Salvationist January 2020

What Did Jesus Really Look Like?

The Rich Heritage of the Mercy Seat

Commissioners Tidd Welcomed Across Territory

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

January 2020

Looking Up Youth share their vision for the Army ahead of Montreal congress

Salvationist.ca

Could 3D Glasses Give You Superpowers?

6 Ways to Make French Toast Bilingual

Bearded Man is “Downer for VOIT/SEE!”

SEE, I AM DOING A NEW THING

21-24 May 2020

Youth and young adults: Join us in Montreal for the Territorial Youth Congress!

Register at CANBDAyouth.com

See Things From a New Perspective

CONTENTS

Salvationist January 2020 • Volume 15, Number 1

8

Departments 5 Frontlines 19 Ethically Speaking Hungry for Change

by Captain Angelica Hernandez

Salvationist.ca is more than just magazine articles!

26 Perspectives Leaving a Legacy

by Lt-Colonel Fred Waters

27 Cross Culture 28 People & Places

Features 8 A New Chapter Begins

30 Not Called?

“What Are You Waiting For?”

by Ken Ramstead

Columns

Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd are installed and welcomed as leaders of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

by Kristin Ostensen, Pamela Richardson and Kerri Cryderman

12 A General’s Journey Celebrating the life and ministry of the late General Bramwell H. Tillsley.

by Pamela Richardson

4 Editorial 2020 Vision

by Geoff Moulton

14 ORANGE Alert

24 Viewpoint

Updated children’s publication supports territorial discipleship strategy.

by Victoria Stevens

The Face of God

by Darryn Oldford

25 Grace Notes

15 Change Your Perspective

Not Going Home

by Captain Laura Van Schaick

Territorial Youth Congress is an opportunity to see that God is doing a new thing in Canada and Bermuda.

by Kristin Ostensen

We serve as a hub for all THQ-related resources for the territory—from finance to women’s ministries to world missions. Take time today to visit Salvationist.ca to check out our latest sub-sites for leadership development, public affairs, Canadian Staff Band and Jackson’s Point Conference Centre.

On the cover: Young Salvationists from Montreal; photo by Arnau Cunties Farràs

Read and share it!

Volunteering to Recovery

KEVIN’S STORY P.26

Hope for the Bahamas

THE ARMY HELPS P.8

Just Mercy Movie

NOT GUILTY? P.14

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

faithandfriends.ca

JANUARY 2020

20 When God Gives You Lemons A Salvationist at the Tshelanyemba Mission Hospital grows food and faith amid health challenges and drought.

by Brianne Zelinsky

22 A Place of Prayer 25

The rich heritage of the mercy seat in Salvation Army tradition.

by Captain Josh Howard

More in Store

WHEN A SALVATION ARMY THRIFT STORE WAS THREATENED WITH CLOSURE, THE COMMUNITY RALLIED TO SAVE IT. P.16

Salvationist January 2020 3

EDITORIAL

2020 Vision

M

y introduction to 3D movies was watching the third instalment of the Jaws franchise as a kid. When Steven Spielberg’s killer shark leapt off the screen, my popcorn flew five feet in the air. These days, technology has advanced so that those 3D sharks, spaceships and monsters don’t seem as much like cardboard cutouts. So it was a nice surprise when a pair of old-fashioned, polarized 3D glasses arrived in the mail recently. They were accompanied by a poster advertising the Territorial Youth Congress in Montreal next May. The theme of the conference is VOIT/ SEE. “Voit” means “see” in French and, if you say the whole thing out loud, it sounds like “Voici!”—here it is! The inspiration comes from Isaiah 43:19 where God says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (You can read the Scripture verse on the poster if you put on your 3D glasses.) The entire conference will be bilingual and call attention to the good work happening in the Quebec Division.

I would encourage corps across the territory to send your young people to this event.

In this issue of Salvationist, in anticipation of the congress, we feature young people from Montreal who are “springing up” and sharing their vision for what the Army could and should be. The inside

Salvationist

is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Brian Peddle General Commissioner Floyd Tidd Territorial Commander Lt-Colonel John P. Murray 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 January 2020 Salvationist

front page is both an advertisement for the congress and a youthful takeover of our magazine cover. Our cover story invites you to change your perspective— figuratively, by seeing the church through the eyes of young people, and literally, by turning the magazine sideways so that you can enjoy their testimonies in the centre spread (page 15).

In Isaiah 43:19, God says, “See, I am doing a new thing!”

and legacy of General Bramwell Tillsley, 14th international leader of The Salvation Army, who was promoted to glory in November (page 12).

It’s a new year, with new opportunity.

While many things are changing in this modern world, there are some things that endure. Not the least of which is the fighting spirit that young Salvationists have as they seek to win the world for Jesus. As they say in French, “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.”

GEOFF MOULTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Elsewhere in this issue, we look at the enduring value of the mercy seat, and how Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg gave new life to an old penitent form by refurbishing it for their sanctuary (page 22). We follow Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd on their journey across the territory as they are installed and welcomed as our new territorial leaders (page 8). We travel to Zimbabwe, where Patricia Ncube serves as a nutritionist at the Tshelanyemba Mission Hospital (page 20). And we celebrate the life

Brandon Laird Senior Graphic Designer Hannah Saley Digital Media Specialist Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator Ken Ramstead Contributor Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769.

Member, The Canadian Christian Communicators Association. 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.

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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

e n e r a l B r i a n Pe d d l e a n d Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries, visited the Vatican in November for conversation with His Holiness Pope Francis. During the visit, the accompanying delegation—Commissioner Betty Matear, secretary for international ecumenical relations; Lt-Colonel Massimo Tursi, officer commanding, Italy and Greece Command; and Major David Williamson, private secretary to the General—met with Cardinal Koch, Bishop Farrell and Father Avelino Gonzales of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity.

In a warm and open dialogue, the prospect of continued conversations was discussed and General Peddle underlined the areas where The Salvation Army and the Roman Catholic Church share common challenges in the mission to the poor and marginalized. The discussion focused on effective mission and evangelism, as well as serving suffering humanity.

Following a profitable time of sharing, the delegation met with Pope Francis in the Papal Library. The General had a time of private conversation before the Salvation Army representatives were presented to Pope Francis. General Peddle shared his message and Pope Francis responded. The General then prayed with the Pope.

It is intended that beyond this historic visit there would be a series of meetings, which will strengthen relationships and co-operation in areas of mutual concern and service.

S

General Brian Peddle shakes hands with Pope Francis

Photos: © L’Osservatore Romano

G

World Leaders Meet Pope Francis

A Salvation Army delegation visits the Papal Library

Prairie Division Looks to the Future

alvationists from the Prairie Division gathered in Russell, Man., in September for a ministry conference. Under the banner of “Future Church: Now,” the conference aimed to help attendees better understand the mission of the church and some of the emerging realities we face in a post-Christian world.

As Majors Shawn and Brenda Critch, divisional leaders, Prairie Division, outlined in their welcome at the beginning of the conference, “In many ways, it is a new day and we must adapt to the reality of a changing world if we are going to reach the world with the message of Jesus Christ. Our ministries must be rel-

evant to emerging needs in order to create safe space for sacred conversations and spiritual transformation. Our calling is to reveal the presence and character of God in community.”

During the weekend, Salvationists had opportunities to learn and engage in conversation on a variety of topics relevant to the church today: mental health, reaching the next generation, building bridges with Indigenous peoples, and faith-based conversations on sexuality. There was also opportunity for teaching on women’s ministries and @theREADY, the territory’s youth discipleship framework.

Major Mark Wagner, corps ministries secretary, and Major Isobel Wagner, learning development co-ordinator at territorial headquarters, were keynote speakers for the conference. They engaged participants in an exercise of mapping their ministry unit’s neighbourhood as a way of exploring where God may be calling them out into community. The Wagners presented a message of hope and reminded delegates that Christ is the head of the church.

Children were also welcome at this ministry conference, where they participated in their own age-appropriate program under the leadership of Captain Crystal Porter, divisional youth secretary, Prairie Division.

Salvationist January 2020 5

FRONTLINES

Ontario Great Lakes Division Develops Leaders

A

lmost 150 officers, lay leaders and management team members from across the Ontario Great Lakes Division gathered in London, Ont., in October for two days of development.

“Our desire was that these two days would be filled with opportunities to develop and grow personally and professionally, to address the challenges we face and prepare for the future,” note Majors Everett and Violet Barrow, divisional leaders, Ontario Great Lakes Division.

Jon Hand, leadership pastor at The Meeting House in Oakville, Ont., opened the first day with a talk on “Leadership That Lasts Over the Long Haul: How Do We Flourish, Thrive and End Well?” Hand spoke transparently about the realities of ministry and his experience with burnout.

“His honesty in describing the long road to recovery and the importance of prioritizing self-care was both timely and impactful,” says Captain Lynda Wakelin, executive director, The Salvation Army London Village, Ont. The next session focused on “mission drift,” covering several topics including substance use in ministry contexts, youth ministry and human trafficking. Participants then had the opportunity to choose from a variety of workshops, on subjects such as the Army’s @theREADY youth ministry framework, leadership development, and a social services roundtable.

The second day opened with a prayer breakfast led by Major David Ivany, spiritual director and pastoral services officer at territorial headquarters (THQ), with music by Simon

F

Jon Hand opens the first day of the conference with a session on leadership

Gough, specialist—new media, youth and worship arts at THQ. Workshops that day included building bridges with Indigenous communities and becoming a “social media savvy corps,” among others.

The second day concluded with keynote speaker Dave Overholt, founding pastor of Church on the Rock in Hamilton, Ont., one of the largest and longest running youth-targeted churches in North America. Drawing on his experience working with young people, Overholt emphasized the importance of relationships within ministry and suggested practical approaches for revealing faith to children.

Women Find Purpose in N.L. Division

ollowing more than two years of planning, nearly 400 women attended the first ever women’s conference for the Newfoundland and Labrador Division. The conference, which took place in Gander, N.L., in October, took the theme “Women of Purpose: Shaping Our World.”

At the beginning of the weekend, Lt-Colonel Genevera Vincent, divisional director of women’s ministries, and Major Jennifer Reid, divisional secretary for women’s ministries, shared their vision for the event.

“We envisioned rich worship led by our guest worship leader, Dayna Curtis, and a rich time in God’s Word from our guest speaker, Major Beth Pearo,” said Major Reid. “We hope women who are already living their lives with purpose will be reenergized to get out there and make a difference, and we hope women who are a little unsure of what their purpose is right now will discover their full potential in Christ.”

Lt-Colonel Vincent issued a challenge to those gathered: “It would be wonderful if we all could believe about ourselves that we are women of purpose. That’s going to look different for every woman gathered, but what a force we can be across our province if we believe that and live it!”

Many components of the weekend helped create a spiritually deepening experience, such as empowering stories from women of purpose, including Cadet Alecia Barrow of the Newfoundland and Labrador Division.

“We give God all the praise for the women who responded to 6 January 2020 Salvationist

the challenge from his Word to shape our world and be a true woman of purpose,” says Major Reid, noting that participants are already inquiring as to when the next conference will be held.

From left, Jackie Ferguson, Lt-Col Genevera Vincent, Dayna Curtis, Mjr Beth Pearo and Mjr Jennifer Reid at the Women of Purpose conference in Gander, N.L.

FRONTLINES

W

Congo Partnership Empowers Women

omen in the Republic of the Congo (CongoBrazzaville) are gaining the skills they need to be successful in life, thanks to a partnership between the women’s ministries departments of the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory and the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

It’s been more than 20 years since civil war broke out in the Congo. During the war, the educational system was severely affected. This has resulted in widespread illiteracy, increased unemployment and a turn to prostitution among teens and young women.

To address these issues, The Salvation Army opened a vocational centre for women in March 2018 in the district of Bacongo, the most affected area in Brazzaville. Women enrol in programs where they learn tailoring or beauty skills, along with literacy and business skills. They also receive psychological, physical and spiritual support.

Over the past two years, the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s women’s ministries department has raised more than $125,000 in support of this project. The women in the Congo raised enough funds to build the facility, while the funds raised by women in Canada and Bermuda have provided teachers, furniture and training equipment.

At the end of October 2019, 39 women became the first graduates of the Bacongo Vocational Training Program (Beauty

Lt-Col Brenda Murray (front, centre) celebrates with the first graduates of the Bacongo Vocational Training Program

Skills and Tailoring). Lt-Colonel Brenda Murray, director of world missions, was in Bacongo for the graduation ceremony, representing Canada and Bermuda.

“It’s a great privilege to partner with women around the world on projects such as this, which are changing lives and transforming communities,” says Captain Laura Van Schaick, women’s ministries program and resource officer.

Winnipeg Centre of Hope Celebrates Renovations

Photo: Blair Malazdrewich

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fter four years and $14 million, the Winnipeg Booth Centre has taken on a new name: The Salvation Army Centre of Hope. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in September.

The event was open to the public and featured distinguished guests, speakers and a Salvation Army band. Commissioner Susan McMillan, then territorial commander, had the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Salvation Army emergency disaster services canteens fed nearly 1,500 people in attendance. The meal included pulled pork on a bun, hot dogs, corn on the cob, chips and cake, thanks to generous donations from Manitoba Pork, Northern Meats, Siloam Mission and Portage la Prairie McCain’s.

The newly renovated Centre of Hope features an upgraded and relocated security entryway and a front desk command centre to help maintain safety for everyone. The kitchen has been upgraded and modernized to make food service easier and more efficient. New windows were installed throughout to help make the building more environmentally friendly, secure and safe. Renovations also included repairs that were needed due to general wear and tear and the age of the building.

“We have a variety of clientele that make use of this building and we want to try to make it a safe place and a practical place for everyone,” says Major Gordon Taylor, executive director.

The upgrades and repairs were vital to help the Army best serve the citizens of Winnipeg. The centre has the capacity to provide 400 beds in the following allotments: Anchorage program, 35 single rooms; community residential facility, 20 single rooms; emergency shelter, 45 beds; transitional housing, 164

Special guests pose for a photo after cutting the ribbon. From left, James Teitsma, member of the Legislative Assembly—Radisson; Mjrs Rodney and Paulette Bungay, administrators, School for the Blind (Jamaica); Vivian Santos, councillor, City of Winnipeg; Markus Chambers, deputy mayor, City of Winnipeg; Comr Susan McMillan; Mjrs Shawn and Brenda Critch, DC and DDWM, Prairie Div; and Megan Tate, the Winnipeg Foundation

single rooms; asylum seekers, 40 beds; Safe Haven, 18 rooms; family shelter, 58 beds; and extreme weather overflow, 20 beds.

Renovations to a facility of this size would be impossible without the help of generous supporters, including the Winnipeg Foundation, Thomas Sill Foundation, Paterson Foundation, Pollard Foundation, Manitoba Real Estate Shelter Foundation, Canada Mortgage And Housing Corporation, private donors, and the municipal, provincial and federal governments.

Salvationist January 2020 7

A New Chapter Begins Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd are installed and welcomed as leaders of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Commissioner Tracey Tidd speaks after the installation ceremony

Commissioner Floyd Tidd encourages Salvationists in Winnipeg to be “strong and courageous”

Photos: Carson Samson

Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd assumed leadership of the Canada and Bermuda Territory on October 1, 2019.

In the days and weeks following their official installation in Winnipeg as territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, respectively, they embarked upon a cross-territory tour to give Salvationists an opportunity to greet them and welcome them home following their six years of leadership in Australia. Here are some representative photos and reports from across the territory.

(Above) The Southlands CC Worship Team leads the congregation in singing

Comrs William and Lorraine Bamford share a moment with the Tidds in Winnipeg

8 January 2020 Salvationist

(Left) Songsters from Heritage Park Temple and Living Hope CC share the musical selection, Christ is All

Tidds Installed as Territorial Leaders Territorial commander encourages Salvationists to be “strong and courageous.”

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN

T

“

his is a historic day in the life of the Canada and Bermuda Territory,” declared Colonel Edward Hill, chief secretary, as he introduced the territory’s new leaders, Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd, who were installed during a service at Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple on October 6. The appointment is a homecoming for the Tidds, who returned to the territory after six years of service in Australia.

“Commissioners, you’ve come to a territory that’s unmatched in its size, quality, complexity and opportunities to push forward the mission of The Salvation Army,” the chief secretary continued. “We’re thrilled that you’re here to lead us.”

The service, which was broadcast by livestream across the territory and beyond, began with a prelude by the Heritage Park Temple Band (Bandmaster Jim Moulton) and Heritage Park Temple Songsters (Songster Leader Donna Lee Samson). Major Shawn Critch, divisional commander, Prairie Division, then shared words of welcome and a land acknowledgment. Ahead of the installation, prayers of dedication were offered

by Salvationists Emma McNeilly, Cadet Andrew Sweet and Donald Beardy, who shared his prayer in Ojibway.

The installation was conducted by Commissioners William and Lorraine Bamford, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, U.S.A. Eastern Territory. During the ceremony, the Bamfords charged the Tidds to preach the Word of truth, uphold the doctrines of The Salvation Army and accept responsibility for the spiritual well-being of the members and officers of the Army, as well as the unsaved.

“It is a privilege to install you as territorial leaders of the Canada and Bermuda

Territory,” said Commissioner William Bamford. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.”

Responding to the installation, the capacity crowd at Heritage Park Temple rose to their feet with a standing ovation, as the Tidds offered the salute.

Following the ceremony, Denise Young and Captain Crystal Porter, divisional youth secretary, Prairie Division, offered words of welcome on behalf of the territory’s soldiers and officers, respectively, and Claire Samson, a junior soldier from Heritage Park Temple, gave the commissioners a bouquet of flowers.

“

I am counting on you as partners in the gospel to pray with us that we would all understand what God has planned to do next in and through The Salvation Army.

—Commissioner Tracey Tidd

”

In her response, Commissioner Tracey Tidd reflected on her call to officership.

“Thirty-five years ago, I boarded a train to training college in Toronto,” she said. “I had no idea what I had signed up for, but I did know that God placed a call upon my life, and when I stepped out in obedience to that call, I stepped out in faith.”

Commissioner Tidd then shared from Philippians 1:1-6, paraphrasing verse 6: “Being confident of this, that he who has begun a good work in me, he who has begun a good work in The Salvation

Army, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Addressing those gathered at the corps and watching by video, she continued, “I am counting on you as partners in the gospel to pray with us that we would all understand what God has planned to do next in and through The Salvation Army in the Canada and Bermuda Territory and beyond.”

In his message, Commissioner Floyd Tidd focused on Joshua 1:1-9. Noting how Joshua built upon the leadership of his predecessor, Moses, the commissioner took the opportunity to acknowledge Commissioner Susan McMillan, the previous territorial commander, and thank God for all that was accomplished during her tenure.

Declaring that God wants to write a new chapter in Canada and Bermuda, Commissioner Tidd challenged the congregation: “If the vision we come up with doesn’t intimidate us, it probably insults God because it will be a human vision that you think you can do on your own.”

Just as Joshua could not lead the Israelites in his own strength, but only by the grace of God, so, too, must we trust in God’s faithfulness and live differently because of his grace, the commissioner noted.

“Be strong and courageous, Army of Salvation,” Commissioner Tidd concluded. “Embrace his grace. God is going to do new things and amazing things in us and through us. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.”

Following his message, Commissioner Tidd invited those in attendance to respond to God’s grace by coming forward to the mercy seat.

After a time of music and prayer, the service concluded with an enthusiastic singing of Greater Things, followed by a benediction from Commissioner Tracey Tidd.

Salvationist January 2020 9

Ontario Central-East Division Welcomes Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd Salvationists gather in Toronto to greet Canada and Bermuda’s new territorial leaders.

BY PAMELA RICHARDSON

Andrew Dolan plays with the Canadian Staff Band at Scarborough Citadel

Photos: Mark Yan

O

n October 26, Salvationists and friends gathered at Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel to welcome the Tidds to the Ontario Central-East Division.

Colonel Edward Hill, chief secretary, led the congregation in singing How Great Is Our God, before prayers of dedication were offered in three of the languages spoken in Army ministries across the division: Spanish by Captain Angelica Hernandez, Korean by Captain Aejin Jeong and English by Marcus Venables.

Lt-Colonel Sandra Rice, divisional commander, greeted the Tidds and spoke about their service as soldiers, corps officers and divisional leaders in the Ontario Central-East Division. “You are not strangers to this division,” she said. “We call you colleagues, friends, and now our leaders.”

In her response, Commissioner Tracey Tidd expressed their excitement at returning to their home territory and solicited the prayers of Salvationists as they take up the mantle of leadership.

“We are listening with anticipation for all that God has for us,” she said. “We want to seek to understand, together, what he has planned for this next chapter in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.”

Livestreamed across the terri10 January 2020 Salvationist

tory and beyond, the service was supported musically by the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS) under the leadership of Major Len Ballantine, the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) under the leadership of John Lam and the NEON Worship Team under the leadership of Simon Gough.

Each group contributed significantly to the worship experience of the congregation, especially the performance of Chapin Hartford and Sarah Hart’s Better Than a Hallelujah by the CSS, the CSB’s rendition of William Broughton’s In His Joyful Service and NEON’s leading of the congregation in Ben Fielding and Brooke Ligertwood’s What a Beautiful Name.

In his message, Commissioner Floyd Tidd shared from Joshua 3. Just as the Israelites were instructed to focus on the Ark of the Covenant—God’s dwelling place among his people—and to follow it where they had never been before, the territorial commander encouraged Salvationists to do likewise. “Focus on the movement of God and be prepared to follow him,” he said. “We, as an Army, stand on the brink of a new chapter in which we are required to go to places we have never been before, in ways we have never done before.” Commissioner Tidd reminded those gathered of the importance of consecrating their lives fully to the

The Tidds’ Territorial Journey October 6-7—Winnipeg, Prairie Division October 7-9—Regina, Prairie Division October 10—Sudbury, Ontario Great Lakes Division October 17-19—Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta and Northern Territories Division October 19-21—Chilliwack, Vancouver and Burnaby, British Columbia Division October 26—Toronto, Ontario Central-East Division October 28—Oshawa, Ontario Central-East Division November 1-4—Corner Brook, Gander and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Division November 7-9—Halifax, Maritime Division November 9-10—Montreal, Quebec Division November 10-11—Ottawa, Ontario Central-East Division November 14-15—Guelph, Ontario Great Lakes Division November 28-December 1— Hamilton, Bermuda Division

Lord, of surrendering to his Holy Spirit.

“We are the only Army that wins when we surrender,” he said. “And if we’re not winning, is there not enough surrender happening? Offer yourselves as holy sacrifices. Represent him, not the world. Resemble him, not the world.”

People responded to Commissioner Tidd’s invitation to kneel at the mercy seat in surrender of their lives to God’s service.

The Canadian Staff Songsters perform during the welcome service in Toronto

CSM Kerri Cryderman with Commissioners Tracey and Floyd Tidd

A Soldier’s Welcome

Kerri Cryderman, corps sergeant-major at Saskatoon Temple, greeted Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd during a service at Regina Haven of Hope.

This is an excerpt from her address.

I

have been doing a lot of learning lately on leadership. I am fascinated about leadership and the impact it has on the culture of an organization. The more I learn, the more I understand I know very little and that every day is an opportunity to build trust and a strong team. I have just a few things that I’d like to share with you about my hopes and dreams for you as you begin to lead this territory.

Soldiers Enrolled in Sudbury While in their hometown of Sudbury, Ont., Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd enrolled four senior soldiers and one junior soldier at Sudbury Community Church. Their first enrolment of soldiers since becoming territorial leaders, it was fitting that the ceremony took place on the same platform where the Tidds had been enrolled as junior and senior soldiers themselves. Front, Kylie Taylor, junior soldier. Back, from left, Commissioners Tidd; Kate Kennedy, Twyla Taylor, James Taylor and Allen Young, senior soldiers; and Captains Deb and Jim VanderHeyden, COs.

1. Be a leader of the people. I ask you to be present. See what

is happening in your ministry units. I dream that you will identify and communicate purpose by telling compelling stories in which people can see themselves as part of the future.

I pray you will work to develop depth of relationships, create a shared understanding and establish trust. And most of all, I want you to care for yourself and build a personal board of directors who will grow you, provide coaching and love you through those difficult moments when you have to make decisions for our territory.

2. Be a leader of the business. I hope that you will be able to

help us focus on why we have been raised up as an Army. I pray you will make decisions that support our business of “saving souls” and grow the kingdom through sharing purpose over and over again. I dream you will be bold, innovative and take risks that scare you and others so that we can testify of God’s power and greatness.

3. Synchronize the organization. I dream that you will take

time, listen, observe, wait and discern God’s vision for our territory. I pray that you would remain committed to this cause and not get distracted. I hope you express this vision in a way that can captivate others so they dream, too.

4. Provide disciplined execution. I dream that you will coach

and develop others so that they can expand their capacity and accomplish more. I pray that you will be able to be clear on what God wants to accomplish and break these down into milestones that show we are going in the right direction.

I ask you to engage us, empower us and energize us in the name of Jesus, and I will guarantee that you will have an army of soldiers who are ready and will be ready to fight for lost souls until the very end.

Jocelyn George of St. John’s West Corps, N.L., with the territorial leaders during their visit to the N.L. Div

Salvationist January 2020 11

A General’s Journey

Celebrating the life and ministry of the late General Bramwell H. Tillsley.

BY PAMELA RICHARDSON

W

hen Tom Tillsley encountered The Salvation Army in Redditch, Worcestershire, England, in the 1880s, he started a legacy for his family that continues to this day.

“My name, Bramwell, would give a clue to my heritage,” smiled General Bramwell H. Tillsley, 14th General of The Salvation Army and Tom’s grandson.

Bramwell was born in Kitchener, Ont., on August 18, 1931, to Salvationists Harold and Doris Tillsley, who had emigrated from England to Canada just a few years before. He accepted Christ at a young age and became actively involved at Kitchener Citadel, including as a junior soldier, corps cadet, bandsman and cornet soloist.

Bramwell received his elementary and secondary schooling in Kitchener, and was involved in sports and music programs. “I played hockey and soccer,” he explained, “and served as president of the high school orchestra and toured with a brass quartet.”

As Bramwell was entering his teen years, Maude Pitcher, a young girl of 12, moved to Kitchener with her family from their home in St. John’s, N.L. As active Salvationists, they quickly became involved in corps life, allowing the two young people to become acquainted.

“Maude and I sang in the songsters,” Bramwell shared, “and some years later, 12 January 2020 Salvationist

General Bramwell H. Tillsley, 14th international leader of The Salvation Army, was promoted to glory on November 2, 2019, from his home at The Salvation Army Meighen Retirement Residence in Toronto.

“As a Canadian officer, I have experienced the impact of General Tillsley’s leadership for more than four decades,” said General Brian Peddle, the Army’s current international leader, in the days immediately following the promotion to glory. “I have valued his writings and enjoyed his preaching and teaching, while noting his Christian character. Servant of God, well done!”

A service of remembrance took place at Northridge Community Church of The Salvation Army in Aurora, Ont.,

on November 9, with Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham in attendance. Commissioner James Knaggs, former territorial commander of the U.S.A. Western Territory, served as the officiating clergy.

Words of tribute to General Tillsley were shared by family members, including two of his grandchildren, Christopher and Heather Tillsley. General Tillsley was laid to rest with a private family farewell at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.

What follows is an adapted excerpt from It Is Written: The Collected Works of Bramwell H. Tillsley (2016) which offers a personal look at the General’s journey, from his upbringing in a Salvationist family in Kitchener, Ont., to his election as General and ministry in retirement.

we developed a relationship that culminated in marriage.”

Barbara, the following year. Experiencing a definite call to officership, the couple entered the Sword Bearers Session at the Toronto College for Officer Training (CFOT) in 1955. “During training days, our daughter lived with my parents in Kitchener,” Bramwell said. “The training experience was very positive for both Maude and me, except for missing our daughter.”

The Early Years In 1950, Bramwell felt privileged to be a delegate to the international youth congress held in London, England. “I was the youngest delegate from Canada,” he said. “It proved to be a turning point in my life.” While the International Staff Band played The Light of the World, he knelt in the aisle with hundreds of others, as there was no room at the altar, and dedicated his life fully to God. “The familiar words, ‘O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end,’ were uppermost in my mind,” he said, “and they have been with me ever since.”

Bramwell graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1951 with a bachelor of arts in philosophy and then furthered his studies at Wycliffe College in Toronto. In 1953, Maude became a registered nurse through her studies at The Salvation Army’s Toronto and St. John’s Grace Hospitals. Maude returned to Kitchener and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital while Bramwell worked with the Children’s Aid Society. “Both provided an excellent background for our ministry as Salvation Army officers,” he shared.

Maude and Bramwell were married in 1953, and welcomed their first child,

In God’s Service Following their commissioning and ordination in 1956, the new lieutenants took up their first appointment as corps officers in Windsor, N.S., where they welcomed their second child, Mark, before moving to Oakville, Ont., in 1958. The soon-to-be captains were appointed to the Toronto CFOT in 1959 where he served as the men’s field training officer and then education officer. It was here that their youngest son, John, was born.

Their appointment as divisional youth officers in Saskatchewan in 1965 preceded a return to corps work when they assumed leadership of North Toronto Citadel in 1966. In 1969, they returned to the Toronto CFOT where Bramwell was the secretary for education. Promoted to the rank of major in 1970, he served as the training principal at the St. John’s CFOT (1971-74) and in

The Road to General In 1991, Bramwell was appointed Chief of the Staff, the second-highest position in The Salvation Army, by General Eva Burrows, the Army’s 13th international leader. On April 22, 1993, 50 leaders from every area of the Army world convened at Sunbury Court, England, to elect a new General from among them in succession to General Burrows, who was scheduled to retire July 8, 1993. Six members of the High Council were nominated for the office of General, including Commissioner Bramwell Tillsley.

As part of the election process, each candidate was required to answer a series of questions on such topics as theology and Army policy, and to address the High Council before the voting began.

“The third Canadian General of The Salvation Army was elected when Commissioner Bramwell Tillsley, Chief of the Staff, obtained the requisite majority on the fourth ballot,” reported Commissioner Wesley Harris, then territorial commander for the Canada and Bermuda Territory, in that territory’s War Cry on May 23, 1993.

On July 9, 1993, Bramwell became the 14th General of The Salvation Army and Mrs. General Maude Tillsley became the World President of Women’s Organizations. During his tenure as the General, Bramwell travelled throughout the Army world, encouraging Salvationists in their faith and meeting with government leaders, such as then Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, to highlight the Army’s work.

“

The General’s spiritual influence was most evident when he preached and shared from his heart.

”

A student of God’s Word, the General’s spiritual influence was most evident when he preached and shared from his heart. It was estimated that nearly 50,000 people heard him speak when the international leaders visited India. In one of his messages, delivered in a holiness meeting in Trivandrum attended by 7,000 Salvationists, “General Tillsley exhorted the people to stir up the gift of God within them. Even as he spoke, and in response to an appeal at the close of the meeting, seekers moved forward to the mercy seat” (The War Cry, April 9, 1994).

It was regrettable that less than one year after taking leadership of the international Salvation Army, serious health concerns made it necessary for the General to enter honourable retirement on May 18, 1994.

Bramwell and Maude returned to Canada, settled in Toronto and once again attended North Toronto Citadel.

This afforded them the opportunity to spend time with their children and eight grandchildren. Their daughter, The Rev. Dr. Barbara Robinson, served with her husband, Major Malcolm Robinson, as an officer with The Salvation Army and more recently as a minister in the Anglican Church. Commissioner Mark Tillsley is currently the international secretary for the Americas and Caribbean Zone, alongside his wife, Commissioner Sharon Tillsley, who is the zonal secretary for women’s ministries for the Americas

and Caribbean Zone. Their youngest son, John Tillsley, retired from the Toronto Police Service and the owner of Tillsley Contracting, is married to Margaret, an office administrator of a thriving surburban church. John and Margaret attend the Army’s Northridge Community Church in Aurora, Ont. Highly regarded for their preaching and teaching abilities, in retirement Bramwell and Maude conducted countless Sunday services, retreats, conferences and so much more, sharing God’s Word and the message of salvation.

It was with sadness that Salvationists around the world learned of the death of Mrs. General Maude Tillsley, on February 19, 2014. “After 60 years of marriage, my partner in ministry was promoted to glory,” shared Bramwell.

Carrying On “I have always maintained that as officers, we are soldiers first and officers second,” said Bramwell. “I am now attempting to fulfil that role.” While he had not played the cornet for many years, he was a member of the band at North Toronto Community Church in retirement.

“Officership has been a real adventure,” Bramwell said, “but as Robert McChene once wrote: ‘My people’s greatest need is my personal holiness.’

I believe that is still true in retirement.

My journey is not over, and I live with the anticipation of the coming again of our Lord.”

Photo: The Salvation Army Archives and Museum

the U.S.A. Eastern Territory (1974-77).

“A highlight of our career was the two appointments we experienced in Newfoundland and Labrador, Maude’s place of birth,” Bramwell shared, first as the training principal and then as the provincial commander (1977-79), the latter which he assumed with the rank of lt-colonel. “I wish every officer in the Canada and Bermuda Territory would have the privilege of serving there.”

In 1979, Bramwell began a two-year term as the divisional commander of the Metro Toronto Division. His promotion to the rank of colonel in 1981 coincided with Bramwell’s appointment to serve as the principal of the Army’s international training college in London, England. “It was my privilege to serve for 18 years in training college appointments,” he said.

Concluding his service at the international college in 1984, Bramwell was appointed to International Headquarters in London as the co-ordinator for The Salvation Army’s international youth year and congress. In 1985, he transferred to the U.S.A. Southern Territory where he served as the chief secretary until 1989, when he was promoted to the rank of commissioner and appointed as the territorial commander of the Australia Southern Territory.

A young Bramwell Tillsley plays the cornet at an open-air service in Kitchener, Ont., in 1950

Salvationist January 2020 13

ORANGE Alert Updated children’s publication supports territorial discipleship strategy.

BY VICTORIA STEVENS

ple in Jerusalem

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noticed y, you might have for In The Salvation Arm y different names that we have man ples, tem d calle churches. Some are ple in Tem Park e itag Her such as , such are called citadels Winnipeg. Others e in Fairbanks, N.L. Som as Eastside Citadel Lake dow Mea as s, such are simply called corp What kind of “church” n. ewa atch Corps in Sask do you attend?

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Your friend, Kristin

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PARENTS PASSOVER TEACHERS

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TEMPLE WISER GOD

Beginning this month, Just for Kids has updated its design and content to align with the territory’s @theREADY youth discipleship framework

ging adulthood,” says Kevin Slous, territorial director of discipleship.

“By partnering together, we are providing our corps with better resources to reach kids for Christ,” says Kristin Ostensen, editor of Just for Kids.

T

he Canada and Bermuda Territory is making changes to its children’s publication to better serve the needs of the territory. Beginning this month, the editorial department is partnering with Canada Bermuda Youth to update and enhance Just for Kids, a weekly publication for children aged 5-12, with new content that aligns with the territory’s @theREADY youth discipleship framework.

“Our vision for the next generation is that they would be @theREADY in their homes, corps, communities and world—that our ministry efforts would be co-ordinated to make CHRIST-centred, OTHERS-focused disciples at every phase of development, from preschool to emer14 January 2020 Salvationist

Ready to Explore Launched last year, @theREADY represents years of research, ministry experience and collaboration, and brings the time-tested principles of Salvation Army discipleship into our present-day context. “@theREADY is a guiding plan that integrates all of what we do for children and youth into one cohesive strategy,” explains Major Terence Hale, territorial youth secretary.

One of t he key element s of @theREADY is the ORANGE curriculum, a teaching resource that helps children and youth learn and practise what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus.

Going forward, the content of Just for Kids will align with that of the ORANGE 252 Kids curriculum by adopting the

same Scripture verses and themes, while continuing to provide Salvation Armyspecific teaching and information.

Reflecting this new content alignment, Just for Kids is now a “Deeper ORANGE” resource under the Ready to Explore age category. Packaged in an attractive, single-page format, Just for Kids engages children through stories and puzzles, and encourages them to apply their faith in their daily lives.

“This makes Just for Kids an ideal take-home paper or in-class worksheet for corps that are using ORANGE,” notes Slous.

To assist ministry units in expanding their use of Just for Kids, those that are already using the ORANGE curriculum will be given five additional copies of Just for Kids each week for the first quarter of 2020, at no additional charge. Following this period, increased orders will automatically be renewed unless contact is made with the editorial department.

“This increased usage is designed to complement the overall @theREADY strategy and ORANGE roll-out,” Slous says.

Just for Kids will also continue to serve as a stand-alone publication for those ministry units that are not yet using ORANGE .

An engaging, versatile publication, Just for Kids can be used in a variety of contexts, including after-school programs, community and family services offices, food banks or anywhere there is an opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ with children.

“Ministry to children and youth continues to be a top priority for Canada and Bermuda,” says Ostensen. “Creating a top-notch publication for kids reflects our commitment to disciple the next generation.”

To learn more about @theREADY and the ORANGE curriculum, visit CANBDAyouth.com. To subscribe to Just for Kids or increase your order, email circulation@can.salvationarmy.org or call 416422-6119.

and the surrounding areas,” he says. “And each afternoon, we will set up an open-air stage beside the congress venue where we’ll have live entertainment and evangelism outreach.”

For those who are not able to make it to the TYC in person, all the main sessions will be livestreamed, with online hosts offering exclusive, interactive content during the services. “We want viewers to feel that they’re immersed in the congress experience, even if they’re somewhere else in

Allison Chirinos, Yao Nathanaël Kounakou, Maude Fournier, Jorge Urbano Cortes and Elizabeth Borgela are looking forward to the Territorial Youth Congress

people to change their perspective,” he says. “The TYC is an opportunity for God to speak to us, and we hope that people will see that he is doing a new thing—in our personal relationships with God and in The Salvation Army.”

Major Hale emphasizes that the congress will not just be about learning information—it will also have a practical component. “Throughout the event, delegates will have ample opportunity to engage in mission in downtown Montreal

Registration for the TYC and individual workshops is now open at canbdayouth.com. See page 18 for a detailed schedule of the events.

the territory,” Major Hale says.

As the event draws near, Major Hale is asking everyone in Canada and Bermuda to pray for the youth who will be attending or watching remotely. “We hope that this congress will be a kickstarter for even greater things in the Quebec Division and across the territory.”

Change Your Perspective

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN

Territorial Youth Congress is an opportunity to see that God is doing a new thing in Canada and Bermuda.

T his May, Salvationists will gather for one of the biggest youth events our territory has ever seen. Hundreds of young people from across Canada and Bermuda will descend on Montreal for a four-day Territorial Youth Congress (TYC), the first time an event like this has happened in 40 years.

“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our young people,” says Major Terence Hale, territorial youth secretary.

“We wanted to have a TYC so that they could come together to celebrate and learn what it means to be Christians in today’s world.”

The congress has taken the theme “VOIT/SEE,” reflecting its fully bilingual approach (“voit” means “see” in French).

As Major Hale explains, the theme comes from Isaiah 43:19: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

“We want to challenge our young

Photos: Arnau Cunties Farràs

Salvationist January 2020 15

— Jorge, Église de Lumière d’espoir, Montreal, Que. Div

Everywhere, in every action in our communities.

I love that it is open and does not discriminate.

Every corps I go to, I feel welcomed.

—Emma, Thunder Bay CC, Ont. GL Div

How they encourage the young people to follow God. —Oliver, Ottawa (Gatineau), Ont. CE Div

The family-like atmosphere.

—Matthew, Oshawa Temple, Ont. CE Div

I come from a remote part of Quebec where The Salvation Army does not have a presence, so I’d like to see churches opened in such

I would put out an international call to The Salvation Army to engage with youth in their communities. Many churches are falling into the trap of only being interesting to seniors, which is good, but we need to be more focused on engaging our youth because if we do not have youth in our congregations right

3. If you were the General, what’s the first thing you would do?

Youth ministries—specifically camp.

—Micaela, Meadowlands Corps, Hamilton, Ont. GL Div

I see God’s work in The Salvation Army through changed lives, personal testimonies and the power the title carries in the public.

As an employee, it makes me proud of what I represent and who I’m representing to others: Jesus Christ and his love.

—Julia, Halifax Citadel CC, Maritime Div

Outreach and love shown to others through ministries such as camp, Partners in Mission, food banks and family services.

—Brandon, Richmond Hill CC, Ont. CE Div

2. Where do you see God working in the Army?

—Elizabeth, Montreal Citadel, Que. Div

There’s so much to love: the history, the music, the opportunities to meet people from across the territory and around the world. But my favourite thing about the Army is our ministerial roots in outreach work, helping others in order to build God’s kingdom.

1. What do you love about The Salvation Army?

— Allison, Montreal Citadel, Que. Div

To have a relationship with your Father in heaven and to speak to others about the truth.

It means showing the love of God to the people of the world.

—Cassidy, Mississauga Temple CC, Ont. CE Div

To be an instrument of God. — Dameins-Grace, Église Communautaire Nouveaux départs de l’Armée du Salut, Montreal, Que. Div

It’s being a light in a dark tunnel and showing others how God has changed my life.

—Kelsey, Westville Corps, N.S., Maritime Div

It means the world to me.

—Courtney, Oshawa Temple, Ont. CE Div

— Yao, Église Communautaire Nouveaux départs de l’Armée du Salut, Montreal, Que. Div

I’d like to witness God’s work in the lives of all the young people. I’d like to see him reveal himself to each and every one of us, and touch our hearts for our spiritual enlightenment.

I would encourage young people to help in the church.

—Gabriela, Ottawa Citadel, Ont. CE Div

Redesign the uniform to be modern.

— Caleb, Khi—A Community Church of The Salvation Army, Milton, Ont. GL Div

now, we won’t in five, 10 or 15 years.

—Kelsey, Westville Corps, N.S., Maritime Div

5. What does being a Christian mean to you?

Spending time with people from all over Canada and Bermuda.

—Sarah, Oshawa Temple, Ont. CE Div

Preaching on God’s call on our lives.

— Sarah-Ève, Église Communautaire Nouveaux départs de l’Armée du Salut, Montreal, Que. Div

Lives changed by the grace of God. —Matthew, Agincourt CC, Toronto, Ont. CE Div

I’d like to see our youth being inspired to become leaders in their churches.

—Madeleine, Mississauga Temple CC, Ont. CE Div

4. What would you like to see happen at the Territorial Youth Congress?

— Maude, Église de Lumière d’espoir, Montreal, Que. Div

regions.

S

SPECIAL GUEST CKLAND DANIELLE STRI

d A world-renowne d is speaker, Stricklan da a Salvationist an cate for passionate advo e is the social justice. Sh oks and author of five bo finitum, co-founder of In ave Amplify Peace, Br en Global and Wom ive.

Speakers Collect

SPECIAL GUEST MAJOR ROCK MARCOU

10 p.m.

10 a.m.

March of Witness Main Session

To ensure the congress is accessible in French and English, main sessions will be hosted by two people (one English-, one French-speaking), worship will be bilingual, videos will be subtitled, and sermons and testimonies will be translated via headset.

FOUND IN TRANSLATION

*schedule subject to change

11 a.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 24

8 a.m.

Prayer & Bible Study 10 a.m.

Main Session 2:30 p.m. Breakout 1 4 p.m.

Breakout 2 7:30 p.m. Main Session Late Night Session

SATURDAY, MAY 23

SCHEDULE Registration Main Session

THURSDAY, MAY 21 2-7 p.m.

8 p.m.

10:30 p.m. Late Night Session FRIDAY, MAY 22 8 a.m.

Prayer & Bible Study 10 a.m.

Main Session 2:30 p.m. Breakout 1 4 p.m.

Breakout 2 7:30 p.m. Main Session Late Night Session 10 p.m.

ESS

N MARCH OF WIT

s ning, Salvationist On Sunday mor h the streets of will march throug treal ahead of an downtown Mon gates g, with TYC dele open-air meetin ndance members in atte and local corps ing). Every youth (weather permitt ill be ss the territory w band from acro a ngress, forming present at the co . nd for the march large massed ba

X Major Marcou x has been a Salvation Arm y officer for almost 20 years, with appointments throughout the Quebec D ivision. He is the corps office r at Église Communauta ire Nouveaux départs de l’Arm ée du Salut in Montr eal.

CANADA AN D BERMUDA YOU TH

One of the mai n sessions will be le d by a smal l gr ou p of young people w ho will present the Bible teachi ng an d share testimonie s in French and Engl ish.

SPECIAL GUEST

SPECIAL GUEST

COMMISSIO NER FLOYD TIDD

Having recen tly returned to Canada aft er six years of service in Australia, Commission er Tidd is currently te rritorial commander for Canada and Bermuda .

SPECIAL GUEST

IMÉ

JUDE ST-A ngual worship St-Aimé is a bili ior soldier in leader and sen tern Territory. the U.S.A. Wes a team of Supported by nists from young Salvatio and Bermuda, across Canada ad worship in St-Aimé will le glish.

French and En

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Age: Delegates must be 13 by December 31, 2020. There is no maximum age Registration fee: $100 Meals and Accommodation: $300-350 per person Where to register: Visit canbdayouth.com and follow the link for VOIT/SEE

ETHICALLY SPEAKING

Photo: JonathanNicholls/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Plus

Hungry for Change Standing up for the rights of seasonal agricultural workers.

BY CAPTAIN ANGELICA HERNANDEZ

F

or 35 years, Patrick has been coming to Canada as a seasonal agricultural worker. He has spent his productive life working on different farms in Ontario to support his family in St. Lucia. I met him when he shared his experience at an event organized by the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants. Soon, Patrick will no longer be able to work, but he will not be able to rest, because he has no right to a pension in Canada or in his home country.

In the Canadian agriculture industry, temporary foreign workers have become the number 1 labour resource, since Canadians are increasingly reluctant to work on farms and in related jobs. The demand for seasonal labour has increased as the agricultural exports industry has become an important sector in the Canadian economy, with a new record of $66.2 billion reached last year. According to the Conference Board of Canada, this sector generates 12 percent of jobs in the country, with a projected growth of 23 percent by 2025.

Seasonal migrant workers are brought mostly from the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America to work on farms for several months, and then return to their countries of origin, as they are not allowed to stay until the next season or apply for permanent residency. Many of them have been coming to Canada to work for decades. They have been doing a temporary job in a country with a permanent demand for their services.

According to Portia MacDonald-Dewhirst of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, without a stable and secure supply of workers, producers struggle to maintain operations and food production is constrained.

Although Canada’s labour laws apply to temporary foreign workers—giving them rights with regard to fair pay, hours of work and employment conditions—there are few monitoring systems of farmers or employers to ensure these rights are protected.

Seasonal workers are more vulnerable than others due to the nature and policies of the federal programs that brought them here. Many of them are stuck with abusive employers because their visas and work permits are tied to their contract.

That means they have to leave the country as soon as they stop working, because they are not allowed to change employers under the same visa.

Although they have to pay income tax, insurance and make contributions to the Canada Pension Plan, just like any other person in the Canadian labour force, migrant workers don’t have access to federal services and don’t fulfil the requirements to apply for any of the pension plans or supplements offered to Canadian workers.

Access to services becomes almost impossible for them as they usually work and live in isolated communities, and have to face language and cultural barriers. There have been multiple cases of workers being returned by the employers to their countries of origin hours after being badly injured in the workplace, in order to avoid legal or financial responsibility. Women are even more vulnerable in these living and working conditions.

The federal government has been improving the working conditions of migrant workers and creating new programs to attract and retain more international workers to supply the demand in the field, but some of those new opportunities apply only to a small percentage.

We all benefit from the work of migrant men and women who come every year to supply the demand for agricultural workers. They are the ones who make it possible to have food on our tables. We cannot turn a blind eye to them just because they work quietly in the background of our society or because they don’t belong here. We may not be able to make changes in policy or get directly involved in improving their living and working conditions, but we can at least make sure that what we are eating is produced ethically.

In Canada, all workers have the right to be treated with dignity and respect without discrimination, but many foreign workers are falling through the cracks. Maybe we are content to have easy access to commodities without thinking about who is paying the real price. Gone are the days when we could blame lack of information. We can educate ourselves about whether the food we eat is produced ethically, which companies are taking advantage of vulnerable people and which ones deserve our support. Allowing injustice to be served at our tables is not good for migrant workers and is not good for Canada.

Captain Angelica Hernandez is the immigrant and refugee services resource officer at Harbour Light Ministries in Toronto.

Salvationist January 2020 19

“ I make lemon marmalade, lemonade and lemon cake,” says Patricia Ncube

When God Gives You Lemons A Salvationist at the Tshelanyemba Hospital grows food and faith amid health challenges and drought.

I

t was September of 1992 when Patricia Ncube moved to Tshelanyemba, a remote community outside Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. A job posting for a nutritionist role caught her attention and would eventually lead her to a lifelong career at The Salvation Army’s Tshelanyemba Hospital.

“People say I am a good cook,” laughs Ncube. “I work with patients who need dietary counselling: young mothers, diabetics, people with high blood pressure.

I also teach our kitchen staff about food handling.”

The hospital grounds where Ncube works and lives is a bustling hub, particularly for pregnant women and families with young children. They are currently 20 January 2020 Salvationist

faced with operational challenges due to extreme drought and infrequent electricity.

As a nutritionist, Ncube faces the added challenge of working with undernourished patients, many of whom have limited diets that consist mostly of sadza, a corn-based flour that is prepared like porridge (commonly known as “mieliemeal”).

“At times, I bring produce from my garden to the hospital kitchen,” explains Ncube. “If I have carrots or lemons, I share them.”

The Desert Garden Ncube lives in a house on the hospital compound that neighbours other sup-

port staff, nurses and doctors. Tucked behind a wooden fence lined with tall lemon, papaya, guava, avocado, mango and peach trees, her home represents the resilience of Tshelanyemba—a desert community that, though faced with hardship, welcomes new life every day, sustains life and honours life past.

On otherwise barren land, Ncube’s property contains two vegetable gardens, turkeys, chickens and multiple coops bound by wire and sheet metal. “I learned how to garden in primary school,” recalls Ncube. “It’s nice to have something that you grow. It’s cheaper, it’s fresh and it’s less handled than market produce.”

Despite heavy rainfall during the spring season, the community endures harsh

Photos: Brianne Zelinsky

BY BRIANNE ZELINSKY

returned home to her job and community.

“I learned that nothing is impossible with God,” she says. “The wounds healed because he was doing his own operation on my leg. If I compare my leg now to what it was, I see God’s wonders. He was performing miracles every day.”

Ncube is a nutritionist at The Salvation Army’s Tshelanyemba Hospital in Zimbabwe

droughts that make daily tasks, such as washing dishes, laundering clothes, cooking and basic agriculture, more difficult.

Electrical blackouts in Tshelanyemba impact the community’s access to water, which is often only available in the early hours of the night. Residents from the area have taken to digging for water through deep holes in the riverbed or using a borehole to pump underlying river water into buckets.

“I plant fruit trees and sell them,” says Ncube, gesturing toward the potted plants in her backyard, “but people will only buy them during the rainy season when they know there will be water to keep them growing.”

One Hospital to Another In 2014, the hospital conducted a nutrition study and Ncube took up the task of travelling long distances to survey surrounding villages about their food intake.

At times, this required her to cross rivers and tread desert sand on foot.

“I had just been discharged from the hospital after surgery on varicose veins in my leg,” says Ncube. “I still had a bandage on.”

The survey wasn’t completed before Ncube found herself back in the hospital, except this time, she was admitted as a patient in Bulawayo. Her leg presented gaping wounds and necrotizing flesh, likely symptoms of a more serious infection associated with the contaminated river water.

“I thought they were going to amputate my leg,” says Ncube. “I had given up hope and I told myself I would never walk again.”

Six months passed and Ncube missed her garden and life back in Tshelanyemba.

“I thought of my chickens and my trees,” remembers Ncube. “Community was important because people came to see me or phone me. They prayed with me.”

Health care in Zimbabwe can be a pricey service, especially for critical patients. Ncube was expected to purchase bandages, gloves, needles and antibiotics, all of which were necessary for recovery.

“It was expensive,” remembers Ncube.

“My friends in Tshelanyemba and Canada helped a lot in supplying materials. It was through the grace of God and the help from people that I am healed.”

Ncube was discharged from the hospital in Bulawayo on her birthday and

Sharing Lemonade It took Ncube time to get back to her garden, even after returning home. She had to tread lightly on her feet and relearn how to do manual labour with a physical disability. Even so, she was able to revive her garden, restoring what had died in her absence.

Ncube now harvests fruits and vegetables to sell or share with her neighbours.

“Since I work with patients, I think it was God’s plan to know how they feel,” she admits.

Children from the village will often visit her garden before school to snack on lemons, which, in Zimbabwe, are sweet enough to eat like an orange.

“We have wild fruits growing here, which are nutritious,” explains Ncube. “I make lemon marmalade, lemonade and lemon cake. My hope and my dream for my community is that they will use what they have. We can grow by using what God gives us.”

Brianne Zelinsky is a Salvationist working for The Salvation Army in Toronto. She visited the Tshelanyemba Hospital in July 2019 with the Silokwethemba team, a project that supports the education of orphans and vulnerable children.

Ncube works in her garden, where she harvests fruits and vegetables to sell or share with her neighbours

Salvationist January 2020 21

A Place of Prayer

The rich heritage of the mercy seat in Salvation Army tradition.

BY CAPTAIN JOSH HOWARD

T

he Salvation Army has a rich history, filled with a variety of traditions and symbols that were developed with much thought, prayer and strong scriptural foundations. In almost every corps and Army centre across the territory, one such symbol holds a central place: the mercy seat. Many know it as a place of prayer, commitment and change, but how many have considered the biblical, historical and present-day importance of the mercy seat?

The term “mercy seat” holds a great deal of theological meaning. It is first found in Exodus 25, in a passage where God gives Moses instructions regarding the building of the tabernacle and the various items that would be within it, including the Ark of the Covenant: “And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold … And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee” (Exodus 25:17, 21 KJV). In some modern translations, “mercy seat” is rendered “atonement cover,” because of the primary role the ark played on the Day of Atonement.

In the following verses, the term is repeated several times to describe a meeting place with God. In Exodus 25:22, the Lord says to Moses, “And there I will 22 January 2020 Salvationist

The mercy seat is a sacred meeting space with God. This simple piece of wood, engraved with the word “Redeemed,” is part of the mercy seat at Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg, but its history goes back more than half a century

meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat.”

In the Army, the term “mercy seat” and “altar” are often used interchangeably. Biblically, these two terms are different: the first a place to meet with God, and the second a place of sacrifice.

When we consider the Army context, we can see how the mercy seat is a place of prayer, but also why we refer to it as an altar. As the song My All Is On the Altar (SASB 609) notes, there are times when we have to present our lives to God, as a consecrated offering.

In the Old Testament, the altar played a crucial role for God’s people.

Some altars were simple and spur of the moment, while others were intentionally constructed. One early scriptural example of an altar is found in Genesis 8. After the flood, Noah’s first instinct was to build an altar and worship God: “Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it” (Genesis 8:20). Other examples of altars include Samuel’s “stone of help,” named Ebenezer, in 1 Samuel 7, and Elijah’s fire-consumed altar in 1 Kings 18.

From these and other passages comes the Army’s understanding of the mercy seat. The Salvation Army’s Handbook of Doctrine explains the importance

of the mercy seat in noting, “We call Salvationists worldwide to recognize the wide understanding of the mercy seat that God has given to the Army; to rejoice that Christ uses this means of grace to confirm his presence; and to ensure that its spiritual benefits are fully explored in every corps and Army centre.”

It has been within this context and understanding that the mercy seat has come to be revered as a sacred meeting space with God in Army tradition. In his book The Mercy Seat Revisited, Major Nigel Bovey writes, “For Salvationists the world over, the mercy seat—whatever its physical appearance and composition—is an honoured and special place. It has no inherent power. It holds no magic or mystique. It is special only because of the sensitive nature of the business that is conducted there. Special always, magical never.”

This is an important reminder. As the handbook and Major Bovey note, it is the gift of God’s grace that can be received, discovered and experienced at the mercy seat.

Commissioner Phil Needham, author of Community in Mission, has shared, “I think the mercy seat should be utilized for any purpose involving prayer. I think it is quite useful for Salvationists to be invited to come together in prayer at the

From left, Gary Robson, Paul Nelson and Cpts Tina and Josh Howard, corps officers at Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg, with the restored mercy seat

in the streets, a chair, or just a space set apart. It is symbolic of our meeting with God and as you know, that can happen anywhere, anytime. This piece of furniture has no special power or grace in itself. It is a place of prayer, a place of decision. Going to the mercy seat is an outward expression of the inward lead-

Photos: Carson Samson

mercy seat for any number of purposes.

Unfortunately, in too many corps, coming to the mercy seat means that there is something wrong or there has been a distressing defeat in the person’s life. Having Salvationists come together in positive prayer around the mercy seat can help to remove some of the unfortunate barriers.”

The mercy seat can hold a variety of meanings throughout the seasons of a person’s life, when they take the time to come before God and put their all on the altar. I have personally seen lives changed at the mercy seat. I have prayed with men struggling with addiction, with families who are mourning, with couples who are seeking direction for their lives, with young people who have committed their lives to Christ for the first time, and with friends who were celebrating how God was working in their life.

The mercy seat is a special place, an honoured place, one which is available for prayer and commitment in times of sorrow and celebration. General Linda Bond (Rtd) reminds us in The Mercy Seat Revisited that “Salvation Army mercy seats have taken many forms; a drum

ing of the Holy Spirit.” I am grateful for the role the mercy seat has played in my life and ministry, and thank God for the way he continues to faithfully meet with us as we draw near to him.

Captain Josh Howard is the corps officer at Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg.

The Mercy Seat Restored Last spring, Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg reflected on the role of the mercy seat within The Salvation Army through a series of sermons. At the same time, a member of the congregation rebuilt their mercy seat, which had been damaged several years ago. Paul Nelson, a retired carpenter and senior soldier at the corps, shares his thoughts on the process of restoring this sacred space: It was a humbling experience to use my gifts in this setting. I spent a lot of time thinking about the design, mulling over ideas, drawing out rough sketches and reaching out to other corps for photos.

Eventually, I decided on two stand-alone pieces that could be moved if needed. As I worked in my shop, there were moments when I stopped to pray, thinking of those who would kneel here.

Our “new” mercy seat has a rich heritage. When Hampton Citadel closed to join Heritage Park Temple, I saved a piece of the old mercy seat, knowing it would be used again one day. In talking with Gary Robson, I discovered that this simple piece of wood, engraved with the word “Redeemed,” can be traced back

even further. It was originally part of the mercy seat at the now-closed Ellice Avenue Corps (see photo below), where it was dedicated in memory of his grandparents, Corps Sergeant-Major Charles and Minnie Robson, in 1957. So it has been part of our history for more than half a century.

I can’t begin to imagine all of the stories of grace, redemption and transformation this mercy seat could tell, and yet, it is not just our history, but a new beginning for us. The stages of this restoration were a visual reminder of how God works

in our lives—transforming us and giving us new life. We need to remember that while the mercy seat is meaningful, the real restoration lies within us.

I pray that we will not just look at it, but use it as a place of dedication, commitment and prayer—not only in times of trouble, but also in times of rejoicing or to simply come and pray. Through it all God has been here and will be here, communing with us and guiding us as we continue to strive to bring his message of faith, hope and love to the people of our community.

Salvationist January 2020 23

VIEWPOINT

The Face of God Why Jesus’ race matters.

BY DARRYN OLDFORD

A depiction of Jesus by Richard Neave, a British expert in forensic facial reconstruction

P

icture Jesus in your mind.

What does he look like? Is he fat, thin or in between?

Is he frowning? Smiling? Crying?

Does he have long or short hair? Is his beard close-cropped or bushy?

Now tell me, does he have lightbrown or blond hair, blue eyes and pale skin? That was the image of Jesus I’d seen for most of my life.

From Sunday school illustrations, to paintings in church foyers, to actors portraying Jesus in films, Jesus was always a handsome and white—or, at best, slightly tanned—man. This version of Jesus, however, does not match reality.

Isaiah 53:2, believed by many Christians to be a prophecy about the Messiah, states: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” This is echoed throughout the New Testament. Although Jesus’ appearance is never spelled out in vivid detail, his ability to blend into crowds would lead us to believe that he looked like a typical man of his day. As a Middle Eastern man who walked in the sun from village to village, he probably had dark brown skin. The Jesus we see in murals and paintings, white-skinned with flowing hair that would put any shampoo commercial to shame, is not the truth.

So why do we show him this way? In most, but not all, places in the world, Christianity spread with colonization. In North America, influenced by Europe, that has meant representing Jesus through a predominantly white cultural and historical lens. By doing so, however, we chip away at the important 24 January 2020 Salvationist

human side of Christ.

It is a tenet of our faith that Jesus was fully God and fully man. Most of us have the God part figured out—we pray to him all the time—but Jesus as a man is harder to wrap our heads around. When his friend Lazarus died, he cried. When he saw the moneychangers in the temple, he got angry. When he wandered in the desert, he was hungry.

Like us, Jesus saw the world, felt the ground beneath his feet, heard the birds sing, smelled the spices in the market and tasted food. Jesus was born in a particular time and place, within a particular ethnicity. This is the mystery and beauty of the Incarnation. He was the Word made flesh, and the flesh he chose was a Middle Eastern Jewish man. To deny Jesus his humanity is, in effect, to deny Christ himself. Unless we are willing to love Jesus as a brown-skinned Jewish man, can we really say we love him?

This is not a call to haul every blondhaired, blue-eyed portrait of Jesus to the

dump. Some people take comfort in these paintings. I have seen images of Black Jesus in Kenya and Asian Jesus in South Korea, and they show us that he belongs to every culture.

We must be careful, though, not to worship our own image. That is the textbook definition of idolatry.

I must confess, however, that while I have no problem with Asian or Black Jesus (in fact, I have a Kenyan artist’s portrayal of the Last Supper hanging in my dining room), I find Caucasian Jesus problematic because of the historical baggage associated with colonization. European features were considered beautiful and people of colour were treated as inferior.

Sadly, these messages continue to influence how many people of colour see themselves, in addition to perpetuating racism, which hurts society as a whole. It’s important to combat old colonial notions of what Christ looked like, to open the door further for those who aren’t white-skinned and blue-eyed.

Portraying Jesus as Caucasian reinforces colonialism and can make him a symbol of oppression.

If the only way you can serve Jesus is by seeing him as white-skinned, I suggest that your faith is not in God, but in the power that comes with cultural Christianity. Portraying Jesus as he actually looked may help break down explicit and implicit walls of racism in the global church, and work toward a true fellowship of all believers. After all, we all serve a Middle Eastern Saviour.

Darryn Oldford is a senior soldier in Toronto.

GRACE NOTES

Why we need to talk about women in ministry leadership again.

BY CAPTAIN LAURA VAN SCHAICK

I

n October, bestselling author John MacArthur made waves across the Christian community with comments he made at a conference to his congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California. At the event, which celebrated his 50 years of pulpit ministry, MacArthur stated, “There is no case that can be made biblically for a woman preacher. Period. Paragraph. End of discussion.” Asked for his thoughts on evangelist and Bible teacher Beth Moore, his simple response was, “Go home.”

Debate exploded on Facebook and Twitter. Many used the opportunity to weigh in on the obvious biblical examples of women who were affirmed in their leadership, such as Lydia (see Acts 16:1315), Priscilla (see Romans 16:3), Junia (see Romans 16:7) and Mary of Magdala (see John 20:15-18). Others attacked MacArthur and the other men on stage with him, suggesting this was “misogyny at its finest.” Men and women alike took the opportunity to thank Beth Moore for the way she models Christlikeness and for positively influencing their walk with Jesus.

Personally, it made me sad and sick.

And if I’m being honest, I’m weary of

hearing so often that my calling to preach and to lead within the church is still abhorred and misunderstood by many of my brothers in Christ.

In the wake of these comments, I could lament my circumstances. I could cry over the times my Christian authority has been personally challenged. I could complain about having to once again defend my right to preach to a greater Christian community that is often far from accepting of women leaders.

From the very beginning, The Salvation Army has affirmed a woman’s right to preach.

But while there is a time and a place for healthy lament and even righteous anger, this is not it. At least not for me.

Because I’m not just a preacher. I’m also a Salvationist. And The Salvation

Army believes men and women are equally called to lead and to preach.

From the very beginning, The Salvation Army has affirmed a woman’s right to preach. Army co-founder Catherine Booth published the pamphlet, Female Ministry: Woman’s Right to Preach the Gospel, in 1859, presenting a strong scriptural argument for the right for women to preach. She affirms: “If she have the necessary gifts, and feels herself called by the Spirit to preach, there is not a single word in the whole book of God to restrain her, but many, very many, to urge and encourage her.”

William Booth mirrored these words in The Doctrines and Disciplines of The Salvation Army in 1881, and from the very start, the first copy of Orders and Regulations for The Salvation Army (1878) stated, “The Army refuses to make any difference between men and women as to rank, authority and duties, but opens the highest positions to women as well as to men.”

I am a proud Salvationist, and a proud preacher of the gospel of Jesus. Even before I was ordained and commissioned, I boldly proclaimed the truth of Jesus from the pulpit in the company of both men and women. And I am thankful for the Christian community that God called me to, where I am able to live out this call to preach without fear of persecution, and without being told to “go home.”

Not that I would have listened anyway.

Sisters, the fields are ripe for harvest and we have been called to work alongside our brothers in every aspect of ministry. Let’s not be discouraged by a few misogynist men whose comments were dismissive and derogatory toward our intrinsic value and worth.

Salvationist men, I urge you to support the women around you. Encourage them. Praise them. Assist them with their many other tasks so that they can be freed up to embrace their call to preach.

Salvationist women, we have a voice that our world needs to hear. We have something to say that will help lead people closer to Jesus, and we have the privilege of being able to preach. If God has called you, he also goes with you. So be brave, step up to the microphone and let your voice be heard.

I know I will.

Captain Laura Van Schaick is the women’s ministries program and resource officer.

Salvationist January 2020 25

PERSPECTIVES

Leaving a Legacy Make a gift that will outlast you.

BY LT-COLONEL FRED WATERS “ One day, they will dig a hole, put you in it and throw dirt in your face—then go back to the church and eat potato salad.”

—Tony Campolo

Illustration: TarikVision/iStock via Getty Images Plus

L

egacy seems to be a common theme these days. Maybe because my generation, the boomers, are getting older. Maybe because the things we buy are obsolete before the packaging hits the recycling bin. Maybe because we are realizing that our propensity to accumulate things leaves us with empty hands.

The quote above by Tony Campolo came from a series he did on values, and how we have turned our values upside down. Though the presentation was many years ago, I have never forgotten this line. I remember how we, the audience, laughed out loud—nervously. It’s a sobering thought. One day, our lives will come to an end, with no more time to make a difference. Will who we have been and what we have done have lasting value?

On that day, our legacy will be evaluated. People will talk about whether we made an impact on their lives and on the world around us. So is this a good time to think about how we might continue to bless others after we pass from this life?

Is this a good time to make some plans that will have real impact?

If you think about it, leaving a gift in your will is possibly the most impactful gift that you will ever make. Strangely enough, less than half of all Canadians have a will. Without one, who will make decisions about your estate on your behalf? Someone you know? Someone you don’t know?

Without a will, can you be assured that those decisions will reflect your values, beliefs or priorities? In Canada, slightly more than 40 percent of all financial donations are made to religious organizations. Those of us who are active 26 January 2020 Salvationist

Salvationists will be used to giving our tithe or offering, so leaving a legacy gift in your will seems like a logical extension of that practice. Could you consider tithing on your estate and putting it in your will so you are assured of it happening?

Imagine the gift you could provide to your corps or a local ministry unit, or to a particular work that reflects your passion. Would you like to bless the work of The Salvation Army in another part of the world? With projects always active in some of the more desperate parts of the world, you could have a real impact

on many people. The options are almost unlimited.

Provision to The Salvation Army, whether local, national or international, is a wonderful way to bless others and an easy way to leave a legacy.

Are you interested? Are you ready to act? If you have questions, contact legacy@can.salvationarmy.org or call 1-855-546-5556 and we would be happy to answer questions.

Lt-Colonel Fred Waters is the secretary for business administration.

CROSS CULTURE

IN REVIEW To Be Like Jesus!

Christian Ethics for a 21stcentury Salvation Army

BY DEAN PALLANT What does it mean to live an ethical life in the 21st century? Former leader of The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission and current secretary for communications for the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, Lt-Colonel Dean Pallant tackles many pressing topics in his new book To Be Like Jesus!, including the power of governments and corporations, abortion, racism, singleness, marriage, divorce, same-sex relationships, pornography, social media, refugees, human trafficking and more. Lt-Colonel Pallant encourages readers to develop their opinions and actions inspired by the life and teaching of Jesus Christ and informed by the Bible, science, previous generations of Christians and many other sources.

Live in Grace, Walk in Love A 365-Day Journey

BY BOB GOFF Fans of Bob Goff’s first two books, Love Does and Everybody, Always, can enjoy a daily dose of the author’s witty storytelling and unique perspective with his new devotional book Live in Grace, Walk in Love. The book takes readers through a calendar year with 365 short reflections exploring how we can step out in love and confidence in every aspect of our lives.

Each entry begins with a passage of Scripture, accompanied by a personal story and a spiritual encouragement or exhortation. The entries conclude with a question or two, prompting the reader to reflect and make a change in their life that day.

Live in Grace, Walk in Love offers food for thought for 2020 and beyond.

Rings of Fire Walking in Faith Through a Volcanic Future

BY LEONARD SWEET As a new year and a new decade begin, many are wondering what lies ahead for Christians around the world. In the face of cultural changes from economics and communications to bioethics and beyond, how can Christians respond with hope and continue to lead people to Christ? Bestselling author and popular speaker Leonard Sweet faces the future head-on in Rings of Fire, which takes readers through the “rings of fire” Sweet believes Christians will need to confront this century. This book is a “first-responders manual to help you assess the situation and assist the Spirit as the situation requires,” Sweet writes. His book examines everything from world religions to #ChurchToo to genetic engineering.

Sweeping in its scope, Rings of Fire is sure to stimulate creative thinking for individual or group study.

IN THE NEWS Jesus Is King of 2019 The bestselling—and most talked about— Christian album of 2019 came from an unlikely source. Debuting at number 1 on the Billboard charts with the equivalent of 264,000 sales in the United States in its opening week was Jesus Is King from infamous hip-hop artist Kanye West.

West’s gospel turn has been in the works for a while—the debut of his Sunday Service pop-up church at the Coachella music festival in April was an early public sign of his newfound faith. References to Christianity have existed in his music for many years—one of his early hits was 2004’s Jesus Walks—but Jesus Is King brings faith to the forefront. West has reportedly said that he will no longer make secular music—only gospel going forward.

Reaction to West’s new direction has been mixed. Many Christians have been happy to welcome him into the fold.

Reviewing Jesus Is King, Focus on the Family’s Plugged In magazine declares: “Kanye West’s laser-like focus on Jesus here is breathtaking.” Others have noted Sunday Service’s cult-like vibes or pointed out that West is monetizing his faith in questionable ways—for example, selling hoodies that say “Holy Spirit” for $225.

For West, at least, his intentions are clear: as he sings on God Is, “God, God is/He, he is my all and all (and I’ll never turn back).”

Disney+ Content Warnings Spark Controversy When Disney+, the company’s new online streaming service, launched to much fanfare in November, subscribers were quick to notice that a disclaimer had been added to certain Peter Pan comes with a content old favourites. Films such disclaimer on Disney+ as Peter Pan, Dumbo and The Aristocats come with a content warning from Disney that reads: “This program is presented as originally created. It may contain outdated cultural depictions.”

The disclaimer attempts to address the existence of racially or culturally insensitive scenes in otherwise beloved films.

Peter Pan, for example, which was released in 1953, includes a scene that caricatures Indigenous people. Disney has not made public the criteria it is using when deciding whether to apply the disclaimer to a particular film.

Opinion in response to the disclaimer was varied, with some saying it was a good discussion starter about the broader issue of racism embedded in culture, while others said it did not go far enough, or should apply to films such as Pocahontas, which is presented without a disclaimer.

Salvationist January 2020 27

PEOPLE & PLACES MOOSE JAW, SASK.—These are exciting days at Moose Jaw CC as five adherents and three senior soldiers are enrolled. From left, Phyllis Heath, adherent; Daniel Listoe, Elizabeth Listoe and Susan Wendzina, senior soldiers; Mjr Dan Broome, CO; Glen Jacobson, colour sergeant; Mjr Wendy Broome, CO; Elda Feahr, Lloyd Grigg, Irene Mandell and Sandra Silversides, adherents.

GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALTA.—Four adherents are enrolled at Grande Prairie CC. From left, Cpt Peter Kim, CO; Jacy Smith; Shiloh Smith; Chris Rufiange; Kim Burgess; and Cpt Grace Kim, CO.

CHARLOTTETOWN, N.L.—Carson Simmonds is enrolled as a junior soldier at Charlottetown Corps by his uncle and aunt, Mjrs Archie and Marie Simmonds.

Supporting him are, from left, Mjr Archie Simmonds; Terrance Chaulk, colour sergeant; Mjr Marie Simmonds; JSS Nancy Penney; and Mjr Lillian Pelley, CO.

Lemonade and Cookies for Partners in Mission GAMBO, N.L.—When brothers Griffin and Aiden Neal, who attend Gambo Corps, asked their grandmother, Donna Wells, if they could host a lemonade stand, their simple request quickly grew into a fundraising effort for Partners in Mission. With the help of their grandmother and grandfather, the boys set up a table outside the corps building to sell lemonade and cookies. On Rally Day, the boys proudly presented $330 to Mjrs Curtis and Cindy Butler, COs, in support of the international work of The Salvation Army. Griffin and Aiden are shown with their Nana Wells.

Guidelines for Tributes ACTON, ONT.—Celebrations honouring the 40th anniversary of Acton CC include the cutting of a cake to mark the occasion. From left, Mjrs Everett and Violet Barrow, DC and DDWM, Ont. GL Div; Reg Marsh; Claire Walsh; Marlene Marsh; and Mjrs Drucella and Rick Pollard, COs. 28 January 2020 Salvationist

Salvationist will print tributes (maximum 200 words), at no cost, as space permits.

We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Tributes should be received within three months of the promotion to glory and include: community where the person resided, corps involvement, Christian ministry, conversion to Christ, survivors. A high-resolution digital photo or high-resolution scan of an original photo (TIFF, EPS or JPG; 300 ppi) should be emailed to salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org; a clear, original photograph mailed to 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4 will be returned.

PEOPLE & PLACES

GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL Appointments: Feb 1—Mjrs Jacques/Claude-Evelyne Donzé, OC/CPWM, Italy and Greece Cmd, with rank of lt-col TERRITORIAL Adoption: Cpts Brent/Melissa Haas, son, Richard Mark Donald Lyall, born Oct 19, 2011 Birth: Cpts David/Laura Hickman, daughter, Annalina May, Oct 4 Appointments: Mjr Donna Barthau, international sponsorship co-ordinator, IHQ (based in Canada, additional responsibility); Cpts Michael/Melissa Mailman, Stratford CC, Ont. GL Div; Aux-Cpt Linda Kean, Happy ValleyGoose Bay, N.L. Div Accepted as auxiliary-captain: Linda Kean Reaccepted as lieutenant: Maurice Collins Retirements: Dec 1—Mjrs Dean/Margaret Locke; Jan 1—Mjr Thomas Tuppenney, Mjrs Keith/Joyce Warford Promoted to glory: Mjr Garland Skeard, Oct 24; Mrs. Brg Doris Marsland, Oct 29; General Bramwell H. Tillsley, Nov 2; Mjr Stanley Ratcliffe, Nov 7; Mrs. Col Arlian Rawlins, Nov 8; Comr Donald Kerr, Nov 16

CALENDAR Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd: Jan 7-9 divisional retreat, B.C. Div; Jan 9-10 National Advisory Board, Toronto; Jan 13-14 divisional retreat, Alta. & N.T. Div; Jan 15-16 Canadian Council of Churches leaders’ retreat, Toronto; Jan 20-21 divisional retreat, Que. Div; Jan 27-28 divisional retreat, Ont. GL Div; Jan 28-31 divisional retreat, Prairie Div Colonels Edward and Shelley Hill: Jan 9 National Advisory Board, Toronto; Jan 10 National Advisory Board, Toronto*; Jan 17-18 Booth UC board of trustees meeting, Toronto*; Jan 19-20 CFOT; Jan 27-30 divisional retreat, Maritime Div (*Colonel Edward Hill only)

YELLOWKNIFE—Leadership ranks in the Northwest Territories’ Yellowknife Corps are strengthened as two local officers are commissioned. From left, Mjr Margaret McLeod, DC, Alta. & N.T. Div; Michelle Martin, newly commissioned corps treasurer; Cdt Janice Brinson, corps leader; Lamlani Mthombeni, newly commissioned corps sergeant-major; and Cdt Jason Brinson, corps leader.

Visit Salvationist.ca TRIBUTES ST. CATHARINES, ONT.—Winifred Miriam Beard (nee Ames) was promoted to glory at the age of 107. Winnie was a lifelong member of St. Catharines Corps where she served as primary sergeant and cradle roll sergeant for more than 60 years, participated in the songster brigade and was a member of the home league and the league of mercy (community care ministries). Winnie was predeceased by her husband, Arthur; parents Alfred and Francis (Evans) Ames; brothers Alfred, Phil, Dave and Claude (Ruth); and grandson, Ian Beard.

Remembering Winnie with profound love, gratitude and pride in a life well lived are her sister, Alice Jarvis (Cliff); daughter, Valerie Patterson (Wayne); sons Brian (Nancy), Colin (Karen) and Glenn (Maria); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

GEORGETOWN, ONT.—Colonel Marion Ivany was born in Toronto in 1925 to Salvation Army officer parents, Ernie and Edith Green, the youngest of three children.

Upon graduation from St. John Vocational School, she worked as a private secretary in the Canadian General Insurance Company for three years. Marion was commissioned as a member of the Challengers Session in 1946, and married Lieutenant Calvin Ivany in 1950, a marriage that lasted 61 years until his promotion to glory in 2011. Together they served as corps officers in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and in divisional and territorial leadership in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario, and internationally in Mexico and Central America. Marion is remembered for her preaching, encouragement of others and as a soloist. In retirement, she was a secretary at Grace United in Brampton, Ont., and attended Mississauga Temple Community Church, Ont. Her ministry continued in retirement, in spite of the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s, culminating at the Bennett Centre in Georgetown, where she received amazing care. Predeceased by her brother, Gordon, and sister, Peggy, Marion is survived by sons David (Beverly), Bruce (Anne) and Paul (Elizabeth); daughter, Cathie (Peter); 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces Marilyn and Helen; and sister-in-law, Eileen.

Salvationist January 2020 29

NOT CALLED?

“What Are You Waiting For?” Mark and Kelsie Burford knew they were meant for officership, but at some indefinite time in the future. An Officership Information Weekend changed that.

M

BY KEN RAMSTEAD

ark and Kelsie Burford might never have met, fallen in love and married without her brother.

“Mark’s mother was the leader of The Salvation Army’s Ontario Great Lakes divisional youth chorus,” says Kelsie. “My brother had joined and wanted me to go.

I don’t enjoy choral singing so we made a deal that I would go once and, if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t have to go back.

“But I liked his friends, I liked the singing—and I met Mark there,” she smiles.

Journey to Soldiership Mark and Kelsie were both born into The Salvation Army.

Mark became a senior soldier at the age of 16.

“I thought that was what God wanted me to do at that time in my life,” he says.

“I wanted to make sure I was becoming a soldier not just because my parents or my grandparents wanted me to, but because it was right for me and God wanted me to do it, too.

“I believed that commitment would bring me closer to him.”

Kelsie became a senior soldier at the age of 15. She admits now that she really didn’t understand the gravity of what she was committing to.

“For me,” she says, “it had more to do with my brother.”

Older than Kelsie, he felt very strongly about a commitment to Jesus.

“I wanted to have that kind of commitment, that kind of excitement my brother had,” she says now. “But while that was my motivation, every day since then, there’s been a reaffirmation that becoming a soldier was the right thing to do at that time, even if I didn’t fully understand it.”

The Calls Mark first felt the call to officership at junior music camp, but he denied it because he didn’t want it to happen.

Then he participated in “Time to Be Holy,” a three-day Salvation Army event 30 January 2020 Salvationist

ing to her one Sunday, telling her that this was what she needed to do.

Mark and Kelsie Burford

A wave of relief washed over Mark.

“I wasn’t trying to fight it anymore.” in St. Thomas, Ont. Mark struggled with it throughout that weekend, “until God finally got fed up with me and sent a Salvation Army officer, who told me, ‘God put it on my heart to tell you that you need to accept your call to be an officer.’ ” A wave of relief washed over Mark. “I wasn’t trying to fight it anymore and I’ve been on a good path since.”

As for Kelsie, she started hearing God’s call to officership at 17. Through prayer and reflection at a divisional youth chorus event, she’d realized that she needed to take her faith more seriously.

She distinctly recalls God clearly speak-

Sooner Rather Than Later Kelsie and Mark knew marriage and officership were in their future, but while they wanted to get married as soon as possible, the timeline for officership was vague until they attended an Officership Information Weekend at the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg in 2017.

The couple were in separate groups and as the morning wore on, they were both convicted that they had to put their plans for officership on the front burner. Kelsie, in particular, was jolted by a conversation she had.

“I happened to bump into Major Jennifer Hale, the territorial secretary for candidates, who had been our divisional youth secretary. During the course of our chat, she looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘What are you waiting for?’

“I just looked at her because it came out of the blue, but she persisted: ‘No, if you are called to officership, then, really, what are you doing? What are you waiting for?’ That’s what started the ball rolling for me in my mind.”

When Mark and Kelsie reunited midmorning during a free period and compared notes, they were each surprised at the other’s reaction.

“Well, I prayed that you would come to me and talk about it,” Mark said to Kelsie.

“And I prayed you would come to me and talk about it,” Kelsie replied.

Says Kelsie, “It was as if God was asking us: ‘What are you doing? What are you waiting for?’ ” “We had thought about officership as an undefined timeline—three or four years—but God was calling us out for not having an intentional plan,” Mark says. “He wanted us to go in sooner rather than later.”

“So we started the paperwork that weekend,” smiles Kelsie. “We were married in January and we are now at CFOT.”

WHEN THE WORLD O P E N CLOSES ITS EYES, THEM.

BOOTHUC.CA

EDUCATIO N FOR A BETTER WORLD

SAVE THE DATE

Call & Commitment Sunday February 2, 2020

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