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THE SALVATION ARMY 10 W. Algonquin Road Des Plaines, Illinois 60016 Moving? Send the attached label with your correction to: Circulation Manager, 10 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016 The Salvation Army / USA Central Territory News and Views from the Midwest “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) Some of the wonderful Green Bay Kroc Center staff In less than a year of operation, the Kroc Center has had an amazing impact on the community already. According to a member and poten- tial-member survey, the people of Green Bay are grateful for the safe, healthy and wholesome environ- ment the Kroc Center provides. “There are other organizations similar to us, but we go a step fur- ther and care for our mem- bers’ spiritual health with counseling and corps church services,” said Ken. “It’s something that sets us apart.” Nine partnerships with commu- nity groups also expand the Kroc Center’s influence in Green Bay. They offer GED and citizenship classes, mentoring programs and a children’s oral health clinic where community dentists volunteer to provide dental care for low-income children. Area schools also have found it a great option for holding school programs. As far as future expectations go, Kroc leadership anticipates contin- ued growth. “No doubt God has blessed this ministry, and we’ll con- tinue to trust Him to keep us on target,” said Ken. S ince the Green Bay, Wis., Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center opened last August, more than 3,200 individuals have joined. “This is significantly ahead of our expec- tation,” said Captain Ken Shiels, senior Kroc Center officer and Brown County coordinator. Membership has picked up since January 1 thanks to New Year’s res- olutions and the close of the National Football League season. “It’s a Green Bay Packers town,” said Ken. “When there’s a game on, everyone is watching!” The Green Bay Kroc Center is one of two in the Central Territory planting a corps instead of incorporating an existing one. It’s creating a unique opportunity to start with a clean slate. Corps Officers Major Louise and Cadet Karl Blessing—recently married— are working hard to build the corps, and they’re seeing success. About 50 people attend Sunday worship services on a regular basis and many of them came through the Kroc Center. Community mem- bers visit the center, learn about the corps and discover it’s a conve- nient, God-centered option for worship. Gospel and Performing Arts Director Grant Holloway leads a music class The RJ’s Fun Depot childcare area Green Bay Kroc scores 3,200 members by Tabatha Anderson A record-breaking crowd of more than 400 young adults gathered at Camp Wonderland for the annual conference known as Regeneration. The event’s theme, “Heaven,” remind- ed delegates to flee from loving the world and, instead, set their minds on things above. Throughout the weekend Salvationist and Bible expositor Cotton Presley inspired young adults to embrace their true identity as “citizens of Heaven.” In the keynote session, Cotton presented the foundation for the weekend, saying, “We have had eternity put in our hearts, so we will by Tabatha Anderson A record-breaking crowd of more than 400 young adults gathered at Camp Wonderland for the annual conference known as Regeneration. The event’s theme, “Heaven,” remind- ed delegates to flee from loving the world and, instead, set their minds on things above. Throughout the weekend Salvationist and Bible expositor Cotton Presley inspired young adults to embrace their true identity as “citizens of Heaven.” In the keynote session, Cotton presented the foundation for the weekend, saying, “We have had eternity put in our hearts, so we will Volume 42, Number 4 April 2012 never be satisfied down here.” Christian contemporary vocalist Audrey Assad led worship on Friday night. She began by guiding dele- gates a cappella in the hymn “Come thou fount” which prepared them for the teaching of God’s Word. With a clear and powerful voice, she beauti- fully led worship for plenary ses- sions as well as presenting a concert Saturday evening. Her new album, Heart, had shot to number one on the iTunes Christian Albums chart. Regeneration delegates partnered with the territory’s Love in Action goat project, an endeavor to give goats to 350 families in Zambia. A family is able to generate a sustain- able source of income by selling a goat’s milk and offspring. Delegates never be satisfied down here.” Christian contemporary vocalist Audrey Assad led worship on Friday night. She began by guiding dele- gates a cappella in the hymn “Come thou fount” which prepared them for the teaching of God’s Word. With a clear and powerful voice, she beauti- fully led worship for plenary ses- sions as well as presenting a concert Saturday evening. Her new album, Heart, had shot to number one on the iTunes Christian Albums chart. Regeneration delegates partnered with the territory’s Love in Action goat project, an endeavor to give goats to 350 families in Zambia. A family is able to generate a sustain- able source of income by selling a goat’s milk and offspring. Delegates Young adults set hearts on Heaven Continued on page 12

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Page 1: Central Connection - April 2012

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

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)

Some of the wonderful Green Bay Kroc Center staff

In less than a year of operation,the Kroc Center has had an amazingimpact on the community already.According to a member and poten-tial-member survey, the people ofGreen Bay are grateful for the safe,healthy and wholesome environ-ment the Kroc Center provides.“There are other organizations

similar to us, but we go a step fur-ther and care for our mem-bers’ spiritual health withcounseling and corps churchservices,” said Ken. “It’ssomething that sets usapart.”

Nine partnerships with commu-nity groups also expand the KrocCenter’s influence in Green Bay.They offer GED and citizenshipclasses, mentoring programs and achildren’s oral health clinic wherecommunity dentists volunteer toprovide dental care for low-incomechildren. Area schools also havefound it a great option for holdingschool programs.As far as future expectations go,

Kroc leadership anticipates contin-ued growth. “No doubt God hasblessed this ministry, and we’ll con-tinue to trust Him to keep us ontarget,” said Ken.

Since the Green Bay, Wis.,Ray and Joan Kroc CorpsCommunity Center openedlast August, more than

3,200 individuals have joined. “Thisis significantly ahead of our expec-tation,” said Captain Ken Shiels,senior Kroc Center officer andBrown County coordinator.Membership has picked up since

January 1 thanks to New Year’s res-olutions and the close of theNational Football League season.“It’s a Green Bay Packers town,”said Ken. “When there’s a game on,everyone is watching!”

The Green Bay Kroc Center isone of two in the CentralTerritory planting a corps insteadof incorporating an existing one.It’s creating a unique opportunityto start with a clean slate. CorpsOfficers Major Louise and CadetKarl Blessing—recently married—are working hard to build thecorps, and they’re seeing success.

About 50 people attend Sundayworship services on a regular basisand many of them came throughthe Kroc Center. Community mem-bers visit the center, learn aboutthe corps and discover it’s a conve-nient, God-centered option forworship.

Gospel and Performing Arts DirectorGrant Holloway leads a music class

The RJ’s Fun Depot childcare area

GreenBayKroc scores 3,200members

by Tabatha Anderson

Arecord-breaking crowd ofmore than 400 young adultsgathered at CampWonderland for the annual

conference known as Regeneration.The event’s theme, “Heaven,” remind-ed delegates to flee from loving theworld and, instead, set their minds onthings above.Throughout the weekend

Salvationist and Bible expositor CottonPresley inspired young adults toembrace their true identity as “citizensof Heaven.” In the keynote session,Cotton presented the foundation forthe weekend, saying, “We have hadeternity put in our hearts, so we will

by Tabatha Anderson

Arecord-breaking crowd ofmore than 400 young adultsgathered at CampWonderland for the annual

conference known as Regeneration.The event’s theme, “Heaven,” remind-ed delegates to flee from loving theworld and, instead, set their minds onthings above.Throughout the weekend

Salvationist and Bible expositor CottonPresley inspired young adults toembrace their true identity as “citizensof Heaven.” In the keynote session,Cotton presented the foundation forthe weekend, saying, “We have hadeternity put in our hearts, so we will

Volume 42, Number 4 April 2012

never be satisfied down here.”Christian contemporary vocalist

Audrey Assad led worship on Fridaynight. She began by guiding dele-gates a cappella in the hymn “Comethou fount” which prepared them forthe teaching of God’s Word. With aclear and powerful voice, she beauti-fully led worship for plenary ses-sions as well as presenting a concertSaturday evening. Her new album,Heart, had shot to number one onthe iTunes Christian Albums chart.Regeneration delegates partnered

with the territory’s Love in Actiongoat project, an endeavor to givegoats to 350 families in Zambia. Afamily is able to generate a sustain-able source of income by selling agoat’s milk and offspring. Delegates

never be satisfied down here.”Christian contemporary vocalist

Audrey Assad led worship on Fridaynight. She began by guiding dele-gates a cappella in the hymn “Comethou fount” which prepared them forthe teaching of God’s Word. With aclear and powerful voice, she beauti-fully led worship for plenary ses-sions as well as presenting a concertSaturday evening. Her new album,Heart, had shot to number one onthe iTunes Christian Albums chart.Regeneration delegates partnered

with the territory’s Love in Actiongoat project, an endeavor to givegoats to 350 families in Zambia. Afamily is able to generate a sustain-able source of income by selling agoat’s milk and offspring. Delegates

Young adults set heartsonHeaven

Continued on page 12

Page 2: Central Connection - April 2012

2

by Colonel Dawn HeatwoleTerritorial Candidates’ Secretary

For Christmas we received alarge, very beautiful poin-settia. The blooms weredeep red, vibrant and abun-

dant. For the first few weeks, theyremained this way. Then I began tonotice that the red had begun tofade and the leaves were starting todroop. I had set it in a corner, so itwasn’t getting the light it needed.The poinsettia also needed to be

It reminds me of my spiritualwalk. There are days when I’mfeeling great, my devotions areexciting and my prayer time goesquickly. My spirit is buoyant, andI’m ready to face the day and any-thing that comes my way. Thenthere are times when I realize Ihaven’t spent enough time with theSon. I haven’t taken the propertime to feed and water my spirit,

and I begin to droop a little in myservice—and attitude.My spiritual walk deserves much

more attention than my plants. Imust be careful to keep my timewith the Lord set apart. Since Ijournal my prayers, I can look backand see both times of struggle andtimes of victory. I’m responsible forfeeding and watering my spirit. Icannot, nor should I, expect mycorps officer to tend my heart. Ihave to do it myself.So, how is your spiritual garden?

Are you tending to it daily?

Tending our souls

watered more often than my otherplants. Once I adjusted the lightand water, the color in the bloomsreturned to a deep red, and theleaves were once again vibrantgreen.

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

Resources/LinksCommissioning registration form

Green Bay Kroc Center

Officer Candidates

World Missions Bureau

SATERN website

Community Relations and DevelopmentConference registration form

ClipsSTRIVE hockey first season highlights

Web exclusivesSATERN timeline

First person 5K experience

Cadet campaigns get amakeover

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

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

May – August 2012

Take time with the Father daily as youmeditate upon His Word.

Ask Jesus to interpret His Word andspeak to your heart.

Open yourself to the Spirit as Hebrings inspiration.

As we contemplate travel during thesummer months, we acknowledge thatfaith is a journey, too. From the travelsof the Israelites to the Promised Land,to David’s perseverance in faith despite his failings, and thespread of the Good News in Acts, we see how God stands by His peoplewhen they trust in Him.

Along the way we consider the importance of prayer, the suffering of Joband the story of Ezra, while guest writer Major Sasmoko Hertjahjo fromIndonesia provides a beautiful Pentecost series. Each weekend excerptsfrom hymns, psalms and proverbs remind us that we share our faith journeywith brothers and sisters worldwide.

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 May – August 2012).

Words of Life

by Cadet Melinda Tripp

Next monthcadets fromthe College forOfficer

Training will embark onthe second weekend ofnew campaigns thisyear. Traditional springcampaigns have under-gone a makeover. Now,instead of one weeklongcampaign in just a fewcorps, cadets are con-

ducting two weekend campaignswhich enable them to minister inmore locations.This change also better reflects

corps ministry. The typical corpsdoes not conduct weeklong evange-listic campaigns any longer butoften holds two weekend cam-paigns during a year. An outgrowthof this change has been greaterdemand for cadets to visit corpsaround the territory. The requestsfor cadet campaigns more than dou-

bled with the new format. So,cadets can double their impact.The “Friends of Christ” and

“Proclaimers of the Resurrection”sessions spread out across the terri-tory in February for evangelisticcampaigns and outreach. The“Proclaimers of the Resurrection”session brigades taught “The Story

of Jesus” in St.Louis, Mo.;Council Bluffs,Iowa;Kalamazoo,Mich.; andSpringfield, Ill.The “Friendsof Christ” ses-sion brigadesincorporatedvarious themes likeholiness and prayer inRochester, Minn.;Flint and GrandRapids, Mich.; andQuincy, Ill.The cadets received awonderful responsefrom the corps they

visited. Seeing the people dig intoGod’s Word and light up as theylearned was an encouragement tothe cadets. All of the hard work andpreparation for the weekend wasworth it as cadets saw the impact oftheir ministry.In May the cadets will head back

out into the territory to reach morepeople with the gospel. The loca-tions for these weekend campaignsinclude: Marquette and Warren,Mich.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Elkhartand Indianapolis, Ind.; Wichita,Kan.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Fond duLac, Wis.

Page 3: Central Connection - April 2012

Bone chilling blessing

SteveDeNeffby Cadet Judith Fetzer

When my husband camehome from his weeklymen’s fellowship at theCollege for Officer

Training in November 2010 and said,“I know exactly what the men onthis campus need,” I imagined a newaccountability group or Bible study.You can imagine my surprise whenhe exclaimed, “We need to jump intoLake Michigan in January!”John explained about men bond-

ing over adrenaline-based activities.At the end of the conversation, Istill was bewildered about thisvision for men’s fellowship, andeven as four first-year cadetsjumped into the icy water of theGreat Lake in 2011, all I couldthink was, “It’s a man thing.”Over the next year plunge sur-

vivor Cadet Daryl Mangeri madeconnections with the communityleader who organizes the annualPolar Bear Plunge, hoping TheSalvation Army could offer hot bev-erages at the 2012 event.Simultaneously, a new committee,formed to focus on evangelism inthe Lakeview/Boystown area, start-ed the “Good Neighbor Initiative”to generate ideas to demonstrateChrist’s love monthly to our neigh-bors in simple and practical ways.On January 28, 2012, the Men’s

Fellowship Polar Bear Plungers,which actually included one femalecadet, and the “Good NeighborInitiative” sponsored hot beverageservice to participants and onlook-

ers. Those of uson campus con-sider this a testi-mony to God’sability to weaveour best ideastogether for Hispurposes.Evidently, organizers of the PolarBear Plunge have been trying tofind a hot beverage sponsor for 10years! Community leaders were soexcited they gave away mugs to allplunge participants.What began as “a man thing”

showed itself to be “a God thing.”Cadets covered the cost of serv-

ing hot chocolate to 1,200 people,while the Metropolitan DivisionalHeadquarters and the collegeloaned insulated containers to keepthe cocoa hot. Cadet Corey Hughesrepresented the Army in uniformand called the cadet response toserve overwhelming.“We had a number of volunteers

who either donated money or werewilling to give up a Saturday, whichis often the only full day for stud-ies, in order to be Christ in ourcommunity,” he said.The following Sunday at campus

worship, many cadets testified howthis opportunity to serve greatlyencouraged them because of theexciting conversations that took place.

Saturday morning of theSpiritual Life Summit willfeature Steve DeNeff,senior pastor of College

Wesleyan Church in Marion, Ind.A prolific author and popularspeaker at conferences, campsand universities, Steve first andforemost wants to be known as adisciple of Christ.His latest book, SoulShift,

focuses on discipleship not as aprogram but as a way of lifewhere we become more likeJesus. It conveys through sevensoul shifts how God can trans-form our lives.Steve holds bachelor’s and mas-

ter’s degrees from Indiana WesleyanUniversity (IWU) and received anhonorary doctorate from his almamater in April 2003. A pastor in theWesleyan Church for more than 25years, he is active in the training anddevelopment of new ministers

throughout the U.S. He currentlyserves on the IWU Board of Trusteesand is also a member of the GeneralBoard of Administration for theWesleyan Church International.In his free time, Steve enjoys golf-

ing, bicycling and playing basketball.He is the lucky husband of Lori andfather to Nicholas and Ashley.

5-6-7Run for theWorld

OF THE CROSS

2012 2014Megan HartleyMarinette, Wis.Wisconsin and Upper MichiganDivisionGrowing up as an

officers’ child, I hadmany people joke withme about following inthe “family business,”but I was adamant Iwould never become aSalvation Army officer.I made a big mistake. Itold God “never.”Until two years ago I

had what I called aborrowed faith. I hidbehind religious knowl-edge and never had apersonal relationship with Christ.When I finally gave my heart to theLord, He filled me with an insur-mountable joy! I had a clear andoverwhelming desire to witness toeveryone who was searching forhappiness. I wanted them to havethe same incredible, life-changingfeeling I was so overcome with.

That’s when I knewGod wanted me in min-istry. From then on, Hehas worked miracles inmy life, one after thenext, leading me towardofficer training.I have been at the

corps in Marinette, Wis.,working as an intern,learning the ins and outsof being a corps officer.During this time I havebeen growing closer toGod and into the

woman He wants me to be. I amexcited about the next adventureawaiting me at the College forOfficer Training. I hope to makelifelong friends and further developmy passion for ministry.Megan’s corps officer is Captain

Leanna Tuttle.

Newly acceptedcandidate

3

Cadet CoreyHughes on duty

at the the ChicagoPolar Bear Plunge

Join in fun, fitness and fellow-ship by signing up to partici-pate in the 5-6-7 Run (or walk)for the World with Territorial

Commander Commissioner Paul R.Seiler.The slogan tells you what you need

to know. It’s a 5K course—3.1 miles,costs only $6.00 and starts at 7:00a.m. on Saturday, June 9, inMerrillville, Ind.People of all ages and fitness levels

are welcome, and you’ll receive a t-shirt just for signing up. Refreshmentwill be available along the route andat the finish line.

Everyone participating has theopportunity to raise funds for WorldServices. Simply download a copy ofthe optional pledge form during theregistration process. You—or friendsand family supporting you—will havethe option to pledge funds towardyour corps’ World Services goal or theWindsor Lodge Children’s Home inMandeville, Jamaica.“What a great opportunity this is to

raise money for a good cause, getactive and fellowship with otherbelievers during commissioningweekend,” said Captain WillieDeJesus, territorial assistant youthsecretary and race coordinator.

Page 4: Central Connection - April 2012

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ARCs commission local officers

others family mem-bers, and still othersfriends of the Army.Whatever their con-nection, they nowbelong to the part ofthe body of Christknown as TheSalvation Army.Last October the

ARC Command

began commission-ing local officers sothese new soldierscould fill leader-ship rolls. Withinfour months, localofficers had beencommissioned inARCs in Gary, Ind.,Southeast

Michigan, and Waukegan, Ill.ARCs offer a unique blend of

ministry and rehabilitation. Theyare places where miracles happenevery day, bearing witness to thelife-changing power of Jesus Christ.Check them out sometime and con-sider whether God is calling you toserve in the ARC Command.

by Major Linda Mitchell

On most any Sunday morn-ing you can find a capaci-ty crowd gathered forlively and meaningful

worship at any one of the 20 adultrehabilitation centers (ARCs) in theCentral Territory. Among those inattendance are beneficiaries, pro-gram graduates, family membersand friends of participants, employ-ees and officers. They call the ARCtheir church home.For many, their time at the ARC

has been instrumental in developinga genuine faith walk which is nur-tured by administrators and staff.The participants find a sense ofbelonging and are comfortable intheir rehabilitation. Due to thisdesire to belong, long ago TheSalvation Army began enrollingadherents at ARCs. Currently, thereare 291 adherents in CentralTerritory ARCs.Just over two years ago, ARCs

began enrolling senior soldiers. As ofOctober 2011 ARCs in the CentralTerritory had enrolled 308 senior sol-diers. Some are program graduates,

time friend and supporter of TheSalvation Army, introduced themayor as a “man of change” andhighlighted many of the mayor’srecent initiatives.Mayor Emanuel brought the over-

flow crowd to its feet as he thankedthe men for their courage.Personally sharing about growingup in Chicago, he said, “Change ispossible if we refuse to quit.”Speaking from his heart, the

mayor told the crowd they under-stand what it takes to succeed inlife because of their experiences.“There isn’t anything you can’t do,”he declared. He went on to refer tothe men and women of the center

as the “futureleaders ofChicago.”A special trib-

ute was givento James Gross,Chicago CentralARC director ofrehabilitation,who passedaway just a fewweeks prior tothe awards ban-quet. Mr. Gross

had faithfullyserved at the ARCfor more than 21years. Major LarryManzella, ChicagoCentral ARCadministrator, reada proclamationfrom the ChicagoCity Council hon-oring Mr. Gross,and his wife,Kimberly, gracious-ly accepted anaward.By the time the

afternoon wasover, more than

200 men had walked across theplatform to receive their certificatesof sobriety.Major Manzella said, “The former

residents of this program are pow-erful testimonies to the saving,transforming power of the almightyGod.”The Chicago Central ARC has a

rich history of providing addictionservices since 1902 to thousands ofChicago area men and, most recent-ly, women.

More than 300 alumni andbeneficiaries packed theChicago Central AdultRehabilitation Center

(ARC) chapel recently to hearChicago Mayor Rahm Emanueldeliver the keynote address at theannual sobriety awards banquet.The banquet celebrates the

achievements of former residentswho have found their way back intosociety by God’s grace and the ARC’sopen doors. The event draws menfrom all over the Chicago area whocome to celebrate the ministry of theARC and reunite with other alumni.Alderman Walter Burnett, long-

Chicagomayor speaks at Central ARC

Dennis Earnhart commissions Johnnie Richardson as men’s fellow-ship secretary at the Waukegan, Ill., ARC.

Lt. Colonel Richard Vander Weele, territorial secretary for program, commissions local officersat the Gary, Ind., ARC, including Vernon Hill as sergeant-major, Theodric Coleman as organizingsecretary, Tanya Franklin as welcome sergeant, Sharon Hill as welcome sergeant, and MichaelLlamaso as quartermaster.

The gospel sounds of the Chicago Central ARC ChoirMajors Larry and Jean Manzella with some of the 200 men whoreceived sobriety certificates.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel with Mrs.Kimberly Gross and Alderman Walter Burnett

Booth University College,Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, seeksan academic dean to lead its acade-mic programs. Duties include devel-oping and maintaining programs,recruiting and supervising facultyand cultivating strong relationshipswithin the academic and other con-stituencies. As a member of thesenior leadership team, the academ-ic dean works closely with the pres-ident of the institution.Desired qualifications include a

doctorate degree in a discipline rel-evant to the emerging curriculum ofthe institution, demonstrated suc-cess teaching undergraduates, expe-rience in academic administrationand a passion for undergraduateeducation. Also desired is the abili-ty to provide visionary leadership,manage the day-to-day operationsof the academic program and culti-vate relationships with other col-leges and universities, along withbeing a Salvationist in good stand-ing.Booth University College is oper-

ated by the Canada and BermudaTerritory; it serves students on itsWinnipeg campus, officers acrossthe country and the internationalSalvation Army in 35 countries.Please submit a letter of introduc-

tion, a curriculum vitae and threereferences to Dr. Donald Burke,president, Booth UniversityCollege: [email protected]

AcademicDean

Colonels Merle and Dawn Heatwole, chief secretary and secretaryfor women’s ministries, commission sergeant-major JamesMcSpadden at the Southeast Michigan ARC which is led by EnvoysMerle and Cheryl Miller.

Page 5: Central Connection - April 2012

PhotosbyEmilyAukes

Appointment of discovery

God’s call to fulltime ministry,they’d left established careers as aschool teacher and nurse, but God’sprovision was equal to the chal-lenges they encountered as officers.Speakers, representing appoint-

ments at the Edwin DenbyMemorial Children’s Home, theDetroit Harbor Light and ChicagoHarbor Light, shared about theAllans’ relational ministry andteamwork, ministering to both staffand clients, pastoring the soul andcaring for the body.

The Allans’ oldest son, Brian,said his parents’ congregations werecomposed of abused and neglectedkids, recovering addicts and thosecategorized as “the least of these.”Their care and love were impres-sive and effective. Even after theiryoungest son, Nicholas, sufferedirreversible brain damage, theAllans did not let it define them.They continued to serve with ener-gy and joy, witnessed to God’sfaithfulness, looked ahead and kepttheir focus on ministry.“Companions of Christ” session-

mates Colonels William and SusanHarfoot, national chief secretaryand secretary for women’s min-istries, conducted the official retire-ment ceremony. Bill noted theAllans’ major appointments andthat unbroken service in these com-plex situations required hard workand endless grace.“There are three indicators to

measure their service,” said the

colonel. “Faithfulness, hope andlove.”They were faithful to their calling

and ministry. They shared hopewith those who were lost and help-less, and they were loving servantleaders who had a positive influ-ence because they cared.Sue addressed her remarks to

Marian, commending her for com-passion and tenderness, as well asstrength and courage.In his closing remarks, Geoff

declared, “When you are in the cen-ter of God’s will, you know you aresafe.”He admonished those in atten-

dance to live by the mantra headopted years ago, “Be patient andbe kind.”The Allans’ officership modeled

this and has left an indelible marknot only on the lives of those theyserved but on the people who callthem friends.

This year the territorialcandidates’ depart-ment, led by ColonelDawn Heatwole, wel-

comed Captain Cassie DeJesusas assistant territorial candi-dates’ secretary. Cassie’s pri-mary responsibility is to over-see the Ministry DiscoveryProgram, an internship-typeinitiative where new peoplecan explore Salvation Armyministry while utilizing theirabilities and leadership. Shealso assists with event organi-zation and website updates.Cassie recruits and places

Ministry Discovery Programinterns, observes theirprogress and works with themto make the experience a suc-cess. It requires additionaltravel, but after five years servingin Argentina with her husband,Captain William DeJesus, she wel-comes the opportunity to reac-quaint herself with the CentralTerritory.Cassie enjoys seeing people grow

in the Lord through their callingand sharing insights and assistancealong the way from her unique per-spective.“Coming from a first-generation

Salvationist and poorer background,I saw how God used me,” saidCassie. “God can call anyone—evenpeople without a strong Army back-ground—and equip them for officer-ship.”When Cassie was four years old,

an elderly neighbor started bringingher to the Milwaukee Citadel, Wis.,Corps. She grew up very involvedin the corps from corps cadets togirl guards to the timbrel brigadeand eventually became a senior sol-

dier. She characterizes her call toofficership as a series of realiza-tions, with an unusual turningpoint.“One day as I was cleaning my

room, I stopped and thought abouthow I had been living my life,”recalled Cassie. “And right in themiddle of cleaning my room Irededicated my life to the Lord.”She also asked God for a help-

mate, and one month later a youngman introduced himself to her at aunited meeting. Cassie and Williewere soon married and interned ata local corps before attending train-ing.Their officership has taken them

all over the territory—from smalltowns to divisional headquarters—and across the world.“It’s given me a broader view of

the Army and world, and I usethose experiences as an encourage-ment,” said Cassie.

by Carol Shoults

While their finalappointments were atCentral TerritorialHeadquarters, Majors

Geoff and Marian Allan spent mostof their officership in the trenchesof frontline service, carrying heavyresponsibilities and championingthose marginalized by society.Presiding at their recent retire-

ment service, Lt. Colonel JeffreySmith, territorial secretary for per-sonnel, noted that in answering

Faithful to theCall

What is corpsmission?by Major Phil Aho

When asked what myjob is at territorialheadquarters (THQ), Ianswer “corps mis-

sion.” The response invariably isgreeted with a blank expression.So, what is corps mission?Mission is God’s idea and busi-

ness, predating mission statements.It is His work in this world whichHe so loved that He gave His onlySon (John 3:16). Mission is God’sidea and His business in this world.No wonder He would turn the

business over to His children, theChurch. So, the Church’s mission isnothing other than the missio Dei.Simply stated, mission is going andgiving.The Salvation Army’s specialty in

this family business is to go andgive to places no one really wantsto go. To give to human beings whoeven many of God’s saints prefer toavoid, ignore and consider irretriev-ably lost. It began this way withWilliam and Catherine Booth andthe founding generation of thisArmy. At our very best, that’s theway it is yet. We relish it. It makesus grin.In our Army, corps have an even

more specialized assignment. Acorps has a responsibility to thatpart of the world God so loved andplaced it in—its neighborhood.

Is a corps vigorously engaged inits neighborhood, its community? Isit a “going and giving” life, or a“gimme” life with a “waiting forpeople to come” attitude? Does acorps spend more time in its build-ing, among a comfortable few, safe-ly in a “this is what we’ve alwaysdone” life? Or does it find everyopportunity to shut off the lightsand go out the doors to the belovedworld?These are days in which

Salvationists in the Midwest arebeing challenged by a vision of ashared future. The vision challengesus to give pride of place to mission.Pursue mission.272 corps, vigorously engaged in

their communities.

5

Page 6: Central Connection - April 2012

6 SingingCompaniesA portal to Live Music in Worship in Every Corps by 2020

Fact is, if today’s children aregiven the opportunity to discoverand develop their musical talentsnow, they will be late teens andyoung adults by 2020—fully ableto pick up the mantle of livemusic in worship.

With the complete support ofour territorial leaders [see letter] atimeline has been establishedwhich identifies three major prior-ities: recruiting and training oflocal leadership; equipping partici-pating corps with useful music

resources; and providing strategicperformance and program incen-tives along the way to encouragesteady, long-term development ofour singing companies.

In consultation with all division-al music and gospel arts directorsand coordinators, William Himes,territorial music and gospel artssecretary, has developed a “SingingCompany Resource Kit” to be pro-vided to all corps with active, re-activated and new singing compa-nies. This material will includechildren’s music compilationsfrom Salvation Army and otherChristian publishers, leadershipinformation, accompaniment CDs,membership in a youth musicchoral club, and a Christmas musi-cal to finish out the year.

the development of its first andmost basic expression: the singingcompany. For regardless of com-munity size or corps strength, asinging company can functioneffectively on a regular basis withfew or many, while providing abasic portal for children to discov-er their musical potential and thejoy of singing God’s praises.

Analysis of statistics whichshow a steady and alarmingdecline in senior and junior soldiermembership over the past 10 yearsunderscores the need to jump-startchildren’s music activities.While there are no easyanswers for reversing thistrend, there is no doubt thatcorps music activities can bean effective means of out-reach, connection and involve-ment.

Those attending theFestival of Gospel Artsand Commissioning week-end last June were the

first to hear the announcement ofan ambitious undertaking: LiveMusic in Worship in Every Corpsby 2020 (LM-2020.)

More than a slogan or campaign,LM-2020 recognizes music as avital and fundamental componentin worship which requires a long-term commitment to successfullydevelop the next generation ofSalvationist musicians. Simply put,when it comes to worship, musicis not a luxury, it is a necessity.

Although plans for this eight-year effort will address strengthen-ing all aspects of music ministry,the territorial music and gospelarts department has committedthe coming year to encouraging

Page 7: Central Connection - April 2012

7

This spring divi-sions are beingencouraged to spon-sor a “SingingCompany ResourceSeminar” to demon-strate the most effec-tive ways to usethese resources aswell as give instruc-tion in teachingmethods, perfor-mance opportunitiesand organizationalbasics. Corps officers aredirected to identify andrecruit potential local leader-ship (corps or community vol-unteers) to receive this train-ing which will also shareways to effectively connectchildren from singing toSunday school to salvationand then to junior soldiers.

Divisional music directorswill be working in tandem

with corps efforts,encouraging singingcompany members tocontinue their musi-cal development byattending divisionalmusic camp.

In Septembersinging companieswill receive aChristmas musicalsuitable for perfor-

mance by any sizegroup. This will pro-vide another perfor-mance objectivewhich can result inturning the holiday

season into a Christmasworship experience.

Kicking off the new year,“University 2020,” the TerritorialWorship Arts Retreat scheduledfor January 18-20, 2013, at theSouth Bend, Ind., Ray and JoanKroc Corps Community Center,will include a special focus onsinging company leader develop-ment, featuring top-notch clini-cians who will share a wealth ofexperience, insight and musicresources in youth music seminarsthroughout the weekend.

Also in the first quarter of 2013,each division will host a MusicDay featuring a singing companyfestival in which these corpsgroups will prepare required andselected numbers for evaluationby a panel of three adjudicators.Patterned after school music festi-vals, singing companies willreceive a written evaluation fromeach adjudicator along with a rat-ing of 1 — Superior, 2 — Excellent,or 3 — Good.

In addition, at that event eachdivision will select one singingcompany to be their representativegroup to perform in a massedsinging company as part of theFamily Congress with General

Linda Bond in St. Louis, Mo., June6-9, 2013.

In recognition of this achieve-ment, these representative groupswill receive a financial award fromCentral Territorial Headquarterswhich can be used to enhance thesinging company’s ongoing corpsactivity (music, uniforms, equip-ment, etc.) or for expenses relatedto congress travel, meals andhousing. This award is based onthe size of official and activegroup membership:4-10 members $ 50011-15 members $1,00016-20 members $1,50021 or more $2,000 (maximum)

“Of course this is just the startof what will be a long-term effort,”William Himes said. “But as thesong goes, ‘Let’s start at the verybeginning, a very good place tostart.’ And the singing company isthat most basic place to begin.But we can’t stop there. We mustcontinue to develop our accompa-niment resources including key-board, guitar and instrumentalensembles if we are to truly seeLive Music in Worship in EveryCorps by 2020.”

Stay tuned!

Photos represent the Chicago KrocCenter, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.,Marion, Ind., Royal Oak, Mich.,Hastings and Omaha Citadel, Neb.,corps and Northern and EasternMichigan divisions.

Friends:

Since our earliest days in the 1800s on the streets of London, we havebeen a singing Army with music that attracted listeners to the message ofsalvation and then drew them to commitment and service. Methods andidioms may change, but I believe music in our mission still has the power toattract, save and sanctify.At first glance, this emphasis over the next year on singing companydevelopment may seem far removed from the principal objective of LiveMusic in Worship in Every Corps by 2020. But think about it. If you wereone who became a Christian as a child, when and how did you learn basicspiritual truth?If you are like me, it was through singing Sunday school choruses andsongs. Many were simply Bible verses set to music. Most of these didn’tseem to make an impression on me at the time but later, when put to thetest, little melodies such as “Jesus loves me, this I know” and “It’s no longerI that liveth, but Christ that liveth in me” would come to my consciousnessat just the right time—with just the right truth!

It was the singing company that provided my first opportunity to discov-er the joy of music performance and in praise which opened the door to othermusic ministry opportunities, such as playing my trombone in the band.I’m convinced that the music of our movement can still connect peoplewith the truth of salvation. And I believe that music still has the power toreach and teach our youngest about Jesus. I hope you will do all you canto encourage live music in worship in your corps—and the singing companycan be that first step.

Sincerely,

Paul R. SeilerCommissionerTERRITORIAL COMMANDER

LiveLiveMusicMusicin worship by 2020

USA Central TerritoryThe Salvation Army

Page 8: Central Connection - April 2012

88

MajorRichard(Rick)Shirran,

national liaisonofficer for SATERN(Salvation ArmyTeam EmergencyRadio Network),reported member-ship is at a newhigh of close to4,600 operators.Interest in SATERNmembership isgrowing, he added,as are the numberof licensed “hams” in general.According to Bill Shillington,

Central Territory SATERN director,there are almost 1,600 members inthe Midwest alone, and interest in athree-day radio operations courseand licensing exam offered in theterritory continues to grow.Rick’s plans and goals for

SATERN include, first and fore-most, educating the Army about thetremendous value amateur radiovolunteers can bring to its emer-gency disaster services (EDS) min-istries.“The equipment resources and

technical expertise through thesefaithful volunteers are invaluable; itwould cost the Army hundreds ofthousands of dollars alone if sup-plied by commercial ventures,” saidRick. “Industry members outsideour organization see great value in

what we do, and we are one of themost respected groups among thosethat utilize amateur radio in theemergency communications world.”Rick also intends to ensure

SATERN becomes totally integratedinto each territory’s EDS programand that each SATERN memberbecomes an EDS volunteer.Rick is a long-time amateur radio

operator with extended involve-ment in Salvation Army EDS work.A third-generation Salvationist with“deep Army roots,” Rick was aradio operator, then a communica-tions technician in the RoyalCanadian Navy. After 12 years ofactive naval service, he took earlyrelease in 1981 to bring his familyto Toronto, Ontario, so he and wife,Jane, could enter The SalvationArmy College for Officer Training.The Shirrans served in a number of

corps over the next 24 years inCanada and Bermuda.Rick used his amateurradio hobby to assist inEDS operations whereverhe was appointed. Hereceived the additionalappointment of CanadianSATERN director in 1997,and in 2007 was namedterritorial disaster servicesdirector for the Canadaand Bermuda Territory.He received the additionalappointment of U.S.national liaison officer forSATERN last year.

Amateur “ham” radiooperator licenses areat an all time high,reports the Federal

Communications Commission(FCC), with more than 700,000licenses in the U.S. According tothe American Radio RelayLeague (ARRL), retirees, emer-gency organizations and churchgroups are primarily responsiblefor the 25,000 new hams thatpick up the hobby each year.“As communication technolo-

gy moves forward, amateur radiowill continue to be an all importantfallback mode for many emergencyresponse organizations,” said MajorRick Shirran, national liaison offi-cer for SATERN (Salvation ArmyTeam Emergency Radio Network).Major Patrick McPherson, SATERNfounder, added, “This gives cre-dence to the value of recruit-ing volunteers from this growinggroup, many of whom have high-tech, computer, mechanical oremergency management skills.”

Amateur radio is a viable sourceof communication in disasterswhen telephone land lines may bedown, cell phone towers jammed ordestroyed and electrical power isout. Ham radios can work on gen-erators or battery systems and haveproven to be invaluable in disastersituations.According to the ARRL, amateur

radio first became popular nearly100 years ago. Frustrated commer-cial operators competing on thesame wavelengths for signal timecalled the amateurs “hams,” and theappellation stuck.Hams can communicate with

people around the globe or evenastronauts in space, the ARRL con-tinued. A surprising number of thenew hobbyists are young people.It’s relatively inexpensive to getstarted (around $200) and the FCClicense is free, with a small fee tocover expenses. There are evengames to play, such as “fox hunt”where amateur radio clubs searchfor a transmitter (the fox) usingtheir homemade antennas.

Major George HoodNational Community Relations and Development SecretarySince 2003 Major Hood has been responsible for marketing,

communications, public relations, government relations andcorporate relations for The Salvation Army in the U.S.

SATERNenters next phase

IndyABchair led by example

Territorial CommunityRelations andDevelopmentConference

Record-high “hams”

June 20 - 22, 2012 Hilton Northbrook2855 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Featuring:Northbrook, Ill. 60062

Find great opportunities to interact with colleagues and leaders who are involvedin cultivating, securing and maximizing resources to support Salvation Armyministries! Exchange innovative ideas. Broaden your professional skills.

Register at www.usc.salvationarmy.org

Major Rick “VE3NUZ” Shirran

by Major Keith J. Welch

Diane Nichols began andended her three-year termas Indianapolis AdvisoryChair by building relation-

ships. At an advisory board dinner,Diane reflected on the board’saccomplishments and shared appre-ciation for the committee chairs fortheir excellent work.Diane initially was reluctant to

take the position as chairperson andeven emphatically said, “No.” ButLt. Colonel Richard Amick, thenIndiana divisional commander,talked with her over lunch. Threeyears later she said, “I would likeall of you to aspire to the advisoryboard chair. These three years havebeen so rewarding.”Some of the significant accom-

plishments of the IndianapolisAdvisory Board during Diane’sterm as chair include: the boardgrowing to 43 members; the devel-

opment of a strategic plan forIndianapolis; and the forming ofadvisory councils at theIndianapolis Fountain Square andEagle Creek corps and adult reha-bilitation center.One board member said, “This

lady led by example.”

Bill “W9ZCL” Shillington, Central Territory SATERN director, athis radio console.

Page 9: Central Connection - April 2012

9

2012 SummerMissionTeams announced

Georgianmissionaryreturns toU.S.

Kirsten with the Rustavi Corps’ primarySunday school class

After ayear ofserving,exploring

and cherishingevery moment inthe Republic ofGeorgia, KirstenWitthoff hasreturned to theUnited States. Sheassisted the region-al youth leader inTbilisi while alter-nating additionaltime at theSamgori andRustavi corps.When at the

corps, Kirstenworked with theafterschool pro-grams, taught an English languageclass, prepared lunches and ranyouth group; during her time at theyouth office she turned her atten-tion to larger-scale projects such asyouth councils and the region’sAngel Tree program. In her freetime, she enjoyed exploring the cityand forming friendships with thewonderful people she met.“What I really loved was being

with the youth,” said Kirsten. “Thekids at the afterschool programswere so much fun to teach and play

with. The teens and young adultswere always ready to love and wel-come me to any event. I felt like Ibecame part of the family.”One of the most spirit-filled expe-

riences of the trip took place duringyouth councils. The program drew100 youth, and she witnessed howmuch it impacted their faith. “Inthe fall I saw a lot of those whoattended become even moreinvolved and passionate aboutJesus,” said Kirsten. One girl in par-ticular changed her view of Godcompletely; she went from analmost atheistic outlook to praisingGod and becoming one of the bestvolunteers at her corps.Kirsten was deeply affected by

the realization that culture and lan-guage can’t restrain the connectionbelievers have in Christ. “Now Ihave friends that I really see as partof my family for life!” she said.A registered nurse, for now

Kirsten will return to nursing in theChicago area but believes she’ll getback to Georgia, or at least over-seas, in the future.She said, “The experiences of this

past year will be huge in helpingme to, hopefully, one day serve as anurse overseas!”

• Upcoming information and pic-tures for each of the partners• Bulletin inserts, ideas for children’sministry and other resources thatcan be printed for your corps’ use• A link to Resource Connection,where you will be able to orderWorld Services/Self-Denialenvelopes and banks to use alongwith the printable resources.

Contact the world missions bureau forinformation and help at [email protected]

World Services/Self-Denialhas a new look just in timefor next month when ourterritory gains new

Partners in Mission.Log onto www.centralmissions.org

to get resources to help your corps learnmore about our new partners and toraise funds to support ministries aroundthe globe.You will find:

• The new Partners in Mission countriesthe Central Territory will be workingwith, along with the specific countriespartnered with each division

CaribbeanAndres Villatoro* Rockford Temple, Ill., CorpsCaleb Allan Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., CorpsEric Chung Chicago Mayfair

Community Church, Ill. CorpsVeronica Cintron Bloomington, Ind., CorpsAreli Garcia Norfolk, Neb., CorpsJasmine McCoy Gary-Merrillville, Ind., CorpsBrittany Nichols Wayne/Westland, Mich., Corps

KenyaJamison Taube* Oak Creek Centennial,

Wis., CorpsAlexis Benefield Wayne/Westland, Mich., CorpsClayton Cox Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., CorpsTitiana Flax Gary-Merrillville, Ind., CorpsLance Hill Royal Oak, Mich., CorpsRachel Moe Rockford Temple, Ill., CorpsNancy Valentin Chicago Irving Park, Ill., Corps

* = Team Leader

HungaryMegan Polsley* Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., CorpsDavid Chang Chicago Mayfair

Community Church, Ill. CorpsSarah Eddy Bloomington, Ill., CorpsValerie Janson Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., CorpsKenneth Jones Detroit Harding, Mich., CorpsMichelle Winters Rockford Temple, Ill., Corps

UkraineAlexandra Cox* Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Corps

Alexandra Anderson Sheboygan, Wis., Corps

Joshua Hubbard Wayne/Westland,Mich., Corps

Melissa Hulett Ypsilanti, Mich., Corps

Dennis Jolly Dearborn Heights Citadel,Mich., Corps

Elizabeth Turner Norridge Citadel, Ill., Corps

Pray for these young people who willbe ministering overseas this summer.

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10

PhotosbyPatrickSimmons

Reunion concert rocks the Temple!

Everyone awinner

Missing his family afteryears of living awayfrom home led JamesSells to leave sunny San

Diego, Calif., for a job at theOmaha North Side, Neb., Corps. Itwas a “win-times-four” situation forJames, his family (now three hoursaway), Corps Officers Lts. Joel andEtta Johnson and the communitykids who quickly embraced Jamesas their youth program director!After graduating from St. John’s

University in New York with adegree in sports management,James accepted a job on the oppo-site coast as a fulltime sports coor-dinator for the U.S. Naval Stationon San Diego’s Coronado Island.He worked part-time as facilitymanager for The Salvation ArmyDoor of Hope residential center forpregnant teens. It was his firstexposure to the Army beyond “bell-ringers and thrift stores.”James’ efforts at the Omaha

North Side Corps have breathednew life and enthusiasm into the

community center along withincreased numbers of kids (about50).“It’s good to see the children hav-

ing such a great time,” said Etta.“James works hard each day towardthe success of the youth program.”“We want to impact not only

these kids’ lives but those of theirfamilies,” said James. “The first stepwas attracting youth and gainingthe trust of their parents orguardians. Then we began seekingfamily engagement. Parents havejoined us on field trips to museums,the zoo or sporting events. Theymay also join their children for thefree meal we provide each day afterschool.”A big draw for teenagers is the

basketball program. Both boys andgirls play, but some also serve asteam managers, coaches, stat keep-ers or attendance monitors. Jamesalso works with teens in the corps’computer lab helping them withcollege and job searches, resumewriting and other work skills.

Asoundbeginning

Amazingly, TSA MadisonStreet was born in themid 1980s in a tradition-bound corps attended by

officers from territorial headquar-ters and several retired brigadiers.Even the repertoire of the songstersat the Chicago, Ill., Temple Corpsreflected a deeply traditional men-tality, recalled Majors Phil and GailAho, Chicago Temple corps officersand lieutenants at the time.“The songsters had young peo-

ple,” said Gail, “but they weremainly there because they lovedbeing with the brigadiers!”When the Ahos arrived at

Chicago Temple in 1984, the youngsingers asked Phil, a talentedpianist, to play songs with whichthey could more closely identify.Phil had recently heard the samething from a wise corps soldier,Gordon Bingham, regarding theyouth’s need to sing gospel and

by Major Phil Aho

My wife,Gail, and Ihave a his-tory with

the TSA MadisonStreet gospel choir ofthe Chicago Temple,Ill., Corps (see side-bar). As formerTemple corps officersand TSA MadisonStreet members, wewere delighted tohear of plans for areunion concert cele-brating 26 years ofthe choir’s continuous service.Monica (Simmons) Washington,

the group’s current director, invitedall former members to rehearsals.It was deeply moving to reconnectwith people. Some hadn’t seen eachother for years! At first the songssounded a little ragged, but ourspirits were willing. We madeprogress, and our voices were readyby the night of the concert.If you’re familiar with The

Salvation Army in Chicago, youwould have recognized a number offaces: Nate Latham, who served asthe evening’s emcee; the Fergusons(Reggie and Jason), the Simmons(Captain Dale, Brigitte, Patrick andMonica), the Carrs (Walter,Stephanie and Lucretia) and manyothers.

We thought per-haps 100 peoplewould show up tohear the concert.Instead, we werepleased to welcomea full house of 240!The audience heardthe choir’s oldsounds (“He hasdone marvelous,”“When the battle isover,” “I’m lookingfor a miracle”) andsome new ones(“Sound of praise,”“God is great”). Mywife’s dancing while

she sang was entertaining, but itcouldn’t match the young TempleDancers led by Raven Temple. Suchenergy, teamwork and precision!And, as is customary in gospel per-formances, a guest choir from New

TabernacleBaptistChurch cameto support uswith theirselections.Captain

Dale Simmonsand I eachshared a fewwords thatevening, butthe highlightwas thereunion ofTSA MadisonStreet mem-

bers, Chicago Temple people andthe many folks who’ve enjoyed thechoir’s ministry over the years.

With lots of greetings and fellow-ship before and after the concert,we had a long, happy eveningtogether.TSA Madison Street’s existence

has been tenuous over the years;currently it’s uncertain who willserve as their keyboardist. But onething is certain: there’s a communi-ty of people in Chicago who’vebeen brought together by the joyfulfreedom of TSA Madison Street’sgospel music.

contemporary music.“We started out with several

young people standing around thepiano singing gospel and contempo-rary songs a cappella as Gail and Ilistened and learned,” recalled Phil.“Gospel has a strong oral traditionwith little printed music; the abilityto read notation isn’t as importantas having well-trained ears.”When the young singers began

performing on Sunday mornings,the brigadiers were so proud ofthem, Gail continued. At first thegroup performed in matchingshirts. But when the young peopledecided it was more appropriate forthem to wear Salvation Army uni-forms, the brigadiers pitched in tohelp buy them.Gail estimates more than 50

young people have been involved inTSA Madison Street over the years.In fact, the present line-up includessecond and third-generation mem-bers! James and some of the Omaha North Side Corps youth.

Page 11: Central Connection - April 2012

May Prayer Calendar

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 Tuesday

2Wednesday

3 Thursday

4 Friday

5 Saturday

6 Sunday

7 Monday

8 Tuesday

9Wednesday

10 Thursday

11 Friday

12 Saturday

13 Sunday

14 Monday

15 Tuesday

16Wednesday

17 Thursday

18 Friday

19 Saturday

20 Sunday

21 Monday

22 Tuesday

23Wednesday

24 Thursday

25 Friday

26 Saturday

27 Sunday

28 Monday

29 Tuesday

30Wednesday

31 Thursday

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

South Bend 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, IN Corps

Chicago Harbor Light, Ill., Corps

Willmar, Minn., Corps

Traverse City, Mich., Corps

* = Adult Rehabilitation Center** = Divisional HeadquartersPIM = Partners in Mission

11

by Taryn McComb

Iheard it said once that there isno such thing as a small mis-sion. The junior band from theOak Creek Centennial, Wis.,

Corps would agree. While we spentonly a few hours at the MilwaukeeCitadel, Wis., Corps one Sundayearlier this year, the Lord moved ina powerful way. It was beautiful towatch our two ministries cometogether in worship of our Lord andsee each benefit from the other.Given the opportunity to take

over Milwaukee Citadel’s Sundayworship service, many of our youngbandsmen participated in key roles,including Taylor McComb who gaveher testimony, Matt Herndon whoread scripture, and Chelsea Barneswho led prayer time. The band alsoprovided music for the service,including preliminary and specialnumbers, the offertory and“Hallelujah Choruses” during praiseand worship led by Captain BethMcComb, Oak Creek Centennialcorps officer. Lt. Colonel DavidGrindle, now a soldier at Oak

Creek, preached onthe importance ofdiscipleship whilethe junior band ledjunior church.Afterward, our

band and the corpsmembers enjoyedfellowship overlunch provided byMilwaukee CitadelCorps OfficersMajors Gary andDonna Van Hoesen.

Donna said, “It was inspiring forour corps, and particularly ouryouth, to have the band join withus. We are on the verge of begin-ning music instruction with ouryoung people, and it was good forthem to have that exposure.”

My Prayer List

Sweet fellowship

Page 12: Central Connection - April 2012

12

Continued from page 1

Major VaLeta Merritt

Major VaLetaMerritt waspromoted toGlory onFebruary 12,2012. She was77 years old.VaLeta Mae

was theyoungest ofeight childrenborn to J.D. and Mettie Parrish inBethany, Okla. She was 10 yearsold when her parents divorced, butVaLeta recognized God’s gracedespite her sometimes unhappychildhood. The influence of theNazarene community in which shelived played a big part in her life.VaLeta graduated from

Southeastern Bible College inBirmingham, Ala., with a bache-lor’s degree in religious educationin 1959. She married John Merritton August 26, 1964. After movingto Kansas City, Mo., VaLeta met theArmy working at a daycare center.The Merritts enrolled as soldiers atthe Kansas City Bellefontaine Corpsand entered the College for OfficerTraining in 1966.They were ordained and commis-

sioned in 1968. They served in theSouth America West Territory from1970-73 and in the national publica-tions office in Chicago, then New Yorkwhen it moved. They returned toChicago in 1980 to the College forOfficer Training for six years, thenwere appointed to the historical centerand training college in the SouthernTerritory. They retired in 2001 andcontinued living in the South.VaLeta is survived by her hus-

band; children Rebecca Marracheand Paul (Pirosa), five grandchildren,a sister and a brother.

Promoted toGlorySTRIVEgainsmomentum

who participate did not play hockeyprior to the Army’s floor hockeyteam, nor have many of them hadexposure to the gospel, according toAndrew Barylski, community cen-ter director. Their corps team praysand has devotions before each prac-tice. “It’s very important to our

team,” Andrew said.At the Midland, Mich.,

Corps in particular, relation-ships are blossoming. CorpsOfficers Captains Matt andMalinda O’Neil have part-nered with nearbyNorthwood University andthe H.H. Dow High Schoolhockey teams for additional“on ice” time and practice.Players from each of theseteams have run drills andscrimmages with theMidland Corps kids.“Midland has been very

successful in getting kids to come tothe corps in response to the pro-gram,” said Charol McDonald,Eastern Michigan divisional chil-dren’s ministries and Safe fromHarm coordinator. “They’ve alsodeveloped a good relationship withNorthwood University; the captainof the hockey team is now anemployee of the Army in the after-school program!”

were challenged to think of creativeways to use their talents to generateincome for this project. They uti-lized skills, such as braiding hair,drawing portraits, painting nailsand telling stories, to raise animpressive $3,847.75 and to pur-chase 256 goats during the week-end. (Through Love in Action 303goats were sent to Zambian familieslast month.)During Saturday night’s plenary

session, Cotton used 1 John 2:15 tochallenge young adults to seek Godfirst. This message resonated withdelegates and, when invited to pray

at the altar, many of them cameforward to seek God andencourage one another.Sunday morning Cotton againurged young adults to come outof the world and be separatefor God’s purpose. TerritorialYouth Secretary Major Gail Ahoconcluded the conference witha time of prayer and reflection,encouraging delegates to returnhome and act on the lessonsthey had learned.

In 2009 The Salvation Armyreceived a grant from theDetroit Red Wings foundation tohelp fund the STRIVE (Student

Training for Integrity, Vitality andEducation) youth hockey programin the greater Metropolitan Detroit,Mich., area. STRIVE fulfills a needfor children, regardless of means, toparticipate in the costly sport andcontributes to the increased aware-ness of The Salvation Army andhockey in general.STRIVE’s mission is to help meet

spiritual, mental and physical needsof children through organized hock-ey. Not only does it achieve this,but it’s helping to cultivate relation-ships between corps in the division,young people in the community,and the community and its corps.Over the last three years the pro-

gram has gained momentum, andthis month up to nine corps in theEastern Michigan Division may par-ticipate. The program welcomes boysand girls, ages 7 to 13, onto a juniorvarsity or varsity team. Eight off-icegames are held between corps com-munity center teams during the 12-week season, which concludes witha celebratory pizza party.At the Wayne/Westland, Mich.,

Corps most of the 20 to 30 children

pray about the economic climateand financial resources for ourworldwide mission. We requestrenewed passion to bring people toJesus and lead them to maturity inHim. We ask for courage and com-passion to stand for and serve themarginalized. We also pray for indi-vidual and corps needs.As 8:00 a.m. draws near, we begin

to pass “the wave” on to those westof us who have committed to pray.We leave, knowing that “the waveof prayer” continues and God willbe faithful today and continue tobless and strengthen our Army.Reports from the KWM Mighty

Prayer Team include victories ofanswered prayer, increased number ofprayer warriors joining together, notonly officers and soldiers but friendsof the Army and even some of ourprogram participants and residents.We have found God’s promise to be

true: “If my people, who are called bymy name, will humble themselvesand pray and seek my face and turnfrom their wicked ways, then I willhear from heaven, and I will forgivetheir sin and will heal their land.” 2Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

by Major Cheryl Miller

Early Thursday morning Irise in anticipation of par-ticipating in my part of the“Wave of Prayer.” As I

leave my home I grab the General’sprayer guide and lists that wereemailed to the 120-member strongKansas and Western Missouri(KWM) Mighty Prayer Team.The drive to divisional head-

quarters is non-eventful.Pulling into the parking lot, Isee a handful of cars and think,Wow, others have come tojoin in “the wave,” only to findthe cars represent employeeswho arrive early for work.Opening the stairwell door

and heading downstairs to thechapel, I imagine this happeningthroughout our division as theKWM Mighty Prayer Team gath-ers to receive “the wave.” As themeeting draws near, faithful prayerwarriors have joined me.Last year during pilgrimage 120

soldiers and friends joined theKWM Mighty Prayer Team, com-mitting to pray every Thursdaymorning at 7:30 a.m. Some prayfrom their own homes, some jointogether over coffee, others gatherin corps prayer rooms to intercedefor the needs of our worldwideArmy. Every Wednesday lists areemailed to team members with areminder to meet in the morning.For months we have faithfully

met together to pray that Godwould deepen our spiritual life. We

Coach Andrew Barylski with the Wayne/Westland,Mich., 2011 JV/Varsity floor hockey teams

Nicolas O’Neil from the Midland, Mich.,Corps gears up for the game.

Regeneration

Catching thewave of prayer

The prayer room at the Wichita West, Kan., Corps

A prayer wall at the Lawrence, Kan., Corps