Salvationist - December 2016 by The Salvation Army

Are Christians in North How a Salvation Army America Persecuted? Christmas CD Saved a Life

The Promise Keeper: Prophecies of Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Birth

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

December 2016

Salvationist.ca

CONTENTS

Salvationist December 2016 • Volume 11, Number 12

Messengers of the Gospel Welcomed in Winnipeg

Growing Food and a Future in Malawi

The Problem with Pot: A Salvationist’s View

THE VOICE OF THE ARMY

November 2016

Salvationist.ca

Ke e p Connected

Thrift-Store Shopper

MAKES WAVES P.8

Helping a Mom

KELLI’S HEROES P.12

New Scorcese Movie

SILENCE P.22

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

faithandfriends.ca

NOVEMBER 2016

Salvationist November 2016

Ke e p Connected

Faith & Friends November 2016 From War to Peace

Warehouse Mission Band The men and meaning behind the music

MICHAEL AND WENDY SZCZURKO’S STORY OF HEALING P.16 faithandfriends.ca I NOVEMBER 2016 • 1

This Month:

• An Army thrift store offers encouragement to a Special Olympian.

• When my son was bullied at school, it wasn’t easy to “love my enemy.” • The spiritual discipline of confession lets God’s light shine through. • Canada’s marijuana laws are going to change. What does that mean for Salvationists?

Olympic Hopefuls Canadian Salvationists share the gospel in Rio de Janeiro during Summer Games.

• And more ...

• Salvation Army junior soldiers show their support for the children of Attawapiskat and Fort McMurray. • Army members served on all the fighting fronts during the Second World War.

From War to Peace Michael and Wendy Szczurko’s love story encompasses two continents and a journey of healing.

• And more ...

When God is Silent Silence explores faith in the midst of suffering.

The Song Remains the Same Toronto’s Warehouse Mission Band isn’t just preaching to the choir.

Meet the New Cadets Messengers of the Gospel Session welcomed at the College for Officer Training.

Just for Kids November 2016 Jesus, the Son of God

Hi kids! Have you been up a mountain before? When you go up so high, you can see things differently. On a mountaintop, you can see places that are far away. Buildings and cars look tiny. Large lakes look like ponds.

Visit Salvationist.ca

Departments

Miracle on the Hudson by Aimee Patterson and Eilis O’Connor

25 Cross Culture 26 People & Places 30 Salvation Stories

Christmas Can Be Every Day by Geoff Moulton

9 Onward House of Bread by Commissioner Susan McMillan

23 #Trending Martyr Complex by Captain Mark Braye

24 Herstory The Mary I Never Knew by Lieutenant Kristen Jackson-Dockeray

29 Troublesome Texts A Mother’s Heart Cry by General Bramwell H. Tillsley (Rtd)

• Find out why Jesus is like a shepherd. • Complete the monthly Just Do It! challenge. • Plus stories, puzzles, colouring, jokes and more!

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

20 Reel to Real

4 Editorial

• Climb a mountain with Jesus.

Keep Connected

17 Inbox

Columns

This Month: • Take time to remember those affected by war.

The Son of God

Reprinted from Kids Alive! (August 15, 2015)

5 Frontlines

The Butterfly Effect by Andy Kwak

Your friend, Kristin

This month on Salvationist.ca, Captain Scott Strissel shares 10 ways to revive a dying corps.

Mark 9

ISSUE

In this issue of Just for Kids, you’ll read about the time Jesus took three of His disciples up a mountain with Him. While they were there, Jesus’ appearance changed, and after they left, the disciples saw Him in a new way. They knew that He was the Son of God.

Features 10 Hope is Born The birth of the Christ Child makes peace and forgiveness possible. by General André Cox

12 Solid Rock Shelter worker at the Gateway of Hope gives clients a firm place to stand. by Giselle Randall

14 The Promise Keeper Five Salvationists explore the link between Old Testament prophecy and God’s redemptive plan in Christ. by Donald E. Burke, Captain Kristen Gray, Captain Joyce Downer, Major Doreen Sturge and Colonel Lindsay Rowe

Download the materials at salvationist.ca/editorial/ promotional-material or write to ada_leung@can. salvationarmy.org. Cover photo: © Church Graphics Media/creationswap. com

Read and share it! Max Lucado

BETHLEHEM PROMISES P.8

A Man Named

MANNY P.18

Phil Callaway’s Guide to

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS P.5

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

faithandfriends.ca

CHRISTMAS 2016

18 A Better Future Weetamah Corps welcomes Syrian refugees to Winnipeg. by Kristin Ostensen

22 One Body in Christ Maria Simakova of the Canadian Council of Churches explains how a week of prayer builds bridges between Canadian churches. Interview by Kristin Ostensen

Kettle Helper

EMMA MacDONALD VOLUNTEERS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY TO BRING CHRISTMAS JOY P.12

faithandfriends.ca I DECEMBER 2016

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Salvationist December 2016 3

EDITORIAL

Christmas Can Be Every Day

ne of the great things about marrying a Mexican is all of the delicious food I get to enjoy. My wife hails from Mexico City and so I’ve developed a craving for enchiladas and fajitas. Commissioner Susan McMillan in her Onward column this month highlights Christmas breads from around the world, one of which is rosca de reyes (page 9). Literally the “ring of kings,” it is a wreath-shaped loaf of bread with bits of dried and candied fruit that is traditionally served in Mexico on January 6. It is part of the celebration of Epiphany, the arrival of the Three Kings to see Jesus.

Sometimes we forget that the story of Jesus continues. Part of the fun is that a small plastic figurine of baby Jesus is baked into the bread. This secret treasure represents the flight of the Holy Family from the wrath of King Herod who, in his jealousy, massacred the innocents. When the bread is cut, whoever finds the baby Jesus must take the figurine to church on February 2. In many church traditions, this is known as Candlemas Day, which Salvationist

is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory André Cox General Commissioner Susan McMillan Territorial Commander Lt-Colonel Jim Champ Secretary for Communications Geoff Moulton Editor-in-Chief Giselle Randall Features Editor (416-467-3185) Pamela Richardson News Editor, Production Co-ordinator, Copy Editor (416-422-6112) Kristin Ostensen Associate Editor and Staff Writer 4 December 2016 Salvationist

marks the biblical story of the presentation of Jesus at the temple. They then must invite friends and family to their house for a feast of tamales and atole, a sweet porridge-style drink. What I love about this tradition, in addition to the fun of discovering who picked the slice with the baby Jesus, is that it commemorates the coming of Jesus well into the new year. We rightly place a strong emphasis on Advent, but sometimes in the church we forget that the story of Jesus continues. To give us a biblical perspective on the Christmas story, this month we’ve asked a number of contributors to explain the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah’s birth (page 14). In addition, you will be blessed by the amazing connection that has formed between Syrian refugees in Winnipeg and Weetamah Corps (page 18). Many of them will experience their first (cold!) Christmas in Canada this year. Lastly, check out the interview on the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (page 22), an event that can help us better appreciate our brothers and sisters in Christ from different denominations and traditions. Christmas is a special time, but while we put away the trees and decorations, the message of hope doesn’t have to end. For many years

Timothy Cheng Senior Graphic Designer Brandon Laird Design and Media Specialist Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator Ken Ramstead Contributor Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769. Member, The Canadian Church Press. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV) © 2011. All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only with written permission.

at North Toronto Community Church’s Carols and Candles service, one of our members, Kim Goodyear, sang a beautiful solo: “Christmas can be every day for you, and this year be the best you ever knew. If the love this Child imparts, can be held within our hearts, then Christmas can be every day for you.” May the joy of this Christmas season resonate for you long into the new year. GEOFF MOULTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Mission

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

FRONTLINES

Army Officers Attend Poppy Ceremony

Photo: Kristin Ostensen

ith Remembrance Day only a few weeks away, veterans and friends of the Royal Canadian Legion gathered at Rideau Hall in Ottawa in October for the annual first poppy ceremony. This event marked the beginning of the 2016 National Poppy Campaign, as Governor General David Johnston received the symbolic first poppy from David Flannigan, dominion president of the Royal Canadian Legion. Among the invited guests for this event were four Salvation Army officers: Majors Gary and Sharon Cooper, area commanders, Ontario Central-East Division; and Captains James and Michelle Mercer, corps officers, The Salvation Army Barrhaven Church in Ottawa. “Historically, The Salvation Army has had a strong connection with our war veterans, particularly with the Red Shield Services and the Lassies who served refreshments on the front lines,” says Major Sharon Cooper. “When we come to this ceremony and talk to people, we see how their actions are still impacting people today.” After guests were welcomed to the ceremony, the Governor General began his remarks by reading a portion of In Flanders Fields, the poem by Canadian Lt-Colonel John McCrae which inspired the adoption of the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. “There are so many memories left to us by those who fought in the First World War and in those wars that followed,” he said. “It’s now our responsibility to pass on what we know, to keep their memories alive.” Addressing the veterans present, he continued, “Canadians wear the poppy to honour, remember and say thank you for all that you have done for this country.” The Governor General was followed by Legion Grand President Larry Murray who spoke of the “debt of gratitude” Canadians owe to their veterans. The poppy represents an “eternal recognition” of their sacrifices, he said.

Cpt Michelle Mercer, Mjr Sharon Cooper, Governor General David Johnston, Cpt James Mercer and Mjr Gary Cooper at the annual first poppy ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa

After his remarks, Murray and Flannigan pinned the first poppies on the Governor General and Mrs. Sharon Johnston before they, in turn, presented poppies to Murray and Flannigan and the first row of guests. The ceremony then concluded with the singing of O Canada. At the reception following the ceremony, Majors Cooper and Captains Mercer met with veterans, the Governor General and Mrs. Johnston, and shared about the work the Army is doing across the country.

Client Art Show at Booth Centre

Photo: Kristin Ostensen

he chapel of the Ottawa Booth Centre was filled with colourful paintings, drawings and sculptures during the centre’s annual art show in October. Under the theme HEARD, the show featured original artwork created by clients who participate in the centre’s art studio program. The program gives clients the opportunity to explore their creativity and inner artist in a therapeutic setting. The art studio also helps build social skills and gives clients an outlet to express themselves in a safe and caring environment. “It is primarily the therapeutic value of expression, providing peaceful space, fellowship, learning and building self-esteem,” said Rick Gariepy, Ottawa Booth Centre chaplain. “Participants of the class who have difficulty sharing their feelings and memories have a means of doing so in a supportive environment.”

Participants in the art studio program at the Ottawa Booth Centre show off their work during an exhibition

Salvationist December 2016 5

FRONTLINES

alvation Army outreach workers in Abbotsford, B.C., are now hitting the city on two wheels thanks to a donation from the Abbotsford Police Department. In the past, outreach workers have relied almost exclusively on a van. But the donated bicycle will allow workers to access harder-to-reach locations, such as camps in forests and other areas inaccessible by a van. The bike also gives workers more visibility and allows for easier access along busier roadways and for people on the move, according to Nate McCready, then community ministries director, Abbotsford Centre of Hope. “With the bike, you see somebody and pull over and start chatting,” he says. Along with the new bike service, the centre’s medical clinic for marginalized clients got a boost in September with the addition of a doctor who can see patients for half a day each week. A licenced practical nurse and a nurse practitioner had been offering services at the clinic. But earlier this year, Haitham Kharrat, a medical resident completing his training in Abbotsford, stopped by the clinic to see how the nurse practitioner was helping the community. Now fully certified, Kharrat is practising in Abbotsford and treating patients at The Salvation Army. McCready notes that the clinic provides a vital service to a population that rarely sees a doctor and yet is susceptible to

Photo and story: Courtesy of the Abbotsford News

New Outreach Program and Medical Clinic in Abbotsford

Lt-Col Peter Roed; Dennis Steele, outreach worker; Dave Schmirler, Abbotsford Police Department deputy chief; and Cam Petersen, outreach worker, celebrate the police department’s bike donation

a variety of health issues. It gives them an option other than turning to the hospital’s emergency room or the city’s busy walk-in clinics.

Brass Fusion Concert Highlights Young Musicians

Photo: Robert Richardson

iGNiTE! Brass performs during the Brass Fusion concert

6 December 2016 Salvationist

alvationists and friends gathered at Guelph Citadel, Ont., in October for Brass Fusion, a concert featuring the Canadian Staff Band (CSB), the Ontario Great Lakes Division’s youth band, Impact Brass, and that group’s feeder band, iGNiTE! Brass. The concert marked the end of a day shared by the three bands as they joined together for music clinics and sectional instruction. “Making music, sharing fellowship and worshipping together with these amazing young Salvationists was fantastic,” says Craig Lewis, principal trombone player with the CSB and territorial secretary for music and gospel arts. The concert kicked off with the CSB’s rendition of Intrada—Bless the Lord, written by Philip Rayment, bandmaster of Impact Brass. Other pieces presented in the first half of the program by the CSB, under the leadership of Bandmaster John Lam, included Major Ken Smith’s Light Song and William Himes’ Jubilance,

featuring cornet player Colin Williams of Impact Brass. Under the guest leadership of CSB Deputy Bandmaster Cameron Rawlins, iGNiTE! Brass played two pieces, Worthy is the Lamb and Let There Be Rock! Several selections in the second half of the concert highlighted the talents of the young musicians from Impact Brass, including Ray Steadman-Allen’s The Veterans that featured a cornet trio from Micaela Rayment, Rabekah Heintzman and Claire Diffey. The CSB’s major work for the evening was Kevin Norbury’s Overture— Coronation, a triumphant piece based on the hymn tune Diademata, which is associated with the words of Crown Him with Many Crowns. As the evening came to a close, the CSB and Impact Brass presented Colonel Robert Redhead’s God is There as a reminder that we are constantly surrounded by the love of our heavenly Father.

FRONTLINES

Harbour Light Hosts Thanksgiving with Argos

Building Up Volunteers As the Christmas season brings The Salvation Army’s busiest time of year for volunteers, Michelle Weekes, territorial director of volunteer services, shares how the Army is equipping those on the front lines.

Photo: Kristin Ostensen

What is your role as territorial director of volunteer services? I’m responsible for establishing an organizational framework for the recruitment, orientation, training and tracking of our volunteers. Some of my additional duties include updating the volunteer resource manual, expanding recruitment and retention strategies for volunteers, and improving our records management.

Lt-Col Sandra Rice, DC, Ont. CE Div, serves dinner with Argonauts Akwasi Owusu-Ansah and Devin Smith. “It’s a great time for us, as professional athletes, to give back to the community,” says Owusu-Ansah

he Salvation Army’s Harbour Light facility in Toronto was filled with the Thanksgiving spirit as hundreds gathered to enjoy a holiday meal, served by the Toronto Argonauts. This was the 19th year that the Army and the Argos partnered to put on the dinner, a turkey feast with all the trimmings. “It’s something I look forward to every year,” says linebacker James Yurichuk, who was participating for the fourth time. “It’s a chance to connect with people in the community—people who sometimes get neglected. It’s special for me, and I hope it’s special for them.” Wide receiver Kevin Bradfield agrees. “We love this stuff. Anytime I can help somebody and put a smile on somebody’s face, I’ll go out of my way to do that.” For people like Johnson Beardsley, this was indeed a special meal. “This is my first time to have Thanksgiving in two decades,” he says. As well as serving the food, the Argos took turns meeting fans, posing for photos and signing autographs. “Meeting the Argos was good,” says Jamie MacDonald, who stuck around after finishing his meal to get autographs from each player. “I’m a huge Argos fan.” Though the line outside Harbour Light often stretched down the block, it moved quickly and smoothly as people filled their plates and found a seat in the festively decorated dining room. The meal brought together a diverse group—families and singles, young and old, people of all different backgrounds. “The people don’t just come for the food; they come for the community,” says Major Ray Braddock, Harbour Light chaplain. “And there’s no better way to get to know people than by eating with them.” Over the course of the afternoon, approximately 800 meals were served.

What is the state of volunteering in our territory today? During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, we tracked around 136,000 volunteers who donated 1.16 million hours of their time. We are blessed to have volunteers ring the bells beside Christmas kettles, pack food hampers, sort clothes at thrift stores, assist with emergency disaster relief and so much more. The impact volunteers have on the Army is huge. To put it into perspective, the number of hours they provided last year is equivalent to 561 full-time year-round positions. If we assigned a dollar value to those hours, at a rate of $20 per hour, their time is worth more than $23 million. Volunteers are integral to the success of this organization and help to extend the services and activities we provide. What are some of the challenges we’re facing? We’re striving toward more consistency. Establishing a set of standard practices similar to what we have in place to manage employees would create more stability. The challenge lies within the transition toward these positive changes. It will take a lot of time, careful planning and consultation, while considering the various needs of territorial headquarters, divisional headquarters and ministry units. However, the growing pains will be worth it. We value our volunteers and recognize that improving this area of our organization will be highly beneficial. What is your vision for volunteer services in our territory? To improve the volunteer experience through increased recognition, accessibility to training materials, a more user-friendly registration process and a common system across the territory that seamlessly tracks a volunteer’s involvement with The Salvation Army. This would lead to better retention and further opportunities to help others. Change is coming, slowly but surely—we want to make sure we get it right. I’m optimistic about what’s in store for us as a territory and I’m looking forward to seeing our volunteer base grow with these improvements. Salvationist December 2016 7

FRONTLINES

Quebec City Army Holds Open House

he Salvation Army in Quebec City opened its doors to the community in September to showcase the Army’s services. Almost 50 people visited the Army’s shelters for men and women, where they shared a meal with the residents and received a guided tour. They also had the opportunity to hear the testimony of Aline Gionet, who has lived at the women’s shelter since March. “Maison Charlotte is a safe place where I feel accepted,” Gionet said. “The workers are always there for me. They are there to listen, encourage me and help me pursue my goals.” Thomas Fréchette, social worker at the men’s shelter, spoke about the services offered by the Army. “Our team’s mission is to accommodate everyone who is experiencing homelessness,” he said. “We adapt to the people in accordance with their way of life, rather than asking them to adapt to us.” The Army also used the open house as an opportunity to publicly thank Quebec City for its support, and presented recognition certificates to two valuable partners: Ameublement Tanguay and la Boucherie Réhaume.

A Successful Partners in Mission Campaign

International Secretary Conducts Territorial Review

n September, Commissioner Merle Heatwole, international secretary—Americas and Caribbean, and Commissioner Dawn Heatwole, zonal secretary for women’s ministries, conducted a review of the Canada and Bermuda Territory. After greeting territorial headquarters (THQ) staff at chapel on the first day, Commissioners Heatwole met individually with Cabinet and THQ department heads to hear reports and assess the overall health of the territory. On the Saturday following the formal review, they toured the Toronto Grace Health Centre and attended the final program of the Territorial Music School at Toronto’s Scarborough Citadel. On Sunday, they worshipped at Yorkwoods Community Church in northwest Toronto, where Commissioner Merle Heatwole preached on the theme “Mobilized for Mission.” The service was filled with Salvationists from diverse multicultural backgrounds, featured drama and dance, and was followed by a potluck luncheon.

Photo: Ethan (Homin) Kwon

he Canada and Bermuda Territory’s Partners in Mission campaign had another fruitful year in 2016. Thanks to the dedication and fundraising efforts of Salvationists across the territory, the campaign raised $2,056,347, nearly reaching the $2.25-million goal. The amount raised exceeded the 2015 campaign by more than $73,000, and will be topped up to the goal by territorial headquarters. The money raised will be sent to International Headquarters, which will distribute it to territories in need. These funds ensure that the Army flag keeps flying in all 128 countries where it is active. “We are grateful for the generosity of Salvationists in our territory,” says Major Brenda Murray, director of world missions, “and the practical expression of Christ’s love that reaches beyond our borders.”

Staff welcomed dozens of visitors to Quebec City’s two Army shelters

The 2016 Partners in Mission campaign raised awareness of the Army’s work in the Latin American North Territory, which includes Nicaragua

8 December 2016 Salvationist

Comrs Merle and Dawn Heatwole visit Yorkwoods CC while conducting a review of the Canada and Bermuda Tty

ONWARD

House of Bread The meaning behind a Christmas tradition. BY COMMISSIONER SUSAN McMILLAN

here’s something about the smell of fresh bread. It draws me into a bakery faster than you can count to three. It’s a good thing I don’t work in a bakery—I’d want to sample all the wares! But at Christmas, baking is a family tradition. I remember watching my mom make all kinds of goodies for events at our corps and visiting guests. Special breads are a tradition at Christmastime around the world. I learned to eat rosca de reyes in Mexico, pan de Pascua in Chile and pan dulce in Argentina. In Germany, the bread for Christmas is stollen, while Italy boasts panettone (which is similar to the Argentinian pan dulce). In Norway, you’ll find Julekake, fruit bread flavoured with cardamom. Babovka, in the Czech Republic, has a poppy seed filling. If you’re wondering why bread is a Christmas tradition, read on. This fall, I had the amazing adventure of visiting the Holy Land. One of the highlights for me was Bethlehem, best known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Did you know that Bethlehem dates back to Canaanite times—probably the third millennium BC—when it was named Beit Lahama, after a Canaanite fertility god? The city was conquered by the Philistines, then Israel, then the Greeks and the Romans, who dominated the whole region at the time of Jesus’ birth. By then, it was called Bet Lehem in Hebrew, meaning “house of bread.” In Arabic, the name has a similar sound: Beit Lahm, which means “house of meat.” Both translations imply a region of fertility and prosperity, a place where people won’t go hungry. God chose for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem, the house of bread. Jesus would later refer to himself as the Bread of Life. He said: “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). We often think of hunger as the last straw of poverty, that when the poor have lost everything else, they go without food. Yet that’s just not the case in

Commissioner Susan McMillan and her mother, Mrs. Mjr Dorothy McMillan, 94, bake fruitcake for Christmas. Mrs. Mjr McMillan was commissioned in 1948 in the King’s Messengers Session and has been a corps officer and divisional league of mercy secretary, and has served at territorial headquarters. She has been married to Donald for 64 years

This Christmas, as you make or eat bread, remember that Jesus came to be our Bread of Life. North America today. In urban centres, many people still have a roof over their heads, but their children go to school without breakfast. Single mothers make sure their kids have food, but often go without themselves. Sometimes people are unable to afford healthy food, but you would never know their bodies are starving for the right nutrients. Poverty and hunger aren’t always visible. The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda is working to end poverty and make sure no one goes hungry. Spiritually, many go hungry as well. They fill up on things, but have no room for the Bread of Life. They seem to prosper in the eyes of the world, but find life

empty. Scripture says: “You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food— catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 The Message). This Christmas, as you make or eat bread or other baked goods, remember that Jesus came to be our Bread of Life. “The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world” (John 6:33 The Message). Are you spiritually hungry? Are you dissatisfied with life, even though you seem to have things under control? Don’t let this Christmas go by without sharing in the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Saviour of the world. Commissioner Susan McMillan is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Follow her at facebook.com/ susanmcmillantc and twitter.com/ salvationarmytc. Salvationist December 2016 9

The birth of the Christ Child makes peace and forgiveness possible.

Photo: © Church Graphics Media/creationswap.com

BY GENERAL ANDRÉ COX

10 December 2016 Salvationist

or children in many countries around the world, Christmas is a time of great anticipation and excitement. Christmas is rightly emphasized with the joy of children, for the wonderful story of Christmas is about the coming of the Christ Child of whom we read in Luke’s Gospel: In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But

Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told (Luke 2:1-20). The Christmas story is for all people of all ages and cultures, and is about how God came into our ordinary, everyday world as a little baby so that he could live with us and share in our lives. The coming of Christ at Christmas changed the course of human history. We love to look at what we think is an idyllic and beautiful picture of that first Christmas. Yet a stable is hardly a good place for a baby to be born. The reality is that there was no room for Jesus. That reality is still true today with the over-commercialization of Christmas to the point where most of our time, energy and attention are focused on other things. We are so busy that we have no space or time left to remember that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child. God came into the world for the poor, ordinary people, not just for kings and princes. The announcement of the angels concerning the birth of God’s Messiah is to a group of shepherds. What a wonderful thought that God came into the reality of our human existence and came, without discrimination, for the humble, ordinary people. James Irwin, one of the few astronauts to have walked on the moon, was asked about his experiences in space. He spoke about the importance of space exploration and how mankind has been helped with medical research, new technologies and a greater understanding of the universe in which we live. He went on to describe the wonder of gazing at our small blue planet from such a distance in space and realizing just how beautiful and unique it is. He also spoke about the wonder of standing on the moon in 1971 and seeing an earthrise. He said that it is important for the good of mankind that it is technically possible for a man to walk on the moon, but how much more important it is that God, in Jesus, came into our world and walked upon earth. The arrival of Jesus in our world makes many things possible: it is possible for us to know hope and love; to enjoy a personal relationship with God the Creator; to experience forgiveness for the wrong things that we do; and it

is possible for us to experience a sense of peace and belonging in this troubled world. Sadly, we see still so much injustice, hate, violence and corruption in the world that at times we are brought to utter despair. If only the world would see and take hold of the greatest gift that God gives us in Jesus. The words of Major Joy Webb’s song, Come Into Our World!, reflect a longing and a plea, for without God our world is a sorry place: All around us, seemingly, darkness holds its sway; Truth and love are faltering, peace in disarray; And if we needed you, we need you now! Come into our world, Come into our world, now, Lord Jesus! People sit in loneliness, children cry for bread; Men fight men in hatred, by suspicion led; And if we needed you, we need you now! Faced with such confusion, hope has slipped away; Men have stopped believing, forgotten how to pray; And if we needed you, we need you now! Thankfully it does not need to be like this. Our world can be different, but if that is to happen it requires each of us to experience a change of heart, to be changed and transformed so that the life God intended for us becomes a reality through his Son, Jesus. No wonder that the angels rejoiced and sang: “Glory to God in the highest heaven” (Luke 2:14).

General André Cox is the international leader of The Salvation Army. Salvationist December 2016 11

Photos: Giselle Randall

“This is such an opportunity to reach people,” says Jared Roessle, an emergency shelter support worker at the Gateway of Hope in Langley, B.C. “A lot of the people who come here are at the end of their rope. They want change. And I want them to know that change is possible.”

from everything,” he says—Roessle felt unprepared for the new freedom of high school. “People would ask if I wanted to go smoke a joint, and I was like, ‘What’s that?’ ” he says. “I was totally naive.” Like many young people, he wanted to fit in. “Everyone wants to feel like they belong. But I looked for acceptance in all the wrong places.” A nice car, cool clothes, the right crowd—it brought attention from girls, approval from friends— and addiction. In 2003, Roessle’s mother passed away. When his father remarried, they sold the house and Roessle needed to move out. He found a job and an apartment, but by this point, “I was full-blown into my addiction,” he says. “It lasted about six months before everything unravelled.” In the space of a week, he lost everything. Not knowing anything about homeless shelters or social services, he started living outside, until the day he showed up on a childhood friend’s doorstep, and she told him about a Christian discipleship and recovery program nearby.

Solid Rock

Shelter worker at the Gateway of Hope gives clients a firm place to stand.

BY GISELLE RANDALL

s he crawled under a makeshift shelter on the banks of the Pitt River in British Columbia, Jared Roessle knew something had to change. Addicted to crystal meth, he had lost his job, his apartment and his car, leaving him homeless and living under a tarp. “Every time it would rain, it was just a big mud pit,” he says. “One night, I was totally soaked. I had no money, I had nowhere to go. I cried out to God, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’ ” The next day, he went to a friend’s house, hoping she would give him some food and cigarettes. When she opened the door and saw him, barely 115 pounds, with a black eye, she started to cry. “She said, ‘I don’t want to give you money, but I know a place you can go,’ ” he recalls. Seeking Acceptance Growing up in a conservative, Christian home—“My mom tried to protect me 12 December 2016 Salvationist

Identity in Christ Although Roessle grew up going to church every Sunday, “it was just something you did. It didn’t really mean anything to me,” he says. “I didn’t have a relationship with God.” Unlike secular treatment programs, this one included a strong focus on spiritual identity and the roots of addiction. “It focused on who you are in Christ, and dealing with the problems that led you to that point in the first place,” he says. “Mine was seeking acceptance.”

In the first three months, “I heard things about the gospel that I’d never heard in my life,” he says. “About what Christ did for me, what he went through to take my sin.” When he felt unworthy because of his past, he learned that not accepting Christ’s sacrifice meant he would have died in vain. “So we can stand before God blameless, because of what he’s done for us. He’s given us healing and forgiveness, grace and mercy.” The recovery centre was built on an old rock quarry. “When I tell my testimony, I always like to quote Psalm 40:2, ‘He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand,’ ” he says. “Because that’s exactly what he did in my life. I was literally in mud, and he put me on a rock.” “I’ve Been There” After completing the one-year program, Roessle worked in the intake office for another three years. When the time came to move on, he heard about a new Salvation Army facility opening in Langley, the Gateway of Hope. He was hired as a support worker for the emergency shelter, where he’s on the front lines helping people who have nowhere else to go. “I’ve been there. I know how hard it is to be in that situation,” he says. “Every time it rains, I thank God that I’ve got a place to stay, because I know what it feels like—being in the rain, and not having anywhere to go, and not knowing how to stay dry.” But even more than that, he knows there’s hope. “That’s one of the biggest things that happened in my life. I had no hope at all. But coming to know Christ, and what he’s done for us—there is hope. Not just in this life, but in the life to come. “It’s sharing the gospel with people who need it. This is such an opportunity to reach people, because a lot of the people who come here are at the end of their rope. They want change. And I want them to know that change is possible. I’m the testimony of that.”

Faces of Hope The Gateway of Hope is the only emergency shelter in Langley, B.C. —but it’s more than a homeless shelter. “The community comes to our doors on a daily basis,” says executive director Emmy Skates. “For shelter, for a meal, for help with household supplies, for medical services—and we’re able to connect them with care and support.” Brian came to Gateway of Hope’s emergency shelter with his wife, Shirley, after losing their apartment. “Our rent is $725 a month, and our income is $870. By the time the dust settles, that’s hardly $10 a month to eat. It doesn’t work,” he says. “But we have an advocate now, to help us apply for disability.” Since January 2015, more than 900 people have stayed at the shelter, which can accommodate 22 men and 10 women. Gateway of Hope also serves 350 meals a day, including the shelter, community meal and meals on wheels program.

Terry participates in Skillet 101, a community kitchen program that teaches people to cook healthy, affordable meals. After staying in the shelter, Terry moved into the Opportunities Program, which offers supportive housing. More than 200 people have entered the program since it began in 2010. For residents that stay at least six months, about 70 percent are able to find permanent, market housing.

“I had nowhere to go. I was on the streets for two days. I’ve never been in that position in my life—it was really scary,” says Terry. “Now I’m taking floral design courses, and I’m hoping to find employment in a flower shop. I’ve always loved gardening. Everything is working out so well. My life has turned around completely. But without Gateway and the advisors here, I don’t think I would have made it.”

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www.saspirour full guide ituallife.ca

ONWARD DISCIPLINES

OUTWARD DISCIPLINES

Solitude

Prayer

Self-Denial

Evangelism

Confession

Scripture

Service

Tithing

Sabbath

Worship

Hospitality

Guidance

Slowing • Silence • Listening

Accountability • Self-Examination

Resting • Health • Trust • Community

Submission • Obedience • Presence

Soul Food • Meditation • Convictions

Holiness • Set Apart • Priorities

Proclaiming • Witnessing • Testimony

Simplicity • Fasting • Missional

Giving • Investing • Kingdom-Building

Servanthood • Others • Supportive

Sharing • Relationships • Thankfulness

Mentors • Life Goals • Discipleship

Salvationist December 2016 13

Illustrations: ©MHJ/iStock.com

T he Promise Keeper

Five Salvationists explore the link between Old Testament prophecy and God’s redemptive plan in Christ. 14 December 2016 Salvationist

Born to Bless

BY DONALD E. BURKE All peoples on earth will be blessed through you. —Genesis 12:3

n the Bible, God’s determination to bring a lost world back to himself took a dramatic turn in Genesis 12:1-9, when God called Abraham to leave everything behind and to move toward an uncertain future, sustained only by the promises of God. Abraham’s obedience provided an antidote to the rebellion of Eden. Central to God’s redemptive purpose was the promise that through Abraham and his descendants all the families of the earth would be blessed (see Genesis 12:3). Throughout the Old Testament, Abraham’s progeny struggled to fulfil their vocation to bless the world. The New Testament writers interpreted the coming of Jesus as the fulfilment of this promise to Abraham, drawing connections between the life of Jesus and the work of God through Abraham and his descendants. Matthew was especially adept at this. He opens his Gospel with a genealogy that situates Jesus as a descendant and heir of Abraham (see Matthew 1:1-17). Then, he repeatedly points out that what took place in the birth of Jesus fulfilled words spoken by the prophets (see Matthew 1:22-23; 2:5-6, 15, 17-18). With his frequent references to the fulfilment of the prophecies of the past, Matthew stresses the continuity of God’s purpose in the world. In other words, in the birth of Jesus the mission of God to bring blessing to the whole world took a decisive turn; but it was still the same mission to bring the world back to God that was evident throughout the Old Testament. In the events of Jesus’ life, the promises made to Abraham were coming to fruition. Matthew was not suggesting that the prophets of Israel were merely skilled fortune tellers who could see into the future; rather, he asserts that the purposes of God are steady and reliable. God is faithful after all! What began with the promises that God made to Abraham came to a climax in the birth of Jesus. The emphasis in Matthew is on the continuity of God’s commitment to work toward the salvation of the world, first through Abraham and his descendants, and now—at last— through his own Son, Jesus Christ. It is this strong sense of the continuing work of God that Matthew shares with us as we prepare to celebrate the nativity of Jesus.

Born of a Virgin

BY CAPTAIN KRISTEN GRAY The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. —Isaiah 7:14

id Mary, a young Jewish girl from Nazareth, know this centuries-old prophecy? When the Angel Gabriel told her she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit and give birth to a son, did she understand that he was the promised child? The one who would grow up to be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (see Isaiah 9:6)? Did this unmarried teenager have even the slightest idea of what the future held for the Son who would be born of her virgin womb? The lyrics of a popular song by Mark Lowry ask: “Mary did you know?” Did she know that her baby boy would one day walk on water, give sight to a blind man and calm the storm? Did she know that when she kissed her little baby, she was

kissing the face of God? Luke tells us that Mary was greatly troubled by the angel’s words. But whether she fully grasped the significance of what was happening or not, she placed her trust and hope in the Lord and faithfully surrendered to his will, declaring, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Mary made herself available to God, submitting her life so that the Son of God could become incarnate. He was Immanuel, God with us, destined to save his people from their sins (see Matthew 1:21-23).

In the birth of Jesus the mission of God to bring blessing to the whole world took a decisive turn; but it was still the same mission to bring the world back to God that was evident throughout the Old Testament. Born in Bethlehem

BY CAPTAIN JOYCE DOWNER But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. —Micah 5:2

ong before the birth of Jesus, Micah prophesied that the promised Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. God, in his wisdom, chose a place “small among the clans of Judah.” There were any number of small places God could have chosen—so why Bethlehem? Bethlehem is the “city of David” (see Luke 2:4, 11 KJV). In 2 Samuel 7:13, we read God’s promises to David that he will make his name great, that he will “establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” The promise that a descendant of David will be the King who will remain on the throne forever can also be found in Psalm 89 and 132: “I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations’ ” (Psalm 89:3-4). The significance of Jesus being born in Bethlehem is, in part, because Christ is the promised king of the Davidic line. The Lord promises David that his name will be great through his offspring, who will remain on the throne forever. But God is also promising Israel, his chosen people, that their Messiah is coming. And they will know who he is, in part, because of the place where he is born and the line he is from. We see this promise of God fulfilled through the birth of Jesus, born from the line of David, in the city of David’s birth: Bethlehem. A fulfilled promise. As you journey toward the manger this Christmas season, Salvationist December 2016 15

remember this small place called Bethlehem. Remember what it represents—that we serve a God who always fulfils his promises through the person of Jesus, our Saviour and King.

Born to Save

Born in Sorrow

hat are the odds that someone living hundreds of years before my birth would predict my family lineage? Or where I would be born? Or that I would need to flee my homeland, and where I would go? The odds are astounding. And yet Jesus fulfils not just three prophecies like this in Scripture, but 350. What are the implications? Hosea’s prophecy and Matthew’s record of its fulfilment tell us that Jesus is absolutely unique. There’s never been anyone else quite like him. Matthew confirms this when he tells us about the Wise Men worshipping Jesus. Matthew was a Jew raised on the Shema—“Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4)—and the Ten Commandments, which say, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). He would have been horrified at the thought of worshipping a human being. But Matthew shows these kingly men bowing down to worship a child named Jesus. He is telling us that Jesus is utterly unique, divine and worthy to be worshipped. Hosea’s prophecy harks back to the Exodus, when God called the nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and led them to the Promised Land. By referring to this prophecy, Matthew is not just referring to the deliverance of Jesus from the hand of the tyrant Herod, he is presenting Jesus as a new Moses. Just as Moses led the people out of slavery in Egypt, Jesus is leading a new exodus, delivering people from slavery to sin, to a life of holiness and ultimately to our home in heaven. This prophecy also reminds us that the path of life takes many zigs and zags. We all find ourselves fleeing to Egypt for safety from time to time. But God is never blindsided by such things. By faith we head to Egypt in the middle of the dark night of the soul, knowing that one day, by faith, we will come back “out of Egypt.” Both the going and the coming are directed by God. Though he was the Son of God, Jesus had to escape to Egypt in the middle of the night. If he was not exempt from the trials of this world, how can I expect to escape them? But God will have the last word. Herod will die, Jesus will come back home and God will have his way. If you don’t already know him as your personal Saviour (deliverer), the implication of Hosea’s prophecy is that there is a Saviour for you and Jesus is his name.

BY MAJOR DOREEN STURGE A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more. —Jeremiah 31:15

or more than 40 years, the prophet Jeremiah painfully observed Judah’s social, political, moral and spiritual decay and preached repentance. He warned that their unfaithfulness to God’s covenant would lead to destruction and exile. In 586 BC, it happened. Babylon conquered Jerusalem, destroying the temple and dragging the people into captivity. Jeremiah records the bitter anguish of the exile through Rachel, the symbolic mother of the Israelites. Though she had died many years before, he depicts her as grieving for all those slaughtered or sent into exile. Her heart is broken. In Mat t hew ’s Gospel, Rachel’s sorrow represents the sorrow of parents in Bethlehem, weeping for their little boys. It’s a heart-wrenching part of the Christmas story. King Herod, seeing the infant Jesus as a threat, seeks to find and kill him. He orders all of the boys two years and younger slaughtered. Warned by an angel, Joseph takes Jesus and Mary to refuge in Egypt. Long ago in Ramah, and now in Bethlehem, there was weeping and sorrow at this loss of life. Children were dead. Parents were devastated. It’s sad to think that Jesus’ birth, an event to celebrate, resulted in such pain because of Herod’s brutality. Today, many are forced to leave everything they own to find safety in other countries. Families have been separated. Parents weep over the loss of children along the journey. I recall an e-mail asking me to pray for a Christian pastor and parents in northern Iraq, who watched as ISIS killed children who would not deny their faith in Jesus. Such sorrow. But just as Jeremiah’s message changes in tone in later chapters, giving Israel hope for deliverance at the hand of God, so we can find solace and peace in his words. For this season and the new year, we can claim Jeremiah’s message whatever our circumstances: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT). 16 December 2016 Salvationist

BY COLONEL LINDSAY ROWE When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. —Hosea 11:1

INBOX Canada and destroys the local clothing industry. The used clothing sells at a very low rate, so someone trying to make a living by producing clothing, at a higher price, struggles and ends up closing shop. I looked into this again recently. Much of the information I found is from the United States, but it’s still illuminating: only 10-20 percent of donated clothing is actually sold in thrift stores. Of what remains, 25 percent is recycled, 30 percent is repurposed into rags and 45 percent is shipped overseas. This impacts the local textile industry, from farmers growing cotton through to manufacturing and shipping finished clothing. It makes me wonder—does the Army ship textiles overseas? Major Karen Lemke

The dangers of borrowing from other traditions BY CAPTAIN MARK BRAYE

hen Justin Bieber attended the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles this past April, his appearance created quite a stir. Why? He was wearing his hair in dreadlocks. The question arose: was this cultural appreciation, or an offensive form of cultural appropriation? In a multicultural society, where do we draw the line? Cultural appropriation is the adoption or use of elements of one culture—ideas, symbols and artifacts—by members of a different culture. Some views distinguish between “appropriation” and “misappropriation”—when cultural elements are used outside their original context, in a disrespectful way. It’s a form of cultural theft. Was it offensive for Justin Bieber to wear dreadlocks, or is it just hair? CBC reporter Lauren O’Neil outlined criticisms of Bieber’s choice: “It’s not just hair to those who wear dreadlocks for cultural, political or religious reasons. Rastafarians in Jamaica for many years faced discrimination based on their appearance, for example. It’s not ‘just hair’ for men and women who’ve been fired, sent home from school and even physically assaulted over what’s on their own heads, either.” It’s not clear to me that wearing dreadlocks is outright (mis)appropriation. A clearer example would be when white people wear “black face.” The historical struggle faced by people of colour is diminished when their appearance is used for fun and amusement. For me, this is disrespectful and offensive and has no place in society. Consider also the names of the following sports teams: Edmonton Eskimos (Canadian Football League); Cleveland Indians (Major League Baseball); Chicago Blackhawks (National Hockey League); Washington Redskins (National Football League). I believe these team names, and their logos, are belittling and offensive to our Indigenous neighbours and friends. The last two, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Washington Redskins, present an interesting case. The Chicago Blackhawks take their name from an infantry division that fought in the First World War. The division was named for Chief Black Hawk, a Sauk leader and an important figure in the history of the state of Illinois. Some argue that this name is not offensive because it’s based on an individual, not an entire community. I’d like to know how the Sauk community feels about the name. If they are offended, I would side with them. Washington Redskins is an offensive team name, period. It dehumanizes an entire community of people. I’ve read that some sports magazines will not print the word “Redskins,” referring to the team as solely “Washington.” This past season, Phil Simms, a former NFL quarterback and current broadcaster with CBS, refused to use the word “Redskins” when working

a game featuring Washington. We would never accept a professional sports team called the Washington N-words or the Washington Whiteys. It’s time to change the name. Cultural appropriation has theological, spiritual and practical implications. As Christians, we believe everyone is created in the image of God. We need to reflect carefully on how our attitudes and actions impact other people. We need to be aware of how cultural appropriation can creep into our lives in small ways, in the jokes we tell or laugh at, in the things we say or don’t say. Perhaps there are positive ways to appreciate other cultures. For example, singing a spiritual to commemorate Black History Month; celebrating a seder meal in solidarity with Jewish friends; or creating an Indigenous craft in Sunday school to learn about our First Nations. In each instance, it’s important to take our cues from others who “own” these traditions. Even in writing this article, I’m aware that, as a white male, I’m coming from the perspective of the dominant culture, and I have much to learn. As The Salvation Army, we need to ask ourselves if we are sensitive to other cultures and ethnicities in our church congregations and as an organization. Are there times when we belittle or offend other cultures without knowing it? How can we acknowledge, encourage and respect cultural differences without stereotyping people? How do we make room for people to express themselves in their own way? Where do we need to change? Do you think the church is guilty of cultural appropriation? Join the conversation online at salvationist.ca. Captain Mark Braye is the corps officer at Sarnia Community Church, Ont. Salvationist

July 2016 25

On Dangerous Ground C o mm o n Gr o und I would like to register strong disagreement with Major Ray Harris’ W article (“Common Ground,” August 2016). To say that Christians share common ground with Muslims is absurd. Jesus told his followers not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. He stated that he and his Father (God) are one and the same, as also is the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent to be with his followers after his Resurrection and ascension. Since Muslims do not accept Jesus or the Trinity, their concept of God is in error. Jesus, the Son of God, said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Major Harris also uses the word “solidarity.” Attending a funeral of a friend who happens to be Muslim does not bring about any spiritual solidarity between Christians and Muslims. He states: “There are ways to show solidarity while respecting the integrity of each other’s faith.” Three words in that sentence (solidarity, respect and integrity) do not establish any common ground between Christians and Muslims. While I do believe that Muslims are sincere in their beliefs, I must agree with what Billy Graham has said: “People can be sincere about something, but they can be sincerely wrong.” Muslims are sincerely wrong in their concept of God. Common ground should not be the goal of Christians— our goal should be winning unbelievers to Christ. And that is how we should see our relationship with Muslims and all other unbelievers. Major Lloyd F. Stoops Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?

that I have difficulty recognizing the portrayal of “God” touted by some presidential candidates. I am also aware that “Allah” (which means “the Divinity”) is not understood consistently within Islam. But the same God? Is this even the best way of framing the question? If I see another Honda Civic driving along the road, does this mean they are driving the same car as me? Not really. Perhaps we’re looking for what is held in common, not what is identical.

There are ways to show solidarity while respecting the integrity of each other’s faith

One phrase that points to commonality is the “oneness of God.” The fundamental conviction of Islam as stated in the Qur’an is that “There is no God but the one God.” The Qur’an also instructs Muslims to say to Christians, “Our God and your God is one.” This is important. Both faiths agree that the universe is purposeful and does not have a plurality of gods. In common with our Jewish friends, we acknowledge God’s oneness. The Creator is utterly distinct from creation. But the “oneness of God” also has to do with God’s character. God is faithful, consistent, a God of integrity. One. My friend acknowledged that while the oneness of God is something we share in common, the Christian view of God as trinitarian is a major difference. For a Muslim, worship that includes worship of Jesus would violate God’s oneness.

It doesn’t for the Christian. God’s oneness embraces God’s diversity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. As a Christian, I worship God through my understanding of the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus. My understanding of God is especially shaped by the cross. In the words of Michael Gorman, a biblical studies professor, “Christ crucified both reveals and redefines God … God is cruciform.” We finished our coffee; it was time to go. My Muslim friend and I agreed that there is much we hold in common when it comes to our understanding of God. Our sacred texts, the Bible and the Qur’an, instruct us to “love God and our neighbour.” There are ways to show solidarity while respecting the integrity of each other’s faith. Two years ago he attended the funeral of an Anglican bishop, who was one of our colleagues on the Manitoba Multifaith Council. My friend showed his solidarity by joining this deeply Christian service of remembrance. About the same time, a Muslim family lost their lives in a tragic fire. A public service of remembrance was held in the mosque. I attended, wearing my Salvation Army uniform, and was warmly welcomed. Personal presence in difficult moments can express solidarity. There is much we hold in common, and there are important differences. Is there an understanding of God that lies beyond this conversation? Most certainly. But that calls for another cup of coffee at Tim Hortons, and much more thinking on my part.

Illustration: © martinwimmer/iStock.com

BY MAJOR RAY HARRIS

e met at a Tim Hortons on a winter’s Friday afternoon. Our cof fee purchased, I asked my Muslim friend for his thoughts on a recent controversy within the Christian community in the United States. A professor at Wheaton College, an evangelical Christian institution, decided to wear the hijab as a mark of solidarity with Muslims, who were being targeted by presidential candidates. This created tension between the professor and the college, such that they eventually agreed to part ways. As we sipped our coffee, I said, “The question is being raised within the Christian church: Do we worship the same God as Muslims?” Rather than starting with the phrase, “same God,” I asked what was important for him in worship. There was no hesitation: submission is the heart of Islamic worship. Praise, gratitude and intercession may come. But submission is the important element. Christians could learn from this. I often wonder if we aren’t missing something important when we come into our worship casually, with coffee cups in our hands. Then again, it’s hard to imagine a boisterous brass band playing a jazzy arrangement of Joyful, Joyful in a mosque. There are differences, but we both agree that worship impacts all of life. It has social, political, even ecological implications. Our worship acknowledges that there is Someone beyond ourselves, even beyond our capacity to grasp. This sense of mystery leads to worship. Our conversation moved to “the God we worship.” It’s true, there are parts of the world where Christians use the word “Allah” when speaking of God. Is this the “same God”? I acknowledge

Major Ray Harris is a retired Salvation Army officer. His book, Convictions Matter, is available at store.salvationarmy.ca, 416-422-6100, orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org. For the e-book, visit amazon.ca. Salvationist

August 2016 17

Dressed to Kill Fashion Victims Lieutena nt K ri sten Jack sonE Dockeray’s article raises some excellent points (“Dressed to Kill,” September 2016). However, it did miss one particular area (understandably, considering the length and focus of the article)—the shipping of used clothing overseas. I have travelled to Africa many times and have noticed roadside booths selling second-hand clothes. At first I didn’t think much about it—it was just part of life in a different country and culture. However, after a few trips, I learned the problem with those booths. The clothing is shipped from countries like HERSTORY

Do you know the true cost of your clothing?

ver since God fashioned garments of animal skins for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:21), clothing has not only protected us, it has profoundly influenced our lives. Clothing can express our identity and sense of self, mark us as part of a group or display our social status. Clothing ourselves each day is a deeply political act. Yet despite the important role that clothing plays in our lives, we rarely think about where our clothes come from or the people who make them. The fact of the matter is that the global manufacturing system is broken. In the cutthroat world of retail, consumer demand for low prices paired with the increasing price of raw materials means companies who are eager to cut costs are left with one choice: cheap labour. Every year, 80 billion garments are produced worldwide to feed the hunger for fast and cheap fashion, but we have become increasingly disconnected from the people who clothe us—people who make barely enough to feed their families, work in unsafe conditions, or worse, have even lost their lives. In 2013, more than 1,000 garment factory workers in Bangladesh died when their building collapsed. When we buy a piece of clothing, we often fail to recognize the true cost—that it comes at the expense of those who are most vulnerable. This is a far cry from God clothing Adam and Eve. Imagine God in the garden, incredibly sad and disappointed in his children for disobeying him, and yet he lovingly stitches together clothing for them, demonstrating his abiding role as caretaker. When we consider that it was God who first clothed us, it’s not acceptable that we exploit the labour of others. No one should ever have to sacrifice themselves so we can wear the latest trend. Cheaply made clothing not only breaks the backs of the workers who supply our wants, it breaks the heart of God. So what do we do? We need to rediscover the true 22 September 2016

Photo: © pressmaster/stock.Adobe.com

BY LIEUTENANT KRISTEN JACKSON-DOCKERAY

value of things and people. We need to recognize the ethical implications of our choices. We need to start asking important questions, such as, “How can I claim to want to live like Christ when I continue to buy into labour practices that exploit and dehumanize the poor?” We who claim to be followers of Jesus need to share God’s love in the clothing we choose. It’s not easy to make the commitment to ethical shopping. Yet as ones who are clothed with Christ (see Galatians 3:27), we have a responsibility to protect the poor, the widowed and the orphaned by demanding transparency in manufacturing, and by redirecting our spending to companies and organizations that treat people with dignity. Where to begin? There are several options: • Shop second-hand. Yes, this benefits The Salvation Army, but it also reduces the demand for new goods while offering an economical alternative to fair trade. • Buy products from companies with transparent supply chains. Companies such as online clothing retailer Everlane provide detailed information on their manufacturing process so consumers can make an informed decision before purchasing. Avoid companies that make no mention of their factories or

are known to have unsatisfactory auditing practices. Check out the 2016 Australian Fashion Report for more information: baptistworldaid. org.au/assets/Be-Fair-Section/ FashionReport.pdf. • Buy fair trade. The World Fair Trade Organization provides an international standard and guarantee system for its members, which commit to fair trade principles and practices throughout their supply chains. The fair trade market is growing rapidly and it is becoming easier and easier to find items produced in a way that contributes to sustainable development. Some of my favourites are: krochetkids. org, iamjustone.ca, etsy.com/shop/ StitchedTogetherUG, thegivingkeys. com, elegantees.com, thelittle market.com. Perhaps fast fashion seems difficult to overcome. You can’t change everything right away. But small changes can make a difference. Human lives are at stake. As we clothe ourselves each day, we can take part in a political act that cares about the vulnerable, the hurting, the exploited. We can fashion a response that says people matter. Lieutenant Kristen Jackson-Dockeray is the divisional youth secretary in the British Columbia Division.

A Tribute I’m responding to the article about Lieutenant Tinisha Reid and her father, Quentin Thomas (“Grace Under Fire,” September 2016). I had the pleasure of working alongside Grace Under Fire Quentin at Syncrude Canada [an oil company] on team 503. He was a W gentle soul who never had anything bad to say about anyone. His only frustrations were if the job wasn’t being done right. I spoke with him on many occasions, but I never knew about his medical condition. He just wasn’t the kind of guy who would bother people with that stuff. I will always remember him as a hard worker who never slowed down or complained. He took everything work threw at him with a great big smile. Knowing what I know now about his fight with cancer only doubles my respect for the man. I want you and your family to know he was loved by his teammates and his passing surprised and saddened us all. We miss him, too. Pascal Comeau Lt Tinisha Reid holds a picture of her father, Quentin Thomas, who was diagnosed with cancer soon after she was accepted to training college. He passed away after being evacuated from Fort McMurray, Alta.

As Fort McMurray burned, Lieutenant Tinisha Reid struggled to get her cancer-stricken father to safety. BY GISELLE RANDALL

e’re going to Fort McMurray. Today.” ThenCadet Tinisha Reid was surprised to hear those words from her husband, Stefan, one morning last May. Although her father lived in Fort McMurray, Alta., she had been to see him recently. He was battling cancer and the end was drawing near, but as far as she knew, he was doing OK. So why the urgency? But Stefan was adamant. “There’s something telling me we have to be there.” By 6 p.m. that evening, they were on a plane. As they flew into the city, Tinisha looked out the window. “We could see the fire outside Fort McMurray—a little red glow,” she says. “It was small. It didn’t look threatening.” But things were about to get much worse. A New Home Tinisha’s parents, Quentin and Verna Thomas, moved to Fort McMurray in 2006, after restructuring affected Quentin’s job 12 September 2016

in La Scie, N.L. He decided to try the oilsands, like thousands of other Newfoundlanders, and “fell in love with the city and everyone there,” says Tinisha. “It felt like a new family, like home.” In university at the time, Tinisha was struggling to find her place. Although she felt called to officership, something was holding her back. “So when they moved,” she recalls, “I decided to go with them and take some time away from school, to try to figure out who I was and what God wanted me to do with my life.” Sitting around a firepit with friends one evening, she realized it was time to surrender. “From that moment, I gave everything to God,” she says. “Right from the start, Dad was supportive and encouraging. He was always one of my biggest cheerleaders.” As Tinisha began working toward officership, she met and married Stefan, and they continued the journey together.

Salvationist

Disaster Response Thank God for the Red Cross Lt-Colonel Jim Champ shared his response to the question, “Where is The Salvation Army in the midst of the crisis in Fort McMurray?” (“Thank God for the Red Cross,” September 2016). I have also been W asked this question, and responded: “When the disaster rages, you will see people fleeing. What you seldom see is the vehicles rushing to the front lines to fight the disaster head on. While we often see the Red Cross in the forefront giving out blankets, I know that my Army friends will be in the mix somewhere.” Praise God The Salvation Army doesn’t hide from disaster but heads into it without hesitation, even if they don’t get all the media attention. Don Jefcoat PERSPECTIVES

Rather than competing, let’s complement like-minded charities. BY LT-COLONEL JIM CHAMP

Photo: Ottawa Sun, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

#TRENDING

Hijacking Culture

Photo: © CyberOnix/iStock.com

Dignity and Respect I completely agree with Captain Mark Braye (“Hijacking Culture,” July 2016). Political correctness is never a negative thing. It just boils down to treating people with dignity and respect. Your article has left me thinking about how I can be more sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and make sure I am respecting the people around me. Michelle Rose

The Salvation Army and the Canadian Red Cross joined forces in 1998 to aid families of the victims of SwissAir flight 111, which crashed off the coast of Nova Scotia

ho can forget the sight of thousands of Albertans fleeing for their lives down Highway 63? Walls of flame threatened from every side. Canadians were anxiously glued to televisions and computer screens, praying for their safety. “Where is The Salvation Army in the midst of all this chaos?” asked one caller to my office. “Why are other charities, such as the Red Cross, all over the news and there’s hardly a mention of the Army?” It’s a fair and direct question, but the answer is complex. The Fort McMurray fires represent the largest natural disaster in Canadian history. An entire city was evacuated. Many of the 88,000 residents had only 30 minutes to race home, gather the family, grab one or two personal treasures and hit the road. Miraculously, no one perished in the fire, apart from the tragic road accident that claimed the lives of two young people.

After the government declared a state of emergency, the Red Cross was given oversight of the support services for displaced residents—a mammoth undertaking. It meant registering and tracking tens of thousands of people who desperately needed shelter, food and clothing. So what about the caller’s question? Was the Army pushed into the background by the government and various media outlets? Were we not mobilized? Were we somehow ineffective in telling our story? Here is my response: 1. I thank God for dedicated Red Cross workers who provide a muchneeded service. We are not in competition with them or any other charitable organization that seeks to help others. 2. When disaster strikes, the focus should always be on the victims. We are there to serve in whatever way is most beneficial to the collective

effort, not to serve our own interests. 3. The Salvation Army is a multifaceted service organization. While we value our emergency disaster services (EDS), expanding our presence means diverting resources from other essential ministries. Those who followed the news on our websites and social media channels will know that The Salvation Army was quick to spring into action. On April 30, we provided support to the Fort McMurray Fire Department and set up an Incident Command Centre in Edmonton. We partnered with charities such as Urban Rescue and served as many as 4,000 meals a day to first responders. The hours were long and arduous. Changing weather conditions put those on the front lines at risk. Sleeping accommodations were primitive. Our teams of volunteers stood tall in these difficult circumstances. At the beginning of the crisis, the mayor of Fort McMurray invited the Army to provide emotional and spiritual support to citizens. The mayor understood that The Salvation Army has been a presence in the community for almost 40 years. And when the smoke clears and life returns to normal, the Sally Ann will continue to serve those in need. On June 1, as residents trickled back in to assess what was left of their possessions, the Army was present at all eight welcome centres to greet them. As Major Ron Cartmell, divisional commander for the Alberta and Northern Territories Division, noted, “The focus was on being the hands and feet of Jesus.” Lessons are learned every time disaster strikes. Whether it’s 9/11, the SwissAir disaster, the Red River floods or ice storms, the Army will be there. In the meantime, hats off to the Red Cross and thousands of others who reached out with helping hands to their neighbours in distress.

EDS by the Numbers • Trained personnel/volunteers across Canada: 3,321 • Canteens and support vehicles: 47 • Average yearly responses (fires, first responder support, etc.): 250 • Emergency services training courses: 17 Lt-Colonel Jim Champ is the secretary for communications for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Salvationist September 2016

Salvationist

All letters must include name, address and phone number or e-mail address where the writer can be contacted. Letters may be edited for space and clarity, and may be published in any medium. Salvationist December 2016 17

More than half of the program’s participants are children, including Saif Lotfee and Rimas Lotfee, children of Samar Hosan, and Ameer Alkhefib, son of Haman Alsaref

A Better Future Weetamah Corps welcomes Syrian refugees to Winnipeg.

18 December 2016 Salvationist

ernment slogans. Hosan and her family left Syria soon after, and lived in Jordan before coming to Canada. About three months later, she connected with The Salvation Army’s Weetamah Corps. Located in Winnipeg’s north end, Weetamah may seem like an unlikely place for Syrian refugees to gather. But it is just around the corner from 311 Alexander, a former bag factory converted to apartments where many Syrian families live. Hosan heard about Weetamah from friends of hers who live in those apartments. The corps hosts programs for Syrian refugees twice each week. The Monday afternoon gathering draws about 40 to 50 people, while the Wednesday evening program brings in 60 to 80. The pro-

gram, which has been running since March 2016, is a partnership between Weetamah, the Aurora Family Therapy Centre and the Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network. “In the beginning, we’d knock on their apartment doors so that they’d come to our program, but now we don’t need to—they’re here half an hour early, waiting for the program to begin,” says Roselyn Advincula, community development worker with Aurora. “They’re happy, because this is part of their community. They know that they can come here any time and they’ll be accepted with open arms.” Initially, they focused on parent-child programming, singing songs and playing games to help participants to learn

Photos: Carson Samson

hen asked to describe her experience in Canada as a Syrian ref ugee, Sa ma r Hosan’s answer is short and simple: “Cold,” she says with a laugh. She arrived in Winnipeg in January 2016. “It is very nice,” she continues, speaking through an interpreter. “We’ve felt more like we’re human here. It is very good.” Hosan, her husband and four children are among the approximately 32,000 Syrian refugees who have come to Canada since the civil war began. The Hosan family hail from Daraa, one of the first cities to rebel against the regime in March 2011, after schoolchildren were arrested for spray-painting anti-gov-

BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN

English. From there, responding to the participants’ requests and needs, the program added an English conversation circle, parenting classes, sports activities and guest speakers on topics such as health, nutrition and stress management. “I’ve learned lots of information,” says Hosan, noting she has particularly appreciated the opportunity to practise English and learn about differences between Syrian and Canadian culture. “People treat us well,” says Haman Alsaref, who has been attending the program for eight months. “We’re getting more information about the rules and law in Canada and how to raise our kids.” Alsaref, who is also from Daraa, first came to Weetamah because she heard the corps was giving away free vegetables. She attends the program with her three children on both Mondays and Wednesdays, and has received additional help from Weetamah and Lieutenant Mark Young, corps officer, when needed. “I was depressed because my husband’s car was stolen, and then I came here and Mark gave me some food and diapers,” she shares. “I appreciated that from him and would like to thank him for that.” Lieutenant Young notes that many refugees access resources through the corps’ family services. Members of the corps, as well as social work students from Booth University College, provide support by volunteering on Mondays and Wednesdays. Because the Weetamah program includes childcare, it is particularly beneficial for the Syrian women. “Often they’re left at home because

the husbands are in English classes,” Advincula explains. “Not every program has child-minding attached to it, so this program at The Salvation Army is making it possible for them to be part of the community, to feel less isolated.” Though she is grateful to be in Canada, Alsaref finds the separation from her family difficult. She left Syria in 2011 and has lived in Canada for the past year. “I haven’t seen my brother for six years,” she says. “My cousin just died recently and I didn’t see them. My mother and father had surgery, and I wasn’t able to be there.” Meeting people and making friends has made it easier for Alsaref to bear that separation. “It helps being a part of the community,” she says. “Sometimes I am a little bit stressed, but when I come here, I feel more relieved.” Building a community through the Weetamah program has also been important for Hosan and her children. Because she is eight months pregnant, Hosan is not always able to come to the program, much to their disappointment. “They’re enjoying it a lot,” she shares. “If we miss one day of the program, then they keep nagging me, ‘We need to go,’ because they like to play with other kids, instead of sitting at home.” Lieutenant Young first started to notice the impact the program was having last summer. “I’d look at the park across the street from the corps—children were playing, families were sitting together,” he says, “and it spoke to me— after the horrendous experiences many of them have had, and all that they’ve had to endure, I thank God that they have

The program gives women such as Fatouma Alkhordi an opportunity to meet new friends and practise speaking English

Lt Mark Young plays a game of toss with Ameer Alkhefib

that sense of community here.” Along with opportunities for learning and friendship, the Weetamah program has also given refugees the chance to share their stories more widely through Three Stars and a Wish, a writing program for parents and children. “They could share their culture, traditions, experiences—whatever they would like to preserve in written form and pass on to the next generation,” Advincula explains. “It was a beautiful experience. In the beginning there was lots of crying while they were telling their stories, but I think it was part of their healing, too, from the trauma that they experienced before coming here.” The title of the book, which includes a dozen stories, is Jadid, the Sun Rises Again: Our Journey From Syria to Canada. “Jadid means ‘new,’ ” Advincula notes, “so it means that they’re still hopeful that there will be a better future for them.” Heading into the new year, the program will enter a new phase in its offerings, as many of the refugees begin transitioning off of government assistance, which ends one year after their arrival in Canada. This will include more advanced English-language practice, budgeting tips, volunteer opportunities and work-readiness training—whatever is needed to help ensure their new life in Canada is successful. Salvationist December 2016 19

REEL TO REAL

Miracle on the Hudson

Photos: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Sully is a tale of heroism and humility.

In our culture, films have become a place where we wrestle with the big questions of life. Who is God? What gives life meaning? What does it mean to be human? Reel to Real explores the intersection between film and theology, offering thoughtful engagement with an art form capable of conveying deep spiritual truth. Dr. Aimee Patterson, a Christian ethics consultant at The Salvation Army Ethics Centre in Winnipeg, and Eilis O’Connor (not her real name), a teenager who aspires to a future in human rights law and politics, reflect on Sully. Dear Aimee,

was in elementary school when the “miracle on the Hudson” happened. It was 2009, and it seemed like all anyone could talk about was the economy. I vaguely remember hearing about the events of January 15—how a passenger plane was disabled after striking a flock of geese shortly after takeoff— and wondering how it was possible that everyone survived. Fast-forward seven years and I find myself watching Sully, a film based on the real-life events that preceded and followed Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s emergency landing on the Hudson River in New York. My jaw metaphorically hit the floor and stayed there for the entire 136 minutes. The movie was well done, but even if it hadn’t been great from a cinematic perspective, the story alone would have made it worth watching. What moved me from the start was Sullenberger’s humility. He saved 155 people—an inflated ego would have been 20 December 2016 Salvationist

understandable. Yet in spite of his heroism, he maintained that he wasn’t a hero. Scripture reminds us that we must humble ourselves before the Lord (see James 4:10). While everyone was putting Sullenberger on a pedestal, he was doing exactly the opposite. Highly critical of himself, he wondered constantly if he could have done things differently. He saw himself as a man who was simply doing his job. In our celebrity-obsessed culture, we are quick to revere and even quicker to tear someone down. Rarely do we get to see our heroes tear themselves down in private. Through Sully, we experience both the flash of the cameras and what goes on when the lights are turned off. I’m curious—what do you think? Was Sullenberger a hero or just a man doing what needed to be done? Eilis Dear Eilis,

he word “hero” tends to be seen as a term of veneration, doesn’t it? But sometimes a hero is simply a person who is able to do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. The film portrays Captain Sully as having times of selfdoubt after the landing. It also features a significant interview he gave to journalist Katie Couric only weeks later. While he doesn’t appear egotistical, he does affirm, “I was sure I could do it.” What does it take to have that kind of confidence?

REEL TO REAL Sully was a pilot with decades of flight experience, with the U.S. Air Force and commercial airlines. He was an air safety instructor. As he told Couric, “My entire life had been a preparation to handle that particular moment.” This is a great example of what it takes to be a hero. I’ve used this story to teach character ethics at Booth University College. Like Sully, we spend our lives shaping our character. Most of us don’t face crisis situations on a daily basis. But, whether we are aware of it or not, it’s the small, ordinary decisions we make that prepare us for bigger moments. When we do face a crisis, our character is put to the test. For instance, if we give ourselves for the sake of another person when life is going well, we will be better prepared to be self-sacrificing when life is demanding. None of this means that the heroes are untouchable. Sully is clearly a human being who, despite his confidence, experiences post-traumatic stress and whose heroic actions are zealously questioned during a transportation safety board review. (Incidentally, I understand the film offers an unfair portrayal of the review panellists.) But this movie reveals something else about heroism. Sully depended on the work of a team, both on a regular basis and at a time of crisis. Sully gives a lot of credit to the co-pilot, First Officer Jeff Skiles, and the flight attendants. To my shame, I had paid so much attention to the captain that I didn’t even know the co-pilot’s name before watching the film. Did you? Aimee

Tom Hanks plays Cpt Chesley Sullenberger, an American pilot who safely landed a damaged plane on the Hudson River in New York, saving 155 passengers and crew

Dear Aimee,

o, I didn’t—my attention was on Captain Sullenberger. You make an interesting point. In situations like this, we often forget to mention the folks behind the scenes. It reminds me of a poignant moment during the recent Summer Olympics in Rio. After the American women’s gymnastics team won gold, team captain Aly Raisman went over to her long-time coach, Mihai Brestyan, and placed her medal around his neck. When asked about the gesture, Raisman explained: “Coaches never get medals. It’s the least I can do after everything!” An athlete like Raisman has been training nonstop since she was a young child. Through all those sessions, her coach was right there with her, pushing her to be the best she could. While Raisman deserves full credit for her six career Olympic

medals, we should remember that she wouldn’t have gotten there had it not been for her coach, family and a team of professionals. Likewise, Sullenberger might not have been able to successfully land Flight 1549 had he not received excellent training and had the opportunity to fly in the U.S. Armed Forces and for commercial airlines. Girls all over the world call Raisman their hero. People all over the world consider Sullenberger a hero. However, Raisman didn’t just wake up one day as one of the best gymnasts in history and Sullenberger didn’t just magically become a world-class pilot. Eilis Dear Eilis,

o what about those of us who will never be trained to save hundreds of lives or recognized as the best in the world at something? Are we all called to be heroes? I continue to think about the landing of Flight 1549 and the collaborative effort it took to bring all the crew members and passengers to safety—an effort that air traffic controllers, city ferries, police divers and first responders all had a hand in. Even the passengers contributed, though they had no relevant professional training or experience in this kind of emergency. When some of them jumped or fell into the frigid water, others pulled them out and into life rafts. One passenger noticed that a mother and infant were trapped in their row of seats in the panic of exiting the plane. He made sure they got off safely. Other passengers took special care of an elderly woman who was not able to leave the plane on her own. And still others remained on board a few minutes longer, passing out life vests to those waiting on the wings. Sully may have been the last person to disembark, but this motley crew of passengers put their own lives at risk in an effort to make sure that no one died. Stranger helped stranger. Scripture doesn’t say we are called to be heroes. It says we are called to be saints. Is there a significant difference? Sam Wells, a theologian I respect, says yes in his book, Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics. We identify the hero as a person who is able to tackle a problem or undertake a challenge in a way that is superior to that of the average person. The hero is the central figure of the story. Saints, by contrast, are people who are called to be dedicated to God. They are found at the margins of the story. In a sense, it is the hero and not the saint that we canonize. The hero is often lauded for the great thing they did—winning a gold medal or landing a plane on the Hudson River. But the lives of saints don’t point back to themselves, to their own impressive attributes or great accomplishments. Their lives point outward to God’s character. Captain Sullenberger will long be remembered as the hero who worked a miracle on the Hudson. But eventually that miracle will be forgotten. Saints shouldn’t worry too much about being forgotten. It’s not that their lives don’t count; it’s that their primary vocation is not to accomplish great feats, but to live faithful lives as members of the “communion of saints” or the “great cloud of witnesses.” Had I been on Flight 1549, I hope I would have been the kind of passenger who did something to help a fellow traveller get off the plane safely. Aimee Salvationist December 2016 21

One Body in Christ

Week of prayer builds bridges between Canadian churches. Every year, churches around the world take part in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an ecumenical celebration held the week of January 18-25. In Canada, activities are coordinated by the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC). Maria Simakova, co-ordinator of the CCC’s commission on faith and witness, tells Kristin Ostensen, associate editor, how and why churches can get involved. What is the purpose of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity?

Ecumenical work encompasses many things, but communal prayer is a huge component of that because if we can’t pray together, we probably can’t live together, study together or know each other. This week is an opportunity for people to pray together on a local level— to come together as churches and have fellowship with brothers and sisters. What resources does the CCC provide?

We provide a packet of materials, which is available on our website. It includes posters, bulletins, a formatted order of service and more. It also includes tips on how to organize and plan a local service, with a suggested timeline. We ask a prominent preacher in Canada to prepare a mini-sermon based on the theme. This year, as with last year, we’re proud of the fact that we’re providing an Eastern rite service, so that Eastern Rite Catholics and Orthodox can participate. What is the theme for this year?

This year is the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, so the team from Germany who prepared the texts for 2017 chose the theme “Reconciliation: The Love of Christ Compels Us.” They’re riffing on 2 Corinthians 5:14-20, but they’re also, in an ecumenical fashion, borrowing that quote from Pope Francis’ The Joy of the Gospel. The idea is to celebrate the anniversary of the Reformation, while also taking time to reflect on the ruptures and rifts that have happened in the church. So it’s also a time for repentance and remembering that reconciliation has to come from our hearts, as well as from God. 22 December 2016 Salvationist

Leaders pray together during a service for the 2016 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Toronto

One of my favourite moments in the worship service is the visual component. Being from Germany, the team thought about walls, how walls divide people. So during the service, the leaders come up and build a wall of stones, made of cardboard, and then, in the middle of the service, they dismantle it stone by stone. Each stone represents a sin of division that they dismantle through repentance. If a church has not participated in this week of prayer before, what’s a good way to get involved?

Ideally, several parishes in the local area should come together and put together a service. But there are a number of things you can do. You can take bits and pieces of our service and insert them into your Sunday worship. The service has Scripture readings and prayers—it’s very adaptable. Another thing you can do is a Bible study. The international team produces Eight Days of Prayer Bible studies, which provide reflections on Christian unity and reconciliation, with Scripture and a prayer at the end. You could take that up as a Bible study in your congregation, or approach another church and work on it together. Why should Christian unity be a priority for the Canadian church?

One of our mottos is “It’s always better to do things together.” We can work together on projects that are important

not just to Christians, but to Canada in general. For instance, in the past year, we’ve seen an enormous amount of Christian collaboration around refugees, communities co-sponsoring refugees together—that’s an ecumenical endeavour. As well, we are all aware that Christianity is not a growing religion anymore in Canada, so often people are encouraged by meeting other Christians; it’s a chance to support one another. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity gives us a chance to be introduced to the diversity of the Christian expressions in Canada. Canada is amazing in that sense—you can probably find every single expression of Christianity that is available worldwide here, so this is a chance to learn how the grace and love of Christ is expressed by members of different theological and cultural communities. It may be a bit challenging, but I think it’s rewarding. For more information about the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, contact Maria Simakova at simakova@ councilofchurches. ca. To download resources, visit weekofprayer.ca.

#TRENDING

Martyr Complex Are Christians in North America persecuted?

ometimes my kids come to me and say, “We’re starving!” When this happens, I try to help them understand that there are children in the world—even in our community—who are truly starving or undernourished. Sometimes Christians in North America say, “We’re persecuted!” While Christianity has faced increasing cultural disdain in recent years, to call this treatment persecution “stretches the definition violently,” says one writer in Relevant magazine. The first three centuries of the church are known as “the age of martyrs.” The Roman Empire mercilessly persecuted the early Christians, who refused to worship the emperor as divine or make sacrifices to Roman gods. They were tortured, thrown to wild animals, set on fire and used as human torches. Their willing sacrifices led to the rapid growth and spread of Christianity. The church father Tertullian wrote, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” Today, there are still places in the world where Christians are jailed and killed for their faith, where they must meet in secret. Sarnia, Ont., where I live, isn’t one of them. I can go to church openly, listen to Christian radio while driving home and then watch a Christian TV show or movie. We have Christian daycares, schools and universities; Christian magazines, books and publishing companies; Christian games, greeting cards and dating websites. It’s true that Christians are sometimes ridiculed and marginalized, but being made fun of is not persecution. Being a Christian will not get me killed. So why does a certain segment of Christianity in North America claim persecution? I think it’s because we’re losing our grip on power, and we’re afraid. In the fourth century, the emperor Constantine adopted Christianity after a key battle and made it legal. It became the official religion of the empire and the church gained tremendous power,

influence and cultural dominance. This was the beginning of Christendom, a partnership between church and state that shaped Western society. Christians are used to being the dominant majority in our culture, but that’s changing. We now live in a pluralistic society, made up of many traditions, cultures and religions. Not everyone thinks or believes the way we do. But acknowledging and respecting our differences doesn’t mean we have compromised our faith. It means we understand that religious freedom means freedom for everybody. Scripture is clear that living as a Christian will bring opposition: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12); “In fact, everyone who

wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). In my opinion, we aren’t persecuted, but we do have a persecution, or martyr, complex—an unfounded and obsessive fear or sense that we are the object of collective mistreatment or hostility. Do we read persecution into things because we want to prove our worthiness? Has it become a badge of honour that inflates our pride? Something that marks us as part of an elite group? Alan Noble, an English professor at Oklahoma Baptist University, writes about the dangers of a misguided understanding of persecution in The Atlantic: “The danger of this view is that believers can come to see victimhood as an essential part of their identity … the real problem with many persecution narratives in Christian culture: they fetishize suffering.” It’s true that the church no longer occupies a central place in our culture—but is that a bad thing? When the church became a powerful, state institution, abuse and corruption followed. Throughout history, reform movements have arisen to call the church back to its roots—to be countercultural, pointing to a different way of living, different values. Bishop Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States, writes: “I think the detachment of the Christian religion from the culture in which we are living—the end of the age of Christendom—is an opportunity … [the] church can now emerge, [unencumbered] by the institutional arrangements that were part of the age of Christendom, and that’s an opportunity for some real religion. Now we [can] get on with the work of really following Jesus, really being his disciples and the community of his disciples in the world.” We aren’t persecuted just because we’re no longer on top. Let’s get back to being the church—salt and light in a dark world. Captain Mark Braye is the corps officer at Sarnia Community Church, Ont. Salvationist December 2016 23

BY CAPTAIN MARK BRAYE

HERSTORY

The Mary I Never Knew Reflecting on the faith of the first Christian.

h e r e ’s s o m e t h i n g about Mary that captivates me. Something about her has long captivated the church, too, leading many to overestimate her virtue throughout the centuries. She has gone from a pregnant peasant girl to a sinless, perpetually virgin saint. But we shouldn’t let her saintliness make us forget her realness. She was a teenage girl who gave birth to a baby on a dirty stable floor. She was a mother who ran through Jerusalem looking for her little boy when he was lost. She was a woman who had enough influence over Jesus to convince him to turn water into wine at a wedding. Mary was a real woman with a real story. There are many stories about Mary in the Bible, but, for me, the one that reveals her character the most is the call of God on her life and her response, found in the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel. Luke tells us that God sent an angel to Mary, a young girl in Nazareth who was betrothed to Joseph. The angel said she had found favour with God, and that she would give birth to the Son of the Most High. The angel’s presence and words frightened the young girl, and yet, despite her fear, she replied, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Mary said yes to God’s strange request. She said yes to the danger of being an unwed mother. She said yes to the unknown. A few verses later, Luke records Mary’s words after visiting her cousin, Elizabeth. Known as the Magnificat, it is Mary’s continued response to God. It is a subversive—“He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the 24 December 2016 Salvationist

rich away empty” (Luke 1:53)—and bold prayer in the face of uncertainty and fear. It is a prayer that transforms Mary from a peasant girl into the mother of God. It is a prayer that begins to reveal the incarnation—the meeting of heaven and earth, that Jesus is both truly God and truly man. The Magnificat is Mary’s song, but it is not focused on Mary. Instead it is focused on the might, holiness and mercy of God. Despite how she is sometimes viewed, Mary wasn’t perfect or sinless. I’m sure she had her doubts. I’m sure she didn’t always understand what was happening. But perhaps that’s the point. Mary’s story tells us that we don’t need to be a saint or a virgin mother to be God’s image

bearer. We just need to obey. To say yes. To speak into the universe, with fearful trepidation, “Let’s do this, God. I don’t understand what’s happening, but I trust that you are at work.” Maybe Mary found favour with God because she knew and understood that God was at work in the world— even in the things she didn’t understand and in the things that were impossibly hard to imagine. As we approach the coming season, I hope that we are marked by Mary’s faith. Not a sinless Mary, but a real Mary. When Mary’s realness comes through, her act of obedience and her subversive prayer mean more to us. When we recognize ourselves in Mary, in her imperfection and fear as she delivered the Son of God, then we enter the Christmas story in a new and a powerful way. This Christmas, may we be reminded that God seeks us out where we are, as we are. We don’t have to have all of our stuff together to be used by God. Instead, God seeks us out when we are suffering; when we are cowards; when we are unfaithful; when we are arrogant; when we are lost and broken; when we feel forgotten, bored, insignificant and tired; when we are wounded, and when we are the ones who are wounding. God is seeking us out that we might say—I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled (see Luke 1:38). That we might say—my soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour (see Luke 1:46-47). Lieutenant Kristen Jackson-Dockeray is the divisional youth secretary in the British Columbia Division.

BY LIEUTENANT KRISTEN JACKSON-DOCKERAY

CROSS CULTURE

IN REVIEW

Photo: Courtesy of CBC

The Day the Revolution Began

Reconsidering the meaning of Jesus’ Crucifixion

On the set of Murdoch Mysteries

A Kettle Mystery Salvation Army plays central role in Murdoch Mysteries Christmas special.

anada’s favourite Victorian-era detective will have an encounter with The Salvation Army this December, in a special Christmas episode of Murdoch Mysteries. Now in its 10th season, the CBC drama chronicles the adventures of William Murdoch, a detective with the Toronto Constabulary at the turn of the 20th century. The Murdoch showrunners reached out to the Army earlier this year about doing a Salvation Army-connected Christmas episode, as they did with the Sick Kids Hospital last December. The episode, filmed in the Greater Toronto Area in October, features a Salvation Army kettle worker who gets mixed up in one of Murdoch’s cases. “We are pleased with how much we were incorporated into the script,” says John McAlister, national director of marketing and communications. “The Salvation Army is often featured in Christmas specials, but in the backdrop. In this case, there was opportunity for the Army to be part of the storyline.” The Army was involved in the production as well, providing advice on the script for the episode and assistance with costumes and props. A vintage Christmas kettle from the territorial archives is used in the episode, and the uniform worn by the Salvationist is based on a period uniform. The kettle stand and signage are based on photographs the archives provided. “The writers are intentional about trying to make things as authentic as possible,” notes McAlister. The Salvation Army also played a role in the Unlock the Mysteries of Murdoch fan event held in October. A Christmas kettle was set up and the showrunners announced that the Army would appear in the upcoming season, receiving a positive response from the crowd.

BY N.T. WRIGHT In his new book, renowned Christian scholar N.T. Wright argues that Jesus’ death on the cross was not only to absolve us of our sins; it was actually the beginning of a revolution commissioning the Christian faithful to a new vocation—a royal priesthood responsible for restoring and reconciling all of God’s creation. Wright argues that Jesus’ Crucifixion must be understood within the larger story of God’s plans to bring heaven and earth together. The Day the Revolution Began offers a grand picture of Jesus’ sacrifice and its full significance for the Christian faith. Written accessibly for a lay audience, the book can give believers a renewed sense of mission, purpose and hope, reminding us of the important role our faith can play in protecting and shaping the world.

Parenting

14 gospel principles that can radically change your family BY PAUL DAVID TRIPP While countless parenting books have been written, pastor Paul Tripp’s new book is much more than another “how-to” manual. Instead of a guaranteed “formula,” Tripp offers readers a big-picture view of God’s plan for parents. Both theological and practical, Parenting outlines 14 foundational principles centred on the gospel. Tripp shows that, more than the latest parenting strategy or list of techniques, today’s parents need the rescuing grace of God—grace that has the power to shape how they view everything they do. Parenting is not about achieving goals, he writes, but about being ambassadors for God, who alone is able to produce good things in our children. Freed from the burden of trying to manufacture life-change in their children’s hearts, parents can embrace a larger perspective of parenting based on faith and trust in God. For these and other resources, contact supplies and purchasing at 416-422-6100, orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org, or visit store.salvationarmy.ca.

Salvationist December 2016 25

PEOPLE & PLACES

VICTORIA—Bandmaster Ted Brown receives a certificate of appreciation from Mjr Brian Coles, CO, Victoria Citadel, as he retires following 25 years of faithful service and band leadership.

CARBONEAR, N.L.—Salvationists and friends mark the 130th anniversary of Carbonear Corps under the leadership of Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander. Taking part in the festivities are, from left, Mjrs Wycliffe and Shirley Reid, COs; Phyllis Ash; Commissioner McMillan; and Lt-Col Eddie Vincent, DC, N.L. Div.

ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—At the age of 91, Ethel Canning is doing her part to support the Partners in Mission fundraising efforts at St. John’s West Corps. Knitting 100 dishcloths and selling them to her family and friends, she raised $300. From left, Mjr Terry Feltham, CO; Joni Burry, Partners in Mission co-ordinator; Ethel Canning; and Mjr Roxann Feltham, CO.

PENTICTON, B.C.—The Salvation Army in Penticton celebrates 95 years of ministry with a community barbecue, anniversary dinner and special service under the leadership of Lt-Cols Peter and Esther Roed. Lt-Col Esther Roed’s mother, then Cpt Eva Garnett, was the first corps officer in Penticton in 1921. From left, Lt-Cols Peter and Esther Roed, Mjrs Dale and Jo Sobool, Mjrs Moe and Dianne Davis, and Mjr Nita Wagner, all of whom served in Penticton; and Cpts Miriam and Tim Leslie, COs.

To purchase your copy of this daily Salvation Army devotional, visit store.salvationarmy.ca, e-mail orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org or phone 416-422-6110 today! For the e-book, visit amazon.ca.

26 December 2016 Salvationist

HAMILTON, ONT.—Mjrs Everett and Violet Barrow are installed as DC and DDWM in the Ont. GL Div by Commissioner Susan McMillan, territorial commander. Front, from left, Lt-Col Jennifer Groves, assistant DC, Ont. GL Div; Mjrs Everett and Violet Barrow; Commissioner McMillan; and Colonels Sharon and Mark Tillsley, TSWM and CS. Mjr Warrick Pilgrim, the Barrows’ corps officer when they entered the CFOT in St. John’s, N.L., in 1976, holds the flag.

PEOPLE & PLACES

A Helping Hand in Winnipeg WINNIPEG—When Salvationist Alex Watkinson stands beside a Christmas kettle this year in Winnipeg, he will continue an annual tradition he began more than 50 years ago. Born in Barking, England, in 1926, he was introduced to The Salvation Army by his sister, who served as a nanny for an Army family. Watkinson attended Sunday school, learned to play a brass instrument and was enrolled as a senior soldier at the age of 15. Immigrating to Canada, he moved to Owen Sound, Ont., in 1963, where he became the corps sergeantmajor and began volunteering on Christmas kettles. Watkinson and his wife, Shirley, now reside in Winnipeg where they attend Heritage Park Temple and he continues to be an integral part of the kettle campaign. FREDERICTON—Three young people are enrolled as junior soldiers at Fredericton CC. From left, Mjr Wilbert Abbott, then CO; Canaan McKinney; Nyah McKinney; Journie Jackson; and Mjr Bertha Abbott, then CO.

GAZETTE TERRITORIAL Long service: 35 years—Mjr Elaine Braye Retirement: Mjr Mona Moore Promoted to glory: Lt-Col Merv Leach, from Brantford, Ont., Sep 23; Mjr Vera Dicks, from St. John’s, N.L., Sep 30; Aux-Cpt William Russell, from Woodstock, Ont., Oct 16; Mrs. Mjr Florence Webster, from Edmonton, Oct 16

CALENDAR

Photo: Carson Samson

Commissioner Susan McMillan: Dec 4 evening service, Meighen Residence, Toronto; Dec 10 Christmas with The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley: Dec 3 Toronto Star Christmas carol concerts, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Toronto; Dec 10 Christmas with The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto Canadian Staff Band: Dec 3 Toronto Star Christmas carol concerts, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Toronto; Dec 7 Festival of Carols with Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Toronto; Dec 10 Christmas with The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto Canadian Staff Songsters: Dec 10 Christmas with The Salvation Army, Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto

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PEOPLE & PLACES

TRIBUTES BLAKETOWN, N.L.—Major Linda Joyce Barrett (nee Fudge) was born in 1946 in Corner Brook, N.L., to Alfred and Anne Fudge. As a young girl, Linda loved The Salvation Army, where she sang in the singing company and attended Sunday school, and later became a corps cadet and songster. Married to Max for 53 years, together they raised three children. Linda was involved in the youth program at Corner Brook Temple as a Cub leader and youth group (Temple Teens) leader. Linda and Max entered the College for Officer Training in St. John’s, N.L., in 1983, in the Guardians of the Truth Session. Following commissioning, they served as corps officers in Jackson’s Point, Ont., at the Harbour Light in Hamilton, Bermuda, and as corps officers at Toronto’s West Hill Corps. Before retiring to Blaketown in 2010, Linda ministered alongside Max at the Jackson’s Point Conference Centre as co-ordinator of services. A faithful soldier of Trinity Bay South Corps, Linda loved life and serving the Lord. Linda planned her celebration service, including the Scripture reading of Jeremiah 29:11-14. Linda is remembered by her husband, Max; children Cheryl (Tommy), Karen (Kenneth) and Jeff (Susan); five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. ELLIOT LAKE, ONT.—Long-time Salvationist Leonard John Burlock came to the Lord through the ministry of the soldiers and officers at the corps in Moncton, N.B. After becoming a soldier, he faithfully laboured for his Master through The Salvation Army in Sudbury, Ont., where he served as the corps treasurer and a bandsman. Len was often found selling The War Cry in local pubs. Upon moving to Elliot Lake, he volunteered at the thrift store until ill health made it impossible to do so. Len will be remembered for his smile, kind spirit and the positive influence he had on many young people. Left with loving memories are his wife, Eva; brother, Norman (Dora); a large group of family and friends.

28 December 2016 Salvationist

VICTORIA—Mrs. Major Hazel (Morden) Hickson was born in 1927 in Souris, Man. Following a career of nursing in the community and at Brandon General Hospital, Hazel and her husband, the late Major Harry Hickson, entered the College for Officer Training in 1963 in the Proclaimers of the Faith Session, along with their three children. Hazel was a helpmate to her husband in various appointments before retiring in Victoria. A kind and caring person, she touched many lives during her ministry. In retirement, Hazel and Harry took responsibility for leading “Keen-Agers,” a group for retired people. Her last three years were spent in The Heights at Mountain View Care Home. Hazel leaves her three children, Maureen (Larry Derbyshire), Marshall (Karen) and Melody (Bob Ringheim); sister, Madeline; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. BRANTFORD, ONT.—Lt-Colonel Merv Leach was born in Brantford in 1936 and went to be with his Lord after a short but courageous battle with cancer. In 1957, Merv married his beloved Mary Belle and, in 1969, they entered the College for Officer Training. Over the span of 45 years, Merv’s ministry as an officer took him from coast to coast, where he served in a wide range of appointments that included as corps officer at Dartmouth Community Church, N.S., Peterborough Temple, Ont., and Cariboo Hill Temple, Burnaby, B.C.; divisional commander in the Bermuda and Ontario North divisions; sectional officer and assistant principal at the College for Officer Training; and secretary for program and secretary for personnel at territorial headquarters. Merv was committed to the Lord for whatever he wanted him to do. He retired in 2001 and is fondly remembered for his integrity, godly influence, words of encouragement and genuine interest in the personal aspect of one’s life. Merv loved his family and is deeply missed by his wife, Mary Belle; daughter, Linda (Stephen Leigh); sons William and Todd (Kathryn); sister, Sharon (Eric Dean); eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; niece, nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews.

TROUBLESOME TEXTS REGINA—Major Glen Gordon McEwan was born in Toronto in 1927 to Doris and James McEwan. Glen accepted Christ at the age of nine and learned to play the trombone at Salvation Army music camps. He attended school in Toronto and then entered the training college in 1944. In 1953, he married Elsie Wallace and, together with their five children, they moved across Canada to appointments with the Army. He loved to use music to tell others about God’s love, and taught himself to play the accordion, piano, concertina, bass guitar, Hawaiian guitar and various brass instruments. Glen was well known in Regina, where he served as the executive director of The Salvation Army William Booth Home for nine years before retiring in 1992. A dedicated Kiwanian, a highlight for Glen was serving as president of the Wascana club and providing music whenever needed. Predeceased by his wife, Elsie, Glen is remembered by children John (Annette), Margaret (David) Berezowski, Catherine, Mary and James (Winona); grandchildren Jennifer Kellett, Heather (Scott) Neilson, Robyn, Timothy (Melissa), Kenneth (Michelle), Crystal, Michael and Mackenzie; great-grandchildren Jaia, Rylie, Paige, Austin, Avery, Declan, Sadie, Emerence and Kennadi; brother, Major Alex (Mrs. Major Evelyn); nieces, nephews and many friends. Guidelines for Tributes Salvationist will print brief tributes (maximum 200 words), at no cost, as space permits. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Tributes should be received within three months of the promotion to glory and include: • community where the individual resided

• corps involvement • Christian ministry

• conversion to Christ • survivors

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A Mother’s Heart Cry BY GENERAL BRAMWELL H. TILLSLEY (RTD) “ ‘Dear woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied. ‘My time has not yet come.’ ”—John 2:4

hese words were spoken by Jesus at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. There is hardly a passage in the New Testament which so hides the spirit in which the words were uttered. “Woman,” for example, was a word of real tenderness, used by Jesus again from the cross (see John 19:26). To translate the spirit of our text, we might change the question into a more positive statement: “Mother, I know what you want from me, but my time has not yet come.” What did Mary really want? Surely the meaning lies deeper than the need for wine, for after replying, “My time has not yet come,” Jesus went on to turn the water into wine. The heart cry of Mary was rather that Jesus would reveal the real meaning of his personality and mission. As his mother, Mary knew the profound secret of his real being, but it was a secret she could never share. Added Campbell Morgan: “Has it ever occurred to you that the Virgin Mother went through life under suspicion, because there are some things which cannot be interpreted to common carnal humanity?” Now the thought of Mary was, “Oh, if only he would show something and prove….” To this heart cry of his mother, Jesus replied, “My time has not yet come.” He did not say he would not perform the miracle, but rather that the result would not satisfy the deepest longing of his mother. This reference for his “time” is a theme that threads its way through John’s Gospel. To his own brethren who desired him to go to Jerusalem and reveal himself, Jesus replied: “The right time for me has not yet come” (John 7:6). His enemies in Jerusalem sought to kill him “but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come” (John 7:30). Jesus’ discourse on the Light of the World (see John 8:12) led to controversy, but “no one seized him, because his time had not yet come” (John 8:20). When certain Greeks came seeking him, Jesus answered: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23). Just before Christ washed the feet of the disciples, the Word records: “Jesus knew that the time had come” (John 13:1). He also commenced the great high priestly prayer by saying: “Father, the time has come” (John 17:1). Thus his first reference to “the time” was to his mother and the last was to his Father. Perhaps our text is simply Jesus’ way of telling us he not only has conscious authority (see Matthew 7:29; Mark 1:22), but is also under authority—that of his Father (see Matthew 8:9; Luke 7:8). The theme of his life and ours can be summed up in a simple prayer petition: “Not my will Father, but thine be done, thy will be done.”

Excerpt from It Is Written by General Bramwell H. Tillsley, available at store.salvationarmy.ca, 416-422-6100, orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org. For the e-book, visit amazon.ca. Salvationist December 2016 29

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The Butterfly Effect How The Salvation Army Christmas CD saved a life. BY ANDY KWAK

fter working in the medical field as a licensed practical nurse for 16 years, God led me in a new direction. Little did I know it would turn out to be a life-changing adventure. In April 1987, I started full-time ministry with The Salvation Army’s community and family services in Edmonton. Four months later, a devastating tornado ripped through the east corner of the city, destroying more than 300 homes, killing 27 people and injuring 253 others. It became known as Black Friday. Out of that disaster came many meetings with local non-governmental organizations. As a Salvation Army representative, I was keenly aware of the need for a spiritual response in these crisis situations that could be met through the role of chaplaincy. My first introduction to this role was filling in for the city of Edmonton chaplain, which led me to volunteer as fire chaplain for the city of St. Albert, Alta. Shortly after that I was privileged to become the first chaplain for the Edmonton international airport. As an emergency chaplain, I have provided spiritual support not only at natural disasters all over Canada, such as floods in Slave Lake and Peace River, Alta., and Winnipeg, but also all over the world. New York, the southern United States, Chechnya, Kosovo and Malawi have all become my ministry field. A chaplain’s role is a ministry of presence. To explain this, I often give the example of a man chasing a butterfly that constantly eludes him. Finally, exhausted, he sits down. In the quietness of the moment, the butterfly lands on his shoulder. As a chaplain you don’t need to chase anyone. Simply by your presence and availability at the right moment, they will come to you. In October 2007, God moved me once again, this time to Abbotsford, 30 December 2016 Salvationist

Andy Kwak is the chaplain for fire and rescue services in Abbotsford and Mission, B.C.

B.C., where I became The Salvation Army’s community ministry director and chaplain for fire and rescue services in Abbotsford and Mission, B.C. Always looking for ways to connect with the men and women at the fire halls, I decided to hand out copies of the Army’s Christmas CD, along with a label including my name, contact information and my hope for them to enjoy a wonderful Christmas. Shortly after distributing these CDs one Christmas, Jason (not his real name) called and asked if we could talk. I arranged to meet him at a local coffee shop. He told me he was depressed and couldn’t keep feeling the way he was. He needed help. Then he received the CD. He hadn’t shared his feelings with anyone, but when he saw the word “chaplain,” he decided to reach out. As we talked, I assured him of confidentiality and convinced him to see his family doctor. I told him I would reconnect with him in 24 hours to see if he had followed through with the doctor.

I’m happy to report that, with the help of his family physician, Jason was redirected to a specialist for help. A few years have passed and Jason has moved on. He is no longer a firefighter; however, we continue to keep in touch. I met with him recently, and he is doing very well. When I asked if I could share his story, he said, “Good. People need to know it’s OK to tell someone— not to bottle their feelings. No more silence about mental health! The more you talk about mental health, the easier it becomes for individuals to reach out for help when they need it.” I’m not sure if Jason ever listened to the music on the CD, but I do know that God used it to save his life. The Salvation Army’s 2016 territorial Christmas CD, The Light of Christmas, is available at store. salvationarmy.ca.

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