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Volume 41, Number 11 November 2011

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)

QuincyKroc center opens See page 6

In response to the General’sglobal prayer initiative, the peo-ple of the Central Territory arerising to the challenge with

their usual drive and creativity.Sherrie Trucker, Northern

Division, said almost 50 peoplehave signed commitment cards;each received a prayer journal andlapel pin in return. Global prayertopics are emailed and posted onFacebook so people can pray athome, with chat groups or at corps.When Major Debra Richardson

ran a PowerPoint “commercial” onthe initiative before each meet-ing at pilgrimage,Salvationists in the MidlandDivision responded strong-ly. And, in the Kansas andWestern Missouri Division,more than 100 peoplejoined the “Mokan MightyPrayer Team,” includinginmates ministered to bythe Pittsburgh, Kan.,Corps, reported MajorCheryl Miller.Major Yaneth Fuqua,

Eastern Michigan Division,said the Dearborn HeightsCitadel Corps began a year-long prayer emphasis,“Pray for Reign.” A five-week sermon series on

prayer will include mes-sages by Lt. ColonelsJeffrey and Dorothy Smith,territorial personnel secre-tary and territorial ambas-sador for prayer, respec-tively.Major Judy McPherson

reported adult rehabilita-tion centers have openedtheir chapels for early-morning prayer, andCaptain Yvette DeGeorgesaid two prayer groups atthe training college aremeeting.

Major Florence Moffit supportsglobal prayer through the retiredofficers’ newsletter. “Some of ushave been prayer warriors for 60years or more,” she said. “Imaginewhat could happen by harnessingthe prayer power of retired officersworldwide!”Major Vicki Steinsland, Western

Division, said corps are holdinghome-based prayer circles, assign-ing prayer slots and incorporatingglobal prayer into ministries.Corps and shelters in the

Heartland Division are meetingfor prayer and displayingrequests, reported Major MiriamGorton.Major Barbara MacLean,

Indiana Division, encouragedcorps officers to designate prayercoordinators to present weeklyrequests, recruit prayer partnersand report prayer victories.Corps in the Wisconsin andUpper Michigan Division werequick to join the global prayermeetings, reported Major KimHellstrom, as were corps in the

Metropolitan Division, according toMajor Sandy Turner, who postsrequests on the divisional webpage.The Western Michigan and

Northern Indiana Division imprint-ed pens (“Join the General forPrayer Every Thursday”) for corpsdistribution, reported Major DebraPascoe. She said, “It’s an honor toapproach His throne withSalvationists worldwide. Excitingdays are ahead!”

Weekly topics may be found atwww.salvationarmy.org/thegeneral

Global prayer takes flight

2

by Colonel Merle HeatwoleChief Secretary

Next summer, athletesfrom all around theworld will gather inLondon, England, for

the Olympics. Each of themwill have one goal in mind: towin a gold medal. While I’m surethat most of them would be thrilledto win any type of medal, Ihave never heard any athletesay their ambition is to wina bronze medal. Theyalways aim for the topprize. Even if they don’twin, they want to know thatthey have given it their very

and service, a gold standard.Over the past several weeks, I

have been studying the account ofKing Solomon building the templeas recorded in the books of 1 Kingsand 1 and 2 Chronicles. As youread these accounts, it becomes evi-dent that Solomon and his father,David, only wanted to use the verybest materials in the construction ofthe temple. Nothing less would beacceptable for building God’s tem-ple. Based upon today’s gold prices,the gold David provided forSolomon to use in the constructionof the temple would be worth bil-

lions of dollars and yet there wasnever any consideration given tousing lesser-quality materials. God’stemple deserved the best.This caused me to ask myself,

“Am I always giving God my verybest service?” Am I living a goldstandard life or am I content to giveGod a mediocre effort, just goingthrough the motions but not reallygiving it my best effort?If we are to “uplift consistently”

throughout our territory, it willrequire us to strive for the goldstandard in our prayer lives, ourworship, our conversation andbehavior. Colossians 3:23 (NIV,1984) reminds us, “Whatever youdo, work at it with all your heart,as working for the Lord, not formen.” Let’s give God our very bestand go for the gold.

Living a gold standard life

best effort.One of the core principles wehave identified for our terri-tory is to “uplift consistently.”At first glance, it would beeasy to think that this principle

focuses only on promoting asense of encouragement withinour corps. While encourage-ment is definitely neededand should be a vital partof our corps ministry, wealso need to recognizethat this principleencourages us to lift up ahigh standard of ministry

Exciting things have beenhappening at the Lincoln,Neb., Corps over the pastyear since its members

have become “contagiousChristians!” Last year CaptainsJames and Angie Pennington, corpsofficers, invited Majors Joseph andLois Wheeler, territorial evange-lism and spiritual formation sec-retaries, to conduct evangelismtraining.The Penningtons, who’ve led

the corps since 2009, felt the timefor such training was right. “Weneeded to think outside of thebox. We had most of the leader-ship in place for the corps togrow and thought our peoplewere ready,” said James, whoreports attendance has grown injust about every area of corps lifeas members have become morecomfortable with inviting people.“I believe the Wheelers planted

the foundation for our members tobecome more friendly and inviting.We had a great turnout for training,including teens who wanted toinvite their peers,” he continued.The corps does outreach through

events and programming. “But tobe truthful, we’ve had minimal,long-term results in corps growth.Now when I look at our growthand number of seekers, I see it all

boils down to developingintentional relationshipswith un-churched friends,volunteers, clients andfamily,” said James.“Basically, someone isn’tgoing to come unless weask them. And, if the per-son is greeted and gen-

uinely made to feel welcome andcomfortable, they might even comeback! One teen invited her friend,and the friend invited her grand-mother. That’s how it works!”Growth also is occurring with

enrollments which stretch acrossthe age spectrum. “Some enroll-ments came simply from us askingregular attendees if they wanted tobecome soldiers. Some people hadbeen coming to the corps for years

without ever being asked personallyif they wanted to become soldiers,”James continued. “We even have afew prospective candidates for offi-cer training.”Sometimes this new approach

hasn’t been natural and easy foreveryone at the corps. “In fact welost some people because they wereunwilling to adjust to some of thechanges,” said James. “This hasbeen difficult for us, but we’vebeen able to move beyond it. I can’talways explain how God works, butI know He’s working!”

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

Resources/LinksQuincy Kroc websiteI’ll Fight Day websiteChild sponsorship web pagesAdult Rehabilitation Centers Commandweb pagesKEM’s websiteGeneral’s websiteWheelers’ website

Web exclusivesHow to plan a 5K fundraiser by MeganHartleyGeneral Larsson’s feature, “Keying in JesusFolk and Spirit!”Advent material excerptCreative youth program ideas by CaptainShannon ThiesTips on getting donations of instruments forprogramming by Major Carol LemirandMore about the SA in Sweden and HaitiAnswering God’s call to missions by MajorRobert DoliberMore Voeller family adventuresSATERN timeline of developmentClips from Perspectives CDCentral Territory overseas personnel contactinformation

Lincoln logs newgrowth

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

General Larsson plays Jesus FolkandSpirit!

The second in the series ofCDs featuring General JohnLarsson (Rtd) playing pianoarrangements of songs from

the Gowans and Larsson musicalshas been released. The CD high-lights music from two of their mostinfluential works: Jesus Folk andSpirit!Many of the 32 songs featured

are well-known; 10 of them made itinto the current edition of TheSalvation Army Song Book. “Thelyrics of these songs,” writesGeneral Larsson, “have becomepart of the mental furniture ofthousands of Salvationists, oftenwithout them knowing that theyoriginated in one of these two musi-cals.”Favorites include “He came to

give us life in all its fullness,” “Youknow I love you,” “Ask, ask, askand it shall be given,” “Burning,burning” and “To be like Jesus.”The CD comes with a booklet con-

taining the song words written byGeneral John Gowans (Rtd).The first CD in the series, featur-

ing music from Take-over Bid andHosea, was released last year bySP&S in England and has been oneof its best-selling recordings since.

John Larsson plays Jesus Folk andSpirit! is available from ResourceConnection at 1-800-937-8896 orshop.salvationarmy.org—as is also thefirst CD in the series. Visitwww.johnlarsson.com for furtherinformation and sample tracks.

Second volume in series released

Salvationists but for holiness as abody of believers in corps commu-nities. The emphases are: the studyand application of God’s Word, thepursuit of personal and corporateholiness, relevant worship, mutualaccountability through small groups(Bible studies, prayer cells, Sundayschool, mentor relationships), per-sonal disciplines (prayer, Biblestudy), the cultivation of faith(recruitment and training the spiri-tually mature) and missional fellow-ship.“Missional fellowship calls for

Salvationists to be fully engaged in

Last year the Army’s interna-tional leadership asked eachterritory to create a newappointment, secretary for

spiritual life development, to pro-mote spiritual maturity through thepractice of certain disciplines. Thisposition in the Central Territory iscurrently held by Captain CarolLewis, who also serves as the terri-torial evangelism and corps growthsecretary.Spiritual life development in the

Central Territory has seven primaryemphases meant not only for thepersonal spiritual growth of

tion, goalsand out-comes,shouldreflect our

attitude toward holiness. It shouldbe invasive in all that we do. Weshould be known in our communi-ties as a holiness movement.”To support this international

Army initiative, which will also bethe emphasis at the 2012 commis-sioning weekend, a territorial com-mittee has been formed with repre-sentation from the 10 divisions, theCollege for Officer Training, theAdult Rehabilitation CentersCommand and Central TerritorialHeadquarters (see box). Each repre-sentative will advance these sevenemphases and serve as a resourcefor corps and centers.

corps life,accompaniedby a sense ofownershipand belong-ing,” said Carol. “The inward part isour commitment to be engagedthrough our relationship withChrist; the outward part is to takeour unique Army ‘salvation’ fellow-ship into our communities, get itspulse, and bring others to Christ forengagement in spiritual life.”She continued, “My predecessor

in this position, Major DanJennings, referred to this interna-tional call to spiritual life develop-ment as a multi-dimensionalthought. Holiness is relational; weare a holiness denomination. Ourinteractions among ourselves andothers, and even our administra-

Going the distance

This pretty much encapsu-lates Majors Joseph andLois Wheeler’s past year asterritorial evangelists and

spiritual formation secretaries. Just10 years from retirement, theyseem to have hit the accelerator—and they’re loving it! It is, perhaps,the pinnacle of their more than 35years of officership.They believe their current

appointment benefits from a wellrounded set of life and ministryexperiences which help them iden-tify with others and meet their

needs. It also draws on a deep, longheld passion about spiritual forma-tion: as much as evangelism is vital,spiritual growth is essential.Where many might find driving

long distances (say from Boone,Iowa, to Detroit, Mich. in one fellswoop), having just two to threedays home at a time, living out ofmotels or being billeted in officers’homes exhausting, the Wheelersseem to thrive.It’s places like Lincoln, Neb.,

where they held a very successful“Contagious Christian” seminar that

keep them going.“The spiritual

depth and richnessthat the Wheelersbrought to our corpswas genuine andheartfelt,” saidCaptain JamesPennington. “Youcould tell that theyreally care for andabout the people theyminister to. Theirpresentation stylewas relaxed andopen. The Spiritmoved as we had inexcess of 25 soldierseach night come out

Captain Carol Lewis (l), spiritual life development secretary, reviews new resources withMajors Joseph and Lois Wheeler, territorial evangelists and spiritual formation secretaries.

the corps with moreseekers at the altar andmore visitors at thecorps.” (See story onpage 2)While they offer abevy of meetings andseminars, theWheelers are willingto do whatever isneeded: assist withvacation Bible school,

afterschool or senior programs, pro-vide devotions at shelters, visit sol-diers in the hospital, wash dishesafter a corps meal. “We see our-selves as servants,” they explained.They even involve their minia-

ture schnauzer, Gracie; this sturdy,affectionate 21-lb. girl packs bigimpact, providing a point of con-nection with people and even per-forming sometimes.Since taking up this appointment

in July 2010, the Wheelers have vis-ited 35 primarily small to mid-sizedcorps, two camps, and nearly halfof the territory’s adult rehabilitationcenters.They rarely say no. They insist:

“We just wouldn’t want to miss outon what the Lord’s doing.”

To book a campaign, visit theWheelers’ website. We’ll link youthrough Get Connected.

with a desire to share their faithwith those they have come in con-tact with. The end result has beengrowth, spiritual and numerical, in

Armyon the advance

Locations: 44. Miles: 25,000. Ministry: priceless.

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Spiritual Life CommitteeTerritorial Headquarters Captain Carol Lewis, chair

Majors Joseph and Lois WheelerMark Bender

Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command Major Linda MitchellCollege for Officer Training Captain Yvette DeGeorgeEastern Michigan Division Captain Jon AugensteinHeartland Division Major Bob GauthierIndiana Division Major Sherrie WelchKansas/Western Missouri Division Major Andy MillerMetropolitan Division Major Mark TurnerMidland Division Major Patty RichardsonNorthern Division Major Rosemary MatsonWestern Michigan/ Northern Indiana Division Captain Lisa MuellerWestern Division Major Christine MerrittWisconsin/Upper Michigan Division Captain Beth McComb

4

Marinette celebrates 120

“Kurt is a quiet, steady gentle-man,” said Leanna. “After his wifepassed he missed one Sunday, butafter that he got up and told hisdaughter he’d better get back to thecorps!”Leanna was not only thrilled to

honor Kurt and the corps for land-mark anniversaries but also to suc-cessfully get into the communityand remind them that The SalvationArmy is in Marinette to help, toheal—to stay for good.

When I got here lastyear the previousofficer had done a lotof research on

Marinette Corps’ history,” saidCaptain Leanna Tuttle, Marinette,Wis., corps officer. “I did the mathand figured out we’d been active120 years. We decided we neededto do something big!”With the help of the advisory

board, soldiers and corps ministryintern, Megan Hartley, the 120-yearcelebration kicked off with a 5Kwalk/run called “The Celebration FunRun,” which raised money forMarinette’s food pantry and socialservice programs. The fundraiser wassuch a success, they’re already plan-ning to host another one next year.Following the run, the corps held

festivities in a nearby park witheverything from bounce houses tolive music. Door prizes were distrib-uted to collect information on un-churched people in the area. Out of166 in attendance that day, thecorps will follow up with 25 peoplewho showed interest in learningmore about Army programs.Wisconsin and Upper Michigan

Divisional Commander Major RobertThomson spoke on Sunday morningabout what it means to be aSalvationist, and Major Joe Wheeler,territorial evangelist and spiritual for-mation secretary, led worship.Also during the service, retired

officer Major Pearl Palomaki gave atribute to Kurt Berge, who has beena soldier at Marinette for 66 years!His wife, Arlene, a soldier for 69years, was promoted to Glory earli-er this spring.

Advent Resources 2011

God with UsEnrich your corps’ worship this Advent season with the

God with Us series of high-quality, ready-to-use Sunday worshipoutlines and sermons, as well as program ideas

for activities throughout each week.

Discover Immanuel—God with Us—this Advent!

See your corps officer for more information.

Ronnie attributes the increasedinterest in soldiership to peoplewanting to be a part of a ministrythat changes lives in the communi-ty and worldwide. People reportthey feel loved and accepted at thecorps.“We have a laid-back, family style

of worship,” Ronnie continued.“Our chapel has flexible seating,coffee tables and note pads. Theservice is fun yet worshipful.People feel welcome to comedressed casually and are comfort-able inviting others.”Ronnie and Bridgette determine

ministry assignments by meetingwith individuals, discovering theirgifts and watching them in action.Ronnie said, “One of our newsenior soldiers, Joe Maddelein, hasbecome a new creature in Christfrom being an alcohol abuser.”Said Joe, “It’s hard to put into

words what God has done for me.It’s just weird—I love the new me!”His son, Dalton, another newsenior soldier, said, “The Bible isbecoming real to me because of mydad.” Joe serves as the men’s min-istry leader, while Dalton helpswith warehouse organization andyouth program publicity.Another new soldier, Sara Hurry

(sunbeam leader and transportationsergeant) said, “I love how Godtakes things and makes them new,then allows me to serve Him.”Other new soldiers are Michelle

Lamaster (pamphlet sergeant), JoeLamaster (quartermaster), CalebKrakliow (coffee shop helper, ware-house, youth), Phiama Krakliow(girl guards, youth), and SierraHurry (nursery assistant).Ronnie tells soldiers not to see

their positions as authority rolesbut as ministries to people. “Joe hasa heart for men, particularly thosein the adult rehabilitation center innearby Davenport, Iowa. This fallwe kicked off a new men’s pro-

gram, ‘Band of Brothers.’ And,Michelle loves talking about ourcorps in the neighborhood, whileSara enjoys chatting and laughingwith people as she picks them upfor programs,” Ronnie concluded.

Ever since Lts. Ronald andBridgette Amick arrived ascorps officers at the MolineHeritage Temple, Ill., Corps

three and a half years ago, they’veencouraged their people to regardthe corps as their own.“We wanted everyone to have a

role in corps growth. What betterway than to give everyone a posi-tion and allow them to run with itso God can use their gifts for thecorps and community,” said Ronnie.The Amicks recently enrolled and

gave ministry assignments to eight,enthusiastic senior soldiers. (Twojunior soldiers were also enrolled.)

Major Robert Thomson honors Kurt Bergefor 66 years of service.

Encouraging ownership

Marinette’s kick-off run raised nearly $1,000.

Lts. Ronald and Bridgette Amick, Moline Heritage Temple, Ill., corps officers, flank theireight newest senior soliders.

New soldiers Joe and Dalton Maddelein.

“

Music funding in the nearbyschools had recently been cut, andprincipal Dr. Janice Kirkel was elat-ed to encourage her students tostudy music at the corps.Classes, which started in March

2011, last from 4:00 p.m. to about5:30 p.m. every Monday and con-tinue year round. Many studentsactually enrolled in day camp so

they’d be able tostay afterward forMonday nightpractice. Studentsrange betweenthe ages of fourand 12 and playmainly brassinstruments, witha couple on pianoand keyboard.“It’s a good

learning experi-ence and it willshape them [stu-dents] for schoollater,” said LisaWilliams, parentof four-year-oldPayton who playsthe keyboard.“It’s a wonderful

program.”Behind the scenes

students and parentsdon’t realize howmuch God’s hand ofprovision made bandclasses possible.Initially horns werebought with FightingForces Funds, but thestudent count kept ris-ing and the programborrowed instrumentsfrom divisional head-quarters. Wanting toensure each child hadan instrument, MajorCarol wrote a newsrelease for local papers and anadvertisement for Craigslist. Withina couple of months instrumentdonations and musical equipmentcame pouring in. It was nothingshort of a miracle.“One area judge’s wife marched

her husband’s trumpet over to thecorps saying he hadn’t played it inyears!” said Carol.The band program bolstered

attendance in summer day camp,but ultimately, the Lemirandswould like to see bridging from

band classes into the corps, startingwith solid character-building troops.“Our hope is to connect with

families and see some growth inour corps,” said Carol. “It may takea couple of years, but this is thevision shared by the corps; we arepraying for leaders and know weare praying in God’s will, so it willhappen.”

When Major CarolLemirand, Waukesha,Wis., corps officerand Dr. Martin

Rowden, Wisconsin and UpperMichigan divisional music director,made plans to start their first bandclass outreach for local elementaryschool children, they had no ideahow perfect God’s timing would be.

Bridgedby the band

to send 16 students to our division-al music camp this summer; 13 ofthose registered for the instrumen-tal track. After our young peoplereturned from music camp, theband members sat in their placeson the platform. Our band is small,but we are able to hear four partsas they provide preliminary music,accompany congregational songs,and play the offertory.Our congregation is so proud of

our band that after every song theyapplaud. They simply love hearingand seeing the instruments beingused for God’s glory. We know thatGod answers prayer for He hasblessed our corps by filling theempty chairs on the platform withmusicians and instruments that pro-vide beautiful music. We pray thatour band continues to grow andplay music that honors God andthat He is pleased with our musicoffering.

by A/Captain Dana Cook

As I sat in my chair duringthe Festival of WorshipArts and heardBandmaster William

Himes challenge the CentralTerritory to have live music inevery corps’ worship music by2020, my heart was stirred.Listening to this challenge and see-ing the bands that have been estab-lished with young people through-out the territory, I knew the St.Joseph, Mo., Corps was up to thechallenge.For the last two years we have

prayed for live worship music eitherwith a praise and worship band, apiano player or a brass band.Returning from the festival, we feltthe Lord wanted us to set up bandchairs on the platform and pray forthe empty chairs to be filled.The Lord gave us the opportunity

Let themusic play!5

NewPerspectivesCD

unique, too, in another way. Peggygives a short biography on hercareer preparation, her family, onworship, reaching for her eternalgoal and an interesting account ofher attempt to break the barrier of“No women are permitted inSalvation Army staff bands.” Noreal reason existed except, “This isthe way it’s always been ever sinceWilliam Booth.” To her credit,Peggy refused to accept “No,” andtoday she is the hero of womenstaff band members all over theworld.Peggy’s musicianship extends

beyond the cornet in her hand.Give her a baton and she becomesa very talented bandmaster as well.Having observed her working withthe best students at Central MusicInstitute for the last 17 camps, I’veseen how she is able to inspirethem to play above their currentlevel. Her leading gets results thatrival some of the best brass bandsanywhere.More than displaying artistry, this

CD shows Peggy’s dedication tohonoring God with her gifts. Bravo,Peggy. Your example is Psalm 150in action, “Praise Him with thetrumpet”—and cornet, too!

Reviewed by William Scarlett

This lifetime CD givesus a rare opportunityto hear a wholecareer of music-mak-

ing by an outstanding artist,Peggy Thomas. Her talentwas evident from the verybeginning, whether weavinga beautiful melody like“Share My Yoke” or showingher extraordinary techniqueon demanding solos like“Jubilance” or “JoyousSong.” Young brass playerscan learn to play better justby listening to this CD.“Listen and copy” has been a won-derful way to acquire good habitsof making music probably eversince David played on his harp.When Peggy came to me for

some lessons on orchestral trumpetplaying some years ago, it was obvi-ous she had superior talent. Hergoal at the time was to prepare fora career in a symphony orchestra.It was my opinion that she “hadwhat it takes” to reach her goal. Infact, the technique she developedby playing cornet solos was morethan is needed to play orchestralmusic. But God had other plans forthese gifts, and certainly He hasblessed her talents for His work aswe hear on this CD.The Perspectives liner notes are

Israel Hernandez and Dr. Rowden practicein the corps sanctuary.

Day camp students and spring music students receive individual-ized teaching from Dr. Martin Rowden.

Members of the new St. Joseph, Mo., Band: Izaya Wittler, Joey Wittler, Kaitlyn Lewis, BobbiMcDowell, Jason Dick, Carol Hall, A/Captain. Dana Cook

6

Commander Major LonnealRichardson.

At 2:00 p.m. more than 2,000people gathered in the KrocCenter Galleria for the grandopening. Following welcomecomments by Major Jennings,Mayor John Spring presented aproclamation recognizing theday as “Salvation Army QuincyKroc Center Day.” EighteenthDistrict Congressman AaronSchock read a congratulatory let-ter from former First Lady andNational Salvation ArmyAdvisory Board member LauraBush. Quincy Advisory BoardChairman Gerry Kettler addedwords of supportand congratula-tions prior to theribbon cutting.

The doors arenow open forindividuals andfamilies to experi-ence all the cen-ter has to offer.Whether wor-ship, a spinningclass or theaquatics cen-ter, there is

something for everyone. Manyof the programs are designed tostrengthen families. With music,art, fitness or recreation, thereare programs for individuals,youth, seniors and families.

The Quincy Kroc Center wasdesigned utilizing the MississippiRiver as inspiration. Elements ofthe river are seen throughoutthe center. The Kroc Center willbe a LEED-certified facility(Leadership in Energy EfficientDesign) with numerous “green”applications throughout—skylights, recycled materials, recy-cling recep-tacles,

The long-awaited grandopening of the Quincy,Ill., Ray and Joan KrocCorps Community

Center is now just a memory.On September 18, 2011, hun-dreds of people joined with TheSalvation Army in celebratingnot only the opening of a beauti-ful new building but an anchorfor our community.

The Sunday morning worshipand dedication service and after-noon grand opening celebrationconcluded a week of soft-open-ing events that included manygroups, individuals and familiesvisiting and trying out the facili-ties.

As the crowds began to fill theworship theater Sunday morn-ing, their faces showed awe andamazement. The brass band,praise team and youth chorusprovided wonderful music to setthe tone for a message on being“salt and light” in our communi-ty and world by CommissionerCarol Seiler, territorial coordina-tor for strategic mission plan-ning. She then presented theKroc Center flag to Senior KrocOfficer Major Dan Jennings andMidlandDivisional

lots of glass and innovationsfrom technology. The building is98,000-square-feet and encom-passes an entire city block.

The building consists of a 500-seat worship theater; Huck’sHideout child-watch area; TheMeadows conference space withstate-of-the-art audio/visual sys-tems; The Ledge, a cutting-edgegame room; a 63,000-plus gallonaquatics center featuring a 157-foot slide and outdoor splashpad; Kroc Café; party rooms,classrooms, a rock climbing andbouldering wall; a cardio fitness

area with the lat-est high techexercise equip-ment; a weightroom; two groupfitness rooms; atwo-court basket-ball court withvolleyball netsthat lower from

Inspire. Instruct. Involve.by Patty Douglas

Salvation Army opens Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Quincy

Photosby

RickVogeney

7

The beauty of thebuilding, the“wow” factorsbuilt into eacharea, the helpfuland friendly staffand the scriptureverses pertinent toeach venue pro-vide inspiration.

People of all ages canfind instruction through Biblestudies, music and art classes,fitness classes and more. Andthe Quincy Kroc Center is aplace where everyone can findinvolvement. Through member-ship, scholarships and free activ-ities, there are classes, recreationand opportunities for everyone.Our Kroc Center is a place ofinclusion and diversity, a placewhere lives can be changed forthe better.

the ceiling; athree-lanewalking/ run-ning track;cabanas (familychanging rooms); andgeneral locker rooms.

Joan Kroc’s visionwas for each KrocCenter to be a bea-con of hope and anagent of change. Sheenvisioned each cen-ter providing charac-ter and confidence-building opportunities for indi-viduals, children and families,and that educational and recre-ational programs, as well asmusic and art, would be avail-able.

All of these are offered andmore. Adding to Joan Kroc’svision, the Quincy Kroc Centerbelieves three “I’s” are importantto our success: in all that we do,we must inspire, instruct andinvolve.

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Extra dosesof loveandrespect

for the beneficia-ries, along with apassion for recov-ery ministries,have been key fac-tors behind theministry ofCaptains Alex andJenniferVelasquez, first asadministrators ofthe Fort Wayne,Ind., AdultRehabilitation Center (ARC) for thepast three years and now at theDavenport (River Valley), Iowa,ARC.“We show them love every step

of way,” said Alex who always stopsto greet each beneficiary with a“sir” and spend a few minutes inconversation.The men have the opportunity to

participate in vocational trainingwhich helps them gain new skills

and relieves anxiety about thefuture as they prepare for transi-tion; these are big factors in pre-venting relapses. There’s hands-ontraining in carpentry, welding, foodservice and certification in safefood handling, and classes will soonbe available for high school GEDdegrees. Vocational training is alsoobtained through thrift store andwarehouse operations, such as retailsales and merchandising, shippingand receiving, warehouse dock

work and forklift cer-tification.Spiritual growth,

recruits classes,enrollments and fam-ily involvement arealso going strong atthe ARC as Alex andJennifer conductworship services atthe center and workwith local corps tochannel programgraduates and theirfamilies into lastingchurch homes.

Rebuilding liveswith respectby Calleen E. Austin

Today I had lunchwith 47 warmingcenter guests andvolunteers. The con-

versation was surprisinglylight and happy. I asked,“Why do you come here?You could choose anothershelter.” Nate’s response wasechoed by others: “The peo-ple here care, and the show-ers are clean and hot; the bed matsare comfortable, and the food isgood.”The Royal Oak Citadel, Mich.,

Corps Warming Center is aGodsend to the homeless in thewinter when the daily temperatureaverages 24 degrees and nights areeven colder. In the evenings, thecorps vans visit participating hostchurches to transport men to theshelter.They are greeted by volunteers

who show them the love of Godthrough welcoming smiles, conver-sation, a gentle hand on a shoulder.On Sundays the men are welcometo attend a Bible study and the holi-ness meeting. Many stay and enjoythe fellowship and a great lunchafterward.Last January alone, 45 volunteers

gave 697 hours driving vans, cook-ing, cleaning, picking up suppliesand just being a friend. We servedmore than 400 guests. While the

shelter’s use is heaviest in winter, itruns year-round.In 1988 when Colonels William

and Sue Harfoot, then Royal OakCitadel corps officers, asked DonBowman to oversee the corps’ newwarming center, he had no ideahow it would change his life—orthe lives of others. He couldn’thave realized that this simplerequest would lead to a “calling” tohelp the homeless.The warming center is now only

a part of Don’s work with thehomeless. He meets with folks onthe streets year-round, helpingthem find food and shelter andsharing fellowship with them. As amember of the South OaklandWarming Center Coalition, Don isactive in organizing South OaklandCounty to make sure people inneed aren’t left out in the cold. It’sbecause of the prayers and hardwork of Don and his family of vol-unteers that the warming centeropens its doors year after year.

Refuge from the cold

Detroit-raised R&B artist,KEM, held a food driveconcert in downtownDetroit to benefit the

Salvation Army as well as eightother non-profit organizations.Years ago KEM was struggling

with addiction, unable to keep asteady income or afford housing.He was in and out of shelters andrehabilitation programs, includingboth the Army’s harbor light andadult rehabilitation center (ARC).At one point he even worked forthe ARC. With the help of God,KEM turned his life around.Today a successful recording artist

with hit singles and a record dealwith Universal Motown Records, hegives back to the community. Notonly did all the proceeds andcanned goods collected from hisfree concert benefit organizations

like the Army, but KEM went theextra mile by hosting a barbequelunch for homeless people.“During the lunch KEM gave a

hope inspiring speech,” reportedJohn Hale, Eastern Michigan divi-sional director of development. “Hetalked to them specifically abouthow God changes lives and how Hecan change theirs.”The Salvation Army was asked to

provide additional lunches for thoseunable to make the barbeque.Chuck McDougall, EasternMichigan divisional director of dis-aster services, started handing outcoffee and water at 9:00 a.m., andat noon Joe Berger brought a Bedand Bread truck to the concert site.“Captain Jamie Winkler and I were

asked to be prepared with 300 to 400lunches that day, but we ended upserving 1,000 meals!” said John.

by Gavin Whitmore

The last decadehas been veryhard on me andmy loved ones

due to my abuse of drugsand alcohol. I did a lot ofhurtful things to my fami-ly and others. I came tothe ARC in October 2009to please them, notmyself. I didn’t want tobe there, but rode it outfor a year. I had anunderstanding of God,but didn’t want to knowmore about Him. I wasjust fooling myself again.I left the center the fol-

lowing September andrelapsed; I spent twoweeks in a haze. But laterthat month I decided tocome back to the pro-gram for good. I askedGod to guide my life to aplace that would give mehope and a future. I worked theprogram so I’d be ready for what-ever God put in front of me. Hestarted to bless me with goodthings.God gives me the strength to

obey Him each day. I thank Himfor giving me the willpower tocome back to the ARC, and I askHim daily to lead me in the rightdirection and let me be a goodexample to others.

I’m now an adherent and amemployed as a truck driver at theARC. I still live here because itkeeps me focused on what I need todo today; it took a long time to getmy life back on track. And, I havemy family back; I had left them fordrugs, but they never left me.

Note: Gavin came to the Davenport(River Valley) ARC when Majors Russand Jan Sjogren were administrators.Captain Alex Velasquez, currentadministrator, says Gavin is a tremen-dous mentor to other beneficiaries.

Cleaned, changed, committed

KEMinistry

Salvation Army food pantries received donated goods from concert.

Getting to know beneficiaries is a priority for Captain Alex Velasquez.

Captains Alex and Jennifer Velasquez assist in lunch preparation.

9

When BrookBorland metCristian Lopez,he didn’t speak

English well, and she didn’tspeak a lick of Spanish. “Wedid a lot of drawing picturesand hand motions for thefirst few months,” said Brook.“We slowly taught each otherour own language.”A year later Brook and

Cristian got married and set-tled into the Albert Lea,Minn., area. It wasn’t longbefore their two beautifulchildren, Gracelynn, 6, and,Cristian, 2, came along.Although the Lopezes seemedhappy, God was missing.Brook’s faith took a turn

after a 16-hour, round-tripdrive to her grandmother’s funeralwith Captains Jim and LeeBrickson, Albert Lea corps officers,who were officiating the funeral.During the trip, Brook asked theBricksons burning questions aboutChristianity. She felt surprisinglycomfortable pouring out her heartto them. The Bricksons invitedBrook to the corps; shortly there-after she started to attend.Cristian’s belief in Christ would

soon follow but independently ofBrook. He found an evangelicalBaptist church with a thrivingHispanic ministry. The comfort ofhis language drew him in. He mighthave stayed if it weren’t for thedevastating tornados that hitMinnesota in the summer of 2010.“When Cristian saw how we [the

Army] ministered to those in need,and how our congregation putaction behind our words, he startedattending Sunday worship,” saidBrook.

The Lopezes have blossomed assoldiers at the Albert Lea Corps.Cristian has built a Hispanic min-istry from the ground up, knockingon doors and inviting people to join.“Cristian pretty much lives and

breathes Hispanic ministries. He’sformed a soccer team with 20 guysfrom the group,” said Brook. “Heprays, shares Christ and invitesthem to the corps.”Another result of the Lopezes’

faithfulness is that Cristian’s broth-er, Mario, has started attending thecorps regularly. He used to strugglewith alcoholism but hasn’t had adrink in over a year. He’s also start-ed to volunteer at corps activitiesand reads his Bible consistently.With a strong faith, love for each

other and hearts to serve, it’s nowonder the Lopezes feel called toofficership. They hope to becomeofficers.

Lovebeyond languageby Michael Rowland

The Indianapolis EagleCreek, Ind., Corps, theIndianapolisMetropolitan Police

Department and MarionUniversity hosted a blockparty to kick off a new part-nership which will create asafe place for neighborhoodkids to receive help withhomework, hang out, partici-pate in group activities anduse a computer lab. The sameweek, 17 new youth joined the

corps’ after-school programs.Families in the community were

invited to enjoy food, games, prizesand a giant red kettle bouncehouse. Area businesses sharedinformation, and families could signup their children for activities andprograms at the Eagle Creek Corps,which is led by Captains Amos andCynthia Shiels.The partnership, Project KNOT

(Kids and Neighborhoods Outreachand Teaching), ties residents, busi-nesses, educators and communityorganizations together to keep kidsout of trouble.

KNOTyour average program

by Stephanie Denton

Ayear after opening, theGrand Rapids, Mich., Rayand Joan Kroc CorpsCommunity Center

employs more than 200 full andpart-time team members. The staffcontinually goes through trainingand department in-service to givebetter customer service to its 5,000members and 37,000 day passusers.In September, a new area of

training on cultural sensitivity wasadded. “Cultural Competence forthe 21st Century” was presented byAlfredo Martinez and Karen Youngof the territorial multicultural min-istries department.

“This training is important to theKroc Center because our membersand staff are culturally diverse, andunderstanding the cultural differ-ences in our community will giveour crew members a better oppor-tunity to provide radical hospitalityto our members and guests,” saidMajor Marc Johnson, senior Krocofficer.During the training, staff learned

different cultural styles whileexploring the “Iceberg Theory ofCulture,” which states that only 10percent of culture can be seen,heard, tasted and touched; theremaining 90 percent is below thesurface and includes beliefs, values,patterns and myths.Team members shared personal

experiences to show how each per-son has many levels that make uphis or her own personal culture.Additionally, components of cultur-al makeup were explored to makethe team aware of how that canshape people’s core values.The interactive training gave staff

an opportunity to share and discov-er how the world has changed andwhy cultural competency canchange the way they see and inter-act with those around them.

At the Pekin, Ill., Corps,youth programs arebooming. The scoutingprogram alone maintains

attendances between 80 and 90young men! Corps activities run thegamut from junior band to moon-beams to singing company and girlguards. The corps has them all, andit’s still growing. This year duringvacation Bible school 35 un-churched children asked Jesus intotheir hearts.“We’re really starting to see the

fruit of our labor,” said CaptainShannon Thies, Pekin corps officer.“The families of our new childrenare starting to call us when theyneed pastoral help and are transi-tioning into the corps!”One of the reasons children keep

coming back to Pekin is the cre-ative programming. For instance, toprepare the children for theJamboree, the corps planned a girlguard sleepover and invited girls

from the entire division! During thecourse of the evening, the girlsearned all three badges required toattend the Jamboree and PJ-partiedit up in a night complete with aleader-endorsed pillow fight.During another exciting activity

the children participated in a “top-secret” mission to drop gift pack-ages with an encouraging messageon the front doorstep of unsuspect-ing neighbors. “There was so muchlaughter on the bus,” reported BarbHiggins, territorial youth ministriesdirector, who was the special guestfor the weekend. “The kidsabsolutely loved it!”Although programs pull the chil-

dren into the corps, it’s the love andacceptance the young people receivefrom adult leadership and staff thatkeeps them there. “It’s about open-ing your hearts up to the kids,” saidShannon. “We expect the best out ofthem and hope the best for them;that’s what really matters.”

Cultural competency atKrocCenter

Creative programsengage children

The Lopez family with corps officerCaptain Lee Brickson (middle).

A member of the Marion County Sheriff’sDepartment shares about 911 in emergen-cies.

Captain Amos Shiels with members of theIndianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

10

The Salvation Army has beenresponding to a serious droughtacross much of the Horn ofAfrica, Kenya and Uganda.People, particularly children,are dying due to lack of foodand water. Thousands of fami-lies have had poor harvests forthe past five years and livestockhave died. Salvation Armyassessment teams have beendigging regional boreholes anddistributing water in tanks tosurrounding villages along withfood, sanitation products andother necessities. In someplaces the Army is the onlynon-governmental organizationproviding aid. Drought condi-tions are projected to last forsome time. Donations to TheSalvation Army Africa DisasterFund will allow teams to con-tinue providing vital assistance.

by Colonel Charles Swansbury

The first Salvation Army offi-cers appointed to the westAfrican country of Togohave arrived, bringing with

them their three children and thenew Togolese Salvation Army flag.Captains Hervé Michel and NatyDorcas Ahouanganga, originallyfrom the Congo (Brazzaville)Territory, travelled by road to theirnew appointment from Accra,Ghana, where they had beenpreparing for their pioneering min-istry. The work in Togo, offi-cially known as the TogoleseRepublic, is overseen by theGhana Territory.The Salvation Army began

work in Togo in April, initiallyunder the oversight of MajorRockson Oduro, Volta divisionalcommander. While in Accra,Captains Ahouanganga had oppor-tunity to spend time with MajorOduro as well as staff from GhanaTerritorial Headquarters.

A quarters in the town ofAtakpamé has been renovated andprepared for the incoming officers.Their main task will be to coordi-nate and assimilate several currentexpressions of Salvation Army wor-ship. These comprise some existingindependent congregations with noprevious denominational affiliation,and some which have been estab-lished by Salvationists who becamesoldiers while living in Ghanabefore returning to their home inTogo. There are also outposts estab-lished through initiatives from the

neighboring Volta Division inGhana. Other opportunitiesto expand the Army’s mis-sion are emerging in Lomé,the capital of Togo.

Currently these various expres-sions are widely spread across thecountry—north, south, east andwest—with Atakpamé in the center.One of the initial challenges facingthe captains is to bring cohesionand unity between these diversegroups.

*From an International News Release

SalvationArmy flag fliesin Togo, Africa

Struggling this season overwhat to give your friendsand family for Christmas?Give the gift of hope for

children overseas through our terri-tory’s sponsorship program!For less than $1 a day, or $25 a

month, you can support a children’s

home, school or Army center over-seas. You’ll make a friend or familymember happy and the supportedchildren overjoyed.

Sign up online at:www.sponsorship.centralmissions.orgor write the sponsorship office at 10 W.Algonquin Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60016.

Voellers connectwith Sweden

EastAfrica drought response

Worlds of Christmas potential

The fourVoeller boyshave beenhappy resi-

dents of Sweden formore than a yearnow thanks to theirparents’ appoint-ments to the VasaCorps in Stockholmas corps officers.Majors Cornell andCandace Voeller havebeen amazed at howquickly Ryan, 16, Alex,15, Erik, 13, and Sean,11, made friends andlearned how to traverse the city onpublic transport. They attendSwedish schools (with Englishinstruction) yet quickly picked upthe native language—and eagerlycorrect their parents’ pronuncia-tions!From learning how to use

Swedish showers to making ampleroom throughout day and eveningschedules for “fikas” (refreshmentbreaks), which are expected andnumerous, the Voellers have adapt-ed to their new culture well.Candace reports a big area of

change was food. “Finding our wayaround the grocery store was diffi-cult when we first arrived. Webrought home and cooked a ‘mys-tery roast’ that was very good. Welater discovered it was horse meat!Since then we’ve also had elk, andthe boys have had blood pudding atschool,” she said.

The Voellers’ ministries at theVasa Corps are going just as well astheir adaptations.“Our theme this year has been,

‘With God all things are possible,’focusing on Bible and prayer, smallgroups and World Services,” Cornellreported. “Currently the corps ispraying for five conversions, enroll-ments of four adherents, threejunior and three senior soldiers,two new local officers, and oneaccepted candidate.” In the pastyear, six adherents were enrolledand eight babies dedicated.“This year in addition to our reg-

ular World Services giving, thecorps sponsored a water project inthe India East Territory. Weappointed two international devel-opment sergeants, and 10 soldierstook a missions trip to India thisfall,” Cornell continued. “Our corps-sponsored Partners in Mission pro-ject and mission trip are firsts forthe territory.”The Voellers reported another big

change for their family: they’ve alllost weight! They eat less processedfood and walk more because theydon’t have a car. Before leaving theStates, Candace bought one-size-larger jeans for the boys becauseshe heard they were more expen-sive in Sweden. She ended up hav-ing to buy smaller-sized jeans thereafter all!“It’s been a great experience to be

part of Frälsningsarmén (TheSalvation Army) in another coun-try,” said Candace. “We’ve longappreciated the internationalism ofthe Army, but it puts things in anew light to see it at work in a dif-ferent country.”

Pictured (l-r) is the Voeller family: Alex, Major Cornell, Erik,Major Candace, Sean and Ryan.

From left: Captain Naty Dorcas Ahouanganga, Lt. Colonels Philomina and Samuel Oklah,Major Rockson Oduro, Colonels Denise and Charles Swansbury, and Captain Hervé MichelAhouanganga, with the captains’ children Dan, Freda and Méchak.

Majors Cornell and Candace Voeller dedi-cated eight babies over the last 12 months!

December 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

7 Wednesday

8 Thursday

9 Friday

10 Saturday

11 Sunday

12 Monday

13 Tuesday

14 Wednesday

15 Thursday

16 Friday

17 Saturday

18 Sunday

19 Monday

20 Tuesday

21 Wednesday

22 Thursday

23 Friday

24 Saturday

25 Sunday

26 Monday

27 Tuesday

28 Wednesday

29 Thursday

30 Friday

31 Saturday

Bible Reading

Acts 19-20

1 John 3-4

Deuteronomy 13-15

Nehemiah 5-9

Psalms 140-142

Song of Songs 1-2

Revelation 1-6

Acts 21-22

1 John 5

Deuteronomy 16-18

Nehemiah 10-13

Psalms 143-145

Song of Songs 3-4

Revelation 7-11

Acts 23-24

2 John

Deuteronomy 19-21

Esther 1-5

Psalms 146-148

Song of Songs 5-6

Revelation 12-17

Acts 25-26

3 John

Deuteronomy 22-24

Esther 6-10

Psalms 149-150

Song of Songs 7-8

Revelation 18-20

Acts 27-28

Jude

Revelation 21-22

Pray for The Salvation Army

Kansas City (Westport Temple),Mo., Corps

DeKalb, Ill., Corps

“I’ll Fight” Day

Jefferson City, Mo., Corps

Jamestown, N.D., Corps

Marshalltown, Iowa, Corps

Lansing (Citadel), Mich., Corps

Marinette, Wis., Corps

Omaha, Neb., ARC*

Midland, Mich., Corps

Keokuk, Iowa, Corps

Kokomo, Ind., Corps

Midland DHQ**

Lawrence, Kan., Corps

Des Plaines, Ill., Corps

Joplin, Mo., Corps

South America West Territory PIM

Lakewood (Temple), Minn., Corps

Mason City, Iowa, Corps

Lansing (South), Mich., Corps

Captain George Katchanov(Canada)

Marquette, Mich., Corps

Chicago (Kroc Center), Ill.

Rockford, Ill., ARC

Thank God for Jesus—the greatest gift of all!

Monroe, Mich., Corps

Macomb, Ill., Corps

Lafayette, Ind., Corps

Leavenworth, Kan., Corps

East Chicago, Ind., Corps

Kirksville, Mo., Corps

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

11

Each day on their way towork in Port-au-Prince,Haiti, Majors Robert andRae Doliber see a large,

tattered billboard with the words“Gen espwa!” (“There is hope” inCreole) amidst fading presidentialcampaign posters.“Espwa, hope, for this land is

seen in many ways,” said Bob whoembarked with his wife, Rae, lastfall on a three-year term of duty in

Haiti. They serve on a team dedi-cated to rebuilding Port-au-Princeafter the horrific January 2010earthquake. Bob is the recovery anddevelopment finance administrator,and Rae is special projects manager.Hope is seen in making child

education a priority (most corpshave schools). “We’re improving thequality of instruction, increasingteacher salaries (some as low as $10a month), starting or improvingschool feeding programs and reno-vating or constructing modern facil-ities,” Bob said. Hope also is seen inthe recent completion of a water fil-tration system at the Army’s campand school in Luly, plus a RotaryInternational donation of 1,000individual portable filters for allclassrooms.

The Dolibers live on the secondfloor (two bedrooms, washer, refrig-erator and propane stove) of ahouse with a beautiful, fenced-inyard. Haitian officer friends live onthe first floor. Water is delivered bytruck to a cistern, then it’s pumpedto a roof-top tank. Electricity isintermittent, available about 25 per-cent of the time. An invertercharges batteries to power thefridge, lights and fans; a back-upgenerator is used when needed.

Spreading hope inHaiti

Don’t forget to mail, email, Twitter, Facebook orcarrier pigeon…your Christmas greetings to

Centralite officers and lay people serving inoverseas appointments around the world!

Doesn’t matter if you don’t know them—send cards and encouraging emailsanyway, not only at Christmas butthroughout the year!

See “Get Connected” for contactinformation.

Send greetings’round the world!

12

by Julia Hosking

Major Beverly Ivany wokeup at midnight, stronglysensing God was speak-ing to her. She soon real-

ized why: she needed to change herperspective on Priscilla and Aquila,a married couple involved in NewTestament ministry (see Acts 18).“That night, God reminded me

that Priscilla is a married womanand the Apostle Paul often placedher name in front of Aquila’s whenwriting about them,” said MajorIvany, the new author ofWords of

Life, a book of daily devotionalreadings produced by The SalvationArmy internationally.“I felt God telling me to adjust

what I had written to emphasizethe significance of the married teamand the importance of women toHim. I don’t think I would havenoticed these aspects on my own. Itis at times like this when I feel it’sthe Lord guiding me, and we’re inthis together.”A new issue ofWords of Life is

published every four months. Eachdaily reading includes a portion of

Scripture and a short devotionalthought, such as the one onPriscilla and Aquila. Over the nextthree years, every book of the Biblewill be covered under the overarch-ing themes of faith, hope and love.“The purpose ofWords of Life is

to inspire and encourage Christiansthrough Scripture,” said Major Ivany.“The readings are not cumbersome.They’re simply an opportunity forpeople to get into the habit of start-ing their day with God.”Words of Life is avail-

able through ResourceConnection, as well ascertain Christian book-stores. Because of theinternational audience,Major Ivany needs toavoid North Americanterminology or anec-dotes when writing herdevotional messages.“The books also have

guest writers who repre-sent a variety of coun-tries as we try to relateto people around the world,” MajorIvany noted. “The benefit of itbeing an international publication isthat on any given day, you knowthat other Salvationists andChristians are reading the samewords as you and sharing in thatintimate way with God. That con-nects and unifies us.”Major Ivany comes to her

appointment having written morethan 100 articles for Salvation Armypublications and three books: KidTalk, Teen Talk and Mentorship:A Guide for Developing HealthyMentoring Relationships.

“I’vealways enjoyed writingbut have never done itas a fulltime appoint-ment,” Major Ivanyshared. “It is an exten-sion of my thought lifeand spiritual life—it’simportant for me toput down in wordswhat is going on in myhead and heart. I rely

on the Lord for my writing, whichhas deepened my relationship withHim.”As noted on the back cover,

Major Ivany wants to encouragepeople to “take time with theFather daily as you meditate uponHis Word. Ask Jesus to interpretHis Word and speak to your heart.And open yourself to the Spirit asHe brings inspiration.”

To subscribe to Words of Life ($26annually), contact ResourceConnection at 1-800-937-8896 or visitshopsalvationarmy.org

The amateur radioantenna tower inMajor Patrick“WW9E” McPherson’s

backyard is so big it’s clearlyvisible on internet satellitephotos. Through it Pat contin-ues to conduct 40 national andsix international networkmeetings each week forSATERN (Salvation ArmyTeam Emergency RadioNetwork) even though herecently retired as its nationaldirector, a position he heldsince 2001.Pat’s work as SATERN national

director was recently recognized byCommissioner William Roberts,national commander, at a receptionheld at territorial headquarters. Thecommissioner expressed how gladhe was that scheduling allowed himto be there to personally recognizePat’s national service. After sharinga short history of SATERN and its

impact, he said, “What began asfour operators in Central Illinoishas grown into a global network.This is a big deal!”After a standing ovation, Pat

responded that his work withSATERN had been a personal bless-ing. “It’s been God’sprogram, not mine,” headded. Pat also thankedhis family for their sac-rifice, having put upwith the hours he’sspent on SATERN oper-ations over the yearsand for the antennasand wires that hadcrisscrossed quartersand backyards!SATERN was Pat’s

brainchild; he realizedits international poten-tial from the start. Inthe ’70s and ’80s Pat

did divisional emergency disasterservices (EDS) work as a corps offi-cer. He started SATERN in June1988; its first international responseoccurred two months later. Sincethen SATERN has continued togrow. Its membership of more than4,500 trained amateur radio opera-tors has had a remarkable impacton the world by saving lives, reunit-ing families and relaying vital infor-mation.SATERN often is the only link,

not only to the outside world butamong disaster responders whenlandlines and fragile cell phone sys-

tems are down. In 1998 the FCCdesignated the SATERN radio fre-quency for official emergency use.During the 9/11 response, operatorsfrom as far away as Australia andGermany checked in to help.When Hurricane Katrina hit the

Gulf Coast in 2005, internationalSATERN ran full force for 20 days;for the first time, a federal emer-gency call sign frequency wasassigned to it. Two years later theDepartment of Homeland Securityassigned special call signs to Patand two other SATERN operators.Major Richard “VE3NUZ” Shirran

of the Canada and BermudaTerritory has been appointed as theSATERN liaison and representativeon the National Disaster ServicesCommittee, fulfilling the responsi-bilities of national SATERN director.Pat heartily endorses Richard, whohas the appropriate skills and pas-sion first demonstrated when herelayed data from his Bermudacorps appointment duringHurricane Fabian in 2003!Pat will assist in the transition

and looks forward to being involvedin the network from the fieldthrough his big, backyard tower.

A lasting influence

I’ll FightDay 2011

On Saturday, December 3, Salvation Army youth world-wide will minister to their communities through servantevangelism or simple, self-initiated acts of kindness.

Check out www.illfightday.com for more information and resources.

Major Richard Shirran

Words to inspire and encourage

Major Pat McPherson and some of the many SATERN operators.

Major Pat McPherson is flanked by Commissioner WilliamRoberts (l) and Colonel Merle Heatwole