Salvationist September 2017

Opioid Crisis: Deadly Drugs on Vancouver Streets

Check Your Corps’ Health This Rally Day

Army Supports Sydney, N.S., After Teen Suicides

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

September 2017

Salvationist.ca

Newfoundland and Labrador

S AND UP for justice

Annual Day of Prayer for

VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING Sunday 24 September 2017

Visit salvationist.ca/anti-human-trafficking for resources

CONTENTS

Salvationist September 2017 • Volume 12, Number 9

20

Meet the Territory’s Local Officer Forum

The Joyful Project: How to Wear Faith on Your Sleeve

Job’s Lament: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

August 2017

Salvationist.ca

Ke e p Connected

Life After Death?

FLATLINERS P.8

A Brother’s Run

MARATHON MAN P.28

Ke e p Connected

Inside Edition Sportscaster

STAYING TRUE P.12

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

faithandfriends.ca

AUGUST 2017

Salvationist August 2017

Faith & Friends August 2017

This Month:

“I

Was in Satan’s Choice”

• Mildred Jarvis was not a cat person—until Squibby purred her way into her life.

A BIBLE STARTED EX-BIKER MARK “THE HAMMER” CARLOS ON A NEW ROAD P.16

• More than fitness was involved in Major Wayne Bungay’s running of the London Marathon.

This Month: • For Carrie-Ann Jones, her mother and daughters, soldiership meant embracing a new church family.

• Salvationists Jamie and Amanda Crann let their lives shine for God.

• And more ...

Frame of Mind A retired Salvation Army officer deals with vascular dementia.

• And more ...

Bar None The Salvation Army is removing barriers to access—for everyone.

Talking Points

Hammer’s Time

When it comes to religion, most people need to see a sermon, not hear one.

A Bible started ex-Satan’s Choice member Mark Carlos on a new road.

Ending Exploitation

Just for Kids August 2017

The Joyful Project combats poverty and human trafficking with ethical fashion.

Hi kids!

Have you seen the new Salvationist.ca?

We’ve got an exciting new look!

Created for Salvationists, employees and volunteers, the new website brings together all the Salvation Army news, features and resources you want in one place, in an accessible format for all devices. Check it out!

Departments 17 Fresh Ideas Rally Day

by Major Doug Binner

18 Calling the Courageous

24 Perspectives Past Meets Present

by Lt-Colonel Jim Champ

26 Cross Culture 27 People & Places 30 Salvation Stories Soul Food

by Julie Whalen

Columns 4 Editorial In the Name of Love

by Geoff Moulton

25 Herstory Wild Child

by Captain Kristen JacksonDockeray

18

Which ship is anchored to the bottom of the ocean?

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Acts 27

he Apostle Paul, who once hated Christians, had been arrested for being a Christian. He was put on a ship to Rome so he could be tried in court. It was late fall. Paul tried to warn the captain that it might be stormy at sea. But the captain didn’t listen. Sure enough, once they set sail, a strong wind blew up. It carried them far out to sea where they were tossed and blown for two weeks.

32

• Survive a shipwreck with the Apostle Paul.

• Plus stories, puzzles, colouring, jokes and more!

2 1

2

This Month:

• Eat lunch with 5,000 followers of Jesus.

ISSUE

4

• Learn about Jesus at the beach.

• Put on the armour of God.

Sudoku

1

3

Keep Connected

5 Frontlines

The Next Generation

by Kristin Ostensen

Last summer, I went canoeing with a friend on a lake in British Columbia.

When we left the shore, the water was calm. We paddled to the other side of the lake easily and had lunch. But when we were coming back later, the wind had picked up. The water was choppy. Suddenly, we were fighting to get back across the lake. It was a little scary at times, but we made it across safely.

The Apostle Paul was not so lucky. He was travelling around, spreading the good news about Jesus, when the boat he was on sank! Read the story to find out what happened next.

Your friend, Kristin

Fill in the squares so that each row, column and 2x2 box contains each of the numbers from one to four.

Features 8 A Mobilized Army The General and Chief of the Staff lead Newfoundland and Labrador divisional congress and commissioning.

by Pamela Richardson

14 Salut, Québec!

The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox encourage Salvationists with visit to Quebec Division.

by Kristin Ostensen

16 Not One More The Army supports community and families after three teens commit suicide in Sydney, N.S.

by Major Corey Vincent

19 Bright Idea Sponsorship program makes a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

by Major Donna Barthau

Want to highlight Army ministry at your worship meetings? Take advantage of our “Keep Connected” promotional materials. They include PowerPoint slides for on-screen announcements and bulletin inserts that summarize all the great articles in Salvationist, Faith & Friends, Foi & Vie (French version of Faith & Friends) and Just for Kids.

Download the materials at salvationist.ca/editorial/ promotional-material or write to ada_leung@can. salvationarmy.org.

Cover photos: Timothy Cheng/ Steadman Bowers

Read and share it!

Active Or Passive?

PRAY P.8

Cowpocalypse Now

TORNADO AHEAD P.5

Army Gives Back

BARISTA PROGRAM P.12

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

faithandfriends.ca

SEPTEMBER 2017

20 The Sobering Truth In Vancouver, the Downtown Eastside is ground zero of an opioid crisis. The Salvation Army is on the front lines of the overdose epidemic.

by Jordan Shaw

23 Walk for Freedom Salvation Army couple prove age is no barrier to fighting human trafficking.

by Lieutenant Laura Hickman

Kim’s Convenience CBC’S AWARD-WINNING TV SHOW BLENDS CHRISTIAN FAITH WITH IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE P.16

Salvationist September 2017 3

EDITORIAL

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In the Name of Love

his summer, I attended two major events. The first was U2’s The Joshua Tree tour at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. It was the anniversary of the Irish rock band’s seminal 1987 album, which explored the spiritual heartland of America and made the band a worldwide phenomenon. Of course, my 10-year-old son had no idea about U2 (“Don’t they play that music on the oldies radio station, Dad?”). It came as a shock to realize that it had been 30 years since I first popped The Joshua Tree into my cassette player.

The religious underpinnings of lead singer Bono’s lyrics and his heart for social justice causes, such as HIV-AIDS and debt relief, have always resonated with me. It was a special thrill to see that, for this tour, U2 had conscripted a Salvation Army brass band to provide pre-recorded accompaniment on the giant screen for their song Red Hill Mining Town (you can find the footage on YouTube). Later, Bono led 50,000 fans in a singalong to U2’s most popular song from that era: I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For. It’s the anthem of a spiritually restless, and disaffected, generation.

Contrast that with my second big event of the summer: the Mobilize— Newfoundland and Labrador Divisional Congress and Commissioning led by

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 and Literary Secretary Giselle Randall Features Editor (416-467-3185) Pamela Richardson News Editor, Copy Editor and Production Co-ordinator (416-422-6112) Kristin Ostensen Associate Editor and Staff Writer 4 September 2017 Salvationist

General André Cox and Chief of the Staff Commissioner Brian Peddle during the Canada Day long weekend. The Glacier Arena in Mount Pearl, N.L., was filled to capacity with more than 2,000 Salvationists, all singing their hearts out: “Fierce may be the conflict, Strong may be the foe, But the King’s own army none can overthrow.” Gone was the spiritual angst and disillusionment. This was a group of people who had definitely found what they were looking for.

In this issue of Salvationist, you’ll experience the excitement of the congress—from the energy of the welcome meeting to the holy solemnity of the commissioning service to the intrigue of the children’s “secret agent” program (page 8). If you missed the meetings or want to watch them again, the videos are still available at salvationist.ca/MobilizeNL. From there, the General and Commissioner Silvia Cox travelled to the Quebec Division, where they were greeted with enthusiasm by the Armée du Salut (page 14).

Both the U2 concert and the Army events reminded me that there is still a generation out there that is searching for answers. As General André Cox told congress participants, “Our lives are to count for something. God wants to use

Timothy Cheng Senior Graphic Designer Brandon Laird Design and Media Specialist Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator Ken Ramstead Contributor Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769.

Member, The Canadian Church Press. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV) © 2011.

All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only with written permission.

us to have an impact for good in this world.” He challenged us to mobilize for the sake of the gospel, or to paraphrase another U2 song, to reach out “in the name of love.”

For those who still haven’t found what they’re looking for, may we point them to the hope that can be found in Jesus.

GEOFF MOULTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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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 facebook.com/salvationistmagazine twitter.com/salvationist youtube.com/salvationistmagazine instagram.com/salvationistmagazine

FRONTLINES

he Honourable Dwight Ball, premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, has announced that the federal and provincial governments will invest an additional $1.5 million in redeveloping The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in St. John’s, N.L. This investment is in addition to the $2.5 million announced by both governments in July 2015.

The premier made the announcement in June at the future site of the centre, which will help individuals move from homelessness to stable affordable housing. It will replace The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light Centre and Catherine Booth House that had been located on the Springdale Street property.

It will create 20 units of affordable housing as well as provide education, health and addiction services.

“We are very committed to working with The Salvation Army, the federal government and all our community partners to help address the diverse housing needs and supports for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness,” said Premier Ball. “The Salvation Army is a deeply rooted and valued community partner, and our government is pleased to provide support for this worthwhile initiative.”

Also on hand for the event was Seamus O’Regan, member of Parliament for St. John’s South—Mount Pearl, who noted, “These units and the community that supports them are key to a better life for the residents.”

Major John Goulding, then divisional secretary for public

Photo: Timothy Cheng

T

Governments Pledge Additional $1.5M for Springdale Project

From left, Sherry Gambin Walsh, member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Legislative Assembly, Placentia-St. Mary’s; Premier Dwight Ball; Mjr John Goulding; MP Seamus O’Regan; and MP Ken McDonald, Avalon

relations and development, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, expressed his gratitude to both governments for their support of the project and vowed that the Army would “give dignity to everyone who comes through our doors.”

Managed by the Army, the project has also received funding from the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy and from the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Homelessness Fund.

Alberni Valley Ministries Find New Home

When women are given the opportunity to learn, their lives and the lives of their families and communities are changed forever.

You can be part of their future success!

SalvationArmy.ca/giftsofhope

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he Salvation Army’s Alberni Valley Ministries in Port Alberni, B.C., officially opened its new location in June.

The new centre houses a thrift store, community and family services, and the church, combining ministries that were previously housed in separate locations.

The grand opening weekend included a community barbecue, ribbon cutting and open house, featuring an art show, historical display and tours, on Saturday. A worship service and building dedication took place on Sunday.

On Saturday, Lieutenant Michelle Cale, corps officer, extended a personal thanks to the community for their ongoing support. “We’re able to serve our neighbours, each and every day, impacting thousands of lives throughout the year, by your support,” she said.

A community barbecue welcomes locals to the new location of the Army’s Alberni Valley Ministries

Salvationist September 2017 5

FRONTLINES

Donation Supports Fort McMurray EDS

T The Glenmore Temple Band and timbrels march in the Calgary Stampede Parade

Glenmore Temple Band Celebrates 125 Years

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algary’s Glenmore Temple Band reached a significant milestone in 2017, as the band marks 125 years of music ministry. The band celebrated the anniversary by marching in the annual Calgary Stampede Parade and holding two concerts the same weekend in July. Glenmore Temple Band is the longest-participating band in the Calgary Stampede Parade, having only been absent from three parades in 105 years.

After marching in the parade on Friday, the band played two concerts on Saturday—downtown on Stephen Avenue in the afternoon, and at the corps that evening. The band also played at the Sunday morning meeting.

The band is made up of 37 volunteer musicians from all walks of life, ranging in age from 13 to 80 years. After 125 years, the music the band plays has shifted over time, but the goal remains the same: to draw attention to the work that The Salvation Army does and to bring people to the church through music.

“We will continue to do what we do best, which is support the Christmas kettles, our annual concerts and participation in Stampede events,” says Kevin Holroyd, band manager. “As long as the people of Calgary want to hear our music, we’ll continue to play.”

o a city still feeling the effects of the largest wildfire in the history of Canada, The Salvation Army in Fort McMurray, Alta., is a symbol of hope, and thanks to a $600,000 donation from the W. Garfield Weston Foundation, the city’s emergency disaster services (EDS) will expand its work and continue to help as many people as possible.

The donation has made it possible for the Army to replace its ageing community response unit (CRU), which was used to serve meals during the wildfire last year. “The new CRU is larger, with a greater capacity to store, serve and prepare meals, meaning it can remain onsite for a longer period of time, helping more people,” says Major Bond Jennings, associate corps officer. “It’s 100 percent better than what we had before.”

The donation also covers the refurbishment of three other CRUs in northern Alberta that experienced serious wear-andtear after the fire last year.

In addition to the vehicles, part of the donation will go toward funding a new counsellor position at The Salvation Army. As Major Jennings explains, the goal of creating the position is “to help people get through the recovery process from their traumatic experiences from the fire.” The counselling services will be free for anyone who needs them.

Cpt Mark Stanley, DSPRD, Alta. & N.T. Div; Mjrs Wilbert and Bertha Abbott; Eliza Mitchell, representing the W. Garfield Weston Foundation; and Mjr Marina Jennings, associate CO, with a new community response unit

NEWS IN BRIEF Funding Boost for Thunder Bay The Salvation Army’s Journey to Life Centre in Thunder Bay, Ont., is one step closer to becoming a reality, thanks to new funding granted in June. The local city council will provide $500,000 toward the construction of the facility, bringing the total amount of committed funds to nearly $8 million. The new building will have 20 apartment-style units for those in the Journey to Life program—a program that aims to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty through education, job training and life skills—as well as 20 emergency shelter beds.

6 September 2017 Salvationist

FRONTLINES

Army Wins 24 Canadian Church Press Awards

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he Salvation Army’s magazines and website won a record 24 awards at the Canadian Church Press convention in June, honouring work published in 2016. Salvationist took home 10 awards, including four firstplace prizes; Faith & Friends received nine awards, including second place for general excellence; Foi &Vie was recognized with two and salvationist.ca with three honours.

The Canadian Church Press includes representatives from approximately 50 member publications. The awards were judged by accomplished journalists and academics from both the religious and secular media. All of the winners can be read at salvationist.ca.

Second Place: Biblical Interpretation—Our Daily Bread

by Donald E. Burke (May)

Salvationist

Second Place: Media Review—When God is Silent by Geoff Moulton (November)

The April 2016 issue of Salvationist was awarded first place for its front cover and second place for its overall layout and design

Second Place: News Photo—A Joyful Noise (April)

Foi & Vie

First Place: Service Journalism— Digital Overload by Nancy Turley (May) First Place: Theological Reflection— Carry Me by Dion Oxford (March) First Place: Photo Essay—Our Priority ... the People! by Steve Nelson (February) First Place: Front Cover (Circulation above 10,000)—April Second Place: Editorial—Road to Healing by Geoff Moulton (July) Second Place: Opinion Piece—A Matter of Life and Death by James Read (May)

Second Place: Edition Layout and Design—April

How Does Our Territory Appoint its Officers?

Lost in Space: The Search for Meaning in The Martian

Army History Comes to Life in Miniature

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

April 2016

Salvationist.ca

Third Place: News Story—On the Ground in Fort McMurray by Pamela Richardson (July) Third Place: Feature Layout and Design (Circulation above 10,000)— Breaking the Power of Sin (March)

Master Class

Faith & Friends

Toronto taekwondo club connects with community kids

Second Place: General Excellence Second Place: Feature Layout and Design—Ring Ruler (August)

Third Place: Photo Essay—The Power of Art by Sandra Abma (March) Third Place: Front Cover (Circulation above 10,000)—Ring Ruler (August) Third Place: From the Editor—Art Reflecting Faith by Ken Ramstead (April) Honourable Mention: Edition Layout and Design—August Honourable Mention: Biographical Profile—Life Changer by Kristin Ostensen (February)

Second Place: Feature—Le sculpteur de l’âme by Brianne Zelinsky (Avril) Third Place: Front Cover (Circulation below 10,000)—Avril

Salvationist.ca Second Place: General Excellence— Website Design Third Place: Use of Multimedia on a Website Third Place: Publication Website

Salvation Army Supports Hunger Initiatives

D

uring the spring and summer, the Canada and Bermuda Territory participated in two internationally focused initiatives targeting the problem of hunger. In the spring, the Army worked with other faiths and denominations to highlight and raise funds for the African famine crisis occurring in South Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and northern Nigeria. These funds will be used to support the more than 20 million people affected by the drought.

Through its partnership with

the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, The Salvation Army also participated in its second Seeds of Life growing project in Ancaster, Ont. This year, the Army provided funding to plant and harvest 25 acres of soybeans.

Volunteers plant and harvest the crops, which are then sold at market value. The proceeds are deposited into The Salvation Army’s account at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and are used to provide international support to communities affected by drought and lack of food. This funding also qualifies for the

Government of Canada’s matching funds program, which in some cases more than triples the original investment.

“This valued partnership gives us a unique way to highlight, here at home, the right to food security for every citizen around world,” says Major Brenda Murray, director of world missions. “We are much stronger when we are united in mission. A united voice calls attention to this issue and spurs us toward a global solution that brings positive change to communities around the world.”

Salvationist September 2017 7

Lts Chad and Lisa Cole wear the red epaulettes of officers for the first time

A Mobilized Army The General and Chief of the Staff join forces to lead Newfoundland and Labrador divisional congress and commissioning.

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od is going to do great things!” said General André Cox to thousands of S a lv at ion i s t s a nd friends gathered at the Glacier Arena in Mount Pearl, N.L., for the welcome meeting of Mobilize—Newfoundland and Labrador Divisional Congress and Commissioning. The General 8 September 2017 Salvationist

BY PAMELA RICHARDSON and Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries, led weekend events along with Chief of the Staff Commissioner Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries. “We are just accompanying the Peddles this weekend,” the General said with a smile as the Peddles, both native

Newfoundlanders, were warmly “welcomed home.”

Indigenous officers from Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Major Shari Russell, territorial Indigenous ministries consultant, presented gifts to the international leaders and Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander.

As a gesture of love and friendship, the

Photos: Timothy Cheng/Steadman Bowers

The General shares from God’s Word

General and Commissioner Cox were wrapped in a special blanket that represented a traditional buffalo robe.

The Honourable Dwight Ball, premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, brought greetings and thanked The Salvation Army for its work throughout the province.

The evening’s program featured Wendy Woodland, portraying Captain Emma Dawson, and Darrin Martin, as General Clarence Wiseman, as they recounted in word and song the rich history of The Salvation Army in Newfoundland and Labrador, presentday ministries and a vision for the future.

Woven throughout their performance were presentations by the divisional youth band, Newfound Brass (BM Stephen White), the congress singing company (Elizabeth Murphy, leader) and a timbrel brigade. Lending musical support for weekend events was the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) (BM John Lam), who presented Major Ken Smith’s Newfoundland Singalong to the delight of the congregation.

In her message, Commissioner Cox encouraged the congregation to follow the example of Christ, who came to be a servant. “He gave us a mission,” she said, “and the power to achieve it—to mobilize.”

Following the service, young people gathered at the Memorial University of Newfoundland’s INCO Building for an after-glow event featuring the territorial worship team, NEON, prize giveaways and an opportunity to hear from the General.

Earlier in the day, the international leaders conducted officers’ councils at St. John’s Citadel and attended a recep-

The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox with the Honourable Frank F. Fagan, lieutenant-governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Mrs. Patricia Fagan

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle received a warm “welcome home” from Commissioner Susan McMillan

Timbrelists bring excitement to congress meetings

Salvationist September 2017 9

Joyful Intercessors with the territorial commander

tion at Government House hosted by the Honourable Frank F. Fagan, lieutenant-governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Commissioning As the crowd gathered on Saturday evening for the commissioning and ordination service of 19 cadets from the

Joyful Intercessors Session, the General declared, “What a celebration today to witness the commissioning of new officers!”

A cross draped in a long white cloth was the focal point of the stage for the sacred ceremony. The Joyful Intercessors entered the auditorium and stood at the foot of the cross, each lifting a section of

The international leaders receive a blanket representing a traditional buffalo robe from Indigenous officers as a symbol of love and friendship

10 September 2017 Salvationist

the cloth as a symbol of their partnership with Christ.

Major David Allen, principal at the College for Officer Training in Winnipeg, introduced the cadets and commended them to the territorial commander.

“They came with testimonies—real, alive and fresh—of how God called them into a life of ministry,” he said.

Speaking directly to the cadets, Major Allen encouraged them to be kingdom builders and expressed thanks to God for their offering of themselves for service as officers.

Cadets Carolina Valencia, Scott Allen and Daniel Kelly presented the Officer’s Covenant that was signed by each cadet in preparation for their commissioning and ordination. Colonel Lee Graves, chief secretary, then stood before the Joyful Intercessors as they recited the doctrines of The Salvation Army in their Declaration of Faith. The cadets moved again to the foot of the cross to kneel in prayer as an act of dedication of their lives to God’s work.

“Recognizing that God has called you, equipped you and gifted you for sacred service,” Commissioner McMillan told each cadet, “I ordain you as a minister of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour

Jesus Christ and commission you as an officer of The Salvation Army with the rank of lieutenant.”

Speaking from Romans 12, she challenged the new officers to be faithful to their calling and prayed that God would keep them holy and safe as they embark upon their ministry.

During the singing of O Church Arise, led by Commissioner Cox, the new officers left the auditorium to prepare for the second half of the evening’s service.

Returning wearing the distinctive red trim worn by Salvation Army officers around the world, the new lieutenants again took their place on the platform.

Later in the service, the territorial commander, supported by Lt-Colonel Jamie Braund, secretary for personnel, publicly acknowledged their first appointments.

A musical highlight of the service was the CSB’s presentation of Paul LovattCooper’s Fire in the Blood.

In his message, the General encouraged Salvationists to actively engage with the world. “We are not called to simply worship in this place,” he said. “The world needs a generation of Salvationists who will stand up in their communities to make a difference.” Many responded to his invitation to kneel in dedication of their lives to Jesus Christ and others publicly displayed their call to officership by joining him on the platform.

Earlier in the day, the Chief of the Staff laid a wreath on behalf of The Salvation Army during a Memorial Day service of remembrance for the many Newfoundlanders who lost their lives at Beaumont Hamel on July 1, 1917, during the First World War. Salvationists participated in events throughout St. John’s, including a prayer breakfast, a local officers’ gathering, a candidates’

Joyful Intercessors kneel at the cross while Messengers of the Gospel uplift them in prayer

luncheon and a special Canada 150 celebration carnival. Inclement weather could not dampen the spirits of those who attended the carnival that had to be relocated from a local park to St. John’s Citadel. Hundreds of people enjoyed an afternoon of games, a jumping castle for the children and food in the gymnasium while the CSB and the Blue East Worship Team (Robbie Lee, leader) presented a first-rate concert in the sanctuary.

Marching Onward “Listen to the voice of God as it is proclaimed,” said Lt-Colonel Eddie Vincent, divisional commander, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, as he called the congregation to worship at Sunday morning’s holiness meeting at Glacier Arena.

“This arena has become a sanctuary for these few days,” prayed Lt-Colonel

Genevera Vincent, divisional director of women’s ministries, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, as she sought God’s blessing on the service, “but we know there is a world out there needing us. We ask that you will stir us to action.”

Before reading from the Book of Acts, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle expressed her joy at being home in Newfoundland and Labrador, and shared her personal testimony. “I was nothing when God found me,” she said, “and I can do nothing without him.”

Local television host Sharon Snow of NTV’s Places to Go with Sharon Snow interviewed Salvationist Jamie Crann from Botwood Corps about his spiritual journey. Since accepting Christ, he said he has been taking time to appreciate all that he has been given by God. “My life

General André Cox enrols 49 junior and senior soldiers

The congress singing company in action

is worth the living!” he said.

Prior to the congregation singing Grace Alone with the musical support of the congress worship team (Captain Krista Andrews, leader), Lt-Colonel Wendy Waters, assistant territorial secretary for women’s ministries and Fellowship of the Silver Star secretary, explained the significance of the Fellowship of the Silver Star as a symbol of the Army’s gratitude to those who made a spiritual impact on the lives of new officers. Each of the Joyful Intercessors presented their parents or spiritual mentors with a pin and certificate welcoming them to the fellowship.

The Canadian Staff Band provides musical support

Following the holiness meeting, a luncheon was held in their honour.

In his message, the Chief of the Staff challenged the congregation to consider the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. “For every nonbeliever here today there is an urgency about eternity that you must not ignore any longer,” he said. Many responded to his invitation to move forward in commitment of their lives to God. Later in the day, Salvationists gathered one final time at Glacier Arena for a sending-out service that highlighted the cadets of the Messengers of the Gospel Session. Adding to the excitement of the

Commissioner Susan McMillan greets new Lts David and Renée McFadden with sons Jackson and Xavier

12 September 2017 Salvationist

evening was the acknowledgment of their summer assignments that will take them as far away as Kenya and Poland before they return to Winnipeg this month to begin their second year of training.

A highlight of the service was the enrolment of 49 junior and senior soldiers by the General. “God is still calling the courageous,” the international leader said, referencing the soldiership recruitment campaign currently taking place across the territory. Focusing his attention first on the junior soldiers, the General spoke of the importance of listening to our children. “God speaks into their hearts,” he said, and then

Wendy Woodland, as Cpt Emma Dawson, and Darrin Martin, as General Clarence Wiseman, recount the Army’s history in Newfoundland and Labrador

prayed for the young people, thanking God for them and the commitment of their parents to protect and raise them in God’s way.

Speaking to the senior soldiers, the General explained that being enrolled was more than becoming members of The Salvation Army. “Soldiers are called to go out and make a difference in the world,” he said.

Cadets Thomas and Kristina Marsh shared their journey to the training college. “I have learned what it means to be a co-labourer for Christ,” Cadet Thomas Marsh said. “God’s work becomes our work, and the things that God cares about, we should care about.”

Before General Cox shared from the Word of God, soloist Jennifer Mercer of Botwood Corps sang Go Light Your World. Also lending musical support were the CSB and the congress chorus (Carolyn Reid and Deon Yates, leaders).

“Our lives are to count for something,” said the General in his message.

“God wants to use us to have an impact for good in this world.” Leading the congregation in a time of reflection and response, the General invited them to sing Take Thou My Life, Lord, which was sung in the moments following his election as General. “This was the only song that I could think of in that moment,” he said, explaining the importance of sur-

rendering everything to God’s service.

Many responded to the General’s invitation to kneel in dedication of their lives to God, and six people made first-time public declarations of a call to officership. Dozens of people surrounded the six on the stage, forming prayer circles of support and love.

Throughout the weekend, children were involved in Co-Mission: I.N.G., a special program developed and presented by the territorial youth and children’s ministries department, both at the Glacier Arena during the Friday and Saturday evening services and at Mount Pearl Corps during the holiness meeting (see below).

Kids Become Agents of Joy

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searched for hidden messages in the song lyrics, on-screen clues and other details in the meeting elements to complete their missions.

Through their communication devices, the kids learned that Int. Agents of Joy are Infinitely joyful, Never stop praying and Give thanks always (see 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)—the I.N.G. in Co-Mission: I.N.G. They were urged to live as Agents of Joy as they share the love, light and joy of Christ, and pray for the needs of others. They were reminded to point people to Jesus, knowing that “this is the assigned moment for him to move into the centre, while [we] slip off to the sidelines” (John 3:30 The Message).

On Sunday morning, children participated in their own worship at Mount Pearl Corps where they were encouraged

Photos: Matthew Osmond/William Chinnery

hroughout the congress and commissioning services, kids were on a mission at the Glacier Arena to become Int. Agents of Joy as they engaged in Co-Mission: I.N.G., an interactive kids program developed and presented by the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s youth and children’s ministries department.

Each night, kids entered Secret Service Headquarters where they were assigned their agent identification, fingerprinted and given top secret mission files. After gaining security clearance, agents moved to the briefing room, where they received instructions from Mission Command and a top secret communication device (headphones) through which mission intel would be transmitted during the meetings. Kids

Sheryl Slous, dressed in a disco outfit, shares an object lesson with the kids

to DISCOver Joy with a ’70s disco theme.

Throughout the morning, they learned five things the Bible teaches about joy, and practised five ways to pray as they discovered that the “Int.” in Int. Agents of Joy stands for “Intercessor.” The children prayed for each other during their morning service, and many responded to the General’s invitation to move forward to pray with their families at the mercy seat during the evening’s sending-out service.

“We are blessed in the Canada and Bermuda Territory with children who are engaged in their faith, responsive to God’s call and willing to stand for Christ in the world,” says Sheryl Slous, youth and children’s ministries consultant.

“We must prayerfully encourage them as they live as agents of his joy.”

Young people take part in Co-Mission: I.N.G. activities

Salvationist September 2017 13

Salut, Québec!

The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox encourage Salvationists with visit to Quebec Division.

t is a joy for us to be here,” said General André Cox as he addressed a capacity crowd attending a public meeting at Montreal Citadel. The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries, led the meeting as part of a visit to the Quebec Division in July. The four-day trip included tours of Salvation Army facilities, meetings with local government officials and the Montreal Citadel service—the highlight of the trip for Salvationists, who were greatly encouraged by the world leaders’ visit.

The tour began with a visit to Rimouski, Que., the site of the sinking of the Empress of Ireland in 1914, which claimed the lives of 124 Salvationists who were travelling to a congress in London, England. General André Cox conducts the Montreal Citadel Band as they play Montreal Citadel Accompanied by Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, Colonel Lee Graves, chief no organization, on its own, can tackle all of these probsecretary, Colonel Debbie Graves, territorial secretary for lems, “if we work together, we can achieve much more.” The women’s ministries, and divisional leaders, the General and delegation shared about existing Salvation Army programs Commissioner Cox went to the Empress of Ireland Museum, and services—including the Plateau de Travail employment and met with local officials, including Member of the National preparation program, shelters in Montreal and Quebec City, Assembly Harold LeBel and Mayor Marc Parent, and repreand the Army’s work with refugees—as well as the church’s sentatives from other charitable organizations. Though The place in a highly secularized society such as Quebec. A tour Salvation Army does not currently have an official presence in of the Hôtellerie des Hommes/Maison Charlotte shelter and the town, the group discussed the role the Army could play in the Église Communautaire de Québec later that day gave the meeting the needs of the Rimouski community going forward.

General a first-hand look at some of the ministries mentioned The next day, the delegation met with François Blais, minin the meeting. ister of employment for Quebec, to discuss the various social A dinner with the city’s advisory board offered further issues facing the province—particularly loneliness, mental insight into the Army’s work in Quebec. Noting that General health and drug addiction. The General noted that while Cox was the first general to visit Quebec City in more than 40

Commissioner Susan McMillan, the General and Commissioner Silvia Cox meet Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre

14 September 2017 Salvationist

The Quebec delegation visits the Empress of Ireland Museum in Rimouski, Que.

Photos: Kristin Ostensen

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BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN

The General and Commissioner Cox with staff at divisional headquarters

years, Dino Marzaro, chair of the board, presented the General and Commissioner Cox with a painting that symbolically depicts the Army’s service to the community.

Moving on to Montreal, the delegation met with local Mayor Denis Coderre and discussed the Army’s involvement in the fight against homelessness, and how its partnership with the city could be strengthened and expanded. In particular, Coderre expressed a desire for The Salvation Army to join his recently formed mayoral committee on homelessness, which guides the city’s work on this issue.

That evening, a full house at Montreal Citadel greeted the General and Commissioner Cox with enthusiasm, as the corps hosted a divisional public meeting. The service was conducted in English, French and Spanish, reflecting the diversity of the congregation.

After a prayer from Neptali Rodriguez, Scripture readings were given by Emmanuel Dagenais and Una Adams, who, at 103 years, is one of the territory’s oldest soldiers. The readings were followed by a testimony from soldier Daniel Bourque. While convalescing from a heart condition, Bourque discovered all of the programs that the Montreal Booth Centre had to offer the public. “I saw for myself how the staff treated everyone, rich or poor, with dignity and respect.” Now chaplain at the centre, he continues the Army’s good work.

In her message, Commissioner Cox encouraged the congregation to embrace the new life that is available to us in Jesus Christ. “We need a new heart,” she said. “With faith, transformation is possible.” During the time of reflection that followed, seekers came to the front for prayer.

As the meeting concluded, the General was invited to conduct the Montreal Citadel Band in playing the well-known march Montreal Citadel, accompanied by a timbrel brigade, to the surprise and enjoyment of the congregation.

On his final day in the Quebec Division, the General met with the Montreal advisory board, thanking them for their ongoing support of the Army’s work. The delegation then went to l’Abri d’espoir (shelter of hope), where they toured the 60-bed facility and learned about its programs for women in crisis. After an official welcome to the shelter by Sandra Mastrogiuseppe, president of the l’Abri d’espoir board, the General and Commissioner Cox had time to interact with the shelter’s residents who were excited to meet the world leaders,

The General and Commissioner Cox tour the Église Communautaire de Québec, meeting Lts Yves Bolduc and Vivian Mag-aso, CO and community and family services officer, and a thrift store employee

At l’Abri d’espoir in Montreal, Commissioner Cox and Mjr Betty Lessard, executive director, speak with residents

take photos with them and share their personal stories.

As the final stop on their tour of Quebec, the world leaders had lunch at divisional headquarters and the General discussed the Army’s accountability movement. He commended the staff for their commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army, emphasizing how it contributes to lives being changed. Major Grant Effer, divisional commander, expressed his gratitude to the General for this encouragement, saying to the staff, “It’s a new time for us and you’re all part of it.”

Salvationist September 2017 15

Not One More

The Army supports community and families after three teens commit suicide in Sydney, N.S.

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BY MAJOR COREY VINCENT

ast school year, our town of Sydney, N.S., lost three young people to suicide. Vincent Nugent, Justin Newell and Madison Wilson were only 13 years old.

After the third suicide, in June, there was a dark cloud over the community. It was impossible to go anywhere in town without someone mentioning the crisis. Many discussions in the community and the media revolved around bullying. The overall feeling throughout the Cape Breton region was a sense of hopelessness, disbelief and grief, which was being expressed through anger as people were rightfully searching for answers.

In our town, the Salvation Army corps is called Sydney Community Church, and that’s what we strive to be. If our community is hurting and grieving, our corps will show the community that we are hurting and grieving with them, and offer love, hope and support.

I was praying about the situation, wondering what we could do as a church, when the idea of a “walk of hope” came to me, and I asked three passionate and caring individuals from the church to help me plan it. I closed one of our planning committee meetings with the prayer, “Not one more suicide; not one more bullied child; not one more child who feels alone; not one more, please, Lord.” The committee was inspired by the prayer and we decided to call the walk Not One More. It was challenging to make this event a reality in a short period of time, but we had faith that it was God-inspired and would help bring healing to a desperate community.

Despite inclement weather, more than 200 people attended the event, including the three families who had lost their children to suicide. Our walk was lit by glowsticks, which we presented to the families of the deceased teens with a bouquet of flowers. We were escorted through the busiest street in Sydney by the Cape Breton Regional Police Service. Cars pulled over to the side of the road out of respect for the families and the walk. At the conclusion of our walk, I shared a prayer that I had written especially for our community, asking “that there will be ‘not one more,’ in Jesus’ name.”

After the walk, which finished at the corps, we invited everyone to come inside our hall for refreshments. I was moved to tears as I watched Chris Royal, the father of the young woman who had taken her own life less than two weeks before our walk, embrace one of the other families who had lost their son to suicide.

This event was important for us as a church because we are called to stand up for the disadvantaged—including victims of bullying, people struggling with mental illness and grieving families. We have a responsibility to be light in the darkness.

Suicide is a difficult subject, and many people shy away from talking about it. In dark times such as these, people want to help and support each other, but struggle to find the appropriate words or venue to express themselves. This event gave the community an opportunity to show our love and care for 16 September 2017 Salvationist

More than 200 people marched in the Army’s walk of hope

Chris Royal lost his daughter, Madison, to suicide in June. He and his family, with Mjr Corey Vincent, attended the walk of hope

the families of the three teens who saw no other option but to take their own lives.

Members of the corps actively promoted the walk of hope by collecting donations, walking with the people and passing out pamphlets with emergency contact information for people needing help. Those who came to the event left knowing that they belonged to a beautiful, caring and loving community.

It’s important that we learn from the deaths of these three teens. We are currently discussing how we can support our local students as the new school year begins, and we look forward to seeing where God will lead us. We have already decided that Not One More will be an annual event. I pray that God will use Sydney Community Church as a beacon of hope that will show people that there are supports available, people care and life is worth living.

Major Corey Vincent is the corps officer at Sydney Community Church, N.S.

Photo: © Rawpixel/iStock.com

FRESH IDEAS

Seven signs of a flourishing congregation.

BY MAJOR DOUG BINNER

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hriving? Vibrant? Energized?

How would you describe your corps as you ramp up for rally day and the new year ahead?

Researchers at Ambrose University in Calgary recently set out to understand the Canadian church landscape, identifying seven features of a flourishing congregation—recognizing that flourishing does not necessarily mean large. As we launch another year of corps life, here are the characteristics of a healthy, thriving church, and some challenging questions to help you move in this direction.

ship fallen into a rut? Be creative. Take risks.

4. Q uantitative growth. We like to count and measure in the Army, but are we seeing quantitative growth?

Over the past decade, statistics indicate a decline in both attendance and soldiership, and that trend needs to be reversed. A friend once said, “Never go to church in an empty car.” Who could you invite to church, or offer to pick up? Even if half of us filled our cars this Sunday, our attendance could be doubled.

1. Active spiritual life. Opportunities for prayer, Scripture reading, small groups and volunteering should be available for everyone. Is it possible to have a discipleship opportunity available each day of the week and in each postal code of your community? No one should be excluded from spiritual growth because of timing or location.

2. Belonging. A vibrant sense of community and participation is vital to the health of any church. How are you intentionally creating a safe, welcoming and accepting atmosphere— even for those who may look, sound or act different than we are used to?

We should be so relentlessly relational that no one is ever overlooked, either in their absence or in their presence.

3. Inspiring mission. Is the leadership team at your corps communicating the excitement of being part of God’s mission each week, or has your wor-

If your corps disappeared tomorrow, would anyone in your neighbourhood notice?

5. Leadership. Leaders should empower others to use their skills to lead and serve. Increasing the percentage of people who are engaged in ministry and decision-making is an important step in developing a healthy congregation. How are decisions made at your corps? Are there details that the officers and mission board are hand-

ling that could be delegated to others, allowing them to feel empowered and engaged?

6. Outreach and service. As we serve the needs of our corps and community, we must always heed the words of Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander: “We have not finished our mission if we have not shared the gospel.” Evangelism events and training need to be part of every corps. We need to create an atmosphere of invitation, where it is natural for our members to share their “stories” and invite a friend or relative.

What is the atmosphere of your corps?

7. Community presence. We are called to be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Jesus invites us to be salt and light. Someone has asked, “If your corps disappeared tomorrow, would anyone in your neighbourhood notice?” I hope they would, because if they didn’t then we have failed our mission. What plans do you have for the coming year that will show your neighbours not only that you are present, but that you are making a positive impact in your community?

As you and your leaders plan the upcoming year, make sure that you are filling your corps calendar with events, programs and activities that will make your congregation flourish.

Major Doug Binner is the corps ministries secretary in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Salvationist September 2017 17

CALLING THE COURAGEOUS

The Next Generation At Oshawa Temple, making junior soldiers is a corps commitment.

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN

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ow that I’m a junior soldier, I feel proud and responsible,” says eight-year-old Isaac Thompson. “I’m responsible for teaching little kids about Jesus. And I feel proud because now I’m a part of The Salvation Army.”

Isaac was one of six children enrolled at Oshawa Temple, Ont., in March, adding another member to the corps’ growing junior soldier roll.

Oshawa Temple offers a range of children’s programs, providing multiple entry points for families such as Isaac’s.

During the school year, he is actively involved with band, timbrels and singing company. Last summer, he attended day camp and junior music camp.

But for Shona Burditt, director of youth and young adults ministries, the key to a successful children’s ministry goes beyond simply offering programs.

“It’s about relationships—that’s how you keep families in church,” she says.

Keep Them Coming Back Building relationships doesn’t happen overnight, but it starts the first time a family walks through Oshawa Temple’s doors.

“It’s our job to make sure that they feel welcome,” says Burditt. “If I see a new family on a Sunday morning, I’ll introduce myself and get to know them a bit. I’ll give them information about the programs we have, get their contact information and then do follow up.”

Along with weekly programs such as band and timbrels, the corps draws community families in with special

Isaac and Alyssa are happy to be junior soldiers

18 September 2017 Salvationist

Isaac Thompson and Alyssa McIntyre sing at a service at Oshawa Temple, Ont.

programs such as the March break and summer day camps and an annual Easter egg hunt, which has brought as many as 1,500 people to the corps.

“I’ve been here long enough that I’ve seen whole families of kids go through the camps,” says Burditt, who has been in her role at Oshawa Temple since 2007.

“They might not attend our Sunday services, but we’re still building relationships with them.

“When they come to Oshawa Temple, people know that we care about their kids. That’s why they keep coming back.”

Family Affair For Meridith Thompson, Isaac’s mother, the children’s programs are a significant part of why she has stayed at the corps.

Meridith has attended Oshawa Temple all her life, becoming a junior soldier and then a senior soldier as she grew up.

“I enjoyed the youth programs myself when I was a kid,” she says. “When you’re

at church, you’re learning about your faith, helping others, learning a skill like playing an instrument, and it’s all social.

I still have friends that I made growing up at Oshawa Temple.”

“The children’s programs are run well,” says Julie McIntyre, whose eightyear-old daughter, Alyssa, was also enrolled as a junior soldier in March. “I have two girls and they both love them.”

When asked what she likes best about going to Oshawa Temple, Alyssa says, “My friends, the music and the people.”

She is involved with band, singing company, timbrels and the monthly junior youth group. Her mother runs the corps’ Sunday school program.

After Alyssa turned seven, Burditt spoke to Julie about the possibility of Alyssa taking the six-week junior soldier preparation classes.

“We approach the parents but we don’t push because it’s not about numbers,” says Burditt. “It’s about whether

the child is ready to make that promise.”

Having been a junior soldier herself, Julie was excited when Burditt approached her about Alyssa, and appreciated how the leadership involved parents throughout the preparation process.

“Every week, we were given sheets with information, and Charlie Ball, who teaches the classes, would phone to check in,” Julie says. “And when they signed their Junior Soldier Promises, it was a time for all the families—the children signed them at the mercy seat and the families prayed over them, along with the corps officer. It was a nice time.”

Becoming a junior soldier was a natural step for Alyssa, who asked Jesus into her heart when she was four or five.

“I wanted to become a junior soldier because I love God,” she says. “I’m excited to tell everyone about Jesus.”

In the months since his enrolment, Isaac’s mother has been able to see how the classes have had an impact on him.

“I think he understands faith more,” says Meridith. “Before, his concept of God was very general. You’re supposed to do what God says and you pray before you eat and before you go to bed. Now he has much more of an understanding of how our faith is a way of life, and it’s not just going to church every week.”

“I learned that Jesus will always be with you in your heart,” says Isaac. “We’re supposed to help other people and help them follow Jesus.”

Long-Term Investment The preparation classes may be finished and the Junior Soldier Promises signed, but for Alyssa, Isaac and their corps family, the journey is just beginning. As Julie notes, junior soldiership is not just a commitment on the part of the child. “It’s also a commitment from the congregation to uphold these children in prayer and help them along their journey of faith.”

After 17 years in youth ministry, Burditt says there is no magic formula— just love and discipleship.

“Whether you’ve got a hundred people coming or just 10, the most vital part of any youth ministry is spending time with the kids that you have, investing in them and letting them see your walk with the Lord,” she says.

“When you’re vulnerable with them— when you show them how much you love God and how much God loves them— that’s how you’ll reach them.”

Bright Idea

Sponsorship program makes a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

BY MAJOR DONNA BARTHAU

Students at Chikankata Secondary School in Zambia receive uniforms through the Brighter Futures children’s sponsorship program

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wo years ago, Joe Simfukwe enrolled in Grade 8 at Chikankata Secondary School in Zambia. His family was able to pay his school fees for the first year, but when their financial situation changed, he was forced to drop out. With the help of The Salvation Army’s Brighter Futures children’s sponsorship program, Joe was able to return to school. Despite missing a term before the national government exams, Joe received the highest mark in his class.

The Brighter Futures program is a community-based approach to children’s sponsorship, providing food, clothing, shelter, health care, education and vocational training for vulnerable children in 27 countries. Projects vary according to local needs—they may include children’s homes; funding for school fees and supplies, such as uniforms, textbooks and lab equipment; or programs for at-risk youth.

The program also helps ministry units develop their resources to become self-sustaining. Some projects have started kitchen gardens to improve nutrition and save money in their food budget. Others do sewing or basket weaving or sell baked goods. One asked for

help to buy a refrigerator so they could sell cold drinks after the Sunday meeting—the profits go toward maintaining their aquaponics system, which provides fish and vegetables. Still others raise chickens and goats.

Brighter Futures helps thousands of children fulfil their potential each year.

You don’t need to belong to The Salvation Army to help—anyone can donate. For information, visit saworldmissions.ca or call 416-422-6224.

Major Donna Barthau is the sponsorship co-ordinator in the world missions department.

Fast Facts About the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program Preschools/Kindergartens 8 Primary schools 23 Secondary schools 6 After-school programs 6 Schools for children with disabilities 8 Children’s homes 18 Community projects 8 Salvationist September 2017 19

Photo: © The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

A man holds up a sign at the first National Day of Action, on February 21, 2017, to draw attention to the opioid overdose epidemic in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. In 2016, 935 people died from overdoses in British Columbia—the deadliest year on record

The Sobering Truth

In Vancouver, the Downtown Eastside is ground zero of an opioid crisis.

The Salvation Army is on the front lines of the overdose epidemic.

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haplain! Someone is overdosing in the bathroom upstairs!” I headed out of my office, praying under my breath that whoever it was would survive.

This is an increasingly common occurrence at The Salvation Army Vancouver Harbour Light, even though 20 September 2017 Salvationist

BY JORDAN SHAW our facility, like others, is meant to be drug- and alcohol-free. But we serve more than 1,000 people a day, through emergency shelters, a drop-in centre, feeding program, detox and other residential programs, in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Canada.

As a chaplain, I’m not a first-line responder. I exist in a support capacity,

ready to pray, offer spiritual counsel, or do whatever needs to be done so that the support workers and paramedics can do their jobs more effectively. Just being a calm presence at a chaotic scene can be beneficial.

This time, the man survived. Our support staff administered the antioverdose drug naloxone, and paramedics

arrived to provide the care and attention he needed. Others aren’t so lucky.

In 2016, drug overdoses claimed the lives of 935 people in British Columbia—a nearly 80-percent increase from the year before. On April 26, 2017, emergency services responded to 130 overdoses throughout the province, with 62 of those in the Greater Vancouver Area—the most ever in a 24-hour period.

Unfortunately, that number doesn’t even come close to reflecting the reality of suffering here.

The Last Stop I have been a full-time chaplain at Harbour Light in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) of Vancouver for two years now, and have lived in the DTES with my young family for five years. We moved here because we felt a need to live alongside our brothers and sisters who are hurting and dying. Although I came from a Mennonite background, The Salvation Army was a natural fit, the focus of “Heart to God, Hand to Man” resonating deeply within my soul.

I witnessed my first death shortly after moving into the neighbourhood.

Then came another, and another. I’m not talking about walking past someone who died—I’m talking about men I knew.

I knew their names and at least part of

Photos: Daniella Guzzo

Program staff at The Salvation Army Vancouver Harbour Light are trained to administer the anti-overdose drug naloxone

their stories. In five years I’ve lost nine people to a combination of mental illness and addiction—two things that go hand in hand all too often.

Six of those men passed away in the past five months, all to overdoses. Men account for four out of five deaths.

A friend remarked the other day, “This isn’t new. People have always been dying in this neighbourhood. What’s new is the rate at which they’re dying.” I agree.

This is a neighbourhood of survivors.

My friends who live in the slum hotels and on the streets have been subject to more abuse than I can imagine. Most have come from broken homes or foster care. The amount of sexual abuse suffered before the onset of addiction is staggering, for both men and women.

People congregate in the DTES largely

because they have been neglected and abandoned by everyone who was supposed to support and care for them. In the DTES they find a community that accepts them—addiction, mental illness and all. It’s not a healthy community, but when you’ve never known what “healthy” looks like, you take what you can get. But more and more these days, the DTES is the last stop on a long and painful journey.

Toxic Drug Supply In the last few years, heroin has been slowly replaced on the street with synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, carfentanil and other extremely potent depressant drugs. Broadly speaking, street drugs can be classified into two groups—stimulants such as crack, cocaine and crystal methamphetamine, commonly called “ups”; and depressants such as heroin, fentanyl, codeine and morphine, known as “downs.” Heroin gives a euphoric high at first. I once heard it described as “feeling like I was being hugged for the first time in my life.” But if too much of an opioid like heroin is administered, it begins to shut down the central nervous and respiratory systems.

The user will fall into a deep sleep and never wake up.

Overdose from heroin has always been a reality, but as heroin is replaced by Jordan Shaw with a resident of the Army’s treatment program

Salvationist September 2017 21

John is a graduate of the recovery program at Harbour Light, where he now works in the kitchen

cheaper and more potent substitutes, it becomes much more likely. Fentanyl, for example, is 100 times as potent as heroin, and carfentanil is hundreds of times more potent than fentanyl. This potency means that drug traffickers can bring in a much smaller amount and still make an enormous profit—one kilogram of fentanyl can make at least 65,000 doses.

The people mixing these drugs (“cutting” the drug with inert substances to increase profits) are rarely chemists, and cross-contamination is a real possibility.

In fact, it is often not heroin users who are dying, but crack and meth users who have inadvertently gotten fentanyl mixed in with their supply.

Serious but not Hopeless Harbour Light is doing its part to respond to this crisis. Naloxone kits are available throughout our facility in case of an overdose, and more than 70 percent of our program staff is trained to administer the kit in case of emergency.

We make sure our clients and guests are fully informed about the risks involved with street drug use, and we do our best to protect them and other community members. However, the task is huge. We used to see one or two in-house overdoses a year. Last year there were 12, and as many as 10 in a single day in the alley behind our shelters.

As chaplains, we have increased our presence at Harbour Light to seven days a week, and are always available to help individuals—both staff and clients— deal with the spiritual and emotional consequences of the trauma involved in drug use and overdose. Still, the question that most people ask is why? In the face of near-certain death, why do people continue to use?

I asked my friend John this question last week. John is in recovery, and a successful graduate of our recovery program. I asked why he kept using in spite of the risks. He thought hard, and then replied, “When I was using, death wasn’t a scary thing. I didn’t think about it that much. I was more concerned with the quality of my life at the moment—where I was going to sleep, how I was going to 22 September 2017 Salvationist

get my next fix—than I was with life itself.” In this, John was typical of most addicts. Long-term or even mediumterm thinking doesn’t enter the equation.

All energy and resources are directed to getting the next fix. There’s no time to think about anything else.

In the face of such huge issues, it’s easy to lose hope and to write off addicts as dead men walking. Is there anything the average person can do? Yes. Although the situation is serious, it’s not hopeless.

First, we need to double down on our commitment to treatment. There are simply not enough low-income treatment beds to meet the demand. People are scared and want to quit, but are often faced with a month-long waiting list to get into a low-income treatment centre.

The Salvation Army has always been on the front lines, helping the least, the last and the lost—we need to continue to show our commitment by adequately supporting our facilities.

Second, we need to make sure that our churches and corps are welcoming places to the outsider, the hurting and the forgotten. We may be happy to volunteer at a soup kitchen or in a thrift store, but there are those who are reluctant to have a homeless man sitting beside them on Sunday morning. But here’s the thing—the answer to addiction is not simply sobriety, it is community and connection. Often, the people who do the best after leaving our treatment centre are those who remain connected

to a supportive and welcoming Christian community. Isolation kills, but community can save lives. This means opening our doors to those who don’t look like us, even if they smell a little funny.

And finally, we need to remember that people dealing with mental illness and addiction are not monsters—they are human beings, just like you and me. Most people in Canada are one paycheque away from sleeping in a Salvation Army shelter. Many are one car accident or work injury away from an opioid addiction. Most of us know someone with a mental illness or have a family member who drinks a little too much on the weekends. We’re all in this together—there is no “us” and “them.”

None of us would want to see our father or brother or uncle die of an overdose.

We need to pull together as a community and an Army and do the same for a stranger as we would for a brother or sister. Let’s remember the words of Christ in Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Jordan Shaw is a chaplain at The Salvation Army Vancouver Harbour Light.

Walk for Freedom

Salvation Army couple prove age is no barrier to fighting human trafficking.

BY LIEUTENANT LAURA HICKMAN

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s Pat Sheppard and her husband, Fred, watched the news one evening, they were troubled by a report on human trafficking. Pat lay awake that night, confronted with the stark reality of children being sold into slavery. She wanted to do something to help.

The next morning, Pat and Fred decided to raise awareness and funds for trafficking victims by walking from their home in Bayfield, Ont., to Parliament Hill in Ottawa—a distance of 655 kilometres. They expected it to take about a month, walking 30 kilometres a day.

It was a big challenge, but they knew they could do it.

In 2014, after celebrating her 70th birthday, Pat had the idea to support The Salvation Army’s work with orphans and vulnerable children in Africa by walking around Lake Huron. Pat and Fred completed the 1,200-kilometre walk during the summer of 2015, raising $3,000 for the world missions department. “I firmly believe God called me to do it, so I did!” she says.

For this walk, they started a Facebook page, explaining, “This is a walk for freedom—freedom for thousands of children, sometimes as young as six years old, who have been kidnapped and sold into the sex trade. Our journey will take us to the end of June, and we pledge to give all monies donated to freeing the ones who cannot speak for themselves.”

Pat and Fred set out on May 29, 2017. A typical day on the road began around 5:30 a.m. “We’d have breakfast, get dressed and then head on our way,” Fred explains. “I would drop Pat off at the starting point for the day, drive a few kilometres up the road, park the car and start walking. Pat would pick up the car, drive another few kilometres, park the car and continue walking. By leap-frogging each other, we were able to accomplish 30 kilometres a day.”

Fred and Pat Sheppard attend Suncoast Citadel in Goderich, Ont.

When asked about the highlights of the walk, they both spoke of the kindness of everyone they encountered. One day, as they were heading north, they passed Anishinawbe Water Walkers—a group of Indigenous women who carry water great distances, to raise awareness about environmental concerns—going south.

“It was nice to meet fellow walkers,” Pat says. “We paused, exchanged stories about our reasons for walking, and wished each other well as we continued on our way.” They recalled other occasions on their trek around Lake Huron when people stopped to offer water.

Pat also spoke about the walk as a form of prayer, especially during difficult stretches of road. “It seemed like I got all of the steep hills,” she recalls. “On one particular hill, I remember telling the Lord, ‘If I’m going to make it, I’m going to need a push!’ ” Each time, the end of her prayer brought the end of the hill.

About a week into their journey, after walking 186 kilometres, Fred started to experience knee pain. While he tried to forge on, Pat realized they needed to seek medical attention. A doctor ordered him to rest. In her final post on the Freedom Walk Facebook page, Pat challenged

their supporters to continue the mission.

“This will in no way stop our quest to free the victims of the sex trade,” she wrote. “We will simply have to find another way. We hope many others will take up the torch to be the voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Please call your local church or police to find out what you can do to aid the cause.

Someone else’s life depends on you.”

W hile they didn’t make it to Parliament Hill, Pat and Fred were happy with the opportunities they had to advocate on behalf of victims of human trafficking. They plan to host a sticky bun fundraiser to boost the funds raised by the walk. The money will be donated to Deborah’s Gate, a national Salvation Army program in Vancouver that cares for women who have been trafficked into sexual or labour exploitation.

Reflecting on her motivation, Pat shares, “I am incredibly undeserving and yet I have been tremendously blessed in life. In gratitude for all God has done for me, I feel it is only right to pay it forward.”

Lieutenant Laura Hickman is the corps officer at Suncoast Citadel in Goderich, Ont. Salvationist September 2017 23

PERSPECTIVES

Past Meets Present Returning to my first appointment taught me the importance of community engagement.

BY LT-COLONEL JIM CHAMP

Melfort Corps celebrates its 100th anniversary with a march of witness

I

n June 1975, I stood on the platform of Toronto’s Massey Hall, facing then Commissioner Arnold Brown. The moment had arrived to receive my first appointment. In those days, we didn’t know where we would be posted ahead of time.

“Lieutenant Champ,” boomed the deep baritone voice of the commissioner, “you look like you know how to ride a horse. So I am appointing you to ... Melfort, Sask.” The prospect of horses didn’t interest me as much as how far Melfort was from Nipawin, Sask., where my fiancée, Barbara, was already posted.

We were to be married in six months, and Melfort would be our first appointment as a married couple.

Among the lessons we learned in the early years of officership was the importance of volunteers and community engagement in the mission of the Army. Not only did it impact our lives, but it exponentially increased the capacity of the corps to make a difference.

This past June, Barbara and I par24 September 2017 Salvationist

Lt-Col Champ with 109-year-old Rita Fennell, who was part of the corps in Melfort, Sask., when he was appointed there 42 years ago

ticipated in the 100th anniversary of the corps in Melfort, which is now part of a circuit ministry with Nipawin and Tisdale, Sask. We strolled down Main Street, reminiscing about the people and

places that were once part of our lives.

Wes Phillips, the publisher and owner of the weekly Melfort Journal, had sponsored my membership at the local Rotary Club. On Tuesdays, we often walked the four blocks from downtown to the United Church for the noon luncheon meeting. On Friday evenings in the summer, I played baseball on a community team with Wes’ adult sons, Larry, Ron and Kevin. It wasn’t unusual to meet my teammates in the local pub afterward, me in my Army uniform, with the latest issue of The War Cry. At Christmas, the Melfort Journal donated the centre page of the newspaper, inviting readers to contribute to the Army’s assistance program by having their names placed on a “Tree of Hope” in return for a financial gift. It was a remarkable gesture, as it spared the lieutenant the deep freeze of standing next to a kettle outside the local Stedman’s store. Rotarians and volunteers from other churches assisted in packing and distributing hampers to those in need.

It was a wonderful community effort.

One of our greatest strengths is the army behind the Army. Last year, more than 140,000 volunteers across the territory partnered with The Salvation Army, giving freely of their time, talent and money to bring hope to others. For every Salvation Army employee, there are 14 volunteers. This number represents 1.14 million hours, or an estimated annual value of $22.8 million.

Forty-two years after my commissioning, I stood on a platform thousands of kilometres from Massey Hall as the master of ceremonies for the Melfort Corps anniversary gala dinner and welcomed MLA Kevin Phillips.

Baseball stories, Rotary relationships and Christmas trees of hope are wonderful reminders of my association with the Phillips family, and how a community can make a difference for good in the lives of its most vulnerable citizens. In his greetings to the gathered dinner guests, Kevin spoke of his captivation with The Salvation Army’s mission to “save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity, in order to be a transforming influence in the community.” I couldn’t help but offer a silent word of thanks to God and prayed that we might always be true to our calling.

Lt-Colonel Jim Champ is the secretary for communications in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

HERSTORY

Wild Child What my sparkle-loving, adventurous daughter is teaching me.

BY CAPTAIN KRISTEN JACKSON-DOCKERAY

Salvationist September 2017 25

Photo: Joel Torrens

I

•S he can get dirty. Oh man, watch as my four-year-old can she! daughter, hair bleached •S he can build forts in the almost white by the sun, forest with her brother. runs around the Salvation •S he is created in the image Army camp where we’re livof God. ing for the summer. The shoes •S he is called. she’s wearing at breakfast have disappeared by lunch, no matter how many times we warn her I don’t know if she’ll be a about glass or bear excrement. pastor when she grows up—or She’s wild and fearless, a “freea teacher, a doctor or a stunt range” child. She spends her double—but I do know she days digging up crabs, jumping has taught me to be a better on the trampoline and leaping pastor. She has taught me to into the arms of counsellors and strike up a conversation with staff, trusting they will catch the person next to me in line. her. And they do.

To smile more, at strangers and Each evening, as the sun Adelaide runs free at the Salvation Army’s Camp Sunrise in British Columbia at people I know. To open up sets and campfire songs echo my heart a little wider to those through the air, Adelaide and I begin our Adelaide is teaching me what it means around me. She has taught me that the nightly routine. I put her in the bathtub, to be powerful and brave. I’ve never been risk is worth it. scrub the dirt from her body and attempt particularly timid, but Adelaide—she I don’t know what my curly-haired, to tame her curly hair that goes in all diflives her life out there. I love her advenmud-princess will be. So far she’s told me ferent directions. As she goes to sleep, I turous spirit, and it also scares me half she wants to be a hair cutter, a teacher or “huggle” her close and call her my baby. to death. She says yes to so much. And a robot. It might be the earliest inkling She argues with me about being a baby. she also says no. Loudly and over and of a calling. But I do know she’s learnAdelaide defies all logic about what over again, until you get the point. ing that the dreams the Holy Spirit has my baby, my child, should be like. She Raising Adelaide is a privilege that placed within her can take flight. insists on wearing a dress almost every I don’t take lightly. She is stretching us For now, I wish she would just wear day—the fluffier the better. I was the every day with her demands, her physical her shoes for more than 10 minutes. I same as a child. My mom tells a story activity and her great big love. She is pray that her adventurous spirit will about a time I nearly went to daycare teaching us that: always be nurtured, that she will have naked because I refused to wear a pair incredible role models and that she will of pants she made me. Today, feminist • She can swim on her own in the be ready to say yes to whatever God calls me hates that my daughter loves princess swimming pool. her to do. dresses. I wish that she would at least • She can run around camp with few wear something a little less sparkly in the injuries to her feet.

Captain Kristen Jackson-Dockeray is the sandpit. But I know this is an argument • She can make friends with teens at divisional youth secretary in the British Columbia I will never win. camp, and bend them to her will.

Division.

CROSS CULTURE

More than Skin Deep Salvationist Sarah Evangeline’s new book encourages young women to embrace their inner beauty in Christ.

The world often defines beauty as physical attractiveness, setting up standards that many women feel they cannot live up to. It’s a definition Salvationist Sarah Evangeline Burford wants to put an end to. In her new book You Are More Precious Than Gold, she calls on young women to reject this idea and find their true beauty in Christ. Burford tells Salvationist how her own struggles influenced the writing of the book and what it means to make God your “beauty mark.”

What inspired you to write this book?

When I was doing Camp at Home one summer, I met a girl who came into the church hating God, hating life. But by the end of the week, God had worked through her life and her outlook had completely changed. I dedicated the book to her because when I met this girl, I saw a reflection of myself. That was how I used to view life. I was wondering why I was here, I didn’t understand God’s purpose for my life, and I generally didn’t like life. I struggled with self-esteem and identity issues, like many young women. So I started to put my thoughts and experiences down on paper. I wanted to help other girls realize that their self-worth comes from God and their story is important.

How does the book reflect your personal journey and relationship with God? It goes back to high school. I went through an eating disorder and an abusive relationship. I was still deeply affected by my parents’ divorce. Those things ate away at me and my identity was messed up. But God has brought me to a place where I know that I don’t have to be ashamed of those messy things because he wants to use them for his glory.

The book is my story, but I’ve also included testimonies from nine other young women. For example, one woman shares how God never left her side when she lost her mom to cancer. Another writes about the struggles of being the only Christian in a non-Christian family.

What does it mean for women to embrace their “inner beauty”?

It means that we don’t have to live for the world’s standards; we can make God our mirror and our beauty mark. When we make God our beauty mark, we start to realize that we are worth so much more than what the world calls beautiful, that we are loved and cherished by the King.

The title of the book, You Are More Precious Than Gold, comes from a paraphrase of Proverbs 3:13-18: “Blessed is the woman who finds her wisdom and identity in Christ, for her value is worth more than silver or jewels. She is more precious than gold.” We know we’re far from perfect, but we know a God who is. We’re always going to have things that we dislike about ourselves, because we live in a fallen world, but we don’t 26 September 2017 Salvationist

Sarah Evangeline Burford speaks at a book launch event for You Are More Precious Than Gold at Woodstock Corps, Ont.

have to be limited by those things. Making God your beauty mark means learning how to glorify God and being reminded that he shines through our imperfections. We don’t have all the answers but we put our trust in him.

Your educational background is in psychology, counselling and life coaching. How has that influenced your writing?

I have three learning disabilities, which I talk about in the book. In Grade 12, I was told that I would fail if I went to university. Now that I’m working on my master’s degree, I want girls to know that we are not defined by man’s words, we’re not limited to what they say we cannot do because we serve a God who makes the impossible possible. When God gives us a passion or a calling, he will equip us as we invite him to keep moulding us and shaping us. The goal of the book is that girls will understand how important they are and then go out and be an example to other women.

Sarah Evangeline Burford is a soldier at Chatham-Kent Ministries, Ont. You Are More Precious Than Gold is now available through Indigo and Amazon. For more information or to contact Burford, visit facebook.com/ Sarah63Evangeline or sburford5.wixsite.com/ sarahevangeline.

PEOPLE & PLACES

JACKSON’S POINT, ONT.—Twenty-eight officers with 10 or more years of service gathered at Jackson’s Point Conference Centre from across the territory for the 2017 Holiness Institute. Sharing a moment with the delegates are representative faculty members, seated, from left, Mjr Dave Grice, city chaplain and divisional secretary for spiritual life development, B.C. Div; Mjr Lynn Grice,

divisional adult ministries secretary and divisional prayer co-ordinator, B.C. Div; Mjr Lynn Armstrong, director of pastoral services; Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander; Lt-Col Ann Braund, territorial secretary for spiritual life development; Mjr Gail Winsor, personnel officer; and Mjr David Ivany, spiritual director and pastoral services officer.

KINGSTON, ONT.—From left, Jordyn Crowe, Emma Semchison, Julian Howard, Summer Zapotichny and Takara Daley are enrolled as junior soldiers at Rideau Heights Corps. Supporting them are, from left, Richard Green, holding the flag, and Lts Josh and Tina Howard, COs.

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C.—Salvationists at Williams Lake Corps celebrate as five junior soldiers are enrolled, the first since 2012. From left, Mjr Stephen French, then CO; Kara Bilow; Janelle Kalelest; Hannah Bilow; Tanya Tsitsiline; Ava Boyd; and Mjr Millicent French, then CO.

JACKSON’S POINT, ONT.—At an informal gathering during the Territorial Leaders’ Conference at Jackson’s Point Conference Centre, Dr. James Read, executive director of Winnipeg’s Ethics Centre, receives a certificate from Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander, marking his 35th anniversary as a Salvation Army employee.

With them is Colonel Lee Graves, chief secretary.

PENTICTON, B.C.—Salvationists at Penticton CC enjoyed a visit from Gospel Brass of Abbotsford, B.C., for a weekend of events that included a concert in the park, an evening concert and the Sunday morning service. Sharing a moment together are, from left, BM Mjr Len Millar, Penticton CC; BM Barrie Cartmell, Gospel Brass; and Mjrs Tim and Miriam Leslie, COs. Salvationist September 2017 27

PEOPLE & PLACES

GAZETTE

GEORGETOWN, ONT.—Brian and Natalia DeBoer are enrolled as senior soldiers at Georgetown CC. Marking the occasion with them are, from left, Mjr Lise Jackson, CO; Jack Oesch, holding the flag; Mjr Darrell Jackson, CO; and CSM Margaret Oesch.

TORONTO—Standing under the flag held by Jim Paul, four senior soldiers join the ranks at York CC. From left, Cpt Donna Senter, CO; Julie Raymond; Mark Murphy; Monica Murphy; Cpt Royal Senter, CO; and Kaitlynn Senter.

Practical Support for Jamaica

TORONTO—Salvationist Krishna McFarlane (left) from Cedarbrae CC has found a practical way to support Allman Town Corps, the corps where she grew up in her native Jamaica. Financially supporting Cedarbrae CC on a monthly basis, McFarlane noticed that her box of weekly offering envelopes was quite full at the end of the year. With her home corps struggling to buy simple things such as envelopes, McFarlane sent her box to her mother to ease her burden of buying them. The idea to help grew as others added their unused envelopes to the effort, along with copies of the Army’s song book. Supporting McFarlane is Mjr Tina Mitchell, CO, Cedarbrae CC.

28 September 2017 Salvationist

TERRITORIAL Births: Lts Daniel/Bhreagh Rowe, son, Asher Tiberius, Jun 19; Cpt Heather Matondo/Mr. Edi Matondo, daughter, Charlene Adelaide, Jun 20 Promoted to captain: Lts Brian/June Bobolo, Lt Kim Chan, Lts Jason Dockeray/Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, Lt Bethany Dueck, Lts Cory/Kelly Fifield, Lts Joshua/Jennifer Ivany, Lts Dennis/Mary Maybury, Lts Keesom/ Tina Phanthaamath, Lts Stefan/Laura Van Schaick Promoted to major: Cpts Rodney/Paulette Bungay, Cpts Duane/Doreen Colbourne, Cpts Mark/Naomi Dalley, Cpts Glen/Rosanne Fraser, Cpt Pamela Goodyear, Cpt Brenda Hammond, Cpts James/Michelle Mercer, Cpts Cory/Pamela Pinksen, Cpt William Preston, Cpts Osbourne/Roxanne Randell, Cpts Randy/Lisa Randell, Cpt Paul Trickett, Cpts Corey/Charlene Vincent, Cpts Rick/Deana Zelinsky Long service: 25 years—Mjr Darlene Anderson, Mjrs Philip Birt/Wavey Kearley-Birt, Mjrs Ed/Kathie Chiu, Mjrs Grant/Lauren Effer, Mjr Mervyn Halvorsen, Mjr Roxzena Hayden, Mjr Stanley Higdon, Mjrs Raymond/ Laura Janes, Mjrs David/Beth Pearo, Mjr Shona Pike, Mjr Kelly Rideout; 30 years—Lt-Col Jamie Braund, Mjr Elaine Bridger, Mjr Doreen Grandy, Mjr James Hann, Mjrs Alan/Karen Hoeft, Mjrs Clarence/Karen Ingram, Mjrs Rex/Catherine Paddock, Mjr Patsy Rowe, Lt-Col Ian Swan, Mjr Ralph Young; 35 years—Mjr Florence Andrews-Borgela, Mjr Rocky Bishop, Mjr Dennis Brown, Mjr Linda Budgell, Mjr David Carey, Mjr Toni Cartmell, Mjr Brenda Coles, Mjr Lynn Cummings, Mjrs Bryan/Sharon Hayward, Mjrs Wayne/Sharon McDonough, Mjr Melinda McNutt, Mjrs Rick/Drucella Pollard, Lt-Col Beverley Slous, Mjr Nancy Virtue; 40 years—Mjr Marilyn Bridger, Mjr Sharon Cooper, Mjr Carson Durdle, Mjrs Barry/Christine Gray, Mjr Shirley King, Mjr Cavell Loveless, Commissioner Brian Peddle, Mjr Barbara Penney, Mjrs Herbert/Kathie Sharp, Mjr Roland Shea; 45 years—Col Lindsay Rowe Retirements: Mjrs Rex/Catherine Paddock, Mjr Henri Regamey Promoted to glory: Mjr Betty McCaughey, from Toronto, Jun 18; Mjr Winifred Cull, from Lower Sackville, N.S., Jun 24; Mjr Mrs. Beatrice Rogers, from Toronto, Jun 24; Lt-Col Maxwell Ryan, from Burlington, Ont., Jul 1; Lt-Col Shirley Kerr, from Toronto, Jul 4; Mrs. Mjr Muriel McNeilly, from North Vancouver, Jul 23; Mjr Calvin Layte, from Collingwood, Ont., Jul 24

CALENDAR Commissioner Susan McMillan: Sep 8-10 Canada 150 Celebration of Culture: A Journey of Reconciliation/Aboriginal round table, Pine Lake Camp, Alta. & N.T. Div; Sep 11-12 divisional review, B.C. Div; Sep 15-18 cadets’ welcome weekend, CFOT; Sep 25 reopening celebration, Toronto Grace Health Centre, Toronto; Sep 27-29 NAB, London, Ont. Colonels Lee and Deborah Graves: Sep 4-9 Booth UC*; Sep 8-10 Canada 150 Celebration of Culture: A Journey of Reconciliation/Aboriginal round table, Pine Lake Camp, Alta. & N.T. Div**; Sep 10-15 divisional review, B.C. Div; Sep 16-17 cadets’ welcome weekend, CFOT; Sep 18 Ethics Centre board of trustees meeting, Winnipeg**; Sep 22-23 Booth UC board of trustees meeting, Winnipeg**; Sep 26 in-house THQ review, Toronto; Sep 28-29 NAB, London, Ont. (*Colonel Deborah Graves only; **Colonel Lee Graves only) Canadian Staff Band: Sep 30 Basakoli Music Jazz Festival 2017, Global Kingdom Ministries, Markham, Ont. Canadian Staff Songsters: Sep 30-Oct 1 Meadowlands Corps, Hamilton, Ont.

Stay Informed!

Visit salvationist.ca for more Army news and information

PEOPLE & PLACES

TRIBUTES KINGSTON, ONT.—Born in 1920, Mrs. Brigadier Violet Emily Young (nee Emberson) grew up in Saskatoon and accepted Christ at age 14. Violet entered the training college in Toronto in 1942 as a cadet in the Valiant Session. Following commissioning, she served in British Columbia until being appointed to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1946. While undergoing midwifery training in Johannesburg, Violet met and married Captain Gerald Young in 1949. They served together in South Africa until 1967, at several mission stations, including Amatikulu Catherine Booth Hospital in Zululand and William Eadie Mission in Vendaland. Violet, Gerald and their five children moved to Canada in 1967. Violet and Gerald remained active in retirement, serving in South Africa from 1976 to 1986, Saint Helena Island for several months in 1987, and Zimbabwe for one year in 1993. The Youngs eventually settled in Kingston, Ont., to be close to some of their children. Predeceased

by Gerald in 2004, Violet continued to correspond with friends around the world and remained active at Kingston Citadel. She is remembered for her caring spirit and the positive influence she had on others. Missing Violet are her children, Graham, Marilyn, David, Coleen and Paull.

TORONTO—Lt-Colonel Frank Watson was promoted to glory in his 102nd year. Frank learned to play the trombone as a boy and started attending Army meetings in his teens. Moving to Vancouver Island, he connected with Victoria Citadel and worked at the men’s social services centre. He entered the training college in 1937 and following commissioning, he served one year as a cadet sergeant. Frank ministered as a corps officer for 28 years, including at Prince George Corps, B.C., Victoria Citadel, Peterborough Temple, Ont., and North Toronto Citadel. In 1966, he was transferred to the correctional services department where he became head of the department after five years. In 1973, Frank was appointed to lead the men’s social department, where he served for seven years emphasizing evangelism and pastoral care. In retirement, Frank enjoyed travelling and being with family and friends. In 2008, he and his wife, Nell, moved into the Meighen Retirement Residence in Toronto, where they were well respected. Remembered as an encourager, Frank was predeceased by his three siblings, Glad, Doris and Sid; first wife, Roberta; and second wife, Nell. He is survived by his three sons, Bob (Sue), Ken and Don; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

ST. ANTHONY, N.L.—Retired Corps Sergeant-Major Frederick Budgell was born in St. Anthony in 1921. In 1934, at the age of 13, Fred made a life-directing commitment to become a follower of Jesus Christ. There was no long list of sins to repent of, but a clear understanding of the gospel and his need of a Saviour and friend to guide him through life. For 82 years Fred remained true to his covenant until his promotion to glory. It was not a day of ending but of glorious beginning. All those who knew him will remember Fred’s faithfulness as a Christian leader and influencer in his corps and community, as well as in his family as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Hard work, integrity, loyalty, compassion, perseverance and total dedication to God were the hallmarks of his life. Predeceased by his wife, Dora, in 2004, Fred is remembered with great love and affection by his 10 children, Roland (Marion), Velma (David), John (Judith), Priscilla (Godfrey), Lester (Donna), Debra (Wilhelmus), Raymond (Deborah), Leonard (Joyce), Ernest (Valma) and Wade (Linda); 28 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Major Eva Victoria Snow was born in St. John’s in 1922 to William and May Snow, and promoted to glory at the age of 95. Eva was raised in a Christian home and in her youth was involved in many activities at St. John’s No. 1 Citadel (now St. John’s Temple). In 1940, at the age of 18, she entered the St. John’s College for Officer Training in the Crusader Session and was commissioned as an officer the following year. Eva was a corps officer in 10 communities throughout Newfoundland before being transferred to the women’s social department, and served in six provinces before retiring in 1987 after 47 years of active service.

Eva loved serving her Lord, the Army and others. Eva was predeceased by her parents; brothers Joseph, Chesley, William and Reginald Snow; sister, Hilda Snow; brothers-in-law Val Taylor and Gordon Warren; sisters-in-law Lorna and Helen Snow. She is deeply missed and remembered by her loving sisters Marion Taylor, Carrie Gill, Ruth Warren and Edna (Calvin) Way; sister-in-law, Emma Snow; nieces, nephews and cousins; fellow officers and friends.

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SALVATION STORIES

Soul Food I thought I’d lost my calling. Then God showed up.

BY JULIE WHALEN

I

loved being a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. It was a privilege to spend my days with my two beautiful children, Noah and Hannah, teaching them and celebrating each milestone as they grew.

Although motherhood brought many joys, it also brought loneliness and feelings of failure. I vividly remember God calling me to full-time ministry while at Camp Starrigan in Newfoundland and Labrador when I was 15, and I loved being a youth pastor at Scarborough Citadel in Toronto. But for many years, my days were filled with feedings, diaper changes, laundry, housework, making meals—and the list goes on. I felt like I was losing myself.

Just when I feared I had walked away from my calling, God showed up and gave me a new calling. I’ve always loved to cook and bake. My parents, Lt-Colonels Junior and Verna Hynes, had several appointments as divisional youth secretaries, and I spent my summers at camp, where I learned from the cooks in the kitchen. They even made me my own apron. And my mother always let me experiment and make a mess in the kitchen.

I began to feel a connection between food and faith. Food is the cornerstone of health and nourishment for our bodies, and it brings people together—we share a meal to celebrate, to mourn, to comfort.

I began looking at every relationship as an opportunity to serve others and share my faith, through the expression of God’s love.

It started with things such as bringing a meal to a new mom or a friend who was ill, inviting a new neighbour over for dinner, or having coffee with someone who needed a listening ear.

God made it clear that my passion for food and cooking was a gift from him, and he could use me in significant ways, even when I felt lost and insignificant in my service for him.

When God blessed us with a kitchen renovation, I dedicated it back to him, promising to use it as a place to serve 30 September 2017 Salvationist

Julie Whalen, a community and family services worker at The Salvation Army Markham Ministries, prepares lunch for people visiting the Markham food bank

Hannah Whalen decorates a sugar cookie

him. One of the first things I did in our new kitchen was host a dinner party called “Stepping Up to the Plate” with some other moms from the neighbourhood. We cooked a three-course meal and enjoyed sharing it together.

Everyone brought donations for the local food bank, and we filled the back of my minivan.

When the tsunami hit Japan a number of years ago, my kids wanted to do something to help. We got together with some of their friends from school, and their moms, to bake and decorate sugar cookies, which they sold—raising $1,000

for The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in Japan. Moments like this made me realize God could use me “full time” from home to serve him.

But then it turned into even bigger opportunities, such as helping prepare and serve meals for various events at church, making baked goods and serving coffee to mothers at a local moms and tots program. In 2013, I started volunteering with The Salvation Army Markham Ministries to lead a weekly cooking class, teaching low-income families how to cook healthy meals on a budget.

Right from the beginning, we wanted “What’s Cooking” to be not only about food for the body but also food for the soul. After preparing and sharing a meal together, I lead a devotional time, offering words of encouragement from Scripture. It has become a supportive group as people share their needs, struggles and victories, and we pray for one another. After the class, they take home the recipe and leftovers for their families. We also offer a program called “Soul Food,” providing lunch to people visiting the food bank next door.

It warms my heart to see someone enjoy a meal I’ve prepared. And as I help and serve others, God feeds me.

NOT JUST HIGHER EDUCATION. A HIGHER CALLING. EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD

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