THE SALVATION ARMY 10 W. Algonquin Road Des Plaines, Illinois 60016 Moving? Send the attached label with your correction to: Circulation Manager, 10 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016 The Salvation Army / USA Central Territory News and Views from the Midwest by Lt. Colonel Renea Smith T he Central Territory is mov- ing forward, answering the appeal to recognize and pro- mote the work of married women officers. Territorial leadership recently identified four recommenda- tions proposed by the Married Women in Leadership Ad Hoc Committee which will be pursued in the coming months. 1. Territorial leadership will con- tinue efforts to bring about change in the allowance struc- ture, whereby married women would receive an allowance in their own name. Receiving an allowance is just one way an individual’s work is validat- ed. Many territories around the world already have set this example by providing an individual allowance for married women officers. This recommendation includes a presenta- tion to the Territorial Executive Council as well as continued discus- sion at the Commissioners’ Conference. 2. Appointments will be designed and structured to include flexi- bility for assigning gifted indi- viduals regardless of gender or marital status. This recommendation requires attention to how appointments are defined and assigned. At times unin- tentional linking of appointments occurs when placing married cou- ples, particularly in specialized appointments. By expanding the scope of appointments, as well as considering how these may be addressed in a more flexible manner, we open the door for officers to be assigned individually to areas of gift- edness and skill. One step which will be taken to specifically address this recommendation is to intentionally assign married officers to special- ized ministries in nearby, but sepa- rate, commands. A Roles and Responsibilities Chart soon will be designed for those serving in corps appoint- ments. Sometimes assumptions are made that one or the other officer is filling a particular role based on their gender or age. The Roles and Responsibilities Chart will provide the opportunity to identify specific responsibilities, expediting interac- tion with the responsible officer. Continued on page 9 comes from using their talents for the Lord. We are counting on this generation to rise up and answer the goal for ‘Live music in worship in every corps by 2020.’” A tangible step toward this goal will be the debut of the Territorial Youth Band and Youth Chorus (TYB and TYC), comprised of aspiring vocalists and instrumentalists from around the territory, led by the terri- torial team of William Himes, Peggy Thomas, Joe Caddy and Meghan Pierson. Selected through online auditions or previous placement at Central Music Institute, the TYC and TYB will rehearse February 28- March 1 at Camp Wonderland and Friday afternoon, June 6, in prepara- tion for their performances. Sectionals, prayer groups and men- toring will be provided by members of the Chicago Staff Band and Bill Booth Theater Company. The Friday evening keynote (All God’s children sing) and Saturday morning meeting (All God’s children seek) will feature Christian artist Ken Medema who has inspired people through his storytelling and music for four decades. Though blind from birth, Ken sees and hears with heart and mind, custom designing every musical moment of his performance with brilliant improvisation. “There are only two or three instances where I would use the term ‘genius’—and Ken Medema is one for whom the term applies,” said Himes. Commissioners Dick and Vibeke Krommenhoek, ter- ritorial leaders of the Norway, Iceland and Faeroes Territory, also will be guests for the weekend. During their 30 years of officership they have served throughout Europe and most recently at International Headquarters where he was the General’s representative for global evangelization and she was responsible for opening the Army’s work in Poland. Well known for his compositions, Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek also will serve as guest conductor of some of his choral and instrumental works. “With anticipation, we are looking forward to participating in the 2014 Central Territory Commissioning and Festival of Gospel Arts,” said the Krommenhoeks. “We pray that through our ministry God’s Kingdom will be strengthened for growth and Jesus Christ will be uplifted.” The emphasis on musical develop- ment also will be seen through much of Saturday morning and early after- noon events known as Bravo!, a solo competition for young instrumental- ists, vocalists, guitarists, pianists and percussionists divided into four T he Festival of Worship Arts and Commissioning week- end, June 6-8, will prove to be one of those not-to-be missed experiences. With the theme of All God’s Children, the event will challenge Salvationists in their walk, worship and service. “Although past gospel arts week- ends have achieved the desired goals of inspiration, participation and affir- mation of our music and gospel arts forces, this June we will especially focus on our young musicians, our future,” commented Bandmaster William Himes. “We want our youth to experience the fulfillment that age/ability brackets. Winners of the “open” category will be featured soloists in Saturday evening’s Territorial Youth Band and Youth Chorus Festival (All God’s children praise). On Sunday morning (All God’s children worship) delegates will join together for the commissioning and ordination of the “Disciples of the Cross” session of cadets. In dra- matic contrast Sunday afternoon will bring a jubilant celebration as the new lieutenants are appointed throughout the territory (All God’s children serve). Of course our territory’s own Chicago Staff Band, Bill Booth Theater Company and The Singing Company will be on hand to pro- vide top-notch support throughout the weekend. All good reasons for God’s chil- dren to beat a path to Merrillville this June! Ken Medema All God’s children are returning to Merrillville Policy changes underway for married women officers Volume 44, Number 1 January 2014 Commissioners Dick and Vibeke Krommenhoek “We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future.” Eph. 4:3,4 (NLT)
The Central Territory is mov-ing forward, answering theappeal to recognize and pro-mote the work of married
women officers. Territorial leadershiprecently identified four recommenda-tions proposed by the MarriedWomen in Leadership Ad HocCommittee which will be pursued inthe coming months.1. Territorial leadership will con-tinue efforts to bring aboutchange in the allowance struc-ture, whereby married women
would receive an allowance intheir own name.Receiving an allowance is just one
way an individual’s work is validat-ed. Many territories around theworld already have set this exampleby providing an individual allowancefor married women officers. Thisrecommendation includes a presenta-tion to the Territorial ExecutiveCouncil as well as continued discus-sion at the Commissioners’Conference.2. Appointments will be designedand structured to include flexi-bility for assigning gifted indi-
viduals regardless of gender ormarital status.This recommendation requires
attention to how appointments aredefined and assigned. At times unin-tentional linking of appointmentsoccurs when placing married cou-ples, particularly in specializedappointments. By expanding thescope of appointments, as well asconsidering how these may beaddressed in a more flexible manner,we open the door for officers to beassigned individually to areas of gift-edness and skill. One step which willbe taken to specifically address this
recommendation is to intentionallyassign married officers to special-ized ministries in nearby, but sepa-rate, commands.A Roles and Responsibilities
Chart soon will be designed forthose serving in corps appoint-ments. Sometimes assumptions aremade that one or the other officeris filling a particular role based ontheir gender or age. The Roles andResponsibilities Chart will providethe opportunity to identify specificresponsibilities, expediting interac-tion with the responsible officer.
Continued on page 9
comes from using their talents forthe Lord. We are counting on thisgeneration to rise up and answer thegoal for ‘Live music in worship inevery corps by 2020.’”A tangible step toward this goal
will be the debut of the TerritorialYouth Band and Youth Chorus (TYBand TYC), comprised of aspiringvocalists and instrumentalists fromaround the territory, led by the terri-torial team of William Himes, PeggyThomas, Joe Caddy and MeghanPierson. Selected through onlineauditions or previous placement atCentral Music Institute, the TYC andTYB will rehearse February 28-March 1 at Camp Wonderland andFriday afternoon, June 6, in prepara-tion for their performances.Sectionals, prayer groups and men-toring will be provided by membersof the Chicago Staff Band and BillBooth Theater Company.The Friday evening keynote (All
God’s children sing) and Saturdaymorning meeting (All God’s childrenseek) will feature Christian artist KenMedema who has inspired peoplethrough his storytelling and musicfor four decades. Though blind frombirth, Ken sees and hears with heartand mind, custom designing everymusical moment of his performancewith brilliant improvisation.“There are only two or three
instances where I would use theterm ‘genius’—and Ken Medema is
one for whom theterm applies,” saidHimes.Commissioners
Dick and VibekeKrommenhoek, ter-ritorial leaders ofthe Norway,Iceland andFaeroes Territory,also will be guestsfor the weekend. During their 30years of officership they have servedthroughout Europe and most recentlyat International Headquarters wherehe was the General’s representativefor global evangelization and she wasresponsible for opening the Army’swork in Poland. Well known for hiscompositions, Commissioner DickKrommenhoek also will serve asguest conductor of some of his choraland instrumental works.“With anticipation, we are looking
forward to participating in the 2014Central Territory Commissioning andFestival of Gospel Arts,” said theKrommenhoeks. “We pray thatthrough our ministry God’s Kingdomwill be strengthened for growth andJesus Christ will be uplifted.”The emphasis on musical develop-
ment also will be seen through muchof Saturday morning and early after-noon events known as Bravo!, a solocompetition for young instrumental-ists, vocalists, guitarists, pianists andpercussionists divided into four
The Festival of Worship Artsand Commissioning week-end, June 6-8, will prove tobe one of those not-to-be
missed experiences. With the themeof All God’s Children, the event willchallenge Salvationists in their walk,worship and service.“Although past gospel arts week-
ends have achieved the desired goalsof inspiration, participation and affir-mation of our music and gospel artsforces, this June we will especiallyfocus on our young musicians, ourfuture,” commented BandmasterWilliam Himes. “We want our youthto experience the fulfillment that
age/ability brackets. Winners of the“open” category will be featuredsoloists in Saturday evening’sTerritorial Youth Band and YouthChorus Festival (All God’s childrenpraise).On Sunday morning (All God’s
children worship) delegates willjoin together for the commissioningand ordination of the “Disciples ofthe Cross” session of cadets. In dra-matic contrast Sunday afternoonwill bring a jubilant celebration asthe new lieutenants are appointedthroughout the territory (All God’schildren serve).Of course our territory’s own
Chicago Staff Band, Bill BoothTheater Company and The SingingCompany will be on hand to pro-vide top-notch support throughoutthe weekend.All good reasons for God’s chil-
dren to beat a path to Merrillvillethis June!
Ken Medema
All God’s children arereturning to Merrillville
Policy changes underway for married women officers
Volume 44, Number 1 January 2014
Commissioners Dick and Vibeke Krommenhoek
“We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future.” Eph. 4:3,4 (NLT)
2
Usually when we talk aboutinvesting, we think in termsof money. We look to investin companies which will
pay us the greatest rate of return orpay the highest dividends.Unfortunately, many people are soeager to make money they fall for“get rich quick” schemes which onlymake the scammer rich, not theinvestor. Therefore, it is importantwe are always careful to make thebest possible investments of ourresources. Ecclesiastes 11:1 (TheMessage) tells us, “Be generous:Invest in acts of charity. Charityyields high returns.” So in ourprocess of “Creating a Shared Future”we might ask ourselves, “How can
From a Christian perspective, weknow that in addition to these ben-efits, high-quality Christian relation-ships also can have an eternalimpact as children learn aboutGod’s love and are given the oppor-tunity to accept Christ as theirSavior. A survey by theInternational Bible Society found 83percent of Christians made theircommitment to Christ between ages4-14. In addition, Barna ResearchGroup found that children present-ed with the gospel between ages 5-13 had a 32 percent probability ofaccepting Christ compared to a 4-6percent probability for those 14 andover.As we begin this new year, I chal-
lenge each of us to invest in the lifeof at least one child. Whether weare teaching a Sunday school class,leading a youth group or mentoringa grandchild, there is no betterinvestment we can make.
Making the best possibleinvestment
we ‘invest intentionally’ in acts ofcharity?”As we think about “investing inten-
tionally,” we shouldn’t limit our-selves only to financial investments.We also need to consider investing inpeople, particularly children.Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) states, “Trainup a child in the way he should go,and when he is old he will notdepart from it.” Investing in the livesof children is the best possibleinvestment we can make. For whenwe invest in children, our investmenthas a double impact because it pro-duces results both for now and intothe future.From the Search Institute® website,
CentralConnectionTHE SALVATION ARMY10 W. Algonquin Road • Des Plaines, Illinois 60016847-294-2000WILLIAM BOOTHFounder
ANDRÉ COXGeneral
COMMISSIONER PAUL R. SEILERTerritorial CommanderLT. COLONEL RICHARD VANDER WEELECommunity Relations and Development SecretaryELIZABETH KINZIEEditorial DirectorANNE URBANEditor/WriterJACQUELYN BENTSONCommunications SpecialistFERN CALDWELLCirculation ManagerKENNETH ROMINGraphic Design and Production
GetConnected!Check out our complementary material on the web.salarmycentral.orgClipsCSB Sounds of Season
Resources/LinksRegistration for Regeneration ConferenceMindy Caliguire webpagePhilippines relief updates
Web exclusivesFive keys to getting kids in your corps byLt. Jason BigelowThoughts on church growth by Phil Barrett
For late breaking news,visit our website!
Log on to salarmycentral.org
by Colonel Merle HeatwoleChief Secretary
we learn the following, “Across thepast two decades, Search Institute®and others have shown that the num-ber and intensity of high quality rela-tionships in young people’s lives islinked to a broad range of positiveoutcomes, including increased stu-dent engagement, improved academ-ic motivation, better grades, higheraspirations for the future, civicengagement, more frequent partici-pation in college-preparatory classesand activities, and a variety of otherindividual outcomes. We also knowthat high-quality relationships arecharacterized as caring, supportive,meaningful, reciprocal, and resultingin young people’s sense of agency,belonging, and competence.”
Hispanic rally showered with blessingsby Alfredo Martinez
Approximately 350 peoplefrom 12 Hispanic corps andministries in theMetropolitan Division gath-
ered at the Chicago MayfairCommunity Church, Ill., Corps for aHispanic Soldiers’ Rally withCommissioners Torben and DeiseEliasen, international secretary andsecretary for women’s ministries forthe Americas and Caribbean Zone,respectively.The meeting was filled with joy
and excitement as the congregation
came together for worship. Itopened with a beautiful per-formance by a united chil-dren’s choir led by EricaJohnson. Carlos Moran, rep-resenting the MetropolitanDivisional Hispanic Council,welcomed the crowd, saying,“We are ready to receiveshowers of blessings tonight!”Lt. Colonel Ralph Bukiewicz,Metropolitan divisional com-mander, also welcomed thecongregation, thankedHispanic officers and leadersfor bringing their people, andgave the call to worship.
Among the evening’s highlightswas an inspiring performance by adance group from the Des Plaines,Ill., Corps, and a cheerful presenta-tion by the timbrel brigade from theChicago La Villita, Ill., Corps.Commissioner Paul R. Seiler, terri-
torial commander, introduced theEliasens. Subsequently,Commissioner Deise Eliasen sharedher testimony, comparing her life tothe transformation of a butterfly. Shethen urged those present to experi-ence this transformation in their livesas well. Commissioner TorbenEliasen delivered the message fromMatthew 16:13-18, drawing three
compelling main points and invitingthe congregation to come to thealtar for prayer. A beautiful sceneemerged as people sought God’spresence.“My husband and I experienced
repentance, freedom and healing aswe listened to the commissioner’smessage and came forward to thealtar,” said Laura Ortiz from theChicago Lawn, Ill., Corps.Following the worship service,
people enjoyed fellowship and deli-cious food prepared by the EastChicago, Ind., Corps.
Commissioner Torben Eliasen gives a com-pelling message.
Commissioners Torben and Deise Eliasen with newfriends Lt. Bersabe Vera and Astrid Carrion.
Scandinavians sing and make music in Rockford
Typhoon Haiyan elicits world, local response
3
by Lt. Colonel Marlene Chase
Aspirit of joyful cele-bration marked thebiennialScandinavian Jubilee
hosted by the RockfordTemple, Ill., Corps. The eventhighlights the history, faith andcontinuing contributions ofScandinavian Salvationists inthe Central Territory. The cele-bration drew friends frommany parts of the country andworld and featured ColonelsJan Peder and Birgit Fosen,chief secretary and territorial secre-tary for women’s ministries for theNorway, Iceland andFaeroes Territory.The theme from
Ephesians 5:19, “Singand Make Music inYour Heart to theLord,” was expressedthrough stimulatingmusic by many talent-ed singers and groups,including the RockfordTemple and NorthernDivisional brass bands,the Rockford TempleString Band, NorthernDivisional Praise Band,soloist Jude Gotrich,and pianist BramRader.Video clips of distin-
guished Scandinavianmusicians Kaleb
Johnson, Eric Leidzen, EmilSoderstrom, Lapp Lisa, the
Northlanders, theSunshine Singers, andMajors Robert andMinnie Alfveby werefeatured. Salutes weregiven to delegates rep-resenting the manycorps in the territoryformerly part of theScandinavian Division,as well as toScandinavians promot-ed to Glory since 2011.Swedish sisters AnnaRedmond and BirgitPreston providedcomedic sketchesthroughout the week-end, and a video histo-ry and salute toShagbark Campbrought back a host ofmemories.
Inspiring testimonies and challeng-ing messages kept steadfast faith inChrist central to the Jubilee. ColonelJan Peder Fosen’s heart-warmingmessages included a challenge to“Come and See” and affirmed theArmy doctrines of transformationand holiness.Commissioners Paul R. and Carol
Seiler, Central territorial leaders,were present for the concluding holi-ness meeting on Sunday that drew acapacity crowd.Jubilee delegates took advantage of
a Central Territory Historical
Museum display, a ResourceConnection store, and a musicroom featuring history and contri-butions of Scandinavian artists.Swedish pancake breakfasts and agrand smörgåsbord at nearbyStockholm Inn were served, andcolorful Scandinavian flags and cos-tumes abounded.The 24-member committee for
planning and preparation was head-ed by Rockford Temple CorpsOfficers Majors Steve and ChristineMerritt and chairman Milton E.Nelson.
More than four million sur-vivors were displaced inearly November byTyphoon Haiyan which sav-
aged the central Philippines and killedmore than 5,200 people. In the hardesthit Leyte and Antique provinces andthe Visayas Islands region, hundredsof thousands were left without homes,clean water, food or power.Colonel Wayne Maxwell,
Philippines territorial commander,said Salvationists were on the groundin many affected areas providingwhatever assistance they could imme-diately after the storm. Prepared fordisasters, the territory had seven tonsof food warehoused and ready fordistribution along with a standingcommitment from the Philippine AirForce to transport food, water, med-ical personnel and supplies in emer-gency situations. But, the magnitudeof this event was unprecedented.
“Despite all our planning, one ofour major needs was for professionalemergency response expertise,” saidColonel Maxwell, who requestedimmediate assistance fromInternational Emergency Services.International relief worker DamarisFrick assessed the situation region byregion and worked with other agen-
cies to ensure coor-dinated responses.“This [storm] was
worse than thosesuffered [here] inrecent years withmajor logisticalissues in gettingrelief items towhere they weremost needed,” saidDamaris. “Worst-hit areas wereimpossible to reachby road, and manycommunities hadno means of mak-ing contact with
the rest of the country.”More than 54 tons of food,
water, medical supplies andother essentials comprised thefirst airlifted shipments toTacloban, Leyte’s largest city,in spite of damaged runwaysand no power at its airport.Helicopters from the U.S. mil-itary and commercial shipsalso delivered much-neededsupplies to remote areas.Response teams within
affected regions used TheSalvation Army’s extensive connec-tions to organize road transport forfood, water and other essentials.Beyond meeting survivors’ physicalneeds, response teams also focusedon emotional and spiritual care. Aidwas also provided to scores of evac-uees in Cabu and Manila.“Now we’re preparing for the long
term and looking for opportunities tohelp survivors return to some sem-blance of normality,” Damaris added.General André Cox issued an inter-
national call for prayer and financialsupport, to which many territoriesreplied with an infusion of urgentlyneeded funds.The Central Territory gave an ini-
tial $100,000 in support of reliefefforts and sent Matthew Beatty,corps assistant at the Kansas CityNorthland, Mo., Corps and formerlay-missionary in the Philippines, toserve as a member of theInternational Emergency Servicesteam. He’s a trained emergency dis-aster services worker and commer-cial pilot who speaks the Filipino lan-
guage, holds aFilipino driver’slicense and ownscommunicationsequipment alreadyprogrammed tooperate on Philippines governmentprivate frequencies.The Eastern Michigan Division
(EMI) launched a fundraising effortspearheaded by Major Romeo Alip,divisional Filipino ministry directorand formerly divisional commanderfor the Visayas Islands in ThePhilippines Territory. ColonelDennis Strissel, EMI divisional com-mander, and the major met with 50members of the Filipino AmericanCommunity Council to ask them todonate to the Phillipines reliefefforts through The Salvation Army.Impressed with how the Army wasmeeting the country’s needs, allgroups pledged support.
Pictured (l to r) in back row are Jude Gotrich, Lt. Colonels Marvin and Bodil Dahl,Lt. Colonels Rebecca and Daniel Sjögren, Commissioner Birgitta Nilson, and Majors Bettyand Sidney Anderson; in front row are Major Steve Merritt, Colonels Jan Peder and BirgitFosen, and Major Christine Merritt.
Anna Redmond and Birgit Preston provide comical skits.
Sophia Rodriguez welcomesguests from Sweden.
Major Romeo Alip givesa media interview.
Colonel Wayne Maxwell (top center) directs emergency distributions.
Salvationist Nunita Salvador lost her home.
A major offers emotional support.
will call upon the Lord.” From thestart, there was a sense of oneness aswe whispered the words and calledupon the Lord. God was using music
to create acommuni-ty out of aroom full offriends andstrangers alike.Bandmaster
William Himesnoted this would be
Lt. Colonel Richard Vander Weele’sfinal Sounds of the Seasons concertas the band’s executive officer, andthe band stood in gratitude for hisyears of involvement and commit-ment to the band’s ministry.Introducing the concert as a bridge
between the Thanksgiving holidayand Christmas celebrations, Himesthen set the themes: thanksgivingand praise. Each band selection drewthis new community closer together.We marveled at the contrasting solosby Ben Kinzie, a swing style ontrumpet, and Paul Bowyer, a classicalstyle on Eb tuba. We were lifted byjoyful sounds inMission Force andNicely Saved which drove home thatthe CSB is a brass band.Sara Groves performed two sets.
Christmas carols set to original tunescharacterized the first. Performedwith the CSB, the set’s final song,“Why it matters,” was a balladdescribing a Bosnian cellist’s “protestof beauty” in response to the tragedyof war. It spoke of hope in a difficultworld—the very message ofChristmas.The first half concluded with Eric
Ball’s epic tone poem, Song ofCourage, which Himes dedicated toJaney Hult, his long-time administra-tive assistant and friend who is bat-tling cancer. The music called us to“Stand like the brave with our face tothe foe.”
We’re all one Army
God’s timing and provisionproved perfect again on arecent Chicago Staff Band(CSB) trip.
Saving the Army hundreds of dol-lars in freight, retired TerritorialHeadquarters (THQ) employee BobHerbert volunteered to drive theband’s instruments and equipment toOmaha, Neb., to meet up with themusicians the next day when theyarrived by plane. But only a fewhours into the trip, the truck brokedown just outside of Davenport, Iowa.A stream of urgent calls circled
between Bob, Marty Kuhlin in theTHQ property department, band sec-retary Ron Shoults and BandmasterBill Himes. “Give me a few minutes,”said Bill. “I have an idea.” He dialedthe Davenport Adult RehabilitationCenter and asked for the administra-tor. “Just a minute, he’s walking rightby,” came the response. Captain AlexVelasquez listened to the plight—could a few of his men help Bob, 75,
by moving the instruments fromthe THQ truck to a rental?“Bob Herbert?” asked the captain.
“I know him. We were in rehabtogether!” He went further. Noneed to rent a truck, they’d get Boband the THQ truck and move theequipment to one of theirs whichthey’d loan him to take to Omaha.They’d fix the THQ truck and haveit ready on Bob’s way back. Theband’s ministry was still on.“That’s awfully nice of you,”
remarked Bill.“Well,” said the captain. “We’re
all one Army.”One Army, indeed!
CSB concert creates community4
by Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Smith
Arriving at WheatonCollege’s Edman Chapelfor the Chicago Staff Band(CSB) Sounds of the
Seasons concert, it was obvious thecrowd was going to beexceptional. I couldn’tfind a parking spot; Iwasn’t surprised. Pairingvocalist and songwriterSara Groves with theCSB is a recipe for onegreat concert. On that,more than 2,100 of usagreed.
The music started right on time.The opener Round-Up, in the styleof every western theme you’ve everheard, featured the familiar chorus “I
PhotosbyRickVogeney
During inter-mission thisconcert commu-nity wasenriched assmall groups offriends, old andnew, visited
throughout the building.The second half featured more
solos, Major Tim Meyer on flugeland Shaun Thomas on euphonium,which pulled us together again.Sara Groves sang another set,“Angels we have heard on high” and“Toy Packaging,” a lighthearted orig-inal piece decrying the challenge ofgetting a toy out of the packagingon Christmas. She concluded withher song, “He’s always been faith-ful,” accompanied by the band.This was the spiritual center of theevening. In the devotional whichfollowed Commissioner Paul R.Seiler, territorial commander,reminded us thankfulness is a mat-ter of perspective and called us toembrace the message of the song.Following the band’s exciting
finalé, Exultate Deo, the congrega-tion joined Sara Groves and theCSB to sing, “O come all ye faith-ful.” In prayer, Colonel VanderWeele summed up the evening, “Wecame expecting a concert, but weare leaving having worshippedtogether.”
A professional CD recording featuringthe CSB and Sara Groves is available for$15 each, plus $5 shipping and handlingfor orders of any quantity to the sameaddress. Specify quantity, address andpayment information (Visa andMasterCard accepted) to: Chicago StaffBand, The Salvation Army, 10 W.Algonquin Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60016. Ifpaying by credit card, order online atwww.chicagostaffband.org, or by phone:847-294-2133 or fax: 847-227-5033.
Women’s Ministries Leadership Conference guests
Ultimately, it’s ensuring peo-ple have a safe place theycan be served, and it assistsour ministry in being effec-
tive. It builds trust; trust with people,trust with communities,” said MeganOlson, territorial Safe from Harmdirector.A unique safety program that pro-
tects children and vulnerable adults,Safe from Harm (SFH) has been theterritory’s policy since 2001. In the lastyear a new reporting policy and cen-tralized structure has been introduced.This not only affects the flow of infor-mation but opens a door that allowsfor sooner involvement at the territori-al level. It incorporates a toll-free hot-line (1-855-846-3330) and a dedicatedwebsite (www.sfhreports.com).According to Megan, Safe from
Harm not only speaks to theArmy’s commitment to the peopleit ministers to but to its own per-sonnel as well.For Megan, it’s not only a job but
a passion, albeit one she stumbledinto after a nudge from the HolySpirit. In hindsight, she believes itis a mission she was made for—pro-tecting the least of these. “Lookingback I was always standing up forthe weak person being bullied,”said Megan.Growing up with a Methodist
background, she met Erik Olsonduring college, and thereby TheSalvation Army. She not only fell inlove with the guy but the Christianorganization his family has beencommitted to for four generations.Being a soldier naturally merged
her faith anddesire to helpothers.After seven
years workingas a speechpathologist,she felt dis-content. Onenight surfingthe web lastyear, Meganserendipitous-ly came acrossa job descrip-tion for Safefrom Harmprogram direc-tor. It resonat-ed with her.
She hopes theprogram will res-onate with oth-ers, too. “I hopeour personnelwill look at theprograms they’reinvolved in andask, ‘Would Iwant to leave mykid or parenthere?’” saidMegan. “Part ofthe Army’s mis-sion is meetinghuman needs inChrist’s name.Safety is a basicneed, and it affects our ability tomeet other needs fully, holistically. Ifwe have an urgent sense of buildingthe Kingdom of God, we must payattention to this. It’s easy to losetrust and hard to get it back.”In her capacity, Megan provides
consultation, plan-ning and programdevelopment andresources; con-ducts training, pro-gram evaluationsand compliancereviews; operatesthe reporting hot-line; and main-tains a database oftrained personnel.Instead of “safe-
ty cop,” she hopespeople see her as acheerleader andSafe from Harm asa positive compo-
nent of their ministry. She envisionsa time when there will be manySFH cheerleaders in the territory,when well-thought-out safety willbe second nature and in the fore-front of people’s minds. It’s a mis-sion she’s committed to.
Women from aroundour territory won’twant to miss theTerritorial Women’s
Ministries Leadership Conference,October 16-19, 2014, with itsdiverse and interesting line-up ofguests.
Mindy CaliguireMindy
Caliguire isthe founderof SoulCare, aspiritualformationministrythat existsto increase“soulhealth” inthe body ofChrist. Sheis theExecutive Director for EngageInternational and previouslyserved for the Willow CreekAssociation. Mindy contributes toLeadership and Conversationsjournals and has authored numer-ous books on spiritual formation.Mindy will lead us in exploringsimple yet profound ways to tend
our souls, essential to being whoGod created us to be and to hav-ing a transformational effect onour world.
Commissioner Carol SeilerIt’s espe-
cially fittingthatCommis-sioner CarolSeiler joinsus for thisconference—not onlybecause shehelps leadour territoryas presidentof women’sministriesbut because she’s a huge propo-nent of women in leadership. Shevalues higher education and hardwork and has a practical approachto ministry, intent on making herdays count for God’s Kingdom.She has been instrumental in intro-ducing exciting initiatives, likeSTEPs and Pathway of Hope, tothe territory. During the Sundaymorning worship service, you’llfind her speaking marked by pas-sion and straight talk.
Hālau Hula Ka Lei o ka HakuMeaning “the lei of the Lord” this
Hawaiian and Pacific Islands divi-sional group was initiated to shareGod’s love and to worship Himthrough the art of hula. Led byDasia Rodriguera, these 12 ladies
represent corps from Oahu, Mauiand the big island of Hawaii.They have performed at Armyevents throughout the UnitedStates.
Bill Booth Theater CompanyFor over 10 years
our territory’s ownBill Booth TheaterCompany has broughta varied repertoire ofdrama, music andcomedy to concerts,conferences, servicesand retreats through-out North America.This October they’resure to delight withanother original pro-duction.
Safe from Harm. It’s about protecting people, protecting the mission.
Safe from Harm protects themission
5
“
6
The Water of Life
“The water is not good inthis pond. We collect itbecause we have no alterna-tive. All the animals drinkfrom the pond as well asthe community. Because ofthe water we are getting dif-ferent diseases.”—Zenebech Jemel,Chobare Meno, Ethiopia
This year our territory is focusing on the waysThe Salvation Army is answering the need ofthe world for pure water, both physically andspiritually. Get acquainted with the issuethrough this feature and learn more by viewingthe Into the World video series to be releasedin February and visiting centralmissions.org.Then, pray about what you might give andhow you can get involved.
This year our territory is focusing on the waysThe Salvation Army is answering the need ofthe world for pure water, both physically andspiritually. Get acquainted with the issuethrough this feature and learn more by viewingthe Into the World video series to be releasedin February and visiting centralmissions.org.Then, pray about what you might give andhow you can get involved.
This year our territory is focusing on the waysThe Salvation Army is answering the need ofthe world for pure water, both physically andspiritually. Get acquainted with the issuethrough this feature and learn more by viewingthe Into the World video series to be releasedin February and visiting centralmissions.org.Then, pray about what you might give andhow you can get involved.
This year our territory is focusing on the waysThe Salvation Army is answering the need ofthe world for pure water, both physically andspiritually. Get acquainted with the issuethrough this feature and learn more by viewingthe Into the World video series to be releasedin February and visiting centralmissions.org.Then, pray about what you might give andhow you can get involved.
• 783 million people do nothave access to safe, cleandrinking water.
• This represents 2.5 timesthe population of theUnited States!
• Additionally, 2.5 billionpeople live without prop-er sanitation.
Access to Clean Water
Around the world theresponsibility for collectingwater is held by:
Women 64%Men 24%Girls 8%Boys 4%
In Kenya, 25% of the pop-ulation spends more than30 minutes on a water col-lection trip. Water collectorsoften travel alone carrying40 pounds of water, leavingthem vulnerable to injuryor attack.
Water Collection
Kenya East Territory
Many of the 700 corpsand outposts in the KenyaEast Territory are located inarid and semi-arid environ-ments which experiencechronic water supply prob-lems. By harvesting andstoring rainwater when it isavailable, corps and com-munity members have con-
venient access to a cheap,clean source of water. Thewater tanks lessen some ofthe burdens of daily lifeand reduce the incidence ofill health from consumingunclean water. Also, in loca-tions where the water tanksare in place there has beenan increase in attendance atcorps programs.
Community Water Tanks
“TO THE THIRSTY I WILL GIVE WATER WITHOUT COST FROM THE SPRING OF THE WATER OF LIFE.”REVELATION 21:6
7
“The conditions are terri-ble. There is sewage every-where. It pollutes ourwater. Most people usebuckets and plastic bags fortoilets. Our children sufferall the time from diarrheaand other diseases because
it is so filthy.”—Mary Akinyi,Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya
Across the globe nearly4,000 children die each dayfrom unsafe water and lackof basic sanitation facilities.
Water Crisis Impact on Children
“Of course I wish I werein school, I want to learn toread and write…But howcan I? My mother needs meto get water.”—Yeni Bazan,age 10, El Alto, Bolivia
Time spent collectingwater is time children missout on educational opportu-nities. When clean waterinitiatives are in place, chil-dren, especially girls, aremore likely to attend schooland learn to read and write.
Educational Impact of Water Tanks
Rizal, Philippines
The Joyville Children’sHome is a residential safehome for children, ages7-18, who have previouslylived on the streets orhave experienced physicalabuse. The home providesits residents with accom-modations, nutritious food,health care, education,spiritual guidance, coun-seling, love and purewater for drinking, cook-ing and washing laundryby hand.
125th anniversary celebrations.On Sunday morning at the
corps, the CSB continued itsmusical ministry. BandmasterWilliam Himes delivered themessage. “We’ve been left with aliving legacy…and it’s up to us tocontinue [it] for the next genera-tion and generations to come,” hesaid.Other highlights of the morn-
ing included Major Evie Diaz,Heartland divisional commander,presenting a commemorative125th anniversary flag to thecorps and lively performances bythe corps’ dance team, “Steppin’for His Glory,” and its singing com-pany. Many former corps membersand corps officers were in atten-dance.According to Captains Wesley and
Susan Dalberg, corps officers, therewill be many more anniversaryevents to come during the corps’125th year. “This weekend set thetone for all of the celebrations to fol-low!” said Captain Wes.The first Salvation Army meetings
in Decatur were held in a second-story hall over a dry goods store nearthe town’s center in October 1888.“In the years since, the corps moved
from place to place and innovativeprograms and services were begunand adapted over the years to meetthe community’s changing needs. Along progression of officers, layleaders and soldiers worked tireless-ly to win the lost and build theKingdom in Decatur,” Captain Wescontinued.Today the corps continues to
serve its community. A buildingand service expansion has benefitedresidents of its 30-bed men’s shel-ter, which expands its sleepingarrangements to 55 or more menduring cold weather months.
Women’s min-istries regularlyattracts 80-100women eachweek and 40-50youth attendcharacter-build-ing programs.And, the corpsrecently hired ayouth develop-ment coordina-tor as part ofthe territorialGood Soil initia-tive.
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The territory’s Mission andPurpose weekend was sopowerful it will live in thehearts of Salvationists and
have a lasting effect on their min-istry. Delegates from across the terri-tory gathered at the beautiful GrandRapids, Mich., Ray and Joan KrocCorps Community Center to“Explore the Possibilities” of ministryin The Salvation Army.Roles of delegates varied from sol-
diers and volunteers to adult rehabili-tation center residents and employees.Each chose from a plethora of work-shops to help them see how theymight fit in the endless opportunitiesfor service in the Army. Workshopsincluded the Pathway of Hopeapproach, the Stop-It initiative againsthuman trafficking, social media,social justice, mission in a changingworld, mission in the Word, missionaround the world and the Church.
“I have received clarity on beinga Salvationist and what God wantsus to do,” said Jeffrey Macon, whowith his wife Tiffany, is a relativelynew attendee at the Bloomington,Ind., Corps. “We are to become sol-diers, and if that leads to being offi-cers, so be it!”During plenary sessions delegates
were led in worship by The SingingCompany and challenged by Biblemessages. Guest Dr. Soong-ChanRah, professor at North ParkTheological Seminary, was especial-ly moving as he spoke from Haggaiabout God’s presence in the rubbleof our lives.“We worshipped, sang praises to
our Holy God, prayed together andleft the conference with a renewedsense of purpose,” concluded MajorCarol Wurtz, territorial corps mis-sion and adult ministries secretary.
MAP explores possibilities
International College for Officers
Major Catherine ThielkeSession 220January 15 - February 24
Members of the singing company strike a pose in their capes.
Dr. Soong-Chan Rah
Tiffany and Jeffrey Macon
A golden opportunityby Jackie Rachev
Banfield Charitable Trust hasawarded the Chicago areaGolden Diners SeniorNutrition Program a $2,500
grant to expand a program that dis-tributes pet food to homeboundseniors. Volunteers are delivering petfood to more than 100 seniors andtheir 187 pets quarterly.According to the American
Association of Retired Persons (AARP),almost 9 million seniors either skipmeals or purchase low-quality food tomake their food supply last longer.Golden Diners volunteers also report
their clients share meals with pets,which is why the program haslaunched pet-food deliveries.“These pets prevent seniors from
experiencing isolation,” said MajorKen Nicolai, Golden Diners pro-gram director. “They help keepthem alert and are good compan-ions for them. That is why wewanted to find a way to help themfeed their pets and make sure thesenior is getting all the nutrition intheir Golden Diners hot, homedelivered meals. Seniors shouldn’thave to choose between a nutritiousmeal for themselves or their pets.”
Each year more than5,000 seniors in Kaneand McHenry countiesare served by theGolden Diners program.Golden Diners deliversmore than 800 mealsevery day. Homeboundseniors receive a friend-ly visit and a hot, nutri-tious meal delivered byThe Salvation Army. Thevisit also serves as adaily wellness check.The program helps pre-vent malnutrition forseniors, as well as avoidinstitutional care for aslong as is safely possi-ble. Golden Diners’ con-gregate meals and well-ness checks also allevi-ate seniors’ isolation.Since 2004 Banfield
Charitable Trust hasbeen helping vulnerablepet owners, such ashomebound seniors, theunemployed and the dis-abled, who benefit fromthe companionship andsupport of their pet.
Commissioner Paul R. Seiler, territorial commander, enrolls 24 soldiers and adherents.
9
It was the corps that almost was-n’t—until Phil and Gail Barrettcame along. The Brown County,Ind., Corps had opened in the
picturesque, tourist town ofNashville, Ind., in 2006. Two yearslater it was about to be turned into aservice extension unit; only a hand-ful of people had been attendingworship.Today this non-traditional corps,
under the Barretts’ leadership ascorps administrators, has a vibrantand growing congregation of 120people, all new to the Army. Afterthey’ve been exposed to the Army’smission and ministry, many regularattendees request enrollment as sol-diers or adherents. This past fall 14more senior soldiers and 10 adher-ents were enrolled.Although the Barretts don’t pres-
sure people to be enrolled or empha-size the wearing of uniforms, interestin uniforms began to increase after30 corps people attended last June’sFamily Congress weekend to see thecommissioning of the Barretts’daughter and son-in-law, now Lts.Tim and Julie Perkins.The sight of thousands of soldiers
wearing uniforms captivated thegroup. Realizing the corps is connect-ed to a larger whole, they wanteduniforms, too. The ball really gotrolling the following Sunday whenone lady wore a uniform blouse tochurch and caused a sensation! “Ittook on a life of its own,” said Phil ofthe uniform-ordering phenomenon.Interest in The Salvation Army in
Brown County as a church hasgrown each year. “As a church wehad little to offer at the start. I toldour little congregation, ‘I’ll preachthe Word, and you be friendly!’”said Phil. “It was important thetown understand we’re a churchfirst and foremost; many peopleregarded going to the Army as astigma for needing help.”Now more than one-eighth of
Nashville’s population attends thecorps. Its people are encouraged tonot only know who they are inChrist but what they can do as min-isters of Christ, community out-reach in particular. A county surveyshowed the Army is now the mostreferred-to assistance source byother agencies, organizations andchurches.In addition to usual seasonal out-
reach opportunities, corps peopleeach year man a 30-foot long Armyinformation booth at the BrownCounty Fair and host an annualblock party at which more than1,000 people enjoy entertainment,refreshments, pony rides and a pet-ting zoo. And, this past fall thecorps introduced “Fallapalooza!”Although the corps has grown, a
real sense of family remains, saidPhil. Small groups have begun tosprout and, on Thursday nights, upto 60 youth (grades 6-12) come for ameal, group worship and recre-ation. Equipment and activities areoften shared with youth groups ofother churches, as was vacationBible school for the first time lastsummer; it attracted 125 children!
Coloring outside the lines
I had to learn that God will guideme and give me what I need, notalways what I want. I had to learn totrust God even though I can’t see theoutcome.Shawn’s corps officers are Majors
James and Valerie McDowell.
NewlyacceptedcandidateShawn D. LankfordGrand Rapids Fulton HeightsCitadel, Mich., CorpsWestern Michigan / NorthernIndiana DivisionI was brought up in a Christian
home with a father who is an ordainedminister. Although he never pastored achurch, it played a large role in myupbringing. I became saved when Iwas 12 and came to really understandwhat it means to be a Christian.I was first called to ministry when I
was 19. Though I wasn’t ready forfulltime service, I believed God want-ed me to prepare for future ministry.However, I ignored my calling forabout five years until I attendedRegeneration in 2012. There I finallymade the commitment to follow Godand put my complete trust in Him.That is also when I was called specifi-cally to officership. It took about ninemonths before I shared my callingwith my corps officers.
Continued from page 1Policy changesTo further facilitate growth in the
area of leadership appointments forwomen, a committee will convene toconsider how traditional women’sroles may be addressed, specificallywith the intention of promoting vitalministry to women while openingthe door for leadership development.3. A specific plan to identify anddevelop both emerging andexisting leaders will be estab-lished.This requires a leadership develop-
ment approach, initially designed tofocus on women officers, but whichwould eventually expand to includeall officers. We need skilled leaderswho have the training and motivationto move the mission of the Army for-ward. In the next year, officer devel-opment secretaries will be appointedto at least four divisions for the pur-pose of working directly with officersas an advocate and coach.
4. A defined consultative processfor all officers regardingappointments and roles willbe developed.In order to intentionally place
officers in appointments accordingto skills and abilities, administra-tion will take advantage of addedopportunities for intentional discus-sion with officers. The secretary forpersonnel is working on an expand-ed process for officer servicereviews which will include expand-ed discussions and a broader oppor-tunity for officer input. A morecomprehensive appointmentprocess is one of the outcomes ofthis recommendation.Today, women officers are
pleased to be considered equal part-ners in the salvation war. May Godbless us as we move forward to useofficers in the best possible way forthe glory of God and His Kingdom.Dqawn Smith accepts food for his grandfather’s pets.
10
by Lynne Williams
Sunday morning at theSoutheast Michigan AdultRehabilitation Center (ARC)in the heart of Detroit starts
bright and early. Program partici-pants from both the men’s andwomen’s campuses attend Biblestudy at 8:00 a.m. While they arereceiving this teaching, somethingelse just as wonderful is happening.The chapel is beginning to fill withattendees from around the city.Worship here has become conta-
gious! In fact, this ARC has thelargest Sunday morning worship ser-vice attendance in the territory, aver-aging nearly 700 each week. Onemay suspect the large attendance isfrom participation of beneficiaries,but they only make up about 50 per-cent. The other half is attracted tothe service because they find some-thing special—the Holy Spirit.“Our ARC program participants
have been instrumental in helping usto grow the church. Still, we recog-nize that there are a great many
attending that do not have drug oralcohol addictions,” said EnvoyMerle Miller, Southeast MichiganARC administrator. “We see our-selves as a church in recovery fromsin. And we have all sinned.”Services begin with lively praise
led by the ARC Singers who encour-age everyone to participate fully—and they do! People express theirlove for the Lord boldly. “It’s our[the congregation’s] enthusiasm andGod’s presence—and the fact thatwe can bring hope through theArmy’s consistent message—thatkeeps us coming back,” said ElsieWebb. Elsie initially came to theARC worship service to supportsomeone in the program and laterbecame a senior soldier.People come for a variety of other
reasons. Some, who’ve received helpfrom The Salvation Army, want toserve here in return. New SalvationArmy employees hear about the ser-vice and come to check it out. Stillothers in treatment at other facilitiescome to be fed spiritually on
Sundays. Whatever the reason,they’re all welcome.Sylvia Penn spent a year listening
to her friend’s coaxing to experiencethe ARC’s worship service. “I used totell her, ‘I’m not in recovery.’”Finally, she gave it a try. “I couldn’thave received a stronger confirma-tion if Jesus had told me Himself thatthis was where He wanted me tobe,” she said. Now, she never misses.The service has doubled in size
since 2002. Then the chapel onlycould accommodate 300. When theARC was renovated in 2006, chapelspace was expanded. Now, it’s nearcapacity again. Ushers gratefully addchairs around the sanctuary, andsometimes worshipers even praiseGod from the foyer.The ARC attributes the growth to
the joy people experience. “The Lordis truly present in our service andthose who come here really feel andknow His touch,” said Mary Latta,soldier and prayer warrior. “They thengo out and share this experience with
friends and loved ones who, in turn,want to experience His sametouch—they want the Lord to do thesame things in them that they seeHim doing in us. So they come. Andthey keep coming.” And the worshipservice keeps growing.Starting promptly at 9:00 a.m.,
the service lasts until about 11:30a.m. Soldiers contribute in manyways like the call to worship,responsive reading and prayer.After the meeting, everyone is invit-ed to the dining room to enjoy awonderful, hot meal and fellow-ship.I John 1:7 (NIV) says, “But if we
walk in the light, as he is in thelight, we have fellowship with oneanother, and the blood of Jesus, hisSon, purifies us from all sin.” Nodoubt, the Southeast Michigan ARCis drawing those seeking Christ,walking in the light and spreadingthe good news of the gospel. As thegrowth shows, they just can’t keepit to themselves!
Joyful worship contagious in Detroit
ARC Singers lead the congregation in joyful worship.
Holiness in thetemple, our bodyby Lt. Colonel Daniel SjögrenTerritorial Ambassador for Holiness
As I travel theterritory forministry ithas become
more obvious to methat I need to have con-trol over my physicalbody and appetites.Paul writes in ICorinthians 9:27(NIV1984): “No, I beatmy body and make itmy slave so that after Ihave preached to oth-ers, I myself will not bedisqualified for the prize.”In order to pursue holiness, I must
recognize my body is the temple ofthe Holy Spirit and I am to glorifyGod with it. Our physical bodies andnatural desires were created by Godand are not sinful in themselves.However, I find that left uncon-trolled they are at war with my soul.I want, as Paul says, for my body tobe my slave, not my master.Each one of us has the privilege of
presenting our bodies as a living andholy sacrifice, acceptable to God,
and to not be conformedto the world. (Romans12:1-2) Perhaps we allshould examine our-selves as to our bodiesbeing the temples of theHoly Spirit.Just recently I was
describing David’s temp-tation with Bathshebaand said he should have
“pulled the shades,” to which mywife replied, “He should have runthe other way.”It is my desire to flee any tempta-
tion and not give sin an opportunityto take hold in my life.God expects us to assume our
responsibility for keeping sinfuldesires of the body under control.We cannot do this in our ownstrength. Let’s claim Paul’s declara-tion, “I can do everything throughHim who gives me strength”(Philippians 4:13, NIV 1984).
New senior soldiers enrolled by Commissioners Paul R. and Carol Seiler pose for a photo of thishappy day. Pictured: (l to r) Envoy Merle Miller, Carrie Love, Sherry Herned, Gregory Sutton, EveStevenson, Commissioner Paul Seiler, John Donaldson, Darrell Wisdom, Jacqulynn Idzior, RobertIdzior, Jerome Jackson, Matthew Miller, James McSpadden and Commissioner Carol Seiler.
County Sheriff Scott Stephenson sinks a shot after the court’s dedication!
Kingdom building with sports
The sounds of bouncing basket-balls, tennis balls and volleyballsoutside the Midland, Mich.,Corps have been welcome addi-
tions to its neighborhood this past year.At the dedication of the multi-use sportscourt, made possible by the DowChemical Company, Captain BrianGoodwill, corps officer, said, “We wantthis space to be available for our commu-nity as a safe and fun place for kids andadults to be healthy and active. We alsowant to reach out and make investmentsin each of these people’s lives and souls.That’s what our real mission is all about.”The sports court proved to be a big
draw for community kids and adults.Over the fall, corps teens continued to
play on the outside court, whichattracted neighborhood kids whojoined in.Before Captains Brian and Katrina
Goodwill arrived at the corps in2012, their predecessors, CaptainsMatthew and Malinda O’Neil, initi-ated plans for the sports court. DowChemical awarded a grant to buildthe court, along with a commitmentto provide more than 100 employeevolunteers to engineer, obtain per-mits, procure materials and buildthe court, complete with fittings,lights and motion sensors. The vol-unteers also took care of a fewsmaller projects around the corps,like landscaping and painting!
February Prayer Calendar
Go to www.salarmycentral.orgIf you follow the prayer calendar in the next year, you will have read through the Bible!
The Muscatine, Iowa, Corpsinvited their community tojoin them in learning moreabout the issue of sex traf-
ficking and praying for victims ofthis modern-day scourge.During the eighth international
weekend of prayer and fasting forvictims of human trafficking, sol-diers and visitors paused at a seriesof prayer stations with the themes:places inundated by sex trafficking,justice for perpetrators, a reductionin demand, and the moral caseagainst participating in the systemby paying for sex.“We may not be able to stop sex
trafficking throughout the wholeworld, but we can make a differ-ence in one person’s life,” saidCaptain Kim Ray, corps officer.
Prayer fights trafficking
Midwest recovers from tornadoes
Salvation Army emergency disasterservices teams immediately beganproviding food, hydration, shelterand emotional and spiritual care
to thousands in the Midwest affected bysevere weather in mid-November. Sevenpeople died in Illinois when tornadoestore through the central part of the state,along with Indiana and Kentucky. Twopeople lost their lives in Michigan fromstorm-related conditions.In the Heartland Division, most of
the damage centered on the centralIllinois town of Washington where anunprecedented late-autumn F-4 torna-do destroyed or damaged thousands ofhomes and adjoining areas of TazewellCounty. Other towns suffering demol-ished houses, flooding and severewind damage included Pekin, Mortonand East Peoria.In Washington, the division fed up
to 3,000 people daily through five can-teens and a church kitchen. Five morecanteens expanded feeding into outly-ing areas. Officers, employees and vol-
unteers from Iowa, Indiana andMinnesota joined the relief effort.The division set up a multi-agencyresource center with other relieforganizations to provide a “one-stop” assistance center.More than 200 homes were dam-
aged (half were destroyed) in thetown of Brookport, where three ofthe Illinois fatalities occurred. Acanteen staffed by volunteers fromthe Midland Division and theKentucky/Tennessee Division (USASouthern Territory) provided relief.In the Indiana Division, hun-
dreds of survivors in Fountain City,Kokomo and Washington were fedby canteens from New Albany andIndianapolis. Assistance caseworkwas provided to individuals.In metropolitan Chicago damage
was intense but not widespread;Will County received the brunt ofthe damage. Canteens providednourishment and emotional andspiritual care for three days.
12
Primo junior soldiers
Promoted to GloryMrs. Brigadier L.E. (Ethel) Geer
After a long,rich life of serviceto her Savior, Mrs.Brigadier EthelGeer was promot-ed to Glory onOctober 19, 2013.She was 92.Ethel was com-
missioned as partof the “Crusaders”session in 1941. She and her husband,Brigadier LeClaire (Bud) Geer, were offi-cers in the Central Territory for morethan 45 years. During that time theywere blessed with three children andserved in 17 appointments. They retiredfrom the Rockford Adult RehabilitationCenter (ARC), where they oversaw thebuilding of a new residence.In retirement Ethel remained active
in ministry, including serving as thehome league secretary, and chaplain atthe St. Petersburg, Fla., ARC.Ethel was known as a “Crusader”
from the time of her commissioning,and many lives were changed becauseof her devotion to the Lord.Brigadier Ethel was preceded in
death by her husband, son Paul, andgranddaughter Heather Tejada. She issurvived by her children Brenda(David) Flatness and Rebecca(Douglas) Sterns; daughter-in-lawMarla Geer; eight grandchildren and23 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Major Annie (Nan) Metz
On October 8,2013, Mrs.Major Nan Metzwas promoted toGlory. She was85.Nan was born
in Detroit,Mich., to Josephand AnnieThomson.Raised in the Reformed Church ofAmerica, Nan accepted Christ in1941 at a young people’s convention.In 1950 she graduated from college
and taught elementary school for twoyears in the Detroit area. During thistime Nan felt called to fulltime min-istry. She started attending theDetroit Temple, Mich., Corps withher younger brother. Shortly there-after, she knew The Salvation Armywas where she should serve. She wascommissioned as an officer in 1953.In 1954 Nan married Lt. Ralph Metz,
and their marriage was blessed withthree daughters. They served in twocorps in the Eastern Michigan Divisionbefore serving in five men’s social ser-vice centers (now adult rehabilitationcenters). In 1988 she was appointedterritorial director of volunteers, anappointment she held until their retire-ment to Clearwater, Fla., in 1991.Major Nan was preceded in death
by her husband. She is survived by
her daughters, Cecyl Mehlberg,Nancy Metz and Carol Metz-Colestock; four grandchildren andfive great-grandchildren.
Major Shirley Younts
At age 77, Major Shirley Yountswas promoted to Glory on October25, 2013.Shirley was the sixth of 10 chil-
dren born to Robert and Maisie inEcorse, Mich. During Shirley’s child-hood her father was in and out ofprison, which led to a difficult homelife and Shirley’s own life problems.One Sunday night sitting at a tav-
ern, Shirley heard a Salvation Armyband playing outside. She followed itback to the corps and later attendeda service. The officer noticed Shirleyand shared the gospel with her. Shewas miraculously saved. Her sisterJan O’Dell, who was then a cadet,had been praying for her.
Shirley alsobecame an offi-cer, commis-sioned in 1964.She had a heartfor children thatgrew with everyappointment.Highlights fromher officershipincluded twodivisional youth secretary appoint-ments and being on staff in the ter-ritorial youth department.In 1997 she retired due to health
concerns. Even so, she continued toserve at her corps and territorialheadquarters.Major Shirley was preceded in
death by her parents and eight sib-lings. Jan died just 45 minutes afterShirley. She is survived by a broth-er-in-law and sister-in-law, manynieces and nephews and a goodfriend, Major Gloria Stepke.
It’s amazing what can happen injust one year!” exclaimed Lt.Dana Bigelow, Marion, Ind.,corps officer with her husband,
Jason. In 2013 seven junior soldierswere enrolled, and younger childrenare eagerly anticipating their turn.“They’d live at the corps if you let
them,” said Lt. Dana. “When TheSalvation Army is open, they want tobe here!”The Bigelows attribute the growth
to inviting children from the commu-nity to VBS. When the summer wasover, the children who attendedwanted to participate in character-building programs, which led toSunday morning worship, and thenthe music program. And before any-one knew it, the kids wanted tobecome junior soldiers!“What’s really neat about this group
of children isthat most ofthem do notcome from achurched back-ground, sothey’re beingintroduced tothe gospel,” saidLt. Jason.Jadelynn
Berry, 11, whoattends with hertwo sisters, said,“I like being apart of theArmy. I like how
they worship God and how theyteach the kids and adults about God.”Not only do the young people
want to be involved, they want toserve. In fact, they’re so eager tohelp on Sunday mornings, the lieu-tenants have instituted a “youth ser-vice” once a month where they doeverything from collecting offeringto reading scripture, and even some-times sharing a devotional.“The kids are so enthusiastic that
some of the adults are becomingmore motivated, too,” said Lt. Jason.During Sunday morning testimony
time the youth always want to share.“Sometimes it’s just a prayer that wasanswered, but they’re looking forGod working in their lives,” said Lt.Dana. “They seem to have a littlemore joy and a little more hope fortheir futures. It’s exciting to see.”
Lts. Jason and Dana Bigelow with some of their newest junior soldiers
(l to r) Lydia Welch, Jewelyanna Berry, Shantel Phifer and JadelynnBerry lead praise and worship.
