Mary’s Memories
Serving Soldiers
Rowing for a Cause
OUR ARMY AT WAR P.12 A MAN & HIS DORY P.10 ARMY HELPS P.22
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Voices of Angels
FROM KETTLE BELLS TO BROADWAY, THIS SISTER DUO’S TALENT SOARS. P.16
Lost Sheep
White, curly hair, very friendly Answers to Fluffy Last seen October 22
Call 321-456-0987 Many of us know the agony of losing a pet. Thoughts race: What’s happened to them? Are they OK? Will they ever be found? Jesus once told His followers a story about a shepherd who lost one of his sheep. That shepherd looked high and low until he found it. And he threw a party to celebrate when he brought his beloved sheep back home (see Luke 15:3-7). Jesus is that good shepherd who’d do anything to rescue us, His sheep. When we’re lost, He finds us and brings us home again. He even suffered death so that we could have everlasting life with Him.
To learn more about God’s saving love, visit our website at faithandfriends.ca or contact us at: The Salvation Army Editorial Department, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4.
November 2021
VOLUME 24 NUMBER 11
FAMILY TIME
5 Bird’s Eye View
How an encounter with some finefeathered friends reminded Diane Stark not to worry. SOMEONE CARES
8 Brooke’s Way Back
Hard work and determination helped a young man turn his life around.
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COMMON GROUND
10 Row, Row, Row Your Dory …
That’s what Ron White did to raise money for a Salvation Army food bank.
FEATURES Mary’s Memories
Serving Both Flags
Rowing for a Cause
OUR ARMY AT WAR P.12 A MAN & HIS DORY P.10 ARMY HELPS P.22
Faith&Friends I N S P I R AT I O N F O R L I V I N G
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Voices of Angels
FROM KETTLE BELLS TO BROADWAY, THIS SISTER DUO’S TALENT SOARS. P.16
COVER STORY
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Mary’s Memories
The Salvation Army was everywhere during the Second World War.
The Voices of Angels
From kettle bells to Broadway, this sister duo’s talent soars.
Serving Soldiers
Iconic Salvation Army kettles come to the aid of the Royal Canadian Legion.
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FAITH BUILDERS 24 From Big Dream to Big Screen
American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story is more about family than football. LITE STUFF 28 Eating Healthy With Erin
Sudoku, Quick Quiz. NIFTY THRIFTY 30 An Un-bowl-ievable DIY
Add some vinyl flair to your home decor.
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FROM THE EDITOR
In Peace and War
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hroughout history, The Salvation Army and the Canadian Armed Forces have had a proud and powerful partnership. Salvation Army pastors have been with the troops for almost 125 years, from the veldts of South Africa in the late 1800s to the North German Plain in the 1980s. Salvationists have served in the ranks, and Salvation Army volunteers have ministered to the needs of our soldiers, sailors and airmen. So, though 75 years lie between them, there’s a strong theme running between “Mary’s Memories,” Jan Keats’ account of how one veteran remembered the good works that The Salvation Army had performed during the Second World War, and “Serving Soldiers,” Angela Rafuse’s article detailing how the Army helped the Canadian Legion raise funds with their iconic kettles last year. “We have a long-standing relationship of goodwill and service,” says Major Daniel Roode, Salvation Army pastor in Pictou County, N.S. “I’m glad we could help them in their time of need.” We pray it will always be so. With this issue, we bid adieu to senior graphic designer Brandon Laird, who was present at the birth of Faith & Friends. His artistic sensibilities have been instrumental in making our little magazine what it is, as dozens of awards can attest. “In this next stage of my career,” Brandon says, “I will be able to connect and coach the next generation of creatives and have some space to do my own creative work.” We wish him the best of luck as he goes on to achieve his dreams. Ken Ramstead
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Mission Statement To show Christ at work in the lives of real people, and to provide spiritual resources for those who are new to the Christian faith.
Faith & Friends is published monthly by: The Salvation Army 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto Ontario, M4H 1P4 International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4P 4EP, England William and Catherine Booth FOUNDERS
Brian Peddle, GENERAL Commissioner Floyd Tidd TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
Lt-Colonel John P. Murray SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Geoff Moulton, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ken Ramstead, EDITOR
Brandon Laird SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Rivonny Luchas DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Pamela Richardson, COPY EDITOR, PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR
Ada Leung CIRCULATION CO-ORDINATOR
Kristin Ostensen STAFF WRITER, PROOFREADER
Giselle Randall STAFF WRITER Scripture Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from New International Version Contact Us P. (416) 467-3188, F. (416) 422-6217 Websites faithandfriends.ca, salvationist.ca, salvationarmy.ca Email faithandfriends@salvationarmy.ca Subscription for one year: Canada $17 (includes GST/HST); U.S. $22; foreign $24 P. (416) 422-6119 circulation@salvationarmy.ca All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda and cannot be reproduced without permission. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40064794 ISSN 1702-0131
Faith&Friends
FAMILY TIME
Bird’s Eye View How an encounter with some fine-feathered friends reminded me not to worry. by Diane Stark
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Illustrations: Rivonny Luchas
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om, we’re almost out of milk,” my 16-yearold daughter, Julia, said. “Can I drive you to the grocery store?” Julia had just gotten her learner’s permit, and she was constantly looking for reasons to practise driving. When I replied that I thought the milk would last another day or two, she pointed out that my coffee creamer was also running low. We were in the car in less than 10 minutes.
Are You Listening? Julia drove while I looked at the store’s website ad on my phone. Suddenly she tapped the brakes and yelled, “Move out of the way!” I looked up and saw that a flock of birds were gathered on the road. Julia honked the horn, and the birds scattered. But when she looked in the rearview mirror, she sighed. “They all just landed back on the road. And I even slowed down and honked. It’s so frustrating. I just
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FAMILY TIME
want to protect them, but they aren’t listening.” Getting Our Attention I smiled. “Keeping birds off the road sounds a bit like raising teenagers. We parents do the best we can to teach our kids to make good decisions, but once they reach a certain
siblings could learn from the mistakes that Dad and I made when we were your age but, unfortunately, it rarely happens that way.” Julia nodded. “We all have to make our own mistakes, I guess.” “I wonder if God ever feels frustrated as He watches us navigate through life,” I said. “Like the good
“Do you think God’s yelling at us, like we yell at the birds?” JULIA STARK age, we can’t protect them from everything anymore. Parents can still give advice, but teenagers don’t always follow it.” “I thought parenting got easier as kids got older,” Julia said. “It’s easier because you and your siblings are more independent than when you were little, but it’s also harder because I worry about you guys more now than I did then.” “It must be hard to watch us grow up and make our own choices,” Julia continued, “especially when you see us making some that could harm us in the future.” “You’re right. It is hard. I love you guys and I want the best for you,” I said. “I often wish that you and your
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Father He is, He tries to protect us from getting hurt, but sometimes, we keep making decisions that put us in danger. It’s got to be hard for Him to watch because He loves us so much.” “Do you think He’s yelling at us, like we yell at the birds?” I chuckled. “I wouldn’t blame Him if He did. He’s got to get my attention somehow.” “Isn’t that what the Holy Spirit is for? God’s still, small voice that guides us?” Julia said. Pray More, Worry Less Her words stopped me short. Of course, she was right. God shouldn’t need to yell to get my attention
because as a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives inside me. God will guide me with His still, small voice. All I have to do is listen. I looked at Julia and smiled. “I just
realized that I’ve been handing out advice to you and your siblings and then worrying like crazy when you don’t follow it. I’ve been praying that you all would listen to me, but instead, I need to pray that you recognize and listen to God’s voice when He guides you.” Julia smiled back. “I think that means you can stop worrying about us, too.” As if that would ever happen! “I used to feel so powerless regarding your decisions, and that’s why I worried so much,” I said. “I’ll always worry about you, but I realize now that I was trying to parent within my own power, instead of asking God to use His power to reach you.” Over the next few months, I reminded myself that my kids were in God’s hands and His voice guided their steps. I prayed more, which helped me worry less. After all, worrying really is for the birds.
(left) Diane Stark is a wife, mother of five and freelance writer from rural Indiana. She loves to write about the important things in life: her family and her faith.
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SOMEONE CARES
Brooke’s Way Back Hard work and determination helped a young man turn his life around. by Sharifa Duncan
Terrific Trio “I met my wife, who has been the light of my life, and now I can say one of my greatest achievements is becoming a father,” Brooke says
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hange is never easy. For those facing mental-health struggles and overcoming substance-use disorders, the road to recovery can have setbacks, and it can be challenging to find the strength to reach out for help. Journey to Stability Twelve years ago, Brooke was wrestling with his new sobriety when he was hospitalized for bipolar depression and anxiety. “I was self-medicating to exist in the world,” he remembers. “Once I took it all away, things went into chaos.” Brooke lost his apartment, had
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no money saved, no job and needed somewhere to stay. While at the hospital, Brooke’s social worker secured him a room at The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light in downtown Toronto. “Before Harbour Light, I didn’t have any life skills, such as budgeting, cooking or saving money,” he says. “During my one year with The Salvation Army, I learned so many great habits that pushed me to succeed in all facets of my life.” The Toronto Harbour Light offers transitional housing and a residential treatment program with a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to recovery. Brooke and his
caseworker collaborated on an individualized action plan, allowing for consistent personal growth, structure and accountability as he strived to achieve his goals. Brooke was also offered several life-skills classes, including cooking, nutrition workshops and financial literacy.
“When I first stepped foot in Harbour Light, I never imagined I would be here.” Brooke is moving into a threebedroom apartment and has been in recovery for 12 years with more than five years of sobriety. “Though I relapsed, I knew where
“I was self-medicating to exist in the world. Once I took it all away, things went into chaos.” BROOKE Shortly after his stay at Harbour Light, Brooke got his job back at a local restaurant and, with hard work and dedication, he earned more managerial positions. Now that life is stable, he is back in school to complete a social work program that focuses on mental health and recovery. “Here to Help” “I met my wife, who has been the light of my life, and now I can say one of my greatest achievements is becoming a father,” Brooke says.
to go and what to do to turn my life around through the values, resources and skills I learned at The Salvation Army.” Brooke discovered a lot through his time at Harbour Light, but one of his most powerful life lessons has been making and maintaining relationships with family and friends. “The Salvation Army took me in and treated me like family,” Brooke beams. “It doesn’t matter where you come from, who you are or what you believe—The Salvation Army is here to help without judgment.”
(left) Sharifa Duncan is a marketing/ communications specialist at The Salvation Army’s territorial headquarters in Toronto.
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COMMON GROUND
Row, Row, Row Your Dory … That’s what Ron White did to raise money for a Salvation Army food bank. by Ken Ramstead
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hen Ron White (above) rows his dory from Cooper’s Cove to Jimmy Gilbert’s Garden across Come By Chance Arm in Newfoundland and Labrador, it’s not just for recreation. Each time he rows, he re-enacts a 95-year-old chapter in his family’s history. Family Tradition In 1926, while her husband was away at work, Ron’s grandmother found herself alone with her ailing fatherin-law. He passed away on August 13, and “Nan Gilbert” had to make the dark and dangerous journey alone in a dory to the nearest neighbour. “It was said that she was pregnant
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at the time,” says Ron. That voyage has become a part of Gilbert family lore. “The story was told to us small children,” says Ron, a retired schoolteacher. “And as we grew up, the story continued to be told to me and my cousins. Everybody in the family knows about it.” Sometime during the summer, “I take my grandchildren in my dory, and I make the same journey that my grandmother did. I tell them the story of how she did it all those years ago. It’s becoming a family tradition.” Rowing for a Cause This past August 13, Ron rowed his dory yet again, but this time
for a different reason. “I’ve been volunteering with The Salvation Army in Clarenville for seven years,” says Alice, Ron’s wife. A retired nurse, she helps out with the Christmas toys and hampers. “Clarenville is a larger town and so the Salvation Army food bank there gets a lot of support,” she explains. “But I noticed that there was an increased need at The Salvation Army’s food bank at Arnold’s Cove.”
but there was a small, enthusiastic crowd at the beach, and people from as far away as Alberta watched the livestream. Attired in period dress, Ron made the kilometre-and-a-half round trip in calm water in 44 minutes. “My grandmother did it in lessthan-ideal conditions, and in the dark,” he says. Ron collected $2,300, “and there’s still money coming in,” he smiles.
“When you need help, The Salvation Army is there for those in need.” RON WHITE Ron had mentioned to Alice that the next dory ride he took would be for charity, so Alice said, “Well, what about the food bank?” Ron phoned Salvation Army Majors Beverley Dart-Stokes and Anthony Stokes in Arnold’s Cove. “I don’t know how much money I’m going to raise,” he told the Salvation Army pastors, “but whatever I do raise, I’m going to give it to the food bank.” “Bring It On” Ron advertised his event on social media, and VOCM, a radio station that broadcasts throughout the province, interviewed him a number of times and covered the journey. It was a foggy and damp Friday,
“I had dreams of $300-$500 for the dory ride—anyway, that’s what my goal was,” Ron says. “So it’s been a huge success and I think the food bank is going to be quite happy when they accept the money from us.” Best of all, there’s already been interest from people to accompany Ron in their own kayaks and boats next year. “It’s not about just me doing it,” he smiles. “I want other people to get involved and if they can raise money for the Salvation Army food bank, bring it on! “Whether it’s a fire in the community or a disaster around the world, when you need help, the Army is there for those in need. That means a lot to Alice and me.”
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FEATURE
At Ease Henry Bellegarde stands with some of the crew of his tank, a Dutch boy wearing wooden shoes next to them. “26/12/44 Here I am again by my old tank,” he noted on the photo. “Note my hands in my pockets. The one on the tank is my driver”
Mary’s Memories
FOR ONE WOMAN’S VETERAN FATHER, THE SALVATION ARMY WAS EVERYWHERE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR. by Jan Keats
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here was no conscription at the beginning of the Second World War,” Mary recalls her late father, Henry Bellegarde, explaining to her. But he decided to volunteer for one main reason: his daughter’s future. “This is the best country in the world for a little girl to grow up in,” he would say. Journey to England Henry, whose family was originally from France, resided in Quebec’s Eastern Townships area. He followed the course of the war with avid interest and decided that by joining the army, he would be contributing to
joined the Canadian Grenadier Guards in Montreal and was assigned to Debert, N.S., for training. While on assignment in Halifax, Henry’s commanding officer asked him to drive some women to the mess hall one Saturday evening to prepare for a social event. When he arrived, he noticed one of the women walking down the steps, her long hair bouncing off her shoulders. He was responsible to bring her home, so they engaged in conversation and became acquainted. He later noticed her at the church doorstep the following Sunday, and they walked inside and took their seats together.
“ The Salvation Army could be seen on every street corner.” HENRY BELLEGARDE the freedom of Canada. Along with Henry, many young people were signing up to serve, including seven brothers, who enlisted at different times during the war. At 35, Henry was considerably older than most young men who signed up. He feared he might not get in, so he lied about his age, declaring he was in his 20s. He
Henry and the love of his life, Geraldine, were married six weeks later. Their daughter and only child, Mary, was born after the war. In the meantime, the Canadian Grenadier Guards embarked on their journey to England in 1941. Our Army at War Henry first discovered The Salvation faithandfriends.ca I NOVEMBER 2021
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Freedom Fighter Every Remembrance Day, Mary placed her father’s beret and photo in the window of her store as a tribute to him
Army at work during his initial days stationed in London, England, during the Blitz, the German bombing campaign aimed at the capital. “The Salvation Army could be seen on every street corner,” Mary’s father told her. “Everywhere he looked,” Mary says, recalling his memories, “Salvation Army volunteers could be seen on horse-drawn carts, bringing food and supplies for the soldiers. They served biscuits and flasks of tea, and handed out blankets.” The Road to Victory The Canadian Grenadier Guards, of which Henry was a part, served in England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, carving out an 14 • NOVEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca
honourable record. Henry was among the troops who landed on the beaches of Normandy after D-Day, the Allied invasion of France. The soldiers waited many hours on board a landing craft before they disembarked. Henry referred to the craft as a “tin can” because it was tossed around in the strong waves, resulting in many soldiers becoming seasick. One of his most difficult moments was witnessing his comrades who had landed before him in the first wave, dead and dying all along the beach. After fighting their way across France and Belgium, Henry was among the troops when Holland was liberated and victory was declared. Mary has a photo of her father
standing beside his tank, a Sherman Firefly. In the photo is a young man who he and his unit helped liberate, standing beside Henry wearing the traditional wooden Dutch shoes. “They Were Everywhere” Following the war, after serving more than five years, Mary’s father returned to Canada and settled in Dartmouth, N.S. There weren’t many lodging dwellings for military personnel following the war, so Henry decided to build two apartment houses, to be used as rental properties. Henry succumbed to his wartime injuries at the age of 60. He had shrapnel embedded in his hip, which caused pain and, eventually, cancer. His wife, Geraldine, lived to the age of 95. Mary opened a retail store in Dartmouth after she married. Each Remembrance Day, she placed her
father’s beret and a photo in the window as a tribute to him. One day, a young man walked by her store. Noticing the photo, he entered and expressed his gratitude to Mary. “He recognized that the photo had been taken in Holland as he was an immigrant from there,” Mary recalls. “He shook my hand and told me he knew and understood the sentiment, since his family had been one of those liberated. That actually made me cry.” From the time he returned from the war until his death, Henry always donated to The Salvation Army. Recognizing all the work and dedication he had seen during the war had had an impact. “They were everywhere—Christ’s soldiers were everywhere,” Henry told his daughter again and again. “He believed in the mission,” says Mary.
On the Front Line Henry and his tank crew might have passed by this Salvation Army Red Shield canteen serving food and drink somewhere in France in late 1944 faithandfriends.ca I NOVEMBER 2021
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COVER STORY
The Voices of Angels FROM KETTLE BELLS TO BROADWAY, THIS SISTER DUO’S TALENT SOARS. by Melissa Yue Wallace
TWO SISTERS FROM FORT Frances, Ont., have garnered international attention for their moving rendition of An Easter Hallelujah, a video posted in March 2021 on various social media channels that has attracted more than 25 million views. In the video, Cassandra Star Armstrong, 11, and her sister, Callahan, 20, sing with a purity described by viewers as “angelic,” with many commenting that they were “moved to tears.” The sisters recorded the song for their Nana, who at the time was in hospital, 16 • NOVEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca
and it provided encouragement not only to her but to millions who were looking for inspiration and peace. “When people heard our Hallelujah song, I think it made them realize that they are not alone because Jesus is always with us,” says Cassandra. “He went through all of that pain and suffering for us, and just as so many people were sick and in pain during COVID-19, everyone was looking for hope.” Giving Back Performing comes naturally for the siblings, which includes their
Photos: Courtesy of the Armstrong family
All for the Army The Armstrong children lend a hand at the Christmas kettles
brother, Christian, 17. From a young age, the trio were singing at family and community functions, including a fundraiser for The Salvation Army, during mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and at the local Festival of the Performing Arts.
“They were harmonizing and singing together all the time, every day,” says their mother, Nikki. “It was just something they always did, and they knew that whenever there was a special occasion, all my parents and I wanted was for them to sing.” faithandfriends.ca I NOVEMBER 2021
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“ Volunteering for The Salvation Army was just something that was dear to our hearts and always has been.” NIKKI ARMSTRONG For the Armstrong family, sharing the gift of music was just one way they could give back to a community that supported them through a tough time. Never Forgotten On March 3, 1994, the Armstrongs welcomed their first child, Nicholas, into the world. “He was medically fragile with multiple health issues, and was unable to walk or talk,” explains Nikki. “He couldn’t do many things
but he loved to smile and cuddle.” Given a heartbreaking prognosis, Nicholas spent much of his life in and out of hospitals and eventually passed away in 2008 in his mother’s arms, his siblings cuddled around him. He was only 14. The Salvation Army’s toy drive was in full swing since it was the end of November, so instead of flowers, Nikki requested funeral attendees bring stuffed animals. “We had the hugest mountain of stuffed animals and it was the most
Dynamic Duo Cassandra and Callahan grace the cover of the CD they produced
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Proud Holder “It wasn’t us who went viral, it was actually God who did,” says Cassandra, seen here with copies of the CD
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beautiful act of kindness,” she says. A tag affixed to each stuffed toy read: “Merry Christmas with love from an angel named Nicholas.” “We started connecting with The Salvation Army at that point, and they included the toys with the Christmas hampers,” Nikki continues. “It was heartwarming to think that so many kids could have something special in honour of my son. When Cassandra was little, she always wanted to make sure I brought Nicholas into every conversation if people asked how many children I had. I assured her, ‘Honey, 20 • NOVEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca
I’ll never forget him.’ ” The Armstrongs continued to be involved with The Salvation Army in various capacities, from volunteering on kettle shifts, representing the Army on a float during the Santa Claus parade, and singing for the grand opening of their new building. “It started out with Callahan and Christian volunteering at the kettles and they didn’t want to just stand there and ring the bell, they wanted to use their gifts to sing Christmas songs,” says Nikki. When Cassandra got older, she joined in the singing. “We found that when they sang, people would
A Family Affair Nikki (centre) with her family, from left, Callahan, holding their puppy, Rainy, Cassandra and Christian
stand and listen and put money in. A shift would mean a few thousand dollars. It was unbelievable,” says Nikki, who estimates her children sang for seven consecutive years. “Volunteering for The Salvation Army was something that was dear to our hearts and always has been.” Rising Stars After going viral, opportunities continue to pour in for Callahan and Cassandra to perform at various venues. They will be singing at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., this month and again in February 2022 after the CEO and his staff were moved by An Easter Hallelujah. “It wasn’t us who went viral, it was actually God who did,” says Cassandra. “It was beautiful that it was His Word that spread all over the world, and my sister and I were just His messengers who sang the story.”
Callahan is a music and education major in her third year of college and is passionate about performing. Cassandra auditioned for and was invited to attend Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway Camp in June. Since December 2020, she has worked with Dan Micciche, the director of Broadway’s Wicked, and Michael Orland, the music director of American Idol for 16 seasons. Cassandra has worked over Zoom with Broadway stars, including Hamilton’s Mandy Gonzalez and Wicked’s Kara Lindsay, and she has more than 39,000 subscribers on her personal YouTube channel. Her dreams include starring on Broadway and becoming a teacher when she is older. “I want to be a teacher of little kids at the same school I go to right now,” she says. “I would make sure that my classroom had God and music in it every day.”
(left) Melissa Yue Wallace is a journalism graduate and freelance writer who is passionate about helping people in need and encouraging the organizations that work tirelessly to care for them. By writing, she finds meaning in amplifying the voices of people who don’t often have their stories told. Melissa lives in Richmond Hill, Ont., with her husband and twin children. faithandfriends.ca I NOVEMBER 2021
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FEATURE
Photo: Angela Rafuse
Faith&Friends
Serving Soldiers
ICONIC SALVATION ARMY KETTLES COME TO THE AID OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION. by Angela Rafuse
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he Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda works to meet the needs of each community in which they serve. Sometimes this means opening a food bank; other times it means offering shelter. But in Pictou County, N.S., last Remembrance Day, it meant lending 22 • NOVEMBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca
the iconic red kettles to the local branch of the Canadian Legion to assist with their Poppy Campaign. “This is the first request we’ve had of this kind,” says Major Daniel Roode, Salvation Army pastor in Pictou County. “But we knew they were in need, and we wanted to help.”
Kettle Duty Salvation Army Major Daniel Roode and Mike Murdock, president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 16 in Pictou, N.S., at their post
“Something to Help” Last year in October, Major Daniel was contacted by Janice Watters, past president of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 16, to see if it was possible to borrow The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettles to collect funds during the Legion’s Poppy Campaign. “We knew we had strict rules to follow with some locations not allowing us to have a volunteer in the store,” Janice explains, “so we came up with the idea to contact The Salvation Army to see if we could borrow the kettles.” “It was a great way to ensure that distancing measures were in place for the Poppy Campaign, and for people to make a donation quickly as they visited the retail environment,” says Major Jamie Locke, then divisional secretary for public relations and development for The Salvation Army’s Maritime Division in Halifax. “We were only too happy to come alongside and help and offer up our kettle stands.” With the Army’s annual kettle campaign beginning on November 16, 2020, Major Daniel was all too familiar with the constraints that the Legion was facing around social distancing and unmanned displays.
“We knew the challenges ahead of us last year, and if we could do something to help another community group, that’s what we were going to do,” Major Daniel explains.
“ I don’t know what we would have done without the help of The Salvation Army.” MIKE MURDOCK Goodwill and Service Mike Murdock, president of Legion Branch 16, was grateful for The Salvation Army’s support. “The kettles were vital to the success of our campaign last year,” he says. “I don’t know what we would have done without the help of The Salvation Army.” To show their appreciation, Legion members volunteered at the Salvation Army kettles as bell-ringers. “Our members volunteer every year with the kettles,” says Mike. “We will certainly be there to help after this.” By working together, The Salvation Army and the Royal Canadian Legion continue to raise vital funds to help the Pictou community during this difficult period. “We have a long-standing relationship of goodwill and service with the Legion,” says Major Daniel. “I’m glad we could help them in their time of need.” faithandfriends.ca I NOVEMBER 2021
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FAITH BUILDERS
From Big Dream to Big Screen Not just a sports movie, American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story is more about family than football. by Jayne Thurber-Smith
Photos: Tor Hawley Creative. www.torhawley.com
Together Forever Kurt Warner with his wife, Brenda. Both had a hand in the film-making process that led to American Underdog
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ho doesn’t enjoy a good underdog story? NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner has quite a few to share. Most of these stories are told in the upcoming feel-good movie American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story, to be released during the feel-good Christmas season on December 25. Based on Kurt’s memoir All Things Possible, the subtitle of the movie trailer says: “From the dream to the big screen.”
Photo: Mike Kubeisy
Coming Together Kurt says the making of the movie itself was quite the underdog undertaking. It was first announced in February 2020, but then was delayed by COVID. Filming didn’t start in Oklahoma City until almost a year later. Besides the extra cost and time involved in following the necessary health and testing protocols, a mid-February blizzard brought
extreme cold and dangerous weather conditions. “My wife, Brenda, and I have always believed there is perfect timing to certain things,” Kurt comments. “But after some of the delays and setbacks we faced, you get to the point where you wonder, Is this gonna get done?” Somehow, with God’s hand on it and with the right people involved, the movie came together in due time. “I saw God working in all of it,” Kurt insists. “Despite all the challenges we saw, one thing came together after another, and I knew we were going to come out on the other side with a great product. Every struggle just fit in with the theme of the movie, that nothing worth having comes easy.” Multifaceted Story Kurt’s story of being a quarterback without a team, and his long journey
Needed Advice St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil (Dennis Quaid) gives advice to Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi)
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Faith&Friends
FAITH BUILDERS
“ There were more facets to my life than just playing a game, and we’ve been able to capture that.” KURT WARNER from stocking shelves at the grocery store to NFL Super Bowl MVP, is football folklore and should be celebrated. However, this movie includes more underdogs than Kurt alone, and is really more about family than football. “You’ll see that Brenda has also been through some things,” he says. “And then there’s our eldest son, who suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was young. All three of our stories interplay because all our journeys are connected. That’s the cool part of it! People may go to this movie expecting a sports movie, but will likely be pleasantly surprised by the depth of the whole story and how they will connect to it emotionally. There were more facets to my life than just playing a game, and we’ve been able to capture that.” Kurt and Brenda both had a hand in the film-making process. “We were excited about the casting, and everyone did such a great job,” says Kurt. “The actors really tapped into what the whole story was about.”
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Getting to the Essence Dennis Quaid plays Dick Vermeil, who was Kurt’s coach for the St. Louis Rams the year they won Super Bowl XXXIV. Anna Paquin (The Irishman) plays Brenda, and Zachary Levi (The Mauritanian) plays a very convincing Kurt. Zachary agrees with Kurt that American Underdog is about so much more than sports. “The football is the packaging in that it’s an incredible rags-to-riches Cinderella story, and the NFL is one of the most insane places to ever try and make that thing happen,” Zachary commented in an interview. “But this is 25-percent football, 75-percent of the real-life journey of Kurt, Brenda and their kids. It’s beautiful. It’s got so much heart and so much faith! It’s a very uplifting, humbling, encouraging story. I think we need more of that, all of the time.” Zachary visited the Warner family for a few days to absorb who Kurt really was, to aid in his performance. “It was nice to get to know Zachary,” Kurt says. “He picked our brains and felt out the emotional
Mirror Image Zachary Levi and Kurt Warner on the set of American Underdog
dynamic of our family, and I think he got it right. It’s funny, watching the movie play out, sometimes I would think, Wait, I wouldn’t say that! But the filming process was not trying to exactly portray me. “There are different ways to play that out in a movie to create the biggest impact. That is something Zach and I talked about a lot,” he continues. “Thankfully, we ended up with a product that really speaks to who Brenda and I are.” Overcoming the Odds Kurt realized it was most important that the message of the movie gets across: you can trust God to help you overcome any odds. And throughout his outstanding career, Kurt has never hesitated to give God the glory.
“You can’t do a story about me without having a component of faith in there,” he says. “The movie was a balancing act, making sure it had all the correct elements and undertones of my life as a believer. We wrestled with how to do that, but my faith will always be a part of my story.” What makes a truly great movie is characters we can cheer for and their positive development, which American Underdog delivers. We all love to see a determined underdog come out from under. “After what we’ve all faced with this recent pandemic, we’re ready for some encouragement,” says Kurt. “I’ve heard so many people over the years say that they’ve been inspired after hearing my story, and that’s what I think is so cool. Brenda and I can’t wait for people to see it!”
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Faith&Friends
LITE STUFF
Eating Healthy With Erin EASY ARTISAN BAKED BREAD
Recipe photo: Erin Stanley
TIME 15 min prep, rise overnight, bake 55 min MAKES 6 servings SERVE WITH butter and jam or in a sandwich
500 ml (2 cups) allpurpose flour 250 ml (1 cup) whole wheat flour 375 ml (1½ cups) warm water, not over 43 C (110 F) 1 ml (¼ tsp) dry yeast 5 ml (1 tsp) salt 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
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1. In large bowl, sift flour and set aside. 2. In separate bowl, mix water, dry yeast, salt and olive oil. Let stand until yeast is dissolved. 3. Gradually add flour to yeast mixture and mix so dough pulls away from the side of the bowl. 4. Sprinkle flour on counter and add dough. Knead dough by folding the edges of the dough into the middle, and then press into the dough with hands firmly, and push away. Repeat for 3-5 minutes. Only add flour when needed to avoid sticking. 5. Lightly grease large bowl and place dough in bowl and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Top with tea towel. Let rise overnight. 6. Place a Dutch oven or covered roasting pan into oven before preheating oven to 190 C (375 F). 7. Sprinkle flour on counter and shape dough into a football or oval shape. Place on parchment paper and put in Dutch oven or a covered roasting pan. Bake for 45 minutes. 8. Remove lid and bake for 10 minutes.
Sudoku Puzzle
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© www.kevinfrank.net
HEAVEN’S LOVE THRIFT SHOP by Kevin Frank
Quick Quiz Answers: 1. Jughead; 2. at the moment; 3. the numerator.
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QUICK QUIZ 1. What Archie Comics character’s real name is Forsythe Pendleton Jones III? 2. What does “atm” mean in texting jargon? 3. What is the top number of a fraction known as?
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Faith&Friends
NIFTY THRIFTY
An Un-bowl-ievable DIY Add some vinyl flair to your home decor.
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V
inyl records are all the rage these days. Whether you’re visiting your local Salvation Army thrift store to add to your music collection or looking for a simple repurposing project, records are easy to score and cost-effective upcycling material. Supplies Needed thrifted record, cookie sheet, oven-safe bowl, oven mitts. Step 1 Visit your local Salvation Army thrift store and peruse their record donations. For this DIY, you’ll want a record that has a fun label … maybe an old childhood favourite.
Step 4 With oven mitts, take the cookie sheet out of the oven. Place on top of your stove, then shape the baked record into a bowl and allow to cool. (You can leave the record to cool on top of the strainer or place in another bowl depending on how wide you want the opening of your DIY record bowl.) Bonus DIY Idea Turn the record cover into wall art! You can frame it, place it on a floating shelf or simply use mounting squares to hang it.
Step 2 Preheat your oven to 95 C (200 F). For baking your record, you’ll want a cookie sheet and an oven-safe bowl. I used a thrifted strainer placed upside down. Place the cookie sheet with strainer in the oven. Then place your record on top of the strainer. (If there is a specific side of the record that you want to be seen, then place your record chosen-side down. This will be the bottom inside of your bowl.) Step 3 Bake the record for six to eight minutes.
(left) Denise Corcoran (aka Thrifty By Design) is an author, upcycler, community builder and workshop facilitator based in North Vancouver. She shares her enthusiasm for crafting and upcycling by facilitating “Crafternoons” throughout Vancouver. She is also a creative expert for The Salvation Army’s thrift stores. Find a thrift store near you at thriftstore.ca.
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