THE SALVATION ARMY10 W. Algonquin RoadDes Plaines, Illinois 60016

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Green Bay Kroc to be campus of opportunity

We are called. We arecalled to be obedient, tolove, to serve and to stepout in faith. This was

the strong and compelling messagethat Central Salvationists receivedfrom their new territorial leaders,Commissioners Paul R. and CarolSeiler, at their installation last month.

The meeting, which also featuredthe welcome of Colonels Néstor R.and Rebecca A. Nüesch, chief secre-tary and secretary for women’s min-

The Salvation Army in GreenBay, Wis., broke groundrecently for a new Ray andJoan Kroc Corps Community

Center which will minister to thecity’s most underserved area.

The building will be over 95,000-square-feet and will feature anaquatic center, double gymnasiums,classrooms, multi-purpose rooms,auditorium/chapel/performing artscenter, resource center, well-

ness/fitness center, arts and craftsroom, plus much more.

“Our vision is to see people of allages, creeds and nationalities discov-er their natural gifts and potentialthrough education, the arts, sports,fitness and spiritual development,”said Major Karen Felton, Green BayKroc Center administrator. “This willbe a real ‘Campus of Opportunity’for people who otherwise would nothave access to such programs.”

Great strides have been taken totailor the Green Bay Kroc Center tothe needs of the community whichwill have access to the recreational,educational and spiritual programs.

“This is a very exciting time for atremendous project for our commu-nity,” said Bill Matheson, Green BayAdvisory Board chair. “We’re finaliz-

ing plans that include programs toserve the needs of the people in thisarea. It’s great to see the programsand building coming together.”

Construction of the Green BayKroc Center is expected to takebetween 14-16 months with comple-tion and dedication in summer 2011.

istries, spoke to the heartof what we’re about asindividuals and as amovement.

The positive, forward-looking tone was set withrousing selections, includ-ing “Strength toStrength,” by the ChicagoStaff Band (CSB) and thencontemporary praise ledby The Singing Company.

First giving a greetingin Spanish, ColonelNéstor Nüesch pro-ceeded to share themoving story of hisgrandfather’s obedi-ence to the call to officership whichalienated him from his family andeventually placed him in Argentina.Continuing with his father’s and hisown experience, the colonel drovehome three main points—inter-spersed with lively, traditional cho-ruses—regarding obedience: it’s ariver of grace, brings joy and yieldssatisfaction.

He and his wife, Rebecca, werethen playfully interviewed by theBill Booth Theater Company beforethe drama group presented scripturefocusing on the preeminence of loveas illustrated by the parable of theprodigal son and revealed in ICorinthians 13.

The call to love was addressed byColonel Rebecca Nüesch, whothanked each of her three daughtersfor their sacrifice which the call oflove has required of their family. Shealso shared a touching experience atthe El Ridel Children’s Home inParaguay, part of the South AmericaEast Territory where they were mostrecently leaders.

“Being called to love has a pricetag, but it has blessings,” she con-cluded.

National Commander Commis-sioner Israel L. Gaither cited a longfriendship with the Nüesches, com-mending them as good and godlypeople, before the colonels joinedlight-heartedly in praise on the

PhotosbyAndyGrey

Seilers installed, callCentralites to service

Continued on page 2

Volume 40, Number 6 June 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

Rendering of future Kroc Center in Green Bay, Wis.

2

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 Lt. Colonel James NautaSecretary for Personnel

GetConnected!Check out our complementary material on the web.www.usc.salvationarmy.org/getconnectedResources/LinksGreen Bay Salvation ArmyRaisedUpWorld Youth Convention (WYC) sitePrayer Central websiteOfficer Candidate websiteSeiler installation meeting posting

Web exclusivesExcerpt from Covenant Marriage Bible studyCentral WYC delegate profilesThe value of a program reviewHeather Friedrich’s weight loss journeyWeight loss health facts

Seilers installed

To Be Holy

maracas with theCSB on “Él Es ElSeñor.”

CommissionerCarol Seiler thenspoke passionate-ly about the call toservice. Her mis-sion-minded ide-ology of touchingpeople’s lives withGod’s grace, espe-

cially throughsocial services,flowed freely andgenuinely andswept Salvation-ists along on acurrent of possi-bility.

“Our strengthis for service—not status,” shedeclared, pur-posefully repeat-ing this hallmarkof her life.

Citing theaccount of Gideon going into battlein Judges, Commissioner Paul Seiler,spoke about being called to step outin faith—facing reality, depending onGod, and using the right tool for thetask.

“I commit to youto lead as a fellowChristian on thejourney…” thenew territorialcommander saidwith humbleresolve. “As westep forward infaith, I intend tokeep asking fordialogue andinput, to valueindividuals andrespect one anoth-er’s dignity, tomake hard deci-

sions when needed, to work, weepand rejoice together as a territory inthe years ahead, and to depend onthe Lord for strength and guidance.”

In a sacred ceremony, Commis-sioner Gaither installed the Seilers

as territorial lead-ers, reading a let-ter from theGeneral calling onMidwestern Salva-tionists to respondto their leadershipwith bold faith,which they did,lining the altarsand aisles beseech-ing God’s blessingfor this new day.

New Promises

Miranda Feltes, Quentin Trapp and Desiree Dade recently were enrolled as junior soldiers atthe Quincy, Ill., Corps, led by Majors Alan and Carol Wurtz. On the same exciting day 11 newsenior soldiers were enrolled, as well as two adherents. Exciting things are happening in thiscity which last year broke ground for a Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps CommunityCenter. To God be the glory!

WYC on the internet

In recent times we have seen sit-uations in which Salvationists—officers and soldiers alike—have allowed themselves to fall

away from their holy calling.Without a doubt, as noted in God’sWord, Satan is prowling like a lion,seeking whom he may devour!Usually, we are tempted by sex, sil-ver or selfish desires.

In his letter to Christians inGalatia, Paul noted that all whobelong to Christ would experience abattle between “the flesh” (our sinfulnature) and the Holy Spirit who liveswithin us (Galatians 5:17). We facethis conflict every day, but we can

and to shine as lights in the world.As Salvationists we must be more

aggressive in reaching out with thegospel, warning people about theterrible consequences of the self-indulgence that dominates our cul-ture, calling them to repentance andfaith in Christ as their only Savior.Our message, however, must bedemonstrated in our own personalholy living!

We must exhibit a different way ofliving. As Salvationists we are calledto a life of holiness. Our tenth doc-trine affirms:

We believe that it is the privilegeof all believers to be whollysanctified, and that their wholespirit and soul and body may bepreserved blameless unto thecoming of our Lord Jesus Christ.Holiness is the moral quality of

character and conduct displayed bythose who, through the indwellingSpirit, share Christ’s nature and con-sent to be ruled by Him.

Be prepared. You will be temptedby sex, silver or selfish desires, butremember the straight and narrowway is God’s way. We are calledwith a holy calling. We are called tobe holy just as God is holy.

overcome our sinful desires and winthe battle with the empowerment ofthe Holy Spirit.

Paul, in writing to the Philippians(Chapter 2:15, NLT) says, “Liveclean, innocent lives as childrenof God, shining like bright lightsin a world full of crooked andperverse people.” In verse 16 hisadmonishment is especially impor-tant for Christians today: “Holdfirmly to the word of life; then,on the day of Christ’s return, Iwill be proud that I did not runthe race in vain and that mywork was not useless.” We arecalled to be blameless and harmless

Organizers of the WorldYouth Convention (WYC),Stockholm, Sweden, July15-18, are praying youth

around the world will view the con-vention online. While the conventionwill host 1,200 delegates from mostparts of the world, live streaming ofevents via the internet will allowanyone with access to be involved.

The convention will feature musi-cians, actors and dancers from manycountries and world-class speakers,including General Shaw and

Commissioner Helen Clifton.Convention coordinator Colonel

Birgitte Brekke urges youth to gath-er with friends to watch the live ses-sions. “In this way there could bemini-youth conventions right aroundthe world!” she said.

To find out more go towww.raisedup.org

available in Spanish, he believes it isa crucial resource and wanted God’sblessing on it.

“Our territory will benefit greatlyfrom this study,” he said. “Our desireis for our community to be blessedand to set an example for othersthrough their godly marriages.”

Mike Himes and his fiancée, Lara,studied Covenant Marriage inpreparation for their wedding. “Thisstudy sparked many important con-versations about our marriage,” Larasaid. “We are grateful to have hadsuch an exceptional tool to guide usas we take the next step in our lives.”

God put this topic on Linda’sheart years ago, and she is thrilled tobe able to see it to fruition. “I’m hop-ing this will be the best thing I’vedone in my career,” Linda said. “If itresults in even one saved marriage, Iwill know I’ve done my job.”

This spring the territorialcorps missions and adultministries departmentintroduced a new six-lesson

Bible study called CovenantMarriage. Written by Linda Himes,territorial stewardship and Bibleministries consultant, it exploreshow the principles of covenantrelate to marriage and targets thosewho seek to be married or wouldlike a better understanding of theirmarriage covenant.

“It’s surprising and disappointingto see how many Christian mar-riages fail and that the divorce rateamong Christians is almost identicalto unbelievers,” said Linda. “Tochange that statistic we need to bet-ter understand God’s design formarriage.”

Major Joe Wheeler, territorialcorps mission and adult ministriessecretary, dedicated the CovenantMarriage study during a chapel ser-vice at territorial headquarters. Also

A lasting covenant

couldn’t have come at a better timeto do it,” said Captain Tom McComb,information technology specialist.

Many have been encouraged tosee how employees and officers atheadquarters are becoming morehealth conscious in general. Karen

Young, multicul-tural ministriesspecialist, isanother programparticipant.“It’s exciting that

so many otherpeople have par-ticipated in thechallenge,” shesaid. “Healthawareness isclearly becominga priority at THQwhether it’s walk-ing the track out-side, going to thefitness center orparticipating in acontest like 10 in10 for 2010.”

Commissioner Paul R. Seiler,then chief secretary,encouraged everyone atCentral Territorial

Headquarters (THQ) this spring tolose 10 pounds in 10 weeks througha contest dubbed the Chief’sChallenge—10 in 10 for 2010!

A determined group of 74 employ-ees and officers signed up.

Health awareness at headquartershas been on the rise since the addi-tion of a fitness center in 2009, buteven before construction began,legal department employee HeatherFriedrich began her fitness journeyby joining Weight Watchers® andwalking the track during workbreaks and lunch.

With the support of her husbandand friends and motivation from hermother’s double bypass heartsurgery in 2006,Heather lost 100pounds by Christmasof 2007. The Chief’sChallenge was just themotivation Heatherneeded to meet hergoal weight loss of190 pounds.

Others found thatthe friendly competi-tion at headquarterswas timed perfectly tohelp them followthrough on their NewYear’s resolution. “I’mdetermined to get inbetter shape, and theChief’s Challenge

Health awarenesson the rise at THQ

Kevin and Mary RobbinsClinton, Iowa, CorpsHeartland Division

Kevin and Mary Robbins ofthe Clinton, Iowa, Corps haveknown for some time that theywere to be officers. However, itwasn’t until they attended thecommissioning and ordinationof their daughter, Lt. AubreyRobbins, last June that theydecided they needed to followthrough with the calling. It hasbeen a long road for both ofthem with roadblocks through-out life. However, they testify to aGod who is faithful and who hascarried them through the difficulttimes to bring them to a point oftotal obedience. Kevin and Marywill attend the CFOT with theirthree children, Celeste, 15, Noah,13, and Marguerite, 1. Their corpsofficers are Captains Martin andShannon Thies.

Tim and Pam JonesGrand Haven, Mich., CorpsWestern Michigan andNorthern Indiana Division

Tim and Pam Jones of the GrandHaven, Mich., Corps have been sol-diers for a number of years. Bothare active in the corps’ music min-istry. While each of them acknowl-edged a call from God to be officers

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as young people, they bothran from that calling. In June2009 they were attending amarriage enrichment week-end and again felt God lead-ing them to be officers. Theyhave attended the NationalSeminar on Evangelism andbelieve God has called themto preach the Word to every-one they come in contact with. Timand Pam will attend the College forOfficer Training (CFOT) with theirtwo sons, Jean-Luc, 17, andZackary, 15. Their corps officers areCaptains Dean and Pat Towne.

Bryan and Teri EllisonMason City, Iowa, CorpsWestern Division

Bryan and Teri Ellison of theMason City, Iowa, Corps are newto The Salvation Army. They cameto the Army in January 2009through the Ministry DiscoveryProgram. Through the programthey have discovered what TheSalvation Army is and how theycan fit into its ministry. An avidreader, Bryan has read over 20books about Salvation Army histo-ry, ministry and teaching. He andTeri believe that God called themin to the Ministry Discovery

Program to become officers. Bryanwas a youth director in anotherdenomination prior to coming to theArmy. They have had the opportuni-ty to serve with two different sets ofofficers in the 18 months they havebeen in the program and have seenhow God can use people of differ-ent skill sets and talents. Bryan andTeri will attend the CFOT with theirdaughters, Esther, 9, and Lily, 7.

3

Heather Friedrich hasdropped 18 sizes since 2007!

4 It’s my Army now!Drawn to community

Finding love and acceptance

The witness of compassion

ted,” Catie said. “Especially afterlooking to what the Army doesworldwide and the inspiration Ifound from the soldiers aroundme.”

Since soldiership God has con-tinued to ignite the fire in Catie’sheart to care for others. She’sasked God to break her heart forwhat breaks His. “It’s no longerwhat God is doing for me; it’swhat I can do for others becauseof Him,” she said.

Catie is pursuing this passion as apre-med and psychology doublemajor. She hopes to use her medicalgifts to serve Christ after college.

Catie Park, a freshman atWheaton College inWheaton, Ill., came toMayfair Community

Church, in Chicago, Ill., with hermother from the Catholic church.

“We wanted a shift in focus,”Catie said. “More emphasis on theWord of God, and we both had aninterest in social justice as well.”

Catie grew up in church butnever found a personal connectionwith God.

“God almost felt like Santa Clausto me,” she said. “I was walkingby the structure of religion, nottrue faith.”

At Mayfair, however, Catie dis-covered Christian community. Shewas drawn toward the believers atMayfair; they encouraged andinspired her to grow as aChristian. It wasn’t long beforeshe was a firm believer.

Community wasn’t the onlything that attracted Catie to TheSalvation Army; her passion forsocial justice and yearning to helpthe less fortunate lined up withthe Army’s mission. It sparked adesire in her to become a soldier.

“I wanted to be more commit-

by Major Morag Yoder

Providing for a family ofnine is a challenge evenin the best of times, sofor Luz and Paul Ciupeiu

discovering the Norridge CitadelCorps food pantry was a helpfulresource. Trips to the pantry gaveLuz her first glimpse of her localSalvation Army.

In autumn 2008, Luz acceptedan invitation to attend a homeleague Thanksgiving program.Paul and the children spent theevening at the library beforereturning to pick up Luz. Nearinghome they were met withtragedy—their house was engulfedin flames.

Although their homeand possessions werelost, their personal safetyproved God’s hand ofprotection had beenupon the family.

Word of the tragedyspread quickly and corpsmembers rallied aroundthe Ciupeiu family, offer-ing practical assistance,friendship and spiritualsupport.

Paul and Luz broughttheir family to a Sundayworship service as ademonstration of grati-tude. That day Luz stoodduring testimony timeand spoke powerfully ofGod’s faithfulness. Thiswas the start of regularSunday attendance andparticipation in other

corps programs.

A year ago Luz joined the sol-diership recruits class and, aftercompleting the course, made thedecision to be enrolled as a sol-dier. Luz believes wearing the uni-form connects her to Jesus.

She said, “When I wear it, I feelothers expect me to do as Jesuswould do. I see it as a uniform ofcompassion, grace and mercy.”

Paul says the authentic waymembers of the congregation liveout their faith made a directimpact on him, and so he, too,decided to learn more about theArmy. Paul and son, Jonathan, par-ticipated in the recruits course andwere enrolled last November.

ing to learn about Salvation Armymembership.

“Something was drawing me in,”he said. “Three months later I wasenrolled as a soldier. Being part ofThe Salvation Army made me real-ize that all the years when I wassearching for love and acceptanceJesus already loved me the wholetime.”

He continued, “The SalvationArmy is my Army now becausemy heart can reach up to God,while my hands reach out to helpmy brother. The most excitingchange that has happened in mylife is: it’s not all about me any-more. Because of Jesus’ love, I canlove Him and others.”

Tim Walters remembersyearning for love andacceptance from his abu-sive father but never

measuring up. By age 12 he wasliving on the streets of Chicago,clinging to the sense of belongingthat he found in living the bikerlifestyle.

Drugs, alcohol and criminalactivities sent him to jail severaltimes. Upon one release, Timworked to obtain things that hadbeen missing in his life: a job, awife, a family, a home… Successequaled money and power. Hewent after both, only to realizethat he still felt empty inside.

In prison for the fourth time,Tim read in the AlcoholicsAnonymous Big Book about “aGod of our understanding.” In aneffort to understand this God, Timbegan to study and seek out differ-ent religions.

“The more I sought them out,the more I was drawn toChristianity,” said Tim.

Upon that release from prison,Tim was instructed by drug courtto go through the rehabilitationprogram at The Salvation Army.Not long after his arrival at theDes Moines, Iowa, AdultRehabilitation Center, a doctrineclass was offered for anyone want-

5

A place to belong

A place to serve

A new focus

Asimple Salvation Armysign a few blocks fromthe corps that read,“Service at 10:30 a.m.

on Sunday,” was all it took forDavid Donley to visit the HarvestCoon Rapids, Minn., Corps for thefirst time.

“I walked into the chapel withmy daughter and knew immedi-ately that this was the place forme,” said David. “They have ahuge cross hanging in the chapel;the room was so peaceful andserene.”

David has since grown in hisfaith, been enrolled as a soldierand has become the social servicessergeant.

The road to where he is todaywasn’t easy. David struggled formany years with alcohol abuseand gambling. Before coming tothe Army, his journey toward heal-ing had begun but it wasn’t untilhe became a soldier that Davidgave all worldly habits up entirely.

David said, “I couldn’t do it onmy own; I needed outside account-ability and God.” So he startedattending soldiership classes.

Since his enrollment David has

been happy. Corps Officer MajorRhoda Wilds said, “David has astrong hunger for the Word. Hehas grown in his knowledge of theBible and in spiritual maturity.”

As a retiree David volunteers alot, and as the social servicessergeant he begins his day think-ing how he can serve others andlead them to Christ.

David only regrets he didn’tcome to the Army sooner. “I justwish I knew about The SalvationArmy corps earlier. Others need toknow we’re here, and it’s my pas-sion to see that they do!”

Two couples from vastlydifferent cultures butsearching for the samething—a place where

they could feel a sense of love andbelonging—found what they werelooking for when they startedattending the Milwaukee West,Wis., Corps two years ago. Thisspring, they were enrolled as sol-diers on the same day!

Daris Randolph and his wife,Francis Curry, had grown up inthe U.S. exposed to Christianbeliefs. Somboun and ZoeSisavangone grew up in Laoswhere they were Buddhists.

The journey to Salvationism foreach couple started with warminvitations to attend the corps.

They received even warmer wel-comes upon their first visits from

corps soldiers. To their amaze-ments that feeling of warmth con-tinued to increase with each visit;it seemed to radiate from people.

“Everyone is looking for a placeto belong,” said Captain SteveKounthapanya, Milwaukee Westcorps officer.

Captains Steve and LatdavanhKounthapanya began home visitsto ascertain where each personstood in their individual relation-ship with God.

Daris is now an active volunteerat the corps as receptionist, refer-ee for the youth basketball leagueand works with youth and olderadult programs.

The Sisavangones are activelyinvolved on corps music teamswith Zoe leading worship songs!

her to a Christian church. Severalyears later, Monica met Emigdioand invited him to the church andhe accepted Christ. They marrieda year later.

Both Emigdio and Monicadescribe their hearts as morepeaceful since becomingChristians. “We know God has thesolution to every problem weface,” said Monica.

She continued, “Emigdio and Idecided to become soldiersbecause we want to serve Godcompletely with everything wehave. That’s the right thing to doin The Salvation Army.”

Emigdio and MonicaRamirez were enrolledthis spring at the KansasCity Blue Valley, Mo.,

Corps by Captains Jose and SoniaGonzalez, corps officers. They’darrived in Kansas City with theirfamily three years earlier frommiddle-class lives in Veracruz,Mexico.

Emigdio, a warehouse worker,and Monica, a stay-at-home mom,were looking for a new churchand were drawn to the corps’Spanish worship services.

“God put this church in ourpath,” said Monica. “We visitedand kept coming back because ofthe friendly environment andopportunities to serve the commu-nity. The captains let us explorenew avenues of ministry and werevery supportive. And now, herewe are, enrolled as soldiers!”

Monica is chaplain for women’sministries, directs Sunday schooland is a member of the praise andworship group. Emigdio directsevangelism and helps with thesound system.

They’d become believers severalyears earlier in Mexico. Hearingthe gospel was a powerful experi-ence in both their lives. Monicawas a young woman trapped in anabusive marriage with two youngdaughters when her aunt invited

6

needs and to streamline proceduresmaking the best use of materials,equipment and time,” said Curtiss.“It helped us focus efforts onimproving every facet of how—andwhy—we do what we do.”

Cinda added, “Preparation for theself-study was challenging, but stafffelt it was well worth the time andeffort.”

They worked as a team on all self-study components, which united notonly social services staff but thecorps officers, business and develop-ment personnel, plus maintenance,custodial and food services staff.This was followed by a three-daysite visit by a territorial team.

The emergency shelter accommo-dates 60 residents including families

and single womenor men. Case man-agers work indi-vidually withclients in meetingtheir immediateneeds and short-term goals (med-ical, counseling,schools for chil-dren, treatmentprograms) and byhelping them setand achieve(through account-ability action

steps) intermediate goals (employ-ment, life skills). Longer-term goalsinclude total self-sufficiency andsustained, independent living intheir own or shared housing.

The Hartleys regularly visit theshelter to build relationships withresidents, who are invited tocorps worship, Bible stud-ies, Sunday school andsocial events. Corps mem-bers also take initiatives tobuild bridges.

The evaluation team waspleased to find clearly com-municated policies and pro-cedures along with regularstaff/management teammeetings and supervision.

Staff job descriptionswere revised with employeeinput; a new intake recep-tionist position improvedwork flow and security, andstaff training was assessed.Annual salary reviews wereintroduced along with writ-ten plans to boost moraleand team unity.

“We appreciated the car-ing tone set by the evalua-

tion team,” Cinda concluded. “Theirobjective was to not only assist inneeded program changes but to offersupport in the process. As a result,staff felt a sense of pride, accom-plishment and empowerment in ourabilities to provide quality program-ming.”

Capturing gold!

The La Crosse, Wis., Corps’emergency shelter passedthe rigorous territorial socialservices certification review

in 2009 with a gold level (90 percentplus) award!

A pre-certification review twoyears earlier allowed staff to turn anychallenges into strengths thanks tothe hard work of Cinda Todd, socialservices director, and Majors Curtissand Sandy Hartley, corps officers, byusing the new National SocialService Standards’ self-study tool,reported Sue Spreiter, territorialsocial services evaluation coordina-tor.

“The self-study gave us the chanceto thoroughly examine operations tosee how well we were meeting client

Majors Curtiss and Sandy Hartley regularly visit with shelter residents.

Fingertip access

Available at the fingertips ofofficers and employeesworking in corps andsocial service programs

throughout the Central Territory is anewly revised and improved evalua-tion resource database.

The database makes available awide variety of practical resourcesfor programs, as well as materials tohelp staff prepare for programreviews.

Made available last month, thedatabase is a one-stop shop forthose involved in providing andadministering social service min-istries (residential and non-residen-tial programs, case management,

counseling, child care services andprograms for seniors, to name afew).

For easy access, resources areorganized by topic area, evaluationstandard number and alphabetically.

Users may even rate the useful-ness of the materials provided andsubmit new resources for review bythe database committee.

The database is located on theLotus Notes system (USC SocialService Evaluation/Resource underSocSer folder).

For general information contactyour divisional social servicesdepartment.

Congratulations to the 11 programs that achievedterritorial social service certification and/or externalaccreditation in 2009.

Gold (90 percent compliance)

La Crosse, Wis., Housing ProgramMason City, Iowa, Adult Day Care *Metropolitan Divisional Correctional Services *Omaha, Neb., Durham Booth ManorOmaha, Neb., Lied Renaissance Center *Rockford, Ill., Womenʼs Restorative Justice ProgramWaukesha, Wis., Housing Program

Silver (80 percent compliance)

Bloomington, Ind., Child CareChampaign, Ill., Housing ProgramsMadison, Wis., Social Service Programs

Bronze (70 percent compliance)

Olathe, Kan., Housing Programs

* External accreditation achieved by these programs.

Rewarding excellence

Nora Smith (r), intake receptionist, helps a client.

Cinda Todd, director of social services, meets withTina Sheehan, case manager, and Corinne Johnson,shelter manager, to discuss client progress plans (l-r).

Sue Spreiter, territorial social services evaluation coordinator, demonstrates the newdatabase resource to staff member Bryant Erickson.

July Prayer Calendar

My Prayer List

Go to www.prayercentralusa.org for prayer updates.

If you follow the prayer calendar in the next year, you will haveread through the Bible!

Day

1 Thursday

2 Friday

3 Saturday

4 Sunday

5 Monday

6 Tuesday

7Wednesday

8 Thursday

9 Friday

10 Saturday

11 Sunday

12 Monday

13 Tuesday

14Wednesday

15 Thursday

16 Friday

17 Saturday

18 Sunday

19 Monday

20 Tuesday

21Wednesday

22 Thursday

23 Friday

24 Saturday

25 Sunday

26 Monday

27 Tuesday

28Wednesday

29 Thursday

30 Friday

31 Saturday

Bible Reading

Philippians 1-2

Leviticus 10-12

2 Kings 1-5

Psalms 78-80

Proverbs 8-9

Ezekiel 19-24

Luke 17-18

Philippians 3-4

Leviticus 13-15

2 Kings 6-10

Psalms 81-83

Proverbs 10

Ezekiel 25-30

Luke 19-20

Colossians 1-2

Leviticus 16-18

2 Kings 11-15

Psalms 84-86

Proverbs 11-12

Ezekiel 31-36

Luke 21-22

Colossians 3-4

Leviticus 22-24

2 Kings 21-25

Psalms 87-89

Proverbs 13

Ezekiel 37-42

Luke 23-24

1 Thessalonians 1-3

Leviticus 22-24

2 Kings 21-25

Pray for The Salvation Army

Bloomington, Ind., Corps

El Dorado, Kan., Corps

Chicago (Englewood), Ill., Corps

Belleville, Ill., Corps

Bismarck, N.D., Corps

Boone, Iowa, Corps

Benton Harbor, Mich., Corps

Major Cindy Shellenberger(Australia)

Escanaba, Mich., Corps

Heartland DHQ**

Davenport (River Valley), Iowa,ARC*

Bay City, Mich., Corps

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Corps

Brown County, Ind., Corps

World Youth Convention(Sweden)

Emporia, Kan., Corps

Chicago (Irving Park), Ill., Corps

Branson, Mo., Corps

Brainerd (Lakes), Minn., Corps

Capts. William & CassandraDeJesus (Argentina)

Council Bluffs, Iowa, Corps

Big Rapids, Mich., Corps

Fond du Lac, Wis., Corps

Des Moines, Iowa, ARC

Dearborn Heights (Citadel),Mich., Corps

Champaign, Ill., Corps

Columbus, Ind., Corps

Garden City, Kan., Corps

Chicago (LaVillita), Ill., Corps

Cape Girardeau, Mo., Corps

Central Bible & LeadershipInstitute

* = Adult Rehabilitation Center** = Divisional Headquarters

7

Firefighters battle hunger

by Craig Dirkes

Nineteen fire stations, 400firefighters, one mission:extinguish hunger.

Minneapolis firefighters held afriendly food drive competition inMarch to see which of the depart-ment’s four districts could raise themost food for The Salvation Army.The result? 1,240 pounds of food!

“This food drive is an opportunityfor our firefighters to respond to apublic need without a 911 call, redlights and sirens,” said MinneapolisFire Chief Alex Jackson.

Their effort came at a time whenuse of the Salvation Army’s foodpantries in the Twin Cities has risenmore than 100 percent, going from30,000 people served in 2008 to67,000 people in 2009.

“The Salvation Army appreciatesthis unexpected and generous effortby Minneapolis firefighters,” saidMajor Darryl Leedom, Twin Cities

commander. “Through their helpand the charitable spirit of the TwinCities community, we will feedcountless families during these hardeconomic times.”

Always remember

said it’s important for Christians tounderstand the past in order toshape the future. Nearly sevendecades later, anti-Semitism is onthe rise; some worry anotherHolocaust is within the realm of pos-sibility.

Linda was interviewed for a newsstory on the seminar by ChristianBroadcasting Network, which has asatellite audience of more than 300million. Addressing anti-Semitism,Linda said, “This isn’t a time forcowardliness. It’s not a time for apa-thy or to be ill-informed. People willbe held accountable. I really believethat. We’ll not be able to just sit backand be bystanders.”

Dr. Linda Burkle,Western divi-sional socialservices direc-

tor, was one of 22 appli-cants selected from hun-dreds of global submis-sions to attend theInternational School forHolocaust Studies inJerusalem for its firstChristian leadership sem-inar this spring.

Held during the weekIsrael marks HolocaustRemembrance Day atYad Vashem, the nation’s foremostHolocaust memorial, the seminarwas designed to educate Christianleaders so the Holocaust will neverhappen again.

Linda reported the seminar wasintense in every way: she felt thepower of the Holy Spirit; enjoyed theoutstanding teaching by world-renowned history, theology andpolitical professors, and was hum-bled by the incredible honor ofbeing a guest at a nationally tele-vised ceremony commemorating theHolocaust where she met the presi-dent, prime minister and survivors.

Susanna Kokkonen, director ofChristian Friends of Yad Vashem,

Dr. Linda Burkle (r) with Holocaust survivors.

Mrs. Colonel Mary June MillerM r s .

Colonel MaryMiller waspromoted toGlory onMarch 18,2010. Herbeloved hus-band, Ernest,tended to heruntil the end.

Mary was born in 1928 to officers,James and Ethel Klaus, in Baltimore,Md., which destined her to grow upin a sequence of southeastern states.From a young age she was knownfor her award-winning voice.

Her musical ability paved the wayfor a scholarship to college and anopportunity to sing at OklahomaCity University where she met herfuture husband, Ernest Miller,another talented musician. A littleover a year later they were married.

Together they entered training inChicago, Ill., and were commis-sioned in 1950. They served inmany corps appointments in theCentral Territory before an appoint-ment in Washington, D.C., wheretheir musical ministry caughtcelebrity attention. They madeappearances at many governmentevents.

After retirement a physical dis-ability Mary had battled since a1956 polio attack became all-encom-passing. Nevertheless, Mary kept upwith friends and relatives by mailand through poetry.

She is survived by her husband,one brother, James, and one sister,Evelyn. She will be greatly missedby a host of other friends and rela-tives, too.

Major GraceStephison

Surroundedby friends,Major GraceS t e p h i s o nwas promot-ed to Gloryon April 4,2010.

Grace wasborn in Jackson, Mich., to Alfredand Winnie on September 9, 1926.She was saved at age 14 when anacquaintance offered to drive a fewlocal young people into town forSunday night evangelistic meetings.

Introduced shortly thereafter toThe Salvation Army through afriend who brought her to girl

Promoted to Gloryguards, Grace soon realized theArmy was where she belonged. At17 she moved to Kearney, Neb., toassist corps officers. From there shewent to training and was commis-sioned in 1947.

After a corps appointment inAlliance, Neb., Grace ministered forfive years in women’s social servicesacross the Central Territory. She alsoserved at Northern DivisionalHeadquarters and at CentralTerritorial Headquarters, fromwhich she retired in 1986. Gracewas a gifted administrator.

In 1972 she received the long ser-vice award and then the long servicestar in 1982.

She is survived by one grandniece, Terry Wintzel, one grandnephew, Barry Hodge, and two spe-cial “adopted” nieces, Cookie Nortonand Noreen Risko.

Major George WattM a j o r

George Wattwas promot-ed to Gloryon April 4,2010. He was92 years old.

Born toS a l v a t i o nArmy officersin Woodhull,Ill., George naturally becameinvolved in Army activities at ayoung age. He accepted Christ as ateenager and felt a call to officershipshortly thereafter.

George was commissioned in1940 and as a single officer served atthe Minneapolis Men’s SocialCenter in Battle Creek, Mich., fol-lowed by a corps appointment. In1942, George married LieutenantHelen Larson, who he had met dur-ing one of his parents’ appointmentsin Minnesota.

Together the Watts served in corpsappointments in Michigan, Illinoisand Iowa. They left fulltime servicein 1964 but remained active soldiersand were reaccepted in 1975 asmajors and appointed to theMilwaukee, Wis., Men’s SocialService Center. In 1977 they wereappointed to the Booth Manor resi-dence in Minneapolis, Minn. TheWatts retired in 1982.

Sincere and having a pleasantspirit, George will be rememberedas a prayer warrior and encourager.

Major Watt was preceded in deathby his beloved wife and parents. Heis survived by one son, Richard, andmany friends.

The junior soldiers’ brigadeat the Grand Forks, N.D.,Corps is thriving. Havingenrolled 12 children in 2009

and five more this spring, their corpsis alive with young energy.

Major Dee Wilson, corps officer,attributes much of this growth toexcellent leadership. When theyarrived a few years ago, the formerchildren’s program director, DarleneStansbury, had worked diligently tobuild up junior soldiers and charac-ter-building programs at their corps.

Don Schaffer, Darlene’s replace-

ment, continued building the pro-grams, and the Lord brought inLynette Cruetz, a former schoolteacher, as well. “Lynette was ananswer to prayer,” said Dee. “Shecame into the office one day, and Ijokingly asked if she would help out.She switched churches to do so!”

According to Dee, the mostrewarding part about junior soldiersis seeing children come into a per-sonal relationship with Christ.

“Even if I had only one or two kids,if they dedicated their lives to Christ,it would be worth it,” she said.

Alive with energy

The growing junior soldiers’ program at the Grand Forks, N.D., Corps has reached out toHispanic and Native American children in the community.

Commissioner Israel L.Gaither, national com-mander, speaks withCargill CEO Greg Pageduring the NationalAdvisory Board meet-ing in Minneapolis,Minn., this spring.Prominent businesspeople and officersfrom across the coun-try met to discuss theArmy’s accomplish-ments and opportuni-ties for improvement.Board members andtheir spouses enjoyeda host of activities,including tours of theTwin Cities, lunch atGov. Tim Pawlenty’smansion and a specialprogram at TheSalvation ArmyHarbor Light Center.

Minneapolis hosts NAB

was appointed to assist in Fort Wayne,Ind., and Jeannette to assist inMarinette, Wis., followed by UnionCity, Ind.

They were married in 1966 andthen served together as corps officersin New Castle, Bloomington,Evansville, Warsaw and Kokomo,Ind.; Beloit and Manitowoc, Wis.;and Midland, Mich. They also heldfour adult rehabilitation centerappointments in Chicago Northside,Ill., Fort Wayne, Ind., and DesMoines, Iowa. In 2005 they wereappointed to territorial headquarterswhere David served as assistant ter-ritorial property secretary and terri-torial correctional services directorand Jeannette as officer servicesdirector. In 2008 they requested toreturn to corps work. Madison, Ind.,was their last appointment.

They enter honorable retirementafter almost 92 years of combinedservice.

In retirement the Biggs will residein Attica, Ind., on the banks of the

Wabash River. When they are nothelping out at the corps in Lafayette,more often than not you will findthey have gone fishing.

by Major Linda Meyer

With this verse as thefocal point, a celebra-tion of God’s goodnessand faithfulness was

conducted for Majors David andJeannette Biggs upon their retire-ment. Major Gerald Smelserpresided, while Majors Richard andVicki Amick conducted the officialretirement ceremony. Family andmany of the friends they’d madealong the way attended.

Major Edward Tutewiler spoke,using their last name as an acrosticof their lives: B (blessings), I (integri-ty), G (genuine), G (gone fishing formen, fish and fellowship), S (ser-vants).

David and Jeannette each enteredofficer training in 1963 as singlecadets. Upon commissioning David

Biggs: gone fishingI know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep thatwhich I have committed unto him against that day. II Timothy1:12,b (KJV)