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 Volume 42, Number 12 December 2012 The Salvation Army / USA Central Territory News and Views from the Midwest “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) Singing companies up more than 50 percent singing companies in the ter- ritory, under the broader umbrella of Live Music in Worship in Every Corps by 2020. Since the effort began in August 2011, singing compa- nies are up by more than 50 percent, representing new groups formed and more participation in established ones. They now total 197. Worship Arts Retreat will emphasize singing company leadership and children’s music resources as part of this initiative. Also in January divisions will receive more details about the singing company competitions which will take place across the ter- ritory and result in the winning group from each division participat- ing in a massed singing company of more than 200 children at the “One Army, One Mission, One Message” Family Congress with General Linda Bond in St. Louis, Mo., June 7-9, 2013. T his season many corps around the territory are utiliz- ing the Christmas musical, “The Light before Christmas,” which was dis- tributed free of charge by the territorial worship and gospel arts department as part of the emphasis on Two comprehen- sive children’s music collections with accompani- ment CDs were provided to each one. “The singing company initiative has brought unity between the youth from our church programs and new kids who have begun attending,” said Lt. Dana Bigelow, Marion, Ind., corps officer. “It is more than a time to get together to sing, but a time where they can learn about what worship really means and fellowship together.” The Chicago Staff Band conducted two singing company leadership sem- inars during their weekend visits to the Heartland and Metropolitan divi- sions earlier in the year and follow- up training is scheduled for 2013. And next month the Territorial A Christmas Embrace Continued on page 2 and the older man ran to embrace the boy. “You thought you were lost, didn’t you? Well, I knew where you were all the time.” No scolding of the boy for wandering off. No embar- rassing lecture in front of strangers. No reprimand of any sort. For so many people Christmas time only accentuates their sense of lostness—of being alone in the crowd. The emphasis on family, happy memories, cele- bration and giving just reminds them of their isolation and that life has not been like that for them. Perhaps that is why The Salvation Army has made Christmas a major focus of its year. Perhaps that is why we father, saw where he was all the time and connected with him in a life-changing way. When criticized by the people because he was having a bite to eat with a “sinner” like Zacchaeus, Jesus declared emphati- cally that he had come into the world to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). Zacchaeus changed from the scheming deceiver that he was to a generous, responsible citizen. Why? Not because he was publicly shamed, reprimanded or made to feel like an outsider, but because Jesus was on the lookout for him. He gave him a sense of dignity. He knew he could be different. It is so important that we don’t get carried away with nostalgia by General Linda Bond T he small boy was obviously lost. Standing in the shop- ping mall with crowds of people rushing by, he looked terribly anxious, glancing all around for a familiar face. It was Christmas time and the worst time of year to be in the midst of a rushing crowd, dis- connected from a family member. Yet, standing beside The Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle, I could see what he could not—an elderly man standing not far away with eyes fixed on the boy. I thought to myself that this was his grandfather. Sure enough, their eyes met arrange special meals in the community, Christmas assistance and the giving of toys. We want to replace the sense of loss or meet the urgent need and dis- play the spirit of Christmas in the most practical ways. Yet in spite of all we do, we cannot fix broken lives or heal the deep wounds of the heart. Sometimes we are surprised to discover that the people who feel most lost in this Christmas maze are not the economi- cally strapped. Sometimes the hurt- ing, broken, lonely and lost are actu- ally the ones who appear to have it all together. The Bible tells a story of such a man—Zacchaeus. He was actually very prosperous. However, his pro- fession as a tax collector ostracized him. But Jesus, like the doting grand-
“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)
Singing companies upmore than 50percent
singing companies in the ter-ritory, under the broaderumbrella of Live Music inWorship in Every Corps by2020.Since the effort began in
August 2011, singing compa-nies are up by more than 50percent, representing newgroups formed and moreparticipation in establishedones. They now total 197.
Worship Arts Retreat will emphasizesinging company leadership andchildren’s music resources as part ofthis initiative.Also in January divisions will
receive more details about thesinging company competitionswhich will take place across the ter-ritory and result in the winninggroup from each division participat-ing in a massed singing company ofmore than 200 children at the “OneArmy, One Mission, One Message”Family Congress with General LindaBond in St. Louis, Mo., June 7-9,2013.
This season manycorps around theterritory are utiliz-ing the Christmas
musical, “The Light beforeChristmas,” which was dis-tributed free of charge bythe territorial worship andgospel arts department aspart of the emphasis on
Two comprehen-sive children’smusic collectionswith accompani-ment CDs wereprovided to eachone.“The singing
company initiativehas brought unitybetween theyouth from ourchurch programsand new kids whohave begunattending,” saidLt. Dana Bigelow,
Marion, Ind., corps officer. “It ismore than a time to get together tosing, but a time where they can learnabout what worship really meansand fellowship together.”The Chicago Staff Band conducted
two singing company leadership sem-inars during their weekend visits tothe Heartland and Metropolitan divi-sions earlier in the year and follow-up training is scheduled for 2013.And next month the Territorial
AChristmas Embrace
Continued on page 2
and the older man ran to embracethe boy. “You thought you were lost,didn’t you? Well, I knew where youwere all the time.” No scolding of theboy for wandering off. No embar-
rassing lecture in front ofstrangers. No reprimandof any sort.For so many people
Christmas time onlyaccentuates their senseof lostness—of beingalone in the crowd. Theemphasis on family,happy memories, cele-bration and giving justreminds them of theirisolation and that life hasnot been like that forthem. Perhaps that iswhy The Salvation Armyhas made Christmas amajor focus of its year.Perhaps that is why we
father, saw where hewas all the time andconnected with him ina life-changing way.When criticized by thepeople because he washaving a bite to eatwith a “sinner” like
Zacchaeus, Jesus declared emphati-cally that he had come into theworld to seek and to save the lost(Luke 19:10).Zacchaeus changed from the
scheming deceiver that he was to agenerous, responsible citizen. Why?Not because he was publiclyshamed, reprimanded or made tofeel like an outsider, but becauseJesus was on the lookout for him.He gave him a sense of dignity. Heknew he could be different.It is so important that we don’t
get carried away with nostalgia
by General Linda Bond
The small boy was obviouslylost. Standing in the shop-ping mall with crowds ofpeople rushing
by, he looked terriblyanxious, glancing allaround for a familiarface. It was Christmastime and the worst timeof year to be in the midstof a rushing crowd, dis-connected from a familymember. Yet, standingbeside The SalvationArmy’s Christmas kettle,I could see what hecould not—an elderlyman standing not faraway with eyes fixed onthe boy. I thought tomyself that this was hisgrandfather. Sureenough, their eyes met
arrange special meals inthe community,Christmas assistanceand the giving of toys.We want to replace thesense of loss or meetthe urgent need and dis-play the spirit ofChristmas in the most practical ways.Yet in spite of all we do, we cannot
fix broken lives or heal the deepwounds of the heart. Sometimes weare surprised to discover that thepeople who feel most lost in thisChristmas maze are not the economi-cally strapped. Sometimes the hurt-ing, broken, lonely and lost are actu-ally the ones who appear to have itall together.The Bible tells a story of such a
man—Zacchaeus. He was actuallyvery prosperous. However, his pro-fession as a tax collector ostracizedhim. But Jesus, like the doting grand-
2
by Lt. Colonel Richard AmickTerritorial Secretary for Business Administration
It is another busy season for TheSalvation Army, and how easilywe can grow weary in “Doingthe Most Good.” The needs are
many, resources limited, time insuf-ficient. How can we make a differ-ence?Life was tough for Sue and her
family. At 39, she had a heartattack and bypass surgery. A yearlater, her 15-year-old daughter,Ashley, was paralyzed as the resultof a car accident. Sue quit her jobto take care of Ashley. Bills piledup, and soon they’d face eviction.Sue was so angry with God that she
numbers we see at Christmas, noneis greater than one: Immanuel. Godwith us is truly the power of One. Ihave shared on a number of occa-sions the following poem:
One song can spark a moment,one flower can wake the dream.One tree can start a forest, one
bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,one handclasp lifts a soul.One star can guide a ship at sea,
one word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,one sunbeam can light a room.One candle can wipe out dark-
ness, one laugh can conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,one word must start each prayer.One hope will raise our spirits,
one touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wis-dom, one heart can know what’strue.One life can make the difference,
you see it’s up to you!
May we remember our Christmasmath during this season and thatHe is Immanuel, “God with us,”and with His help, each one of uscan make a difference in the livesof others. That is the Power of One.
Christmasmath
stopped praying.
Then came Christmas Eve. Ayoung lady knocked on Sue’s door,wished her a “Merry Christmas”and gave her an envelope. It con-tained a gift that would cover Sue’shousing needs for the next yearwith a note that read, “Pleaseaccept this gift in honor of the Manwhose birthday we celebrate onthis holy night. Long ago, His fami-ly also had a shelter problem.”
Jesus understood Sue’s troubles.He brought her hope and met herneeds through others. With all the
CentralConnectionTHE SALVATION ARMY10 W. Algonquin Road • Des Plaines, Illinois 60016847-294-2000WILLIAM BOOTHFounder
LINDA BONDGeneral
COMMISSIONER PAUL R. SEILERTerritorial CommanderMAJOR JOHN WILKINSCommunity Relations and Development SecretaryELIZABETH KINZIEEditorial DirectorANNE URBANEditor/WriterJACQUELYN BENTSONCommunications SpecialistFERN CALDWELLCirculation ManagerKENNETH ROMINGraphic Design and Production
Reflect,” a one-year Bible studyprogram thatencourages par-
ticipants to “reflect onGod’s Word so it canreflect in your life,” is aSpiritual LifeDevelopment emphasisbeing promoted in 2013.At the Spiritual Life
Summit this past summer,territorial leadersCommissioners Paul R.and Carol Seiler calledSalvationists to a renewedcommitment to studyGod’s Word, along withprayer and the pursuit ofChrist-likeness and God’swill.To help Salvationists
delve into God’s Word,the Central Territory haspartnered with TyndaleHouse Publishers to makeavailable “significant freeresources for corps toengage people in faithfulBible reading in 2013,”said Captain Carol Lewis,territorial spiritual lifedevelopment secretary.She continued, “Small
group leaders will appreciate theflexibility of the resources to intro-duce, build and maintain smallgroups and spiritually enrich partici-pants.”According to Bob Jones, Resource
Connection secretary, the freeresources can be used with any Bibleand are based on Tyndale’s dailyreading schedule from their best-sell-ing One Year Bible and One YearStudy Bible. The resources (for print-ing or email attachments) include anannouncement and monthly posters,weekly reading guides, weekly dis-cussion guides and a leader’s guide.To download resources, corps must
sign up with Tyndale at:www.ReflectPs119.com
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will callhim Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23, NIV.
GetConnected!Check out our complementary material on the web.www.usc.salvationarmy.org/getconnected
Resources/LinksWorship Arts retreat registration
One-year Bible study website
Worldwide prayer meeting website
World Missions PIM resource pages
Candidates’ webpages
Northern’s Rock the Red Kettle event
The General’s website
ExtrasThe Salvation Army in Spain
Interesting facts about Greenland
Megan Polsley’s first person experience inHungary
Start 2013 right!
“
Continued from page 1
when it comes to the Christmasstory. We can romanticize the sceneof Jesus’ birth and miss the powerof its message. God took on humanflesh, moved into our neighborhoodand spent His life in search of thosewho needed to reconnect with theirMaker.Maybe some of us would never
admit to being a lost soul, but wewould admit to a loss of our ideal-ism, values, faith or hope. Maybewe would even venture to admitthat we have lost much of our lovefor ourselves or others. It’s notsomething we declare to everyone.We may feel like the young boy,unnoticed by the crowd but franti-cally needing to be found. Well,friends, Christmas is about the com-ing of the Savior of the world—theloving Savior—the one who searchesout lost people, embraces them, andgives them the best sense of belong-ing they could ever imagine.
AChristmasEmbrace
In response to the General’sWorldwide Prayer Meeting(WWPM) initiative, Centralites havejoined Salvationists in every time
zone to encircle the globe with prayerthis past year. A letter this fall fromGeneral Linda Bond reported peopleare now participating in 132 countries.To mark the prayer initiative’s one-
year anniversary, an inspiring video hasbeen created and may be viewed online(salvationarmy.org/thegeneral/wwpm)or together as a corps by DVD. The
General hopes this will bewatched in every corps andcenter and that even morepeople will join this fellow-ship of prayer.To encourage participation
in the Central, divisionshave utilized a wide rangeof means, from Facebookpages and email blasts tosermon series, special prayerrooms and even a balloonlaunch with each balloon
carrying a prayer request. Somelocations have opened their chapelsfor early-morning prayer, whileother groups have met in homes orcoffee shops.“When we pray for our brothers
and sisters around the world, wedemonstrate our love and concernfor them and for the mission of ourglobal Army,” said Lt. ColonelDorothy Smith, territorial ambas-sador for prayer. “We also pray fora different Army country eachweek. And they are praying for us.Won’t we all be strengthened andblessed? Let’s continue to serveothers in prayer.”
Captain Carol Lewis and Bob Jones reviewthe “Reflect” study materials.
The Salvation Army Ray andJoan Kroc CorpsCommunity Center inOmaha, Neb., has received
two honors this year. It has beennamed 2012 Non-ProfitOrganization of the Year by theSarpy County Chamber ofCommerce and has won theAmerican Institute of Architects(AIA) Honor Award for Design.Being named non-profit of the
year by Sarpy County recognizesexcellent stewardship of resourcesand exceptional outcomes.“This is a tremendous honor. We
thank the Sarpy County Chamberof Commerce for the recognitionand ongoing support of our missionto help community members dis-cover their God-giventalents and developtheir abilities in afun, family-friendlyenvironment,” saidJonathan Kuebler,Kroc director of oper-ations.The AIA award for
ments included, “We need more ofthis in our cities. Great programand facility for community onlyserves to make neighborhood bet-ter.”At the Omaha Kroc Center, chil-
dren, adults, and families areinspired to discover their potentialthrough positive experiences inhealth and fitness, creative arts andeducation, sports and recreation,and spiritual enrichment.The center covers a six-block area
and includes a fitness center, aquat-ics center, gymnasium complex,assembly hall, fellowship hall, edu-cation center, learning center, out-door sports field complex, festivalplaza and commercial kitchen witha full-time executive chef.
OmahaKroc honored
3
It was through their service asadvisory board members thatmy wife, Patty, and her friend,Sandy Burke, originally started
recruiting bellringers at our church.However, it was seeing the gener-ous results that fellow board mem-ber David Fox and his father, Bill,achieved from their kettle matchingand sponsorship strategies thattruly inspired Patty and Sandy. In1997 they began what has growninto a successful kettle fundraisingeffort among a network of friends—our own, personal “army.”The strategy is simple and effec-
tive, both as a kettle fundraiser andas a Salvation Army Harbor Lightinformation broadcast. We and asmall group of friends ring at a ket-tle in our community, but—andhere’s the key—we also mail manyof our friends a letter asking them
to contribute to our kettle. The let-ter, which is drafted by HarborLight staff, talks about currentefforts and achievements at theshelter and requests donations viaan enclosed Salvation Army adopt-a-kettle contribution envelope.The mailing has grown over the
years to more than 200 friends andrealizes 100 donations that amount-ed to $60,000 just last year. Ourpassion is the Harbor Light Centerand so our kettle is—you guessedit—designated to the Harbor Light.As an added bonus, thanking peo-ple for their donations to our kettleprovides yet another opportunity totell about the wonderful achieve-ments of the folks at the HarborLight. The personal thank you letterincludes a brief update of how thecenter is doing, again drafted bystaff.
For those of us who arepassionate supporters of theArmy, the strategy is simple:identify friends who would beinterested in the good worksof the Army, get help draftinga letter to them, mail the mes-sage with the opportunity tocontribute via the pre-addressed return envelope,and enjoy the heart-warmingresults you’ll see happen!Compound your satisfactionwith a personal, SalvationArmy drafted thank you mes-sage to your friends. It is per-haps the greatest joy of all toshare with our friends the dif-ference their compassion andgenerosity has made in thelives of others.
Adopting theRightStrategy
SHARING OUR SUCCESSES
by John BaileyTwin Cities Advisory Board member
Swansons to lead the East
Centralites Chief of theStaff CommissionerBarry C. Swanson andWorld President of
Women’s MinistriesCommissioner Sue Swanson,have been appointed TerritorialCommander and TerritorialPresident of Women’sMinistries for the USA EasternTerritory, effective February 1,2013. Please pray for them asthey prepare to take up thesenew responsibilities.The new Chief of the Staff
and World President ofWomen’s Ministries will beCommissioners Andre andSilvia Cox, who currently leadthe United Kingdom Territorywith the Republic of Ireland.
John and Patty Bailey (r) man the kettle with theirfriends Bob and Barbara Ross.
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Don’t miss the weekend of hands-on workshops to help yourcorps bring Sunday to life—or life to Sunday—coveringvirtually every aspect of worship. For music and gospel artsleaders, officers and meeting leaders, present and potential.
encourage giving at this festive timeof year and highlight the work of TheSalvation Army before requesting thereading of the Christmas story. Santathen leads everyone into hisChristmas grotto for a photograph bythe fire which the kids take home ina handmade ornament. Multiple craftstations and even ‘Sleig-hay’ rideskeep the kids busy while they waitfor their photo.Several summer camp staff mem-
bers return to volunteer alongside theNational Honor Society of OxfordHigh School. Many of the communitychildren who come to the Christmasevent also have attended summer daycamps offered by Echo Grove, mak-ing it a wonderful time to reconnect.
by Mark McClenaghan
In December whenthoughts of summerare a distant memoryand as retreat min-
istry slows for the mudmonths, Echo GroveCamp in the EasternMichigan Division focus-es its attention on pro-viding Christmas com-munity cheer.Salvation Army youth
joined forces with youngadults of the Journeyintern program to partic-ipate in I’ll Fight Day inearly December.Coinciding with theOxford, Mich.,Christmas Parade, hun-dreds of participants andspectators take to thechilly downtown streetsto enjoy the festivity andare warmed with hotchocolate, coffee, cook-ies and a smile from our young war-riors. With a booth set up along theparade route and two golf carts beingconverted into mini-canteens, whichalso were featured in the parade, thelocal communities appreciate thepresence of The Salvation Army.The festivity continues the follow-
ing weekend as more than 400 peo-ple attend Breakfast with Santa atEcho Grove. This event provides arelaxed, spirit-filled opportunity forchildren and their families to enjoy aChristmas celebration. A deliciousall-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, fol-lowed by a visit with St. Nick,delights both kids and parents alike.During a short program the chil-
dren gather on stage to hear Santa
During the Christmas season we work ‘round-the-clock to serve our communities, bringing hopeand cheer, not just to those in need, but everyone we meet. From kettles that rock to trains thatroll into town and Grinches who delight, we’re spreading the spirit of Christmas.
AverymerrySalvation4
Christmas at camp
TheGrinch goes to school
by Kayla Sebastian
The Grinch may have stolenChristmas from Whoville,but he brought someChristmas cheer back to 10
elementary schools in the Omaha,Neb., area this past December. TheWestern divisional youth departmentcreated its own miniatureWhoville—complete with tree, sledand Grinch—to bring to schoolassemblies in the Omaha, Bellevueand Council Bluffs, Iowa, schooldistricts. Each assembly was gearedtoward children from pre-kinder-garten to sixth grade and featuredclassic Christmas songs about ared-nosed reindeer, a trip in aone-horse open sleigh, and adozen very unique gifts. It alsoincluded a couple of messygames that sparked some funbut fierce competition betweenteachers and students.The culminating event in this
interactive production was theretelling of the well-known Dr.Suess book, How the GrinchStole Christmas. The skit fea-tured Captain Jolinda Shelbournas narrator and took the audiencethrough the Grinch’s transforma-tion from a present-pilfering pes-simist to a content creature with amagnified heart. Captain ScottShelbourn portrayed the green her-mit so effectively one studentdescribed him as “funny, creepy andugly!” While there was no “Who pud-ding or roast beast” served, theGrinch did bring a gift for each child:a drawstring bag with goodies galore,including suckers, crayons, pencils,coloring sheets and a list of activitiesavailable for them to attend at eachof the four area corps.
This seasonal event has expandedabundantly over the past four yearsfrom three school assemblies in 2009reaching 678 children to 18 assem-blies reaching more than 4,500 chil-dren not only with entertainment butencouragement! This year the youthdepartment is sharing "Christmasaround the World" with school chil-dren.
“Maybe Christmas…doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas,perhaps, means a little bit more!”—the Grinch
5
Sports analyst and former NBA player QuinnBuckner takes his turn at a kettle.
Imagine for a moment you’re dri-ving through downtownIndianapolis during the Christmasseason, when dancing before you
is the Indianapolis Colts mascot, Blue,attempting to flag you down to make aSalvation Army red kettle donation.What would you do? Well, you’ddonate, of course!This kind of enthusiasm could be a
major part of the success of TheSalvation Army’s annual Tree ofLights campaign and companionevent—celebrity bellringing, whichhelps bring in nearly $1 million in ket-tle donations every year. “We’d like tobreak the million dollar mark thisyear,” said Michael Rowland, mediadirector. “We’re so close!”Each November The Salvation Army
in Indianapolis kicks off its annualTree of Lights and red kettle fundrais-ing campaign with a public ceremony
downtown. The following day localcelebrities gather on MonumentCircle to take shifts ringing bells andsecuring some of the season’s veryfirst donations.Not only does the event draw
attention from the media, it includesthe media! Joining the Army is on-airtalent from local TV and radio sta-tions, like number one news anchorand Salvation Army Advisory BoardMember Eric Halvorson. Celebritybellringing has included everyonefrom Indianapolis Colts cheerleadersand the Indiana Pacers’ Pacemates topublic officials like CongressmanMike Pence and Indianapolis MayorGreg Ballard.“What sets Indianapolis’ celebrity
bellringing campaign apart is oursmall town feel,” said Mike. “Ourlocal celebrities love to interact withpeople. They’ll walk out into thestreet to talk to a donor and say ‘hi.’
It’s fun to see.” Mike also attributessuccess to Hoosier generosity.“Hoosiers really want to help theirneighbors in need. It’s part of theculture here.”
Arock and roll sensationswept the Twin Cities thisNovember as 108 “RockStars” (volunteers) rang at
kettles for 10.8 hours with the goal ofraising $108,000 on kettle kick-offday. Dubbed “Rock the Red Kettle,”this citywide bell ringing event washeard live on KOOL 108 radio as partof the kick-off to the Twin CitiesSalvation Army’s Red KettleCampaign.The 2011 kick-off centered on one
volunteer at one kettle for 30 hours.This time organizers spread out thecelebration. “We said, ‘We’re anArmy; let’s get an Army!’” reportedJeff Olsen, Northern divisional com-munications and marketing director.Because the national campaign iscalled “Rock the Red Kettle,” andsince the Twin Cities Salvation Armyhas a great relationship with KOOL108 radio, a “rock” theme madesense. A concert held a day beforeadded even more flavor to the event.Each of the 108 kettle stations was
manned by a single “Rock Star” whowas responsible for all 10.8 hours ofringing. Some rang the whole time,and others organized teams of bellringers. Since the goal for each kettle
was $1,000, Rock Stars also didfundraising through an online versionof their kettle before they picked upbells.“The volunteers were from all
walks of life,” said Jeff. “From LionsClubs to kids hockey teams, civicgroups and businesses. We hadincredible support.”A former newscaster in the Twin
Cities, Jeff knows how to attractmedia attention. “We tried to make itimpossible to overlook that the ket-tles are back in town!”
Each year in early December,a wondrous sight crisscrossesthe eight states served by theKC Southern (KCS) Railway.
The Holiday Express is a spectacular-ly decorated, six-car train featuringsmiling tanker “Rudy,” a flatcar carry-ing Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and aminiature village, a ginger-bread box-car, the elves’ workshop, the rein-deers’ stable and a little red caboose.The train makes scheduled stops in
two dozen communities so families
can tour the cars and visit Santa inthe caboose. But more importantly ateach stop, gift cards from the KCSCharitable Fund are given to TheSalvation Army to provide warmclothing and other necessities forchildren in need. More than $1 mil-lion in gift cards has been donated tothe Army over the past 11 years.“Each year, thousands of families
look forward to the arrival of theHoliday Express to their communityduring the Christmas season. It’sbecome a cherished holiday tradi-tion,” said Major Charles Smith, divi-sional commander of the Kansas andWestern Missouri Division. “Throughthe generosity of Kansas CitySouthern and its employees and sup-porters, each Christmas we’re able toprovide warm winter clothing andother basic necessities to children inneed in our community. We’re grate-ful to KC Southern for bringing thejoy of Christmas to so many, for solong.”The Holiday Express was created
in 2001 by volunteers who spentmore than 8,000 hours transformingthe retired rail cars, complete withfestive lights and music. The KCSCharitable Fund is supported by itsemployees, vendors and friends.
nArmyChristmas
Express tops $1million EverydayRock Stars
Hoosier bell ringer?
Indiana news anchor Eric Halvorson withButler University’s bulldog mascot.
Major Jeff Strickler, Twin Cities city commander, and Kool 108 deejay Sue Falls cheer on asJeff Olsen received a $5,000 donation last year.
International College forOfficersDelegates
Major Stephen YoderSession 216January 9 - March 4
Major Gregory ThompsonSession 217
April 10 - June 3
Major Catherine ThielkeSession 219
October 16 - December 9
Captain Alex LimSession 218July 17 - September 9
6
because I knew I hadnot followed God andalso grew angry overthe loss of my bestfriend years earlier.God was faithful to methrough it all, andwhen He sent me thecalling again, I wasready. I’d learned Icould trust Him. Hewon’t let me down.Michelle’s corps offi-cers are Majors
William and Tracey Walters. Shehas been interning at the GrandRapids Fulton Heights, Mich.,Corps with Majors Jim andValerie McDowell.
Michelle WaltersNiles, Mich., CorpsWestern Michigan/NorthernIndiana DivisionThough I was raised
in The Salvation Armywith officer parents, itwasn’t until I was 9that I genuinely gavemy heart to God. But asI grew up my mom andI clashed since we wereso much alike and I wasseeking independence.At age 18 I heard my
calling to officershipright after figuring outwhich college to attend.Being young and notready to make a commitment tofulltime service, I went on to col-lege and visited other churches. Butnone of them felt like home, likeThe Salvation Army. I grew sad
Newlyacceptedcandidate
OFFICER CANDIDATE
USA CENTRAL
Leaving behind success-ful careers in their late40s to become auxil-iary captains, Daniel
and LaMae Ortman foundeven greater satisfactionfocusing their fulltime effortsinto helping others.Daniel was an information
technology manager for alarge corporation and LaMaeworked at Central TerritorialHeadquarters. After belongingto other denominations, theybegan attending the OakbrookTerrace, Ill., Corps after one of theirthree sons got involved in musicthere.As they got more involved in
corps ministry, Daniel remembershis turning point to pursue officer-ship while assisting with Christmasdistributions. After loading gro-ceries and gifts into a woman’s car,he said a perfunctory, “MerryChristmas.” The woman turned tohim and said, “Now I will. Thankyou.”“It totally changed my perspec-
tive,” said Daniel. LaMae’s heartalso was being prepared by God asher desire to help people grew.
“It was scary to make the big leapinto fulltime Christian work,” saidLaMae, “But I grew as a person andmet many great people over theyears.”Drawing on their administrative
skills—and emerging spiritual giftsfor preaching, teaching and coun-seling—the Ortmans’ first appoint-ment as auxiliary captains wasBelvidere, Ill., in 1996. Two moreappointments followed in theMetropolitan Division (they becamecaptains in 2001) before theymoved on to lead corps inWisconsin, Missouri, then Indiana.They retired from special servicesappointments at the IndianaDivisional Headquarters.
by Cadet Brenna Logan
Candidates’weekend, a col-laboration ofthe territorial
candidates’ departmentand the College forOfficer Training (CFOT),provides awareness ofcadet life for candidatesbut, more importantly,confirmation in theirjourney to officership.This fall people fromacross the territory gath-ered for this event tolearn more about ministry andencourage each other.It kicked off on Friday evening
with a humorous skit, “NewLieutenant Commissioning Draft”by the Bill Booth TheaterCompany along with a fewcadets. This exemplified the antic-ipation of a new lieutenant’s firstappointment, as well as a humor-ous glimpse into their 22months at the CFOT. ThenMajor Cherri Hobbins, trainingprincipal, talked about the impor-tance of deciding to follow Christeach day. Later that night officers,cadets and candidates shared a timeof fellowship.Saturday allowed candidates to
experience campus life starting withmorning worship and focused prayerled by Lt. Xavier Montenegro. Hechallenged the group using the exam-ple of Ezekiel who decided to obey
God’s calling eventhough he felt inade-quate and would endurehardships. Today, manyof us might feel inade-quate to complete thetasks God calls us to, butthe message reminded usthat God equips thoseHe calls.
Throughout the rest of our day,candidates were able to participate indoctrine, social services and compar-ative religion classes. On an off-cam-pus tour, delegates worked as teamsto navigate through “The AmazingRace” of Chicago. Once everyonearrived back at the CFOT, an insight-ful Question and Answer session,featuring a panel of cadets, roundedout the evening.
Sunday the weekend con-cluded with a time of wor-ship, confirmation and com-mitment. It was exciting tomeet those who are puttingtheir trust in God and fullysurrendering their plans toHim. Many have dedicatedtheir lives to serve the Lordthrough officership. It is evi-dent God is preparing futureleaders for our territory.
A leap of faith
Candidates’ weekend likeGPS
Employment OpportunitiesDivisional Director of Development—Alaska
Division, USAWestern Territory. CommunityRelations and Development Department seeksDivisional Director of Development responsible forcommunity relations, direct mail, donor relations,financial development, planned giving, grants andfoundations; supervision of professional and sup-port staff. Minimum qualifications: bachelor’sdegree in community relations, marketing, busi-ness administration or related field; three yearsexecutive level management experience infundraising and development; seven years suc-cessful fundraising leadership; CFRE status in theAssociation of Fundraising Professionals or equiv-alent certification. Position requires documentedability in designing, implementing, managingfundraising activities, including direct mail, elec-tronic campaigns, endowment and capital cam-paigns; strong analytical and problem-solvingskills; excellent interpersonal skills; effective com-munication with a variety of audiences, divisionalmanagement, volunteers, donors, prospects,
community groups and corporate contacts. Applyat www.salvationarmy. org/alaska. For more infor-mation: (907) 339-3435.
Art Director—National PublicationsDepartment, National Headquarters. Lead posi-tion providing art direction, standards develop-ment, staff supervision, coordination of inter-nal/external resources and support to establishunified, compelling, creative design strategiesand implementation across all print productsand electronic platforms. Knowledge ofSalvation Army mission/branding essential, asare best practices/techniques in art direc-tion/creation. Minimum requirements: bachelor’sdegree in graphic design, fine arts, visual com-munication or related field; four-plus years ingraphic arts design and management; workingknowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and websitesoftware, html language, Macintosh platform.Free underground parking, lunches. Cover letterand resume to [email protected] or fax (703) 302-8688.
Delegates and cadets joined together for Sunday school.
Cadet Carolina Yanez sharesher testimony.
Delegates toured Chicago in teams during candi-dates’ weekend.
Photoby
JillJohnson
January Prayer Calendar
My Prayer List
Go to www.prayercentralusa.org for prayer updates.
If you follow the prayer calendar in the next year, you will haveread through the Bible!
Sunbeams from the EasternMichigan Division couldn’tbe happier about earningtheir Commissioner’s
Sunbeam awards earlier this year atCamp Echo Grove. They include(pictured from left): Jia Jean Clark,Livingston County; JessicaAlexander, Royal Oak; AlexisThompson and Shelby Sanders, Mt.Clemens; Samantha Wiechert,Royal Oak; Gianna Jones, MadisonSanders and Trisha Clarlebois, Mt.Clemens.During this past program year, 51
girls in the Central Territoryachieved this highest honor in sun-beams. To qualify for theCommissioner’s Sunbeam award, agirl must be at least 8 years old orin the third grade; be an active sun-beam in good standing for at leastone year; be recommended by herleader and corps officer; attendSunday school or worship servicesregularly; complete requiredemblems; and participate in aCommissioner’s Sunbeam awardreview.
According to Jerrie Miller, territo-rial character-building ministriesdirector, corps across the territoryare reaching out to youth in theircommunities through character-building programs, and the kids arethe winners!
January – April 2013Take time with the Fatherdaily as you meditate uponHis Word.
Ask Jesus to interpret HisWord and speak to yourheart.
Open yourself to the Spiritas He brings inspiration.
Hope is the overarchingtheme in Words of Life in2013, with this edition looking at “Ambassadors ofHope.”
We see hope for God’s world in creation, Old Testament lead-ers giving hope for the Israelite nation and beyond, and howhope relates to holiness.
In the New Testament, leaders of the young Church areambassadors of hope as they encourage others to spread thegospel. A series by guest writer Major Stephen Poxon addressesthe subject of grace.
May we be ambassadors of hope who daily share God’s loveand grace with a world in desperate need of Christ.
Words of Life is available through Resource Connection (1-800-937-8896 orshop.salvationarmy.org) and also as a Kindle book from Amazon (type inWords of Life January – April 2013).
Words of Life
8
International news
Major David Logan
Major DavidLogan waspromoted toGlory onSeptember 21,2012. He was82.David was
born to Josephand Josephinein Belvidere,Ill. He grew up in a Christian homeand after high school joined theU.S. military.Upon returning home David
assisted his sister, Lt. Lullah Logan,at her corps, Evansville Lodge, Ind.,where he met the love of his life,Cathryn Foster.They were married in 1954 and
were commissioned in 1959. TheLogans served at corps in Indianaand Iowa and at the Kansas City,Mo., Adult Rehabilitation Center.They retired from the Ottumwa,Iowa, Corps in 1993.David led by example, loved to
talk about the Lord, and his great-est joy was his family.David was preceded in death by
his wife and daughter, Mary Jo. Heis survived by his son, Sam, grand-daughter, Cathryn, a special care-taker and friend, Captain DonnaRose, and many nieces andnephews.
Mrs. Captain Gloria Meyer
Mrs.Captain GloriaMeyer waspromoted toGlory onSeptember 29,2012. She was85.Gloria was
born to Alvaand RuthSpangle in Leesville, Ind. She wasactively involved at the Gary, Ind.,Corps, in everything from band tooutreach activities.Gloria was commissioned as a
probationary lieutenant in 1946,and served as assistant officer inCouncil Bluffs, Iowa. She left thework to marry Donald Meyer, whohad previously also been an officer.They were reaccepted as officers in
August 1947.The Meyers served as corps offi-
cers across the territory fromKansas to Indiana to Michigan andat the Emergency Lodge inIndianapolis, Ind., from which theyretired as the directors.Gloria is remembered for her
kindness, sense of humor and con-tagious laugh.She is survived by her husband,
children Major Robert (Linda),Donald (Kimberly), Bruce (Linda),Major Timothy (Lori) and Joy (Sam)Scantlen; 15 grandchildren and 1great-grandchild.
Major Verle Wilson
At 78, MajorVerle Wilsonwas promotedto Glory onOctober 6,2012, at hisson’s home inVincennes,Ind.Verle was
born to Leoand Sarah Wilson in Kokomo, Ind.His life changed one decisionSunday when we gave his life toChrist at age 6.At 22 Verle fell in love with
Margaret Ann Tapley, and theywere married in 1955. Their mar-riage was blessed with three chil-dren. Together they entered train-ing as part of the “Soldiers ofChrist” session, and were commis-sioned in 1962.The majority of their officership
was spent at corps in Indiana.Additionally they served at theSouthfield Kresge Center andretired from Pontiac, Mich., in1996.Verle is remembered as a devoted
pastor and wise teacher.He was preceded in death by his
wife and is survived by his childrenDonald, Major Timothy (Kathy) andPatricia; 14 grandchildren and 14great-grandchildren.
Major Raymond Tregellas
MajorRaymondTregellas waspromoted toGlory in theearly hours ofSunday,October 7,2012, sur-rounded byhis wife andfamily.Born July 3, 1925, in the U.K. to
Salvationist parents, Raymondentered the William BoothMemorial Training College inLondon in 1947 and was commis-sioned a probationary lieutenant ayear later. He served in corpsappointments before his marriageto Lt. Mary Ritchie on April 25,1952.After coming to the U.S. in 1964,
they settled in Milwaukee, Wis.,where Raymond worked for theArmy. Reaccepted as officers in1969, they held appointments incorps, service extension units andadult rehabilitation centers.Retiring in 1990, they eventually
moved to East Stroudsburg, Penn.,where Raymond was active in thecorps’ band and songsters andtaught men’s Sunday school.Raymond is survived by his wife,
son Raymond (Judy), grandchildrenMadalyne and Emma, and a sisterin England.
Raising up anArmy inHungary Promoted toGlory
The Salvation Armyin Hungary hasfour corps: two arelocated in the capi-
tal city of Budapest whiletwo others are rural. InFebruary the Army wasgranted legal recognition asa church by the parliament.This means they’ll continueto enjoy privileges such astax benefits and funding forsocial services.Operations started in 1929 but
were suppressed by communism for40 years until Christian churcheswere re-established in 1990. Evenafter the fall of communism, thepolitical climate presented consider-able challenges to church growth.Hundreds of churches opened afterthe fall and thousands of peoplewere saved, but when these samechurches failed, people were disillu-sioned.Despite this, officers work passion-
ately toward expansion. In Debrecen,Corps Officers Captains Gyozo andMarika Cseki seek to reach out to thegypsy community. They are specifi-cally equipped for this ministry sincethey grew up in this community.Today they regularly hold open-air
meetings, which sometimes attractmore than 100. After a tornadodestroyed the homes of hundreds,Gyozo and Marika were some of thefirst on the scene to help. At a subse-quent open-air meeting nearly every-one came forward to accept Christ.In Budapest, Dobozi Corps Officers
Captains Gabor and Andrea Gazsoand Rakoscsaba Corps Officers
Majors Bela and Eniko Vescey areworking hard to meet the needs ofthe poor. At Dobozi they regularlyhand out food to homeless people atthe train station and support themen’s shelter attached to the corpsbuilding.Rakoscsaba is the largest corps in
Hungary and holds a successfulpuppet ministry throughout theschool year and a popular vacationBible school each summer. LastDecember General Linda Bondenrolled 18 soldiers at theRakoscsaba Corps.The Gyongyos Corps, under the
direction of Captains Andreas andRozi Hegedus, is growing so quicklythey applied for a grant to renovatetheir building. This summer theyreceived news the funds were grant-ed!Though the Army in Hungary is
small, God’s presence is big.“Worship services are beautiful andfull of energy!” said Sarah Eddy,2012 summer mission team mem-ber. “People are filled with the Spiritand sensitive to His leading.”
As part of the Partner in Mission (PIM) initiative introduced byInternational Headquarters in 2003, the Heartland Division nowpartners with the Hungary and Austria regions.
Work opens in Greenland
The Salvation Army’swork in Greenlandofficially openedAugust 8, 2012,
bringing the number ofcountries in which theArmy officially operates to125. Since Greenland is anautonomous country withinthe Kingdom of Denmark,the work will be under thesupervision of the DenmarkTerritory.Lts. Magnus and Petura
Haraldsen were commis-sioned by the General dur-ing her visit to Denmark inMay and they, along withtheir sons Dánial andAndrias, took up residencein Nuuk in August.
Spain and Portugal united
The Salvation Army work inSpain and Portugal willundergo a change in admin-istrative structure, uniting
the two countries as the Spain andPortugal Command, effectiveFebruary 1, 2013.Commissioner Robert Street,
international secretary for Europe,explained, “The sharing of resourcesand personnel will enhance thecapabilities available in both coun-tries. The larger command will alsogive officers opportunities for agreater variety of appointments andthe potential for gaining experiencein different fields of service.”The leaders of the Spain and
Portugal Command will beLt.Colonels Gordon and Susan Daly.
