Faith & Friends January/February 2026

Chess Rocks!

IT’S THEIR MOVE P.5

Hospital Chaplain

ARMY IN ACTION P.12

Helping Others

A CUT ABOVE P.8

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

faithandfriends.ca

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY

2026

HOCKEY PLAYER MATTHEW ALLEN REFLECTS THE LIGHT OF JESUS— ON AND OFF THE ICE. P.16

BEAT

SWORDS

INTO PHRASE BE

is an ongoing series highlighting the dozens of everyday sayings that originate with biblical text.

PLOWSHARES

In this issue, we unpack:

Illustration: koyash07/stock.Adobe.com

PHRASE: Beat swords into plowshares.

DEFINITION: Refraining from destructive conflict and putting energy and resources into peaceful endeavours.

EXAMPLE: Every pacifist movement aims to beat swords into plowshares.

SOURCE: “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”

—Isaiah 2:4

As a new year starts, this Bible verse seems almost ironic, as warfare grips parts of Europe and Africa, while the threat of war looms over the Pacific. The world may not be teetering on the brink of all-out nuclear conflict as it was in the late 20th century, but it might seem that we are still far from the days when brandished swords can be transformed into tools of peace and productivity.

Is the phrase so pie-in-the-sky, however?

Though danger lurks with every exchange of gunfire at every disputed border, the world has indeed turned away from the world wars and cold wars of the last century, and enough people of good will exist that a future where trust replaces hostility does not seem so far-fetched.

We all need to do our part, however, and work and pray for the type of peace that Jesus promised will come.

January/February 2026 VOLUME 29 NUMBER 1 SOMEONE CARES 5

It’s Their Move The Salvation Army’s Georgina Community Church in Jackson’s Point, Ont., is connecting kids through chess.

BEYOND BORDERS I 8

A Cut Above A selfless youth raises thousands of dollars for The Salvation Army’s work overseas.

BE BLESSED

8

10 Blessed Are Those Who Hunger

and Thirst In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus promised to fill us with His wisdom, love and power.

FEATURES Chess Rocks!

IT’S THEIR MOVE P.5

Hospital Chaplain

ARMY IN ACTION P.12

Helping Others

A CUT ABOVE P.8

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

faithandfriends.ca

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2026

HOCKEY PLAYER MATTHEW ALLEN REFLECTS THE LIGHT OF JESUS— ON AND OFF THE ICE. P.16

COVER STORY

12 “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop” As the Salvation Army hospital chaplain in St. John’s, N.L., retired Major Barb Pritchett is busier than ever.

16 Shining On Hockey player Matthew Allen reflects the light of Jesus—on and off the ice.

22 Where There’s a Will …

In the animated movie Goat, a kid’s dream to play a brutal version of basketball finally comes true.

BEYOND BORDERS II

Cover photo: wanmoephotography.com

24 “Faith in Action”

When a Salvation Army congregation in Toronto learned a sister church in Angola needed help, they knew that prayers were not enough.

LITE STUFF 28 Eating Healthy With Erin

Word Search, Sudoku, Quick Quiz.

22

A GLOBAL LENS 31 Nourishing Futures

The Salvation Army gives children the tools to grow with dignity. faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 • 3

Faith&Friends

FROM THE EDITOR

Catchy Title!

R

eading Abbigail Oliver’s article on hockey player and Salvation Army member Matthew Allen brought me back in time to my youth.

Growing up, I had not been much interested in team sports, but in my teens, at my first summer job, I encountered a group of friends who are still a part of my life almost 50 years later. I was fortunate-none of them were into drugs or other harmful habits that could have derailed my life.

But what they were into was organized sportsbig-time-and, with them, I became part of many softball, football and ball hockey teams over the years. Like Matthew, I learned the benefits of structured play, co-operation and team building at its finest.

My friends, my sports and my faith were formative elements that made me who I am today, and I am grateful, especially for my friends and my faith.

Friends and faith. That sounds so catchy! And familiar. I feel as if I have seen this somewhere....

Read Matthew Allen’s inspirational story on page 16.

Elsewhere in this issue of Faith & Friends, you’ll read many more stories about friends and faith. At the East Toronto Salvation Army church, some friends, expatriates from Angola, volunteered their time to raise funds for a sister church in need. At another church, a selfless youth raised thousands of dollars to help with the Army’s work overseas.

And in Newfoundland and Labrador, a pastor who should have long retired is busier than ever ministering to the patients and staff at area hospitals in St. John’s. She could quit tomorrow, but she “can’t stop, won’t stop.”

Ken Ramstead

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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 bimonthly by: The Salvation Army 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto Ontario, M4H 1P4 International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4P 4EP, England Lyndon Buckingham, GENERAL Commissioner Lee Graves TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Lt-Colonel John P. Murray SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Geoff Moulton, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND LITERARY SECRETARY

Pamela Richardson ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Ramstead, EDITOR

Kristin Ostensen MANAGING EDITOR OF SALVATIONIST AND SALVATIONIST.CA

Lisa Suroso GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST

Emily Pedlar JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Rivonny Luchas DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Giselle Randall SENIOR EDITOR OF SALVATIONIST

Abbigail Oliver EDITOR OF JUST FOR KIDS AND STAFF WRITER

Logan Graves CIRCULATION CO-ORDINATOR 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) 422-6153 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

SOMEONE CARES

Game On John and Alice Burrows (centre) with Lieutenant Jenny Rideout (right) and members of the Georgina Chess Academy, as well student and adult volunteers who help out

It’s Their Move The Salvation Army’s Georgina Community Church in Jackson’s Point, Ont., is connecting kids through chess.

Photo: Courtesy of the Georgina Chess Academy

by Nathan Reid-Welford

I

t all started with a question.

“How can we get more kids into the building?” asked Lieutenant David Hipperson, the former Salvation Army pastor at Georgina Community Church in Jackson’s Point, Ont. John Burrows, who has been attending the church with his wife, Alice, for 18 years, had a slightly surprising answer.

“I could start a chess club.”

Opening Moves The suggestion was born out of a personal hobby of John’s, and a skill he had honed as a boy. The knowledge he gained was particularly useful later in life while working as a schoolteacher.

“As a teacher, you have to do extra-curriculars,” he explains. “The kids didn’t want to go outside in the winter. So, I ran a chess club. The kids would have their lunch and then play chess.”

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Faith&Friends

SOMEONE CARES

Photos: Courtesy of the Georgina Chess Academy

Proud Players Students and adult volunteers pose proudly with the academy banner

Checkmate The chess club teaches kids new skills and helps them make friends

Seeing this as a great opportunity to get young people into the church, Lieutenant David called John that week, explaining that he had secured a $1,000 grant from local charity sources.

Over the next few months, John, with Alice’s help, filled out forms, received the grant and set up the infrastructure for what would become the Georgina Chess Academy.

With John as the teacher and Alice handling administration, the academy officially kicked off in January 2023, running its first session out of Georgina Community Church. The eight-week program, consisting of lessons and a final tournament, saw a turnout of around 15 students, aged seven to 16.

Honing Skills The academy now offers two sessions a year—one in the spring and one in the fall.

It has assembled a small group of volunteer helpers, expanded its capacity to accommodate 35 students in each program and has even accumulated a waiting list. The Burrows have also experimented with senior drop-in sessions.

Additionally, its tiered system— operating a beginner group and an experienced group—has not only helped students learn about chess but hone their competition skills. Since its conception, six students from the Georgina Chess Academy have qualified for and competed in provincial tournaments hosted by the Chess and Math Association, with half their entry fees subsidized by the club.

Not Just a Game But beyond technical chess skill, the Burrows have been blessed by the opportunity to help kids grow.

“We have a very high retention rate. Five kids have been with us since the beginning,” Alice notes.

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Whether it be young people with

ADHD and other attention disorders

slowly becoming focused, or quiet and timid teenagers becoming more confident, social and outgoing, the couple have seen how the club offers benefits that far exceed knowledge of chess.

Such individual growth has created a positive culture.

“They are very respectful,” John says. “As some students get older and better, they develop leadership and volunteer opportunities. They teach the younger kids, learning patience and self-confidence that way.”

The participants also help with cleanup, adding to their responsibilities.

As well, friendships have blossomed along the way. This was made particularly evident by a student who noted in an end-of-session feedback card: “Chess isn’t just a game. You can make friends.”

Answering the Call Though the academy is strictly about providing an opportunity for students to learn chess, without exorbitant tutor fees, and offering an alternative and possibly new point of interest—not all kids play hockey, for example—John believes it answered the call of his former pastor to get more children into the church.

For an evening a week, over the course of each session, Georgina Community Church’s fellowship hall

is filled with young people. Community members have also become more aware of the church’s location and the building’s openness as they know the church, now with Lieutenants Jenny and Matthew Rideout serving as pastors, is donating the space and time to the free club.

It has also provided an opportunity to connect youth to other elements of church life. Some participants have attended the nearby Jackson’s Point Camp, while others have obtained high school volunteer hours.

“Some have volunteered to be Santa’s elves for church Christmas photos, some have done kettles or manned a booth at our community carnival,” Alice states. “They have also helped John and me to do outreach at town events.”

Endgame Having completed seven sessions, the Burrows believe the club has reached the ideal level.

“We could probably run a whole separate club, but then it becomes work,” John admits. “That would become less joyous.”

More importantly, it would detract from the genesis of the idea.

“We could build it bigger,” says John. “The town has told us they can provide us with a bigger space; they’ve been most helpful. But the whole idea was the church. We don’t want to go beyond that.”

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Faith&Friends

BEYOND BORDERS I

A Cut Above Photos: Courtesy of Captains Cathy and Scott Allen

A selfless youth raises thousands of dollars for The Salvation Army’s work overseas.

by Ken Ramstead

Before Now You See It ...

Tayo Oyerinde saw getting his hair cut as “just another way for him to give back and help others,” says his mother, Lieutenant Bobbi Oyerinde

After

L

ast April, a special event occurred at The Salvation Army’s Agincourt Temple Community Church in Toronto. After the Palm Sunday service, the congregation gathered in the gym to watch Tayo Oyerinde get a haircut.

This was no ordinary clip job.

Tayo had not had a haircut since the summer of 2023, in anticipation of this day. And it was not going to be a trim, either.

The 12-year-old was getting his head shaved.

8 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 I faithandfriends.ca

“Tayo saw a need.”

CAPTAIN SCOTT ALLEN

“Helping Others” Captains Cathy and Scott Allen, then the pastors at Agincourt Temple Community Church, had suggested in the fall of 2024 that Tayo get his hair cut for a Partners in Mission fundraiser, part of an annual self-denial campaign that provides the necessary money to carry out the ministry of The Salvation Army worldwide.

He readily agreed.

“Tayo is a junior soldier, an official young member of The Salvation Army, and has been helping out at church since he was young,” says his mother, Lieutenant Bobbi Oyerinde, who was training to become a pastor at the Army’s College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Toronto at that time. “He volunteered at the food bank and at the kettles at Christmastime. This was just another way for him to give back and help others.”

In fact, Tayo let his hair grow for an extra six months, so that it would be that much longer when the time came.

Seeing a Need That time came after the Palm Sunday service. Word had gone out

before the event through church announcements, social media, and family and friends, so there were dozens of well-wishers in attendance.

Tayo was placed on a chair in the centre of the church’s gymnasium.

The Allens provided scissors and hair clippers and many of those assembled took turns cutting and shaving his head, including his brother.

“He enjoyed that,” says Tayo.

“We were proud of him,” says Captain Scott. “We told Tayo that he was brave, and that what he had done was selfless.”

It had been hoped that the event would raise $1,000 but more than $3,000 was collected.

Tayo is planning to grow out his hair again for this year’s Partners in Mission fundraiser at the Salvation Army church in Maple Creek, Sask., where his mother is now the pastor.

“He saw a need,” says Captain Scott. “Tayo was willing to sacrifice all of his hair to help raise funds to enable The Salvation Army to continue its work as a beacon of hope, providing support and transformation in more than 130 countries around the world.”

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Faith&Friends

BE BLESSED

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

MATTHEW 5:6

Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus promised to fill us with His wisdom, love and power.

by Jeanette Levellie

J

esus’ fourth statement in His famous Beatitudes sermon resonated with nearly everyone in the crowd that day.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Jesus’ statement meant far more to people in ancient Israel than it does to us today.

If we miss a meal or two, we may say, “I’m starving!” Of course, we don’t

believe that. Few of us have really known hunger that threatens our health or our lives. As to water, it’s accessible by a simple turn of the tap.

Not so during Jesus’ day.

Working men in Palestine earned barely enough to sustain life. The average person who listened to Jesus that day ate meat only once a week. The women of that time walked a minimum of 1.6 kilometres to fetch water.

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Righteousness has as much to do with treating others with kindness and compassion as it does with how we worship God. JEANETTE LEVELLIE

Photo: Maria Marganingsih/stock.Adobe.com

Hunger and thirst presented real threats to everyone in the crowd listening to Jesus preach. So, they didn’t hear, “If you want a snack and a soft drink,” they heard, “If you haven’t eaten in several days and are faint from hunger and thirst.”

Straighten Up! The word Jesus used in this statement for “righteousness” means “upright.” Those of us who follow Jesus deeply desire to live the way God wants us to live. Because He’s not only our God but also our Father, we want to please Him by acting in an upright manner—obeying His instructions given to us in the Bible, honouring Him with our actions and thoughts, and treating others in ways that mirror His love.

We want to reflect the heart of God so others will crave what we have: a relationship with a loving, caring Father. So, righteousness has as much to do with treating others with kindness and compassion as it does with worshipping God. In fact, showing respect to our neighbours is a form of worshiping the God who created them in His image.

As the Deer We often sing a song at our church called As the Deer. It’s a quote from Psalm 42:1. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” The Psalmist didn’t ask God for fame or riches or even peace of mind. More than anything, this person craved fellowship with God. To the point of desperation, like a deer might need water during a drought.

Jesus told His listeners that day and us today, “If you crave a relationship with God, He will fill you to overflowing with Himself.” Imagine!

I want to be one of those people who says, “God, I long to know You like someone dying of hunger and thirst!” I want the Lord to fill me up with more of His wisdom, love and power. I want to live in the centre of God’s heart.

This is the fourth article in our series on the Beatitudes, key teachings from the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5-7), Jesus’ first sermon during His earthly ministry.

Read the third article at salvationist.ca/blessedmeek.

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Photo: Courtesy of Major Barb Pritchett

Steps to Help Major Barb Pritchett at the Janeway Children’s Health Faith&Friends and Rehabilitation Centre in St. John’s, N.L.

“Can’t Stop,

Won’t Stop”

AS THE SALVATION ARMY HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN IN ST. JOHN’S, N.L., RETIRED MAJOR BARB PRITCHETT IS BUSIER THAN EVER.

by Janice Keats 12 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 I faithandfriends.ca

Faith&Friends

FEATURE

“The opportunity for ministry with very vulnerable patients, families and the medical professionals is so needed.”

BARB PRITCHETT

H

ow does one prepare for the duties of a hospital chaplain?

A typical day could involve supporting families as they make the decision to end life support, standing by patients and families as major surgeries occur or supporting families as their loved ones die.

But all this and more might be the lot of Salvation Army Major Barb Pritchett, who is responsible for chaplaincy duties at the hospitals in St. John’s, N.L. A Call to Serve While Major Barb’s role as a chaplain is in post-retirement, she had been a Salvation Army pastor all her adult life. As a youth at The Salvation Army’s Corner Brook Temple, N.L., Major Barb had grown into a strong person of faith and was active in her church.

At the age of 17, she sensed God calling her to full-time ministry as a Salvation Army officer, and together with her husband, Major Lorne Pritchett, spent a total of 34 years in various appointments in Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Major Barb was living happily in retirement when she was approached to fill a vacancy that had come about due to a transfer.

At first, she was told that it would only be a short-term contract position because, at that time, pastors would no longer be involved in hospital chaplaincy. But after prayer and discussion, The Salvation Army decided to keep this vital ministry going.

“I am extremely grateful for that decision because I know how important it is,” Major Barb recalls, as she had worked there in a part-time capacity several years before. “The opportunity for ministry with very vulnerable patients, families and the medical professionals is so needed.”

Major Barb accepted the posting in October 2023.

Large Responsibilities This hospital chaplaincy is ecumenical in nature, with fulltime chaplains from all the major denominations and part-time chaplains representing other faith groups. They all work together and support each other with chapel services and other activities.

Major Barb covers the Eastern Health’s Health Sciences Centre, which is the only trauma hospital in Newfoundland and Labrador.

St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, Janeway

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FEATURE

Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre, and Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre are also her responsibility.

“My typical day is spent in prayer with patients. I’m aware of my own insufficiency, but I’m always aware that my help comes from the Lord,” says Major Barb.

She enjoys working with the health-care professionals as they have a respect for ministry as part of the holistic approach to healing.

“They see us as part of the team,” she says. “My Salvation Army uniform attracts so many people who are in need, so I must always be ready to listen to everyone, staff and patients alike.”

“Lord, Bless Barb Today” There are many heartfelt stories that Major Barb can share, some of them intense and strongly felt.

She visited a man recently in the cardiovascular intensive care unit following major heart surgery.

“As we talked,” Major Barb says, “we were so thankful for his successful surgery. I asked, as I always

do, if I could pray with him, and he responded positively. Immediately following my prayer, he opened his eyes and said, ‘What did you say your name was?’ I told him, he closed his eyes once more and said, ‘Lord, bless Barb today.’

“Oh, the blessing that flooded my soul at that moment. It reiterated for me what I have already experienced in my entire ministry. My appointments have done way more for me than I have ever done for them,” she concludes.

Peace Amidst the Pain Major Barb recalls another memory of the faith of a patient. One day, she walked into the room of a man who was due to have brain surgery for a cancerous tumour. They had talked before, and he told her he was not a man of faith.

“That morning as I walked into his room, I knew I needed to gently address his standing with God,” Major Barb says. “I was conflicted as to how to do this, so I put myself in his shoes. Calling him by name,

Dutiful Duo Major Barb and her husband, Major Lorne Pritchett, spent a total of 34 years in various appointments in Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador

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Photos: Courtesy of Major Barb Pritchett

Family Matters Majors Barb and Lorne with their son and daughter and their families

I said, ‘You know, I would not want to go through surgery of this magnitude without having made peace with God.’ “He looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘Neither do I.’ “I offered to pray and the gentleman agreed. I bowed my head and when I looked, he was out of his bed and on his knees. I fell to my knees also and we prayed together asking God for peace.”

These are stories of uplifting faith and good news, but sometimes there are encounters with the hurting and the broken.

“I have spent many hours at the bedside with families who are making decisions regarding the withdrawal of life support,” she says.

“I so often don’t have any answers to give to so many hurting parents, children and families. I just validate

their confusion, anger and fear, but somehow God’s Spirit ministers and they find a measure of strength and peace amidst their pain,” she says.

Privileged Position “These present days in retirement have offered me a wonderful ministry that uses every pastoral experience I have ever had in the past,” says Major Barb.

Now 70, she struggles to lay down the mantle of ministry that she took up so many years ago. “It’s been a wonderful life,” she recalls. “I recently purchased a pillow that reads true for me: ‘Can’t stop, won’t stop.’

“I am always very mindful of the fact that I represent God in these situations,” she says. “There isn’t a lot I can say but my presence and prayer seem to comfort and support these families. It is indeed a privilege.”

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Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

HOCKEY PLAYER MATTHEW ALLEN REFLECTS THE LIGHT OF JESUS —ON AND OFF THE ICE.

by Abbigail Oliver

hockey player and Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He’s a volunteer, a good friend, a team player and is often the face behind The Salvation Army’s mascot, Shieldy.

On Sundays, he can be found at the Army’s Agincourt Temple Community Church in Toronto, greeting people as they come in the door and collecting the offering.

On Saturdays, he’s on the ice.

Though Matthew has an intellectual disability, that isn’t what defines him. Instead, his life is defined by his faith and the pursuit of being like Jesus in all that he does.

“I am made perfect in God’s image and I trust in His plan always,” says Matthew.

A Place of Belonging Matthew’s passion for hockey started at an early age when he joined a pond hockey league run by The Salvation Army Kitchener Community Church in Ontario and coached by his father, Captain Scott Allen. He played in the league from 2004 until 2011, when he aged out.

“The pond hockey league opened me up to a lot of faith,” says Matthew. Each practice began with drills before the team would break for a devotional, talking and learning about the Bible. Then it ended with a scrimmage.

“Those lessons have stuck with me,” he says.

As a child of Salvation Army pastors, his family moved around a lot, from Winnipeg to Parry Sound, Ont., to Toronto. faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 • 17

Photo: wanmoephotography.com

MATTHEW ALLEN IS A 28-YEAR-OLD

Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

Suited Up “I am grateful that I can live my life in a way that reflects my faith both on and off the ice,” says Matthew Allen

There, Matthew hoped to find a team where he could belong. He did some research on the internet and found the Donaldson’s Diamonds Hockey Club, a hockey program for people with special needs in the Greater Toronto Area, where all are welcome between the ages of five and 65.

“It’s for people with intellectual disabilities to have fun, create friendships and have lots of physical activity,” says Matthew.

When he first joined the Donaldson’s Diamonds in 2023, Matthew was shy, but he knew that God was with him.

“My dad and I prayed before going into the arena that first day,” says Matthew. “From that day on, I have made many friends.”

Like a Diamond The Donaldson’s Diamonds slogan is “Shine on like a diamond.”

“To me, that means that all hockey players are precious gems no matter their skill, who try their best at everything that they do,” says Matthew.

It also means being a team player and supporting others. There are varying levels of disability on the Donaldson’s Diamonds and, for Matthew, it is important that every teammate feels valued and celebrated. One of Matthew’s favourite ways to support is to pass the puck to teammates waiting by the opposing team’s net so they have a chance to score.

“This makes going to the hockey arena worthwhile,” he says.

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Setting an Example For Matthew, shining bright like a diamond also means shining the light of Jesus Christ both on and off the ice. Matthew plays hockey with integrity, but he also shares the love of Jesus whenever and wherever he can. He asks teammates if they need prayer and often sends them encouraging messages on Facebook.

“As Christians, the light of Jesus that shines in us and through us must be shared,” Matthew says.

“We can’t keep that light to ourselves. I continually check myself to make sure that others can see that light through me.”

Matthew’s parents, Captains Cathy and Scott Allen, are proud that their son has grown in his faith and follows

Photos: Captain Scott Allen

Welcome Greeter On Sundays, Matthew can be found at the Army’s Agincourt Temple Community Church in Toronto

“My faith and relationship with God comes before hockey.”

MATTHEW ALLEN

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COVER STORY

Jesus. Even though they are Salvation Army pastors, they find Matthew often sets an example for them.

“We see him on the hockey team praying for his teammates,” says Captain Scott. “He really shines the light of Jesus wherever he goes.”

A Serving Heart “My faith and relationship with God come before hockey,” says Matthew, who seeks opportunities to serve others in his church and community.

He volunteers in various capacities, including at The Salvation Army’s food bank and distribution centre. For the last five Christmases, he has been the face behind Shieldy and has even participated in many Toy Mountain events broadcasted on CTV News.

Matthew’s parents, who are now serving in St. Thomas, Ont., have helped give him every available opportunity to get involved, from taking up the offering to standing as a greeter at the front door of

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Photos: Captain Scott Allen

Merry Christmas!

For the last five Christmases, Matthew has been the face behind The Salvation Army’s mascot, Shieldy

the church. “As parents and church leaders, it’s important to advocate for people who have disabilities, and give them opportunities so that they can blossom and come out of their shell,” says Captain Cathy.

“In the past five years, I have learned a lot about volunteering, especially during the pandemic where my routine never stopped.

I just kept going,” says Matthew.

“I felt like I needed to be there, because who else is going to do the job when you’re in such a dark time?”

Polished Diamond “I am made perfect in God’s image and I trust in His plan always,” says Matthew

In His Image Matthew is not afraid of telling anybody that he loves Jesus.

He often relates hockey to Scripture, and one verse that he leans on is Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

“I am grateful that I can live my life in a way that reflects my faith both on and off the ice,” he says.

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Who? Me? Does Will have what it takes to become a roarball warrior?

Where There’s a Will …

IN THE ANIMATED MOVIE GOAT, A KID’S DREAM TO PLAY A BRUTAL VERSION OF BASKETBALL FINALLY COMES TRUE.

by Jeanette Levellie

W

hen Will Harris, a kid who’s short on brutality but long on dreams, gets a chance to play “roarball,” a cutthroat basketball game, he jumps at it. But his fellow team members and coach soon discover that jumping is the only talent Will possesses. He can’t roar loud enough to scare a common loon. And his heart is softer than a marshmallow.

Will’s coach and teammates try to train the new player with their best strategies on the roarball court. But is Will too short and sympathetic to help his team win games?

Goat is Sony Pictures’ new animated sports adventure-comedy

about an unlikely small person chasing his huge, impossible dreams.

The family-friendly film releases in theatres February 13, and features the voices of Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things) as Will and Gabrielle Union (City of Angels) as Jett, the enormous panther and team captain with the daunting task of training Will.

Not just another “underdog rises to become top dog” film, Goat is full of surprises and a major story twist that will have viewers on the edge of their theatre seats cheering. Because nothing is more inspiring than watching someone face danger and persevere to become a hero.

22 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 I faithandfriends.ca

Illustrations: Courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

Nothing is more inspiring than watching someone face danger and persevere to become a hero. JEANETTE LEVELLIE Will Power “Will is a little goat in a sport dominated by big animals,” says NBA superstar and Goat executive producer Stephen Curry, in an interview for International Business Times.

The film is also Curry’s debut as an animated movie character.

The athlete voices the character of Lenny, a giraffe on Will’s team who encourages him to never give up. Curry relates well to Will’s story of adversity, since he often felt overlooked during his early pro basketball career. Despite those doubtful beginnings, the star player’s grit and determination finally earned him a career filled with accolades, including 11 all-star games and two MVP awards.

“Believing in yourself-that’s how heroes get it done,” Curry says.

Sounds moving. But is sheer willpower enough?

The same is true for the game of life, which often gets brutal. We need Jesus to empower us and other believers to teach us how to fight.

To cheer us on. To help us reach our God-inspired goals. God loves to use unlikely people like Will to show the world how strong He is. He also likes to use the family of God to surround the weak ones and help them win.

Our faith may be kid-sized, but with God on our side and a team to encourage us, we will overcome.

Total Team Effort Will discovers that he needs a team around him to achieve his personal goals. Lessons on how to roar like a warrior. Encouragement to keep fighting when he faces danger.

Cheers for him when he gets it right.

Goat Trivia • Caleb McLaughlin, who voices Will, is himself only 5’8” tall.

• Gabrielle Union, the voice of Jett, played basketball in high school.

• Goat releases the same weekend as the NBA all-star games.

faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 • 23

Faith&Friends

BEYOND BORDERS II

Photo: Courtesy of Major Heather Matondo

Praise Be Happy worshippers at the Damba church in Angola

“Faith in Action” When a Salvation Army congregation in Toronto learned a sister church in Angola needed help, they knew that prayers were not enough.

by Ken Ramstead

I

t started with a conversation.

When Lieutenant Patrick Penton was appointed to The Salvation Army’s East Toronto Citadel in June 2024, the enthusiastic pastor wanted to learn all about his new church.

“As soon as I arrived,” he says, “I talked to everyone I could about

what made our church tick. Very quickly, I was made aware that our church enthusiastically supports The Salvation Army’s overseas efforts in general and Partners in Mission in particular, which is the annual SelfDenial Campaign that provides the funds to carry out the much-needed work.”

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Starting every September, the church launches several fundraisers and raises about $20,000 for Partners in Mission.

But Lieutenant Patrick was truly taken aback during one conversation, when he learned that some of the congregation, expatriates and Salvationists from Angola, between themselves and without fanfare, had raised more than $30,000 to build essential facilities at The Salvation Army Damba Corps back home.

“They Did It!” Lieutenant Patrick was stunned, to say the least.

“I couldn’t believe they did this over and above the rest of the church activities they contributed to, without the rest of the corps being aware,” says Lieutenant Patrick.

“They had also reached out to the Angolan community in the Greater Toronto Area in their quest to raise the funds.”

“Almost every member of the Angolan community of East Toronto is a recent immigrant, having been in Canada for barely a year when they took on this challenge,” says Edi Matondo, one of the leading participants. “Despite adjusting to a new country, language and culture, they united to contribute what little they had toward a cause much greater than themselves. Their collective effort reflected both their gratitude for new beginnings in Canada and

their unwavering commitment to help their community in Angola.”

“They saw a need, they went for it and came up with the money,” concurs Lieutenant Patrick. “Despite everything, they sent the necessary funds home, through The Salvation Army, to build a centre of Christian worship. They did it!”

Birth of a Notion During more chats, Lieutenant Patrick learned that there were no attached living quarters at the church for the pastor.

“He lives kilometres away from the newly erected church building,” Lieutenant Patrick explains, “and has to walk back and forth every day. But his tremendous faith and passion for ministry keeps him going.”

There must be something we can do, Lieutenant Patrick thought to himself.

In talks with Major Heather Matondo and Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray of The Salvation Army’s international development department, who had both attended a Sunday service at the new Damba Corps in September 2024 and had seen where the pastor was living, the three reasoned that if a few determined individuals could raise enough money to rebuild a church, the entire East Toronto Salvationist community could rally to construct a pastor’s quarters with running water and electricity.

faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 • 25

Faith&Friends

BEYOND BORDERS II

Bottom two photos: Courtesy of Major Heather Matondo

Evening of Worship The Canadian Staff Band participates in a special evening of music ministry at The Salvation Army’s East Toronto Citadel (Inset) Strike Up the Band Bandmaster Andrew Burditt addresses the crowd gathered at East Toronto Citadel

Top two photos: Courtesy of The Salvation Army's East Toronto Citadel

(Above) Praise the Lord Lieutenant Antonio Aristote delivers a sermon at Damba Corps (Left) Selfie Time Major Heather Matondo of The Salvation Army’s international development department with some of the children at Damba Corps

“People Buying Bricks” In December 2024, East Toronto started a fundraiser, over and above the Self-Denial Campaign, to raise money for Damba Corps.

“We had LEGO bricks,” smiles Lieutenant Patrick, “and the children would say, ‘We’re going to buy bricks for Damba!’ Each brick was $25. And so people just kept purchasing bricks every Sunday.”

By this past September, East Toronto had raised $11,000, “just people buying bricks,” he says.

Evening of Praise Last summer, Lieutenant Patrick conceived of a way to highlight the campaign. He invited The Salvation Army’s Canadian Staff Band, the world-renowned group of musicians and composers, to perform at the

26 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 I faithandfriends.ca

“We often hear about the needs in different places. But we’re a part of one big Christian family and we can’t just sit back and rely on good thoughts, because faith without works is dead.”

LIEUTENANT PATRICK PENTON

church, with all proceeds going to fund the pastor’s quarters in Damba.

“It was a spectacular evening,” says Lieutenant Patrick. “There were a lot of special moments.”

Lieutenant Patrick started the evening off by pointing out why everyone was there. Then Major Heather showed a video she had produced of the church at Damba.

The Canadian Staff Band was out in full force, playing a rousing selection of upbeat pieces. East Toronto Angolan members—many of whom had been members of The Salvation Army’s Angolan national band—also took to the stage.

“They are part of a choir called Nzitusu, which means praise,” says Lieutenant Patrick.

“The people, the band, everyone was up moving and dancing, it was a great time but, throughout, people were aware of the need. Many of the participants generously donated over and above their $15 tickets, and the fundraiser collected more than $5,000.”

A Deepening Commitment The fundraising is still ongoing but Lieutenant Patrick and his flock hope to have their building goal of $50,000 collected by this year.

“We often hear about the needs in different places,” says Lieutenant Patrick. “But we’re a part of one big Christian family and we can’t just sit back and rely on good thoughts, because faith without works is dead.

“The evening epitomized that we need to do more than prayer,” he believes. “We need to put faith into action, and that is what we did at East Toronto for our brothers and sisters in Angola.”

“This new building project represents not only a continuation of the mission but a deepening of the commitment to strengthen The Salvation Army’s presence in northern Angola,” says Edi. “With the enduring faith of East Toronto Citadel and the Angolan community of East Toronto, the Damba Project stands as a living example of what it means to serve God through love, sacrifice and community action.”

faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 • 27

Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Eating Healthy With Erin BLACK BEAN AND QUESO DIP TIME 25 min MAKES 4 servings

GARNISHED WITH diced tomatoes, black olives

and fresh cilantro

1 red pepper, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 sweet onion, chopped 7.5 ml (1/2 tbsp) coconut oil 5 ml (1 tsp) chili powder 2 ml (1/2 tsp) cumin 250 ml (1 cup) cooked black beans 15 ml (1 tbsp) tahini 1/2 fresh lime, juiced pinch of salt 1. Heat frying pan over medium-high heat. Add pepper, garlic and onion to pan with oil.

2. Fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are soft. Add chili powder, cumin and black beans and continue to cook for 5 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and add tahini, lime juice and salt.

Mix in blender or food processor.

QUESO CHEESE SAUCE 125 ml (1/2 cup) milk 75 ml (1/3 cup) cheddar cheese, grated 10 ml (2 tsp) corn starch For queso cheese sauce: 1. Add milk to small saucepan over mediumhigh heat, stirring frequently.

2. Dissolve corn starch in a few drops of water and add to milk.

3. Add cheese to pan.

4. Lower heat to simmer and continue to stir until it begins to thicken—about 5 minutes. Add to dip.

OVERNIGHT OATS AND CHIA PUDDING MAKES 2 servings

SERVE WITH waffles or pancakes

125 ml (1/2 cup) oats 125 ml (1/2 cup) milk 2 ml (1/2 tsp) cinnamon 5 ml (1 tsp) maple syrup 125 ml (1/2 cup) berries, fresh or frozen

1. Add oats, milk and cinnamon to large mason jar. Cover. Place in fridge overnight.

2. In a separate mason jar, add chia pudding ingredients, cover and CHIA PUDDING place in fridge overnight.

60 ml (1/4 cup) chia seeds 3. Next day, remove from 250 ml (1 cup) milk fridge and layer overnight 2 ml (1/2 tsp) vanilla extract oats with chia pudding.

Top with berries and drizzle of maple syrup.

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Recipe photos: Erin Stanley

TIME overnight

Sudoku Puzzle

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1. muskeg; 2. The Northern Star Award; 3. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

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OH, MY WORD! by John Sanko

Quick Quiz Answers:

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Visit faithandfriends.ca/subscribe or call (416) 422-6153 today!

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• inspiring true stories of hope and salvation • practical resources that will rejuvenate your spirit • uplifting articles that you can share with friends

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HOCKEY PLAYER MATTHEW ALLEN REFLECTS THE LIGHT OF JESUS— ON AND OFF THE ICE. P.16

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Helping Others

A CUT ABOVE P.8

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Hospital Chaplain

ARMY IN ACTION P.12

I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G

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IT’S THEIR MOVE P.5

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1. What landscape and vegetation term comes from the Cree word that means “low-lying marsh”?

2. Formerly called the Lou Marsh Award, what is the name of the presentation given each year to Canada’s top athlete?

3. Who created the literary character of Sherlock Holmes?

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QUICK QUIZ

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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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Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Word Search A Whiter Shade of Pale C G

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ALABASTER ANTIQUE BABY POWDER BEIGE BONE CHAMPAGNE CHIFFON COCONUT CORN SILK COTTON CREAM DAISY

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DUTCH EGGSHELL FLAX FLORAL FROST GHOST IVORY LINEN LINK NAVAJO OFF OLD LACE

PARCHMENT PEPPERMINT PEARL PORCELAIN RICE ROSE SALT SEASHELL SNOWDRIFT SPRING VANILLA VISTA

Faith&Friends

A GLOBAL LENS

Photo: The Salvation Army International Development Department

Nourishing Futures

M

ajor Heather Matondo, assistant director for The Salvation Army’s international development department at territorial headquarters in Toronto, alongside fellow pastors, helps serve lunch to children at The Salvation Army Boys’ Home in India—the Army’s oldest mission field.

The home has the capacity to care for approximately 55 boys, many of whom come from impoverished rural villages where access to food and education is limited.

Through the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program, the boys receive nutritious meals, education and moral guidance, giving them the tools to grow with dignity and build brighter futures. During her recent visit, Major Heather witnessed first-hand the transformational changes taking place in the lives of these children, whose opportunities are being reshaped through care and hope.

faithandfriends.ca I JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 • 31

Help Provide Food and Shelter to Those in Need People across Canada continue to struggle to meet basic needs. More than half of food bank users are accessing services for the first time. Parents are especially affected, often cutting back on food to ensure their children are fed.

The Salvation Army is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada. With your support, neighbours in need can have reliable access to food and safe shelter.

Make a life-changing difference today.

Visit SalvationArmy.ca or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to donate.

PM 40064794

For address changes or subscription information contact (416) 422-6153 or circulation@salvationarmy.ca. Allow 6-8 weeks for changes.