get you started. You can also find us on Facebook at USA East, SLD.

BEGIN.

* If you want to know more about specific disciplines or do further research, we have an extensive list of spiritual disciplines and their biblical origins on the SLD page on www.

SAConnects.org. Search “disciplines” on the website and you will find it. The point is that we are not promoting any practices that we don’t see birthed in Scripture.

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2018 JANUARY/FEBRUARY

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SA mobilizes

Parks “I have this responsibility pressing on my heart to take care and be a good steward of this planet the Lord has given us dominion over,” said Brittany Parks.

As the Children’s Outreach Ministries coordinator, she is responsible for the continued development of the Salvation Army Girl Guard, Sunbeam, Adventure Corps, Moonbeam, Boy Scout, and Ranger ministries throughout the Eastern Territory.

Brittany’s Salvation Army story began at Camp Tecumseh in her home state of New Jersey. “I’ve lived all over New Jersey,” she said. “But that’s another story.” Originally from Flemington, she’s also resided in Hillsborough, Phillipsburg, and Ventnor City. “At age 12, I was asked to attend Camp Tecumseh, and I loved it,” said Brittany. She’s also served as a counselor at the camp.

Brittany says the Salvation Army’s annual summer camp programs are vital. Thousands of children, who rarely experience life outside their urban neighborhoods, get a fresh viewpoint on life as they make friends, discover what is going on, and breathe in the great outdoors. Campers play sports, create music, make art, and go hiking.

Trained counselors also help them reflect on challenging situations at home and gain a spiritual perspective.

“Many times, we make excuses and say, ‘Oh, our kids are not interested in camp,’” said Brittany. “Or, we say, ‘Oh, they’re technology bound.’ But I’ve

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and the

O U TD O O R S

been to camping weekends with these kids. They forget about all that stuff when they get outside.

“When you’re out there in nature, you have a better understanding and respect for it.

“I know, because I was changed from attending outdoor activities, programs, and things like that. So, I’m really trying to bring that to our territory—stronger than it has been.”

Recently, Brittany attended an eight–day session at the American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS), a professional development program for educators, sponsored by Safari Club International. Being in the heart of Bridger Teton National Forest was an unforgettable experience for her.

“I was amazed by the hand of God. He created all this. He created us. I saw some things that brought me to tears, just because of how beautiful they are.

Flying over the Grand Teton Mountains,

by Warren L. Maye

and then stepping off the plane and being right there; to me, that was extravagant and amazing.

“I could see God’s handiwork. We were picking up rocks and seeing these crazy little organisms. He created them too! I thought, God, You must have a sense of humor!

“To hear people who are experts tell us things that have to do with nature, ecology, conservation, and camping, really blew my mind and made me feel responsible to make a difference,” said Brittany.

“During numerous hikes, we learned about stream ecology. We learned to use tools designed to calculate and measure how fast water moved through the streams. This knowledge is important because the rate of flow, which changes throughout the seasons, determines the clarity and cleanliness of the water and literally impacts the land around it, causing such things as

As a relative of a civil rights activist and a legendary photographer, Brittany is also linked to American history.

Rosa Louise McCauley Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) was an activist in the Civil Rights Movement, whom the United States Congress called “the first lady of civil rights” and “the mother of the freedom movement.”

Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks (November 30, 1912 – March 7, 2006) was an American photographer, musician, writer and film director, who became prominent in U.S. documentary photojournalism in the 1940s through 1970s—particularly in issues of civil rights, poverty and African-Americans—and in glamour photography. As a famous pioneer among filmmakers, he was the first African American to produce and direct major motion pictures.

erosion and ultimately, over time, shifts everything.

“It was really quite fascinating.

As we were in a valley, water flowing down from the mountains also affected the streams.

In seasons of drought, the water becomes stagnant. We also studied the various organisms in the water and talked about their value to the ecosystem.

“For about two hours every evening, a professor spoke to us about our role in conservation, the problem of animal extinction, and how these events affect the ecosystem and ultimately, our lives. We also talked about how we can positively affect the outcomes.”

SA mobilizes

Ministry Beyond Walls “As a whole, troops programs are on the decline in the Eastern Territory,” said Major Susan M. Kelly, associate area coordinator for Northwest Ohio Area Services. “I have a very real concern for the amount of time kids spend indoors and on electronics.”

Kelly also points out how such habits are a danger to a child’s overall health. “There’s a continual rise in childhood obesity, so I strive to do everything possible to help get kids outside, as well as interested in and active in nature.”

Brittany Parks, the Children’s Outreach

by Warren L. Maye

leadership training in Jackson, Wyoming.

Trainees took content–relevant field trips to Pinedale, Wyoming Gas Fields, National Elk Refuge, and Teton Park Visitor Center. They also attended meetings with Wyoming Game & Fish biologists and with the Bureau of Land Management land managers who provided real– world experiences they could take back and share with young people in the troops.

Kelly and Parks absorbed the AWLS training in anticipation of using it in their outreach ministry to children and to young adults

involved in these troop programs. Parks and Kelly attended. “I was pleased to be able to help Brittany promote and encourage participation by corps in our territory, and also plan and implement programs while at the Jamboree,” said Kelly.

“Additionally, I brought a group of 11 delegates from Toledo, Ohio. It was an amazing experience for our kids.” That experience led to their AWLS training last August. “My experience at the American Wilderness Leadership School was absolutely life–changing for me and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned,” said Kelly.

The camping conference opened the door to training Kelly and Parks who will now minister to boys and girls in inspiring open–air venues.

“Everything is connected to ever ything else”

—a basic law of ecology

Ministries Coordinator at Territorial Headquarters, said, “I’m in the process of promoting outdoor programs in our territory through troop ministries. I just think there is a lot of value about getting outside, for our physical health, and for seeing God’s creation.”

Last August, both Parks and Kelly received full scholarships to participate in an outdoor

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in the Eastern Territory. Kelly said, “We want to teach and encourage camps and corps to get kids out into nature. Many of the emblems kids can earn in our troops programs have to do with nature, ecology, conservation, and camping.”

In 2016, The Salvation Army held a National Jamboree at Huzzah Valley in Steeleville, Missouri. This event was for boys and girls

In doing so, they will reach far beyond the four walls of Salvation Army corps buildings.

Indeed, their ministry will be one beyond walls; ministry where God’s creation can be felt, seen, smelled, heard, and appreciated alongside Scripture; where tree leaves will be read as carefully as the pages of a Bible, revealing the Creator’s mastery in real time and in the real world, rather than in a virtual, electronic one.

Said, Parks, “When you’re out there in nature, you have a better understanding and respect for it. Then, you’re more likely to want to listen to how we can continue to keep things in the world okay.

“There’s a connection between understanding, caring, and doing.”

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