Issuu

2026 NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER

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

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KEEPER OF THE FAITH

CFL’s Milt Stegall P.11

THE POWER OF PRAYER God Snuck In P.8 “SERVING” OTHERS Army Helps P.6

Return of the

Red Kettles Two volunteers revive the holiday spirit of giving in Innisfil, Ont. P.16

LABOUR OF

PHRASE BE is an ongoing series highlighting the dozens of everyday sayings that originate with biblical text. This month, we unpack:

Photo: nuttawutnuy/stock.Adobe.com

PHRASE: Labour of love. DEFINITION: A task completed for pleasure, not money or reward. EXAMPLE: “Her preparation of an elaborate meal for her family was a labour of love for the mother.” SOURCE: “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.” —1 Thessalonians 1:3 (King James Version)

LOVE

Writing a letter to believers in Thessalo nica, the Apostle Paul thanked God for their lives of faith, service and joy. He felt they were an example to other Christians of the early church. Facing hostile neighbours and magistrates by standing up for their faith in Jesus Christ might not be described by us as a labour of love, but the Thessalonians cer tainly thought that it was. This Christmas, you might not be called upon to defend your faith in the face of hostility, but you can tackle other duties for the love of God. Assist some older neigh bours by shovelling their walkway or driv ing them to complete their errands. Volun teer an hour of your time to stand at your local Salvation Army kettle. Donate a toy for a child in need. Give generously to your local food bank. These labours of love will be worth more than any present you could give!

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 VOLUME 29 NUMBER 6

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CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS KETTLE CARING

The Salvation Army helped make the season bright for Angel. Now, she gives back.

COMMON GROUND

“Serving” Others

Pickleball members donate more than 1,000 pounds of food to The Salvation Army.

GOD IN MY LIFE

Angelic Assistance

God Snuck In

Self-reliant and successful, Peter White thought he had no use for Jesus. But then ...

ANALYZE THIS

26 The Grace of Remembering “Lest we forget” is not just a slogan; it’s a way of life.

LITE STUFF

28 Eating Healthy With Erin

Word Search, Sudoku, Quick Quiz.

A GLOBAL LENS

31 A Second Chance to Learn

In Liberia, The Salvation Army’s Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program helps students reduce financial barriers and allows them to stay focused on their education.

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FEATURE

KEEPER OF THE FAITH Former Winnipeg Blue Bomber Milt Stegall continues to pay it forward to the city that gave him so much, with the help of The Salvation Army. 2026 NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER

Faith Friends I N S P I R AT I O

N FOR LIVIN

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KEEPER OF THE FAITH P.11 CFL’s Milt Stegall THE POWER OF PRAYER P.8 God Snuck In “SERVING” OTHERS Army Helps P.6

Return of the

Red Kettles

the holiday spirit Two volunteers revive , Ont. P.16 of giving in Innisfil

16 COVER STORY

RETURN OF THE RED KETTLES Two volunteers revive the holiday tradition of giving in Innisfil, Ont.

22 FEATURE

THE BELLY OF THE BEAST In the new movie Whalefall, a teen has only one hour to find a reason to live and become the son he never was. COVER PHOTO: Courtesy of Judy Paulsen and Richard Ratte NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 20262026 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

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EDITOR’S NOTE 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

Graham Moore CHIEF EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER

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

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LASTING IMPACT

ecently, we at Faith & Friends were saddened to learn of the loss of communications and media consultant Peter White. In 1996, Peter took on an assignment at The Salva tion Army to evaluate the church’s publications. Out of that work came the blueprint for Faith & Friends. In his final report, Peter concluded that the proposed mag azine should provide “a sense of hope, direction and unconditional support for those who need it.” We hope we have stayed true to Peter’s vision. More importantly, Peter’s exposure to The Salvation Army helped to strengthen his own Christian faith. “God snuck into my mind,” he wrote. I started at the magazine long after Peter moved on to other endeavours, but he made a profound impact on many, including editor-in-chief Geoff Moulton. “Peter brought an energy that reinvigorated our publications,” Geoff says. “His vision for Faith & Friends has helped us inspire countless readers with stories of ‘Christ at work in the lives of real people.’ Peter was also a dear friend who taught me so much about journalism, storytelling and faith.” We published Peter’s journey of faith—“God Snuck In”—in the June 2007 Faith & Friends, and we have reprinted it on page 8. Elsewhere in this issue, read how two volunteers brought the iconic Army kettles back to a small On tario town, find out how some pickleballers raised much-needed donations for an Army food bank and see our take on the new Whalefall movie.

KETTLE CARING

ANGELIC ASSISTANCE The Salvation Army helped make the season bright for Angel. Now, she gives back. BY JUAN ROMERO

any years ago, Angel Anderton from Sudbury, Ont., was going through a difficult time. Taking care of four children on her own was a daunting task financially, but she was determined to give her family a special Christmas dinner each year. At the time, Angel was in contact with a local support worker who referred her to The Salvation Army, where she received a Christmas hamper that brightened her family’s holiday. “I got everything I needed for a per fect dinner,” she shares. “The children also received a gift each, and we got one big gift for the family.”

A SENSE OF PURPOSE

That first Christmas with The Salva tion Army’s support lives in the family’s memory. “It was one of the most magical Christ mases we ever had,” Angel says. “It wasn’t about the presents; it was about being together. I felt grateful that people were there to help me make that possible for my children.” For years, her family received a ham per each Christmas. Those mornings are now cherished memories. As time went on, life became more faithandfriends.ca

A Sense of Purpose “Even a small donation can help,” says Angel Anderton

stable. Angel became a member of the Army and decided to give back. “I now volunteer at the kettle, hoping to raise money so other families can experience the same joy.” Now, every time Angel stands beside a Salvation Army kettle, she hears stories from others who have been supported by the organization. These testimonies warm her heart and motiv ate her to continue volunteering. Today, volunteering gives Angel a sense of purpose. As someone who has been on the receiving end of assistance, she understands the vital importance of support from others, especially during the Christmas season. “Think about how something small can change everything. Even a small donation can help many families,” she adds. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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Top of the World Vernon Pickleball Association president Brent Bolin credits VPA member Marco Longley, pictured, as the creative mind behind what may be the world’s largest pickleball tree

“SERVING” OTHERS Vernon Pickleball Association donates more than 1,000 pounds of food to The Salvation Army. BY NATHAN REID-WELFORD

Photos: Courtesy of the Vernon Pickleball Association

“W

hat started as a creative vision from longtime mem bers Anne and Marco Longley—with help from Winston Seto— has become a tradition our members deeply value.” This is how Brent Bolin, board president of the Vernon Pickleball Associ ation (VPA), explains the organization’s annual food drive for The Salvation Army’s House of Hope food bank in Vernon, B.C.

THE FOOD DRIVE

For the past five years, the VPA has come together to donate 1,000 pounds of non-perishable items to the food bank during the Christmas season. Each December, picklers have arrived

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at the 12-court complex not only with paddles, balls and a desire to win, but with canned goods and a desire to make a difference. Much like the VPA itself—which was born from a newspaper ad seeking pickleball players and has expanded to a non-profit that operates one of the country’s largest indoor pickleball facilities and boasts more than 1,200 members—the food drive initiative was “a small idea that has grown into something impactful.” In 2025, the association showcased its pride, generosity and commitment to give back to the Vernon community by surpassing its goal and delivering 1,100 pounds of non-perishable goods to the food bank warehouse.

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COMMON GROUND COMMUNITY IMPACT

To Paul Bielby, the Vernon Salvation Army’s commu nity ministries director, the VPA’s yearly donation is a fantastic contribution to the food bank’s supplies that helps during Christmas and, due to the non-perish able nature, into the new year. “We couldn’t do what we do at the food bank with out all our community partners,” he explains. A great example of an existing and ongoing part nership, when the Longleys were considering how the association could give back in a meaningful way at Christmas, connecting with The Salvation Army made sense due to “its strong community presence and proven impact,” says Marco. “We know the food that is collected goes directly to local families and individuals who need extra support.” The donation also highlights the VPA’s continued expansion and evolution and is a striking illustration of its dedication to impact the world in more ways than just pickleball.

Group Effort Proud members of the VPA. Their food drive initiative was “a small idea that has grown into something impactful”

NATHAN REID-WELFORD

“Beyond the immediate benefit of providing food, the initiative has helped raise awareness within the VPA about food insecurity in our own community and has strengthened the spirit of giving among mem bers,” says Marco. “Over the time we’ve been doing this drive, it’s become clear that even a simple, con sistent effort can make a meaningful difference when community comes together. “Who knows how much we will collect this year?”

faithandfriends.ca

Nathan Reid-Welford enjoys writing about people’s initiatives, journeys and passions. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English writing from Redeemer University, where he also studied business and history. Nathan enjoys creative, fictional and promotional writing, and playing the drums and guitar.

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Self-reliant and successful, I thought I had no use for Jesus. But then …

GOD SNUCK IN BY PETER WHITE

he meeting was about to start when my client announced, “Let us begin with a prayer.” In all my working years, I had never com menced a business meeting with a prayer. Although I was chairing this meet ing, what was I supposed to do? Say no? After all, my colleagues and I were there to interview this woman for a new project we had just begun for her employer. So I did nothing. And she proceeded to pray. SOME KIND OF CULT? It was November 1996. At the request of a senior executive officer with The Sal vation Army, I had put together a team of editorial professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of their publications. I was a successful communications

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and media consultant, with expertise in marketing, brand repositioning and launching new media properties. My clients included Maclean Hunter-Rogers Media, Reader’s Digest and Southam Communications-Can West. Although born and raised a Roman Catholic, I had fallen away from my faith after graduating from university. After more than 25 years apart from God, Jesus was nowhere on my radar screen. I didn’t think I needed Him. Life was good, and I was proud of my self-reliance. As soon as that first meeting came to a close, my similarly startled asso ciates asked me if this Salvation Army was some kind of cult. I said I didn’t think so and reminded them we had a contract. The clock was ticking and we had our work cut out for us.

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PRAYER TIME Throughout the eight-month-long proj ect, every meeting began or ended with prayer. As a former Catholic altar boy, I could rattle off prayers at any time, for any occasion, in both English and Latin, without blinking an eye. But the prayers these Salvation Army people prayed were different. They were cus tomized to fit each particular situation. The language was personal and gave the impression that God was actually listening, as though He were in an adjacent room. As our meetings progressed, com plete strangers began mentioning my name in prayer, asking God to protect and help me and the other members of the team. Although disconcerting at first, I slowly became more comfort able with their prayers.

theology and history. Through this pro cess, I had come to understand and appreciate the role Newfoundland played in the development of the Army in Canada. So in August, I decided to take some time off and visit that beautiful island. While there, I took the opportunity to visit some Army churches, or corps as they are called. My first Sunday on the island, I went to St. Anthony Corps, on the northwest coast. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. People were honest and transparent. They called out to God, seeking His forgiveness, help and love. They prayed audibly for friends and neighbours by name. They laughed and they cried together, as though they were one big family. As I witnessed the service unfold, I sensed I was in a special place. And although I didn’t understand it,

JOURNEY TO NEWFOUNDLAND In June 1997, the team delivered our final report, which earned the approval of the national leadership committee. The project now completed, we received our payment, disbanded the team and went our separate ways. As the leader of this project, I had just spent eight months immersed in an intensive study of The Salvation Army— its culture, philosophy,

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Photo: Jupiterimages/Getty Images Plus

GOD IN MY LIFE

NEWFOUND LIFE I can’t say exactly when it happened, but while I was in Newfoundland, God snuck into my mind and impressed upon me that His Son, Jesus Christ, was my personal Saviour, and that He had died on the cross for me. Me? In a personal relationship with God? I had never considered such a possibility, but this revelation caused a dramatic shift in my life. In the end, I swallowed my pride, acknowledged I had sinned and asked God to forgive me, to come into my life, to shape me into the person He had created me to be. Needless to say, I was a very differ ent person by the time I returned home from Newfoundland. I was excited because God was now in my heart but I was also very confused. Why had this happened to me? Who could I talk to about it? And what now? I couldn’t go back to the business practices that I had relied on for so long. Then, as God would have it, The Sal vation Army called me and invited me to implement the recommendations I

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had made in my report. By this time, I realized that far from being a “cult,” the Army was a vibrant Christian church that lived its faith by helping others. So in November 1997, I accepted the chal lenge. Among the many suggestions I had advocated was the introduction of a unique magazine, Faith & Friends— the same publication you are reading now!

The prayers these Salvation Army people prayed were different. They gave the impression that God was actually listening. PETER WHITE

I see now how God used this busi ness project to slowly draw me to Him. In my final report, I had concluded that Faith & Friends should provide “a sense of hope, direction and uncondi tional support for those who need it.” How could I ever have imagined that I was actually referring to myself? I had come to do a job, but I had come away with a ministry. I had given birth to a magazine, but hadn’t realized that the magazine would see my rebirth as a Christian, and for that I will be forever grateful. Reprinted from Faith & Friends, June 2007

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Photo: Courtesy of Milt Stegall

I knew in my heart that there was a powerful, positive, supernatural pres ence around me in the church that morning. As I travelled across Newfoundland, I had the opportunity to talk about faith with the many people I met. I also visited Army churches in Triton, Spring dale and Bonavista, culminating with a morning service at St. John’s Citadel.

FEATURE

Photo: Courtesy of Milt Stegall

Role Model Milt Stegall was a leader both on and off the football field

Keeper of the Faith

Former Winnipeg Blue Bomber Milt Stegall continues to pay it forward to the city that gave him so much, with the help of The Salvation Army. BY KRISTIN MARAND

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GIVING BACK

On-Air Personality Besides his 14-year CFL football career, Milt is also a TSN analyst

hen the planning committee for The Salvation Army’s Win nipeg Hope in the City event realized it was going to fall smack in the middle of the Grey Cup celebra tions in 2025, one potential host stood out among the rest. CFL All Star, TSN analyst and former Winnipeg Blue Bomber wide receiver Milt Stegall has a strong connection to the city where, many years since he hung up his cleats, he is still treated like a superstar. Milt is also a man of faith, who believes strongly in giving back the love to the communities who have given him so much.

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“When I was playing, I did some things with The Salvation Army, some volunteering,” he says, “so there was always an interest there. When someone reached out about an event that was going on during the Grey Cup, it was perfect timing for me to get involved again with a great organization that does so many things for so many throughout Winnipeg.” Milt says that besides marrying his wife and having children, signing a contract in Winnipeg in 1995 was the best decision he ever made. He never gets tired of folks wanting to chat, to take a picture or to get an autograph. And while he admits that may boost his athlete’s ego, he understands there’s more to it. He’s grateful for the love he receives whenever he has the opportunity to return. “The attitude of the people there—it goes beyond football,” he says. “It’s all about the community, about the friend ships, about the way I’m treated, the way my family’s treated. I enjoy every single time I get an opportunity to go back. The love I get, I try to give it back because I’m treated so well.”

LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

Reflecting on his favourite memories of his time in Winnipeg, Milt says that one of his most meaningful experiences in the city he played and lived in for 14 faithandfriends.ca

FEATURE

seasons occurred off the field. “I was speaking in this small com munity in rural Manitoba and, after I spoke, a young man came up to me. He was 19 or 20 years old. “ ‘The words you said just saved my life,’ he told me. He was on the verge of suicide. He didn’t know where his life was going. He didn’t have any direction. “And that right there made me realize what I was doing was worth it. God had put me in Winnipeg for a reason. Yes, I had a good football career, but when I hear those things, they validate why I was put in Winnipeg.” While it’s common and expected for

professional athletes to perform some form of community service, Milt says that experiences such as that story are more rewarding than the glory he received on the field. “That moment not only changed that young man’s life, but it also changed my life.”

TRUE MOMENTS

Whether working with other Chris tian athletes, speaking in churches or visiting disenfranchised areas of Win nipeg, Milt has been happy to use his platform and position to spread a mes sage of kindness and compassion.

Photos: Courtesy of Milt Stegall

Running Game Milt held several major CFL records upon his retirement, including most career receiving yards and currently holds the record for career receiving touchdowns and most touchdowns scored

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Photo: Courtesy of Milt Stegall

Touchdown! In 2012, Milt was elected into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame

“If you’re touching a life, that life may go on to touch other lives, and so on and so on. That’s a legacy that’s going to last forever.” MILT STEGALL

“I speak to those individuals and just try to get out and let folks know that there are people who care for you, there are people who are concerned about you, such as The Salvation Army,” he says. “On the football field, you score a touchdown, make a big play or help

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win the game, and that’s good for a day or two. But if you’re touching a life, that life may go on to touch other lives, and so on and so on. That’s a legacy that’s going to last forever. So, I was fortunate that I had an opportunity to do that, and I still continue doing that when I’m in Winnipeg. It’s a great feel ing, and I enjoy every single time I get an opportunity to do it. “I’m all about giving, about helping others,” he goes on to say. “There’s a saying that goes, it’s nice to be import ant but it’s more important to be nice. You know, anyone can take, but can you give? Can you help out others and sometimes help out others without anyone else knowing? Those are the true moments. And I know The Salva tion Army does a lot of that.” faithandfriends.ca

FEATURE

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT

When Milt’s oldest son passed away unexpectedly in June 2025, the Bombers organization and fans hon oured his memory and showed their support for the family. Milt was in town and experienced an ovation from the stands and overwhelming love from people all across the province and beyond. “The reception and the love and support that Manitoba gave to me, that was the best moment I experienced in Canada, and nothing else comes close,” he says. “When they stood up and that crowd cheered, it was almost like having an out-of-body experience. It was one of the most special moments in my life.” While he admits his faith was shaken by the loss, he remains steadfast, inspired by the memory of his parents, Garland and Betty. When his father passed away, his mother relied on her faith to get the family through adversity. He remembers her talking about God’s plan and the importance of keeping faith. “People always ask me: who are your heroes? Who are your role models?” Milt says. “My parents. My faith comes from my parents. They were strong believers, strong individuals of faith, and they instilled that in me and my siblings, and that’s where my faith comes from. “As long as you have faith, you can get through anything. I won’t lie to you. When my son passed away, my faith was truly questioned. But I’m still a per son of strong faith. I understand this is part of God’s plan. As people, we don’t always understand His plan, and we may not always agree with it, but we have to understand, if we’re people of faith, regard less of what’s going on, we have to keep that faith. “And I’m 100 percent keeping my faith.” faithandfriends.ca

KRISTIN MARAND

Kristin Marand is the manager of communications for The Salvation Army’s Prairies and Northern Territories Division. With a background in media and a passion for weaving language and sharing stories, Kristin is a proud Métis on her own journey of reclamation.

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COVER STORY

Return of the

Red Kettles Two volunteers revive the holiday tradition of giving in Innisfil, Ont. BY ABBIGAIL OLIVER

Photo: Courtesy of Judy Paulsen and Richard Ratte

hen the iconic Salvation Army kettles returned to Innisfil, Ont., at Christmastime last year, it wasn’t by chance. After a five-year absence caused by the pandemic and a lack of available volunteers, two dedicated residents, Richard Ratte and Judy Paulsen, were instrumental in bringing the kettles back.

NO SITTING DOWN!

In Innisfil, a community just south of its larger municipal neighbour, Barrie, Ont., there is a smaller population with fewer major stores and corporations. During COVID, it was difficult to find enough volunteers to keep the kettle campaign running.

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Hoping to make a change, Richard and Judy, who knew each other through other community service groups they work with, put their heads together, reached out to The Salvation Army and told them they would like to help. They contacted Kelli Kane and Katie Holden, chaplain and volunteer co-ordinator, respectively, at the Barrie Bayside Mission to see how they could make it happen. “There were about 48 kettle shifts that needed to be filled,” explains Richard. “We both just started calling up people that we know—city council lors, service clubs, and volunteer and charity groups we’ve been a part of. Between us, we filled almost all the spots.” faithandfriends.ca

Terrific Twosome Both retirees, Judy Paulsen and Richard Ratte find a sense of fulfilment in giving back to the town they call home

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Happy Helper “I enjoy watching parents explaining where the money is going,“ says Judy. “Even if it’s just a loonie or a toonie, the kids are starting to learn about helping others“

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faithandfriends.ca

COVER STORY

Both Richard and Judy, who had participated as kettle volunteers preCOVID, took on kettle shifts themselves, sometimes pulling double shifts. “I’ve done the Christmas kettles for quite a few years, probably 10 or more,” explains Judy. “I help in Barrie when they need it, and I’ll keep doing it as long as my legs will allow—I refuse to sit down!”

Photos: Courtesy of Judy Paulsen

A LASTING IMPRESSION

Richard and Judy are heavily involved in their community in several charita ble and volunteer capacities, but they decided to support the Army for differ ent reasons. Richard remembers how his fam ily used to speak about The Salvation Army. “My aunt, mother and father were in the military. I have an uncle that served overseas, and another that served in the Korean War. My great-grandfather served in both the First and Second World Wars,” he explains. “I have often heard veter ans, including my family members, talk about the difference between other organizations and The Salvation Army—they always favoured the Army, who would pass out care boxes with socks and sometimes cookies.” Richard served in the Navy him self, and remembers a woman from The Salvation Army, dressed in a traditional bonnet and cape, who col lected donations from the sailors. faithandfriends.ca

“I think that’s what led me as a young adult to give,” he says. “Now, I always try to put at least $5 in the kettles at Christmastime.” What drew Judy to support The Sal vation Army? “Well, that’s an easy one,” she says. “My parents were very supportive, because my father emigrated from Norway, and during the Second World War, one of his aunts was turned in by a Quisling, a traitor, and taken to Ger many. The Salvation Army and the Red Cross helped find and rescue her from almost certain death,” Judy explains. “We never forgot that. She lived a very long life into her 90s, and she was more determined than ever to help people, because somebody helped her.”

“I’LL KEEP DOING IT AS LONG AS MY LEGS WILL ALLOW—I REFUSE TO SIT DOWN!” JUDY PAULSEN

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Photo: Courtesy of Richard Ratte

THE VALUE OF GIVING BACK

For Richard and Judy, the people they meet while volunteering and the sto ries they hear at the kettles make it all worthwhile. “When you’re doing kettles, it’s amazing how many people stop and tell you how they were helped by the Army,” says Richard. “You’d be sur prised how many people go out to the parking lot, gather change from the car and come back to put it in the kettle.” For Judy, it’s heartwarming to see young children learning the value of giving back. “I enjoy watching parents explaining why they’re doing it and where the money is going. Even if it’s just a loonie or a toonie, the kids are starting to learn about helping others.” One woman Judy encountered at the kettle said that she always tries to give because when she first moved to Innisfil, she had three children and nowhere to go, and someone sent them to The Salvation Army. “They got the help they needed, without which she didn’t think they could even survive. So, she said to me, ‘I will always give to The Salvation Army.’ ” Another man had a similar story. When he first arrived in Canada with his family, they had very little money. The only place that helped them was The Salvation Army. Now, every December he distributes 10 $50 bills to the kettles. “He said he will do that as long as he lives, because the Army was there when he had nothing,” says Judy.

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(Right) Christmas Elf “To anyone who wishes to volunteer, just try it and see if you get the same joy from it that I do,” says Richard

“THERE’S A LOT OF JOY TO BE HAD IN WORKING WITH PEOPLE THAT ARE DOING GOOD THINGS FOR OTHER PEOPLE.” RICHARD RATTE

HELPING PEOPLE DO GOOD THINGS

Both retirees, Richard and Judy find a sense of fulfilment in giving back to the town they call home. “Innisfil is small, so it is important for The Salvation Army to be seen there,” says Judy. “I was glad to help out last year because, to me, I want to support an organization that is well-estab lished with a positive reputation for putting money toward doing good.” “To anyone who wishes to volun teer, just try it and see if you get the same joy from it that I do,” says Rich ard. “I just think of it as helping good people help others. And there’s a lot of joy to be had in working with people that are doing good things for other people.” faithandfriends.ca

COVER STORY

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Photo: 2026 20th Century Studios

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FEATURE

The Belly of the

Beast

In Whalefall, a teen has only one hour to find a reason to live and become the son he never was. BY KEN RAMSTEAD

Photo: 2026 20th Century Studios

ay Gardiner (Austin Abrams) is a teen on a mission. Estranged from his father, Mitt (Josh Brolin), Jay has moved out of the family house and has spent the year couch-surfing with friends. Embittered and exasperated by his father, nothing Jay did seemed to measure up to the standards expected of him. In the meantime, Mitt, a popular figure in the local diving community of California’s Central Coast, has been diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Pressed by his mother and sisters, Jay has angrily rebuffed any entreaties to make amends with his father. In the end, Mitt commits suicide in the Pacific Ocean on the coast of Mon astery Beach. Wracked by guilt, Jay decides to scuba dive down to the site to retrieve

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his father’s remains. It’s a long shot, as he is nowhere near the experienced diver his father was, but Jay is deter mined to make up for what he perceives as his failure to live up to his father’s expectations for him. The dive starts well enough but soon goes disastrously wrong. Jay encounters a giant squid, which is being pur sued by a sperm whale looking to feed off his natural prey. Incredibly, Jay gets entangled in the squid’s tentacles and is drawn into the whale’s mouth, where he is pulled into the first of its four stomachs. A terrified Jay realizes he has only an hour of oxygen left in his tank before he suffocates in the belly of the beast, one hour to figure out a way to escape while coming to terms with his father’s memory. The clock is ticking. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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Photo: 2026 20th Century Studios

Family Fracture Embittered and exasperated by his father, Mitt (Josh Brolin), nothing Jay (Austin Abrams) did seemed to measure up to the standards expected of him

A WHALE OF A TALE Whalefall, in theatres now, is not the only story we know of that deals with a person swallowed by a whale. In the Old Testament’s Book of Jonah, we read of a most reluctant prophet. When God commands Jonah to travel to the Assyrian city of Nineveh to warn them that they would be destroyed for their wickedness if they did not repent—Jonah flat out refused! Instead of obeying God’s command, Jonah ran the other way, boarding a ship headed to a faraway land. If Jonah thought he could escape God, though, he was mistaken. A huge storm arose that threatened to sink the ship that Jonah had taken flight on. The crew, realizing that this was no ordinary tempest, cast lots and discovered that Jonah was to blame. Jonah admitted this and told the sail ors that if they threw him overboard, the storm would abate. The kindhearted sailors refused and continued rowing, but when their efforts failed, they reluctantly threw Jonah into the sea, and the storm calmed. Jonah’s misadventures were not over. After being thrown overboard, he was swallowed by “a huge fish” (Jonah 1:17), popularly considered to be a

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whale, where he stayed for three days and three nights. While in the belly of the beast, Jonah repented and prayed to God to deliver him. “And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land” (Jonah 2:10). RACE AGAINST TIME Trapped and alone, Jay wracks his brain for something—anything—that could get him out of the mess he is in. Much to his surprise, memories of his father surface. “I know your dad was rough on you,” says Mitt’s best friend to Jay days before the dive, “but he knew what he was talking about, especially down there.” Now, Jay remembers flashbacks of times he had with his father, memories he had consigned to the dust heap of his mind. “I wanted to pass on things that mat ter, so when it matters, you’ll know what to do,” Jay recalls Mitt saying, as in a half-remembered dream. As Jay starts to recall some of the wisdom his father had passed along to him, he sees him in a new, better light, and he uses what he has learned to good effect as he slowly assembles a plan to escape the whale. faithandfriends.ca

FEATURE

Illustration: orensila/iStock via Getty Images Plus

But will his newfound knowledge and, yes, love and respect for his father come too late for him to make use of it? SOUL SEARCHERS A reluctant prophet and a reluctant son, there are parallels to the stories of Jonah and Jay. Both men wanted nothing to do with their lot, Jay even so far as denying he even knew his father in an encounter with a shopkeeper whose life had been saved by Mitt. Jonah took matters to the extreme by refusing the task he had been given and running away. It took a watery incarceration for both man and teen to recognize the errors of their ways. Jonah prayed to God. “He said: ‘In my distress, I called to the Lord, and He answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and You listened to my cry’ ” (Jonah 2:2). For Jay, that hour trapped in the whale undid years of resentment and misunder standing, as well as led to a reckoning that, while late in coming, was needed. We don’t need to be swallowed up by a whale to have God hear our prayers, but we do need to come to terms with our own shortcomings before we can present them to Him. It takes honesty and transparency, but that is really what God expects of us. This honesty is not just about avoid ing punishment, as Jonah realized and Jay is finding out; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s truth and building genuine relationships. faithandfriends.ca

FUN SPERM WHALE FACTS Did You Know? • Brainiacs Adult sperm whales have the largest brains of any modern or extinct animal on Earth, weighing up to 7.8 kilograms (17 pounds), more than three times the size of the average adult human brain. • Lung Power Sperm whales can stay under water for up to 90 minutes at a time, their lungs adapted to withstand extreme pressure changes. • Turn Up the Volume Sperm whales are the loudest animals in the world. Underwater, sperm whales can produce clicks, known as “codas,” that can reach to more than 200 decibels. This far surpasses the volume required to burst a human’s eardrum, and their clicks are louder than a jet engine at takeoff! NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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THE GRACE OF REMEMBERING “Lest we forget” is not just a slogan; it’s a way of life. BY LOUIS KYRON

ave you ever looked at a word and wondered what it means? While at a restaurant recently, I noticed a word that was tattooed on our waitperson: Sonder. The word sent me searching my mind for when I had last heard it. Perhaps I had come across it years ago, or it may have simply stayed with me because it rhymes with sombre. To my surprise, I found it was coined only in 2012 by John Koenig in The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows.

Salvation Army pastors, The Salvation chaplainsArmy and is a wonderful organization volunteers were with a lot of dedicated present long before we people. had a word like sonder to describe the KERRY ZIMMERMAN sacredness of fully seeing a person shaped by war or loss. LOUIS KYRON

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NOUN AND VERB Sonder is the realization that every per son carries a story as deep and complex as our own. The word felt old because understanding the truth that every life is a universe is timeless, even if the word is new. Sonder calls us to love our neighbour by seeing their story and, on Remem brance Day, this truth feels especially close. We pause to honour lives we have never known, yet whose stories shaped the world we now live in. We pray for war to be a thing of the past even though we are reminded daily that it remains a present reality. The Salvation Army has long under stood this truth. The Army has stood beside people whose stories were heavy with sacrifice, loss, courage and hope. Their pastors, chaplains and vol unteers were present long before we had a word like sonder to describe the sacredness of fully seeing a person shaped by war or loss. Not all who serve wear uniforms, but all who do carry the same quiet cour age, that calling of service. Words are God’s gift to us. Sonder

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ANALYZE THIS

Marching to Victory The National War Memorial in Ottawa symbolizes the military service and sacrifice made by generations of Canadians in times of conflict

Photo: Robert McAlpine/stock.Adobe.com

is such a word. It is both noun and verb. It is empathy and realization, memory and hope. Like sonder, The Salvation Army is both noun and verb. It is an organization, a community, a church. It is also outreach, healing and rescue. LEST WE FORGET? At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause for two minutes in silence to remember. Silence is full of memory, gratitude and the pres ence of God. Silence is the power of words withheld. Silence is faith, hope and love. We remember those whose wounds are still visible and those whose wounds are hidden. Remembrance Day makes that truth visible. We live in the peace oth ers planted with their courage. Remembrance Day reminds us that we reap blessings we did not directly earn, and we honour those who sowed them with their lives. As we approach November 11, let us be shaped by focused gratitude. We can thank a veteran as we purchase a poppy or spend time at a local Legion, a retirement home or a long‑term-care facility. We can attend the Remem brance Day service at a local cenotaph. “Lest we forget” is not just a slogan. It is a way of life. It is the practice of sonder, the holy discipline of recog nizing that every life carries a story worth honouring, remembering and serving.

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LOUIS KYRON

Louis Kyron is a CPA with an MBA from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ont. He lives in Whitby, Ont., and has two adult children.

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EATING HEALTHY WITH ERIN

Olive Tapenade With Feta TIME 5 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH French baguette or crackers

250 ml (1 cup) pitted kalamata 1. Add the first six ingredients olives to a blender or food processor and blend until 1 garlic clove smooth. 15 ml (1 tbsp) capers 2. Slice baguette into 25-mm 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice (1-in.) slices and spoon 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil mixture on top. 15 ml (1 tbsp) dried oregano 3. Top with crumbled goat 45 ml (3 tbsp) goat cheese cheese, sliced cherry 60 ml (¼ cup) cherry tomatoes tomatoes and black pinch of black pepper pepper to taste. (optional)

Split Pea Vegetable Soup TIME 120 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH toast or crackers (Top) Olive Tapenade With Feta (Above) Split Pea Vegetable Soup

ERIN STANLEY

Erin Stanley provides budget-friendly recipes designed to help Canadians build positive nutritional habits.

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560 ml (2¼ cups) dried split peas 2 L (9 cups) vegetable or chicken broth 2 onions 1 garlic clove 1 head of cauliflower 1 russet potato, peeled and diced 5 ml (1 tsp) thyme 5 ml (1 tsp) parsley 1 bay leaf 1 ml (¼ tsp) black pepper 2 ml (½ tsp) sea salt 500 ml (2 cups) kale 5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil

1. In large pot, cover peas with broth. Bring to boil, remove from heat and soak for one hour in fridge. 2. Dice onion and garlic and cook in a skillet until soft, for about 2 minutes. 3. Return pot in fridge to medium-high heat and add onion and garlic. 4. In another large pot, boil cauliflower and potato in salted water until forksoft, about 10 minutes. Drain. 5. Combine both pots’ contents and blend thoroughly with immersion blender. 6. Return to stove and add thyme, parsley, bay leaf, pepper and salt. Bring to boil and then allow to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf before serving. 7. Sauté kale in olive oil and add as garnish.

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1. St. John’s; 2. cricket; 3. Mercury.

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HEAVEN’S LOVE THRIFT SHOP by Kevin Frank

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WORD SEARCH Monsters, Inc. Turns 25 Y

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A GLOBAL LENS

A SECOND CHANCE TO LEARN

enecial is a high school student in Liberia and a beneficiary of The Salvation Army’s Brighter Futures Children’s Spon sorship Program. Through this program, students receive support with such things as school fees, uniforms, school supplies and transportation—helping reduce financial barriers and allowing them to stay focused on their education. The program also works closely with schools and communities to ensure students are supported not only academically but in their overall well-being— creating a more stable and consistent learning environment. Today, Venecial is continuing her education and working toward her goal of becoming a mechanical engineer, while helping create a more hopeful future for her family. faithandfriends.ca

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