THE SALVATION ARMY10 W. Algonquin RoadDes Plaines, Illinois 60016

Moving? Send the attached label with your correction to:Circulation Manager, 10 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016

by General Linda Bond

Time changes one’s perspec-tive, does it not? That is sofor me and perhaps formany of you when you

reflect on the Easter story. Maybe ithas to do with our life experienceswhich make us see things different-ly. Or maybe the gracious way theLord has dealt with us has taught usto read the Scriptures differently.Whatever the cause, the account ofThomas’s reaction on hearing thatJesus was risen illustrates this pointfor me.

Many of us perhaps think hedeserved the name “DoubtingThomas.” The Bible tells us that he

was not with the other discipleswhen Jesus came, but they werequick to tell him the good news: “Wehave seen the Lord!” (John 20:25).Then comes his famous response:“Unless I see the nail marks in hishands and put my finger where thenails were, and put my hand into hisside, I will not believe it.” (verse 25)“Seeing is believing”—or at leastThomas felt so.

A week later, Jesus showed upagain. This time Thomas was withthe disciples. After greeting them all,“Peace be with you!” (verse 26), Jesusinitiated the conversation withThomas. He said to him: “Put yourfinger here; see my hands. Reach out

your hand and put it into my side.Stop doubting and believe” (verse27). These words of Jesus are notwritten in our Bibles with exclama-tion marks, in bold print or in capitalletters. Yet sometimes they are readas though they were a shout, a sternrebuke from the Lord to a stubborndisciple.

Have you considered that this wasno shout but a gentle invitation to astruggling soul? That day, Jesusshowed up especially for Thomas.

The risen Lord knew His disci-ple’s heart. Thomas truly wanted apersonal encounter with Jesus as hisfriends had experienced. He hadbeen honest enough to admit his

struggle. He could not believe theimpossible or comprehend theincredible. Having witnessed themiracles of Jesus, he should perhapshave seen this as yet another ofthose amazing moments. But forhim, resurrection after crucifixionwas beyond the realm of possibility.

Maybe this was no embarrassingmoment for Thomas, no publicshaming in front of his friends.Surely Jesus did not expose himbefore the others as a “doubtingThomas”? Rather, don’t you thinkthat as Thomas was invited intoJesus’ wounds, the Lord whispered aword of faith into his ear?

What many consider one of the territo-ry’s gems is about to get even better.Central Bible and LeadershipInstitute (CBLI) will undergo a shift

in programming this summer to support our mis-sion and attract a broader demographic. It’s stillabout studying God’s Word and leadership trainingbut withexciting newofferings anda real “faithin action”sensibility.

Many com-ponents thathave madethe campperennially

popular, suchas fellowship,recreation andworship, willremain on thedocket, and theformat of age-related trackswill beretained—there’s some-thing for every-one from thetoddler on up!

However, the core of the adulttrack is changing. It will nowfeature four mission intensives:pastoral crisis intervention, urbanmission, youth work, and immigration.

“They’re for people who really want to make adifference in the world,” said Major Phil Aho,territorial corps mission and adult ministries sec-retary.

Pastoral Crisis Intervention will be taught byMajor David Dalberg, Metropolitan divisionalemergency disaster services director. It willaddress the need to be able to intervene using aspiritualmodelapproachin a widerange ofcrisis situa-tions suchas disas-ters, crisisneeds with-in a corps,or neigh-borhoodincidents. Soldiers, officers and staff will find thiscourse tailored to their local context and, uponcompleting the 14 hours of instruction, willreceive a certificate of completion from theInternational Critical Incident ManagementFoundation, Inc.

The gentle invitation to believe

CBLI—shaking it up

Volume 41, Number 4 April 2011

“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 Salvation Army / USA Central Territory

News and Views from the Midwest

Continued on page 2

Continued on page 2

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THE SALVATION ARMY10 W. Algonquin Road • Des Plaines, Illinois 60016847-294-2000COMMISSIONER PAUL R. SEILERTerritorial CommanderMAJOR JOHN WILKINSCommunity Relations and Development SecretaryELIZABETH KINZIEEditorial DirectorANNE URBANEditor/WriterJACQUELYN MURSCHELCommunications SpecialistFERN CALDWELLCirculation ManagerKENNETH ROMINGraphic Design and Production

VISIT OUR WEBSITE—www.usc.salvationarmy.org1-800-SALARMY

Continued from page 1

by Colonel Merle HeatwoleChief Secretary

Iam pleased to inform you thatThe Salvation Army is now pro-viding all employees withinsurance for your pets,” was

the start of a memo I sent to employ-ees at divisional headquarters inGrand Rapids, Mich., on April 1 sev-eral years ago. While many quicklysaw through my April Fools’ Dayprank, others were disappointed todiscover it wasn’t true. Interestinglyenough, in the past year territorialheadquarters has been investigating

would Paul make this type of state-ment? I believe he was reminding usthat any time we start relying on ourown wisdom rather than God’s, wealready have become fools.Therefore, we are much better rec-ognizing from the start that com-pared to God’s wisdom all of ourhuman wisdom is foolishness.

In the context of this scripture pas-sage, the Corinthians had been argu-ing over whether they were follow-ers of Paul or Apollos. Paul describes

them as “mere infants in Christ”because they had allowed such apetty argument to sidetrack themfrom their true mission to be God’stemple on earth. How often have weas Christians allowed things to dis-tract us from God’s mission?Whether a battle over worshipsongs, preaching styles or even thetemperature in the chapel, we can’tallow our foolishness to impedeGod’s mission for us.

Each of us needs to decide, “Am Iwilling to be a ‘fool’ for Christ or justplain foolish?” Let’s commit togetherto being God’s fools.

What kind offool are you?

a variety of pet insurance plans tomake available to employees at theirown, but reduced, cost.

Although I enjoy April Fools’pranks, I always have tried to avoidpranks which would publiclyembarrass someone else. None of usenjoys being called a fool. And yet,Paul tells us in I Corinthians 3:18(NIV ©1984), “if any one of youthinks he is wise by the standards ofthis age, he should become a ‘fool’so that he may become wise.” Why

GetConnected!Check out our complementary material on the web.www.usc.salvationarmy.org/getconnected

Resources/LinksFestival of Gospel Arts registration formFestival composition contest and art exhibitguidelinesWorld MissionsCandidatesThe Singing CompanyJoin Hands Day

Web exclusivesInterview with Families Band memberMore on The Salvation Army in theRepublic of GeorgiaHoly week project song and excerpt

so, you’ll want to make this class apriority. It will help you betterunderstand the urban dynamic,

develop a network ofsupport and providesome valuable skills foreffective ministry.

If your passion is tobring youth to Christand disciple them, theYouth Work intensive isdesigned for you. Thiscourse is designed to teach youthworkers how to implement youthdevelopment strategy into theircorps and community. It will focuson youth development principles,how to make a lasting impact, strat-egy tools for implementation,designing an infograph of currentand future programming, and teambuilding activities.

The last intensive will tackle oneof the most complicated issues ofour day: Immigration. World Reliefstaffer and nationally recognizedexpert Matthew Soerens will guideyou in considering the Church’s roleand a personal, Christ-like response,offering concrete ways for you towelcome and minister to your immi-grant neighbors.

At the heart of CBLI, of course, isBible Study and two courses will beoffered. The Joy of Discovery inBible Study, taught by Commission-er Joy Baillie, will introduce basicskills for Bible study and provideopportunities for you to experiencethe joy of discovery as you applythose new skills to various scriptureportions. The workshop is designedfor those just beginning personalBible study as well as those wishing

to refresh their skills of observation,interpretation and application of bib-lical truths to life. A more advancedcourse of Bible study will be con-ducted by Linda Himes, territorialBible ministries and stewardshipconsultant.

Lastly, if you’re an officer or sol-dier who has pastoral responsibili-ties, you’ll want to sign up for TheShape of Pastoral Integrity taughtby Major Louise Rowland of theCollege for Officer Training. Thiscourse is based on the book,Working the Angles: the Shape ofPastoral Integrity, by EugenePeterson which urges pastors to getback to the basics of praying, read-ing scripture and giving spiritualdirection.

“CBLI isn’t just a retreat. It’sabout growing spiritually and beingequipped for service,” said MajorAho. “We’re in 273 communities. Ifwe were really involved in them forChrist’s sake, just imagine the differ-ence we could make.”

Get more information and registeronline for CBLI atusc.salvationarmy.org/cbli

Urban Mission will feature HowardOlver, senior pastor of KingsviewFree Methodist Church and adjunctprofessor of missional lead-ership with TyndaleSeminary in Toronto,Canada. He is a notedauthority in the field withmore than 40 years ofexperience as an innercitypastor and degrees fromRoberts Wesleyan College(B.A.) and AsburyTheological Seminary(M.Div. and D.Min.). Ifyou minister in an urbancontext or feel called to do

It is true that we can’t go beyondwhat the Scriptures tell us. But wecan read them with the knowledgeof how Jesus deals with us. Knowinghow understanding and gracious Heis, the story of Thomas can be readas our story.

How often we have heard othersshare their joy about their experiencewith Jesus and somehow we justcan’t relate to it? Rather than declareour doubts, we have kept silent oreven tried to express a conviction

that we did not hold. But for thosewho truly want to know Him, Jesuscomes, doesn’t He? No rebuke, noword of condemnation, but a whis-per. He gives us a moment so con-vincing that we know with absolutecertainty: He is alive. He is real.

Thomas’s response may surelyalso be ours: “My Lord and my God”(verse 28). What a wonderful Savior!What a wonderful Lord!

Scripture from the NewInternational Version

CBLI

The gentle invitation to believeContinued from page 1

A couple of years ago our territory embarked on prayer 24/7. Now you can join Salvation-ists around the world in praying non-stop. Simply log onto www.saglobal247.org andclick on the sign up tab. It’s really that easy. While you’re there take a look at the world-wide map that shows which countries are currently participating. You’ll also findmany resources to assist you at the corps or divisional level.

Around the world,‘round the clock!

“

Chicago Staff BandOur territory’s very own Chicago Staff Band—having just returned from

their United Kingdom tour and participation in the historic 120th anniver-sary of the International Staff Band in London—will anchor the weekend,under the leadership of Staff Bandmaster William Himes.

The Bill Booth Theater CompanyA perennial favorite, the Bill Booth

Theater Company will once againbring spiritually impactful messagesthrough its improvisational-style com-edy, drama skits and inspirationalmoments. The troupe includes JoeCaddy (leader), Mark Lewis,Courtney Smith, Brian James andMatt Erickson (media tech).

Divisional and Corps Performance GroupsEnjoy an array of talent from throughout the territory. Just a small sam-

pling includes:

• Corps songster groups Including the Royal Oak, Mich., Songsters;Flint Citadel, Mich., Songsters; Heartland Divisional Gospel Choir;Oak Creek Centennial, Wis., Songsters; St. Louis Temple, Mo., YouthChoir; the College for Officer Training Vocal Ensemble.

• Corps and divisional bands Including the Marion, Ind., CorpsBand; Royal Oak, Mich., Band; Heartland Divisional Band; IndianaDivisional Band.

• Contemporary performance groups Including the New Albany, Ind.,Drama Team and Flag Team; Iowa City, Iowa, Boys Mime Company;Fox Cities, Wis., Puppet Ministry Troupe.

The weekend will be crowned by a majestic Sunday morning holinessservice including the ordination and commissioning of the Ambassadorsof Holiness session. Then comes the excitement and anticipation ofSunday afternoon’s Service of Appointments!Resource Connection will once again have an amazing array of goods

for purchase and will host the Festival Art Exhibit for non-musicalexpressions of worship.

And you won’t want to miss the announcement of winners for theterritory-wide Festival Composition Contest!

For the latest details and registration, visitwww.usc.salvationarmy.org/commissioning

General Paul Rader (Ret.) and Commissioner Kay RaderThe Army’s international leaders

from 1994-1999, the Raders areknown for their strong spiritualteaching and biblical insight.General Rader is distinguished bybeing the first American-born offi-cer to command our Movement.After retiring, the General took thereins as president of AsburyCollege in Wilmore, Ky. (theRaders’ alma mater), where heserved from 2000-2006.Commissioner Kay Rader servedas a trustee (and instructor) forAsbury Theological Seminary, aswell as a trustee for RobertsWesleyan College, Rochester, N.Y.

Keith and Kristyn GettyHailing originally from

Ireland, these highlyaccomplished recordingartists have been at theforefront of the modernhymn movement. Theirfirst album, “In ChristAlone,” bridged the gapbetween traditional andcontemporary. Their sec-ond album, “Awaken theDawn,” features hymnsproclaiming hope for allnations. They will be fea-tured guest artists for thekeynote session Fridayevening.

The Singing CompanyContemporary perfor-

mances of time-honoredhymns and modernpraise songs are the hall-marks of The SingingCompany, which will beofficially dedicated toserve as our territorialpraise band in theSaturday evening festival.Established in 2004 byEric Himes (vocals, acoustic guitar), the current personnel includes DrewCreal (vocals, electric guitar), Kirsten Gorton (vocals), Nate Irvine (percus-sion), Brett Tolcher (piano) and Enrique Villatoro (bass guitar).

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This year’s Festival of Gospel Arts and Commissioningweekend, June 10-12 at the Star Plaza in Merrillville, Ind.,will be packed with inspiring messages from special guestsGeneral Paul (Ret.) and Commissioner Kay Rader, stirringmusic from Keith and Kristyn Getty, and some of the bestperformance groups in the territory.

4

Jaclyn DavissonKankakee, Ill., CorpsHeartland Division

Jaclyn hasbeen on sum-mer missionteams and isnow majoringin intercultur-al studies atOlivetUniversity.While she rec-ognized hercall to officer-ship a fewyears ago, she

thought she would finish collegeand then work before entering theCollege for Officer Training (CFOT).But last summer Jaclyn sought theLord’s will for the next step in herlife. She felt a strong desire andpeace about going immediately tothe CFOT after graduation. Jaclyn’scorps officers are Majors Geraldand Evangeline O’Neil.

Brenna LoganSpringfield, Ill., CorpsHeartland Division

Brenna has been working at theWaterloo-Cedar Falls, Iowa, Corpsas an intern through the EasternTerritory’sRailton School,which she wasprivileged toattend. As part ofthat territory’sSchool for OfficerTraining, the pro-gram helps youngadults see Armyministry up closeand places themin intern posi-tions in theirhome divisions.Brenna has grown up in the Armyand is ready to start her service asan officer. Her corps officers areMajors Paul and Barbara Logan.

Tim and Julie PerkinsBrown County, Ind., CorpsIndiana Division

Tim and Julie are employed inthe Ministry Discovery Program. Inaddition to corps involvement,they’ve had the opportunity towork at the harbor light and divi-sional headquarters in Indianapolis.

They are relatively new to TheSalvation Army, having beenenrolled as soldiers in 2009, but areexcited to come alongside other offi-cers to serve the Lord. They willenter training with their children,Kayla and Matthew. Tim and Julie’scorps administrators are Phil andGail Barrett.

Greg and Holly EhlerAurora, Ill., CorpsMetropolitan Division

Greg and Holly are “trophies ofgrace” as they live out theirChristian walk. They testify to the

saving grace of Jesus Christin their lives and want togive back through service asofficers. Though they recog-nized their call a few yearsago, they waited until now toapply for training in order toovercome some life situa-tions. They are happy to beentering the CFOT this fallwith their children,Christopher, James andBrenda. Their corps officersare Captains Antonio andJanelle Romero.

Shawn Mantyla-DeBaarGrand Rapids Fulton Heights,Mich., CorpsWestern Michigan/NorthernIndiana Division

Shawn had a difficult childhood,but, through the grace of God, hecame to a saving knowledge ofJesus Christ as an adult. In additionto the responsibilities he carries atthe corps, he is an addictions coun-selor and volunteers at the GrandRapids Adult Rehabilitation Center.His confirmation to officershipcamethrough aretiredofficer,MajorGeorgeCurtis, in aconversa-tion at thecorps oneevening.

Norman and DenesiaPoluscaMinneapolis Parkview, Minn.,CorpsNorthern Division

Norman and Denesia came toThe Salvation Army in theCaribbean Territory and wereenrolled as senior soldiers at thePort-au-Prince, Haiti, Corps. Theyare currently interns at the St. PaulCitadel Corps. Both are musicallytalented, and prior to their work asinterns, Norman was the fine artsand young adult director atNorthern Divisional Headquarters.Norman and Denesia will entertraining with their daughter,Chantal. Theircorps officers areMajors Noel andRose Mason.

StephenDeLacyRockford Temple,Ill., CorpsMetropolitanDivision

Stephen is cur-rently an intern at

the Hammond-Munster Corps;prior to this he worked as apharmacy technician. Heenjoys playing cornet and per-cussion instruments. He alsohas a heart for evangelism. Forinstance, when he was in highschool Stephen brought friendsto his corps’ youth group tointroduce them to TheSalvation Army and, moreimportantly, to the Lord.Stephen’s corps officers areMajors Randy and KathyHellstrom

Elizabeth ClarkKalamazoo, Mich., CorpsWestern Michigan/NorthernIndiana Division

Betsy hasbeen workingat theKalamazoo,Mich., Corpshelping withfundraisingand directingvolunteerrecruitment.She’s involvedin manyaspects ofcorps ministry,

includ-ing being the young adultSunday school teacher andplaying euphonium in theband. She has a bachelor’sdegree in psychology fromMichigan State University.Her calling to officershipcame last summer at theWorld Youth Convention inStockholm, Sweden. Betsy’scorps officers are MajorsDon and Judy Tekautz.

OF THE

2011 - 20131 Corinthians 15:12-19

Newestacceptedcandidates

NewCommitmentsOctober - December 2010

150 Senior Soldiers

72 Adherents

94 Junior Soldiers

Reach out forJoin Hands Day!

May 7, 2011

National “Join Hands Day” specifically targets and developsrelationships between young people and adults through neighborhood

volunteering. Held annually on the first Saturday in May,it gives volunteer organizations opportunities to connect generations

and develop new relationships. This is a great opportunity for your corpsto create a project and invite your neighborhood to join hands!

www.joinhandsday.org

Five to thrive

nizations that have an image that isso well recognized with servingthose in need. The Salvation Army isone of those organizations, and Iwanted to be a big part of that,” hesaid.

CJ’s latest book, Thrive, givesreaders five simple strategies tobuild success in life. “People haveread way too many books with waytoo many rules in order to be suc-cessful. I spent a long time boilingthat all down to five simple rules forsuccess,” CJ explained.

One of the rules is “Be Grateful,”and one of the ways to show grati-tude is to give back. With that inmind CJ decided to give $5 of everybook sold to The Salvation Army.

You can order the book atwww.TheThriveBook.com. Inaddress line 2 of the credit cardform, please put “SA”.

by Michael Rowland

The Salvation Army inIndianapolis, Ind., isblessed to have some won-derful people on its adviso-

ry board. One of the newest mem-bers is CJ McClanahan. CJ is thefounder of Reachmore, a leadershiptraining and management consult-ing firm in Indianapolis whichfocuses on helping small businesseschange their behaviors and reachtheir goals.

CJ was thrilled when he was askedto become an advisory board member.

“There are only a handful of orga-

ents, in fact, did become officers fiveyears later, and Debbie was commis-sioned herself in 1976. Nurses train-ing had diverted her attention, butGod used a handsome, blondeSwede named Rand Sjogren, whowas going to training, to get it back.

A lifetime of service later, MajorDebbie Sjogren’s enthusiasm forofficership hasn’t faded. You stillhear it in her voice, see it in hereyes. It’s there because somewherealong the way she realized the bestway she could bring glory to Godwas by being an officer. This realiza-tion has grounded her, pushed her toexcellence, and, yes, helped her riseto many occasions—whether anappointment that wasn’t quite her“thing” or a daunting situation. Withher life in God’s hands, she knew Healways had a purpose, and it was lib-erating.

“Joy comes from an active rela-tionship with Christ,” she

explained. “If every day you wakeup and ask, ‘How can I bring gloryto You today?’ then there will be joy,even in difficult circumstances.”

And what better than officershipcould draw on her most prominentgift of encouragement? “It’s perfectreally,” she said. “Everyone needsencouragement from the advisoryboard member to the kid in theshelter. Everyone needs to feelthey’re valued.”

For Debbie, it’s all about relation-ships—first her relationship withChrist and then others. Sheembraces people with a larger-than-life personality. In fact, so relationalis she that she didn’t have a favoriteappointment; leaving the people ineach place broke her heart.

She describes her family as thethin line that runs between God andthe Army. Refusing to compromiseon her commitment to either min-

It was a happy “coincidence”when Salvation Army GeneEppley Camp staff openingswere posted on a bulletin board

at the college where DwightGarrington taught. His daughter,Debbie, and two sons, Jim and Steve,soon found themselves in the greatoutdoors as a babysitter and life-guards. It was Debbie’s first up-closeexposure to the Army, and it waslife-changing. She admired the careand authenticity of officers likeMajors Betty Jordan and ClarenceHarvey. She wondered why anyonewould want to be anything else!

Before the summer was out, the14-year-old’s enthusiasm spilledover in a letter to her father, askingif perhaps God was calling him to bea Salvation Army officer. His bril-liant reply simply stated he was sureGod would speak to him directly;perhaps He was calling her! Her par-

istry or family, however, required alot of creativity and intentionality,especially when her girls (Evie andErika) were younger. For instance,when they were corps officers inOmaha, Neb., she transformedSaturday hospital visitations intospecial occasions to be looked for-ward to, beginning with aMcDonald’s breakfast and endingwith $1 to spend at the gift shop.

“The reality is that they are asmuch my ministry as my calling,”she explained.

Her family has been tested inrecent years as her husband hasvaliantly battled cancer. Debbie hasbeen there as supporter, advocateand witness to God’s grace each stepof the way.

Debbie’s officership has encom-passed appointments in corps, divi-sional, territorial and national head-quarters and has given her someexceptional opportunities, evenmeeting with “movers and shakers”in the White House.

But regardless of where she’s beenor what she’s achieved, she reflects,“I hope people don’t rememberDebbie Sjogren, but they remembera sense of God’s presence, theyremember He was there.”

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Life partners in mission Majors Debbieand Rand Sjogren

With radio personality John Williams, one ofmany community supporters and friends

With her wonderful mom Mrs. MajorNeoma Garrington

Kisses for granddaughter Ellie

It’s all aboutrelationships

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need affordable housing.Interestingly, it was built onempty land behind the ter-ritorial commander’s home.Rather than paying proper-ty taxes on empty land, theArmy now has a programwhich provides income tothe division and tax exemp-tion. It is wonderful to real-ize our partnership workstogether to resolve issuesfaced by the India CentralTerritory rather than repre-senting an off-balance rela-tionship of charity. We trulyare part of helping to shapedreams to meet needs inthe community and providean income stream for theterritory.

The joy of their welcomewas humbling, and we willbe blessed forever knowingthe dedication stone in thisbuilding in Nungambakkam notes theUSA Central Territory’s contribution.

Catching a 10:00 p.m. train, webegan our next journey to theVijayawada Division where again at

4:00 a.m. thedivisional staffgreeted us. Thesounds andsights of crowdsand poverty ofthe general traincars were unfa-miliar to us even

though it’s mostaccessible for the

poor. We sensed the officers’ministry of walking through thetrain stations and caring for indi-viduals could easily parallel theministry of Mother Theresa.Quite humbling.

After another brief clean-up atthe hotel, we started an hour orso drive into rural areas to gatherwith 600 active and retired offi-

cers for a spiritual time.Along the way thecaravan of two vehi-cles stopped at theNidubrolu EvangelineBooth Hospital whichhouses a nursing col-lege for 180 youngwomen. The day wevisited clinics wereclosed due to themonsoon rains thatran through therooms, but we greet-ed two new mothersand prayed for their

An invitation from ourPartner in Mission, theIndia Central Territory, todedicate the hostel for

working women in Chennai start-ed us on a journey to representCentral Territory World Services/Self-Denial donors. As we pre-pared to leave, it was amazing toreceive promises of prayer fromindividuals, corps and adult reha-bilitation centers who’d been con-tributing to the work in IndiaCentral.

Arriving at the airport inChennai at 3:00 a.m., we werestunned to be greeted by all theterritorial headquarters (THQ) offi-cers in full uniform! What a wit-ness to sing “There is joy in TheSalvation Army” in the parking lot,masses of people and luggage sur-rounding us, and to join in prayer.We were already blessed by ourbrothers and sisters in Christ.

A few hours later we joined inworship at the Ayanavaram VillageCorps with some 250 peopledespite the travel challenges mon-soon rains had posed for them.Although many spokeEnglish, we were trans-lated into the primarylanguage of Telugu dur-ing our visit. Children,babies and young peo-ple were brought to usfor blessing during thealtar call. We thenshared a lunch of spe-cially prepared dishes.

The next day we ded-icated a two-story hos-tel that will house 44women who comefrom the villages to thecity for work and who

infants, as well as several elderlywomen living in the “senior resi-dence” wing.

Our visit here was sobering aswe realized the inadequacy of theresources in meeting the needs.The facilities and equipment didnot appear to have been updatedsince the 1930s. In spite of this,bright, clean, enthusiastic nursingand pharmacy students greeted uswith joy and singing. The starkcontrast was heart-breaking, andwe were significantly moved. Wefought back tears and shared inthe concern about lost opportuni-ties due to the state of the facility.The hospital faces critical deci-sions about its future and is underinternational review. The officerstalked thoughtfully about thesedecisions, community needs andobvious physical repairs for thislocation.

On this large parcel of land thehospital, a chapel, dorms, the offi-cer apartment and guest apart-ments were in various states ofdisrepair. Again, we enjoyed teaand warm hospitality with thestaff before leaving for furtheradventurous travel to the largehall where the officers gathered.In this time, with all 600 in beauti-ful formal white uniforms andsaris, we experienced the common

Commissioner Carol Seiler briefly journals her experience in the India Central Territorywith her husband, Commissioner Paul R. Seiler.

7

bonds of a Spirit-infused SalvationArmy. Kneeling at the altar inquiet rededication, they respondedto a call for holiness. Themetaphor of their spotless uni-forms in the midst of the rain andmud was not lost on us. Greatcare was taken in their travels toprotect the integrity of their uni-forms, a lesson for the integrity ofholy lives in spite of walking inthe gritty streets of real life.

We learned about the outreachor extension officers’ work, learn-ing how the USA Central Territoryhad provided the treasured motorscooters for the officers to get intothe more remote parts of theirappointments. Everywhere it wasevident scooters surpassed bikesand even cars for most efficientlytraveling the narrow roads andavoiding animals and ditches inthe rural areas.

Another night train ride back toChennai, a couple of hours tofreshen up and then a spiri-tual meeting with the THQofficers. We had manyopportunities to listen toplans for a new THQ andhousing and emergencyshelter behind THQ thathad been dedicated byBooth Tucker in the 1880s.The staff marveled that vis-itors still insisted on com-ing for shelter to this oldand probably condemnablebuilding because it was asafe haven. The Army’sreputation, ministry andservice are evident.

After a lunch where we furthershared the hopes and dreams of our ter-ritories, we stopped at a location wherebasic food, shelter and minimum-wagerecycling work was offered in a desti-tute neighborhood in Chennai. Thechapel roof had collapsed ayear ago, grass was grow-ing in the rubble insidethe building, and cats anddogs ran through theproperty, yet the officersgraciously opened theirhumble two-room hometo us for tea, cookies andhoney-dipped nuts. Theyshowed us this propertyto explain that, due togovernment regulationson land, the missionfunding our territory pro-vided in 2007 could notbe used as originallyplanned, but it wouldmake a wonderful differ-ence here. Would we

mind? This complex relationship ofleased land, permanent structuresbeing proposed and life skills ministrywas certainly consistent with WorldService/Self-Denial; we were pleased tosupport their goals and dreams ofreclaiming lives.

Having gathered at midnight withmany of the THQ officers for prayerand best wishes before going throughairport security, we departed withgrateful hearts at 2:00 a.m. for a flightto Frankfurt and then another 10-hourflight to Chicago.

Our short but beneficial visit to theIndia Central Territory reinforced tous that being a partner in mission isso much more than just “charity” formissions. The gifts and funds raisedare received as gladly and seriouslyas major donor or government fund-ing, with careful planning andaccountability.

Your World Services/Self-Denialefforts truly make a difference.

PhotoscourtesyoftheIndiaCentralTerritory

88

by Kirsten Gorton

More than 350 peo-ple gatheredtogether at CampMihaska for the

Central Territory’s annualyoung adult conference,Re:Generation. The event’stheme, “Holiness,” challengedyoung adults to single-minded-ly seek after God’s heart andHis purpose for their lives.

Special guest Captain TerryMasango, from the WesternTerritory, spoke powerfully

and passionately, giving mes-sages throughout the weekendfocused on Matthew 5:3-16.His words of truth and con-viction brought many heartsbefore the Lord.

Worship was led bytransMission, Salvationistsfrom the Southern Territory,who returned for a secondyear and blessed delegateswith their music.

“The Soapbox,” a collectionof video testimonies filmedover the course of the week-

end, gave youngadults an opportu-nity to share theirideals and dreams

for the Army by finishing the sen-tence: “The Salvation Army I wantto be a part of is...” The final productdebuted in the Sunday morning ser-vice and testified to themany young people tak-ing hold of the visionGod has given them.

Delegates also wereencouraged to participatein an act of giving.Through the purchasingof a $5 paper t-shirt,funds were collected forthe Republic of Georgia,one of the Central

Territory’s Partners in Mission;$1,962 was raised to sponsor theirupcoming youth councils.

During Saturday evening’skeynote session, Terry focused onwhat it means to be “salt” and liveout holiness in community. He chal-

lenged Salvationists to preserve thethings of God, to thirst to knowChrist, and to heal our broken worldby speaking hard truths in love.

“We are not called to be the honeyof the world; we are called to be thesalt of the earth,” he poignantly stat-ed.

The weekend concluded onSunday in prayer. Together, youngadults asked for strength and powerin the Holy Spirit, knowing full wellthe reality that lessons at a retreatalways call for application backhome.

Young adults pursue holiness

This month The SingingCompany released theirfirst album as an official ter-ritorial music group. Titled

“Holy Week,” it features 12 originalsongs that correspond to dailyaccounts of the Holy Week story andis geared toward teens and youngadults.

More than poignant worshipfulmusic, the goal of this album is toguide the listener through the specif-ic accounts of the Holy Week narra-tive. Each day features at least onesong and a corresponding writtendevotional to guide listeners to adeeper understanding of theseimportant events.

“We typically only celebrate threedays of Holy Week, but then wemiss the rest of the story,” said EricHimes, territorial director of youngadult ministries and leader of TheSinging Company. “I’m really look-ing forward to listeners hearing asong, opening up their Bible, readingthese devotionals and learning moreabout this beautiful story.”

The Singing Company partneredwith another group of Salvationistmusicians called Families for thisalbum. Families band members EricaJohnson, Justin Rose and Dave Shaywrote and recorded six original songs,while The Singing Company producedthe remainder. The result is unique,diverse and powerful. Though bothgroups wrote songs independently ofeach other, many of the songsunknowingly allude to one another.“It’s amazing how perfectly the albumcame together as it did,” said Eric.

The CDs also will include all gui-tar chord charts and sheet music inboth English and Spanish. CDs,devotionals and notated music willbe available on The SingingCompany’s Holy Week website,www.holyweek.thesingingcompany.com and bulk orders will be avail-able upon request.

New CD forHoly Week

The Salvation Army inNew Zealandlaunched a major dis-aster response after

the city of Christchurch washit by a 6.3-magnitude earth-quake on February 22, 2011,the second major earthquaketo affect the city in less thansix months. At least 165 peoplewere killed and hundreds weretrapped in debris.

The earthquake causedstructural damage and totaldestruction of some buildings.Vehicles were crushed byfalling debris. Medical triagecenters were establishedaround the city, and the mayor ofChristchurch declared a state ofemergency.

Christchurch and the surroundingregion were still rebuilding after a7.1 earthquake that struck onSeptember 4, 2010. While that earth-quake damaged buildings and madesome homes uninhabitable, therewere no deaths and only a smallnumber of injuries. The Februaryearthquake—said by seismologists tobe an aftershock to the 2010 quake—was of a lesser magnitude than theone in September, but it was closerto the city center and nearer to thesurface, which is why damage wasmore significant.

“The situation in Christchurch isextremely serious,” saidCommissioner Don Bell, NewZealand, Fiji and Tonga territorialcommander. “Our prayers are withthe city of Christchurch. We pray forour own people, for their friends andneighbors. We pray that God willgive strength and hope to those whoare in shock and help rescueefforts…The Salvation Army standsready to continue to help the city inthis terrible time of great grief andhuman need.”

The Salvation Army focused onproviding food and psychosocialsupport to people affected by theearthquake that devastated theCanterbury region. Reinforcementpersonnel boosted the psychosocialteam that was already established aspart of the ongoing recovery workfrom the September earthquake. TheArmy was asked to provide up to 40staff to accompany assessmentteams (one Salvationist per team)that traveled through affected areas.Salvationists also were asked toassess social and welfare needs.

Damage to the SouthernDivisional Headquarters (DHQ), aswell as to the Christchurch CityCommunity Ministries Centre andChristchurch City Corps, meant atemporary operations center to over-see recovery work was set up atSydenham Corps. The LinwoodCorps and Community MinistriesCentre, which has shouldered alarge part of the Army’s recoverywork since September, sufferedmainly superficial damage, and itsstaff prepared for a steep increase indemand.

Sa lva t ion Armyteams at Wellingtonand Auckland airportsmet hundreds of peo-ple who were evacuat-ed from the quakezone and offered sup-port and light refresh-ments.

Editor’s note: MajorDavid Dalberg of ourterritory was slated toserve in New Zealandstarting March 14.

From an InternationalNews Release

SA responds toNew Zealand earthquake

Photosby

CaraWood

Preparing goods for distribution.

Destruction outside the Christchurch CityCommunity Ministries Centre.

Photosby

EmilyAukes

9

After a week of service, Matthewwas not ready to leave. He formed a

friendship with CorpsOfficer Captain JoelCarbonell and felt a sensethat his experiences andtraining lent themselvestoward additional servicein the Philippines.

Shortly thereafter, Matt-hew was given the opportu-nity to return for a year-long mission. He eagerlyagreed and wears manyhats as he serves both thecorps and officer trainingcollege in Tanay. Sincethey’re on the same proper-ty, this works out well.

“This isn’t just a one-year mission for me,” saidMatthew. “It’s a lifechange and, Lord willing,some day I’d like to gointo ministry with theArmy longterm andbecome an officer.”

Matthew Beattyfound his passion toserve the people ofthe Philippines

when his corps, Kansas CityNorthland, Mo., arranged awork trip with the Tanay,Philippines, Corps through thePartners in Mission Next Stepsrelationship.

“You could see Jesus in thelives of these people,” Matthewsaid. “In spite of difficult cir-cumstances, they didn’t find rea-son to complain but instead rea-son to praise God. Their humble,grateful attitude touched me.”

Next step for Matthew

India and then together in Zambia atthe Army’s Chikankata Hospital,where his dad was chief medicalofficer. His family resided in Africauntil Damon was in fourth grade.Upon return to the U.S., his owndesire to serve abroad took root.

“I love being part of the Army’sworldwide network of missionaries.Serving abroad is something I enjoyand feel at ease doing,” Damon said.

In high school the call he felt wassolidified when he spent a summerserving with the Salvation ArmyWorld Service Office (SAWSO). Hepursued it further at WheatonCollege obtaining a degree in inter-national missions.

Damon ultimately wants to workas an international communitydeveloper. He hopes to obtain hismasters in international develop-ment once back in the United States.

Damon Wintershas lived orserved on themission field

since age three. Now mis-sionary service is a pas-sion and calling he’s pur-suing as an adult.

In January Damonembarked on his longestindividual mission yet: aone-year stint to Haiti asthe technical advisor toMajor Carol Busroe, Haitirecovery and developmenteffort officer serving withher husband, Ron. Damonis serving Haiti’s ongoingrelief and developmentefforts along withresearching and writinggrant proposals and imple-menting communitygrowth projects.

Damon comes from aheritage of SalvationArmy missionary servicein Zambia, India andKorea. His own parentsserved in Somalia and

Destined for missions

nursing degree.“Although it’s very different

from America, Iadapted easily tothe food, music,people and hospital-ity,” Kirsten said.“And getting toknow the childrenmade me love iteven more.”

Kirsten plays tworoles in Tbilisi: first,as the assistantregional youthdirector and sec-ond, assistingCaptains Levan andNino Kvernadze atthe Samgori Corps.

Last year I told Chris Shay[world missions bureaudirector] I would quit myjob if an opportunity arose

to lead a summer mission team(SMT) to the Republic of Georgia,”said Kirsten Witthoff as she pre-pared to leave her home in theChicago area for a year of service inTbilisi, Georgia. “That’s when westarted discussing how I could getback there long-term.”

Before her current ministry inGeorgia, there were trips, experi-ences and people that paved the wayfor Kirsten. At 16, she participatedin her first mission trip with theOakbrook Terrace, Ill., Corps to theBahamas. She immediately hopedfor another opportunity to serveabroad. Kirsten served in Georgia forthe first time with an SMT duringher college years, and then returnedas a team leader after finishing her

Returning to Georgia

ArgentinaAstrid Carrion*Veronica CintronJulia DavissonJosh HubbardBrandon LewisMegan Polsley

IndiaJustin Johnson*Areli GarciaShannon HoppesBrenna LoganMelissa PascoeJoel SmithAmanda Tregellas

GermanyTabatha Anderson*Alissa BellKatie CrowlBrian HornGlen JansonTaryn McComb

ZimbabweAlfonso Azuaje*Jaclyn DavissonJenny FeltRobyn ShanahanAshley TregellasIke Williams

2011 Summer Mission TeamsPray for these young people who will spend timeoverseas this summer.

* Team leader

Kirsten and a friend at the Didi DigomiCorps in Georgia

Kirsten and fellow SMT members share a mountain topexperience while serving in Georgia.

Damon on a mission trip to Honduras

Damon with his parents and sister, Robyn,when they lived in Zambia, Africa

Matthew and Cadet Rizza Martinez, who was able toattend training thanks to the Partners in Mission initiative

Matthew and his new Corps Officer Captain JoelCarbonell

10

If corps growth was a dis-ease, the Elgin, Ill.,Corps would have to bequarantined!

Excitement for what itoffers—ensconced in a loving,accepting environment—hasbecome contagious.

“When we arrived last Julywe started off with seven reg-ulars for Sunday worship,”said Captain Nancy Mead,corps officer with her hus-band, Fred. “After six monthswe averaged 70 regulars witha high of 160 people forChristmas!”

The congregation repre-sents multiple ethnicities and twolanguages. But rather than holding aseparate service for Spanish speak-ers, the Meads shifted the corps intomulticultural worship with transla-tion provided when needed.

“The language of love, smiles,hugs and laughter is universallyunderstood,” Nancy continued. “Wemay not understand each other’swords, but everyone knows they’recared about.

The Meads are huge propo-nents of intentional relation-ship building. Those skillshelped them turn around twoother corps. “It has to startwith you,” Nancy explained.

She added, “When commu-nity and local business peoplevisit the corps, they’reintrigued by what they seeand often come back. Manyreturn with friends and fami-ly, who invite their friendsand family! It’s just like howPaul wanted the church togrow; when people find a lov-ing congregation, they tend tostay.”

Monthly com-munity outreachevents also attractmany newcom-ers.

Before theMeads came toElgin, they werethe Western divi-sional youth secretaries. Nancylearned helpful insights into theHispanic culture, such as familiesdoing everything together.

“You must avoid exclusion,” saidNancy who recalled a highlyinvolved teen refusing soldiership toavoid hurting her Roman Catholicfamily.

The Meads also found a few namechanges made activities more under-standable. Instead of calling classesfor children and adults “Sundayschool,” classrooms are full eachweek as “small groups.” And, allyouth programming falls under“Spark Academy,” an approach theMeads first saw in action at TheSalvation Army Ray and Joan KrocCorps Community Center inOmaha, Neb.

More than 80 youth, from kinder-garten through high school, aredivided by age into co-ed groups.The groups, each with two leaders,rotate through three areas of instruc-tion (music, recreation, arts and sci-ences), each led by two teachers. Atany point throughout the evening,four adults interact with each group.

The corps also offers men’s andwomen’s ministries, a long-runningLatino literacy program, and aFriday-night homeless feeding pro-gram.

Community volunteer support isstrong, including students fromnearby colleges and young adultsfrom mega-church Willow Creek,who are taught each week about ser-vice from a Salvation Army perspec-tive!

Contagion on the loose!

At the La Crosse, Wis.,Corps, leaders are steppingup for the number of newchildren since last year’s

successful vacation Bible school(VBS). When Corps Officers MajorsCurtiss and Sandy Hartley arrivedthree years ago, the corps beganholding VBS at the end of the sum-mer as a way of kicking off fall pro-gramming and retaining some of thenew children.

“We were incredibly excited to seeall of the children who weren’t yetattending corps services with theirfamilies return for evening activi-ties,” said Curtiss.

Curtiss attributes growth over thelast several years to increasinglydedicated leadership and communi-ty outreach. Last year he sent specialVBS invitations to all of the familiesserved throughthe back-to-school clothingprogram. Thisminimal effortresulted in fivenew VBS stu-dents!

The progres-sion of growth inVBS and otherchildren’s activi-ties has impact-ed the corps inmany ways, butone of the mostexciting is thefact that it’sr e e n e r g i z i n g

leadership. Many new leaders,including young adults, are servingwhere needed. Volunteers leadingTuesday activities are becomingeven more passionate about theiropportunity to influence children forChrist.

“There is a lot of relationshipbuilding going on,” said Curtiss.“The leaders are discovering that, bypaying individualized attention tothe kids, it improves their behaviorand makes them even more recep-tive to the gospel.”

The leaders are finding new andinnovative ways to share the gospelas well. Whether it’s by sharingthrough character-building badgework, a conversation at dinner or asilly song during music time, they’reincorporating the message ofChrist’s love as much as possible.

Leadership through VBSVBS Success!

Place your order directlythrough the publisher usingThe Salvation Army accountnumber found in yourmaterials package.

Summer is just around the corner! Plan now for a successfulVacation Bible School as an outreach to your communityand a way to build your corps.

A package with excitingresource possibilities andsavings has been sent to allSalvation Armylocations.

Mark Bender helps Yareldi Hernandez. Myana and Rose enjoy Rally Day.

Lucy Guerrero, Captain Nancy Mead and Graciela Castro (l-r).

May 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!

Day

1 Sunday

2 Monday

3 Tuesday

4Wednesday

5 Thursday

6 Friday

7 Saturday

8 Sunday

9 Monday

10 Tuesday

11Wednesday

12 Thursday

13 Friday

14 Saturday

15 Sunday

16 Monday

17 Tuesday

18Wednesday

19 Thursday

20 Friday

21 Saturday

22 Sunday

23 Monday

24 Tuesday

25Wednesday

26 Thursday

27 Friday

28 Saturday

29 Sunday

30 Monday

31 Tuesday

Bible Reading

2 Samuel 5-9

Psalms 51-53

Job 35-36

Jeremiah 27-31

Mark 15-16

2 Corinthians 4-5

Exodus 21-24

2 Samuel 10-14

Psalms 54-56

Job 37-38

Jeremiah 32-36

Luke 1-2

2 Corinthians 6-8

Exodus 25-28

2 Samuel 15-19

Psalms 57-59

Job 39-40

Jeremiah 37-41

Luke 3-4

2 Corinthians 9-10

Exodus 29-32

2 Samuel 20-24

Psalms 60-62

Job 41-42

Jeremiah 42-46

Luke 5-6

2 Corinthians 11-13

Exodus 33-36

1 Kings 1-4

Psalms 63-65

Proverbs 1

Pray for The Salvation Army

Wayne/Westland, Mich., Corps

Shelbyville, Ind., Corps

Rockford (Temple), Ill., Corps

Sedalia, Mo., Corps

St. Paul (Eastside), Minn., Corps

Sioux City, Iowa, Corps

St. Joseph County(Kroc Center), Ind.

Superior, Wis., Corps

Sturgis, Mich., Corps

Wyandotte (Downriver),Mich., Corps

Terre Haute, Ind., Corps

St. Charles (Tri-City), Ill., Corps

Springfield, Mo., Corps

Virginia, Minn., Corps

General Linda Bond

Sioux Falls, S.D., Corps

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Corps

Waukesha, Wis., Corps

Ypsilanti, Mich., Corps

Vincennes, Ind., Corps

Waukegan, Ill., Corps

Captain Christopher Marques(Japan)St. Louis (Harbor Light),Mo., Corps

Williston, N.D., Corps

Watertown, S.D., Corps

Wausau, Wis., Corps

Detroit (Harbor Light),Mich., Corps

Warsaw, Ind., Corps

Chicago (Harbor Light), Ill., Corps

Willmar, Minn., Corps

Traverse City, Mich., Corps

11

The Great Plains Food Bankdelivered its 100 millionthpound of food to theBismarck, N.D., Corps this

winter.“We are honored to share this

milestone with the Great PlainsFood Bank,” said Major LeeMorrison, corps officer. “They are avalued partner whose generosity hasallowed us to feed thousands in theBismarck/Mandan community. Atremendous thank you to GreatPlains and the local supermarkets,volunteer groups and churches thathelp feed hungry families by sup-porting The Salvation Army.”

Last year the Bismarck SalvationArmy food pantry distributed 62.5tons of food and served more than9,000 meals to children enrolled inits afterschool program. Much of thefood came from the Great PlainsFood Bank, a program of LutheranSocial Services of North Dakota and

the state’s largest hunger-relief orga-nization. The Salvation Army andGreat Plains have been partners formore than 20 years.

100 million pounds of food!

Major Lee Morrison, corps officer in Bismarck, N.D., and Linda Sailer, product resourcemanager for the Great Plains Food Bank.

May 10-12, 2011Hilton Chicago/Indian Lakes Resort250 West Schick Rd., Bloomingdale, IL 60108(less than 30 minutes from O’Hare International Airport)

Officers, staff, advisory group members and volunteers involved with social serviceand social justice ministries will find this conference informative and inspiring!

•• TTeecchhnnoollooggyy uuppddaatteess

•• BBeesstt pprraaccttiicceess

•• GGrreeaatt nneettwwoorrkkiinngg

•• EExxcceelllleenntt wwoorrkksshhooppss

Registration: $475 (includes 2 nights accommodations, 1 dinner, 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch, plus all conference materials and refreshments)

Preconference seminars: $60

Check our Facebook page (USC SocialServices) for additional information Registration information available soon!

Refresh - Retool - RelateCentral Territorial Social Services Conference

12

The Eastern Michigan (EMI)Division is known for itsstrong men’s ministries pro-gram. The secret to their

success, according to Major HerbFuqua, divisional men’s ministriessecretary, is three-fold: a thrivingmen’s camp in the spring, a highimpact men’s Bible retreat in the falland the largest adult rehabilitationcenter (ARC) and harbor light sys-tem in the territory.

Last fall was one of the division’smost successful men’s Bible retreatsyet. Under the direction of Herb, theretreat remained simple and to thepoint: eat, sleep and study God’sWord. With dynamic teaching from

Salvationist author and college pro-fessor, Dr. Roger Green, nearly 90men studied Jesus and the Kingdomof God.

On Saturday evening DivisionalCommander Lt. Colonel Norman S.Marshall, who started the men’sretreat in 2006, presented Dr. Greenwith a plaque of appreciation forteaching five consecutive years.

Nearly all of the corps in the divi-sion hold men’s programs regularly.The Pontiac, Mich., Corps, for exam-ple, has developed a unique programthat acknowledges and combatsaddictive behaviors. The Royal Oak,Mich., Corps has held a weeklymen’s breakfast since 1978.

Nearly 300 men attend camp eachspring. Since many of the delegates

are newer Christians from the ARCor harbor light programs, the camp

has an evangelistic flavor. Thisyear they’re holding a retreatspecifically geared to reachmen in the harbor light andARC systems. At the end of theretreat, the men will be givenan opportunity to commit toChrist and another to attendharbor light Bible study andrecruits classes.

This month EMI joins withmen across the territory to par-ticipate in the Territorial Men’sMinistries Conference. “Ourmen will come home with newitems for their ‘spiritual tool-boxes’ and a renewed visionfor the importance of reachingmen for Christ,” said Herb.

Men’s ministries hold strong

Major James ShielsM a j o r

James Shielswas promot-ed to Gloryon February14, 2011. Hewas 87 yearsold.

J a m e simmigratedto Americafrom Scotland with his family as achild and began attending TheSalvation Army. He stayed strong inhis faith through high school andworked at Little Pine Island Campas a lifeguard. There he met NellieBorgerding.

It was through Nellie’s influencethat James came back to the Lordduring his years with the U.S. Navy.When he returned from war, Nellieresigned her officership to marryhim.

Later James began to feel a stir-ring to become an officer. WithNellie’s encouragement and theSpirit’s leading, James entered train-ing in 1952; Nellie was reacceptedas an officer. After his commission-ing James and Nellie served inSturgis, Mich., and appointmentsfollowed primarily in corps acrossthe Midwest. In 1984 they wereappointed to the Chicago Mt.Greenwood, Ill., Corps from whichthey retired in 1988.

James possessed excellent peopleskills and was a talented musicianand well-loved pastor.

He was preceded in death by hiswife, son Captain William Shielsand grandson, Kenneth. He is sur-vived by two sons, Captain Kenneth(Robin) and James Jr. (Susan); adaughter-in-law, Major Barbara;

Promoted to Glory

nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Major Linnea SederbergM a j o r

L i n n e aS e d e r b e r gwas promot-ed to Gloryon January24, 2011. Shewas 86 yearsold.

Born toWilliam andHilma Sederberg in 1924, Linneawas baptized in a Lutheran church.By age eight, she’d enrolled as ajunior soldier in a Minneapolis areacorps.

Linnea felt the call to officershipas a teenager. With encouragementfrom many people in her life, sheentered training and was commis-sioned in 1945 with the “Fearless”session.

She held corps appointments inthe Midwest and at Booth MemorialHospital in Detroit before applyingto serve overseas in Sweden.

After Sweden Linnea served inappointments in Wisconsin,Minnesota, Michigan and Indianabefore she was appointed as the ter-ritorial director of the retired offi-cers’ bureau. She retired from terri-torial headquarters in 1989.

In addition to being a dedicated,hard-working officer, Linnea was agifted musician and youth worker.

Linnea was preceded in death byher parents and brother, Leonard.She is survived by several niecesand nephews, as well as specialfriends Major Debra Dalberg andDr. and Mrs. Nelson.

Blanketed inlove

Elizabeth Rogers has beencrocheting blankets for thefamily assistance ministryof the Norridge Citadel, Ill.,

Corps since 2006, reports PamelaChurch-Pryor, ministry director. Thecolorful and extremely well-madeblankets are the perfect size forbabies to lie on and be comfortableand warm. The blankets also areperfect as lap robes for the sick andelderly; the colors are soothing andkeep patients’ legs warm, especiallywhile sitting in wheelchairs.

“I love that Mrs. Rogers’ ministryextends to both ends of the age spec-trum,” said Pamela. Corps OfficerMajor Stephen Yoder added, “Theblankets are twice as warm becausethey’re made with love!”

So far Elizabeth has donated morethan 70 blankets. She explained hermotivation: “I lived at an orphanage

for a couple of years during WorldWar II; my mother worked after myfather died but couldn’t support me.Since that time, I’ve always wantedto help others.”

Elizabeth also makes scarves forkettle workers, who appreciate thethought that someone made these byhand just for them, observedBarbara Burtch, corps businessadministrator.

For most of her life, MajorMargaret Nonnweiler hasembodied Dorcus, anearly-church woman

described in Acts 9 who madeclothes for the needy.

As one of 10 kids, Margaretbegan sewing young. Even as acorps assistant, she made clothesfor her four-year-old sister backhome, designing patterns onbrown-paper bags and using mate-rial from thrift-store purchases.

Her talent for design and eye forthrifty finds came in handy aftermarriage and four children!Margaret became a much sought-after seamstress, sewing ornatebridal party gowns and innumer-able flower-girl dresses, and alter-ing uniforms for the Chicago StaffBand and visiting Salvation Armydignitaries. (She discovered lowerlegs of uniform slacks made dandyjunior soldier skirts!)

Fees paid for Margaret’s servicesalways go directly to WorldServices/Self-Denial. She’s raised asmall fortune over the years—almost$1,000 last year alone. She alsomakes and sells beautifully detailedhat and scarf sets featuring embroi-dery, buttons and beading. Shedonates many sets to homeless fam-ilies at the Chicago Harbor Light.

During decades of teachingSunday school, Margaret made hun-

dreds of kid’s shirts (a recent modelfeatured stained-glass windowappliqués colored and signed byeach child). She’s sewn countlesspageant costumes over the years andeven made school uniforms for theJamaica Windsor Lodge Children’sHome.

Retired from territorial headquar-ters last year, Margaret is thrilled tohave a big sewing area in her newhome and more time to design chil-dren’s clothing!

Modern-day Dorcus

Lt. Colonel Marshall presents Dr. Green with aplaque for teaching five years