Faith & Friends December 2020

Holiday Aid

THE ANGEL TREE P.6

Delivering Joy

COME FROM AWAY 2 P.16

Army Helps

BOXING DAY P.5

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

faithandfriends.ca

DECEMBER 2020

Jacob’s Bell SALVATION ARMY CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN REUNITES FAMILY P.11

t ouncemen n n A h t ir Special B seph y and Jo

of to Mar d se a re p le a a Na z a re th f o th ir b th e rn announce o b Jesus was baby boy. ether 25 in a B e b em on Dec th b le d u e to g n le h e m st a ri u d s f room shortage o ason. Special se the census ds, the shepher thank s to d the angelic an be Wise Men iries should choir. Inqu Egypt where to forwarded relocated for as the family h ns. o as re safety

Obviously, this notice never appeared in any newspaper classifieds of the time.

Of course, there were no newspapers in the ancient world. But even if there had been, the birth of a humble carpenter’s son would have still passed relatively unnoticed.

For such an unheralded event, Jesus’ birth, life, death and Resurrection have resonated down through the ages. Why? Jesus gave us the promise of eternal life.

“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world,” He said (John 12:46 NLT). His message of love, salvation and forgiveness can be yours this holiday season.

To learn more about the Nativity story, visit our website (www.faithandfriends.ca) or contact us at: The Salvation Army Editorial Department, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4

December 2020

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 12

6

KETTLE CARING 5 Boxing Day

Behind every person who gives to the Army is a story of why they do it.

COMMON GROUND 6 Tree of Hope

Cheryl Davies is determined that children enjoy a bright Christmas.

FAITH BUILDERS 8 Soul Survivor

Soul, in theatres now, is a computeranimated Disney-Pixar film that addresses issues of the afterlife.

FEATURES

9 Holiday Aid

THE ANGEL TREE P.6

Delivering Joy

COME FROM AWAY 2 P.16

Army Helps

BOXING DAY P.9

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

faithandfriends.ca

DECEMBER 2020

11 Jacob’s Bell SALVATION ARMY CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN REUNITES FAMILY P.11

COVER STORY

14

“I’m Not Alone”

The Salvation Army’s red kettle is a symbol of hope for those in need.

The Bells of Our Conscience

Jacob’s Bell reminds us how important The Salvation Army is for thousands of families in need.

My Christmas Miracle

Helped by The Salvation Army, Angela has given back.

SOMEONE CARES

Cover illustration: Thomas Hallman

16 Come From Away On

Christmas Day When airline passengers were stranded, The Salvation Army pitched in to help.

LITE STUFF 20 Eating Healthy With Erin

Sudoku, Quick Quiz, Word Search.

14

NIFTY THRIFTY 23 Perfectly Ugly!

How to shop for the cutest “ugly” Christmas sweaters. faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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Faith&Friends

FROM THE EDITOR

Real-life Miracles

O

ur cover story in this Christmas issue of Faith & Friends is a review of Jacob’s Bell, written by John Snyder. Set during the closing days of the Second World War, the novel deals with a man who, at one time, had health, wealth and power. But it is all taken away from Jacob one stormy New Year’s Eve. Destitute and alone, he is befriended by two Salvation Army pastors. Reluctantly, Jacob volunteers to ring a bell for the Army at Christmastime, and his life begins to change for the better as he mans the kettle during a busy holiday season.

Jacob’s Bell may be fiction but the reality is that, across Canada and Bermuda, The Salvation Army performs real-life miracles—at least, they seem like miracles to me. Feeding the hungry, helping the addicted, giving comfort to those who are incarcerated, these are no mean feats.

The Salvation Army is making a miraculous difference each and every day for thousands, here and around the world.

But The Salvation Army could not do what they do without your help. So when you pass a Salvation Army kettle, maybe with a real-life Jacob happily ringing his bell, please give generously.

Elsewhere in this issue, you’ll see how stranded air travellers were helped by a Salvation Army church, see our take on the new Soul movie and read about a very special angel tree.

All of us at Faith & Friends wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe 2021.

Ken Ramstead

4 • DECEMBER 2020 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 Floyd Tidd TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

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

Brandon Laird SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hannah Saley DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Pamela Richardson, COPY EDITOR, PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Ada Leung CIRCULATION CO-ORDINATOR

Leigha Vegh 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) 422-6217 Websites faithandfriends.ca, salvationist.ca, salvationarmy.ca Email faithandfriends@salvationarmy.ca Subscription for one year: Canada $17 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $22; foreign $24 P. (416) 422-6119 circulation@salvationarmy.ca 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

KETTLE CARING

Boxing Day Behind every person who gives to The Salvation Army at Christmas is a story of why they do it.

by Samantha Dugas

D

uring a Salvation Army Christmas kettle shift in the Etobicoke area of Toronto, a man stopped to chat with me and my son, Lincoln. He told us that he was 82 years old, a former professional boxer who had competed in the Munich Olympics in 1972 as well as in numerous championships. As it happens, my son is training to be a boxer, so they traded tips.

Before he left, the man shared with us his amazing story.

Years ago, the boxer had fallen on hard times. His daughter had been beaten up by her boyfriend, and this man was so angry, he beat up the boyfriend in return. As a result, the boxer was arrested, convicted of assault and served eight months in prison.

When released, he’d lost his job and apartment, and only had a few hundred dollars to his name.

“The Salvation Army took me in, gave me shelter, food and support,” he

Budding Boxer Lincoln Dugas-Nishisato takes a turn on the Salvation Army kettle

told us. He offered them the money he had. The Army wouldn’t take it, but they did put it in a safe for him until he was out of the shelter.

When the man was released from prison, he’d lost his job and apartment.

“I left The Salvation Army with $800, hope and a future,” he said.

As he left us, I reflected that this was just one example that shows how The Salvation Army impacts and changes people’s lives for the better—then and now!

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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Faith&Friends

COMMON GROUND

Tree of Hope Through The Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree Program, Cheryl Davies is determined that children enjoy a bright Christmas.

by Janice Keats

C

heryl Davies is delighted to be a part of The Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree Program.

The many thank-you certificates prominently displayed in her workplace are testimony to the 18 years that she’s supported the toy drive.

And she has no plans of retiring.

Cheryl was quick to offer the reason for her inspiration: “I am a member of The Salvation Army.”

She was introduced to the Army and its programs through her family.

“My great-grandmother was my strong influence, along with my mother and grandmother.” But the motivation to do something was compounded when she lost her 18-month-old son due to illness.

Cheryl began supporting The Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree Program when a local shopping mall placed a life-sized tree in the lobby filled with angel-shaped tags. Each tag

6 • DECEMBER 2020 I faithandfriends.ca

indicates an age-gender combination for someone to select and purchase a gift for.

To keep her son’s memory alive, Cheryl wanted to help other children have a joyful Christmas by contributing toys, food and clothing. She always returned with gifts and placed them under the tree.

“Our Own Little Community” For the last 18 years, Cheryl has been running this program at the convenience store where she works, inside the Lower Sackville Atlantic Superstore in Nova Scotia. With permission from management, Cheryl began her mission of supporting as many children as she could by offering her patrons and co-workers the opportunity to select a tag from a tree and return with gifts.

“People contributed and it has grown so much,” Cheryl comments.

The management of the Superstore totally embraced the idea, and so did the employees. During the first year, Cheryl placed 50 tags on the tree and they were all taken.

“There is great support here at the Superstore,” Cheryl says enthusiastically. “This is like our own little community.”

truck from him.”

Her son’s giving continued as he entered college. He approached his classmates requesting a collective monetary donation so he could purchase gifts and food for a family in need. Cheryl’s daughter, Sondree, who resides in Victoria, has also followed her mother’s passion as she

What began as a family tradition continues to be a project and mission of compassion.

A Mission to Give Cheryl’s family continues to support the Angel Giving Tree Program.

Her son, Justin, now in his late 20s, is the twin of the son she lost. He, too, has a heartfelt reason to join the community of giving.

“My son prepares a package for a two-year-old boy each year in memory of his twin brother,” she says.

“Included in the package is a fire truck, which bears a special personal meaning. His grandfather was a volunteer firefighter, and when the boys were young they were each given a fire

contributes to her local Salvation Army Christmas program.

What began as a family tradition continues to be a project and mission of compassion, all in memory of a beloved child whose life was too brief.

“For me, it is a huge family thing,” says Cheryl. “With God’s help, I have a mission to give to others as I am grateful for the support that I have been given.”

To participate in the Angel Giving Tree Program, contact your local Salvation Army church.

(left) Janice Keats is the emergency and disaster services co-ordinator at The Salvation Army’s divisional headquarters in Halifax.

She has authored three books and is actively engaged in sharing her faith story and teaching evangelism workshops.

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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Faith&Friends

FAITH BUILDERS

Soul Survivor Soul, in theatres now, is a computer-animated DisneyPixar film that addresses issues of the afterlife.

by Diane Stark

J

oe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) is a middle school band teacher who dreams of being a jazz musician.

He finally gets his big break but suffers an untimely accident on his way home. His soul gets separated from his body and heads to The Great Beyond, but he decides it’s not his time and tries to escape.

Joe ends up in The Great Before, the place where souls get their personality, quirks and interests before going to earth. There, he meets 22 (Tina Fey), a soul-in-training who has a negative view of life. Joe is tasked with readying her and other souls for their lives on earth—but the clock is ticking: Joe’s body is in a coma and going downhill fast.

Can he complete his mission before his body dies?

A Big Question During their training, 22 asks Joe, “Is

8 • DECEMBER 2020 I faithandfriends.ca

all this living really worth dying for?”

While it may seem like a strange question, for Christians, the answer is an emphatic yes. This life can be hard. We face challenges and experience pain. But when we choose to invite God into our lives here on earth, He invites us to live with Him in heaven when we die.

The choices we make in this life determine where we will spend eternity. God’s Son, Jesus, thought every one of us was worth dying for.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

If we choose to accept Jesus’ sacrifice, we receive the gift of eternal life.

This life is difficult, but it’s always worth living. Because no matter what this life holds for us, the best— eternity in heaven—is yet to come.

Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Happy Mother (left) “The support I received has helped me keep positive and realize I’m not alone,” says Tricia March

“ I’m Not Alone” THE SALVATION ARMY’S CHRISTMAS KETTLE IS A SYMBOL OF HOPE FOR THOSE IN NEED.

by Linda White

T

ricia March was familiar with The Salvation Army’s national Christmas kettle campaign but didn’t know much about the organization until she walked through the doors of its Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre in Calgary to print copies of her resumé. She quickly discovered a welcoming community she desperately needed.

Descent Into Depression At that time, Tricia had already overcome tremendous obstacles, including being told at age 21 that she’d never be able to have children.

“I didn’t think learning that affected me, but it was the beginning of nearly 20 years of heavy

addictions,” she says. “Eventually, something told me I couldn’t live like that anymore, and I needed God back in my life.”

The Calgary resident took part in a spiritual pilgrimage in the city.

“It brought me back to knowing someone loved me and I was worth it,” she says.

Not long afterward, Tricia became pregnant with her “miracle baby.”

But when she later separated from her young daughter’s father, she fell into a deep depression.

Much-Needed Support Life began to turn around after she dropped into The Salvation Army’s resource centre.

“Right away, I felt welcomed,” says faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

“I’ve met women from all walks of life.

It’s like a sisterhood.” TRICIA MARCH Tricia, who started taking part in various activities there. “Chaplains let me know they were there if I wanted to talk about or needed anything. I didn’t require food, shelter or clothing. I’m not well off but I’ve learned how to live within my budget. I needed spirituality and community.”

Before long, Tricia and her daughter, now five, became regulars at the centre, taking part in cooking classes and other activities. Tricia looks forward to attending a women’s camp organized by the centre each spring, and mom and daughter attend camp together each summer. “I’ve met women from all walks of life. We all have different needs, but we have a bond. It’s like a sisterhood.”

Tricia recently returned to school to earn a university degree in social work so she can help other moms— a decision she credits to the support she’s received from the centre. She also teaches pow-wow dancing to fellow members of her Indigenous community and works at a laundry company.

“The support I received has helped me keep positive and realize I’m not alone,” Tricia concludes.

Reprinted from National Post, December 10, 2019

10 • DECEMBER 2020 I faithandfriends.ca

For Further Reflection “When you donate to The Salvation Army at Christmastime, that money stays right in your local community and is reinvested in the lives of people in need,” says Lt-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications.

The Salvation Army supports vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada in many ways, such as: • Hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and feeding programs; • Shelter for people experiencing homelessness and support for those needing housing; • Rehabilitation for those struggling with substance use disorders.

“First and foremost, the true meaning and spirit of Christmas is about others,” Lt-Colonel John says. “That might mean your friends and family or a broader circle of influence within your community that helps people who—for whatever reason—find themselves needing a helping hand. Truly, we are much more blessed to give than to receive.”

This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of The Salvation Army.

Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

The Bells of Our Conscience JACOB’S BELL REMINDS US HOW IMPORTANT THE SALVATION ARMY IS AT CHRISTMASTIME FOR THOUSANDS OF FAMILIES IN NEED.

by Ken Ramstead CHRISTMAS 1944. THE WORLD is at war but the global conflict is the furthest thing from Jacob McCallum’s mind. Estranged from his family, penniless, friendless, Jacob’s been riding the rails and

living on the streets for more than 20 years.

It wasn’t always that way. There was a time when he was one of the richest and respected businessmen in Chicago, with family and friends faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

“ I hope that people will support the great work of The Salvation Army and understand the significance of that ringing when they’re walking down the street during the holiday season.” JOHN SNYDER who loved him. But all that changed 20 years ago on a stormy New Year’s Eve when his life shattered beyond repair. He’s been in a booze-induced haze ever since.

Saved by an Angel Jacob’s Bell, a novel written by John Snyder, is the story of Jacob’s journey of redemption.

A near-death experience in Nevada has shaken him from his downward spiral, and he’s resolved to return to Chicago, find his children and make amends for the harm he has caused. But locating a longlost family is more difficult than Jacob anticipates.

Befriended by a Salvation Army pastor, appropriately named Howard Angel, Jacob struggles to transform his life and finally overcomes his demons, but not without a fair number of setbacks.

Failing to locate his family in Chicago, Pastor Angel helps Jacob travel to Baltimore to renew his search. There, he is helped by another Salvation Army officer, 12 • DECEMBER 2020 I faithandfriends.ca

Pastor Bob Parsley, after Jacob is beaten up by some toughs.

Reluctantly, he is persuaded by Pastor Bob to become a Salvation Army bell-ringer at Christmastime.

To his surprise, he actually starts to enjoy it and his enthusiasm becomes infectious, and soon people from around the city are flocking to put money in his kettle.

While ringing his bell on a street corner, Jacob meets a young girl who, through a series of strange coincidences, leads him back to the family he’d thought he’d lost forever.

But will Jacob be forgiven in time for Christmas?

A Chance to Help After the unexpected success of his The Golden Ring, a novel about his grandmother, John Snyder saw how his writing could influence and affect people.

“I received letters, emails and cards from people all over the world, telling me how The Golden Ring had had a positive influence on their lives and on circumstances they

were going through,” he says.

A seed was planted. “I had this idea about Jacob’s Bell floating around in my head,” he smiles.

“One of the things I really relate to at Christmas is the ringing of that Salvation Army bell. That sound means something to me. I’ve rung it myself and I’ve signed my family up to ring. It’s something that goes all the way back to my childhood.

I remember that Army bell ringing on the street corner and I relate to it very much.”

John came up with the story of a Salvation Army bell-ringer who has lost his way in life.

“He was a successful man and lost everything,” John says, but it was the ringing of that bell that brought him back to a righteous life and to reconnecting with his family.

“I think that’s what the bell stands for,” he goes on to say. “I actually refer to it as the bell of our conscience. It rings with the season and it reminds us that there’s a lot that needs to be done, helping people who need help. It reminds us of all the things we should have done during the year and didn’t do, and this is our chance to help.”

Bells of Hope John went back to years and years of his own experiences ringing the bell at the Salvation Army kettle, as well as the many pastors he had met over that time.

“I’m a struggling Christian, as we

all are,” John says, “but these pastors have taught me that we have an obligation to be Christlike and do as He did. We need to help people and do the Lord’s work on earth.

That’s my mission in life.”

John extensively researched Salvation Army history during the time period of the novel, as well as the Second World War in Europe, where some of the novel is set. John also consulted city archives for those places where Jacob’s Bell is set.

“I hope that people will support the great work of The Salvation Army and understand the significance of that ringing when they’re walking down the street during the holiday season,” John says, “and that it will compel them to not only drop money in the kettle but also to go out and do a couple of nice things for people who need that in their life.”

John Snyder owned a public relations and advertising agency for more than 25 years before he tried his hand at writing. Visit johnsnyder.net for more information on the author and his other projects. faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

My Christmas Miracle HELPED BY THE SALVATION ARMY, I HAVE GIVEN BACK.

by Angela

I

thought I was living the perfect life according to society’s standards.

When my world collapsed, a friend asked if I was going to get a Salvation Army Christmas hamper. I didn’t know there was such a thing. That’s where my life with The Salvation Army in Kelowna, B.C., began.

Miracle of Blessings “The most special part of volunteering was watching the miracle of blessings trickle down to others as it once did for me,” says Angela

14 • DECEMBER 2020 I faithandfriends.ca

Surviving At that time, I was married, had one child and another on the way. My husband and I ran two successful loans businesses and we owned a home.

Then my marriage failed, followed by our business. I suddenly found myself couch-surfing with a little boy and soon-to-be baby. Before long, I was in line at a food bank with people I’d

with an entire Christmas dinner, toys and stocking stuffers. I was overwhelmed. This gesture of love gave me hope when there was none left.

In the new year, I was invited to join a year-long, single-parenting and life-skills class called Breakthrough. I thrived in this nurturing learning environment.

“This gesture of love gave me hope when there was none left.” ANGELA

loaned money to not that long ago.

Meanwhile, I reached out to various agencies in an attempt to get back on my feet. I found a home through a local supportive housing organization and applied for welfare to provide for my two boys. Life was OK, but was more about surviving than living.

The Breakthrough At Christmastime, I went to The Salvation Army and filled out a hamper application. The form asked, “Would you like to hear more about our programs?” and I checked “yes.”

That Christmas, we were provided

“I Am Truly Living” Inspired by the support I received, I began to volunteer. I worked with other parents in the Breakthrough program, rang the bells at Christmas and assisted with the hamper program. The most special part of volunteering was watching the miracle of blessings trickle down to others as it once did for me.

When my social assistance ran out, I worked at various roles within The Salvation Army. Currently, I serve as the volunteer co-ordinator.

My boys are thriving. I have a home and a partner. I am truly living. faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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Faith&Friends

SOMEONE CARES

Come From Away On Christmas Day When airline passengers were stranded at Deer Lake, N.L., the community and The Salvation Army pitched in to help.

by Diane Stark

“

W

e apologize for the inconvenience, but the flight to St. John’s has been delayed for another hour,” the voice on the intercom at Toronto’s Pearson airport said.

Diversion to Deer Lake Passengers groaned. It was Christmas Eve, and the WestJet flight had been scheduled to take off at 8 p.m. But storms in St. John’s, N.L., had caused repeated delays.

16 • DECEMBER 2020 I faithandfriends.ca

At midnight, the plane finally took off. It was a three-hour flight full of turbulence. At 3 a.m., the pilot tried to land in St. John’s, but high winds made it impossible.

After a few failed attempts, the crew diverted the plane to Deer Lake, N.L., finally landing at 5 a.m. on Christmas morning.

Frozen-Dinner Christmas Karen Casey was one of the passengers.

Come and Get It! (left) The Deer Lake hotel lobby was turned into a veritable buffet for the passengers

“I just wanted to get home to see my mom, my sister and her kids,” she says, “but as soon as they said we were landing in Deer Lake, I knew I wasn’t going to make it.”

Paulette Karges and her husband, Jeff, were on the flight as well. “My mom has lung cancer and she wasn’t doing well,” she says. “We really wanted to be with her on Christmas.”

Due to its small size, the airline doesn’t operate out of the Deer Lake location in the winter and, because

it was Christmas, there were no restaurants or stores open. The 80 or so passengers were stranded and made their way to a local hotel.

“I was still shaken by the rough flight and failed landing attempts,” Karen says. “When I got to the hotel, I just collapsed into bed.”

It was lunchtime when she woke up. “I was hungry, so I bought a microwave dinner from the vending machine and went back to my room,” she says. “It was depressing to eat a frozen dinner all by myself on Christmas Day.” Above and Beyond At 3:30 that afternoon, Brian Snow, the family services director at The

Taxi Service (above) Members of the community volunteered to ferry the stranded passengers back to their plane

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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Faith&Friends

SOMEONE CARES

“I couldn’t believe that people gave up Christmas with their families to come and help us. I was overwhelmed by their kindness.” KAREN CASEY Salvation Army’s Deer Lake Citadel church, was just finishing his Christmas dinner.

“I received a text message from the church secretary,” he recalls. “A friend of one of the passengers had contacted her to tell us about their situation and to ask whether the Army could help.”

Brian made some calls and went on Facebook to share what was happening. Less than an hour later, volunteers from The Salvation Army and the community started arriving at the hotel.

At that moment, Paulette was staring out the window in her hotel room. “I noticed cars in the parking lot and people entering the hotel carrying trays of food.”

Paulette and Jeff went down to the lobby. “When we got there, there were all these people and they invited us to eat the food they’d brought. It was so amazing, I actually got choked up.”

“I was in my room and one of the other passengers knocked on the door,” Karen says. “They told me that there was food downstairs. I

18 • DECEMBER 2020 I faithandfriends.ca

headed down, and when I saw it, I started to cry. I couldn’t believe that people gave up Christmas with their families to come and help us. I was overwhelmed by their kindness.”

“There were turkey sandwiches, hot crab dip, cookies and cake,” Brian says. “One man even brought a batch of rabbit stew.”

“The food was wonderful, but it was more than that,” Karen says.

“They really cared about us. I know that people of Newfoundland and Labrador are generous people, but this went above and beyond.”

“We’re Here” The passengers were fed, but there was still another problem. They needed to get back to the airport to catch a 9 p.m. flight to St. John’s, but there were only four taxis running. At that rate, not everyone would make it on time.

Another social-media request was sent out. “We asked for volunteers to drive the passengers to the airport,” Brian says. “More than 30 cars showed up, ready to help.”

All of the passengers got rides

Christmas Wishes “This little boy woke up in the hotel room this morning and looked under the bed for his presents from Santa,” says Brian Snow, “but his grandma called to let him know that Santa left all his presents at her house!”

to the airport and their flight took off on time. They finally arrived in St. John’s at 10 p.m. on Christmas night, nearly 24 hours after their journey began.

“It wasn’t the Christmas we thought we’d have, but I wouldn’t change it for anything,” Paulette says.

“I will always remember that day and what they did for me,” Karen says. “It was one of the best Christmases I ever had.”

The incident reminded Brian of another experience when the people of Newfoundland and Labrador helped strangers. In the week following the attacks on September 11, 2001, 7,000 stranded travellers

were fed and housed by the small town of Gander after their flights were grounded, inspiring the hit musical Come From Away.

“There were so many similarities that we called this ‘Come From Away on Christmas Day,’ ” Brian says. “It was on a smaller scale, but it was a blessing to be able to help where needed.”

“We want people to know that whenever and wherever they need us, we’re here,” Captain Jeff Howard, the co-pastor at Deer Lake Citadel, states. And “Come From Away on Christmas Day” was the perfect opportunity for the Salvation Army members of Deer Lake to demonstrate that message.

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Eating Healthy With Erin SCALLOPED POTATOES AND CAULIFLOWER

Recipe photo: Erin Stanley

TIME 80 mins MAKES 5 servings SERVE WITH turkey

500 g (1 lb) Yukon Gold potatoes 1 head of cauliflower 30 ml (2 tbsp) butter 2 garlic cloves 60 ml (¼ cup) yellow onion 30 ml (2 tbsp) flour 375 ml (1½ cups) 2% milk 1 ml (¼ tsp) salt 1 ml (¼ tsp) black pepper 15 ml (1 tbsp) parsley 125 ml (½ cup) mozzarella cheese 60 ml (¼ cup) Parmesan or Gruyere cheese 60 ml (¼ cup) bread crumbs 60 ml (¼ cup) mozzarella cheese (optional) 60 ml (¼ cup) bread crumbs parsley to garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 200 C (400 F) and grease a 22 x 22 cm (9 x 9 in.) pan.

2. Peel and slice potatoes very thinly and cut cauliflower into small florets.

3. Melt butter in pan over medium heat and add garlic and onions.

Cook until soft or about 3 minutes.

4. Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes, then pour in milk.

Bring to boil stirring constantly and then reduce to simmer.

5. Whisk in salt, pepper, parsley, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stir for 2 minutes and set aside.

6. Arrange one layer of potatoes and cauliflower, then pour half of the sauce over.

7. Arrange the remaining cauliflower and potatoes and pour on rest of sauce.

8. Top with mozzarella cheese and bread crumbs. Cover in aluminum foil and bake on middle rack for one hour.

Remove foil, add parsley and broil for 5 minutes.

20 • DECEMBER 2020 I faithandfriends.ca

Helping the Army

WONDER WOMEN P.12

Tackling Nazism

RESISTANCE P.10

Tackling COVID-19

CARING PORTRAITS P.21

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

faithandfriends.ca

NOVEMBER 2020

“One Day At a Time”

CONCENTRATION CAMP SURVIVOR JOE KNYPSTRA’S FAITH HELPS HIM MAINTAIN A POSITIVE OUTLOOK ON LIFE. P.16

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Sudoku Puzzle

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 × 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

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QUICK QUIZ

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1. In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, what was the first name of Scrooge?

2. How many gifts in total were given in The Twelve Days of Christmas song?

3. How do you say “Merry Christmas” in Spanish?

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© J.Sanko/C. Layton, 2020

OH MY WORD!

by John Sanko

Answers on next page.

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“Honey, once I find the star for the top of the tree … it will be perfect!”

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Word Search Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer C O E C B K L Y A H Z D A D O U G P F M S U D Q L T F M Z H T E E T B O Q I R E V L I S E C G W M L P S Y H U T E M O C H C A O C R O S X U C S O U C D Y R V V R Q O P X G K K L K C H A R L I E I N T H E B O X E A R C H R I S T M A S T O W N D I T R O E O N I U L E F R Y U C R G N P I W L L O D G A R O S L O E H A K J C X B L O O Z V N D K R T T S I T N E D M Y M N A M W O N S E H T M A S X B U Y G N Y K D E N A K E R I K M A Z B A N E C P L O M G M S D C F E K H Z E I R D I M L U O C I U N H S C E J B K J U W W T L L A B E R I F I R Z U F S O B H E A D E L F G L E P M Q B R N E A W U W B Z E L Y Y Q R E O J S E L T S A C I L N P J O L L Y BUCKS BUMBLE CASTLE CAVE CHARLIE-IN-THE-BOX CHRISTMASTOWN CLARICE COACH COMET DENTIST DOE DOGSLED DOLLY

DONNER FIREBALL FLY GOLD HEAD ELF HERMEY HOLLY JOLLY KING MOONRACER MISFIT TOYS MRS. CLAUS NORTH POLE

PICKAXE RAGDOLL REINDEER SAM THE SNOWMAN SANTA SILVER SLEIGH TEAM SNOW MONSTER STORM TEETH WORKSHOP YUKON CORNELIUS

22 • DECEMBER 2020 I faithandfriends.ca

Quick Quiz Answers: 1. Ebenezer; 2. 364; 3. Feliz Navidad.

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Faith&Friends

NIFTY THRIFTY

Perfectly Ugly!

How to shop for the cutest “ugly” Christmas sweaters.

The phenomenon of the “ugly” Christmas sweater continues to be a staple of the season. While holiday parties are likely to look much different this year, festive wear is here to stay and a great way to spread Christmas cheer. Here are three things to keep in mind while shopping at your local Salvation Army thrift store for that perfect “ugly” Christmas sweater you can wear with confidence.

Reflect Yourself If your style is more classic and understated, choose a basic Christmas-patterned sweater. If you appreciate a good pun, lean in to the “punny” sweaters that showcase holiday humour.

Pair With Basics For a casual party, the perfect way to complement your “ugly” Christmas sweater is to wear it with your favourite pair of jeans and booties.

Keeping the rest of your outfit on the simpler side is a great way to ground a “loud” holiday sweater. For an added festive twist, pair red or green pants with the outfit!

Check Different Sections and Sizes Try layering a sized-up holiday sweater over a collared white shirt for a look that is both festive and chic. If you are a female, men’s sweaters can be perfect for a cozy, oversized look. Expand your search beyond whichever section and size you normally shop to find gems that would otherwise stay hidden.

Whatever style you choose, remember to wear your sweater with confidence.

This is one of those occasions when you can embrace the challenge and find the “ugliest” Christmas sweater possible!

(left) May Strutt is an avid thrifter with more than a decade of shopping experience in thrift stores across Canada. She is also a communications and engagement specialist with The Salvation Army’s thrift stores.

Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2020

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PM 40064794

For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6119 or circulation@can.salvationarmy.org. Allow 4-6 weeks for changes.