nf vol 30 no 17

11
n First ever event fulfills a dream originally con- ceived in 1996. BY ANNIE CARTER WITH KAREN GLEASON The first ever Interna- tional College for Soldiers (ICS), held Sept. 10-24 at the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development (ICO/CSLD) in London, included 25 young adult delegates from around The Salvation Army world for an intensive two weeks of study, worship, evangelism and ministry. “The ICS had a sense of history-in-the-making, with a long awaited dream realized,” said Colonel Janet Munn, international sec- retary for spiritual life and associate principal, ICO. “Every one of us present to participate in this first ICS had an understanding by the Spirit, that this was both a privilege and responsibil- ity—to move forward in the world and announce the good news that the king- dom of God is at hand.” Fulfilling a 1996 Interna- tional Spiritual Life Com- mission recommendation, the ICS included selected delegates nominated by his or her territory for exem- plary soldiership, leadership potential and English-lan- guage proficiency. Delegates represented all five Salvation n El Centro Corps offers weekly class for possible deportees. Captain Jerry Esqueda conducts a weekly Bible study at the Service Pro- cessing Center in El Centro, Calif., for detainees facing possible deportation. The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division facility holds up to 500 men at a time while immigra- tion statuses are clarified. From there, individuals are deported or released back into the United States. “[The Bible studies] have had a tremendous impact at our facility,” said the Rev. Richard Barnes, chaplain and religious services coordinator at the facility. “Captain Esqueda encour- ages the detainees who attend his Bible studies with a message of God’s pres- ence, comfort, and above all, hope. The detainees realize that because God is CELEBRATING OUR 30th YEAR The Western Territory’s news source for 30 years October 19, 2012 Vol. 30, No. 17 Frontlines ................................. 2 The West .................................. 2 The Nation ................................ 4 The World ................................. 5 Prayer Power ............................ 10 Sharper Focus ........................... 10 From the Desk of ........................ 10 Life Lines ................................ 11 On the Corner ........................... 11 Inside: Find us on the web: www.newfrontierpublications.org Facebook: tsanewfrontier Our philosophy here is that we’re a refuge in every way and that everyone is absolutely valued. — Irene Lewis, speaking of the L.A. Red Shield Center ~ ~ BULLYING, page 8 Museum of the West archives now searchable online International College for Soldiers Delegates from around the world came together in London at the International College for Soldiers. Photo by Richard Munn ICS, page 8 Enter to win the spotlight n First digitization project complete with more to come The Salvation Army Museum of the West, located on the College for Officer Train- ing (CFOT) at Crestmont campus, holds a rich collection of materials representing the tireless work done by officers in the Western Territory throughout its history, and is now available online. “It’s exciting to see that the history of God’s work in the Western Territory will now be available for Salvationists to enjoy and utilize in this easy access manner,” said Major Cindy Foley, CFOT director of special services. When the current CFOT museum was established in 2002, it inherited the territorial archive of Army-related documents, objects and photographs documenting Salvation Army presence in the West since 1882. The materials had been in storage since the col- lege and territorial headquarters moved from San Francisco to Southern California in 1975, until museum staff began scanning and cata- loging these materials in 2007. As part of an initiative to make Museum of the West collections available virtually, Museum Director Sheila Chatterjee and Web n Dallas Thanksgiving Day NFL game could feature your video. Ever dream of starring in an NFL halftime show? How about seeing the Dallas Cowboys play the Washington Redskins in person at The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff game Thanks- giving Day? Enter the Red Kettle Kickoff Youth Football Video Contest for a chance to win. Starting Oct. 28, submit your youth football highlights video online at http:// bit.ly/KettleKickoff2012, adhering to the following rules: • Videos should feature a high- lighted play or moment from a youth (pre-collegiate) football game. • Videos should be no longer than 60 seconds in length. • Video file size can be no larger than 300 MB. • Video submission form must be completed to include contact infor- mation, the name of the high-light- ed player(s), city/state and team. The video with the highest number of votes by Nov. 16 will be eligible for the Grand Prize—your video featured dur- ing the Dallas Cowboys halftime show on Thanksgiving Day 2012 and four tickets to the game. From blog.salvationarmyusa.org MUSEUM OF THE WEST, page 9 El Centro Corps’ Bible study instills hope in immigrants (L-r) Rev. Richard Barnes and Captain Jerry Esqueda outside the Immigration Detention Center EL CENTRO, page 9 n October is Bullying Prevention Month. BY JARED McKIERNAN Bullying torments individuals world- wide and, in some cases, leads to suicide. On Oct. 11, 15-year-old Amanda Todd of Vancouver, Canada, became the latest bullying victim to take her own life, spark- ing a global outcry against bullying that saw thousands flock to social media–using the hashtag #RIPAmanda–to relay their grievances. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), 37 percent of all students do not feel safe at school. The DOJ’s National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) of 2009 revealed that more than 60 percent of the children surveyed had been exposed to violence in the past year. In the spirit of National Bullying Pre- vention Month, The Salvation Army is tak- ing measures to help lower these numbers, prevent tragedies like Amanda’s, eliminate bullying and confront culprits. Red Cap, a Salvation Army anger management program to stop bullying at the source, began at Corps 614 in Toronto, Canada, and has now spread to Regina’s Coronation Park, a school for high-needs children, via the Army’s Haven of Hope. The program also runs in Australia. “Bullying is a large issue in the world, not just Canada,” said Valerie Pavey, ter- ritorial children’s ministries consultant in Toronto. An early intervention program for chil- dren 8-12 who struggle to properly deal with their emotional responses in stressful situations, Red Cap teaches children to identify emotions, develop the ability to pinpoint their anger triggers and deal with their feelings in a positive manner. Red Cap utilizes a traffic stop light as a coping tool: Red, “stop and calm down”; yellow, “think of a plan”; and green, “problem solve wisely.” After the course, students receive a red baseball cap that re- minds them to “put a cap” on their anger. Locally, the Army keeps children’s safety a high priority as well. Irene Lewis, executive director of the Los Angeles Red Shield, said those who use their facility must adhere to a strict code of conduct, which outlaws any form of bullying. “We’ve had a lot of parents comment and say that their kids behave better here Army aims to prevent bullying one child at a time The Phoenix Corps, 1895

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Page 1: NF Vol 30 No 17

n First ever event fulfills a dream originally con-ceived in 1996.

BY ANNIE CARTER WITH KAREN GLEASON

The first ever Interna-tional College for Soldiers (ICS), held Sept. 10-24 at the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development (ICO/CSLD) in London, included 25 young adult delegates from around The Salvation Army world for an intensive two weeks of study, worship, evangelism and ministry.

“The ICS had a sense of history-in-the-making, with a long awaited dream realized,” said Colonel Janet

Munn, international sec-retary for spiritual life and associate principal, ICO. “Every one of us present to participate in this first ICS had an understanding by the Spirit, that this was both a privilege and responsibil-ity—to move forward in the world and announce the good news that the king-dom of God is at hand.”

Fulfilling a 1996 Interna-tional Spiritual Life Com-mission recommendation, the ICS included selected delegates nominated by his or her territory for exem-plary soldiership, leadership potential and English-lan-guage proficiency. Delegates represented all five Salvation

n El Centro Corps offers weekly class for possible deportees.

Captain Jerry Esqueda conducts a weekly Bible study at the Service Pro-cessing Center in El Centro, Calif., for detainees facing possible deportation.

The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division facility holds up to 500 men at a time while immigra-tion statuses are clarified. From there,

individuals are deported or released back into the United States.

“[The Bible studies] have had a tremendous impact at our facility,” said the Rev. Richard Barnes, chaplain and religious services coordinator at the facility. “Captain Esqueda encour-ages the detainees who attend his Bible studies with a message of God’s pres-ence, comfort, and above all, hope. The detainees realize that because God is

CELEBRATING OUR 30th YEAR The Western Territory’s news source for 30 years

October 19, 2012Vol. 30, No. 17

Frontlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

The West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

The Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

The World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Prayer Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Sharper Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

From the Desk of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Life Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

On the Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Inside:

Find us on the web: www.newfrontierpublications.org

Facebook: tsanewfrontier

Our philosophy here is that we’re a refuge in every way and that everyone is absolutely valued. — Irene Lewis, speaking of the L.A. Red Shield Center~

~

BULLYING, page 8

Museum of the West archives now searchable online

International College for Soldiers

Delegates from around the world came together in London at the International College for Soldiers. Photo by Richard Munn ICS, page 8

Enter to win the spotlight

n First digitization project complete with more to come

The Salvation Army Museum of the West, located on the College for Officer Train-ing (CFOT) at Crestmont campus, holds a rich collection of materials representing the tireless work done by officers in the Western Territory throughout its history, and is now available online.

“It’s exciting to see that the history of God’s work in the Western Territory will now be available for Salvationists to enjoy and utilize in this easy access manner,” said Major Cindy Foley, CFOT director of special services.

When the current CFOT museum was established in 2002, it inherited the territorial archive of Army-related documents, objects and photographs documenting Salvation Army presence in the West since 1882. The materials had been in storage since the col-lege and territorial headquarters moved from San Francisco to Southern California in 1975, until museum staff began scanning and cata-loging these materials in 2007.

As part of an initiative to make Museum of the West collections available virtually, Museum Director Sheila Chatterjee and Web

n Dallas Thanksgiving Day NFL game could feature your video.

Ever dream of starring in an NFL halftime show? How about seeing the Dallas Cowboys play the Washington Redskins in person at The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff game Thanks-giving Day?

Enter the Red Kettle Kickoff Youth Football Video Contest for a chance to win.

Starting Oct. 28, submit your youth football highlights video online at http://bit.ly/KettleKickoff2012, adhering to the following rules:

• Videos should feature a high-lighted play or moment from a

youth (pre-collegiate) football game.• Videos should be no longer than 60 seconds in length.• Video file size can be no larger than 300 MB.• Video submission form must be completed to include contact infor-mation, the name of the high-light-ed player(s), city/state and team.

The video with the highest number of votes by Nov. 16 will be eligible for the Grand Prize—your video featured dur-ing the Dallas Cowboys halftime show on Thanksgiving Day 2012 and four tickets to the game.

From blog.salvationarmyusa.org

MUSEUM OF THE WEST, page 9

El Centro Corps’ Bible study instills hope in immigrants

(L-r) Rev. Richard Barnes and Captain Jerry Esqueda outside the Immigration Detention Center

EL CENTRO, page 9

n October is Bullying Prevention Month.

BY JARED McKIERNANBullying torments individuals world-

wide and, in some cases, leads to suicide.On Oct. 11, 15-year-old Amanda Todd

of Vancouver, Canada, became the latest bullying victim to take her own life, spark-ing a global outcry against bullying that saw thousands flock to social media–using the hashtag #RIPAmanda–to relay their grievances.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), 37 percent of all students do not feel safe at school. The DOJ’s National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV) of 2009 revealed that more than 60 percent of the children surveyed had been exposed to violence in the past year.

In the spirit of National Bullying Pre-vention Month, The Salvation Army is tak-ing measures to help lower these numbers, prevent tragedies like Amanda’s, eliminate bullying and confront culprits.

Red Cap, a Salvation Army anger management program to stop bullying at the source, began at Corps 614 in Toronto, Canada, and has now spread to Regina’s Coronation Park, a school for high-needs children, via the Army’s Haven of Hope. The program also runs in Australia.

“Bullying is a large issue in the world, not just Canada,” said Valerie Pavey, ter-ritorial children’s ministries consultant in Toronto.

An early intervention program for chil-dren 8-12 who struggle to properly deal with their emotional responses in stressful situations, Red Cap teaches children to identify emotions, develop the ability to pinpoint their anger triggers and deal with their feelings in a positive manner.

Red Cap utilizes a traffic stop light as a coping tool: Red, “stop and calm down”; yellow, “think of a plan”; and green, “problem solve wisely.” After the course, students receive a red baseball cap that re-minds them to “put a cap” on their anger.

Locally, the Army keeps children’s safety a high priority as well.

Irene Lewis, executive director of the Los Angeles Red Shield, said those who use their facility must adhere to a strict code of conduct, which outlaws any form of bullying.

“We’ve had a lot of parents comment and say that their kids behave better here

Army aims to prevent bullying one child at a time

The Phoenix Corps, 1895

Page 2: NF Vol 30 No 17

“If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15 NIV).

SAN FRANCISCO—The Salvation Army partnered with the San Francisco Giants on "Fellowship Day" with a post-game event where members of the team shared testimonies about how faith has played a role in their personal and pro-fessional lives. The event also included a short concert by Christian music artist Aaron Shust.

During the pregame ceremony, Major Dawn Rocheleau (San Francisco Kroc Corps) sang the National Anthem and the South of Market Corps pro-vided an on-field colorguard.

YUBA SUTTER, CALIF.—The corps discovered that social media gets its message to a wider audience. Through a Twitter post, the local paper saw a possible story, and a reporter came to the one-year graduation of the Depot, where eight people graduated from a substance abuse program. The Depot helps families battling addiction and homelessness and restores families through a holistic approach. The newspaper account made the front page.

Captains Thomas and Kimberly Stambaugh are the corps officers.

YAKIMA, WASH.—Each month, Home League members redecorate the corps’ Christmas tree with a timely theme, from a “Love Tree” in Febru-ary, to an Irish-themed tree in March, and so on. The current tree is harvest-themed.

Corps members look forward to these transformations and find that it helps keep the spirit of Christmas alive all year long.

Majors Thomas and Crystal Morrow are the corps officers.

SAN DIEGO—The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center hosted its first “Kroc Rocks the Block” community outreach party, featuring a free concert by Christian songwriter Moriah Peters. Nearly 500 people attended, and several first-time guests came to the corps on Sunday morning.

Majors Rick and Margaret Peacock are the corps officers.

VENTURA, CALIF.—Corps Officers Lts. Matthew and Vanessa Jensen and a group of teens from the Southern California divisional young adult retreat divided into four teams Sept. 29 to collect prayer requests from every-one along Ventura’s busiest street. They invited anyone interested to church and offered a listening ear through relation-al evangelism.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA—Alaska Divisional Headquarters (DHQ) recognized Human Trafficking Aware-ness Weekend Sept. 29 by offering workshops with experts and local law enforcement, a viewing of the documentary "Nefarious: Merchant of Souls," and lunch.

Afterward, during the second annual Walk to Raise Awareness, par-ticipants walked from DHQ to Town Square Park in front of the Perform-ing Art Center where refreshments, information and music awaited them.

October 19, 2012New Frontier2

KarenGleason

Editor

N E W S B R I E F S O F T H E W E S T

Doing theMost Good

newAppointments

CASCADE DIVISIONMajor Kelly Pontsler

Marion and Polk Counties Coordinator and Salem Kroc

Corps OfficerEffective Oct. 3

Major Bob LouangamathDivisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary

Effective Oct. 3

GOLDEN STATE DIVISIONCaptains Roberto

and Melissa ViquezCorps Officers, Watsonville Corps

Effective Nov. 7

Captains Demetrio and Magda Villarreal

Corps Officers, Gilroy CorpsEffective Nov. 7

TRANSFERRING OUT OF TERRITORY

Captains Robert and Julie Cornett

Returning to the Southern Territory

n Annual fundraiser supports the Mon-terey Peninsula Corps.

BY TED ELISEE Over 350 guests attended Sabu’s Safari Gala

Sept. 29 at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, Calif., an annual event sponsored by the Sabu Shake, Sr., family to benefit The Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corps.

Long-time supporter of the corps, the Shake family recieved the annual Monterey Philan-thropist of the Year Award in 2010. The family aims to reflect the values of its father, a gener-ous man who came to America from Pakistan and worked as a restaurant dishwasher before owning restaurants, businesses and property throughout the Monterey Peninsula.

“Five years ago, Sabu Jr. and Chris Shake wanted to do something different,” said Major David Yardley, Monterey Peninsula corps officer with his wife, Gaylene. They started the Sabu Safari dinner event. “It is a joy to work with the Shake family and to know that there are people like this in our community.”

Not only do Shake family members person-ally raise funds for the Army, they also encour-age other businesses to donate. Last year, Sabu Jr. took to the airwaves to challenge others to donate turkeys at Thanksgiving to the Good Samaritan Center in Sand City, run by the Mon-terey Corps.

Following Sabu Sr.’s promotion to Glory in 1998, his six sons and widow established a fund to support the corps in his honor. The family has raised over $1 million during the last 12 years to

support the work of The Salvation Army Mon-terey Peninsula Corps.

This year’s dinner theme “Old Hollywood” included Oscar reproductions and celluloid film; life-size cardboard images of stars like Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable stood in the ballroom; giant screens streamed black and white clips.

Dressed for the occasion, attendees bid on silent auction items and later live bid for trips to Italy, Hawaii, Colorado, Arizona and for week-end escapes in California and Nevada.

For more information, visit sabushakesr.org.

Sabu’s Safari goes Hollywood

An elegant dining area awaited the guests. Photo by Travis Yardley

Orange County Celebrates 125 Yearsn The Salvation Army celebrates its anniversary with baseball, a parade and memories.

BY LISA VAN CLEEF, MAJORIt takes an Army—an army of soldiers,

board members, community leaders and friends—to celebrate 125 years of service and ministry, and that is what The Salva-tion Army of Orange County, Calif., did Sept. 21-Oct. 7.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim kicked off the celebration when Advisory Board Chairman and Angels’ Vice Presi-dent of Marketing and Ticket Sales Robert Alvarado presented a check for $20,000 to the Army during pregame festivities at Anaheim Stadium. The Tustin Ranch Band presented a concert before the game and junior soldier Nate Freeman was honorary bat boy.

The annual “Salvation Army Night at the Ballpark” brought out 300 board members, soldiers and donors, raising an additional $21,000 for the Army.

With over 300 in attendance, the Tustin Ranch Corps’ Community Birthday Party included bounce houses, glitter tattoos, a fire truck display, barbecue dinner and a live BMX show in the parking lot.

Territorial Leaders Commissioners James and Carolyn Knaggs joined the celebration at a civic breakfast, attended by Tustin Mayor John Nielsen and District Supervisor Bill Campbell, along with Lt. Colonels Doug and Colleen Riley, Southern California divisional leaders. The Board of Supervisors and the City of Tustin present-ed proclamations to the Army and Major John Van Cleef, Tustin Ranch corps officer, addressed work in Orange County.

“We’re thankful the community has rec-ognized the work of the last 125 years. We hold our heritage as a sacred trust, knowing we must move forward to honor those who have gone before us,” Van Cleef said. “With the help of our board and local leaders we have identified five strategic priorities to tackle in the years to come: human traf-

ficking, homelessness, youth ministries, affordable housing for seniors and commu-nicating to the larger community our desire to partner.”

On Oct. 6, the Army, represented by over 25 children and leaders from the Tustin Ranch Corps, marched in the Tustin Tiller Day’s Parade. Santa Ana Corps soldiers led by Majors Antonio and Aida Horta led the parade delegation that also included the emergency disaster services canteen.

Later that evening, the Tustin Ranch Corps held a celebration of music, featur-ing all its musical sections. The Singing Company (leader Joy Lee), junior band (leader Justin Lansing), cello choir (leader Sarah Koo Freeman), David Dunford on piano, songsters (deputy leader Joy Lee) and senior band (Bandmaster Ed Freeman) presented a breadth of Army music, from historic numbers to modern renditions.

Previous corps officers who served in Santa Ana/Tustin Ranch were recognized for their leadership and heritage, includ-ing Lt. Colonel Gladys Riley, Lt. Colonels Al and Sherryl Van Cleef, Commissioners Joe and Doris Noland, Major Bill Nottle, Majors Rudy and Judy Hedgren and Majors

Lee and Michele Lescano. The celebration concluded with a re-

union Sunday where long-service soldiers were recognized, some having soldiered for over 70 years.

The museum of nostalgia, set up at Tustin Ranch, displayed an array of photos and memorabilia reflecting the 125-year history.

Majors John and Lisa Van Cleef (center) receive proclamations, presented by District Supervisor Bill Campbell and Tustin City Mayor John Nielsen. Photo by Kevin White

Child enjoys a “hands-on” fire truck. Photo by Kevin White

Page 3: NF Vol 30 No 17

October 19, 2012New Frontier 3Doing the

Most Good

n Torrance Corps partners to bring medical services to the community.

BY KAREN GLEASONThe Torrance (Calif.) Corps, partnering

with other local organizations, demon-strated its commitment to the holistic care of its community by hosting two health care events: its annual health fair and a mobile health clinic.

More than 500 people attended the 20th annual Health and Resource Fair Sept. 14, presented by The Salvation Army and the City of Torrance Community Services Department. The fair offered free health screenings, educa-tion and information, entertainment, door prizes and an antique car display.

Health screenings included stroke, pulmo-nary, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, vi-sion and hearing, plus “Ask the Foot Doctor,” and “Ask the Skin Doctor.” Over 1,300 free screenings were provided.

“What a blessing to be able to minister to the whole person,” said Corps Officer Captain Neil Navarro. “We were able to not only offer help for the body, but for the spirit as well.”

A number of local sponsors made the event possible: Always Right Home Care, Belmont Village Assisted Living, Brookdale Pacific Inn, Continuity Care Home Nurse, Estate Planning Law Firm of Hofer & Harris APC, Kiwanis Club of Torrance, Providence/Little Company of Mary Hospital and Tor-rance Memorial Medical Center.

On Sept. 29, Medical Mission Adventures (MMA) parked its mobile medical clinic at

the Torrance Corps to provide free medical, dental and eye exams to the community’s uninsured and underinsured population.

The corps partnered with the Torrance Outreach for Community Health (TOUCH) Coalition and the Anglican Health Ministries (AHM) to facilitate the day-long clinic. A goal of TOUCH and AHM is to demonstrate that community organizations can network to enhance continuity of care and reduce uncom-pensated emergency room visits.

Dr. Louie Rosada, founder of MMA, shared his testimony in the corps’ fellowship hall. Addicted to heroin in his 20s, he met the Lord at the lowest point in his life. He points patients toward spiritual help and healing. During the assembly, 22 people made prayers of salvation.

The Navarros scheduled corps members throughout the day to witness to patients and share the gospel, underscoring the belief of both AHM and MMA that Christians can best minister to others through words and loving actions.

“One woman brought her father, who had not seen a doctor in over 10 years, to the clinic,” said Captain Rubina Navarro. “The optical eye exam revealed that he has glauco-ma. He was referred to another optometrist to follow up with his diagnosis. They were grateful and relieved for the free service.”

TOUCH and MMA hope to establish a corps of volunteers to host the free clinic on a regular basis. If you live in Southern Califor-nia and want to be part of this effort, join the coalition (touchsite.org).

Help for the whole person

The Medical Mission Adventures mobile health clinic Photo courtesy Anglican Health Ministries

Lost and in prison, found and freen First-year cadet offers his per-sonal testimony.

BY KELLY BERGGREN, CADET

I had a normal childhood, if drinking at 7 years old is normal. My parents were alcoholics so I would mix one for them and one for me. I did not realize 7-year-olds were not supposed to like the taste and feel of whisky.

In the sixth grade my teacher said I would be the first one in junior high to use drugs. I didn’t tell him I already was an alcoholic and a drug addict.

There was always a void in my heart that I was trying to fill. Being adopted at birth, I would blame it on that, not yet realizing that the void was not knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I joined the Navy thinking this would help me, but wherever you go that’s where you are. After being discharged, I started a career in restaurant manage-ment. I married a wonderful woman and soon had a beautiful daughter. We had a house with a white picket fence, and from the outside all looked okay.

Inside was a different story. All the dysfunction I grew up with was now in our home. The marriage ended in divorce and I lost my job. I left to start a new career in sales—the sale of meth-amphetamines. After a few years of being in and out of the local jail, I was sent to prison.

When I was released and stranded along the freeway, I called out to God. I simply said, “I do not want to live this way anymore.” Within minutes a truck driver pulled over to give me a ride. I ended up at The Salvation Army Hope House in Medford, Ore., a transitional living center. This was God’s answer to my plea.

While there I was involved in Bible study, and I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I started working and thought I would just go on with my life, but this was not God’s plan for me.

I had a good job managing a res-taurant, but because of my past sin I was let go. I was discouraged. When I stopped at the Hope House to say hi, the director asked if I would work there. This was not in my plans. I wanted to politely say no, but instead I said I would love to. God knew more of what I needed than I did. I was not drinking or using drugs for the first time in my life; I even quit smoking. I knew God was truly working in my life.

Then I was diagnosed with cancer. I do not recommend cancer as a way of allowing God to work in your life, but for me it was exactly what I needed. I had given my heart to Christ, but I hadn’t surrendered my life. There was still unrepented sin in my heart, the sin of arrogance.

Dealing with cancer, God began to show me who was really in charge, and it wasn’t me. By the grace of God I was healed of cancer. I went back to work,

BERGGREN, page 9

n Seattle native was master of ceremonies for festive occa-sion benefiting The Salvation Army. BY LORA MARINI BAKER

“Gimme Shelter,” a Salvation Army Northwest Divisional fund and awareness raiser for its downtown Seattle 24-bed women’s shelter, featured Joel McHale—best known for hosting “The Soup” and for his role as Jeff Winger on the NBC comedy series Community—as master of ceremonies.

The event, held at Hale’s Palladium and organized by advisory board member Patsy Pattison, raised $35,000 via sponsorship, $125 ticket sales and a live auction.

“This event is a perfect example of advisory board members get-ting behind a project,” said Major Doug Tollerud, Northwest division-al commander. “The board is the reason this event was successful.”

McHale, who grew up near Seattle on Mercer Island and graduated from the University of Washington, donated his time. Local per-formers Chris Ballew, star of musical groups Caspar Babypants and Presidents of the United States of America, and the Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra, also entertained the audience.

In a video interview, Sandra, a current resident of the women’s shelter, shared her story of homelessness and expressed apprecia-tion for The Salvation Army. She surprised the audience by coming

onstage and thanking donors for their generosity.Four acts from the local “Moisture Festival,” the world's largest

comedy/varietè festival, concluded the evening: plate spinner Henrik Bothe, silent clown Godfrey Daniels, aerialist Lara Paxton, and physi-cal comedian Bill Robison.

Raised funds will support the women’s shelter, where women can stay for a few days or several months, depending on their needs, while a caseworker supports their transition to independent living.

Northwest Divisional Commander Major Doug Tollerud with actor/come-dian Joel McHale (left) and musician Chris Ballew Photo by Bee Bryant

Joel McHale helps raise funds for Seattle women’s shelter

n Band performs and teaches stu-dents in the youth music programs.

BY DIANE O’BRIEN, LT. COLONEL The Western Territorial Staff Band, led

by Bandmaster Neil Smith, completed its first ministry weekend under its new designation as “staff band” in Portland, Ore., Oct. 12-14, both performing and teaching.

“We were thrilled to come across ex-cited, expectant listeners as well as young people who really wanted to learn,” Smith said.

Friday evening’s "Beat the Drum” concert, a fundraiser for Salvation Army youth music programs, filled the pews at Old Laurelhurst Church with neighbor-hood supporters and raised nearly $3,000

and a baby grand piano. The Gresham Corps’ young people’s band participated, exemplifying those who would benefit from the donated funds.

The weekend’s music featured classic pieces: "Elsa's Procession to the Cathe-dral,” "Fire in the Blood,” and "The Light of the World,” with solos from Stephen Yalden (xylophone), Nick Helms (flugel) and Susan Pierce (vocal). Music com-posed by band members Ralph Pierce, Kevin Larsson and Daniel Prince were played as well.

Staff band members tutored students Saturday at the Gresham Corps on brass instruments, guitar, voice, percussion, keyboard and composition. That evening, those tutored participated in the concert

Staff band ministers in Portland

BAND, page 8Christian Riesebieter helps a young brass student with his fingering. Photo by John Docter

Page 4: NF Vol 30 No 17

October 19, 2012New Frontier4 Doing the

Most Good

Best Buy donates kits for connectivityIn early October, retailer Best Buy

donated 1,000 “disaster kits” to The Sal-vation Army in New Orleans.

The kits, designed to provide con-nectivity during times of crisis, contain a Rocketfish mobile charger, Energizer bat-teries AA and AAA, an Energizer flash-light with batteries, and a light stick.

“Best Buy is proud to partner with Salvation Army to support disaster relief and recovery with a donation of products that provide connectivity,” said Kristine Kosek, Best Buy community relations.

To read more about the different ways the Army serves before and after disaster strikes, and ways you can get involved, visit disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.

From blog.salvationarmyusa.org

n A corps’ 30 towers equal up to 10 acres of conventional farmland.

Senior citizens at The Salvation Army Corps Community Center in Blue Island, Ill., are getting a healthy twist to their lunches thanks to a new aeroponic tower garden and the culinary delights of Chef Chris Fron.

The garden, located on the roof of the Blue Island Corps, is an implementation of innovative advances in technology that bring new growing concepts and techniques to agriculture. Blue Island’s 30 towers equal up to 10 acres of conven-tional farmland.

“There’s definitely a difference you can taste in the produce we use from the aeroponic tower garden; it tastes much better,” Fron said. “It’s fresh produce from farm to table, so there’s no loss of nutrients through warehouse storage and transportation.”

Fron and a handful of senior vol-unteers tend the garden, planting and harvesting the fresh produce. A Chicago area chef for more than 16 years, Fron was classically trained at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, but his love of cooking began early.

“I’ve been cooking since I was 5,” Fron said. “Camping in the backyard making bacon and eggs is what got me hooked.”

Fron said that the Senior Lunch

Program at the Blue Island Corps is what made him want to work with The Salvation Army, which he’s now done for two years. The program, created to help seniors socialize and eat balanced and nutritional meals, follows strict nutri-tional guidelines that meet senior dietary needs. Offered free of charge, more than 250 seniors participate in the program each week.

Between 2001-2009, the number of

people age 50 and older struggling with hunger rose by nearly 80 percent. Today, almost 9 million older Americans are at risk of hunger.

“When I came on board, I took the program and really gave it an upscale feel, much like a restaurant,” Fron said. “I love that I can do classic comfort food from scratch in an intimate setting.”

From The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division

Tasjana Varner, recipient of the American Signature Furniture’s Million Dollar Furni-ture campaign and Gail Wilford, Salvation Army employee

New Aeroponic Tower Garden feeds seniors

The new aeroponic tower garden at The Salvation Army in Blue Island, Ill., is being used to feed hungry seniors.

n American Signature Inc. donates beds, couches and dining room set.

Through The Salvation Army, American Signa-ture Furniture’s Million Dollar Furniture campaign recently gave Tashawna Varner of Akron, Ohio, the furniture her family needs to feel at home.

Once a victim of domestic abuse and now a single mother of two children, Varner has faced emotional and financial obstacles in the last few years.

In need of shelter, the family turned to The Salva-tion Army for temporary protection until the Home-less Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) of Cleveland provided the family a transi-tional living residence. It wasn’t until Varner request-ed food from The Salvation Army that a caseworker learned the family had been sleeping on blankets on the wood floor.

The case worker helped the family apply for furni-ture from American Signature Inc. (ASI), the parent company of Value City Furniture stores, which donated new beds, couches and a dining room set for the family.

See more of Tasjana’s story at youtu.be/AuHLqypH2JI.

Ohio mom and kids will sleep comfortably

Playground makeover n Salvation Army Family Haven gets an upgrade.

The Salvation Army partnered with The Boeing Company, the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners, to upgrade a play-ground at the Army’s Family Haven transi-tional home in St. Louis, Mo.

In a six-hour construction blitz called Boe-ing Playground Build Day, several enthusias-tic community volunteers came together to spruce up the shelter’s playground, a place of daily recreation for the 40-45 children housed at the shelter with their parents at any given time.

Family Haven offers shelter for single women, mothers, fathers and even married couples with children who are struggling. Residents typically stay at the shelter for up to four months, and can take advantage of the center’s counseling services, health services, and alcohol and drug treatment. Currently, almost every bed in the shelter is filled.

From blog.salvationarmyusa.org

‘Salvation Army ARC Day’

The Mayor of St. Louis, Mo., Francis G. Slay, named Oct. 10 “Salvation Army ARC Day” in celebration of The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) 80-year anniversary of providing drug and alcohol counseling to community members in need.

The St. Louis location is one of 153 centers throughout the country providing this type of physical, spiritual, mental and emotional care to men and women. The Salvation Army rehabilitates approximately 350,000 individu-als each year, a service that is enabled solely through donations to family stores.

Page 5: NF Vol 30 No 17

n At this Australian Salva-tion Army, you’ll think you’re on the field.

From the shrill whistle indi-cating the start of the service, to oranges and coffee at “half time,” the worship experience at The Salvation Army’s God’s Sports Arena (GSA), near Brisbane, Australia, is unique.

The format suits its pastor, Bill Hunter, a team chaplain for a pro-fessional rugby team for 15 years.

“We aim to break down the perceptions that people have about church; some people think church is stiff and boring. But when I’ve spoken to them about this style of church, they say, ‘Oh yeah, I’d go to that,’” Hunter said.

In the “second half,” before which the congregation trades sides, a guest interview usually features a high-profile athlete.

The collection plates are either cricket helmets or pouches displaying the Broncos’ and Cowboys’—professional rugby teams—logos.

Hunter also established his own take on a penalty box, which he calls the “sin bin,” and he is not hesitant to use it.

“One guy had his phone going off in the middle of the service and another guy—a good friend of mine—was texting; so I sin-binned them,” Hunter said. “Then someone else walked in 20 minutes late and I pointed him toward the other two. They loved it and everyone had a good laugh about it.”

As chaplain for the Broncos, he has served as a “listening ear,” confidante, helper, encourager, mentor and positive role model to players.

“I have performed weddings, funerals, christenings and bap-tisms for the Broncos,” he said. “In some cases, I am the only Christian they know. It’s an awe-some privilege and honor to be Christ’s representative.”

GSA promotes a team atmo-sphere and accepts anyone who walks through the door as family. Hunter often asks visiting musi-cians to participate in worship,

and after the final whistle blows for the evening, everyone is invit-ed to stay for coffee, homemade soups and fellowship.

From the Australia Warcry

The World October 19, 2012New Frontier 5Doing the

Most Good

Elsewhere in the world

SPAIN/PORTUGAL—General Linda Bond decided that, effective Feb. 1, 2013, The Salvation Army in Spain and Portugal will unite into a single Spain and Portugal Com-mand.

“Sharing of resources and per-sonnel will enhance the capabilities available in both countries [and] give officers opportunities for a greater variety of appointments...with the potential for gaining expe-rience in different fields of service,” said Commissioner Robert Street, international secretary for Europe.

Lt. Colonels Gordon and Susan Daly will lead the new command. Spain Command leaders Lt. Colo-nels Luis and Aída Castillo will retire.

From salvationarmy.org/ihqPAPUA NEW GUINEA (PNG)—Fourteen officers from around the territory attended a critical stress trauma workshop held recently at PNG Territorial Headquarters.

Gary Raymond, chaplain of Police Post Trauma Support Group in Sydney, Australia, served as facilitator, supported by Captain Bernard Kila, PNG public relations secretary.

The focus of the workshop was to give officers the knowledge and “how tos” of counseling people who have been traumatized by disasters.

From TokautAUSTRALIA—Salvo Stores’ fashion campaign in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capi-tal Territory reveals exciting fashion options, plus community and cost benefits, of shopping at The Salva-tion Army’s charity stores.

Lynette Bolton, fashion com-mentator for Channel 7’s “Sunrise” and “The Morning Show,” said participating in the event is a great way to support the Army’s work in the community.

“Being a ‘Salvonista’ is about not only how you look on the outside, but how you feel on the inside as well!’” Bolton said.

From WARCRYU.K.—Chef Peter Collins gradu-ated from Southsea Corps’ alcohol rehabilitation program over two years ago, and began volunteering at the corps’ community outreach center. When its Lighthouse Cafe opened, he became its chef.

To pay back what he felt he owed the Army for helping him turn his life around, he performed a sponsored parachute jump and a quiz night, raising over $570. He donated the money to the Christ-mas parcel program.

From SalvationistCANADA—The Burlington (Ont.) Salvation Army thrift store hosted the local morning TV show, “Breakfast Television.”

TV host Jennifer Valentyne gave viewers a look at the retail operation, a sampling of the qual-ity, low-cost items available and a mini fashion show featuring trendy looks found in the store.

Lt. Colonel Alf Richardson, area commander for the Ontario Great Lakes Division, detailed how the money generated by the store sup-ports Army programs and services.

From Salvationist

A whistle and halftime in church

Above: Neil Dickson (front) employs a cricket illustration with the help of Pastor Bill Hunter (back). Right: Pastor Bill Hunter, right, with former Bronco captain Darren Lockyer

Photos courtesy of the Australia

Southern Territory

n Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder return to Kenya in January.

Western officers Com-missioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder recently received new orders: Effective Jan. 1, 2013, they will return to Kenya to serve in Kenya West Territory as territorial commander and territo-rial president of women’s ministries, respectively.

The Hodders served as chief secretary and president of women’s ministries initially for Kenya Territory (2006-2008), and then after the territory split, for Kenya East Territory until 2009. Since then, they have held appointments at International Headquarters as international secretary for personnel and associate international secretary for personnel.

“Salvationists know that there is no adventure quite like the one on which we embark when we give our lives to Christ,” Commissioner Kenneth Hodder said. “It's more exciting, more challenging, and more wonderful than anything we could plan for ourselves. So beyond being both honored and delighted by the opportunity to serve in Kenya once again, I am eager to discover the amazing things that God has in store for the beautiful Kenya West Territory.”

Commissioner Jolene Hodder reflected on their prior appointment to Kenya.

“During our last tour of Kenya, the Lord taught me les-sons that have changed me in ways I never imagined,” she said. “The Salvation Army in Kenya is a vibrant commu-nity with warmth and tenderness. It is flexible, gracious and has a heart to embrace all people, regardless of class or culture. I learned to live simply, and to deeply enjoy life's little pleasures. I learned God can and does use the smallest things to showcase his extravagant love. I learned that the ministry is about God's plan for his children, and has very little to do about my own vision.”

As the couple returns to Africa, she said they anticipate learning more.

“It is my prayer that the Lord will teach me what I need to be taught, take me where I need to be taken, and use me how I need to be used,” she said. “It is my prayer that the kingdom of God will be extended as we work together with our Army family in Kenya. God bless our amazing Army!”

Back to Africa

n The Salvation Army in England accepts invitation to the Conser-vative Party conference on jobs programs and training.

The Salvation Army in the U.K. accepted an invitation from Lord Friedling, Minister for Welfare Reform and keynote speaker, to present its jobs programs work at a Conserva-tive Party conference in Birmingham Oct. 8.

Long known for its history of overcoming employment obstacles for marginalized people through train-ing, learning skills and placement, The Salvation Army detailed its holistic and integrated “how to” support of helping people get back to work.

“Helping people into employment is part of The Salvation Army’s DNA

and we have always believed that of-fering a hand up and not a hand out is the best way of addressing poverty and social exclusion,” said Helen Robinson, director of The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus.

Since 2006, Employment Plus has been guiding unemployed people out of welfare dependence and into productive lives through training and work placement. The route to secur-ing a job can be a long one for some. The Army believes everyone has value, irrespective of what they can offer society, and is willing to help anyone who is willing to work.

Job coaches, participants and local employers shared personal experienc-es regarding the importance employ-ment plays in transforming lives.

Army personnel participate at the Conservative Party conference on jobs programs. Photo courtesy U.K. Salvation Army

Army shares experience getting people to work

Page 6: NF Vol 30 No 17

BY DEREK LINSELL WITH CHRISTIN DAVIS

THE WESTERN TERRITORY annually admits 7,500 men and women into its 22 Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs), a cost-free and biblically-based program to overcome addiction.

Roughly 2,500 (33 percent) of these beneficiaries graduate, yet the majority are not found worshipping in one of the territory’s 249 corps—the center of Salvation Army worship, growth and social care within a community. Historically, the Army has not effectively transitioned ARC alumni to corps membership, and the Western Territory devised a plan to change this—the ARC-Corps Connection Initiative.

“We have an abiding responsibility to those who are lost in their addictions and

those who have found peace through God from their addictions,” said Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs. “Let us rededicate ourselves to the least, the last and the lost. Let us work in the name of Jesus with deep faith in him.”

A creative caucus met in fall 2011 to discuss bridging an individual from the ARC, likened to a hospital stay while he or she is sick, to the corps, which could be considered one’s home. The ARC programs work toward healing, but the standard stay is six months; ongoing care, engagement and connection is needed at the corps.

“There are so many who come to ARCs feeling isolated from God. What are we going to do about the distance that separates people from God?” said Major Man-Hee Chang, ARC Commander in the Western Territory. “The ARC-Corps Connec-tion Initiative is to build a bridge to shorten the distance, inventing a connection to lead men and women of ARCs to make a first step on the road to recovering, restoring and deepening a relationship with God in our corps.”

The initiative has three goals: track graduates, educate people on recovery min-istry, and help build relationships, and is being tested in three pilot locations—Ho-nolulu, and Anaheim and Pasadena, Calif.—each with its own recovery ministry director.

“There's a strong fellowship developed being in the ARC program, like being in the Marine Corps,” said Ryan Lehman, the recovery ministry director at the Anaheim-Praiseworks Corps and an ARC graduate. “They say, ‘once a Marine, always a Marine,’ and it’s the same way with the ARC. There's a camaraderie there...but to have that disappear would've been devastating to my recovery. Had I not plugged into this church, which is a recovery community, I can't say I would've succeeded in my recovery.”

The ARC software underwent an upgrade to more effectively connect with graduates and non-completers of the program, a new alumni website will soon launch and ARCs are better using social networking to connect with individu-als.

“The upgrade allows us to more systematically share information with the near-est corps officer about family contacts they can make to support the family while the beneficiary is still in program, and then to follow-up as the beneficiary leaves the program,” said Captain Jim Boyd, ARC Command secretary for program. “The website will be a resource for people in recovery, a place for people who completed our program to stay in touch for fellowship and support, and a place for the ARCs to share information with their former program completers.”

To educate all involved parties—cadets, officers, ministry leaders and congrega-tion members—on the principles of recovery, the territory implemented training

PAGE 6—NEW FRONTIER • OCTOBER 19, 2012

ARC-Corps Connection Initiative

Beneficiaries join Revolution Hawaii to serve the community’s homeless. Photo by Rob Noland

Corps members and beneficiaries worship together at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps. Photo byJohn Docter

Page 7: NF Vol 30 No 17

OCTOBER 19, 2012 • NEW FRONTIER—PAGE 7

ARC-Corps Connection Initiative

ranging from understanding the recovery process to how to have a conversation with a beneficiary.

Prepared by the ARC Command, a trial “ARC 101” class in Southern California last spring taught 50 officers and soldiers how to work with people with addictions. Boyd said other divisions have indicated an interest in using this class in spring officers’ councils.

At the College for Officer Training (CFOT), second-year cadets are halfway through a now required “Introduction to Addiction and Recovery” course.

"The simple goal of this course is to have each cadet understand the addiction mindset; it is not simply regulated to drug and alcohol recovery but explores vari-ous other addictions as well,” said Major Tim Foley, CFOT principal. “The cadets are challenged to think ahead to their future ministries to find ways to combat addictions, start ‘Celebrate Recovery’ programs and gain a greater appreciation and understanding of ARC, Harbor Light and other treatment programs operating in the Western Territory.”

For the first time, cadets are also being given the opportunity to complete field-work placements at ARCs.

On a Sunday morning at the Anaheim-Praiseworks Corps (salvationarmyana-heim.org), 40 percent of the 325 attendees are from the Anaheim ARC.

To create a solid salvationism foundation, the corps invites beneficiaries and congregates alike to participate in corps programs including an art show, zumba classes that meet at the ARC and a volunteer fair. At the fair, 63 people—many beneficiaries, alumni, or their families—filled out volunteer opportunity forms.

“We are diligently working at connecting each person with the best opportunity that fits individual ability, time requirements and corps need,” said Envoy Michael Freeman, ministry leader of Anaheim-Praiseworks Corps. “The more connections the better. The ARC is not ministry that our corps reaches out to, but they are part of our corps.”

Freeman said it is the high level of cooperation of staff at the ARC and the corps that will ultimately make the initiative a success.

“This is a true partnership of resources, ideas and a love for the beneficiaries,” Freeman said.

To include ARC beneficiaries in Sunday school classes, the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps increased its available adult classes from two to nine in addition to its five kids’ classes. Class attendance jumped from 40 adults to 120 adults; youth atten-dance remained roughly 40 kids.

“The ultimate goal is not just about a Sunday school lesson, but developing rela-tionships and support and friendship,” Major Darren Norton, Pasadena Tabernacle corps officer said. “We want people from the ARC and the Tab to mix, learn each others’ names and get to know each other.”

In addition, during the last three months of the program, beneficiaries at-tend the Tab for Sunday school and worship, followed by a shared lunch with the congregation. In the first three months, beneficiaries attend a chapel service at the ARC.

Norton said the most exciting aspect of this change for him has been meeting new people each week—mostly family members of a beneficiary who come to worship alongside him or her. The Tab’s new recovery ministry directors will seek to connect with these family members during the week.

“When a guy or lady completes the ARC program after six months, I want very much for him or her to think, ‘Where else would I go to church but at the Tab? That’s my family,’” Norton said.

Honolulu is connecting beneficiaries to corps close to his or her home to aid a more seamless integration post-graduation, and is inviting families to take part in corps activities and ministries. Many beneficiaries have joined with youth missions program Revolution Hawaii to connect with the area’s homeless individuals.

Results are evident at the pilot sites as individuals are coming to corps deliber-ately, and being connected to the corps and saved. The initiative will soon expand to San Diego and Phoenix as it spreads across the territory, connecting ARCs and corps alike.

“God did not allow Cain to evade responsibility when he asked, ‘Am I my brother's keeper?’ We have an obligation to each other,” Chang said. “When we are in genuine, Christ-directed relationships with others, all holding responsibility to each other, providing for the basic needs of others, we will find love and fulfillment in our mission.”

Then, Chang said, we can all share the same testimony:“Your people will be my people, and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16).

Western Territory aims to connect 22 ARCs with corps

Beneficiaries welcome worshippers at Praiseworks. Photo courtesy of Anaheim Praiseworks Corps

We have an abiding responsibility to those

who are lost in their addictions and those who

have found peace through God from their

addictions. Let us rededicate ourselves to the

least, the last and the lost. Let us work in the

name of Jesus with deep faith in him.—COMMISSIONER JAMES KNAGGS~

~

Page 8: NF Vol 30 No 17

n Lt. Willie Bland once ran from God but now, at age 57, he runs to raise donations for him.

Lt. Willie Bland, who once jogged in an Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) parking lot to stay sober, will run the New York City Marathon Nov. 4 to raise money for The Salvation Army’s World Services.

To achieve this goal, he is seek-ing sponsors.

Bland began running when he was a beneficiary at the Phoenix ARC. Up at 4 a.m., he faithfully ran around the parking lot every day, eventually branching out into South Mountain. He ran the PF Chang Marathon in Phoenix three times and qualified for the Boston Marathon in 2008, which he completed in three hours and 28 minutes.

After completing the pro-gram in Phoenix, he enrolled in the College for Officer Training and was commissioned with the Prayer Warriors Session in 2010. He served at the San Diego ARC and is now chaplain at the Wil-liam Booth House in Seattle.

"By the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit my life is not what it used to be,” Bland said. “I am running the New York City Marathon to raise funds for World Services so that others by God's grace, love and fellowship, can have a chance for a changed life."

Northwest Divisional Com-mander Major Douglas Tollerud supports Bland’s efforts, and you can help.

Contributions to Bland’s marathon run may be given to your local corps officer.

October 19, 20128 Doing the Most Good

LA Red Shield holds one of its many workshops to educate children on safety.Photo courtesy of Manuel Acevedo

BULLYING from page 1

n The Salvation Army’s 18th annual All About Kids Dinner raises over $275,000.

BY TERESA ENGEL With over 340 guests, The

Salvation Army’s 18th annual All About Kids Dinner, “My Story” at the Oregon Zoo Cascade Crest Ballroom, Sept. 25 raised $275,000 for kids in need in the Portland metro community.

“We are truly humbled by the generosity that we continue to see from our supporters in the Port-land metro community, and we are so thankful to the men, women, and children who shared their story with us,” said Major Don Gilger, Portland metro coordinator. “Their testimonies made the dif-ference, allowing us to raise nearly $50,000 more than we did last year. Just think of the number of stories we can help write now.”

Longview Fibre received the “Community Partner Award” for its years of providing thousands of cardboard boxes to distribute

food to clients. Atiyeh Brothers received an award for long-time service and support of The Salva-tion Army’s programs, especially at Christmas.

Video testimonies and pic-tures presented stories of lives changed, and eight individu-

als told a personal story of The Salvation Army’s impact on his or her life. The Salvation Army Portland Metro Youth Brass Band performed before dinner.

Event sponsors included Fred Meyer Stores and Hoffman Con-struction.

Portland is ‘All About Kids’

Salvation Army Portland Metro Advisory Board members celebrate a success-ful All About Kids Annual Dinner, where over $275,000 was raised for youth programs across the Portland Metro community. From left, Paul Migchelbrink, Becky Tymchuk (chair), Lieutenant Jennifer Masango, and Bob Moore

Photo by Teresa Engel

ICS from page 1

Running for recovery and GodWillie Bland crosses the Boston Marathon finish line in 2008.

with brass contributions from "Muffins' Rhapsody" to "Quick-silver," the former from the beginners and the latter from Jer-emy Morrison and John Docter.

The weekend concluded Sun-day with a holiness meeting at the Portland Tabernacle Corps.

“God's blessings were abun-dant all weekend,” Smith said. “Not just to attendees but to members of the band as well.”

BAND from page 3

Lt. Colonel Diane O’Brien provides vocal instruction during the staff band’s ministry weekend in Portland. Photo by John Docter

than they do in school,” Lewis said. “They police each other.”

In addition to policy, Lewis said that the staff holds work-shops for kids and adults to em-phasize safety and how to work through confrontations.

“Our kids are very vocal,” Lewis said. “Things that don’t get addressed escalate.”

According to a DOJ survey of American middle and high school students, 66 percent of bullying victims believed school professionals responded poorly to bullying problems. Lewis said it is imperative that adults prop-erly deal with each situation.

“Never, when kids say, ‘He called me stupid,’ do staff members here say, ‘Oh, don’t pay attention to them.’ We always ask, ‘Who called you stupid?’ Lewis said. “The whole premise of anti-

bullying is for kids to feel safe to express concerns about being bullied. Our philosophy here is that we’re a refuge in every single way and that everyone is abso-lutely valued.”

The Salvation Army in Pasa-dena partners with the Pasadena Police Department to coordi-nate the Police Activities League (PAL), a tutoring and mentoring program that provides anti-bullying training, with a special emphasis on cyberbullying.

Sgt. Bobby Lomeli, PAL su-pervisor, said that PAL is unique because police officers are always present at the Pasadena Taber-nacle Corps, where the program is held.

“We mentor and counsel kids on bullying,” Lomeli said, “but we also take on each case when it does [happen].”

Army zones: Africa, Americas and Caribbean, Europe, South Asia and South Pacific and East Asia. The two U.S. delegates were from the Eastern and Southern territories.

The curriculum—taught by General Linda Bond, Commissioner Sue Swanson, Commissioner Lalkiamlova, Colonels Richard and Janet Munn, Dr. Roger Green, Phil Wall (UKI) and others from the ICO/CSLD—followed the framework of “Know-ing,” “Being” and “Doing.”

Green, long-time visionary for this event, was the main guest lecturer. A recent recipient of the Order of the Founder, he is professor and chair of Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries at Gordon College in Wenham, Mass. Green taught on the kingdom of God from the New Testament and on the theology of Catherine Booth.

“The ICS was way beyond my expectations,” Green said. “The thoughtful and careful planning, the detailed programming, the staff assembled for the ICS, and the caliber of soldiers who were people of vibrant faith, great intelligence, and ever aware that they were soldiers in an Army serving Christ and his kingdom.”

Swanson led delegates in a Bible study focused on David and Saul, and Richard Munn lectured on the Army’s 10th doctrine and personal holiness. Lt. Colonel Eddie Hobgood presented his one-man show on Joe the Turk; Lalkiamlova described his pi-oneering work for The Salvation Army in his home of Mizoram, India, and Wall challenged delegates to take their leadership seriously and decide how they want to be known.

“ICS reminded us what it means being a soldier in The Salvation Army,” said Rasmus Ljungberg, a delegate from the Sweden and Latvia Territory. “We must give ourselves to God and to his kingdom; it can’t stop at words–we need actions. ICS was about nailing our colors to the mast.”

With clarity and conviction, the General de-scribed her vision of a Spirit-filled Army, active on a worldwide front, to win the world for Jesus. Referring to Acts 2, she reminded delegates to be Jesus-centred, personally as well as corporately, to

study the Bible for wisdom, guidance and examples of faith in action and to be on their knees as an army of prayer.

Studying personal holiness, practicing spiritual disciplines and new methods of prayer, delegates and staff participated in the Worldwide Prayer Meeting on Thursdays, led by Janet Munn. They ex-plored new “rhythms” of prayer, including praying the Bible, circles of influence and listening prayer.

The group set up The Cedars (home of the ICO/CSLD) as a House of Prayer, creating prayer rooms centered on the kingdom of God and the General’s vision plan. Delegates were able to visit each prayer room, and corporately engaged in a half-night of prayer.

Munn and Major Janet Robson explored the theme of “Warfare,” and challenged delegates to share their “I’ll fight…” promises and prayers, while Major Miriam Oskarsdottir (Sweden and Latvia) directed them in a time of listening to God and speaking words of affirmation and blessing to each other.

Finally, delegates implemented knowledge of social holiness with missional opportunities in Salvation Army centers and the streets of London. Major Hannelise Tvedt (UKI) issued a call to social holiness, noting that the ongoing pilgrimage for ho-liness affects the call to “rescue the perishing [and] care for the dying.”

Tvedt organized an outreach day on the streets at three Army centers in London—the Stepney, Clapton, and Notting Hill corps—where each group evangelized.

Delegates spent the final Sunday morning in worship with the Regent Hall Corps, where they joined in a march of witness followed by a short open-air meeting.

“ICS resulted in life-changing experiences,” said Janelle Morris, delegate from the Caribbean Ter-ritory. “We have been empowered by the Word of God and have fostered wonderful relationships with people from all around the world.”

For more on the ICS, visit salvationarmy.org/csld/ics.

Page 9: NF Vol 30 No 17

October 19, 2012 9Doing the Most Good

The Salvation Army in Carson City, Nev., held its first “Vintage Sunday” Sept. 30 as part of a plan to reach the community with monthly themed Sundays. Lts. Mark and Leslie Cyr, pictured in vintage uniforms, marched in under the flag of salvation to lead a time of witness, prayer and wor-ship followed by a sermon on salvation. Three people accepted Christ.

Photo by Jennifer Carboni

Salvation Army returns to Maderan Family Services and Min-istry Center opens in Central Valley.

BY VALERIE NORVELL Without a presence in the

community for two years, The Salvation Army opened its doors Sept. 27 to the Family Services and Ministry Center in Madera, Calif., north of Fresno County.

“The Salvation Army is look-ing forward to serving the people of Madera,” said Lt. Colonel Steve Smith, Golden State divisional commander. “We are eager to get involved in the community and help meet the needs of those in the area.”

The afternoon included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility, a chance to speak to Salvation Army staff, informa-tion on available services and light refreshments.

“It was a great opportunity to

meet our neighbors and let them know that we are here to serve their needs,” said Carrie Phillips, Madera Service Center director.

In addition to providing basic necessities, this office will also hold daily devotions and coffee at 9 a.m.

Mayor Brett Frazier attended

the event, welcoming The Salvation Army to Madera and showing his support for its vision for the future. Other city council members and community leaders also attended, many bringing welcome gifts and tokens of ap-preciation.

Standing behind the ribbon are (l-r) Lt. Colonel Steve Smith (Golden State divisional commander), Mayor Brett Frazier, John Phillips, Jean Raven (service extension field representative) and Carrie Phillips (center director), with supporters.

Photo by Valerie Norvell

with them, God strengthens them in their situa-tions. They also hear they have a future in which God will be with them, too.”

Esqueda recalled numerous occasions in which the Bible studies resonated with detainees.

“One Bible study I was sharing on Philippians 4: 4-9, on how we are to rejoice in the Lord always,” Esqueda said. “In verse 7 it says that and the peace of God that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. An inmate later told me at the meeting the follow-ing week that he was taking control over his mind by praising God, thinking on the good things of God and that he is working on practicing doing what the Word says so that he can have peace. Praise God!”

Another inmate, he said, told him he enjoys sing-ing the songs from the Bible studies because it fills his heart with joy when he is alone in his room.

“A European who knew five languages shared how confusing it was to understand the Bible,” Esqueda said. “After sharing about how God created the heavens and the Earth and the plan of salvation he came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. He then thanked God for his new life. God is good.”

Barnes echoed Esqueda’s sentiment.“So much of what these people know has been

stripped away,” Barnes said. “It is a time in which a ministry of hope that groups like The Salvation Army bring can make a tremendous difference to men and women who are looking for something to grasp onto.”

EL CENTRO from page 1

Salvation Army National Headquarters • Alexandria, VA

ART DIRECTOR FOR NATIONAL PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Immediate opening for this lead position in the National Publications Department. Provide art direction, development of standards, staff supervision, coordination of internal and external resources and support to establish uni-fied, compelling, creative design strategies and implementation across all print products and electronic platforms. Knowledge of The Salvation Army mission and branding is essential, as is best practices and techniques in art direction and creation. Minimum education B.A. in graphic design, Fine Arts, visual commu-nication, or a related field; and four-five years experience in graphic arts design and management. Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and website software; working knowledge of html language; Macintosh platform. Benefits after 90 days. Free underground parking and lunches offered. Hiring range: $ 2,313.60 - $2,602.81/bi-weekly.

If interested in applying, please email cover letter and resume to [email protected] or fax to (703) 302-8688.

Salvation Army Intermountain Division • Denver, CO

MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER

Under the direction of the Director of Development for the Intermountain Division of The Salvation Army, the Major Gift Officer, working out of our divisional headquar-ters in Denver, Colo., would be assigned the territory of North Denver Metro, Greeley, Fort Collins and Cheyenne, Wyo. territory. The MGO would be expected to cultivate and manage a donor list of between 150 and 200 individuals with the goal of solicit-ing a major gift within 12 to 18 months, cultivate new prospects with the capacity and interest to make a major gift on a continuing basis, and assist with special events through the solicitation of individual sponsors.

The Salvation Army, Intermountain Division Headquarters, is located in beautiful downtown Denver, Colo. The headquarters is close to abundant skiing, mountain hiking/biking and national park opportunities. Position is full-time salaried with an attractive benefit package and competitive salary. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

If interested, please provide a letter of introduction, salary requirements and resume to:

Cannon Bundy, Human Resources SupervisorTHE SALVATION ARMY INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION

1370 Pennsylvania Street, Denver, CO 80203 Fax: 303-866-9263

Email: [email protected]

Services manager John Docter migrated these records to a fully searchable online database of over 7,000 photos and documents avail-able at usw.salvationarmy.org/mu-seum. This resource allows users to research their family members, corps history and major Salvation Army events.

Via a feedback icon just above each image, the museum invites users to submit information that would enrich cataloging, includ-

ing names of people and locations featured in the photos.

The Museum of the West, with the support of Crestmont Council, has plans to digitize additional high-interest archive materials in order to expand its audience and accessibility. Within the next year, both the Corps History Book and the Western Territory War Cry editions (ca. 1883–1970) will be available online.

MUSEUM OF THE WEST from page 1

now sharing the gospel and my testimony with all the residents who would listen. I started lead-ing the Bible study—the same one that led me to Christ. Yes, through Christ we have salvation, but now I was learning the joy and peace that comes in knowing our Lord.

About a year ago I was asked if I would be interested in attending officer training. I smiled and said, “I am much too old!” Again, God had better plans. I am now at Crestmont, and God is continu-ing the good work he started in me.

BERGGREN from page 3

n Salvation Army units work together.

The Salvation Army’s eight units in Stanislaus County—who work Together Enhancing All Ministries (TEAM)—recently united for two fundraisers, netting $110,000.

“Here in Modesto, we decided to implement a new way of min-istering with the many Salva-tion Army units that operate in Stanislaus County,” said County Coordinator Captain Michael Paugh, who developed the program. “We are charting a new course in working as a team.”

TEAM units include the Downtown Citadel, Red Shield Corps, Child Development Cen-ter, Berberian Shelter, Transi-tional Living, Food Bank, Turlock Corps and Turlock Silvercrest. The concept launched in July when the new Red Shield officers, Lieutenants Dustin and Carole Rowe, arrived.

“It was imperative that we looked at a new way in doing business; with the need in our community up 25 percent and our resources down, we had to think outside the box and find a new way [to do] the most good with the limited resources we had,” Paugh said. “The advisory board and the community have noticed that the new concept is working very well.”

Working cooperatively, The Sal-vation Army raised funds via a golf tournament and a silent auction.

“In one way or another, we all participated in these fundraisers,” Paugh said. “The same is true with our 20th annual Kettle Kick-off where about 1,200 people will come and our goal is to raise $200,000 in seven minutes,” he said. “The only way to pull this off is through a team effort with everyone participating in doing the most good for the Salva-tion Army. We are to be Christ’s examples here on earth, and the people in the community are watching us. What better way to witness the love of Christ than to live the example?”

In June, Captain Lisa Smith was appointed team ministry officer, with the objective of enhancing a team atmosphere in all Modesto Salvation Army ministries.

“It is a good way for me get

to know what is happening at all the operations of The Salva-tion Army in Stanislaus County,” Smith said. “I especially was happy to have the opportunity to preach at the Turlock Corps and I am looking forward to eventually preaching at Red Shield.”

Lieutenant Dustin Rowe, one of the newest TEAM members, said he benefits from working with seasoned officers like Smith and Paugh.

“We all have our own roles in the ministries, but they help us out a lot,” he said. “Everything that’s new to [my wife and me] they’ve seen plenty of times. When we’re dealing with donors, they see us as a united bunch, how we’re one big Army and they’re more apt to give to us.”

TEAM collaborates in Stanislaus County

Captain Michael Paugh, Stanislaus County coordinator, plays guitar and sings Sunday school songs on weekdays for the lunch clients. Photo by Carole Stuart

Page 10: NF Vol 30 No 17

One of the great bless-ings we enjoy as believers in Christ is the privilege and power of prayer. I’m often encouraged by new men at the Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) who express their awe that God is answering their prayers! Several have said they never really prayed before, but did pray some emergency prayers: “God help me out of this mess.” “God, don’t let

me lose my girlfriend.” “God, don’t let me get caught!” “God help me get another fix.’”

These were all “fox hole” prayers. Many now say their prayers are different

since asking Jesus to come into their lives. Now the prayers are about a lot of little things, and they feel they can talk to God, not only about troubles and needs, but with gratitude for his love and being clean and sober.

Anyone who is having troubles should pray. Anyone who is happy should sing praises. Anyone who is sick should call the church’s elders...and the prayer that is said with faith will make the sick person well, the Lord will heal that person. And if the person has sinned, the sins will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so God can heal you. When a be-lieving person prays, great things happen (James 5:13-16 NCV).

Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy. Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4-7).

When God says to pray, he really means it. To pray is the most commonly mentioned command in Scripture. It is mentioned more than “love your neighbor,” more than “go to church,” and more than “evangelize.” More than anything else, God calls us to pray.

In The Inspirational Study Bible, Max Lucado writes:

“We should be people of great prayer. We should be prayer warriors. We should be people who use the ministry of prayer to its fullest capacity. The highest and greatest calling of Christians is the minis-try of prayer.

“You know, we really don’t know what to pray for, do we? What if God had an-swered every prayer that you ever prayed? Just think who you’d be married to. Just think where you’d be living. Just think what you’d be doing!

“God loves us so much that sometimes he gives us what we need and not what we ask. Prayer is the recognition that if God had not engaged himself in our problem, we would still be lost in the blackness. It is by his mercy that we have been lifted up. Prayer is that whole process that reminds us of who God is and who we are.”

I believe there’s great power in prayer. Pray continually—live in a spirit of prayer.

Father, when you were on earth, you prayed. You prayed in the morning, you prayed at night, you prayed alone, you prayed with peo-ple. In your hours of distress, you retreated into times of prayer. In your hours of joy, you lifted your heart and hands to the Father in prayer.

Help us to be more like you in this way; help us to make prayer a priority in our daily lives.

Last spring Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace got plenty of head-lines because of a brutal elbow sweep that caught James Harden in the head. As The Los Angeles Times recorded: Metta World Peace “had just thrown down his third dunk of the game late in the first half, and the 18,997 fans at Staples Center erupted with joy. No one looked more elated than World Peace, who pounded his right fist on his chest. He then cocked his arm back and swung an elbow at Oklahoma City forward James Harden. Harden fell to the ground clutching his ear...The incident earned World Peace a flagrant foul type 2, an immediate ejection and a [seven-day] suspension.”

When World Peace throws a hard elbow he gets a suspen-sion.

I just returned from spending some time with my 3-year-old granddaughter, Brynn, and her family. She’s a lovely girl: bright-eyed, personable, good-looking. She has a beautiful smile.

During my visit, I was interested to see that when Brynn didn’t like me fussing over her, she used her elbow to push me away. She just cocked her elbow and swept me out of the way. It was a reflex action. Evidently, I was an annoyance and she reacted with a firm sweep of her little cocked arm.

I have a pretty standard response to grandkids who push me away. Every time one pushes me away, I start kissing them.

When Brynn throws a hard elbow, I smother her with kisses.After I do that, her attitude changes. She starts to giggle.

Eventually, she pushes me away just so I will keep on kissing her. For grandkids, I think, love and kisses work better than “time out,” a kid-appropriate suspension.

I’ve had other people push me away. When I was in college there was an important woman that I would see at The Salva-tion Army and at work. She never used her elbow on me, but the way she turned her head away when I was around felt like

a body blow. I took her on as a project. When I saw her passing by, I moved to intercept her. She came into a room, I walked over and started talking to her. I used every occasion to speak with her and to give her my attention. In a short time I had made a friend. I knew we were friends the first time she came into a room and I didn’t see her. She saw me. She crossed the room to say hello and ask how I was doing.

There are so many instances in the Gospels where people came over to be close to Jesus. Crowds came to him and pressed in to hear what he had to say. The crowd was so large that Zaccheus had to climb a tree to get close to him. There were those like the suffering woman who came to Jesus hoping to touch his cloak. A centurion asked Jesus just to say some-thing to him so that his servant would be healed. Many people were attracted to Jesus, but not everyone.

Disapproving critics didn’t like the way Jesus kept the cer-emonial laws. Others like the rich, young ruler thought a rela-tionship with Jesus would be far too costly. Some put personal priorities over Jesus’ kingdom priorities: “Let me go bury my father first,” said one. Some were disgusted by Jesus’ choice of friends, profoundly unhappy that Jesus would keep company with bad characters.

Jesus never turned them away. With some he seemed to have amazing patience, attending to children or chatting with a Samaritan woman. He did use strong words with some, at least that’s how I would feel if he called me a “blind guide.” In many cases he simply endured their hard elbows and verbal abuse.

But rather than shutting down their relationship with him, Jesus loved them. He loved them whether they loved him or not—and whether they deserved his love or not. When we were still sinners, Christ gave his life for us (Rom. 5:8 BBE). What a wonderful thing if we could respond in love to those who throw elbows at us.

With grandkids, try kisses.

Belize, a country that boasts miles of coastline, rain forests, ruggedly beauti-ful landscape and laid-back Caribbean lifestyle. Belize, a developing country that offers tropical beaches with blue water, ancient Mayan caves and myriad waterfalls, thick emerald jungles and a mind-boggling barrier reef, can capture your heart and slowly transform your life.

Unparalleled in natural beauty, Belize is more than a mere change of scenery. With its eastern seashore cuddling the Caribbean Sea and its western border resting in the Central American rainforest, this sanctuary of Mayan culture, religion and history is a place that provokes a change in the way you think about life.

My immersion in the local culture of Belize began in April, and I returned in August to sample another taste of a soci-ety intimately connected to the Mayan historical legacy but strongly influenced by generations of Christian missionaries. On the menu this time was the prophecy referred to on the famous Mayan calendar for millennia and publicly hyped in movie trailers, documentaries and Internet end-time schemes as the possible end of civilization and the promised return of Christ by December 21.

To my amazement, in a country where Mayan descendants still live, and religion is more than a noun, there were no signs of hysterical fear or fright about the fulfilment of this Mayan 2012 prediction. Instead, there is an air of confidence about the future. People are not anxious or afraid.

Belize, with all its mystical Mayan temples, is also a place of soul-stirring steadfast Christian faith. Amidst the color-ful wooden buildings on stilts, a plethora of churches have left their own mark on the minds and lives of the people. The

Mayans may make their predictions, but for the most part, the people’s assurance is in their dauntless Christian faith, founded on an understanding and acceptance of Scripture.

They are secure in the message found in 1 Thessalonians 5:2: You know as well as I that the day of the Master’s coming can’t be posted on our calendars. He won’t call ahead and make an appointment.

They obey Matthew 24:6: See to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come, and are not openly disturbed by the ongoing catastrophic natural events that might make it appear as though "the end” were indeed near. They confidently accept that no one knows when the end of the age will come.

And yet, with this show of confidence there is also an air of anticipation. They know that Jesus said in Matthew 24:44: You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

And so, life is lived with the watchword: be ready! Be ready, like the servants in the parable of the talents, by being faithful in the things entrusted to us. Be ready, like the five wise virgins, not just with excitement, but with the tools needed to enter the kingdom of heaven. Be ready, by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick and visiting the prisoners (Matt. 25). Be ready, by living our days differently, using every mo-ment as a time of rebirth, reflection and renewal.

If my time in Belize taught me anything, it is that faith in God is woven into the natural fiber of their society. Mayan dreams or not, believers are staying alert and ready, walking out into the daylight…dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation (1 Thess. 5:8).

October 19, 2011New Frontier10 Doing the

Most Good

Belize—Mayan dreams and Christian faith

How to handle hard elbows

DouglasO’BrienLt. Colonel

Be ready, by living our days differently, using every moment

as a time of rebirth, reflection and renewal. ~~

VictorLeslieLt. Colonel

More prayer powerprayerPower

Mervyn MorelockLt. Colonel

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

facebook.com/tsanewfrontierBut rather than shutting down their relationship with him, Jesus loved them. He loved them

whether they loved him or not—and whether they deserved his love or not. ~

~

Page 11: NF Vol 30 No 17

It’s October. Baseball’s World Series once again lights up the headlines as the fans and combatants compete for glory or grieve in defeat. It signals the final end to a long exposure, daily spanning spring, summer and fall. Soon the stadium lights will darken, and the sounds of the crowd and the crack of the bat will fade, leaving an empty stadium and an empty space within me. The rich odor of beautifully groomed, recently cut, emerald grass combined with the floating fragrance of freshly popped corn will disappear for a season. The heroes of the evening retire until spring.

Baseball plays an orderly game. Its precision strikes awe within us as a player spears a sharply hit ground ball, whirls and throws across the diamond, narrowly beating a batter to the bag as the man in the black suit standing nearby simply raises one arm. His noncha-lance belies the emotions surrounding the event. The player returns the ball to the pitcher who performs his regular rituals preparatory to pitching.

Every element of baseball requires perfection as careers and dreams live or die by inches. Even the groundskeeper achieves perfection.

Baseball is a perfect game.The season ends with the completion of the World

Series.Football has arrived. Its troops marching up and

down, kicking missiles straight through the arms of tall goal posts, connecting on long passes, daring, twist-ing runs bringing people to their feet, players getting hit, getting hurt, getting helped off the field while the winds of autumn whip across the gridiron. It’s all there: cheering crowds led by dancing girls, a white horse rac-ing around the field of play with a costumed warrior on its back waving a gleaming sword, bands blaring and future millionaires showing their wares. I wonder, did the men of Troy race to the fray on the backs of white stallions, or was their mount made of wood in whose belly lay subterfuge?

Football is an exciting game.The season ends with the Super Bowl.In the United States, football and baseball attract

more spectators and generate the most income of any sport.

We love our sports. Television brings us much closer to the action and always gives us a second look. It brings us all the new expressions, all the new rules. We bring our feelings to the tube: exhilaration and despair, excitement and boredom, relief and suffering, anger and joy. We are more visibly aroused viewing sports than with any other telecast. We yell at referees, criticize inept play, cheer scoring performance, and talk with anyone about the action whether they listen or not.

Sport impacts us.The important question, however, is “how?” Differ-

ent sports present different group cultures. Member-

ship in these groups may serve as powerful reference groups. People take on the characteristics of those they choose as models and with whom they associate. So, what char-acteristics, what behaviors on the playing field leap into our identity in the stands or in front of our big-screen plasma?

We become immersed in the ethic of the performers. All too often we adopt the game’s culture: the values, attitudes, beliefs as presented in the player’s behavior.

Two basic values differ significantly depending on national origin. They are individualism and connectiv-ity. The teamwork of sport reflects the possibility of connectivity, but our individualistic values trump it quickly and require us to identify a star–an individual who will lead the team–the big hitter and winning pitcher in baseball and the quarterback and running back in football. A sport without a star is not a major sport in the U.S.

The sport, then, both reflects the common culture and, in a powerful way, models certain values, attitudes and beliefs in behavior on the playing field.

In New Zealand, a popular website titled “Anar-chia” has begun questioning whether rugby players who demonstrate “destructive masculinity” encourage “similar aggression by spectators.” They also note “a general disrespect for women.”

In the U.S, there have been an increasing number of physical confrontations in the stands during and fol-lowing games.

Fans reveal their team loyalty with attire even when visiting a game in a rival city. An incident in the Dodger Stadium parking lot last year following a Gi-ants game caused serious and possibly permanent life-changing injury to a Giants fan. Oakland Raiders fans have long displayed such fan behavior and even have a section in the stadium where such conduct occurs.

Alcohol at sporting events contributes heavily to initiating the violence.

Team managements, aware of a growing trend, have limited alcohol sales late in the game and have increased the amount of security both in the stadium and in the parking lots. They have not–and probably cannot–modify a mistaken interpretation of fan loyalty. Nor can they change the actual violent nature of games like football, soccer, rugby or basketball. They could change some rules concerning piling on and chest-beating following a touchdown.

We need to recognize the nature of the violence on the field and resist the transfer of these feelings to ourselves.

An early morning drive on the 110 freeway north into Los Angeles is not the best start to anyone’s day. But what was waiting at the end of the trip made it all worthwhile—and then some. I was on my way to dedicate Sally’s Place, a breakfast program for seniors at the Los Angeles Central Corps, and despite the traffic, the great Southern California weather and Alistair Begg on the radio eased my

journey.When Majors Lex and Patricia Giron arrived at the Los

Angeles Central Corps three years ago they noticed an im-mediate and obvious difference from their previous appoint-ment. The Santa Ana Corps is surrounded by a community of single family homes, duplexes, apartment complexes and schools. LA Central lies in the shadow of LA Live, skyscraper hotels, office buildings and the Convention Center. The few houses nearby were occupied mostly by senior citizens who had minimal services available to them, so the Girons started a breakfast program for a handful of them on Friday morn-ings. Gradually the program grew as word got out and pretty soon they were serving 50-60 people. They gave out food from the Los Angeles Food Bank after breakfast, ensuring these elderly citizens would have nutritious meals during the week.

On that particular Friday, over 140 people came for a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage and pastries. There was even a massive chocolate cake that was gone before I could even smell it. A small army of staff and volunteers helped cook and serve the meal. Among them was Mei from China who spoke no English but still managed to communicate, showing me photographs of herself in a Red Army uniform, then pictures of her beautiful American grandchildren.

As I walked around the tables talking to diners, I real-ized this was no ordinary breakfast. There were people from Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, as you might expect at LA Central. Others were from China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea and the Philippines. I found a family from Poland and even a Russian in the crowd. Singles, couples, families and children being looked after by their grandparents made up this United Nations of LA Central.

Then I met Ned who came from Ireland. Now in his 70s, he has lived all over the U.S., arriving in Los Angeles about two years ago. With no family or friends, he somehow found the breakfast program and now claims it as his family. He enjoys the diversity and the good food, but it is the Christian love and care that mean most to him. Ned loves LA Central so much he comes to the worship service on Sunday morning and is learning Spanish so he can understand what is going on.

And so it was, after a long drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic, I found myself standing before this United Nations breakfast meeting sharing an evangelical message from God’s Word, then offering a prayer of dedication for Sally’s Place. As I shook hands with them afterward I was in no doubt that God laid this program on the hearts of the Girons three years ago. After all, God’s promise to Israel is just as valid for us today when he said, “I am your God and will take care of you until you are old and your hair is gray. I made you and will care for you; I will give you help and rescue you” (Isa. 46:4 GNB).

God is taking care of the citizens of Los Angeles at Sally’s Place, no matter where they come from. We are all God’s children.

October 19, 2012 New Frontier 11

Sally’s United Nations

Doing theMost Good

RobertDocterEditor-In-Chief

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