The Way Out is the Way In
Planting Seeds in Victoria
Assisted Suicide: The Right to Die?
Salvationist The Voice of the Army
Salvationist.ca I October 2011
Trick or Treat? Is Halloween harmless
fun or a bad influence?
19mm
than is required.
Inside This Issue Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX
October 2011 No. 66 www.salvationist.ca E-mail: salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org
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Departments 3 4 Editorial
Growing Pains by Major Jim Champ
5 Around the Territory 8 Social Issues
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The Right to Die by Dani Shaw
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18 Point Counterpoint
Features 7 Rejoice With
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4 Trick or Treat? by Major Kathie Chiu and Lieutenant Hannah Jeffery
8
Thanksgiving
23 Media Reviews 23 Territorial Prayer Guide 25 Pursuing Holiness Cert no. XXX-XXX-XXXX
Let us bring our harvest of praise to God by Commissioner Brian Peddle
10 The Way In
PRODUCT LABELINGThe GUIDE COUNCIL PowerFOREST of HisSTEWARDSHIP Promise Before we can help people
9 Gospel Arts
Mixing It Up by Julia Hosking
16 Battle Cry
Luck is for Pagans by Major Danielle Strickland
by Major Clarence Bradbury
26 Celebrate Community
Enrolments and recognition, tributes, calendar, gazette
escape the bondage of poverty, we need to rethink how we enter into their lives and situations by Major Julie Slous
30 Cross Culture
12 Equipping an Army
Stories Matter by Michael Boyce
14
Through its two stores and website, supplies and purchasing provides essential clothing, music and books for spiritual enrichment and ministry by Julia Hosking
14 The Hope for Our World as We Know It
Can we be certain that Jesus will return? What will happen when he does? by Donald E. Burke
17 Divine Deception?
How modalism helped shape the doctrine of the Trinity by James Pedlar
20 Planting Seeds in Victoria
Meaningful connections in the community lead to growth at High Point Community Church by Julia Hosking
24 Words to Inspire and Encourage
Major Beverly Ivany is the new author of Words of Life, the international Salvation Army devotional book by Julia Hosking
Cover photo: © istockphoto.com/Sean Locke
Inside Faith & Friends Dolphin Tale
When everyone saw the impossible, a determined group of rescuers saw the possibilities
House of Cards
Could Joyce Starr Marcias conquer her computer gaming addiction?
When you finish reading Faith & Friends in the centre of this issue, pull it Faith & out and give it to someone who needs to hear about Sink or Christ’s lifeSwim Solitaire changing No More power Hope in
frıends
October 2011
Hope in the Ashes
Ottawa fire victims are grateful for The Salvation Army’s helping hand
Getting a Piece of the Pie
Intrepid bakers feed a need at Thanksgiving
Salvationist.ca
faithandfriends.ca
Inspiration for Living
Can a boy, a biologist and a doctor save Winter the dolphin?
Surviving CanCer:
One Woman’s Story
the Ashes
Sharing the Vision
General Linda Bond’s letters to Salvationists around the world can be read at Salvationist.ca/ tag/sharing-the-vision
Pass It On
Share your faith electronically by forwarding articles from Salvationist and Faith & Friends by e-mail, Facebook or Twitter. Just click one of the appropriate icons found at the bottom of every article posted on Salvationist.ca
Photo Gallery
Our new photo gallery highlights more photos of the Army at work across the territory. Visit Salvationist.ca/ photos to view Salvationist I October 2011 I 3
EDITORIAL
C
Growing Pains
aptain, we’ve always made up baskets and distributed them to shut-ins.” “I don’t think we can afford to do that this year. The corps is suffering financially. Let’s auction the food off and pay some of our expenses.” “I’m sorry, but I bought that pumpkin and promised my kids we’d make a pie later. We should each take our own food home.” As I looked around the room, I could see the tension rising. Members of the corps council were debating what to do with a recent harvest display. A great deal of effort had been expended in decorating the church hall with seasonal fruit and vegetables. Some had even contributed baked goods of pies, cookies and bread. Much of it came from the gardens and kitchens of the handful of active corps members. As the new corps officer, I was stuck in the middle. There were as many competing ideas as there were people in the room. It quickly became apparent that a resolution would be impossible without divine intervention. And even then, I had my doubts. Lost in the battle of wills was the symbolism of the cornucopia and the meaning behind the harvest season. This can happen easily—expectations differ, strong personalities clash, tensions build and
words spill out threatening to quench any positive work of the Spirit in our midst. Small corps have their own unique challenges and blessings. Salvationist has been focusing on some of the smaller corps in our territory, many of which are found in rural areas of Canada. Last month we featured Weyburn, Sask. In this issue, Julia Hosking profiles the ministry of High Point Community Church in Victoria. While located in an urban setting, High Point is a relatively new expression of Salvation Army congregational life and the spirit of Thanksgiving is alive and well in this small but growing corps. It may well be the only Army congregation in Canada that has turned its front lawn into a community garden (see page 20). The fruits of their labour are distributed along with healthy recipes to the needy of their community. And this is only one of a number of innovative programs that the corps has implemented in its attempt to reach the community with the message of God’s love. Also in this issue, Commissioner Brian Peddle, territorial commander, draws on his international experience as he challenges us to capture the significance of the Thanksgiving harvest with its cycle of sowing and reaping (see page 7). The implications are far-reaching in understanding the heart of God and our response as his stewards. That first corps council meeting ended in disarray and disappointment, but I think we learned more about ourselves and the challenges of serving together. The lessons gained proved invaluable regarding what it means to be a part of God’s family as we reflected on the deeper meaning of the harvest. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 100:4-5). MAJOR JIM CHAMP Editor-in-Chief
Salvationist
is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Linda Bond General Commissioner Brian Peddle Territorial Commander Major Jim Champ Editor-in-Chief Geoff Moulton Assistant Editor-in-Chief John McAlister Senior Editor (416-467-3185) Major Max Sturge Associate Editor (416-422-6116) Timothy Cheng Art Director Pamela Richardson Production and Distribution Co-ordinator, Copy Editor Julia Hosking, Ken Ramstead, Captain Debbie Sinclair Contributors Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769. Member, The Canadian Church Press. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, Today’s New International Version (TNIV) © 2001, 2005 International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide. All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only with written permission.
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The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Salvationist informs readers about the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda. Salvationist.ca Salvationist@can.salvationarmy.org Facebook.com/salvationistmagazine Twitter.com/salvationist
4 I October 2011 I Salvationist
AROUND THE TERRITORY
Metrotown Welcomes New Immigrants
“WHEN WE ARRIVED at Metrotown Citadel in Burnaby, B.C., in 2009, one Asian man was attending our church,”
says Captain Lisa Trickett, corps officer. “Living in an area with a high Asian population, we spent a lot of time in
our community welcoming new immigrants from China and Korea, which resulted in many of them coming to our church.” The corps has celebrated five new commitments to Christ so far this year. Bilingual New International Version Bibles containing Mandarin and English were distributed and Sunday attendance has doubled. Captain Trickett says that with the new families, the corps has started several wellattended weekday ministries: community games and movie nights, children’s timbrel brigades and Christmas programs, and Sunday school. “Through these initiatives we have introduced Jesus Christ to the children and given them a deeper understanding of who he is,” says Captain Trickett. “Consequently, young children are bringing their friends and asking questions such as, ‘Is there a real Heaven?’ We rejoice in the new Asian members in our fellowship.”
Candidates Challenged to Surrender and Sacrifice AT GUELPH CITADEL, an enthusiastic crowd said farewell to and prayed for God’s blessing upon the accepted candidates from the Ontario Great Lakes Division who entered the college for officer training in Winnipeg in September. Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd, chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, led the service, supported by Ontario Great Lakes’ divisional officer staff. Captain Neil Sunnuck, divisional youth secretary, introduced the members of the 2011-2013 Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session: David and Laura Hickman, Joshua and Tina Howard, and Justin and Colleen Gleadall. The worship team from the divisional youth band, Impact Brass, led the opening celebration. Under the leadership of Bandmaster Ken Bailey, the youth band provided musical support for the gathering, including a stirring selection entitled Love So Amazing by Noel Brooks of London Citadel. Stephanie Boone from St. Catharines, Ont., sang Call on Jesus. Candidate Tina Howard told how God worked in her life since she was a young child and how she felt his call to respond for full-time ministry as a Salvation Army officer. Several officers in the division were
Front, from left, Candidates David Hickman, Laura Hickman, Justin Gleadall, Colleen Gleadall, Joshua Howard, Tina Howard. Back, from left, Cpts Neil and Melissa Sunnuck, Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd, Lt-Cols Deborah and Lee Graves
presented with long service awards for 25, 30 and 35 years of ministry. Lt-Colonel Lee Graves, divisional commander, challenged the newly accepted candidates to reflect upon the dedication of these longserving officers and upon God’s faithfulness in bringing them to these significant milestones. Speaking on Philippians 2:111, Colonel Floyd Tidd encouraged
Salvationists to be like Jesus in his willingness to surrender to and sacrifice for God in serving others. After his message, Colonel Tidd invited corps officers, families and friends to indicate their support of the candidates by joining them at the front for prayer. The celebration concluded with Candidate David Hickman leading the congregation in singing I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord. Salvationist I October 2011 I 5
AROUND THE TERRITORY
A Cup of Compassion “THEY REALLY NEED our help, so I decided to help them,” says Liam Downey. “That’s what The Salvation Army does.” Nine-yearold Liam and his two brothers, 11-year-old Jacob and four-year-old Aaron, held a lemonade stand in front of the Army thrift store in Kemptville, Ont., on July 23. What began as a lesson in the value of food at the dinner table, blossomed into a fundraiser for those affected by drought in East Africa. “It was kind of our idea,” says Jacob. “Earlier we had been talking about doing a lemonade stand and at supper Mommy started talking about the famine, so we asked if we could do it for the East Africans.” Their parents, Captains Simon and Allison Downey, community and family services officers in Kemptville, encouraged the children. “I wanted them to know what was going on in the world,” explains Captain Allison Downey. The family bought the lemons and spent a Friday night squeezing them and coming up with the recipe: “Thirty-six lemons, six cups of sugar, 36 cups of water and lots of compassion raised $150, which will be matched by the Canadian International Development Agency,” she says.
Evacuees Benefit From Army’s Assistance
Theresa Antonietti loads supplies for Kingfisher Lake evacuees
Liam and Jacob Downey sell lemonade to raise money for famine relief
Did you know … .… Houston Pizza in Estevan, Sask., supported The Salvation Army’s assistance to flood victims in southeast Saskatchewan by holding a chili lunch fundraiser? Approximately 400 people attended and raised $3,383 ... Nancy Powers, program director, Centre of Hope, London, Ont., presented appreciation certificates to Jordanna Jones of BioPed in recognition of their first appearance at the centre as part of the Army’s Dignity Project efforts? “We were thrilled that we saw over 125 people from the shelter and the community and helped them receive proper fitting shoes,” says 6 I October 2011 I Salvationist
THE SALVATION ARMY Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) in Ottawa helped care for 277 forest fire evacuees from Kingfisher Lake First Nation, a remote Ojji-Cree community in Northern Ontario. Emergency disaster services staff and volunteers from the Ottawa Booth Centre and other local agencies welcomed them as they disembarked from planes at Ottawa International Airport on July 20-21. The evacuees, many of whom were women with children, were housed at Algonquin College until it was safe for them to return to their community. “The evacuees seemed a little shy, but appreciative of our help,” says Theresa Antonietti, former EDS director. The Salvation Army prepared hot meals and sandwiches for the evacuees upon arrival and Algonquin College fed them for the duration of their stay. The Army’s EDS also collected baby clothes, hygiene products and other supplies when needed. Various activities were organized at the college to make their stay more enjoyable. “I feel everyone tried hard to make it the best situation possible for them,” says Antonietti.
Jones. “We hope we touched people’s lives, as they definitely touched ours” … in Winnipeg, Garfield Mitchell, grandson of the late W. Garfield Weston, presented a $50,000 donation to Mjr Wayne Bungay, DC, Prairie Div, to aid those affected by flooding? “This donation builds on our foundation’s long history of support for The Salvation Army’s compassionate work,” says Mitchell … on July 1, The Salvation Army in Parry Sound, Ont., supported the local Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association in observing Canada Day? The Army gave out free balloons, tattoos, pins and flags to help people enjoy the
celebrations and answered many questions about the various ministries the Army offers … through the Random Acts of Chocolate Campaign, Mars Canada Inc. annually recognizes acts of kindness by encouraging the nomination of local community organizations for a chance to receive a $10,000 donation? This year The Salvation Army in Tillsonburg, Ont., received one of the three grand prizes. Local Tillsonburg resident Sheila Reeves nominated the Army for the gift. Toronto Argonauts football legend Pinball Clemons presented the cheque
Rejoice With Thanksgiving Let us bring our harvest of praise to God BY COMMISSIONER BRIAN PEDDLE
A
s October begins, our thoughts focus on the Thanksgiving holiday. We are challenged to look beyond the gift of a long weekend and reflect on the seasonal harvest made possible through the cycle of sowing and reaping. As Psalm 100:4-5 tells us, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Throughout my life, I have joined in this spirit of thanksgiving as I admired the harvest displays at church, witnessed the financial offerings of Salvationists giving out of their abundance and shared in turkey dinners that bring family and friends to an expression of thanks. But it took a journey to a distant land—where seasons aren’t so distinct and multiple harvests are possible—to realize that giving thanks is more than a season or calendar focus. We now live in a time and land where most of us are removed from the realities of the seasonal harvest. We no longer witness the planting of seeds or await their growth. Instead, we buy our food from
large supermarkets that are open 24-7 and replenish their shelves while we sleep. So as consumers and beneficiaries of food grown around the world, it can be difficult for us to reflect fully on the many scriptural principles expressed through the imagery of sowing and reaping. An example of these biblical truths can be found in the Parable of the Sower (see Matthew 13:1-23). As Christians, we are challenged to view the seed as God’s Word and our hearts as the soil that accommodates both sowing and reaping. In this scenario, a good harvest becomes more than just an abundant yield of produce, but rather Kingdom growth as people allow God to work in their lives. The ultimate outcome is described as the joy of harvest, which leads to thanksgiving. There are implications for each one of us that must be considered as we observe the laws of the harvest. Personal sowing and reaping—whether done in error or successfully—prompts a predicable end result, yet we often appear surprised when we reap what we sow. I propose that at the centre of this reflection, our relationship with God the Father must come into
focus. The biblical imagery suggests that the seed is the Word of God and the soil is the heart. Our sense of personal harvest is the outcome of our obedient faith in the God of the harvest, who demonstrates daily faithfulness. Beyond the personal implications are the corporate responsibilities. In this, I refer to the Church and specifically to The Salvation Army. Every Salvationist has both the opportunity and challenge to engage with a world where fields are “white unto harvest.” Do our congregations sow seeds in such a manner that thanksgiving in the midst of harvest is an obvious and appropriate outcome? I long for the Army to discover its capacity to celebrate, with our Kingdom growth creating outcomes that lead even the angels in Heaven to rejoice (see Luke 15:7). While I confess that my early impressions of thanksgiving were likely misplaced, today I find myself to be a little more reflective. I view the world now very much aware of the destitute needs of others in comparison to my plenty. In some ways I am thankful for the unsettled feeling within when I see photos from such places as Somalia. May we never become oblivious to the needs of those whose harvest is little. I am seeing the Army in the Canada and Bermuda Territory with fresh eyes. I want to thank God for growing saints, new people coming to know the Lord, new expressions of our ministry, more candidates and the list goes on. I want to live a thankful expression of life and reflect the same in my daily experience. I have much to be thankful for, but at the centre of it all is my gratitude for my salvation, my release from the burden of sins, God’s daily grace and the great hope I share in a promised eternal inheritance. As we read in Matthew 13:8, “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” My prayer for Thanksgiving is that Salvationists, corps and centres will have sown seeds that are now ripe for harvest. Let the rejoicing begin as we bring our “sacrifice of praise” to the God we love and serve (see Hebrews 13:15-16). Commissioner Brian Peddle is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Salvationist I October 2011 I 7
SOCIAL ISSUES
The Right to Die
Should the law permit people to assist others in terminating their lives?
I
dislike being asked about my views on euthanasia and assisted suicide as I suspect they will not be fully known, even to myself, until I am confronted with a lifeand-death situation. It’s easy to argue that I would never take steps to assist someone in taking their own life, but what if a close friend or family member asked for my help? Would I allow a physician to give a loved one an injection that would ultimately kill them? What about refusing or withdrawing treatment and allowing nature to take its course? Would I be able to “pull the plug”? As well, I can state today that I would never seek to terminate my own life, but what if I was struck with a painful, debilitating and incurable illness and a physician was willing to help end my suffering? Would my perspective change? The recent passing of Jack Kevorkian—a.k.a. Dr. Death—marked the end of his campaign for more than 20 years of assisting others to end their lives. Kevorkian was an American physician who lost his medical license after assisting a 54-year-old woman with early stage Alzheimer’s disease kill herself through lethal injection. Once stripped of his medical license and unable to obtain or prescribe pharmaceuticals, Kevorkian invented the Mercitron, a macabre and rudimentary contraption that administered carbon monoxide through a face mask. With it, he enabled over 100 people to end their lives. Although I hesitate to judge 8 I October 2011 I Salvationist
those faced with end-of-life decisions, I also struggle with the rationale articulated by those who seek or advocate for the so-called “right to die.” Gloria Taylor, a 63-year-old British Columbia woman with Lou Gehrig’s disease, is currently challenging Canadian Criminal Code provisions that make it illegal for one person to assist another to commit suicide. According to her lawyer, as reported in the Globe and Mail on August 3, 2011, “One of her greatest fears is to be reduced to a condition where she must rely on others for all of her needs. She does not want to live in a bedridden state, stripped of her dignity and independence … She wants the legal right to die peacefully, at the time of her own choosing, in the embrace of her family and friends.” Right-to-die advocates seem to presume that we die at the time of our choosing, with full mental (though maybe not physical) capacity, and without imposing any burden on our loved ones. Any of us who has lost a family member or friend knows this is often not the case. The 35-year-old mother of two who is killed in a car accident does not get to choose the timing of her death. Neither does the 40-year-old outdoorsman in the prime of life who is unexpectedly diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Life is not always fair, and it does not always go the way we had planned or hoped. Neither can we guarantee that we will not become a burden to our loved ones at the end of our lives. As the Canada and Ber-
Photo: © istockphoto.com/Syldavia
BY DANI SHAW
muda Territory’s Positional Statement on Euthanasia points out, death cannot be eliminated and pain and suffering cannot always be overcome. As frightening as it must be to be diagnosed with a chronic and progressive condition or to watch a terminally or chronically ill loved one suffer in pain, prematurely ending life does not eliminate or cheat death. Rather, hastening death cheats life by robbing those who are dying and their loved ones around them the opportunity to make peace with their condition, to draw on one another for support and even to accomplish things others would not believe possible. I consider myself very blessed to have been spared life-and-death decisions. They must be heart-wrenching for those faced with a diagnosis of terminal illness or for family
members of people left in a permanent vegetative state. I can only hope and pray that if ever faced with such decisions, I will be surrounded by family and friends, have excellent medical advice, access to passionate and compassionate medical care and be granted wisdom and courage beyond measure. What do you think about the Army’s stand on euthanasia? The Social Issues Committee would like to hear from you. Write to us at social_issues@ can.salvationarmy.org or join the conversation at Salvationist.ca. Dani Shaw is a lawyer, a former political advisor to the prime minister and the federal minister of health, and a long-standing member/observer of The Salvation Army’s Social Issues Committee.
GOSPEL ARTS
Mixing It Up
As a musician, DJ and record producer, Chris Michel glorifies God through music BY JULIA HOSKING, STAFF WRITER
I
had just started as the youth worker at Richmond Corps, B.C., when my neighbour committed to praying for me every night for an entire summer,” recalls Chris Michel, worship leader at the Army’s The Willows Community Church in Langley, B.C. “That resulted in a unique and significant encounter with the Holy Spirit, which then changed my view of life, God and worship. God had always been real to me, but he became more personal and I entered into a stronger relationship with him. I also changed my approach to leading worship. It became less about singing songs and more about helping others engage in a genuine worship experience with the Father. In a practical sense, that meant choosing songs that were sung to God, not just about God.” More than 10 years later, Michel is still dedicated to this approach, only now it is as a worship leader at The Willows. “Chris leads worship with incredible integrity,” says Captain Bill Blackman,
Chris Michel in his recording studio
corps officer. “He only wants to use music that is focused on the glory of God.” Always striving to do his best, Michel and the worship team at The Willows are often exploring new ideas to encourage the congregation’s connection to God. Recently, they introduced a new software program called Ableton, which Michel says helps fill out the sound of the band. “I am excited and confident that new initiatives will add something amazing to our church’s desire to seek after and glorify Christ through worship,” comments Captain Blackman. DJ-led Worship As the son of a high school music teacher and Salvation Army bandmaster, Michel has been playing music since the age of five. Starting on piano and trumpet, he slowly progressed to guitar and was leading worship at Cariboo Hill Temple in Burnaby, B.C., by the time he was 13. After a later move to Richmond Corps, where his perspective on worship changed, Michel went
to the United Kingdom to receive training as a DJ with an organization called New Generation Music (NGM). “NGM’s focus is on training young people in the modern arts so they can use their skills and act as missionaries to youth culture,” Michel shares. “I had been DJing a bit in Canada so I took the opportunity to further develop my skills. DJ-led worship encourages people to worship God through dance because it mostly uses techno music, not the type that you can sing along with. “This style of worship worked well in the U.K. in the early 2000s because many teenagers had decks and turntables in their bedrooms and knew how to DJ. For them, worshipping to that kind of music was natural. I was introduced to a few pioneers of this genre and when I moved back to Canada, I did some DJ-led worship for several years in churches and at events across the country. While it didn’t translate as well in Canada, there were definitely people interested in the style.” Music Production Michel has now moved away from DJing and the associated techno music and is a recording engineer and producer. He has a studio in Vancouver, works at a major recording studio and teaches audio engineering music at a local community college. “I love what I do,” Michel says. “Every project is different, which adds variety and I get to work at a fantastic studio with a lot of talented musicians. Plus, many of the artists I work with are believers. Although they sing and play music that’s not specifically ‘worship’ music, it is often about God and still has an impact on mainstream culture.” Working with many musicians in a wide variety of genres provides Michel with an appreciation for all music, from classical to hip hop. “I have found the more time I spend on one particular genre, the more I begin to appreciate it,” he says. “Regardless of what style is used or how we play our music, I am a strong believer that we need to do our best, especially when it comes to worship. “For me, music—playing, singing, engineering and producing—is part of who I am and who God has made me to be, so I definitely feel close to God when I’m doing that. I believe that this should be the same for anyone. Whether you are a writer, a painter or musician, when you do it for God, it becomes an act of worship.” Salvationist I October 2011 I 9
Before we can help people escape the bondage of poverty, we need to rethink how we enter into their lives and situations First of a four-part series on dignity BY MAJOR JULIE SLOUS
M
ichael Slate, in Becoming a Stretcher-Bearer, recounts a modern parable about two different groups of people on a beach. One group is Christian; the other, non-Christian. Since it is a warm day, a young boy decides to go for a swim. It is not long, however, before he finds himself in trouble and starts crying out for help. The non-Christians pay no attention, but those in the Christian group notice the struggling child. They respond quickly with encouraging words like, “Hang in there! Don’t give up! We’re praying for you. Help is coming.” The Christians also start yelling at the non-Christian group, “Come on, you guys. This boy needs help. Don’t just sit there.” Then suddenly everyone notices the silence. The boy disappears beneath the water. Quickly, the tragic news spreads. Reporters and TV crews arrive on the scene and begin interviewing eyewitnesses. “What happened here today?” they ask. A few people attempt to tell the story. Finally, a frustrated reporter interrupts everyone and asks, “But is there anyone here who actually responded to the boy’s cry for help?” Both groups walk away in silence. Earlier this year The Salvation 10 I October 2011 I Salvationist
Army launched The Dignity Project (SalvationArmy.ca/dignity), as the Army understands that a gap often exists between seeing and responding to human need. The Dignity Project focuses our attention toward those waving in distress—those to whom no one has thrown a lifeline. As we look at the attractive promotional materials that have been developed for this campaign, we might nod in gentle agreement, reminding ourselves that this is what we have always been about as a Salvation Army: dignity, life and hope for all. Recognizing that over three million Canadians live in poverty today, we give our willing affirmation to this cause. The danger is that our affirmation does not always follow with appropriate action. Like complacent eyewitnesses in the parable above, we often struggle to find the means to effectively mobilize our mission toward the poor. Poverty in Canada is a huge problem. What can we realistically do to help three million people? What does it really mean for the Church to take responsibility for the poor? Isn’t this why we have our social services units? As we grapple with the question, still there are those waving in distress, finding no way out of their trouble.
As we juxtapose this struggle with the healing narratives of the Gospels, we recognize the challenge to link our faith convictions with appropriate human response. Where people have no way out of their trouble, God raises us up to be the means through which suffering humanity can exit their struggle and enter into the bounty of new life. Luke 5:17-26 provides us with a prime example of how this plays out as we retrace the steps of a team of men engaging in their own Dignity Project. Jesus had been carrying out small-town ministry and crowds had gathered around him, including the Pharisees and teachers of the law. As Luke says, “The power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick.” Obviously word had spread about Jesus’ previous healings. Was it possible that what Jesus had done for the sick, the demon possessed and the leprous he could also do for a hopeless paralytic? But by what means would this man get to the healer? Obviously there was no calling 911 for an ambulance. The paralytic had no way to get to Jesus. Except that a group of friends decide to take on their friend’s problem, as if it were their own. The story intensifies as we recognize the incredible lengths to which this min-
Photo: © istockphoto.com/Chris Schmidt
The Way In
istry team went to complete their Dignity Project. Confronted by wall-to-wall people outside the house where Jesus is teaching, they realize that getting healing for their friend isn’t going to be as easy as first imagined. How will they get the man to where he needs to be? It’s the primary question all Dignity Project workers must ask. By what means will we get people from where they are to where they need to be? When faced with realities that challenge our good intentions, what will it take for us to overcome obstacles inhibiting healing, wholeness and abundant life? The ministry team in Luke 5 demonstrates incredible resourcefulness. A mere crowd of people isn’t going to stand in the way of their friend getting on his feet. The team pushes toward the outside steps, leading to the roof. Passing by the window, we imagine them carefully eyeing Jesus’ location inside the house. Once on the rooftop, they strategically cut through the tiles, lowering the man directly in front of Jesus. Needless to say, no one had ever come to Jesus in this way before and Luke strategically leaves out any detail of the homeowner’s response. What is most important for Luke is that we see a picture of a needy paralytic who had no way to Jesus, strangely finding
his way. We can only imagine the shock of the crowd, as the one who had made his entrance via the rafters, dependent on others, exits by the front door, walking on his own two feet. We can identify three important insights from this story. First, we begin Dignity Projects by recognizing the limitations people face in improving their situations, unless helped and supported by others. Therefore, we are called to go to uncomfortable places where the marginalized have been limited and pushed. Gary Bishop, in Darkest England and The Way Back In, says it will be about “hearing a siren call from our most deprived communities, slipping off our polished shoes and taking a walk in a world which is anxiously waiting for the salvation light we carry.” Second, it is significant that the paralytic of Luke’s Gospel leaves walking on his own two feet. We must learn to tackle poverty not simply to make a difference in the moment, but for the long haul. This will mean educating people to be their own life managers, helping them to overcome that which has made them dependent on the social services system and, ultimately, equipping them to be productive citizens of society. If this is our goal, we too can
help people “walk on their own two feet.” Third, we note that everything in this narrative happens because “Jesus saw their faith” (Luke 5:20). It presses us to ask how big we really believe our God to be and how confident we are in our message that is identified as good news to the poor. In 1891, William Booth published In Darkest England and the Way Out. It was The Salvation Army’s first attempt at a Dignity Project. Our Founder held up a great vision that people living in the slums of England could be rescued from horrific life circumstances and propelled into a better life. While our context has changed over the years, the poor still search for “a way out.” Yet in order for this to happen, Salvationists are called to rethink “our way in.” It may mean maneuvering tight staircases and awkward stretchers and working creatively to get people to a place where both physical and spiritual needs can be met. The point is that “a way out” is found only as God’s people find “their way in,” and in this we embrace our own Dignity Projects. Major Julie Slous, D.Min., is a corps officer, with her husband Brian, at Winnipeg’s Heritage Park Temple. She also serves as adjunct faculty at the College for Officer Training.
With Special Guests Marjory Watson, Soloist, United Kingdom Colin Fox, Dramatist The Peterborough Singers, Syd Birrell, Director Ian Sadler, Organist and featuring The Festival Chorus with Canadian Staff Band, John Lam, Bandmaster Major Leonard Ballantine, Artistic Director Tickets from $15 to $25 available through TicketMaster.ca 416-870-8000 or RTH Box Office 416-872-4255 Presented by
Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 - 7:30p.m. Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto CwTSA Salv Half Page 2.indd 1
6/29/2011 11:13:21 AM
Salvationist I October 2011 I 11
Equipping an Army
Through its two stores and website, supplies and purchasing provides essential clothing, music and books for spiritual enrichment and ministry
Photos: Timothy Cheng
BY JULIA HOSKING, STAFF WRITER
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ur vision in the supplies and purchasing store is to be a leading provider of Christian and Salvation Army resources for personal and ministry use,” says Major Mike LeBlanc, supplies and purchasing secretary, THQ. “We want to offer quality products and the best service and shopping experience possible in an effort to help Salvationists grow in their faith and equip them for ministry.” Following the results of a customer satisfaction survey, taken in January, major changes have been implemented this fall at two supplies and purchasing stores located in Toronto and St. John’s, N.L., as well as online at SalvationArmy.ca/store. “Ninety-five percent of survey respondents thought the quality of goods in our stores is average or better,” says Major LeBlanc, “but, almost 60 percent asked us for lower prices and a larger selection.” In response to the feedback, partnerships have been formed, new vendors have been sourced and innovative methods of 12 I October 2011 I Salvationist
Supplies and purchasing has what you need to resource your ministry
distribution are being considered. “For example, while it has always been the department’s desire to provide a lowcost uniform option, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda does not have a large enough market to make this possible,” says Major LeBlanc. “We’ve been able to strengthen our partnerships with the four Salvation Army territories in the United States to maximize our overall buying power and, in turn, reduce costs and increase selection.” As well as introducing several new uniform items, the ready-to-wear uniform is currently being updated and improved with minor tweaks to the design—such as subtle adjustments to the collar—and issues of quality and material are being examined. In an effort to increase its product range, supplies and purchasing has added novelty items such as Army-branded soft footballs and hacky sacks, Christian T-shirts, junior soldier and young people’s music clothing lines and a range of promo-
tional items containing the Salvation Army logo and slogan, “Giving Hope Today.” New Initiatives to Serve You “The supplies and purchasing department is expected to cover its own operating costs through the sale of the items it offers,” says Major LeBlanc. “We also understand the need to be ethically competitive and provide goods at the lowest prices possible. Some prices have already been reduced and many new items coming out over the next few months will have dramatically reduced costs. “Part of this process includes exploring initiatives that will allow us to sell e-books on our website, print-on-demand sheet music and digital music downloads. We are also finding ways to distribute books at a reduced cost, such as printing locally as needed.” Because supplies and purchasing has only two physical locations, the website, which is undergoing updates, is a large part of the store’s reach to the remainder
of the territory. “Online, people will be able to read reviews and sample tracks before buying books or CDs and purchase ministry supplies and Christian giftware,” explains Major LeBlanc. “While we also sell uniforms and apparel online, people often like to try on the clothes, so we are actively investigating options that will enable us to expand our presence across the territory in a cost-effective manner that keeps us on budget.” Jaret Voce, supplies and purchasing marketing associate and webmaster, adds that the website will become easier to navigate and more intuitive to customers’ needs. “Our search capabilities will be
Save The Date Mark your calendar for the
improved and customers will be able to see stock availability when making their selections,” he says. “We will also add a feature where customers can opt to receive personalized information on products of their interest, such as the latest releases from certain authors or artists.” Major LeBlanc acknowledges that one of the criticisms of the store has been insufficient stock. More accurate methods of inventory are being adopted and more
New Cards
Gift card: Customers will be able to purchase gift cards that can be mailed around the territory and redeemed in store and online. Loyalty card: The loyalty program (name was yet to be released when Salvationist went to print) will see customers earning points for the dollars they spend. The amount of points earned depends on the product at time of purchase as there will be regular promotions. Once a minimum level of points has been accumulated, they can be converted for credit on purchases.
reliable vendors are being sought, all with the aim of having the top 80 percent of products in stock, especially core items related to uniforms. “The supplies and purchasing department wants to be relevant to our everchanging Army,” says Colin Gillis, supplies and purchasing shipping-receiving supervisor. “That means striving to always have the right supplies on hand to meet the merchandise needs those in the field have for their ministry operations.” “Supplies and purchasing is not just about uniforms and Salvation Army music, though that will always be an important part of us,” adds Major LeBlanc. “We are here to serve and resource the territory, and ultimately help people on their personal faith journeys with Christ.”
On the Web
In addition to SalvationArmy.ca/ store, you can follow supplies and purchasing on Twitter and Facebook and stay up-to-date with new products and sale items: twitter.com/ salvationarmysp, facebook.com/ salvationarmysp.
Date: Wednesday, November 16th, 2011 Time: 7:30 am Location: Barrie Country Club 635 St. Vincent Street North, Barrie Keynote Speaker: Catriona Le May Doan
Hope in the City Breakfast in your area
Date: Thursday, November 17th, 2011 Time: 7:30 am Location: Ottawa Convention Centre 55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa Keynote Speaker: Lt. General Roméo Dallaire
For information visit: hopeinthecityontario.ca HITC Ontario Salv-Ad.indd 1
Date: Thursday, November 24th, 2011 Time: 7:30 am Location: The Fairmont Royal York Hotel 100 Front Street West, Toronto Keynote Speaker: Lt. General Roméo Dallaire 6/29/2011 10:58:33 AM
Salvationist I October 2011 I 13
The Hope for Our World as We Know It Can we be certain that Jesus will return? What will happen when he does?
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Part two in a two-part series BY DONALD E. BURKE
ecent predictions of the imminent return of Jesus—especially those of American preacher Harold Camping—have stimulated both the fascination and the ridicule of many as we wait to see whether Jesus returns and the world comes to an end on schedule. The fact that so many previous predictions of the Second Coming have proved false calls into question both the nature and the dependability of Christian hope. What do Christians hope for? Is our hope well-grounded or simply wishful thinking? To answer these questions, we must explore the nature and basis of our Christian faith. The Now and the Not Yet Christian hope is grounded in the affirmation that while God is at work in the world, his divine work awaits completion at some time in the future. With the coming of Jesus and his proclamation that, “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has come near …” (Mark 1:15 NRSV), a new era in God’s unfolding plan for the world began. In effect, the long-awaited future had begun. The Kingdom of God was now present, not in its fullness, but in seed. This is the consistent message of many of the Kingdom parables of Jesus (for example, Mark 4:26-32). Further, after the suffering, death and Resurrection of Jesus, the Kingdom sprouted in new ways, through the Holy Spirit. But alongside this emphasis on the presence of the Kingdom, the Church quickly realized that we await the full establishment of God’s rule and the completion of God’s purposes in the world. In the concrete world of reality, where sin, strife and discord seem to rule, it is only by faith that we see evidence of God’s rule breaking in. Therefore, while the Kingdom of God is present now, its full establishment has not yet been realized. This contrast between the now and the not yet, between what God has already 14 I October 2011 I Salvationist
done and what God has yet to do, is a fundamental tension in which we live and it shapes every aspect of our Christian hope. In the Bible there are three different dimensions of Christian hope that require exploration. First, there is the hope that is focused on individuals and our destiny with God. Second, there is a corporate hope for the establishment of a faithful human community, usually referred to as the Kingdom of God. Third, there is hope for the transformation of all creation. Together, these provide depth to our Christian faith that is obscured when we narrow the scope to a particular, highly speculative calendar of events that is focused only on the return of Jesus and the end of the world.
The gap between our present experience and what God has promised creates the space for hope—hope that in God’s time we shall be raised from the dead, as was Jesus 1. Hope for our redemption and resurrection. Although it uses a variety of language to describe our situation, the Bible is uncompromising in its assertion that as human beings, individually and together, we stand in need of salvation. Our Christian faith teaches us that we are profoundly alienated from God, from ourselves and from one another. Life is fraught with conflict within and without. But perhaps most decisively, our need for
deliverance confronts us on the margin of human experience, in death. Death, as both the physical end of our existence on this earth and as the separation from God in eternity, looms over us. Death is an experience we all rub up against—both in the death of loved ones or in the confrontation with our own mortality. As our bodies weaken with the signs of our mortality, we are left to ask, “Is that all there is?” Christian hope—grounded in the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ— answers decisively that there is more. Yet we do not actually experience this freedom from death in this life. The gap between our present experience and what God has promised creates the space for hope—hope that in God’s time we shall be raised from the dead, as was Jesus. It is for this reason that the Apostle Paul can assert, “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). It is not as though we are removed from the sharp pain of the loss of loved ones or that we are not confronted by our own mortality; rather, our confidence in the Resurrection of Jesus gives us hope that we, too, shall be raised to new life. This is our heritage and our hope as Christians. 2. Hope for our broken communities. Early in the biblical story, God observed that it was not good for the first human creature to be alone (see Genesis 2:18). Embedded in this observation is God’s assertion that human beings are social creatures; that is, that we need life together in order to be fully human. But having made this assertion, Scripture goes on to teach that life in families, in our communities and between nations frequently is fraught with conflict. Too often, self-interest and fear reign supreme and produce injustices committed against one another. The reality is that our most profound relationships are burdened with a tension between intimacy and alienation. In contrast to the realities of strife-filled
human communities, the Bible consistently holds out hope for the establishment of a faithful human community in which concern for others outweighs self-interest and in which God stands at the centre of life. At times we snatch glimpses of the divine design for faithful human community. Old Testament prophets dreamed of a time when God would intervene decisively to establish an enduring peace. Isaiah and Micah both envision a world in which strife is ended and humans, animals and all creation live together in harmony (see Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:6-9; Micah 4:1-4). In the New Testament, the vision of a faithful human community surfaces in Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Arising from this insight, Paul asserts that, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). But while fragmentary glimpses of this Kingdom of God are found in many places, its full establishment will come only in God’s time. In the meantime, we work with the Holy Spirit to manifest the principles of the Kingdom in our lives together, in our communities, in our churches and in our families. To the extent that we are successful, we foreshadow the glorious fulfilment of the Kingdom of God, of the faithful human community. We also, how-
ever, look forward to the day when God will bring his Kingdom in its fullness. 3. Hope for creation. Scripture insists that the brokenness of our world extends beyond the alienation between God and humanity, beyond the alienation that exists between individuals, and beyond the conflicts both within and between communities to embrace all of creation. The world in all its dimensions stands in need of God’s saving, recreating work. In our time, when the life of the world is at risk because of damage to the environment, the potential of nuclear disaster and a host of other perils, these aspects of Christian hope have special relevance. The prophets speak of this hope for the restoration of creation. In Isaiah’s vision of the blessings of the coming of the Messiah (see Isaiah 11:1-9), he envisions a time when the lion will lie down with the lamb and the child will not fear the serpent. He sees the return of a glorious ecological harmony within all of creation. For the Apostle Paul, the realization of this vision is already in progress. It is for this reason that Paul can say, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves …” (Romans 8:22-23 NRSV). For Paul, creation groans in the throes of giving birth. Revelation goes further and
holds up before us the hope that God will create a new Heaven and a new earth (see Revelation 21:1). This process has begun; but it awaits its completion. Hope Grounded in Faith On the basis of the testimony of the Scriptures, we are certain that Jesus will come again and that with him will come the fullness of our redemption, the healing of our communities and the revelation of a new Heaven and a new earth. However, the timing is beyond our grasp and attempts to nail down the timing are doomed to failure. But the failed predictions of the return of Jesus and the completion of God’s work should not threaten our hope or lead us to despair of the truthfulness of the gospel’s claims. Rather, they should reinforce our faith and our hope that in God’s time and in God’s way—not our time and our way—Jesus will return and the Kingdom will come. Therefore, Christian hope is never dependent upon a particular timetable of events; it always is grounded in the goodness of God and his purposes. There is no surer foundation for hope than this. Dr. Donald Burke is president and professor of biblical studies at The Salvation Army’s Booth University College in Winnipeg.
Photo: © istockphoto.com/John-Francis Bourke
We are certain that Jesus will come again … However, the timing is beyond our grasp and attempts to nail down the timing are doomed to failure
Salvationist I October 2011 I 15
BATTLE CRY
Luck is for Pagans
In difficult times, embrace a living faith in a living God who directs our path
@ istockphoto.com/Scott Sharick
BY MAJOR DANIELLE STRICKLAND
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here is a saying in my family, “Luck is for pagans.” My nine-year-old son grew up saying it and we find it hilarious most of the time—awkward at others. The most striking thing about his response is realizing how much we use the term. It seems superstition laced with fatalism is running rampant in the world—even in the Christian community. While speaking with a Christian woman the other day about a trying circumstance, she responded, “Oh well, whatever will be, will be.” Really, I thought? That’s the best we’ve got? The other familiar string of fatalism is the idea that God wants us to go through every difficult situation for some cosmic reckoning. I know a recovering drug addict who has been horribly abused by nearly every male figure in her life. She recently told me that she knows God allowed it all to happen for a reason. But what reason would God have to allow one of his children to be abused? Now, don’t get me wrong, I believe with my whole heart that God can and will use absolutely everything and redeem it all for his glory. But God never allows horrible things to happen for some kind of divine reason. Horrible things happen to us for 16 I October 2011 I Salvationist
I don’t need to wait to see what God might do, I need to jump in and do my best to co-operate with what I know to be his will many reasons. Among them are sin, death, evil, the enemy who seeks to kill, steal and destroy. Life isn’t fair, but that is never how God intended it to be. I’m getting tired of fatalism, superstition and flawed theology influencing our Christian faith. So, I want to state some things bluntly, just to set the record straight. 1. Luck is for pagans. Pagans are simply people who worship things other than the one true living God. Paganism is when people put all their faith in things to save them. It’s hoping a rabbit’s foot will bring you luck, throwing salt over your shoulder
to protect your family or having your baby christened so he or she will go to Heaven. It has nothing to do with a living faith in a living God who directs our path. 2. “Whatever will be” is not a Christian philosophy; it’s not even a good song. One of the most exciting things about the Christian faith is the idea that God invites us into a partnership. This is what keeps me going when times are difficult. God invites me to partner with him in bringing redemption to the whole earth. That’s my calling and my job, to co-operate with God in bringing about his Kingdom. Fatalism is not a luxury we can afford. And by “we” I mean the entire human race. Women and children enslaved through human trafficking cannot wait on the whim of fatalism. Nor can those who have not yet heard about the abundant life found in God. 3. Grace breaks through. In U2’s Grace, there is a line that says, “she’s outside of karma.” It’s a small line but a big idea, in which the circle of payback that goes round and round and fills the world with a fatalism that prevents any change (let alone justice) from going anywhere is broken by a thing called grace. Now the most radical notion of karma is in the caste system in India, but the reality is that the caste system is alive and well in every country—it runs through every human heart as a deep temptation to resist grace’s call. I’m amazed how often we agree with the world that change is impossible and people are inevitably stuck in cycles of abuse and violence. God stopped the cycle of sin and invites us to be sin-stoppers as well. I don’t need to wait to see what God might do, I need to jump in and do my best to co-operate with what I know to be his will. I’ve decided that’s not a bad way to spend my life. Offering the good news of radical redemption to people trapped by fatalism and superstition in a luckless world. Care to join me? Major Danielle Strickland is the corps officer of Edmonton Crossroads Community Church.
Divine Deception?
How modalism helped shape the doctrine of the Trinity
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Third of a six-part series on heresy BY JAMES PEDLAR
he doctrine of the Trinity is at the wanted to deny tri-theism and affirm the core of the Christian faith and divinity of Christ, but they could see that is an essential rule for the faithmodalism would lead them to some theoful proclamation of the gospel. logical dead ends. Trinitarian doctrine holds that we worship First of all, modalism created difficulone God who exists as three divine perties for dealing with the death of Christ sons. Father, Son and Spirit are all fully on the cross. Modalist teaching led to divine, co-equal in power and glory, and the conclusion that God the Father had are united in a divine community of persuffered on the cross—an idea known as fect love that cannot be divided. Even so, “patripassianism.” This contradicted the they are three distinct persons. The Triune classical affirmation that God is unchangeGod is a profound mystery that we cannot fully comprehend, eternally existing as both three and one. Although trinitarian faith is inherent in Scripture, the official doctrine of the Trinity was not spelled out explicitly until the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. By that time, the council was giving voice to a consensus that had emerged in the preceding centuries, thanks in part to the dispute with the modalist heresy. The modalists, who flourished in the second and third centuries, proposed that there was only one divine person who appeared in different “modes” or “masks” at various times in human history. In other words, from a modalist perspective, it was the Father who became incarnate in the Virgin Mary. And the Spirit was simply the “mode” in which the one divine person revealed himself at other times. The modalists actually had good Andrei Rublev’s icon of the Trinity intentions and developed their ideas in response to two legitimate concerns. able and cannot suffer. The suffering that First, modalists were trying to protect the the Son experienced was made possible Christian faith against tri-theism (the belief by virtue of his humanity, not his divinity. that there are three gods). This led them In addition, modalists had to interpret to deny the personal distinctiveness of the many passages of Scripture in strange ways Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Second, the in order to support their theories. For modalists were trying to affirm the full example, consider the baptism of Jesus. divinity of Jesus Christ. Their strategy was In this story, Jesus himself is in the river to affirm that Jesus and the Father were Jordan, while God the Father addresses in fact the same person. him as his Son, and the Holy Spirit desOf course, orthodox Christians also cends upon him like a dove. To say that
these three are really just “masks” of one person makes God seem like a deceiver. Why would God create such a ruse, talking to himself, if there were not really three divine persons? Today, some theories of religious pluralism bear a resemblance to the modalist heresy. It is not uncommon to hear people today claim that one generic God appears to people in different ways through all religions. If we accept that idea, it is not much of a stretch to say that Jesus was simply one of these divine “appearances” of God, alongside other religious teachers and prophets. The gospel attests, however, that in Christ God really did become flesh. Jesus, during his time on earth, was not an apparition, but the eternal Son, fully divine and yet also fully human, living among us and taking our sins upon himself on the cross. This is not simply one religious story among others, but a revelation of God’s very essence. Modalism leaves people wondering about the trustworthiness of God’s self-revelation as recorded in Scripture. But the historic trinitarian faith of the Church tells us that the gospel is not a form of divine deception. God is not hiding somewhere behind a series of masks. While we don’t know everything about God, we can be confident that what God has revealed is true. God is who God reveals himself to be: a Triune communion of perfect love, into which we are drawn as God the Father accepts us through the merits of God the Son, and sends God the Spirit into our hearts to assure us of our adoption. James Pedlar is a doctoral student at Wycliffe College, in the Toronto School of Theology. He works part-time as assistant co-ordinator of faith and witness at the Canadian Council of Churches. Visit his blog at jamespedlar.wordpress.com. Salvationist I October 2011 I 17
POINT COUNTERPOINT
Trick or Treat?
This month, little ghosts and goblins will come knocking on your door. Is Halloween a bad influence on our children?
NO. Halloween is harmless fun. Just because some have chosen it as their “helliday” doesn’t make it evil. The Church can redeem this event without succumbing to its dark side. hen I was young, I loved dressing up in elaborate costumes each Halloween, smelling the crisp, earthy air from the fallen leaves, running from house to house … and, oh yes, the candy! But Halloween is hard for some Christians—they just don’t know what to do with it. Is it sinful and evil? Is it all about Satan worship and pagan gods? Or is it just fun and games? Years ago, when I got serious about my relationship with God I wanted to make sure that if I participated in Halloween I wasn’t breaking some kind of spiritual law. So I did some research. Here’s what I found. Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic feast of Samhain (pronounced sah-ween). Although it’s all about the candy now, it had some eerie beginnings. Originally it was a night for the druids to lead the people in a celebration of Samhain, whom they believed to be the Lord of the Dead. His festival fell on November 1. Most pagan nations had a belief that at death the souls of good people were taken by good spirits and carried off to paradise, but the souls of wicked people were left to wander the space between the earth and the moon or consigned to inhabit animals. On Samhain, the veil between the physical world and the spirit world was pierced, releasing evil spirits that would then harass the living. These wicked souls would return to their homes, so people would attempt to ward them off by wearing scary costumes. They would draw gargoyles on their houses and carve out gourds and pumpkins and put lights in them. They even tried to placate the evil spirits by offering them food. However, if the spirits weren’t satisfied, they would play a trick on them. Hence, trick or treat! When Christianity spread through Europe and the British Isles, many pagans and druids converted to Christianity. However, they were still very superstitious. Many of the people were illiter18 I October 2011 I Salvationist
Photo: © istockphoto.com/Sean Locke
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BY MAJOR KATHIE CHIU
ate and uneducated and so their understanding of many things was very primitive. In order to combat superstition, the Roman Catholic Church established All Saints Day, a rival celebration on November 1. All Saints Day honoured all the martyrs who had died that year. On October 31, the Church held a mass called All Hallows, and the evening became known as All Hallows E’en, which means “holy evening.” Halloween is the Church’s attempt to redeem a pagan celebration. This is nothing new for the Church. Christmas and Easter were also timed to replace pagan celebrations. Some of the old symbols remain—the Easter egg is a sign of fertility as is the Christmas tree. So what is so evil about Halloween? Some simply practise it as a cultural festival—a night to dress up and have some fun. Others have embraced a pagan-like religious belief and have resurrected some of what they think are ancient Celtic practices. Still others have embraced evil and declared Halloween their special night. The Bible tells us that we are not to have anything to do with
POINT COUNTERPOINT sorcery, divination or other occult-like practices (see Deuteronomy 18:10-13). Does Halloween fall in that category? I don’t think so. Just because some have chosen it as their “helliday” doesn’t make it evil. Our family has fun with it every year. We take the opportunity to go door-to-door with our kids and give out treats, meet our neighbours and say, “God bless you.” We also choose not to celebrate or glorify evil by dressing in costumes that resemble occult creatures—although this is a constant challenge, we still resist. Some people give out gospel tracts and others celebrate with harvest festivals in their churches. Whatever we choose to do, we are to take God’s light into our communities. Whenever we engage our culture in this way, we should pray. We pray for opportunities to witness. We pray for protection over our family. We pray for discernment and wisdom as parents and also for our children as they go into our neighbourhood, encountering people who believe differently than us. Finally, we have fun and give all the glory to Jesus, because every day is his day. Major Kathie Chiu is the executive director at the Centre of Hope and the Bethesda Centre in London, Ont.
YES. Christians are called to be set apart from the world. We have better things to do with our time than participate in Halloween’s rampant commercialization and pagan origins.
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second-hand store. I don’t decorate elaborately or with anything that looks satanic or evil. So every year I decide that it must be all right for me to send my child out into the community for an hour on Halloween to say hello to our neighbours. I decide that overindulging on sugar on occasion isn’t the worst thing in the world. I decide that since I do not personally practise ancient pagan festivals that I must not be doing anything anti-Christian. I decide that handing out a little treat to a few eight-year-olds is a nice gesture that displays my generosity. So, every year I celebrate Halloween. But the more I think about whether Christians should celebrate Halloween, the more I second-guess my “yes” vote. Just because I’m not doing anything wrong by celebrating Halloween, doesn’t mean I’m doing anything right by celebrating it either. There must be better ways to meet my neighbours that will glorify God. Abstaining from Halloween activities sets one apart from the rest of the crowd. Paul says to the Roman believers that they must “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [their] mind” (Romans 12:2). As Christians, we are called to live holy lives and being holy means being set apart for God’s purpose. We have so little time here on earth. Every moment is an opportunity to bring light into a dark world. Every conversation with someone is an opening to show God’s love. Every cent we have can be used to help someone in need. Perhaps my time, effort and money can be better spent on October 31 than handing out a few chocolates to children already on a sugar-high. Lieutenant Hannah Jeffery is the assistant corps officer and director of community ministries at Spryfield Community Church in Halifax.
BY LIEUTENANT HANNAH JEFFERY
s I write this it is August and already I’ve noticed several new stores around town that display signs reading “Coming Soon.” They are Halloween stores devoted to selling costumes, decorations and other Halloween paraphernalia. Is it no longer enough to have the seasonal section at Wal-Mart boast black streamers and witch hats for the month of October? For months on end, we are encouraged to spend our hard-earned money on stuff that we don’t need. A $30 costume for our child to wear for an hour and grow out of by next year. Plastic ice cubes that look like eyeballs to float in the punch at the office party. A life-size glow-in-the-dark skeleton. We seem to give in more and more each year to this materialistic trap. Last year, Canadians spent approximately $1.5 billion on Halloween and the trend is on the rise. Should Christians celebrate this holiday, spend their money on frivolous decorations and associate themselves with this traditionally pagan event? I ask myself these questions every year. I don’t spend a colossal amount of money. I buy my child’s costume at a Salvationist I October 2011 I 19
Planting Seeds in
Victoria
Meaningful connections in the community lead to growth at High Point Community Church
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he Salvation Army’s High Point Community Church in Victoria is a hive of activity. Saturdays are especially busy at their toy lending library. While children rummage through the collection of toys and test them in the playgroup area, parents socialize over coffee and volunteers clean and return the borrowed items. “From 9 a.m. to noon, the church is filled with laughter, friendly chatter and love,” says Ruth Young, a parent. “The toy library is about building community. The children play with each other, the adults share parenting advice and High Point can promote upcoming events.” The toy library is one of many initiatives the church runs for the neighbourhood, but in this case, it was specifically started at the request of local parents. “The toy lending library is an opportunity for our children to explore and play with toys in a non-commercial environment,” says Paula Ceroni, a parent who approached High Point when a similar program at the YMCA ceased. “It also reduces the impact on the environment, provides access to toys at a price that every family can afford and helps parents educate their children on the importance of sharing.” Since Lieutenants Peter and Alison Lublink, corps officers, agreed to start the program one year ago, more than 40 community families have registered. “The library volunteers are excited by the positive response,” says Lieutenant Peter. “And over the last few months, more parents have been asking questions about Christianity and there has been a flow of people into other aspects of our church.” Lieutenant Peter attributes the library’s success to the fact that the community wanted it. Building on the importance of listening to the neighbourhood, the corps also created a vegetable garden because the city is conscious about sustainable living. 20 I October 2011 I Salvationist
BY JULIA HOSKING, STAFF WRITER
Lts Alison and Peter Lublink, COs, High Point Community Church, are passionate about connecting with their neighbourhood
“Not being involved in urban farming set us apart from our neighbourhood and we want to work with them to serve them,” explains Lieutenant Peter of the decision to turn the church’s lawn into garden beds. The produce is distributed to people in need of food, along with some recipe ideas. “Since its inception, we’ve received many comments about how great it is that the church is growing crops,” he continues. “We also frequently have people gardening in front of our building. As people walk past, it’s an excellent opportunity to talk with them about God the Creator.” Seeing the urban farm was a motivating factor for Lizzie Milward, a Christian new to Victoria, to start attending the church. “I had been praying about how to be involved in conserving the environment and serving Christ’s Church without exhausting myself,” she shares. “When
I saw the garden beds at The Salvation Army, I realized God was giving me a hint. I visited the church and have been there ever since.” Reaching and Teaching Having now spent three years ministering in Victoria, the Lublinks are aware of attitudes of apathy—and even opposition—to Christianity in the city. To help break down barriers to church, High Point throws a free block party every year in July. “The block party is an opportunity for us to bless the neighbourhood with our hospitality,” says Lieutenant Peter. “It has no strings attached; no tracts, brochures or donation appeals. We even invite local community musicians—who aren’t part of our church—to play. As a result, we’ve seen people become more open to the church. Some ask about our programs and others
even request a tour of the building.” Out of its many community connections, High Point’s previously small church congregation has grown. There are many people entering the corps and hearing about Christ for the first time who’ve never before stepped inside a church building. While celebrating this, the Lublinks also realize they need to increase people’s biblical knowledge. “We take a book of the Bible and sink our teeth into it,” says Lieutenant Peter. “For instance, we recently finished a 28-week series working through Acts.” Among the many new believers are long-standing Christians such as Audrey Russell, who has been a soldier at High Point for more than 40 years. She currently volunteers five days a week as the corps secretary and treasurer and teaches a women’s cell group (Bible study) every Thursday. “As with all cell groups at High Point, we look at the Sunday sermon on a deeper level,” says Russell. “The officers supply questions and people also bring their own. You don’t usually have the opportunity to ask questions on Sundays, but you do in the cell group.” “Sunday school classes also follow the same teaching,” adds Lieutenant Peter, “and so the interaction of families around Scripture has been getting healthier, as parents can more frequently talk to their children about what they learned. And on the whole, we’ve seen people’s understanding of the Bible increasing.” Passionate about this biblical emphasis, the Lublinks upload their sermons to the church website (pointful.ca) so people are able to hear the teaching regardless of their attendance on Sundays. Although 120 people are regularly involved at High Point, only 60 to 70 are there on any given week due to shift work, split parenting and other activities. This online initiative has simultaneously been an avenue for new people to connect to the church. “The Internet is the number 1 place where people are researching,” says Lieutenant Peter. “By having a strong web and Facebook presence, people can know what to expect. They can see faces and hear our preaching before walking through the door. “One couple found and joined us—and then the international Salvation Army— because of a Google search. We eventually officiated at their wedding, prayed for them when they moved as teachers to the Middle East and helped them connect to the Army in Kuwait.”
Above: Corban, whose parents are recent members of the toy lending library, tests out a new toy; below: Dan Lavallee tends to one of the many gardens at the front of the church property
Local Missionaries Not only has High Point’s congregation increased in recent years, but many members have been enrolled as soldiers. There are many young adults stepping up in ministry alongside long-term volunteers and some teenagers have commenced Bible studies in their schools. “I love being able to help people in need,” shares Reena Kersey, 14, who grew up at High Point, recently became a soldier and regularly participates in church and street ministry. “It is my passion to save more people in the community.” “Young people are the Army of tomorrow, so it is great that they are a growing group at High Point,” says Russell. “The older generations have a lot of wisdom to share with others, but without the young, the corps will disappear. And the more the
church is evangelizing in the community, as it is currently doing, the more growth we will see.” Russell is not the only member of the congregation observing the church’s new life. “It is exciting to see solid leadership among our young people,” shares Dan Lavallee, a long-term soldier and volunteer. “Our officers have put young leaders in positions of responsibility and they have shown a tremendous amount of trust in people.” It is not just the young who are being motivated to serve and lead at High Point. All ages are encouraged to use their personal passions and interests, regardless of experience. Sharing in Community Part of encouraging people in their walk with God comes through High Point’s emphasis on the New Testament model of church. It cultivates a seven-days-aweek pattern of living out the Kingdom on earth through teaching, fellowship and the sharing together of meals in small groups. “We often have people come into our home for meals,” says Lieutenant Alison. “This encourages a sense of family and the biblical notion of eating together and ‘breaking bread.’ It’s a beautiful experience to share a meal with others.” Lieutenants Lublink believe this, along with individual mentorship, has contributed to the growth in numbers in the young adults and teens. “Discipling others in their relationship with Christ is important,” says Lieutenant Alison, who is responsible for the area of discipleship in the corps. “We’re all at different points in our relationship with Jesus and sometimes it’s helpful to meet with someone regularly to keep us accountable and continuing in our holiness walk.” Everything High Point does, whether it is mentoring, a toy library, a block party or other activity, is under the purpose of reaching to, and connecting with, the neighbourhood. “We are trying to create a culture where we share all things in common,” says Lieutenant Peter. “That’s how we’re designed as humans and called to be as Christians.” “It is wonderful to be part of a community of people at High Point who are not just committed to Jesus in terms of programs, but also in their overall lifestyle,” adds Lieutenant Alison. “They live out what it means to follow Jesus, and it’s inspirational to experience.” Salvationist I October 2011 I 21
22 I October 2011 I Salvationist
MEDIA REVIEWS
Territorial Prayer Guide
VeggieTales: The Little Drummer Boy
This DVD is a heartwarming retelling of The Little Drummer Boy based on Ephesians 4:32, which says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” It teaches important lessons about giving to others and the power of forgiveness. The DVD features multi-Grammy and Dove Award-winning artists BeBe and CeCe Winans, singing their version of The Little Drummer Boy. Bonus features include an audio summary, sing-along songs and a make-your-owndrum family activity.
WEEK 1 – OCTOBER 1-8 Cultivating Faith • The Army to provide more biblical teaching to help the Christian community mature (see 2 Timothy 2:15) • New methods of recruiting and training people to be spiritually mature and educationally competent (see 1 Peter 3:15) • The Holy Spirit to nourish us through teaching, worship and fellowship (see Galatians 5:22) • Understanding of God’s redemptive plan for the world and our part in it (see Matthew 28:18, 20)
Practicing the Way of Jesus
Life Together in the Kingdom of Love Mark Scandrette It’s easy to think and talk about our faith without actually doing anything. Does practising a spiritual discipline sound like just one more thing on the to-do list? “If Jesus taught and demonstrated a revolutionary way of love that is possible, then we need a path for experiencing it in the details of our lives,” says author Mark Scandrette. In this book, he shares his experience of spiritual growth in community and offers practical spiritual “experiments” that Christians can do together to live out a new way of life under the reign of Jesus.
WEEK 2 – OCTOBER 9-15 Special Events • Thankful heart for God’s faithfulness, love, provisions and mercy • Wisdom for the Army’s churchplanting ministry leaders meeting in Calgary and Edmonton • The church to compassionately respond to the hungry • The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on officer delegates at Brengle Institute WEEK 3 – OCTOBER 16-22 Focus on Overseas Personnel • Col Susan McMillan, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, South America East Tty • Comr M. Christine MacMillan, international director for social justice, IHQ • Cpts Paul and Pedrinah Thistle, The Salvation Army Howard Hospital, Zimbabwe Tty
Why People Don’t Believe
Confronting Seven Challenges to Christian faith Paul Chamberlain Many people see religious faith as dangerous and even violent. They say that religion causes intolerance, imperialism, irrationality, bigotry and war. How are Christians to respond? In Why People Don’t Believe, Paul Chamberlain honestly represents the challenges raised against religious faith and Christianity in particular. He evaluates whether these criticisms have merit and outlines Christianity’s many contributions to the world over the past 2,000 years. If you are troubled by today’s headlines involving religious violence or if you don’t know how to respond to critics, you will find this a helpful and hopeful book.
Getting Back Up When Life Knocks You Down
Jeremy Kingsley Jeremy Kingsley teaches leadership development and is a consultant for churches and corporations. He knows what it’s like to be knocked down. Whether you are facing job loss, illness, financial pressure, divorce, broken dreams or other hardships, Kingsley offers time-tested guidance and practical help. His purpose is to help readers transform their lives so they can face the future with fresh hope and strength. Chapter titles include The Power of Perseverance, The Hurt That Heals and Worry Less, Laugh More.
WEEK 4 – OCTOBER 23-29 Christians in the Marketplace • Leaders of Christian institutions to stand by their spiritual principles • Christian students to remain focused on Christ in equipping themselves for leadership • Christians to persevere in their faith and serve with integrity • Army educators to be effective as salt and light in their ministry environments
The World of the Early Church
A Social History Simon Jones In the first decades after Christ, Christian communities sprang up from Jerusalem to Rome, all trying to figure out how to live their new-found faith. But how did they live their daily lives? Surveying archeological evidence and contemporary accounts, The World of the Early Church answers this question. Illustrated throughout with brilliantly coloured pictures, maps and reproductions, this lay-friendly and fascinating survey brings the New Testament world to life.
WEEK 4 – OCTOBER 30-31 Leadership Development • Officer delegates to be spiritually and educationally refreshed during their Holy Land visit
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Salvationist I October 2011 I 23
Words
to Inspire and Encourage Major Beverly Ivany is the new author of Words of Life, the international Salvation Army devotional book BY JULIA HOSKING, STAFF WRITER
M
Mjr Beverly Ivany
ajor Beverly Ivany woke up at midnight, strongly sensing God was speaking to her. She soon realized why: she needed to change her perspective on Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple involved in New Testament ministry (see Acts 18). “That night, God reminded me that Priscilla is a married woman and the Apostle Paul often placed her name in front of Aquila’s when writing about them,” says Major Ivany, the new author of Words of Life, a book of daily devotional readings produced by The Salvation Army internationally. “I felt God telling me to adjust what I had written to emphasize the significance of the married team and the importance of women to him. I don’t think I would have noticed these aspects on my 24 I October 2011 I Salvationist
own. It is at times like this when I feel it’s the Lord guiding me and we’re in this together.” A new issue of Words of Life is published every four months. Each daily reading includes a portion of Scripture and a short devotional thought, such as the one on Priscilla and Aquila. Over the next three years, every book of the Bible will be covered under the overarching themes of faith, hope and love. “The purpose of Words of Life is to inspire and encourage Christians through Scripture,” says Major Ivany. “The readings are not cumbersome. They’re simply an opportunity for people to get into the habit of starting their day with God.” Words of Life is available in Salvation Army trade department stores as well as certain Christian bookstores. Because of the international audience, Major Ivany needs to avoid North American terminology or anecdotes when writing her devotional messages. “The books also have guest writers who represent a variety of countries as we try to relate to people around the world,” Major Ivany notes. “The benefit of it being an international publication is that on any given day, you know that other Salvationists and Christians are reading the same words as you and sharing in that intimate way with God. That connects and unifies us.” A Journey with God Major Ivany comes to her
appointment having written more than 100 articles for Salvation Army publications and three books: Kid Talk, Teen Talk and Mentorship: A Guide for Developing Healthy Mentoring Relationships. “I’ve always enjoyed writing but have never done it as a full-time appointment,” Major Ivany shares. “It is an extension of my thought life and spiritual life—it’s important for me to put down in words what is going on in my head and heart. I rely on the Lord for my writ-
ing, which has deepened my relationship with him.” As noted on the back cover, Major Ivany wants to encourage people to “take time with the Father daily as you meditate upon his Word. Ask Jesus to interpret his Word and speak to your heart. And open yourself to the Spirit as he brings inspiration.” Words of Life is available from supplies and purchasing in store or online at salvationarmy.ca/store.
PURSUING HOLINESS
The Power of His Promise What does it mean to partake in the divine nature? BY MAJOR CLARENCE BRADBURY
Bible Study: 2 Peter 1
Y
ou’re richer than you think! That’s what the Bible tells us. God keeps surprising us with the scope of his investment in his people. The evangelist Alexander MacLaren wrote: “Christ puts the key of the treasure-chamber into our hand, and bids us take all that we want. If a man is admitted into the bullion vault of a bank and told to help himself, and comes out with one cent, whose fault is it that he is poor?” Our introductory study in September’s Salvationist invited us to consider God’s large-handed generosity. He gives us everything we need, not only for everyday living, but also for authentic Christian conduct that pleases God. There is no deficiency in God’s provision for masterful living. In 2 Peter 1, we learn that the glory and goodness of God’s nature are displayed in the intimacy of our relationship with his Son, Jesus Christ. In this study we follow Peter’s progression of thought, using our read, reflect, reshape and receive outline. Just one verse can pack sufficient spiritual power to transform us. Don’t miss this divine encounter. READ—Thoughtfully read verses 1-4, then reread verse four from different translations to learn the meaning of these words. Find and read other verses that come to mind concerning any key word or concept contained in this verse. REFLECT—Notice that verses 1-5 contain one continuous stream of inspiration. See how one phrase links with what comes before it. Verse four in the NIV translation commences with the phrase “through these.” Look back to verse three, and earlier, to
consider what “these” refers to. Discuss the links between “precious faith” in verse one and “precious promises” in verse four. Identify two or three biblical promises that are precious to you. What can believers do when God’s Word seems to fail? Does God ever fail to fulfil his promises? How can we find consolation when faith in God’s promises does not make sense? The promises of God yield two gigantic benefits: participation in God’s nature and escape from corruption. That’s quite a benefit package! In Peter’s day, as in ours, we see elitist and self-serving notions about the relationship between humanity and God. For example, Eastern mysticism, which focuses on self instead of God, has entered in the mainstream of today’s church culture. As a result, many of us bypass genuine Christian mysticism. In 2 Peter 1:4 we have a contemporary call to a journey of spiritual formation that restores and redeploys a new breed of believers for God’s pleasure and purpose. What does it mean to partake in the divine nature? Not that we become God in essence or attributes, but rather that we become Godlike in character. Since God is love, we become loving. Since God is truth, we become truthful and truth-loving. It’s a matter of association and nature. An old chorus rightly reflects this: “O thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine, till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.” Can you think of other biblical images that support Peter’s idea of sharing God’s nature? How do these images resonate with your own pursuit of the Holy One (see Isaiah 6:1-7)? RESHAPE—In what ways do these verses help you to pursue the Holy One and escape the gravity of evil that pervades our culture? Is Christlikeness an option for “higher level” believers or is it God’s design for everyone? How can we reshape our culture, instead of reshaping our view of God to match the preferences of our culture? RECEIVE—In view of biblical promises for living a God-pleasing life, identify anything that needs adjustment in your life, family or corps. Right now, receive a promise from God to help you contribute to a better future for yourself and others. Consider these verses: Psalm 9:9-10; Isaiah 40:31; Proverbs 2:1-9.
Resources
• When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box by John Ortberg (Zondervan, 2007) • Life in Christ: A Guide for Daily Living by John Stott (Tyndale House, 1991) • Purity of Heart by William Booth at www.jesus.org.uk/vault/ library/booth_purity_of_heart.pdf Major Clarence Bradbury, D. Min., is leadership trainer and program developer at The Salvation Army Jack McDowell School for Leadership Development, Atlanta. Salvationist I October 2011 I 25
CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
ENROLMENTS AND RECOGNITION
SPRYFIELD, N.S.—Spryfield Community Church welcomes new adherents. From left, Bill Bowers; Don Gower; Karen Nash; Lt Rob Jeffery, CO; Barb Chapman; Peggy Parks-Stephens; Daniel Ryder; Kirk MacKenzie; Lt Hannah Jeffery, CO; Scott Brady; Judy Brady.
KENTVILLE, N.S.—Eleven members are enrolled in women’s ministries at Kentville. With them are HLT Maxine Bezanson; HLS Edith Wheaton; Mjr Doreen Grandy, CO.
OTTAWA—Kathleen and Jorden McDormand celebrate the dedication of their baby daughter, Rebecca Paige, at Ottawa Citadel. Front, from left, Ava Grace and Alyssa, Rebecca’s sisters. Back row, from left, Mjr Robert MacDonald, CO; Kathleen McDormand; Mjrs Bert and Kathie Sharp, grandparents; Jorden McDormand, holding Rebecca; Frances Price, great-grandmother; uncles Johnathan and Tim Sharp. OTTAWA—Volunteers provide vital care to the 128 residents of The Salvation Army Ottawa Grace Manor. Ruth Bellingham is recognized for her 3,000 hours of volunteer service to Grace Manor residents. Bellingham’s volunteer activities include various clerical functions, visiting the residents and assisting with their feeding. From left, Joanne Tilley, consultant, THQ social services; Cpt Derrick Gullage, executive director; Cpt Grace Gullage, director of spiritual care; Mjr Douglas Smith, then AC, Ont. CE Div. 26 I October 2011 I Salvationist
LAKE L’ACHIGAN, QUE.—Women of different ages and linguistic groups had a great time of fellowship, relaxation and spiritual growth during the Quebec women’s weekend at the Army’s Lake l’Achigan Camp. Highlights included Mjr Beverly Ivany’s teaching for English speakers on Dancing with God and Marianne Petit-Clerc’s inspiring exhortations to French women on Victory in Jesus. An upbeat Saturday night program featured a performance by Mjr Kathryn Trim, DDWM, and Lt-Col Marilynn St-Onge, as Sonny and Cher. “God’s hand of blessing was evident as hearts were touched and women grew in grace,” says Mjr Betty Lessard, Francophone ministries training officer. From left, Marianne Petit-Clerc, Mjr Kathryn Trim, Mjr Beverly Ivany.
JACKSON’S POINT, ONT.—Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, territorial leaders, installed Lt-Cols Susan and Dirk van Duinen as new divisional leaders, Ont. CE Div, at the Army’s Jackson’s Point Camp on July 13. Lt-Col Susan van Duinen has been appointed divisional commander and divisional director of women’s ministries. Lt-Col Dirk van Duinen has been appointed area commander for corps ministries in the Greater Toronto Area. From left, Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, Lt-Cols Dirk and Susan van Duinen, Commissioner Brian Peddle.
CHATHAM, ONT.—Chatham-Kent Ministries rejoices in the enrolment of five senior soldiers, nine adherents and one recommitment. Front, from left, Larry Schofield, Dorothy White, Laurie Schofield. Middle, from left, Dave Howard, Katie Wright, Donna White, Deb Wright, Deb Baker. Back, from left, Luke Burford, Mark Burford, Amy Rivait, Amanda Rivait, Dave Hawgood, Rod Baker.
CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
240 Years of Service by Sessionmates
BRANDON, MAN.— Four new junior soldiers are celebrated at Brandon. From left, Kassiah S a n k a r, R ay n Haverchuk, Ethan S a n k a r, L i a m Mac Kenzie, Cpt Kristiana Mac Kenzie, then CO.
TORONTO—During a chapel service at territorial headquarters on June 23, Comr William W. Francis, then territorial commander, presented 40-year service pins to Mjrs Doug and Jean Hefford, Lt-Cols Junior and Verna Hynes, and Mjrs Doreen and Max Sturge. The group trained together in St. John’s, N.L., as members of the Lightbringers Session, married within their session a year after being commissioned and have served for a combined 240 years. At the time of the presentation, all six officers were serving at THQ.
Retired Officer – Joyce Boyarski Major Jolie Boyarski was commissioned in 1984 and served as a corps officer in Port Alberni and Kelowna, B.C. While serving as a divisional envoy at New Westminster Corps, B.C., Jolie received a master of theology in counselling degree. She has been chaplain for the last 13 years at Buchanan Lodge in New Westminster, B.C., which has involved mentoring and training chaplains on site and teaching an online course in long-term care chaplaincy for Booth University College. “In my varied journey, I sensed God leading me to specialized ministry with seniors,” says Jolie. “All my experiences and training have dovetailed into this ministry of love for the Lord.” Jolie feels blessed in having two daughters and four grandchildren. “In my ministry in the past and in retirement, I claim my life Scripture, ‘ “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” ’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11).
St. Albert Church and Community Centre Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Celebrating 95 Years of Service NANAIMO, B.C.—Mjrs Martin and Joan McCarter have completed 95 years of combined service as Salvation Army officers. Lt-Col Susan van Duinen, then DC, B.C. Div, acknowledged their faithful service to God and the Army during a celebration in Nanaimo. The McCarters trained as officers in South Africa where they served for many years. In Canada, they ministered in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia, and are currently serving at divisional headquarters for the Alta. and Northern Ttys Div.
ST. ALBERT, ALTA.—On April 30, St. Albert Church and Community Centre celebrated 25 years of ministry. Councillor Malcolm Parker and chamber of commerce representative Mike Howes spoke of the Army’s impact on their community. Mjr Fred Waters, then D.C., Alta. and Northern Ttys Div, brought greetings. Mjr Anne Venables, who had been stationed there with her husband, Mjr Brian Venables, from 1991-1998, remembered the pioneering days, which culminated in the construction of the corps’ facilities at 165 Liberton Drive. In the photo, Al Davison cuts the anniversary cake, aided by twins Mason and Chase McTiernan.
GAZETTE
TERRITORIAL Appointments Mjrs William/Donna Barthau, territorial project officer and facilitator for the Compassion in Action Team, Indonesia Tty; Cpt Hannu Lindholm, Helsinki Corps, Finland, Finland and Estonia Tty; Cpt Gerry Lindholm, Helsinki Corps and training assistant, school for officer training, Helsinki, Finland, Finland and Estonia Tty
CALENDAR
Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle Oct 6 welcome of territorial leaders, Que. Div; Oct 9 Moncton Citadel, Maritime Div; Oct 11
welcome of territorial leaders, Halifax, Maritime Div; Oct 12 welcome of territorial leaders, Deer Lake, N.L. Div; Oct 13 welcome of territorial leaders, Gander, N.L. Div; Oct 14 welcome of territorial leaders, Carbonear, N.L. Div; Oct 16 welcome of territorial leaders, Trinity Bay South, N.L. Div; Oct 20 welcome of territorial leaders, London, Ont. GL Div; Oct 23 Brengle covenant service, JPPC, Jackson’s Point, Ont.; Oct 27-28 Evangelical Fellowship of Canada presidents’ day and denominational leaders’ meeting, Vancouver* *Commissioner Brian Peddle only Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd Oct 1-2 Northern British Columbia, B.C. Div; Oct
6 welcome of territorial leaders, Que. Div; Oct 11 welcome of territorial leaders, Halifax, Maritime Div; Oct 12 welcome of territorial leaders, Deer Lake, N.L. Div; Oct 13 welcome of territorial leaders, Gander, N.L. Div; Oct 16 college for officer training, Winnipeg; Oct 20 welcome of territorial leaders, London, Ont. GL Div; Oct 21-23 Fairview Citadel anniversary, Halifax, Maritime Div; Oct 26-Nov 9 Holy Land tour General and Mrs Bramwell Tillsley Oct 14-16 Manchester, Connecticut, U.S.A.; Oct 17-26 Brengle Institute, Toronto Canadian Staff Band Oct 1-2 Yarmouth, N.S. Salvationist I October 2011 I 27
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Accepted for Training Vilma Ramos Mississauga Temple Community Church, Ontario Central-East Division God called me to restore my relationship with him through repenting of my sins and accepting Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance and reading God’s Word, God has transformed my mind and heart. My love for people witnesses to the world that I am a follower of Christ. The Holy Spirit has helped me to let go of old ways and to develop new godly habits. God wants us to serve him wholeheartedly, which I do passionately and enthusiastically. God has the right to direct my life and I am ready to be trained and “go to war” with him. Ricaurte Velasquez Mississauga Temple Community Church, Ontario Central-East Division I grew up as a Roman Catholic in Colombia, South America. Since moving to Canada in 2006, we have attended Mississauga Temple Community Church. Through participating in the corps’ Celebrate Recovery program, I faced my character flaws, struggles and addictions, and the Holy Spirit has changed my life and equipped me to serve. I have been involved with the multicultural and worship ministries, Spanish translation for Sunday’s worship and leadership in other church programs. I also went on two mission trips to Cuba promoted by the Ontario Central-East Division. Jesus came to show us how to live in holiness, obedience and faithfulness. I want to serve him in the power of the Spirit. David Hickman Wyndfield Community Church, Brantford, Ontario Great Lakes Division During my spiritual pilgrimage, I have gone from being a fully trusting child of God to a sceptical, fence-sitting adolescent/young adult, back to a totally committed Christian. Taking God at his word and stepping out in faith, I learned he would meet my needs and never disappoint. Through my many travels, God has placed an enormous weight on my heart to surrender my life to serve humanity. My desire is to lead others to an experience of God’s love and promises. There is a deep peace and God-given confidence knowing that along with my wife, Laura, I am following his will. I identify with the words found in Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’ ” Laura Hickman Wyndfield Community Church, Brantford, Ontario Great Lakes Division My walk with the Lord has been strengthened by such biblical promises as, “For I know the plans I have for you, … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11), and “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16.3). My spiritual journey has taught me that I am in God’s hands and he knows what’s best for my life. I have known since 2005 that he has been moulding me for servant ministry. As David and I embark upon the adventure of officership, I look forward to seeing God’s plan unfold in our lives. 28 I October 2011 I Salvationist
Colleen Gleadall Meadowlands Community Church, Hamilton, Ontario Great Lakes Division Knowing about God’s love as a child through my of f icer parents, I accepted Christ as Saviour at the age of seven. I rebelled against God during my teen years, blaming him for any bad things in my life. In young adulthood, I let go of my anger and recommitted my life to Christ. I subsequently sensed God’s call to ministry in The Salvation Army. Although I do not know what lies ahead, I am making myself available to God and feel at peace in following his will. Justin Gleadall Meadowlands Community Church, Hamilton, Ontario Great Lakes Division I have experienced many ups and downs in life. As a youth, I questioned and blamed God for putting me through these experiences. Through growing in my relationship with God, I now see how he has used these things to help prepare me for training college and for ministry as a Salvation Army officer. God’s promise to Jeremiah encourages me: “For I know the plans I have for you, … plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Josh Howard Guelph, Ontario Great Lakes Division As a teenager, I felt God’s call to be an officer. In various ways through family and friends, I have been reaffirmed of this calling. My wife and I are now ready and excited to serve the Lord through the various opportunities available in fulltime ministry with The Salvation Army. Tina Howard Guelph, Ontario Great Lakes Division I accepted Jesus into my life as a child at York Community Church, Toronto. While living in Brampton, Ont., and preparing to attend university, I sensed God’s call to become an officer. I completed my degree program at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ont., and after marrying Josh and spending five wonderful years in Guelph, I praise God for the prospect of following his call to the college for officer training.
The Salvation Army
Cascade Community Church (Abbotsford, B.C.)
25th Anniversary October 15-16, 2011 Help us celebrate this special event! Greetings from former officers and friends can be sent to 35190 DeLair Rd, Abbotsford BC V3G 2E2; phone: 604-556-7000; e-mail: cascadechurch@shawcable.com
CELEBRATE COMMUNITY
TRIBUTES NEW WESTMINSTER, B.C.—Mrs. Commissioner Gladys Alma Pindred was born in Vancouver. She committed her life to God at age 18 and became a cadet in the Crusaders Session. Gladys served faithfully for 37 years as corps officer, at divisional and territorial headquarters, in homes for young women and seniors, and six years in Jamaica. In retirement, she married Commissioner Leslie Pindred, sharing 10 happy years together. Gladys was an active member of Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby, B.C., and helped organize the weekly Bible study program at the Army’s Southview Lodge in Vancouver when she resided there. Gladys is lovingly remembered by her sister, Meryl; Pindred stepdaughters Carolyn, Paula and Sharon; a niece, nephews, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; friends and comrades at Cariboo Hill Temple. KITCHENER, ONT.—Brigadier Thomas Smith was born in 1919 and served with his wife, Sylvia, for 66 years. Their appointments as a married couple took them to western Canada and Ontario. An active member of Kiwanis, Tom received the Man of the Year Award for his hard work and dedication to the homeless. They retired in 1984 following service in Harbour Light ministries in Victoria and Vancouver. Following retirement, Tom became a support worker for the courts in New Westminster, B.C. He and Sylvia were also active members of the retired officers league before moving to Kitchener, Ont. He is missed by daughters Jean Davies (Paul), and Carol Watson (Brian). WINNIPEG—Gordon Deacon was promoted to Glory at the age of 89 years. Gord was born in Glace Bay, N.S., where he worked for many years in the coal mines. He married Erva Bond and attended New Aberdeen Corps. With his wife and seven children, Gord moved to Winnipeg in 1961 and worked for the City of Winnipeg. He faithfully attended Heritage Park Temple and his quiet, yet strong faith, was a testament to all who knew him. He is lovingly remembered by his children Major Winn (Bill), Sharon (Ted), Marg (Bruce), Gord (Cathy), Art (Barb), Paul (Fern), Erva (Don), Ruth (Jim); 21 grandchildren, 20 greatgrandchildren; sister, Margaret.
GRAVENHURST, ONT.—Ann Sherwood (LeBarr) was born in the District of Muskoka, in Bracebridge, Ont. She pursued a nursing career in Toronto and after her marriage and the birth of her children Gloria, Adele and Paul, she switched to housekeeping to be at home with her family. In 1961, Ann became an active soldier of Gravenhurst Corps. She served with community care ministries and was an enthusiastic home league member. A stroke curtailed her involvement at the corps, but she remained faithful to God and a loyal supporter of the Army. Ann is missed by her family and many friends. OWEN SOUND, ONT.—William (Bill) James MacKenzie was born in Scotland in 1930. After moving to Canada, he lived in various locations on the Prairies and in Ontario, spending the last 10 years as an active member of the Owen Sound Corps. Bill served in community care ministries, the corps gardens and musical sections. Loving music, he was a valued asset to the band and the songsters. Always the first to volunteer whenever there was a need, Bill had a smile and story to share about his early days in Scotland, his travels across Canada and the bands in which he played. Bill is survived by 10 children, 30 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, three brothers, extended family and many friends. COTTLESVILLE, N.L.—Born in 1921, Mabel Rosie King was raised with four brothers and four sisters. She married Arthur King in 1944 and they raised seven children. Mabel loved the Lord, the New World Island West Corps and home league. Mabel was an avid reader and enjoyed doing puzzle books. Deeply appreciating God’s creation, she spent many hours looking at birds as they flew by her window. She enjoyed entertaining company and would never turn down the opportunity to have a delicious meal of fish. She is sadly missed by children Nellie (Leo), Doris, Wayne (Louise), Wanda (Wayne), Graham, Verlie (Dan); 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; brother, Gordon; many extended family members and friends.
BADGER’S QUAY, N.L.—Lester Kean was promoted to Glory as a soldier of New-Wes-Valley Corps at the age of 87. A faithful Salvationist for 69 years, Lester served as bandsman, corps treasurer, corps sergeant-major and men’s fellowship chaplain. He was a man of integrity who loved Christ, lived his testimony daily and was well respected in the community. “A great man has passed from this life, but his spiritual influence will live on in the lives of those he knew,” says Major Cassie Kean, daughter-in-law. Lester is missed by his wife, Josephine; 13 children, numerous grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; other family and friends. SUMMERFORD, N.L.—Louise Hellen Burt was born in 1925 in Twillingate, N.L. In 1950, she married Francis Burt of Bridge’s Cove, N.L., and together they raised four children. Louise loved New World Island West Corps, enjoyed home league, going for a Sunday drive and having ice cream along the way. She was delighted when people visited her and would always offer them a cup of tea as stories were shared. She is sadly missed by children Wilson (Nancy), Lindy (Donna), Elsie (Jacob), Roosevelt, Angela (Curtis); 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many friends. GRAVENHURST, ONT.—Gladys Lillian Lavoie was a senior soldier in Timmins, Belleville, Welland and Gravenhurst, Ont. She served the Lord through pub ministry, community care ministries and home league. She also served as corps treasurer, played the piano for Sunday worship and delighted in running the kids’ club for several years. Gladys also helped to start the thrift store and family services in Gravenhurst. Remembering her are her husband, Basil; children Marcel, Juliett and Herb; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Salvationist I October 2011 I 29
CROSS CULTURE
Stories Matter
Creative fiction has the power to inspire, educate and change lives
Photo: © New Line Cinema
BY MICHAEL BOYCE
In Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, Frodo and Sam show that even the smallest person can change the course of the future
“The world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places. But still there is much that is fair. And though in all lands, love is now mingled with grief, it still grows, perhaps, the greater.” —J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
D
uring the summer, I had the opportunity to teach one of my favourite courses. For two weeks every May and August, Salvation Army officers from across the territory (and a few regular Booth University College students looking to take extra courses) descend on our Winnipeg campus to take classes in a variety of subject areas to fulfil requirements for their degrees. This year I offered “Narnia and Middle-earth: The Apologetics of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.” The focus of this course is to examine the fantasy fiction of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien—The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings specifically—in light of the authors’ faith and to trace theological aspects of the novels. The first thing I try to establish in a course like this—one with non-English majors—is that stories matter. This can be a bit of a mind shift for some students who consider works of fiction to be inferior to works of non-fiction. Such students assume that because non-fiction works 30 I October 2011 I Salvationist
are “true,” they are therefore better than mere novels. But stories can convey great truths, often in a more accessible way. The most obvious example of this can be seen in Jesus’ ministry when he used numerous parables to reveal important truths about the nature of God. The students that week—most of whom are corps officers and admitted to using stories to illustrate their own sermons—accepted this point right away. They already understood that people connect with and are drawn into stories. These students were also on board with accepting that the fantasy world of C.S. Lewis, a noted Christian apologist, is drawn from Lewis’ understanding of Christian doctrine. Most of them had read The Chronicles of Narnia as children; some had been given the books by Christian relatives. (My aunt Grace gave me my first copies of Lewis’ novels, a lovely box set that sits in my office.) However, getting all of them to accept that Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings should be read and understood from a similar theological perspective took a bit longer. In preparing for the class, I began to understand that of all the Christian virtues in The Lord of the Rings, hope stands at the heart of the novel—hope that people will show their best sides, hope that the
weakest characters can complete the most dangerous task, hope that people can stand up to seemingly insurmountable odds and overwhelming evil. Tolkien’s novel is all about hope. And while I will always have a fondness for Lewis’ stories, I’ve come to a deeper appreciation for Tolkien’s work, and in particular, his message of hope. The appeal of this message of hope can help us to understand why Tolkien’s novel has been most popular during periods of great hopelessness. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, as the Vietnam War raged on and young people believed they couldn’t trust the people in authority, people turned to Tolkien. After the September 11 attacks and the subsequent war on terror and challenges to civil liberalities, people turned to Tolkien. When the dominant voices of culture reinforce messages of alienation, marginalization and despair, Tolkien’s tale of Middle-earth speaks of a great redemptive hope. And people are drawn to that message. Unlike Lewis’ novels, which place the Christian themes close to the surface—so close that Tolkien himself dismissed the Narnia stories as mere allegory—Tolkien subtly weaves Christian themes into his sprawling epic of hobbits, orcs and wizards. The reader will have difficulty finding a clear redemption story in The Lord of the Rings like the one found in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. There is no clear Christ-figure, no Aslan in Middle-earth. Lewis, a convert from atheism, writes as an apologist, an evangelical trying to explain his faith. Tolkien, one of the people who helped convert Lewis, was a lifelong Christian. He didn’t feel the need to explain his faith, but his faith saturated everything he wrote. When outlining his own influence on his work, Tolkien placed his faith above all other details, including his love of languages: “I am a Christian, which can be deduced from my stories.” Like Tolkien, there are many writers, filmmakers and other artists who, shaped by their faith in God, creatively illuminate important truths about our Creator and the human condition. Their stories have the power to impact lives and should be viewed as important resources for our own spiritual development as well as potential tools for evangelism. Michael Boyce, PhD, is assistant professor and chair of English and film studies at Booth University College in Winnipeg. He is also a founding fellow of the Canadian Institute for the Study of Pop Culture and Religion (cispcr.org).
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