Editorial
I
“Don’t Call Me Sir!”
first met Brian McCardle in a River Street pub in Moose Jaw, Sask. He was sitting alone at his usual table. I was in my Army uniform, armed with The War Cry. “Good evening, Sir,” I began. Before I could continue, Brian growled back, “Don’t call me Sir!” This marked the beginning of a two-year relationship with a bittersweet ending. Brian was an alcoholic. In his early 50s, estranged from his family and unable to hold down a job, Brian drifted from day to day in a boozy haze. More than 12 months passed with most of our encounters simply acknowledging another week had gone by. But that all changed when Brian invited me to sit down and listen to his story. It was a tale of failed dreams. Left in the wake of Brian’s misadventures were loved ones who could no longer cope with his self-destructive behaviour. I was surprised to discover that Brian’s elderly mother was a godly woman and a soldier of the Moose Jaw Corps. Mrs. McCardle had never mentioned her longlost son. Just before noon the next day, I returned to River Street searching for the one-room apartment where Brian lived when he wasn’t sitting in the bar. With only a few words of encouragement, Brian knelt at the bedside in his shabby little room and prayed the sinner’s prayer. Soon after, Brian’s life took on a new direction. He
travelled to Regina and entered the Army’s addictions and rehabilitation program. He reconciled with his mother who shed joyful tears. He started attending Sunday night meetings. At first opportunity, he stood to his feet and told everyone how he had been gloriously saved. I claim no expertise in the field of addictions, but I am thankful for the Army’s wonderful legacy in battling this social ill. In this month’s issue of Salvationist, we interview Major Thomas Tuppenney, a leading authority in addiction rehabilitation who was recently elected as the president of the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (see page 17). One thing I do know from observation is that many addicts possess a limited sense of self-worth. I also know that the Higher Power that is spoken about in 12-step addictions programs is embodied in Jesus Christ who can set the captive free and restore a person’s dignity. Also in this issue, Colonel Floyd Tidd, chief secretary, launches The Dignity Project for the territory with a letter to all Salvationists (see page 8). While not a new concept for the Army, the reminder is timely: human dignity is integral to the gospel message. In many respects, Brian’s story is reflected in the lives of countless others who suffer from addictions to alcohol and other drugs. As Salvationists, we have a great opportunity to point the way from darkness into light. A few months following Brian’s conversion, a visit to the hospital revealed inoperable lung cancer. Two years had passed since our first meeting on River Street. As a handful of Brian’s family and friends gathered for his funeral, I recounted our initial exchange and the basis for our celebration. “Don’t call me Sir” had been replaced with freedom, hope and dignity in Christ. Major Jim Champ Editor-in-Chief
Salvationist
is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Shaw Clifton General Commissioner William W. Francis Territorial Commander Major Jim Champ Editor-in-Chief Geoff Moulton Assistant Editor-in-Chief John McAlister Senior Editor (416-467-3185) Major Max Sturge Associate Editor (416-422-6116) Timothy Cheng Art Director Pamela Richardson Production and Distribution Co-ordinator, Copy Editor Julia Hosking, Ken Ramstead, Captain Debbie Sinclair Contributors Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769. Member, The Canadian Church Press. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, Today’s New International Version (TNIV) © 2001, 2005 International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide. All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only with written permission.
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4 I March 2011 I Salvationist