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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 Chicago White Sox team up with Kroc Center “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 by Major Darlene Harvey Chicago Kroc Center congregational life/program development officer T he White Sox have hit a home run with the Chicago, Ill., Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in a great partnership to positively impact young people’s lives. It began several years before the Kroc Center facility opened when the Sox began provid- ing tickets for the Kroc Center to take young people and their families to games. For some, it has been their only opportunity to see a pro-game and experience such an event. However, more important than the games at Cellular Field are the games and events taking place at the Kroc Center itself. Under White Sox owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, the charitable branch of the White Sox gave The Salvation Army $1 million toward the cam- paign to sponsor the Chicago Kroc Center’s baseball field, which includes artificial turf, bleachers, lights and a replica of the scoreboard at US Cellular Field Stadium. In addition to other programs that take place on the field, the White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) seeks to correct the down- ward trend of African-Americans participating in organized baseball from an overall lack of exposure to college recruiters. ACE offers rising stars in the inner-city baseball commu- nity the opportu- nity to play against other high- ly competitive groups on traveling teams. The play- ers are engaged in an elite practice and competition schedule while receiving academic direction to pre- pare them for success both on and off the field. The ACE program includes 105 players ranging in age from 13-18. In addition to play- ing on the field, 15 of the players were pro- vided ACT prep class- es through the Kroc Center. Sponsored by the White Sox, the classes prepared the young men for their entrance exams for college. Thaddeus Moody, Chicago Kroc sports manager, said, “The ACE program has energized baseball back into the inner city where major division universities are coming into the inner city looking for baseball players. Now these young men are able to receive a quality education and play baseball at the same time.” The White Sox not only have provided fun on the baseball field and college prep in the classroom but funding as the corporate sponsor for the Kaboom! playground, which was built at the Kroc Center. Last August more than 100 volunteers from the Volume 43, Number 4 April 2013 Continued on page 12 Rediscovering the Church for service. This year’s conference focused on the Church. Guest speaker Pastor Harvey Carey of the large multicultural Citadel of Faith Covenant Church in Detroit, Mich., spoke with an urgency and sincerity that com- pelled young adults to consider the purpose and authority of the by Abby Johnson M ore than 400 young adults from across the Central Territory gath- ered earlier this year for Regeneration, a conference where Salvationists are challenged with biblically-sound teaching to grow in their faith and find opportunities the Del Oro Division in the Western Territory, unpacked the concept of missional entrepreneur- ship with delegates. He encouraged delegates to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in finding creative ways to utilize their own talents and strengths in order to introduce peo- ple to Christ. Throughout the weekend Blair Linne, a spoken word artist, per- formed her original poems. Her raw Continued on page 5 Church. One of the main points he drove home was that as the Church we are called to be salt and light in a world which desperately needs it. Sandra McCracken, a singer-song- writer known for her soulful blend of folk, pop and gospel, led worship with a warm and gentle spirit dur- ing the weekend. The hymn sing on Saturday evening was a beautiful picture of the Church with many of the stalwart hymns set to new melodies. Sandra shared her jour- ney growing up in church and memorizing hymns as a young girl but not really comprehending them. Later as a young adult, though, these hymns became an important part of her personal faith. On Saturday afternoon Fulton Hawk, youth program specialist for

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April 2013 issue of the Central Connection newsletter produced by the USA Central Territory of The Salvation Army.

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Page 1: Central Connection - April 2013

THESALVATIONARMY10W.AlgonquinRoadDesPlaines,Illinois60016

Moving?Sendtheattachedlabelwithyourcorrectionto:CirculationManager,10W.AlgonquinRoad,DesPlaines,Illinois60016

ChicagoWhite Sox teamupwith KrocCenter

“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

by Major Darlene HarveyChicago Kroc Center congregationallife/program development officer

The White Sox have hit ahome run with the Chicago,Ill., Ray and Joan Kroc CorpsCommunity Center in a great

partnership to positively impactyoung people’s lives. It began severalyears before the Kroc Center facilityopened when the Sox began provid-ing tickets for the Kroc Center totake young people and their familiesto games. For some, it has been theironly opportunity to see a pro-gameand experience such an event.

However, more important thanthe games at Cellular Field are thegames and events taking place atthe Kroc Center itself. UnderWhite Sox owner, Jerry Reinsdorf,the charitable branch of theWhite Sox gave The SalvationArmy $1 million toward the cam-paign to sponsor the Chicago KrocCenter’s baseball field, whichincludes artificial turf, bleachers,lights and a replica of the scoreboardat US Cellular Field Stadium.

In addition to other programs thattake place on the field, the White SoxAmateur City Elite (ACE) seeks to

correct the down-ward trend ofAfrican-Americansparticipating inorganized baseballfrom an overalllack of exposureto collegerecruiters. ACEoffers rising starsin the inner-citybaseball commu-nity the opportu-nity to playagainst other high-ly competitive

groups on traveling teams. The play-ers are engaged in an elite practiceand competition schedule whilereceiving academic direction to pre-pare them for success both on andoff the field. The ACE programincludes 105 playersranging in age from13-18.

In addition to play-ing on the field, 15 ofthe players were pro-vided ACT prep class-es through the KrocCenter. Sponsored bythe White Sox, theclasses prepared theyoung men for theirentrance exams forcollege.

Thaddeus Moody,Chicago Kroc sportsmanager, said, “TheACE program has

energized baseball back intothe inner city where majordivision universities arecoming into the inner citylooking for baseball players.Now these young men areable to receive a qualityeducation and play baseballat the same time.”

The White Sox not onlyhave provided fun on thebaseball field and college

prep in the classroom but funding asthe corporate sponsor for theKaboom! playground, which wasbuilt at the Kroc Center. Last Augustmore than 100 volunteers from the

Volume 43, Number 4 April 2013

Continued on page 12

Rediscovering theChurchfor service. This year’s conferencefocused on the Church.

Guest speaker Pastor HarveyCarey of the large multiculturalCitadel of Faith Covenant Churchin Detroit, Mich., spoke with anurgency and sincerity that com-pelled young adults to consider thepurpose and authority of the

by Abby Johnson

More than 400 youngadults from across theCentral Territory gath-ered earlier this year for

Regeneration, a conference whereSalvationists are challenged withbiblically-sound teaching to grow intheir faith and find opportunities

the Del Oro Division in theWestern Territory, unpacked theconcept of missional entrepreneur-ship with delegates. He encourageddelegates to seek the Holy Spirit’sguidance in finding creative ways toutilize their own talents andstrengths in order to introduce peo-ple to Christ.

Throughout the weekend BlairLinne, a spoken word artist, per-formed her original poems. Her raw

Continued on page 5

Church. One of the main points hedrove home was that as the Churchwe are called to be salt and light ina world which desperately needs it.

Sandra McCracken, a singer-song-writer known for her soulful blendof folk, pop and gospel, led worshipwith a warm and gentle spirit dur-ing the weekend. The hymn sing onSaturday evening was a beautifulpicture of the Church with many ofthe stalwart hymns set to newmelodies. Sandra shared her jour-ney growing up in church andmemorizing hymns as a young girlbut not really comprehending them.Later as a young adult, though,these hymns became an importantpart of her personal faith.

On Saturday afternoon FultonHawk, youth program specialist for

Page 2: Central Connection - April 2013

2

by Lt. Colonel Dorothy SmithTerritorial Officer Resource and Development Secretary

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

Ilove reading about God’s cre-ativity, but it’s pretty intimidat-ing to think I might have somecreative responsibility—especial-

ly to share the gospel in new ways.Creativity requires a gene that I justdon’t have. While there may be allthe agents for fireworks in mybrain (fuel, oxidization, colorants, abinder, etc.), they’re just lying therewith no hope of combusting into agreat display of ideas.

So I turned to the most creative

Our gifts are just that—somethingwe’ve been given by God. But wemust develop and share them sothey’re useful for others. In Bill’scase, he studied music history, theo-ry, composition, and instruments atone of the great universities andthen applied his gift of creativity tothe skills he had worked years todevelop. Not quite as easy as hemakes it look! In fact, he says refin-ing, polishing and finishing the cre-ative idea takes much sweat and

effort. “But sometimes the resultsare so good, you feel like you can’ttake the credit. It’s the Holy Spiritwho inspires and blesses the effort.

What’s your gift? How can youdevelop it to share the gospel andbuild God’s Kingdom in your corps?How does it support and enhancethe gifts of your fellow soldiers andofficers? Are you engaged in reach-ing your community for Christ?

God doesn’t expect us to createthe heavens and the earth. He’salready done that. But He is contin-ually seeking sincere, humble peo-ple to share His love with othersthrough our gifts in creative andrelevant ways.

Ignite Creativitywith a purpose

person I know for advice: BillHimes. He’s written hundreds ofmusical selections that bring gloryto God, as well as enjoyment andinspiration to both performer andlistener. I asked him, “What areyour secrets and how can we non-creative types implement them?”

Bill did not waste his creativeprocess on me but instead sharedthat creativity is a gift and we allhave gifts that can be used to buildGod’s Kingdom.

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.centralusa.salvationarmy.org1-800-SALARMY

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

Resources/LinksFamily Congress website

Daisy Award for nursing website

ONE multicultural conference website

St. Louis City Museum website

Peabody Opera House website

Forest Park website

Midland Division website

Lyndall Bywater website

EDS website

Talk about giving website

Web exclusivesHow to Have a Matthew Party

Omaha North Corps’ afterschool programtestimony

Princeton, Ind., Keys to Teen Group successby Lt. Jonathan Cooper

One St. Louis Vet’s story

Salvation Army in Guyana

Adding personality to prayer report

For late breaking news,visit our website!

Log on tousc.salvationarmy.org/centralconnect

For late breaking news,visit our website!

Log on tousc.salvationarmy.org/centralconnect

For late breaking news,visit our website!

Log on tousc.salvationarmy.org/centralconnect

For late breaking news,visit our website!

Log on tousc.salvationarmy.org/centralconnect

New tools for new times

Imagine being ready to ministerin a nation where multiple cul-tures and ethnicities are the newnorm. Imagine being prepared

with words and deeds that canbridge differences and bring healingand hope. Imagine being equippedto step out boldly in pursuit of God-saturated opportuni-ties.

Turn those imagin-ings into realities byattending “The ONEConference:Imagine,” sponsoredby the territorial mul-ticultural ministriesdepartment, October18-20, 2013. Officers,lay leaders andemployees will beequipped with newtools for new times tomeet the challengesof their culturallydiverse communities.

“We’re bringingtogether the collectivewisdom of leadingexperts on multicul-tural and multi-ethnicministries to give usthe tools to grow asONE through our dif-ferences. I encourageeveryone, especiallythose who work with

diverse groups, to take advantage ofthis incredible opportunity,” saidMajor Mary Hammerly, territorialmulticultural ministries secretary.

Keynote speaker Dr. DavidLivermore has consulted withFortune 500 corporations, non-prof-

it organizations and governments inmore than 100 countries. Presidentof the Cultural Intelligence Center,he has authored several award-win-ning books on cultural intelligenceand global leadership, taught at uni-versities, and worked for numerousinternational non-profits.

“Christians must beable to understandother cultures andcommunicate effec-tively,” said David.“Cultural intelligence[provides] the abilityto work across nation-al, ethnic and evenorganizational cul-tures.”Among the expertsconducting workshoptracks are Dr. MarkDeymaz, author andfounding pastor ofArkansas’ MosaicChurch and a leaderin the multi-ethnicchurch movement;Dr. Rolando Cuellar,Lee University associ-ate professor of inter-cultural studies; Dr.Mark Hausfeld, a spe-cialist in Muslim min-istries, and Dr. SherylTakagi Silzer, a lectur-er on cultural self-dis-

covery. Delegates will learn aboutinternational adoption, identity for-mation and multicultural families;compassion and justice ministries,and immigration issues.

Sunday morning guests will beCommissioners Ken and Joy Baillie,former Central territorial leaderswho also led the Eastern EuropeCommand (Russia, the Ukraine,Moldova, Romania and theRepublic of Georgia).

Dr. Bruce Harding, conferencemusic leader, is the music ministerfor a multi-ethnic church in BritishColumbia who advocates globalsongs and fusion ensembles in wor-ship.

The conference will be held atthe Westin Hotel in Itasca, Ill., con-venient to Chicago’s O’HareAirport. For more information andto register visit:www.multiculturalministries cen-tral.org

October 18-20, 2013Westin Hotel • Itasca, Ill.

Page 3: Central Connection - April 2013

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by Ashley Kuenstler

Hundreds of people lined thesidewalks. Smiles stretchedas far as the eye could see.There was a reason to cele-

brate: the dedication of the newSalvation Army Veterans Residencein St. Louis, Mo., was the reason.

The $8.8 million, three-story build-ing offers 48 single apartments forveterans, an estimated 75 percent ofwhom are homeless. It provides notonly a safe place for them to sleepbut programs to help them lay avaluable, self-sustaining foundationfor a new life.

The studio and one-bedroom highquality apartments are equippedwith new energy-efficient appliancesand high-end amenities like recre-ation spaces and a computer lab.Half of the units are for permanentresidency, while the other half is for

transitional stays while the veteransprepare for their futures, ideally leav-ing after two years with a job, sav-ings and a home to call their own.

Veterans are offered personalized,

intensive case management wheremanageable goals are set. For exam-ple, veterans who entered the mili-tary straight out of high school mayhave never grocery shopped or pre-pared a nutritious meal. Walkingthem through this kind of funda-mental process is part of laying thefoundation.

Case managers also work dili-gently to reconnect veterans withtheir estranged families, as well asto connect disabled veterans tovaluable resources for specific ben-efits. Employable veterans are

helped to develop skills, such aswriting resumes and preparing forinterviews, in order to secure jobs.

Using your smartphone, give the new EDS QRCode system a try!

Vets residence gateway to new life

EDSdecoded

This spring EmergencyDisaster Services (EDS) iscreating new standardSalvation Army identification

badges for responders in the UnitedStates using Quick Response Code(QR Code) technology. Each newbadge will include a QR barcode,which, when scanned, will link tothe national EDS database to verifythe employee or volunteer’s creden-tials, trainings and certifications inreal time.

The primary goal of the new badgeis to increase security. “It will protectboth EDS workers and disaster sur-vivors,” said Kevin Ellers, territorialdisaster services coordinator, “ensur-ing on-scene volunteers are current,active and certified in what we needof them.”

Scanning is simple and can bedone from any smartphone installedwith a free QR code scanner app.The scanner reads a displayed codeand converts it to a URL directingthe smartphone’s browser to the EDSdatabase.

“Any QR reader will work withthis technology,” said Jeff Jellets,Southern territorial disaster coordina-tor. “We expect about 90 percent ofpeople to simply use their smart-phones. That’s what makes thisdevelopment so neat. If a police offi-cer needed to verify someone’s cre-dentials on the spot, he or she coulddo so by using their phone.”

This system also will save TheSalvation Army money since a fresh-

ly printed badge won’t be requiredevery time an employee or volunteercompletes additional training. Allnew trainings will be recorded onthe national database visible immedi-ately when the code is scanned.

The four U.S. territories workedtogether to develop this conceptunder the direction of Jeff.

“We’ll start implementation of thebadges with officers and employeesand then move to volunteers,” saidJeff.

National SalvationArmyWeek

National Salvation ArmyWeek is the perfectopportunity to thank yourvolunteers! Are there anySunday school teachers,canteen drivers, toy shop

workers or Christmas kettlebellringers who you couldrecognize during thisimportant week?

It’s also a good time toinvite others to join in ourmission. Share with family,friends and your community

about the wonderfulministries of The SalvationArmy like our adultrehabilitation centers,disaster relief efforts, familyshelters and youthministries!

May 13-19, 2013

Commissioners William and Nancy Roberts, national leaders, join Majors Lonneal andPatty Richardson, Midland divisional leaders, St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay and othersfor ribbon cutting.

St. Louis Regional Advisory BoardChairman Mark Abels

Page 4: Central Connection - April 2013

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by Captain Rachel Stouder

Relational ministry. The termhas become somewhat of abuzzword in the Church.We have recognized from

many vantage points the value andeffective place relationship has with-in our evangelism and discipleshipefforts. “After all,” echoes throughmany of our halls, “we serve aGod of relationship, a God whocreated and redeemed us throughrelationship.” Unfortunately, inthe primary interests ofstructure and measure-ment, relational min-istry is often relegatedto the confines of pro-gram.

At Incarnation, adivisional youth lead-ers seminar, Dr.Andrew Root, associateprofessor of youth and

family min-istry at LutherSeminary, St.Paul, Minn.,

challenged youthleaders from across

the territory to recon-sider the approach torelational ministry.There was certainly noconcern about whetheror not programs serve

as excellent vehicles for relationship,providing opportunity for their devel-opment.

Unfortunately, however, as Dr.Root pointed out, many a youthworker tends to fall victim to the “get‘em in the door” mentality, and theconcept of relationship is oftenreduced to the back seat in a vehiclelargely driven by measurable statis-tics, up-to-the-minute technology, anda flurry of activity. While one canhardly argue with the value of any of

these and other ministry and pro-grammatic necessities that tend tozap opportunity for relationship—realrelationship—it does cause one toreconsider where and how relation-ship actually takes place.

Dr. Root unpacked the concept of“place sharing” throughout the week,reinforcing the importance of beingwith people, experiencing life withthem, modeling boundaries andhealthy human relationships. His sto-ries about giving youth space toacknowledge fears, ask tough ques-tions, be their own goofy selves, anddive deep into relationship withJesus resounded with us as we gath-ered around tables. Reflecting on theweek’s impact on perspective in min-istry, one Wisconsin delegate said,“It’s about winning souls to JesusChrist, instead ofwinning peopleinto the building.”

Another delegatesaid, “It meant themost to me to begiven permissionto see relationshipsas more importantthan program. Notthat program isbad, but if we havea lot of programs,

and lots of numbers in those pro-grams, but have no growth—no salva-tion—programs are meaningless.”

Juanita Belcher, Heartland divi-sional character-building ministriesdirector, shared that she was excitedfor the encouragement in relation-ship building, as this has been herpassion for years. When asked, “Butyou’re employed because of pro-grams, what will you do if TheSalvation Army decides not to docharacter-building programs any-more?” Juanita’s response was sim-ple: “Then God must have otherplans. I believe the programs we useare excellent, and I know it can takea while to bridge from program intothe corps sometimes, but that canonly be done through relationship,and relationships take time.”

FOCUSedon holiness

Focus isn’t just a word at thePrinceton, Ind., Corps; it’san acronym for the youthgroup’s mission: Founded On

Christ’s Unending Salvation. Sincethe teens put this forward as theirrally cry, the corps has seen a largeincrease in attendance.

“They’re searching for friendship,belonging, and most importantly,God,” said Lt. Jonathan Cooper,corps officer. “We’ve been meetingat our quarters for almost three yearsnow, and it’s really awesome to seehow the group has grown.”

They’ve grown not only in numbers,

but in spiritual depth. “They’re striv-ing for holiness, and it’s been reallyevident in the way they interact witheach other,” said Lt. Chrissy Cooper.

Every Thursday the teens begin totrickle into the Coopers’ housearound 3:30 p.m. from the area’sthree high schools. The fun begins,believe it or not, with homework.“It’s pretty commonplace to have abunch of the teens at our house doinghomework,” said Jonathan. “We helpwhen we can, and it seems to be agreat avenue for us to interact.”

Next is dinner and fellowship; itusually involves a few guitars and a

lot of laughter. The corner-stone of the night is an in-depth Bible study, which typi-cally revolves around holinessand discipleship. Right nowthey’re studying DiscipleshipTraining by Dr. Charles Lake.By 8:00 p.m. the night drawsto an end, and the teens reluc-tantly pull their things togetherand head home.“It’s been amazing to see howfar the Lord has brought thisministry; it’s gone from aroundseven to 35,” said Chrissy. “Hehas brought us into situationsin which we have been able tobe a part of so many kids’lives.”And as one of the teens put it,“I always leave Thursday nightknowing I’m not alone, ‘If Godis for me, who can be againstme?’ [Romans 8:31]. ”

In most ways Aurelia Lawson is atypical eight-year-old girl. Sheenjoys dancing, drawing, playingwith her older sister, Angela, and is

learning to play the cornet. Havingaccepted Christ as her Savior and asunbeam at the Des Plaines, Ill.,Corps, she’s begun to realize theimportance of selflessness.

Aurelia loves animals so much shebecame a vegetarian, and for hereighth birthday party, instead of askingfor birthday gifts, she sent guests awish list for shelter animals. In addi-tion to a few friends, animals—such asa 12-foot python, a burping parrot anda tortoise the size of a tricycle—madean appearance.

After a lot of fun, cake and time toenjoy the animals, four big bags ofdonations were collected for the shelter.

“Seeing Aurelia choose to put othersfirst makes us so happy,” said VernonLawson about his daughter. “We areeager to see how God will use Aurelia’spassion and creativity to serve Him asshe continues to grow.”

Aurelia is in her second year of sun-beams. She attends Sunday schoolevery week and helps with theBreakfast with Baby program, an out-

Great character

reconsider relational approachYouth leaders

Lt. Chrissy Cooper helps Hope Michael with herhomework.

reach event the corps holds once amonth.

When asked what she wants to bewhen she grows up, Aurelia, with theencouragement of her proud oldersister, responded, “I want to work atan aquarium and train the dolphins.”

Photosby

Lt.Jam

ieCurry

Page 5: Central Connection - April 2013

Haven of learning andplay

honesty and passion moved dele-gates to meditate on the truths sheshared and got them excited aboutGod’s Word.

“Soapbox Video” featured dele-

gates sharing their testimonies bycompleting the sentence: “TheSalvation Army I want to be a partof is…” While the answers varied, itwas evident young adults are com-

mitted to the Army’s mission ofsharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Itwas a highlight of the weekend.

As the conference came to a pow-erful close on Sunday morning,Pastor Carey challenged delegates:

“Army, march! Army, move! Army,stop meeting and let the world seewhat the blood and the fire lookslike. In the name of Jesus, rise upand be the Church that God hascalled you to be!”

Rediscovering theChurch

Registration for theOmaha North,Neb., Corps after-school program

has skyrocketed. Morethan 200 children, ages 5-18, are registered for theweek day program whichincludes a hot meal.

Lt. Pam Kasten, corpsofficer, attributes thegrowth to great programdirectors, Jim Sells and LisaSagherian, and involve-ment in the community.

“We’re in the schoolsattending open houses,going to community meet-ings and actively promotingour program,” said Pam. “We’realso a free program and have posi-tive word-of-mouth since the kidslike it.”

One young man, Romeo Dixon,said, “I feel accepted and lovedthere… It’s a good place to be.”

Thanks to a federal grant, it’sbeen possible for the corps to hire atutor to help children with theirhomework. Other afterschool activ-ities include crafts, basketball, read-ing time and character-building pro-

grams. With the help of a staffmember, the children have begunwriting and publishing their ownnewsletter called Sal Sentinel.

Volunteers from nearby JaynesStreet Church have recognized thevalue of the program and startedhelping with reading classes. “Theend goal is to launch a Mission:Literacy reading program here,”said Pam.

At the Omaha North after-school program not only are the

children safe, well-cared for andlearning, theyhave an opportuni-ty to hear aboutJesus. “The chil-dren know thisplace is different,”said Pam. “I thinkGod is using theprogram to showyouth there is adifferent way oflife and a differentpath they cantake.”

Last summerPam and a few ofthe staff startedinviting the after-school children toattend Sundayschool andchurch. “We’rebeginning tobridge kids intoSunday services,”she said.

Little people, big commitment

The Niles, Mich.,character-buildingprogram broughtfour young girls into

the corps about four yearsago. Caitlin and Cirstin aretwins, although very differ-ent, and Jordan and Hayleeare sisters. Friends invitedthem to activities, and thegirls found they lovedspending time at the corps.With encouragement fromtheir corps officers MajorsWilliam and Tracey Walters,they started attendingSunday school and worshipservices.

It’s been through min-istries, like summer camp,that they came to personalrelationships with Christ.“It’s been a blessing towatch them learn andgrow,” said Tracey. “Jordan,in particular, has taken lead-ership in her faith. She’salways the first to open inprayer at Sunday school andoften prays during Sunday meetings.”

The girls, along with Tracey andWilliam’s son, Aaron, recently wereenrolled as junior soldiers.

The new junior soldiers areinvolved around the corps. The girlsare starting to teach the Sundayschool classes for the younger chil-

dren. Aaron works with the multi-media, passes out programs and hasbegun to keep a personal written listof those who need prayer. Caitlinand Cirstin also like to help with theoffering and greet people as theycome into the corps.

“They’re such a blessing to us,”said Tracey.

Majors William and Tracey Walters flank junior soldiers (l to r) Haylee, Caitlin, Cirstin,Jordan and Aaron. The flagbearers (l to r) are Ruthann Mills and Colette Scott. Lisa Sagherian helps Markezz Carter on the computer.

Daheem Conley enjoys a nutritious dinner.

Haylee signs her junior soldier promise.

Continued from page 1

5

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Family Congress: newcity,

Inspiring meetingsFrom stirring numbers by the Chicago Staff Band to praise led by The Singing

Company, from moving testimonies of God’s grace to a precious performance bymassed singing companies from across the territory, the main meetings will inspireyou! Complemented by a spectacular new level of multimedia, they will also fea-ture well-loved perennials like the World Services Ingathering and dedication of theSummer Mission Teams. During each session the General will delve into theInternational Vision Statement, “One Army, One Mission, One Message.” All mainmeetings will take place at the brilliantly restored historic Peabody Opera House.

You and your family won’t want to miss this opportunity to joinour great big Army family for a wonderful weekend of praise,inspiration, solid biblical teaching, fellowship and funin St. Louis! Register now for the Family Congress,June 7 – 9!

General Linda BondDon’t miss your chance to see the

General in person! Come hear what’son our international leader’s heart forthe global Army. In her first visit to theCentral Territory, General LindaBond—only the third woman general inour Army’s history!—will share God’sWord and challenge you to a deepercommitment.

Page 7: Central Connection - April 2013

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new leader, newvision

Resource ConnectionSpecial treats are in store for visi-

tors to the Resource Connectionmarket at the St. Louis HyattRegency at the Arch on Friday(open 1:00-7:00 p.m.) and Saturday(12:00-6:30 p.m.). Be sure to comeback after the evening meetings fora reception with refreshments onFriday from 9:30-10:30 p.m. and a“Midnight Madness Sale!” onSaturday from 9:30-11:00 p.m.

In addition to the wide array ofuniforms and other clothing, acces-sories, gifts, books, music and sup-plies available through ResourceConnection, there will be vendorsof musical instruments, office sup-plies, marketing specialties, foodservice suppliers and much more.And don’t miss the eye-catching,educational displays from the worldmissions department, the territorialhistorical museum and the Collegefor Officer Training.

Fun and adventure for kidsThis year’s Congress brings a

weekend of action and adventurefor youth as award-winningCorporate Kids Events, a VIP child-care service, brings their cus-tomized programs for children upto age 11.

Every meeting will featurethemes ranging from “ArtExtravaganza,” with silk painting,picture charades and fruit creaturesnacks to “Take me out to the ball-game” with sports magnet crafts,fun face painting and a baseballtrivia challenge. Childcare willcover all the main meetings andofficers’ councils.

Soapbox with the GeneralThe Family Congress brings with

it a one-of-a-kind opportunity for18-30 year olds to participate in aYoung Adult Soapbox with theGeneral. With an informal vibe,this intimate Saturday eveningevent will bring General LindaBond front and center, answeringimportant questions from theArmy’s future leaders! It will be aunique opportunity to listen to theGeneral’s thoughts on holiness, offi-cership, lay leadership and discern-ing God’s will.

Eric Himes, territorial youthdevelopment specialist, will facili-tate the question and answer ses-sion, which will take place onSaturday from 5:00-6:00 p.m. at theSt. Louis Hyatt Regency at theArch.

Sunday meetingsOn Sunday morning enjoy rich,

meaningful worship at the distinc-tive Peabody Opera House. Sharethe honor with the 34 members ofthe “Proclaimers of theResurrection” session as they’reordained and commissioned as offi-cers by General Linda Bond.

After delegates enjoy a box lunch,it’s on to the rousing, blood-and-fireService of Appointments. Enter intothe spirit as newly commissionedlieutenants—almost half of whomare first-generation Salvationists—learn from Commissioner Paul R.Seiler, territorial commander,where they’ll first serve as officers!

Register online now atwww.sacongress2013.org

A Night at the museumGet ready for the unexpected at

“A Night at the Museum,” theFriday night afterglow at the St.Louis City Museum from 10:00p.m. to midnight! Great music, funactivities, board games—plus brick-oven pizza, soda and homemadecookies—will set the atmospherefor a memorable event!

The museum features an eclecticarray of exhibits and experiences.Show off your skills on the rampsin Skateless Park, wiggle throughSlinkies and ball pits for childrenand adults, take a glass tunnelthrough the shark tank, fly down a10-story (or optional three-story!)spiral slide, explore a cave systemin which creatures stare back fromevery direction, take a spin in alife-sized hamster wheel, petstingrays, walk through a whale,and traverse transparent tunnelsthat run across ceilings and underand through exhibits!

Saturday afternoonSaturday afternoon focuses on

family activities from noon untilthe evening meeting. Lunch will beavailable to delegates at Forest Parkand Resource Connection, wherethere’s something for everyone toenjoy in any kind of weather.

Forest Park means maximum fun.Home to the zoo, a science center,history museum, greenhouse andart center, the park features beauti-ful landscaping, a 7.5-mile path,plus lakes and waterways for boat-ing and fishing.

Other recreational options areavailable, as are trolleys that runwithin the 1,371-acre park (biggerthan New York’s Central Park)!Transportation shuttles will run toForest Park during the afternoon.

Page 8: Central Connection - April 2013

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Waiting on amiracle

standpoint Christopher really was amiracle child,” said Jennifer. Theexperience renewed Tiffanie’s faithin God.

When Christopher was born inOctober 2011, his parents wereunemployed, and the family wasdependent on public aid. AsChristmas approached, Jennifer con-nected the family with PamelaChurch-Pryor, Norridge corps com-munity ministries director, for socialservices support, food and toys. Thefamily soon began attending thecorps, and Jennifer’s relationshipwith Tiffanie deepened. Tiffanie’stwo older children, Brianna, 13, andBraylon, 7, have made friends andenjoy Sunday school. Christopher isnow a happy, healthy toddler.

The newborn was dying.Doctors had tried everyprocedure imaginable tosave him; now the

inevitable was only a matter oftime. Some nights Christopher’scondition was so grave that whenneo-natal nurse Jennifer Minter lefther shift, she’d gently kiss her tinypatient goodbye.

“Having a baby is a very emotion-al experience; any deviation, nomatter how minor, in the birthingprocess or the health of the baby,provokes shock and a major emo-tional response,” said Jennifer, a sol-dier at the Norridge Citadel, Ill.,Corps and herself a mother of two.“Although technically the babies aremy patients, I try to remember thewhole family needs support.”

In fact, the families of herpatients have been responsible forJennifer receiving not only severalhospital awards but the nationalDaisy Award, which honors out-standing compassion in nursing.

Doctors and nurses toldChristopher’s family multiple timesthey’d done all they could. Tiffanie,the boy’s mother, and her mothercontinued to keep vigil while thefather, Mike, cared for the family’sother two children. Jennifer, wholives out her faith daily, learned thegrandmother was a strong Christian,but Christopher’s mother had drift-ed from her faith years ago.

Tiffanie and her mother sat forhours by Christopher’s crib, softlypraying and laying hands on his

body. Jennifer wasimpressed to hear thempray specifically for eachorgan and every body sys-tem; they even asked Godfor the white blood cellsto fight off infections.

Slowly but surelyJennifer began to noticeslight improvements inChristopher’s condition.As she got to knowTiffanie, Jennifer talkedabout her faith, emphasiz-ing God hadn’t only beenlistening to their prayers,He’d been answeringthem.“I told her from a medical

Since soldiers and Captain John Pook,corps officer of the Oakbrook Terrace,Ill., Corps, attended last year’s NationalSeminar on Evangelism (NSE), they’ve

helped to develop an intentional plan to prepareyouth and adults to share the gospel. Soldiersare stepping out in new and unexpected ways.

It started with the corps’ annual block party.At this outreach-oriented event, members of thecommunity, friends and family members of sol-diers are invited to join them for a barbequeand games. In preparation for the most recentblock party, the corps invited Mark Bender, partof the territorial evangelism department, to holdan evening training on evangelism.

“The main focus wasto encourage people tobe willing to step out oftheir familiar, comfort-able circles and to seepeople as they are,through the eyes ofJesus,” said Mark. “Morethan that, it’s about rec-ognizing any conversa-tion is an opportunity totell people about Jesus.”

The block party result-ed in some new facesaround the corps. “Ibelieve it was because ofthe training,” said John.

One of the corps’small groups has startedstudying the NSE cur-riculum Just Walkacross the Room by BillHybels. “At our annual

food distribution many soldiers who are in oursmall group were reaching out in new ways tovisitors,” said Chris Shay. “Those who have hadexperience with NSE are finding they have anew boldness and urgency to share the gospel.”

Another soldier, Marylou Bonesteel, has takena more creative approach. She’s decided to weara shirt with The Salvation Army shield on itwhile doing errands in her community. Shesaid, “This gives others a reason to approachme, too!”

Next John plans to hold a regular evangelismclass and ask one NSE delegate per week toshare a testimony with the congregation onSunday mornings.

Intentionality in evangelism

Pictured (l-r) are Dave, Aaron, Rachel and Jennifer MinterJennifer Minter and former patient Christophercelebrate his first birthday.

A young patient receives care from neo-natal nurse Jennifer Minter.

Captain Johanna Pook with members of the community during the Fiesta Finale outreach

Page 9: Central Connection - April 2013

Parroting a certain credit card’sads, the experiences last yearof the territorial summer mis-sion team in Guyana were

“priceless.”Partnered with the Metropolitan

Division, Guyana is one of 15 coun-tries in the Caribbean Territory withwhich the Central Territory has beenlinked through the PIM (Partners inMission) initiative.

The team encountered many cul-tures in Guyana, including Afro-Caribbean, Chinese, East Indian andindigenous people. Faiths ranged fromvarious denominations of Christianityto Hindu, Muslim, Rastafarianism andnative religions. Languages also varied,from English, Spanish, French andDutch to Creole, Urdu and Caribbean

Dolibers’ Haiti happenings

Hindustani (a dialect of Hindi).Team leader Andres Villatoro report-

ed the gospel was openly accepted.“Even Hindus and Muslims respondedin some way and didn’t lash out inopposition,” he said of the team’sexperiences. The team particularlyenjoyed conducting outreach programsfor children in Guyana.

The work of the Army there beganin 1895. Today its ministries includecorps and outposts, a large kinder-garten school, a young-adult eveningschool, feeding programs for adultsand children, a corrections ministry,men’s hostel, men’s rehabilitation cen-ter, women’s retirement home andresidences for retired officers.

The team was particularly struck

when they met Shikh Sham Shoud-een, a former drug addict who com-pleted the Army’s rehabilitation pro-gram at the men’s center. He nowserves as the recruiting officer at theGeorgetown Citadel Corps in thenation’s capital.

Worship meetings feature upbeatpraise, inspiring testimonies, lengthymessages and altar calls, Andresobserved. But, he added, the Army’sgreatest challenge is financial.

“There’s a lack of funding for pro-grams, officers, transportation, equip-ment, musical instruments andinstruction,” he concluded. “Officersoften carry more than one appoint-ment [but] we saw them adapt to allchallenges.”

You’ve beenassigned asthe driverfor a very

important visitingdignitary—someoneconsidered so sig-nificant that armedpolice escort vehi-cles have beenassigned to accom-pany you. Thenimagine yourselfcareening throughthe crowded streetsof Port-au-Prince,Haiti’s capital city,at the height of rush hour, whilebeing herded along by your speed-ing police escorts!

That was the harrowing experi-ence of Major Robert Doliber lastfall when he was asked to serve asthe driver for General Linda Bond’svisit to Haiti as part of theCaribbean Territory’s 125thanniversary celebrations!

Central officers Majors Bob and

Rae Doliber have been living inHaiti since September 2010 as partof a recovery and developmentteam dedicated to rebuilding thePort-au-Prince region after the hor-rific earthquake that January. Bob isthe team’s director, and Rae is thespecial projects manager. TheGeneral toured construction siteswith the team after attending arally of more than 1,000 soldiers.

The Army’snumerous, anti-seis-mic constructionprojects includeDelmas 2 in theheart of the city’sslums. It will have a3,000-seat corps, aclinic and social ser-vices building andprimary and sec-ondary schools for1,600 students.Additionally, morethan half of theArmy’s 48 schools inHaiti, serving some10,000 students, arebeing rebuilt or reno-vated; some are inremote, mountainouslocations.

Bob compared thechallenges he andRae have found inHaiti to a popularmilitary slogan: Thedifficult we doimmediately; theimpossible takes alittle longer. “TheSalvation Army willbecome evenstronger in Haiti,” heconcluded.

2013 SummerMissionTeams announced

BrazilNancy Valentin* Metropolitan DivisionMaggie Garcia Metropolitan DivisionKenneth Jones Eastern Michigan DivisionSara Ruthberg Metropolitan DivisionBrianna Shelbourn Western DivisionAmanda Tregellas Wisconsin/Upper Michigan

Division

CaribbeanJoshua Hubbard* Eastern Michigan DivisionKimberly Dickson Kansas/Western Missouri

DivisionAlyssa Dusage Metropolitan DivisionTitiana Flax Metropolitan DivisionRebecca Hixenbaugh Western Michigan/Northern

Indiana DivisionValerie Janson Metropolitan DivisionRobyn Shanahan Midland Division

* = Team Leader

HungaryMelissa Hulett* Eastern Michigan DivisionChristine Chung Metropolitan DivisionKamaria Gage Heartland DivisionRebekah Langham Metropolitan DivisionKayla Miller Western DivisionKendelle Polsley Metropolitan Division

IndiaAreli Garcia* Western Division

Henry Herber Eastern Michigan Division

Lance Hill Eastern Michigan Division

Chelsea Means Metropolitan Division

Ashley Tregellas Wisconsin/Upper MichiganDivision

Michelle Winters Metropolitan Division

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

Flanked by Majors Bob and Rae Doliber, General Linda Bondvisits a reconstruction site.

A new divisional headquarters complex will replace the onedestroyed in the earthquake.

PartneringwithGuyana9

Page 10: Central Connection - April 2013

10

Lyndall Bywater is aSalvationist and freelancetrainer, writer and consultantwho specializes in the subject

of prayer. Having spent her wholelife passionately immersed in prayer,she was naturally chosen to coordi-nate the United Kingdom Territory’s24/7 prayer network for nearly 10years before going freelance. Visitingthe Central Territory earlier this yearto minister in the HeartlandDivision, at the College for OfficerTraining and Central TerritorialHeadquarters, she also took time totalk about prayer with editor BethKinzie. Here is the first of a three-part series.

I know you believe prayer is aprivilege, but is it also aresponsibility?

I suppose what I would say first isthat I consider it a lifeline. I’m notsure how you can bea follower of Jesuswithout prayerbecause it’s thatbasic line of commu-nication between meand Him. It’s thebasic conversation,the fundamentalinterchange of mespeaking to Him andlistening to Him, andHim speaking to meand listening to me.So it’s necessarywhich is slightly dif-ferent than what youasked about it beinga responsibility.

I think when it comes to it being aresponsibility to me that is a slightlymore corporate thing. Prayer individ-ually is something that we shouldhave in our lives, but I guess when itcomes to the responsibility of prayermy thoughts go a bit bigger picture,and I would go to believing that as acommunity of faith we have aresponsibility to pray.

I believe we’re put in the placeswhere we are in order to bring theKingdom of God. Nothing more andnothing less is what we’re here for.So for me it’s that sense of theChurch of Jesus Christ in a commu-nity. We see all the problems aroundus. We see the struggles, the trials,the darkness.

Actually, our responsibility is to bebringers of the Kingdom, and youcan’t do that without prayer. You cando good works, but you cannot bringthe Kingdom without prayer because

the Kingdom is the connection of thesupernatural and the impossiblethings of God with the natural, thekind of status quo, what we live inthe midst of. That only happensthrough prayer. You only bring theimpossible into the possible throughprayer. So, I get to that place that asbelievers together we must be pray-ing. We have a responsibility to ourcommunities to be praying.

I do believe as individuals Godgives us things to pray for. God givesus kind of precious charges in ourlives. There is the charge to pray forthose He’s given us to care for, andHe does put burdens on our hearts.You just sometimes have that sense Ihave got to pray for this. I have gotto invest myself for this in prayer.But I worry if our day-to-day prayerlife is I’m doing this because I have aresponsibility because I feel thatcomes a lot further down the line toI’m doing this because I have a rela-

tionship with a God who loves me.

So, it’s kind of getting them out oforder?

Yes, yes I think it is. There are toomany people who are losing the joyof prayer, who are losing the delightof prayer because it’s like, I’m meantto do this, so I’m going to pray. Idon’t think that should be anywherein our relationship with God theFather. We do it because we loveHim, not because we should.

Since we’re on the frontlines ofservice as Salvationists, do youfeel we have a particular advantagein knowing how to pray for ourcommunities?

I think we do have more of anidea. I work with lots of differentchurches and faith groups, and I seesometimes an introvertedness whichmeans that churches or groups main-ly focused on discipleship and grow-

ing together don’t always know howto pray for their communitiesbecause they wouldn’t always knowwhat the needs of their communities

are. Certainly asSalvationists who areworking in fields ofgreat need, we dohave a bit of anadvantage becausewe see the problemsfirst-hand. I don’tknow if you sur-veyed everybodywho’s working inthese things if theywould say thatenables them toknow how to praymore. I think theyknow what to prayfor.

But sometimes the sheer contactwith that level of need can make youfeel powerless. It can make you feelthere is so much that needs to hap-pen it’s overwhelming. And in thatsituation prayer becomes so muchmore important. But it is even moreimportant that prayer is somethingliving, not something kind of deadroutine, dead religion, because if youare meeting 100 people a week whoare in desperate need, and yourprayer life is basically dead religion,then you will only feel more andmore powerless in the face of those100 people each week. Whereas, ifyour prayer life is truly meeting withJesus, hearing Him, sensing His pres-ence, knowing His hand on yourshoulder, getting that encourage-ment, that life-giving stuff that needsto be in our prayer times, then youmeet those 100 people differently.

One of the things I’m very passion-ate about is that we need to connectthose in need with prayer. We needto get those in need praying forthemselves. And we so often wait.We say, “Well, we can’t get them topray yet because they’re not saved,they haven’t said the right prayer.They’re not in the Kingdom yet.” ButI’m a great believer—and I’ve seen itand it’s what I come back to timeand time again—that God uses thesupernatural, the miraculous, theimpossible to show Himself to peo-ple. He lets people get into reallypainful and difficult situations untilthey cry out to Him, and then Herescues them. It’s not because He’scruel and just making it worse andworse until they scream loudenough, but because when you arerescued from an impossible situationthen you begin to believe in a God,you begin to believe there’s some-thing out there beyond us.

So I’m forever saying to peoplewho are on the frontlines and work-ing with people in need, “Are yougetting them to pray? Are you bring-ing prayer into this work that you’redoing? When somebody is standingin front of you and their life is hope-less are you saying, ‘Hey don’t forgetto pray. I’ll pray for you, but don’tyou forget to pray, too.’” When non-Christians cry out to God in prayerit’s pretty rare that those prayersdon’t get answered because God is sodesperate to show Himself. He’s sodesperate to make Himself known.

But in society now there’s such anair of political correctness that wemight be more hesitant to pray withsomeone when they obviously have aneed, the situation calls for it, oreven if the Holy Spirit prompts us.How do we overcome that?

I think there’s a simplicity aboutbeing a person who is not ashamedto admit that my lifeline is God. Mydependence is on God. My hope is inGod. My service is in God. AnythingI can give you or bring you comesfrom God.

And I think we can end up tryingto help people and maybe giving theimpression that it’s what we’re doingthat’s helping them or it’s what TheSalvation Army is doing that is help-ing them—and there may be some ofthat, we may be doing some veryhelpful things in The SalvationArmy—but there is a simplicity aboutsaying, “Whatever I can give you,whatever The Salvation Army cangive you, I am someone who isdependent on God. So in thismoment as I’m talking to you, I wantyou to know that I am dependent onGod. Therefore, I believe that onlyGod can really change your situation,and so I want to pray for you out ofthat spirit.”

And that’s very important becauseif you approach people and you say,“I think we should pray together,”then it can feel like I’m trying tobrainwash you or I’m trying to forcemy faith system on you. That’s whatwe get squeamish about. My answeris always: you come as a person whois dependent on God...And I findthat people are good with that.They’re not so good when I say, “Iwant to pray with you because youshould be dependent on God.” Thenthey’re like, “Well, that’s you makinga judgment about my life,” and Idon’t have a right to do that.

It’s not being afraid to look depen-dent on God; we don’t want to lookso capable that we don’t need Himanymore.

Prayer: our lifeline toGod

Page 11: Central Connection - April 2013

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

1Wednesday

2 Thursday

3 Friday

4 Saturday

5 Sunday

6 Monday

7 Tuesday

8Wednesday

9 Thursday

10 Friday

11 Saturday

12 Sunday

13 Monday

14 Tuesday

15Wednesday

16 Thursday

17 Friday

18 Saturday

19 Sunday

20 Monday

21 Tuesday

22Wednesday

23 Thursday

24 Friday

25 Saturday

26 Sunday

27 Monday

28 Tuesday

29Wednesday

30 Thursday

31 Friday

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

Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Corps

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

Caribbean Territory PIM

Sioux Falls, S.D., Corps

South Bend, Ind., Kroc CorpsCommunity Center

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

PIM = Partners in Mission

11

My Prayer List

“Everything we’re doing hereis for God’s glory and tospread His love, and He’sreally blessing it,” said Lt.

Linda McCormick, Fergus Falls,Minn., corps officer, who wasappointed there out of training near-ly two years ago.

The corps has two thrift stores, onein Fergus Falls and one in Henning,Minn. Both have a very active volun-teer base, some of whom volunteerup to 35 hours a week, sorting dona-tions, organizing merchandise on thefloor and cleaning up the back rooms.

After a year-long process, theHenning thrift store has been relocat-ed to a larger building owned by TheSalvation Army, doubling its capacityand allowing the store to carry larg-er-scale items and a greater diversityof merchandise. According to Lindathe new store is light, bright andnow sells more due to increased sup-port and visibility in the area.

“Donation quality has risen since theopening, and the people of Henninghave taken ownership in regard tomaking sure the thrift store has qualityitems to sell,” reported Linda.

The corps is also experiencinggrowth in attendance on Sundaymornings and within the children’sprograms. Since Linda has been at thecorps, five new families and singleshave begun attending regularly andthe children’s afterschool program hasgone from six to 26 kids, Sundayschool has increased by over 70 per-cent and last summer’s vacation Bibleschool brought in 36 children.

To gain even more visibility in thecommunity, twice a month the corpsholds an open gym night, where any-one can come in and use the gym,play board games, play basketball orcomplete puzzles. Additionally theyoffer a free exercise room for people18 and older, who cannot afford agym membership.

The Fergus Falls lunch programhas a steady base of volunteers to

help throughout the week with prep,cleaning and serving meals. InJanuary they started to hold devo-tions as well. As a result of carefulplanning and good help, patronsfrom the lunch program are becom-ing integrated into the congregation.

What’s new in Fergus Falls

Website revamped

The Henning Thrift store grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony

The corps’ cook, Sue, works diligently toensure the lunch ministry is a success.

You’ll want to check out the new and improved territorialwebsite at www.usc.salvationarmy.org. It doesn’t just lookbetter, it functions better too! Features include:

• Faster load times• Updated search functions• User-friendly layout• Adaptations for mobile devices• Streamlined aesthetics

Developed at IHQ, it usesan updated WebManager4 system.

Page 12: Central Connection - April 2013

12

White Sox teams upwith KrocCenter

Mrs. Major Mertha Butts

Mrs. MajorMertha Buttswas promotedto Glory onJanuary 22,2013. She was96.

Mertha wasborn to Charlesand AnnaJohnson in1916. She enjoyed her childhoodgrowing up in Chicago and attendedRoosevelt High School where sheplayed softball and was named rollerskating champion in her school dis-trict.

She worked five years inChicago’s loop before entering train-ing college in 1935. After commis-sioning Mertha met Sergeant OrvilleButts who was soon honorably dis-charged from the U.S. Military.They fell in love and married afterhe was commissioned as an officer.

Their marriage was blessed withfour children, and together theyserved in Iowa, Minnesota,Michigan and Nebraska. Merthaloved youth and character-buildingprograms. Orville and Mertharetired in 1975 to Michigan, wherethey enjoyed traveling and time withfamily.

Mertha is remembered for hersense of humor and zest for life.

She was preceded in death by herhusband and is survived by her chil-dren, Bonnie (Jerry) Collins, Lee(Marla), Reverend Glenn (Sheila),and Joyce (Gary) Guindon; 15 grand-children and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Brigadier Esther Erickson

On February 7,2013, Mrs.Brigadier EstherErickson was pro-moted to Glory.She was 98.

Esther wasborn to Tina andErik Erickson inMinneapolis,Minn. She gradu-ated from South High School duringthe depression and joined “TheSunshine Brigade,” an evangelisticteam of Salvation Army lassies whotraveled throughout the Midwest.

She entered officer training andwas commissioned in 1935 as partof the “Challengers” session, receiv-ing her first appointment toHoldrege, Neb. Esther met Lt.Gunner Erickson in Chicago. Theywere married in 1937 and subse-quently blessed with two children.

During their officership theEricksons served in corps appoint-ments in Wisconsin, Minnesota andIllinois. Retirement opened anotherchapter of ministry as travelingevangelists for the Army in thePacific Northwest and Caribbean.

Esther was an accomplished musi-cian with a warm and compassion-ate heart. She’ll be remembered as awoman of prayer and deep commit-ment to God.

She was preceded in death by herhusband and is survived by her chil-dren, Miriam (Richard) Horen andJohn (Dawn); six grandchildren,seven great-grandchildren and onegreat-great-grandson.

Major Peggy Hudgens

Major PeggyHudgens waspromoted toGlory onFebruary 8, 2013.Born inDecember 1951to Victor andNora Smith ofDetroit, Mich.,Peggy marriedDavid Hudgens 20 years later and hadfive children. Peggy devoted her life towinning souls for Christ by preachingthe gospel unashamedly.

In 1991, she and David becameemployees of the Romulus, Mich.,Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC).After becoming envoys in 1995, theywere soon appointed to the SouthBend, Ind., ARC, where Peggy wasspecial services director. She contin-ued this role as an auxiliary captain atthe Kansas City, Mo., ARC, where shebecame a captain and administrator in2005. In 2001, Peggy earned a bache-lor’s degree in practical ministriesfrom Olivet Nazarene University.

In 2009 Peggy was administratorwith her husband of the Omaha, Neb.,ARC until her 2010 appointment tothe Southeast Michigan ARC as direc-tor of spiritual development. She min-istered in a similar role at theRomulus, Mich., ARC, where shegreatly influenced women beneficia-ries since 2011.

Peggy is survived by her husband,David; children Christmas, Brooke(Mickael), David (Nicole), Michael andVictoria; her brother, Otto Smith, andtwo grandchildren.

Mrs. Major C. Ardena Faundez

Mrs. MajorCaroline ArdenaFaundez was pro-moted to Gloryon February 22,2013. She was77.

Ardena wasborn to Sylviaand ClaudeHutchings onNovember 20, 1935, in Lansing, Mich.Her family started attending the Armywhen Ardena’s sisters becameinvolved in girl guards. Ardenaenjoyed Army camps, where she cameto a personal relationship with Christand was later called to officership.

In 1955 Ardena was commissionedas an officer. She held appointmentsin Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinoisbefore being transferred to the SouthAmerica West Territory, where shemet her future husband, HugoFaundez.

Together the Faundezes served incorps, boys’ homes, schools and head-quarters, after which they were appoint-ed to the Central Territory. FollowingGod’s leading they took responsibility ofopening a new Hispanic corps, ChicagoLawn, Ill., from which they retiredthree years later.

After retirement the Faundezes set-tled in Chicago. They were veryinvolved in their corps, TemploLaramie, Ill., and Ardena started theHispanic prison Bible correspondenceprogram at territorial headquartersand faithfully served in it for 11 years.

Ardena is survived by her husband,children, Captain Daniel (Wendy)Faundez and Beverly Faundez, andseven grandchildren.

May – August 2013Take time with the Father

daily as you meditate uponHis Word.

Ask Jesus to interpretHis Word and speak toyour heart.

Open yourself to the Spiritas He brings inspiration.

Our world is filled withstrife, greed, persecutionand turmoil.More than ever people need hope in order to live in a waythat is holy and pleasing to God.

With “hope” as the overarching theme for the year, thisedition of Words of Life looks at “Hope for Today.” Nehemiahbrings hope through restoration; the Gospels of Mark andJohn reveal the great hope within the life and ministry ofJesus; the Letter to the Romans gives hope to all believers.A series by guest writer Colonel Naomi Lalngaihawmi leadsus into Pentecost.

May we all be people of hope for today’s world.Words of Life is available through Resource Connection and through Amazon as aKindle book.

Words of Life Promoted toGlory

Continued from page 1

White Sox Volunteers Corps and anadditional 100 volunteers from thecommunity gathered to build a play-ground in one day. It was exciting tosee the enthusiasm the White Soxfans and the players brought to thisgrassroots project.

The playground design was basedon drawings created by childrenwho participated in a design day

earlier that summer. White Sox mas-cot Southpaw’s presence at bothevents added to the excitement.With the playground located in thefront of the Kroc Center and thebaseball field located in the back ofthe facility, the Kroc Center is sur-rounded by White Sox spirit.

Here young people have an oppor-tunity to be active and be winners—in the game, on the field, in theclassroom, college and life!

Recognize your leadersDoes your corps sergeant-major, sunbeamleader or Sunday school teacher display

exemplary service? Does he or she work longhours serving others without complaint?

If so, the territorial corps mission and adultministries department wants to know!

Share a few sentences (or more) about your local leaderand what he or she does to further the mission of

The Salvation Army with David Tooley, territorial disciple-ship resources and leadership development consultant,

at [email protected].