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

Awave of excitement, hopeand reliance on God per-vaded the recent installa-tion of Commissioners

William A. and Nancy L. Roberts asnational leaders. This momentousoccasion also held an undercurrentof Central Territory pride in its ownhelping to lead the Army world.

“It’s a proud moment for theCentral,” said Commissioner Paul R.Seiler, territorial commander, in hiswelcoming remarks. “But, we mustwalk a fine line to avoid the tempta-tion of pride!”

Among the Centralites “cominghome” for the celebration wereCommissioners Barry C. and E. SueSwanson, chief of the staff andworld secretary for women’s min-istries, who conducted the installa-tion at the Chicago MayfairCommunity Church.

Among a packed house of CentralSalvationists and friends were a con-tingent of National Headquarters(NHQ) staff, leaders of the four U.S.territories, and the new nationalcommander’s parents, Commission-ers William H. and Ivy Roberts.

Roberts installed as national leaders

Volume 40, Number 12 December 2010

“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

The Roberts’ daughters,Rebecca and Barbara, presenteda tribute during which all 10grandchildren stole the show asthey held flags of the nations inwhich their grandparentsserved during their births!

A taped message of welcome andsupport was shared by NationalAdvisory Board Chairman CharlotteJones Anderson, while Major JoanCanning pledged partnership onbehalf of NHQ. CommissionerMaxwell Feener, Southern territorialcommander, promised prayer,respect and loyalty on behalf of the

Commissioners’ Conference,adding, “America needs you!”

The evening also featured gloriousmusic provided by the MayfairCommunity Church Songsters, ChicagoStaff Band, and soloist Heidi Strand.

Flanked by flags held by their sonsWilliam and Bramwell, Commis-sioners William and Nancy Robertswere solemnly installed by theSwansons who recited the chargesfor the Roberts’ new appointmentsof national commander and nationalpresident of women’s ministries.The chief of the staff read a letter onbehalf of General Shaw Clifton andcommended the Roberts as strong,capable and spiritually gifted leadersto the crowd. The Roberts knelt for adedicatory prayer by Commissioner

No room for them in the innby General Shaw Clifton

EVERY Christmas we arereminded of the innkeep-er who turned Mary andJoseph and their baby

away. We do not know his name,but we do know he tried sincerelyto make amends by at least offer-ing space with the animals.

Luke’s Gospel records “there wasno room for them in the inn” (Luke2:7, NIV). The main accommodationwas packed out, due to the nationalcensus under which all citizens wererequired to return to their places oforigin in order to be registered.

“Have you any room for Jesus?”asks the old gospel hymn. Poets andhymn writers down through theyears have found in this sacred birthnarrative much to inspire them.They picture the holy family outsidethe inn, seeking admission, and find

in that image a powerful metaphorapplicable to us all still today.Another writer urges us to offerChrist “the best of rooms,” with thefinal words of the song affirmingsoftly that “the best of rooms” is “theheart.”

Jesus still knocks! Still he awaitsadmission! Long ago I heard thatknocking sound upon the door of myheart. I was very young, but I knewbeyond the shadow of a doubt theidentity—and even the name—of theOne standing outside. I had seen thefamous painting known as TheLight of the World by HolmanHunt. It depicts Jesus with a shininglantern as he stands outside a door

seeking admission. It is the door ofmy heart and it has no handle on theoutside. Only from the inside can Iopen it and let the Master in. Howglad I am there was a day when I didjust that.

I wonder what would happenwere the Lord Jesus to arrive sud-denly in our midst. Where would hestay? Some of us would rush toreserve for him the plush, luxuriouspresidential suite in the best hotel intown. Others, not knowing him andthus unable to recognize him, mighttry to run him out of town. Whatabout you? How would yourespond? “Come home with me,Lord,” you could say. He would likethat, but as you walk along togetherhe would in all probability be say-ing, “You know, child, all I seek isyour loving heart. Can you makespace for me there?”

Can you? Have you done so? Ifnot, do it now. He is the most gra-cious of guests.

Continued on page 2

PhotosbyAndyGrey

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

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

Continued from page 1

by Commissioner Paul R. SeilerTerritorial Commander

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

ClipsCommissioners William and Nancy Roberts’Installation

Resources/LinksGrand Rapids Kroc Center siteAuthor Steve Cornwell’s siteCraig Arnold’s blog and video on HaitiPrecept Bible Study siteOfficer Candidate webpageMission and Environment Conference

Web exclusivesMore Haitian tales from EzehsInterview with master bellringer Sam George

I Christmas 13

2

William H. Roberts.The Roberts have

spent most of the lastdecade leading theSouth America EastTerritory, serving asinternational secretaryfor business administra-tion and secretary forstaff development /chap-lain at International

Headquarters, and mostrecently leading the newlyestablished Kenya WestTerritory.Commissioner NancyRoberts recounted theircontinued surprise withtheir appointments andincredible experiences,wistfully sharing how theAfrican culture “got into”them. The national com-mander read excerpts fromthe Dr. Seuss book, Oh, thePlaces You’ll Go, as a

reflection of their adventures andpersonal growth.

“We learned there’s another worldout there. Every country, every peo-ple, belongs to God,” he said. “Christis still the hope of the world…andholiness is the hope for TheSalvation Army.”

Survey says!

This year’s General’sCongress gave us the oppor-tunity to experience com-missioning weekend in a

new location, Schaumburg, Ill., withmore space and a different feel. Toget feedback on the new venue andhelp plan future events, people whoattended could participate in anonline survey. More than 500 peopletook this opportunity to voice theiropinion.

The results revealed that the

majority of people were happy withthe schedule, programming andchildcare. It also indicated that anauditorium or theater like the StarPlaza in Merrillville, Ind., is pre-ferred.

Thanks to all who participated inthe survey! Your responses are help-ful as we plan the Festival of GospelArts and Commissioning of theAmbassadors of Holiness session inMerrillville, Ind., June 10-12, 2011.

Roberts installed

February 25-27, 2011Orlando, Florida

A weekend to discoverhow creation andsocial justice are tiedto the mission ofThe Salvation Army.

For more information, visit tsasameimaginativefaith.com

It is always interesting to try andfind some different approachesto Christmas season writingswithout being repetitive and

trite. As I search for ways to thinkabout this wonderful season, I wantto balance the key message with acaution to keep Christmas activitiesin perspective. The irony is that inresponding to others at Christmas,we can just get on a roll with kettles,applications and sorting toys andfood.

This adaptation of 1 Corinthians13 posted on appleseeds.org seemsappropriate to share.

If I trim the spruce with shim-mering angels and crochetedsnowflakes, attend a myriad ofholiday parties and sing in thechoir’s cantata but do not focus onChrist, I have missed the point.Love stops the cooking to hug

the child. Love sets aside the deco-rating to kiss the husband. Love iskind, though harried and tired.Love doesn’t envy another’s homethat has coordinated Christmaschina and table linens.Love doesn’t yell at the kids to

get out of the way, but is thankfulthey are there to be in the way.Love doesn’t give only to thosewho are able to give in return butrejoices in the giving to those whocan’t.Love bears all things, believes

all things, hopes all things,endures all things. Love neverfails. Video games will break,pearl necklaces will be lost, golfclubs will rust, but giving the giftof love will endure.

Those food boxes and toy bagscould be enhanced this Christmaswith a card that also shares the

priceless gifts of love, hope, faithand peace, and “coupons” for tangi-ble ways to share those gifts withothers.

For instance, perhaps corps andsoldiers could contribute time in thefuture to share one of those ele-ments—an hour in March for amother’s night out or a birthdayparty meal at the corps for a childand up to eight guests. When ourkids added coupons like these intoour gifts, they became more pre-cious.

Love believes and offers hope thatthings will be different. AsSalvationists this is what we’re partof, especially during the Christmasseason when more people comethrough our doors in need of hope.

Thank the Lord for encountersand opportunities, and may you usethese “gifts” wisely.

If I decorate my house perfectlywith plaid bows, strands of twin-kling lights and shiny balls, but donot show love to my family, I’mjust another decorator.If I slave away in the kitchen,

baking dozens of Christmas cook-ies…but do now show love to myfamily, I’m just another cook.If I work at the soup kitchen,

carol in the nursing home and giveall that I have to charity, but donot show love to my family, itprofits me nothing.

dren up to age 16. The toys areamassed through the Angel Tree pro-gram. Last year 2,745 childrenreceived gifts and stocking stuffersfrom the six-day event (split overtwo weekends). Registration forToyland is held in early November.

Volunteers and staff escort parentsand guardians through Toyland,which takes place at the LiedRenaissance Center. Parents selectfrom new, unwrapped toys for eachchild a primary toy, a secondary toyor other gift and stocking stuffers.

Taco Bell restaurants in theOmaha, Neb., area havebeen strong supporters ofThe Salvation Army’s

Toyland Christmas effort for manyyears, and its personnel have beenavid Toyland volunteers for morethan a decade. Restaurant managersand assistant managers cover twocomplete shifts of 60 volunteerseach. No other company supportsToyland in this manner, reportedSusan Eustice, public relations andcommunications director in theWestern Division.

“The volunteersalways arrive withbundles of energyand enthusiasm,sharing ribbonsand bells with thestaff,” she said.“We always lookforward to themspending timewith us!”

O m a h a ’ sToyland distribu-tion began morethan 20 years agofor parents of chil-

Taco Bells bring joy

Cornbread, also supports theChristmas campaign. His radio sta-tion takes an entire Saturday inDecember to raise money over theairwaves. Everybody in town knowshim, and thousands of peopledonate. His generosity extends toadvertisement on his program andinviting volunteers to ring bells athis Christmas concert.

According to Ronald, the territo-ry’s web-based volunteer manage-

ment database, VolunteerImpact, has maintained theirvolunteer base really well inrecent years. It’s made theprocess even more seamless.

Those who are needed themost, however, are the St.Charles soldiers. “Our mem-bers come in at night to countmoney and collect kettles,they contribute every yeareven if they can’t ring,” hesaid.Proceeds from kettles last year

helped more than 35,000 peo-ple in St. Charles County, notonly at Christmas but throughtheir soup kitchen, health clinicand social services.

Can you imagine a kettlecampaign where virtuallyno one has to be hired toring the entire Christmas

season? Well, Captains Ronald andLaura Key, St. Charles, Mo., corpsofficers can.

Over the last 20 years, and thisChristmas season as well, the St.Charles Corps has run their kettlecampaign on a 99 percent volunteerbasis. The key is volunteer loyalty.

“We’ve really developed a strong,dedicated volunteer base over thelast two decades and have managedto keep them coming back,” Ronaldsaid. “We’re starting to see secondand third generations!”

Established through years of posi-tive relationships, volunteers at theSt. Charles Corps run the gamutfrom church youth groups to juniorhigh school bands to a group ofMasons who raised almost $11,000last year alone.

One volunteer, Sam George, raisedmore than $5,000. He returns yearlyto up the ante. “It started as some-thing I’d do with my family, butafter a couple of years I discoveredthat this service work has its ownreward,” said Sam. “Now, I look for-ward to kettle season every year!”

A local radio personality,

The “key” to kettles

3

Santa moved to Missouri?by Kara Langford

Santa Claus lives in St. CharlesCounty, Missouri. His nameis Joe Schilligo. Every year hegives Christmas to 117 area

children through The SalvationArmy’s adopt-a-family program.

What began as simple volunteerparticipation has resulted in anentire network of people rallyingaround Joe to help others inO’Fallon, Mo., throughout the year.A successful area business owner,Joe coordinates a Christmas dinner,community Easter egg hunt andback-to-school party for hundreds ofchildren at the O’Fallon Corps.

Originally, Joe wanted no recogni-tion for his philanthropic efforts, butwhen he realized publicity gainedvolunteers, he got the word out. “If Idon’t ask, nobody knows what Ineed,” he said. Now, with additionalvolunteers on hand, Joe has a literalarmy behind The Salvation Army’swork.

Mayor Bill Hennessy, for example,designated the city hall gym as stor-age for the corps’ Christmas toys,

the police department counts moneyin kettles at Christmas, a chef at anearby country club cooks the com-munity Christmas dinner and MickOstrander—of Mick’s Extermin-ating—is the best Santa you’ll eversee. To top it off, Joe and his staffdress up as elves at Christmas.

Joe’s father instilled a love for theArmy in him at a young age. “Theonly people who ever took care of us[family of 12 children] were theSalvation Army people,” Joe’s fatherused to say. Joe maintains a closerelationship with Captains Jesus andKelli Trejo, O’Fallon corps officers,as a result.

Joe and his army of helpers maynot live in the North Pole, but theymake the spirit of Christmas real tohundreds of O’Fallon residents.

O’Fallon, Mo., Corps Officers Captains Jesusand Kelli Trejo pose with Santa and Joe for anannual Christmas dinner community event.

The Bell

St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano supports hislocal St. Charles community.

Members of the St. Charles Kiwanis Club.

by Craig Dirkes

In 2005, while bell ringing at theMall of America inMinneapolis, volunteer ScottCornwell noticed something

different about his bell. It wasn’tlike the shiny new ones he’d usedbefore. This one hadtarnished brass anda busted stem heldtogether with awasher and somewire.

Indeed, it hadseen better days.Thankfully, it stillmanaged to makea beautiful sound.

Suddenly, anidea popped into

Cornwell’s head. The broken bellwas like some of the people servedby The Salvation Army; althoughdamaged, both could be repaired tomake sweet music.

The idea resonated with Cornwell.So much so, he decided to write abook about it, The Bell.The Bell tells the story of a broken

hand bell named Bella.She is certain nobodyloves her because shecan no longer make asound. But through thesupport of a kind oldman, named Mr.Peterson, she is restoredand able to make musicagain.“I wrote The Bell to help

parents explain to theirchildren that the holidaytradition of bell ringinghas a deeper meaning,”said Cornwell, who lives inLakeville with his wife andtwo young daughters. “Thestory of Bella happensevery day. Thousands of

broken lives are repaired thanks tovolunteers and donors—the ‘Mr.Petersons’ of the world—who sup-port The Salvation Army.”

The 10-page book includes a bevyof nostalgic illustrations by artistJake Page. It is sold online at ama-zon.com and at charlesscottcorn-well.com.

A portion of each sale is given toThe Salvation Army.

4

Dale Bramer, senior vicepresident, ErhardtConstruction Company.

The Kroc Center was open inthe afternoon for the communityto tour and to enjoy refreshments,bounce houses for children, give-aways and musical entertainment.

“My Grandma Joan would beso proud.”—Amanda SmithLatimer, granddaughter ofJoan Kroc

Saturday’s festivities concludedwith an uplifting concert by theChicago Staff Band (CSB), led byBandmaster William Himes,gospel music by TSA MadisonStreet of the Chicago TempleCorps and a Metro Youth Bandensemble. Attendance at the eventtopped 330.

A Sunday morning serviceincluded music by the CSB and

by Roger Snider

Awhisper of a communityenriching project startedover six years ago, andthe dream came true this

fall with the opening of the GrandRapids, Mich., Ray and Joan KrocCorps Community Center.

The new Kroc Center took cen-ter stage in a series of events thatsignaled the newest manifestationof Joan Kroc’s vision. Joan Kroc,widow of McDonald’s franchisefounder, Ray Kroc, was adamantthe centers that bore their nameslive up to a promise to “providefacilities, programs and servicesthat encourage positive, life-chang-ing experiences for children andadults, strengthen families, andenrich the lives of seniors.”

“We are humbled by the oppor-tunity to create a new andimportant catalyst for changeon Grand Rapidsʼ southside.”—Major Thomas Bowers,WMNI divisional commander

This newest Kroc Center—10thof 25 planned nationwide—encompasses a 20-acre educa-tional, recreational, spiritualand cultural campus. It wasdesigned by Isaac V. Norrisand Associates P.C.

Landscaping was planned byRJM Designs, and IsraelsDesigns for Living provideddesign expertise for the interi-or. Erhardt Construction wasthe general contractor.

The Kroc Center was createdto reflect the diversity of theneighborhood. Additionally thecenter is working toward goldLEED certification, one of thehighest levels of achievement inenvironmental design.

The Kroc Center was host tothousands of individuals whoexperienced a variety of eventsover a late October weekendwhich showcased the beauty andfunctionality of the 105,000-square-foot facility.

“We should be practicing inthe Kroc Center what weʼregoing to do in eternity.”—Rev. Dr. Rik Stevenson,Kroc Advisory Council Chair

The events kicked off on aThursday with an opening gala: ACelebration of Giving. Nearly 650people attended a dinner programthat featured personal testimonies,presentations by Kroc CenterEndowment Campaign Co-ChairsLarry Robson, M.D., and Dick

Young, and a special appearanceby Amanda Smith Latimer, thethird of Joan Kroc’s four grand-daughters. The evening’s musicincluded a performance of theKroc Center theme song “Come tothis place” by soprano CarolynQuinn, members of the GrandRapids Symphony Youth Chorus,and brass players from the GrandRapids Youth Symphony andGrand Rapids Symphony, directedby Grand Rapids SymphonyAssociate Director John Varineau.

Saturday began with the ribbonbeing cut by 15 children from theneighborhood along with 15 publicofficials, local dignitaries,Salvation Army officers and fourU.S. Marines.

Following the ribbon-cutting cer-emony, the crowd moved inside totake part in the dedication ceremo-ny which included presentationsby Commissioners Paul R. andCarol Seiler, territorial leaders;Major Thomas Bowers, WesternMichigan and Northern Indianadivisional commander; MajorMarc Johnson, senior Kroc Centerofficer; Major Karen Johnson,Kroc Center officer for programdevelopment; Captain PeterMount, Kroc Center officer forcongregational life; and CaptainCatherine Mount, Kroc Centerofficer for youth development.Also presenting were GregorySundstrom, Grand Rapids citymanager; Isaac Norris, president,Isaac V. Norris and Associates; and

A celebrationRay and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center opens in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Photosby

EmilyButkus(Grand

RapidsKrocCenter)andEmilyAukes

5

TSA Madison Street and a sermonby Commissioner Paul R. Seiler,territorial commander. The KrocCenter was open Sunday after-noon again for the community totour while enjoying refreshments.

Over the four days of festivitiesmore than 4,000 people visited theKroc Center, and a number ofplatitudes were naturally lavishedon the structure. “Stunning!”“Absolutely beautiful!” “Wow!”And indeed, the Grand Rapids Rayand Joan Kroc Corps CommunityCenter is amazing! Its physicalassets certainly please the senses.

“I have to say this is a beauti-ful and exciting building thattakes my breath away.”—Commissioner Carol Seiler

But as pointed out numeroustimes by officers and staff alike,the physical manifestation of theKroc Center is only one part—abeautiful one, for sure—of thelarger calling to the work TheSalvation Army will undertake atthis beacon of hope in an under-served area in the city.

It is paramount as an organiza-tion we never lose sight of ourmission to preach the gospel ofJesus Christ and to meet humanneeds in His name without dis-

crimination through every activitythat takes place at the center. It isalso vital we honor the vision ofJoan Kroc and the legacy sheentrusted to us.

As Commissioner Carol Seiler,territorial coordinator for strategicmission planning, remarked at thededication, “On behalf of TheSalvation Army in the CentralTerritory, I charge you all—offi-cers, staff and volunteers—withthe responsibility to use this build-ing to accomplish, as effectively aspossible, the vision of Joan Krocthrough the mission and purposeof The Salvation Army as we servethe Lord through serving others.”

The Kroc Center is located at2500 S. Division Ave. inGrand Rapids, the epi-center of an under-served, highly-diversepopulation in both eth-nicity and economics.With 30 percent of thepopulation at or belowthe poverty line, nearly33,000 individuals—including 11,000school-aged children—live within one mile ofthe center. Thirty-sevenpercent are Hispanic,

30 percent are African-American,29 percent are Caucasian, and theremaining four percent are ofAsian decent. These individualswill have unprecedented access tolife-changing opportunitiesthrough educational, recreational,cultural and spiritual experiences.The Kroc Center indeed will be abeacon of hope that will enrichlives and celebrate community!

Programming at the Kroc Centerwill address the community’sneeds in five specific areas: educa-tion, fine arts, health and wellness,recreation, and spiritual develop-ment. Programs are designed to beholistic by creating multiple pointsof entry in the development ofpersonal growth.

“Awesome!”—Alberto, 8 years old

The Grand Rapids Kroc Centeralready has filled 26 fulltime and95 part-time positions and will fur-ther complement new businessesin several adjacent neighborhoods.The Kroc Community Campaignraised $15 million, which was themain criterion for securing theoriginal $41 million grant from theestate of Joan Kroc. The SalvationArmy raised $14 million of its goalfrom local, private donors, withthe final $1 million in the form ofa grant from the KresgeFoundation.

of giving

Photosby

Bob

BonesteelandCathleenShay

BrianneLouthanEvansville, Ind.,CorpsIndiana Division

Brianne works as acorps helper inEvansville. She wasborn and raised inHuntington, Ind., andattended the corpsfrom a young age.However, in her teenyears she steppedaway from her faith and her corps.A friend invited her back, and she

found she missed herArmy family. AtRe:Generation 2010,Brianne experiencedholiness; her heart waschanged and she real-ized she needed to moveforward in her faith.Brianne is taking thenext step to officershipand knows the Lord will

equip her for the ministry ahead.Her corps officers are Captains

OF THE

2011 - 20131 Corinthians 15:12-19

Firstacceptedcandidates

David and Shanda Minks.

Christopher WhiteRockford Temple, Ill.,CorpsMetropolitan Division

Christopher was born in Englandand came to the Central Territorythrough a summer employmentopportunity. He worked at CampWonderland for several summersand returned to England to finishhis education. While in England he

became involvedwith TheSalvation Armyand was enrolledas a soldier. Hefeels a deep con-nection to the

Central Territory and loves workingwith the young people. He’s cur-rently youth director for theRockford Temple, Ill., Corps wherehe’s had opportunities to preachand teach God’s Word. His corpsofficers are Majors Randy andKathy Hellstrom.

6

minds in Christ Jesus.”What does my appointment mean

for the The Salvation Army, if any-thing? Does it symbolize the Army ischanging? Are we in the midst of aparadigm shift in leadership? Willmy appointment make officershipmore appealing and accessible toyoung people? I hope so! I pray so! Iam by no means the youngest DYCS(at 37, I’m no spring chicken!), butmy lieutenant’s rank may give thatimpression.

What does thisa p p o i n t m e n tmean to me? Thisis where His joycomes into thepicture! I wrote inmy journal recent-ly that thisappointment real-ly is a culminationof my passionsand gifts: teachingGod’s Word andworking withyouth. My domi-nant spiritual giftof teaching wasthe driving forcebehind my pur-suit of a master’sin Biblical studies.I want to teachGod’s Word cor-rectly, making itunderstandable,applicable and

desirable. My early childhood edu-cation degree and eight years ofbeing a first and third grade teacherattests to my love for teaching youth.This appointment combines myvocational experiences and spiritualgifts. Naturally optimistic and anencourager, I want to motivate oth-ers to live Spirit-driven lives.

Undoubtedly, headaches andheartaches will come. They are apart of any ministry. But nothing cansquelch God’s peace and joy. Withthe Lord’s help, I hope this “first”will be a long settling in, not just aquick visit. People’s lives are at stakeand His Kingdom’s work is in thebalance. However long I do stay, Hispeace and joy remain with mebecause He is peace, He is joy.

by Lt. Mary Kim

Those of you who know meknow I’m not boastingwhen I say as far as I amaware I’m the first lieu-

tenant whose first appointment isdivisional youth and candidates’ sec-retary (DYCS) in the CentralTerritory. It is a great privilege yet adaunting position to be in. One sideof me feels I should know and doeverything well, while the othermocks, “See, I knew it wouldn’twork out.”

Sometimes when I stop and reflectI physically feel the weight of thisresponsibility. It is a scary place tobe: the “first.” Maybe it’s good Ihave little time to stop and reflect!And maybe, just maybe, ignorancereally is bliss. I have no idea whatawaits me, and I have nothing tocompare my current appointmentwith.

Yet, in the midst of it all, I experi-ence peace and joy that only cancome from God. It says inPhilippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anx-ious about anything, but in every-thing, by prayer and petition, withthanksgiving, present your requeststo God. And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your

ers. They shared that their parentsopened their home to many peopleover the years who needed a place tostay, confirming Deb’s gifts of hospi-tality and compassion. The daugh-ters explained, “They were expertsat making the mundane extraordi-

nary in family life.They were alwaysable to find joy inthe little things.”

In other tributesRand wasdescribed as a manof honesty, integri-ty, grace, a quietgiant of few wordsbut worth listeningto. Poignantly,three teens, whowere once part ofthe singing compa-ny led by Deb, gave

tributes on the lasting impact she’shad on their lives.

Flanked by their daughters andsons-in-law, Rand and Deb were pre-sented with their retirement certifi-cates by Majors Russell and JanSjogren. Having given 69 combinedyears of service, exemplified by ser-vanthood and love, Majors Rand andDeb Sjogren entered the fellowshipof retired officers.

In his remarks, presented viavideotape, Rand gave a firm andclear testimony of God’s sustaininggrace, saying during the past year hehas found Psalm 23 to be a particu-lar source of strength.

“Our responsibility is to have anactive relationship with JesusChrist,” said Deb in her closingremarks. “I fully understand thatGod has called us to love Him andbring glory to His name.”

by Carol Shoults

Acapacityc r o w dstood inovation

as Majors Randalland DeborahSjogren were pre-sented at theirretirement ser-vice at theO a k b r o o kTerrace, Ill.,Corps. It celebrated “Love’s LastingLegacy” in their lives, with the pro-gram centering around 1Corinthians 13, read in several lan-guages. The corps band set the tonefor the meeting with the rousingmarch, “Celebration.”

The Sjogrens werenoted as having aunique record of ser-vice encompassingevery SalvationArmy level—corps,divisional, territorial,national and interna-tional headquarters.Interestingly, in onethree-year period,Rand visited 35countries on all butone continent(Antarctica) as partof his responsibili-ties.

Prayers of blessing acknowledgedGod’s faithfulness in their lives, anda video tribute shared pictures oftheir family and friends, associatesand dignitaries, and other loved onesfrom around the globe.

Their daughters, Evie Polsley andErika Seiler, spoke about their par-ents’ lives exemplifying love in fourareas: God, each other, family, oth-

Love’s lasting legacyFirsts

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 Saturday

2 Sunday

3 Monday

4 Tuesday

5Wednesday

6 Thursday

7 Friday

8 Saturday

9 Sunday

10 Monday

11 Tuesday

12Wednesday

13 Thursday

14 Friday

15 Saturday

16 Sunday

17 Monday

18 Tuesday

19Wednesday

20 Thursday

21 Friday

22 Saturday

23 Sunday

24 Monday

25 Tuesday

26Wednesday

27 Thursday

28 Friday

29 Saturday

30 Sunday

31 Monday

Bible Reading

Genesis 1-3

Joshua 1-5

Psalms 1-2

Job 1-2

Isaiah 1-6

Matthew 1-2

Romans 1-2

Genesis 4-7

Joshua 6-10

Psalms 3-5

Job 3-4

Isaiah 7-11

Matthew 3-4

Romans 3-4

Genesis 8-11

Joshua 11-15

Psalms 6-8

Job 5-6

Isaiah 12-17

Matthew 5-7

Romans 5-6

Genesis 12-15

Joshua 16-20

Psalms 9-11

Job 7-8

Isaiah 18-22

Matthew 8-10

Romans 7-8

Genesis 16-19

Joshua 21-24

Psalms 12-14

Pray for The Salvation Army

Mankato, Minn., Corps

Mitchell, S.D., Corps

LaPorte, Ind., Corps

Menasha (Fox Cities), Wis., Corps

Captains Sergey &Tanya Katchanov (Ukraine)

Romulus, Mich., ARC*

Mt. Clemens, Mich., Corps

Moline (Heritage Temple), Ill., Corps

Logansport, Ind., Corps

Northern DHQ**

Manhattan, Kan., Corps

Elgin, Ill., Corps

National Advisory Board

Mattoon, Ill., Corps

Zimbabwe Territory PIM

Cultural Awareness Sunday

Minneapolis (Central), Minn., Corps

Newton, Iowa, Corps

Ludington, Mich., Corps

Milwaukee (Citadel), Wis., Corps

Grand Rapids (Kroc Center), Mich.

St. Louis, Mo., ARC

Owosso (Citadel), Mich., Corps

Muscatine, Iowa, Corps

Madison, Ind., Corps

Olathe, Kan., Corps

Territorial Executive Council

Evanston, Ill., Corps

Majors Robert & Rae Doliber (Haiti)

O’Fallon, Mo., Corps

Minneapolis (Parkview), Minn., Corps

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

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Precept Bible study classonline

This fall Major Jim Curl, Midland Division secretary for business administration, organized a three-day, 160-mile bicycle trip for 10 fellow officers. The men rode a section of Missouri’s scenic KatyTrail, one of the nation’s longest rails-to-trails projects; a large portion runs along the Missouri River.Along the way the men completed a study of The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy. “It was a greattime of team building and fellowship,” said Jim. “I hope to make this an annual event.”

Midland men hit the trail

by Major Debra Pascoe

In the summer of1956 CharleneSmith and herfriend double dated

with Virgil Horner andhis brother, Bill. ThoughVirgil was not her date,Charlene was instantlyin love with him.

She didn’t see Virgilagain till later that yearwhen he appeared at herschool wearing hisbright navy whites.Charlene recounted, “Icould only stare at him.”He was flirting with other highschool girls; she thought she’d passout. “He was the most handsomedude I had ever seen,” sheexclaimed.

Getting a drink at the water foun-tain and hearing the class bell, shethought she’d never see him again,but to her surprise Virgil walked up,kissed her on the cheek and saidwhen she grew up he’d come backand marry her!

That fall Charlene quit school to goto work as a waitress. Several yearslater she was carrying a rack of glass-es out of the kitchen when Virgilwalked into the restaurant. Sheremembers him wearing tight jeansand a white shirt with the collar andsleeves rolled up. He said, “I’ve comeback to marry you!” Charlenedropped the rack of glasses. Theywent steady for the next six weeksand were married June 17, 1960.

Fifty years later they celebratedtheir golden anniversary and renewedtheir vows during Western Michigan

and Northern Indiana Seniors Campat Little Pine Island Camp, thankingGod for their life together and thoseat camp who shared this special occa-sion with them.

Charmed from day one

Contact Linda Himes at (847) 294-2115 or linda_himes@usc.salvationarmy.orgto register.

Bible study is just a few clicks away!

Starting inJanuary join withLinda Himes onThursdays atnoon (CST), forPrecept Biblestudy lessons live,online!

January Prayer Calendar

My Prayer List

Major Herman MillerM a j o r

H e r m a nMiller waspromoted toGlory onS e p t emb e r28, 2010. Hewas 85.

Born thefirst of fourc h i l d r e n ,Herman accepted Christ as hisSavior at the Ypsilanti, Mich., Corps,where he felt immediately at home.After three years serving his countryin the U.S. military, Herman metShirlene Muhn.

They were married in 1947 andblessed with three children. In obe-dience to God’s call on their lives,they entered training in 1955 andwere commissioned a year later.Their first appointment was to theWyandotte, Mich., Corps, in theEastern Michigan Division wherethey spent the next 17 years.

They served another 17 years inthe Western Michigan and NorthernIndiana Division, retiring from theCadillac, Mich., Corps in 1990.

Herman was known as a godlyman and gifted painter. In retire-ment he and his family spent manymemorable days at their Piatt Lakecabin in northern Michigan.

Herman is survived by his wife,daughters, Terry (David) McClintic,Beverly and Judith; three grand-daughters.

Promoted toGlory

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Learning to copeFond des Negres is the Haitian

mountain town in which MajorViolet and Captain Dr. Felix Ezehrun the Salvation Army’s BethelClinic and live with their son,Matthew. While the town wasn’t asseverely damaged by the Januaryearthquake as Port-au-Prince (75miles away), the corps building, pri-mary school and children’s homewere seriously damaged. Childrenslept in tents and classes were heldin the courtyard, as was corps wor-ship.

After the quake Felix spent muchtime in Port-au-Prince as Violetmourned people she’d known thereand praised God for amazingescapes.

Life slowly began returning tonormal over the summer. An addedblessing was the appointment ofViolet’s brother and sister-in-law,Majors Robert and Rae Doliber, tothe Haiti recovery and developmentteam.

“We’re seeing some progressalthough it will take years torebuild,” said Violet.

This fall, clinic staffers have beenbusy speaking to churches andschools in the area on how to pre-vent cholera outbreaks. Felix hasbeen tracking a source for the vac-cine should it become necessary touse it.

During a national call for threedays of prayer and fasting earlierthis year, the corps hosted more than2,000 people each day in its court-yard. About 350 received Christ and85 made the Army their churchhome. The corps enrolled 15 seniorsoldiers and nine junior soldiers,including Matthew!

Quake-shaken lives“The idea of an earthquake in

Haiti was the farthest thing from mymind,” said Bob Poff, public rela-

tions and disasterservices director forthe Haiti Division.Just two days beforethe quake struck,Bob and his wife,Vicki (who runs theLa Maison duBonheur Children’sHome in Port-au-Prince), welcomedback the childrenfrom theirChristmas breaks.“We instinctively

sprang into action toperform things weknew throughextensive emer-

gency disaster services training,”said Bob. “But this situation wasunlike any other we’dexperienced.”

This fall Bob concen-trated on Haiti’s choleraoutbreak due to contactwith dirty water.

The Salvation Armytent camp has a suffi-cient supply of safedrinking water and toi-lets, plus good drainage.For several months class-es have been teachingthe importance of thor-ough hand washing andcooking.

“One of our corps near

the ‘epicenter’ of the outbreakburied four children from its schoolin recent days,” Bob reported.“There’s been a good response fromseveral health organizations to theimpacted areas, and we’re lookingfor ways to be helpful if needed.Education is the single most impor-tant component in this situation;many of our corps officers remindtheir congregations of the impor-tance of good hygiene from the pul-pit.”

Vicki continues to monitor thewell-being of the La Maison chil-dren, now scattered among friendsand family after the quake severelydamaged the home.

“Although the future of the homehas not yet been decided, the Armyhas determined we’ll stand by thesechildren, assisting them with theireducation and helping their familiesrecover from the devastation,”added Bob.

Glimmers of hope in Haiti

Bethel Clinic medical staff continued to treat patients outsideduring each aftershock of the quake.

Salvationist Craig Arnold, anexecutive for United ParcelService, arranged emergencyshipments of Salvation Army

disaster-relief supplies to Haiti afterits horrific January earthquake. Tenmonths later, the former Centralitereturned to Haiti with four co-work-ers to find out why nine shippingcontainers had been detained in portfor six months, denying survivorsmuch-needed supplies. Craig’s teamhoped to not only release the con-tainers but ensure the food, medi-cine, tarps and other items weretransported and distributed properly.

When Craig’s inquiries to customsofficials were met with obstinatebureaucracy, he called in Andre, a

French-speaking Swiss friend who’dlived in the Caribbean for years.

Many officials kept asking forproof the Army is a charity—in spiteof having been in Haiti for 60 years,schooling 10,000 children at any onetime and serving 15 million mealsand housing 13,000 after the quake.

Andre helped free six of the con-tainers and continued working withMajor Ron Busroe, director of theSalvation Army’s Haiti recovery anddevelopment team, to release theremaining three.

Working with U.N. security forces,Craig’s team held a large-scale distri-bution of tarps in The SalvationArmy’s tent camp. UPS “Trackpads”were used to ensure one tarp perhousehold (around 4,000).

Over the next six days, the teamdistributed nearly a million mealsand 500 temporary shelters.

Craig observed, “Even before thequake, people lived in conditionsmost of us would call appalling,doing their best to earn a littlemoney so everyone gets to eat.”

In his thanks to Craig, MajorBusroe wrote, “Your determinationin the face of a system designed todelay…has provided new confidenceto the staff here; we now know itcan be done.”

UPS delivers

The Ezeh family with a cardiac medical mission team in March. A donated defibrillatorsaved a patient’s life the next day!

A success, hands-down

Two Centralite families serving in Haiti give updates since the 7.0 earthquake struck on January 12.

Next month downloads on The SalvationArmy’s work in Haiti after the earth-

quake will be available to support yourcorps’ World Services/Self-Denialfundraising. DVDs also will be

distributed. See your corps officer.

U.S., more than 175 churchestraced, cut, signed and mailed hand-prints to Micah headquarters.“They’re still coming in,” Jasonaffirmed. The Micah challenge teamhopes to deliver them to PresidentObama later this month.

The Salvation Army in the U.S.had a strong response. “We’ve beenthankful and encouraged by theArmy’s participation, that’s forsure,” said Jason.

On a global scale our con-servative guess is that 60million people all overthe world prayed and

participated in the MicahChallenge: Lend a HandCampaign,” reported Jason Fileta,Micah Challenge USA national coor-dinator, about the October 10, 2010,effort to remind world leaders toeradicate poverty by 2015.

For those who participated in the