Faith & Friends December 2018

Reasons to Give

KETTLE TALES P.8

New Christmas Movie

THE GRINCH IS BACK! P.5

A Man Named Joseph

CAN THE ARMY HELP? P.18

Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

faithandfriends.ca

CHRISTMAS 2018

A Gift Beyond Price ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE SALVATION ARMY BRINGS JOY DURING THE HOLIDAYS P.12

The Grace of Giving and Receiving

The giving and receiving of gifts is a delightful part of the Christmas festival in almost every part of the world.

True, it can become an obsessive and burdensome ritual, especially in more materialistic cultures, obscuring the heart of Christmas—the birth of Jesus. It is only by His grace that we can humbly open our hearts to receive God’s amazing generosity toward us.

Is there a pattern here for our human relationships? Is grace a gift we should

give and receive within our families at Christmas? Have we opened our hearts to Him? Why not on Christmas Day? Why not now? Let Him heal the broken places in our lives.

To learn more about the grace of God at Christmas, email us at faithandfriends@ can.salvationarmy.org or visit your local Salvation Army church.

Beverly A. Ivany, Words of Life September-December 2016, London, England

“ Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” —John 1:12

December 2018

VOLUME 21 NUMBER 12

FAITH BUILDERS

5 Grateful, Not Grinchy

There is a reason for the season, after all.

GOD IN MY LIFE 6 Seeing the Signs

How could Diane Stark look at someone in need and not see him?

COMMON GROUND

8

8 Kettle Caring

There are as many reasons to give to The Salvation Army at Christmastime as there are people who do so.

FEATURES

10

COVER STORY

12

16

Miracle in a Cellblock

How do you find joy when your freedom is gone? Phil Callaway’s “hard time” at a correctional facility taught him.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

In Goderich and across the country, The Salvation Army brings joy during the holidays.

The Art of Giving

In the midst of a meltdown, Carol Ash’s youngest son showed her what Christmas is all about.

SOMEONE CARES

Cover photo: Hope Photography

18 A Man Named Joseph

All this father wanted on Christmas Eve was one thing.

LITE STUFF 20 Eating Healthy With Erin

Sudoku, Quick Quiz, Word Search.

16

NIFTY THRIFTY 23 O Christmas Tree

Create an ornament from upcycled sweaters. faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2018

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Faith&Friends

FROM THE EDITOR

What We Do

I

t takes a good reason for me to skip a shift manning the Salvation Army kettle at Christmastime, but I was away from my post one weekend this past December. I participated in a special event that takes place in Goderich, Ont., and the surrounding towns that ring Lake Huron.

Every Christmas, The Salvation Army’s Suncoast Citadel conducts visitations of the area’s hospitals, nursing homes and retirement centres.

At a time that can be very lonely for those confined to a nursing-home room or a hospital, members of The Salvation Army, including the band and choir, go from place to place, offering comfort and joy.

“It’s a total church effort,” says Captain Laura Hickman, the co-pastor.

It’s not as if the congregation has nothing else to do over the holidays. Why add this to their to-do list?

“Because that’s what we do,” replies Captain Laura.

“It’s very easy for people in nursing homes and hospitals to be forgotten at this busy time of the year,” she continues. “By being there, we show them that someone actually does care.”

Every day of the year, The Salvation Army feeds the hungry, gives comfort to the sick, assists the homeless, and helps the destitute from coast to coast in Canada and on the island of Bermuda.

But they could not do what they do without your help. So when you pass a Salvation Army kettle this Christmas, please give generously.

Ken Ramstead

4 • DECEMBER 2018 I faithandfriends.ca

Mission Statement To show Christ at work in the lives of real people, and to provide spiritual resources for those who are new to the Christian faith.

Faith & Friends is published monthly by: The Salvation Army 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto Ontario, M4H 1P4 International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4P 4EP, England William and Catherine Booth FOUNDERS

Brian Peddle, GENERAL Commissioner Susan McMillan TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Lt-Colonel John P. Murray SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Geoff Moulton, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Ramstead, EDITOR

Brandon Laird DESIGN AND MEDIA SPECIALIST

Timothy Cheng SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Pamela Richardson, COPY EDITOR, PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Ada Leung CIRCULATION CO-ORDINATOR

Kristin Ostensen STAFF WRITER, PROOFREADER

Giselle Randall STAFF WRITER Scripture Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from New International Version Contact Us P. (416) 467-3188, F. (416) 422-6120 Websites faithandfriends.ca, salvationist.ca, salvationarmy.ca Email faithandfriends@can.salvationarmy.org Subscription for one year: Canada $17 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $22; foreign $24 P. (416) 422-6119 circulation@can.salvationarmy.org All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064794 ISSN 1702-0131

Faith&Friends

FAITH BUILDERS

Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Grateful, Not Grinchy There is a reason for the season, after all.

by Diane Stark

I

n 1957, Theodor Seuss Geisel, more famously known as Dr. Seuss, wrote the beloved holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The story features a grumpy, solitary creature who tries to put an end to the holiday by stealing Christmas trees, presents and food from the residents of nearby Whoville. Despite waking to empty homes that morning, the townspeople celebrate anyway, proving to the Grinch that Christmas is about much more than decorations and gifts.

The Grinch’s story was adapted into the classic TV special in 1966 and a movie in 2000.

This holiday season, theatregoers will be treated to a new 3D computeranimated film starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the Grinch, explaining why he hates Christmas so much.

The Grinch hates the noise and fuss Christmas brings and hatches a plan to stop Christmas from coming.

Can the residents of Whoville show the Grinch the true meaning

of Christmas? Or will he succeed in ruining the holiday?

Refocusing Christmas, it seems, comes earlier and earlier every year. It makes it easy to understand why the Grinch says, “It’s never too early to be annoyed by Christmas.”

Some of us may have more in common with the Grinch than we want to admit. When we think of all the extra obligations that Christmas brings—the gift-buying, the cardmailing, the visiting—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and maybe even a little Grinchy ourselves.

Instead of obsessing about the negative aspects of the holiday, focus on the real reason we celebrate: the birth of our Saviour. Think of Christmas as a holy day, not a holiday. Focusing on Jesus’ birth will always leave us feeling grateful, not Grinchy.

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2018

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Faith&Friends

GOD IN MY LIFE

Seeing the Signs How could I look at someone in need and not see him?

Photo: © Ingimage.com

by Diane Stark

M

“

om, there’s a red kettle,” eight-year-old Nathan said. “Can I have some money to put in?”

I nodded and handed it to him.

“Can we talk to her, too?” he asked. “I love telling the bell ringers about the times when we’ve rung the bell.”

I smiled. “Sure, we can talk to her for a minute.”

When Nathan put in the money, the Salvation Army kettle volun-

6 • DECEMBER 2018 I faithandfriends.ca

teer smiled and said, “Thank you and Merry Christmas.”

“You know, I’ve been a bell ringer before,” Nathan told her. “One time, it was so cold that a lady brought hot chocolate for us.”

Her smile grew bigger. “That was nice of her.”

“I know! I love ringing the bell.”

“I like it, too,” she said. “I like helping The Salvation Army raise the money they need to help people.”

The bell ringing made me think of how God can take my donation and make it matter to a person in need. DIANE STARK Nathan nodded. “That’s why we like it, too.” He shrugged. “Well, that and the hot chocolate.”

The lady and I both laughed.

While Nathan and I shopped, I could hear the bell ringing from inside the store. It was a sound that always made me smile.

It reminded me of the good work the Army does, and made me think of how God can take my donation and make it matter to a person in need.

Sharing We loaded the groceries into the trunk and headed off. On the way home, we saw a man on a corner holding a sign that said “Hungry.

Anything helps.”

I read the sign, but in my hurry, I didn’t notice the very real person holding it. At least, not until Nathan pointed him out.

“Mom, did you see that man with the sign?”

My heart sank as I realized what I’d done. I thought I’d never pass by a real person and just ignore him, but then I did with the man holding the sign. I would never think of a kettle

worker as “invisible,” but I treated that man as though he was.

Nathan pressed on. “Mom, he’s hungry and we just came from the grocery store.”

“You’re right,” I said. “We should help.” I pulled over and found some food items to share with the man.

“Like I said, helping people makes me happy,” Nathan chirped when we got back in the car.

I met Nathan’s eyes in the rearview mirror. “Thank you for helping me see that man. It’s easy to get so busy that we miss opportunities like that.”

That day, Nathan and a kind bell ringer reminded me that there are so many chances to help others. Sometimes, it’s a person standing next to a Salvation Army sign, ringing a bell and asking for help on behalf of others. And sometimes, it’s a man with a handmade sign, who needs a little help himself.

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus, who loved us enough to come to earth to save us. And one of the best ways I can love Him back is to really see the people He puts in my path each day.

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2018

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Faith&Friends

COMMON GROUND

Kettle Caring

Photo: Fred Chartrand

There are as many reasons to give to The Salvation Army at Christmastime as there are people who do so.

by Jack Best Jack Best

T

he elderly lady rummaged in her purse for at least 10 minutes before coming up with a five-dollar bill. Having deposited it in the kettle, she pushed off on her walker to mingle with the crowds, paying no attention whatsoever to my “thank you.”

And I marvelled, as I have so often since becoming a volunteer kettle worker for The Salvation Army in Ottawa some years ago, at the reluctance of most contributors to accept any kind of recognition for their generosity. It’s almost as if they feel embarrassed at being caught in the act, as though it would somehow detract from their moment of giving.

It would be hard to count the number of times someone has crept up when I wasn’t looking—

8 • DECEMBER 2018 I faithandfriends.ca

or thought I wasn’t looking—and squeezed some money into the round transparent kettle and slunk away with a quick smile, a nod or a laconic “no problem” in response to my word of thanks.

When it comes to the Army’s kettle campaign, charity often wears a face of determined anonymity.

“We Have to Help, Right?”

Something else that always impresses me is how parents use the kettle to deliver a lesson around giving.

One day, I heard a mother say to her two little boys, “Do you know why that man is standing there and where all that money goes?”

“To help people,” one of the lads replied. As if to show her appreciation for such a response, she opened her

wallet, pulled out some money, then helped each of them in turn scrunch the note through the kettle slot.

There are, of course, a few shoppers who breeze past me without so much as a sideways glance, but I prefer to remember those who do not breeze by.

Take, for another example, the businesswoman who, noticing my wide-eyed look at seeing her push two $50 bills through the slot, noted

explained a middle-aged gentleman, as though to add meaning to his gesture in parting with his money.

“My brother-in-law always gave to the Sally Ann,” said one woman.

Coaxing a five-dollar bill through the slot, she elaborated, “He passed away two years ago but we keep up the tradition in his honour.”

But what I personally find rewarding—if a bit embarrassing—

My shifts tending the kettle are more than rewarded by observing the uncounted acts of kindness. JACK BEST briefly, “I meant to send in a cheque but didn’t get around to it”—intimating that nothing further need be said on the subject.

Or the well-dressed woman who put in some money and, when I commented, “You’re very kind,” reflected for a moment before replying matterof-factly, “We have to help, right?”

Gesture of Fellowship Something else I always find gratifying are the number of donors who take a moment to expound on what compels them to help The Salvation Army do its work.

“The Sally Ann is the greatest at visiting prisons and soldiers at the front and when disasters occur,”

are the frequent contributors who turn the tables on me when I offer thanks for a donation.

“Well, thank you for your time,” said one man, while his wife seconded the motion with a warm smile. I didn’t try to explain to her that my two- and three-hour shifts tending the kettle are more than rewarded by observing the uncounted acts of kindness.

One gentleman had his own novel way of responding to my acknowledgment of his donation.

Without saying a word, he gripped my arm for several seconds, in some kind of gesture of fellowship, before melting back into the crowds of Christmas shoppers.

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2018

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Miracle in a Cellblock

HOW DO YOU FIND JOY WHEN YOUR FREEDOM IS GONE? MY “HARD TIME” AT A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY TAUGHT ME.

Photo: © Benjamin Ranger/Unsplash.com

by Phil Callaway

I

was sentenced to prison this past Sunday. For three hours.

And it wasn’t a sentence at all, but an invitation to speak to a chapel jam-packed with inmates. A captive audience, you might say.

Offering Their All A grinning inmate pushed his wheelchair up to me and reeled off about 10 one-liners: “If you’re ever attacked by a bunch of circus clowns, go for 10 • DECEMBER 2018 I faithandfriends.ca

the juggler.” “Did you know that the world tongue-twister champion just got arrested? They’re gonna give him a really tough sentence.” “I woke up this morning and forgot what side the sun rises on. Then it dawned on me.”

How do you laugh when you’ve been locked up for 20 years and the next 20 don’t look so bright? How do you find joy when your freedom is gone? I asked him: “How can you be all right when everything’s wrong?”

He pointed to the floor and his eyes

oy comes in looking beyond our J situation, no matter how bleak, and somehow helping others. PHIL CALLAWAY misted over. “This room.”

Bart, a convict who co-ordinates the prison chapels, leads a group of 10 dads who are learning how to be better husbands and fathers; how to hold each other accountable and be men of integrity.

Just before Christmas, Bart organized a fundraiser with Christmas music.

A fundraiser? In prison? Yes. Bart told his group. They expected 30 to show. A hundred and twenty came. They lined the walls. They sat in the aisles.

An offering was taken for families in need in a nearby town.

“Brothers,” said Bart, “we have a lot to be thankful for.”

Like what? Hard bunks? Bad food?

Mean guards?

“We have a roof over our heads every night,” Bart went on, “and something to eat every day.” Imagine.

But how do you take up an offering in prison? The men aren’t allowed to carry cash. So clipboards with transfer forms were passed out. Those with jobs can earn up to $4 a day.

How much did they raise? Ten bucks? Twenty?

When the transfer forms were added up, the inmates had donated $1,000 for needy families.

Like the woman in the Bible who put in a few pennies while the rich

ceremoniously gave grander amounts, these men brought a smile to God’s face. “Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on’ ” (Mark 12:43-44).

Giving Thanks for Prison Food My friend in the wheelchair made it clear: joy comes in looking beyond our situation, no matter how bleak, and somehow helping others. Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl said, “Everything can be taken from a man, but the last of the human freedoms— to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”

When I asked what they were thankful for, one said, “A family that’s praying for me.”

“You,” said another. “I need to laugh.”

A third said, “For prison. I met Jesus here.”

I couldn’t talk for a bit because of a lump in my throat.

“God has done amazing things in your life, hasn’t He?” I went on. He nodded. “You’re the guy who gave thanks to God for prison food, aren’t you?” He laughed loudly and smiled some more.

Now that, my friends, is a Christmas miracle. faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2018

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Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

We Wish You a Merry Christmas IN GODERICH AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE SALVATION ARMY BRINGS JOY DURING THE HOLIDAYS.

Photos: Joe Vella

by Ken Ramstead

Spreading Joy Captains David and Laura Hickman, with their children, greet Dorothy Williams, a nursing home resident

E

very Christmas, retirement residences and hospitals in Goderich, on the shore of Lake Huron in Ontario, and the surrounding towns of Clinton, Seaforth and Kincardine, are 12 • DECEMBER 2018 I faithandfriends.ca

treated to a wondrous event. Over the course of the weekends before Christmas, they are visited by Salvation Army members spreading the joy of the season.

The congregation, the band and

Christmas Serenade Part of the church band performs at Harbour Hill Retirement Suites in Goderich

The Sunshine Squad Community care ministries members and volunteers pose with just some of the more than 700 Sunshine Bags distributed by The Salvation Army’s Suncoast Citadel in Goderich

the choir of The Salvation Army’s Suncoast Citadel in Goderich all take part, passing out gift bags, playing Christmas songs, singing carols and spreading cheer to those who are alone or confined to hospital during the holidays.

“It’s called Christmas serenading,” explains Captain Laura Hickman, the co-pastor at Suncoast, “but it

encompasses all the church, not just the band and choir. Everyone comes along. It’s a total church effort.”

The Greatest Gift Preparations start in November, when a request for volunteers to prepare the gift bags, known as Sunshine Bags, goes out.

“It’s another way for us to come faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2018

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Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

“ The patients are being acknowledged as people.

For many of these patients, that’s the greatest gift of all.” together as a church,” says Captain Laura. “We treat the process like an assembly line. Copies of Faith & Friends are put in the gift bags, as well as tissues, socks and a Christmas bookmark or devotional.

Other items might include combs, note pads, pens and lip balm. We distributed more than 700 Sunshine Bags last year.”

Once that’s done, the visitations start. One community is tackled each Sunday or Monday, with some larger towns having more than one stop.

If the venue is a hospital, the band will move through the hallways so that those who are bedridden can enjoy the music.

“Our members go to each room and introduce themselves, telling them they’re part of The Salvation Army,” says Captain Laura. “They also ask if they have a favourite carol. Our band is very good at taking requests!”

“This is a big day for everyone,” says Sharron Diann Beckwith at one facility where more than half the patients turned out. “Many people don’t have anyone and they can’t get out for the holidays. This is really Christmas Day for them.”

14 • DECEMBER 2018 I faithandfriends.ca

At another hospital, appreciative nurses watched as Captain Laura and her husband, Captain David Hickman, went from room to room.

“The patients are being acknowledged as people,” said one of the nurses. “For many, that’s the greatest gift of all.”

Trusting God If the locale is a nursing home or residence, the band will set up at a central concert location, such as a foyer or dining room. While the band performs, volunteers move throughout the building and from room to room so no one is forgotten.

If they’re given permission, either Captain Laura or Captain David will give a short sermon between carols.

“By the end of the day, we’re all exhausted, but we love it!” says Captain Laura.

Captains Laura and David are the first to admit that they get back as much as they give.

“It’s humbling, because you’ve got no idea who you’re going to touch with the gift of music or even time,” Captain Laura says.

“In one room you’ve got a family preparing to say goodbye to their mother, and a couple of floors down,

“Silent Night ...”

The Army choir in full voice at Harbour Hill

Music and Smiles As the Salvation Army contingent packed up their instruments at Harbour Hill Retirement Suites recently, Joyce Herring lingered to take it all in.

Her mother-in-law is a resident there. And while it is a beautiful, well-run facility, it can get lonely at Christmastime. That’s why she is so appreciative of The Salvation Army.

“My late father was a member,” she said, “so I know many Salvationists. They’re wonderful people. They help the community

in so many ways: the social welfare program, the thrift store, the kettles, disaster relief.

“But over and above that, coming in here and brightening the lives of people who are in their 80s and 90s with beautiful music and warm smiles is a blessing.

“For me, these visits every Christmas are the most important thing that The Salvation Army does.

They show God’s love.”

Photo: Hope Photography

you’ve got a mother who has just welcomed a newborn baby into the world,” she continues. “As Salvation Army pastors, it’s a privilege to be able to share these experiences and walk with them for a time, to be able to be there for someone’s last Christmas and someone’s first.

“And in doing so, we can bring a little bit of cheer and encouragement and the fact that someone does care.

We trust God to guide us to the people who need us.”

All Aboard For the Hickmans, Christmas is a total family effort faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2018

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

The Art of Giving IN THE MIDST OF A MELTDOWN, MY YOUNGEST SON SHOWED ME WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT.

Reprinted from saoshawa.ca

by Carol Ash

O

ne Christmas, my four children and I headed into the city for some “us” time.

We went to a huge mall, took in the amazing holiday displays and visited Santa. That was fun for the younger two and it was great to see the older two play along. The kids got a small treat, we had dinner out and did some shopping.

The day was going well—no major 16 • DECEMBER 2018 I faithandfriends.ca

(above) Carol Ash and her family enjoy some “us” time

meltdowns by any of the kids and many chances for photo ops by their crazy camera-loving mom.

It was all played out in my head as the beginning of perhaps a new family tradition for the five of us.

We went into one store that

We left the mall—my other three embarrassed children walking well ahead of me as I had a screaming son in hand. CAROL ASH had a large gumball-style vending machine. My youngest saw that the machine was broken and found just over $2 in change in the coin slot. We went looking for a store employee as I wanted my son to return it, but of course he was allowed to keep it. My boy wanted to spend this newfound treasure right away. I agreed, provided he could find something for the amount of money he had.

Of course, in this big city mall that was not going to happen.

And of course, my son got mad at me because he could not spend his money.

Doing Right We left the mall—my other three embarrassed children walking well ahead of me as I had a screaming son in hand.

While we were waiting for the light to change so we could cross the street, one of my children pointed to a man sitting on a cardboard box and asked, “Is that a homeless person?”

I answered distractedly with a yes and took no further notice.

Suddenly, my youngest, who had been so mad at me, broke free from

my grasp and ran over to the gentleman. He held out his treasure and offered it to him. The man took it and thanked us because $2 was enough to allow him to go get some food.

The light changed and I walked across that street with my head held high, fighting back the tears. My boy asked me if he had done a good thing. I assured him he had done a beautiful thing. Meltdown over, we looked at trees and elves and Santas, then headed home knowing we’d had a great outing.

Just when I wonder if I am doing anything right as a parent, one of my children does something like this. I often think that my little guy would have been the boy in the Bible story of the loaves and fish, where he gave his lunch so that Jesus could feed thousands (see John 6:1-14). These two lads, thousands of years apart, knew not just the art of giving but the heart of giving.

(left) Carol Ash is a member of The Salvation Army and attends Oshawa Temple in Ontario faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2018

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SOMEONE CARES

Photo: © Steve Debenport/iStock.com

Faith&Friends

A Man Named Joseph All this father wanted on Christmas Eve was one thing.

by Shelly McCready

I

was leaving for the night. It was two days before Christmas, the last day that our Salvation Army office would be open before the holiday break, and it was well after 5 p.m.

We had served more than 400 clients that day alone, and my staff and I were looking forward to a well-deserved rest.

Just as I opened the door of my car, I saw a man walking toward our doors.

I confess that part of me, honestly, hadn’t wanted to ask—but I did.

“Can I help you?”

He looked rather sheepish.

18 • DECEMBER 2018 I faithandfriends.ca

“I was hoping that maybe I could get some help.”

I was going to spout off about how the time to register was far past, how we were done for the season, and so on, but something—or Someone—stopped me.

“Come in.”

The Breaking Point My co-worker and I welcomed this young man in and began to ask him questions about his household: how many children did he have, what were their ages, what sizes did they wear?

“Oh, no!” he interrupted me.

“I don’t need gifts for Christmas.

I just want supper for my family tonight.”

He began to cry as he related to us how he had always worked and supported his family but had unexpectedly been laid off just a few weeks before. His pride was taking a beating as he waited for

another Joseph who wanted to provide for his wife and child. Another Joseph who was in a precarious situation, probably feeling as helpless and as vulnerable as this one, who stood before us now.

We were so moved by this dad who only wanted to provide for his kids. We tried to encourage him as we loaded him up with food and

“I just want supper for my family tonight.” JOSEPH that first unemployment cheque.

Today was the breaking point: not enough food in the house. He explained how his relations were helping with Christmas for the kids, so he really didn’t want to take anything from us.

But the real kicker was when we asked his name.

“Joseph … my name is Joseph.”

Prayer for Joy Our thoughts immediately recalled

gift cards and prayed with him before sending him out the door.

Joseph walked away with his head held a little higher, with renewed hope that he and his family would get through this difficult time.

We never saw him again but I will never forget him. Every Christmas, I pray that he and his family got through that period of hardship and found joy and happiness again.

(left) Shelly McCready is the community ministries co-ordinator for The Salvation Army in Saint John, N.B., where she is deeply invested in the lives of the clients who seek services.

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2018

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Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Eating Healthy With Erin SHEPHERD’S PIE 750 g (1½ lbs) russet potatoes, peeled and quartered 60 ml (4 tbsp) butter 250 ml (1 cup) onion, diced 1 clove garlic 500 ml (2 cups) frozen vegetable mix of peas, corn and carrots 750 g (1½ lbs) lean ground beef 125 ml (½ cup) beef broth 2 ml (½ tsp) thyme 2 ml (½ tsp) rosemary 7 ml (1½ tsp) Worcestershire sauce 125 ml (½ cup) half and half cream 1 egg yolk 30 ml (2 tbsp) butter 60 ml (¼ cup) grated Parmesan salt and pepper

20 • DECEMBER 2018 I faithandfriends.ca

1. Preheat oven to 200 C (400 F).

2. Place potatoes and water in pot to boil. Reduce to simmer and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.

3. Melt butter in medium-size skillet over medium heat and add onion and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes and then add frozen vegetables. Cook together for about 10 minutes.

4. Add ground beef to skillet with vegetables and stir. Slowly add beef broth, thyme, rosemary and Worcestershire sauce and cook until pink is removed from the meat. Keep stirring and cook uncovered until majority of liquid has been absorbed into beef but it is not dry (approximately 10 minutes).

5. Remove potatoes from pot and mash in a bowl. Slowly pour in cream, egg yolk and butter, and continue to mash. Add Parmesan.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Pour meat mixture in bottom of an ungreased 20 x 33 cm (8 x 13 in.) casserole dish and top with mashed potatoes. If desired, add another sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

7. Place on middle rack and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, rotating pan halfway through.

Recipe photo: Erin Stanley/veganvirgin.ca

TIME 1 hr 15 min MAKES 6 servings SERVE WITH roasted vegetables

Internet Adventure

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PARADE OF FAITH P.12

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NOVEMBER 2018

Onward, Christian Soldier

LT.-COL. JEFF SPITZIG WEARS HIS FAITH AS PROUDLY AS HIS CANADIAN FORCES UNIFORM. P.16

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HEAVEN’S LOVE THRIFT SHOP by Kevin Frank

Answers on next page.

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Faith&Friends

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Quick Quiz Answers: 1. Roald Amundsen; 2. eight; 3. Fredericton.

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Faith&Friends

NIFTY THRIFTY

O Christmas Tree Create an ornament from upcycled sweaters.

A wool sweater can be so much more than warm winter clothing. With the help of some old buttons, junk jewelry and ribbon, a wool sweater can transform into the cutest Christmas ornament.

Step 1 Purchase a 100-per cent wool sweater (or two) at your local Salvation Army thrift store. Try to find sweaters in various colours and patterns. Once purchased, wash them in hot water and throw them in the dryer.

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Step 2 Cut up the felted wool into varying circle sizes. Stack the circles on top of each other going from large to small to create the tree shape.

Step 3 Collect your supplies. You’ll need 3-4 buttons for the base of the tree, jewelry for the top, a piece of ribbon, and a needle and thread to stitch it all together.

Step 4 First stitch the buttons together for the bottom, then stitch up through the layers of wool to the top. Add the jewelry to the top of the ornament and then thread the needle back through to the bottom of the tree.

Step 5 Add a piece of bright ribbon for hanging the ornament and you’re done!

(left) Denise Corcoran (a.k.a. Thrifty By Design) is an author, upcycler, community builder and workshop facilitator based in North Vancouver.

She shares her enthusiasm for crafting and upcycling by facilitating “Crafternoons” throughout Vancouver. She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores.

Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.

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