MEN'S NETWORK NEWSLETTER | WINTER 2023

WINTER 2023

SimpleTruth,SimpleLove with Glynden Cross

#SimpleTruth #SimpleLove

In moments of reflection as a man of God, I asked myself what does it mean to be a man of faith and how is that lived out day to day. I think about the various “hats” that I wear”: EDS Logistics, ESS Support, Preacher, Hospital Chaplain, community member, musician and so on. I think about the places I have ministered, Yellowknife, St. Johns, Florida, Texas, places in between, the lower mainland and currently in Surrey, BC. However, is this really all that I want as my contribution to this world? These many “hats” represent only a part of being a man of faith. Sitting with a man as he receives terminally news is honorable, walking alongside the family that has lost everything in the hurricane is humbling, sharing the word of God from the pulpit, exciting, but is there more to me as a man of God.

As I reflect on things closer to home, I am a husband, a father, a brother, a son, a friend, and in recent years a grandfather, or poppa as they like to call me. Are these roles part of what it means to be a man of faith? What are my responsibilities as a husband, father, and poppa? I am immediately drawn to the #SimpleTruth and #SimpleLove slogan. The simple truth is I am called to be a man of faith and my “hats”, my responsibilities are woven into this experience of my day to day living: the preacher, the father, and the friend. Simple love is my expression of faith as I share out of the abundance of God’s love. My contribution continues and grows, as I share the simple truth and simple love. When I look into the eyes of my grandsons and reflect on what life’s journey will be for them, I want them

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Our Purpose

“Calling and equipping every man to be a transforming influence in their family, church and community.”

Encourage • Embrace • Equip • Engage

ENCOURAGING:

Authentic encouragement helps people overcome fear and builds morale. It sets the example to build each other up and builds confidence to face challenges. The gift of encouragement can transform people and circumstances while creating the desire to take positive, forward thinking action. Encouragement establishes hope. When you encourage others, you encourage yourself. We believe in you and that you can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

The desired end-result would be stronger men who can influence others in doing the right thing.

EMBRACING:

Local corps events like Monthly Men’s Breakfasts, sporting events, golf outings, etc. and area and divisional events like The Gatherings, and other large men’s events with a focus to embrace men in each corps/ unit through multiple non-threatening portals of entry into a fellowship of men for friendship, inspiration and connections.

The desired end-result would be men connected to each other in every unit and to create avenues where men can invite their friends and co-workers to attend these events and eventually to attend church with them.

EQUIPPING:

Using resources like discipling tools, books, videos and seminars, the focus is to facilitate the work of the Holy Spirit to purify and transform men to pursue a life long path of Holiness. This would occur on a local corps/unit level but also in area wide gatherings for teaching.

The desired end-result would be Godly men committed to a life of purity and Holiness.

ENGAGING:

Upon embarking on a transforming life journey, partnered with other men, the focus is to re-engage the men to be a transforming influence in their families (husband, father, grandfather, etc.) church and the communities and relationships they find themselves.

The desired end-result would be increase spiritual leadership in the home and church and an embodiment of Christ where ever these men go in their communities.

(TSA Ministry Unit Officer) Major Glynden Cross, Surrey Corps

InsideStory with Alex Stoney

My name is Alex Stoney. I am the Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator for the Skeena Bulkley Circuit . I have been working in this position since mid-late 2014. It’s been just over eight years but time has sure flown by. I am fortunate to do ministry in the area in which I was raised, the Gitxsan Nation. I myself am Gitxsan. I am from the Frog Clan and the House of Delgamuukw. There are four clans in my nation: Frog, Wolf, Fireweed/Whale, and Eagle. And, there are sixty-two house groups within our four clans.

The Salvation Army has been a presence in the Gitxsan Nation for over a century. Our corps have become a mainstay in helping out in our communities via weddings, funerals, the food bank and being present in various community gatherings.

wake my older sisters and I up and make sure we all went to church. As the years went on, my sisters started working at

Camp Mountainview. As a child, I was not a big fan of camp. I was quite shy and found it difficult to make new friends. I didn’t go to church in my late teen years. So it was a surprise when one day I received a call from Camp Mountainview’s then camp director asking if I was willing to work at camp that summer (2006). They had called to enquire because they knew my sisters well and thought I must be somewhat like them. At this point, my sisters had gone on to work at a TSA camp in North Carolina, Camp Walter Johnson.

I was shocked by the offer and without thinking, or knowing why, I said yes. At that time, saying yes to working at a Christian camp was out of character for me. I wasn’t attending church regularly or reading the Bible. I was just a nineteen year old youth who had grown away from the church. Not to t had the greatest time at camp as a child. That summer changed the course of my life forever. I made lifelong friends that summer. They were a great influence on me. The leaders that summer also had and continue to have a great impact on my life. They showed me the love of God through their actions of grace, love and patience.

I have worked for TSA in children and youth ministry in some capacity for most of the intervening years. It’s been a blessing to do ministry in my home nation. There have been peaks and valleys. I find strength in knowing that God is using me to make a difference in children and youths lives in my home nation.

“

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! ” Psalm 119:10

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Shaken With

Tim Tebow

Who are you when life is steady?

Who are you when storms come?

Most of us have been on the receiving end of rejection, a broken dream, or heartbreak. And while this is not an easy space to go through, when we are grounded in the truth, we can endure the tough times.

In this powerful series, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow passionately shares glimpses of his journey staying grounded in the face of disappointment, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. Following an exceptional college football career with the Florida Gators and a promising playoff run with the Denver Broncos, Tebow was traded to the New York Jets. He was released after one season.

In Shaken, Tebow talks about what he's learned along the way, building confidence in his identity in God, not the world. This moving series features practical wisdom from Scripture and insights gained from others who have impacted Tebow in life-changing ways.

Though traveling hard roads is not easy, it's always worth it!

This series is part of our year-long roadmap of youth Bible study curriculum learn more.

Tim Tebow is a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick, and a former professional baseball player. Tebow currently serves as a speaker and college football analyst with ESPN and the SEC Network, and he is the author of four New York Times bestsellers, including Shaken, This Is the Day, and the children’s book Bronco and Friends: A Party to Remember. He is the founder and leader of the Tim Tebow Foundation (TTF), whose mission is to bring faith, hope, and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need.

(from page 1...Glynden Cross)

to be men of faith who are honorable, humble, and excited about God’s word. I want them to walk humbly before God and to share in simple truth and simple love and perhaps, just maybe contribute to this world in the footsteps of their poppa.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly (simple truth) and to love mercy (simple love) and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6: 8:

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Tim Tebow