Faith & Friends May 2019

Moms & Music

New J.R.R. Tolkien Movie

Thrift Stores in Action

TURN IT UP P.8 BEFORE THE HOBBIT P.13 BREAKING BARRIERS P.26

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

faithandfriends.ca

MAY 2019

Full Circle

ONCE HOMELESS, TYLER WEATHERUP NOW WORKS AT THE SALVATION ARMY SHELTER THAT SAVED HIM FROM ADDICTION. P.16

“ Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

making some people anxious, isolated and even more disconnected.

Many people today have “friends” via social media. They might “like” a post or “love” a certain picture. People then feel that they are “connecting” with friends.

So, at least for today, let’s not simply reply to someone with a “like” or a “love.” Rather, let’s give them a call and arrange, if possible, a time to meet together. There’s nothing like it!

But often, sadly, it can be to the detriment of actually getting together in order to deepen relationships and strengthen loyal friendships.

Any of us can suddenly find ourselves glued to our high-tech devices—

There’s nothing wrong with social media if used with discretion. But no app will ever replace rich friendships or times set aside for people to meet face to face.

To learn more about friendship, email us at faithandfriends@ can.salvationarmy.org or visit your local Salvation Army church.

Beverly A. Ivany, Words of Life January-April 2018, London, England

Friendship

May 2019

VOLUME 22 NUMBER 5

SOMEONE CARES 5 Journey to Healing

The Salvation Army helped Inuk cope with trauma.

LAUGHING MATTERS 8 Crank Up the Sound!

I loved my music. My mom loved me. The music, not so much …

5

FAMILY TIME 10 Too Good to Be True?

God loves us even at our worst moments.

FEATURES

13

COVER STORY

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Tolkien’s Fellowship

A new film tells the story behind The Lord of the Rings.

Full Circle

Once homeless, Tyler Weatherup now works at the Salvation Army shelter that saved him from addiction.

Keeping God On Side

Mark Scheifele makes time for faith in the high-pressure world of the NHL.

COMMON GROUND 26 Positive Partnerships

A Salvation Army thrift store and Community Living come together to break societal barriers.

Cover photo: Ray Shum

LITE STUFF 28 Eating Healthy With Erin

Sudoku, Quick Quiz, Word Search.

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NIFTY THRIFTY 31 Fun in the Sun

Five thrift store finds for your vacation. faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2019

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Faith&Friends

FROM THE EDITOR

Happy Endings

W

hen staff writer Kristin Ostensen interviewed Tyler Weatherup about the worst day of his life, she was incredibly moved. Homeless and suicidal, Tyler found himself sleeping at the bottom of a concrete staircase.

“I’m so sorry,” Kristin said to him.

Without missing a beat, Tyler replied, “It’s OK. It’s a good ending, so just hang in there—we’ll get to the good stuff!” And then he laughed.

“The fact that he could joke around about that day demonstrates just how far Tyler has come,” says Kristin.

The Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope shelter in Langley, B.C., was instrumental in Tyler’s recovery. Now, as a residential services supervisor, he is helping others as he was once helped.

Tyler’s inspiring story is on page 16.

Another Army facility, this one in Yellowknife, played a role in Inuk’s journey to healing.

The victim of abuse and trauma, both at home and in the residential school system, Inuk found a safe place and a listening ear at The Salvation Army’s Bailey House, where he was helped on the road to sobriety.

“Life is a whole lot better now,” Inuk concludes.

And in Whitby, Ont., an Army thrift store has partnered with a non-profit organization to help people with intellectual diabilities break societal barriers.

These are just a few happy endings illustrating the good work that The Salvation Army does from coast to coast.

For more snapshots, go to faithandfriends.ca.

Ken Ramstead 4 • MAY 2019 I faithandfriends.ca

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

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

Brian Peddle, GENERAL Commissioner Susan McMillan TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

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

Brandon Laird DESIGN AND MEDIA SPECIALIST

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

Ada Leung CIRCULATION CO-ORDINATOR

Kristin Ostensen STAFF WRITER, PROOFREADER

Giselle Randall STAFF WRITER Scripture Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from New International Version Contact Us P. (416) 467-3188, F. (416) 422-6217 Websites faithandfriends.ca, salvationist.ca, salvationarmy.ca Email faithandfriends@can.salvationarmy.org Subscription for one year: Canada $17 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $22; foreign $24 P. (416) 422-6119 circulation@can.salvationarmy.org All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064794 ISSN 1702-0131

Faith&Friends

SOMEONE CARES Strong Faith Inuk and Jason Brinson. “Life is a whole lot better now,” says Inuk

Journey to Healing The Salvation Army in Yellowknife is helping Inuk cope with family trauma and the devastating legacy of the residential school system.

by Linda Leigh

B

etween 1883 and 1996, the Canadian government sent more than 150,000 Indigenous children to residential schools across the country. These schools were designed to make them forget their language and culture, and many children suffered abuse there.

Inuk was just nine when he was sent from his traditional native camp to a residential school. At the time, studying away from home was inviting since it allowed him to escape his father’s physical abuse.

But Inuk only went from one trauma to another.

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SOMEONE CARES

Place of Safety The Salvation Army’s Bailey House in Yellowknife

Inuk’s Story “My school experience was lonely and harmful,” Inuk says. “Discipline was harsh and students were prey to sexual and physical abuse.

“Residential school traumatized me and, at 63, I now suffer from PTSD,” Inuk continues. “The aim of the school was to eliminate all aspects of my Aboriginal culture. I was beaten for speaking my native tongue. Other details are hard to give.”

After five years in the residential school system, Inuk, then 14, returned to his fractured family.

“I lived in fear,” he says. “My parents were alcoholics and my father was abusive. I drank a lot of home brew to dull the pain.”

Meanwhile, Inuk completed Grade 10, worked in retail and for

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a medical office, and then went on to study legal administration at the university level.

“I eventually got sober, married and had children,” Inuk says. “But I couldn’t give my children what I didn’t have—guidance and wisdom.

And I struggled to find my identity as an Indigenous person.”

Apology’s Aftermath Inuk had been sober for 18 years when, in 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his regret over the residential school system.

“When I heard Harper’s apology, emotions were high and I turned to the bottle,” says Inuk. “I was suicidal but didn’t follow through because I’d yet to find my sense of belonging or purpose in life.”

Inuk left his family and spent five

“The Salvation Army gave me a roof over my head and a listening ear.” INUK days in an igloo for a time of selfreflection. When he returned home, his wife and children had moved out.

“The house was empty and they left because of my search,” says Inuk.

“It was devastating.”

Full of Hope Inuk got sober again and moved to Yellowknife where he worked as a cab driver. But when he couldn’t renew his chauffeur’s permit due to high blood pressure, he returned to drinking.

“I ended up in a psychiatric ward,” Inuk says. “They told me about The Salvation Army’s Bailey House, and I agreed to go.”

Bailey House is a 32-bed residential facility for homeless men that addresses issues such as addiction, faith, relapse prevention, literacy, anger management and self-esteem.

“The Salvation Army gave me a roof over my head and a listening ear while I addressed the cause of my addiction, which was my residential school experience,” Inuk says. “They helped to restore my self-esteem and trust in people, and encouraged me to show pride in my

Indigenous culture and identity.”

“The role of Bailey House is to provide a safe environment, resources, information, referrals and support,” says Jason Brinson of The Salvation Army in Yellowknife. “The Army has helped Inuk on his journey to sobriety. We are very proud of Inuk’s accomplishments and continue to empower him in his recovery and desire to heal and create a positive future for himself.”

Inuk has secured employment with the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving traditional and culturally based health care for Indigenous northerners facing a high burden of disease and unequal access to traditional health services. Inuk speaks at local schools and shares his experiences with the students.

“When he is not working, Inuk attends services at our church,” says Jason. “His faith is strong.”

“Life is a whole lot better now,” says Inuk. “I have moved into safe and affordable housing. I have more work to do, but I’m getting there. I’m on a lifelong journey of healing and understanding.”

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Faith&Friends

LAUGHING MATTERS

Crank Up the Sound!

I loved my music. My mom loved me. The music, not so much …

Illustration: Dennis Jones

by Phil Callaway

L

ast night was Nostalgia Night at our house. Ramona and I flipped through some old music records and played them.

Remember records? Records were hugely popular back when the earth was cooling and I was attending high school. I have a few hundred in my basement. A part of my past. A part of the good old days. A part of me.

Music was highly important to me when I was a teen. I ranked it slightly ahead of eating and some

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days even ahead of girls. My buddy Steve Rendall and I would purchase the latest albums, rush them home, tape them, then insert them in our car tape decks. Cassette tapes were awesome.

I remember the day Steve pulled up in his 1970 Montego. “Climb in,” he said, a grin connecting his ears.

I lowered my expensive thrift store sunglasses and climbed in. “Roll up your window,” he said. I rolled it up.

Then, as we pulled away, he calmly

inserted a tape and set the volume at about 150 decibels.

Moments later our ears were flapping behind our heads, it was so loud.

“STEVE!” I yelled.

Which was twice.

The influence of someone who cares—who simply takes time—is immeasurable. Many parents of that era said, “Turn it down or throw it out!” But she who yells the loudest

I’m thankful for a mom whose attitude was, “If he’s gonna listen, I’d like to know what he’s listening to.” PHIL CALLAWAY “WHAT?” “THAT’S GREAT! ABSOLUTELY GREAT!” He turned the volume way down to 500. “You’re gonna be late?”

“No, I said, ‘That’s GREAT.’ Turn the volume back up.”

Sneaky Parenting I began playing my music for my mother. I played songs that most adults her age couldn’t stand. I don’t know what was wrong with her, but she would pull up a chair and sit down. Somehow she cared enough to listen. And she encouraged me when she heard something she liked.

isn’t always heard the best. I’m thankful for a mom whose attitude was, “If he’s gonna listen, I’d like to know what he’s listening to.”

I asked her years later about the talks we had after the music died down. She said she was always looking for ways to teach me about God, and she would take whatever I gave her as a launching pad. The girl was sneaky.

Sometimes I miss those days.

Mom told me once that she missed them, too, although she probably didn’t miss the music that much— at least not as much as I miss my hearing.

(left) Phil Callaway’s Laugh Again radio program airs 700 times a week in Canada. Visit him at laughagain.org.

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Faith&Friends

FAMILY TIME

Too Good to Be True?

God loves us even at our worst moments.

Photo: © dedigrigoroiu/stock.Adobe.com

by Diane Stark

H

“

ow are you today, Nathan?” our dentist, Dr. Hall, asked my nine-year-old son.

“I’m good,” he answered. “I’ll sit still today while you work on my teeth.” He looked at me and smiled.

“My mom told me that when I was little, I wasn’t very nice to you.”

Dr. Hall chuckled. “It’s OK. A lot of kids are scared of the dentist.”

“I wasn’t scared. I was just bad when I was little.”

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My mouth dropped open, but before I could respond, Dr. Hall said, “I’m sure that’s not true.”

“It is,” Nathan said. “When I was four, I wanted a toy at the store, but Mom said no. So I threw a giant fit—the kicking and screaming kind—and Mom got really close to my face and said, ‘You better stop that right now.’ I put my hands on my hips and my pouty lip out and said, ‘I’m not afraid of you.’ That was

the maddest my mom ever was at any of her kids—and there are five of us.”

Hiding a smile, Dr. Hall said, “I’m surprised that you remember that.”

“I’ve heard my mom tell the story lots of times.”

It was true. Even the words he used to recount the story were the exact ones I used. I’d share it with friends when we were telling “Terrible Twos” stories. I’d thought I was being funny, but I’d left my

little kids sometimes do.”

“I’m a big kid now, and I don’t do stuff like that anymore.”

“That’s right, and I’m glad for that.

But I need you to know that even if you did, I wouldn’t love you one bit less than I do now.”

“So that day at the store?”

“There has never been one moment in your life when I haven’t loved you. Even at your worst moments, I love you with all my heart, and I’m sorry if I made you

I’d thought I was being funny, but I’d left my son with the belief that he was bad. DIANE STARK son with the belief that he was bad.

I decided in that moment that I would never again tell that story.

Overwhelming Love When we got in the car, I turned to him and said, “Nathan, I owe you an apology. You weren’t bad when you were little, and I’m sorry if I made you think that.”

“But that day at the store, when I said that to you .…”

“I was wrong to tell that story over and over again. You shouldn’t have thrown a fit that day and you shouldn’t have said that to me, but you were a little kid and that’s what

question that.” I held his chin and looked right into his eyes. “There is nothing you’ve ever done or ever could do that would change my love for you.”

Nathan nodded. “OK, Mommy.”

On the drive home, it was difficult to control my emotions. I felt guilty for repeatedly telling a story that made my son feel ashamed of himself. I felt grateful to be his mom and overwhelmed with love for him.

I also felt overwhelmed with God’s love for me.

Moments in Time My conversation with Nathan

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FAMILY TIME

Happy Family Diane Stark and her son Nathan.

“There’s never been a moment in my life when I haven’t loved Nathan,” Diane says

reminded me of one I’d had with God when I’d returned to my faith after having lost it for more than a decade.

Even after God had welcomed me home, I still had many moments when I’d question His love for me.

The worst moments of my life would play out in my mind like a movie. I’d picture myself spending time with the non-believer I would eventually marry, knowing he was pulling me away from my faith and not caring enough to stop it from happening.

“Then, God? You loved me even then?” I would ask Him. Every time I asked God that question, I felt His answer in my heart. It was the same one I’d given Nathan.

“Even at your worst moments, I never stopped loving you. You are My child, and your worst moments could never change My love for you.”

It was a beautiful sentiment, but to be honest, I’m not sure I com-

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pletely believed it. It sounded too good to be true.

But that day, I’d said the same thing to my son, and I knew in my heart that I’d meant every word.

If I could love my son in his worst moments, how could I doubt that God would do the same for me? It reminded me of Jesus’ words in the Bible: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:9-11).

Clearly, God’s love for us is overwhelming and unconditional.

And not too good to be true.

Our worst moments are just that —moments in time. Although our actions have consequences, they will never change God’s love for us.

FEATURE

Photos: Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

Faith&Friends

Tolkien’s Fellowship S ince their publication in the 1950s, The Lord of the Rings trilogy has become a worldwide phenomenon, selling more than 150 million copies and inspiring multiple adaptations. Thanks to six blockbuster movies based on the trilogy and The Hobbit, as well as a forthcoming TV series, J.R.R. Tolkien’s stories are more popular now than ever.

But what about the man behind the books? Who was J.R.R. Tolkien and what inspired him to write such imaginative novels? The fascinating story of his life is told in a new biopic, Tolkien, in theatres this month.

A NEW FILM TELLS THE STORY OF THE MAN BEHIND THE LORD OF THE RINGS.

by Kristin Ostensen

A Friendly Fellowship While The Lord of the Rings was published when Tolkien was in his 60s, Tolkien takes viewers back to the author’s childhood. Many filmgoers may not know that Tolkien and his younger brother, Hilary, were orphans—their father died when Tolkien was four years old and their mother when he was 12.

Fortunately for Tolkien, who showed great intelligence from an early age, he earned a scholarship to King Edward’s School in Birmingham, England, a prestigious boys’ school. As the film shows, Tolkien had faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2019

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Love and War The coming of the First World War put the plans of J.R.R. Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) to marry his sweetheart, Edith Bratt (Lily Collins), in jeopardy

difficulty fitting in, given his background. Nevertheless, he forged deep friendships with three other young outcasts there—Robert Gilson, Geoffrey Bache Smith and Christopher Wiseman—who together created a semi-secret society called T.C.B.S. (the Tea Club and Barrovian Society).

As Tolkien says in the film, the purpose of T.C.B.S. was to “change the world through the power of art.”

But the society was much more than that for Tolkien (played by Nicholas Hoult); it was a fellowship. Years later, it would become the blueprint for the Fellowship of the Ring depicted in his trilogy—the group of men tasked with destroying the One Ring to save Middle-earth.

Horrors of War Unfortunately, as in The Lord of the Rings, that fellowship would not last forever. When the First World War broke out in 1914, Tolkien and his friends were drawn into the fray.

Suddenly, his plans to marry his sweetheart, Edith Bratt (played by Lily 14 • MAY 2019 I faithandfriends.ca

Collins), and start an academic career were put in jeopardy. He and his T.C.B.S. friends were separated.

While he did marry Edith in 1916, Tolkien was sent to France only a few months later where he fought in the Battle of the Somme, one of the deadliest battles of the war. Tolkien depicts these war scenes in vivid detail, driving home the horrors of the trenches.

The film draws explicit parallels between these experiences and Tolkien’s later writings, as the exploding bombs he and his comrades face in Tolkien bear a striking resemblance to some of the evil creatures depicted in The Lord of the Rings. The friendships he made during the war are also reflected in his later works: After the trilogy was published, Tolkien stated that the character of Samwise Gamgee was inspired by his fellow soldiers.

Tolkien left the battlefield in October 1916 after contracting an illness.

Sadly, some of his “fellowship” did not make it home—both Gilson and Smith were killed in action.

An experience like the First World War would be enough to challenge anyone’s faith. But for Tolkien, this was not the case.

Infused With Faith An experience like the First World War would be enough to challenge anyone’s faith in God. But for Tolkien, who was a devout Christian, this was not the case.

Before she died, Tolkien’s mother arranged for her sons to be brought up by Father Francis Morgan, a Catholic priest in Birmingham. The faith Tolkien developed as a child stayed with him his entire life and gave him strength during and after the war. As biographer Bradley J. Birzer writes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Sanctifying Myth, Tolkien believed that the loss of his closest friends during the war “gave him an even greater duty to carry on their jointly conceived project, which was to do God’s will in the world.”

As a result, Tolkien’s faith infused everything he wrote. Tolkien acknow-

ledged in a letter that The Lord of the Rings is “a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision.” While there are no direct references to his faith in the books, it comes through in the story itself.

Consider the humble hero of the trilogy, Frodo, who carries the One Ring to Mount Doom in order to destroy it and save Middle-earth. His selfless actions echo those of Jesus, who carried His cross to Calvary and died in order to destroy the power of sin and death. Motivated by His love for the world (see John 3:16), Jesus sacrificed Himself to save all of humanity.

Tolkien takes viewers into the darkest time of the author’s life. But as Tolkien believed and his books demonstrate, darkness cannot withstand light. Love conquers all.

From T.C.B.S. to L.O.T.R. Tolkien’s Tea Club and Barrovian Society became the blueprint for the Fellowship of the Ring depicted in his trilogy faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2019

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Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

Full Circle WHEN HIS ADDICTION SPIRALLED OUT OF CONTROL, TYLER WEATHERUP BECAME HOMELESS. NOW, HE WORKS AT THE SALVATION ARMY SHELTER THAT SAVED HIM.

by Kristin Ostensen

TYLER WEATHERUP WOKE up drenched. Rainwater was cascading down the concrete staircase, forming a puddle at the bottom where he was trying to sleep. Evicted from his apartment, he had nowhere to turn—drug and alcohol addiction had taken everything from him.

Depressed and utterly alone, Tyler had spent the day making plans to commit suicide.

“That was the lowest moment of my life,” he says now.

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Drowning Tyler’s struggle with drugs and alcohol began in college. “At first, I was drinking on weekends, then during the week—eventually I stopped going to classes because I was hung over,” he says. “After my third year of college, I simply dropped out.”

At that point in his life, drinking

was a way to escape from the emotional turmoil that was happening inside him. “I knew from a young age that I was gay, but I grew up in a conservative family so coming out and being truthful about my identity wasn’t a possibility,” Tyler says. “By the time I went to college, my sisters were getting into long-term relation-

ships and I felt like I was missing out—that I would never have what they had. Alcohol drowned out those negative feelings.”

After Tyler dropped out of college, he moved in with his sister, who was also an addict.

“It goes to show just how clouded my judgment was then,” he says ruefaithandfriends.ca I MAY 2019

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Photos: Ray Shum

On the Job “This role is the best of both worlds because I get to interact with staff and guests,” says Tyler Weatherup of his position as residential services supervisor. “When I’m coaching staff, I can share personal experiences about how I was welcomed here with kindness and respect.

And with guests, my experience brings credibility to what I do”

Faith&Friends

COVER STORY

“ At the Gateway of Hope, I was treated like a human being.

It was overwhelming.”

TYLER WEATHERUP

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fully. “I still thought I could climb my way out of it, even though the reality was that I was unemployed, I had no money, I had tons of debt and I had no relationships—my sister was the only person who was willing to support me.”

A few months after he moved in with her, however, they were evicted. “I came home and the locks had been changed,” Tyler recalls.

“The sheriff had removed everything from the apartment. I had nothing.”

Workplace Harmony Tyler Weatherup with his direct supervisor, Cristina Schneiter, the residential services manager. “We met a few years ago when I was a support worker and she was a volunteer,” Tyler says. “I must have trained her well because now she’s my boss!”

Divine Timing Tyler spent his first night of homelessness on the streets of Langley, B.C., walking all night so that he would stay awake. He went to the welfare office the next day and was referred to The Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope shelter. Unfortunately, the Gateway was full that day, which is how Tyler ended up at the bottom of the staircase.

After that awful night, Tyler returned to the welfare office the

following day. “I was thinking, maybe I can get 20 bucks and buy whatever I need to end my life,” he shares. “But there was a couple there who had seen me at the welfare office the day prior. They told me they were discharging from the Gateway of Hope that day, and said, ‘Maybe you can get our bed.’ I went back to the shelter with them and, sure enough, that’s how I got in. It was divine timing.”

Tyler’s experience at the Gateway far exceeded his expectations. “I thought that I would be judged and criticized, but it was the opposite,” he says. “I was treated kindly, like a human being. It was overwhelming.

I didn’t understand why these people were treating me so well. I didn’t feel like I deserved it.”

While Tyler stayed in the shelter for 30 days, the Gateway staff encouraged him to apply for the facility’s transitional housing, where he lived for the next two years.

During that time, he took courses, faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2019

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COVER STORY

learning essential life skills, and underwent counselling to improve his mental health.

After one year in transitional housing, Tyler was asked to speak at the Gateway’s annual golf tournament. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” he says. “I didn’t think I spoke very well, but it was good enough that the owner of the golf course offered me a job!”

Saved to Serve By the time Tyler left the Gateway, he was prepared for independence.

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my own, but I felt ready,” he recalls.

“I was equipped, even though I was scared.”

As Tyler made the transition to living in his own apartment, the Gateway staff continued to support him. “I had built good relationships with them,” he says. “I knew when I left that it wasn’t goodbye.”

Tyler ended up saying hello again to the Gateway much sooner than he expected. “After a few months of being out, one of the program advisors encouraged me to apply for a job there,” he says. “So I did and, to my shock and delight, they hired me.”

Order Up! In recognition of his transformation, Tyler received The Salvation Army’s Hero for Hope award at an event in Vancouver last December. Here, he is at the Gateway of Hope with Suzanne Van’t Haaff, the food service manager

That was in November 2012. Tyler worked at the Gateway in various capacities until July 2017, when he stepped away to work on his own business. But when Emmy Skates, executive director, called him last summer to see if he could fill the position of residential services supervisor on a temporary basis, he came back and the job soon became permanent.

“I’ve seen such amazing growth in Tyler over the years,” says Suzanne Van’t Haaff, food service manager, who has known Tyler since he first walked through the Gateway’s

doors. “It’s very meaningful for the staff here to see him find his way and be so successful. He’s an incredible young man.”

“I’ve come full circle,” Tyler smiles. “For me, to come back and be able to serve at the Gateway, where I was served so wholeheartedly, is incredible.

“When I was in addiction, homelessness and helplessness, I couldn’t envision what a healthy, happy future looked like. Now that I’m here, I am so thankful. The Gateway of Hope, The Salvation Army—they saved my life.” faithandfriends.ca I MAY 2019

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Faith&Friends

FEATURE

Keeping God On Side MARK SCHEIFELE MAKES TIME FOR FAITH IN THE HIGH-PRESSURE WORLD OF THE NHL.

I

n the hotheaded world of hockey, the Winnipeg Jets’ Mark Scheifele’s use of G-rated vocabulary stands out. If he gets really upset at a bad or missed call, he might raise his voice— but that’s as bad as it gets.

In fact, it’s so unusual that it was mentioned in a highlight video of Mark shown during his first and long-overdue NHL All-Star appearance in January.

How did he escape incorporating some of the foul language used by players and coaches at the local rink his entire life?

“Growing up, I got used to hearing swear words on the ice,” he says.

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saying—that’s their life—so I got used to tuning it out. Some guys would joke here and there about me not swearing, but I was lucky to have great friends around me who understood ‘that’s the way Scheif is’ and accepted me for it. If I were to say a curse word in front of my mom, she would lose her mind!”

Faith and Fellowship Mark’s mother, father and siblings have all been very supportive throughout his career.

“In minor hockey, I wore the same number I have now—55— because my brother Kyle wore it and I wanted to be like him,” Mark says.

Photos: Courtesy of the Winnipeg Jets

by Jayne Thurber-Smith

Faith and Intensity “God’s on my side,” says Mark Scheifele

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FEATURE

“ No matter what I face, I want to shine my light and glorify God.” MARK SCHEIFELE “We wished we could have played on the same hockey team but couldn’t because he is two years older than I am. As kids, he and I did everything else together: basketball, road hockey, football. He is one of my biggest fans. I wouldn’t be where I am without my family.”

The Scheifeles also knew the importance of making time for faith in their lives.

“We went to church every Sunday unless there was some conflict or other,” Mark says, “and I have kept up that habit ever since. Church is hard to fit in right now with our hockey schedule, but we have a team chaplain through Hockey Ministries International. My teammates and I do chapel with him when we can.

Days we can get together are always good days. Fellowship is a huge part of my life.”

Even Keel Mark’s strong faith in God has helped guide him through his life choices thus far.

“I was committed to Cornell University’s hockey team, but then my rights were traded to the Barrie Colts from the Saginaw Spirit,” he says. “So I decided to go the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) route. I am 24 • MAY 2019 I faithandfriends.ca

very happy with the way things worked out, as God showed me the right way to go.”

Mark was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2011, but making it to the NHL is not a guarantee of staying there.

He was sent back down to the OHL twice in his first two seasons, and was benched with a knee injury for the last two months of his third season.

“It’s tough in the Canadian market—they decide how good you’re going to be at 18,” Paul Maurice, the Jets’ head coach, said to Sportsnet. “But that didn’t faze Mark at all.

Each year he just got a little bit better, a little bit stronger.”

Winnipeg Jets fans were without a NHL team in their city for 15 years, so they were ecstatic to welcome Mark along with the entire team, which relocated from Atlanta in 2011. Mark uses the pressure of playing in a highly followed hockey market to help push him to greater heights, rather than let it get to him.

“As athletes, we are always competitive with ourselves anyway,” he says. “Obviously, you go through ups and downs. I know I will have to deal with adversity, but God has a reason for everything. No matter what I face, I want to shine my light and glorify Him. I take the role

I play in the community here as a Christian very seriously.”

He maintains a healthy devotional life, taking time every morning to study the Bible and how it relates to his life and whatever he is going through.

“Sometimes you go through times when you doubt God,” Mark says. “I would be lying if I said my relationship with Him was always amazing.

But knowing He has a plan for me definitely keeps me close to Him. Days don’t always go as planned, both good and bad things happen, but I remember God’s on my side.

That allows me to keep at an even keel.

“So don’t worry whether it’s a good or bad day. At the end of every day, you can always thank Him for what He has done.”

Star On Ice Mark is a sport ambassador for KidSport Winnipeg, a charity that aims to remove financial barriers to playing organized sports.

In that capacity, he runs an annual camp for boys and girls on behalf of the organization

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Faith&Friends

COMMON GROUND

Photos: Brenda Hornby

Wonderful People Community Living Ontario volunteers Kevin (left) and Mark pose with Brenda Hornby, Salvation Army thrift store manager

Positive Partnerships A Salvation Army thrift store and Community Living come together to break societal barriers.

by June Li

F

inding employment can be difficult, but for those living with a developmental disability, the barriers to entering the labour market can be next to impossible to overcome. Historically, persons with disabilities have been underrepresented in the workforce, and research has shown that they have the highest unemployment rate.

Just People To help break these barriers, The Salvation Army has partnered with

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Community Living Ontario in Pickering, Ajax and Whitby to provide volunteer placement opportunities at The Salvation Army’s thrift store in Whitby. Community Living Ontario is a non-profit organization for people with intellectual disabilities. Through their hard work and dedication, individuals from Community Living are proving to their community that they are valuable members of society.

“We have no idea what these individuals go through,” says Brenda

“ It is wonderful to see the growth in each person and the joy they have in their accomplishments at the thrift store.” BETTY ETELI Hornby, the Salvation Army thrift store manager. “It is a learning curve for us all, but the more we get to know these wonderful people, the more we understand they are just that: people.”

Creating Change The staff and patrons of the Army’s thrift store have observed how compassionate, kind and hardworking these volunteers are.

“Kevin, a Community Living volunteer, is one of the most wonderful people I have ever met,” says Brenda.

“He’s strong, kind, giving and above all loves coming to help here at the store. He is a very hard worker and brings a smile to all our faces when he is here. I am so lucky to have had Kevin come into my life. I am a better person for knowing him.”

“It is wonderful to see the growth in each person and the joy they have in their accomplishments at the thrift store,” says Betty Eteli, a Community Living support worker.

“Opportunities like this help people with barriers to gain employment while also educating the community about the great skills and work ethic they bring to the workplace. These

partnerships also help promote our shared vision that we all belong in one inclusive community.”

“These are people who work hard, laugh, smile, cry and feel just like the rest of us,” continues Brenda.

“I feel so blessed they were brought into my life.”

When opportunities are opened to individuals regardless of their disabilities, positive change is created. The Salvation Army’s partnership does just that.

Men at Work Kevin and Mark bring donations to the thrift store to be sorted and priced

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Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Eating Healthy With Erin 20-MINUTE MUSHROOM STROGANOFF PASTA TIME 20 min MAKES 2 servings SERVE WITH fresh baguette

375 ml (1½ cups) dry bow tie pasta 30 ml (2 tbsp) butter 60 ml (¼ cup) white onion, diced 1 garlic clove, diced 250 ml (1 cup) mushrooms, diced 125 ml (½ cup) low sodium beef broth 7 ml (½ tbsp) smoked paprika 60 ml (¼ cup) full-fat sour cream 60 ml (¼ cup) fresh parsley, diced 15 ml (1 tbsp) Parmesan cheese 5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil

1. In pot, boil water and add dry bow tie pasta.

2. In large frying pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until translucent.

3. Add mushrooms, broth and paprika. Continue to cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and parsley. Stir in Parmesan cheese and allow to sit for 5 minutes.

5. Remove pasta once fully cooked.

Drain and rinse. Toss in olive oil to prevent noodles from sticking.

6. Distribute pasta in 2 bowls and top with stroganoff sauce.

BANANA COCONUT PIE TARTS 250 ml (1 cup) cold coconut milk 175 ml (¾ cup) vanilla instant pudding mix 1 overripe banana (with brown spots) 18 premade pie tart shells 30 ml (2 tbsp) crushed walnuts 60 ml (¼ cup) shredded coconut 1 additional banana, sliced

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1. In blender, add coconut milk, instant pudding mix and overripe banana, and blend for 2 minutes. Place in small bowl and put in fridge.

2. Preheat oven to 190 C (375 F) and cook pie tart shells for 10 minutes on baking sheet, then remove from oven and allow to cool completely (about 30 minutes).

3. Spoon pie filling into shells and allow to set in fridge for an hour.

4. On dry pan over medium heat, toast walnuts lightly.

5. Garnish tarts with shredded coconut, sliced banana and walnuts.

Recipe photos: Erin Stanley/veganvirgin.ca

TIME 1 hr 45 min MAKES 18 tarts SERVE WITH coffee or tea

A Home at the Army

FINDING PEACE P.5

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ON A KNIFE EDGE P.22

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BREAKTHROUGH P.26

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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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 6

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© www.kevinfrank.net

HEAVEN’S LOVE THRIFT SHOP by Kevin Frank

Answers on next page.

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1. In what country did the Panama hat originate?

2. What is Ontario’s official mineral?

3. What is the largest country in Africa?

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Faith&Friends

LITE STUFF

Word Search May the Fourth Be With You J C B G O L O S N A H Z I E M A U O S T O R M T R O O P E R S W I D C D D A B A R T O O D E T O O O L O L N I L A N A G R O A I E L Y K L Y O A O D F D B R E K L A W Y K S E K U L R E E M K C G A T A T O O I N E D I D R T O C H E W B A C C A M N Q C G T A T F A S E E T H R E E P I O I H I A A F L J A B B A T H E H U T T T E N I T A P L A P R O R E P M E Y S F R D A R T H V A D E R V B F P N A I O E R I P M E C I T C A L A G I B G D L K M W K S R A W E N O L C P E H N I I D A G E O R G E L U C A S R T E C N A I L L A L E B E R O D E V E G N I W X O B I W A N K E N O B I R A T S H T A E D C I L B U P E R K A Q A H O T H E F O R C E Y E Z S F ADMIRAL ACKBAR ALDERAAN ARTOO-DETOO AT-AT BESPIN BOBA FETT CHEWBACCA CLONE WARS CLOUD CITY DARTH VADER DEATH STAR DROIDS ENDOR

EMPEROR PALPATINE EWOKS GALACTIC EMPIRE GEORGE LUCAS GRAND MOFF TARKIN HAN SOLO HOTH JABBA THE HUTT LANDO LEIA ORGANA LIGHTSABER

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LUKE SKYWALKER MILLENNIUM FALCON OBI-WAN KENOBI REBEL ALLIANCE REPUBLIC SEE-THREEPIO STORMTROOPERS TATOOINE THE FORCE TIE FIGHTER X-WING YODA

Quick Quiz Answers: 1. Ecuador; 2. amethyst; 3. Algeria.

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Faith&Friends

NIFTY THRIFTY

Fun in the Sun Five thrift store finds for your vacation.

Are you taking a tropical holiday soon or planning a short trip this summer?

The Salvation Army thrift store is a great place to find budget-friendly vacation items that will keep your trip affordable right from the start. Here’s a list of must-haves.

Sunglasses. Thrift stores have shades in all colours, shapes and sizes. Pick a pair that matches the style of the clothing you plan to pack.

Straw Hat. Stylish sun protection is essential. Do you need a small hat you can fit in your bag? Or are you looking for a floppy hat to make a statement on the beach?

Sundress. A staple for a summer getaway. Look for a dress you can wear during the day but can dress up at night—this will save room in your luggage.

sure the wheels, zippers and handles are all in good working order.

Luggage. The length of your trip will determine the bag. If you need an overnight bag, look for one with a sturdy, comfortable shoulder strap. If a suitcase is the better choice, make

Books. Thrift stores have amazing collections of affordable used books.

Mystery, romance, history—whatever you fancy, you’ll find your next beach read at The Salvation Army.

(left) Tijana Popovic is the frugalista behind A Plentiful Life, a lifestyle blog that shows readers how to live their best life on a budget.

She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores. Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.

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