Catching Up With Yazidi Gentrification: There Goes Officership Information Refugees Six Years Later the Neighbourhood Weekend Confirms Calling
THE VOICE OF THE ARMY
October 2021
Christians and Conspiracy Theories How can we know what to believe?
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2 October 2021 Salvationist
October 2021 • Volume 16, Number 10
DEPARTMENTS 5 Inbox
CONNECT ONLINE
6 Frontlines
Visit Salvationist.ca to add your comments and read web-exclusive articles
9 Mobilize 2.0 Prioritizing People
@salvationistmagazine Follow us on Instagram for the latest and best Army photos. Tag your photos #salvationists
17 Viewpoint Brass Tacks by Craig Lewis
22 Triumph Publishing Road to Redemption Interview with Major Max Sturge
/salvationistmagazine Like us on Facebook for photos and updates. Interact with our community of 38,000+ fans
24 International Development The Heart of Education by Kathy Nguyen
18
26 Cross Culture FEATURES
27 People & Places 30 Salvation Stories
10 Kingdom Mission
Call to Worship by Ken Ramstead
Salvationists share how the Officership Information Weekend helped confirm their calling. Compiled by Captain Kristen Jackson-Dockeray
COLUMNS
12 There Goes the Neighbourhood
4 Editorial
When communities are redeveloped, who benefits? by Rebekah McNeilly
Fact or Fake? by Geoff Moulton
14 Serpents and Saints
5 Onward
How should the church respond to conspiracy theories? by Kristin Ostensen
The World is Waiting by Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd
18 The Wisdom of the Cross
25 Family Matters The Parent Trap by Captain Bhreagh Rowe
9 Design for People
The Crucifixion radically reshapes the Christian understanding of power and leadership. by Donald E. Burke
@Salvationist Follow us on Twitter for the Army’s breaking news. Use hashtag #SalvationArmy for your own updates and photos issuu.com/salvationist Catch up on all the Salvation Army news and features on your tablet, desktop or smartphone. Cover Illustration: Rivonny Luchas
READ AND SHARE IT! Coffee Conversations
#OVERCOMER P.12
Roadside Assistance
Conquering Addiction
ARMY HELPS P.26 RYAN’S BRIGHT FUTURE 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
OCTOBER 2021
Desert Ordeal
20 Putting Down Roots Six years ago, The Salvation Army partnered with Operation Ezra to welcome Yazidi refugees to Canada. Today, they are thriving and giving back to the community. by Major Ray Harris
23 Heard and Seen
IN DUNE, A YOUNG MAN HOLDS THE FATE OF THE GALAXY IN HIS HANDS.
P.16
How to hold a Hannah Service for those grieving pregnancy and infant loss. by Captain Laura Van Schaick Salvationist October 2021 3
EDITORIAL
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Fact or Fake?
hen I was younger, I used to pause at the grocery checkout line and scan the tabloid papers. One that always caught my eye was Weekly World News. It featured sensationalistic headlines such as “Hillary Clinton Adopts Alien Baby,” “Bigfoot Diet! He Lost 150 Lbs—It Can Work for You, Too!” and “Elvis is Alive—And Working in a Kentucky Burger King.” It billed itself as “The World’s Only Reliable News,” though, of course, most people knew it was just the opposite. The stories were so over the top, it was laughable. These days, however, similar conspiracy theories flourish online, and it’s much more difficult to disentangle truth from fiction. Some of them are still quite harmless, but others can influence people to behaviour that can cause grave damage, such as was seen on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Theories about the socalled “deep state,” vaccination manipulation and rigged elections are fuelled by online rumours. There is a growing fear and mistrust of government and other institutions. People are looking to make sense of the world around them, but don’t have the tools for proper discernment. In our cover story, associate editor Kristin Ostensen interviews academics, experts and Salvation Army leaders on the impact that conspiracy theories can have on the minds and hearts of Christians (page 14). The Bible urges, “Come, let us reason together” (see Isaiah 1:18); let us be truth seekers as we look to God and Salvationist
is a monthly publication of The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Brian Peddle General Commissioner Floyd Tidd Territorial Commander Lt-Colonel John P. Murray Secretary for Communications Geoff Moulton Editor-in-Chief and Literary Secretary Giselle Randall Features Editor (416-467-3185) Pamela Richardson News Editor, Copy Editor and Production Co-ordinator (416-422-6112) Kristin Ostensen Associate Editor and Staff Writer 4 October 2021 Salvationist
each other for guidance. I would suggest we need a healthy does of skepticism when it comes to some of the things we read online, or even that are spread within the church. In the article, Christianity Today contributor and biblical scholar Dru Johnson suggests we “look for authoritative and authenticated voices who can guide us to see the world more truly.” We must ask ourselves, “How can I confidently assess this theory that I’m believing in? How could I be wrong about this? And how would I know that I was wrong if I were? Could I be participating in misleading others?” We need to turn to prayer and Scripture, but we also need to lean on authoritative voices in the church, reliable news outlets and, yes, evidencebased science. Elsewhere in this issue, we look at gentrification and the impact it can have on the people we serve (page 12). We feature the Army’s innovative partnership with Operation Ezra, which has helped resettle Yazidi refugees in Manitoba (page 20). I would also commend to you Major Max Sturge’s new e-book, Road to Redemption: Tracing God’s Rescue Plan Through His Mission People, newly released by Triumph Publishing (page 22). If you’re looking for a good biblical primer in your own search for truth, Major Sturge’s book is a good source of wisdom and learning.
Brandon Laird Senior Graphic Designer Rivonny Luchas Digital Media Specialist Ada Leung Circulation Co-ordinator Ken Ramstead Contributor Agreement No. 40064794, ISSN 1718-5769. Member, The Canadian Christian Communicators Association. All Scripture references from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV) © 2011. All articles are copyright The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory and can be reprinted only with written permission.
Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote, “There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” As Christians, we must be on our guard for both. This month, we say farewell and thank you to Brandon Laird, our longtime senior graphic designer, who has designed many Army publications over the years, including Salvationist and Faith & Friends, helped us launch Salvationist.ca and hosted our podcasts. Best wishes for the future! 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
ONWARD
The World is Waiting We are blessed to be a blessing. BY COMMISSIONERS FLOYD AND TRACEY TIDD
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t’s that time of year again. In the midst of all that our world has experienced and continues to wrestle with, we are invited to the table to give thanks together. We pause to celebrate the blessings and to hear again God’s invitation to be a people who bless. Before the arrival of European settlers, First Nations across Turtle Island— how some Indigenous Peoples refer to North America—had traditions of giving thanks. They celebrated surviving winter and the harvest of crops and game through feasting, prayer, dance, potlatch and other ceremonies, depending on the peoples giving thanks. According to some historians, the first “Canadian” Thanksgiving occurred in 1578, when English explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew gave thanks for their safe arrival in then Newfoundland— now Nunavut—with a meal of salt beef,
biscuits and mushy peas, and observed communion. Thanksgiving coincides with the harvest in much of the country. Although the day set aside as an expression of thanksgiving to God may not be the focus of all Canadians, the ideas of being thankful, of spending time with family and sharing a delicious meal, are still embraced by many. As we pause to give thanks, we recognize again that we are a blessed people. With that blessing comes opportunity and responsibility. From God’s promise to Abraham, a rhythm is established: blessed to be a blessing. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). The blessings we have received, even as we reflect upon this past year, position us to bless others. God has blessed not simply for
our comfort and enjoyment alone, but to reach out to bless others. In the midst of God’s blessings upon the Army and its soldiers, Catherine Booth recognized the risk of losing focus on others. As a truly blessed people and Army, it may be timely to hear her words again: “You are not here in the world for yourself. You have been sent here for others. The world is waiting for you!” This year, let us share with one another not only that for which we are thankful, but also how we can and will bless others out of the blessings we have received. The world—just outside your door and across the globe—is waiting for you.
Commissioners Tracey and Floyd Tidd INBOX
Seeking Shalom Decolonizing Faith I’m writing in response to the article about the study group that L read Decolonizing Evangelicalism (“Decolonizing Faith,” June 2021). Shalom and harmony come for individuals as a result of salvation through Christ. The Salvation Army’s second-greatest strength is our ethnic/national diversity. Our number one greatest strength is that our identity is in Christ. I’m tired of those who work to divide us based on our differences instead of celebrating our oneness in Christ. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This is not “colonization,” this is salvation! We are all grafted into the body of Christ. Yes, we absolutely have much we can learn from each other. I believe heaven rejoices when we worship together as one. Satan works hard to divide us into different categories, be it ethnicity, nationality, class, rich, poor or caste; to sow dissention and conflict in our body. We are now missing “The One Thing”: our calling of bringing salvation and winning the world for Jesus. We have lost the Great Commission and replaced it with “other things” in our echo-chamber world. Learning to dismantle systems of exploitation as we seek shalom.
ast fall, when The Salvation Army’s Ethics Centre hosted a four-part webinar series called “Moving Salvationists Beyond ‘I’m Not Racist,’ ” people wanted to continue learning about the barriers that need to be addressed, especially within the church. So, a group of Salvationists formed a study group to read Decolonizing Evangelicalism by Randy Woodley, an Indigenous theologian, and Bo Sanders, a United Methodist minister. In the conversation of Indigenous peoples, the term “decolonization”—the process of deconstructing colonial perspectives and practices—is more than a buzzword. It is a transformational experience. Throughout the study, participants wrestled with the implications of decolonization for themselves and for the church. In this article, they share what they learned and the impact it has made on their lives.
Damian Azak (Nisga’a Nation), corps leader, Gitwinksihlkw, B.C., carries the Salvation Army flag during the Army’s Celebration of Culture: A Journey of Reconciliation in 2018
Building Just Communities
In the spring of 2020, when the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked protests around the world, it opened my eyes to the racial injustice millions of people experience. That Canada Day, as I listened to the voices of Indigenous peoples with fresh ears, I felt uncomfortable tension for the first time in my life. I had a choice: bury my head in the sand or continue listening and learning with the help of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour). Months later, when Major Shari Russell, territorial Indigenous ministries consultant, offered a study group as a space to learn, I was eager to sit at the table with her.
As I continue to reflect on Decolonizing Evangelicalism, I keep returning to the notion that no one people group holds all the truth. In the past, I would quickly have become defensive at such a statement, not even questioning why that was. I now realize that some of that defensiveness comes from the western, white theological views I have been taught. This book helped me understand that with colonialism comes exploitation, inequality and whole communities trapped in despair, and a history of pushing its way as the right and only way. Not only have these views not brought people into a better understanding of Christ, but they have also often moved them fur-
20 June 2021 Salvationist
Jesse Oldham
Minimizing this critical conversation at this point in our history to divisive categorizations such as liberal vs. conservative and
the other trigger words mentioned is disturbing and dangerous. When we fall into this polarizing trap, we allow the enemy to divide us. Worse still—it subtly allows us to demonize the “other.” This categorization can lead to the same dehumanization that allowed “well-intentioned” Christians to literally wipe out hundreds upon thousands of First Peoples of this land in the name of “evangelism.” I am a preacher of the gospel and have given my life to spreading the good news that, in Christ, God is creating one family. On that count, we agree. But as Salvationists, we are motivated by William Booth’s vision of salvation for both worlds—saving souls for eternity and saving persons from their suffering in this world. That includes the work of fighting injustice. Justice (a so-called buzzword) has everything to do with the gospel. And yes, we ought to speak the language of sin and salvation. But let’s start with our own sin in disregarding the Imago Dei in the precious First Peoples of this land and discarding them as if they were worth nothing. Not to mention the abomination of doing it with the name of Jesus upon our lips. We sanctified genocide! How do we ever begin to make that right? It is a horrible blight on our church history (one of many, unfortunately). To attempt to politicize or rationalize or become defensive when this is highlighted is absolutely unacceptable. It is completely tone deaf to state that we ought simply to preach the gospel and read the Bible, without humbly repenting of the fact that the mishandling of both of those things by our ancestors caused untold trauma and loss, and, frankly, worked against the salvation of souls by the harm inflicted in the process. Major Pamela Pinksen
Salvationist October 2021 5
FRONTLINES
Service Celebrates Accepted Candidates and Auxiliary-Lieutenants
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alvationists across the Canada and Bermuda Territory gathered online in July to celebrate the accepted candidates in the Reflectors of Holiness Session and the territory’s new auxiliary-lieutenants. Streamed virtually on the Salvationist magazine Facebook page and YouTube channel, the candidates farewell service opened with a land acknowledgment and prayer by Captain Jason Dockeray, territorial children and youth secretary and assistant secretary for candidates. The territorial worship team, Neon, provided music for the service. Leaders from the Ontario, Alberta and Northern Territories, and Maritime divisions addressed the candidates from their respective divisions. They shared Scripture, blessings and congratulations, and wished the candidates well on their journey ahead. Livestream viewers were able to show support and congratulations through Facebook live messaging, where they interacted with other viewers across the territory. Many candidates shared their testimonies, including Jeremy Avery, who
Cpts Kristen Jackson-Dockeray and Jason Dockeray lead the farewell service
reflected on his call to ministry. “I’m excited to be a part of the Reflectors of Holiness Session and I will strive to always live up to our name by continually working to present an example of holy living,” he said. “Be a reflection of the holiness of God,”
Captain Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, secretary for candidates, said in closing. “May you have the courage to take the next step into the unknown that has been calling you and may you trust the one who called you, for he is faithful.”
Victoria ARC Unveils Kitchen Renovations
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he Salvation Army’s Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) unveiled a newly renovated kitchen this July. The renovation project was a partnership with HeroWork, a volunteer
organization that performs transformative renovations for charities with the goal of repairing and enhancing infrastructure to help improve service to the community. The project included new flooring and
The ARC team and HeroWork representatives celebrate at the ribbon cutting
6 October 2021 Salvationist
appliances, updated electrical and plumbing, a redesigned food services and dining area, and two new residential dormitories. “We are so excited about this kitchen and the partnership with HeroWork,” says Major Sheldon Feener, executive director of the ARC. “It has been an incredible effort and a spectacular result.” The ARC food services facility feeds 147 residents three meals a day and offers a drop-in community dining room for anyone in need. Sean Rankin, food services program manager at the ARC, hopes that the new kitchen will allow them to produce more food for their clients and better meet the growing demand from the street community. With this new facility, he plans to start a kitchen program that will offer clients a chance to learn about working in a commercial kitchen, from dishwashing to food production. “This would be great experience and would look good on a resumé for the future,” says Rankin.
FRONTLINES
Canada Bermuda Youth Hosts Prayer Run
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rom June to September, Canada Bermuda Youth hosted a territory-wide prayer run for children, youth and their ministry leaders. Participants were encouraged to walk, run or even skip. The purpose of the run was not to race, but to focus on prayer and engagement with the community. Runners could choose a distance of five, 10 or 25 kilometres, with shorter distances targeted at younger youth. At the end of the run, participants received a red and blue finishers’ medal for completing their prayer run. St. Thomas Corps, Ont., hosted a prayer run for the young people at their corps in July. A group of 12 youth between the ages of seven and 13 came together to walk five kilometres, stopping at their local high school, hospital, elementary school and home corps. They were encouraged to get out in the community and pray for the people and places they saw. At the elementary and high schools, they prayed for the safe return of students and faculty in the fall. At the hospital, they prayed for doctors, nurses, patients and their families. “I hope that this event has encouraged them to pray often for those around them,” says Jennifer Atkins, children and youth ministries co-ordinator at St. Thomas. “I also hope that they feel secure and safe praying freely out in the open and are not afraid of being a Christian.”
A group of young people from St. Thomas Corps come together to pray in their community
Quebec City Army Creates Community Garden
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he Salvation Army in Quebec City has launched a community garden with the assistance of a grant from the City of Quebec. The goal of the garden is to provide fresh vegetables for the Army’s community and family services clients, while also giving them the opportunity to engage with their neighbours. The garden is in a lower-income neighbourhood, directly behind the Army’s community and family services location. The garden will be split in half, with half of the vegetables going to the local volunteers and neighbours who will help maintain and grow the vegetables; the other half will go directly to the clients served by the Army’s food bank. The community garden is just the first step in the project. In the coming years, The Salvation Army will offer training and courses on gardening, creating a home garden and cooking with fresh vegetables, as well as courses to help people create healthier meals for themselves and their families. “The community wants to be involved and help people in need,” says Andrea Lauzon Amyot, project supervisor and regional director of public relations, Quebec Division. “This will give them a chance to give back directly to those in need.” The garden started with 10 planting plots for 2021 and will increase to 20 for the summer of 2022. The community garden is wheelchair accessible and some of the planting plots have been built to accommodate people with limited mobility. The Quebec Division hopes to expand the project to other cities in the future. Volunteers assist with the creation of a new community garden in Quebec City
Salvationist October 2021 7
FRONTLINES
Salvation Army Responds to B.C. Wildfires
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s hundreds of wildfires swept across British Columbia this summer, Salvation Army staff and volunteers assisted evacuees and first responders in multiple communities. As of mid-August, more than 800,000 hectares of land in the province had been engulfed by flames and nearly 8,300 homes ordered to evacuate. Army emergency disaster services (EDS) workers were deployed after a fire destroyed the village of Lytton at the end of June. Kelowna Community Church was transformed into an evacuation centre for Lytton residents fleeing the flames. The Army also provided food, hydration and emotional and spiritual care to Lytton evacuees at a reception centre in Merritt. In partnership with Food Banks BC, the Army embarked on an ongoing operation in the area, delivering food and supplies to more than 500 people in six Indigenous communities located around Lytton. Four hours west of Lytton, the Army fed evacuees at the reception centre in Vernon. The Army also supplied drinks and snacks to staff and volunteers at the provincial donations warehouse, as well as staff and volunteers from the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team. In Kamloops, The Salvation Army provided weekly feeding relief to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation
Christine Kemp, Jan Dehfer and Wayne Dehfer are ready to serve evacuees in Vernon
as they hosted wildfire evacuees and Indigenous firefighters. As well, EDS was activated to feed up to 100 evacuees at an Emergency Support Services group lodging site in the city. EDS crews were also deployed to provide food and hydration to hundreds of first responders and firefighters in Port Alberni, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, Osoyoos, Logan Lake and West Kelowna. As of the end of August, EDS had provided 9,500 meals, 15,800 drinks and 9,400 snacks, and helped 50 people with emotional and spiritual care. “It’s a devastating situation,” says Perron Goodyear, territorial director of emergency disaster services. “Both the
British Columbia Division and the Canada and Bermuda Territory are committed to providing support for as long as we’re needed.”
A team from Chilliwack observes the destruction in Logan Lake
Army Assists After Tornado Hits Barrie
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fter an F2 tornado ripped through Barrie, Ont., in July, The Salvation Army quickly stepped in to provide support to those affected by the disaster. Not long after the tornado touched down, concerned citizens began dropping off water, food, clothing, toiletries and other items to Saint Gabriel Catholic School. “The gym at the school was filled with donations—the community responded with amazing generosity,” says Major Stephanie Watkinson, executive director, Barrie Bayside Mission. The Salvation Army was responsible for sorting and handling the distribution of the donated items to those impacted by the tornado. An emergency disaster services (EDS) team from Barrie ran the reception centre at the school, while EDS personnel from Orillia, Ont., were on-site to provide food, drinks and emotional support to those affected. The team took time to listen to people’s stories and to provide words of encouragement and support, connecting with more than 150 people in about two hours. In addition, individuals who were renting homes in the tornado-affected area contacted The Salvation Army looking for a place to stay and were given temporary housing in hotels. Major Watkinson notes that more than $30,000 in donations 8 October 2021 Salvationist
was received at either the mission or Barrie Citadel, not including online donations. The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation also donated $20,000 for tornado relief efforts. “We know families will be needing support for several months and we are prepared to assist these families in the weeks and months ahead,” Major Watkinson says. “Barrie is a caring and giving community, and this disaster has brought out the best in people who want to help out and provide support.”
Emergency disaster services volunteers provide support in a tornadoaffected neighbourhood in Barrie, Ont.
MOBILIZE 2.0
Illustration: nazarkru/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Design for People
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illiam and Catherine Booth designed this organization for people,” notes Jan Barton, chief human relations officer. “The Booths’ original plan for The Salvation Army infused dignity in each person. They touched the roots of society and reminded us of our individual and collective humanity. That’s why our systems today need to be focused on equipping people to deliver mission.” Last month, Salvationist looked at the first pillar of the new territorial strategic plan, Strengthen Spiritual Health (for the full plan, visit salvationist.ca/strategicplan).
In this issue, we consider another pillar, Design for People. This pillar has three strategic objectives: • Driven by Christian love and principles, we are a welcoming movement for all. • Our human relations systems equip people to best deliver and support mission. • Our culture encourages innovation that enables a strong, sustainable, growing movement. In the Army, people are one of our greatest strengths. There is nothing we do that does not involve people at the centre. We are focused on creating peoplecentred processes driven by Christian love through the development of officers, employees, Salvationists, volunteers and community partners. “We are aiming to create a culture
Prioritizing People Territorial strategic plan focuses on equipping people for mission. built on our faith in God and our organizational values of hope, dignity, service and stewardship,” notes Lt-Colonel Brian Armstrong, secretary for personnel. “It includes equipping people for success through greater accountability, role clarity and a front-line view of our mission.” “We need consistent ways to assess someone’s fit, build inclusive workplaces and create common messaging,” agrees Barton. “We want to be a welcoming organization that engages people, who in turn will refer others to us. Team members do their best work and choose to stay when they feel valued and a sense of belonging. People want to know that they matter.” Part of valuing people includes a commitment to equity, diversity, justice and inclusion (EDJI). Dr. Ellen Melis, our organization capability and EDJI strategist in the human relations department, notes, “At our heart, we must represent and reflect the diversity of the communities we are serving. That means having understanding, empathy and respect, as well as valuing difference and ensuring all feel they belong.” Other areas of focus for this pillar of the strategic plan include a robust compensation program, intentional succession planning, and a flexible work policy that prioritizes good stewardship. The Army has also dedicated itself to developing a culture of continuous learning. To this end, the territorial leadership department is partnering with Harvard Business Publishing to offer its foundational and executive leadership programs. “There will be new opportunities for people to signal their interest in growth and leadership,” notes Barton. “We are evolving our staffing practices so people can speak into their calling.” A top priority continues to be officer recruitment, helping individuals discover, explore and align their spiritual calling to full-time ministry in the Army. Captain Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, secretary for candidates, notes, “The work of candidate recruitment is the responsibility of all. It’s an invitation to participate in discerning conversations and mentorship, prompt-
ing individuals to listen to the stirring of the Holy Spirit. Through these spiritual relationships, future officers will awaken and come alive to their calling.” Another change involves a relaunch of Performance Excellence and Coaching (PEAC). “Although this performance review tool is based in solid principles, it hasn’t been universally understood or consistently applied,” notes Barton. “Everyone wants open, honest and timely feedback, and PEAC has that coaching element to help people achieve their career goals.” PEAC will be adapted for front-line workers whose jobs are inherently taskoriented and rating scales will be incorporated to objectively assess performance. “Our human relations work has a long arc,” notes Barton. “It’s not a destination, but a journey. We’re going to have to make difficult decisions. In some instances, it’s going to mean changing our practices. We want pastoral, prayerful hearts, but we also have to give truthful feedback and make smart decisions that best support mission.” Ultimately, it’s about getting back to the foundational principles laid down by the Booths. Barton concludes, “When there is so much division in society, now is our time as an organization to stand in the middle of it all and be a beacon of hope.” People Experience Life Cycle The territorial human relations department has developed the following framework to emphasize the importance of providing meaningful work, building an environment of trust and producing inspired results. 1. Planning We care deeply about our mission and the work we do. 2. Attracting We value you, with all that you uniquely bring. 3. Recruiting Let me tell you about the amazing work of my colleagues. 4. Onboarding Welcome. Let me show you around. 5. Developing Share with me how you want to grow. 6. Retaining We support and recognize you. 7. Transition We evaluate and learn and keep doors open to referrals and rehires. Salvationist October 2021 9
Kingdom Mission Salvationists share how the Officership Information Weekend helped confirm their calling. COMPILED BY CAPTAIN KRISTEN JACKSON-DOCKERAY
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n Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives his disciples the Great Commission: to go and make disciples of all nations. This has been the Scripture theme for the 2021 call and commitment and candidate recruitment campaign. The calling in these verses is transformative—for the individual, for the church and for God’s kingdom. Responding to this call requires courage. As Salvationists, each of us is challenged to consider the invitation—to make disciples, to teach, to be aware of the movement of the Holy Spirit. We must ask ourselves: Have I responded to God’s calling on my life? Have I found the courage to follow its path? And if not, why not? Our territory’s Officership Information Weekend is a time when Salvationists can gather to explore and discern God’s call together. The following stories are a reminder that God is still calling his people and inviting us to participate in his kingdom mission.
know what family life would look like while attending CFOT. We wanted to ensure that we would be able to focus on family time, while also focusing on our studies and field requirements. We wanted to learn about local daycares and schools. We had practical concerns about overcoming debt and living off an allowance as a family that was used to having two incomes. All these concerns became incredibly small as we had conversations with cadets who provided insight into what family life looked like for them. They shared their experiences with balancing family life and schoolwork while living in community. We were blessed by those discussions as they opened up to us about how their families adjusted to community living. What we found most helpful about the weekend was the opportunity to be physically present in that place, in the very spot where God was leading us. The CFOT chapel became a sacred space for us during that weekend. It immediately felt like home and provided us with a sense that this was where we needed to be. We are so thankful for the opportunity to attend the Officership Information Weekend in 2019 because in those moments, through every session, tour and conversation, God was speaking to both of us and assured us that this was where he wanted us. We were confident in our calling and ready to begin the process and, just five months later, we were accepted into the Messengers of Reconciliation Session.
“Confident in Our Calling” Cadets Kerrin and Tim Fraser, Messengers of Reconciliation Session, College for Officer Training, Winnipeg
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he Officership Information Weekend was an integral part of our decision to attend the College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg. We attended the information weekend twice, in 2013 and 2019. The first time we went, we were exploring what officership looked like. Kerrin was fairly new to The Salvation Army, and both of us were trying to get a sense of our call. We left that weekend knowing that we were called, but the timing was not right. We needed space to grow and take care of some family matters. However, after a few years, God was pressing on our hearts to revisit his call. By this time, both of us were on a career path that made us happy, but God kept telling us that he wanted more for us. We were encouraged to attend another Officership Information Weekend as candidates to reaffirm our call. Coming to our second information weekend, we wanted to 10 October 2021 Salvationist
Hope for the Future Lieutenant April Keeping, corps officer, Temiskaming Community Church, New Liskeard, Ont.
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y husband, Brandon, and I, along with our seven-monthold son, Theo, attended the Officership Information Weekend in 2017. I had been looking forward to the weekend since our corps officer suggested it to us a few months prior, and it proved to be a highlight of my experience as a candidate. For me, it was incredibly important to come and see CFOT so
I could picture what my life would look like during our time of training. Before the weekend, Brandon and I were almost certain of our calling to officership, but the weekend was a way for us to get answers to some of the practical questions we had. At the time, we had three sons under the age of six, so I had a lot of questions and anxiety around the day-to-day routine of living at CFOT, where schools and daycares were located, and how we could make all of this work as a young, busy family. Along with my questions about what this change would mean for my family, I brought a lot of questions about what it would mean for myself. Would I be able to handle the demands of being a cadet? Was there a place in The Salvation Army for me? I remember the weekend being very busy and receiving a lot of information. But what I remember most was feeling encouraged that I was not alone. I met several other young families during the weekend. Some of them eventually became session-mates! We were also able to talk with CFOT staff, and all of my questions and doubts felt a little less overwhelming as I began to imagine the community that I would have at CFOT. We were supported by friends, fellow candidates and officers as we navigated the weekend with a baby. I never felt that Theo’s presence was a distraction or inconvenience; we were accepted as a family and all of the chaos that comes with it. As I look back fondly at that weekend, I can say that it was the starting point for many significant relationships that I have been privileged to develop over the past four years. When Brandon, Theo and I flew home at the end of the weekend, I was tired and a little overwhelmed. But I was also encouraged and hopeful for the future that lay ahead of me at CFOT. The Officership Information Weekend was a significant time in our family’s discernment of our future as Salvation Army officers.
Through the encouragement of my corps officers and divisional youth secretary, I enrolled in the Introduction to Officership course and received my candidate’s pin. By April, I was starting the paperwork for CFOT. The next step was to attend the Officership Information Weekend in October. This was an important part of my journey because it provided practical information about what my time at CFOT would look like. Going into the weekend, I was anxious and nervous. I felt like so much of my future was riding on the weekend. But God is faithful and he was with me through it all. From the moment I saw the CFOT building, I felt a deep sense of peace that only the Lord can give. Throughout the weekend, my calling to officership was affirmed over and over again. I am a visual person, so seeing where I would live, where my classes would be, what the building looked like and so on helped me accurately visualize my future for the first time. Even though I had already started the paperwork for CFOT when I attended the weekend, it played a huge part in my decision to go to training college. I came into the weekend with many questions. Thankfully, there were plenty of officers and cadets who were willing to answer them. It was also helpful to hear about their experiences at CFOT or during their years of officership. These conversations were one of the most helpful parts of the weekend. It was also helpful to have dedicated time to focus on my calling—in times of worship, in time spent in the Word and while having conversations with fellow candidates who were also figuring out their calling. This weekend allowed me to unplug, learn and listen to God’s voice. When the weekend was over, I was filled with peace and hope for the future. I am now a second-year cadet in the Messengers of Reconciliation Session. While I still get overwhelmed with details and course loads, I hold on to the words I heard at that Officership Information Weekend: “One yes at a time.” Salvationists are invited to explore God’s calling at the Officership Information Weekend on October 29-31, 2021. For more information, connect with your divisional secretary for candidates or email kristen.dockeray@salvationarmy.ca. Captain Kristen Jackson-Dockeray is the territorial secretary for candidates.
Perfect Peace Cadet Janelle Colbourne, Messengers of Reconciliation Session, College for Officer Training, Winnipeg
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ne yes at a time” was a phrase I heard while attending the Officership Information Weekend in 2019. That phrase became my slogan as I continued on my path to CFOT. Along the way, there were hundreds of yeses, but the most important one—the one that started my journey—was the hardest yes of all. I believe that God has been preparing me for officership since I was a little girl. But in January 2019, I was finally in a place in my life where I was ready and willing to listen to that call.
Salvationists attend an in-person Officership Information Weekend in 2019
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Illustration: aleutie/stock.Adobe.com
There Goes the Neighbourhood When communities are redeveloped, who benefits? BY REBEKAH McNEILLY “ Yo, I’m never gonna get caught slippin’ again.”—Frosty
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his quote almost sounds like it’s from a movie. In fact, it’s from a resident of Lawrence Heights, a neighbourhood in Toronto colloquially known as “The Jungle.” It’s home to approximately 3,500 low-income residents, mostly immigrants. Police frequently patrol the area and media reports of gun violence are common. Frosty (a pseudonym) is a young man who nearly lost his life in a shootout because he forgot his gun at home and was thus “caught slippin’.” Did you know that poverty in Canada goes beyond houselessness? It can also look like neighbourhoods rife with violence and the ever-present threat of victimization, where each day is a battle of wits for survival. Perhaps you knew this. I did not. I first read about Frosty and Lawrence Heights in the work of Dr. Luca Berardi as I was doing my master’s degree in 2019. He spent five years “doing life” with the men in that community as part of his dissertation research. I was shocked and 12 October 2021 Salvationist
heartbroken to learn about the violence and marginalization that occurs in my city. From there, I decided to pursue my own doctoral research, under Dr. Berardi’s supervision, in a similar Toronto neighbourhood: Regent Park. Unsurprisingly, neighbourhoods with a concentration of poverty and violence are of concern for city officials, policy makers and law enforcement, not to mention community members themselves. One of the strategies they have devised in response—a strategy ubiquitous throughout North America—is “revitalization” or “gentrification.” What is Gentrification? If you live in any major city across Canada, you have likely seen “pockets” of poverty—places you don’t walk through late at night, or at all. In Vancouver, the Downtown Eastside is known for high levels of drug use, mental illness and homelessness. In Calgary, you may have witnessed some of the disarray and chaos that characterize a few blocks in each direction of the Beltline.
In Toronto, Regent Park has historically been one of these pockets of poverty to be avoided but is currently in the latter stages of revitalization. In Canada, this term most often refers to “middle-income homeowners moving into neighbourhoods that, historically, have been entirely composed of social housing,” says Dr. Sandra Bucerius, who leads a research team at the University of Alberta. In Regent Park, the process began in 2006, when a large majority of residents lived below the income cut-off-rate for social housing, and involved the demolition and rebuilding of the entire neighbourhood in six phases. Revitalization efforts are popular, in part because of the hope that it will reduce the effects of concentrated poverty. Another key tenet of revitalization is the idea that the original, low-income residents will benefit from interactions with new, higher-income residents. Disadvantaged neighbourhoods are often isolated from the rest of the city, and some have argued that cross-class interactions will benefit
those who otherwise would seldom interact with people outside of their neighbourhood. According to the research, the changes to the “built environment” (new homes and common green spaces) have been well received by all—both new and original residents. What’s missing? We still do not know if these “cross-class” interactions occur. Even more disconcerting, we know very little of the experience of the original residents, whose homes and neighbourhoods are turned upside down when hundreds of new residents move in. In Their Own Words Let’s go back to the opening quote from Frosty. What did this evoke in you? Fear? Surprise? Disgust? Sadness? In Regent Park, Bucerius’ team interviewed both original and new residents about their experience of the revitalization process. Here’s a cross-section of responses from the original residents: “ It’s just like, come on now, in reality, why would rich people … what do they have in common with us? Like, you know what I’m saying? They don’t. We’re not gonna do anything for them, we’re not gonna benefit them, so why are they gonna talk to us?” —Kanisha “ This family had a barbecue, and they did not invite anyone on my block. That would have never happened in the old Regent [Park]. They don’t want anything to do with us.”—Trevon “ They look at me … Actually, they stare at me when I walk into Regent [Park]. So, I do think they feel, you know, threatened by me.”—Sam New residents described the situation in some of the following ways: “ I just feel uncomfortable around them. I don’t think everyone is a gangbanger, but there are certainly some … We have nothing really in common.”—Amy “ I have many friends, you know. I did not move here to make new friends with people I have nothing in common with. I bought an apartment. That’s it.”—Ken “ I attended a few of the community meetings, but we did not really talk with each other. Unfortunately, I cannot use many of the public spaces in the community very often, due to time constraints.”—Will
As I’m sure you can gather, the researchers found that while the physical outcome of the revitalization generally seemed positive, the social outcome was not. One of the main reasons for this is that the original residents have long regarded Regent Park as more than just a neighbourhood—it’s a community. New residents did not entirely share this perspective. “At this point in the revitalization, it has not served to improve the lives of social housing residents; rather, it has made them more vulnerable by stripping away crucial ties that they rely upon on an ongoing basis,” Bucerius says. “This has made daily life more (not less) difficult, increasing the risk of downward (as opposed to upward) mobility. More and less privileged residents coexist, but do not interact or connect in any meaningful way.”
As Christ-followers and Salvationists, we often like to see ourselves as more in touch with people, but we still engage in “othering.” Some research indicates that, in fact, original residents are pushed out of the neighbourhood and forced to relocate to another disadvantaged space, now without the community they grew up with. On the flip side, sometimes new residents assume all the original residents have left and use this as a reason not to interact or pursue relationships with their neighbours. Both are true. Some residents have been forced to relocate, and others remain in Regent Park. Beyond Helping This is where we—researchers, policy makers and community members alike— must ask ourselves some tough questions. What do you know about your neighbours? What misconceptions do you have about race, gender or class? Do you feel you have any responsibility to your neighbours, specifically those you do not consider your friends? The research surrounding revitalization is mixed. While there are certainly many benefits and positive outcomes to the process, we cannot ignore the results
that suggest it may also adversely affect some residents. I believe these real-life excerpts from original and new residents of Regent Park can teach us something applicable far beyond just this neighbourhood. As Christ-followers and Salvationists, we often like to see ourselves as more in touch with people, but we still engage in “othering.” We still play this game of “us and them” and we have a myriad of excuses to justify why we can’t even try to connect with people who are “over there.” As Salvationists, our call and our mission are so much more than just helping people. When William and Catherine Booth first started The Salvation Army, they did what no other church was doing. They didn’t just help—they did life with those most disadvantaged and mistreated in society. They were not just interested in giving money or food to people—they were invested in relationships. It requires great humility to befriend someone and share life with them. It’s much easier to give money or volunteer once a week. But we are called to more than this. We are called to walk alongside people, to share our space and our lives. That is how Jesus lived. How can you invest in those physically closest to you? How do your actions impact those people most at risk in society? Recently I have been reflecting on our western construct of “ministry.” We often equate ministry with activity. It is nicely packaged and relegated to Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. But when we look at Jesus’ ministry, it was far less clearly defined. Jesus shared meals, long walks and early morning prayer sessions with people. He ministered to the woman at the well—actively violating societal norms—and he associated with those others despised. Ministry is not neat and tidy, and it is far more about connection than about “doing.” It’s easy to connect with people we perceive to be like us. I am so thankful that’s not how Jesus operated. So much harm, division and suffering could be prevented if we were willing to move beyond ourselves and seek out all people, treating them as image-bearers of Christ regardless of age, gender, race, occupation, income level, appearance or even religion. That is how we are called to live. Rebekah McNeilly is the social media and resource co-ordinator for women’s ministries in the Canada and Bermuda Territory. Salvationist October 2021 13
Serpents and Saints How should the church respond to conspiracy theories? BY KRISTIN OSTENSEN
Traditions and Tensions Belief in conspiracies is not unique to any particular group. It cuts across demographic and political lines, though different groups are more likely to believe different theories. For example, according to the Insights West poll, Conservative voters were most likely to say that COVID19 was created in a lab and escaped by mistake (44 percent) and people aged 35-54 were most likely to say Bigfoot exists (25 percent). Men were more likely than women to believe in conspiracy theories generally, but a higher percentage of women said the car crash that killed Diana, the Princess of Wales, was an assassination, not an accident. So what do all conspiracy theorists have in common? “Both currently and historically, a common denominator for people buying into conspiracy theories is not trust14 October 2021 Salvationist
ing experts,” says Daniel Silliman, news editor at Christianity Today and author of Reading Evangelicals: How Christian Fiction Shaped a Culture and a Faith. In his experience, that distrust is often found among the least educated and the most educated. “People who don’t have a lot of education may be suspicious of experts, and people who are highly educated may think they know more than the experts,” he says. There’s no single reason why Christians, in particular, may be drawn to conspiracy theories. But Dr. Michael Boyce, vice-president academic and dean at Booth University College, sees a number of factors.
“There are many traditions that say you need to trust experts to interpret the Bible, while a key piece of the evangelical movement was the idea that experts can inform you, but you should read the Bible for yourself,” explains Silliman. “You should have your own relationship with Jesus, your own investigation of Scripture. “So to build that deep into the culture and then say, but over here, you should trust experts and not come to your own opinion—that it’s actually dangerous to ask normal people to come to their own opinion—I think that’s hard,” he continues. “There are some real tensions in how we view the world as evangelicals who also trust science.”
“ Scripture starts with a story about a guy who’s spinning conspiracies. It couldn’t be more blaring in our faces—we should be really careful about who we listen to.”—Dr. Dru Johnson One is a distortion of the idea that Christians should be “in the world, but not of it” (see John 17:14-16). “Some groups of Christians have so strongly emphasized the evilness of the world that it’s turned into an us-versus-them situation,” Boyce says. “Anything, anyone that’s of the world, including the government, can’t be trusted. And when a conspiracy comes along that re-enforces that understanding of the wickedness of the world, it reaffirms that belief.” Conspiracy theories can also take hold in churches where blind faith is celebrated and romanticized, while critical thinking is under-emphasized. Boyce notes that anti-intellectualism often thrives in churches that “overvalue belief and faith, and undervalue reason and research.” In evangelical Christianity, views around science are complicated by the movement’s inherent populism, as demonstrated in beliefs about access to the Bible.
Signs of the (End) Times Thanks to social media, and the internet in general, conspiracy theories can spread faster and further than ever before. But they are nothing new. Conspiracy theories about Jewish people have been circulating for hundreds of years, while 19th- and 20th-century examples include anti-Mason, anti-Catholic and anti-communist conspiracies. As Silliman notes, Christians have often been involved in these movements. For example, the John Birch Society, which came to prominence in America during the Cold War while promoting an array of communist conspiracy theories, claimed many evangelicals as members. Among them was Tim LaHaye, coauthor of the widely popular Left Behind series. The books are based on an interpretation of the Book of Revelation that predicts a rapture of believers and the coming of an Antichrist who will rule the world during a time of tribulation.
Illustration: Rivonny Luchas
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Facebook event made headlines worldwide in September 2019 when 3.5 million people signed up to attend “Storm Area 51, They Can’t Stop All of Us.” In the end, no one actually tried to break into the infamous U.S. Air Force base, which has long been associated with alien activity. But the event’s popularity reflects the enduring appeal of conspiracy theories about UFOs. According to a recent Insights West poll, 53 percent of Canadians somewhat believe or completely believe that aliens exist. While belief in aliens is relatively harmless, the same poll shows that many Canadians believe conspiracy theories with far more serious consequences. Seventeen percent of those surveyed somewhat believe or completely believe that global warming is a hoax, while one in 10 Canadians believe that COVID-19 vaccines include a chip to track people. Conspiracy theories often flourish in times of uncertainty, such as the current global pandemic—and Christians are not immune from these beliefs. In fact, in some cases, we may be even more susceptible.
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Silliman is not surprised to see the overlap between this interpretation of Scripture and a belief in conspiracy theories, as with LaHaye. “This view of the End Times—that there’s a meaning to events that’s hidden from most people that we can see because of our revelation and our heightened awareness—is itself a conspiracy theory,” he says. “And if you can believe in this conspiracy theory, then you can believe in another one. It creates an acceptable mode of thinking.” As a fictional series, Left Behind doesn’t need to claim to be true. “It’s setting itself up as, this could be true,” Silliman says. He sees a similar pattern with conspiracy thinking. “We talk about people believing conspiracy theories, and I wonder if we should talk more about people entertaining them,” he says. When challenged, a person who’s entertaining conspiracy theories can “retreat to a position of, well, it could be true. I don’t know for sure. I’m investigating, I’m weighing all the facts.” For conspiracy theorists—whether one fully believes or is entertaining possibilities—one thing is sorely lacking: critical feedback mechanisms. Bringing those mechanisms back into mainstream Christian discourse is a passion for Dr. Dru Johnson, associate professor of biblical and theological studies, and director, Center for Hebraic Thought, at The King’s College in New York City. “What I’ve tried to do in my academic work is to show Christians, through their own Scripture, that that’s an unacceptable way to look at life,” he says. “From the Old Testament to the New, God demands critical feedback loops that can interrupt your thinking. “As soon as you find yourself in a position where nothing can change your mind on an issue, including your relationship with Jesus, then you have stepped outside of the biblical view of what it means to know something.” In God We Trust? As a biblical scholar, Johnson sees the current of conspiracy theories running through the whole of Scripture. It begins in the Garden of Eden with the serpent, who sets himself up as an “authoritative knower” with an alternative view of the world, undermining what God has said to Adam and Eve. “Scripture starts with a story about a guy who’s spinning conspiracies,” says Johnson. “It couldn’t be more blaring in 16 October 2021 Salvationist
our faces—we should be really careful about who we listen to.” Johnson points out that what the serpent says is not untrue, exactly—Adam and Eve do not die on the day they eat the fruit, and their eyes are opened to the knowledge of good and evil, just as the serpent said. So why should they have listened to God and not the serpent? It comes down to trust. “God has earned the right to be trusted, to demand the trust of the couple, and they violate that. And then that becomes the story of Israel and the story of us,” Johnson says. Trust in God, he notes, is not blind but is built on evidence.
“ Conspiracy theories are a distraction from the mission that God has given us to build the kingdom.” —Major Corey Vincent “If you go through the Torah and the Gospels, you see the egregious amount of time that God spends building trust with his people,” Johnson says. “He never comes to them saying, ‘I’m saying this, so you better do it.’ There’s no, God says ‘jump’ and we say ‘how high.’ It’s spending years with people, building trust, giving them real reasons to trust him, and then leading them into areas where they’re going to need to trust him.” The heroes of our faith, including Abraham and Moses, understood that even God’s claims needed to be backed up by real evidence (see Genesis 15, Exodus 4). Blind faith is just that—blind. We need to learn how to see. For Johnson, the way forward can be found in Luke 24, which quotes the story of the Fall in Genesis 3. “This time, it’s Jesus taking the bread, giving it to his disciples, and their eyes are opened,” he says. “You do need to see the world differently than you see it right now. But it can only be under the guidance of God, the Holy Spirit and the New Testament, specifically.” Learning to see and listen to the right voices requires humility. “According to
Scripture, we are getting it wrong, we are listening to the wrong voices because of the nature of the Fall,” Johnson says. “And because we’re human, we can only see so much of it. As westerners, we think we can all understand everything alone, which is a farce.” Instead, Johnson says, we should “look for authoritative and authenticated voices who can guide us to see the world more truly. Seek those people fervently, seek to be corrected fervently; submit your ideas and see how reality corrects you.” Rebuilding As with the church today, Jesus himself faced conspiracy theories. But when his disciples asked him, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” his response was simple: “Watch out that no one deceives you” (see Matthew 23:3-6). Conspiracy theories pose a challenge for The Salvation Army and the church at large. As the Insights West poll shows, a sizable minority of Canadians believe in these theories. Major Corey Vincent sees billboards promoting COVID-related conspiracies while driving around town in Fort McMurray, Alta., where he is corps officer. “Taken at face value, I think conspiracies are a form of gossip, of foolish talk,” he says, pointing to 2 Timothy 2:16, where the Apostle Paul writes: “Do not listen to foolish talk about things that mean nothing. It only leads people farther away from God” (NLV). “We have to set a holy example, to be like Christ,” Major Vincent says. In this time of uncertainty—when many are suffering due to job loss, sickness and other challenges—Major Vincent sees an opportunity for the Army to be light in the darkness. He’s inspired by the prophet Nehemiah, who worked to restore the city of Jerusalem, which was destroyed while the people of Israel were in exile (see Nehemiah 2). To rebuild, we must reject hatred and polarization. “We’re called to love one another, despite our differences,” he says. “Conspiracy theories are a distraction from the mission that God has given us to build the kingdom. I believe that the enemy is using them, but there’s only division if we allow it to be. “Let’s not be distracted,” Major Vincent reiterates. “There’s work to do. Let’s look at this time as an opportunity for the church to prosper and for the mission to go forward.”
VIEWPOINT
Brass Tacks Why should we still support Salvation Army bands? BY CRAIG LEWIS
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o some, having a brass band may seem like an anachronism. I wholeheartedly disagree with that sentiment. To me, a brass band is a modern musical tool that does far more than just entertain. Here are some of the specific benefits that a brass band brings to individuals, your corps and The Salvation Army corporately: 1. Outreach. Music can grab people
like words seldom do. Music can entertain, draw attention and even bridge the gap between the ofteninsular language of the church and the world beyond our doors. It is also flexible in style and genre; adaptable to speak to diverse crowds in their own musical interest. “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all” (Mark 16:15 The Message).
2. Community. A brass band is a place
to belong—a family. In today’s world, where people are glued to electronic devices or working from home, we are more alone than ever before. A band can be a vibrant small group that actively engages in both worship and service together. “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:4-5).
4. Mentorship. We have few ministries
in the church that are as crossgenerational and welcoming of new Christians as our brass bands. How many of our young people have been mentored by that seasoned musician sitting beside them in the band? They’ve been taught everything from musical skills to discipline, teamwork and commitment—valuable skills that are transferable to so many areas of life. “Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost” (Proverbs 22:6 The Message).
5. Worship. Making music in this set-
ting is an active expression of worship. Music is one of the many ways that God communicates with us. Corporate and participatory worship brings us closer to both God and our fellow humans. “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20).
6. Public Relations. Brass bands are
a distinct part of The Salvation Army’s brand. This is most visible at Christmas when our ministry engages in fundraising within our communities. It is a well-known fact that having live brass playing at your kettles has a positive impact on the
donations received. If you were running a business and revenue growth could be attributed to a particular factor, you would invest time and energy in sustaining and growing that component. Likewise, if brass bands do so much for the organization at Christmas, then it would be prudent to invest in them all year round. “Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind” (Proverbs 21:5 The Message). 7. Diversity/Inclusiveness. Age, race,
gender—none of these things matter in a brass band. Instead, we become one in mission and ministry. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:6-8).
I’m sure that you could come up with your own reasons in addition to mine. I leave you with this quote from Martin Luther: “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” Now what are you waiting for? Get to band practice! Craig Lewis is the territorial secretary for music and gospel arts. (below) Participants at adult music camp at Jackson’s Point Conference Centre, Ont., hit the right notes
3. Discipleship. Every week, musicians
Photo: Craig Lewis
gather in both rehearsal and worship, where they are exposed to the Word of God and challenged to grow in their faith and witness. Whether it’s through the weekly group devotions or understanding the words and meaning of the music they are playing, there is a huge opportunity to grow disciples. “It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things” (1 Peter 1:12). Salvationist October 2021 17
Illustration: HiddenCatch/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The Wisdom of the Cross The Crucifixion radically reshapes the Christian understanding of power and leadership. BY DONALD E. BURKE
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t had been a roller-coaster few weeks for the disciples of Jesus. It began, oddly enough, with the healing of a blind man at Bethsaida (see Mark 8:2226). What stands out about this healing story is that Jesus’ initial attempt at giving the man his sight was only partially successful: the man could now see vague outlines, but nothing more. It took a second application of Jesus’ hands to fully restore the man’s sight. The next scene at Caesarea Philippi was memorable (see Mark 8:27-30). Jesus quizzed the disciples about the kind of responses he was receiving from the crowds: “Who do people say that I am?” When Jesus asked what the disciples themselves thought of him, Peter blurted out, “You are the Messiah!” Surprisingly, Jesus ordered the disciples to tell no one. Immediately, he began to teach the disciples that he must suffer and die, to be raised from the dead three 18 October 2021 Salvationist
days later (see Mark 8:31-33). To Peter and the others, this was inconceivable. Hadn’t he just professed his conviction that Jesus is the Messiah? How could the Messiah suffer and die? That simply wasn’t in Peter’s understanding of the job profile for the Christ. Like the blind man’s partially restored sight at Bethsaida, Peter had seen vaguely the truth about Jesus. But he did not see clearly what it meant for Jesus to be the Messiah. This would require further teaching. Thus, Jesus began to teach those who were following him about the nature of his mission and its implications for their discipleship (see Mark 8:34-38). Being a disciple of Jesus, it turns out, is not about power, profit and position; it is about suffering, sacrifice and service. The Way of the World Two more times in Mark’s Gospel Jesus predicted his own suffering, death and
Resurrection in increasing detail (see Mark 9:30-32; 10:32-34). Each time, the disciples showed that they had misunderstood what following Jesus the Messiah meant. Their working assumption was that Jesus was a conquering Messiah whose destiny was power and glory. As his closest followers, they were hoping for positions of authority and power, so that they could lord it over their subjects. For this reason, in Mark 9:33, the disciples argued about who among them was the greatest; and in Mark 10:35-37, James and John asked Jesus to grant them the positions of highest authority in his kingdom. When they heard about the request of James and John, the other disciples were angry; apparently, they thought they were being cheated out of something. The disciples, it seems, were not seeing clearly. Yes, they correctly identified Jesus as the Messiah; no, they didn’t understand what this meant. Like
the blind man at Bethsaida, they had only partial sight. The words of Jesus after this third and final prediction of his passion are noteworthy: “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-45 NRSV). In these few sentences, Jesus set up a fundamental contrast between the ways of leadership in the world— here characterized as “Gentiles”—and the ways of leadership among his followers. In the world it is common practice to wield power over others—to lord it over others—and to act as tyrants. That’s what leadership often involves in the world. The disciples, for their part, appear to have bought into this model. They thought Jesus’ messiahship was simply about replacing one group of tyrants (the Romans and the Jewish authorities who wielded power under their auspices) with another group of tyrants (Jesus as the messianic leader and his disciples who would brandish power under him). The failure of the disciples to grasp the revolutionary nature of Jesus’ messiahship was so entrenched precisely because it conflicted with their own conceptions of what was or wasn’t in it for them. This raises questions for me about why they were following Jesus in the first place. I suspect, given their responses to Jesus’ passion predictions, that the disciples were attracted, at least in part, to the prospect of Jesus as the Messiah who would cast the Roman occupiers out of the land and establish a new Jewish kingdom in Jerusalem. In that scenario, questions about who among them was the greatest and who would hold the senior positions in the new administration were entirely relevant. The disciples were blinded by their own ambition. What Jesus tried to impress upon his disciples was that this ambition is ruled out of order by his Crucifixion.
The messiahship of Jesus is revolutionary because it turns upside down our preferred understanding of God’s work in the world, and of our place in that divine mission. The quest for power and influence is excluded. This may not make any more sense to us than it did to Peter and the other disciples. We are attracted by worldly wisdom.
Being a disciple of Jesus … is not about power, profit and position; it is about suffering, sacrifice and service. The Way of the Messiah The Apostle Paul found similar problems of Christians lording over one another in Corinth. It seems that the church there was wracked with divisions and power struggles. Paul appealed to the Crucifixion of Jesus to render such quests for power out of bounds. Especially in the early chapters of 1 Corinthians, Paul contrasts the wisdom of God in Christ’s Crucifixion with the wisdom of the world (see 1 Corinthians 1-2). He contrasts the apparent weakness of God in the Crucifixion with the apparent potency of worldly power, only to claim that divine weakness is stronger than worldly power. In other words, the fact of Jesus’ Crucifixion radically reshapes the Christian understanding of power and leadership. Just as the disciples found it difficult to “see” what Jesus was teaching them about messianic leadership, so, too, Christian leaders often adopt the leadership models employed by “Gentiles” rather than following the cruciform leadership model of Jesus. We fail to hear Jesus’ ringing assertion, “Not so among you!” Categorically, Jesus rules out this conquering-hero model of leadership among his disciples and within his kingdom. It’s not just relatively wrong; it is fundamentally incompatible and irreconcilable with following a suffering, crucified, resurrected and servant Messiah.
But the appetite for power over others is strong, and the rationales to justify it come with the shared wisdom of our culture. This can be especially the case in Christian churches and organizations where leadership is often cloaked in subtle (and not-so-subtle) claims of divine authority, including authority over others. But according to Mark’s telling of the story, the disciples were not seeing clearly. This might be the way of the world (“Gentiles”), but it is not the way of the crucified Messiah. Seeing Clearly As Mark continues to recount the story of Jesus, two subsequent episodes stand out. First, immediately after the third passion prediction of Jesus in Mark 10:32-45, there is the healing of yet another blind man—Bartimaeus (see Mark 10:46-52). In this healing story, Bartimaeus is healed immediately; he sees clearly. Perhaps the placement of this story at this point in Mark, after Jesus’ three predictions of his suffering and his instruction about discipleship, is not accidental. Is Mark telling us that to see Jesus clearly as the Messiah we must first see him crucified? And further, is Mark telling us that leadership among Christians must be shaped decisively by the wisdom of the cross rather than the wisdom of the world? The second episode leads me to think so. There is only one human character in Mark who acknowledges Jesus as the “Son of God.” At Golgotha, after Jesus had been crucified and had breathed his last, a Roman centurion (not one of the disciples) exclaimed, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” (Mark 15:39 NRSV). This Roman soldier had seen what the disciples had failed to see clearly—that Jesus’ messiahship is defined by the cross, not by a conquest. Jesus is revealed as the Son of God in his Crucifixion. For his disciples, including those who would follow Jesus today, the cross redefines what it means to follow Jesus and how we relate to one another. The cruciform shape of leadership among Christians is not optional; it is foundational. Dr. Donald E. Burke is a professor of biblical studies at Booth University College in Winnipeg. Salvationist October 2021 19
Yazidi families welcome more refugees to Winnipeg in January 2017
Putting Down Roots Six years ago, The Salvation Army partnered with Operation Ezra to welcome Yazidi refugees to Canada. Today, they are thriving and giving back to the community. BY MAJOR RAY HARRIS
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n the summer of 2015, I joined a small group of people at Winnipeg’s Richardson International Airport. We were there to welcome a family to Winnipeg. Just weeks before, this family had been living in a refugee camp in Turkey. As they made their way down the stairs, they were greeted with cheers and hugs. They were the first of many families to come over the next few years, as part of the larger Yazidi community. They came through the efforts of a Jewishled organization, Operation Ezra. In Hebrew, the word “Ezra” means “help.” True to its name, Operation Ezra has since enabled more than 65 Yazidis to come to Winnipeg and begin to settle in this nation. The Salvation Army has been learning to be an “innovative partner” in this expression of help. Welcoming refugees is important, but it’s also just the beginning of a long journey. After their welcome, the task is to help Yazidi families settle and integrate into the social fabric of this nation. How do you help refugees understand this land 20 October 2021 Salvationist
of Tim Hortons, Hockey Night in Canada and its painful colonial history? One of the first necessities was accommodation. Members of Operation Ezra used their contacts to find rentals that would give families a safe place. Salvationist colleagues provided new mattresses, hygiene kits and clothing. Members of Operation Ezra helped the Yazidis obtain their social insurance and health cards and learn to use the city’s transit services. Nafiya Naso, a Yazidi woman whose family sought refuge in Canada 20 years ago, organized weekly classes to help these newcomers learn the ways of their new home. Space in a synagogue or church became a place to learn a new language, enjoy some games and food and get to know others. Several cadets joined the group. In time, contacts were made with local restaurants and employment opportunities were found for many of the Yazidis. On one occasion, I contacted the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and they provided a block of tickets for the young people to attend a concert. My wife, Cathie, and I
joined them. I smiled as I watched them listen to a full orchestra, with its strange instruments, especially those trombones! Gradually, the Yazidi community returned the spirit of generosity to others. Each December, the Yazidis hold a threeday fast as part of their religious commitment. At the end of the fast, a celebration called Eda Rojiet Ezii—a communal meal, with dancing—is held. It was a celebratory occasion when Heritage Park Temple hosted one of these delightful evenings. Historically, the Yazidi people have suffered a genocide at the hands of extremists. The current generation has suffered deep trauma in northern Iraq. Parents have been forced to watch as their children were raped. Women were forced to become sex slaves and, if too old, were disposed of in mass burial graves. It was understandable, then, that when I saw a woman sitting alone during a celebratory supper, she said, “I am not able to join the dance.” Trauma is a wound, but it’s a wound whose effects don’t easily heal. Deep trauma is such
that we can’t ask victims to “move on.” But healing of a kind can take place. A Place of Healing A couple of years ago, the owner of a Winnipeg garden nursery heard about Operation Ezra and its efforts with the Yazidis. He made land available, and plans were put in place for the Yazidis to work the land. Especially the women. They knew how to plant seeds and tend the crops: onions, carrots, corn, beans, potatoes and zucchini—huge zucchini! A local journalist who watched the women on the farm commented, “This seems to be a healing farm.” She named the reality. In some small way, the women have experienced healing by sowing seeds, tending the land and harvesting vegetables. The farm has become a safe space, where broken families begin to find their place in Canada. The food grown on the Healing Farm is used to feed members of the Yazidi community, and is donated to Winnipeg’s food banks. Some crops are sold to raise money for next year’s seeds. This Yazidi community has discovered what Canada’s Indigenous Peoples already know: the land is a place of healing. Giving Back When the initial Yazidi families arrived in Winnipeg, contacts were made with schools in their neighbourhoods. These schools recognized that refugee students have unique needs and responded with
sensitivity. Grant Park High School had an assistant principal at the time who was himself a refugee. Mohammed Rezai fled Iran when he was much younger. When he learned that the school would be receiving Yazidi students, he gathered the teaching staff together. Rather than focusing on the students, Rezai posed the question to his staff: “What do we need to do in order to prepare ourselves for these students?” He walked them through the experience of being a refugee so that the teachers would have a greater awareness of what this meant.
The Salvation Army has been learning to be an “innovative partner” in this expression of help.
to pursue a degree in social work. With this in mind, she has been accepted as a student at The Salvation Army’s Booth University College. These Yazidi students have a deep desire to give back to the nation that has welcomed them. The settlement of Yazidi families in Winnipeg has required the combined efforts of many individuals and organizations. Different faith traditions, businesses and schools have contributed to the settlement of these refugees. From these efforts, the Canadian Yazidi Association has been formed, with Jamileh Naso as its president. In many respects, this has been an “innovative partnership,” and it has been a privilege for The Salvation Army to be involved. The grace of God has been at work through it to bring about healing in our land. Major Ray Harris is a retired Salvation Army officer. He attends Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg.
Just this past year, Yazidi students began to graduate from high school. Saaod Naso says that he was quite shy when he began his studies, but that the school helped him to gain confidence. Naso has plans to pursue studies in either pharmacy or dentistry. Dimah Abdulkareem recognizes the many ways people have encouraged her. With a strong sense of responsibility motivating her, she hopes
(above) Members of Operation Ezra join Yazidi women at the Healing Farm (left) Lavan and Haeder Naso with produce from the farm
Salvationist October 2021 21
TRIUMPH PUBLISHING
Road to Redemption New book from Major Max Sturge traces salvation history from creation to new creation.
“The biblical canon is an epic story of God and his mission people,” says Mjr Max Sturge
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ave you ever tried to read the Bible straight through? You may have run out of gas by Leviticus or been bewildered by the prophetic writings of Daniel. Did you puzzle over the meaning of the Psalms or sigh with relief when you hit the Gospels? Could you disentangle the Apostle Paul’s letters or decipher the mesmerizing imagery in Revelation? The good news is that the Bible is easier to understand when it is viewed as an overarching drama, from Genesis to Revelation. Major Max Sturge’s new book, Road to Redemption: Tracing God’s Rescue Plan Through His Mission People, guides readers through God’s mission story of redeeming fallen humanity, first through Israel and then through Jesus and the birth of the church. Endorsed by General Brian Peddle, international leader of The Salvation Army, and published by the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s Triumph Publishing, Road to Redemption is available exclusively in e-book or printable pdf format at no cost. Perfect for personal or small-group study, each chapter includes questions to encourage reflection and facilitate discussion. Now retired, Major Sturge served for 41 years as a passionate teacher, preacher and officer in The Salvation Army, including 27 years in corps ministry and six years teaching biblical studies and theology at the College for Officer Training in St. John’s, N.L. He shared with Salvationist why he wrote Road to Redemption and what he hopes people will take away from their reading experience. Why did you write Road to Redemption? I have taken biblical courses at several Christian institutions, but I realized that something was missing from my grasp of Scripture as a whole. The biblical canon is an epic story of God and Israel, his mission people, and an unfolding drama of his rescue plan for humanity through them. I wrote Road to Redemption to help readers understand how this saga stretches from Genesis to Revelation. I hope when they see the grandeur of the Bible’s storyline that their knowledge and appreciation of the Bible and its Author will be enhanced. 22 October 2021 Salvationist
What is the purpose of Road to Redemption? Maturity in Christian discipleship requires our knowing “the Word of God in its fullness” (Colossians 1:25). The story approach of Road to Redemption is a unique way to help readers experience the magnificent sweep of salvation history from creation to new creation. They will be exposed to parts of many books in the Bible, but without getting distracted by too many details. Hopefully, it will whet their appetite for digging more deeply into the riches of God’s Word. How did writing this book enrich your own life? It clarified my understanding of some ideas, such as, why didn’t the Jewish people, especially Israel’s leaders, see that Jesus was the One who would die for their and the world’s sins? Also, for a long time I’ve deeply appreciated God’s love, but tracing his journey with stubbornly sinful Israel over many centuries elicited my profound gratitude for his patience with me and all of us who are aware of our flawed human nature. How would you like to see this book used, both within the Army and beyond? Road to Redemption is my gift to Salvationists and non-Salvationists alike for their biblical and theological enrichment. It has questions at the end of each lesson and optional online resources, including links to animated videos that provide context for the biblical narrative. It can be used as a discipleship resource for small-group discussion, in classroom settings, as a refresher course for seasoned believers and as an introduction to the Bible for those new to the Christian faith. I also think that because Road to Redemption does not focus on any one cultural perspective, it can be an effective discipleship resource in Army settings around the world. With the book being made available free of charge, both as an e-book and in a pdf format, I pray that its reach will extend far and wide.
Now Available Road to Redemption: Tracing God’s Rescue Plan Through His Mission People guides readers through God’s mission story of redeeming fallen humanity, first through Israel and then through Jesus and the birth of the church. Perfect for personal or small-group study. Offered exclusively in e-book or printable pdf format FREE OF CHARGE.
Road to REDEMPTION
Tracing God’s Rescue Plan Through His Mission People MAX STURGE
Road to Redemption convicted me again of the truth of Scripture, convinced me even more regarding God’s longing to rescue a broken world, and compelled me to do my part in that global mission.—General Brian Peddle Visit store.salvationarmy.ca or salvationist.ca/triumphpublishing to download your FREE copy today!
Heard and Seen How to hold a Hannah Service for those grieving pregnancy and infant loss. BY CAPTAIN LAURA VAN SCHAICK
Illustration: Anastasiia Krasavina/iStock via Getty Images Plus
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t’s not something we often talk about. In North America, 15-20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage and one in eight couples have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. The tendency to wait until the second trimester to announce a pregnancy—just in case— speaks of a culture ill-equipped or unwilling to address this significant loss. The result is that many people grieve alone. While infertility, pregnancy and infant loss are often ignored by our culture, they are not ignored by God. The pages of Scripture preserve the stories of many women who experienced such loss: Hannah, Sarah, Leah and Bathsheba. That their experiences have been included in the story of our faith, and shared throughout history, reminds us that all who experience infertility and infant loss are worthy of being heard and seen. Communities of faith are uniquely positioned to come alongside individuals, couples and families who mourn infertility and pregnancy and infant loss. In doing so, we can break the silence about this common yet hidden grief. Churches all around the world have begun hosting candlelight vigils on October 15 for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Some also observe this day on the Sunday closest to October 15. While this international observance focuses specifically on miscarriage, stillbirth and the death of a child in their first year, many include any type of reproductive loss in these times of lament and mourning. In The Salvation Army, Lieutenant Sarah Micula, an officer from the U.S.A. Central Territory, has created the framework for a “Hannah Service,” which she describes as “a gathering time and space for women who have experienced infertility, pregnancy loss, infant loss and medical diagnoses that prevent future pregnancies.” Lieutenant Micula affirms that these intentional gatherings, named after the Hannah written about in 1 Samuel 1, who was desperate for a child and poured out her grief before God, provide a space to grieve and lament, to memorialize these significant losses and to offer hope. Indeed, Hannah Services have been growing in
popularity around the world. If you are interested in hosting a Hannah Service, begin by asking the Holy Spirit to guide you, and to grant you wisdom, discernment and sensitivity. There is often a felt absence of language in our theology to respond to these types of losses, and empty platitudes are not helpful. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn, an ordained minister and fertility coach, says, “We feel even worse when people use ‘God language’ from a theological perspective that is antithetical to who God is. People glibly say, ‘God will make a way’ or ‘Maybe it’s a curse’ or ‘Maybe God doesn’t want you to have a baby.’ These statements don’t acknowledge our sovereign God as an inclusive God of love. These statements are also simply bad theology.” The next step is to connect with those in your community who are experiencing loss to let them know about your Hannah Service. You could gather health-care workers or social workers who are part of your ministry unit to help make connections with hospitals. If that is not an option, you could reach out to hospital chaplains or parent support groups to get the word out. Connecting with your local community and family services unit and other churches in the area are all ways to establish innovative
partnerships and ensure that those who would benefit from this type of remembrance service are included. It’s important to keep in mind that miscarriage and similar issues aren’t just women’s matters. They are human, couple, marriage and family matters. Despite the service being named after a biblical woman, these should be communal spaces to bring healing to everyone who is grieving. As you determine what to include in your Hannah Service, you may want to involve someone who has experienced a reproductive loss in your planning. Options for a service could include worship songs, prayer stations, candle-lighting, sharing circles, prayer walks or flower-laying. Finally, you may wish to follow up your Hannah Service by hosting or offering support groups about infertility or pregnancy loss or directing those in attendance to other similar supports in the community. Do some research before your Hannah Service, and have that information available for people to take with them. For more information about hosting a Hannah Service, visit salarmycentral.org/ womensministries. Captain Laura Van Schaick is the divisional secretary for women’s ministries in the Ontario Division. Salvationist October 2021 23
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(left) Chipo Moompa, a physics teacher at Nansenga Secondary School in Chikankata, Zambia, helps students in the classroom and beyond (right) Students in Zambia prepare for the day
The Heart of Education Celebrating and supporting teachers around the world. BY KATHY NGUYEN
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ctober 5 is recognized by the United Nations as World Teacher’s Day. Held annually since 1994, this day was established to acknowledge the vital roles that teachers play in our society, and to celebrate their contributions and achievements around the world. In 1867, The Salvation Army began to expand its ministry in education by offering basic schooling and reading rooms to vulnerable communities. Since then, The Salvation Army has established more than 3,000 schools worldwide, employing over 18,000 teachers who provide high-quality education to nearly 600,000 students. Behind the Shield Through the Brighter Futures Children’s Sponsorship Program, Canadians play an integral role in providing school essentials for vulnerable children around the globe, including tuition fees, textbooks, uniforms, notebooks, pencils, backpacks and more. But behind every textbook, notebook and pencil, there’s a teacher devoted to showing a student how to read for the first time; a teacher nurturing a student’s imagination as they put pen to paper; a teacher holding a student’s hand as they encourage their dreams and the prospect of a brighter future. Around the world, Salvation Army schools are blessed with passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated teaching faculty. From Southeast Asia to Africa, our teachers are instrumental in helping the children we support reach their God-given potential. Watering Young Minds In Chikankata, Zambia, Chipo Moompa, a physics teacher at Nansenga Secondary 24 October 2021 Salvationist
School, knows that education is more than just reading a textbook. For a long time, the school lacked access to clean water, which caused students to drink salt water or miss class. With support from donors, The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda partnered with The Salvation Army in Switzerland to provide the school with a water tank. “With the water, we grew a garden,” Moompa says. “When the crops are ready and ripe, we sell them to the locals and use the money to buy pens, paper, chalk and textbooks for the teachers and pupils.” With access to water, Moompa provided students with more than just a glass of drinking water—she taught them the importance of sustainability, income generation and making the best with what you have. These lessons will carry them well beyond their days in the classroom. Beyond the Classroom In Tarime, Tanzania, Mwalimu Sendoro, former head teacher at The Salvation Army Matumaini School, the country’s largest boarding school for children with disabilities and albinism, proves that teachers aren’t just listening ears and helping hands inside the classroom. While visiting a rehabilitation centre, he ran into James Augustino, a child left paralyzed from a farming accident. He reached out for a friendly conversation, and Augustino expressed interest in enrolling in the school. Sendoro accepted him on the spot. “Our teachers insisted that if we have discipline and respect for the Lord, we would be successful,” Augustino says. With Sendoro’s leadership and
the support of his teachers and peers, Augustino moved on to become a government accountant. Today, he’s married with six children, who have each embarked on their own successful careers with his support. Going Above and Beyond In Arraiján, Panama, Lieutenant Irene Herrera helps operate an after-school program where she provides children and youth with tutoring, school materials, recreational activities, nutritious meals and more. “Before the pandemic, 80 percent of the children were showing improvements in their social skills and self-esteem,” says Jillian Paredes, project officer in the Latin America North Territory. Realizing that virtual learning can cause social isolation, Lieutenant Herrera made it a goal to maintain the progress, and to keep learning fun and interactive. She utilized a popular social media app, TikTok, to engage students with music and dance choreography, while also holding virtual meetings for devotions and Bible studies. The team at Arraiján also delivered meals to the students’ homes, going above and beyond to help meet their social and physical needs. Where Hope Begins Students who have graduated from Salvation Army schools, daycares, afterschool programs and vocational training centres have gone on to become teachers, officers, accountants, business owners and trailblazers in their communities. Hope begins in the classroom, and it is thanks to the tireless efforts of our teachers around the world that a student’s imagination grows into a handprint on the planet. If you would like to support teachers in the hardest-to-reach communities, you can do so by keeping their classrooms stocked with school supplies, desks, chairs and equipment. To learn more, email SAID@salvationarmy.ca. Kathy Nguyen is the resource/media co-ordinator in the international development department.
FAMILY MATTERS
The Parent Trap Learning how to raise kids—together. BY CAPTAIN BHREAGH ROWE
Photo: kate_sept2004/E+ via Getty Images
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o you remember your pre-marital counselling? I remember ours like it was yesterday. We sat there, blissfully in love, the Skittles-and-rainbows kind of love, pretending that we completely understood the other person and accepted all their quirks and flaws. Then we got married. It wasn’t horrible, but it also wasn’t great. The first year of marriage was a huge adjustment, as two imperfect people learned how to coexist and communicate—how to not kill each other for leaving all the kitchen cupboard doors open or completely missing the idea of a laundry basket. But we pressed on. Then we thought, We’ve got this marriage stuff figured out—let’s add a little new life. What could go wrong? I can hear your chuckles. Nothing has made me fall in love with my husband, Daniel, more than watching him become an amazing, hands-on dad. But nothing has made me want to lovingly strangle Daniel more than watching him parent. We are two very different people, from two very different families, with two very different ways of thinking. He loves Star Wars and I love Runaway Bride. He hates medical shows because I always ruin them (I used to be a registered nurse) and I always space out while he is explaining some weird (usually useless) fact. So, we have two very different ideas on parenting. In fact, it’s one of the things we fight about the most. He takes a stronger hand with discipline—a “Yes, Sir, No, Sir,” approach—whereas I add some extra listening or talking through the issues. He can throw a party on a whim with a stick and a rock, while I plan and organize. He is the breakfast-making, pump-you-upfor-the-day specialist, while I take care of most of the nighttime parenting. Our parenting is always evolving. It’s loud and it’s messy. But we do it together. I’ve read a lot about parenting and different parenting styles—there is so much information out there! I’ve learned to chew on the ideas and then, through the lens of the gospel, decide what to digest and what to spit back out. I’ve come to believe that there is no wrong parenting style. For
families with two parents—and if you are parenting on your own, I salute the incredible job you’re doing—it’s important to parent together, as a team. Research might show x, y and z—kids can be more resilient if we do this or can grow up to be more successful if we do that. But instead of focusing so much on rigidly sticking to a parenting style, try to learn your spouse’s style—their strengths and weaknesses—then discuss how you can balance each other to give the absolute best to your kids. My guess is that when God brings two people together and gives them children to raise up in the way they should go, he gives them some complementary gifts and abilities, to help each of them be not just better parents, but better teammates and better Great Commission-doers. You represent the body of Christ in your home. Your marriage demonstrates the body of Christ to your child. We are all created with equal value, with different gifts—combine your God-given abilities and function as the body of Christ right within your own home with your parenting.
Learn about each other. Talk to each other. Listen to each other’s frustrations and fears about parenting. Support one another in your weaknesses and celebrate your strengths. Have grace when your spouse fails (because they will) and focus on the goal of raising strong, humble, kind, Jesus-following people. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, beautifully matched with your spouse and have been entrusted with children. None of that was by accident, so stress a little less about your parenting style and focus a little more on God’s work through you. Sometimes your parenting will work, sometimes it won’t. Sometimes you will fight with your significant other, sometimes you will jive. But the best thing you can do for your kids is to accept that every kid needs one parent who will build a death-defying bike ramp, and another who stands by with a first-aid kit at the ready. I promise you—the best style of parenting is to parent together. Captain Bhreagh Rowe is the community ministries officer, St. Albert Church and Community Centre in St. Albert, Alta. Salvationist October 2021 25
CROSS CULTURE
NEW & NOTABLE The Jesus Music
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
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im and Tammy Faye Bakker are among the most infamous televangelists of the 20th century. Founders of The 700 Club and later The PTL Club, the Bakkers were known for promoting “down-home” Christian values, as well as the prosperity gospel. Their evangelistic empire even included a Christian theme park, but it all came crashing down after revelations of financial and sexual impropriety, leading to the end of their ministry and marriage. The Eyes of Tammy Faye, a new film from Michael Showalter, chronicles the rise and fall of the Bakkers in the 1970s and 1980s, with Andrew Garfield and Jessica Chastain in the starring roles. The film is aiming for authenticity—both of the Bakkers’ children, Tammy Sue and Jamie Charles, were involved in the making of The Eyes of Tammy Faye—and takes a sympathetic view of its titular character. As Showalter explained to Vanity Fair, “She was this kind of laughingstock … But she was really trailblazing in a lot of ways, and she was really true to her beliefs in a lot of ways. And she was a survivor.”
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escribing itself as “the definitive love letter” to fans of contemporary Christian music (CCM), The Jesus Music is a new documentary from the Erwin Brothers, directors of the 2018 film I Can Only Imagine. It traces the evolution of CCM from its origins in America’s 1960s counterculture movement through its transformation into a multi-billion-dollar industry today. It features exclusive interviews with some of the genre’s biggest names—including Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, who also serve as executive producers on the film, members of DC Talk, Kirk Franklin and Lauren Daigle. The Jesus Music promises untold stories of trials and triumphs as it looks at the meaning behind the music and CCM’s lasting legacy.
CODA
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Refuge Reimagined Biblical Kinship in Global Politics BY MARK R. GLANVILLE AND LUKE GLANVILLE
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ven though the global refugee crisis continues to grow each year, many in the West are becoming less sympathetic and concerned with the plight of refugees. In Refuge Reimagined, Mark R. Glanville and Luke Glanville offer a new approach to compassion for displaced people: a biblical ethic of kinship. God’s people, they argue, are consistently called to extend kinship—a mutual responsibility and solidarity—to those who are marginalized and without a home. Drawing on their expertise in Old Testament studies and international relations, the Glanvilles demonstrate how this ethic is consistently conveyed throughout the Bible and can be practically embodied today. Challenging the fear-based ethic that often motivates Christian approaches, they envision a more generous, creative and hopeful way forward. 26 October 2021 Salvationist
s the sole hearing member of her deaf family, 17-year-old Ruby (Emilia Jones) is a CODA, a child of deaf adults. Her coming-of-age story is told in CODA , a new film directed by Sian Heder. When she’s not in school, Ruby spends most of her time helping with her family’s struggling fishing business. She plans to join the business full-time after graduation, but when she’s accepted into her high school’s choir club, she discovers a gift for singing. Encouraged by her choir teacher, Mr. V (Eugenio Derbez), to audition for a prestigious music college, Ruby faces a difficult decision about her future. Not just a heart-warming tale, CODA provides representation for a group of people who are not often featured in films. “People think that deaf people are monolithic in terms of how they approach life. And this film bursts that myth,” Marlee Matlin, who stars as Ruby’s mom, told the Los Angeles Times.
TORONTO—The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre (TGHC) has been accredited with commendation by Accreditation Canada, a non-profit independent organization. The voluntary process for health-care providers assesses every aspect of the care and service delivered against national standards. Identified successes and overall strengths of TGHC include its COVID-19 response, leadership, physicians, physician recruitment and engagement, positive reputation in the community, and capacity and diversity of programs. TGHC has also been identified by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario as a Best Practice Spotlight Organization. To celebrate their shared successes, TGHC staff enjoyed a barbecue lunch that was grilled especially for them by Jake Tran, president and CEO, and topped off with special cakes prepared to mark the occasion. VISIT Salvationist.ca
for news and information
Photos: William Chinnery
PEOPLE & PLACES
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONT.—For the first time since March 2020, the Canadian Staff Band, under the leadership of BM John Lam, presented two live concerts in August from the bandshell at Simcoe Park in Niagara-on-theLake. As concertgoers relaxed in lawn chairs, on the grass or around picnic tables, the band presented a variety of musical pieces, including William Himes’ arrangement of Pachelbel for Brass, James Curnow’s Jubilation, and Paul LovattCooper’s Donegal Bay, which featured euphonium soloist Cameron Rawlins. Above: from left, Marcus Venables and Sherie Keogh perform Quicksilver, a cornet duet by Peter Graham.
Salvationist October 2021 27
PEOPLE & PLACES
TILLSONBURG, ONT.—With the assistance of an emergency disaster services truck and personnel from London, Ont., the Army in Tillsonburg served meals to more than 50 people during a special summer event as part of its community feeding program. The meal included corn on the cob donated by the local Sobey’s grocery store, hot dogs or chili cheese dogs, coleslaw and iced tea. A breakfast event was planned for later in the summer.
ORANGEVILLE, ONT.—Baby Apollo is dedicated back to the Lord by his parents, Vonne and Jasper Villanueva, at New Hope CC. Celebrating with them are Lts Roger and Glenda Barrow, COs.
GAZETTE INTERNATIONAL Appointments: Nov 1—Cols Lalhlimpuii Chawngthu/Lalhmingliana Hmar, TPWM/TC, India Eastern Tty; Lt-Cols Annamma/S P Simon, secretary for women’s development/executive officer, India National Office, with rank of col; Lt-Cols Prakash Chandra/Rani Phula Pradhan, CS/TSWM, India Eastern Tty; Dec 1—Mjrs Cha, Soon-sam/Kim, Byung-yoon, TSWM/CS, Korea Tty, with rank of col; Lt Cols Mirtha/Ricardo Fernandez, TPWM/TC, Mexico Tty, with rank of col; Mjrs Anna-Maria/Robert Tuftström, TSWM/CS, Sweden and Latvia Tty, with rank of lt-col TERRITORIAL Appointments: Mjr Everett Barrow, interim CO, Richmond Hill CC, Ont. Div; Lts Joseph/Kaitlin Cantrell, assistant COs, Cambridge Citadel, Ont. Div; Cpts Leonard Heng/Peck-Ee Wong, COs, Ottawa Citadel, Ont. Div; Mjr William King, CO, Lakeshore CC, Toronto, Ont. Div; Lt Kaitlyn Young, assistant CO, Meadowlands, Hamilton, Ont. Div, and community and family services officer, community and family services, Hamilton, Ont. Div; Oct 15—Mjrs Fred/Louise Pond, COs, Grand Falls Citadel, Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L. Div; Nov 1—Mjr Sheldon Feener, AC, social mission, B.C. Div Promoted to major: Cpt Wayne Knight Promoted to glory: Aux-Cpt Rita Muise, Aug 29
CALENDAR Commissioners Floyd and Tracey Tidd: Oct 1 National Advisory Board (virtual); Oct 4-7 Americas and Caribbean Zonal Conference (virtual); Oct 25 5th Year Officers Pre-Confirmation Institute (virtual); Oct 29-31 Officership Information Weekend (virtual) Colonel Evie Diaz: Oct 1 National Advisory Board (virtual); Oct 4-7 Americas and Caribbean Zonal Conference (virtual); Oct 15-17 U.S.A. Central Tty Inclusion Conference (virtual); Oct 24-25 CFOT; October 27 5th Year Officers PreConfirmation Institute (virtual); Oct 29-31 Officership Information Weekend (virtual)
28 October 2021 Salvationist
GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALTA.— Thanks to a generous donation of bottled water by ATB Grande Prairie Entrepreneur Centre, The Salvation Army in Grande Prairie was able to help residents stay hydrated during the heat wave that swept across Canada’s western provinces this past summer. Cpt Peter Kim, CO and community ministries officer in Grande Prairie, loads up the emergency disaster services truck before hitting the streets to distribute the water to those in need.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS Do you know the difference between the CCM and the CSM? What about the YPSM and JSS? And what exactly is a TPWM? See below for a list of some common acronyms that appear in the pages of Salvationist. BM/SL—bandmaster/songster JPCC—Jackson’s Point Conference leader Centre CC—community church JSS—junior soldier sergeant CCM/CCMS—community care NRO—National Recycling ministries/community care Operations ministries secretary RS—recruiting sergeant CFOT—College for Officer Training TC/DC/AC—territorial commander/ CO—corps officer divisional commander/area commander CS—chief secretary TPWM/TSWM/DDWM/DSWM— CSM/YPSM—corps sergeantterritorial president of women’s major/young people’s sergeantministries/territorial secretary for major women’s ministries/divisional EDS—emergency disaster services director of women’s ministries/ divisional secretary for women’s IHQ/THQ/DHQ—International ministries Headquarters/territorial headquarters/divisional Tty/Cmd/Rgn/Div—Territory/ headquarters Command/Region/Division
. *Pictured: Salvation Army conservation agriculture project in rural Kenya.
Salvationist October 2021 29
SALVATION STORIES
Call to Worship Japhlet Lolo was a back-pew Christian until an encounter with the Holy Spirit changed his life. BY KEN RAMSTEAD
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o watch Japhlet Lolo give the valedictory address at Booth University College’s convocation this year, one could be forgiven for thinking his faith had always run deep. But this was not the case. Like so many of us, he had to undo childhood habits he had taken for granted and relearn his faith. In so doing, he became the Christian he is. “I would never have made it this far if it were not for God,” Japhlet says. Firm Foundation Japhlet was born into a Salvation Army family in Kenya. “My parents are officers, so there’s always that pressure of being a pastor’s child and reflecting that,” he says. “You always need to be on the right, you always need to live well. Going to church was mandatory, a routine, growing up. Sundays are Sundays and you had to go to church.” But that was not a problem for the youngster. He found the gospel dances, dramas and timbrels that made up a Salvation Army church service fun and exciting. “I was happy to go to church and Sunday school every week. That foundation helped me to eventually mature in my faith, though at that time I had not really thought through what it all meant. That came later.” “I Want to Sing” After high school, the young Japhlet started sitting in the back pew while his parents sat up front. “The people who sat with me there weren’t really listening and just wanted to pass the time—and leave early without being seen!” But one day while the praise and worship team was performing, Japhlet felt something. “There was something in the church,” he explains. “I felt as if I needed to know who God was. Later, I came to understand that when the Holy Spirit visits a church, 30 October 2021 Salvationist
you can literally feel that. I did.” Japhlet’s first thought was, I want to sing. So he joined the praise and worship team to serve God. He soon realized it was more than just singing. “If you are part of the worship team, you need to be on the intercessory team as well,” he says. “And you have to be committed to praying for the church.” That was the breakthrough Japhlet needed to start to understand who God is. He had always lived a Christian life, but he had taken that for granted. “I’d not really known Jesus Christ well.” Through the praise and worship team, Japhlet started to truly participate in the life of his church for the first time. Curious to learn more about God, he searched the Bible for answers. “I realized why people pray for hours,” he laughs now. “I learned that as a Christian, you are not only praying for yourself but you’re also praying for others.”
The call to serve came at the right time for Japhlet, and it was then that he decided to become a soldier in The Salvation Army. Serving Others Japhlet soon started to develop his spiritual life, leading Bible studies and preaching, as well as giving his testimony during open-air services at his corps. “Since then, I’ve never regretted depending on God because I’ve seen his hand in my life. God opened big doors that I never expected would open.” One of those doors opened to Canada and Booth University College in Winnipeg. It was only natural for him to join the college’s worship team, and the school played an important part in his spiritual nourishment. “That’s what led me to go into social work, because of what The Salvation Army has prepared me to do,” he concludes. “I want to serve other people.”
“I would never have made it this far if it were not for God,” says Japhlet Lolo
Because I want to transform my city
COMMUNITY AND URBAN TRANSFORMATION - BACHELOR OF ARTS
BOOTHUC.CA
EDU C AT ION F OR A BET T ER W OR L D
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Coffee Conversations
#OVERCOMER P.12
Roadside Assistance
Conquering Addiction
ARMY HELPS P.26 RYAN’S BRIGHT FUTURE 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
OCTOBER 2021
Desert Ordeal
IN DUNE, A YOUNG MAN HOLDS THE FATE OF THE GALAXY IN HIS HANDS.
P.16
Giving Thanks This month, many of us will gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving. The celebration will be particularly sweet this year, as we make up for time lost during the pandemic. Preparing a meal for loved ones is a special gift. Carefully choosing each recipe. Taking time to cook each course. Serving each dish with care. It’s a beautiful offering, born out of love. As much as we need physical food, people can’t live on bread alone. We need spiritual food—food that nourishes our souls. Jesus once said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry” (John 6:35). Like a meal lovingly prepared, Jesus offers Himself to meet our every need.
To learn more about how God satisfies our deepest hunger, visit our website at faithandfriends.ca or contact us at: The Salvation Army Editorial Department, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto ON M4H 1P4.
October 2021
VOLUME 24 NUMBER 10
10
BEYOND BORDERS
5 The Battle Against Hunger
The Salvation Army is helping to bring food security to those without. COMMON GROUND
10 Getting to Know You
God surprised Jeanette Levellie with a compliment from an unlikely source. FAITH BUILDERS
11 The Power of Love
It changes everything. Even little red puppies. FEATURES Coffee Conversations
Roadside Assistance
Conquering Addiction
#OVERCOMER P.12 ARMY HELPS P.26 RYAN’S BRIGHT FUTURE 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
OCTOBER 2021
Desert Ordeal
12
IN DUNE, A YOUNG MAN HOLDS THE FATE OF THE GALAXY IN HIS HANDS.
Coffee Conversations
Sharing hope and encouragement, one doubledouble at a time.
P.16
COVER STORY
16
22
Desert Ordeal
In Dune, a young man holds the fate of the galaxy in his hands.
From Rock Bottom to Full Circle
Thanks to The Salvation Army, Ryan kicked his addictions. SOMEONE CARES 26 Roadside Assistance
Salvation Army serves meals to hundreds of people stranded at provincial border. LITE STUFF 28 Eating Healthy With Erin
Sudoku, Quick Quiz, Word Search
26
NIFTY THRIFTY 31 One Handy Caddy
An easy upcycling project with big fall gatherings in mind. faithandfriends.ca I OCTOBER 2021
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FROM THE EDITOR
Ryan’s Full Circle
C
ommunications specialist Maria Silva was thrilled when Ryan’s story came across her desk. “I wanted to tell a story of someone who had gone through one of our Salvation Army programs and now gives back their time as a volunteer,” she says. “A feel-good, full-circlemoment type of story. What surprised me the most about our phone interview was how young Ryan was and all the hardship he had already gone through in such a short time.” When Maria finally met Ryan in person for a photo shoot to illustrate the Faith & Friends story, she was surprised at how close he was with Salvation Army staff and residents, including Chaplain Doug Schultz and recreational therapist Sarah Bartkus. “I knew Ryan volunteered and worked alongside these individuals through his recovery,” Maria says. “Still, his comfort level and friendliness toward everyone else in the Addictions and Residential Centre showed me that he spends a lot of time with the people who helped him through that recovery. It was nice to see how comfortable he was, and how much he is cared for by everyone. “Stories such as Ryan’s show how The Salvation Army helps those who are struggling and how they, in turn, continue to help even after the recovery stage,” Maria concludes. “These are the stories I enjoy writing.” Ryan’s inspiring story is on page 22. 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
BEYOND BORDERS
The Battle Against Hunger The Salvation Army is helping to bring food security to those without. by Heather Matondo
Yum! A young girl from the Evangeline Booth Girls Home in Bolivia enjoys a nutritious meal
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n 2014, I sat in Toronto’s Pearson Airport ready to embark on a journey. At the time, I was enrolled in a master of theological studies program in urban and international development and was completing my practical hours at The Salvation Army’s territorial headquarters (THQ) world missions department (now international development). As part of my required hours, I had the opportunity to join a food study tour to Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso with Canadian Foodgrains Bank. During my 10 days in western Africa, my eyes were opened to the very real, everyday battle of hunger.
Day after day, I would sit with individuals and community leaders listening to their stories and their struggles. Much of our time was spent with farmers who relied solely upon the land and the crops they grew to not only provide daily food for their family but also a small income that might allow their children to attend school. For many of those individuals, the story was the same—there was never enough food. Year-Round Struggle In 2001, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization defined food security as “a situation that exists
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BEYOND BORDERS
Happy Day Students from Chaanga Secondary School in Zambia pose during a goat distribution ceremony
when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.” This definition is in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2, which states that by 2030, we will “end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.” However, it is important to remember that just because someone may have food to eat every day, it is not always sufficient, safe or nutritious. Food security goes beyond simply having something to eat. As I witnessed on my trip to Africa, too many individuals and families struggle with food insecurity year round. Focus on Food Being hungry affects us in many ways.
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Imagine a child who must walk long distances to and from school every day, sit in class for hours on end, and all on an empty stomach. Imagine a farmer who spends hours every day in the hot sun, battling a failing crop due to lack of rain, worrying how he will provide for his family. Seven years after that trip to Sierra Leone, I have completed my master’s degree, written a thesis on food security in Sierra Leone and currently have an appointment at THQ in the international development department. Our department is involved in many projects around the world, and bringing food security to individuals and families is a focus for many of them: • In Zimbabwe, we are currently supporting students at two different schools. At both, there is a food program incorporated into the project to ensure the students are not attending school hungry. For some children, the meal they
receive at school may be the only one they have all day. • In Zambia, we started a goat program. The goats provide milk for the family and are also a source of extra income. • In the Caribbean, we are supporting The Salvation Army Cave Valley Public School, where Santina Bembridge’s daughter, Ganeilia, attends. Santina says the school is a blessing for the community because sometimes life is hard and she cannot find lunch money. But she doesn’t have to worry because she knows that when her daughter goes to the school, they will provide a nutritious meal for her. Worthy Goal In many parts of the world, the vast majority of the poor (approximately 75 percent) living in developing regions are mainly located in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. The international development department is actively involved in several agricultural projects. In partnership with Canadian Foodgrains Bank, it has been supporting a three-
year conservation agriculture and food security project in Mangochi District, Malawi. There, farmers are struggling to produce enough food due to several consecutive years of drought and flood, with declining crop yields and household income as a result. Through this project, more than 400 vulnerable farmers have been receiving training and support on conservation agriculture practices. As a result, many farmers were able to double and triple their harvests. The project’s sustainable agriculture practices will support the farmers, not only to plant and harvest enough food for their families but also to invest in future crops, children’s education, health and family well-being. October 16 has been designated by the UN as World Food Day. This comes just days after Thanksgiving, when many of us will sit with family and enjoy a large meal together. Maybe this year we will not only give thanks for what we have but also reflect on the millions of people around the world who have far less than we do and challenge ourselves to help work toward the UN’s 2030 goal of ending hunger.
(left) Major Heather Matondo is the sponsorship co-ordinator for The Salvation Army’s international development department at territorial headquarters in Toronto.
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MAILBAG
COVER STORY
Finding Ezra
WHEN I PRAYED FOR “HELP” THAT MY SON AND HIS WIFE WOULD FIND A BABY TO ADOPT, I HAD NO IDEA THAT GOD WOULD TAKE ME SO LITERALLY.
by Phil Callaway
“ARE YOU CATHOLIC OR
Mormon?” people sometimes ask when they discover my wife, Ramona, and I have been blessed with 13 grandkids in five years. “Neither. We’re exhausted,” I reply. “And very, very happy.” Of course, no one is more spent than parents who wander about the house saying things like, “Why is it
that the people who want to go to bed have to put the people to bed who don’t want to go to bed?” They do this with a sluggish smile, remembering in their better moments that these kids arrived with God’s fingerprints all over them, and that each has a story, some more intriguing than others.
(left) Holding On Ezra on a “walk” with his parents (right) Where’s Ezra? Ramona and Phil Callaway with 12 of their 13 grandchildren
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ur June article regarding Phil Callaway’s son and daughter-in-law adopting a little boy generated interesting reader replies on both sides of the issue: The Path to Healing I am deeply disturbed and disappointed at how this article portrays the adoptive mothers, especially the story of the first mom who is living with addiction. Furthermore, highlighting the racial differences in the story perpetuates racist narratives of white families rescuing persons of colour through adoption and the child welfare system.
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This is unspeakably problematic. We, as The Salvation Army, know better. The Callaway family does indeed have a story of God’s faithfulness to share, but why must we demonize a woman struggling to survive and living through pain that most of us will never understand? I am not naive. I have cared for babies withdrawing in the NICU. I have also sat with mothers who want to love and care for their children, but lack support and live with challenges that make responsible parenthood not possible. Who is responsible for this? The suffering woman who numbs her pain
our culture has a lot of work to do to see everyone as equal in the eyes of God.—Major Lynda Wakelin Faith&Friends
COVER STORY
Hot Topics With the help of her Context team, Maggie John tackles issues, such as the opioid crisis, medical assistance in dying and race
Anchoring Her Faith
—Lieutenant Jenelle Durdle
TV HOST MAGGIE JOHN IS PASSIONATE ABOUT FINDING GOD’S STORY IN THE HEADLINES.
Everyone Is Equal I disagree with Jenelle’s comments. I don’t see in this article an attempt to demonize women who find themselves in difficult situations, but, rather, a family willing to walk alongside these two women for the time they desire that support. Suggesting that the adopting parents see themselves as saviours because of their race is surprising. I have worked with teen mothers who have gone through periods of parenting, feeling overwhelmed and giving their children up, then maturing and wanting to care for their children again. I have also seen how hard it is on children when they are in and out of the “system,” only to have supports removed when they turn 18. There is a lot of suffering in the world, but suggesting that a family looking to reduce some of that suffering is “problematic” because they are white (without even knowing the races of the birth mothers) tells us that
by Helena Smrcek
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I faithandfriends.ca
Photos: Moussa Faddoul
through addiction? Indeed, she has power and agency to change, but are the systems of child welfare, health care, justice and law, and the church empowering her, giving her strength to fight and heal? I suggest that God tells us we hold the greater responsibility to listen to this woman’s story, to hear her heart, to walk with her on a path to healing and wholeness.
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Positive Feedback I just wanted to personally thank you for allowing me to be the Faith & Friends cover story this past April (“Anchoring Her Faith”). I have received so much feedback— all of it positive! I’m not sure if you know how much this has meant to not just me but a whole community who are not used to seeing our stories told in this manner. Thank you for seeing my work, allowing writer Helena Smrcek to pitch the story and making the decision to share it in this fashion. —Maggie John Have a comment on any articles you have read? WRITE to us at Faith & Friends, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4H 1P4. EMAIL us at faithandfriends@ salvationarmy.ca or POST your comments at faithandfriends.ca.
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COMMON GROUND
Getting to Know You God surprised me with a compliment from an unlikely source. by Jeanette Levellie
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wo decades ago, I’d worked with Robin, a born leader—and very outspoken. I did something ditzy one day: I called a customer by the wrong name. Robin asked me if I needed a “Stupid” sign to wear around my neck. I was shocked and hurt by what I considered a rude comment. After that, I avoided Robin. Until recently.
Praying for Grace The church Robin attends had been without a full-time pastor for more than two years. When one of the board members heard I’d become ordained, they invited me to preach. I was thrilled. But I was also a bit intimidated. And nervous. Would Robin approach me after the worship service and make a hurtful remark? I decided it was worth that risk. I
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remembered how Jesus once told His disciples, “If any of you want to be My followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24 Contemporary English Version). I decided I wanted to follow Jesus more than I wanted to avoid criticism, so I prayed for grace.
Seeing Past the Surface After the church service, I stood at the back and shook hands with everyone. I braced myself when Robin approached. “Wow, Jeanette, that was one great message,” she said, gripping my hand and smiling all the way to her blue eyes. “I could listen to you all day!” My heart swelled with thankfulness. Either Robin had mellowed over the years or I’d stopped taking myself so seriously. Or both. When Jesus allowed Robin and me to see past the surface in each other, we both discovered hidden treasures. Because of His generous grace, Robin and I are now friends. And when she teases me, I laugh louder than anyone else.
Faith&Friends
FAITH BUILDERS
The Power of Love It changes everything. Even little red puppies. by Diane Stark
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lifford the Big Red Dog, in theatres now, is a live-action/ CGI family film based on Norman Bridwell’s children’s book series of the same name. Clifford (David Alan Grier) wasn’t always big. In fact, he was the runt of his litter. When Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) adopts him, she asks the magical animal rescuer (John Cleese) how big he will get. The answer? “That depends on how much you love him.” Seemingly overnight, Emily Elizabeth’s love turns Clifford into a giant red dog who wreaks havoc on the family’s tiny New York City apartment. When a genetics company with a master plan to supersize all animals takes notice of Clifford’s remarkable size, Emily Elizabeth will do anything to protect him from harm. Will Emily Elizabeth’s love be enough to save Clifford from the greedy company that wants to use him for their own gain?
Forgiven and Whole In real life, love doesn’t make tiny pup-
pies grow to be 10 feet tall, but it can have an emotional impact that is just as powerful. A hug or a kind word on a rough day can completely change our outlook. If our love can impact another person in such a profound way, imagine what God’s love can do. His love not only changes lives—it saves them. God’s love offers us the chance to become His sons and daughters and live with Him forever. Nothing is more life-changing than that. But, sadly, many people don’t understand how much God loves them. They may not attend church or own a Bible, but that’s where we come in. One small act of love can give us an opportunity to tell people about God’s love. It’s said that love is the most powerful force in the universe. It might not change the runt of the litter into a giant, but it can transform a sinful, broken person into someone who is forgiven and whole. Love changes us. Love changes everything.
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FEATURE
Overcomer Major Morgan Hillier (with his wife, Major Lisa Hillier, inset) shares a note of encouragement— always written on a napkin, beside a Tim Hortons coffee cup—on social media every day
Coffee
Conversations SHARING HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT, ONE DOUBLE-DOUBLE AT A TIME. by Giselle Randall 12 • OCTOBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca
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n October 2019, Major Morgan Hillier, the Salvation Army pastor at Mount Pearl Corps, N.L., met a friend for coffee at a Tim Hortons. “He was going through some challenges. As we were talking, I gave him some advice, which I wrote on a napkin,” says Major Morgan. Wondering if others would find it useful as well, he snapped a picture and uploaded it to social media. “All of a sudden, my accounts lit up with people commenting and sending me messages, so I thought, Why not keep doing this?”
Dark Time Major Morgan was a pastor in Bay Roberts, N.L., when he suffered a concussion while playing hockey. Over the next five years, he had three more. The last one— from hitting his head on a cupboard door—did the most damage. “It took me out of ministry for a while,” he says. “That was the year I lost my memory. I lost who I was.” A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that makes the brain shake quickly back and forth. Although
“ I was just angry at the whole world. It was devastating.” MAJOR MORGAN HILLIER It was the beginning of Coffee Conversations, a note of encouragement—always written on a napkin, beside a Tim Hortons coffee cup— that Major Morgan shares on social media every day. But as much as his words inspire others, they are also for himself. He often adds the hashtag #overcomer. “That’s what I’ve called myself for the last two years,” he says. “I’ve overcome so many obstacles to be where I am today.”
not usually life-threatening, the effects can be serious. Short-term symptoms include headache, nausea and disorientation, but a concussion can also lead to memory loss, changes in personality and depression. “I remember sitting in band practice after clearance to play again, and not being able to read a note on the page—and I’ve been playing cornet since I was eight years old,” Major Morgan says. “I had sticky notes everywhere to remind myself to do faithandfriends.ca I OCTOBER 2021
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FEATURE
Being You “Everything I write applies to me first,” says Major Morgan
things. I even forgot my kids’ names. “But it also brought up buried memories, unhealthy memories. It put me in a dark place.” In the middle of this, the Hilliers were transferred to a small, rural community in central Newfoundland, a move that was also hard on his two youngest daughters. “The congregation was amazing throughout our journey, but it was a struggle for me,” he says. “My whole personality changed. I used to be easygoing, loved to laugh, loved life. Now I was just angry at the whole world. It was devastating.” Being There Things started to change when The Salvation Army got Major Morgan in 14 • OCTOBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca
touch with a local counsellor. “She pulled me out of the darkness,” he says. “We came to believe we were there for the opportunity to connect with this counsellor. It was an appointment for healing. God knew what we needed. It’s not always about the moment we are in—it’s about God’s plan. He is always faithful and can be trusted.” Late one night, while driving near the ocean, Major Morgan paused for a moment. Opening a Bible app on his phone, Psalm 46 caught his eye. “It described my life—mountains crashing, devastation all around me. It felt like everything was falling apart,” he says. “And then it says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.’ And I realized, He’s there. He’s there through it all.”
“Everybody Needs Hope” Throughout his recovery, Major Morgan made a practice of writing down positive thoughts. After the response he received to the first encouraging message he shared on social media, he decided to continue the conversation. Every day during his morning coffee break at Tim Hortons, he writes a note, posts a photo and leaves the napkin for others to find. “I share ideas I’ve read, thoughts from a sermon I’m writing or inspiration from a walk,” he says. “But everything I write applies to me first—it’s what I need for the day. And usually, after those coffee conversations, my day takes on a whole different perspective.” Sometimes, it makes an impact on others as well. Major Morgan recalls a message from someone who dis-
covered one of the napkins he left on a table. “This gentleman was in town for a doctor’s appointment, and he was very anxious,” he says. “He dropped by Tim Hortons for a cup of coffee and saw my napkin. It was a note about finding peace, reflecting on ‘be still’ from Psalm 46. He said it gave him the reassurance he needed to go to the appointment.” The response he’s received to this simple gesture of encouragement has surprised Major Morgan. “It evolved more than I thought,” he says. “But people are searching for peace and comfort and strength in this chaotic world. If I can offer a little advice, something to help people get through the day, a glimmer of hope—we need more of that. Everybody needs hope.”
Inked Major Morgan’s tattoo is a permanent reminder of the words of Psalm 46: “Be still, and know that I am God” faithandfriends.ca I OCTOBER 2021
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Faith&Friends
COVER STORY
House Rules Will the members of House Atreides—Gurney Halleck (Josh Brolin), Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac), Paul (Timothée Chalamet) and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson)—survive the intricate challenges and dangers of Dune?
Desert Ordeal IN DUNE, A YOUNG MAN HOLDS THE FATE OF THE GALAXY IN HIS HANDS—IF HE CAN SURVIVE THE DANGERS AND PERILS OF A HOSTILE PLANET. by Ken Ramstead 16 • OCTOBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
LONG BEFORE STAR TREK, long before Star Wars, long before Game of Thrones, there was Dune. Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel created a multi-faceted universe, complex characters and a rich plot that influenced a generation of
readers. The Hugo and Nebula awardwinner has sold almost 20 million copies worldwide and is often cited as the greatest and most influential science-fiction novel of all time. Culturally, it brought environmental and ecological issues to the forefront faithandfriends.ca I OCTOBER 2021
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COVER STORY
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Two Against Dune Paul and his mother, Lady Jessica, ponder their next move
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“ This is an extermination. They’re picking off my family one by one.” PAUL ATREIDES
on college campuses and inspired numerous novels, music, games, comic books, a film and two TV miniseries. The most recent attempt to tackle Dune is Denis Villeneuve’s movie of the same name. Delayed a year by the pandemic, it is coming to theatres and streaming services this month. Death Trap In the far-distant future, the known universe is ruled by Emperor Shaddam IV of House Corrino, backed up by the Sardaukar, his feared shock troops. Power is divided among various major and minor Houses, of which the most important are House Atreides and House Harkonnen, bitter rivals. The key to interstellar travel in the empire lies with “spice,” the incredibly rare and expensive substance that alone makes stellar navigation possible, while also
providing increased lifespan and mental capabilities. Spice is only available, however, on the planet Arrakis, also known as Dune, a desert planet sparsely populated by the fierce warriors known as Fremen, and sandworms—fearsome and colossal creatures. Whoever controls Arrakis controls the fate of the galaxy. Cruelly occupied and despoiled for decades by House Harkonnen, the emperor has granted Arrakis to House Atreides, ruled by Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac). Seeing the potential as well as the peril, Leto takes control of the spice-mining operations, bringing his advisors as well as his son and heir, Paul (Timothée Chalamet), along with Paul’s mother, Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson). But Paul has prophetic visions of the planet and of a mysterious girl of the desert (Zendaya). Far from guaranteeing the future of House Atreides, Arrakis is an faithandfriends.ca I OCTOBER 2021
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Faith&Friends
COVER STORY
Desert Director Denis Villeneuve and Javier Bardem (Stilgar) on the set of the movie
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
intricate death trap. With the connivance of the emperor—and a bitter betrayal—Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (Stellan Skarsgård) unleashes a massive assault that decimates House Atreides’ toehold on Arrakis. “This is an extermination,” Paul says. “They’re picking off my family one by one.” Duke Leto is assassinated, and Paul and Lady Jessica barely escape the Harkonnen trap, fleeing to the deep desert and the uncertain assistance of the Fremen. But will they find the support and shelter they need to fight back against their Harkonnen enemies?
Viewers will only know the fate of Paul and his mother when the planned sequel, which roughly covers the second part of the novel, is released. “I would not agree to make this adaptation of the book with one single movie,” Denis told Vanity Fair magazine. “The world is too complex. It’s a world that takes its power in details.” Real-Life Purposes At first glance, moviegoers may spot similarities between Paul’s odyssey and the Christmas story. Paul and his mother escape to the desert to save themselves from the Harkonnen death squads and their Sardaukar allies, just as Mary and Joseph, with the newborn baby Jesus in tow, escaped to the Egyptian desert once the parents were warned that their child had been marked for death. And one of the reasons Paul escapes death in the first place is that his coming had been prophesied to the Fremen by the Bene Gesserit, an ancient and powerful sisterhood whose agents had planted such stories throughout the galaxy. Defiant Warrior As House Atreides’ Warmaster, Gurney Halleck will do whatever it takes to protect the family he serves
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Photo: Chiabella James, courtesy of Vanity Fair
But whereas these tales were hearsay and rumour, Jesus’ coming had been foretold centuries earlier—and not through word-of-mouth. The Old Testament contains numerous passages that predict Jesus’ coming in startling clarity—47 of them, to be exact. To give just one example, Jesus’ Crucifixion was foretold in Psalm 22:16-18 a thousand years before His death, long before such a Roman method of execution was even practised! More specifically, the Bible includes prophesies that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem (see Micah 5:2), would be born of a virgin (see Isaiah 7:14), would spend a season in Egypt (see Hosea 11:1) and that a massacre of
children would occur in Jesus’ place of birth (see Jeremiah 31:15). Collectively, they were all proof of Jesus’ divinity. And as Jesus went about His ministry, He knew that He was fulfilling these prophecies and, therefore, used this knowledge to confirm His claims of being the Son of God in the flesh. As we enjoy the fictional Dune, it’s important to remember the real-life purpose of God. Whereas Paul was trying to free Dune from the evil occupiers of that planet, Jesus Christ waged a battle to free all of us from sin. This gift of life can never be forgotten as we prepare yet again to celebrate in the coming months the birth of Jesus. faithandfriends.ca I OCTOBER 2021
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Faith&Friends
FEATURE
From Rock Bottom to Full Circle THANKS TO THE SALVATION ARMY, RYAN KICKED HIS ADDICTIONS. NOW, HE PLANS TO GIVE BACK BY HELPING OTHERS AS HE WAS HELPED. by Maria Silva
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t 28, Ryan is an upgrading student with a bright future ahead of him. However, the classroom hasn’t always been an environment that brought out the best in him. 22 • OCTOBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca
The Road to ARC As a child, Ryan dealt with bullying at school. Compounded with the toll his parents’ divorce took on him, he often felt depressed. Growing up, he began losing him-
On the Fence Ryan, here with Chaplain Doug Schultz (left) and Sarah Bartkus, the recreational therapist from Grace Manor
ever, as a way to keep family and friends off his back, he agreed to detox in Edmonton, away from his hometown. It was a process that would lead him to The Salvation Army’s Addictions and Residential Centre (ARC).
self in video games to escape his struggles, and this was when the early signs of addiction began to reveal themselves. “I just got really depressed and eventually, after graduating from high school, I had lots of money from working on the oil rigs, and I found comfort in doing drugs and drinking all the time,” Ryan explains. “And it got to the point where I couldn’t even keep my job.” Ryan’s drug of choice: crystal meth. The first time Ryan tried to get clean was at the age of 21. Coming from a small town, he was unaware of the resources available to someone like him going through addiction. At that point in his life, he had no intentions of going to rehab. How-
A Keystone Moment “I quit once on my own and then I relapsed, and then I went through the program,” Ryan says. “I would say that that’s way more effective than trying to do it on your own.” The journey to recovery took six years and a rock-bottom moment that had Ryan ultimately deciding he would pick up the pieces of his life and put them back together. “It’s one of the best things I’ve decided to do. I wish I would have done it so much earlier, but that’s just how these things work out,” Ryan says. He began his treatment at The Salvation Army’s Transformations Addiction Recovery Program, a four-month live-in program at the ARC that is similar to the 12-step program and uses module-based learning, group counselling and individual counselling. At the age of 25, Ryan completed the program and transitioned into The Salvation Army’s Keystone, a faithandfriends.ca I OCTOBER 2021
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Faith&Friends
FEATURE
“ I found comfort in doing drugs and drinking all the time. And it got to the point where I couldn’t even keep my job.” RYAN one-year, after-care recovery program where residents live together in a community. They live drug- and alcohol-free while working toward personal goals, such as work and education. Keystone helps men transition back into society and provides guidance to help each person make the changes necessary to achieve their aspirations. Handling Mistakes “Ryan took his recovery seriously,” says Doug Schultz, a chaplain at The Salvation Army. “He’s always been growing forward. He would be the first to say that he’s not entirely there yet, but he’s making progress in the direction that he wants to go.” As chaplain, Doug’s chief role is providing spiritual and emotional care to residents, staff, families and volunteers. He strives to be accessible and journey with people as they travel the road of life. “In their life experience, they know how to handle defeat and distress. They know how to handle all the screw-ups in life,” Doug explains. “But many of them don’t know how to celebrate success, and because they don’t know how to celebrate, a lot of them will 24 • OCTOBER 2021 I faithandfriends.ca
self-sabotage because they know how to handle mistakes.” Helping Others Heal Overcoming addiction is one of the most challenging matters one can face in life, and many people will stumble before reaching sobriety. Many individuals healing from their addictions can have difficulty handling their success and finding it within themselves to stay clean. “Going to rehab is the easy part, and then finding your reasons to stay is hard,” Ryan says. “After you get out of rehab, and there are no more eyes on you, you can do what you want. The hardest part for me has been trying to find a way to get my confidence back.” For Ryan, that confidence came back when his hard work started showing results. The goals he set for himself were clear and finally attainable, and he began to get excited about the future. “While he was here, he started having an idea of what he wanted to do with his education and how he wanted to move on in his life,” Doug says. There was a moment for Ryan in recovery when he saw a couple of therapeutic students working along-
side residents doing arts and crafts, as well as meditation, to heal. He had a conversation with them that led to a moment of clarity. This was what he wanted to pursue with his life; he wanted to help others heal by using his creative side. Going Full Circle Ryan is now upgrading and preparing for an educational career at Norquest College in Edmonton as a therapeutic recreation professional. The program explores the impact of recreation and leisure on individual wellness. With the help of Doug, Ryan was able to shadow recreational therapists Sarah Bartkus, from Grace Manor, and Jonathan Buecken, from Stepping Stone Supportive Residence, both Salvation Army programs. “Today, I have so many community sources to tap into; faces that I know, and they know me,” Ryan says. It’s still not easy for Ryan. Recovery is now an everyday journey. It’s the shame that can be difficult to overcome, but his support system and self-confidence have him looking at his accomplishments with pride. “I recommend The Salvation Army. Looking back on it now, it
was some of the best times, like going camping with the guys—doing activities, such as singing praise songs,” says Ryan. “My biggest thing for guys leaving the program is to try to stay connected because you can fall off really quick.” It’s a full-circle moment for Ryan, who looks forward to volunteering with The Salvation Army, which has helped guide him to become the man he is today.
"Fifteen-Two, Fifteen-Four ..." Ryan plays cribbage with residents from Grace Manor
(left) Maria Silva is a communications specialist at The Salvation Army’s Alberta and Northern Territories Divisional Headquarters in Edmonton. She enjoys travelling, camping and spending time with family and friends. faithandfriends.ca I OCTOBER 2021
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Faith&Friends
SOMEONE CARES
Roadside Assistance Salvation Army serves meals to hundreds of people stranded at provincial border. by Angela Rafuse
Assembly Line Volunteers prepare more than 500 sandwiches at The Salvation Army’s Truro church
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hen hundreds of truckers and motorists were suddenly stranded at the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border due to protests over COVID19 restrictions, the Salvation Army churches in Truro and Springhill, N.S., stepped up to provide food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care. “Urgent Need” The protests began on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 22. By Wednesday morning, word was spreading that hundreds of people were held up at the provincial border with no choice but to wait. While many were redirected into the town of Amherst,
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N.S., others were waiting on the highway with no access to food or water. Learning this, The Salvation Army leapt into action. Each church location began by preparing sandwiches—volunteers in Truro prepared more than 500 while volunteers in Springhill prepared 250. They packed the sandwiches into bagged lunches, which included granola bars, sweet treats and bottled water. “The volunteers did an exceptional job,” explains Jan Keats, emergency disaster services co-ordinator for The Salvation Army Maritime Division. “People were in urgent need of food, and the hard work of the volunteers made it possible for us to serve.”
Hard at Work Volunteers from Salvation Army churches in Truro and Springhill distribute lunches and water to truckers and individuals
Not Forgotten When they arrived on-site, one team began distributing the lunches to those who were detoured into the town, while the other team hit the highway and served those waiting on the side of the road. “It’s so important to volunteer during these times,” explains Beverly Sharpe, a Salvation Army volunteer who helped on the front lines. “Everyone really appreciates us coming out here today. It’s really fulfilling.”
In just a few hours, hundreds were served. Each lunch was met with a smile and words of appreciation by the stranded travellers who felt as if they had been forgotten about— until The Salvation Army arrived. “It’s often said ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ but it takes an Army to care for a community,” explains Lieutenant Matthew Reid, the Salvation Army pastor in Truro. “That’s what happened here today. Hearing about the need, The Salvation Army engaged to ensure hope was given.”
(left) Angela Rafuse is the communications specialist at The Salvation Army Maritime Divisional Headquarters in Halifax.
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Faith&Friends
LITE STUFF
Eating Healthy With Erin CREAM OF PUMPKIN SOUP
Recipe photos: Erin Stanley
TIME 25 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH fresh bread
45 ml (3 tbsp) butter 250 ml (1 cup) onion, diced 1 garlic clove, diced 1 L (4 cups) vegetable broth 1 398 ml (12/3 cups) can pure pumpkin 5 ml (1 tsp) paprika 5 ml (1 tsp) vegetable seasoning 1 ml (¼ tsp) nutmeg 60 ml (¼ cup) heavy cream 45 ml (3 tbsp) Parmesan cheese 60 ml (¼ cup) fresh parsley 45 ml (3 tbsp) pumpkin seeds
1. Heat butter over medium heat, and add onion and garlic. Cook until tender. 2. Add broth, pumpkin, paprika, vegetable seasoning and nutmeg. Cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. 3. Stir in heavy cream and cheese. Cook on low for 10 more minutes. 4. Add Parmesan, parsley and pumpkin seeds to garnish.
BALSAMIC CHICKEN, PEAR AND WALNUT SALAD TIME 30 min MAKES 4 servings SERVE WITH creamy pasta
2 chicken breasts 2 ml (½ tsp) salt 2 ml (½ tsp) black pepper 2 ml (½ tsp) garlic powder 2 ml (½ tsp) paprika 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable or canola oil 30 ml (2 tbsp) butter 1 L (4 cups) spinach 500 ml (2 cups) diced pear 60 ml (¼ cup) feta cheese 60 ml (¼ cup) walnuts 60 ml (¼ cup) olive oil 30 ml (2 tbsp) balsamic vinegar salt and pepper to taste
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1. Make sure chicken breasts are no more than 25 mm (1 in.) thick and, if not, flatten them. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. 2. Heat oil in pan and cook chicken for 6 minutes on each side. 3. Add butter to pan and cook for another 2 minutes, scooping melted butter on top of chicken. 4. Remove chicken from pan and allow to cool for 5 minutes before dicing. 5. Add spinach, pear, feta and walnuts to bowl. 6. Mix oil and vinegar to dress salad, and add salt and pepper to taste.
God’s Timely Reminder
Support, “Every Time”
Army vs. Illiteracy
THE BUTTERFLY P.10 CARING PORTRAITS P.12 BRIGHTER FUTURE 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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SEPTEMBER 2021
STUNT PERFORMER NEIL DAVISON BRINGS FAITH TO FILM. P.16
Rolling With the
Punches
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Sudoku Puzzle
2
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 × 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.
QUICK QUIZ 1. Who was the Roman god of the sea? 2. What is cartography the study of and practice of making? 3. Which Canadian author wrote The Handmaid’s Tale?
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© J.Sanko/C. Layton, 2021
OH MY WORD!
by John Sanko
Answers on next page.
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Teacher: “Children, one of the hardest things to say is ‘I forgive you.’ ” Johnny: “What about ‘Worcestershire sauce?’ ”
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Faith&Friends
LITE STUFF
Word Search What’s in the Pantry? A D B U V X Y Q Q S V F Y E Q C U D L N Y V V X L H S U L L E C L U D W Y P A N C A K E M I X D O M S E S Y U P D W F G B C O R N S T A R C H V S U P P E P P E R I W I L J H U K V E H A J U Y V Y P T R T H O C L M E V C P A F I S S B M U R C D A E R B R T R L L E E Q Q N O O S E L P P A E E I O H R I C O Q L L R M O V T K S K K C U Y K C M A F E E W N S S I E V A J K T O X T G C C K T A A N N R E D F S C O E U O U I C P R K I G P N Z Q J X C N F A O R A N G E S P E Y E N O H U F S T Y S R E R E I O R A J U I C E V Z F O T C H F D A W E M A P L E S Y R U P O S U G A R D Z D S E L K C I P V I N E G A R K E V Y C S T D P E A N U T B U T T E R APPLES BAKING POWDER BREAD CRUMBS CEREAL CHOCOLATE CHIPS COCONUT COFFEE COOKIES CORN STARCH CRACKERS CROUTONS FLOUR
GRANOLA HONEY JAM JUICE KETCHUP MAPLE SYRUP OLIVE OIL ORANGES PANCAKE MIX PAPRIKA PASTA PEACHES
PEANUT BUTTER PEPPER PICKLES PRESERVES RAISINS RICE SALT SAUCE SOUP SUGAR TEA VINEGAR
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Quick Quiz Answers: 1. Neptune; 2. maps; 3. Margaret Atwood. 4
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Faith&Friends
NIFTY THRIFTY
One Handy Caddy An easy upcycling project with big fall gatherings in mind.
W
ith autumn here and opportunities for family get-togethers, a utensil caddy makes the prep work easy peasy. And this DIY is simple to customize to your specific needs. Supplies Needed: thrifted base for the caddy, cardboard, scissors, duct tape, Mason jars, spice containers or salt and pepper shakers, paint, paint brush or sponge. Step 1 Visit your local Salvation Army thrift store for your caddy base. Look for a basic box that isn’t too big. You could also use an old bottle holder, toolbox or office organizer. Step 2 Add some funk to your base. You could paint, decoupage, stencil or leave it as is. Step 3 Gather the items you’ll be placing in the caddy. This will help you figure out how to organize the items in your caddy and map out the needed compartments.
Step 4 Repurpose cardboard to create an insert to go into your caddy. Measure the inside of your box and cut out the pieces of cardboard. (This is optional, but if you’re using glassware, use cardboard as a buffer between the items.) Once you’ve measured and cut out the pieces of cardboard, use duct tape to adhere all of your pieces. Step 5 Insert the cardboard and place your items into each of the compartments. Next, add your cutlery, napkins, hot plates, spices, etc. Feel free to add some funky embellishments—and some pizzazz—to your DIY cutlery caddy. I lucked out and found some box feet at my local Salvation Army thrift store, which I added to my caddy.
(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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