THE SALVATION ARMY10 W. Algonquin RoadDes Plaines, Illinois 60016

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Volume 42, Number 6 June 2012

The Salvation Army / USA Central Territory

News and Views from the Midwest

“We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future.” Eph. 4:3,4 (NLT)

Captain Javier Moreno shares an encouragingword with soldier Mary Johnson.

Rallying our youth

to engage in an outreach called“Prayer and Popsicles.”Every day The Salvation Army

Bed & Bread truck stops right infront of the corps, offering a mealto those in need. On four Saturdaysthis summer, soldiers from DetroitHarding once again will head outwhen the truck arrives, offering acold popsicle and the opportunityto pray with those who come for ameal.“It has had a tremendous impact

on the community,” said CaptainKelsie Moreno, corps officer. “Wehave had the opportunity to makeconnections with over 500 peoplethrough this outreach ministry sofar, people who may not have everentered our building otherwise.”New families have connected

with the corps for Sunday worshipand other programs as a result ofmeeting soldiers for “Prayer andPopsicles.” It also has paved the

way for future interac-tions between social ser-vice programs and corpsministry. Soldiers arebecoming involved withother opportunities foroutreach such as theweekly fresh food distri-bution.“Our soldiers have

really stepped up to thechallenge to be involvedin intentional outreach,”said Captain JavierMoreno, corps officer.“The response from thecommunity has beenincredible. People aremoved when we askhow we can pray forthem; they’re so gratefulto know that someone isthere for them.”This year the Morenos would like

to take the program into the fall by

A ministry of prayer and popsicles

offering hot chocolate, cider andcoffee in place of the traditionalsummer treat.

Intentional outreach is the focusfor soldiers at the DetroitHarding, Mich., Corps. For thesecond year this outlook is tak-

ing the corps’ soldiers to the streets

themes differed, the root was thesame: fun, fellowship and friendlycompetition. And, at the end of theday, the memories kids took homewere just as important as any rib-bons or trophies.In Eastern Michigan 628 youth

and leaders turned out for “TheBiggest Winner: Character-BuildingEdition.” A unique highlight was a

Children enjoyed everything fromcupcake decorating to a petting zooto archery, all the while learningvaluable lessons to help meet theiremblem criteria. “A lot of ourtroops are new,” said Lori Gjovig,divisional character-building direc-tor. “I wanted this year’s programto build enthusiasm in our newtroops.”More than 300 youth and leaders

met in the Indiana Division formini-jamboree style competitionslike starting a fire and building atent. Rainy weather didn’t dampenthe spirits of aspiring chefs whocompeted in the chili cook-off. ThePrinceton, Ind., Corps Youth Bandraised the roof with inspiringmusic.

by Jerrie MillerCharacter-buildingministries director

This spring her-alded not onlythe warmestweather in years

but the largest crop ofcharacter-building youthrallies in the CentralTerritory with atten-dances growing to morethan 2,000! Though

Continued on page 8

Captains Javier and Kelsie Moreno stand ready to pray.

fair featuring 28 booths, fromdoctors to dentists. Withcheck-up sheets in hand, chil-dren stopped by each stationfor a stamp and along theway learned the importanceof exercise, eating right andliving a healthy lifestyle.The Green Bay Ray and

Joan Kroc Corps CommunityCenter welcomed 457 to theWisconsin and UpperMichigan rally which cele-brated being “The Apple ofGod’s Eye” (Psalms 17:8).Youth learned about JohnnyAppleseed who spread God’sWord and apple seeds aroundthe Midwest. Stiff competi-tion and close scores onemblem games showed corps

had been practicing for weeks. Ninecorps took home trophies with thebiggest winner being a little corpsthat came from behind—Marinette!More than 325 gathered for the

Kansas and Western MissouriDivision’s “Spring into Character-Building” rally. Each corps hosted agame or booth at the carnival.

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by Lt. Colonel Jeffrey SmithTerritorial Secretary for Personnel

This month the CentralTerritory will gather inMerrillville, Ind., for aweekend which will

include the commissioning, ordina-tion and appointment of the“Friends of Christ” session. It isalways a celebration for the newofficers. They have completed a rig-orous period of training and accom-plished a big personal goal.They are embarking on an adven-

ture with Christ, which began witha sense of calling and continuedthrough an obedient, and perhapscostly, response to apply for officer-ship and attend the College forOfficer Training. Commissioningmarks the end of the preparationand the beginning of the ministry towhich they’ve been called to givetheir lives. For each of them andtheir families it is a meaningful cel-ebration.

we know that He loves us and hasmade provision for us, but do werecognize that when He calls indi-viduals to commit their lives toserve Him as officers He is blessingus collectively today and tomorrow?

In my position I have the oppor-tunity to see some very large mone-tary gifts from donors who careabout what the Army does anddesire to help us. Their sharing ofresources is humbling to me. Theirtrust and generosity is a blessing.Yet, compare that to God’s generos-ity in calling leaders to give theirlives in service. What a beautifulreminder God cares about our workand wants to use the Army to blessthe world.

Signs of Blessing

But it should be more than that.The Salvation Army has, through-

out its history, held a strong theolo-gy of calling for ministry. We talkabout it in connection with localleadership in the corps, and weemphasize it with officers. On theapplication for officership there isan extended section for candidatesto describe their calling.The fact officers testify God

called them to officership is asource of joy and affirmation to meas a Salvationist. It is deeply affirm-ing to me as a member of this orga-nization to know God is speaking toand actively seeking individuals tofill critical leadership roles. Itspeaks of His continuing interest,care and commitment to the ArmyHe raised up.It is too easy to take this for

granted and miss the wonder. Weexpect God to lead individuals, and

SHARE keeps giving

CentralConnectionTHE SALVATION ARMY10 W. Algonquin Road • Des Plaines, Illinois 60016847-294-2000WILLIAM BOOTHFounder

LINDA BONDGeneral

COMMISSIONER PAUL R. SEILERTerritorial CommanderMAJOR JOHN WILKINSCommunity Relations and Development SecretaryELIZABETH KINZIEEditorial DirectorANNE URBANEditor/WriterJACQUELYN BENTSONCommunications SpecialistFERN CALDWELLCirculation ManagerKENNETH ROMINGraphic Design and Production

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

by Faithe Colas

Milwaukee is now rankedas the fourth poorest cityin the nation. Accordingto the U.S. Census

Bureau report released in 2010, 40percent of Milwaukee’s children areliving in poverty.So, The Salvation Army’s summer

meal program for children is need-ed more than ever. Feed the Kids

will kick off June 18 at Red ArrowPark in downtown Milwaukee.Nearly 100 community and busi-ness leaders volunteer for one hourto prepare lunches for area chil-dren. Salvation Army vans bringlunch to the poorest neighborhoods,parks and street corners on theweekdays. An average of 2,000lunches are served a day!

Last year95,846 mealswere servedover 10 weeks.Operating since1999, thisunique mobilefeeding programis in collabora-tion withHunger TaskForces, theMilwaukeePublic SchoolDistrict, WestAllis/WestMilwaukeeSchool District,the MilwaukeeCenter forIndependence,

Boys & Girls Clubs, the SocialDevelopment Commission andHeartlove Place.

Lunch is served

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

Resources/LinksOfficer Candidate website

Exploring Hispanic ministries

Army International Website

Web exclusivesMidland, Mich., Corps’ intentional leadershipdevelopment

Hold a “Prayer and Popsicles” event by CaptainKelsie Moreno

Programs come and pro-grams go, but the SHARE(Summer Health andRecreation Experience) day

camp held annually by theMidland, Mich., Corps is logging its31st year this month!SHARE hopes to surpass its

record of 427 kids enrolled last yearat four sites(the corps andthree elemen-tary schools)by adding afifth site at atrailer parkwhere thecorps servedchildrenlunch eachweekday lastsummer.According

to CaptainsMatthew andMalindaO’Neil, corpsofficers, SHARE is the only faith-based day camp in the city that isfunded by the faith community;area churches help support SHAREthrough grants, volunteers and pas-toral recommendations for staff.Activities include daily Bible

lessons, a summer reading program“and lots of singing, arts and crafts,”said Malinda. Field trips includevisits to the city pool, the beach, anarena for roller activities and theplanetarium. Special on-site eventsinclude visits from petting farms,fire trucks and other city vehicles.Weekly theme days for which staffand kids dress up also provideentertainment!All of the sites unite for a special

“SHARE Sports Day” where thekids compete in relays and scrim-mages. The day camp ends with aunited finale, “The SHARE Show,”held at a city park on a rented,large mobile stage.“It’s really cool,” said Malinda.

“Each site prepares songs and shortskits for the kids to perform andshow off for each other. Parents,

friends and the public attend. TheSHARE Show is also video tapedfor play on the local communitycable channel!”More than 50 paid staff and

numerous volunteers help makeSHARE possible each year. “Beingon staff is much more than being aday camp counselor; it’s an inten-tional leadership program in spiritu-

al and person-al develop-ment,” saidMalinda.“Staff keep

us informedof decisionsmade forChrist; morethan 80 weremade lastyear,” Malin-da continued.“We notifytheir parentsand pastors;we follow up

with the unchurched.”The corps also offers a compre-

hensive afterschool program (“TheSAL”) incorporating character-build-ing classes as well as hockey andarchery. Some day camp youth alsocome for worship and corps cadets,including Bible Bowl, Malindaadded.

NewCommitmentsJanuary - March 2012

76 Senior Soldiers

39 Adherents

94 Junior Soldiers

Snatched from the brink

by Craig Dirkes

The Minneapolis, Minn.,Harbor Light recently wel-comed six new seniorsoldiers into the fold:

Chett Brannon, Janet Douglas,Donnell Guy, Brian Pinkard,Russell Taylor (renewal) andRichard Weeth.“I could write a book on the

faith I have seen from our newsoldiers,” said Envoy DonLaMar, Harbor Light director ofcorps ministries. “Their commit-ment to God is unwavering.They have been through morethan most people will ever expe-rience.”Donnell Guy can attest to

that. The 32-year-old Chicagonative spent his teenage yearsgang-banging and selling drugs.He grew up attending churchwith his grandma, until shepassed away when he was eight.After that, he didn’t have any con-tact with God until he was 19—while attempting suicide.“I ate a bunch of pills, laid down

and began drifting away,” Donnellrecalled. “I woke up gasping for air.I was on the floor, crying, and ask-ing God, ‘Why won’t you let medie? I don’t want to go through allthis pain.’ Then I had a feeling comeover me. At that moment, I knewGod really does exist. I went in thebathroom and threw up all the pills.Ever since then, the Lord has hadHis hand on me to do better.”

Though Donnell would have upsand downs throughout his 20s,today he is completely sold out forChrist.

“A lot of people take their livesfor granted. I don’t want to do thatanymore,” he said. “I want to helppeople realize how special they are,to appreciate the life God gavethem, to give Him all the honor andpraise He deserves.”About 250 people attend worship

services each Sunday at the HarborLight. The corps has nearly 190 sol-diers enrolled. It is led by EnvoyBill Miller.

3

Donnell Guy helps survivors of an apartment fire in Minneapolis pick out clothing andhousehold items during a distribution event at the Harbor Light.

New Minneapolis, Minn., Harbor Light senior soldiers (from left): Chett Brannon, DonnellGuy, Janet Douglas, Brian Pinkard, Richard Weeth, Russell Taylor.

OF THE CROSS

2012 2014

Newly acceptedcandidates

New soldiers Brian Pinkard, left, and DonnellGuy outside the Minneapolis Harbor Light.

officership before getting engaged.Then, God set things in motion andset opportunities before us, oneright after another! We were mar-ried in June 2011. We were sent asinterns to Independence, Mo.,where we have had a great pre-training experience! Now, we areblessed to be expecting a child inAugust.We are looking forward to attend-

ing the College for Officer Training,the next step in our journey of full-time ministry for our Savior! Wecannot wait to begin this newendeavor God so clearly has calledus to.Michael and Erin’s corps offi-

cers are Majors Butch and LisaFrost.

Jonathan TamayoMenasha Fox Cities, Wis.,CorpsWisconsin/Upper MichiganDivision

My calling toofficershipcame eightyears ago at acommission-ing. Duringthe meeting, Ifelt the HolySpirit lift meup and tellme this iswhat Godwants me todo. That iswhen I firstheard the call.

Growing up as an officers’ child,I had many people ask or suspectI’d be an officer because my par-ents were. Given this, I tested mycalling and asked God if this wasreally what He wanted me to do.Two years ago God confirmed thisin me. Having listened, trusted andfollowed God’s leading in my life, Iknow He will guide me, protect meand take care of me.Jonathan’s corps officers

are Majors Jose and AnnetteTamayo.

Michael and ErinMetzlerIndependence, Mo., CorpsKansas/Western MissouriDivisionWe are so excited to move

forward on the path God hasput us on! Many things havechanged for us in the last year.Each of us was called to

4

family slept at the Joplin CorpsCommunity Center, at friends’ hous-es and at a motel.Today, thanks to the aid of The

Salvation Army, his church, familymembers and friends, David and hisfamily are hopeful their lives willreturn to normal. “We just pouredthe foundation on a home we arebuilding. We hope to move into it inearly June,” he said.As David reflects on the long year

his family has endured, he is struckby the progress they’ve made. “I wasjust thinking the other day, our wed-ding anniversary is coming up andlast year we were living in a motelroom with no idea where we weregoing to wind up. Now, we’re living

in a comfortable duplex and buildinga home of our own…Now we’realmost whole again.”Just two months after the epic

storm, Lieutenants James and JamieCurry were appointed officers inJoplin. Jamie reflected on life in hernew hometown: “Any other place Ihave ever lived, I’ve never had theexperience of stepping out my frontdoor and seeing something differentthan the day before. Almost an entireyear has passed since the tornado,but it still seems like last week to theresidents here. While there are signif-icant changes to the landscape asbuildings are rebuilt, the emotionaltoll is still ever present.”The Currys and their team have

been hard at work as part of theLong Term Recovery Committee, aconsortium of nonprofits and serviceagencies working to handle long-termsurvivor case management.“We have the benefit of seeing

first-hand how God can work, evenin a disaster,” said Jamie. “There aresuccess stories that come through ourdoors each day, and when these indi-

by Danielle Eickenhorst

Ayear after a historic tornadodestroyed more than 7,500homes and 500 businesses,Joplin residents are still

finding their way back to normal.“The mess has been cleaned up,”

says David Crossley, manager of TheSalvation Army’s homeless shelter inJoplin. “The debris is gone. You seerebuilding going on around town,and people are hopeful.”David, a 15-year employee of The

Salvation Army, lost his home in thestorm. Emerging from a closet wherethey’d taken shelter, the Crossleyfamily found their roof partiallygone, the windows broken, livepower lines on their car and noimmediate hopefor assistance. Inthe days follow-ing, he and his

viduals are helped, it renews theirdesire to help others.”David says that in some ways the

storm has been a blessing. “Itbrought my family closer, and I thinkit brought many of us in the commu-nity closer. Whenever we had a need,The Salvation Army or one of itspartners was there to meet it. God’slove has been manifested in so manyways in these days of recovery, and Iam so grateful.”Jamie observed, “There is a greater

sense of community among the peo-ple of Joplin. As is the case in manycatastrophic events, everyone isaffected in one form or anotherwhich creates in itself a genuinesense of comradeship. Joplin is nodifferent.”Dana Ross, case manager for The

Salvation Army Joplin Relief Center,said, “We have formed some amazingpartnerships. We are one of the pri-mary social service providers for thisevent, and through these partner-ships we can connect our clients withjust about anything they need.”The Salvation Army was recently

awarded a contract withMissouri that will allowit to continue long-termcase management withresidents through May2013. Plans soon will bereleased detailing TheSalvation Army’s strategyfor long-term recoveryand investment in Joplin.

Editor’s note: CaptainsJason and Mary Poff werethe corps officers in May2011 when the tornadostruck Joplin, Mo., and ledthe initial emergencyrelief.

Joplin: One Year Later

Joplin, Missouri—May 22, 2011

Joplin, Mo., CorpsOfficers Lts. James andJamie Curry problemsolve with Dana Ross.

David Crossley and his wife stand at the building site of their new home. Relief Center Case Manager Dana Ross helps a client.

5

walked across the street and toldthem to get in their cooler to takecover. They invited me to take coverwith them, and I told them I’d runhome to get my wallet and keys andwould return shortly.”As Doug arrived home, the wind

increased to a dangerous pace. Beforehe knew it, he was unable to takecover and became pinned between

his front door and the nearest wall, aprovidential place it turned out, aslittle else was left when the stormpassed.“When the storm was over, the sec-

ond story on my home was gone, aswas half of the story I was standingon. I dug around and found a fewthings I needed, then headed out tofind my neighbors and friends,” he

said. “That’s whenI saw the onlything that wasleft standing atArby’s was thecooler where theemployees hadtaken cover.”

Doug brushes off the thought hemight be a hero. “I think I just didwhat everyone else would havedone,” he said.For the next three weeks, Doug

came to his home every day to cleardebris and to find his belongings. “Idug through all of the debris andfound every little thing I could. Thevolunteers were amazing. Theyhelped a lot. They got down in thereand dug with me and helped memove what I could.”Since the storm, Doug has worked

closely with Salvation Army casemanagers. “As far as I’m concerned,Dana and her team have really goneabove and beyond. When I neededwork clothes for my debris clean-upjob, they were there,” he said.“They’re working to help me get avehicle, and thanks to her team, I’vebeen connected with Convoy ofHope, and they are building me mynew home.”Every morning since the storm,

Doug has gone out to sit on his oldconcrete porch, all that remains ofhis former home. “I don’t think I’vemissed a morning. It’s where I canbe by myself, gather my thoughts,plan for my day,” he said.Doug will soon move into his new

home, built on the same lot.“I’m gonna miss my trees,” he said

a little wistfully, “but this has turnedout to be such a blessing, none ofwhich would have been possiblewithout The Salvation Army.”

by Danielle Eickenhorst

Doug Keeney was uninsuredand unemployed when thetornado struck. A construc-tion worker in a down

economy, he had long struggled tofind reliable work.He lived in a house he planned to

retire in. “It was an old house, but itwas paid for,” he said. “It was sur-rounded by a dozen beautiful oldtrees that I just loved, but because ofthose trees, I was unable to get insur-ance for the home. We’d had two icestorms a few years previous, and theinsurance company required that Ihad to cut back all trees hanging overthe house. At a cost of $300-$400 pertree, I just couldn’t afford to cutthem back without a job.”On May 22, 2011, when the sirens

sounded, Doug wasn’t unusually con-cerned.“We always get weather alerts, and

everybody just goes out on theirfront porch and looks. I saw therewas a tornado north of my house,and I wasn’t overly concerned,”recalled Doug, “but I rememberedthe employees at the Arby’s near myhome didn’t have a TV or radio andprobably didn’t know to take cover. I

Hope for a hero

Doug Keeney on the porch of his former home, all that remains.

6

Joint conference a grand slamby Sue Spreiter

The National Social Serviceand Disaster ManagementConference (NSSDMC),held this spring in

Glendale, Ariz., was ground-break-ing as it was the first time the twogroups have come together for ajointly sponsored conference. Morethan 700 Salvation Army officers,employees and volunteers from theU.S. and Canada participated in thegathering themed Ready forMission: Equipped for Service.

National CommanderCommissioner William A. Robertswrote in a welcome to delegates,“The benefit of a conference likethis is to develop professional andsocial relationships, to learn, tohear from inspiring speakers, pro-fessionals and practitioners, and tosee, first-hand, expressions ofSalvation Army service. Moreimportantly, however, the para-mount goal is to refine skills anddeepen commitment for the life-changing work in which TheSalvation Army is engaged.” Theconference exceeded these goals.It began with six all-day pre-con-

ference workshops providing in-depth training. The evening keynotesession was themed Season Openersince several major league baseballteams converge on Phoenix forspring training. Throughout theweekend nearly 100 informativeworkshops (including tours to sixprograms in the area) were present-ed.A Grand Slam was hit during the

Saturday evening plenarysession focusing on disas-ter services where dele-gates were reminded that“the way a team plays asa whole determines itssuccess.” A Home Run was madeduring Sunday morning worshipwhere a packed-out crowd wasinspired by the testimonies of howChrist changes lives through TheSalvation Army.Awards for excellence were pre-

sented during the All Star Gameawards banquet. The CentralTerritory winnersincluded LouiseSimons, Northerndivisional social ser-vice director(IndividualExcellence in SocialWork award); JimDaly, Northern divi-sional emergencydisaster services vol-unteer (the newDisaster ServicesSleeves Rolled Upaward); and theChicago Child CareProgram (ProgramExcellence award).

This year NorthernDivisional Social ServicesDirector Louise Simons hasbeen selected to receive the

National Award for Excellence inSocial Work.Louise’s lengthy, industrious

career in social work is rooted inCleveland, Ohio, where she grewup in a family of 11 children. Herparents instilled a hard work ethicand service mentality in her, andshe gravitated toward a field ofstudy which would build on these.Fresh out of college with a degree

in social work, she worked at a girl-s’ home for troubled youth. “Thefirst time I gave a consequence to agirl, I got called every name in thebook,” she recalled. “I didn’tknow such words even exist-ed!”Her first job with the

Army was at the West Park,Ohio, Corps, where she wasa case worker. From thereshe went on to complete hermaster’s in social work atCase Western ReserveUniversity in Clevelandbefore her husband’s jobrelocated their family toMinnesota. This move land-ed Louise at NorthernDivisional Headquarters.Louise’s current job con-

sists largely of programdevelopment and evaluation.She’s achieved much includ-ing the development of anorganizational code of con-duct which has been adoptedat a national level.Along with program devel-

opment she’s passionateabout affordable housing andhas spearheaded several

housing projects including HopeHarbor, a 96 unit single-room occu-pancy building for homeless adults.According to colleagues and

friends Louise is always ready tohelp and is frequently on site dur-ing disaster work, another area sheoversees.“I’m impressed by Louise because

she has an open servant leadershipstyle,” said Susan Spreiter, territori-al program consultant and evalua-tion coordinator, who has workedclosely with Louise over the years.“She works effectively with officersand employees at all levels andthinks ‘outside of the box’ toaccomplish the mission of theArmy.”

TheWorld ChampionshipChallenge wrap-up featured guestspeaker Ron Sider, Ph.D., whoencouraged delegates to keep trueto The Salvation Army’s mission ofevangelism and social justice. Itwas, indeed, a positive send off!The next NSSDMC will take place

in Atlanta, March 21 – 25, 2014.

A passion recognized

by Craig Dirkes

Emergency disaster services(EDS) volunteer Jim Daly isone of the NorthernDivision’s most prized

assets. It’s no wonder he receivedthe Disaster Services Sleeves RolledUp award this year.Jim, a 65-year-old resident of

Little Canada, Minn., became anEDS volunteer in 2000 after retiringfrom his job as a police lieutenantwith the Ramsey County Sheriff’sDepartment. He’s since logged anestimated 10,000 volunteer hours!Jim is instrumental in virtually

every disaster response. He offers‘round-the-clock support inresponse to local house fires, floodsand other disasters. He’s served atcountless large-scale disasters,including instrumental roles at theI-35W bridge collapse site inMinneapolis, major flood sitesacross the Midwest, and GroundZero in New York City following9/11.“Jim doesn’t just do what we ask,

he takes the initiative to do more,”said Major Byron Medlock,Northern divisional disaster ser-vices secretary. “Whether he’steaching an EDS class in NorthDakota, establishing an incidentcommand center, strategically plan-ning, or just serving coffee at alocal fire, Jim has literally helped toshape the way our divisionresponds to disasters.”Jim is valued for his

intelligence, professional-ism, commitment andhumility. He performs hisvolunteer duties as if theywere a paid, fulltime job.He treats disaster sur-vivors and relief workersas if they were his friendsand family. He volunteersfor one simple reason: togive back.“I remember being on a

S.W.A.T. team call in atrailer park at 2:00 a.m.,

and somebody from The SalvationArmy showed up with hot coffeeand food,” Daly recalled. “I appreci-ated that, so volunteering is theleast I can do. I love the work ofThe Salvation Army.”Word of Jim’s volunteerism even

reached The White House. OnAugust 21, 2007, President GeorgeW. Bush met Jim at theMinneapolis-St. Paul InternationalAirport to present him with thePresident’s Volunteer ServiceAward.“Jim represents Christ in every-

thing we do; he reminds us of whywe come to work,” said DrewHasty, Northern assistant directorof disaster services. “Jim Daly is, ina word, remarkable.”

Sleeves rolled up!Commissioners William A. and Nancy Roberts, national leaders,present the award for program excellence to Leon Denton andDorothy Coleman of the Chicago Child Care Program. MaribethSwanson, Central social services secretary, on left.

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 Sunday

2 Monday

3 Tuesday

4Wednesday

5 Thursday

6 Friday

7 Saturday

8 Sunday

9 Monday

10 Tuesday

11Wednesday

12 Thursday

13 Friday

14 Saturday

15 Sunday

16 Monday

17 Tuesday

18Wednesday

19 Thursday

20 Friday

21 Saturday

22 Sunday

23 Monday

24 Tuesday

25Wednesday

26 Thursday

27 Friday

28 Saturday

29 Sunday

30 Monday

31 Tuesday

Bible Reading

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 19-21

2 Kings 16-20

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, Iowa, River Valley ARC*

India South Eastern Territory PIM

Bay City, Mich., Corps

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Corps

Brown County, Ind., Corps

Emporia, Kan., Corps

Chicago Irving Park, Ill., Corps

Branson, Mo., Corps

Brainerd Lakes, Minn., Corps

Matthew Beatty, Philippines

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

Central Bible Leadership Institute

Garden City, Kan., Corps

Chicago La Villita, Ill., Corps

Cape Girardeau, Mo., Corps

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

7

The Salvation Army’s inter-national website has under-gone a makeover.Relaunched earlier this

year, www.salvationarmy.org nowoffers a fresh, contemporary designand easier-to-find content. Withbetter use of space and moderngraphics, the aesthetic is groundedby improved search functionality,easier navigation and access to ourgrowing social networking capabili-ties.According to an international

news release the updated platformis enhanced, “with content fromFlickr, Twitter, Google Maps,TimeRime (an interactive, historicaltimeline) and Issuu (online versionsof All the World and Revive maga-zines).”Words of Life devotionalmaterials are posted and updatedweekly on the site as well.Lt. Colonel Laurie Robertson,

international communications sec-retary, said, “This is not the end butonly the beginning. My prayer isthat the website will always be acatalyst for multitudes of people toreceive the saving grace of Jesus.”

Media makeover

The camp effectby Carrie Dixon

Growing up in TheSalvation Army hashelped form me into thewoman I am today. And

some of my best Salvation Armymemories are of summers at camp.I recall activities that, unknown tome then, instilled a love of the out-doors and taught me life lessonsand skills.Today as a member of the Three

Trails Camp staff in Kansas City,Mo., I’m blessed to be a part of along history of Salvation Armycamping. In my ministry I observehow the camp environment, in ashort amount of time, can reachkids for Christ in a way that isoften unmatched in a corps setting.Camp is a very real expression ofWilliam Booth’s vision that bymeeting physical needs, we canthen meet spiritual ones.I am blessed to be a part of The

Salvation Army’s Outdoor Program.In the past decade we have seen a

generation of kids whose love forthe outdoors has not been formed.Here at camp we have a specialopportunity to get them away fromelectronic influences and immersethem in nature which they mightotherwise miss. They also have afreedom to enjoy and explore theoutdoors which often isn’t the caseat home since parents are aware ofdangers they face and often simplywon’t allow them to play outsideunlike 20 years ago. We hope theywill develop a new-found love forthe outdoors and take it back hometo their siblings, parents and com-munities.This summer please join me in

praying for camps in our territory.Pray the staff will be godly exam-ples. Pray the children will meetChrist and, if they already knowHim, that their faith will grow. Praythat our camping ministry willhonor God and help His childrenexperience the masterpiece of Hiscreation.

Carrie with her husband, Michael, and children Mikayla, Stephen and Joshua.

8

Continued from page 1Rallying our youth

Promoted to Glory

Joining a Walk for the World, 365kids and leaders in the MidlandDivision raised $1,505.89 for Haiti,their Partner in Mission. Childrenalso participated in games from knottying to locating countries on a map;even the youngest got involved inrelays like racing tricycles.At the Northern Division’s youth

rally nearly 300 children cheeredon their peers who were hoisted upin the air with rope and carabiners.The wildly popular Kidz Blitz enter-tained and encouraged youth withthis and other creative competi-tions. Children spent the majorityof the day visiting 12 stations toanswer questions about emblems.

Major Paul Eugene Thompson

Major PaulThompsonwas promot-ed to Gloryon April 4,2012.Paul was

born toLeonard andViolet onJanuary 26,1936, in Mitchell, S.D. He wasintroduced to The Salvation Armyas a child and active in Sundayschool and youth activities.After high school Paul joined the

U.S. Air Force, and during this timemet and fell in love with Lt. AlmaJean Darling, Omaha North Side,Neb., corps officer. She resignedher officership, and they were mar-ried in 1956. Their marriage wasblessed with two children.The Lord confirmed Paul’s calling

to officership during a crusademeeting at their corps, OmahaCitadel, Neb. After Paul’s commis-sioning in 1971, the Thompsonsserved at corps in Minnesota,North Dakota and Iowa. Theyretired from Grandview, Mo., in2001.Back at the Omaha Citadel Corps

in retirement, the Thompsons wereactively involved in ministry. Paulis remembered for his joy in youthministry, love of music and desireto win souls for the Kingdom.Paul is survived by his beloved

wife, children Captain Patricia(Eric) Johnson and Major Gregory(Lee Ann); two grandchildren andone brother-in-law.

Major Joyce Baer

MajorJoyce Baerwas promot-ed to Gloryon April 12,2012.Evelyn

Joyce Harriswas born toEldon andElnora onJuly 2, 1936, in Atchison, Kan. Sheattended the corps from an earlyage and gave her heart to the Lordafter her corps officer spoke on thesoul’s condition. In her candidate’sapplication testimony she wrote,“The conviction was too much.”Joyce felt the call to officership at

13 when her corps cadet brigadehad been talking about training col-lege. She felt a tugging at her heartand asked many questions. At firstshe feared it might only be emo-tion, but God proved it otherwise.She entered training later on andwas commissioned in 1956 as partof the “Swordbearers” session. Herfirst appointment was at theChicago Lawn, Ill., Corps, whereshe served as the assistant corpsofficer.In 1958 Joyce resigned to marry

Charles Baer, and their marriagewas blessed with two children. Ayear later they were reaccepted intoofficership and ministered every-where from corps to divisionalheadquarters to territorial head-quarters, from which they retiredin 1999.Joyce is survived by her beloved

husband of 53 years, children RaeLynette and Gary (Pamela); onegrandchild, Amarinda, and four sib-lings.

Acorps that’s beenprimarilyHispanic for thelast several years

ratcheted up its outreachefforts 24 months ago withthe goal of becoming a mul-ticultural congregation. Bymaking inroads into the sur-rounding community toreach the “whosoever,” theKansas City Blue Valley,Mo., Corps has seen its attendancesoar by 40 percent.Soldiers are being enrolled, corps

members are growing spirituallyand strong local leadership is beingdeveloped, report Lts. Roberto andElia Davila, Blue Valley Corps offi-cers since their 2010 ordination andcommissioning. Additionally, thecorps has benefitted for more thana decade from the spiritual nurtureof Major Ruth Dalberg, a retiredofficer who served in Spanish-speaking countries for many years.“Sunday morning worship aver-

ages 90 people, and special Sundaysattract 150,” said Roberto. He saidthey began their efforts by concen-trating on children. “We average 60

children from the neighborhood forSunday school and worship and 40for afterschool programs, whichinclude homework assistance, Biblestudies and recreation,” Robertocontinued.Corps programs that attract

adults include women’s ministries(English and Spanish), a “Forever50s” fellowship, Bible studies,recruits classes and a communitydinner on Fridays. The corps alsoprovides emergency assistance andperforms regular nursing home vis-its.During the summer, the Davilas

walk around the community tomeet people and invite them to thecorps or upcoming events, such as

vacation Bible schooland a back-to-schoolcarnival. “Or, if wesee the need, we’llgive them a card tocome and pick up anelectric fan at thecorps,” Roberto con-tinued. “‘Others’ hasbeen the key to ourblessing chest, andwe’ve been blessedserving here,” he con-cluded.

Key to blessing chest New programs for homelessveteransby Amanda Waters

The Salvation Army inKansas City, Mo., is launch-ing two new programs tohelp homeless veterans in

Kansas and western Missouri.“The Kansas City area has the

largest percentage of homeless vet-erans in Missouri,” said DebraCrouch, divisional veterans andrecovery services coordinator forthe Kansas and Western MissouriDivision. “According to the mostrecent Annual HomelessAssessment Report, Missouri had a10.7 percent increase in homeless-ness. We were fifth highest in thenation.”The Supportive Services for

Veteran Families program (SSVF) isdesigned to assist very low incomeveterans and their families inobtaining and maintaining stablehousing. Supportive servicesinclude case management, life skillstraining, support groups and finan-cial and transportation assistance.Peer mentors, who are also veter-ans, will add to the individualized,strength-based approach of care.To be eligible for the SSVF pro-

gram, individuals must have servedin active military service and can-not have been dishonorably dis-charged. The individual must fallbelow 50 percent of area medianincome for their location and be atimminent risk of becoming home-

less or be currently homeless. Theymust also reside or plan to reside inKansas.The second veterans program,

Harbor House, is a 30-bed facility.The Harbor House program isdesigned to assist homeless veter-ans achieve stability and transitionto permanent housing. Specific ser-vices include case management, lifeskills education, transportationassistance and 24/7 staff support.Homeless veterans must be pre-approved for admission.The Harbor House program is

located in the Salvation Army’sMissouri Shield of Service facility,which was recently renovated. Italso houses a state certified detoxprogram, and short-term recoveryand respite care/hospital diversionservices.Both programs are funded

through grants from theDepartment of Veterans Affairs.

Major Ruth Dalberg helps young people sign pledges.

The Marinette Corps took home four trophies.