Salvationist - August 2015

Fighting a Losing Battle: Does Religion Breed Violence?

From Meth Addict to Booth Grad

Heralds of Grace Begin Ministry

Salvationist The Voice of the Army

August 2015

A Place at the Table

Swift Current supper creates an inclusive community

WORDS OF LIFE SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE! Take time with the Father daily as you meditate upon his Word.

Ask Jesus to interpret his Word and speak to your heart.

Open yourself to the Spirit as he brings inspiration.

Throughout 2015 we are celebrating 150 years of wonderful ministry in The Salvation Army. In Words of Life we have centred our thoughts on the theme of the Trinity, and this final edition of the year focuses on the Holy Spirit.

After a short opening series on heaven, we look into the Old Testament— exploring the books of Isaiah, Daniel, Amos, Micah, Zephaniah and Haggai.

Our New Testament readings are from Galatians, Colossians, Titus, Philemon and 1 and 2 Peter. Thoughts for the Christmas season come from guest writer Major Christina Tyson in New Zealand.

May the Holy Spirit both inspire and illuminate us all as we read God’s Word together.

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Words of Life is available at store.salvationarmy.ca, 416-422-6110, orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org.

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WorkShopS 2 • August 2015 • Salvationist

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INCLude: Beginning-Advanced Writing n Editing Book Publishing n Graphic Design n Digital Media

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August 2015 Volume 10, Number 8 www.salvationist.ca E-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org

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1

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2 Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

3 Departments 4 Editorial

A Different Drum

by Geoff Moulton

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5 Around the Territory 8 Onward

24 Cross Culture4 25 Celebrate Community

14

Enrolments and Recognition, Tributes, Gazette, Calendar Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX

28 Talking Points A Losing Battle

by Major Juan Burry

PRODUCT LABELING GUIDE FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL Boundless Compassion Ties That Bind

by Commissioner Susan Summer Escape?

McMillan

by Major Kathie Chiu

29

18 Leading Edge

Colour Your World

by Major Mona Moore

22 Point Counterpoint Just Cause

by Colonel Bob Ward and Major Amy Reardon

30 Salvation Stories Christ in Context

by Cadet Kaitlin Adlam

Cover photo: Kristin Ostensen

Features 9 Returning Home

What would it take to bring Roma Whittle back to God?

by Diane Stark

10 Supper for Seventy

Monday night meals in Swift Current, Sask., create an unlikely community by Kristin Ostensen

29

12 Expecting Miracles

What the early Christians can teach us about healing

by Aimee Patterson

14 Heralds of Grace

Sixteen officers ordained and commissioned in Toronto

by Pamela Richardson and Brianne Zelinsky

19 Survey Says

Salvationist readers speak their minds on the good, the bad and the holy

20 From Addict to Graduate

After years lost to crystal meth addiction, Ben Capili found new purpose at Booth University College by Kristin Ostensen

Inside Faith & Friends Wrestling for His Life WWE superstar Shawn Michaels had it all, but he longed for something more Horns of Plenty An Army band brings joy to an Ottawa retirement home Where Love is Always in Fashion Salvation Army thrift stores help thousands create heartwarming memories

Wheeled Miracle How could the chaplain find a wheelchair on short notice?

Share Your Faith When you finish reading Faith & Friends, FAITH & frıends pull it out and give it to someone who needs to Wrestling hear about for His Life Christ’s lifechanging  power August 2015

faithandfriends.ca

Inspiration for Living

How WWE Superstar Shawn Michaels Found Hope Outside the Ring

+

Does God Answer Prayer?

See Page 5 to Find Out

SALVATION ARMY THRIFT STORES: Making Lives Brighter The Power of a Secret

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@Salvationist Follow us on Twitter for breaking news, photos and updates from around the Army world. Share your own updates and photos using the hashtag #SalvationArmy Sign up for our new Salvationist This Week e-mail newsletter through salvationist.ca or our Facebook page Salvationist • August 2015 • 3

EDITORIAL

A

A Different Drum

uthor M. Scott Peck, in his book The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace, tells a parable about a monastery that fell on hard times due to growing secularism and declining membership. One day the abbot of the monastery visited a rabbi who lived in the nearby woods to ask for advice.

They ate a meal together and talked of deep things, but the rabbi could only empathize: “I am sorry I have no advice to give you. The spirit has gone out of the people. The only thing I can tell you is that the Messiah is one of you.”

When the abbot returned to the monastery, he relayed the message to his fellow monks and, in the days and weeks that followed, they pondered the rabbi’s words: The Messiah is one of us? Maybe he meant the abbot. He has been our leader for almost a generation. Or maybe it’s Brother Thomas. Everyone knows he is a man of light. Brother Eldred is grumpy at times, but when you get down to it, he is a wise counsellor. It couldn’t be Brother Phillip.

He is so passive. A real nobody. But then again, he has a mysterious gift for always being there when you need him....

As they contemplated in this way, the old monks began to treat each other with extraordinary respect on the off chance that one among them may be the Messiah.

Eventually, visitors to the monastery and the surrounding forest began to sense a new awe and kindness radiating from the monks. As a result, they returned more frequently, bringing their friends to this special place to picnic, play and pray. Within a few years, a fresh wave of young men joined the monastery and it once again became a thriving order, thanks to the rabbi’s gift.

Living in close quarters had pitted the monks against one another—they gossiped, fought and got on each others’ nerves. But the rabbi taught them to treat each other with respect and value their unique gifts. He did it by urging them to see Christ in each other.

This story reminded me of the 52 sculptures of “homeless Jesus” donated to The Salvation Army by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, which will appear in ministry units around the territory (page 5). I now 4 • August 2015 • Salvationist

walk by one every day at the entrance of territorial headquarters. Christ is present to us in many different forms, especially in the impoverished.

Like the monastery, our Salvation Army mission statement calls us to be a “transforming influence” in our communities. Never is that more apparent than in our cover story where, in Swift Current, Sask., a supper program is bringing people together in unique fellowship (page 10). Or in the profile of Ben Capili, who went from a life of drugs and crime to a caring community at Booth University College (page 20).

As an Army, we march to a “different drum.” We must continue to take risks, reach out to our neighbours and break with the attitudes that hold us back from everything God wants for us.

Like the monks, we must remember that true transformation starts from within.

GEOFF MOULTON Editor-in-Chief

Thanks to readers who completed the Salvationist reader survey. Check out the results on page 19 and watch for design changes in the fall. Salvationist is your magazine. Thanks for helping us improve it.

Salvationist

is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory André Cox General Commissioner Susan McMillan Territorial Commander Lt-Colonel Jim Champ Secretary for Communications Geoff Moulton Editor-in-Chief Giselle Randall Features Editor (416-467-3185) Pamela Richardson News Editor, Production Co-ordinator, Copy Editor (416-422-6112) Kristin Ostensen Associate Editor and Staff Writer Timothy Cheng Senior Graphic Designer Brandon Laird Design and Media Specialist Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator Ken Ramstead, Brianne Zelinsky 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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Mission

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Salvationist informs readers about the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. salvationist.ca salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org facebook.com/salvationistmagazine twitter.com/salvationist

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Salvationists Discuss Ministry Plans at Aboriginal Roundtable

Indigenous Salvationists gather for a roundtable. Front, from left, Cdt Kaitlin Adlam; Damian Azak; Colonel Mark Tillsley; Mjr Shari Russell; Alex Stoney. Middle, from left, Laverna Lafontaine-Sass; Patricia Gedison; Shelly Mecredi; Ralph Tyrer; Wendy Tyrer; Sylvia Thorburn; Lt Crystal Porter, CO, Labrador City/Wabush, N.L. Back, from left, Mjr Toni Cartmell, DDWM, Alta. & N.T. Div; Mjr Ron Cartmell, DC, Alta. & N.T. Div; Cpt Ray Saunders, CO, Bayview, N.L.; Taylor Poar; Charles Russell; Abby Nash; Lt-Col Junior Hynes, territorial secretary for program services; Mjr Wendy Waters, territorial adult ministries secretary; Mjr Fred Waters, territorial corps ministries secretary

A GROUP OF Salvationists gathered for a roundtable discussion at The Salvation Army’s Pine Lake Camp, Alta., in May to recognize current or potential Indigenous leaders from the territory. The group of primarily Indigenous persons presented some of the challenges their communities face today and an action plan for meeting their needs.

The meeting, organized by Major Shari Russell, territorial Aboriginal ministries consultant, was the territory’s first Aboriginal ministry discussion where representatives were Indigenous themselves. “As Aboriginal people, we believe in consensus leadership. Our focus was, and will continue to be, on the collective voice of Indigenous people,” says Major Russell.

The weekend was also attended by Colonel Mark Tillsley, chief secretary, and other non-Indigenous leaders. “We opened with a sharing circle so that we’re all seen as equal,” says Major Russell. “In sharing our stories, we dispel ignorance, and that is a catalyst for change.”

Among the many concerns raised at the roundtable, one recurring point of discussion was a lack of education regarding Canadian-Indigenous history. “Many people don’t know our history, and aren’t aware of how its effects live on in society and the church,” says Major Russell. “We need to recognize the issue of a lost iden-

Mjr Shari Russell and Cdt Kaitlin Adlam

tity due to colonization, because there’s a real richness to our heritage and culture that I think is missing.”

The group hopes for increased educational measures among Salvation Army leaders, both in training and in the field.

“The Indigenous experience is different across Canada so we have to approach and address each region differently,” says Major Russell.

In addition to plans for educating the church, the roundtable discussed establishing youth culture camps and raised concerns regarding public outreach programs. “Right now, The Salvation Army has a strong social service focus for Indigenous people,” says Major Russell.

“We want to help people heal holistically by navigating these services in a healthy, empowering way.”

Artist Donates “Homeless Jesus” Statues to Territory FIFTY-TWO LIFE-SIZE STATUES of Jesus have been donated to the Canada and Bermuda Territory by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, and were unveiled at territorial headquarters in May. The bronze statues, titled Whatsoever You Do after Matthew 25:40, will be distributed to ministry units across the territory.

“Jesus tells us to open our eyes, because what you do for the lonely, the forgotten and the hungry, you do for him,” says Lt-Colonel Ann Braund, territorial secretary for spiritual life development. “We tend to draw a circle around ourselves and fill it with people with whom we’re comfortable, because when you open doors in your life, messy comes in. Welcoming the stranger can be enriching for us and a blessing for others.”

Those walking into territorial headquarters may be startled by the figure of a homeless person sitting cross-legged in the foyer. It is only by the outstretched, nail-pierced hand that viewers will identify the statue as Jesus. “The size of it alerts us and can have a disturbing presence,” says Lt-Colonel Braund. “We follow a spiritual leader who was homeless, but this is not always the image we gravitate toward.

“Art allows us to find expression for the inner workings of our soul,” concludes Lt-Colonel Braund. “It allows for deep, spiritual thoughts to be shared and discussed.”

The statue, Whatsoever You Do, sits at the THQ entrance as a reminder of The Salvation Army’s mission Salvationist • August 2015 • 5

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Booth UC Opens Petersen Hall WINNIPEG’S BOOTH UNIVERSITY College held the official opening and dedication of Petersen Hall at the end of April.

This hall will be the home of Booth’s School for Continuing Studies and the business administration program. Construction of this facility was made possible by the generous support of The Salvation Army, Allen and Janet Petersen, and the late Jaring Timmerman.

“When Petersen Hall was just a dream and no funding was available to proceed, Jaring’s gift of $25,000 was the seed funding we needed to begin the planning of this project. His subsequent gifts totaled an additional $75,000,” says Dr. Donald Burke, president of Booth. “When Al Petersen approached me a year ago about the possibility of a donation to the construction of this new space, I did not imagine that it would be a game-changing $1-million gift, the single largest gift that our institution has received. I extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to these great champions and supporters of Booth.”

Members of both the Timmerman and Petersen families, including Allen and Janet, attended the official opening.

Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander and Booth’s chancellor, dedicated the space.

“We have named this facility Petersen Hall in honour of its benefactors who are here with us today, but also we honour a legacy of Christian influence and Salvationism of the Petersen

family, especially in Allen’s parents, Bob and Helen, whom many of us have known,” said Commissioner McMillan. “We dedicate this facility for worship, for the study and teaching of the Bible and for the imparting of knowledge that is useful and helpful to our society.”

In addition to office space, Petersen Hall provides three classrooms outfitted with state-of-the-art technology which will be used to extend the reach of Booth University College far beyond its campus in Winnipeg. Following the official opening ceremony, guests were taken on guided tours of the new facility and provided demonstrations of the new technology.

Special guests and dignitaries join together for a ribbon cutting to mark the official opening of Petersen Hall

Volunteers Give London Village A Face-Lift

Staff Band Marks 46 Years

THE SALVATION ARMY’S London says Major Debra Beaupre, executive dirVillage, Ont., collaborated with comector, London Village. “I was impressed munity-run initiatives earlier this year to and touched by the kindness and compaint cottages that host day programs for mitment of the volunteers.” adults with developmental disabilities.

Major Beaupre says this work has Among these volunteers was the created a more welcoming environment London South Rotary Club who organized for program residents. “The cottage a team of 20 painters under the leadership had holes in the wall and we could not of Patti Lake. “We were looking for worthy have used it the way it was,” says Major causes to volunteer with, and we love to Beaupre. “Now it feels comfortable, not do ones that are split equity,” says Lake. like an institution. It’s a home that is user “As well as donating resources, we wanted friendly for our participants.” to do the labour.”

After receiving a generous donation of supplies and labour from Dulux Paints’ Colourful Communities initiative, the group began the painting process.

“It was humbling to see a variety of people from so many walks of life Volunteers join Mjr Debra Beaupre (centre), Mjr Glenda Davis, AC, Ont. GL grabbing a brush,” Div, and Patti Lake in celebrating the improved facilities at London Village

THE CANADIAN STAFF Band (CSB) celebrated 46 years of ministry in May with an evening at Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel, with special guests Mark Barter, piano soloist from St. John’s Temple, N.L., and the Household Troops Band from the United Kingdom.

“It was evident from the first notes the staff band played as the Troops Band entered, resplendent in their trademark helmets, that the enthusiastic crowd was in for a real musical feast,” says Craig Lewis, CSB member.

There were moments of excitement as the Troops Band performed a selection of new music including a new major work, Music of a Legacy. Barter provided a moment of repose with It Is Well With My Soul, and joined the CSB for Ray Steadman-Allen’s Fantasia for Piano and Band on Christ is the Answer.

To complete the night, the massed bands presented a world premiere of former Canadian Staff Bandmaster Colonel Robert Redhead’s composition, O Church Arise!

6 • August 2015 • Salvationist

AROUND THE TERRITORY

Partnering to Prevent Suicide

Kailey performs at CV Idol

Community Venture Hosts Singing Competition WINNIPEG’S 17TH WING Theatre was filled with applause as members of The Salvation Army’s Community Venture program took part in the annual CV Idol event in May. Fifty-two members participated in the singing competition, a highlight of the year for many involved with Community Venture, which supports adults living with disabilities through day programs, outreach and residential settings.

When asked how CV Idol got started, Kim Park, executive director, explains, “Our members love to perform! In 2009, we started using the 17th Wing Theatre because we wanted the performers to have the opportunity to showcase their talents on a real stage. Over the years, it has grown, with more and more people requesting to audition, even from outside of Winnipeg.”

Just like the American Idol TV show, the contestants perform before of a panel of “celebrity” judges, made up of Community Venture staff.

Kailey, the second-place winner in the “A” Division, wowed the audience and the judges with her performance. She says she chose Katy Perry’s Birthday because “I like it, it’s me. It’s about being colourful and excited and it’s popular.”

To what does she attribute her success? “You try your best, you work hard and have a good time.”

THE SALVATION ARMY in Ottawa is working with local shelters to provide front-line workers with suicide intervention training to better serve their clients.

The Assist Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training program, developed by Living Works, was offered over two days in May at Ottawa Citadel. Thirty front-line workers and case managers from The Salvation Army, Shepherds of Good Hope, Ottawa Mission and Cornerstone participated in the training with members from the shelters leading the workshops. Mark Evans, emergency disaster services co-ordinator, was one of the four trainers.

“Living Works put together a really good curriculum for this program,” says Evans. “It’s great to see staff from different shelters in the city learning together as many of them assist the same clients.”

The training sessions are being offered four times a year in the hopes that every front-line worker will have the opportunity to take part and be better prepared to provide support to those in distress.

“The training session is absolutely going to help me,” says Leslie Dugas, a case worker with Shepherds of Good Hope. “The workshop not only helps us assess a situation but provides us with tools to help us know exactly what to do.”

Mark Evans leads a training session on suicide prevention

Jazz Night Supports Quebec Shelter

Elizabeth Shepherd performs at the Army’s jazz night in Montreal

L’ABRI D’ESPOIR, THE Salvation Army’s shelter for women in Montreal, hosted a benefit evening in May, featuring Lorraine Desmarais, pianist, composer and Felix Award-winning artist, and Elizabeth Shepherd, jazz vocalist and four-time Juno-Award nominee.

The event took place at the Lion d’Or, a unique, intimate venue that allowed the artists to connect with the audience.

“I was enchanted, not only by their performances but also by their commitment to the cause of The Salvation

Army,” says Esteban Bongiovanni, divisional secretary for public relations and development, Quebec Division.

The evening also featured a surprise duet involving Desmarais and Jennifer Bell, the event’s master of ceremonies, who performed the jazz standard Summertime.

The event raised funds, as well as awareness, for l’Abri d’Espoir, which provides a safe and supportive environment for hundreds of women and their children every year.

Salvationist • August 2015 • 7

ONWARD

Boundless Compassion Do we care enough?

BY COMMISSIONER SUSAN McMILLAN

The Saviour of men came to seek and to save The souls who were lost to the good; His Spirit was moved for the world which he loved With the boundless compassion of God. And still there are fields where the labourers are few, And still there are souls without bread, And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep, And still straying sheep to be led.

Chorus Except I am moved with compassion, How dwelleth thy Spirit in me?

In word and in deed Burning love is my need; I know I can find this in thee.

Photo: Scott Streble

Albert Orsborn (1886-1967)

I

n the pages of this issue you will find many stories of the work that Salvationists, employees and volunteers are carrying out across the territory. These are inspiring stories of compassion and God’s power to transform lives.

General Albert Orsborn, The Salvation Army’s “poet general,” wrote many of the songs in our song book, including The Saviour of Men Came to Seek and to Save (see sidebar). This song was first published in 1922, when Orsborn was the divisional commander for South London, England. In an area where thousands of Londoners lived, the churches were empty. Orsborn asked, “What are we doing to reach and save them? Do we care enough?”

As I read this story in the companion to the Army song book, those last four words leapt off the page. Do we care enough? The articles in this issue remind me that we have compassionate people all across the territory that care deeply for the people around them.

Where they see physical, emotional and spiritual need, they step in to make a difference. They are moved by the Holy 8 • August 2015 • Salvationist

Spirit to reach out in compassion and provide caring service. Whether it’s a corps officer reaching into her community to meet needs, the director of one of our long-term care residences caring for seniors and their families during their final years, or a front-line worker in one of our homeless shelters, they are showing the same compassion that Christ showed. Christ reached out to meet needs wherever he went, as the following Scripture passage confirms: “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36).

This must be the motivation behind everything we do—a sense of Christ’s compassion for others. When we lose sight of this, we lose our way; we lose the soul of our ministry. We become just another aid agency, or an inwardfocused church. We must remember that we exist to reach out in love to people

who are lonely, lost, poor, disadvantaged and dispossessed, and share the transforming gospel with them.

In an article published in 1928, Commissioner Samuel Hurren, the British commissioner of the day, wrote: “Our Lord’s greatest force was divine love. His heart was large enough to take in the whole world. His arms were wide. He had room for every one … His requirement was simple and plain, ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength and thy neighbour as thyself.’ ” The challenge we must always keep before us is this: Is our heart large enough? Do we, as Salvationists, employees or volunteers who come alongside The Salvation Army, comprehend the depth of compassion of the one who calls us to this work? Do we fully realize the potential of our mission to change the world by showing Christ’s love in everything we do?

Commissioner Susan McMillan is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Follow Commissioner McMillan at facebook. com/susanmcmillantc and twitter.com/ salvationarmytc.

Returning Home

What would it take to bring Roma Whittle back to God?

I

BY DIANE STARK

f I can’t minister to these people, then what am I doing here?” Roma Whittle asked herself.

She was attending The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training (CFOT) when she happened to meet a family who had just lost their father.

“I couldn’t pray with them,” she remembers now. “I just sat there and cried. And I realized that if I couldn’t help anyone, I didn’t belong there.”

So Whittle packed her things and left the training college. And that day, Whittle walked away from her faith, too.

Gone Girl Whittle was raised in Lewin’s Cove, N.L. When she was a teen, she was invited to attend the youth group at a Salvation Army church, and she was enrolled as a senior soldier at the age of 16.

“I wanted the commitment,” she says. “I felt God calling me to full-time ministry, so I became a member of the candidates’ fellowship and began the process to enter CFOT.” But then everything changed. “When I was in Grade 12, we received devastating news,” she explains. “My father had surgery, suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with cancer. Over the next year, his health deteriorated until the doctors told us that there was nothing else they could do for him.”

Whittle prayed, but saw no change in her father’s condition. “I kept asking God to heal him, but nothing happened,” she recalls. “It felt as if God wasn’t listening to my prayers. I began to wonder why I was bothering to pray to a God who clearly didn’t care about me.”

Whittle’s father passed in May 1993.

He was just 52 years old.

“I was bitter and angry with God,” she says. Despite that, she relocated to attend CFOT that fall. “I was doing what I was supposed to do, but my heart was no longer in it,” she says.

And then Whittle found herself with the family who had lost their father. “I

“It was not where I wanted to be.”

After a few months, Dwayne answered an altar call and went forward to accept Christ. “He wanted me to go with him, but I just couldn’t,” Whittle says.

“Those years of living without God were like walking through a dark tunnel,” Whittle says now. “I’m so happy to be walking with him again”

hadn’t dealt with my own father’s death, so it was impossible to help anyone else through their grief,” she says.

“I took my uniform off and hung it in my closet. I became the god of my own life. I did what I pleased and didn’t worry about what God thought.”

Unanswered Call For the next 20 years, Whittle lived her life away from the Lord. In April 2001, she met Dwayne Whittle. “He was raised Catholic, and that was fine with me.”

The couple married in January 2002.

After they started their family, they knew they needed to find a church to attend.

“Dwayne wanted a closer relationship with God,” Whittle says. “I supported him, but didn’t want that for myself.”

After trying out various churches, friends invited them to attend the corps in Conception Bay South, N.L. Whittle was hesitant, but her family wanted to go.

“That first Sunday, my children walked right to the front of the church and sat in the very first pew,” she says.

Walking With God In September, Major Barbara Pritchett, corps officer at Conception Bay South, visited the Whittles. “She asked me how things were since Dwayne had accepted Christ,” Whittle says. “I told her I supported his decision. That’s when Major Barb said something I’ll never forget.

She looked me right in the eye and said, ‘Dwayne needs more than your support. He needs a partner who will walk through it with him.’ ” Major Pritchett’s words worked in Whittle’s heart. On Thanksgiving Sunday, Whittle knew the time was right.

She went forward and rededicated her life to God, and in November 2014, was reinstated as a soldier in the Army.

Whittle now devotes much of her time to service in her corps, and was recently commissioned as the corps secretary.

“Those years of living without God in my life were like walking through a dark tunnel,” Whittle says now. “I realized that God hadn’t move away from me; I moved away from him. But I’m so happy to be walking with him again.”

Roma with husband Dwayne and their children Salvationist • August 2015 • 9

Supper for Seventy

Monday night meals in Swift Current, Sask., create an unlikely community

D

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN, STAFF WRITER

Volunteers Cindy Speir and Ingrid Henneberg prepare a fruit platter for dessert

Full Community Swift Current’s Monday night supper program has been running for two years, growing out of the corps’ past experience with community Christmas dinners and Alpha programs.

“We were looking for an opportunity to build full community,” explains Captain Ramsay. “We didn’t want to have just a church dinner with corps people. But we also didn’t want to have just a soup kitchen, where you’ve got people from the corps serving commun-

ity people food and there’s no interaction between the two groups.”

About half of those who come to the dinner are from the corps, while the rest come from the community. Some hear about the program through word of mouth, but many find out about it through other Salvation Army programming.

“If I know someone who would benefit from the dinner, I invite them to it,” says Thorburn, who works at the corps as a transition support worker, assisting cli-

10 • August 2015 • Salvationist

Photos: Kristin Ostensen

inner starts at 5:30 p.m., but around 3 p.m. people begin to arrive at The Salvation Army Community Church in Swift Current, Sask., waving hello to friends before grabbing a cup of coffee and finding a place on the couch in the lounge.

Volunteers have been in the kitchen since morning—chopping vegetables, making sauces, prepping chicken. A second crew arrives mid-afternoon to clean the kitchen and set up tables and chairs.

Making dinner for 70 people every Monday night, on a shoestring budget of just $100 a meal, is no easy task. But it’s one that Sylvia Thorburn and her team of volunteers handle with grace, bringing together a group that’s as lively as it is diverse.

“We’ve got all kinds of people from the community, across age ranges, ethnicity, income brackets,” says Captain Michael Ramsay, who developed the program with Thorburn while he was serving as the corps officer in Swift Current. “Sometimes you have people sitting across the table, who have been living in the same community for 50 years, and that’s the first time they’ve actually carried on a conversation.”

“They want to be a part of something,” adds Thorburn. “For a lot of people who come, this community event is a family unit, a place that’s safe and comforting. That’s what this ministry is all about.”

ents with everything from court appearances to housing. “I sit down with them and they’re my guests for the evening.”

Calvin Stricker, a long-time resident of the area, has been coming to the supper since it began.

“The food is awesome,” he says. “But more than that, it gets me out of the house. When you’re not working—right now I’m not—you kind of look for every avenue you can to get out.”

For Stricker, who does casual work such as mowing lawns and washing

dishes, just getting by in Swift Current can be difficult. As well as coming for the weekly dinner, he shops at the Army’s thrift store and receives a hamper at Christmastime. Stricker is grateful for the meal, but comes mainly for the company.

“I know most of the people here and it makes me feel good,” he says. “If you have a bad day, you can talk to somebody.”

Teamwork A member of the Swift Current corps since 1967, Ora Janzen is a regular at the dinner. “I have only missed one meal since it started,” she says with a smile.

As with many other older attendees, Janzen usually brings her two grandchildren to the program.

“I live alone so it’s nice to come out and visit with everyone,” she says. “You see different people—different than the ones who come to church. Every night, there’s someone new.”

When the dinner wraps up around 6:30 p.m., Janzen is not one to leave right away.

“I always stay and help clean up afterward, taking the tables down and folding the tablecloths,” she says. “A few of us ladies have a good talk after the supper, while we help.”

Putting on a dinner of this scale would not be possible without dedicated volunteers. “It takes a lot of teamwork,” says Thorburn, who has 14 volunteers on her roster. As well as the Monday volunteers, Thorburn has a cooking group that meets every second Wednesday to make food, such as bread and casseroles, which are easily frozen, for Monday nights.

Many of these volunteers have no prior connection to the corps. “There are a lot of women who have time and want to do volunteer work in a specific place like The Salvation Army,” Thorburn says.

“We also have people who really like to cook and just want to be in the kitchen.”

The Monday kitchen team is led by Wendell Cunningham, a journeyman chef with 20 years of experience. He volunteers with the Army in addition to his full-time job at a local long-term care facility.

“He came to The Salvation Army at the summer flea market where we have a booth, offering to do volunteer work,” Thorburn says. “He’s taught us so much.”

“We all do it as a team,” Cunningham says modestly, “but I’m the one they’ll come to with questions.” Cunningham

“I know most of the people here and it makes me feel good,” says Calvin Stricker

also helps Thorburn develop meal plans, a particularly important task as they try to keep the cost of the meal to less than $2 per person.

Cunningham’s leadership is much appreciated by volunteers such as Cindy Speir, who has also been with the program since the beginning. “And I’m enjoying every fine minute of it,” she says enthusiastically.

Speir works full-time as a dishwasher at a local restaurant, but she’s happy to spend her free time in another kitchen at the corps. “I like being around people,” she says. “I’m more of a people person than a stay-at-home person. We always have a good time when we come here.”

On Mondays, Speir helps with food prep and she supervises the clean up at the end of the night. “It makes me feel good to help,” she says. “I feel like the more I help people, the more satisfaction I get for myself.”

Along with her regular volunteers, Thorburn has been approached by a number of local restaurants and other organizations that want to sponsor the Monday night dinners.

“I’m amazed at how many people want to come and help volunteer. It’s just—wow,” she says. “Where do we put all these people? That’s why we have to create other programs, like the Wednesday group. You don’t want to turn people away because, for a lot of people, this is their place, this is therapy for them.”

Building the Kingdom It’s a long walk for Travis Mortensen from his house to the corps—about 30 blocks—but for the Monday night

“I’ve met a lot of good friends here,” says Travis Mortensen

Jacob Harkin enjoys a slice of cantaloupe

dinner, it’s worth it.

“Right now I’m on a fixed income and, on days like today when I don’t have much food at home, it really helps out because, not only do I get to socialize with everybody, but I also get to eat,” he says. Mortensen, who does seasonal farm work, was invited to the program

by Stricker, and has been coming to the program for several months.

“I’ve met a lot of good friends here,” he says. “I’ve been called antisocial, but when I come in here, they can’t really call me that.

“Some days, I don’t really get to see anybody. But I come here on Mondays for the supper and everybody’s here and we all sit back, drink coffee and talk about our days,” he continues. “Everyone is friends here.”

“This supper provides an environment where people are able to break free of social constraints and build relationships,” concludes Captain Ramsay.

“When you tear down the barriers, then you can build the kingdom of God.” Salvationist • August 2015 • 11

Expecting Miracles What the early Christians can teach us about healing

M

BY AIMEE PATTERSON

odern medicine offers many good gifts. Doctors routinely perform lifesaving operations. Blood can be transfused, organs can be donated for transplantation and vaccines can prevent outbreaks of deadly diseases such as smallpox and measles. It is said that with enough time, money and expertise, medical research will help us conquer multiple sclerosis, dementia and cancer.

I have benefitted from advances in medical research. A cancer diagnosis put me on a difficult path of treatment—surgery, radiation therapy and a regimen of three chemotherapy drugs— that took well over a year. But it gave me a second chance to continue my vocational work at The Salvation Army Ethics Centre; a second chance to love the ones who are closest to me—my husband, my two children, my parents and my parents-in-law. Medicine has given me a good gift.

This experience made me ponder how people are affected by medicine in ways other than the physical. The extraordinary advances made in medicine have played a large part in nurturing the conviction that we can overcome any setbacks. We have even come to expect miracles.

Praying for a miracle is not wrong.

But, in my view, medicine can call us toward the wrong kind of miracle. It is a myth that medicine can cure all ills and eliminate all afflictions. And the more that medicine promises, the less it seems we are able to tolerate the idea of suffering. Who could blame someone with early-onset ALS or Alzheimer’s for being deathly afraid of the twisting and cramping of their muscles and their memories? Not me.

Even so, I don’t think we need cure.

I think we need healing.

One thing I have learned from palliative experts, both in the field and between the pages, is that there is a difference between curing and healing.

Health is related to the word “wholeness” or the state of being well. Healing is a renewal of health or wholeness. This doesn’t mean medicine has no place in health and healing. But medical treatment is only part of what is required.

Healing does not always mean the elimination of suffering. Sometimes healing is about making suffering endurable.

that a fire originated in the marrow ferments into wounds of the fauces; that the intestines are shaken with a continual vomiting; that the eyes are on fire with the injected blood; that in some cases the feet or some parts of the limbs are taken off by the contagion of diseased putrefaction; that from the weakness arising by the maiming and loss of the body, either the gait is enfeebled, or the hearing is obstructed, or the sight darkened….”

Stark’s description of the fallout of the two plagues is equally distressing.

The best Greco-Roman medical science of the day failed in its efforts to prevent contagion or provide a remedy. People stopped visiting one another. When they came across sick friends and neighbours, they went the other way. When family members showed signs of illness, they were tossed out of their households to die in the streets.

Communities and cities collapsed. Those who remained alive found their society had been upended.

Except for the Christians.

These early Christians were bound by an ethic of love and self-giving. They understood that the love Jesus showed them was the love they were responsible to show others, even in the worst of times. They stuck together, risking and often losing their lives by caring for the ill among them.

These Christians didn’t offer the medical practices of the Roman physicians which, while sophisticated, had proven ineffectual. But it wasn’t long before they found that basic, attentive nursing care—practices as simple as providing food, water, a place to rest and human presence—helped a number of Christians recover.

Healing is more than relief from physical pain and discomfort.

It is the transformation of the whole person

12 • August 2015 • Salvationist

The Witness of the Early Christians In order to understand this concept of healing more fully, perhaps we can take a lesson from the early Christians. In his book The Rise of Christianity, sociologist Rodney Stark chronicles how two epidemics—perhaps smallpox or measles—that swept through the Roman Empire caused the church to grow.

The first of the plagues, the Antonine Plague, surfaced in 165 CE. It is estimated to have wiped out approximately one third of the population. The plague of Cyprian, occurring nearly a century later, yielded similar mortality rates.

The words of Bishop Cyprian in his tract “On Mortality” describe the horrendous symptoms of this disease: “That the bowels, relaxed into a constant flux, discharge the bodily strength;

Photo: © iStock.com/aydinmutlu

had the courage to do so because their faith story was not ultimately threatened by the present reality of pain, suffering and death. They were witnesses of a different truth. Jesus had taken on the suffering of others and died alongside them. Although his suffering did not put an immediate end to human suffering, his Resurrection offered the promise of a transformed life: a life with no more pain, no more tears, no more death, no more mourning. Christians had been given an opportunity to help make others whole, healing those who suffered and died. These Christians, the converted pagans might have thought, had the power to transform suffering into a gift of God. This was a miracle!

Not all of them were spared from death. Most suffered. But their compassionate care helped solidify the community of faith. Christians were not ignorant of the deadliness of the plagues. Yet in Christ they were one body. They were called to build each other up even in the onslaught of suffering.

Moreover, these Christians were able to fulfil this responsibility because they had spiritual resources at hand. They knew they were part of something bigger: the kingdom of God. Theirs was a treasure that could not be infected. And this, in Stark’s opinion, made it easier for them to cope in the midst of contagion.

He speculates that unity, compassion and belief in life beyond death were factors that contributed to the higher rate of survival experienced by the Christian population. This was a miracle!

The Growth of the Church But there’s more. The way the Christians cared for others also had an impact on the non-Christian population.

Christians tended to the health of many outside their faith, probably people who were their friends and neighbours.

Why? Christians had nothing invested

in paganism. The Jesus movement was a marginal, even obscure, group in the Roman Empire. But when afflicted pagans were abandoned by their own friends and family, the Christians remained, happy to nurse and comfort the vestige of an empire. They knew they were responsible to love all others as Christ had loved them. Stark believes such care cut the general mortality rate dramatically. And who is to say, he asks sincerely, whether it was the soup or the prayers that brought about recovery?

This was a miracle!

Christian nursing impacted pagans in another way. Pagans heard the message of good news as they were cared for. These Christians believed in a God who loved them, an attractive feature that pagan religions didn’t have. And pagans came to know God’s love was true as they saw with their own eyes how many Christians had been delivered from the plagues. What is more, these Christians had jeopardized and sacrificed their own lives to care for people outside their faith. The plagues would result in mass conversion to Christianity.

These Christians knew they nursed at great risk and at great cost. But they

God’s Healing Work What does this mean for us today?

In many cases, modern medicine can relieve what is sometimes called “pointless suffering.” I welcome this wholeheartedly. Suffering in itself is not good. Why would we subject ourselves to the effects of the Antonine or Cyprian plagues when vaccines can prevent such diseases?

Still, medicine cannot eliminate suffering. The source of suffering is deeper than human flesh. Healing is more than relief from physical pain and discomfort. It is the transformation of the whole person. This is the witness of the early Christians. Healing requires courage sustained by faith. I have found my faith sustained, in great part, by the people who have cared for me. Caring does not require expertise, only compassion. It often presents itself in mundane ways. Sometimes the mere gift of presence is enough to show someone they are loved by others and by God. I started out by saying that I have been given the gift of a second chance.

Medicine has not cured me. It has given me time. There is more suffering to endure. Still, in being loved by others, I have found solace. My suffering encourages me to suffer better with others as they suffer. This does not mean I am glad to have cancer. But in a world that does not always understand that suffering can be redeemed, I am convinced that the Christian community can be a healing presence. This kind of healing is the miracle for which I pray.

Dr. Aimee Patterson is a Christian ethics consultant at The Salvation Army Ethics Centre in Winnipeg.

Salvationist • August 2015 • 13

Heralds of Grace Sixteen officers ordained and commissioned in Toronto

BY PAMELA RICHARDSON, NEWS EDITOR, AND BRIANNE ZELINSKY, STAFF WRITER

14 • August 2015 • Salvationist

G

od has called you, equipped you and gifted you for sacred service,” said Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, to each of the 16 members of the Heralds of Grace Session as she ordained and commissioned them as officers in The Salvation Army on June 20. Bearing witness to these sacred moments were hundreds of people gathered at Toronto’s Canada Christian College for the ceremony.

Weekend events began the day before, on Friday, with officers’ councils, under the theme Boundless Salvation, and continued that evening with a Boundless Praise concert at Canada Christian College, featuring the Canadian Staff Band (CSB), soloist Emily Sears of Woodstock, Ont., the Ontario CentralEast Divisional Youth Chorus and the London Citadel Timbrels, Ont.

As CFOT principal, Mjr David Allen introduces the Heralds of Grace

Photos: Timothy Cheng

Boundless Praise Concert The London Citadel Timbrels kicked off the event as they filed down the aisles to Marching Onward, under the leadership of Serena Doars and accompanied by the CSB. Emily Sears delivered a powerful vocal performance of He’s Always Been Faithful. “Until then, the biggest performance I’d ever done was in church,” she says. “Singing with the CSB was the coolest thing ever—I just crossed that off my bucket list.”

The Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Chorus shared several vocal

London Citadel Timbrels perform at the Boundless Praise concert

Left: Cdts Charlene and Keith Barrett kneel in prayer. Above: The Heralds of Grace Session recite their Declaration of Faith Salvationist • August 2015 • 15

Salvation Army’s International Congress in July. “We have 1,000 Canadians and Bermudians going to Boundless— 1,000 strong. Make us proud!” cheered the territorial commander. She congratulated the London Citadel Timbrels and the Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Chorus on being selected as Canadian representatives to perform at the congress.

To conclude the evening, Lt-Colonel Junior Hynes, secretary for program services, waved the Boundless flag to a lively rendition of O Boundless Salvation.

As Commissioner McMillan waved her Boundless glory flag, the congregation followed suit, sending congress delegates onward to London, England, in boundless praise.

Photo: Kristin Ostensen

arrangements with solos from Jeremy Smith, Melissa Simard, Cameron Rawlins, Katie Fuentes, Andrew Dolan and Greg Peterson. The congregation gave a healthy round of applause when choral leader, Cathie Koehnen, extended an impromptu invitation to Cadets Curtis and Erin Metcalf, alumni of the group, to join them on stage.

Colonel Mark Tillsley, chief secretary, delivered an encouraging devotional thought. “Joy, humour and laughter demonstrate that your relationship with God is not superficial, but rather, genuine and real,” he said and prayed that the evening would be “unapologetically joyful.”

The celebration ended on an encouraging note about Boundless, The

Cdt Michelle Cale is ordained and commissioned as an officer by the territorial commander

Hundreds gather for the ordination and commissioning of the Heralds of Grace 16 • August 2015 • Salvationist

Ordination and Commissioning On Saturday night, as the CSB played William Himes’ All That I Am, the cadets made their way to the front of the auditorium. Standing with their fellow cadets and sessional flag, they lifted their voices to sing in dedication of their lives to the work of Jesus Christ.

In his presentation of the cadets, Major Dav id Allen, principal at Winnipeg’s College for Officer Training (CFOT), compared them to the Israelites and the early followers of Jesus, as people who are treasured by God and set apart for his service.

Cadet Michelle Cale presented the Officer’s Covenant on behalf of her fellow cadets before Colonel Mark Tillsley led them through their Declaration of Faith.

“I ordain you as a minister of the gospel and commission you as an officer of The Salvation Army with the rank of lieutenant,” said Commissioner McMillan to each Herald of Grace as she commissioned them. In her prayer of dedication, she asked that God would anoint them with the Holy Spirit and guide their steps as they move into fulltime ministry.

The new lieutenants briefly left the auditorium and then returned wearing the distinctive red trim of commissioned Salvation Army officers amidst cheers and handclapping as the CSB played Montreal Citadel. It was fitting that Lieutenant Yves Bolduc, who entered the CFOT from Montreal Citadel, spoke on behalf of the Heralds of Grace. “I pray that more francophones will stand on this platform,” he said as he testified to God’s goodness and shared his assurance that God holds the future in his hands.

In her message, the territorial commander referenced Romans 5:8, reminding those gathered that we are the recipients of unmerited grace, and it is through grace that we are in a relationship with God. “There isn’t a Christian that has not been called to be a herald of grace,” she said. “If you live in Christ, your relationship with other people will be different.”

In response to an invitation from Commissioner McMillan, men and women made their way to the platform to offer themselves for full-time service as Salvation Army officers.

Worship and Silver Star Recognition On Sunday, a capacity crowd met at Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel for

Lt Yves Bolduc speaks on behalf of his sessionmates

worship. As a massed band from Scarborough Citadel and Agincourt Community Church, Ont., presented the march Camp Ladore, the Messengers of Light Session entered the auditorium behind their sessional flag, carried by Cadet Keith Hopkins.

Testifying to God’s goodness in his life, Cadet Stefan Reid spoke about the joys he had experienced during his first year at the CFOT, including leading a man to Christ. “This reassured me that this is where I need to be,” he said.

In recognition of their parents or spiritual mentors, the 16 new officers presented them with a Silver Star pin and certificate as they were welcomed to the Fellowship of the Silver Star by the territorial commander.

Commissioner McMillan spoke on the theme of “Boundless Love,” challenging the congregation to remember that God depends on us to carry out his purposes here on earth. “We have a ministry to the

of Christ, many knelt at the mercy seat while others joined in circles of prayer throughout the sanctuary.

Photo: Pamela Richardson

Lts Samuel and Mary Tim, with Benjamin and Bethany, are appointed to Toronto’s Lakeshore CC

Lt Donna Downey shares a moment with her spiritual mentors, brother and sister-in-law Ivan and Louise Downey, and Commissioner Susan McMillan

world that has eternal consequences,” she said. In response to her invitation to pray together and share the boundless love

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Contact (416) 422-6119; circulation@can.salvationarmy.org or visit salvationist.ca/subscribe to order Salvationist • August 2015 • 17

LEADING EDGE

How the True Colours personality types can help us understand each other This series of leadership articles, offered by the Territorial Training and Education Council (TTEC), focuses on individuals who reflect The Salvation Army’s commitment to models of leadership that are collaborative, support innovation and achieve accountability. For this article, Major Mona Moore, former leadership development secretary, spoke with Major Brian Wheeler, corps officer at St. John’s Citadel, N.L., about his experience with True Colours. hen small irritations were starting to cause tension and conflict among his team, Major Brian Wheeler took action. At a staff day, he introduced the concept of True Colours, a personality assessment tool designed to help people understand themselves and each other.

“We’re all coming from different backgrounds, we have different personality traits, and this is a tool we can use to see where we’re coming from,” says Major Wheeler, corps officer at St. John’s Citadel, N.L. “It gives us a deeper understanding of our own personalities, but also a deeper understanding of those we work with.”

True Colours is a personality theory that divides people into four fundamental types, using colour as a metaphor.

•• Gold represents strength and stability; people of this type are responsible, dependable and organized.

•• Blue represents tranquility; people of this type are sensitive, sympathetic and value harmonious relationships.

•• Orange represents excitement; people of this type are spontaneous, playful and adventurous.

•• Green represents wisdom; people of this type are curious, analytical and independent.

While we are all a combination of many traits and characteristics, we have one dominant personality style. Knowing this style, or colour—and the colours of our co-workers—gives us insight into motivations, actions and ways of communicating.

“To me, True Colours is first and foremost a self-awareness test,” says Major Wheeler. “And when we understand our own personalities—why we react the way we do, why we hold on to certain values or traditions—we get an understanding and appreciation of other personalities on the team.”

Major Wheeler has led True Colours workshops in several settings, with his staff, leadership team and mission board.

“It’s a good team-building tool,” he says. “It’s simple and entertaining at the same time. I think everyone enjoyed the process and listening to each other’s differences.”

While most people could pinpoint their primary colour quite quickly, the secondary colour often generated discussion. Part of the fun was trying to guess another person’s colour. “And sometimes they were way off,” Major Wheeler says. “When they heard that their co-leader or fellow employee was something different than what they thought, I think there was good understanding. So that opened some engaging conversation and some laughter, too.”

Knowing a co-worker’s personality colour will improve communication as we adapt our approach. “To sit down with 18 • August 2015 • Salvationist

someone ‘gold,’ who is comfortable with the status quo, and recommend change—it’s a different process. You need to explain the reasons and give a very logical explanation of the change that’s about to take place,” Major Wheeler says.

“But if you sit down with another personality type, you may not have to give that much of an explanation. You’re going to offer change and they grab onto it and say, ‘This is the most exciting thing.’ ” Over the years, Major Wheeler has also realized it’s important to have a mix of personalities on a team, and keeps this in mind when recruiting. “As a gold, I’ve learned that I need to surround myself with a variety of colours, that spectrum,” he says. “At a table full of golds, you can become settled in ‘this is the way we always do it; this is the way we’ll continue to do it.’ You don’t see all sides of an issue, you don’t see other possibilities.

“But to achieve what needs to be done and have the best results, you need people who see things from a different angle, a unique perspective. There needs to be input from all different backgrounds and personalities.”

For St. John’s Citadel, this kind of input from different colours has led to a change in focus, from being inward-looking to outward-looking. “We have people on our board who are blues saying, ‘We need to be pastoral, we need to be reaching out.’ And we have people who are orange saying, ‘We’ve got to do something different, we can’t stay the way we are,’ ” says Major Wheeler. “There’s definitely a shift in the expression of ministry that’s taken place here.”

After the True Colours workshop for the staff, the tension and conflict between two people on the team was resolved. “In the end, though different in their approach and expressions,” says Major Wheeler, “both appreciated that they intended nothing but the best for the mission.”

Illustration: © iStock.com/Jane_Kelly

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From Addict to Graduate After years lost to crystal meth addiction, Ben Capili found new purpose at Booth University College

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN, STAFF WRITER

G

Identity Theft Born in the Philippines, Capili and his family immigrated to Canada, settling in Winnipeg, when he was a year old.

When their qualifications were not recognized in Canada, his parents struggled to provide for their family.

The effects of poverty hit Capili harder as he grew older. “As the youngest of six kids, I wore hand-me-downs— sometimes they were from my sisters so I would go to school in girls’ clothes,” he remembers. “I was trying to form an identity and kept getting rejected everywhere I went. I was really lonely.”

20 • August 2015 • Salvationist

Photo: Dan Harper

et out or you’re going to die.” Ben Capili scanned the basement apartment where he was squatting with his girlfriend. There was no one in sight.

Yet he was sure he heard it—a clear, audible voice.

With those words echoing in his mind, Capili suddenly felt the weight of his surroundings—the pain in his stomach a symptom of crystal meth withdrawal, the empty apartment a reminder of the rival who had just robbed him of everything he owned.

“That moment when I heard that voice was the single greatest moment of my life,” Capili reflects. “I believe that God was speaking to me. And I didn’t deserve that—I did nothing for God to talk to me.”

Wearing only the clothes on his back, Capili got up and left. “I was a crying mess,” he remembers. “I didn’t know what I was going to do; I was just wandering the streets.”

Yet as he walked the streets of Winnipeg on that cold December day, eventually making his way to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, Capili had an underlying sense of peace.

“Despite coming to this recognition that my life was a terrible mess and that I needed to do something, but didn’t know what, I knew it was going to be OK.” In high school, Capili started skipping class to avoid being bullied and went to an arcade where he found a place among other misfits. “This was a group of people who accepted me,” he says. “We’d go to someone’s place and, at first, we were just drinking alcohol, but then it progressed. Over the years that became my identity.”

Capili went to five different high schools before dropping out completely.

He took work where he could find it, but rarely held on to a job for long. “When I got money, I didn’t know how to handle

it so I would go to parties,” he says. “I got into cocaine, acid, ecstasy and eventually crystal meth.” From the moment he tried meth at the age of 25, he was completely addicted.

On the Run The next 10 years of Capili’s life were a drug-fuelled blur. As his addictions grew stronger, Capili stole and committed fraud to support his habits. “I would use my older brother’s resumé to get jobs,” he shares. “I had no idea what I was doing but it didn’t matter because,

at the time, I was making what felt like a huge amount of money.”

Making a larger sum of money, Capili was able to buy larger quantities of drugs and sell them to others, often ripping them off. His addiction to crystal meth hit its peak when Capili, now 32, began using intravenously.

“Shooting it up took things to the next level,” he says. “I went from hanging out with people like me, who had a drug addiction but were trying to function in life, to hanging out with hardened criminals and sex workers. I became part of the city’s underworld.”

Capili was employed at the time— the last job he held before he went into recovery. “I convinced my employer to co-sign for a car,” he says. “Then when I got the new car, I went into my place of employment, stole a bunch of laptops, and never went back.”

After stealing from his employer, Capili went off the grid. “I was on the run for three years, living in my car or squatting in apartments,” he says. “Being transient is a terrible lifestyle. I was always thinking that someone I ripped off was going to beat me up, or the police would find me.”

By the time Capili went to rehab, he was living in constant fear. “When my girlfriend’s former boyfriend got out of jail, he terrorized us,” he says. “When we could afford it, we’d stay in hotels and not tell anyone where we were. But he would find us and break the window to get in and steal our drugs.”

When he arrived at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, Capili was assessed and told that a bed would be ready for him in a week or so.

“I slept in the street, but every morning I went to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba and sat there and prayed,” he remembers. “I never did the whole praying thing, but I sat there and asked God to give me a bed. Three days later, I got that bed.”

probably the best year of my life,” Capili reflects. “I was in a space where I could recreate myself, where I could say, ‘I’m not a drug addict anymore. I can change the trajectory of my life.’ ” Capili completed his high-school education and initially wanted to be a pastor. “But then I realized that I would be in a Christian circle the majority of the time,” he says. “I thought there are people out there, who aren’t Christians, that I can make a bigger impact on their lives, and social work would provide that avenue and those opportunities.”

Looking for a reputable social work program, Capili found his way to Booth University College. “Thinking about high school and being at big schools, I didn’t want that experience again,” he says. “Booth was small, faith-based and close to where I was living.

“University was a really scary thing for me,” he continues. “I was successful in AA because I was aware that I was shy and I intentionally made friends with people. So I did the same thing with

even knowing it.

“If I went to a big school, I’d probably be afraid of going up to the staff and talking to them, but at Booth, they have this supportive culture,” he continues. “They believed in me, they saw something in me and they knew my story. I always felt like they were rooting for me and wanted me to succeed.”

The Skills to Help In his third year at Booth, Capili also met his future wife, Megan, whom he married at the end of the academic year.

“She really helped me through that year,” he shares. “I was seriously thinking about dropping out and had I not met this woman, I may have.”

As he and Megan wrapped up their final year at Booth together, Capili hoped to be class valedictorian—not for himself, but for his parents.

“I wanted to publicly thank them for putting up with me, raising me and sacrificing for me, but I lost out on that opportunity because I didn’t win the valedictorian and I was disappointed,” he says.

When Capili arrived at Knox United Church this past April to receive his bachelor of social work, he wasn’t expecting anything more than to walk across the stage and collect his degree.

Hearing his named called when the Chancellor’s Award was announced was a complete surprise.

“I was in shock,” he recalls. “It wasn’t until the end of that night when I was crying that it hit me that I had won this award.

“It was one of those moments where I could look back on my whole life and see that Christ was there the whole time,” he continues. “All my failure and hurt—I can actually do something with that, and now I have the skills from Booth to help people.”

Since April, Capili and his wife have relocated to Kitchener, Ont., where both will be studying for a master’s degree in social work at Wilfrid Laurier University.

This summer, Capili has been working at a homeless shelter.

“I know the language, the thinking and the pitfalls of the people I serve and I have the skills and education to articulate that, to empower, engage and equip them,” he says. “I wouldn’t have that without my wife, without Booth and without Christ.”

“All my failure and hurt—I can actually do something with that, and now I have the skills from Booth to help people”

Back to School Once settled in the facility, Capili asked for a Bible, which he had never read before. “I still have that Bible,” he says with a smile. “It’s a giant print edition, made for seniors, but I loved it.”

He found a church through a friend he met at AA, became a Christian and was baptized. By the end of 2011, he had completed the 12 steps.

“That first year was amazing—it was

Booth in my first year. I was eager to meet people who would support me—to make these genuine friends that I had wanted my whole life—and I did.”

Capili thrived at Booth and had the grades to match, but hit a rough patch early in his third year.

“I put a lot of expectations on myself,” he admits. “I took an extra course one semester and I couldn’t handle it. I had to drop a class and I felt terrible.”

He was at the point of giving up, and thought he might relapse, when he turned to his Booth professors for support.

“My favourite professor was Andrew Eason,” he says. “While taking his intro to Christianity class, I was talking to him about my life and being scared about school, and he said I had what it takes to get through it. He is such a good guy, really smart and fair, and a great professor. I respected him and for someone I respect to say that about me meant a whole lot. He mentored me without

Salvationist • August 2015 • 21

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Should Salvationists participate in civil disobedience?

In this series, Colonel Bob Ward, who retired in 2013 as the territorial commander in Pakistan, and Major Amy Reardon, corps officer at Seattle Temple in Washington, U.S.A., discuss issues of the day.

DEAR AMY,

I

recently read about an Australian officer, Captain Craig Farrell, who was arrested, along with five other church leaders and members, for occupying a government official’s office to protest the detention of hundreds of children of asylum seekers. Farrell said they staged a peaceful sit-in, during which they asked the minister to “push for Labor [the ruling party] to change its policy” toward holding children in detention centres and adopt a more compassionate approach to dealing with refugees.

The other ministers wore their official collars, the captain his Army uniform. At the end of the day, they were arrested for refusing to vacate the office, spent a few hours in jail and were then freed on bail. Shortly after, each was found guilty and fined $200. Someone passed a collection plate around the packed courthouse, from which their fines were paid.

My reaction to this news was mixed. As a former territorial leader, I would have been mortified if one of my officers or employees had flaunted the law in full Salvation Army uniform, bringing disrepute on our beloved organization and potentially impacting donations or government funding for our other projects. And the resulting criminal record could limit their options in future appointments. In addition, this activity smacks of party politics, which is anathema to the Army as an apolitical organization.

However, my initial mortification was tempered by memories of our time in South Africa, where we served for seven years in the immediate post-apartheid era. A major victory for justice had been won, symbolized by the election of Nelson Mandela as president following the country’s first free and fair election.

The church was acknowledged as having been complicit in apartheid, but also helpful in the struggle for justice.

The S a lvat ion A r my 22 • August 2015 • Salvationist

Illustration: © iStock.com/soberve

Just Cause

contributed to mitigating some of the excesses of apartheid.

A Canadian was responsible for integrating the African and European training colleges, despite this action being illegal at the time. Following the end of apartheid, our leadership was one of the first religious organizations to make a submission to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Salvation Army, then led by Commissioner (Dr.) Paul du Plessis, essentially admitted that we should have done more, and that we abused our apolitical stance by using it as “an excuse for silence when we should be prepared to speak prophetically and fearlessly on matters of injustice.” He followed by saying, “With people of all kinds of political persuasion in our ranks, we chose to remain silent, a sin of omission which we deeply regret.”

Fortunately, the Australian officer received permission from territorial headquarters to participate in the protest.

But what if permission wasn’t forthcoming despite the urgent need to correct an injustice? I suggest that civil disobedience is acceptable as a final resort in the pursuit of justice, particularly on behalf of specific groups or minorities that are systematically marginalized or persecuted. The targets could be direct public policy, in the case of the apartheid system, or a system incapable of dealing with the challenge of minorities, such as the treatment of an aboriginal population or a sudden influx of undocumented refugees.

My position is that when justice is finally achieved, those who benefit will remember their friends in the struggle. When a soldier or officer risks arrest, or worse, while wearing the Salvation Army uniform, it will be remembered when justice is achieved. If we want to be seen as

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Photo: Leanne Kelly, courtesy of Geelong Advertiser

gets to decide what those major campaigns are? What may seem like an obvious, unbending Christian principle to one person may not seem the same to another. I guess that’s where the Army’s structure of authority comes in.

AMY DEAR AMY,

I Church leaders in Australia, including Salvation Army Cpt Craig Farrell, occupy the office of a federal MP to protest the treatment of asylum seekers

advocates for social justice and the friend of the marginalized, we must make some provision in our regulations and policies for the Captain Farrells of the organization to take a risk when the occasion demands it.

Does the Holy Spirit sometimes call Salvationists to civil disobedience, or does this just hurt our Christian witness?

BOB DEAR BOB,

O

n one hand, I see it as a positive thing that Salvationists are protesting injustice and doing it in uniform. After all, our movement began as a response to injustice.

I always tell non-Salvationists that I wear the uniform to represent being at war with poverty, sin and injustice. What are we, if not warriors for the good?

On the other hand, I am not convinced that our engagement with these issues should begin with civil disobedience.

While we are on the front lines spiritually, I am not sure we should be on the front lines politically. As people of God and not politically driven militants, it may not address our larger mission if we pick particular issues and go on the attack.

One of the lovely things about the Army is that we are present wherever people have been hurt and victimized. If we spend our energy in civil disobedience, we may have to abandon our role as the quiet angels who reach out with arms of love to the disenfranchised. Political issues affect people, obviously. But we may have to choose whether we fight for the issues or serve the actual people. Our resources are not unlimited. Maybe it is best for us to concentrate on serving human beings and leave the political battles to others.

I am also concerned that uniformed Salvationists might jump on the bandwagon of an issue without fully understanding the possible far-reaching repercussions. What one Salvationist says or does in one place can be trumpeted by uninformed, slanderous people as the position of the Army worldwide, causing considerable trouble for the Army in other parts of the world. Even making particular affiliations in a local community could start ripples that become tsunamis elsewhere.

Having said that, there have been large, world-changing political campaigns that should have involved every Christian movement: the struggle against slavery, the civil rights movement in the United States, the ending of apartheid. But who

see you understand the dilemma leaders face when trying to determine how far to go publicly in the fight for justice.

I am sure that every leader, at the time, feels they are making the correct decision and preserving the good name of The Salvation Army. Allowing people on both sides of a controversial issue to determine their own involvement as private individuals is consistent with the Army’s apolitical stance. We can’t know when people are being led by the Holy Spirit. At the same time, we can continue to work with policy makers while engaging in other, less provocative advocacy measures.

But I have to ask where we might have fallen short in the cause for justice. Could the initiative to integrate racially segregated training colleges, or the case of the Australian officer granted permission to deliberately defy the authorities, give us a model we need to take more seriously? If so, who should form our pool of “designated hitters” or sacrificial lambs? We could choose Salvation Army officers or public relations representatives—or do we hand the responsibility over to more idealistic, mission-minded young people such as we find at The War College or Booth University College?

Civil disobedience should not be our first recourse. But organizationally sanctioned disobedience to unjust laws should be part of our strategic arsenal, and we should be prepared to support individuals and groups within the organization who have defied authority or powerful organizations in a just cause.

BOB DEAR BOB,

Y

es, the Army allows its people to decide privately where they fall on controversial issues. But would the Holy Spirit lead two people in opposite directions? Imagine if one Salvationist felt led to protest racial segregation, but another was convinced that segregation was part of God’s natural order. Today, we understand that any spiritual defence of racism would be absurd, but people haven’t always been so enlightened. Indeed, there are probably current issues we think we understand, but in the future we’ll look back and shake our heads at our ignorance.

You ask who would form our pool of “designated hitters.”

Before we tackle that question, we should ask if our leaders need to give stronger guidance about the appropriate Christian response to the issues facing our society. I don’t want corps officers telling their soldiers which candidate to support in an election. But if Salvationists find themselves on opposing sides of an issue that is both political and moral, that signals to me that somebody is misinterpreting Scripture or the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As I understand biblical church structure, we—especially leaders—have the responsibility of taking each other to task.

My final thought is this: In all we do, we represent Christ— whether in uniform or not. Of this, we must be constantly mindful.

AMY Salvationist • August 2015 • 23

CROSS CULTURE

IN REVIEW Holiness Revealed

A devotional study in Hebrews

by Major Amy Reardon “When God gives us a glimpse of who he is, we don’t want to miss it,” writes Major Amy Reardon in her new study of the Book of Hebrews. With 31 short chapters, Holiness Revealed is well suited to daily personal devotions, but could easily be used in a group setting as well.

In this accessible Bible study, Major Reardon helps readers understand the ancient Jewish culture and tradition, which are foundational to our understanding of Christ and the meaning of salvation, allowing us to see Jesus Christ, the God-Man, in a new light.

While not directed at beginners, Holiness Revealed is written for regular Christian disciples who wish to answer the question: How do human beings approach God?

God for the Rest of Us

by Vince Antonucci Vince Antonucci, a pastor who reaches out to people on the Las Vegas Strip, has seen it all. But in a city known for its debauchery, he has also seen God’s love in action on every street corner. And he is conv inced that too many of us underestimate God and the scope of his love.

In God for the Rest of Us, Antonucci shares how he’s found God’s love at work in the lives of the people he meets. In sharing their stories of transformation, Antonucci hopes readers will see how their lives could be changed as well by an encounter with God’s perfect love.

With plenty of anecdotes and colourful characters, reading God for the Rest of Us is like having a conversation with a good friend over coffee. Antonucci’s down-to-earth style will engage readers as he plumbs the depths of God’s limitless love.

IN THE NEWS

Photo: Courtesy Kroc Center Suisun City

Salvation Army Builds World’s Largest Monopoly Board It started off as a joke, but once the staff at The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in Suisun City, California, had the idea to build the world’s largest Monopoly board, they couldn’t resist.

The board was constructed in June for the centre’s third annual KrocFest. At 3,721 square feet (346 square metres), the board far surpasses the previous world record of 2,422 square feet. One hundred and fifty wooden sheets were used to construct the board, which is 37 times the size of a regular Monopoly board.

Approximately 2,000 people came to the Kroc Center to participate in the life-sized game. “That was very exciting,” Captain Jonathan H a r ve y told KRON 4 news.

“It got ver y compet it ive but it was a fun competitiveness. It was an incredible family event.”

24 • August 2015 • Salvationist

Seeing in the Dark

Finding God’s light in the most unexpected places

by Nancy Ortberg Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” ( Joh n 8:12).

Despite these familiar words, we often feel as though we walk in darkness. We want a marked path with a clear view of the future, and God gives us just enough light to take the next step. So what do we do?

In Seeing in the Dark, pastor Nancy Ortberg takes readers on a journey from an ancient cave in Turkey to the California coast, highlighting the often unexpected, but extraordinary, ways God lights our way through even the most painful and challenging moments in life.

ON DVD Where Hope Grows

Directed by Chris Dowling In Where Hope Grows (now on DVD), Calvin Campbell (Kristoffer Polaha) is a former professional baseball player whose days at the plate were cut short by panic attacks. He returns to his hometown in Louisville, Kentucky, only to live out his retirement in an alcoholic haze, much to the frustration of his teenage daughter (McKaley Miller).

Just as depression starts to take him on a downward spiral, he finds himself developing an unlikely friendship with Produce (David DeSanctis), a young grocery store clerk who has Down syndrome. As the story progresses, and Calvin alienates those closest to him, he realizes that Produce may be the only friend he has left. And when a single decision from Calvin’s past leads to tragedy, he must learn to find new hope.

Where Hope Grows is a faith-based drama, but avoids the heavy-handed approach some other Christian films take.

Produce is also a regular churchgoer who takes his Bible with him wherever he goes, but Calvin is not quick to have a “come-to-Jesus” moment. It takes the influence of another churchgoer, Amy (Brooke Burns), to bring him into the fold and provide support through his transformation.

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

ENROLMENTS AND RECOGNITION TORONTO —Tif fany Lucas receives a graduation certificate as she completes the CROSStraining program at East Toronto Citadel.

Supporting her, from left, are CSM Peal Groat, holding the flag; Cpt Heather Matondo, CO; and YPSM Sue Patterson.

MIDLAND, ONT.—From left, CSM Joan Finley; Mjrs Linda and Geoff Groves, then COs; and Mjr Lynn Cummings, AC, Ont. CE Div, mark the 130th anniversary of Midland CC.

WINGHAM, ONT.—Congratulations to five new junior soldiers at Wingham CC. Front, from left, Ryan Morrison, Madison Ritchie and Riley Ritchie, junior soldiers. Back, from left, Mike Ryan, holding the flag; Mjr Marie Simmonds, CO; Vangie Spears, teacher for junior soldier preparation classes; Jenna Edwards and Natalie Ritchie, junior soldiers; Mjr Glenda Davis, AC, Ont. GL Div; and Mjr Archie Simmonds, CO.

SASKATOON—A new Eb bass is presented to Saskatoon Temple Band by the family of the late Keith Cryderman, including his wife, Glenna Cryderman, and father, Ivan Cryderman, in memory of his years of service to the band and leadership of music camp at the Prairie Div’s Beaver Creek Camp. From left, Mjr Laurie Reilly, CO; Anita Fehr; Vienna Sawatzky, acting BM; Candace Cryderman; Kerri Cryderman; Ivan Cryderman; Glenna Cryderman; Maggie Fehr; and Mjr Gary Reilly, CO.

PETERBOROUGH, ONT.—Carol and Roy Colbourne are enrolled as senior soldiers at Peterborough Temple. Standing with them, from left, are RS Doug Leach; Mjr Kathie Sharp, CO; Bob Quackenbush, colour sergeant; and Mjr Herbert Sharp, CO.

KENORA, ONT.—On behalf of the Salvation Army thrift stores in Kenora and Dryden, Ont., Sandra Poole, thrift store director in Kenora, receives an award recognizing their efforts in partnering with VCARS (Victims Crisis Assistance Referral System) to direct people to the communit y agency who are in need of its services. From left, Monika Huminuk, executive direc tor, VCARS; Sandra Poole; and Margaret Beach, vice-chair, VCARS.

VICTORIA—The corps family at Victoria Citadel warmly welcomes its newest senior soldiers, Jacquie Walker and Tim Latour. From left, Cpt Lisa Macpherson, DYS, B.C. Div; Mjr Lynn Grice, then CO; Jacquie Walker; Jim ten Hove, holding the flag; Tim Latour; Mjr Dave Grice, then CO; and Cpt David Macpherson, DYS, B.C. Div.

MUSGRAVETOWN, N.L.—Jessica Holloway is the newest senior soldier at Islandview Citadel. From left, CSM Maxwell Rideout; Mjr Luanne Barrow, CO; Robert Holloway, Jessica’s father, holding the flag; Jessica Holloway; Bert Holloway, Jessica’s grandfather; Susan Holloway and Melvin Humby, youth workers; and Mjr Edward Barrow, CO. Salvationist • August 2015 • 25

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY CONCEPTION BAY SOUTH, N.L.— In response to increased outreach and attendance at Conception B ay South Corps, 14 people have stepped forward to be commissioned as leaders to help meet the challenges of ministry. Front, from left, Lorraine Martin, school breakfast program co-ordinator; ACCMS Alice Lambert; Carol Anne Oliver, assistant worship team leader; Laura Ricks, young people’s band leader; Pearl and Wilson Brenton, chief ushers;

Ashley Harris, worship team leader; RS Nic Dobson; Maurice Collins, information technology sergeant. Back, from left, Mjrs Barbara and Lorne Pritchett, COs, welcome the new leaders; Zack Marshall, deputy young people’s

band leader; Ambrose Payne, colour sergeant; Wilfred Canning, quartermaster; Paul Taylor, lead sound room technician; BM Brian Hart; ACSM Claudette Hillier and Mjr Lloyd George, acting CSM, support the new leaders.

KINGSTON, ONT.— During a recent visit of Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley, CS and TSWM, young people at Kingston Citadel receive medals celebrating their completion of the Ready to Serve program.

Accepted for Training

Joyful Intercessors Session (2015-2017) College for Officer Training, Winnipeg Connie Cristall Kelowna Community Church British Columbia Division The calling to officership is a privilege that is not to be taken lightly. It is a call from God to surrender your life completely to his service and for his glory. I am excited to be accepted to the College for Officer Training and believe that my studies will provide a firm foundation to serve others in ministry.

Johnny Valencia Mississauga Temple Community Church Ontario Central-East Division I first discovered my call to full-time ministry when I was 18, and since then, I have been involved in various ministries in the church. When I met a couple of retired officers in the United States, they led me to The Salvation Army where I became engaged with its vision and mission. This was a catalyst in confirming and making my calling clear.

Carolina Valencia Mississauga Temple Community Church Ontario Central-East Division Since the moment I gave my life to the Lord at a young age, I wanted to serve him. After marriage, my husband and I were leaders in our home congregation. God’s calling became clear to us when we received three invitations in a single week from different churches to enter full-time ministry, we met two retired officers who introduced us to the Army, and then we received calls from my cousins who were beginning their journey to officership in Canada. God directed our steps to Canada, to The Salvation Army, where I knew he was calling me to be an officer.

26 • August 2015 • Salvationist

Shelley Oseil Mountain Citadel, Hamilton Ontario Great Lakes Division Officership is the opportunity to be God’s hands to those who require his touch, through my words, actions and deeds. I know I can surmount any spiritual, physical and mental challenges with God’s direction and continued work in my life.

He will be my strength and my song.

Geoff Butt Eastwood, Windsor Ontario Great Lakes Division Growing up in The Salvation Army as an officer’s child, I attended Bible studies and youth group, but never felt led to be an officer. Many times in my adult life, I felt blessed to be a part of ministries inside and outside the Army, but there was something missing, like there was another piece of a puzzle that God was wanting to fit into my life.

While my wife and I were involved in a discipleship ministry at another church, I clearly heard God calling me back to the Army. Over time, he has opened doors that have led us to the College for Officer Training.

Dawn Butt Eastwood, Windsor Ontario Great Lakes Division I felt God’s call on my life at the age of 16 while attending youth councils in Alberta. I laughed, and said no. But later in life, I still felt a call to ministry and knew that God had a plan for my life, which included my husband who had also felt God’s leading. God has been directing our path and teaching us patience until we could get to where he needs us to be.

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY

GAZETTE

PETERBOROUGH, ONT.—Lt-Col Jamie Braund, secretary for personnel, cuts the cake during 130th anniversary celebrations at Peterborough Temple. With him, from left, are Mjrs Herbert and Kathie Sharp, COs; Lt-Col Ann Braund, territorial secretary for spiritual life development; and Mjr Roxanne Jennings, then AC, Ont. CE Div.

Guidelines for Tributes Tributes should be received within two months of the promotion to glory and include: community where the person resided; conversion to Christ; corps involvement; Christian ministry; survivors. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. High-resolution digital photos (300 ppi preferred) or clear, original photos are acceptable (original photos will be returned). E-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org.

TRIBUTES MAPLE CREEK, SASK.—Major Thelma Mae CorneyStanford was born in Amherst, N.S., in 1926. She followed God’s call into ministry in 1945, when she entered the William Booth Salvation Army College in Toronto to train as an officer. Thelma served in ministry across Canada for a period of 40 years, in all provinces except three, before retiring in 1977. Thelma married Abram Stanford of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1986, and they settled together in Northport, N.S., overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. After her husband’s stroke in 1994, they moved to Maple Creek, a community where she had served as the corps officer in 1956. Thelma loved God’s Word, and enjoyed preaching and leading Bible studies. She was thankful for many happy opportunities for serving the Lord she loved. Thelma is survived by three nieces, one nephew and her dear friend, Joan Pierce, with whom she resided in Maple Creek.

BRACEBRIDGE, ONT.—Mrs. Aux-Captain Edith Leach (nee Whitehead) was born in Toronto in 1919. Growing up in Lindsay, Ont., she attended the Army and had a personal relationship with Jesus from an early age. Edith became a librarian and married Donald Leach in 1943. A highlight of Edith’s 40-year passion for working with brownies and guides was leading a group to an international congress in 1965, when they met Lady Baden Powell. She directed brownie and guide camps, taught Sunday school, served with community care ministries, sang in the songsters and held several local officer positions. Edith and Don ministered as auxiliary-captains for 11 years, including as corps officers in Tweed and Uxbridge, Ont., Peace River, Alta., and Kirkland Lake, Ont., as family services officers in Oshawa, Ont., and at Booth College in Winnipeg. The Leaches retired in Oshawa, and following Don’s promotion to glory, Edith moved to Peterborough, Ont. She later moved to Bracebridge to be cared for by her daughter as her health declined.

Edith is missed by her children, Major Sandra Cooper (Richard), Douglas Leach (JoAnne) and Major Beverley Franco (Philip); seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Edith Leach; nieces and nephews.

TERRITORIAL Marriage Lt Ryan MacDonald to Theiah Felix, May 31 Birth Lts Fred/Carolyn Reid, daughter, Adelle Olivia, Jun 10 Appointments Cpts Tony/Beverly Brushett, assistant executive director/director of pastoral services, Ottawa Booth Centre, Ont. CE Div; Cpt Pamela Pinksen, chaplain, Salvation Army Student Fellowship, Corner Brook, N.L. Div (additional responsibility) Promoted to captain Lts Jeff/Graciela Arkell, Lts David/Nyree Bond, Lts Larry/Rose Campbell, Lts Kevin/Michelle Elsasser, Lt Kristen Gray, Lts Brent/Melissa Haas, Lts Elizabeth/Wayne Knight, Lts Fred/Carolyn Reid Promoted to major Cpt Jean Bridger, Cpts Stephen/Linda Daley, Cpt Serge Descoeurs, Cpts Orest/Tracy Goyak, Cpts Kirk/Linda Green, Cpts George/Darlene Hastings, Cpt Virginia Kristensen, Cpts Anthony/Yvonne LeDrew, Cpt Brandice LeDrew, Cpts Wilfred/Wavey Simms, Cpt Rhonda Smith, Cpts Keith/Joyce Warford Long service—25 years Mjrs Brian/Lynn Armstrong, Mjrs Leonard/Heather Ballantine, Mjrs Brian/Glenda Bishop, Lt-Cols David/Marsha-Jean Bowles, Mjr Danny Broome, Mjr Pauline Gruer-Caulfield, Mjr Michael Hoeft

CALENDAR

Commissioner Susan McMillan Aug 22-25 B.C. Div; Aug 26-28 Sector Champion Roundtable, Vancouver; Aug 30 National Music Camp, JPCC

OSHAWA, ONT.—Joseph A. Coley was born in Montreal in 1932. A lifelong Salvationist, Joe attended Montreal Citadel where he played in the young people’s and senior bands, was the young people’s bandmaster, a senior band local and corps sergeant-major. Joe married the love of his life, Dorothy (Doe), in 1953, with whom he served on the faculty of divisional music camps at Lac l’Achigan. His career with Bell Canada took the family from Montreal to Ottawa in the mid-1970s, where he became the CSM at the former Woodroffe Temple.

They moved to Peterborough, Ont., and later to Mississauga, Ont., where he served again as the CSM. Following retirement, Joe moved to Kingston, Ont., where he worked for the Army in community and family services and at divisional headquarters. Moving to Oshawa, Ont., in his later years, he played in the band and was the band’s librarian. Promoted to glory just days after their 62nd wedding anniversary, Joe is missed by his wife, Doe; children Alan (Nancy), Bruce (Karen) and Joanne (Brian) Minaker; grandchildren David (Kimberly), Andrea (Steven) Cooper, Beth (Pieter) Vos and Bradley (Rebecca) Minaker; six great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy Burke; extended family and many friends.

KITCHENER, ONT.—Promoted to glory at the age of 96, Brigadier Mrs. Sophie (Sylvia) Smith was born on the family farm near Sturgis, Sask., in 1919, as the eldest daughter of John and Mary Okrainetz. As a teenager, she attended the Salvation Army Sunday school with her cousins in Yorkton, Sask., discovering her vocation for ministry. She met and married Thomas and together they had three children, Earl Thomas, Jean Melody and Caroll Joy. Sophie and Thomas were partners in ministry for 67 years, touching lives as they served in many communities in Western Canada and Ontario. Sophie loved children and animals, had a fine singing voice and was skilful in sewing, knitting, needlework and quilting. Residing at Sunnyside Home since 2012, she will be remembered and missed as a woman of strong character and a great appreciator of friends and fellowship. A loyal wife, mother, daughter and sister, Sophie was devoted to the work of The Salvation Army throughout her life. She is survived by daughters Jean Melody (Paul Davies) and Caroll Joy (Brian Watson).

Salvationist • August 2015 • 27

TALKING POINTS

A Losing Battle

Wrestling with the violence in Scripture

BY MAJOR JUAN BURRY

Photo: © iStock.com/Royce DeGrie

I

f you ask a Christian to summarize their faith in one word, the likely answer will be “love.” I think that’s appropriate. Jesus said the world would know us by our love. Paul said God’s greatest gift is love. He also declared that love is the fulfilment of God’s law. Like the hub at the centre of a wheel, love epitomizes our Christian experience.

While we are inclined to equate our faith with love, we must acknowledge the significant historical connection between Christianity and violence. As a child, I was taught at church about a meek and mild Jesus who loved little children. At home, I got a different education when I read my Bible. I was shocked and terrified to read how God’s people treated other groups. Even more upsetting was the writers’ casual acceptance that God directed war, genocide, rape, mutilation and slavery.

Rarely do Christians have a tolerable answer to this noticeable contradiction in Scripture, between the God who loves and the God who condones violence. For most, loving one’s neighbour doesn’t connect with killing innocent children.

One response to this problem has been to develop a specious dichotomy between the God of the Old Testament and the Christ of the New Testament. But we do not seriously believe that God underwent an astonishing transformation of character during the 400-year gap between the testaments.

I have also heard the argument about the sovereignty of God, that we have no right to question his decisions. The logic is that if God is sovereign, he can do what he wants without fear of offending the sensibilities he has given us.

We live in an era when religion and violence seem to go hand in hand.

And while we may choose to ignore the incongruities of our sacred text, the irreligious are swarming over this mucky area and urging people to keep 28 • August 2015 • Salvationist

away from religion because, according to them, religion breeds violence.

Atrocities are committed in the name of Islam, Christianity and Buddhism every day. Anti-theists see these injustices and make sweeping judgments that all religious belief fuels violence.

Although not all religious people are violent, we should ask why religion so

often finds itself in company with violence. Religious people may exhibit a genuine quest for loving relationships, while at the same time doing much that’s unloving. Why? Perhaps because we are misguided.

We take cues from the wrong people and try to advance agendas that are not Christian. Rather than starting from a place of love and developing a plan of action, we start with an agenda and work backward, justifying our behaviour as loving.

Or it may be because we misunderstand Scripture. While we believe the Bible is inspired by God, we recognize that inspiration is not the same as dictation. As our Handbook of Doctrine states, “There is nothing in Scripture to indicate that God obliterated the human personalities of the authors and turned them into copyists. Their individual styles of writing, habits of thinking, cultural background and human limitations can be seen in the biblical text.” Were the horror stories I read as a child subject to such limitations?

The philosopher Immanuel Kant advanced a moral criterion for judging the authenticity of any supposed revelation: “If you hear of something that purports to be God’s Word and it tells you to do something you know is wrong, don’t believe that it is really God telling you to do these things.” Apply that criterion to the beheadings of Christians by ISIS, the Crusades and the Inquisition, the slavery of Africans in North America and Israel’s extermination of the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:1-10. Did God really tell any of the perpetrators to do what they did? Now, before you answer that question, take note that one of the examples comes from the Bible.

Does it make sense that we deny a divine cause to all of the tragedies except the biblical example? Is it possible that Israel was mistaken about what God wanted? Can we believe that without undermining the Bible’s message? For me, accepting that story as a godly narrative undermines the message more.

Why is this important? First, I want to represent Christ and my faith as genuinely as possible, with consistency and integrity. We cannot understand God completely, but we can seek to avoid a distorted image. Second, violence and hatred are real problems in our world and our neighbourhoods. Domestic abuse, bullying and prejudice still exist, often at a higher rate in religious circles. As Christians, we need to divorce ourselves from this unacceptable relationship to violence and cling to our more suitable, loving partner.

Major Juan Burry is the executive director of Rotary Hospice House in Richmond, B.C.

TIES THAT BIND

Summer Escape?

Poverty doesn’t take a vacation

BY MAJOR KATHIE CHIU

Photo: © iStock.com/ronniechua

A

s I sit by the water, listening to the birds and feeling the warm breeze off the ocean, I lose myself in the rhythm and melody of nature. I know there are people around, but they seem distant. For this moment, I’m at peace … until I hear the sounds of children returning to the trailer, hungry after running around, beachcombing and building forts all day.

Summer is vacation time for many people. They save all year for their little piece of summer fun, leaving the city and the pressures of life. No alarm clocks, no deadlines, no traffic jams—just relaxing in the sun, letting the rest of the world fade away.

But not everyone will have the privilege of a vacation this year.

More than five million people in Canada live below the low-income cutoff line. They may work at low-paying, casual jobs. Or perhaps they’ll be sleeping in one of the many shelters in cities across our country.

Canada is not doing well when it comes to poverty, especially for children. More than one in seven children live in poverty in Canada. According to the Conference Board of Canada, we rank 15th out of 17 peer countries and have a “C” rating. When children experience poverty, they are at greater risk of suffering health problems, developmental delays and behaviour disorders.

They have lower levels of education and often end up like their parents—living in poverty.

I’m not sure what our government is doing to address this problem, but a child poverty rate of 15 percent is unacceptable. Nordic countries, which have the lowest levels of poverty, have policies that are very simple to implement. We have the ability to make a difference. We could raise our minimum wage, ensure adequate income assistance for families, create a strong daycare program, and strengthen education and health initiatives. But we seem unable to grasp the relationship between social spending and poverty.

We Are the Difference I’m often at a loss when I talk about this subject with my family. However, I am convinced there is something we can do.

I love the Michael Jackson song Man in the Mirror—I think it encompasses what can make the difference in this world, especially with the ever-increasing gap between the rich and the poor. We are the difference. We need to change our lives.

As Christians, we are no longer our own; we belong to Christ. “So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 CEB).

God has a heart for the poor. I love the Salvation Army ad that says: “When wi-fi hot spots are everywhere, no one should be searching for a hot meal.” It’s time to end poverty in Canada.

So what can I do to make a difference?

1. I can learn about the issue and teach my children about it. Poverty in Canada is a significant burden on the economy. Housing is ridiculously priced, especially in our larger cities.

There are often no regulations in place

to protect people from being priced out of a place to call home.

2. I can advocate for the poor. I can write or speak to my member of Parliament or provincial legislature. I can talk about the issue with my friends. I can share things on Facebook that ask people to fight poverty by getting involved. I can vote for change.

3. I can donate money to a worthy organization that helps the poor. I can get my children involved in a fundraiser for a local food bank or soup kitchen.

If I don’t have enough money, my children and I can donate our time to help prepare a meal in a soup kitchen or sort through donations.

4. I can reach out a hand to help people in my church or community who are struggling. I can babysit for a single mom. I can drive someone without a car to an appointment. I can invite a family into my home and share a meal with them.

There’s a lot I can do to make a difference. The only barrier to change is me.

Major Kathie Chiu is the corps officer at Richmond Community Church, B.C. Salvationist • August 2015 • 29

SALVATION STORIES

Christ in Context

What l’ve learned about being all things to all people

BY CADET KAITLIN ADLAM

Photo: Carson Samson

W

here are you from?” helped me understand what it It sounds like a simmeans to be Mi’kmaq. ple question, but it’s I went on to do a master’s one I have always struggled to degree in social work, and then answer. My story is marked served as the executive director by many changes in setting for a First Nations foster care and characters. Growing up, organization. In the fall of 2014, my family moved every three God opened the door for me to years or so. Each move brought attend training college. challenges and blessings and As I reflect on the lessons I learned to understand and I have learned on my journey adapt to my surroundings. to this point, one thing stands I was born in Peterborough, out: the importance of underOnt. We moved to Kingston, standing and adapting to culOnt., when my parents divorced, ture. Culture is a gift from God, and both remarried when I was a lens through which we are four. Although divorce is not able to make sense of the world. ideal for anyone, this part of my The more we know about difjourney gave me two additional ferent cultures, the better we parents—I have never called can communicate the gospel in these influential people “step” a way that people can underparents—four more grandparstand. When we fail to underents and many cousins. My first stand culture, it can result in public declaration of faith was “Culture is a gift from God,” says Cdt Kaitlin Adlam. “The more we know painful and harmful setbacks about different cultures, the better we can communicate the gospel in a in Kingston. to the gospel, as we have seen Our next move was to way that people can understand” with the legacy of the Indian Truro, N.S., where one teacher Residential Schools. in particular took me under her wing at a time when I felt alone, God made I have come to see 1 Corinthians and taught me about human rights. himself real to me. He was no longer a 9:22-23 as a call to view the world She had lived in South Africa during distant God, but one I could feel—with through the eyes of others to share the apartheid and opened my eyes to injushis arms around me and my head on good news: “I have become all things to tice. She introduced me to the history his shoulder. all people so that by all possible means of slavery, the Holocaust, the impact My journey continued to Winnipeg, I might save some. I do all this for the of Indian Residential Schools and where I completed my last semester of sake of the gospel, that I may share in environmental concerns. She helped high school as my mother and father its blessings.” me look past differences between people entered training college. At the age of Culturally responsive ministry is at to understand the dignity and worth 19, I became an officer’s kid! After high the heart of The Salvation Army’s misof all human beings as part of God’s school, I studied social work at Booth sion. In the early days of the Army, our creation, instilling a sense of empathy University College, where I was intromusic, clothing, ministry locations, the and social responsibility. duced to the complexity of the Bible, the representation seen in our ranks—even The next stop on my journey was larger patterns and purposes, in ways our outlandish shenanigans—were all London, Ont., where I became a senior I had never heard. This deepened my culturally attuned. The slum sisters, soldier and a member of the candidates’ relationship with God. match factory, pub tunes—all transfellowship. I set my sights on becoming After graduating, I joined my parents formed for the glory of God. We underan officer because I wanted to reach in their first appointment in Bridgewater, stood our time and place, and used that out to people who feel alone and be the N.S., and began exploring my identity understanding to be Christ in that conhands and feet of Christ in this broken and cultural heritage as a non-status text. world.

Mi’kmaq woman. My ancestors were Today, ministries with cultural and After London, we moved to Sarnia, from this region and I was able to concontextual relevance excite me. Looking Ont. This was a hard time in my life— nect with the community through the back, I believe God has used my lifetime the typical teenage years where no one Native Council of Nova Scotia. The of cultural adaptation to prepare me for feels normal. But during my struggles, Wildcat community accepted me and ministry as an officer.

30 • August 2015 • Salvationist

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