Salvationist October 2019

Seven Tips for Sermon Preparation

When Music Isn’t One of Your Gifts

Thanks in Advance: Storing Up Gratitude

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

October 2019

Salvationist.ca

Welcome Home Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd return to Canada and Bermuda as territorial leaders

CONTENTS

Salvationist October 2019 • Volume 14, Number 10

Departments

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5 Frontlines

Visit Salvationist.ca to add your comments and read web-exclusive articles

7 World Watch 14 Fresh Ideas Sewing That Makes Sense

by Heather Deighan

8

24 Core Values In Good Faith

by Tharwat Eskander

26 Cross Culture 27 People & Places

Columns 4 Editorial Watching the Tide

by Geoff Moulton

16 Not Called?

Leap of Faith

by Ken Ramstead

17 Viewpoint Make a Joyful Noise

by Darryn Oldford

25 Grace Notes Thanks in Advance

by Captain Laura Van Schaick

Features 8 Welcome Home Returning as territorial leaders, Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd reflect on their time abroad, what motivates them and their hopes for Canada and Bermuda.

Interview by Geoff Moulton

12 The Phoenix Project Human trafficking survivor helps other women find a way out.

by Giselle Randall

15 “Thank Ewe, From Your Flock” Comox Valley Ministries embraces Pastor Appreciation Month.

by Brent Hobden

18 Preach It! Before you step up to the pulpit, consider these seven tips for sermon preparation.

by Major Dale W. Pilgrim

@salvationistmagazine Follow us on Instagram for the latest and best Army photos. Tag your photos #salvationists /salvationistmagazine Like us on Facebook for photos and updates.

Interact with our community of 36,000+ fans @Salvationist Follow us on Twitter for the Army’s breaking news. Use hashtag #SalvationArmy for your own updates and photos On the cover: Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd

Read and share it!

Father of the Bride

BILL’S QUEST P.12

Helping the Army

CUBIC COMPASSION P.22

A Place of Safety

PET THERAPY P.10

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

faithandfriends.ca

20 Game Plan

OCTOBER 2019

LEADS framework establishes new culture of leadership.

by Paul Carew

22 Emotional Intelligence New Salvation Army program helps teens manage their anger.

by Valerie Pavey

30 While Women Weep 30

Ending gender discrimination benefits everyone.

by Kathy Nguyen

Won’t You Be His Neighbour?

TOM HANKS PLAYS MISTER ROGERS IN NEW MOVIE. P.16

Salvationist October 2019 3

EDITORIAL

Watching the Tide

O

ne of the most visited natural attractions in Canada, the Bay of Fundy is more than just a beautiful landmark. Located between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the bay boasts the world’s highest tides, ranging from just over three metres at its lowest to more than 16 metres at its height.

To give you some perspective, that’s taller than the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, N.S., or the letters in the iconic Hollywood sign. Most tidal waters only vary about a metre in depth. The Bay of Fundy gets so deep that marine biologists have even discovered whales swimming where a short time ago there was no water.

The tides occur because of the bay’s unique funnel shape, which is a perfect match for the moon’s gravitational effects on the ocean. Every day, the earth experiences two high and two low tides, about 12 hours and 25 minutes apart. It takes six hours and 12.5 minutes for the water at the shore to go from high to low, or vice versa.

Thousands of people visit the Bay of Fundy every year. But be warned! If you are out walking and unaware of the tides, you can get trapped. Visitors must watch the posted schedules and follow the instructions of park staff who rope off areas of the park to give people enough time to get back to safety.

I thought of the Bay of Fundy when I interviewed Commissioners Floyd and

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 October 2019 Salvationist

Tracey Tidd for their return to the Canada and Bermuda Territory as territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, respectively. When I interviewed the Tidds six years ago for this publication, I asked, “What advice would you give to aspiring leaders?”

Commissioner Floyd cited the story of William Booth who wrote to his daughter Evangeline when she was first sent as a national commander to the United States. Booth’s advice was: “Don’t watch the waves; watch the tide.” Our new territorial commander notes that, in essence, Booth was saying, “Don’t worry about the small things, but ask: Is there a bigger trend here that I need to be aware of?”

There have certainly been a lot of waves in Australia over the past six years as the Tidds have overseen the merger of two Salvation Army territories into one. But seeing the bigger picture, they have been able to encourage people, mobilize resources and lean on God to accomplish, as they put it, “incredibly more than we could have asked or imagined” (see Ephesians 3:20). Read their new interview on page 8.

Speaking of leadership, this month in Salvationist we unveil LEADS, the new “capabilities framework” that will help guide our territory as we seek to empower the next generation of leaders (page 20). And

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.

be sure to say a big thank you to your corps leaders during this Pastor Appreciation Month (page 15).

Not only have the Tidds been watching the tide, they also have been riding the waves—quite literally. As Commissioner Tracey notes, they learned how to boogie board in Australia. And upon returning to Canada, they purchased a paddle board for their summer holiday. Something tells me that they are prepared for all that God has in store for our territory in the coming days.

GEOFF MOULTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Mission

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

FRONTLINES

new permanent, accessible shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Richmond, B.C., is meeting immediate needs and offering supports to help people build a brighter future.

The 36-bed Salvation Army shelter, which was built to replace the Army’s former men’s shelter, offers spaces for men and women, with options for couples. Open 24 hours a day, year-round, the shelter has a dining room, commercial kitchen, laundry facility and washrooms.

The Salvation Army will also provide access to life skills training, employment programs and counselling, and will connect people to health and legal services.

“The need for safe, secure shelter for those struggling with homelessness in Richmond is critical and urgent, and that is why this project is so important,” says Major Kathie Chiu, corps officer in Richmond. “We are very grateful to the City of Richmond and the provincial government for this project and our ongoing partnership. Together we are giving people hope today and every day.”

Free Counselling in Rural Saskatchewan

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eople liv ing in the rural towns of Weyburn and Estevan, Sask., now have improved access to mental health supports, thanks to a partnership between The Salvation Army and Envision Counselling and Support Centre.

The walk-in clinic, which offers patrons a free onehour counselling session, takes place at the Army From left, Skylar Gunderman of in Weyburn on Tuesdays Envision Counselling and Support and Fridays, and in Centre and Ronza Reynard of The Estevan on Wednesdays Salvation Army and Thursdays.

“Envision was looking to offer walk-in counselling at places in the community that see a lot of foot traffic, so they approached us about partnering up,” explains Ronza Reynard, community ministries director and ministry lead.

The clinic has been operating since May, and sees up to five patrons per day.

“It’s something that’s needed in Weyburn and Estevan because so many people struggle with mental health,” Reynard notes. “Right now, both communities have been hit hard with the decline in the oil sector. With that, there’s so much stress due to loss of jobs.

“As The Salvation Army, we want to be able to meet the needs of the people in our community,” she continues. “This partnership with Envision is one more way that we can do that.”

Photo: City of Richmond

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Richmond Army Opens New Shelter

“The need for safe, secure shelter is critical and urgent,” says Mjr Kathie Chiu

T

ICE 2 Run Sends Kids to Camp

here was spandex, headbands and neon as far as the eye could see as The Salvation Army’s community and family services in Moncton, N.B., held its annual I Care Enough 2 Run (ICE 2 Run) fundraising event at the end of July.

The ICE 2 Run event supports the Army’s Kids to Camp program—an initiative that gives under-served children in the Greater Moncton Area the opportunity to attend camp during the summer holiday. This year, 123 participants put on their best 80s-themed gear and ran the five-kilometre race. All together, they raised $2,918. These funds cover not only the cost of camp registration and transportation, but also provide children with a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, linens and new clothing.

“It was a beautiful day, and we had a great turnout in support of our Kids to Camp program,” says Elise Williston, special events and volunteer co-ordinator for The Salvation Army in Moncton. “We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this event.”

Along with those who signed up to run, ICE 2 Run was supported by a number of community partners, including the Running Room, 91.9 The Bend, Oulton College and HOUSEPARTY, a local DJ who provided entertainment.

Colourfully dressed runners support The Salvation Army in Moncton, N.B.

Salvationist October 2019 5

FRONTLINES

Jan Barton New Chair of National Advisory Board

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his month, the Canada and Bermuda Territory welcomes a new leader to the helm of the National Advisory Board (NAB): Jan Barton. A member of the NAB since 2009 and former vice-chair, Barton replaces outgoing chair Andrew Lennox.

“The Canada and Bermuda Territory is indebted to Andrew Lennox for his dedication, commitment and leadership,” comments Lt-Colonel John P. Murray, secretary for communications. “He has served Canadians through The Salvation Army as an executive volunteer for 25 years and as chair of the NAB for the past 10.”

In recognition of his contributions, Lennox was awarded with The Salvation Army’s Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service during the British Columbia divisional congress and commissioning weekend in June. “His visionary leadership, wisdom and goal of helping the Army be as effective as possible will be a lasting legacy,” Lt-Colonel Murray adds.

As she takes on the role of chair, Barton says she feels “humbled and honoured.” She brings a wealth of professional experience to the NAB, having served in executive leadership roles for several decades. She is currently sector vice-president, human resources, electro-optical, L3Harris, a technology company that is best known for making heat-sensing cameras, often used by military and law enforcement.

As a member of the NAB, Barton has made a number of important contributions. Working with a team, Barton helped develop the Army’s Performance Excellence and Coaching Program (PEAC), a performance evaluation and improvement structure for officers and employees. She was also involved in a project developing policies around employee compensation, ensuring internal pay equity and external competitiveness.

In addition, she has shared her expertise concerning various leadership development initiatives and worked on developing a white paper on the role and function of the NAB and how its

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task teams and advisory committees interrelate with each other.

“I’m very grateful for The Salvation Army,” she says. “I thoroughly enjoy my time working with the organization.”

As chair of the NAB, Barton hopes to “help identify those things that are strategically important to the Army” and focus on “the vital few things that will make the biggest difference.”

She adds, “When you have a hand-off like this, when a leader changes, it’s an opportunity to step back and look at what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and shape it in the best way possible for all of the people involved.”

Speaking on behalf of the Army, Lt-Colonel Murray says he is confident that Barton will have a positive impact as chair of the NAB. “Her warm personal leadership style, coupled with her desire to engage and support the Army’s mission through the NAB, will be valued and appreciated by leadership and those whom we serve.”

Andrew Lennox, outgoing chair of the National Advisory Board; Jan Barton, incoming chair

Calgary Army Hosts First Golf Tournament

he Salvation Army in Calgary held its inaugural Golf Classic event in July, with 68 golfers hitting the course at the Heritage Pointe Golf Club.

“We were blessed with a beautiful day for golf and a fantastic group of golfers and supporters,” says Major Al Hoeft, divisional secretary for public relations, Alberta and Northern Territories Division.

Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, The Salvation Army raised more than $23,000.

“The funds raised through this tournament will allow us to update the furniture in the Centre of Hope’s dining room, which serves more than 325,000 meals each year,” says Karen Livick, 6 October 2019 Salvationist

executive director of Calgary’s Centre of Hope. “This type of year-round support is critical to our clients and programs,

and helps bring awareness to the ongoing work we do. We are so grateful for the support.”

Golfers prepare to hit the course at the first Salvation Army Golf Classic in Calgary

WORLD WATCH

Army Launches Europe-Wide Anti-Trafficking Campaign

T In Rīga, Latvia, bus stop ads spread the Army’s message

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he Salvation Army in Europe has commenced its first pan-continental campaign to raise awareness of, and deter people from being duped into, human trafficking and modern slavery. So far, around half of the 31 European countries with a Salvation Army presence have joined, encouraging consumers to consider whether low prices come at the high cost of human exploitation.

The campaign uses “fake” ads to show that human tragedy often lurks behind cheap products and services, and that the demand for a deal fuels human trafficking. The ads trick people into think-

ing they are going to get a deal on goods commonly funded by modern slavery, such as nail bars and car washes. But once the viewer clicks on the ad, the truth is revealed, as they are taken to a landing page—in their own language—that gives information about human trafficking and features stories of victims who have been supported by The Salvation Army.

The precise implementation of the campaign varies from country to country, to remain sensitive to local needs and context. Examples of the way the campaign is being used can be seen at highcost.salvationarmy.org.

Ebola Response in the Congo

hen the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern this summer, The Salvation Army was ready with a robust response plan.

In Goma, one of the worst-hit areas, The Salvation Army took practical steps to restrict the spread of the Ebola virus by promoting and improving handwashing. Three hundred and eighty schools and 120 churches and mosques were provided with hygiene and handwashing kits and educational material.

The Salvation Army also equipped the staff of 10 clinics with protective clothing and triage centres were constructed at each of the clinics.

The Salvation Army was also active in training community leaders in prevention techniques. “The Salvation Army will continue to support and develop its established hygiene awareness programs,” says Major Joan Gibson, the Army’s international health co-ordinator, “and identify where further measures might be most effectively deployed.”

A handwashing station provided by The Salvation Army

Army in Nigeria Distributes Food as Conflict Rages

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A woman receives emergency food supplies

s violence continued to devastate the northeastern region of Nigeria, The Salvation Army supported more than 500 vulnerable families of internally displaced people who were living in temporary camps in the Maiduguri area. Around 4,000 individuals were helped with essential food supplies.

One recipient told a Salvation Army team member how the provision of food had restored her “hope for living.” She

had lost both her husband and son to violent Boko Haram attacks.

The food distribution provided around three months’ supply of staples to families. The provision on this scale was also intended to help safeguard women in the camps, some of whom had been vulnerable to sexual exploitation in exchange for food.

Along with food support, The Salvation Army also provided soap and washing detergent.

Salvationist October 2019 7

Welcome Home

Returning as territorial leaders, Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd reflect on their time abroad, what motivates them and their hopes for Canada and Bermuda.

On October 1, Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd take up appointments in the Canada and Bermuda Territory as territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries after six years in Australia, most recently as territorial leaders of the newly amalgamated Australia Territory.

Prior to their installation, editor-inchief Geoff Moulton sat down with them to discuss their experiences overseas, from the merger of the two Australian territories, to their response to the Royal Commission’s investigations into sexual abuse, to their groundbreaking Gender Equity Plan.

What’s the best thing about being home?

Tracey Tidd: After six years in Australia we made a lot of friendships, but there is nothing like coming home to spend time with family. During these past few weeks of furlough we’ve been able to share wonderful times with our two children, their spouses and our grandson.

Floyd Tidd: It’s great to be back in that place where you have a sense of roots, a sense of history, and to reconnect with people.

Tell us about your experience as leaders in Australia. What will you miss most?

FT: It was more than we could have ever asked or imagined. We left the Canada and Bermuda Territory in June 2013 to

serve as leaders in the Australia Southern Territory. Three years later, we became national leaders for Australia as its two territories began transitioning into one, and lastly served as territorial leaders of the new Australia Territory. It was an exciting and dynamic experience. We’ll miss the people of Australia, but I can go on record as saying we won’t miss Vegemite (laughs).

TT: It was a great experience. I recommend all officers take time to serve overseas. Yes, our resilience was tested, but God has shaped us and we have deeper relationship with him. We are grateful for the people who journeyed with us as we aligned the Army in Australia into one territory. They have been challenging times, but also good times. Our roots go deep there.

What were the challenges of merging the two territories?

FT: For 90 years, Australia took the form of two territories: Southern and Eastern.

About 25 years ago, questions arose about what was the best administrative model.

During our time, a decision was made by International Headquarters (IHQ) to move toward a single territory. We articulated six reasons why we needed to merge: an aligned vision; a united voice; greater impact; better stewardship; increased innovation; and stronger partnerships, both internally and externally. Those became our benchmarks.

There were challenges along the way. Although the two former territor-

ies were both Salvation Army in name and brand, they were very different in their administrative systems, thinking and cultures. But the positive outcomes became apparent almost immediately as we aligned around a single mission statement, vision and core values.

Given your experience with change management in Australia, what can we expect in Canada and Bermuda?

TT: I think it’s too early to tell. We haven’t started our appointments yet. That being said, we always have to be prepared for change. Change is difficult, especially as we’ve experienced over the last three years. But things are changing all around us—not only within The Salvation Army but outside as well. We have to be prepared to change, because if we don’t we’ll be left behind. First we have to ask: Why are we doing what we are doing? When we are open to change, new opportunities often arise.

FT: Change has always been part of the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s story. I think it is happening and will continue to happen; what the change will look like in the future we aren’t yet certain. These initial months will be a time of listening.

We need to catch up on the stories and sense the Spirit of God at work so that we can align and partner with what is already taking place. Catherine Booth said: “There is no improving the future without disturbing the present.” Change is a reality of life—a necessary and hopeful thing.

Salvationist October 2019 9

Commissioner Tracey Tidd played a pivotal role in the gender equity initiative in Australia

In 2013, a Royal Commission was appointed by the Australian government to investigate historical incidences of child sexual abuse, some of which were perpetrated in Salvation Army institutions. How did the Army respond?

FT: That was a challenging time for The Salvation Army in Australia. Over 80 years, more than 30,000 children had come through our institutions. We had begun as early as the 1990s to recognize our failure of care and make restitution.

As we approached the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, we continued to respond with an apology and worked with survivors to find healing and wholeness.

More than that, we vowed to learn from our past and do everything possible to ensure it does not happen again. This required not only a review of all of our policies, but also a culture shift.

As I sat on the witness stand, it was more than just an opportunity to speak on behalf The Salvation Army; it was my chance, as the leader, to “re-present Christ.” We had failed not only in our duty of care, but in our representation of Christ. In every interaction with the public going forward, we want to ensure that we present Christ well in all that we do.

As territorial leader, I made myself available to offer a personal apology to any survivor who wanted to meet with me. I remember sitting with Anne who, at seven years old, had been subjected to abuse in one of our facilities. I asked, “Anne, what are you hoping for out of our time together?” And she said, “I want you 10 October 2019 Salvationist

to look me in the eye and tell me you will do everything in your power to ensure that my story is never repeated.” I offered her a “yes,” not only for myself but on behalf of everyone in our organization.

We must give a priority of care to every vulnerable person who comes to us.

Australia has been at the vanguard of promoting gender equity in The Salvation Army. What did you discover and what changes have been made?

TT: We put together a proposal for a Gender Equity Plan that was approved by IHQ as part of the Australia merger. We then appointed a gender equity advocate, who reported directly to the territorial commander. She struck a working group with soldiers, officers, employees and external participants. The first goal was to have a minimum 30 percent female and minimum 30 percent male represen-

tation on boards, and including Cabinet and divisional leadership. This approach provided flexibility and prevented tokenism. After a year, we succeeded, and now have a plan for 40 percent minimum going forward.

In the proposal to IHQ , we also addressed “default appointments” (where an officer wife is automatically appointed based on her husband’s assignment). Now, when divisional leaders are appointed, we consider each person individually. If a married woman is the right choice for divisional commander, then she is appointed. If not, consideration should be given for a role that utilizes her passion and skills. Out of six divisions in Australia, three are now led by women officers, two of whom are married. That’s a big step forward for The Salvation Army.

In Canada and Bermuda, we have embraced the concept of integrated mission—Salvationists reaching into their communities to meet practical needs and share the gospel. How do we continue to make that a reality?

FT: I think that is our growing edge.

We’ve come to a point in time where the culture of our neighbourhoods doesn’t naturally flow through church buildings. So it’s critical to move out into our communities to be salt and light—as Eugene Peterson describes it, to bring out the “God-flavours” and “God-colours” that are already present.

Salt doesn’t have much value unless it leaves the salt shaker. I’m not as concerned about how many people from The Tidds enjoy visiting the front lines of Salvation Army ministry

our communities attend our corps as I am about how well our corps attend to our communities. We’ve done well at building strong corps life in recent years, but must also consider how we are impacting people beyond our walls.

Describe your calling to officership. What motivates you?

TT: My calling didn’t come right away—it was six months after we were married. At the time, I was very involved in my corps in Sudbury, Ont., but I had no idea what being a Salvation Army officer meant. At first I struggled with it and kept putting it off. But God persisted, and finally I said, “Lord, you’re going to have to help me. I have nothing to offer.” In that moment I said yes, and he’s done immeasurably more than I could ever imagine. And as I look back over these 33 years, I’m here because of who he is and what he has done in and through my life. What motivates me is seeing people transformed, being discipled and coming to know Jesus Christ—that reminds me why I do what I do.

FT: In my teen years as a corps cadet, I felt an initial pull toward officership, but it wasn’t until after university, when I was headed toward medical school, that there was a resurgence of the call. After we were married, we entered training college in 1984 in the Proclaimers of the Gospel Session. What drives me is watching people discover life to its fullest. It’s watching lives transformed by God’s Spirit and knowing we get to be a part of that.

What important leadership lessons have you learned?

TT: I’ve found that you may be leading most when you least expect it or you may be leading least when you most expect it.

In other words, leadership is not about my position or rank or how much power I have. Jesus said that whoever wants to lead must be a servant. It’s by taking that humble approach to the role that you are able to influence others.

FT: When we first applied for cadetship, we were interviewed by our divisional commander who asked us to respond to this statement: To be a good leader you must be a good follower. That means following the lead that God is giving us, which comes from his Word and his Spirit but also from the people that he places around us. We don’t lead in a vac-

uum; we lead together as part of a team.

As Philippians 1:3-5 says, we count it a privilege to be partners in the gospel.

During our six years as foreigners in the Australian context, we approached our leadership as partnership. We return to Canada and Bermuda with the same goal.

Where have you seen the Spirit of God at work?

TT: I met a man named Mohammed who struggled with addiction for many years and became a Christian during his time in recovery. He found out he had a two-year-old daughter that he didn’t know he had. She was staying with an aunt because the mother also struggled with addiction. The aunt saw the transformation in Mohammed and gave him visiting rights with his daughter. His life was transformed by the love of Jesus Christ and, in turn, his daughter can now be impacted by that same love. And so it comes full circle.

FT: I remember chatting with a woman who had been through our domestic violence safe house. She had come from China with her partner, but things got violent and she had to escape. Now in a safe place, she had a newborn baby and her parents were visiting from China.

Her father pulled me aside and said, “Thank you for being there when we couldn’t be there.” It’s another practical example of how the Army comes alongside people as the presence of Christ. We have the privilege and responsibility as a Salvation Army to be present for people in difficult situations.

How do you unwind and relax?

FT: We enjoy being with people—just being in community with others. We try to do a bit of exercise, reading and home cooking together.

TT: We learned to boogie board in Australia, although there are not a lot

of waves to catch here in Canada. But we did buy ourselves a paddle board, which we’ve enjoyed in our down time.

Is there a passage of Scripture that God has impressed on your hearts as you transition?

TT: I claimed a life verse when I entered training college: “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

God also gave us a new promise during our journey in Australia: “See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:19). As we travel the territory and listen to the stories, we pray God will help us to see what that new thing is.

FT: I’ve been looking at scriptural examples of transition—for example, from the end of the Exodus in Deuteronomy to the beginning of Joshua. We’re grateful for Commissioner Susan McMillan and her years of leadership here and everything that has been accomplished.

Just as Joshua built on what Moses had accomplished, it is our privilege to build on all that has taken place in this territory over the past number of years. And like Joshua we are learning to be bold and courageous (see Joshua 1:6) as we discover what that means.

How can Salvationists support you?

TT: Pray for us and for each other. It will take time for us to catch up with people and meet new Salvationists. We look forward to sharing in ministry together.

Pray that as an Army our eyes will be open to all that God has in store for us.

FT: We’re looking to officers, employees, soldiers and volunteers to be our eyes and ears—to see and hear what God is saying to them, and then to share that with us. Let’s join hands together and accomplish what God has in mind for us in the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Watch the Interview This article is based on Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd’s interview with editor-in-chief Geoff Moulton.

It has been condensed and edited for space. To view the full video, visit salvationist.ca/tiddsinterview.

Salvationist October 2019 11

Photo: filadendron/iStock via Getty Images

The

Phoenix Project Human trafficking survivor helps other women find a way out.

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ook for burns and scars. That’s one of the signs Caroline tells people to watch out for to identify human trafficking— traffickers will often use a heated coathanger to burn women who don’t meet their quotas.

She knows. Caroline was trafficked for eight years, by a man she thought was her boyfriend. Sharing her story with the community, health and social service providers and law enforcement is part of her work with the Phoenix Project, a peer support program run by The Salvation Army’s correctional and justice services in London, Ont., in partnership with the London Abused Women’s Centre.

For Ashley, the scars are on the inside. She was 13 when she was invited to a “party” and then gang-raped and exploited. As she got older, shame led to work in the sex trade. Even though she’s no longer working in “the game,” she carries the burden of trauma and often faces stigma.

12 October 2019 Salvationist

BY GISELLE RANDALL After hearing Caroline speak, she began attending the drop-in program she leads. “Coming here really helped— it feels good to be around people who understand what you’ve been through,” she says. “I don’t think I’d be where I am without this group. But I wouldn’t have come if Caroline wasn’t also a survivor.”

Caroline’s Story Born in South Africa, Caroline speaks several languages and has travelled all over the world. At 35, she was married and living in Woodstock, Ont. Then tragedy struck—in the space of six months, she lost her husband, mother and two friends. So she was grieving and vulnerable when a friend introduced her to “John.” At first, he was kind and showered her with gifts.

“It was the lover boy/Romeo scenario,” she says. “And it worked. I thought I was in love.” When he asked her to move in with him, she said yes. But one day, there was a knock at the door. They were being

evicted. “He told me it was my turn to take care of the family—and that I was going to work in a strip bar.”

She was expected to dance onstage and work in the back. “You have to do what you need to do to bring home that money, or you’re in trouble,” she says.

It wasn’t long before she was trapped.

He took away her identification, isolated her from her friends and pushed a crack pipe in her face, threatening to never let her sleep again unless she took a hit. “It’s not like the pictures of human trafficking you see in the media, of women in chains—the chains are invisible,” she says.

When Caroline told him she wanted to stop, he broke all her toes so she couldn’t walk and removed all the doors on the inside of the house so she couldn’t hide.

Things kept getting worse. For three years, she was homeless. For six months, he made her live and work out of a car.

“By this stage, all I had left was some clothing, my mother’s ashes and an addiction,” she says.

The day he flew into a rage and took her mother’s ashes, Caroline went to a women’s shelter, but when she got there, they had no room. Another time, they said her presence was endangering the other women. Still another, she lost her place after being admitted to the hospital.

“I was discharged from the hospital with the clothes on my back and a quarter,” she says. “There was only one person in the world I could call. So I went back, and it started all over again.”

exit, but they’re not all at that point,” says Julia Parker, executive director, correctional and justice services. “We support them wherever they are on their journey.”

Caroline is on call to respond to emergencies, and receives referrals from law enforcement, hospitals and social service agencies. She accompanies women to legal and medical appointments, helps with the search for safe housing, promotes education and collaborates with other organizations that offer job training and

“All I had left was some clothing, my mother’s ashes and an addiction.”

It took Caroline two years to escape.

Twice she came to The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope, but her trafficker found her. The third time, the staff kept her behind a locked door and then formed a human shield so she could get into a taxi to go to a shelter. “The Salvation Army saved my life,” she says.

This time, she was able to stay at the shelter long enough to find housing. When she got the keys to her own apartment, she wept. “I didn’t own a pillow or a blanket.

There was no carpeting and I slept on the ceramic floor,” she says. “But I had keys that were mine and no one could take them from me.”

Slowly, Caroline started to rebuild her life. She completed high school, graduated from college with a social service worker diploma and got involved at the Centre of Hope, where she met Aura Burditt, an outreach worker. “She gave me back my voice,” says Caroline.

“She showed me that I still have dignity, that I have courage. I had completely lost my faith in humanity and she worked with me so gently to get it back—to see that there is goodness in the world.”

For the next eight years, Caroline volunteered with other women who had been prostituted, trafficked or sexually exploited. In 2018, she was hired as a full-time peer support worker under the Phoenix Project, to provide practical assistance and help encourage healing and recovery. “Now I know why I was born,” she says. “It’s to do this.”

A Different World It starts with meeting women where they are. “The ultimate goal is to help them

work experience.

At the drop-in program, they share a meal and discuss a variety of topics, such as addiction and healthy boundaries.

They also have access to a traumainformed nurse practitioner. Many of the women have complex mental and physical health concerns, but often don’t trust doctors. The nurse provides on-site health care, including specialty services such as testing and treatment for hepatitis C and preventive HIV medicine, and works to build trust to reconnect them to primary care.

Positive recreational experiences are another important aspect of the program. “For some of these women, being trafficked is all they’ve ever known,” says Caroline. “My goal is to build transformational relationships and broaden their horizons—to show them there’s more.”

She has taken women bowling, rope climbing and to a farm to experience goat yoga. “We went to the butterfly conservatory in Cambridge, Ont., and they loved it,” says Caroline. “They saw it as symbolic—the caterpillar transforming into a butterfly.”

The transition to mainstream society isn’t quick or easy. “It’s one thing to get a woman out, but unless you keep supporting her, she’s going to go back,” says Caroline. “We don’t tell somebody you have to leave—they have to recognize something’s not right. When they’re ready to get out, we help them get there.”

Caroline knows of four women who have exited since she began her role. “It’s just walking beside them,” says Caroline.

“One of the most profound things I

New Territorial Strategy The Phoenix Project is one way that The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda is working to fight human trafficking. In 2018, people from across the territory engaged in similar ministries or who wanted to become more involved gathered together to share about their work, identify gaps and sketch a new strategic response.

“It was encouraging to hear what is already taking place regarding anti-human trafficking efforts,” says Major Glenda Davis, social services secretary.

“We shared a common urgency to increase our involvement in addressing this social justice issue, which affects women, men and children around the world, and even in our territory.”

The result was a new territorial strategy against modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation, launched this September, in conjunction with The Salvation Army’s international day of prayer in support of victims.

The strategy is informed by the framework set by International Headquarters, with the intended outcome of a strong and sustainable response to modern slavery and human trafficking in every territory, command and region, and embedded within Salvation Army structures.

“In the coming months, a group of representatives from each of the divisions and from territorial headquarters will be connecting regularly to implement this strategy,” says Major Davis. “It is important for The Salvation Army to continue to combat modern-day slavery.”

ever heard from a participant was, ‘You believe me.’

“I can help in a way others can’t. I’m not under the influence of addiction, and I’m not working, but they see me as one of them. And I am living proof that not only is there life after, but that you can flourish.”

Salvationist October 2019 13

FRESH IDEAS

Sewing That Makes Sense Salvation Army club in Spryfield, N.S., supports people on the autism spectrum.

BY HEATHER DEIGHAN

14 October 2019 Salvationist

Photo: Krista Riendeau

A

fter visiting the sewing club at The Salvation Army’s Spryfield Community Church, N.S., a young autistic man made a suggestion that would have a large and lasting impact. “When I saw and touched the ‘fidget quilts’ the club was making for people living with Alzheimer’s,” he said, “I thought, Could these quilts be made for people on the autism spectrum?”

Working in partnership with Autism Nova Scotia, the sewing club was inspired by his suggestion to create weighted sensory pads. These beautiful, multi-coloured and multi-purpose pads support relaxation and offer sensory and tactile stimulation. Individuals on the autism spectrum may find the pads comforting—they can be a support that helps with grounding or they can be used as a fidget tool on a long car ride, for example.

The pads can also help improve manual dexterity issues as they include zippers, buttons, velcro and other features.

“Autism Nova Scotia is thrilled to be involved with this meaningful project and to support the sewing club’s vision to make weighted sensory pads for individuals and families,” says Cynthia Carroll, executive director, Autism Nova Scotia.

“We have nine regional chapters and resource centres, so these sensory pads will be accessible and available to autistic individuals throughout Nova Scotia.”

So far, the club has created 38 sensory pads. Six were provided to local daycares, schools and individuals, helping to make them barrier-free in terms of cost and access. Some of the local libraries have sensory pads as part of their sensory toolkits available on loan.

The estimated cost to create a weighted sensory pad is about $30 using low-cost and donated fabric and poly pellets provided by Autism Nova Scotia. Each pad takes a minimum of five hours to make.

Eileen Watts is one of the sewing club members who are working diligently to create the sensory pads. “I didn’t realize the challenges individuals with autism and their families go through when navi-

From left, Elaine Frail, Carolyn Goyetche and Sheila Banks—members of Spryfield CC’s sewing club—show off weighted sensory pads created for people on the autism spectrum

gating spaces in the community, such as their classroom or workplace,” she says.

“It’s rewarding to be a part of this great initiative that benefits so many.”

Making the sensory pads is a team effort. Some of the members take the fabric home to test it in their washers and driers. Others team up to measure and cut out pieces. Some members sew the pockets that hold poly pellets for each pad, and others create panels with different textures and attachments. All of the pieces of the sensory pads are doublestitched and finished with heavy-duty thread to ensure high durability and quality.

Today, the sewing club averages around 15 to 18 regular participants. As more people learn about the sensory pads project, the club hopes new members will come on board to help, and that other sewing groups and community members will get involved as well, whether through sewing or donating fabrics and materials. Sheila Banks, who started the sewing club 10 years ago, says, “We hope this initiative inspires others to come forward and offer their skills to create these much-needed sensory pads.”

Ongoing Outreach These sensory pads are not the sewing club’s only project.

Over the years, the club has undertaken many initiatives, including: • shoe bags for children in elementary school • stuffed animals • colourful pillowcases for children at local hospitals and hospital hostels • curtains for Salvation Army camps and hostels • surgery dolls and gowns for children on surgical hospital units to understand surgical procedures • dresses for Salvation Army orphanages in Africa • lap blankets with fleece pockets for people living in nursing homes

“Thank Ewe, From Your Flock” Comox Valley Ministries embraces Pastor Appreciation Month.

BY BRENT HOBDEN The corps family at Comox Valley CC wrote messages of appreciation on sheep for Cpts Michelle and Kevin Elsasser

O

ctober is a beautiful month in Canada, when we start new church programs, make plans for Christmas ministry and, of course, focus on the things for which we are thankful. It is also when Christian churches around the world celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month.

Theologians suggest that the concept of pastor appreciation began when Paul told Timothy that the “elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17 NIV ).

Pastor Appreciation Month began in the United States in 1992 as a means to honour pastors and their families. In 1994, Focus on the Family launched a campaign suggesting congregations set aside the entire month of October to focus on and recognize the hard work, dedication and love of our clergy. Parishioners were encouraged to show their gratitude through gifts, notes of encouragement and various other expressions of gratefulness. The intention was to create an outpouring of love in deep appreciation for the dedicated service of spiritual leaders as they shepherd the flock the Lord has placed in their care.

The formative years of my youth included Sunday school, junior soldier-

ship, corps cadet classes, senior soldiership and youth group activities. In all of those years, I don’t recall a leader mentioning pastor appreciation. A few years ago, I asked a corps officer friend why The Salvation Army hadn’t embraced it.

“It’s just not a practice that The Salvation Army has ever adopted,” he said. Then, perhaps with a hint of sarcasm, he suggested that I take up the challenge.

Eight years ago, a small group from the leadership team of Comox Valley Ministries in Courtenay, B.C., met to plan what has become an annual event.

The third Sunday in October has been set aside at Comox Valley Community Church for pastor appreciation, when the church says thank you to our corps officers through testimonials, personalized notes of gratitude, acts of service and gifts of thanksgiving. The service is well attended and the involvement by so many has proven to be a blessing to our officers.

So what does pastor appreciation Sunday look like at our corps? Over the years, we have tried a variety of things, but we have learned that participation is heightened when we focus on a specific theme. “Words of Appreciation” was one of our themes, when the congregation brought posters filled with positive messages for Captains Kevin and Michelle

Elsasser, our corps officers. Throughout the service, individuals randomly held up signs with such words as kindness, service, integrity and grace, to show our leaders that they hold a special place in our hearts. We took a group photo which hangs in Captain Michelle’s office and has been the topic of many conversations.

Another year we chose “Shepherd and Sheep” as our theme. Dozens of small sheep-shaped papers were distributed to the congregation—the “sheep”— who were asked to prayerfully write a short note to our corps officers—the “shepherds”—expressing the love and appreciation they have for them. We then displayed the letters on a large poster with the title “Thank Ewe, From Your Flock.” The young ones of our corps family—and even some who are not that young anymore—joined in the fun as they wore sheep ears and sang a special song for the officers, I Just Wanna Be a Sheep. After the service we enjoyed a potluck lunch, complete with cupcakes decorated to look like sheep.

In this season of thanksgiving, I challenge you as soldiers, adherents and friends of the Army to make pastor appreciation a priority in your corps. Let your officers know that the hours they spend preparing sermons, counselling the bereaved, visiting the sick, helping at the thrift store, standing beside a Christmas kettle, and so much more, are not taken for granted. Thank them for sharing the love of Jesus Christ, meeting human needs and being instrumental in transforming lives with the love of Jesus. How your congregation shows appreciation for your leaders is limited only by your imagination.

Brent Hobden is corps sergeant-major at Comox Valley Community Church and community ministries director for Comox Valley Ministries.

Salvationist October 2019 15

NOT CALLED?

Leap of Faith Beverly Burton brought her husband, John, to faith.

He helped renew hers. Could officership be far behind?

BY KEN RAMSTEAD

I

Renewed Faith John had been a churchgoer when he was young, but had stopped attending. Beverly was a third-generation Salvationist.

“I didn’t know what to expect, never having been exposed to The Salvation Army before,” he says. “And then going to a church with a whole bunch of people in uniform. I didn’t know what to think of that.”

But it only took him a couple of Sundays to look past the uniforms to see the people in them.

“Everyone I met was nice and I enjoyed the services,” John says. “They were different from what I had grown up with—much less structured and formulaic.”

After they married, John’s commitment to the Army grew stronger. John attended senior soldier classes just to learn more about the Army, but once he finished, he decided to become a soldier.

“There was something that resonated about the Army for me,” he says. “Not only could I go to church and worship God but I could also help people, through our food banks and thrift stores, for instance. I’ve always liked how those two facets of The Salvation Army work together.”

For Beverly, who had become a senior soldier at 14 and played in the band, falling in love with John and seeing his newfound devotion to the Army made her look at the church with fresh eyes, and deepened her own commitment.

“I felt renewed,” she smiles. “Though I had brought John back to church, his faith renewed my own. As a married couple, we strengthened each other in our faith.”

16 October 2019 Salvationist

Beverly and John Burton

Tipping Point Now worshipping at Kentville Community Church in Nova Scotia, the Burtons threw themselves into the life of the church. Inevitably, officership became a consideration.

“God placed officership on my heart.”

“As a lifelong Salvationist, I think there was always that little voice inside me urging me to consider officership,” Beverly says, “but there was also part of me that knew that if it was something John and I were going to do, we should do it together. And I also knew that wasn’t the place where John was at that time and I needed to wait for him.”

For his part, John was running a consulting business and was content, but the more that he became involved in

the corps, the more he found his work unfulfilling.

“God placed officership on my heart,” he says.

The tipping point for John came at the 2018 congress and commissioning weekend in Toronto.

“Spending time around Salvation Army officers of all ages and ranks, I had a wonderful feeling of love and family,” he says. “I remember coming out of the commissioning thinking, I want to spend the rest of my life around people like this.”

When John finally broached his thoughts on the prospect to Beverly, all she did was look at him and say, “OK.” “You could have bowled me over right then and there,” says John. “I never imagined in a million years that officership was on her heart, too. We both needed to take that leap of faith together.”

John and Beverly Burton have been accepted at the College for Officer Training in Winnipeg this year year as part of the Messengers of Grace Session.

Photo: David James/OutTakes Photography

t all started at a martial-arts studio in Burnaby, B.C. John Burton and Beverly Slater both happened to attend the same class. Mutual interest led to the couple deciding to go on a date.

The venue she proposed, however, was a little out of the ordinary.

“She dragged me off to church!” laughs John.

VIEWPOINT

Make a Joyful Noise We are made in the image of a creative God.

BY DARRYN OLDFORD

Photo: Comstock/Stockbyte via Getty Images

M

y brother recently asked me if I regretted giving up learning a brass instrument. As someone born and raised in The Salvation Army, it was expected that I would follow in my father and brother’s footsteps and join the band. I started off on the baritone before switching to the tuba, but it quickly became apparent that musical ability was not one of my gifts. The most generous way to describe my playing was loud—I sounded like a glorified foghorn.

So I went on to other creative pursuits, realizing that my talents lay elsewhere.

One of the best things about being human is how different we are from one another. Each person is a combination of natural talent, training, practice and experience. Because of this, every person is unique and has something to offer the world that no one else can.

Problems arise, however, when we start comparing our gifts to those of other people. I love painting, but I’m no Vincent van Gogh. I love cooking, but I’m no Gordon Ramsay. I love writing, but I’m no Stephen King. And I love singing, but I’m no Luciano Pavarotti. When I compare my minor contributions to some of the greats, I often stop and ask myself, Why bother? What is the point of trying to make an artistic contribution to the world if other people can do it better?

I have come to realize, though, that just as it is in the nature of fish to swim and bees to make honey, humans were made to create. Art is all around us and

every person can be creative in their own way. It’s in the wooden Christmas Nativity scene my grandfather crafted for each of his sons. It’s in the baby blanket a woman at church gifted to my parents when I was born. And it’s in the off-key lullabies my mother used to sing to me as a child. (I inherited her musical talents.)

All of these gifts were born out of love, and love comes from God. To make something out of nothing, regardless of how talented you are, is to be drawn closer to the heart of our Creator.

Colossians 3:23 reads, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Ephesians 2:10 echoes this: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” It can be overwhelming to realize that before

we were even born God gave us what we need to create beauty in his name. One of the reasons we are on this planet is to try and make things better for the world, even if it is a small contribution.

Whether it’s baking a pie for a sick neighbour, painting a mural for a church or even singing a hymn when no one else is around, we are joining in God’s radical act of creative love.

In 2 Samuel, King David danced for the Lord as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to the city. His wife, Michal, Saul’s daughter, tried to shame David, who responded: “He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes!”

(2 Samuel 6:21-22 NLT). If a king can humble himself to dance through the streets while his people stare, what is keeping the rest of us from expressing ourselves and our devotion? I may never be the best at something, and that’s OK. Making art for its own sake, whether it’s a scrapbook or a new recipe, can be an act of worship. It is saying to God, “You gave me this gift and I intend to use it to honour and glorify you.”

And so, to my brother, I don’t regret giving up playing the tuba. I have other creative strengths. But if God ever asks me to play for him, my foghorn will guide those ships safely into port.

Darryn Oldford is a senior soldier in Toronto.

Salvationist October 2019 17

Photo: krisanapong detraphiphat/iStock.com via Getty Images

Preach It!

Before you step up to the pulpit, consider these seven tips for sermon preparation.

W

hen I think about sermon preparation and preaching, the image of a lighthouse comes to mind. I have a fascination with its mammoth size and fortitude to stand strong against an angry sea that pounds against its foundation. The lighthouse remains unmoved and forces the waves to break apart and retreat back to the sea. I am amazed at the power of the light to project a beam that can be seen kilometres from shore, penetrating dense fog and darkness, to warn passing ships of lurking dangers.

In the same way, an effective preacher must probe the fog of easy gimmicks and quick solutions to reach people’s hearts with the life-changing message of the gospel. Preaching is not easy work. It is not for the faint-hearted or the scattered mind. To carry the metaphor one step further, as ships can become lost and disoriented in dense fog, so, too, can people become lost in the circumstances of their lives. It is not easy to penetrate the mist and 18 October 2019 Salvationist

BY MAJOR DALE W. PILGRIM bring them to the Light, Jesus Christ.

Preachers can be tempted by wanting to impress the congregation. The pulpit is one of the few opportunities granted to us when we can take 20 minutes or more of a congregation’s time while everyone sits silently. We can become so consumed with the act of preaching itself that we conveniently leave Jesus out of the text or miss the whole point of what God wanted to get across to the people.

In his book Expositional Preaching: How We Speak God’s Word Today, David Helm notes that the goal of the preacher “is to bring out of Scripture what is there, and not to thrust in what I think might be there. I have a great jealousy on this head; never to speak more or less that I believe to be the mind of the Spirit in the passage I am expounding.” This quote reminds me of my responsibility in studying and interpreting Scripture.

The following foundational points of good preaching should be kept in mind as we strive “to bring out of Scripture what is there.”

1. Start With Prayer If we would speak God’s Word, we need to know God’s heart. That means spending plenty of time talking with him about what we’re putting to paper and listening even harder for his thoughts on what we are formulating.

We must saturate our sermon preparation in prayer, but not the endless chatter that comes from us. Prayer is a relationship language that engages our senses and heightens our awareness of God’s presence. And when we actively listen and practise the discipline of silence, we allow God to speak to us as we process impressions, thoughts and feelings that come to us as we’re reading the Bible, reacting to the text.

2. Invest the Time We’ve slipped into dangerous times with easy access to websites that allow preachers to buy sermons, or even download them for free, on any topic they want to preach about. My wife and I co-pastored churches for 22 years and, in all that

time, we have never used a sermon outline that is not original.

People come to church to be spiritually fed. As preachers, it is our responsibility to provide a solid message from God’s Word, one that we have carefully prepared and laboured over that will feed the souls of God’s people.

Take time with the text you have chosen.

Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you as you structure your sermon with an original outline and original thinking.

3. Seek Reliable Resources for Study Preaching is not a fast-food vocation, where sermons can be churned out like burgers from an assembly line. None of us is so intellectually astute that we can’t benefit from researching and studying a significant number of resources: Bible commentaries, concordances, dictionaries and other theological books.

Seek out credible and intellectual works from scholars who have lived and walked the streets of biblical texts. They can help us master the translations and cultural implications of ancient texts.

Online searches can also prove helpful, but don’t allow the Internet to be your only source.

4. Expect Personal Transformation During my initial study, I search the Scriptures, believing God will have something to say to me and for me. I must be transformed before Sunday comes. I remember experiences of being broken before God as the text convicted me; experiences of elation as God revealed his activity in my life where, before preparation, I didn’t see it.

When I don’t experience Godmovement and transformation in and for me, I become concerned about why it hasn’t happened. I wonder if I somehow didn’t pay attention to the Spirit and missed the message for me. I need that message, because without it, I struggle and lack confidence, wondering if what I have to say is what God ordained for the day.

5. Consider the Context The reason we have any biblical text at all is because the author felt it necessary to provide insight and guidance on the socio-political, spiritual, economical and personal realities that existed at the time of writing. If it was significant enough that the Holy Spirit prompted the writer to record it, important enough that

the writer wrote it down, and valuable enough that it was preserved for us in the 21st century, surely it is critical that we understand what precipitated it all.

Context is always the place to begin. We have to know what it was about before we can tell people what it is about.

Preaching on Sunday?

Rick Warren offers some practical advice for sermon preparation in Eight Questions to Ask When Preparing Your Sermons: 1. Who are you speaking to?

An effective preacher must probe the fog of easy gimmicks and quick solutions.

2. What does the Bible say about people’s needs?

3. What is the best way to teach people what the Bible says about their needs?

4. What is the most positive way to say it?

5. How can I keep it simple?

6. How can I make it personal?

7. What is the most interesting way to say it?

6. Make the Application (Contextualization) In addition to knowing the original context of a biblical text, what it meant, we need to explore how the text applies to our present time, what it means. If by the end of a homily we haven’t demonstrated the relevance of the message for today and shown how it speaks into our broken and desperate lives, there was no point in the exercise.

On the other hand, in our desperate attempts and desire to contextualize the message, we can overextend our efforts and compromise the text. We face the danger of thinking that if we just understand cultural norms, we will be powerful preachers. That may hold some water, but the boat is leaking when we compromise the text.

7. Stay Humble Preachers who have an appetite for applause or a lust for popularity run the risk of overdosing on the narcotic of

8. What is the most interesting way to say it?

pride. The remedy is humility. While it is human nature for us to want to be known and admired, we can’t allow ourselves to be distracted by the allure of making an impression in the pulpit.

As John Stott shares in his book Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today, in order to preach sermons that illuminate, we each must possess a humble mind (being submissive to the written Word of God), a humble ambition (desiring an encounter to take place between Christ and his people) and a humble dependence (relying on the power of the Holy Spirit). “Our message must be God’s Word not ours,” Stott says, “our aim Christ’s glory not ours, and our confidence the Holy Spirit’s power, not ours.”

May it be so.

This article is an excerpt from Major Dale W. Pilgrim’s new book, Sermons That Illuminate: How the Bible Can Ignite Your Preaching to Connect People With God. This practical guide for preachers—both ordained and lay-leaders alike— explores the genres of Scripture, methods and models of preaching, the importance of self-care, and suggestions for moving toward healthy preaching. Available through Supplies & Purchasing at store.salvationarmy.ca, 416-422-6100 or orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org.

Salvationist October 2019 19

LEADS framework establishes new culture of leadership.

BY PAUL CAREW

A

utumn is a season of renewed hopes for football fans.

Training camps, trades and free agent acquisitions have all been completed, and success is now determined by what happens on the field. As a longtime fan of the Dallas Cowboys, I look forward to evenings spent on the couch with the family, wearing our Cowboys jerseys (mine is a Roger Staubach shirt from the ’70s). At the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, they always prominently display the Red Shield and support The Salvation Army’s charity drive.

Football lends itself to discussions about team leadership, given the complexity of picking the right players and plays to achieve success. Tony Dungy is a former Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and an analyst on Sunday Night Football.

As an outspoken Christian and the author of books such as The Mentor Leader and The Soul of a Team, Dungy understands that caring for and developing players is crucial. For Dungy, good leadership is about “making the lives of your team or workers better.”

The Salvation Army also recognizes the importance of developing our team. In the April-June 2019 issue of The Officer magazine, General Brian Peddle stated: “Leader development is a key factor in being fit and positioned to take our place in the world according to God’s plan and purpose…. We will be our best when we have created a culture in which we are all engaged in leader 20 October 2019 Salvationist

development. Our commitment to it as The Salvation Army and as leaders is critical to our success.”

New Territorial Strategy In 2012, identifying and developing leaders was articulated as a strategic priority of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

In 2015, the leadership development department was charged with creating and implementing a plan to develop leaders—officers, employees and lay Salvationists. This call has led to a more

The ever-increasing demands for technical expertise must be complemented by “soft” leadership capabilities and missional commitment. The diagram above shows connectivity of each of these aspects of leadership.

strategic approach to leadership development at the territorial level.

Until recently, The Salvation Army, like many other organizations, understood leadership through the lens of role or rank. But this understanding doesn’t work in today’s work environment. Our organizational realities are becoming increasingly complex—administratively, programmatically and spiritually.

Accountability and transparency are paramount, especially for faith-based organizations. These elements must be incorporated into an intentional leadership development strategy that ensures our ministries are well equipped to fulfil our mission.

Successful leadership doesn’t just mean improving “technical” skills.

There also needs to be a deep commitment to the mission and values of the organization, as well as the mastery of what are often described as “soft” or “human” skills. These skills can be taught.

The idea that some people are born with an innate capacity to lead is a myth. Research shows that key capabilities common in all successful leaders can be learned and developed over time. The development of these attributes is the mandate of the leadership development department.

What is LEADS? Lt-Colonel Brian Armstrong, secretary for personnel, recognized the need for a leadership capability framework, a way to clearly identify attributes required for all leaders. He notes, “As an organization

Photo: justinkendra/iStock.com via Getty Images

Game Plan

working in a world of constant change, it is imperative that The Salvation Army adopt a framework to stay focused, be consistent and have clarity about how we will achieve our mission.”

What is a leadership capability framework? Put simply, it is a description of the ingredients essential for good leadership. It provides both the lens and the language through which we can understand the capabilities expected of an organizational leader.

To this end, the Canada and Bermuda Territory has adopted the LEADS Leadership Capability Framework, first designed in 2006 by a research team from Royal Roads University for the British Columbia health-care system and later adopted by the Canadian College of Health Leaders. More formally known as LEADS in a Caring Environment Leadership Capability Framework, the language and approach resonate deeply with the ethos of our mission and ministry in Canada and Bermuda.

The LEADS framework provides a common language to describe the capabilities and competencies expected of leadership across all levels of our organization. LEADS is not a model or program. Rather, it is a lens we can use to understand leadership as more than simply a role or position. It drives leadership development initiatives, defines expectations of leaders and develops a structure for the creation of job profiles and postings, performance assessments, interviews and succession planning.

The LEADS framework defines leadership capabilities within five domains.

While the list is not exhaustive, it provides us with an excellent overview of what we expect of our leaders. These need to be combined with the development of the technical skills required in a particular ministry as well as a commitment to our mission and values. Each of the five LEADS capability domains is divided into four competencies or capabilities.

LEAD SELF: Self-motivated leaders are … self-aware; develop themselves; manage themselves; demonstrate character.

ENGAGE OTHERS: Engaging leaders … foster development of others; communicate effectively; contribute to the creation of healthy organizations; build teams.

ACHIEVE RESULTS: Goal-oriented leaders … set direction; take action to implement decisions; strategically align decisions with vision, values and evidence; assess and evaluate.

DEVELOP COALITIONS: Collaborative leaders … purposefully build partnerships and networks to create results; mobilize knowledge; demonstrate a commitment to customers and service; navigate socio-political environments.

SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION: Successful leaders … demonstrate systems/critical thinking; orient themselves strategically to the future; encourage and support innovation; champion and orchestrate change.

A deeper dive into the four competencies of each domain can lead to specific behavioural expectations. For example, in the LEAD SELF area, selfawareness can help leaders to admit when they’ve made a mistake or begin to surround themselves with staff whose strengths are different from their own.

These skills can help determine an individual’s competency, form the basis for performance discussions and provide goals for future development. For many new leaders, the LEADS framework can provide encouragement as they grow into their leadership roles. It is reassuring to know that mastery of these capabilities is ongoing; leadership is always a work in progress.

The balance of leadership capabilities, technical skills and commitment to the mission and values of our organization is of great importance to our work as The Salvation Army.

The leadership development department continues to meet the leadership needs of the Canada and Bermuda Territory through learning and development strategy and opportunities. The onboarding and integration of the LEADS framework is a first step in building a culture of strong leadership.

Ultimately, it all comes back to our mission, our game plan. As Tony Dungy notes, “The best leaders are following Christ.” You don’t need to be a football fan to realize we’re all on his team.

Paul Carew is the territorial leadership development secretary.

What’s Happening Now? In collaboration with the LEADS Canada team, we have designed a LEADS Learning Series that is Army-specific and unique to our territory. Versions of this have been delivered in a variety of contexts, including to divisional leadership, senior camp staff, and emergency and disaster services leads. There are also a number of two-day workshops scheduled over the next 18 months, with more anticipated.

In each of these offerings, participants are familiarized with the language and theoretical background of LEADS. They engage in activities, discussions and the use of practical tools, with the anticipation that they can integrate and demonstrate their learning upon returning to their unique ministry contexts.

Work has been done to connect the LEADS framework to PEAC (Performance Excellence and Coaching) discussions for officers and employees in leadership positions. This initiative is ongoing as we discover the value of incorporating LEADS language into job descriptions and using LEADS as a rubric in succession planning.

Watch for future Salvationist articles by Salvation Army leaders on each of the LEADS domains.

In November, we will be launching a new leadership development website at Salvationist.ca. There you’ll discover details about the LEADS framework as well as information about the many learning opportunities available throughout the territory.

Salvationist October 2019 21

Photo: benschonewille/stock.Adobe.com

Emotional Intelligence New Salvation Army program helps teens manage their anger.

BY VALERIE PAVEY

W

hat makes you angry?

When I’ve given young people an opportunity to share their responses,

there’s a variety.

They get angry when they’re ignored by their friends. They get angry when teachers pile on homework and they don’t understand what is being taught or is expected of them. They get angry when a sibling takes something without asking. They get angry when they are not chosen to be a part of a team. They get angry when someone bullies or victimizes them.

While anger is a normal part of life, many young people do not have positive opportunities to practise dealing with their anger. There is nothing wrong with anger in itself, but poor coping skills, or a complete lack of them, can lead to hurtful conduct such as vandalism, bullying, selfharm and violence. Teaching students how to manage their anger can significantly reduce the amount of violence in a school and a community.

Since 2007, The Salvation Army has been partnering with schools and parents with Red Cap, an anger management program for elementary school-aged children.

With the success of that program, youth 22 October 2019 Salvationist

workers, parents and educators asked for something similar that they could use with high school students. To meet that need, the Canada and Bermuda Territory has developed a new program, TASK—Teen Anger Management Skills.

Introducing TASK Created in partnership with Captain Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, divisional youth secretary, British Columbia Division, and Major Patricia McInnes, director of spiritual care, Toronto Harbour Light Ministries, TASK is an eight-week program that helps teens learn to express their anger in healthy ways. It follows the topics of Red Cap but digs deeper with age-appropriate activities and content. It uses games, small group discussions, role-playing, journaling and more to help students learn and apply the lessons.

TASK begins by showing students how to recognize that they are angry. It looks at the physical signs of anger and the “anger buttons” that trigger those feelings. The program teaches students that anger is a secondary emotion—there is always another emotion that precedes it. That underlying emotion can be fear,

frustration, loneliness, insecurity, sadness, depression, a lack of self-worth, and so on. TASK also helps students identify their own anger style—the way they express their anger—by taking a quiz.

Armed with a better understanding of their anger, the students then learn how to cool down using PAUSE: P: Positive actions, such as performing a random act of kindness A: Allow distractions, such as watching TV or playing a game U: Unwind, for example by relaxing, finding a quiet place or listening to soothing music S: Separate yourself from the situation, for example by walking away or giving yourself a time-out E: Express yourself, for example by talking to someone, writing or creating art

After they learn to “pause,” the students acquire the skills they need to communicate their feelings with others so they can move forward in a positive manner. In the final lesson, the students review what they have learned and receive participation certificates.

Win-Win Today, more than ever, young people need to learn to identify their feelings and talk about them before they become angry. When students are unable to name their emotions, they cannot express them in healthy ways, and if they are misunderstood, they can become angry and lash out at others. They risk hurting themselves and others through their words and actions.

TASK helps students learn to manage their anger and the emotions that are hidden underneath. It challenges them to stop, think and problem solve.

It takes the guesswork out of identifying how they’re feeling, and trains them to name their emotions and express them properly, reducing self-harm and alienation from others.

When young people learn to manage their anger, everybody—youth, families, schools and communities—wins.

To learn more about the program, contact your divisional youth secretary or email program_ helps@can.salvationarmy.org.

Valerie Pavey is the children’s ministries consultant in the territorial children and youth ministries department.

TASK in Action: Kelowna, B.C.

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN After representatives from The Salvation Army in Kelowna, B.C., took the TASK training in November 2018, they were eager to put it into action. In partnership with the local Boys and Girls Club, Kelowna Community Church ran the program in January-February, while Renew Church in West Kelowna offered it in April-May. Combined, the two corps taught 21 young people how to better manage their anger.

“It was really successful,” says Lieutenant Jennifer Henson, corps officer, Renew Church. “This is the first free teen anger management course that’s been available in Kelowna for a long time.”

TASK participants came to the program for a variety of reasons—some had been in trouble at school, others were encouraged to attend by their parents, and some came through the justice system, completing TASK as part of diverting charges.

Reflecting on their experience with the program, both Lieutenant Henson and Darrel Murray, who led the program at Kelowna Community Church, say that the lesson on anger styles made a particularly strong impact on the participants.

For those who are new to preaching, Sermons That Illuminate is a new book by Major Dale W. Pilgrim that serves as a foundational text for sermon preparation. For long-time ministers of the Word, it’s a call to get “back to basics,” to rediscover the holy calling of presenting biblical truth. This book explores the various genres of Scripture and examines methods and models of preaching from “the greats.” It also looks inward to consider the importance of wellness and self-care, with suggestions for moving toward healthy preaching.

Whether you’re a veteran preacher or preaching your first sermon, you’ll be invigorated as you explore the art of preaching.

“I saw the lights go on when they understood—this is how I get angry and these are the underlying emotions that go along with it,” says Murray.

“They became more self-aware of how they processed anger,” Lieutenant Henson adds. “For some of the kids, it was surprising. For others, it was empowering for them to recognize their style and then learn some helpful ways to respond once they notice that they’re getting angry.”

“I found it helpful to know the steps to calm down and use PAUSE, like how I can allow distractions when I’m angry,” says one participant, “and how I need to listen to other people’s perspectives when I move forward.”

Looking beyond TASK, Lieutenant Henson sees the program as an opportunity to connect participants and their families to other Salvation Army programming, such as camp, youth group or church services. “After eight weeks, you’ve developed a relationship with the teen and their family, and you are more able to identify the needs that are present in your community that you might not otherwise be aware of,” she says. “It’s a helpful program.”

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Also available in Kindle through Amazon.ca.

Salvationist October 2019 23

CORE VALUES

In Good Faith Responsible stewardship helps The Salvation Army grow.

BY THARWAT ESKANDER

S

Photo: erhui1979/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images

tewardship is a quality of character highly regarded in the Bible. A steward manages something on someone else’s behalf with integrity and care. The life of Joseph is an excellent example of faithful stewardship.

The first mention of Joseph’s good stewardship is in Genesis 37, when his father asked him to look for his brothers, who were tending their flocks, and bring back word. After discovering they weren’t where they were supposed to be, Joseph didn’t return to his father; he kept searching diligently until he found them.

His brothers, jealous of Joseph as their father’s favourite, plotted to kill him, and then sold him into slavery.

Joseph was taken to Egypt, where he became a slave for Potiphar, Pharaoh’s captain of the guard.

This horrific experience could have made Joseph give up on his values, but instead he continued to demonstrate his trustworthiness. In fact, Potiphar felt so confident in Joseph’s stewardship that he put him in charge of his household

and all that he owned.

Stewardship and integrity go hand in hand. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, he refused to compromise his integrity, knowing that what God thought and the trust of his master were far more important.

His stand cost him his freedom, yet he still modelled stewardship even in prison, where the warden put him in charge of all the prisoners. While there, Joseph interpreted dreams for Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and baker.

Two years later, Pharaoh was troubled by a dream that no one was able to interpret. His cupbearer, now restored to his position, told him about Joseph. Pharaoh sent for him, and he interpreted the king’s dreams about a coming famine.

We know the rest of the story. Joseph was put in charge over all of Egypt. For the next seven years, he stored up the plenty of the harvest. In the subsequent seven years of severe famine, Egypt sold grain not only to hungry Egyptians, but to the whole region.

Joseph’s family, also suffering from the drought, came to Egypt to buy grain, leading to reunion and reconciliation.

Joseph’s wisdom and discernment saved his people.

How can we apply what we’ve learned from Joseph about stewardship to our lives, in our corps and at the territorial level? Stewardship isn’t only good management of funds, property or whatever we’re entrusted with; it’s doing the right thing all the time, even when no one is watching. Joseph acted with honesty and integrity even when he was mistreated.

He didn’t compromise his values to survive or get ahead.

This might seem countercultural. It won’t get you on a list of popular people.

But God sees the faithful heart and rewards it. Joseph’s stewardship blessed the nation he lived in and his family, the future nation of Israel.

When we make stewardship a top priority as we minister, we make a statement to our community that we live by the high standards that God expects of us.

When we lead a congregation by example, we will be a blessing to our community and we can raise a generation of good stewards who can be entrusted to use various resources in the best way possible.

At an organizational level, stewardship is one of our four core values. We need to lead by example in stewarding our resources, including employees and volunteers, monetary donations, assets and gifts, as well as the environment.

We learn from Joseph that we can benefit our territory by giving hope to those who need it the most by making efficient use of our resources, living with integrity and providing a better environment for the generations to come.

Tharwat Eskander is the stewardship consultant in the corps ministries department at territorial headquarters.

This is the last in a series on the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s new core values: dignity, hope, service and stewardship (visit salvationist.ca/corevalues).

24 October 2019 Salvationist

GRACE NOTES

Thanks in Advance Storing up gratitude can help us in times of uncertainty and hardship.

Photo: golubovy/iStock.com via Getty Images

BY CAPTAIN LAURA VAN SCHAICK

I

t’s been two years since my friend went to be with Jesus. It’s been four years since her breast cancer returned— metastatic, stage 4.

In those two years between her diagnosis and death, my friend demonstrated a resiliency in the face of personal pain and tragedy that inspired all who knew her. She knew there was no medical cure for her disease. She anticipated that her earthly life would be cut short, that she wouldn’t see her children graduate high school or get married. She was fully aware of the pain associated with surgeries and treatments. And yet, she chose to practise gratitude. She chose to be thankful to God for each moment of each day. She chose to live.

The power of gratitude has been celebrated for some time. It was three decades ago when Dr. Martin E.P. Seligman launched the discipline of positive psychology and began the scientific study of emotions such as optimism and gratitude. Up until that time, psychologists had focused predominantly on negative emotions such as anger, disappointment and shame. Subsequent findings are striking.

Psychologists have learned that practis-

ing optimism and gratitude in times of success and stability strengthen us during times of adversity and turmoil.

Practising gratitude—feeling and expressing thankfulness and appreciation—can result in better physical and mental health, say psychologists. In fact, studies have shown that gratitude is associated with greater happiness, and who doesn’t want to feel happy?

The association between happiness and gratitude is an interesting one. You would perhaps assume that when we are happy, this makes us grateful. Not so, suggests bestselling author Brené Brown. Her research suggests that it is gratefulness that makes us happy. More specifically, it is gratefulness in difficult situations that makes us happy in spite of pain or loss or uncertainty.

The Apostle Paul knew this firsthand.

He wrote Philippians, often called “the letter of joy,” from prison. Despite his uncomfortable present and uncertain future, Paul begins his letter with thanksgiving: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy” (Philippians 1:3-4). The church in Philippi was grow-

ing, and it is natural that Paul would give thanks for the ministry there.

Paul goes on to discuss his imprisonment, and those who were taking advantage of his situation. Yet Paul still responds with gratitude, saying, “I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:18-21). Even in light of death, Paul is able to respond with gratitude, and this results in joy—for him and for those to whom he writes.

My friend was also grateful in light of death. She was grateful for the simple things, like enjoying a good meal, feeling the sun warm on her skin, laughing with friends, reading to her children, teaching her students. It was a rhythm she established in her life before her cancer diagnosis, and it made her resilient in the face of disease and loss. Nothing, not even cancer, could steal her joy.

Brené Brown writes that “joy, collected over time, fuels resilience—ensuring we’ll have reservoirs of emotional strength when hard things do happen.”

If we are going to be resilient tomorrow, we need to practise gratitude today.

Not sure where to start? Try listing what you are grateful for in a journal, thanking God in spoken prayer, or telling your friends or family about what you are thankful for.

Before my friend’s passing, she had some family photos taken. Regardless of the outcome of her cancer, she wanted the pictures to be a centrepiece in her home. In the photos she wore a bracelet that simply said “blessed.” And because she lived a life of gratitude to God, in good times and in bad, she was.

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

Salvationist October 2019 25

CROSS CULTURE

Conversations With William Booth A Series of Imagined Interviews

BY R.G. MOYLES William Booth, co-founder of The Salvation Army, was one of the greatest religious leaders and social reformers of the late 19th and 20th centuries. In this new book from R.G. Moyles, the author imagines a series of interviews with Booth taking place in 1906. Moyles adopts the persona of a journalist—Mr. Alfred Gardiner—and asks Booth questions about his calling, mission, philosophy of life, adventures and thoughts on the future of The Salvation Army. Taken as a whole, Conversations With William Booth provides valuable insights into the man and his life spent in service to God.

Inspiration for a Man Cave

BY FRED ASH Inspiration for a Man Cave, by Canadian officer Major Fred Ash, offers 100 daily devotions exploring real-life experiences that men enjoy and how they relate to biblical teaching. As Major Ash writes in the foreword, the book “shows that God speaks to us men in the ordinary, everyday activities of life.” With that in mind, Major Ash divides his devotions into five categories: sheds, gardens, boats, fishermen and cars. This book will encourage readers to be spiritually minded as they go about their dayto-day lives, to remember that God is present in the ordinary.

William Booth: The Man and His Mission and William Booth: The General and His Army

BY GORDON TAYLOR After nearly 10 years of meticulous research, writing, editing and production by author Gordon Taylor, this two-volume biography paints an accurate picture of the life and work of William Booth. Taylor tries to imagine what it was like to be Booth and wherever possible lets Booth speak for himself, through his public addresses and his personal writings, as well as reflecting what some of his critics were saying and how he responded to that criticism. Coming in at more than 1,000 pages of text and photographs, this biography draws on parish and church records to record Booth’s early years, and presents a fascinating narrative also built around letters, diaries and newspaper reports. The biography is essential reading for Salvationists and historians.

26 October 2019 Salvationist

IN THE NEWS “Lost” Wallets Experiment Tests Honesty What would you do if you found a wallet with a large sum of money? A group of researchers wanted to test the honesty of ordinary citizens, so they distributed more than 17,000 wallets containing various sums of money in 355 cities across 40 countries over two years. The researchers thought people would act according to self-interest: the more money in the wallet, the less likely people would be to return it. But in fact the opposite was true.

“People were more likely to return a wallet when it contained a higher amount of money,” lead researcher Alain Cohn told NPR. The research team believes these findings can be explained by a combination of altruistic concerns—people don’t want to bring harm to another person—and an aversion to seeing oneself as a thief.

Cohn believes these findings could help leaders develop policies that encourage honesty. “What our study suggests is that there might be a potential to promote honest behaviour, first, by making the harm that your behaviour can impose on other people more salient.”

IN REVIEW Proclamation NEW YORK STAFF BAND This two-disc recording features 18 tracks, many of which are new compositions from established and rising stars in the brass band world, including a new piece by Tom Davoren, Proclamation. Brass enthusiasts will be particularly excited to experience The Glory of Jehovah, an epic 25-minute work from the pen of Dr. Dorothy Gates, which had a profound debut at the Canadian Staff Band’s 50th anniversary weekend in Toronto earlier this year. This new recording also features Salvationist Philip Cobb as a soloist on several tracks, an extraordinary trumpet and cornet player known all over the world. From start to finish, this collection of songs lives up to its title: it proclaims that Jesus Christ is Lord and demonstrates the New York Staff Band’s commitment to spread the gospel of salvation through him.

The items highlighted in Cross Culture are available through Supplies and Purchasing—visit store.salvationarmy.ca or call 416-422-6100. Items are also available through Amazon.

Photo: rauf_ashrafov/stock.Adobe.com

NEW FROM ARMY AUTHORS

PEOPLE & PLACES PARRY SOUND, ONT.—A new community response unit is dedicated at Rainbow Country Church for use in emergency and disaster situations and in serving a weekly meal to as many as 100 community members. From left, Jamie McGarvey, mayor of Parry Sound; Lts Scott and Cathy Allen, then COs; June Aylsworth, member, Parry Sound Rotary Club; and David Brunton, president, Parry Sound Rotary Club.

BURLINGTON, ONT.—The congregation at Burlington CC participates in the Big Give, a national initiative that invites churches from all denominations to participate in a day of giving back to their communities on the first Saturday of June each year. Burlington CC hosted a free community barbecue and a free garage sale for people in need using items donated by the congregation.

To learn more about this initiative visit thebiggive.ca.

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L.—Congratulations to the newest junior and senior soldiers at Happy Valley-Goose Bay Corps. Proudly holding their Junior Soldier Promises are, from left, Lanaya Davis, Richard Lyall, Sharaya Davis, Kaitlyn Dicker, Liam Russell, Mckynlee Canning and Luke Russell. Also shown are, from left, Cpts Melissa and Brent Haas, then COs; Rachel Andrews, senior soldier; Terri Lynn Davis and Beatrice Stevens, junior soldier teachers; Albert Hamel and Joe Wall, senior soldiers; and ACSM Mona Burden.

ACTON, ONT.—Claire Walsh is enrolled as a junior soldier at Acton CC.

Give generously to the HOME MISSIONS FOCUS FUND during the month of October. Your offering will support ongoing mission initiatives, allow new ministries to begin, and enhance existing programs that are reaching people for Christ.

All money for HOME MISSIONS raised in your division is collected by your divisional headquarters and distributed to selected ministry projects in your division!

Salvationist October 2019 27

PEOPLE & PLACES

TRIBUTES

KITCHENER, ONT.—Following nine years of faithful service as the bandmaster at Kitchener CC, Matthew Browne passes the baton to Paul Vos, newly commissioned bandmaster, and Ron Allen, newly commissioned deputy bandmaster.

From left, Mjrs Corinne and Steven Cameron, COs; Ron Allen; CS Phil Hewitson; Paul Vos; Matthew Browne; and Sandra Aszmies, worship director.

GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL Appointments: Lt-Cols Geoff/Kalie Webb, TC/TPWM, Pakistan Tty, with rank of col TERRITORIAL Birth: Cdts Andrew Sweet/Olivia Campbell-Sweet, daughter, Junia Elyse Louise, Aug 1 Appointments: Lt-Col Anne Venables, chief international auditor, IHQ; Mjr Rock Marcoux, Église Communautaire Nouveaux départs, Montreal, Que. Div; Mjr Wendy Mouland, Southlands CC, Winnipeg, Prairie Div (retaining AC for corps, Prairie Div); Cpt Deanna/Lt Ian Scott, Downtown East CC, Toronto (designation change); Lt Vivian Mag-aso, family services officer, Wetaskiwin, Alta., Alta. & N.T. Div (designation change); Aux-Cpt Arthur Heathcote, Fort Frances, Ont., Prairie Div; Aux-Cpt Charles Okongo, assistant CO, Southlands CC, Winnipeg, Prairie Div Accepted as auxiliary-captain: Arthur Heathcote, Charles Okongo Promoted to glory: Mjr Christopher Dickens, Jul 31

CALENDAR Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd: Oct 4-6 Officership Information Weekend, CFOT; Oct 6 welcome and installation as territorial leaders, Heritage Park Temple, Winnipeg; Oct 7 officers’ councils, Winnipeg; Oct 7-9 officers’ councils and public meeting, Regina; Oct 10 officers’ councils and public meeting, Sudbury, Ont.; Oct 17-19 officers’ councils and public meetings, Calgary and Edmonton; Oct 19-21 Chilliwack CC, B.C., Harbour Light and Belkin House, Vancouver, and Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby, B.C.; Oct 24-25 5th Year Institute, JPCC; Oct 26 welcome as territorial leaders, Scarborough Citadel, Toronto; Oct 28 officers’ councils, Oshawa Temple, Ont. Colonels Edward and Shelley Hill: Oct 4-6 Officership Information Weekend, CFOT*; Oct 4-6 women’s retreat for Ont. CE and Ont. GL divisions, JPCC**; Oct 6 welcome and installation of Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd, TC/TPWM, Heritage Park Temple, Winnipeg*; Oct 7 officers’ councils, Winnipeg*; Oct 20-21 CFOT; Oct 24-25 EFC President’s Day and denominational leaders meeting, Montreal*; Oct 26 welcome of Commissioners Floyd/Tracey Tidd, TC/TPWM, Scarborough Citadel, Toronto; Oct 28 officers’ councils, Oshawa Temple, Ont.; Oct 29–Nov 12 Holy Land tour (*Colonel Edward Hill only; **Colonel Shelley Hill only) Canadian Staff Band: Oct 26 welcome of Commissioners Floyd/Tracey Tidd, TC/TPWM, Scarborough Citadel, Toronto Canadian Staff Songsters: Oct 26 welcome of Commissioners Floyd/ Tracey Tidd, TC/TPWM, Scarborough Citadel, Toronto 28 October 2019 Salvationist

KITCHENER, ONT.—Grace Pauline Keats was born in Lunenburg, N.S., in 1930, to Daniel and Sadie Berringer.

Grace was promoted to glory from PeopleCare A.R. Goudie Home in Kitchener, where she had been a resident since 2013.

She obtained her registered nursing assistant certificate in maternity care from The Salvation Army Grace Hospital in Halifax. In 1953, she moved to Stratford, Ont., where she was employed at Stratford Hospital. Grace met her future husband, Harry, at The Salvation Army, where they were married in 1954. They moved to Kitchener in 1963. Grace was blessed with a quiet and unassuming personality and was a devout Christian who was never without her Bible, which she studied daily.

She was active with the home league, league of mercy (community care ministries) and seniors’ fellowship, and was a passionate fan of the Kitchener Rangers junior hockey team. Predeceased by her parents and seven siblings, Grace is survived by Harry, her husband of 64 years; son, Larry Keats (Sharon); daughter, Susan Keats; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

TORONTO—Major Carson Janes was born into a musical Salvationist family and raised in Saint John, N.B., as the youngest of 14 children. Carson gave his life to God and was called to enter the College for Officer Training in Toronto in 1950 as a member of the Ambassadors Session. Commissioned in 1951, he was appointed to Parrsboro, N.S. In 1953, Carson married Lieutenant Ida Reynolds and together they were appointed to Sussex, N.B., where they welcomed two children. A third child was born in Amherst, N.S., and a fourth in Woodstock, N.B. From there Carson and Ida served as corps officers in Cape Breton, N.S., Niagara Falls, Ont., Fredericton, and Peterborough, Ont. A change to public relations saw them appointed to Regina, London, Ont., and Toronto. Carson and Ida retired in Toronto to be close to their family and attended Yorkminster Citadel. He was a dedicated man of God who loved discussing and sharing his faith. Predeceased by his son, Douglas, and wife, Ida, Carson is missed by his children, Debra Janes (Peter), Kenneth Janes (Lynn) and Sharon Craig (Ron); grandchildren Leah Tosh, Stephanie Savage, Richard Savage, Lindsay Craig, Samuel Craig and Alexandra Janes; and great-grandchildren Sarah and Emily Tosh.

SUMMERFORD, N.L.—Major Audrey Rideout was born in 1950 and promoted to glory at the age of 69. Commissioned in 1972, Audrey served in Botwood, Cottles Island, Englee, Roddickton, Mundy Pond and Blaketown, N.L. In 1976, she was appointed to the East Africa Territory as headmistress of a girls’ school. In 1984, Audrey was transferred back to Canada, where she served at the College for Officer Training in St. John’s, N.L. In 1988, she returned to Africa and ministered as the training officer and then principal at the training colleges in the Zimbabwe Territory and Zambia and Malawi Territory before returning to Canada in 2004. In retirement, Audrey ministered to the people of Change Islands, N.L., for three years. Remembered for her patience and sense of humour, she was well-loved and respected by the people of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, where she experienced the miracles of God’s provision on a regular basis. Predeceased by her parents, Wilson and Grace Rideout, Audrey is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Wavey (Lewis) Oake and Roger (Margaret) Rideout; nieces Elizabeth (Paul) Kondratuk (and son, Spencer), Mandy Oake, and Janet Rideout (and son, Eric); aunts Thelma Rideout and May Brown; extended family and friends.

Tributes are printed at no cost and are subject to editing. They should be received within three months of the promotion to glory and include: community of residence, corps and Christian ministry, conversion to Christ, survivors. The tribute and a high-resolution digital photo or scan of an original photo should be emailed to salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org.

PEOPLE & PLACES

Accepted for Training Messengers of Grace (2019-2021) College for Officer Training, Winnipeg John Thomas Meadowlands, Hamilton, Ontario Great Lakes Division My wife, Aimee, invited me to The Salvation Army before we were married. I had not grown up in the Army, and the love and acceptance I felt from the people at the church were amazing. After we married and started a family, we felt called to be enrolled as senior soldiers at Meadowlands. The preparation classes helped me see the importance of worshipping God, and as we became more involved at the corps, I discovered opportunities to reach out to the community and to help people discover faith. This opened my heart, eyes and soul to officership.

Aimee Thomas Meadowlands, Hamilton, Ontario Great Lakes Division I discovered God’s call after a difficult time in my life.

Our house had been flooded and our only vehicle had to be replaced. Hardest of all was our middle child having surgery to remove a benign tumour from his neck. It felt as if I was caught in an ocean, where waves knocked me down and I came back up, gasping for air.

With every event, however, I noticed a change in myself and a love for Jesus Christ awoke in me. He showed me how to be compassionate and thankful, and I have confidence in God’s plan.

Dion Durdle Westville, N.S., Maritime Division God’s call on my life has been affirmed through the love I have received from the family of God in The Salvation Army. Growing up as an officers’ child, I experienced life and relationships in many corps where I was encouraged in my faith and was able to grow spiritually through ministry opportunities that were presented. Officership presents a new opportunity for me to witness and serve for the glory of God. Jenelle Durdle Westville, N.S., Maritime Division I was very young when I first sensed God’s call on my life to minister with compassion and love. In 2004, I was enrolled as a senior soldier and it was during that time when God began speaking to me about committing my life to full-time service as an officer. He has brought many inspiring women into my life who have spoken his love and confidence over me, and it is these relationships that have affirmed my call.

Look for more testimonies of the Messengers of Grace in the November issue of Salvationist.

You can give families the tools to become food secure. salvationarmy.ca/giftsofhope

Salvationist October 2019 29

While Women Weep Ending gender discrimination benefits everyone.

BY KATHY NGUYEN

O

ctober 15 is recognized by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day of Rural Women. António Guterres, UN secretary general, says, “The empowerment of rural women and girls is essential to building a prosperous, equitable and peaceful future for all on a healthy planet.”

Historically, there has been, and continues to be, a gap between men and women. Women are generally paid less than men, are more likely to be unemployed than men and have fewer opportunities than men.

To paint the picture: around the world, child marriage is still common and widespread, with 12 million girls being married before the age of 18 each year; 60 million girls are denied the right to a basic education; 200 million women have undergone female genital mutilation in the name of “purity” and increasing their chances to be married; and more than 2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same job opportunities as men.

Discrimination against women is a persistent issue and, though there have been improvements, there is still much to do. The world missions department strives to empower women and adopt gender equality strategies when implementing new projects around the world.

We subscribe to a holistic and intentional approach throughout our project processes, ensuring that women act as both agents and beneficiaries.

In the Sri Lanka Territory, we provided business skills and agricultural training to 80 female farmers, teaching important farming skills, such as improving the soil, planting seeds effectively, fertilizing, harvesting and land maintenance. Nisansala, one of our trainees, was able to improve her home garden and now sells her extra produce.

With her thriving income, she is able to rent a vehicle to sell her fruits and vegetables to other villages, increasing her marketability and monthly earnings.

In the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory, we built a vocational training centre for unmarried mothers and vulnerable girls, 30 October 2019 Salvationist

Left: A mother and child health project in the Kenya West Tty Below: Students at The Salvation Army’s vocational training centre in the Congo (Brazzaville) Tty display their work from a tailoring class

providing them with literacy and job skills, such as tailoring, hair braiding and beauty care. Prior to this centre, many of these mothers and girls had never received a basic education. Merveille, one of the project’s beneficiaries, lived a hard life.

“My dad died, so I stayed with my mother, but my mother did not have money for schooling,” she says. “My mother got sick, so I turned to prostitution.” Unfortunately, her story is not uncommon, particularly in developing countries. Women who lack education, skills and opportunities become easy prey for traffickers. This centre gives women like Merveille a place to learn and the skills to earn an income.

In the Kenya West Territory, the mother and child health project creates community awareness on maternal health issues and provides basic medical equipment. Women receive lessons on mother and child health, nutrition and growth, HIV and AIDS, injury prevention and immunization. Rose, a mother of seven, attended one of the seminars and helped to relay the information to her friends, family and peers, ensuring that mothers in her community remained healthy, knowledgeable and in control of their health. It’s no secret that when a mother thrives, the rest of

the family benefits.

Nisansala, Merveille and Rose are all testimonies to the power of inclusivity and opportunity. When women are given the chance to learn and the resources to act, they can flourish and become agents of change in their own communities. These are just a few projects among many in which we seek to include, empower and strengthen women. By giving women the same opportunities as men and boys, we are building economies, uplifting communities and creating a sustainable future.

William Booth once said, “While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight.”

In the fight against gender discrimination and inequality, nobody loses. Rather, the whole world wins.

Kathy Nguyen is the office co-ordinator in the world missions department.

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